The key of the Revelation, searched and demonstrated out of the naturall and proper charecters of the visions.: With a coment thereupon, according to the rule of the same key, / published in Latine by the profoundly learned Master Joseph Mede B.D. late fellow of Christs College in Cambridge, for their use to whom God hath given a love and desire of knowing and searching into that admirable prophecie. Translated into English by Richard More of Linley in the Countie of Salop. Esquire, one of the Bargesses in this present convention of Parliament. With a præface written by Dr Twisse now prolocutor in the present Assembly of Divines.

The mysterie of the two witnesses prophesying in sackcloath.

The Gentiles taking up their standing in the Court of the peo∣ple of God or the holy Citie, two Witnesses or Prophets from God preach mourning, and being cloathed in sackcloath. These are the In∣terpreters and Defenders of the Divine Truth, which should be∣waile with continuall complaints, that filthy and lamentable pol∣lution of the Church of Christ; and whom God should stirre up continually, to be monitors to the Christian world idol••zing with the Gentiles; and guides to his Saints keeping the faith. To wit, according to the patterne of those famous payres under the Old Testament; Moses and Aaron in the wildernesse, Elias and Eli∣saeus under the Baaliticall apostasie, Zorobabel and Iesua under the Babylonian captivitie. To wit those witnesses of the Revelation are manifestly described by their number, condition, power, and acts; even as also the state of the Church wherein they prophe∣sied, answerable to that of Israel, is figured by the representation of Babylon, the wildernesse and Gentilisme or Baalisme. What I have said of the description of the witnesses, that behold with thine eyes Reader in the Table following,

Moses and Aaron.	Elias and Elisaeus.	Zorobabel & Iesua.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Vers. 6.	Having power o∣ver waters to turn thē into blood, & to smite the earth with every plague. Vers. 6.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Vers. 6.	Having power to s••••t hea∣ven that it raine not. Vers 6.	〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Vers 4.	These are the two o∣live trees and the two candlesticks which stand before the Lord of the earth. Vers 4.
〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Vers. 5. Whom if any will hurt, * 1.1 fi••e proceedeth out of their mouth, &c. Vers. 5. Of Moses and Aaron you may see Numb. 16. of Elia, a Kings Chap. 1.

Now let us come to the text: And I will give, saith he, unto * 1.2 my two witnesses, that they shall prophesie a thousand two hundred * 1.3 and threescore dayes, cloathed with sackcloth. Where this cometh first to be observed that the whole prophesie which followeth, from this verse to the sounding of the seventh trumpet, the na∣ture of the matter so requiring, is exhibited not in a vision, but was dictated to Iohn by an Angel, personating Christ, the observa∣tion whereof is of no small consequence for the better percei∣ving of the nature of the allegory or type.

To my two witnesses] he calleth them two in regard of the type, which, as I said, is of paires; as if he should have said, I will give to my Zorobabel and Iesua, to my Eliah and Elisaeus, to my Moses and Aaron. To which is added that he calleth them wit∣nesses, now by the Law there ought to be two witnesses to confirme every word. Add that they may be called two, in re∣gard of the number of the Tables of God, which they used in their prophesie, of the Old and New Testament, as it were witnesses of two Testaments.

That they shall prophesie cloathed with sackcloth] to wit, mourn∣fully be wayling the trampling under foot of the holy Citie by the bringing in of the Idolatry of the Gentiles, giving testimony to the truth of God, and exhorting to repentance.

1260 dayes] as many, to wit, as are contained in 42 moneths. Which that they are not naturall dayes, it appeareth as well out of those three dayes and an halfe, parts of these dayes, a little af∣ter to be assigned to the death of the witnesses; which that they cannot be taken for naturall dayes, those things which are fore∣told to be then done doe prove: as also out of that that the Beast (the measure of whose time they also doe containe) contempo∣rized with the company of the 144000 sealed: and the compa∣ny of the sealed with the sixe first trumpets: but the matters of the trumpets could not be run out, in so little time as in 1260 na∣turall dayes, or in the space of three yeere and an half. But thou wilt aske, why is the prophanation of the Gentiles measured by moneths, and the prophesie of the witnesses defending the pure worship of God by dayes? Forsooth, because the worshipping of idols, and every sinne and errour is of the power of darknesse and night, wherein the Moon ruleth; contrariwise true Religion is compared to the light and to the day of which the Sunne is the

ruler. Therefore the sending of Paul to convert the Gentiles * 1.4 from id••ls is said, Acts 26. 18. To turne them from darknesse to light, from the power of Satan to God. The same meaning hath that. What fellowship hath light with darkenesse? Now then the * 1.5 Moneths are directed by the motion of the Moone which ruleth the night; dayes and yeeres by the motion of the Sunne which ru∣leth the day. For the same cause as afterwards we shall see, the blasphemy of the Beast will be reckoned after the motion of the Moon, by moneths: but the abiding of the woman in the wilder∣nesse by yeers and dayes, after the motion of the Sunne.

These are the two Olive trees, and the two candlesticks standing * 1.6 before the God of the Earth.

That is, they are like Zorobabel and Iesua, whom God in times past had anoynted, to restore againe the Iewish Church destroyed under the captivitie of Babylon, and by these witnesses to take the charge of it in like manner under the servitude of the Gen∣tiles. For the allusion is to those two olive trees, which Zacharias saw growing on either side of the golden candlestick, and supply∣ing the light thereof with oyle, Zach. 4. of which the Angel be∣ing demanded, what they meant, saith, These are the two anoynted * 1.7 ones standing before the Lord of the whole Earth; pointing at the two heads of the Church then under the servitude of the Gen∣tiles, Zorobabel the Captaine, and Iesua the high Priest, of whom he had prophesied a little before.

For the Candlestick there of seven lights, did signifie the Tem∣ple, and in the type thereof the Church of that time: whose re∣storing and preservation those two anoynted ones should procure, not by power, not by strength or by any humane helps, but by the power of God alone, working after a certaine invisible and won∣derfull manner. Even as those two olive trees standing on each side the Candlestick, did supply the lights thereof with oyle, in a certaine way extraordinary and not perceiveable.

But thou wilt say, wherefore is there not mention here in Iohn of one as in Zacharie, but of two Candlesticks, to which likewise, and not to the olive trees only, those two Prophets seeme to be resembled? I confesse I am here at a non plus, neither have I yet found out a reason of this difference apt and evident enough. In the meane while I thinke there lyeth hidden in the words an He∣braisme, and it is as if he should have said, These are those two olive

trees, at or besides the two Candlesticks, standing before the Lord * 1.8 of the Earth: 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that the comparison is made onely of the wit∣nesses with the olive trees, and the addition of the Candlesticks may be judged to belong but to the description of the olive trees. ••or the copulative with the He••re ws is sometime in stead of the praeposition 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 that is, for with, besides, at, as 1 Sam. 14. 18. Because then was the Arke of God and the children of Israel, that is, with the children of Israel. See Schindlers Lexicon. But the dif∣ficultie concerning the two Candlesticks will remaine never∣thelesse. Whether therefore it be to be said that that one Candle∣stick with Zacharie is here to be accounted for a double one, in re∣gard to wit of the double order of the lights from either part of the shaft, and the two olive trees powring oyle into each of them severally? There is also with Zachary mention of seven and seven, that is of twice seven * 1.9 pipes, but whereto it tendeth is not mani∣fest enough. Or whether shall we thinke that that paire apper∣taineth secretly to set out the condition of the Christian Church? that is to say, either as it were consisting of two people, the iews and the Gentiles? or which is happily neerer the truth, because in the time wherein the witnesses should mourne it was to be di∣vided, together w^th the Roman Empire, into the Eastern & We∣stern. Howsoever it be, it is certain that the Candlesticks set out, not the Prophets or Bishops of the Church, but the Chuches them∣selves, which appeareth out of that that the Angel before, Ch. 1. 20. doth interpret the seven Candlesticks, to be so many Churches: the seven Candlesticks, saith he, which thou didst see, are seven Churches.

When if any man will hurt, fire proceedeth out of their mouth * 1.10 and devoureth their enemies: and if any man will hurt them, he must so be killed.

The witnesses doe not revenge themselves by strength of hand, not with sword or poyniards, if at any time they shall be hurt by their enemies; but the revenge proceedeth out of their mouthes, that is, they pierce their enemies with weapons of their mouth; to wit, whil they denounce the anger of ••od hanging over the heads of those that abuse his Ministers, or by their imprecati∣ons and groans obtaine revenge. For this 〈◊〉〈◊〉, w••ich is shew∣ed to proceed out of the mouth of the witnesses, is a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of re∣venge; according to that o•• the Lord to Ieremiah, Chap. 5. 14. Behold, I make my words in thy mouth Fire, and this people wood,

and it shall devoure them. For Moses and Aaron and afterward * 1.11 Elias; they upon the confederates of the conspiracy of Korah, and he upon the servants of King Ahaziah a worshipper of Baal did bring down fire properly so called from heaven: but the Fire of our witnesses, is to be interpreted mystically, since that the holy Ghost telleth us anon, that our Egypt, and likewise the wil∣dernesse, are taken * 1.12 spiritually. Furthermore, that which the Prophets doe denounce in the name of God, the same it is said they accomplished, as that which the Lord saith to the same Iere∣miah doth shew, Chap. 1. 10. I have set thee, saith he, over the na∣tions and kingdoms, to root out and to pull down, and to spoyle and to everthrow, and to build and to plant; let no man now marvell that fire or divine revenge is said to proceed out of the mouthes of the witnesses, who notwithstanding have the sole power of denoun∣cing it or obtaining it from God.

So the witnesses doe revenge their own injury: it so loweth by what means also they revenge the contumely offered to the Temple of God.

They have power to shut heaven that it raine not (to wit a mysti∣call * 1.13 raine) in the dayes of their prophesie.

That is they are furnished with the power of the keyes, where∣by they shut up heaven against these new Gentiles, the corrupters of Christian worship, that the grace of the blood of Christ sealed by Baptisme, be not shed upon them for the remission of their sins, so long as they by their Idolatries and Superstitions shall per∣severe to be the cause of the mourning prophesie of the witnesses. I will more plainly expresse it. They according to the word of God do debarre from the hope of eternall life, promised on••ly to the pure worshippers of God, those new Idolaters; untill, being mindfull of their covenant in Baptisme, they shall returne to the worship of one God by one Mediatour Iesus Christ, forsaking the worshipping of Satan, and so shall put an end to the mourning prophesie of the witnesses. Even as Elias also restored not raine to the Israelites, now almost killed with drought before that the prophets of Baal and his worship were destroyed.

But of this power of the witnesses, we have an example after∣wards, Chap. 14 9. If any one, say they, shall worship the Beast, and his Image; and receive his marke in their forehead or on his hand; the same shall drinke of the wine of the wrath of God, of the pure wine * 1.14

tempered in the cup of his indignation, and he shall be tormented with * 1.15 fire and brimstone, in the presence of the holy Angels and in the pre∣sence * 1.16 of the Lambe, and the smoake of their torment shall ascend for ever and ever, &c.

To conclude, they have power over waters to turne them into * 1.17 blood, and to smite the earth with every plague, as often as they will.

Such like power indeed Moses and Aaron used, when they brought Israel out of the Egyptian bondage. Whence I gather, that the power of the witnesses figured by this type, pertaineth not to all the dayes of the mourning prophesie, but to the end of them, or the time of the phyalls; to wit, when by the conduct of the witnesses or Prophets, as it were of Moses and Aaron, the Christian people is to be brought out like wise from the tyranny and service of the Beast, by pl••gues expressed after the manner of those of Egypt. For truly the first plague of the Phyals doth strike the earth with an Vlcer; by the seco••d and third, the wa∣ters are turned into blood; the rest doe torment the worshippers of the Beast or the Gentiles abiding in the court of the Temple, with other and yet more grievous plagues. The interpretation of all which we will reserve to their proper place. Let it suffice here to have referred this last power to the powring out of the Phyals. It followeth.

And when they shall be about to finish their testimony, the Beast which ascendeth out of the bottomlesse pit shall make warre against * 1.18 them, and shall overcome them and kill them.

Of the function and power of the Witnesses hitherto; it fol∣loweth now of their destinie, which they were to finde at the end of their Prophesie. The description whereof is wholly com∣pact out of the historie of the passion of our Lord. For the Lord Iesus likewise when he had ended his preaching of about so many dayes as the prophesie of the Witnesses amount to, is slaine by the Romane Governour the Legate of this beast between whom and the Witnesses there is warre (but in the time of his sixt head) the third day after there being likewise a great earthquake he rose againe. And a little after, to wit, upon the fortieth day, being received in a cloud he ascended into heaven. All which things God would have to be represented in this slaughter of his witnesses by his owne death; that like as they have borne the likenesse of those renowned paires (of which is spoken before)

in the state of their function: so they should be made conformable * 1.19 in suffering and death, to their Lord Christ, that faithfull Wit∣nesse: which truely ought to be both comfortable and glorious to them in the midst of their miseries.

But let us give light to the text. When, saith he, they shall be a∣bout to finish their testimony (for so 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is to be translated, no•• of the Preterperfect tense, when they have finished) the Beast which ascendeth out of the bottomlesse pit shall make war with them, and shall overcome them, and kill them. That is, when now, part of the holy Citie or inhabitants of the Christian world, acknowledg∣ing the horriblenesse of Gentilisme, repenting of their Idolatries, and abominations and clensing the Temple of God within them∣selves; the witnesses rejoycing should begin to put off their sack∣cloth, and to be freed from their daily mourning, notwithstand∣ing they should not yet be wholly freed: that Romane seven∣headed Boast of the last time (of which Chap. 13.) chasing that the preaching of those mourners had so farre prevailed, shall make warre against them, overcome and kill them. The first of which concerning the mourning of the witnesses already begunne to de∣termine, ••ath beene continually performed from the beginning of the reformed Church untill this present.

The other concerning warre and slaughter I conjecture is yet to come. But our Brightman thought it already fulfilled, to wit, in the Smalcaldian warre under the Emperour Charles the fifth. Others apply it to the late ruine of the Churches of Germany. And who would not much rather that so lamentable an accident to the Church were past, then to feare it to be yet to come? But the interpretation is not to be directed according to our wish. Yea rather the errour will be with greater danger on that part then on the contrary. For the expectation of a future calamity con∣duceth more to piety, then an over-credulous securitie thereof, as if it were already past. There are two things which perswade me that this last destruction is yet to be feared. The first that those lamentable times of the Gentiles trampling under foot the holy Citie, or Christian Religion, or the times of the forty two moneths, cannot be said to have fulfilled their period so long as the Beast shall reigne: and therefore neither the Dayes of the Witnesses mourning in sackcloth, being of the same time and of the same age with them. Another because this destruction of the

Witnesses is to be the next antecedent (as we shall heare after∣wards) * 1.20 to the destruction and ruine of the great Citie, that is, Rome: which the * 1.21 course of the Phyals suffereth not to be so neet come; considering that we have not passed the fourth of them as yet (although we hope it is in agitation in the present Ger∣mane warres) as there it shall be taught. But that the ruine of the Citie belongeth to the fifth we shall shew anon. Whose forerunner therefore that this destruction shall be which we have in hand, it is very probable; especially, since it is usuall with Christ our Captaine, to subdue his enemies and to reward his with victory, by the method of the Crosse. Neither yet because this destruction is the last, and even yet to come, can any thing be certainly determined, concerning the grievousnesse thereof a∣bove all w•••• have gone before; for happily not so much in respect of the grievousnesse (certainly not of the long continuance) as that it should be for a signe of the mourning of the Witnesses then forthwith to be ended, and of the ruine of the Citie of Rome being at hand; therefore it alone of all the destructions where∣with the Beast should afflict the Saints, deserved a singular re∣membrance and description: even as indeed the environing of the inhabitants of Ierusalem by the Armie of Cestius Gallus, a little before the ••atall siege by Titus, was foretold for a signe of the sacking thereof then to approach and to be at the doores. For even as our Saviour told his Apostles enquiring the signes of the time of the sacking thereof: When ye see Ierusalem besieged by an * 1.22 Army; then know that the desolation thereof draweth neere: the like may be thought here to be meant of the sacking of Babylon; when ye shall see that three yeeres and an halfe slaughter of the Witnesses, know ye that the desolation of the great Citie draw∣eth neere.

But the slaughter where with the Witnesses are foretold to be overcome by the Beast, I thinke is to be understood in the most generall signification, wherein he comprehendeth death also me∣taphorically or analogica••ly so called. ••or he is said to Dye in that sense, who being settled in any state whatsoever, whether Poli∣tique or ••cclesiasticall or any other, ceaseth to be what he was. Whereupon also he killeth who punisheth any one with such a death. For so in the Sacred stile to live, is all one as, to be, to die, not to be. In which understanding we are said to die to Satan and

to sinne, when for the time to come we cease to be their slaves; * 1.23 and to live unto Christ, when we beginne to be his. And the rea∣son of opposition doth altogether seeme to require, that in what manner theresurrection of the Witnesses to life after the slaughter accomplished should be, such should be the slaughter it selfe: but that appeareth to be analogicall, because no resurrection properly so called can be before the coming of Christ under the seventh Trumpet. But this cometh to passe while the sixth is in being.

The killing therefore of the Witnesses if we expound it accor∣ding to such a rule of understanding, it will seeme to be a mole∣station and dejection of them from the office and place which they a little while had gotten in the reformed Church, by the ef∣••icacie of their preaching; whether it be joyned with corporall death, or otherwise: so that thenceforth they live not the pro∣pheticall life such as then they had lived nor exercise the functi∣ons thereof any more. Whereby it must needs likewise come to passe that the pillars thereof being taken away, and the false Pro∣phets of the Beast being againe brought in instead of the Pro∣phets of Christ, the whole politie of the reformed Church, as far as this shall happen, shall goe to the ground: which whether it shall happen sooner or later, onely he knoweth, in whose hands are times and opportunities.

In the meane time lest happily any one may be deceived, this is diligently to be observed: that this last warre of the Beast, is not of the same kinde with that which he had waged continually hitherunto against the company of the Saints (of which indeed in the history of the Beast it is said, Chap. 13.7. That it was given unto him to make w••rre with the Saints and to overcome them;) b••t altogether different. For wherefore should that be declared as peculiar to the last times of the Beast, which had beene usuall with him, if not from his infancie, yet at least from his * 1.24 perfe∣ction? therefore it is one kinde of warre, which the Beast waged universally against the Saints; another which in his last he shall wage with the Prophets, who had begunne now to put off their sackcloth, and to end their propheticall mourning; that is, with the Bishops of the Church in the reformed part thereof: which is more manifest out of the divers event of either warre; there ••ur••ly with successe, here very lamentable. For there the Beast ••••tained power over every Tribe, Tongue and Nation, &c.

But here he procureth to himselfe a sudden and fatall ruine, as is * 1.25 to be seene in the Text.

And their dead bodies (shall lie) in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the street of the * 1.26 great Citie, which spiritually is called Sod me and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.

That Citie surnamed great is Rome, so called, not so much for the quantitie to looke upon, as because she had beene the Queene of other Cities; according to that of the Angel, Chap. 17. 18. The woman which thou sawest, is that great Citie which reigneth over the Kings of the Earth. As in like manner by the name of the great King (as God is called, Psal. 28. 2. and Matth, 5. 35. and which title did peculiarly comply in times past with the Kings of the Assyrians and Persians) is meant the King of Kings, who ••ath authoritie over ••ther Kings. Whereupon throughout the whole Revelation whatsoever other name Rome is called by, either Babylon, or Harlot, it is alwaies intituled the Great; as that Great Babylon, that great Whore. Adde hereunto, that through the whole Revelation, that title is given to no Citie be∣sides it, except at length, after the sacking of it, to that new Ieru∣salem, * 1.27 descending from heaven, in the light whereof afterward the Gentiles should walke. Which he that should thinke to be here meant, he certainly should have need of some * 1.28 Hellebore. For neither was Jerusalem in the age of Iohn, nor is any other Ierusa∣lem, ever to be the Great Citie, or head and Queene of other Cities of the world excepting it.

It is added which is spiritually called Sodome and Egypt: Egypt for the tyrannie over the people of God, like the Egyptians ty∣ranny: Sodome, for whoredome, to wit, spirituall. Now here (which let the Reader diligently marke) is the Key of the Alle∣gorie (of which sort more in this Booke doe occurre). Whereby indeed the holy Ghost at once would intimate, that whatsoever in these visions is exhibited any where of the plagues of Egypt, or destruction of Sodome, all that is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, that is, mystically to be interpreted; since that Rome, or the state of the Romane Em∣pire, the subject of all those plagues, is mysticall Sodome and E∣gypt. Now there fall out passages concerning the Egyptian plagues, in the d••scription of the Trumpets and Phyals, as also in this very history of the Witnesses; concerning the destruction of Sodome, in the judgement of the Beast, Chap. 19. 20. and 20. 10.

the meaning of all which is to be opened by this Key. Hence also * 1.29 it may be demonstrated, that the subject of the Trumpets is the Romane dominion. Because some of theirs are Egyptian plagues, and upon what should Egyptian plagues be inflicted but upon Egypt? and this is Rome by the authoritie of the holy Ghost.

So concerning the great Citie the matter is plaine. But what that * 1.30 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of the City may be, whereof here is mention, is not so easie to be knowne. Surely for a street or for that which in Latine we call platea, or a market place, or any other place within the Citie it seemeth it cannot be taken; and that for the reasons following.

1. For, first the Lord Christ who is said to be crucified in this 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, was crucified neither in any street or market place, or court of the Citie of Rome nor of Ierusalem; but without the gate of the one, (Heb. 13.12.) and onely within the Province of the other, by Pilate the Governour. Therefore * 1.31 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is not any street, or broader way within the wals of either Citie, but a place without the Citie.

2. It is very like that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 put in the singular number doth note out some thing of that sort or kinde, whereof there is but one in a Citie, not more. But there are more streets then one in every Citie, at lest in a famous Citie.

3. It is to be thought that the bodies of the Witnesses ly•• there, where they be overcome in battell. But it is not the cu∣stome for Armies to encounter within the wals of a City; but if not in the enemies land, at least in the Region and Provinces subject to the Citie.

4. Whose slaine karcases might be openly beheld for three dayes and an halfe by people, kindreds, tongues, and Nations, and care taken that they should not be buried; these lay not in any streete or broad way of a great Citie, but either seeme to have beene dispersed, or carried about through the Provinces: to w^ch therfore the signification of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ought to be applyed. And if any shall say, that the Army of the Beast whereby the Wit∣nesses are discomfited and slaine is compact out of severall people and tongues, and therefore they could easily behold the dead bo∣dies of those whom they had slaine: we must have recourse to the former Argument; that such Armies use not to meet within the wals of a Citie. For at any hand the thing is to be so ex∣pounded,

especially where no reason of an allegory can be pre∣tended, * 1.32 that no absurditie bee committed against the litterall sense.

What else therefore sha••l we say here, but that by the name of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is signified the whole Region and Territory subject to the dominion of the City; and that that signification was drawne even from the Hebrew 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. to which it often answereth in the Septuagint Translation? to wit, after the manner and use of the Septuagint who in translating of an Hebrew word * 1.33 of many sig∣nifications, are wont to use a Greek word which properly answer∣eth it but in one sense, to expresse the force of it in another sense, as by many examples may be proved if here it had beene perti∣nent. And now 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 with the Hebrewes signifieth, whatsoever is altogether without the house, whether without buildings, as streets and wayes in Cities, or without the Citie, as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, a Re∣gion or ground lying about it. Surely Iob 5. 10. where in the Hebrew it is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 upon the fields, the Chalde render∣eth it: who giveth raine upon the face of the earth, and sendeth wa∣ters upon the face of the province or region of the people: or from the notion of breadth, as though it were the same as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Esay 8. 8. And the stretching out of his wings (that is of the Assyrian) shall fill the breadth of thy Land, O Immanuel. And Revel. 20, 9. concerning Gog and Magog, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. They went up on the breadth of the earth, and compassed—the beloved Citi••. For hither it tendeth, that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which is the other word which the Seventie translate 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 which signifieth breadth or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, have all one and the same letters, and both of them by the Chaldeans are expressed by the same word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Or, to conclude, by the notion of breadth, which is proper to the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the holy Ghost would intimate the largenesse of the dominion of that great City, wherein it hath, and at this day doth exceed all other Cities: as if 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 had been put for * 1.34 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, &c. Surely the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is an adjective put Substantively, and thereupon some what ought to be under∣stood; and truely one thing and another may be, to explaine the signification thereof: neither know I whether that significa∣tion of a street may at all be found among the ancient Greeke Writers.

And now, to whom this interpretation shall approve it selfe, * 1.35 to him it cannot be obscure any more; either why Christ is said to be crucified in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 of the Citie of Rome, or where the dead bodies of the slaine Witnesses are to be cast forth; to wit, not in the Citie of Rome, but within the Romane dominion. Truely I know very many of ours that may come to the same end, doe understand here by the name of the Citie the whole dominion of the Citie. But then I pray you what shall 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 be? for (ac∣cording to this interpretation) it can be neither of those two things of which it must of necessitie be the one, to wit, either the Romane dominion, or else some province thereof. Not the dominion, as which is expressed already in the name of the City it selfe; not any province, because a great City may have many such, but 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 meaneth something that is one and singular be∣ing put in the singular number. But it shall suffice to have noted these things of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the street of the great Citie. Let us now proceed to the rest.

And (the men) of the kindreds and people, and nations, shall see their dead bodies three dayes and an halfe, and shall not suffer their dead bodies to be put in graves. Or, and there shall be of kindreds and people, and nations which shall see their dead bodies, &c.

Whether this be to be taken for a part of crueltie, or benefit, it is doubtfull; nor is it to be determined but by the fulfilling of the prophesie. For it may be taken either as proceeding from ene∣mies, adding this disgrace to the great slaughter which they had made, the deniall of buriall to the dead bodies of the slaine: or as from friends and favourers of the Witnesses, to wit, by this means providing for them as it were by and by to rise againe. For how∣soever it was otherwise a part of a great crueltie, not to bury the dead, and to be cast out unburied was esteemed, especially among the Ieues for an exceeding ignominy: yet those which were so slaine that they were not plainly in despaire, but that they might be restored to life againe, it is to be accounted a benefit to hinder them a little while from close buriall. If we must hold the first to be determined; by this Type seemeth to be intimated some note of Infamie or Ignominy wherewith all the followers of the Beast not contented to have slaine the Witnesses, will moreover punish them. If the latter; some rescue from the re∣formed people, for feare of whom, as being in multitude the

greatest part by farre, and therefore the wound being yet fresh * 1.36 and things not as yet settled, not to be provoked to desperation without danger; or at least by secret meanes and favour, it should come to passe, that the Witnesses should not be so dealt with, that there were no hope of reviving. Achmetes out of the learn∣ing of the Indians Apotel. 130 If any in his sleepe shall seeme to himselfe to be buried, that buriall tendeth to the full certaintie of his ruine: If he shall seeme to see some defect of things pertaining to his buriall, that defect is referred to hope. If thou now enquire whe∣ther any thing in the Text appeare, which inclineth more to this interpretation then the other? I truly should draw this for an Argument of this matter, that since here he declareth the subject in manner and words different from that when he speaketh of enemies in the verse following; he would not have the same to be understood here as there, but divers; there certainly enemies, but here friends of the Witnesses. For of the enemies in the verse following rejoycing and sending gifts one to another, he saith, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. And they that dwell upon the earth. But of those that will not suffer the dead bodies of the Witnes∣ses to be put into graves, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, of the people, and kindreds, and tongues, and nations, par∣titively, as if he would note some certaine ones of a divers dis∣position from the rest. Let the Reader judge.

Three dayes and an halfe.

That is, as it seemeth three yeere and an halfe. For those things that are foretold to be done then, do argue, that they cannot be un∣derstood of dayes in proper sence. For can any man beleeve, that the small space of three dayes and an halfe is sufficient, either for spreading the fame of the death of the Witnesses, or for the sending of messengers with gifts to and fro among the Nations? Nay, it were not indeed sufficient for the providing of them. Adde hereunto that the halfe of a day properly so taken, or twelve houres, were altogether unfit for determining of such acts. For such matters are not wont to be observed by houres, but by moneths, at least by whole dayes. In the meane time it is to be observed that the time here is computed, not of the killing of the Witnesses, but wherein they lay dead and without life, now after they were slaine. But how long the warre it selfe shall last, and how long time shall be given for the killing of the Prophets, no∣thing

but the fulfilling of the prophesie will teach. * 1.37

And they that dwell upon the earth shall re••oyce over them, and * 1.38 shall be glad, and shall send gifts one to another, because these two Prophe••s tormented them that dwelt on the earth.

Concerning the manner of sending gifts in a publique joy or in great gladnesse; See Esther 9. 19. 22.

But after three dayes and an halfe, the spirit of life from God en∣tered into them, and they stood upon their feet, and great feare fell * 1.39 upon them, which saw them.

Such as the death of the Witnesses was, such shall be their rai∣sing up or resurrection from the dead; to wit, a restitution to their former estate; and that not so much by any humane power or ayde, as the finger of God, who is wonderfull in his works. For (these words) the spirit of life from God entered into them, inti∣mateth this. Achmetes apotelesm. 6. and 7. out of the learning of the Egyptians and Persians. If any shall seeme to see in a dreame the raising of the dead, that matter signifyeth the delivery of those that be bound and an end of warres. Apot. 7. a freedome from calamities. You may see, Ezek. chap. 37.

And they heard a great voyce from heaven saying unto them, * 1.40 Come up hither, and they ascended up to heaven by a cloud (or in a cloud) and their enemies beheld them.

The witnesses shall not only be restored to their place and for∣mer station, but shall be even advanced into some more excellent degree of honour and power. For to be carried in a cloud, and to ascend into heaven, doth signifie that. See Dan. 7.13. Esay 14. 13. and 19. Whereupon in the declarations of dreames, which Apo∣masar or Achmetes that Arabian whom I have so often cited, hath gathered out of the ancient monuments of the Egyptians and Fersians it is read, if a King shall seeme to himselfe to have sitten in the clouds, and to be carried whither soever he would, the Barbarian enemies shall become his servants, over whom he shall raigne with au∣thoritie. A••so, if a King shall seeme to himselfe as it were to have ••lowen to heaven where the starres should be, he shall obtaine eminen∣cy and fame above other Kings. Likewise, if a King being ascended up shall seeme to himselfe, to be set in heaven, he shall reduce a coun∣trey greater then that which he possesseth under his power, Apotel. 162. and 164. These things I bring in to this purpose, that I may

shew that this parable was used in that meaning which I say by * 1.41 the Prophets of God according to the custome of the East. The ministery therefore of the witnesses sha••l not be despicable as be∣fore, neither shall they be reckoned among the abject and con∣temptible sort of men. So that that which our Saviour said of himselfe, Luk. 24. 26. Did it not behoove Christ to suffer these things and (afterward) to enter into his glory? shall be effectually verified also in his Prophets. And who knoweth whether or no the reformed Church shall be worthily punished for the reproach offered Christ in this behalfe, by the taking away of the witnesses for a time; because they reverenced them not according to the dignitie of their embassage, while they enjoyed them. It is too well knowne what offence the reformed Churches commit in this behalfe: and that while the Prophets of Christ mightily be∣stirred themselves in reforming of the Church of God, others in the meane while disgraced that most sacred worke, by pillaging and interverting the maintenance thereof; not leaving in some places so much as food (to the great disgrace of true Religion) whereby the Ministers thereof might be honestly sustained and according to the dignitie of their calling; much lesse that any thing should abound which they might set aside for the enlarging of the reformation, the necessities of the holy warre, the reliefe of afflicted brethren, and other pious uses. Was not that praevari∣cation of this kinde, for which the Iewish Temple was given to Antiochus Epiphanes to be prophaned, and the Religion of the true God likewise to be troden down for the space of three yeers? An Hoast (saith Daniel) shall be given to him against the daily sa∣crifice by reason of transgression, and it shall cast down the truth to the ground, and shall doe it and prosper. Chap. 8. 12. See also the history in the second book of the Macchabees from the beginning of the third Chapter to the Saint and Iudge. But I will touch upon this sore no more. This only I will adde. Happily this encrease of honour and power shall happen to the witnesses after their resur∣rection by the command of the Supreme Magistrate (which seemeth to be that voyce from heaven) as in recompence of that infamy and ignominy, wherewith the followers of the Beast did punish them being dead; if so be that were signified by that pro∣hibition of buriall.

And the same houre there was a great earth-quake and the tenth * 1.42 part of the citie to (wit that great one) fell, and there were slaine in * 1.43 the earth-quake seven thousand names of men.

At what time the Witnesses or Prophets returned to life and ascended into heaven, there was a great earth-quake, that is, a great commotion of the Nations, and alteration of Politique affaires; whereby indeed a way is opened for the Witnesses, and power given them of reviving, with so great increase of dignitie and au∣thoritie. In that stirre of Nations 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the tenth part of the citie is overthrowne, and there are killed seven thousand names of men. Of which words, that as farre as may be possible in a fu∣ture thing, we may attaine the neerest meaning to the truth, two things are by us to be premised and proved. First, since there is no fall of the decaying Beast but is contained in some of the phyalls, therefore the sam•• destruction of the Beast is here described which belongeth to the powring out of the fift phyall. For proofe, there is the same subject of the plague in both; there, the seate or throne of the Beast, here that Great Citie. For that that Great Ci∣tie, to wit Rome, is the seat of the Beast, is so evident, that there needeth no proofe. Further it is confirmed; because the destru∣ction which is here described, doth so neerely goe before the ut∣ter abolishing of the Beast at the seventh trumpet, that nothing is shewed to have come betweene but the departure of the second woe. And now the utter abolishing of the Beast is the worke of the last phyall; the departure of the second woe or of that plague from Euphrates, is of the sixt phyall. Therefore the destruction of the great Citie which next preventeth that departure, falleth into the fift phyall. The other thing by us to be premised, is, that the fall of the great Citie, is the very same destruction of Babylon which is sung, Chap. 18. It is proved, because it is certaine out of the same Chapter, that that destruction of Babylon or of the Ci∣tie * 1.44 of Rome, was to goe before the full destruction of the Beast, and the Emperiall Raigne of Christ to be begun with, the seventh trumpet. But now the destruction of the same Citie which is here declared, doth so neerely goe before that same kingdome, that the spirit, presently passeth to that kingdome, and the de∣scription of the seventh trumpet, without mentioning any other destruction besides. It must needs therefore be that the same de∣struction of that Citie is described in both. For who can be perswa∣ded

to thinke that the holy Ghost should altogether let slip that * 1.45 great destruction, interposing the mention of some lesse destructi∣on, and with it no way to be compared.

These things being thus, it followeth, that the interpretation of this place is to be directed by the rule thereof, and as it were to be tryed by the same touchstone; and so such a meaning of these words to be sought, as may agree with the description of that de∣struction of Babylon. Which how it may be done let us now see. Philippus Nicolas a Divine of the Augustine Confession, a learned and acute man, thinketh that by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is un∣derstood the Decharchie of the Citie, or the ten kingdoms sub∣ject to the dominion thereof, which forsooth in this stirre of the Nations, should fall away from Rome, to the Empire whereof they had been subject so many yeers, not obeying the command thereof any more. To wit, the very same which is in another place said, The ten Kings which had delivered over their power to the * 1.46 Beast, then when the word of God shall be fulfilled, shall hate the Whore, shall make her desolate and naked, shall eate her flesh and burne her with fire. But such understanding of the word ••EKA∣TON howsoever it first offered it selfe even to me, thinking of the meaning of this place, and by reason of the concinnitie of the matter it selfe did like me very much: yet afterwards consider∣ing it better, it seemed somewhat harsh and unusuall; that I feare it will not easily be approved, by those who desire a plaine and ge∣nuine interpretation.

I seeke therefore another interpretation. And first it cometh into my minde, that 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is happily a name of tribute; either of that which the Pope receiveth out of the whole king∣dome of the Beast, or of that which the Citie it selfe receiveth out of her large possessions by right of Lordship. That tenth of the Citie shall fall in that great commotion of affaires, that is, shall cease; and thereby is intimated, that the principalitie of the Ci∣tie shall be utterly extinguished; to wit, deprived of the ground allotted for her patrimonie (and the Pope thence driven by force) loosing the prerogative and dominion, which she was wont to have over Cities and People farre and wide; when, that Prero∣gative and Dominion which she had gotten, shall continue no longer; to wit, the Metropolis of the Kingdome of the Beast, or Seat of the false Prophet. For it is knowne, that tribute is the

Symbole of Dominion, and by that name the most Provinces, un∣der * 1.47 the Empire of ancient Rome payed yeerely the tenth part of all their fruits. Which that it was usuall also in the Eastern king∣doms, may be proved as well out of 1. Macca••. 10. 31. and 11. 35. as also out of that briefe of all the power of a King, 1 Sam. 8. (but take heed thou take not that which is said there of tythes to be meant of sacred tythes, they were the Kings, and used to be payed to Kings as to Gods Vicegerents:) which also Aristotle confirmeth in the second Book of his Oeconomicks. Therefore it ought not to seeme strange if any man should here affirme, that by the name of tenth a kinde so commonly used, there may be meant any kinde of tribute in generall belonging to the Citie. But there is no need to come to that, sith in Italy that manner of tribute hath not yet worne out of use, and furthermore the Pope of Rome, in his Ecclesiasticall Empire now long since hath imitated the same: by exacting yeerely the tenth part of all Ecclesiasticall Benefices. But one thing hindreth this interpretation, namely, that then it should rather have been said 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 then 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Furthermore, the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, fell, (whereby it must needs be that some effect agreeable to an earthquake is signified) is not plyant enough to such interpretation. Yea, if it could stand, yet it should seeme to expresse the ruine of Babylon (wherewith we presuppose it to be the same) too obscurely and weakely and not answerably to so great a ruine.

At length therefore, untill some one shall enforme something more certainly and more agreeable to the Text; I fall to this, that I conceive by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the tenth part of the Citie, is understood truly a part of the Citie, but not any part of the Ci∣tie as it is at this day, but the whole; I say the whole Pontificiall Rome, which is the tenth part of that ancient Rome. Which that it is so, and that it is not at this day more then a tenth part of that old Rome such as it was in Iohns age, may be perceived by the demonstration following.

For tru••ly Lipsius affirmeth, * 1.48 that old Rome such as it was in Iohns age, as touching the forme, was in a manner round, but not exactly; that the Semidiameter thereof, from the * 1.49 golden pillar standing in the head of the Market place of Rome to the utmost of the buildings was reckoned for seven miles to conclude that the compasse of it was fortie two miles. Since therefore it was

not exactly round, for the measuring of the plot thereof let us * 1.50 lessen the Semidiameter one mile (to wit, so much as in a sixe angled figure should be lessoned in the side for the Perpendicular line) there will be sixe which multiplied with 21. the halfe of the circumference, it will give the plot of the Citie to be 12••.

But now the present or Pontificiall Rome hath not in compasse but thirteen or fifteen miles, as they know saith Lypsius, who have measured it; the forme as may be seene by the plot thereof next to a foure-square, somewhat long as it were in a double propor∣tion. For the measuring of which therefore, let there be placed a draught of paralell lines right angled, whose perimeter may be fifteen, the longitude double to the latitude, such doubtlesse as will be out of the sides 2½ and 5, which being multiplyed be∣tween themselves, a plot 12½ will be the product. Now the number 126 doth comprehend the number 12½ ten times. There∣fore the later plot is of the former, and consequently Rome at this day of that ancient Rome, the tenth part, which was to be de∣monstrated. Who so is not so well accustomed to this manner of demonstration let him use the judgement of his eyes in the fol∣lowing plots.

[illustration] hexagonal diagram of Rome

Ancient Rome in compasse 42 miles

Rome at this day in compasse 15 miles

〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 The tenth part of the Citie.

We cannot certainly here examine all things exactly; but it is wonderfull that that which we are able is so agreeable. I define

the circuit of the Citie at this day by the walles wherewith * 1.51 now it is compassed: for without, contrary to that of old, it is not at this day inhabited, but the whole, how great soever it is, is enclosed with wals, and wals w^ch the Popes Hadrianus the first and Leo the fourth as it were by fatall instinct made the utmost bound thereof, being now become the Seat as it were of the Pon∣tificiall kingdom, for so Blondus delivereth, that the wals which are now extant were built by Hadrian 1, by gathering 100000 crounes out of Thuscia. Those afterward, as it is known out of others, Leo 4 either repaired or finished about the yeere of our Lord 850 and by adding that part which is beyond the river or builded by Leo, made up the Citie in that forme and circuit wherein it is now seene. And although it hath much of the space enclosed within the wals voide and not inhabited, yet since wals are to be reckoned amongst the chiefe works of the Citie, the Citie it self cannot be thought lesser then the wals: larger indeed it might be, if it were (as in times past that old one was) ex∣tended every way without the wals with continued buildings.

That I may now at length make an end, the summe commeth to this; the holy Ghost would say or intimate this, that so much of the great Citie, as had remained to this earthquake, was at that time ruined, to wit, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the tenth part of the Citie, neither was there any more to be standing at that time. Nine parts many ages before were to fall, and truly we see they are fallen; partly by destructions and ruines, which the Barbarians so many times brought upon it, partly decaying with overmuch oldnesse, partly also (as at the fourth trumpet we have shewed) thrown down with thunderbolts: the Tenth was reserved by de∣stine for the Pope of Rome, which was to be ordained head of the new Empire, and mother of the Christian harlots. This by that earthquake which shall be joyned with the rising of the wit∣nesses shall be utterly demolished.

Yet notwithstanding happily it was not necessary that we should interpret the speech of the holy Ghost concerning the tenth part of the Citie so strictly as we have done, according to Geometricall rules: it would have been sufficient, if, as in times past when ••andling the destruction of the Iewish people he said by Esay, the tenth thereof shall be reserved, and shall returne into * 1.52

their land: so here we may understand, not so exactly the tenth, * 1.53 as some least part, as it were the tenth, of that ancient largenesse of the Citie of Rome, should remaine for the seat and last destru∣ction of this Beast.

It is added: and in the earthquake were slaine seven thousand names of men.

Here if by names of men we understand heads of men, or se∣verall men: the number seemeth over slender, and not agreeable to the greatnesse of the destruction which other where the holy Ghost intimateth. For shall not the number of the slaine be farre greater, in the destruction of Babylon, then seven thousand men? And is it likely that the powring out of the fift phyall upon the throne of the Beast, should passe away with so small a slaughter of men? That this scruple may by some means be satisfied; First, it is to be observed, that by the name of the Citie here is understood, not citizens and inhabitants, but buildings and walles, that is, the royall Seat of the Beast: and so a double ruine of Babylon is de∣scribed in these prophesies: First, of Babylon taken for the royall Citie of the Beast, to wit, the Citie of Rome, at the fift phyall: A∣gain, of Babylon taken for the Citizens or State of Rome; which doubtlesse the Pope with the Senate of Scarlet Cardinals & the o∣ther company of Citizens, especially Ecclesiasticall do make. Who, Rome being destroyed and burnt, betake themselves to dwell else∣where, to be reserved for the last phyall. At the powring whereof it is said above other destructions of any Land, Nations, and Cities, in that greatest earthquake of all which ever have been, even that Babylon the great came in remembrance before God, to give unto her * 1.54 the cup of the fiercenesse of his wrath: when as notwithstanding that burning and overthrow of Babylon, which is described in the 18. and 19. Chapters, doth altogether prevent the full destruction of the Beast and false Prophet, as in the text there is manifest. I know some doe otherwise untie this knot, saying that Babylon which is mentioned at the last phyall, is Constantinople, the Metro∣polis of the Turks: but they shall never perswade me, that the holy Ghost in the first and chiefest representation of all used so no∣table an * Homonymia, and to understand two, not alwayes onely * 1.55 one and the same Babylon, though in a double respe••t. That we may come therefore to the purpose. It may happily come to passe,

that the former destruction of Babylon, that is, the ruine and over∣throw * 1.56 of the Citie of Rome, is to be acted without any cruell, much lesse totall putting to death of the Citizens. And although the smoake thereof shall ascend evermore, that is, she shall be wholly * 1.57 turned into ashes, and made even with the ground, never after to be inhabited; yet notwithstanding a great part of the Citizens shall escape out of the destruction of the Citie; either because they shall betake themselves to flight in time, or for some other cause, which the event will manifest.

And this is one way, whereby the scruple concerning the oversmall number of the slaine may be satisfyed. Another is if we say that by 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 names of men, happily is meant 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, men of name, for such * 1.58 Hypallage is not un∣usuall in the Scripture, that in the government of Nounes, that that Nowne which is in stead of the Epithite should goe before the other. The places of Scripture following witnesse this, Lev. 5. 15. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the silver of shekles for shekles of silver, or silver shekles. And vers. 3. of the same, and Chap. 7. 21. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the uncleannesse of a man, for a man of uncleannesse, that is uncleane, Rom. 9. 31. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the law of righte∣ousnesse; for the righteousnesse of the Law, and Ephes. 2. 7. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, the riches of his grace for his rich grace, and the like. And a name is familiar almost in all tongues for renowne, especially in the holy tongue; wherein 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 men of name, are men of renowne, children 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 without name (Iob 30. 8.) * 1.59 are 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, ignoble, or base; in the Chalde, Ideots. Whence Beza in his annotations upon Ephes. 1. 21. and Philip. 2. 9. concerning the exaltation of Christ above every name; as also Heb. 1. 4. ta∣keth Name in the signification of dignitie and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, worth. Such interpretation if we follow (neither doe I see what should oppose it) the name of men shall be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, dignities of men; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, men of name, famous men and excelling in digni∣tie; of whom there shall be ruined in this commotion of affaires and nations about seven thousand (and what if of the order of the false Prophets which they call the Clergie?) yet I thinke the number of seven thousand is so to be defined, that a few more or lesse after the manner of the Scripture may be understood. Of the common people what number shall fall in this warre, was to no purpose to mention, since that might be conjectured by the de∣struction

of the famous ones, neither would the holy Ghost de∣scend * 1.60 to reckon the off-scumme in the account of the slaine.

But yet another interpretation may be given, that there is no need to interpret it of men by polle: to wit, if we interpret the names of men, Companies and Societies of men, used to be called by their proper names no lesse then men in particular, as are Ci∣ties, Incorporations, Parishes, Boroughs, Covents, and the like titles of humane Companies. For these what other thing are they, if we would consider the matter, then 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, names of men; for so the politie of the Th••bans is called by Eschynes 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and the Roman name is put for the Romanes. What therefore if in this commotion of the nations seven thousand of these titles of humane Societies, whatsoever they be; whether in the Citie of Rome, or in the state of the Church as they call it, be to be killed? that is, subdued, by the adverse power, which the Scripture is wont to call killing? But we ought not rashly to de∣termine of a future thing, since the Commentary of a Prophesie is the event of the things foretold. Notwithstanding to this end I have produced these things, that it may appeare that the inter∣pretation is much more free here, as touching the words, then happily is commonly accounted: when as the use of the Scrip∣ture doth not tie the word Name to some one and certaine signi∣fication. Neither can 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 joyned together be any where found, but in the place we have in hand; neither 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 simply for men by polle, but twise onely, Act. 1 15. Revel. 3.4. Other where it is used sometimes in one sometimes in another signification. It remaineth.

And the rest were affraid, and gave glory to the God of Heaven.

To wit, by their astonishment wherein even unwillingly and unthankfully they acknowledge his hand. For to acknowledge the wisedome, goodnesse, and power of God by what token so∣ever, is to give glory to God. Even as they who being taken with the manner by God confesse their sinnes, and are said to give glory to God, as Achan. It followeth:

The second woe is past, and behold the third w••e commeth * 1.61 quickly.

The meaning is that that great earthquake is to continue till the end of the second Woe or the sixth Trumpet; and together

with it the mourning Prophesie of the Witnesses is at length to be * 1.62 finished. For truely after so great a victory over the followers of the Beast, and their ascending into the heaven of authoritie and honour, they shall put on sackcloth no more. But now if the second Woe, or the plague of the sixt Trumpet, be that over∣flowing of the Turkes from Euphrates into the Romane Em∣pire now long since, as there we have interpreted: it can scarce∣ly be, but that this departure of the same plague, is that drying up of the water of Euphrates to come to passe at the powring out of the fifth phyall, whereby the way is prepared for the Kings of the East to come, Chap. 16. 12.

At which coming of the Kings of the East (lest a gap be left otherwise betweene either Trumpet) the seventh Trumpet seemeth to beginne; and so that wonderfull preparation of the Dragon, Beast, and false Prophet, for the warre to be waged in Armageddon (there vers. 13, 14. together with the event thereof at the last phyall (vers. 17, &c.) ought to be placed in the beginning of the same seventh Trumpet. And surely it seem∣eth to be very meete, that the preparation to warre, doe per∣taine to the same Trumpet to which the warre it selfe per∣taineth.

But out of this a doubt ariseth, which requireth satisfaction, and therefore not to be passed in silence. For since there is the same terme of forty two moneths of the Beast, as is of one thou∣sand two hundred and sixty dayes of the mourning of the Wit∣nesses; and since those dayes of the mourning of the Witnesses are ended at the departure of the plague of the sixt Trum∣pet, or second Woe; it may be demanded not unfitly, where∣fore the moneths of the Beast should not be further reckoned, since after that terme no little of the Beast yet remaineth, being not to be abolished, before the seventh Trumpet is begun.

It may be answered, that this cometh to passe either because then the conversion of Israel and as it were a new Kingdome be∣ginneth (for they are called the Kings from the rising of the Sun) or because in the continuance of the Beast, consideration is had especially to the Empire of the Citie of Rome; but that great Citie the royall seat of the Beast in this earthquake is taken and overthrowne: even so farre, that from thenceforth the Beast shall as it were, change his forme, since being driven so from his

Metropolis, it can no more be accounted for a Kingdome of seven * 1.63 hils, (which is the other signification of the seven heads thereof).

There is moreover in the Text, concerning the sound of the seventh Trumpet, and the Emperiall reigne of Christ in that great day of Iudgement: the interpretation whereof we will put off to the end of the booke, that we may there at once set forth all the prophesies appertaining thereunto.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Vers. 4.
• * 1.2

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.3

  Vers. 3.
• * 1.4

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.5

  2 Cor. 6.14
• * 1.6

  Vers. 4.
• * 1.7

  Vers. 14.
• * 1.8

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.9

  Infusorio∣rum.
• * 1.10

  Vers. 5.
• * 1.11

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.12

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.13

  Vers. 6.
• * 1.14

  10.
• * 1.15

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.16

  11.
• * 1.17

  Vers. 6.
• * 1.18

  Vers. 7.
• * 1.19

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.20

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.21

  Series.
• * 1.22

  Luk. 21.20.
• * 1.23

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.24

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉
• * 1.25

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.26

  Vers. 8.
• * 1.27

  Chap. 21.10.
• * 1.28

  Neesing powder.
• * 1.29

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.30

  Street.
• * 1.31

  The street of that great Citie.
• * 1.32

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.33

  〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.
• * 1.34

  Vpon the large region.
• * 1.35

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.36

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.37

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.38

  Vers. 10.
• * 1.39

  Vers. 11.
• * 1.40

  Vers. 12.
• * 1.41

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.42

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.43

  Vers. 13.
• * 1.44

  Vers. 2.
• * 1.45

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.46

  Rev. 17. 16.
• * 1.47

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.48

  Or main∣taineth.
• * 1.49

  A milliario a••reo.
• * 1.50

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.51

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.52

  Esay 6. 13.
• * 1.53

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.54

  Rev. 16.19
• * 1.55

  When by one word di∣vers things are signified.
• * 1.56

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.57

  Revel. 19.3.
• * 1.58

  A figure, when words are under∣stood contra∣riwise.
• * 1.59

  Numb. 16.2.
• * 1.60

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.61

  Vers. 14.
• * 1.62

  Chap. 11.
• * 1.63

  Chap. 12.