An exquisite commentarie vpon the Reuelation of Saint Iohn VVherein, both the course of the whole booke, as also the more abstruse and hard places thereof not heretofore opened; are now at last most cleerely and euidently explaned. By Patrik Forbes of Corse.

CHAP. XIX. (Book 19)

THus hath beene the description of the Whore and her iudgement. Follow∣eth now thereupon, the ioy of Saints: and that it may bee full, the finall ouer∣throw of the other enemies. Of the Beast in this Chapt. and Dragon in the next, for an absolute victory.

2 This Chapter, hath first, the ioy of Saints, in their song of praise: and next, the foile of the Beast. The song, for the forme, matter, and euent, is admirable. In the forme, are the singers, the strange manner of singing, and the course or order of their song. The singers, accor∣ding to the course and degrees of the song, are three. First, a great multitude in heauen, Secondly, the 24. Elders and 4. Beasts. Thirdly, the voice of a great mul∣titude, as the voice of many waters, &c. Stirred thereto by a voice from the throne.

3 By the first, a multitude in heauen, by all the frame of speech thorow this Prophesie, are signified the Saints in common. In whom all and generally, the destruction of the Whore, worketh this ioy which breaketh foorth in thanks-giuing. Their manner of singing is, with a loude voice, both for their force of affection in them selues, and for the aduowed open proclaiming thereof before the world: and that, first in a generall and vncouth word, they praise God and stirre all others thereto: and next, they vtter speciall points of praise, with the reasons, wherein is the matter of the song.

4 The generall word is, Haleluiah, two well known Ebrew words, and of frequent vse in the Psalmes: but neuer till now, in all the new Testament recorded. And heere are put soure times, not for any speciall holinesse or

mysterie, that in the frame, sillables, or letters thereof is contained, and for which, it must be religiously kept vn∣translated, as the Romans, after a foolish and cabbali∣sticke forme, esteeme and vse it and others: but yet, it is not without great purpose, and high mystery, that t••e faithfull now, not onely first, beginne their song, but al∣so therein, so often in course, vse this word, and in E∣brew. Which purpose and mysterie, to take vp clearely, the occasion of this song, and course thereof, as orderly it goeth on, beeing compared with what at length wee spake vpon the sixth Viall, Chapt. 16. will euidently lead vs. For, by the iudgement of the Whore, the way is pre∣pared for these of the East; who, vpon the victory here ensuing ouer the Beast, shall celebrate the same, by cal∣ling the place in Ebrew Armageddon, and mourning the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Mageddon. And shall bee brought with vs Gentiles, to sing Hallelu∣iah. As the course and matter of this song shew eui∣dently. But wee must not esteeme, that this first Hallelu∣iah is sung by the Ebrews, albeit it bee in Ebrew, to wa∣ken vs to aduert the mystery. For this first Halleluiah, the Christians of the Geutiles doe sing: onely to shew the way now prepared, by the iudgement of the Whore, for them to come in, and concelebrate the victorie. Neither thus, so much, for any such intention of the singers to∣ward that end, as that heereby, the spirit will shew, that the fall of the Whore, and loud praise of God, by Chri∣stians, for it, shall in a degree, waken vp the East, and E∣brews principally, and shal serue for a great step for them to come in to the Church. And yet an other greater step is laide for them, and they more stirred, vpon the higher intending of this song by a second Halleluiah, for the e∣uerlastingnesse of her ruine. And yet more, by a Halle∣luiah of the Elders and Beasts, falling downe and worship∣ping him that sitteth on the throne. Wherein, wee must take heede, that wee esteeme not the multitude in heauen, and the Elders and Beasts to be otherwaies diuers, then

in distinct consideration, for the more cleare explication of the degrees whereby God wrought on, this great ef∣fect. Which, as it shall be in a good degree promooued, by that common ioy and praise of Christians, such as confusedly, and suddenly, at the first ioyfull euent, is rai∣sed in all hearts: so, a greater and more effectuall degree thereof shall follow, when the praise hereupon, shall be solemne, in the Church assemblies and publike actions thereof: which is meaned by the song of the Elders and Beasts, who are the type of the Church, as for solemne and lawfull worship, it is ordered, in the Beasts going be∣fore, and elders following them: hauing God his pre∣sence in his gtacious dispensation of the spirit, word, and faithfull ministery thereof: such as (albeit it hath not al∣waies appeared to the eies of men of the earth) yet God had at all times as by conference of the 4. and 11. and 14. Chapters herewith, is manifest. When this Church thus, for a lawfull ministery, seruing God in the communion of Saints, is hid from the world, then none heare or learne their song but the sealed Virgins. But at this time, their Halleluiah and publike solemne praise, shall be seene and heard widely, euen to the wakening of the East thereby. For it is now a long time since it was said to the reuiued * 1.1 witnesses, Come vp hither. The 144000. sealed ones are saide Chapt. 14. to sing a new song before the throne, Elders, and Beasts: not that the 144000. are one thing, and the Elders and Beasts another. But, as the 144000. are put to expresse the state and condition of the true Church, in Antichrist his vsurpation; so they are said to sing, before the Throne, Beasts, and Elders. To shew, that albeit the world perceiued it not, euen then God had still a Church, in the midst whereof he dwelt, and had in it a ministery, and was worshipped lawfully, in the assembly and communion of Saints. For this it is, that thorow this whole Prophesie, howsoeuer, to expresse the diuers con∣ditions of the Church, sundry and diuers types are vsed; yet this, of Throne, Beasts, and Elders, euer holdeth

in all. Thus then, the first common and confused ioy and praise, thereupon, is a double degree, (according as it riseth vpon the Whores eternall fall) and effectuall, to waken. But, when euen these same, in solemne assem∣bly, professedly praise God; it both inhanceth the ser∣uice done, as done in the Sanctuary; and sheweth a dee∣per sense and regard of the benefit, moouing that duty in the hearts of the praisers: as also, the publike, well or∣dered, and holy excercise, in the Congregation, stirreth more, them who are without, to reuerence, and conuer∣sion, then common and priuate cariage, Psalm. 5. 7. and 1. Cor. 14. 24. 25. These same two degrees are, Chap. 11. Where, vpon the signe giuen by the Trumpet, and pre∣conceiued ioy of these same euents to ensue, this same praise is summarily sung. Now then, this third Hallelu∣iah, of the Elders and Beasts, falling and worshipping him that sitteth on the Throne, is a neerer degree of vp-stir∣ring, and step of in-comming, of Ebrewes and Orient, to sing Halleluiah with vs. But lastly, the voice from the Throne, euen God his owne powerfull voice, shall fully waken them from their deadnesse, and pull perfitly, the vaile from their hearts, pouring on them the spirit of mercy and compassion, and taking from them their stony hearts, that they may see him whom they pearced. And * 1.2 this is called peculiarly, the voice from the Throne, to note God his powerfull working of their illumination and full conuersion at this point, whereto their hearts, by the victory of the Christian Church, and praise offe∣red to God therefore, were in some good degrees, be∣fore, prepared and mollified. So as now, all the seruants af God, all that feare him, both small and great, shall raise vp a song to God, for multitude, maiesty, and noise, admirable: for exceeding great power and motion of spirit, full of thundering: for newnesse of matter, pas∣sing ioyfull. For raising of this great Halleluiah, a strange order of working (as would appeare) is heere set downe. For, where it might seeme, that according to the ordi∣nary

dispensation of all grace, the voice should, from the Throne, haue gone first to the Beasts and Elders, and from them to the multitude: in a heauenly wisdome, the first motion is from the multitude, next, from Beasts and El∣ders, and lastlie, from the Throne: to shew this great worke (as I haue shewed) at last, by God his owne power, fully effectuall. The order is from I say, A voice soundeth from the City, a voice from the Temple, the voice of the * 1.3 Lord who recompenseth his enemies. Then, Sion before she trauelled, brought foorth her children, and before her paine shee was deliuered of a man childe. Then, The earth was brought foorth in a day, and a Nation was borne at once. Conferre diligently, and espie deepe wisdome.

This voice, is to all Gods his seruant, to all that feare him both small and great, the time of whose reward is now come, when God destroieth them who destroied the earth, Chapter. 11. Now, Rachel barren while Lea bare chil∣dren, shall breake foorth in the thousands of Manasse, and tenne thousands of Ephraim. So, by this voice from the Citie, from the Temple, and lastly, from the Throne; euen from him Who fully recompenseth his enemies, is raised, for multitude of singers, for manner and matter of song, an Helleluiah of a wonderfull note. While, not onely, a great multitude euen all the sernants of God, small and great, Iew and Gentile doe sing it, but also their song is like the voice of many Waters, and as the noise of great thunders; not as these Cha. 14. which none heard but the sealed ones: but * 1.4 such as shall fill the world with astonishment, and make the heauens resound. So sweetely and mightily shall the Harpes of them, whose receiuing shall bee life from the dead, bee tuned vp, with vs Gentiles, to praiseour com∣mon Sauiour.

5 Thus, for cleering the mystery heere implied, ha∣uing shewed the forme, in the singers vncouth manner, order, and course of this whole song: Now let vs returne and first consider the matter of all, and then the euent in Iohn.

6 The matter of the song in the first three Halleluiah, and two degrees of singers, is all one. In the last Hallelu∣iah & last singers, when all small & great sing, it is larger. The song of the first singers hath two parts, and accor∣dingly, to shew the rising of their affection, the word Hal∣leluiah is doubled. The first part hath the speciall points of praise, and reasons thereof. The speciall points; are, Saluation, glory, honour, and power, &c. Thus in ioyfull song professing, that the onely praise of their saluation, the onely glory, that is, the estimation and high account they haue God in, as onely author of all their good: all the honour, that is, all dutifull worship, which according to that estimation and account they owe, are due to him onely. Lastly, they acknowledge his onely power and strength in all their deliuerance, and ouerthrow of their foes. This song, is the same in argument, with that Chap. 7. Saluation is of our God and of the Lambe. The reasons of this their praise, are first, generally giuen, and next, spe∣cially accommodare to the present matter. The generall is, that his iudgements are true and iust, in relation to his promises and nature: and accordingly in the speciall case heere meaned, the truth of his iudgements is cleere, in that the Whoore is iudged and destroied: as he promised, not onely to destroy her, but also all that doe euill to the Sanctuary. The iustice and equity, is manifest in her sinne, who was a great Whoore; and therewithal, the corrupter of the whole earth: being, both her selfe, extremely sinnfull, and inducing others to sinne: next, extremely cruell, as in whom all the blood of the earth was found, and who, specially was drunken with the blood of Saints. Now, God is a requirer of blood, and singulary of his holy ones, whose death is precious in his eies. This, both truth and iustice of God, in this speciall act of the Whoores damna∣tion, is yet more cleered in the second part of their song: whereto they are stirred, by the consideration of her euer∣lasting fall, so as they neuer feare her deceit or cruelty any more. And, this raiseth their affection to a new Hallelu∣iab,

so, vpon the more cleare sense of the greatnesse of the benefit, doubling the praise. The foolish knoweth it not, and the vnwise man vnderstandeth not, that the wicked flourisheth as the grasse, but hee shall bee destroied for euer.

7 The second order of singers affirme the same mat∣ter, in the word, Amen, and sing the same praise in Hal∣leluiah.

8 In the third order, as the singers are moe, and the note higher, so is the matter of their song somewhat lar∣ger: as which, hath not onely relation to the iudgement of the Whoore, as the former parts of the song, but also to the subsequent story, both of the enemies ouerthrow, and gracefull state of the Bride thereupon: both which are heere summarily celebrate, and largely after, through the booke exponed. The first, in this, that now the Lord raigneth, for they are destroied who vsurped the King∣dome. The other, in that the Bride is prepared. The de∣struction of the vsurpers, is hencefoorth in this and the next Chapter: the Bride prepared, Chapters 21. and 22. Heereupon, all are of other, mutually exhorttd to ioy and gladnesse, aswell as to the praising of God; for that The Lambe his marriage is come, &c. Wherein, as there is huge matter of Gods praise, so of exceeding ioy to them∣selues in their owne good from him. This marriage, con∣tracted of old, was come in a great degree, when the Bride∣grome came into the world, but they who were bidden, re∣fused to come, and amongst those, who were brought in to the wedding, one wanted a wedding garment, and * 1.5 thereupon, is cast out into vtter darkenesse, euen the lake of fire and Brimestone. But now, at this point heere ce∣lebrated, the marriage shall come in a nobler degree, when God, by a voice from the Throne, shall turne their hearts who refused, now to come in: that, as their casting of was the riches of the Gentiles, so their receiuing, may bee * 1.6 much more the life of the world from death, by so strange and wonderfull a change as shall make, in a manner, a new

heauen and a new earth, in which, they shall haue great∣ly * 1.7 to reioice and bee glad. When both sisters, aswell the little sister, which had no breasts, as the other, are spo∣ken * 1.8 for and receiued. That the Shepheard may be one, and the sheepfold one. When in that day, there shall bee one Lord ouer all the earth and his name one. This is that num∣ber * 1.9 innumerable, Ch. 7. of al Tongs, Nations & Languages, with Palmes in their hands & clothed in longwhite roabes, &c. This is that Ierusalem from heauen wherin the heathen nor any vncleane thing shall enter no more: which, now shall bee perfectly adorned with such fulnesse of gracefull & quiet state, al being performed, whatsoeuer the Lord by his seruants the Prophets had promised, that shee hath as a Bride perfectly busked, but to attend the last and full act of the marriage, to enter into the marriage chamber, and eternally inioy her spouse. This goodlie state in grace, vpon full ouerthrow of all troubles, described most goodly, Chap. 21. and 22, is the finishing of the mystery of God, Chap. 10. When a Bride is perfectly ••usked and trimmed, wanting none of her ornaments, then nothing remaineth, but the solemne acts of the mariage, to enioy her Lord. So, the reason of the speech, is plaine from common vse.

9 This her preparation, that we may vnderstand it not to be of herselfe, (for the Lord will answer her before shee * 1.10 aske) is shewed to bee in her attire. Whereof is noted, whence she hath it, and what it is. Shee hath it by free gift of the Bridegrome. For, what a Bride we are, by nature, see Ezechiel 16. and not onely is the garment giuen her, but, which is to be marked, the putting on thereof is giuen her also: as, which shee can no more put on, by her selfe, then shee can purchase it. What this garment is, in shew∣ed, first, figuratiuely, and then in proper termes. Figu∣ratiuely, it is fine linen pure and shining. This linen hath two properties. It is pure, because Iesus Christ giuen vs, of the father to iustification, whom by the gift of faith we put on, is pure, spotlesse, and vndefiled: and maketh

vs pure before God. This is iustification of faith pro∣perly. The second property is Shining; for as it is spotlesse and pure, so hath it a glorious lustre, to shew, that Christ is not onely put on to iustification, but also * 1.11 to glorie, and that in two respects, One, in that hee sanctifying vs wee shine here as lights in the middest of a froward generation, shewing forth the vertues of him that hath called vs: so glorifying God, witnessing to the * 1.12 world our iustification, and euen strengthning our own soules in the certainety of our election: while wee de∣clare our faith perfect by our workes, euen as our works, thereupon shine and are approued, because faith wor∣keth together with the worke. For whatsoeuer is without faith is sinne, and this is that iustification whereof Iames Chapter 2. to expresse both, the word is plurall, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. The other respect of shining is, in that as we put on Christ to iustification and sanctification, so also to full glory at length with himselfe, our corruptible bodies being made conforme to his glorious body. The Iewes first, seeking to establish their owne righteousnes * 1.13 which is by the Law, (so like Adam and Eua, making garments to themselues) fell from the righteousnesse of * 1.14 God, but now God turneth their hearts to prepare and trim themselues with the Bridegroome his gifts (as was Rebeccha with the ornaments brought from her hus∣band, both giuen her; and put on her) counting all * 1.15 things losse to bee found in Christ; that is, not hauing their owne righteousnesse which is by the law, but the righteousnesse of God, which is by faith in Iesus: which, and application thereof, are both the f••ee gift of God. And the holy Ghost so coucheth the words, as no place is left to cauillation. For he sayeth not our Iustificati∣ons are the fine linnen, but the fine linnen giuen vs is our iustifications.

10 Thus was the song maruellous, for strange forme and matter. Now followeth the strange euent in the A∣postle; wherein come to be obserued, the occasion and

euent it selfe. Albeit the whole matter, and manner of the song occasioneth this euent: yet most speciallie it followeth, through the Angels singular care, and man∣ner of confirming Iohn in the greatnesse and truth of these matters: euen therein implying, that they are so wonderfull, as men would hardely belieue that such things could come to passe. Hee confirmeth Iohn by commandement, and by affirmation. The quality of the commandement giueth of it selfe, to presume assuredly * 1.16 both some great, and also a certainely determined case: as which hee commandeth him to write, both for regard of the matter, as also for sure preseruation, and lasting record therof, as which most assuredly should fall out. He commandeth to write one speciall point, which yet im∣plyeth all, that they are blessed who are called to the Sup∣per of the Lambes marriage. VVhich blessednes as it must bee restrained to the effectuall calling (many being cal∣led who are not chosen) so here, the Angell will stirre Iohn and all Christians in Iohn his person, to the consi∣deration of a singular blessednesse of this time, through the great efficacy of the voyce from the Throne, and obe∣dience wrought thereby in them who first refused; and no doubt, of the Orient, by and with them. A blessed∣nesse was commanded to be written, Chapter 14. but that was of suffering, wherein they were euen blessed. Here the case varieth. For now all shall suffer, who come not to the Lambe his Supper, and shall bee made a Supper to the foules of Heauen, verse 17, Now the teares shall bee wiped from the eies of Mourners, and the destroyers of * 1.17 the earth shall bee destroyed. The Heathen were an∣gry, now the Lord is angry in his course, which if it kindle, Blessed are all that come to him. Now they who did slay with the sword, are slain by the sword: and the Captiuers are captiued. For now, God taketh his king∣dome * 1.18 by the euident ouerthrow of his enemies, and ex∣altation of his Church, hauing his name written, euen on his garment and thigh. So blessed in effect are they,

who come to the supper of the Lambe his marriage. The Angell, next confirmeth Iohn by affirmation, that these words of God are true. Thus wakening vp Iohn to con∣sider rare matter, whereof hee so earnestly affirmeth, that the words are true, and for assurance of their truth, that they are of God or God his words.

11 Now, besides the song in it selfe wonderfull, this care of the Angell to confirme Iohn, and waken vp his spirits by so singular a commandement, and so peremp∣tory an asseueration, so rauisheth the heart of the Apo∣stle with excessiue ioy of so good newes, that hee was * 1.19 (for a notable document of humane infirmity in so great an Apostle) about to haue worshipped this Angell. Which attempt how vnlawfull it is in it selfe, and how vnpleasant to the Angell; First, his interdiction well sheweth in such haste and concise forme of speech, as commonly men vse, vpon care to preuent some instant and detestable euill. When feare and solicitude ••uffer not to speake at length, or a full sentence 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Next, hee strengthneth his interdiction with strong reasons, one taken from his owne condition, to whom this worship was offered, as which was not capable thereof, being but a seruant, and not onely his (left some prerogatiue might be imagined in the Apostle, to stay that which of an other mighthaue bin offered) but euen a fellow ser∣uant of his brethren, who had the testimony of Iesus: his greatest honour, and chiefe scope of al his seruice, be∣ing Christ and his knowledge, to minister the same, without which he were nothing, and therefore, albeit of different nature from Iohn, and other Christians, yet in condition, and end of calling but their fellow-seruant: they hauing the spirit of Prophesie as he had. The other reason is from the person of him, who onely is to bee worshipped and serued, according to the law alleadged by our Lord against Sathan. Now it might probably * 1.20 appeare, that herein, yet some further thing were im∣plyed. For this Angell being the type of these mini∣sters,

who shall bee the shew•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 pa••sators of this huge mea••ure of powerfull lig•• 〈…〉〈…〉 〈◊〉〈◊〉, for so won∣derfull effects; and Iohn here ba••••••g the person of common Christians of that time: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 may seeme, that the rare and excellent graces of the Ministers, who shal then bee furnished with a golden 〈◊〉〈◊〉, would so farre * 1.21 miscarrie weake Christians, in admi••••tion of their gifts and working, as to attribute 〈◊◊〉〈◊◊〉 vnto them, if their owne fidelity and holinesse 〈◊〉〈◊〉 not l••t it. And as this giueth vs to expect yet goodly things; so herein is a close warning of humility in the one, and circumspect∣nesse in the other, to giue all glory to God. But here∣of I dare determine nothing, fearing still to bee curi∣ous in so diuine an Argument, wherein I haue choosed rather to hold vp coniecturall suggestions, then appeare vnreuerently to handle such mysteries.

12 Thus wee haue heard the song of Saints, first vpon the Whore•• destruction, and next more mightily, and of moe intended higher, vpon preception of full victo∣rie ouer the other enemies, and the Church her graceful state thereupon: which so rauished the Apostle, as hee had almost miscarried. Now, are the other victories shewed, and goodly state of the Bride thereupon. And first, through the rest of this Chapter, is the foile of the Beas••bearer vp of the Whore, and no question, but now highly chafed with her fall.

13 In the victory ouer the beast, are the description of the parties, and the euent of the battell, The party vic∣torious is magnifickly described; first in his person, ar∣my, weapons of war, and his working by them: and next in his Herauld. His person, by great properties, and many agreeable to his many and great names. First, his comming forth declareth him a heauenly personage, for hee is from thence. Of great maiesty, comming forth in abundance of light: as to whose outmarching, the heauens are cast wide open. A greater degree of light

then hitherto hath been mentioned, so as the signe of the son of man is clearly seen in heauen. Oh that thou woldest * 1.22 breake the heauens, and come downe. His administration at this time in Antichrist his full ouerthrow, shall bee in exceeding great euidency of light and pow∣er.

14 Hee sitteth on a white horse for fidelity and truth: and namely for these points of his administration, wher∣in his fidelity and truth are now specially to bee shewed: in iudging and fighting; for all which respects, he rideth, and on a white horse: according to the state of a Iudge, and triumphing glory of a victorious VVarrious. He is also a faithfull and true witnesse, Chapter 1. And a faithful High Priest, Hebr. 3. But here hee is to shew his fidelity and truth, in iudging and fighting. Now the time of his redeemed is come, and the time of the dead that they bee * 1.23 iudged, and such destroyed who destroy the earth. In all which hee both iudgeth, and fighteth righteously, for he is pure when hee iudgeth, and iust when hee speaketh. This * 1.24 indgement is not that last and generall, but here the spe∣ciall, of these enemies of his Church is meaned: whom he is now to ouerthrow, so as they shall neuer bee any more able to trouble Sion, but their ruine shall hold on, till at last they be for euer adiudged to endlesse torment. Hee rode on a white horse from the first outgoing of the Gospell to conquere, Chapter 〈◊〉〈◊〉. and to deiect the Dra∣gon from heauen, Chapter 12. when hee and his Armie fought to that effect: but this is the last and noblest act of his riding for the Dragon and his Vicars vtter de∣struction.

15 Now to iudge righteously, is requisite not onely a righteous disposition, but also a wise heart to discerne: for often Iudges who are in mind set to doe righteously, yet ignorantly giue wrong iudgement. But no such thing can befall him, whose eyes are as a flame of fire. Pure, piercing, purging, and searching hearts and reines, from * 1.25

whom nothing can bee hid, for euen the darkenesse is light before him. And as for iudging, so also, for figh∣ting * 1.26 (as Rabsace though prophane, yet pertinently say∣eth in that) Counsell and strength are for the warre. This Captaine then who seeth the thoughts of his enemies, before they bee hatched in their hearts, hath no perill to bee deluded or circumuented with stratagems: or as often befalleth otherwise, expert warriours, through want of intelligence, to slippe opportunities. If Eli∣sha, * 1.27 by a ray of the light of this Captaines flaming eies, was able to discouer, and so disappoint what the King of Aram consulted in his secret Cabinet; what may this Lord doe, who formeth the heart?

16 With wisdome hee hath also great authority, as hauing on his head many Crownes. Both, for that hee is King of Kings, and also for his many victories, special∣ly in this his last warre. Which how peculiarly is respe∣cted, his Crownes are all on his head. For hee standeth not by crowned hornes, as the Beast, but all his au∣thority and strength is in himselfe, and of himselfe, and hee in this his strength & power, now commeth to take the Crowne from the head of the King of Ammon, to set it on Dauid his head. The Beast now must forgoe his * 1.28 Triple Crowne, Christ his proper honour wherewith hee hath blasphemously attired his head.

17 Being thus able to see all, and of authority to con∣quere all: hee hath yet a name written which none know∣eth but himselfe. And this name is so much the more mar∣uailous, and hath the more cleare note of his Greatnesse, that being written, as both a sure and permanent name, and also exposed to bee read, yet none knoweth it but himselfe. And what is he not able to doe, who seeing, and by matchlesse authority ouerruling all, yet is set a∣boue the reach of all? his state, counsels and wayes be∣ing knowne to himselfe onely: as whereof no flesh is capable. So insearchable are his wayes, and his iudge∣ments past finding out according, as in consideration

of one speciall euent of this his iudging and fighting at this time. Paul exclameth: and the sealed Booke no cre∣ature was able to looke on. * 1.29

18 That none imagine these to be idle Titles, in name onely, hee is also a practised warriour, and now specially come forth to shew, how mighty hee is to saue. For this, his garment is dipt in bloud, euen the bloud of his ene∣mies; to note a huge slaughter. Hee is now to tread the Wine-presse of God his wrath. He hath long looked if a∣ny would helpe, but there was none to helpe, none to vp∣hold, * 1.30 therefore his owne arme now shall helpe him, and his owne wrath sustaine him: the day of vengeance is now in his heart, and the time of his redeemed is come. And accor∣dingly, as he who speaketh iustly, and is mighty to saue, hee is called the word of God. Not onely for that hee is that word which was in the beginning with God, and was God: but also, and here specially, because hee is that true one, who speaketh and performeth, as who, both speaketh iustly, and is mighty to saue. For this redde garment and name agreeable to it, See Isai 63. and weigh the place.

19 Such is the Captaine of the Lord his hoast. The inhabitants of the earth following the Beast, Chapter 13. Wondered, and in wonder exclamed, Who is like the beast? who is able to fight with him? Heere I thinke hee hath his match and more. But these earthly ones see not the Heauens, and so goe on blindfolded to their owne destruction. His army is in his owne Liuery. Hee nee∣deth no armie, but his army hath need of him. For he is their glory, their strength, their armour, their victory, and all: In his strength they fight and ouer come. They are all horsed, as, who for dignity are Iudges and warri∣ours, like their Captaine. They are also faithfull and true, in, and by him. They are all kinges and priestes clothed in pure and shining silke. This is a blessed Cap∣taine, who conformeth all his followers in glory and dignity to himselfe. Alexander was foolish to glorie

in his Argyraspides: here is a Captaine of high note. In opposition to the earthly ones, on the other party, they are called the host of heauen, where there conuer∣sation * 1.31 is, euen while they are in the world, but not of the world.

20 The weapon of this great Captaine, whereby he worketh and fighteth, is the sword of his mouth. With * 1.32 it, he smiteth the Heathen, enemies of his Church, trea∣ders downe of the holy City: crushing them in peeces, with an iron Mace. And hee treadeth the winepresse of God almighty. Heere now, the treaders are troden downe. Thus, with mouth and hand, hee fighteth, and * 1.33 with feet, downe-trampleth all. How so strange effects of bloud-shed, and ouerturning the whole state of the earth, are attributed to the sword of his mouth, is cleare Chapt. 14. 17. 18. where an Angel, armed with a sickle, commeth out of the Temple, and is stirred to cut downe the grapes of the earth, by one comming from the Al∣tar, hauing power ouer fire. And Chapt. 15. where the * 1.34 Angels of the last wrath, receiue their Vials from one of the foure Beasts; and come to execution out of the Temple; like as the voice commanding it, is from the Temple. By the breath of this Lord his mouth Antichrist must bee consumed.

21 This his fighting, to the foile of all his foes, ma∣keth him yet a name. The King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This he was at all times. And euen from the day * 1.35 of his ascention was alwaies seene of his owne, crow∣••ed with glory and honour. God hauing exalted him aboue all name that is named: so as all knees must bow, and e∣uery tongue confesse him to bee the Lord. Yet hee get∣teth this name, at this time, in a speciall manner, written on his garment and thigh. So as now, it becommeth ma∣nifest to the view of all: his power and strength kything clearely in this victory, and wonderfull sequels of it. This is that same, which in the song was said, the Lord God almighty hath raigned. And Chapt. 11. The king∣domes

of the world are our Lord his and his Christs. This is his sitting on a white cloude, Chap. 114. euen the ma∣nifestation of his iudgements, Chapt. 15. 4. Rome in great derision, when they crucified him, set ouer his heade, in three Languages, This is the King of the Iewes. And the Iewes, counting it scorne and high dis∣grace, * 1.36 to haue him called their King, intreated the alte∣ration of the words, in that he so called himself. But now, by the finall and euerlasting ouerthrow of the Kingdome of Rome, and by conuersion of the Iewes, to mourne for him whom they pearced, hee shall gloriously mani∣fest himselfe, and bee acknowledged, not onely King of the Iewes, but also King of Kings and Lord of Lords. This name, hee hath written on his garment, as great Kings and high Captaines haue their imperiall garments, whereby they are discerned. On his thigh, not so much for that ordinarily, the sword, weapon of the victory, is girded on the thigh: but, for that in Scripture speech, a man his strength is placed commonly in his losnes and * 1.37 thighes, (now it is his owne strength that helpeth him) and therefore, it was a token of subiection and seruitude, to put the hand vnder the thigh. Which custome, Aben-Ezra witnesseth to haue continued still amongst the In∣dians * 1.38 and Ethiopians till his time. And therefore, his name is also written on his thigh, because all the world now haue to put their hands vnder it, and sweare him ho∣mage. This Captaine, wrestling with Iacob, to make him know he was his Lord, and that all his strength was * 1.39 of him, hee did strike him with a note of infirmity in the thigh.

22 Thus was the description of the great Captaine of the heauenly host, in himselfe, his armie, armour, and manner of fighting. Now, followeth his herauld or trumpet. Who is remarkeable for his standing place, and for the tenor of his proclamation. Hee standeth in the Sunne. To note exceeding great light now, of the Go∣spell and preaching therof, wherein the preachers should

clearely see, and confidently proclaime Antichrist his ruine. For great measure of light, the Apostolike Church, in the woman, Chapt. 12. was clothed with the Sunne. Wee see to the praise of God, and euidence of this Prophesie, light already growen in great degree, as no doubt, but for this sight and great effect, it shall yet grow more: so as the light of the Moone shall bee * 1.40 as the light of the Sunne, and the light of the Sunne seuenfold.

23 The tenour of the proclamation, in a figuratiue speech from Ezechiel, sheweth so certaine, and an excee∣ding great destruction of the Beast and his aiders: as they, their states, great roomes, rents, and substance, should bee a prey: and that in such degree of hauocke, as all, giuen to reiffe, or seeking after prey, should bee filled. I shewed Chapt. 17. what it is to eat the flesh of the Whore: but heere, is such a strange ranuersing of the state of the world, as no doubt, falleth by that earth-quake of the seuenth Viall. And out of all question, the totall ruine of that state, must change the face of the world, in so great endeauors of hell and heauen, for it, and against it,

24 Thus is the party victorious. Followeth the ad∣uersary, and his foile. The aduersary, to any that seeth not him, who iudgeth and fighteth righteously, will ap∣peare great. Euen that wonderfull Beast, Chapt. 13. bea∣ring vp the Whore, Chapt. 17. and now, in great chafe at her fall, by his frogges, gathering the Kings of the earth * 1.41 Armageddon. The first party was from heauen, and his host heauenly. Heere, the leader, is the Beast of the bottomlesse pit, which was opened for his out∣comming, as were the heauens for the others, and * 1.42 his hosts are all earthly. For, albeit many of his hornes haue fallen away from him ere now, and ioyned to the host of heauen: yet, hee is euen at this point, through the diligence of his frogges, strengthened with many Kings.

25 So, are the parties. The euent of the battell, in the Beast his foile, is declared in few words: with∣out any mention of a conflict; but, of a proud and ob∣stinate purpose to fight against the rider on the white horse. For they shall be blind and obdured to the end: as is cleare by the effects, in them, of the Vials, Chapt. 16. And the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 hee was intrapped or snared. Implyeth in it, as an easie victory, for the part of him that rideth the white horse; so a sudden and vnexpe∣cted foile, to the Beast and his followers. For he drea∣meth of perpetuity, as also staying vpon him the Whore. I sit beeing a Queene and am no widdow, and shall see no mourning, Chap. 18. 7.

26 Their iudgement is distinct, according to the diuers qualitie of the parties. The Head, Beast, and false Prophet, are cast in the lake of fire and brimstone, and that a liue: to shew a most horrible, and recurelesse iudgement, by allusion to that of Sodome; and of Core, Dathan, and Abiram, who went downe aliue in the pit. Euen eternall destruction and torment. The followers, * 1.43 are slaine by the sword of the Lord his mouth, to the losse of all their glory, and worldly state, which is made a prey to others. Onely, by this difference, to shew, how this great Captaine, iudgeth and fighteth righteously, gi∣uing to each according to the degree of their sinne. For, no doubt, but euen at this point, many shall follow the Beast, and fall from their estates by his fall: whom yet, by destruction of their flesh, the Lord may reclaime from the full degree of his punishment; in lightning them to see the truth. As, many also shall drinke with him of the cup of endlesse wrath.

27 That the Beast and false Prophet are heere made two, is only to shew, the ruine of the Head and State with him. For, as the false Prophet, ruling ouer the State, is the Beast; so being distinctly considered from the State, he is the false Prophet. As the first and second Beast are Cha. 13 distinguished but for explication. So this is put, to shew

in such sort the fall of the false Prophet (the eight heade and one of the seuen, the beast with hornes like the lambe making the image of the Beast by cure of his deadly wound) as state and all shall perish eternally. For, as this Beast hath some note from all the foure in Daniel; so in the destruction of this, the spirit alludeth to that of these. Who all, so fell, as yet, in the destruction of the last, which was burnt with fire, the finall ouerthrow was of thē all; the state of the former, in some sort remaining in the succee∣ding Beast: as this Beast here falling in the first heads, yet still continued in the subsequent, till in this last head (the Beast going to destruction) it vtterly perished. In Babels fall, by Persia, and Media; yet in them the Kingdome in a sort continued. Darius of the Medes taking the Kingdome, Dan. 5. 31. And in their ouerthrow by Alexander, who despising Macedon setled both in their places and to their fashions: as also in his successors after his fall, the domination of the former beasts in some sort abode. But the fourth Beast falling, al vtterly perished. See and weigh Dan. 7. 11. 12. for there is the allusion▪ One thing here is worth the marking, that in the false Prophets working, which maketh his guiltinesse, and is heere recorded, both to know the party, and his iust punishment: his deceit, in making men receiue the Beast his character, and to wor∣ship him, is only mentioned, and no word of his name or number: as neither are they euer spoken of in his iudge∣ment, either denounced or spoken of. The reason see vp∣on Chap. 14. Sect. 8. Now we must not imagine here, one certaine place, or one point of time, of all this the Beast his endeauor and foile: as neither in the next Chapter, of the Dragons. For their, we see how Gog and Magog are, from the foure quarters of the earth, all Satan his instru∣ments, of his last fury, and in all places. As for the name attributed to the place of foile, Chapt. 16. Armageddon, wee shewed the reason there. And it is, wheresoeuer the Lambe fighteth and ouercommeth. Albeit out of doubt, their last endeauors shall be strange, and their fall conioi∣ned

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

〈1 page duplicate〉〈1 page duplicate〉

with such wonderfull broiles, and alterations of the State of the world, as was not since men inhabited the earth. And then, the fattest karkasse shal be the finest prey. Blessed are they who come to the supper of the Lambe his marriage. For who come not, are made a supper. And who will not feede on the Lambe, are iustly made foode to the fowels of heauen.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.2

  2. Cor. 3. 16.
• * 1.3

  Chap. 66. 6.
• * 1.4

  Chap. 14. Sect. 3.
• * 1.5

  Matth. 22.
• * 1.6

  Rom. 11.
• * 1.7

  Isa. 65. 15. 16, Cant 8.
• * 1.8

  Eze. 37. Iohn 10. 16.
• * 1.9

  Zach. 14. 9. Isai 54. 5.
• * 1.10

  Isai 65.
• * 1.11

  Philip. 2. 15.
• * 1.12

  1. Pet. 2. 9.
• * 1.13

  Rom. 10.
• * 1.14

  Gen. 37.
• * 1.15

  Gen. 24. Philip. 3.
• * 1.16

  Chap. 14. 13. Isai 8. & 30. Abak. 22. I••b. 19. 23.
• * 1.17

  Chap. 7. 17. & 21 4. Isai 25. 8. Chap. 11. 18. Psal. 2. Chap. 13 10.
• * 1.18

  Chap. 11. 15.
• * 1.19

  Chap. 22. 8.
• * 1.20

  Math. 4. 10.
• * 1.21

  Chap. 21. 15.
• * 1.22

  Math. 24. 30. Isai 64. 1.
• * 1.23

  Isai 63. 4. Chap. 11. 18.
• * 1.24

  Psal. 51. 4.
• * 1.25

  Psal 139.
• * 1.26

  2 Kin. 18. 20.
• * 1.27

  2 King. 6.
• * 1.28

  2 Sa••. 12.
• * 1.29

  Rom. 11. cap. 5
• * 1.30

  Chap. 11. Isai 63.
• * 1.31

  Chap. 12. 12.
• * 1.32

  Chap. 11. 2. Psalm 2. Chap. 14. 20.
• * 1.33

  Osea. 6. 5.
• * 1.34

  Chap. 16. 2 Thes 2.
• * 1.35

  Heb. 1. Phil. 2.
• * 1.36

  Iohn 19••
• * 1.37

  Psal. 45.
• * 1.38

  Gen. 24. & 47.
• * 1.39

  Gen. 32.
• * 1.40

  Isa. 30. 26.
• * 1.41

  Chap. 16. 14.
• * 1.42

  Chap. 9. 11.
• * 1.43

  Nom. 16.