A revelation of the Apocalyps, that is, the Apocalyps of S. Iohn illustrated vvith an analysis & scolions where the sense is opened by the scripture, & the events of things foretold, shewed by histories. Hereunto is prefixed a generall view: and at the end of the 17. chapter, is inserted a refutation of R. Bellarmine touching Antichrist, in his 3. book of the B. of Rome. By Thomas Brightman.

Scholions.

1 And after these things J saw an Angel come down: In destroying the Citie of Rome God wil manifest to the world his admirable long suffring, who beside al his former warnings, so many, and so divers, cometh not to the last destruction, before three Angels be used, by whose voice men should be warned to avoid the plague coming violently upon it. The first of these is an Angel descending from heaven, that is▪ some excellent and singular mā, who shal come suddenly, and not looked for, even as things which fall down from heaven. The things which are borne with us give some shew of themselves before they wex ripe; but things that come from heaven, may be present in a moment without anie perceiving taken before they come. So in the tenth chapter and Angel came down from heaven, of a sud∣den, when many couragious deffendours of the truth were risen up, of whom before there was no suspicion. VVhich thing other places cōfirm, which may be taken from the former interpretation. This Angel seemeth, that by a sudden converting to the truth, he shall manifest to al men, that he cometh from heaven. Such was that coming down in the tenth chapter, where men brought up in superstition, became suddenly nourrissons of true godlines. This Angel hath great power. But to what end? For no excel¦lent great acte of his is mentioned: it may be he is that man to whom is committed wholly the throwing down of this throne: who shal not so much bring a new Propphecy concerning the ruine of Babylon, as shew himselfe prepared to performe the verie thing, which the divine oracles prophecied often should come. Thirdly, the earth is lightened with his glory, because evē they which are strangers from the true Church shal honour, and admire the glory of his godlinesse and excellent maiestie. He shalbe wel reported off, even of them that are without, as speaketh the Apostle. The like use of words in the things past, doth give us this knowledge of this Angel, though yet to come. VVhich is the onely way to pearse into these things otherwaies hidden from us. But it is to be observed, that this An∣gel, as farr as it seemeth, shal not come forth by and by after that manife¦station of the throne, which we have spoken of in the former chapter; but

at length after some certain and meet time set between. And therfore this vision is divided from the former by that usual stile in writing of a distāce of time somwhat farther of, and after these things I saw.

2 And he cryed out mightily, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in strength, that is, strongly, valiant∣ly, and vehemently. The Complutent edition and the Kings Bible have 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, with a strong voice: so also Aretas: but the sense is al one. This mighty crying out signifyeth the efficacy and immutability of the things to be done, as Aretas noteth. Although peradventure no such denuntia∣tion to be made in words is not to be expected; but even the very attem∣ting of the thing shall stirre up in the mindes of men that opinion, as if they did heare this voice sounding in the eares of men. But seing this cry¦ing out is of one Angel, to whom the businesse is committed as is like, of destroying, and burning Rome, it may confirme somewhat that which we have sayd in the former chapter; that some one of the tenne hornes, to whom the rest of the multitude is figuratively adioyned; not that whole number, shal bring upon it this last desolation. He cryeth out with a voice dou¦bled, It is fallen, it is fallen Babylon, after the māner of the former Prophets, but yet with this difference, because they denoūced a destruction to come long after, this declareth that it is already present, now at last to be per∣formed, by this his expedition. Babylon that great, the seven hilled citie, the chief Empresse Rome, as once Babylon the head citie of the Assyrians. There is a double Babylon in this book, as we have heard chap. 16., Rome and Conctantinople. But here he speaketh of the first, which belongeth to the fift vial, in which this chapter is employed. The second belongeth to the last vial, to be destroyed in the twentith chapter

¶ And is become the habitation of Divils: The cause of the destruction is not here mentioned, which foloweth after in ver. 3. but the desolation is declared by a dreadful wildernesse, which this kind of inhabitans reioicing in solitary places and folowing them, doo expresse passingly. Or rather wherin they themselves doo not so much take pleasure, but into which they are sent, and thrust even against their wils. From whence that which first is caled the habitation of Divils, is straightway called the hold of every fowl Spirit, that is, a prison or iayle into which they are thrust at the plea∣sure of the Highest iudge. As if by the most iust iudgmēt of God the foule Spirits be tormented in the same places, after they have ben deprived of all company of mortal men, which they have abused, by entising men to abhomination and naughtinesse. Which is like a hell to them, to be so kept from mens societie: whom to draw with them into the same tormēt, they hold it some confort in their damnation. But they are not so shut a∣part

from men into these secret places, but that often times they goe on with rage in verie great meetings of folke, as oftē as it shal so please God, but because such wildernesses are appointed to them for ordinarie prisōs. Wherunto that saying of Christ seemeth to pertaine: When the unclean Spi∣rit is gone out of a man, he walketh throughout dry places, seeking rest, and findeth none Mat. 12.43. Moreover the evils which were brought into the Church by Hermites and Monkes shew aboundantly how much the delusions of Satan doo prevaile in thos•• foule and desert places, as the most learned Theod. Beza hath observed. But from this place we learn•• how that of I∣saiah is to be understood in chap 13.20.21.22. and again in chap. 34.13.14.15. unto which the Spiri•• alludeth manifestly, howsoever he inter¦preteth them not word for word purposely. That is to say, not only of some Beasts and unl••ckie birds, but also of evil Angels, to whom these names are proper, Divils and fowle Spirits, as the Greeks have translated, partly retaining the Hebrew words 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉; partly translating plain¦ly Schhirim 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Divils, in which sense that word is used in Levit. 17.7. And they shall no more offer their offrings to Divils, lishhirim properly signi∣fieth the word goates; but it is translated unto Divils, who appeared for the most part to their worshippers rough and hairie: commonly they are caled Satyrs, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, as Aquila translateth in Isaiah.

¶ And a cage of every unclean bird: It is not called a custody, because it should be like a cage, from whence the uncleane birds could not flee out, but because they should be seen continually abiding in those ruines, and to have their most usual place of dwelling there Such are those flesh-de∣vouring, ravenous, and unluckie birdes, the Egle, Kite, Hauke, the Vul∣tur, Raven, the Night-wandring scritchowles, Howlets, &c. Of which sort many are reckned up in Levit. 11.13. &c. And such birds were once counted uncleane by the Law. Such difference hath no place at this day: yet not without cause they are so called to this present time, because they excellently set before our eyes the disposition of uncleane men, who live by stelth, and know no other way to maintaine themselves, except by vio∣lence and injurie. In this respect also those greedie birdes are hated of all the rest, as they shew by gathering a company, as often as they have got∣ten one of these ravenous birds alone, and any occasion shall give an op∣portunity to oppresse them; likeweise also this kind of men is odious to al mortal men.

3 Because of the wine of the wrath. A threefold cause of the destruction is rehearsed, because she was the authour of Idolatry to al men; because she drewe the Kings into the partaking of her wickednes; and increased with honours & riches

above measure her citizens by her riot. These naughtie acts are auncient, and often cast in her teeth by other Angels some ages before. Therfore he de∣clareth that the shamelesse forehead of this whore is stil condemned of the same crime, which can be moved with no warnings to put away her former lewdnesse. As touching the words, the wine of the wrath of her forni∣cation, is a fornication wherby God is provoked to wrath, yet so making wretched men drunken for a time with a certen pleasantnesse, that it ta∣keth away all perceiving of the impiety therof, as in chap. 14.8.

¶ All nations have drunk; Montanus hath it ransitively, thus; hath made the nations to drink: and so her wickednesse is more lively set forth, & more becomming her, which beareth a cup of Gold in her hand, wherby shee may provoke even those that are not thirsty to drink, as before chap. 14.8. It is an horrible sinne to put a stumbling block before the blind: but what is it to thrust and throw him headlong into the pit? But the kinde of speaking seemeth to be changed of purpose, least any man should alledge for his excuse, that he hath not deceived others. Therfore this common reading is to be preferred which our coppies have; which also the verbes neuters which folow eporneusan eploutesan, seeme to require.

¶ And the marchants of the earth of the abundance of her pleasures: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 from the force of her riot, that is, from the plenty and immoderate desire to enioy al pleasures. For Rome is an other Zerxes who by rewards offered, stirred up men to devise newe pleasures. There∣fore how should not the devisers and ministers of these things get to thē∣selves great riches? But of what sort are these marchants? not of that kind, as it seemeth who make a gaine by carrying out, and bringing in of wares; for they are in the number of the reprobates, who shal mourne for Baby∣lon: wgose destruction shal bring very great ioy to all the saincts, ver, 20. Neither shal these mēs wares be bought anie more Rome being destroy∣ed: yet notwithstanding gold, silver, and the other things which are men∣tioned, shal not cease to be in account in other places. Hereunto is added, that among them to whom this name agreeth properly, the chiefe digni∣tie is theirs, who fetch wares by sea from farr countries: but these exerci∣se marchandise not so much by sea, as by land; from whence they are cal∣led the marchants of the earth. Furthermore these are the Peres and great men of the earth ver. 13. in a higher place and honour, then they which sell mar¦chandise. Last of al we shal see that the soules also of men are amōg the wares of these men, ver. 13. which by no meanes wil not suffer us to stick to the proper nature of the words. Therfore certaine common marchants are not here to be minded, (although these also shall suffer great losse,) but

the stately Lords Cardinals, Archbishops, Popish Bishops, who exercise a marchandise of soules, and flourish by this marchandise with the glory of Noble men. For we shal see after, that Rome is compared to Tyrus, because she is no lesse noble a marte town of spiritual things, then once Tyrus of al those things which belong to the deligts of this life, as we may see in Pope Alexander, of whom was this sung common:

Alexander sels the keyes, the Altars, yee Christ also, First of all he had bought them, then by right he may doo so.

But Baptista Mantuan writeth more fully, not of Alexandre alone, but of the whole company, and daily custome of the Romish court:

—with us are to be sold, The Temples, Preists, Altars, the Holy things, the Crown: The fyre, Jncens, the Praies, Heaven & God is to sell.

Who can desire a better furnished market? Neither mayest thou think this to be the overmuch libertie of railing Poets, but a iust complaint of more holy reformers. Bernard saith, that the sacred degrees are given unto an occasion of dishonest lu••re, and that gaine is counted godlinesse, in his first sermon of the conversion of Paul. Budaeus in his Pandects saith, the Popes decre••s are not profitable for the governement of manners, but I had almost said, doo seeme to give authority to occupie a banke for love. Ludovicus Vives on August. of the Citie of God, book 18. chap. 22. saith, though all things almost are sold and bought at Rome, yet thou mayest doo nothing without a law and rule, and also of a most inviolable authority. But it were an infinite thing to sayle in this sea, no shore of which thou canst see, howsoever thou shouldest obtaine a prospe¦rous winde for some few dayes. Such therfore are both the marchants, & wares. Although I wil not deny the huge excesse also of things, which per¦teine to the body, by conveying wherof thither, many have waxed verie rich. But here chiefly the marchādise of soules seemeth to be understood; than which no science hath been more gainful now for manie ages. Augu¦stine the Monk perhaps at home of no estimation, yet because he had brought the Britaines into bondage under Rome, was made Archbishop of Canterbury. Venefride the English man, called Boniface, his name being changed, by this way became Bishop of Mentz, and togither also Governour of the Church of Coloine. Who can recken up all who have made a way for themselves to verie great dignities by this same meane? A∣lan an English man a traitour, betraying the faith, his countrey, & Prince to the Pope, deserved by this trade of marchandise to be amōg the Peeres of the earth, having gained the dignitie of a Cardinals hat. Yea that this trafique might not be cold, whom gaine and profits moved not, those the

crafty whore inflamed, with honours and glory. The King of Spaine was made the C••tholike King: of France the mo••t Christian King: The Swissers the Defenders of the Church, and furthermore endued with two great banners, both the Cappe & Sword. Some reward is wanting to no man, to the end that they may exercise the more diligently that profitable marchandise. Threefold therfore is the cause of the destruction of Rome; because ••he is the mother of Idolatry, the corruptresse of Kings and nations, and that may be s••ffered no longer for her arrogancy and pride, and buying & sel∣ling of soules. By which things this right excellent Captaine being mo∣ved, shal undertake this expedition against her.

4 And I heard an other voice: Such is the first Angel, and the Prince as it seemeth of this warre: the second as an under Captaine dooth his office in counselling and exhorting. But here is no mention made of the Angel, but onely of a voice from heaven, as though this exhortation were without an authour, his name being concealed from whom it commeth. For which cause we have said in the Analysis that this Angel is namelesse. It is in deed an odious argument which he handleth, wherupon peradventure he will conceale his name, which being known would bring no profit, but might procure some danger, the adversaries being of so spitefull minds. His speech is continued even unto the one and twentith verse; so copious shal be the admonition of some faithfull man, which togither with the prepa∣ration to this warrē, shalbe spread abroad, godly and truly warning men of the present punishment of Rome. Notwithstanding that which wee have spoken of his name concealed is not of such necessity, as that it must needs be so, seeing the like voice from heaven did shew his author, as the event declared, chap. 14.13. But it is likely to be true that the name is to be concealed.

¶ Goe out of her my people: The exhortation consisteth of two parts, the first part perteineth to them which live in Babylon, warning them that acknowledging at the length the filthinesse of that citie, they forsake the same, and depart to an other place; that they would no longer for her sake expose themselves to certain destruction. Wherfore some elect lie hidd yet in the dreggs of the Romish impietie, whom God remembreth in the cō¦mon destruction of the wicked. He will not suffer Lot to perish togither with the Sodomits: and he used the like exhortation long since to his peo¦ple, when the mother of this Babylon was to be razed, Ier. 51.45. And this commandement shal not be made in vaine to his people, to whom alone it is proper to obey his voice. Therfore even as the mises perceaving before hand that the house will fall, doo runne away out of their holes,

so they being wakened out of sleep by the Angels voice, shal convey them selves by and by out of this detestable city.

¶ Least ye be partakers of her sinnes: For of what sinners the felowship is not forsaken, their guiltines is conveyed to men. Therfore he saith not, that ye be not partakers of her punishments, but which is farr more gree∣vous, of her sinnes. This feare wil provoke and inforce them to runne away, who are convinced in their consciences of the Romish wickednes,

5 For her sinnes are heaped up: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, one following an other as chai∣ned togither, at length they hav reached evē unto heaven. But if through the whole Papistical Kingdome, Rome be the holy city, Peters chaire, which cannot erre, this chained row hath suffered a great interruption: which as it much exceedeth the ages of the Heathen Emperours, so much the more easily it dooth blot out the impietie of that three yeeres space of Antichrist, which they dreame is yet to come, although it were granted, that he should raign at Rome. How can the sinnes in the last times come up even to heaven, from whose full heape so much is taken away by so lōg continuing holines of the Popes? But this Revelatiō hath made the thing manifest, declaring that the Pope received a lampe from the Heathen Em¦perours, and to have heaped up new sinnes upon the former heape in a cō¦tinual row; even as the perpetual order and succession of Popes sheweth; for which onely thing the catalogue of the Popes serveth greatly. We hav seen this heape wonderfully increased in these our times: neither shal they which folow, lesse māfully add to the heape, until they have both brought their sinns unto heaven, and also their wicked citie to dust. The Interpre∣ter Aretas translateth have cleaved to; Montanus, are glued togither, one layed on an other, and as it were soldered with glue. Therfore the filthi∣nes of Rome shal be made yet more manifest to the elect, to the end that they may thinke the more in earnest of flying from her.

6 Reward her even as shee hath rewarded you; The other part of the exhorta∣tiō hath respect to the armies of soldjers gathered togither against Rome. This whetteth their anger and stirreth it up to a iust revenging. Thou say∣est it is a cruel sentence; he should rather convert his speach to the repres∣sing of fury, much lesse excite to the rendring of double. But cursed is eve∣ry one, that doth the worke of the Lord negligently. Neither is it to be feared that the punishment is more greevous then her deserts, to which no sharpnes of punishment can be equal. But these things declare the event, to weet, that men shal use verie great severitie in executing this last desolatiō. And it is to be observed that the citizens now of the Romane jurisdiction shal

be the Ministers of this universal slaughter. For whom the Angel evē now commanded to come out of Babylon, them he now exhorteth to revēge∣ment. It is like that these being mindful of so long continuing tyranny, wherwith they have lyen oppressed so many ages, and having also the late iniuries fixed in their minds, the sting wherof dooth yet greeve them ve∣hemently, wil more freely give licence to their anger, and wil satisfy them∣selves scarce with anie punishment. And this is that to give her the double, & to fill her the double, in the cup that she hath filled: signifying that a huge calami∣tie shalbe brought upon her with verie great cruelty. We have seen befor that there is a double cupp in this book, one of errour, wherby the whore made men drunken with the sweetnesse of her abomination; the other of punishment, wherby it is taught that the wicked shalbe punished after the like manner that they have sinned.

7 In as much as shee hath glorified her selfe: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that which 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 weigh out to her in equal balances, so much torment as there was excesse in carnal pleasure before. O Rome therfore by so much the more misera¦ble, by how much thou hast bene the most happie of all. Who shal recite thy calamitie, to whose riot, the deliciousnes of the Sybarites, is not to be compared.

¶ J sit a Queen: The greatnesse of the punishment is declared two wayes; both by the like cruelty which shee hath shewed against others in the for∣mer verse; and also from her loftinesse in this verse, wherunto her abase∣ment must be answerable in the verse folowing. But wheras shee vaunteth that shee is a Queen, shee sheweth her selfe to be the natural daughter of her mother Babylon. Neither are these proude words darke, when shee chalengeth to her selfe a Primacy over all Churches, braggeth that shee is the head of Christianity; the beginning of eternal life, and many other things of like blasphemous arrogancy. Which Primacy shee assureth her selfe shalbe for ever, perswading her owne heart that she shal never be de¦prived of this dignity, neither shal have experience of anie calamity. For what other thing is it that her most beloved sonnes doo avouch that Pe∣ters chaire cannot be separated from Rome, nor the seate of the Apostles translated from thence, as Bellarmine affirmeth in his 4. book of the Bi∣shop of Rome chap. 4. Which although he wil not have to be counted among the articles of the faith, yet it seemeth to him by some arguments of so great strength, that at the last he can hadly pe persuaded, but that it is an article of the Papists faith. Francis de Ribera now gesseth that som evil shal happen to Rome, but after that manner, that he sheweth rather his care, then giveth over even the least that may be of his bragging.

8 Therfore in one day: For this thy proud boasting, this threefold kind of calamity shal make an assault upon thee at once. At lēgth thou shalt finde how thou hast ben deceived, and how in vain thy Knaves have sung to thee, upon this rock I wil build my Church &c. The calamities which are re∣hearsed, belong partly to men, whom death, sorow, and famine shal de∣voure: partly to the citie, which shalbe burnt with fire. Which declare that the city shal not be takē at the first assault, but by a siege: while the which continueth, the past (for so death was called before in chah. 6.8.) sorow and famine shal assaile within: and that at length the city shal come into the power of the enemies, who shal make it even to the ground, & bring her to ashes: then shalbe fulfilled that which Sibyl Prophecied: Rome shal be a street, or empty place; and Delos shalbe obscure, or not founde.

¶ For strong is the Lord: He maketh mention of the power of the Lord, because it wilbe almost incredible that Rome borne up with so great ri∣ches, both her owne, and Kings and others her allies can be bro••ght in∣to this miserable condition. But he is mighty, who shal exercise iudgmēt, whose will cannot be resisted by any might. That which here is read shall iudge, some copies have in the present tense iudgeth.

9 Then shal bewaile: Such was the exhortation; the first mourning of the wicked, shalbe of Kings, but of the earth onely, neither properly so called, but onely Romanes. VVhich Kings are the slaves of the Church playing the harlot These shal beginne their lamentable songes, mourning after a wonderful manner, when they thinke of how sweete cōpany of the whore they are deprived by this unlooked for destruction. VVherfore other Kings shal remaine besides those tenne, chap. 17.16 which shal destroy the whore with fyre. Neither is it to be thought, that these ten Kings af∣ter their hatred satisfyed, shal give up themselves to lamenting, being mo¦ved by repentance, as Ribera trifleth. For it shalbe matter of very great ioy to al the elect; of which sorte are these Ministers of vengeance, exhor∣ting al the people of God to depart from the felowship both of her wic∣kednes and punishments ver. 20. and chap. 19.1. &c. Moreover after the time is finished of giving their Kingdome to the Beast, the ten hornes with a constant minde shal detest the whore, so farr off is it that they shal be greeved for her miserable condition, chap. 17.16.17. Therfore that device falleth down concerning the ten Kings, in whose power shalbe the dominion of the whole earth, who, if with ioyned forces (as the Iesuite wil have it) they shal bring the last destruction upon Rome, they should leave no King to bewayle her great miserie. VVe have shewed by truer ar¦guments, that those x hornes pertaine to the onely degree of Emperours,

some one of which at length shal execute this destruction, who yet kee∣peth the name of the whole number; as it is done for the most part, when speach is had of the mēbers or parts of some whole thing. VVhile he shal spoile Rome, some other Kings, of Spaine, Polonia, and the like confede¦rate with the whore, shal make this miserable wailing.

10 Standing a farr off for feare: But what need shal there be then of lamen∣tings? VVhy shal they not rather make hast to help her? They shal not dare to doo it for feare: they shalbe greatly afraid of their own safetie. Therfore they shal behold a farr off her miserie, taking heed that they thē selves burne not with the same fire, if they shal come neere. You therfore holy Princes, take the matter in hande, it shal not be a thing of so great trouble, as peradventure you thinke. Doo you think that Spaine, France, or other, I know not what huge armies, wil come to aide her? These are altogither Goblins, and vaine Scarcrowes. Her friends shal stand a farre off with waitings testifying their love, but taking no paines to deliver her from peril. And who would expect that fornicatours wil undergoe anie dāger for a stale VVhore? Therfore it is onely needful that you take upon you the matters valiantly, the other things shal have prosperous successe. Euphrates shal open away into Babylon for Cyrus, if he cannot break through the walles.

¶ Alas, alas, that great city: A lamentable song of the Kings: the often defect of which, doth verie fitly expresse the truth of the affection. The sentence shalbe perfit in this wise, Woe woe to us, because that great city Baby∣lon, that mighty citie is overthrown, and because in one houre thy iudgement is come. They bewaile the ruine, and the sudden comming of it.

11 And also the marchants of the earth: The marchants doo accord in the lamentations of the Kings, but of the earth, of which sort are the Kings: we have shewed at the 3. verse, that they were marchants rather of spiri∣tual things, then of those which respect the body. For which thing there is an argument from hence. Because, saith he, no man buyeth their wares anie more. Therfore gold or silver is not here spoken of, or sylke, or fine linnen, or spices, or any such thing in the proper signification; the estimatiō wher¦of dependeth not on Rome onely. Vnlesse peradventure then they shall∣be of farre lesse price, whē so greedy a buyer is taken away. But the words are expresse, neither is any such thing spoken of Tyre, from whence this whole allegorie is taken, out of Ezech. 27. VVhere the place no lesse re∣quired an amplification of the matter. VVherfore these wares are labour, study, industry, to adorne and enrich the city of Rome, which thinges shalbe most cheape, and of no price, after shee is fallen. For who then

wil give a rotten nut for them.

12 The warrs of Gold and silver: Even now we said that this whole allego¦rie was taken out of Ezech. 27. where it is spoken of the destruction of Tyrus. Neither without cause, as we have shewed in ver. 3. when as at Rome there is no lesse famous a sale of soules, then was at Tyrus of things necessarie for our use. Ezechiel dooth so recken every nation, that togi∣ther also he rehearseth the proper cōmodities of everie countrey, in which both they abounded, and carried to Tyrus. According to which manner, sundry kindes of wares seeme here to be reckened up, to note out sundry nations, to which either they belong, or at least by whose travell they are brought to Rome. Therfore although the names of the countries ar not expressed in plain words, as in Ezechiel; yet notwithstanding they may ea∣sily be understood according to that rule, from the wares themselves. The wares therfore of Gold, and silver, and the other outlandish things, which are rehearsed in this verse, may signify Spayne, which fetched those things from the furdest Indies, by whose travel they are to be sold in this part of the world. Cinnamon, Odours, Ointments, Frankincense & wine doo note out Italy; not because all these things doo grow in the same place, but because as Spaine by the Ocean Sea; so this by the intern sea affoardeth aboundāce of those things to Europe from Greece, Cilicia, Aegypt, Africk. Her selfe also being the most fertill in all delicious dainties, of all the countries of Europe. Fine floure and Wheate may signify the Ilands of the interne sea Ci∣cilia, & Sardinia, the garners and storehouses of Italy The Beasts, Germa∣nie, abounding with them; even as the Sheepe, our England, being great∣ly frequented with this kinde of cattel. Horses & Charets, the French men, who have great store of horses, and from whence the use of charets have bene conveyed to others. Bodies, the Swisers, who follow an externe, and mercenary warfare; and in which men, Rome chiefly delighteth to make them her guard. The soules of men, are the common wares of all countries, which Rome dooth hunte after by her marchants everie where, desiring the same to be instructed in her superstitions: which that so she may gaine and purchasse for hir owne proper goods, she spareth no cost. The ma∣kers of portsale of these wares, are they, that by their paines have brought these nations to be obedient to Rome. Even as we know special provin∣ces to have bin cōmitted to some Cardinals & Iesuits: whose care though it be bestowed in common; yet it lyeth upon every one severally to decla∣re his diligence in some certain nation. Which if he can either retaine in their dutie, or recall forsaking her, by knitting it againe in friendship with Rome, he bringeth wares of that sort to be sold, wherby that nation is

signified upon which he hath bestowed his labour. As touching everie of the several wares by name, Gold, Silver, Pretious stones, Pearles, they wer be∣fore in the whores apparell, chap. 17.4, And it seemeth to be for that cause that Spaine in these last times shalbe a special ornamēt to the whore. And of fine linnen, and Purple, two for one, the Purple of fine linnen, which is a cloath made among the Indians of that kinde of flaxe: so and of silke and of skarlet, are spoken asunder, for of skarlet silke. Of skarlet we have spoken elsewher. Silke is cloath of most small threeds, which the worme doo draw as it wer from a distaffe out of their own store. It is not made of flowers as Diony∣sius singeth 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: of the Series, thus:

Neither the care of Oxen troubleth them, Neither the flock of woole-bearing sheepe: But in kembing the branches-bearing flowers, Garments they make &c.

So Virg. in the second of his Georg.

The thin fleeces from the leaves, Doeth kembe the peoples Series.

Vnlesse peradventure the Poets, because the wormes doo make silke in trees, therfore doo say, that this is kembed from thence, not because it growes in them, as cotton and the like. See Iul. Caes. Scal. Exerc. 108. 9.

¶ And all thynewood: Thyne signifieth both universally all odoriferous wood, also a special kinde, as Eustathius noteth upon that of Dionysius of Arabia, which he calleth wonderful:

Which by burning thynwoods a fragrant smel respire, Eyther of thynewood or Myrrhe &c.

Wherein the first place thyne is generally called any spice: in the secōd place a certaine kinde of odoriferous tree But it is used here not so much for perfuming, as for finenes of buildings, (for there is mention of odours in the beginning of the verse folowing,) wherunto it serveth chiefly, as Plinie sheweth out of Theophrastus. Who, saith he, did give great honour to this tree, rehearsing the famous boordings of the ancient temples to be of it, and a cer∣tain everlastingnesse of the uncorrupted timber in houses against all faults: book 13 chap. 16. of his natural History.

13 And Cinnamon: Italy useth such as is brough to them: which shee fetched not from Spaine, but from those places where it groweth: so also she procureth for her selfe Odours, Ointment, & Frankincense by her owne navigations. The chiefe sale of these things is with the people of Syria, Phoenicea, Arabia, Aegypt. To these coastes Italy goeth with all speed pos¦sible, while the Spaniard is occupied especially in forraine navigations: she

hath wine and oyle ynough of her owne. She bringeth fine floure & wheate from Sicilia.

¶ And Beasts: It were tolerable if Rome should note out Germanie with this marke, onely for the richesse of cattel: but the most proude whore scarce thinketh any otherwise of the most famous nation then of very Beasts. Ambrosius Catharinus sheweth this plainly in his book a∣gainst Luther, whom that most foolish Asse calleth a Beast, almost in every verse: and that not so much for hatred of his Heresy (as he calleth it,) as with a manifest reproch of the whole nation. Rome indeed speaketh mor modestly at this time, not daring to provoke the fiercenesse of men by so greate a contumely: but secretly with her selfe she iudgeth no otherweise then before time; and not onely of this people alone, but of al other peo∣ple of Europe: all which, her selfe onely excepted, shee accounteth almost meere brutes. But God hath chosen this foolishnes, if thou wilt so hav it, of our nations, wherby he might throw to the ground thy vaine wisdom, and at length by thy iust punishment, might set forth thy pride to be deri∣ded of all men.

¶ And sheep; a sign of our own England, whose fleece is of gold, excel∣ling in softnes & finenes above the wool of other countreys. Rome hath now a long time vehemētly grieved, that these wares are brought sparing¦ly to her faires; and therfore tryed everie way, that she may enioy the for¦mer aboūdāce of them. For this purpose she maintaineth English youth, and hath made Alan our countrey man a Cardinal. She fitteth for her self these merchants, besides troupes of Iesuits, if peradventure she may be a∣gaine Lord of our sheepe. But we, thankes be to God, know for a surety, that Rome is a denn of wolves, and other most cruel Beasts. Let her chāt as sweetly and pleasantly as shee can, we acknowledge her voice to be of strangers and robbers; neither wil we be taken with the sweetnesse therof. I hope that our people wil no more goe to visite, but with this Angel to the destroying of her.

¶ And Horses and charrets: And of horses, and of charets, and of bodies, to weet the wares. The two first perteine to the French men, renowmed for horses armed on al parts, and for the invention of charrets: this last of bo¦dies is the ware of the Swissers, of which very many villages persisting stil in the Romish superstition, doo defend the Beast with their bodies. He hath these for the ordinary and domestical yeomen of his garde; also he may take up greater armies of them serving for wages, as oft as necessity shal so require. I would God they would learne of their brethren, & con∣federates, not to yeeld their bodies to his pleasure, with which being not

content he also worketh certaine destruction to their soules; neither to take wages for keeping of him, whom if they would utterly destroy, they should bring very great profit to all Christians. But this marchan∣dise shal have an end shortly. Were it not better to forsake the wicked Mistres willingly, then in short time to be forsaken of the same necessari∣ly? The voluntarie sorow of repentance is wholsome; but that is deadly, which stubburnes bringeth forth.

¶ A••d soules of men: These wares are not proper to one country, but cō¦mon to all: which Rome dooth not thing too dear bought for any gold whatsoever. The like thing offers it selfe in Ezechiel chap. 27.13. They of Iavan, Tubal, and Meshech were thy merchants, they used the marchandise of men, and vess••ls of Brasse in thy marchandise: bnephesch adham, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the soules of men. Tremellius and Iunius translate of men and vessels, de∣claring well the sense. He meaneth doubtlesse slaves set to sale, as in the sa∣me place they doe expound. Therefore why should not the soules of men ob¦taine the same force in this place? The Spirit seemeth to have changed the construction, of set purpose, to note the difference. For these are not rehearsed in the second case with those that went next before, and the wares of horses, and of charets, and of bodies, and of the soules of men: but in these last words, he passeth to the fourth case, and the soules of men, as it is manifest in the Greek, and as we have translated. Wherin is signified, that there is a separated and divers consideration of soules & bodies in this place; and that there is a farre other meaning then of that in Ezech. howsoever in wordes he alludeth to that.

14 And the fruits lusted after: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉: for the autumne of thy desire (for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 seemeth to be causal.) The Interpreter Aretas, and the time of thy desire. It is a manner of speaking of the Hebrewes for, thy desi∣red autumne, as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, in the fyre of flame, for, in flaming fyre, 2 Thess. 1.8. as though he should say, thy desired harvest is lost. By which prover¦bial manner of speakidg, we signify, that power to gaine is taken frō one. Or the same hebraisme may be understood, so as that which goeth before may be in the place of the concrete, and the autumnal desire of thy soule: as al∣so in the 2 Thess. 1.9. And from the glory of his strength, for and from his glo∣rious strength. In which sense the autumnal desire, noteth out that wanton greedines of rath-ripe fruits, which the richer sorte, and the dainty ones have, getting the first fruits for them by a great price; the more plentifull store of which afterward they loath: as though he should say: Once thou didst lash out huge costs upō things of little value, but now thou art not so wantonly ready to buye: that thy former strange longing is gone: those

things now would be acceptable, which of late thou despisedst; according to that of the Poet, the empty stomake doth seldome despise cōmon things; which of the two wayes we wil take them, we see that these things doo very well hange togither with the former, wherby the mourning of the merchan••s is greatly amplified, that buyers shalbe now wanting altogither; whereas lately, when Rome flourished, they had so quick & ready a market. Wher∣of the Spirit tendreth a double reason by this mourning: first, that nowe ther was no lust to buy; secondly, that al ability was utterly lost.

¶ And al things which were fatte & excellent: That is, al plenty & aboun∣ce is departed from thee; which doo more confirme the former interpre∣tation. For seing these things doo signify a rich plenty, it is like, that that which went before, is to be referred rather to lust, that the same thing may not be spoken twice; although so it is wont to be some time, when the lat¦ter is added in stead of a more full exposition. The Compl. & the K. Bi∣ble read, are perished from thee. So Aretas and the common translation: but the sense is nothing altered.

15 The marchants of these things; The cause being declared, now he com∣meth to the manner of mourning, with a breif repetitiō of the cause. The marchants, saith he, of these things, that is, they who bestow al their labour about the associating and retaining of these countreys, & ioyning them to the service of Rome. VVho were made rich of her, getting ample rewards of this their labour. VVe have seen before briefly with how great gaine they travelled about this marchādise, which openeth a way to Bishopriks, Cardinalships, yea evē to the highest Prelateship. And who seeth not men of every coūtry, being either of great wit or learning, of great force either by riches or favour, or famous for noblenes of birth & descent of blood, whose industry may be profitable for the beautifying of Rome, to be hy∣red by what meanes soever, to bend al their cares & thoughts to this po∣int? Wolseius & Polus flourished in our countrey in our Fathers dayes. The first descended of base parents, but ambitious, tumultuous, notably fra∣med for the profit of Rome, and therfore promoted to so great honours, that he was not afraid to vaunt himselfe somewhat above the King. The other of a milder disposition, but of great authority for noblenes of parē∣tage: for which cause he waxed rich by the Romish aboundance, until he gave suspition of a contrary mind, & bewrayed some desire to knowe the truth. Then he perceived that Petoum a certain begging fryar, to be set a∣gainst him of the Pope; whom he should have seen adorned with his spoi∣les & booties, if the thing had come to passe as the Pope wished. This la∣bour is in so great account, as that he who onely begged a reward, should

be equal by & by to the highest States of the earth. But after that Rome shalbe cast down, no man wil hyre this labour, evē for one farthing. This evil shal take these marchants, when they have lost all hope of their gaine.

¶ Shal stand a farre off: To weet, Cardinals, Bishops, & others, which at that time sha••be conversant in other places than at Rome. They being set without danger, with a lamentable voice shall bewaile her ruine a farr off, but they shal hav neither ability nor courage of mind to repel the danger.

16 And saying, alas, alas: It is the same concealing, which was in the mour¦ning of the Kings in ver. 10. wherby the truth and greatnesse of the sorow is expressed. The argument is somwhat divers; for they agreably to their persons did lament that so great a power was abolished. These complain that so huge wealth was spoiled, which marchāts chiefly regard. Notwith¦standing seing this fine linnen, purple, skarlet, & the other decking signify¦eth the pride of Rome, upheld chie••ly by the riches of Spaine, as at the 12 ver. the marchants lament & ar altogither dismayed, that al these richesses have profited her nothing; as thou they should say, how is she come to naught, that was fortifyed by so great aide of the Spaniards, against which if the whole christian world had conspired, worthily might any mā think that they should doo nothing worth the paines taking?

17 And also every shipmaster: The third mourning is of the mariners & wa¦termen, that is of the inferiour ministers of the Romish court, Deanes, Abbots, Priors, General, Iesuits, & such like. These al live of the sea by pro¦moting the ordinances & decrees of the whore. Of which sort were the Spips and Shipmasters in chap. 8.9.

¶ And al the company of them that dwel in shipps: The Complut. the Kings Bible, and Aretas read thus, and every one that s••ileth in shipps, the common translation, and al that sale in the lake: this is further off, but as it seemeth fetched from hence that ploion is a little shippe rowed with oares, of which there is more often use in Rivers and flouds. VVhich interpretation is not altogither to be refused in so great variety of copies, and declareth more plainly a certain distribution of the general comprehension into cer¦ten classes.

And whosoever trafike on the Sea: word for word in the Greek, doo labour on the Sea, as in the Gospel of Iohn, labour the meate, that is, for the meate, cha. sixe, verse twentie seventh. In this last member are comprehended all which doo study to the Popish doctrine, teaching, learning, and setting forth the same eyther by voice or writings, defending the same to their power, or by any other way or meanes whatsoever advauncing and pro∣moting it.

Of which sorte are the Masse Priests, Monkes, Fryars, above the rest at this day the Iesuits, who doo leane upon their cares lustily, and smite this sea with all their strength, without which if the shippe of the fisher man had bin, it had dashed long since on the rockes. Although while they in row∣ing labour to avoide Scylla, they rush upon Charybdis: by disputing they s•••• more openly in the sight of men, the whores and Popes filthinesse, which they strive to cover.

18 What city was like to this great city? As the mariners speak of Tyrus, Ezek 27.32. What city was like Tyrus, destroyed in the middes of the sea? And for iust cause did they astonished, aske this, when they considered with them selves the former riches of the citie, flourishing of late by the commerce of so many, and so great nations, which they thought could be vanqui∣shed by no strength of man. How much trouble wrought it Nebuchad∣nezar? Ezech. 29.18. How much Alexander afterward? Who repented him of the siedge, he so despaired of the winning thereof by force, who yet at an other time thought nothing impossible for him. But these wa∣termen should be dismayed for iuster causes at Rome, late the Queene of the whole world. The most auncient city, the chaire of Peter, which alw••yes hath overcome all calamities; and should be mighty and flourishing even to her very old age, both by her owne riches, and her friends. These and many such things wil compel them to cry out, what citie was like to this great city? Who would not have thought that so eminent excellency in all things, should have bin free from destruction? How have we bin deceived, dreaming of her everlastingnesse? How have we deceived others, vanting that this shippe shall never be drowned? How unexpected are all these things, contrary to our persuasion, opinion, and vaunting? Such a force hath this wondering question.

19 And sh••l cast dust upon their heads; After the manner of mourners, Iob. 2.12. For these shall waile so much the more earnestly, by how much they are lesse able to upholde themselves by their owne riches. But this Angel speaketh in the time past, they did cast dust on their heads: and also in the former verse, and they cryed seing the smoke. Yet these things goe before the ruine, which they have ioyned and knit unto them. For which cause he seemeth to change the time, and not onely for the most certen truth of the thing to come, as the Prophets are wont elsewhere.

¶ Wherin were made rich all: Not onely those chiefe purpled Fathers, but also they who were of the basest state and condition. Behold the whole Hierarchy, how doo all flowe in exceeding great riches? In everie country very much and the best ground came to them. Moreover it is a thing wō∣derfull

to be spoken, they which fained to sustain their life by begging frō towne to towne, lacked nothing, which might serve even for ryot. Misera∣ble common people, who were so deceived that they bestowed money on beggars farre richer, then they themselves, that did give. But such is the cunning of Rome to enrich her friends. In these daies how bountifully & liberally are our traitours, wanting their countrey, goods, & friends, en¦tertained at Rome, in Spaine, and elswhere? They get that reward of their treason abroad, which by honest meanes they could not obtaine at home. A reward is not wanting at home for well doing. But they hate true ver∣tue, the fruite wherof they would receive. Rome maketh these men rich, counting it an unworthy thing (for here the whore wilbe godly) that the maintainers of her honour should not become rich by her wealth alone, howsoever they shalbe destitute of all other aides. These may therfore for iust cause bewaile the destruction of the whore, with whom they found the wages of their naughtinesse: which now they shalbe compelled to pra¦ctise for nothing. For some are too fully minded, never to be thrifty.

20 O Heaven reioice of her: Thus farre the mourning of the wicked, now he sheweth what aboundant ioy shal come from thence to the godly. Heaven is the whole multitude of the Saincts on earth, as often hath bin observed. Apostles and Prophets, are not those famous preachers of the Di∣vine truth, which were in auncient times, but all the godly executing the office of teaching in the Church. For what doo our affaires on earth, per∣taine to the holy soules resting in heaven? The dead, saith the wise man, know nothing at all, to weet, of our affaires, who in the body are strangers from the Lord: Eccle. 9. And therfore the Prophet saith, that Abraham is ignorant of us, and that Israel knoweth us not: Esay 63.16. Therfore they ar living saincts on the earth, whom the Spirit calleth Apostles & Prophets, for a comfort in those troubles which they finde in the world; that although they be in∣feriour by manie degrees in gifts to the auncient Apostles, yet they may know themselves to be in the same state and account with God. He spea∣keth to them by name, because the chiefe ioy shalbe theirs, as their sorow shalbe greatest, because of the more deadly hatred wherwith the whore was inflamed against them. From which we perceive, as hath bin said before, seing the ioy is common to all the elect, that those wayling marchāts are not of this number; and therfore that they are said to be such, ra••her for likenesse sake, than for the truth of the thing.

¶ For God hath punished her: The Hebraisme is more significant; For God hath iudged your iudgement on her. This kind of speaking dooth shew a pu∣nishment; but yet, iudgment and lawful examination of things going

before, not inflicted rashly. This is the matter of the ioy, because God at length would avenge the Saincts on the whore, which so many ages hath raged against them scotfree, with all manner of iniuries.

21 Then a certain Angel tooke up: Hitherto hath bin declared the destru∣ction by words onely; now a signe likeweise is used, wherby it may be decla∣red that it shalbe sudden and eternal. And this is done by the ministery of a certain third Angel; of whom there is no mention made from whence he came: peradventure because he is that first, whose place from whence he came is shewed in ver. 1: who now is brought in againe to performe that very thing, which thar preparation said, would come by and by. For un∣lesse this casting of a milstone into the sea, be the very overthrowing of Rome, it is not described by what way it shalbe done. In the beginning of the chapter following, we shal understand that the thing is accompli∣shed. And the former Angels went but a litle before the destructiō. Wher∣fore either now is handled the same overthrow, or he wholly concealeth how it should be performed.

¶ A milstone cast into the sea: may be a fit signe of the ruine, as the bur∣ning mountaine cast into the sea, was of the beginning of Antichristian ty¦ranny, chap. 8.8. But yet the thing is darke to us. The event wil manifest it at length. This Angel is caled strong, taking up a stone like a milstone, & casting it into the sea: for by so many degrees is the type proposed. Which things declare an admirable swiftnesse of this ruine, and no more repai∣rable. A great stone by his waightinesse falleth down with a great violēce: yet with a greater if it be cast: but with much more being thrown of some valiant and strong man. Neither is ther hope, that that shal flote againe in the toppe, which both his owne weight, and outward force, have faste∣ned in the lowest bottome So shal Babylon be cast with violence, neither shall it be found any more, Yet these things are not spoken so, as if hee were to be taken at the first assault, which before we have shewed by a pro¦bable reason, shalbe besieged for some space: even as also the old Baby∣lon came not into Cyrus power, but after some long delay: but because after it hath bin taken, and begun to be spoiled, very quickly shall her de∣struction be finished. It may be that this type may signify the manner of taking Rome, which we know was used in Babylon. Of right is the type one, of them both, whose impiety is alike; and like also shalbe the destru∣ction: Ier. 51.63.64.

¶ With such violence shalbe cast: The word is ioyned with the signe, with∣out which the signes are weake.

22 And the voice of Harpers: He declareth this destruction more at large,

after the manner of the Prophets, who are wont to describe a final over∣throw in such words, as Ier. I wil cause to perish from them, the voice of gladnes, and the voi••e of mirth, and the voice of the bridgrome, the noise of the milstones, and the light of the candle, chap. 25.10. All things, saith he, shalbe destroyed, whi••h per••eine eyther to present delectation and necessity, or to future in¦creasing For hitherto belongeth this special rehearsing. Harpers are they which play on the harpe: Musicians are by a common name, such as singe with lowd voice. The pipe & trumpet are windy instruments. Those former are of a milder sounde and sweetnes: these of a rougher, and belonging to warre: although there be some use of it in solemnities of peace. But al be∣long to mirth, as we learne from Ieremy, from whom these things are fet∣ched: from whence it would be a thing unpleasant and absurd to deale with the Iesuite any further about mourning pipes.

¶ Nor any crafts man: After those things of delectation, he rehearseth the things which appertaine neerer to the life: of which there is a more ne¦cessary use, as of craftsmen and milles. Where there is any society of men, it is needfull that artificers be in the same place: but chiefly it behooveth that there be sufficient victuals, which the milles doo note out, without which no man can continue scarce for one day. Behold whither at length our riot hath brought us, procuring also destruction to those instruments which we have abused to vanity and naughtines: not leaving any commō food there, where gluttony and bellycheere onely were regarded.

23 And the light of a candle: Candles are a confort in the night, the use wherof no man will want, although he be of a most poore condition. But thou wilt say, what great dammage can be in the losse of things of so smal price? Such smal matters most fitly describe the greatnesse of the evill. For if things most common and of most frequent use are lacking, any store of things of some moment, is not to be expected: unlesse peradventure the candles are to be referred to the bridgroome and bride, which follow. They were wonte to be used solemly in marriages. From whence is the parable of the tenne Virgins which came forth with their lampes to meet the bridgroome, Mat. 25.1. Doubtlesse Christ borroweth the similitude from a thing in comm usage and custome. Children in time past were called scotioi, which were born ek ton adadouketon gamon, from marriages, in which no torches were caried before them, as the Interpr. of Homer hath observed, Iliad. E. It was also a custome amōg the Romanes, for a boy that had Father and mother living, to beare before the spouse, a torch of a white thorne, be∣cause they were married in the night, as Plutarche saith in his Problemes. But that is clear which is added concerning the bridgroome & the bride,

to weet, that this calamity shal not lie upon her onely for some time, but that ther shal be no hope of anie better estate in time to come. This is it which the voice of the bridegroome and bride meaneth, as though he should say, never shal any marriages be contracted here, wherby should be made an increasing of posterity.

¶ For thy marchants were the great men of the earth: Here the sinnes of the city are rehearsed to be three; Luxurie, Idolatry, and the murder of the saincts. Her riot appeareth, because they that serve her lust are made the great men of the earth. It must needs be that her excesse in pleasures is ve∣ry wicked, whose servants are advanced unto so great dignity. Wee have shewed before that this is a marchandise of soules, and that these marchāts are the Lords Cardinals. Which who seeth and acknowledgeth not to be these great men, manifest demonstrations of the Romish luxurie? Thomas Wolsey our countreyman in often speach was not ashamed to say, I and my King. Such a Cardinalship is pride. But why may they not vaunt them∣selves so proudly, when they shal see great Princes to sue for this their di∣gnity, or at the least to glory no lesse in the same being given them, then in the chiefe ornament of maiesty? There have bin many of old evē of the Kings stocke, who judged this degree; not unworthy the noblenesse of their race. VVith us in Queene Maryes dayes was Cardinal Poole of a Prin¦cely linage. Among the Franch of late Cardinal Borbon of the blood roy∣all, and of Lorrrain, brother of the Duke of Guise. Albert of Austriche yet flourisheth, but yesterday a Cardinal, and brother of Rodulphe the Em∣perour. Is not this in very truth a great dignity, which so great Princes doo not refuse? May they not of right be called the great men of the earth, which are placed in so high a top of honour? But thou wilt say it yet more if thou shalt see the assēbly of the stately Lords sitting togither at Rome. Let some Prince come, whom the Pope for honours sake wil receive into the company of the Cardinals, what place hath he assigned for him? To weet, before the last Cardinal Deacon, so as if there shalbe a great and ful senate, the Prince himselfe after three score & eight men cloathed in pur∣ple garments, shal sit the last save one, as of late in the yeere 1593. Maxi∣milian the Prince of Bavarie. This is that intolerable pride, yet meet for the Romish court; where even Emperours kisse the feete of the Pope: why should not the Consellers of this Prelate, excell other Princes in dignity? But at length this pride shal cal forth that low estate, wherby Rome shal∣be pressed downe even to Hell. It is manifest ynough from the foresaid things, how from this fountaine, Idolatry hath flowen into all the VVest part. Neither is ther any need of moe words concerning the murders of the

Saincts, which wee have touched before; neither is ther any man to whom they are not most certainly known.