Revelation

Chapter 1

Ver. 1. The Revelation] Or manifestation of many divine mysteries by the Mediator (who came out of his Father’s bosom) to John, who had the mind of Christ, and that purposely for the behoove and benefit of the family of faith, who are all of his cabinet council, #Joh 1:18 1Co 2:16 Ga 6:10 Ps 25:14.

Things which must shortly] That is, sooner or later in their proper season. God’s time seems long, because we are short. Nullum tempus occurrit regi, saith the lawyer. The Ancient of days is not to be limited.

Ver. 2. Who bare record of the word] This John the divine, then, was John the Evangelist, whatever Dennis of Alexandria dispute to the contrary. It was Moses’s honour (saith one), who was God’s peculiar favourite, to be penman of the first book of the Old Testament; and it was John’s honour, Christ’s peculiar favourite, to be the penman of the last book of the New Testament.

Ver. 3. Blessed is he that readeth] sc. With attention, affection, application, and practice; as knowing that this book hath tot sacramenta, quot verba, so many words, so many mysteries (Jerome epist, ad Paulin.); and that these words are vivenda non legenda, not more to be read than to be lived, as one said once of the 119th Psalm. (Aegid. Abbas Norimberg.) Neither must we only live up to the words of this prophecy, but die for it also, and be content to be burned with it, if called thereto; as that holy martyr, who when he saw the Revelation cast into the fire with him, cried out, O beata Apocalypsis, quam bene mecum agitur qui tecum comburar! O blessed Revelation, how happy am I to be burned in thy company!

Ver. 4. From him which is] An august description of the Father by a manifest allusion to #Ex 3:14. Some critic reading the words απο ο ων και ο ην as they lie in the original, would be apt to complain of an incongruity, and to say, Nove et duriter dictum. But God, methinks, should have leave given him by these Logodaedali, to pronounce his own name undeclined, and by an outrule, who himseff is undeclined, and comes not under any rule. Non debent verba caelestis oraculi subesse regulis Donati. (Greg.)

And from the seven spirits] So the Holy Ghost is here called, for his manifold gifts and operations in the hearts of those seven, and all other Churches. In like sort he is called the seven golden pipes through which the two olive branches do empty out of themselves the golden oils of all precious graces into the golden candlestick the Church, #Zec 4:2,3. So some interpret those seven eyes upon one stone, #Zec 3:9, concerning the Spirit in his several operations upon Christ, according to #Isa 11:2. There is a prophetic perfection of this number of seven, with which the Spirit of God is much delighted in this prophecy; seven Churches, seven stars, seven candlesticks, seven lamps, seven seals, &c.

Ver. 5. And from Jesus Christ] Who is here set last of the three persons, because more is to be said of him; both as touching his threefold office, and a threefold benefit therehence redounding unto us.

That hath loved us] See #Eze 16:6-9. Christ, that heavenly pelican, revived his dead young ones with his own heart-blood. (Pierii Hieroglyph.) He saw the wrath of God burning about them, and cast himself into the midst thereof, that he might quench it. Judah offered to be bound that Benjamin might go free. Jonathan risked his life and quitted his kingdom for love of David. Arsinoe interposed her own body between the murderer’s weapons and her children. But what was all this to this incomparable love of the Lord Jesus? When the Jews saw him weeping for Lazarus, "Behold," they say, "how he loved him." When we see him weeping, bleeding, dying for us, shall not we much more say so?

Ver. 6. And hath made us kings] To rule in righteousness, to lord it over our lusts, to triumph over and trample on all our spiritual adversaries, being more than conquerors through him that loved us, and laid down his life for us, that we might reign in life by one Jesus Christ, #Ro 5:17. And surely if (as Peter Martyr once wrote to Queen Elizabeth) kings are doubly bound to serve God, both as men and kings; what are we, for this spiritual kingdom

And priests unto God] To offer up to him the personal sacrifice of ourselves, #Ro 12:1, the verbal of praise, and real of alms, #Heb 13:15,16. {See Trapp on "1Pe 2:9"}

Ver. 7. Behold, he cometh] He is already upon the way, and will be with us shortly. Let us hasten his coming, and say, as Sisera’s mother, Why are his chariots (his clouds) so long in coming? Why tarry the wheels of his chariots? #Jud 5:28.

Shall wail] Gr. κοψονται, shall smite their breasts or thighs; the elect as repenting, the reprobate as despairing. Iisdem quibus videmus, oculis, flemus; so here, οψονται και κοψονται, they shall look and lament.

Ver. 8. Which is, and which was] The Father is called "He that is," #Ex 3:14. The Son "He that was," #Joh 1:1. The Holy Ghost, "He that cometh," #Joh 16:8-13, as Aretius observeth. Or, by this periphrasis may be understood the indeterminable eternity of the Son of God. Much like whereunto both in sound and sense is that which the heathens ascribed to their Jupiter in that solemn hymn of theirs. (Pausan.)

Ζευς ην, Ζευς εστι, Ζευς εσσεται, ω μεγαλε Ζευ.

“God was, and God is, God shall be for ever a great God.”

Ver. 9. In the kingdom and patience] Christ hath a twofold kingdom; 1. Of power; 2. Of patience. Nec nisi per angusta ad augusta, &c. I have no stronger argument against the pope’s kingdom, saith Luther, quam quod sine cruce regnat, than this, that he reigns without the cross. The glory of Christ’s Church (said George Marsh, martyr) stands not in outward shows, in the harmonious sound of bells and organs, nor yet in the glistering of mitres and copes, &c., but in continual labours and daily afflictions for his name’s sake. (Acts and Mon. fol. 1423.)

Was in the isle Patmos] He tells us not how he came thither, he boasteth not of his banishment. Virtus proprio contenta theatro, Virtue is no braggart. Eusebius telleth us that he was banished thither by Domitian; and that there he wrote his Revelation. In allusion whereunto, Luther called the place Patmos where he lay hidden by the elector of Saxony, when the emperor had proscribed him, and promised a great reward to any one that should bring him alive or dead to the court. Here it was that Luther translated the New Testament into Dutch, and wrote divers useful treatises, viz. at Wartburg, his Patmos. (Scultet. Annul.)

Ver. 10. I was in the Spirit] Acted by him, and carried out of himself, as the demoniac is said to be in the unclean spirit, as being acted and agitated by him. {See Trapp on "2Pe 1:21"}

On the Lord’s day] The first day of the week, the Christian sabbath, #Mt 24:20, called the Lord’s day, from Christ the author of it; as is likewise the Lord’s supper, and the Lord’s Church, kirk, κυριακη, the very word here used. To sanctify this sabbath was in the primitives a badge of a Christian. For when the question was asked, Servasti Dominicum? Keepest thou the sabbath? The answer was returned, Christianus sum, intermittere non possum, I am a Christian, I must keep the Lord’s day. This day was also called anciently dies lucis, the day of light (as Junius observeth), partly because baptism (which the ancients called φωτισμον), was administered on that day; but principally, because by the duties of this day rightly performed, the minds of men are illuminated, and they translated out of darkness into Christ’s marvellous light.

And heard behind me] Not before me; implying that the Spirit calleth upon us, being secure, passing by, and not regarding those things it calls for.

As of a trumpet] To teach us that the things here delivered to the Church must be ever sounding in our ears and hearts, indwelling richly in us, #Col 3:16. I confess the matter is very mysterious and obscure. Hence Cajetan’s exponat cui Deus concesserit, Let him expound it that can; I can say little to it. Hence Calvin (as Bodine reports him, Method. Hist. vii.) being asked his opinion about the Revelation, ingenuously confessed, se penitus ignorare quid velit tam obscurus scriptor, &c., That he, for his part, knew not what to make of it. Hence also Graserus, Mihi inquit, tota Apocalypsis valde obscura videtur; et talis cuius explicatio citra periculum vix queat tentari; Methinks, saith he, the whole book of the Revelation is wondrous dark, and indeed such as without danger of doing amiss, a man can hardly take in hand to interpret. I confess that I have hitherto profited less by the reading of no part of the Bible than by this so very dark a prophecy: thus he. Howbeit difficulty doth but whet on heroic spirits; and obscurity should not weaken but waken our diligence. God would have us to inquire into these things, though they be far above us; what else meaneth this trumpet, and that blessing so solemnly proclaimed with the sound of a trumpet, to him that readeth, and those that hear the words of this prophecy? #Re 1:3. All cannot read, but all must hear. And let him that readeth or heareth, understand, #Mt 24:15. What if there be a veil laid over this Revelation, will it not be ratified by reading, and by degrees wholly worn away? Especially, if when we open the book we pray with David, "Lord, open mine eyes, that I may see the wondrous things of thy word": and not pray only, but weep, as St John did, till this sealed book were opened.

Ver. 11. Send it to the seven] As all Holy Scripture, so this piece especially, may well be called, The Epistle of Almighty God to his creature. (Greg. Mag.) It is directed to these seven Churches, because then the most famous and flourishing. There also this evangelist had long time taught; and, as some say, was president over them.

Which are in Asia] sc. in Asia the Less, which therefore haply bears the name of the whole, because it was the Asia of Asia, like as Athena was called the Greece of Greece.

Ver. 12. And being turned I saw] It is well observed here by a learned interpreter (Mr Brightman), that every godly endeavour doth receive some fruit greater than a man can hope for; John turned himself to behold the man, and behold (over and besides) seven candlesticks, which he had not the least suspicion of.

Seven golden candlesticks] Candlesticks the Churches are called, for the light they have and give; golden, for their worth and price; as much above other men as gold is above other metals. As God is the gold of his people ("the Almighty shall be thy gold," saith Eliphaz, #Job 22:25), so they are his; yea, his peculiar treasure: they comprehend all his gettings, #Tit 2:14, they are the people of his acquisition, #1Pe 2:9.

Ver. 13. And in the midst] Christ is in the holy assemblies, in the beauties of holiness; he walketh in his garden, #So 6:1, he comes in to see his guests, #Mt 22:11. The face of God is seen in Sion, #Ps 84:7.

A garment down to the feet] As a counsellor, #Isa 9:6.

And girt] It implies readiness, nimbleness, handiness, and handsomeness. We also must gird ourselves, and serve the Lord Christ, #Lu 17:8.

About the paps] This implies his entire love, seated in the heart.

Ver. 14. White like wool] Noting his antiquity, or rather his eternity and unspeakable purity. Thales, one of the heathen sages, called God πρεσβυτατον των οντων, the most ancient of beings. (Diog. Laert.)

As a flame of fire] Sharp and terrible, such as pierce into the inward parts, #Heb 4:13. {See Trapp on "Heb 4:13"} The school of nature teacheth, that the fiery eye needeth not outward light; that seeth extra mittendo, by sending out a ray, &c.

Ver. 15. And his feet] He stood firm then when he was cast into the fire of his Father’s wrath. He trod the winepress alone, and set his feet on the necks of all his and our enemies. He lost no ground, when he grappled with the devil on his own dunghill, #Mt 4:1-11 "He will also bruise Satan under our feet shortly," #Ro 16:20.

As the sound of many waters] Audible, terrible, forcible. Some Catadupes are deafened by the fall of this Nile. (Som. Scip.) But the spouse cries out, "O thou that dwellest in the gardens, the companions hearken to thy voice; cause me to hear it," #So 8:13.

Ver. 16. And he had in his right hand] See here the dignity and safety of a faithful minister. While a child hath his father by the hand, though he walk in the dark, he fears nothing. Godly ministers not only have Christ by the hand (who as he will not cast away a perfect man, so neither will he take the ungodly by the hand, saith Bildad, #Job 8:20), but are held fast in Christ’s right hand, "that teacheth him terrible things," #Ps 45:4, against such as seek to pull them thence. It is well observed by a worthy writer, that about the time of the silencing of ministers, many churches in England were torn at once (within our remembrance) with terrible lightning; and almost no place else but churches were touched, especially in the lower parts of Devonshire, where many were scorched, maimed, and many had their brains struck out, as they sat in churches; as at the church of Anthony in Cornwall, near Plymouth, on Whit Sunday, 1640. (See the account in print.)

A sharp two-edged sword] The word, like a sacrificing sword, slits open, and, as it were, unridgeth the conscience.

Ver. 17. I fell at his feet as dead] The nearer any one comes to Christ, the more rottenness entereth into his bones.

And he laid his right hand] The same right hand wherein he held the seven stars, #Re 1:16. Christus sic omnibus attentus, ut nulli detentus; sic curat universos quasi singulos, sic singulos, quasi solos. Every godly minister is Christ’s particular care.

Fear not] Till ridden of fear we are not fit to hear.

Ver. 18. That liveth and was dead] So can every regenerate man say, #Lu 16:31 Eph 2:1. {See Trapp on "Eph 2:1"} All saints are "heirs of the grace of life," #1Pe 3:7.

And have the keys] The pope, therefore, is not key keeper, as he falsely boasteth, telling us, that God hath put under his feet the beasts of the field, the fowls of the air, and the fish of the sea; that is (as he interprets it), all the souls in earth, heaven, and purgatory. Christ, as a conqueror, hath the keys of hell and death delivered unto him.

Ver. 19. Write the things which thou hast seen] That is, the gospel, the history of Christ (as some think), which he wrote at Ephesus after his return from Patmos, over forty years after our Saviour’s death.

Ver. 20. The mystery] In this whole book there are so many words, so many mysteries, which made Cajetan forbear to comment upon it; {a} though many monks (far less able than he) thought it a goodly thing to be meddling in these mysteries, which they as little understood as he that derived Apocalypsis of Απο, re, et clipsor, quod est velo, quoth Faber the Augustinian monk.

Are the angels] Ministers are fitly called stars, which affect these inferior things by motion, light, and influence.

Are the seven churches] Lighted by Christ the High Priest morning and evening continually; and thereby as much differenced from the rest of the world, as Goshen was from Egypt in that palpable darkness. But now (alas) they have sinned away the light, and are fearfully darkened. Let us take heed how we put our light, not under a bushel but under a dunghill, as do our libertines, so that we may well cry out with Polycarp, Deus, ad quae nos tempora reservasti? Lord, what times are these?

{a} Apocalypsim fateor me nescire exponere iuxta sensum literalem: exponat cui Deus concesserit.

Chapter 2

Ver. 1. Unto the angel] This was Timothy, as some think; who not stirring up the gift of God that was in him, had remitted somewhat of his former fervour. By the style here given him ("angel") he is monished not more of his dignity than of his duty. That angel at Bochim, #Jud 2:1, is thought to have been Phineas. And some interpret that of Solomon, "Neither say thou before the angel, that it was an error of the priest," #Ec 5:6. It is good counsel to ministers that one gives, Angelorum induistis nomen, induite et naturam, ne sit (ut digit nonnemo) nomen inane, crimen immane: Ye have put on the name, put on also the nature of angels; lest an empty name fill up the measure of your sins.

Of the church of Ephesus] εφεσις or εφεσι. Languishing Ephesus hath not her name for nought; for she was so named of remissness or slackening her hold, wherewith she is here upbraided, Conveniunt rebus nomina saepe suis.

Ver. 2. I know thy works and thy labour] Not thy works only, but thy labour in doing them, and what ends thou puttest upon them. How accurately did our Saviour cast up and count how long the multitude had been with him, how little they had to eat, how ill it would fare with them if sent away fasting, &c., #Mt 15:32.

And how thou canst not bear] Moved with a zeal of God, and having a stomach for him. Mihi sane Auxentius nunquam aliud quam diabolus erit, quia Arianus, saith Hilary: I shall look upon Auxentius as upon a devil, so long as he is an Arian.

Ver. 3. And hast borne] Bear the false apostles thou couldst not; but hast borne much from them. Morientium nempe ferarum violentiores sunt morsus. Beasts bite hardest when to bite their last.

Ver. 4. Thou hast left thy first love] Those first ripe fruits that Christ’s soul desireth, #Mic 7:1, that kindness of youth, that spousal love, that God so well remembereth, #Jer 2:2. This Ephesus had left, and so became Aphesis, remiss and reckless, possessed with a spirit of sloth and indevotion. And surely he is a rare and happy man that can say in a spiritual sense (as it was said of Moses), that after long profession of zeal, his sight is not waxed dim, his holy heat not abated, that runs not retrograde, as did Solomon, Asa, others, with whom the end was worse than the beginning.

Ver. 5. From whence thou art fallen] viz. From thy former feelings and present fitness for God’s kingdom, #Lu 9:62.

And repent] See the practice of this second repentance in the relapsed spouse returning to her old husband, #So 5:6. {See Trapp on "2Co 7:11"} See an excellent letter of the Lady Jane to that apostate Harding, sometime her chaplain, Acts and Mon. fol. 1292, and what sweet counsel Bradford afterwards gave the same Harding, lb. fol. 1564, besides the example of Mr Bartlet Green, martyr, fol. 1680.

And do the first works] Begin the world again (as the Nazarite was to do that had broken his vow, #Nu 6), and, to set thee up afresh, make a gathering of prayers, and see that thy works be better at last than at first.

And remove thy candlestick] Sins are the snuffs that dim our candlestick and threaten the removal of it. And surely if we repent not, a removal thereof may be as certainly foreseen and foretold as if visions and letters were sent us from heaven, as to these seven Churches. There is a prophecy in Thelesphorus, reported, that Antichrist shall never overcome Venice, nor Paris, nor London; but we have a more sure word of prophecy here. This nation is sick of a spiritual pleurisy; we begin to surfeit on the bread of life. When God sees his mercies lying under table, it is just with him to call to the enemy to take away.

Except thou repent] Minatur Deus ut non puniat. God therefore menaceth, that men may be warned. As a bee stings not till provoked; so neither doth God punish till there be no remedy, #2Ch 36:16. Currat ergo poenitentia, ne proecurrat sententia, saith one; mittamus preces et lacrymas cordis legatos, saith another. Haste, haste, haste, to meet the Lord with entreaties of peace; lest we be laid waste as Sodom and desolate as the people of Gomorrah, #Isa 1:9.

Ver. 6. But this thou hast] That they might not say, when called upon to repent, Nay, but there is no hope, #Jer 2:25 18:12. Christ picks out that which is praiseworthy in them, and commends it. Despair carries men to hell, as the devils did the swine into the sea; cast not away therefore your confidence, &c.

The works of the Nicolaitans] Who taught a community of wives, and that it was but a thing indifferent to commit adultery. (Irenaeus, Theod.)

Ver. 7. Let him hear] Not with that gristle only that grows upon his head, but with the ear of his heart. Let him draw up the ear of his heart to the ear on his head, that one sound may pierce both. Or, Let him hear what, &c., that is, Let him hear for himself, hear and know that (each member for his own good) that was delivered to the whole Church.

To eat of the tree of life] This tree is Christ. The devil also (as he loves to be God’s ape) hath prompted Mahomet to promise to such as die in war for the Mahometan faith, delicious fare in Paradise, pleasant walks, and other sensual delights eternally to be enjoyed, notwithstanding any former sins.

Ver. 8. Of the church in Smyrna] Sweet smelling Smyrna, the poorest but purest of the seven.

Ver. 9. I know thy works and tribulations] Mark (saith one) the conjunction, "works and tribulations." Active stirring Christians are like to suffer much. Of Sardis and Laodicea only, we read not of any troubles they had.

And poverty, but thou art rich.] Poverty discommends not any to Christ; money bears no mastery in his kingdom. Thou art poor, saith he here; but that is neither here nor there; it is a matter of nothing, that, stumble not therefore at the Church’s poverty. She is ever rich: 1. In reversion, and hath heaven and happiness; she is ever rich in bills and bonds. 2. In an apparent pledge that is worth all the world besides; that is, in Christ. If he have given us his Son, &c. All is yours who are Christ’s, &c.

That say they are Jews] That is, right worshippers, as the Turks at this day style themselves Mussulmans, that is, the only true believers; Papists, the only Catholics. Faciunt et vespae favos, et simiae imitantur homines. Cyprian.

Ver. 10. Fear none of those things] Quit thy heart of that cowardly passion, and die rather than deny the truth. Put on that resolution, Necesse esse ut eam, non ut vivam, Duty must be done, though I die for it.

Behold, the devil] viz. By his imps and instruments whom he acts and agitates, #Eph 2:2. But he and his are overruled and limited; for he shall cast some of you, not all of you, into prison, not into hell, that ye may be tried, not destroyed; and this for ten days only, not for any long continuance.

Be thou faithful unto death] Say as one martyr did, "The heavens shall sooner fall than I will deny my dear Lord"; and as another martyr, "Though you may pluck my heart out of my bowels, yet shall you never pluck the truth out of my heart."

A crown of life] A crown without cares, corivals, envy, end. Kings’ crowns are so weighty with cares, that often they make their heads ache. Not so this crown; the joys whereof are without measure or mixture.

Ver. 11. Shall not be hurt of the second death] Shall not be killed with death, as #Re 2:23. Death shall not be to him (as it is to the wicked) a trap door to hell, but ianua vitae, porta caeli, door of life and the gate of heaven, an inlet into life eternal. (Bern.)

Ver. 12. And to the angel] {See Trapp on "Re 2:1"} {See Trapp on "Re 1:16"}

Ver. 13. Even where Satan’s seat is] There was the court of King Attalus ( discedat ab aula Qui velit esse pius; " flee thee away, O thou seer, for this is the king’s court," #Am 7:13), and there was afterwards the seat of the Roman persecuting proconsuls, Qui ab ascensore suo Satana perurgebantur, as Bernard hath it. Such a seat of Satan is both old and new Rome. At Constantinople (which was called new Rome) Arius, that arch-heretic, sedens in latrina effudit intestina, voided his entrails at the stool, and left Mahometism there behind him as his excrement. Yet, as at Pergamos also God had a Church, so hath he still even at Constantinople; the patriarch whereof, Cyril, hath lately set forth a confession of the faith of those Eastern Churches, agreeable in all points almost to the Protestant religion, but diametrically opposite to Popery.

Thou holdest fast] κρατεις, as with tooth and nail, or by main strength.

Who was slain] An honour not granted to the angels of heaven, as Latimer was wont to say.

Ver. 14. I have a few things] More he might have had, but the Lord is not extreme to mark what is amiss in his weak but willing people. The high places were not removed; nevertheless (though that was his fault) the heart of Asa was perfect all his days, #2Ch 15:17.

And to commit fornication] Nothing hath so enriched hell (saith one) as fair faces. These were those Balaam’s stumblingblocks that Israel so stumbled at.

Ver. 15. The doctrine of the Nicolaitans] {See Trapp on "Re 2:6"} In the year 1067, the popish synod of Milan made laws against simony {a} and the heresy of the Nicolaitans; by which latter they meant priest’s marriage. Brutum fulmen, novum crimen. Heavy blow, new sins.

{a} The act or practice of buying or selling ecclesiastical preferments, benefices, or emoluments; traffic in sacred things. ŒD

Ver. 16. Or else I will come unto thee] He was in the midst of the seven golden candlesticks before. But when he comes to correct, he comes out of his place, #Isa 26:21, and it is a motion that he hath no such mind to, #La 3:33, it is to do his work, his strange work, #Isa 28:21.

With the sword of my mouth] With fearful threatenings, terrible executions, having vengeance in readiness for the disobedient, #1Co 10:6. Elisha had his sword as well as Jehu and Hazael theirs, #1Ki 19:17. See #Ho 6:5 Jer 1:10 Isa 11:4.

Ver. 17. Of the hidden manna] That is, of Christ, whom none of the princes of this world knew; but God hath revealed him to his hidden ones by the Spirit, #1Co 2:8,10 cf. Ps 83:3, and given them to taste of that heavenly gift.

A white stone] In token of absolution. With this white stone may the saints comfort themselves against all the black coals wherewith the world seeks to besmear them. If Libanius could say, βασιλειου με επαινεσαντος κατα παντων εχω τα νικητηρια (In epist, ad Basil.), Let Basil praise me, and I shall sing away all care, whoever reproaeheth me; may not we much more say so of Christ? "It is he that justifieth us; who shall condemn us?" #Ro 8:34.

A new name] Better than that of sons and daughters, #Isa 56:5. The assurance whereof is (saith Father Latimer) the deserts of the feast of a good conscience, which is inconceivable and full of glory.

Ver. 18. Who hath his eyes, &c.] {See Trapp on "Re 1:14"} {See Trapp on "Re 1:15"}

Ver. 19. The last to be more] This is not every man’s happiness. {See Trapp on "Re 2:4"} It is a disputable question (saith one) whether any Christian (except he die soon after his conversion) do go on from strength without some sensible decay of the inward power of that grace wherewith he is endued.

Ver. 20. Thou sufferest that woman Jezebel] It is a fault, then, not only to be active in evil, but to be passive of evil. Non faciendo malus, sed patiendo fuit, said the poet concerning the Emperor Claudius. The kings of the earth are taxed, #Re 18:9., for not rooting out the Romish religion and setting up the truth.

Ver. 21. And I gave her space to repent] "In space comes grace" proves not always a true proverb. They that defer the work, and say that men may repent hereafter, say truly, but not safely. The branch that bears not timely fruit is cut off. #Joh 15:2. The ground that yields not a seasonable and suitable return is nigh unto cursing, #Heb 6:8. The chick that comes not at the clucking of the hen becomes a prey to the kite, &c.

Ver. 22. Behold, I will cast her into a bed] A bed of affliction for that bed of security upon which she had stretched herself, #Am 6:4. God hath his season, his harvest for judgment, #Mt 13:30. Men may expect a time of healing when they shall find nothing else but a time of trouble, #Jer 14:19. One may defer a sore till it be incurable. See #Eze 24:13.

Ver. 23. And I will kill her children with death,] All men die (saith a divine, descanting upon this text), but all are not killed with death. As a godly man said, that he did aegrotare vitaliter, to be sick so as to endow with life, so godly men do mori vitaliter. die so as to endow with life. He that can so die, is fit to die; and the contrary. Oh, it is a woeful thing to be killed with death.

Ver. 24. But unto you I say] Here Christ comes with his fan, shedding and shoaling out his own from others, that they might not be disheartened, when worse men were menaced,

The depths of Satan] That science falsely so called, #1Ti 6:20. Those profound points, which the impostors professed and pretended to: as the Gnostics, who would needs be held the only knowing men; the Illuminates, and other seducers, who had taken up a trick to qualify their devilish doctrines with the name of depths or profundities. Depths they are granted to be, but depths of the devil; the whisperings and hissing of that old serpent, not the inspirations of God’s Spirit.

Ver. 25. Hold fast] κρατησατε, hold by strong hand, tug for it, with those that would take it from you.

Ver. 26. And keepeth my works] In opposition to Jezebel’s works, q.d. that keepeth himself unspotted from the world, that foul lust that lieth in that wicked one, #1Jo 5:19.

Ver. 27. And he shall rule them] q.d. I will communicate myself wholly to him. See #Ps 139:6-9 Mt 19:28 1Co 6:2,3.

Ver. 28. I will give him the morning star] i.e. I will clear his wronged innocence, #Ps 37:6, and grant him a glorious resurrection, #Da 12:3.

Ver. 29. He that hath an ear] {See Trapp on "Re 2:7"}

Chapter 3

Ver. 1. I know thy work] Sapiens nummularius Deus est; nummum fictum non recipiet. (Bernard.) Though men may be deceived, God is not mocked. He knows that many cry, "The temple of the Lord," that yet nothing care for the Lord of the temple. Deifica professio et diabolica actio. (Ambrose.) God likes not such creaking and cracking.

And that thou hast a name] Many content themselves with a name of Christians; as if many a ship hath not been called Safe-guard or Good-speed which yet hath fallen into the hands of pirates.

And art dead] All thy specious works therefore are but dead works; thou canst not serve the living God.

Ver. 2. Be watchful] Rouse up thyself, and wrestle with God, shake thee out of sin’s lethargy, as Samson went out and shook him when the Philistines were upon him.

That are ready to die] Because tainted with the infection of hypocrisy, that pernicious mangood.

Perfect before God] Gr. full, without halting or halving. Omnis Sarmatarum virtus extra ipsos. (Tacitus.) All the hypocrite’s goodness runs outward; it is shored up by popularity, or other base respects.

Ver. 3. And thou shalt not know] Calamity the more sudden, the more terrible; for, 1. It amates and exanimates a man, as an unexpected storm doth a mariner, and as Satan intended Job’s messengers should do him. 2. It can as little be prevented as Eglon could prevent Ehud’s deadly thrust.

Ver. 4. Thou hast a few names] Though no thanks to the pastor, who was a mercenary eye-servant. Here the people’s praise is the pastor’s shame. These good souls were but few, their names (as one said of the good emperors) might have been written within the compass of a ring. Rari quippe boni (Juvenal, Sat. 13); Diaconos paucitas honorabiles feeit, saith Jerome. Christ’s flock is little. Few received him in the flesh, #Joh 1:12; he wondered at one good Nathanael. At his coming shall he find faith upon the earth? Yes, sure, saith one; now he may find many faiths; such as they be; so many men, so many faiths, but few that hold faith and a good conscience together, #1Ti 1:19, whereby they have put on Christ, #Ga 3:27 Eph 4:24 Re 16:15.

They shall walk with me in white] That is, they shall be glorified with perfect righteousness, purity, charity, dignity, and festivity.

For they are worthy] In Christ’s account and acceptation. Like as those were not worthy that came not when called to the participation of his benefits, #Mt 22:8.

They are worthy] Non dignitate sua, sed dignatione divina. Or, They are worthy, not absolutely, but in comparison of those before mentioned.

Ver. 5. Clothed in white] {See Trapp on "Re 3:4"}

The book of life] Wherein the just that live by faith are written.

But I will confess his name] His well-tried faith shall be found to praise, honour, and glory, at the appearing of Jesus Christ, #1Pe 1:7. {See Trapp on "1Pe 1:7"}

Ver. 6. {See Trapp on "Re 2:7"}

Ver. 7. That is holy] And therefore to be "sanctified in righteousness," #Isa 5:16.

True] And therefore to be trusted.

That hath the key of David] And is therefore to be sought unto for a door both of utterance and of entrance, #Col 4:13 2Co 2:12 Ac 16:14.

Ver. 8. An open door] A fair opportunity of doing thyself good; which those that go about to deprive thee of shall be sure to lose oleum et operam, their toil and tallow.

A little strength] A little grace well improved may do great matters, and set heaven open to a soul. The vine is the weakest of trees, but the most fruitful. Philadelphia with her little strength is discommended for nothing, she made all best use of it.

Ver. 9. I will make them] The conversion of the Jews shall be the wonder of the Gentiles.

Which say they are Jews, and are not] The perverse Jews at this day pretend (but maliciously) that those few Jews that turn Christians are not of them, but poor Christians hired from other places to personate their part. (Blount’s Voyage, p. 112.)

That I have loved thee] The Church is την ψυχην την ηγαπημενην, the "dearly beloved of God’s soul," #Jer 12:7, or (as the Septuagint render it) his beloved soul.

Ver. 10. The word of my patience] So called,

1. Because we must suffer for the truth of it.

2. Because, hid in the heart, it worketh patience.

I will keep thee] From the hurt, if not from the smart of it; from the common distraction, if not from the common destruction.

Which shall come upon all the world] So the Romans in their pride called their empire.

To try them that dwell] sc. By that sharp and sore persecution under Trajan the emperor.

Ver. 11. That no man take thy crown] Not that crown of eternal life (for that is unlosable), but that honour that God hath put upon thee, #Re 3:9. A Christian may, by falling into reproachful courses, "lose what he hath wrought," #2Jo 8 1. In respect of the praise of men. 2. In respect of inward comfort. 3. In respect of the degrees of glory in heaven; he may miss being a pillar in the temple of God, as #Re 3:1.

Ver. 12. Will I make a pillar] Pillars are both the firmament and ornament of temples. Understand it of that fulness and constancy both of grace and of glory in heaven.

Which is new Jerusalem] It was a pride in Montanus to overween his Peruza and Tymium (two pelting parishes in Phrygia) and to call them Jerusalem, as if they had been the only churches. (Euseb. v. 15.) And surely, it is nothing else but pride in the Brownists to avow that their churches are nothing less than the new Jerusalem coming down from heaven: that the very crown, sceptre, and throne of Christ’s kingdom consists in them. (See Mr Bailey’s Dissuasive, p. 17.)

My new name] viz. That which he received from his Father in his exaltation, #Eph 1:20 Php 2:9.

Ver. 14:. And unto the angel] Archippus, it may be; for he was a pastor here, and began to cool long before this, #Col 4:17.

These things saith the Amen] The God of Amen, as Isaiah calleth him, faithful in performing his promises to the remnant that he reserved in this lukewarm Church, among so careless a multitude. To these Christ became a beginning of the creation of God; so the new birth is here called, as being of no less fame and wonder than the making of the world.

Ver. 15. That thou art neither cold] Such are our civil justiciaries, political professors, neuterpassive Christians; a fair day mends them not, and a foul day pairs them not; peremptory never to be more precise; resolved to keep on the warm side of the hedge, to sleep in a whole skin, suffer nothing, do nothing, that may interfere with their hopes or prejudice their preferments.

I would thou wert] Better be a zealous Papist than a lukewarm Protestant. A zealous Papist (saith one) dare tell us to our heads that our religion is error, ourselves heretics, our end destruction; that one heaven cannot hold us hereafter, one church now; that our damnation is so clearly set down in our own Bibles, that there needs no more to assure us thereof than to open our eyes and read it; that if we be not damned, he will be damned for us, &c. This is better than forlorn recklessness in right religion, and that detestable indifference above specified. (Campian, Rat. 10; Bristow, Mot. 36; Coster ad Osiand.)

Ver. 16. I will spue thee out] I will please myself in thy just punishment. Ah (saith God, as one ridding his stomach), "I will ease me of mine adversaries, I will avenge me of mine enemies," #Isa 1:24. Now the basest places are good enough to cast up our gorge in. The hypocrite’s punishment must needs be heavy. Laodicea is commonly looked upon as a type of England. And surely that facies hypocritica hypocricitical look of our nation is facies hippocratica, a mortal complexion, a sad prognostic.

Ver. 17. Because thou sayest] Si dixisti, satis est, periisti, saith Augustine. He that thinks he knows anything, knows nothing yet as he ought to know, #1Co 8:2.

And knowest not] Whatever thou deemest and dreamest of thyself, as setting up thy counter for 1000 pounds, and working thyself into the fool’s paradise of a sublime dotage.

That thou art wretched and miserable, &c.] Semper inops, misera, infelix, rerum omnium egena as Favolius saith of Athens, and her inhabitants at this day under the Turk.

Ver. 18. I counsel thee] Having first convinced thee, #Re 3:17, who before wert uncounselable; the Gibeonites sent not for Joshua till besieged; the Gileadites sought not after Jephthah till distressed; nor will men hearken after Christ till driven out of themselves.

To buy of me] "Buy the truth and sell it not." Make a thorough sale of sin and all (with the wise merchant) to purchase Christ the pearl of price, for whom St Paul (that great trader both by sea and land, #2Co 11:23,25,26) counted all but dung and dog’s meat, #Php 3:7,8. Diogenes taxed the folly of the men of his times (may not we the men of ours?) quod res pretiosas minimo emerent, venderentque vilissimas plurimo, that they undervalued the best things, but overvalued the worst.

Gold tried in the fire] Precious faith, #1Pe 1:7.

White raiment] The righteousnesses of the saints, that of justification, and the other of sanctification.

And that the shame of thy nakedness] But be covered as the priest’s nakedness was by his linen breeches. Nature teacheth us to cover our nakedness; therefore when a man hath committed a sin, he blusheth; the blood as it were would cover the sin. Aaron by making the golden calf had made the people naked unto their shame among their enemies, #Ex 32:25. Maximilian the emperor, when he yielded up the ghost, gave charge that none should see his dead body naked. Erat enim omnium mortalium verecundissimus, saith mine author. Buy we this white raiment of Christ; so shall our sins never shame us.

Eyesalve] That unction, #1Jo 2:20. Light and sight, the saving, knowledge of heavenly mysteries.

Ver. 19. As many as I love] q.d. Think not that I hate you, because I thus chide you. He that escapes reprehension may suspect his adoption. God had one Son without corruption, but none without correction. We must look through the anger of his correction to the sweetness of his loving countenance; as by a rainbow we see the beautiful image of the sun’s light in the midst of a dark and waterish cloud. See more in my Treatise upon this verse, the second edition.

And repent] So they did in likehhood; for Eusebius commends this Church as greatly flourishing in his time. Oh, the divine rhetoric and omnipotent efficacy of repentance, saith a divine. This is the rainbow, which if God seeth shining in our hearts, he will never drown our souls.

Ver. 20. Behold, I stand] Christ stands, he doth not sit; now while a man is standing he is going. Christ is but a while with men in the opportunities of grace; he will not always wait their leisure. The Church sought him (when once gone) with many a heavy heart, Cant. iii.

And knock] By the hammer of my word and hand of my Spirit.

And open the door, &c.] sc. By teachableness and obedience. This is not spoken of the first act of conversion ( quae gratuita est et inopinata), but of the consequences of it; in which man, who being dead hath been made alive, ought to co-operate with God’s grace.

Ver. 21. To sit with me in my throne] The thrones of those eastern kings were large and capacious, after the manner of a couch, set on high and covered with tapestry, so that besides the king’s own room, others whom the king would honour might sit by him in the same throne. (Lud. de Dieu. in loc.) And hereunto our Saviour seemeth here to allude. This honour he promiseth to him that overcometh, as Alexander the Great by his last will left his dominions τω κρατιστω, to the worthiest of his princes, to him that should best deserve it.

And he with me] Christ is no niggardly or beggarly guest. His reward is with him, he brings better commodities than Abraham’s servant did, or the Queen of Sheba, gold, raiment, eyesalve, &c.

Even as I also] That is, because I also overcame, by virtue of my victory, ως for οτι. See the like #Joh 17:2 Lu 4:36. It is by Christ that we do exceedingly overcome, #Ro 8:37.

Chapter 4

Ver. 1. A door was opened in heaven] That is, preparation was made for the manifestation of more heavenly mysteries.

Was as it were of a trumpet] To reuse and raise up his attention. For it might fare with him as with a drowsy person, who though awaked, and set to work, is ready to sleep at it. Compare #Zec 4:1.

Come up hither] Not by local motion, but by mental illumination.

I will show thee] That thou mayest show the Church, that they have a most glorious and almighty deliverer.

Ver. 2. I was in the spirit] See #Re 1:10. That is, I was ravished into a spiritual ecstasy.

And behold a throne] So Isaiah was prepared for his prophecy by such a sight, #Re 6:1. And Ezekiel (besides that stupendous vision, #Eze 1:4-28) heard behind him a voice of great rushing, saying, "Blessed be the glory of the Lord from his place," #Eze 3:12.

Sat on the throne] As judge of heaven and earth, #Ge 18:25.

Ver. 3. Like a jasper and a sardine] God is here resembled (saith Mr Cotton) by three precious stones, holding forth the three persons in Trinity. A jasper having (as they say) a white circle round about it, representing the eternity of the Father. A sardine stone of a fleshy colour representing Jesus Christ, who took our flesh upon him. An emerald, being of a green colour, refreshing the eyes of them that look upon it, representing the Spirit, who is (as the rainbow) a token of fair weather, and is a comfortable refresher, wheresoever he cometh.

And there was a rainbow] Which is signum gratiae et foederis, a sign of grace and of the covenant of mercy, which is always fresh and green about Christ’s throne of grace.

Ver. 4. And round about] The saints are round about God, #Ps 76:11, a people near unto him, #Ps 148:14.

Four and twenty elders] A full senate, a stately amphitheatre of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven, clothed as priests, crowned as kings and conquerors.

Ver. 5. Lightnings and thunderings] Is not destruction to the wicked? and a strange punishment to persecutors? #Job 31:3. Who ever hardened himself against God’s Church and prospered? #Job 9:4. Have these workers of iniquity no knowledge, who eat up God’s people as they eat bread? #Ps 14:4. Surely, if they had but so much wit for themselves as Pilate’s wife had in a dream, they would take heed of having anything to do with just men. If any man will hurt God’s witnesses, fire proceedeth out of their mouth and devoureth their enemies, #Re 11:5. It was therefore no ill counsel that a martyr gave his persecutors, If thou wilt not spare us, yet spare thyself. It is a fearful thing to fall into the punishing hands of the living God.

The seven spirits] See #Re 1:4.

Ver. 6. A sea of glass] The word, say some; the world, others. The word is to us a crystal glass, giving us a clear sight of God and of ourselves, #2Co 3:18 Jas 1:23. The world is to God a sea of glass, corpus diaphanum, a clear transparent body, he sees through it.

Four beasts] ζωα, or living wights; {a} not angels, but ministers, those earthly angels, who are set forth, 1. Full of eyes for their perspicacity and vigilancy. 2. Furnished with six wings apiece for their pernicity and promptitude to scour about for the people’s benefit. 3. Qualified with all necessary endowments, for the discharge of their duties, being bold as lions, painful as oxen, prudent as men, delighted in high flying, as eagles.

{a} A living being in general; a creature. Obs. OED

Ver. 8. Full of eyes within] To look to themselves also as well as to the flock, #Ac 20:28, lest while they preach to others, &c., #1Co 9:27.

They rest not] Gr. They have no rest, and yet they have no unrest either, the sweet content they take in their continual employment is fitter to be believed than possible to be discoursed.

Holy, holy] This they double, treble, and warble upon, nine times over.

Ver. 9. And when those beasts] When the preachers are performing their office, as heralds of God’s praises.

Ver. 10. The four and twenty elders] The people yield their assent, and say, Amen; the want whereof St Paul accounts no small loss, #1Co 14:16.

And cast their crowns] Canute, king of England, set his crown upon the crucifix, and proclaimed, saying, Let all the inhabitants of the world know that there is no mortal man worthy the name of a king, but he to whose beck, heaven, earth, and sea, by his laws eternal are obedient. (Hen. Huntington.) When the Great Turk cometh into his temple, he lays by all his state, and hath none to attend him all the while. Solomon’s mother set the crown upon his head (so doth the Church upon Christ’s head) in the day of his espousals, #So 3:11.

Ver. 11. Thou art worthy] If we would have our souls set as a pearl in that fair ring of heavenly courtiers that compass the Lamb’s throne, let us praise God as they do.

For thou hast created] Our service must not be rash but reasonable, #Ro 12:1, such as whereof we can render a reason. God hates a blind sacrifice, a Samaritan’s service, when men worship they know not what nor why, #Joh 4:22.

And were created] God’s power put forth in the creation and administration of the world is twice here mentioned; as that which can never be sufficiently admired and adored. {See Trapp on "Ge 1:1"}

Chapter 5

Ver. 1. In the right hand] Gr. On, or at the right hand. There it lay ready, but none could make aught of it, till the Lamb took it, not only at, but out of the Father’s right hand, and opened it, #Re 5:7.

A book written] This book of the Revelation, which till the Son of man had received his heavenly Father to show unto his servants, neither they nor he (as Son of man) knew (so much at least) of that day and hour of his second coming.

And on the back side] As lacking room within. Like that of the poet,

“ Scriptus et in tergo, necdum finitus Orestes.”

(Juven. Sat. 1.)

Sealed with seven seals] To note the great secrecy and gradual discovery of the divine counsels.

Ver. 2. And I saw a strong angel] Angels are very desirous to know the mystery of Christ, #1Pe 1:12, and to profit daily in that knowledge, #Eph 3:10.

Ver. 3. Nor under the earth] That is, in the sea, as #Ex 20:4.

Neither to look thereon] Or, therein, because sealed up.

Ver. 4. And I wept] Out of a deep desire of knowing the contents of this book. And as our Saviour, going toward his cross, turned again to the weeping women, and comforted them, so he soon satisfied the desire of this his dejected disciple. Tears are effectual orators. Luther got much of his insight into God’s matters by this means. So did Melancthon when he wept on those words, Quos fugiamas habemus (pontificios) quos sequatour non intellgimus. It is said of Sir Philip Sidney, that when he met with anything that he well understood not, he would break out into tears,— faciles motus mens generosa capit. The spouse, seeking him whom her soul loved, had eyes like the pools of Heshbon glazed with tears, #So 7:4. And Daniel had greatest revelations after three weeks of heaviness, #Re 10:3.

Ver. 5. And one of the elders] A common Christian points the divine to the arch-prophet, whom for the present he thought not on. An eloquent Apollos may be better informed by a tentmaker, and a great apostle be comforted by an ordinary Roman, #Ac 8:26 Ro 1:12. This elder in the text seems to be the patriarch Jacob (saith one), because from his prophecy the name of lion is given to Christ, #Ge 49:9.

Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah] So Moses sets forth our Saviour. And fitly, 1. For the excellency of his strength. 2. For his heroical spirit. 3. For his principality; the lion is the king of beasts. 4. For his vigilancy; the lion sleepeth with open eyes. (Gerhard.)

The Root of David] So the prophets. "They have Moses and the prophets," saith Abraham, #Lu 16:29 "To the law and to the testimony," #Isa 8:20. If any speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them, nor to be gotten from them.

Hath prevailed] Gr. ενικησεν, hath overcome, or surpassed, sc. all creatures in worth, to do this great work.

Ver. 6. In the midst of the throne] As a fit mediator between God and men, even the man Christ Jesus, who gave a ransom, #1Ti 2:5,6.

A Lamb as it had been slain] This form of speech is put (saith an interpreter) to show the continual recent virtue of Christ’s death eternally effectual before God, as whereby once for all he hath purchased eternal redemption. Some think that he still retains in heaven the prints and scars of those wounds that he received on earth in his hands, feet, and side. His glorified body (saith one) is that golden censer, which through the wounds that are in it, as through chinks or holes, fumeth forth always a pleasant and sweet savour in the nostrils of his Father. It is also the note of a learned interpreter here, that the benefit of knowing the prophecies concerning the Church, Christ, before he was slain, had it not so as he had after his death. It was the purchase of the blood of Christ to have those things opened.

Having seven horns] Plenty of power. Antichrist hath but two horns, #Re 13:11.

And seven eyes] No want of wisdom, no need of a visible head to the Church or any other vicar general to Christ, than the Holy Ghost, called here "the seven spirits of God sent forth into all the earth."

Ver. 7. And he came and took] As Mediator he took it, as God he gave it. All things are delivered unto him of the Father; and no man knoweth the Father but the Son, and he to whom the Son revealeth him, #Mt 11:27. {See Trapp on "Mt 11:27"}

Ver. 8. Fell down before the Lamb] As they had done before the throne, #Re 4:10,11 cf. #Joh 5:23. Divine adoration is an honour due to the manhood of Christ also, as it is taken into union with the Godhead.

Golden vials, &c.] Vessels narrow beneath and wide upwards: so is the heart of a believer, narrow below, almost sharpened to a point, that it might touch the earth no more than needs must; and wide above, to receive the influence of heaven. Gold is pure and precious; so are the prayers of a pure heart.

Full of odours] Therefore sweet to God, because Christ pours into them of his odours, #Re 8:3.

Which are the prayers of saints] That is, their own prayers and praises, recorded #Re 5:9. And this is added as an exposition to let us know what is meant by odours. See the like, #Joh 2:21 7:39 Re 1:20.

Ver. 9. And they sung] A general joy in heaven and earth. Surely, it is a pleasant thing to see the light; how much more to see the light of the knowledge of God in the face of Jesus Christ! #2Co 4:6. What a deal of triumph and exaltation is here all the Church over upon the opening of this book upon the receipt of this revelation! Should not this excite and kindle in our hearts a more earnest desire of understanding these mysteries? "Oh, I could find in my heart to fall afresh upon the study of the Revelation, had I strength to do it," said my reverend old master unto me, a little before his death; Mr John Ballam, I mean, minister of the word for many years at Evesham, where I heard him (in my childhood) preaching many a sweet sermon upon the second and third chapters of this book.

A new song] For the new work of redemption, besides that old song, #Re 4:11, for that of creation.

Out of every kindred] Let this be noted against the doctrine of universal redemption that is now again so violently cried up among us.

Ver. 10. And we shall reign on the earth] Reign over our lusts; reign with and in Christ over all our enemies by a spiritual, not secular sceptre; and at last judge the world, #1Co 6:2.

Ver. 11. Round about the throne and the beasts] That is, round about the beasts and the elders. Angels encamp about the saints, as ministering spirits, and are glad of the office, that their God manifested in the flesh may be seen of them, #1Ti 3:16, and the multifarious wisdom of God in man’s redemption be displayed unto them, #Eph 3:10.

Ver. 12. With a loud voice] Betokening their earnest affection; which also is here notably expressed by the many particulars they ascribe to Christ, as if they could never give enough to him. Now if angels, who have nothing so much benefit by him, do thus magnify him, how much more should we! Our hearts should be enlarged, our mouths opened, and we not a little vexed at our own vile dulness in being no more affected with these indelible ravishments.

Ver. 13. And every creature] The whole creation groaneth under vanity, and rejoiceth as it were in the forethought of that liberty of the sons of God at the last day, whereof it shall partake, #Ro 8:21. {See Trapp on "Ro 8:21"}

Ver. 14. And the four beasts] The saints were the precentors in this blessed choir, and now they are the succentors also, #Re 14:3. They began the song, and so conclude it, as having far greater benefit by Christ than all other creatures, and God expects a proportion, that our returns be somewhat answerable to our receipts. (Sarson.) The saints upon earth sing a new (that is, an excellent) song in the honour of Christ, #Re 5:9,10. Heaven answers as by an echo, the music upon earth in the mean time continuing, #Re 5:11,12 (where note that this song of angels putteth Christ in the third person; he took not upon him the nature of angels, he is nearer to us); all creatures come in as the chorus, #Re 5:13, and as man began, so he ends the anthem, #Re 5:14.

Chapter 6

Ver. 1. One of the seals] That is, the first of the seals, as #Ge 1:4 Mr 16:2. Under these seven seals falls Rome pagan (saith Mr Cotton), as under the seven trumpets Rome Christian, under the seven vials Rome antichristian. So all the judgments in the Revelation are still upon Rome. Hence Mr Dent calls his exposition upon the Revelation, The Ruin of Rome.

The noise of thunder] This beast was like a lion, #Re 4:7, whose roaring is as thunder.

Ver. 2. And behold a white horse] The apostles and apostolic preachers of the primitive times, white for their purity of doctrine, discipline, and conversation; horses for their nimble and swift spreading the gospel, which ran αθροως οια τις ηλιου βολη, through the world like a sunbeam (as Eusebius hath it), and was carried as on eagles’ or on angels’ wings. A horse hath his name in Hebrew from devouring the ground by his swiftness, and was therefore by the heathens dedicated to the sun, whose "going forth is from the end of the heaven, and his circuit unto the ends of it," #Ps 19:6. Cranzius tells us that the Saxon princes, before they became Christians, gave a black horse for their arms; but being once baptized, a white horse; with reference haply to this text.

He that sat on him] Christ, #Re 19:11 Ps 65:5. The conquerors entered into Rome carried on a white horse.

Had a bow] The doctrine of the gospel, whereby the people fall under him, #Ps 45:4.

Conquering, and to conquer] Britannorum inaccessa Romanis loca, Christo tamen patuerunt, saith Tertullian. {Advers. #Jud 7} Christ came and conquered this kingdom, which the Romans with all their power could not do. A Christo vinci, summa victoria est; vinciri, summa libertas, saith another. There is no such conquest as to be conquered by Christ; no such liberty as to be bound by him.

Ver. 3. Come and see] John’s better attention is called for. How dull and drowsy are the best in perceiving and receiving heavenly mysteries! A sea coal fire, if not stirred up, will die of itself, so will our spark and spunk of light. Christ calls upon those that had come far to hear him, saying, "Let him that hath an ear hear," #Mt 13:9 cf. Zec 4:1.

Ver. 4. That was red] Portending troubles and tragedies, bloody wars and terrible persecutions. Those ten first were so cruel, that St Jerome writes in one of his epistles that for every day in the year were murdered 5000, except the first day of January.

To him that sat thereon] Christ, #Mt 10:34 Zec 1:8. He stands over his Church as the Agonothetes. {a} So he did at St Stephen’s martyrdom, #Ac 7:55. He moderates and overrules the enemy’s cruelty.

And that they should kill one another] viz. The persecutors should rise up and destroy one another, as the Romans did the Jews, and the Jews the Romans in various provinces. And as the emperors, who got nothing (most of them) by their adoption or designation to the empire, nisi ut citius interficerentur, but to be cut off the sooner. (Tacit.) All or most of the persecuting Caesars died unnatural deaths.

A great sword] That of the gospel, #Eph 6:17, which takes away peace, by accident, #Mt 24:6. Christ threateneth the contempt of the gospel with wars and rumours of wars. Our late Edgehill battle was fought in the vale of Red Horse; as if God had meant to say, "I have now sent you the red horse, to avenge the quarrel of the white."

{a} A superintendent or director of the great public games of Greece. ŒD

Ver. 5. A black horse] Famine discolours and denigrates, #La 4:7,8. It accompanies war for the most part, and in sieges is very extreme, as at Samaria, where an ass’s head was worth four pounds; at Rome, where this proclamation was made in the market, Pone pretium humanae carni; Place a reward on the flesh of a man, at Scodra, where horses were dainty meat, yea, they were glad to eat dogs, cats, rats, &c. At Antioch in Syria, where many Christians (in the holy war, as they called it) were glad to eat the dead bodies of their late slain enemies. (Turk. Hist.)

Had a pair of balances] Gr. ζυγον, the beam of scales. To show that bread should be delivered out by measure, as is threatened, #Eze 4:16 De 28:59-68, and men should be stinted and pittanced.

Ver. 6. In the midst] The voice of the Lamb, #Re 5:6, who appoints and orders all; he cuts us out our several conditions, cautioning for the wine and oil, when other food faileth.

A measure of wheat] χοινιξ, a quart, say some, a pottle others, an allowance for a day. Among the Greeks, saith Suidas, Choenix dietim dabatur. And that the Israelites in the wilderness (according to Rabanus) had each of them three choenices of manna by the day, that was to be ascribed to the divine bounty, as Junius noteth.

Ver. 7. {See Trapp on "Re 6:3"}

Ver. 8. A pale horse] Fit for pestilence and pale death to ride on.

And hell followed] sc. To them that were killed with death, #Re 2:23 {See Trapp on "Re 2:23"} that died in their sins, which is far worse than to die in a ditch.

Over the fourth part of the earth] That is, of the Roman empire. This happened in the days of Decius; Oresius bearing witness that the pestilence which then raged did extend no further quam ad profligandas ecelesias edicta Decii cucurrerunt, that is, than the proclamations of Decius came for the overthrow of the Churches.

And with death.] i.e. The pestilence, that harbinger and purveyor of death: this is somewhere called "God’s evil angel"; and by ecclesiastical writers mortality. Hippocrates calleth it το θειον, the divine stroke, because God hath a special hand in it.

Ver. 9. Under the altar] i.e. Under Christ, #Heb 13:10, under his custody and safeguard; or, under the altar, that is, lying at the bottom of the altar, as beasts newly slain for sacrifice. See #Php 2:17 2Ti 4:6. The ten persecutions and (after them) the invasions of the Goths, Vandals, Huns, and Herula, heaped on massacres of martyrs.

Which they had] Gr. ειχον, which they had, and would not be drawn by any terrors or tortures to part with. They may take away my life, said one, but not my faith; my head, but not my crown.

Ver. 10. And they cried] When God intends deliverance to his people, he poureth out upon them "the spirit of grace and supplication," #Zec 12:9,10.

How long, O Lord] Calvin had this speech always in his mouth, breathing out his holy desires in the behalf of the afflicted Churches, with whose sufferings he was more affected than with anything that befell himself. (Beza in Vita.)

Dost thou not judge and avenge] The glorified souls cannot be properly said to desire revenge; but the cry which they make must be understood to be the provocation of God to vengeance which their sufferings produce in the same sort as Abel’s blood is said to cry. (Thorndike.)

That dwell on the earth] In opposition to the inhabitants of heaven. As names written in heaven stand opposed to those that are written in the earth, #Lu 10:20 Jer 17:13.

Ver. 11. And white robes] Their innocence was cleared, and their persecutors convinced. God would speak for them in the hearts of their greatest enemies.

Until their fellowservants also] We doubt not, saith a learned interpreter here (Mr Forbes), but that the crowned saints do in general know the afflicted condition of the Church militant, and do wish them deliverance; but our special necessities and occurrences of particular persons they cannot know. Brother Bradford, said Bishop Ridley, a little before he was offered up, so long as I shall understand that thou art in thy journey, by God’s grace I shall call upon our heavenly Father to set thee safely home; and then, good brother, speak you for the remnant that are to suffer for Christ’s sake, according to that thou then shalt know more clearly. (Acts and Mon.) But this is to be taken with a grain of salt.

That should be killed] Under Licinius, Julian the Apostate, and the Arian emperors.

Ver. 12. There was a great earthquake] Understand hereby those horrible commotions and confusions that occured in the Roman empire upon those ten bloody persecutions, and the earnest supplications of the saints which can work wonders in heaven and earth. The death and destruction of the persecutors was (as it was said of the death of Arius) precationis opus non morbi, the effect of faithful prayers calling for full and final vengeance. (Socrates i. 15.)

The sun became black] It is ordinary in Scripture to set forth horrible commotions of commonwealths by such figurative expressions as these, #Jer 4:23-31 Joe 2:10,11 Isa 13:10.

Ver. 13. And the stars] Rome’s dunghill deities, together with their chemarims or chimney chaplains, the priests. Confer #Isa 34:4 Da 8:10 Ex 12:12 Nu 33:4.

Ver. 14. And every mountain] {See Trapp on "Re 6:12"} Cinis quidam noxius e Visuvio emissus, Romam venit (inquit Dio) ita ut incolae putare coeperunt omnia sursum deorsum ferri, solemque in terram cadere, ac terrain in caelum conscendere. I myself saw, saith Bellarmine, a huge hill removed by an earthquake, and brought down to a town, which was wholly covered by it, and as it were buried under it. Perhaps he meant Pleurs in Rhetia, which was overcovered suddenly with a mountain, so that 1500 persons were buried there alive.

Ver. 15. And the kings of the earth] Who came in to help their gods against the mighty, against Constantine, Theodosius, &c., that threw out their priests, and pulled down their temples. These kings and grandees were Maximianus, Maximinus, Maxentius, Galerius, Licinius, Jullanus, &c., and their complices, who were routed, ruined, and driven into holes and corners by the Christian emperors, and afterwards so pursued by divine justice, that they came to shameful ends. Diocletian poisoned himself, Maximinian hanged himself; Maximinus likewise and Maxentius became their own executioners; Galerius died of a loathsome disease; Julian had his death wound from heaven, and died raving and blaspheming. (Euseb. Hist., Item de Vita Const.)

Ver. 16. And said to the mountains] Which yet was but a poor shelter; for mountains melted and rocks rent at his presence. So that if wicked men cry to the hills, Help us, they will give an echo, Help us. For God’s wrath is upon the creature for man’s sin.

Ver. 17. Who shall be able to stand] They could not stand before their own misgiving hearts and soul condemning consciences; how much less before God that was greater than their hearts! God sent his hornet, which drove out these Canaanites, #Ex 23:28. Facti sunt a corde suo fugitivi, They were made by their heart a fugitive, as Tertullian hath it.

Chapter 7

Ver. 1. And after these things] This whole chapter is purposely interlaced between the opening of the sixth and seventh seal, for the support of the poor suffering saints, that they sink not under their many pressures.

Four angels] Ministers of indignation, whether good or evil angels the doctors are divided.

Holding the four winds] Those besoms of the air, as Rupertus calls them, and Scripture emblems of spiritual influence, #Joh 3:8 So 4:16 Eze 37:9. The holding of the winds may peradventure intimate here that peace and ease in which God suffereth worldly men to live, and be overtaken, even upon the point of his great judgments, #1Th 5:3. He made fair weather before Pharaoh till he had him in the heart of the Red Sea.

Nor on any tree] The philosopher compares men (the Scripture good men often) to trees, which by benign winds are filled with fruits.

Ver. 2. Another angel] Whether Christ, or Constantine acted by Christ, it much matters not.

Having the seal] Whereof Christ is the great Lord keeper.

With a loud voice] Out of his great care of his elect. As Croesus’ dumb son burst out into loud speech to save his father, ανθρωπε, μη κτεινε τον Κροισον. (Herod.)

To the four angels] Who are at Christ’s beck and check.

Ver. 3. Hurt not] Reprobates often fare the better for those few righteous that are among them; they are therefore singularly foolish for seeking to rid them, and root them out, as the heathen emperors did. These resemble the stag in the emblem, that fed upon the leaves which hid him from the hunter and Samson-like, by pulling down the pillars, they bring the house upon their own heads.

In their foreheads] Not in their hands only, as the vassals of Antichrist, {#Re 13:16} who have free liberty to dissemble, deny their religion, do anything, so the Catholic cause be thereby advanced. My son, give me thy heart, said Gregory XIII to our English Papists, let who will have thy tongue and outward man.

Ver. 4. A hundred forty and four thousand] A competent company. Not so many as the locusts, #Re 9:3, and yet more than most thought they had been.

Ver. 5. Twelve thousand] Out of each tribe so many. God inclines towards all the elect with an equal good will; neither shall any one complain justly that others have been more regarded than he, as one well observeth here.

Ver. 6. Of the tribe of Natphthali] Who is first reckoned among those by Rachel’s side, because at Capernaum in this tribe Christ inhabited. Any relation to him ennobleth. Bethlehem, though it be the least, is yet not the least among the princes of Judah, for that out of her came the governor of Israel, #Mt 2:6 cf. Mic 5:2.

Ver. 7. Of the tribe of Levi] Levi is taken in, Dan cut out of the roll for his shameful recidivation and revolt from the true religion, #Jud 18:30,31. This, Jacob foresaw and bewailed in that holy ejaculation on his death bed, #Ge 49:17,18. There is no reckoning made or account given of this tribe (as there is of the rest), #1Ch 7:1,6,13,20,30. The fable of Antichrist to come from Dan, is so thin a device, that Bellarmine could not but see through it, and disclaim it (Lib. iii. de Pont. Rom. cap. xii.).

Ver. 8. Of Joseph] That is, of Ephraim, who, though Joseph’s younger son, yet had the first birthright. Ephraim is not named (though tacitly intended here) because joined to idols; let him alone therefore, saith God, #Ho 4:17.

Ver. 9. A great multitude] All the faithful from the apostles to the end of the world. In all ages there were some that sought righteousness; neither was it ever so hard with the Church as the host at Nola (in the story) made it; who when he was commanded by the Roman censor to go and call the good men of the city to appear before him, went to the church yards, and there called at the graves of the dead, O ye good men of Nola, come away, for the Roman censor calls for your appearance; for he knew not where to call for a good man alive. In the very midst of Popery there were many faithful witnesses, and more of such as (like those two hundred that went out of Jerusalem after Absalom) went on in the simplicity of their hearts, and knew not anything, #2Sa 15:11. (Anton. di Guevara.)

Clothed with white robes] {See Trapp on "Re 3:4"}

And palms in their hands] In token of victory over all spiritual enemies. This was hinted at by those palms engraved in Solomon’s and Ezekiel’s temple.

Ver. 10. Salvation to our God] Not to this or that Popish saint or mediator; of all whom these triumphers might say, as that heathen once, Contemno minutos istos deos, modo Iovem (Iesum) propitium habeam, I care not for all those small gods, so I may have Jesus on my side.

Ver. 11. And all the angels] {See Trapp on "Re 5:11"}

Ver. 12. Amen; Blessing and glory, &c.] The angels assent to what the saints had said, and add much more, according to their greater measure of knowledge and love to God: write we after this fairer copy.

Ver. 13. And one of the elders] {See Trapp on "Re 5:5"}

Ver. 14. Which came out of great tribulation] It is but a delicacy that men dream of to divide Christ and his cross. The bishop of London, when he had degraded Richard Bayfield, martyr, kneeling upon the highest step of the altar, he smote him so hard on the breast with his crosier staff, that he threw him down backward, and brake his head so that he swooned; and when he came to himself again, he thanked God that he was delivered from the malignant Church of Antichrist, and that he was come into the true Church of Christ militant, and I hope shall be anon with him in the Church triumphant. (Acts and Mon.)

And made them white] Other blood stains what is washed in it; this blood of the spotless Lamb whitens and purifies.

Ver. 15. Therefore are they] Not for the whiteness of their robes, but because they are washed in the meritorious blood of the Lamb.

Before the throne of God] A good man is like a good angel, always standing before the face of God.

Shall dwell among them] Gr. σκηνωσει, shall pitch his tent, or shall keep the feast, of tabernacles among them, or shall hover and cover over them, as the cloud did over Israel in the wilderness; so that under his shadow they shall safely and sweetly repose themselves.

Ver. 16. They shall hunger no more] They shall be as it were in heaven beforehand, having Malorum ademptionem, bonorum adeptionem, freedom from evil, and fruition of good, here in part, hereafter in all fulness.

Ver. 17. Shall feed them and lead them] An allusion to #Ps 23:2, where David seems to resemble powerful and flourishing doctrine to green pastures, and the secret and sweet comforts of the sacraments to the still waters.

And God shall wipe away] A metaphor from a nurse, which not only suckleth her dear child crying for hunger, but also wipes off the tears.

Chapter 8

Ver. 1. The seventh seal] The business or parts whereof are the seven trumpets, that sound a dreadful alarm against the Roman empire, ready now to be ruined for the innocent blood, and upon the instant suit of the martyrs, #Re 6:10.

There was silence in heaven] That is, in the Church on earth, often called the kingdom of heaven. This half an hour’s silence was either for horror and admiration, or for ardent expectation, or (as some will have it) for religious awe and devotion. Christ the high priest, being now about to offer incense (those prayers of the martyrs, #Re 6:10), there was in the Church (as used to be in the temple at such times, #Lu 1:10) a deep silence. So among the Romans, the people in time of worship were enjoined favere linguis, to spare their tongues. And in the Greek Church one stood up and cried, Σιγα, λαος, αφεσις, λαος, Peace, people, leave off your discourse. Among the heathen Athenians in the time of divine rites, the priests craved silence of the people in these words, Ευφημειτε, σιγα, πας εστωλεως, Be whist, all ye people, good words or nothing. Male ominatis parcite verbis. (Archaeol. Attic. 55. Horat.)

Ver. 2. Which stood before God] In a waiting posture, ready pressed to do his pleasure.

Seven trumpets] To be sounded several times, to show that God suffereth not his whole wrath to arise at once against his creatures, but piecemeal and by degrees; proving if peradventure they will repent and recover out of the snare of the devil, who are taken captive by him at his will.

Ver. 3. And another angel] An angel after another manner; not by nature, but by office. Christ, the Angel of the covenant. For I cannot be of his mind (Mr Brightman) who makes this angel to be Constantine; the odours given him, to be the power of calling the council; the golden altar, Christ in the midst of this holy assembly; the thick cloud of odours, the whole matter brought most happily to effect; which yet is a pious interpretation.

Much incense] The merit of his own precious passion, #Heb 9:24 13:5.

Upon the golden altar] viz. Himself, as #Re 6:9.

Ver. 4. The smoke of the incense] The saints’ prayers perfumed with Christ’s odours ascended, that is, were highly accepted in heaven, #Ac 10:4 Ex 3:9, as well appeared by the answer they had here in the next verse. The Church is said to ascend out of the wilderness of this world with pillars of smoke, #So 3:6. Elationibus fumi, with raised affections, and with strong supplications, wherein how many sweet spices are burned together by the fire of faith, as humility, love, &c. All which would stink worse in God’s nostrils than the onions and garlic of Egypt, did not Christ perfume and present them.

Ver. 5. And filled it with the fire of the altar] Fire, in token of fierce indignation, and from the altar; for Christ came to send fire on the earth, #Lu 12:49; fire and sword, #Mt 12:34; through men’s singular corruption and obstinace in not stooping to the sceptre of this kingdom. Hence fire and brimstone, storm and tempest, a fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries, #Heb 10:27. From the same altar, Christ, prayers go up, vengeance comes down.

Ver. 6. Prepared themselves] Having got sign, as it were, by that which Christ did in the former verse, they set to in order to sound their trumpets.

Ver. 7. Hail and fire mingled with blood] Instead of the fire of love (saith Mr Forbes) mixed with the sweet rain of wholesome doctrine and spirit of Christian lenity, the fire of contention and frosty hailstones of destruction ruled all. Yea, so far herein were the bishops carried one against another, as it is monstrous what malice, falsehood, and cruelty they practised, especially in the time of Constans, Constantius, and Valens, the Arian emperors.

And the third part of trees] Men of mark.

And all green grass] Meaner men.

Were burnt up] Were tainted with errors and heresies, whereof this age was so fertile and full that (as Jerome speaketh) it was a witty thing to be a right believer.

Ver. 8. A great mountain] Some notable heresiarch, possibly Pelagius, a monk of Bangor, Morgan by name, that is, in the Welsh tongue, a seaman. This Morgan travelling beyond sea to spread his heresy, called himself Pelagius, by a Greek word of the same signification; because it sounded better in the ears of foreign nations. Hence Augustine, Quid eo pelago (saith he) vult mergi Pelagius, unde per petram liberatus est Petras? (Lib. i. de Grat. Christ. advers. Pelag.)

Ver. 9. And the third part] Heresy as a gangrene spreads and kills; as the leprosy in the head, it renders a man utterly unclean, #Le 13:44. So cunning are some seducers, and so close in the conveyance of their collusion, that if possible the very elect may be deceived.

And the third part of the ships were destroyed] That is, of the Churches, even those that were planted by the apostles themselves, those principal pilots. Howbeit not all the Churches, but a third part only: when the Church was in the wilderness, when Antichrist most reigned and raged, God did preserve some ships, some fundamental doctrines, and the essence of baptism, and the essence of a true ministry dispensing them; and they, that is, her pastors, fed her there, #Re 12:6-14.

“ Niteris incassum Christi submergere navem;

Fluctuat, at nunquam mergitur illa ratis.”

Ver. 10. There fell a great star] Falling stars were never but meteors. That grand apostate of Rome may well he meant by this blazing, burning comet. He was in falling by degrees from the time of Constantine till Phocas, who sat upon the chair of pestilence.

Burning as it were a lamp] He seems to allude to that kind of comet that is called Lampadias. (Mede.)

The third part of the rivers] i.e. Corrupted true doctrine, and perverted the Scriptures with his false glosses.

Ver. 11. Was called Wormwood] Because himself was in the gall of bitterness, and did embitter others. See #Jer 23:15 De 29:18, with Junius’s note there.

Ver. 12. And the third part of the sun] The prelates and patriarchs.

And the third part of the moon] The inferior church officers.

And the third part of the stars] The community of Christians. All began to be spread over with gross ignorance, not only of heavenly truths, but of human sciences, which are here called the night in comparison of gospel light. Gregory the Great (thought to be that angel mentioned in the next verse), though better than any who succeeded him in the Popedom, calling himself the servant of God’s servants, and carrying himself modestly in the days of Mauritius the emperor, yet when Mauritius was slain by the traitor Phocas, how basely did he claw the traitor, and collogue with him; commending to his care the Church of Rome and often minding him of Peter’s primacy, and of that speech of our Saviour, "Thou art Peter," &c. for no other end but that he might enlarge his jurisdiction over all Churches, by the favour of that parricide?

And the day shone not] It was a gloomy and dismal day with the purer Church of Christ.

Ver. 13. And I beheld and heard an angel] αγγελου αετου, or, an eagle, as some copies read it. {See Trapp on "Re 8:12"} Gregory the Great seems to be pointed at, who is said to be the worst of all the popes that went before him, and the best of those that came after him. Hence he is brought in flying between heaven and earth. And that he cried with a loud voice; pointing at and painting out that to be Antichrist that should challenge to himself the title of universal bishop, and had a host of priests ready to follow him. Hic prope est, et in foribus, said he, and he said right; for his immediate successor, Boniface III, fulfilled the same that he had foretold.

Chapter 9

Ver. 1. A star fall from heaven] Gr. πεπτωκοτα, that had fallen from heaven, viz. when the third angel sounded, #Re 8:10, then the bishop of Rome began to fall; but here, in Boniface III and his successors, "He is fallen, he is fallen" from his primitive integrity into the deepest gulf of impiety, The Jesuits (to blind the matter) tell us that by this star is meant Luther, whom Satan sent out to disturb the Church, and God sent them to withstand him. (Scultet. Annal.) Bugenbagius also, a Dutch divine, when he first read Luther’s book of the Babylonish Captivity, rashly pronounced him the most pestilent heretic that ever the Church was pestered with. But a few days after, having thoroughly read and weighed the contents of that book, he recanted, and affirmed that all the world was deceived, and Luther only was in right; and so not only himself became a Lutheran, but many others also persuaded by him.

The key of the bottomless pit] Whereinto he lets souls innumerable; so that in the days of Hildebrand letters were set forth as sent from hell, wherein the devil and his angels give the Popish clergy many thanks for sending them in so many souls as they never had in any age before. (Mat. Paris, A. D. 1072.) This key of the bottomless pit is (saith Whitaker) facultas expromendi et docendi dlabolicas doctrinae, his faculty of broaching and teaching doctrines of devils.

Ver. 2. And there arose a smoke] Of heretical opinions and flagitious practices. All the old heretics fled and hid themselves in the Popish clergy. Those dark corners also of the earth are full of the habitations of cruelty. Take heed (said the Lord Audely, chancellor of England) how you deal with Popish priests; for (you may believe me) some of them be knaves all. (Acts and Mon., fol. 1117.) Petrus de Aliaco long since wrote, Ad hunc stature venit Romana Ecclesia, ut non esset digna regi nisi per reprobos, The Church of Rome hath for a long season been ruled by a rabble of reprobates. (De Reform. Eccl.)

The sun and the air were darkened] That is, saith Carthusian, the prelates and the people.

Ver. 3. Locusts upon the earth] So the monks, friars, Jesuits, &c., are fitly called for their numerosity and voracity. The Jesuits have sometimes maintained 200,000 scholars. The duke of Bavaria’s house is so pestered with them (saith one), that notwithstanding his great revenues, he is very poor, as spending all his estate upon those Popish flesh flies. Think the same of other princes and places where they are received.

As the scorpions of the earth] They are the sorest soul sting (saith an interpreter) that ever the world had. Pliny testifieth of the scorpion, that there is not one minute wherein it doth not put forth a most venomous sting to do mischief. It creeps on crookedly, and so it strikes the more at unawares. Its sting is not so much felt at first, but soon proves incurable. It is of a very angry nature (saith one interpreter), and there is a word in the Greek tongue taken from a scorpion, signifying to exasperate and to provoke like a scorpion.

Ver. 4. And as it was commanded] As David charged his captains to handle the young man Absalom gently, so and much more solicitous is the Lord of his servants’ safety.

The grass of the earth, nor any green thing] I say that under the Papacy was true Christianity, saith Luther (Contra Anabap.), yea, the very kernel of Christianity.

Which have not the seal of God, &c.] Profession, that outward mark of a Christian; and of such there were in the worst of times, even in the darkest midnight of damned Popery, a considerable company. As in this day there are said to be even in Italy 4000 professed Protestants: as in Seville itself, a chief city of Spain, there are thought to be no fewer than 20,000 Protestants. (Spec. Europ.)

Ver. 5. And to them it was given] This is often repeated in this book, to show that though Antichrist and his actuaries bandy and bend all their forces to destroy souls, yet they are bounded by God, and can do no more than is given them from above.

Five months] Locusts used to live no longer. See Pliny, lib. xi. cap. 29. There are those who interpret these five months of those 500 years, wherein the pope stood in his full pride and power. For, ab eo tempore quo per vos Papa Antichristus esse coepit (saith Bellarmine) non modo non crevit eius imperium, sed semper magis ac magis decrevit, Since you first began to call the pope Antichrist he hath lost a great part of his command and commodity. (De Pap. Rom., lib. iii. cap. 21.)

As the torment of a scorpion] Pliny testifieth that of all creeping things that are poisonous, the sting of a scorpion is most cruel and grievous.

Ver. 6. Shall men seek death] Being brought through anguish of conscience, and fear of wrath, to that pitiful plight that Roger Bishop of Salisbury was, in King Stephen’s time, through long and strait imprisonment. He was so hardly bestead (saith the historian) ut vivere noluerit, mori nescierit, that live he would not, die he could not Popish pardons, pilgrimages, dirges, &c., would not quiet or cure distempered consciences, or shake out the envenomed arrows of the Almighty, that stuck fast in them, haeret lateri lethalis arundo. A broken leg is not eased by a silken stocking. Nescio quomodo imbecillior est medicina quam morbus, said Cicero of his philosophical consolations; so may these well say of their Popish paltry applications, The medicine is too weak for the malady. The Papists say, that the reformed religion is a doctrine of desperation. This we are sure is true of theirs, as were easy to instance in Stephen Gardiner, Dr Pendleton, Francis Spira, Guarlaeus, Bomelins, Latomus, Crescentius.

Ver. 7. Like unto horses] Fed and fierce, to run and rush into the battle, as being driven by the devil. Si videris persecutorem tuum nimis saevientem, scito quia ab ascensore suo daemone perurgetur. (Bernard.)

Were as it were crowns] Triple crowns, mitres, head tires, shaven crowns; which last is a ceremony so bald, that some priests in France are now ashamed of the mark, and few of them have it that can handsomely avoid it. (Spec. Europ.)

As the faces of men] "But beware of men," #Mt 10:17. See the note there. Yea, beware of those that are looked upon as good men, who yet may act for Satan and not discern it, #Mt 16:23. The temptation lies in this, when angels from heaven, men of singular parts and piety, preach other doctrines, #Ga 1:6 2Co 11:15.

Ver. 8. As the hair of women] Insinuative, and inductive to sin.

As the teeth of lions] #Joe 1:6. Catching and carrying to their dens all they can come by, as Tecelius did out of Germany, as Otto sent by Gregory IX did out of England, where he left not so much money as he either carried with him or sent to Rome before him.

Ver. 9. And they had breastplates] Their pretended donations, privileges and exemptions from the secular power; shaking their tippets at kings, whom they have trampled on, and forced to go barefoot on the hard stones, till they bled again. Thus dealt they by our Henry II; yea, they lashed him with rods upon the bare, and said, Domine, noli minari; nos enim nullas minas timemus, qui de tali curia sumus quae consuevit imperare regibus et imperatoribus: Sir, never threaten us; for we care not for your threats, as being of that court that commands kings and emperors. (Jac. Revius de Vii. Pontiff p. I49.)

And the sound of their wings] They are loud and bold spoken, make a great noise, raise a great dust, and thereby think to carry it. Herein they are like the heretic Nestorius, who is said to have been homo indoctus, superbus, contemptor Patrum, sed audax et magnae loquentiae, a proud ass, but bold above measure, and of a loud language, whereby he so far prevailed for a time, that he seduced good Theodosius, and procured a writ for the banishment of Cyril, that godly orthodox divine. (Zanch. Miscel., Epist. Dedic.)

Ver. 10. And they had tails] This may be well meant of their surrogates, officials, chancellors, registrars, apparitors, the fag end of their execrable train. See #Isa 9:15.

Ver. 11. And they had a king over them] Being herein wiser than those other locusts, #Pr 30:27.

The angel of the bottomless pit] That apostate star, #Re 9:1, the devil’s lieutenant, general, the Western Antichrist the pope, not excluding the Turk, that Antichrist of the East, that comes next to be spoken of. And indeed they may well go together; for they both set up another law than that of Christ, they kill the contrary part, they give liberty to the flesh, they will not have their religions to be disputed, &c.

Is Abaddon] A destroyer. I know not (saith learned Junins) whether the Holy Ghost in this name hath not some respect to the etymology or notation of Hildebrand, which signifies Fidei incendium, the firebrand of the faith.

Ver. 12. Two woes more hereafter] In respect of order; for in respect of time, the woes of the fifth and sixth trumpet are together, and do run parallel.

Ver. 13. From the four horns] To show, saith one, Christ’s sufficiency of power to raise up instruments of his justice, according as by the sins of men he is provoked. To show, saith another, that the prayers of the saints from the four corners of the earth sound, and do great things in the world, make it ring.

Ver. 14. Loose the four angels] That is, those four potent peoples, the Arabians, the Saracens, the Tartars, and the Turks, that they may march out against Christendom, to murder and massacre the third part of men. These are called angels, because sent of God to revenge the quarrel of his covenant.

Ver. 15. And the four angels were loosed] As fierce and fell creatures out of a cave, now set upon spoil and rapine. They have a proverb in the eastern parts, Where the Great Turk once setteth his foot, there never grows grass again; he blasts and desolates all.

For an hour and a day] At any time whensoever God shall command them out, and bid them fall on; they are at an hour’s warning, in arms at an instant. Mr Brightman gathereth from this text, that the Turkish empire shall determine about the year 1696.

The third part of men] Mahomet I was in his time the death of 800,000 men. Selymus II, in revenge of his loss received at the battle of Lepanto, would have put to death all the Christians in his dominions, who were in number infinite. (Turk. Hist.)

Ver. 16. Two hundred thousand thousand] Not so many at any one time, but in several ages and battles. Howbeit the Turk goes usually into the field 200,000 strong; many times he hath more, as in that famous battle fought by Bajazet against Tamerlane, where he had well-nigh a million. Of his common soldiers called Asapi (which for the most part are miserable Christians), he makes no great reckoning or other use than to blunt the swords of his enemies, or to abate their first fury, thereby to give the easier victory to his janizaries {a} and better soldiers, which are all cavalry for most part.

{a} One of a former body of Turkish infantry, constituting the Sultan’s guard and the main part of the standing army. The body was first organized in the 14th century, and was composed mainly of tributary children of Christians; after a large number of them had been massacred in 1826, the organization was finally abolished. ŒD

Ver. 17. Breastplates of fire, &c.] Muskets, arquebuses, pistols, and other spitfires; but especially those great guns and murdering pieces, so much used by the Turks, those mighty ordnance they brought before Constantinople, Rhodes, and other places, nothing inferior to those two that were cast by Alphonsus Duke of Ferrara, the one whereof he called the earthquake, the other Grandiabolo, or the great devil. (Chalcondylas. Peacham’s Valley of Vanity.)

{a} The early type of portable gun, varying in size from a small cannon to a musket, which on account of its weight was, when used in the field, supported upon a tripod, trestle, or other ‘carriage’, and afterwards upon a forked ‘rest’. The name in German and Flemish meant literally ‘hook-gun’, from the hook cast along with the piece, by which it was fastened to the ‘carriage’; but the name became generic for portable fire-arms generally in the 16th century, so that the type with the hook was subsequently distinguished as arquebuse à croc: ŒD

Ver. 18. The third part of men killed] Not only of Christians, but also of their own; most of their poor being forced with victuals and other necessaries to follow their great armies in their long expeditions, of whom scarcely one of ten do ever return home again, but there perish by the way; if not by the enemy’s sword, yet by the wants, intemperateness of the air, or immoderate painstaking.

By the brimstone] By the gunpowder, or by their sulphured bow strings, which they discharge as out of their mouths, whereunto they draw or lay them.

Ver. 19. In their mouth, and in their tails] Like the serpent Amphisbaena, {a} that hath a head (to do hurt) at both ends. (Plin.) Perhaps the Turks’ perfidy is here pointed at; they keep leagues no longer than standeth with their own profit. (Turk. Hist.)

{a} A fabled serpent of the ancients, with a head at each end, and able to move in either direction ŒD

Ver. 20. That they should not worship devils] As all idolaters do, #1Co 10:20. The devil is ειδωλοχαρης, saith Synesius, glad to be worshipped in an idol, as he was by Israel in a calf. And as he is still by the Papists, in their mawmets (idols) and monuments of idolatry. And whereas they say they worship not the image (much less the devil) but God; they are like Clodia the strumpet, who, to excuse her incest, said she did company with Metellus as a husband, but with Clodius as with a brother.

Ver. 21. Neither repented] Being stupefied, as those asses in Etruria that feed upon hemlock. (Matthiol. in Dioscoria.) They that make them are like unto them. See #Isa 44:17.

Chapter 10

Ver. 1. Come down from heaven] Not from the bottomless pit, as Antichrist, that opposite to Christ’s unction and function. Christ cometh down from heaven, 1. By the assumption of our nature. 2. By the preaching of his word. 3. By punishing his enemies. 4. By relieving and delivering his people; and in this last sense chiefly it is here to be understood.

Clothed with a cloud] Not yet so clearly to be seen and enjoyed by his as when he shall come in the clouds.

A rainbow upon his head] The effect of the sun shining against a cloud, and is Nuncius foederis et serenitatis, the angel of God’s covenant, and of fair weather.

His feet as pillars of fire] His meanest members stand out the hottest persecutions. Or, he will burn up his enemies as chaff and stubble.

Ver. 2. A little book open] The Bible translated and explained. It is called a great roll, written with the pen of a man, that is, clearly, that the simplest of men may conceive it, #Isa 8:1 De 30:11. But it is little in comparison to the volumes of school doctors and popish decretals, {a} wherewith the world was pestered, when the Bible lay locked up and obscured. We may well say of it as St Bartholomew (quoted by Dionysius) said of divinity, και πολλην και ελαχιστην, that in sundry respects it is both a little and a great book. This book Christ held open to his; though Antichrist hid it and shut it up in an unknown tongue for a long while. He was to them as a little sanctuary, #Eze 11:16.

He set his right foot upon the sea] As Lord of sea and land, defy all heretics and Antichrists that sought to throw him out of possession. Neither the beast that ariseth out of the sea nor the other that ariseth out of the earth shall be able to do it.

{a} A papal decree or decretal epistle; a document issued by a Pope, containing a decree or authoritative decision on some point of doctrine or ecclesiastical law. ŒD

Ver. 3. As when a lion roareth] Gr. μυκαται, loweth like an ox, mugit for rugit. See here an ox in a lion, mildness mixed with fierceness. Satis est prostrasse Leoni. This Lion preys not upon the prostrate. Non mihi placet vindicta sed victoria, It is not appropiate for me to seek vengence but victory, said Caesar. So may Christ, I seek not revenge but victory.

Seven thunders uttered their voices] As the echo of Christ’s loud voice. No sooner had he spoken, but great was the company of preachers, #Ps 68:11, sons of thunder, who should speak powerfully, prophesy and cry down superstitious worships and heretical doctrines before peoples, nations, tongues, and kings, #Re 10:11 of this chapter. This was fulfilled in Wycliffe, Huss, Luther, Lambert, and other heroic reformers. Confer #Am 3:7,8.

Ver. 4. Had uttered their voices] Not audible only, but articulate; so as what John heard and was much affected. Nescio quid divinum in auscultatione eat: there is no small efficacy in a lively voice to work upon the heart. (Diestius.) In Demosthene aliquid deest Demosthenis, quando legitur non auditur. (Val. Max.)

Seal up these things] viz. Till the time appointed. See #Da 8:26 12:9. Or, for that the things were the secrets of God’s kingdom, #Mt 13:10-17, not fit or possible to be revealed, #2Co 12:4.

Ver. 5. Lifted up his hand] And so swore solemnly, #Ge 14:22 Nu 14:30 Eze 20:5. Because it seemed improbable (if not impossible) that ever Babylon should down, Rome be ruined. But all the judgments in the Revelation (those of the seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven vials) are still upon Rome pagan, Christian, and Antichristian. We may therefore conclude with that emperor of Germany, Frederic II,

“ Roma diu titubans, variis erroribus acta

Gorruet, et mundi desinet esse caput.”

“Rome tottering long, shall once be shattered,

And of the world shall cease to be the head.”

Ver. 6. That there should be time no longer] i.e. The beast’s time shall be no longer, but till the days of the seventh trumpet, which were shortly then approaching. Or there shall be now no longer delay or protraction of time.

Ver. 7. The mystery of God] The conversion of the Jews, called a mystery, #Ro 11:25, the bringing in of the Gentiles’ fulness, #Eph 3:3,4,6, the kingdom of the saints of the most high, #Da 7:18, then when all the kingdoms of the world shall become the kingdoms of our Lord Jesus Christ, #Re 11:15.

Ver. 8. In the hand of the angel which standeth] This description of Christ is here purposely repeated, that we may learn to trust in his power and fly to his wisdom, as Agur did, #Pr 30:1,2, for the understanding of divine mysteries.

Ver. 9. Give me the little book] Let preachers ply the throne of grace, if ever they will preach to purpose. Bene orasse, est bene studuisse, said Luther. Three things make a preacher, reading, prayer, and temptation. He that will understand God’s riddles must plough with this heifer, the Spirit, which is not given but to them that ask it.

And eat it up] By reading and meditation; ministers must so devour and digest the Holy Scriptures, that as good scribes they may draw out new and old for the use of the Church upon all occasions. Jacobus de Voragine was so called, quod esset veluti vorago bibliorum, because he as it were devoured the Bible. (Alsted. Chron.) So Petrus Comestor for the same reason. Joannes Gatius, a Sicilian, was so well versed in the Scriptures, and so great a divine, that he once said, Si libri sacri perirent, se per Dei gratiam restiturum, That if the Bible were lost out of the world, he could restore it: Some think that Ezra did so after the Babylonish captivity, but I cannot think so. (Vide Pareum in Gen. Proleg.)

Ver. 10. Sweet as honey] The word is so to the spiritual palate; whereas to the carnal it relisheth no better than the white of an egg or a dry chip. Luther said he would not live in paradise without the word; at cum verbo etiam in inferno facile eat vivere, but with the word he could live even in hell itself. See #Ps 19:10 119:103 Jer 15:16.

My belly was bitter] By reason of the trials and tribulations that usually follow upon the faithful preaching of the word. Opposition is Evangelii genius, saith Calvin. And, Praedicare est nihil aliud quam derivare in se furorem mundi, saith Luther; To preach is to get the ill-will of the world.

Ver. 11. Thou must prophesy] For all the sorrow, thou and thy successors must set close to the Lord’s work, for the regaining of those peoples, nations, &c., whom Antichrist hath enslaved. Or thus: Thou must prophesy, that is, before the time of fulfilling of all things, this book of the Revelation shall be made as clear as if John were come to prophesy again before men, and to give us a revelation of his Revelation, according to #Isa 30:26. (Mr Burr, on Hosea.)

Chapter 11

Ver. 1. A reed] That is, the word of God, that little book that he had newly eaten. This is the only rule of faith and discipline whereby all in the Church must be made and meted.

Like unto a rod] Or, sceptre. The word is that rod of Christ’s strength, whereby he rules in the midst of his enemies, #Ps 110:2. It is that right sceptre, #Ps 45:6, which he sways and whereby he sovereigns. The Proverbs of Solomon are called in Hebrew Mishle, or mastersentences, #Pr 1:1 (from Mashal, dominari to be mastered). And the Scriptures bear the title of Chieftains, #Pr 8:6, and of lords of collections, as some render it, #Ec 12:11.

Measure the temple of God] The Church, that had been so woefully wasted and oppressed by Antichrist, that it stood in need of new measuring and repairing.

That worship therein] In the temple, as being all spiritual priests; and in the altar, as placing all their confidence in Christ’s death alone.

Ver. 2. But the court] The antichristian rout, cast out as reprobate silver, as refuse stuff, not worth the measuring.

Given unto the Gentiles] Antichrist and his adherents. Pa-pagans are no better than Pagans. "Are ye not the children of the Ethiopians unto me, O children of Israel? saith the Lord," #Am 9:7.

The holy city] The true Church. See #Da 7:21 Eph 2:19.

Forty and two months] This number is one and the same with 1260 days. The allusion is unto #Da 7:25.

Ver. 3. And I will give unto my two, &c.] sc. Power to purge the Church, and to stand for the truth, all the while it was trodden under foot. Videsis Catalogum Testium veritatis ab Illyrico editum. Zuinglius recordeth that Luther and he (both at one time, the one not knowing nor hearing of the other) began to write against the pope’s indulgences. And of Luther and Melancthon one writes thus,

“ Divisae his operae, sed mens fuit unica; pavit

Ore Lutherus oves, flore Melanethon apes.”

“This separate works, but the intent was the same, by the

mouth Luther feeds the sheep, by the flowers Melanethon feeds

the bees.”

Unto my two witnesses] The whole succession of faithful preachers, under the tyranny and rage of Antichrist. These are said to be two, that is, few; or two, that is, enough, #De 17:6; or two, in reference to those noble twos, Moses and Aaron, Elijah and Elisha, Zerubbabel and Joshua, in allusion to whom these witnesses are here described.

Clothed in sackcloth] As calling men to repentance; or as bewailing their blindness; or as lacking better clothing.

Ver. 4. These are the two olive trees] See #Zec 4:3,11,14. in this book of the Revelation the Holy Ghost borrows all the elegancies and flowers in the story of the Old Testament, thereby to set out the story of the New in succeeding ages.

Ver. 5. Fire proceedeth out of their mouths] So that a man were better anger all the witches in the world than God’s faithful witnesses; for they have ever vengeance in a readiness for the disobedient, #2Co 10:6. God inflicting what they either denounce or desire of him against their adversaries.

Ver. 6. That it rain not] That the influence of divine grace be withheld from those that despise the gospel; so that they become as those mountains of Gilboa, #2Sa 1:21, or that accursed earth, #Heb 6:8.

Ver. 7. And when they shall have finished] Like as Christ, that faithful and true witness (as he is called, #Re 3:14), when he had preached much about the same time as here, was slain by a Roman governor, raised with an earthquake, and received up into heaven in a cloud; so these. And, ουκ αγαπας μετα φωκιωνος αποθανουμενος. (Plut.) Art thou not glad to fare as Phocion? said he to one that was to suffer with him. These two witnesses could not be killed while they were doing, but when they had done their work. No malice of man can antedate my end a minute (saith one hereupon) while my Master hath work for me to do.

Shall overcome them] By arms, not by arguments.

And kill them] This killing, whether it be already past, or yet to come, it is hard to say. But if to come, some think it shall be but a civil death, that is, of them as witnesses only, not a natural death as men; and so the same persons shall rise again, and enjoy the fruits of their former labours and ascend into a greater glory. (Mr Thos. Goodwin.)

Ver. 8. And their dead bodies] This shows it cannot be meant as a natural death; for how should their bodies lie dead (in that sense) for three years and a half, or (say as it were) for a shorter time?

Of the great city] Rome, of whose greatness Lipsius and Stapleton have written. See #Re 17:18 18:2-6. Hence she is called the great whore, and great Babylon, not without reference unto the old Babylon; which was so great a city, that when it was taken by Cyrus, some part of it knew not what condition they were in till three days after. (Herodot. Arist. Pol.)

Where also our Lord was crucified] For he was put to death by a Roman judge, by a Roman authority, by a kind of death proper to the Romans, &c. He is also crucified in Rome in his members, word, spirit, and worship.

Ver. 9. Three days and a half] i.e. For a short time, till out of their ashes others should arise to stickle for Christ. The pope never rested, but had one or other faithful witness to oppose him; either to his face (as Joannes Sarisburiensis, Qui praesens praesentem Pontificem redarguit; and Mancinellus, who reproved Alexander VI in a sermon at Rome, and had therefore his hands cut off, and his tongue cut out, whereof he died), or else in some more remote part of his dominion, as Savonarola (whom Guicciardin and Mirandula highly commend), Petrarch, who writeth thus, Babylon altera, nempe propinquior, atque recentior, adhuc stat, cito itidem casura, si essetis viri; Babylon would soon down, would you but play the men; besides a cloud of other witnesses, that might here be called in. (Jac. Rev.)

Not suffer their dead bodies] So fulfilling that, #Ps 79:2. Some they would not suffer to be buried; others they dug up again after burial, as (besides many of our martyrs) they unburied and burned the bones of Hermannus Ferrariensis after they had sainted him, because he was said to have followed the doctrine of the Waldenses, those ancient Protestants. (Jac. Rev.) Cardinal Pole had a purpose, if he had lived, to have taken up King Henry VIII’s body, and to have burned it. It was generally observed, that as Winchester and Bonner did always thirst after the blood of the living, so was Cardinal Pole’s lightning (for the most part) kindled against the dead; and he reserved this charge only to himself.

Ver. 10. Shall rejoice over them] As they did at the Council of Constance, when they had burnt John Huss and Jerome of Prague. So upon the news of the bishops burnt at Oxford, Gardiner came out rejoicing to the Duke of Norfolk; Now, said he, let us be merry and go to dinner. But it was the last he did eat, and he went to hell to digest it too. {a} So upon the news of the French massacre, a jubilee was proclaimed at Rome; the Cardinal of Lorrain gave a thousand crowns to the messenger; the pope caused the massacre to be painted in his palace. Those of Ireland he will surely portray in his chapel or oratory. (Thuanus.)

These two prophets tormented them] As Elias did Ahab, Jeremiah and Amos their flagitious countrymen, and as the martyrs here did their persecutors. Dr Fuller came to William Woolsey his prisoner, and said, Thou dost much trouble my conscience; wherefore I pray thee depart and rule thy tongue, so that I hear no more complaint of thee, and come to church when thou wilt, &c. The end of carnal joy is sorrow (saith Mr Bradford, martyr, in a certain letter). Now let the whoremonger joy with the drunkard, swearer, covetous, malicious, blind buzzard, St John. For the mass will not bite them, nor make them to blush as preaching will. Now may they do what they will; come devils to the church, and go devils home; for no man must find fault; and they are glad of this. Now have they their heart’s desire, as the Sodomites had when Lot was gone, &c.

{a} In terris manducant quod apud inferos degerunt.

Ver. 11. And they stood upon their feet] That is, they set themselves stoutly and vigorously to fight against Antichrist. As William Ockam, who being excommunicated by the pope for writing some things against him, fled to Ludovicus the emperor, who was likewise excommunicated, and said unto him, Tu me gladio defende a Papae iniuriis, et ego te verbis ae scriptis defendam, Defend thou me with arms, and I will defend thee with arguments. The bishops also of those times that sided with the emperor, though they were none of the best, yet they resolved and avowed never to yield to the pope, Sed si excommanicaturus veniret, excommunicaturus abiret, cum aliter se habeat antiquorum canonum authoritas

Ver. 12. To heaven in a cloud] As Christ did. {See Trapp on "Re 11:7"}

And their enemies beheld] Not without rage and regret to see how they were crossed, and the truth more and more propagated. Trucidabantur et multiplicabantur, saith one. The Church as the lily is increased by its own juice; Totum mundum sanguine et oratione convertit, saith Luther; She converts all the world by her sufferings and supplications.

Ver. 13. A great earthquake] Since the Reformation, what stirs and broils have there been all over Christendom! God’s sword hath ridden circuit, #Eze 14:17, and is not yet sheathed, nor can it, #Jer 47:6,7, as being still in commission.

And the tenth part, &c.] Ruit alto a culmine Roma. Louis XII, king of France, threatened that he would destroy Rome, and coined money with an inscription to that purpose, Se perditurum Babylonem cui cum hac inscriptione monetae, minatus est. George Fransperg (a general under Charles Bourbon) that sacked the city of Rome, caused a halter to be carried near his colours, saying that with that he would hang the pope; encouraging his soldiers (who were most of them Lutherans) with the great opportunity they had to get spoils. (Hist. of the Council of Trent.) But the sins of that city are not yet full.

Gave glory to the God of heaven] Confessed their sins, as Achan, and changed their minds, as those #Mal 3:18. It is said of the Burgundians, that being afflicted and oppressed by the Huns, they applied themselves to Christ the God of the Christians, whom, after a long debate, they concluded to be the Almighty God. (Alsted. Chron.)

Ver. 14. The second woe is past] Visionally past, not eventually.

The third woe] Woe to the wicked, but joy to the saints. At once the sun rises upon Zoar, and the fire falls down upon Sodom. Abraham stands upon the hill, and sees the cities burning.

Ver. 15. Great voices in heaven] i.e. Great joy and triumph in the Church militant.

Are become the kingdoms] They have renounced Popery, given up their names to the gospel, and received the Reformation.

For ever and ever] Not for a thousand years only, as the millenaries hold.

Ver. 16. And the four and twenty elders] {See Trapp on "Re 4:9"}

Ver. 17. Because thou hast taken] Thou hast slain and subdued those thine enemies, that sent messengers after thee, saying, "We will not have this man to rule over us."

Ver. 18. Were angry] Sed vanae sine viribus irae; the wrath of these men turned to the glory of God.

That they should be judged] According to their prayer, and thy promise, #Re 6:10,11.

And shouldest destroy them] God usually retaliates and proportions jealousy to jealousy, provocation to provocation, #De 32:21; frowardness to frowardness, #Ps 18:26; contrariety to contrariety, #Le 26:18,21; destruction to destruction, as here. He pays them home in their own coin.

Ver. 19. And the temple of God] Abundance of light shall be diffused in the Church, and heavenly mysteries more clearly revealed and more commonly understood.

The ark of his testament] That is, the secret mysteries of God. The ark was in a secret place; and seen by none but the high priest once a year.

And there were lightnings] Utter destruction to the wicked, as there was to Jericho, at the sound of the seventh trumpet, #Jos 6:16.

Chapter 12

Ver. 1. And there appeared] This and the two next following chapters are an exposition of the former vision.

A great wonder] As shadowing out and showing great wonders.

In heaven] That is, in the Church, or (according to some) in the visible heaven, where sun, moon, and stars are.

A woman] Alma mater Ecclesia. The Church is called a woman, for her, 1. Weakness; 2. Fruitfulness; 3. Lovingness, #2Sa 1:26.

Clothed with the sun] With Christ’s own comeliness, #Eze 16:14. She is also conspicuous, #Mt 5:14, and scorched with persecution, #So 1:6. All which notwithstanding she is comely. Uxor fulget radiis mariti, saith the Civilian.

And the moon under her feet] She treads upon the world’s trash, bears patiently all changes and chances; and though the curs of the world bark at her, she shines still:

“ En peragit cursus surda Diana suas.”

A crown of twelve stars] A crown in token of victory.

Twelve stars] Those white horses, #Re 6:2, the twelve apostles and their successors, in and by whom mystical Christ goeth forth conquering and to conquer.

Ver. 2. And she being with child] And so soon smelt out by the bears of the world. Ursa praegnantem mulierem non solum uteri gravitate notam, sed eam etiam quae pridie conceperit, solam ex omni turba consectatur. (Bodin. Theatr. Nat.)

Cried travailing] Being hard beset with cruel persecutors, she longs to be delivered of a Christian emperor, that might put her out of her pain and misery.

She cried] viz. In her prayers to God and apologies to men.

Ver. 3. Another wonder in heaven] That is, in the Church, which is called heaven; for, 1. Its original is from heaven, #Joh 1:13 2. Its tendency to heaven, #Heb 11:14 3. Its conversation in heaven, #Php 3:20 4. Its dependence upon heaven, #Jas 1:17.

A great red dragon] A dragon the devil is called for his sharp-sightedness (the dragon hath a very quick eye, and is said to sleep with open eyes, Mr Arrowsmith), as also for his mischievousness to mankind; and lastly for his serpentine subtilty, #Ge 3:1. {a} The comfort is, that as the devil is a lion, so is Christ; there is courage for courage. And as the devil is a serpent, so Christ compares himself to the brazen serpent; there is wisdom for wisdom. A great dragon the devil is, as being god of the world; and red all over with the blood of souls, which he hath swallowed down, as St Peter hath it, #1Pe 5:8. It noteth him also to be a fiery dragon, fiery red, full of wrath and rancour.

Seven heads] To plot, and ten horns to push men into the pit of hell.

Seven crowns upon his head] Pretended authority for what he did against the Church. It passed in France in manner of a proverb, that the modern Council (of Trent) had more authority than that of the apostles, because their own pleasure was a sufficient ground for the decrees, without admitting the Holy Ghost. That Popish council was carried with such infinite guile and craft, that the Papists themselves will even smile in the triumphs of their own wits (when they hear it but mentioned) as at a master stratagem. By these seven crowns some understand the supremacy of the Roman empire, prevailing against the Church.

{a} δρακων παρα το δερκειν. παρα το δραυ αχος. Scalig.

Ver. 4. And his tail drew] A monstrous tail for length and strength. One interprets it as his dog-like flattering tail, whence the proverb grew, Cauda blandiri, to be flattered by a tail, κερκω σαινειν. Julian the Apostate drew many from the faith by flatteries and fair promises. Luther was offered a cardinalship to be quiet. (Bp Carlton’s Thankf. Remem.) The pope offered Queen Elizabeth to confirm the English Liturgy by his authority, granting also the use of the sacraments under both kinds, so that she would join herself to the Roman Church. And how the pope clawed our king when he was in Spain, A. D. 1623, is better known than that I need here to relate. (Jac. Revius, vit. Pontif.)

And the dragon stood before the woman] This implieth, 1. His readiness and nearness; 2. His instance and diligence.

For to devour her child] As that dragon Pharaoh (so he is called, #Isa 51:9) sought to make away the newly born babes of Israel, #Ex 1:22. Thus the dragon Maximinus devoured Alexander the son of Mammaea; and thus Decius devoured the two Philips, because they seemed somewhat to favour the Christians. Thus Philip, king of Spain, suffered his eldest son Charles to be murdered by the cruel Inquisition, because he was any whit inclinable to the reformed religion. Constantine the Great had like to have lost his life for the like cause, but that God strangely preserved him for a better purpose.

Ver. 5. And she brought forth a man child] Constantine, the Christian Church’s first and chief champion.

Who was to rule all nations] The whole Roman empire, but especially to overrule and subdue the Church’s many and mighty enemies, as Constantine did most notably.

Caught up to God and to his throne] To rule in the Church next under God himself. And to this height of honour he was caught when the empire was cast upon him, not once thinking of it. Bonus Deus Constantinum magnum tantis terrenis implevit muneribus, quanta optare nullus auderet, saith Augustine. (De Civ. Dei, v. 25.)

Ver. 6. And the woman fled] viz. After the battle mentioned in the next verse was fought and finished. See #Re 12:13,14.

Into the wilderness] This notes her afflicted and desolate condition, forced now to live in poverty and exile.

Where she hath a place] To wit, that temple that was so exactly measured, #Re 11:12, called here a wilderness, as was that of Judea, #Mt 3:1, because but thinly inhabited. The elect are but a handful to a houseful of Atheists and Papists. Or else in allusion to the wilderness of Arabia, through which the Israelites fled from that dragon Pharaoh.

That they should feed her there] Those two prophets, #Re 11:3, were appointed to feed these hidden ones, #Ps 83:3, with the hidden manna, #Re 2:17. Their time and hers agree.

Ver. 7. And there was war] viz. While the woman was bringing forth; and after that her son was advanced to the empire.

Michael and his angels] Constantine and his armies.

Against the dragon] Maximinus, Maxentius, Licinius, and other tyrants, acted and agitated by the devil.

Ver. 8. And prevailed not] They were so totally routed and ruined, that they could never rally or rage any more. Iucundum Christiano homini spectaculum est, quasi coram cernere certantem Christum cum Antichristo, saith one, concerning Luther’s reformation. (Scultet. Annal.) It was a pleasant sight to see Christ and Antichrist striving for the better. For whatsoever the pope with his bulls, or the emperor with his lightbolts, did to hinder it, still the gospel ran and was glorified; and as then, so ever since, maugre (defy) the malice of Rome and of hell. Their late utmost endeavours, and some successes for a season, were but as the last spruntings or bitter bites of dying beasts.

Ver. 9. Was cast out] Full sore against his will. If the enemies had but as much power as malice, the Church should never rest. But they shall be utterly routed and outed, as at this day they are here to our great comfort.

That old serpent] When he was young he outwitted our first parents, #2Co 11:3, then when their reason was not depraved. Now that he is old, and we but children, #Eph 4:14, had we not need look to him, and not be ignorant of his wiles?

Which deceiveth the whole world] Having for that purpose his set and composed machinations, #2Co 2:11, his methods artificially moulded, #Eph 6:11, his depths, sleights, coggings of dice, &c. And herein he is incessantly exercised, as the participle of the present tense noteth, ο πλανων.

Ver. 10. And I heard a loud voice] Great joy was throughout the Churches of Christ, as great cause there was, when Constantine came to the empire. That was very remarkable, that Constantine being now a conqueror, should cause a table to be hanged up on high before the doors of his palace, wherein was painted a dragon that lay thrust through with a dart under his own and his subjects’ feet. (Euseb. in Vita Constan.)

For the accuser of our brethren] So the devil is called, saith one, in direct and full opposition to that special name and office of the Holy Ghost, the Comforter, or pleader for us, παρακλητος. The Russians are so malicious one towards another, that you shall have a man hide some of his own goods in the house of him whom he hateth, and then accuse him for the stealth of them; just so deals the devil many times by God’s dearest servants. The word κατηγορος, here rendered the accuser, signifieth not any kind of accuser, saith a learned divine, but such a one as accuseth before a king.

Which accuseth them] And upon some such articles too as he is able to prove against them. Hence he is said to stand at Joshua’s right hand, at the upper hand, because his accusation was as true as vehement, #Zec 3:3. But here is the comfort, Christ appears in heaven for his (as a lawyer appears for his client), to nonsuit all the devil’s accusations, #Heb 9:24. The Spirit also (as an advocate, παρακλητος) makes request in our hearts to God for us, and helpeth us to make apologies for ourselves, #2Co 7:11. But may not the saints say to Satan (first drawing them to sin, and then accusing them) as he did to Joab? #2Sa 18:12,13.

Ver. 11. By the blood of the Lamb] By his merit and spirit, Christ’s blood (as Pliny saith of Polium) is a preservative against serpents.

And they loved not their lives] When one said to a certain martyr, Take heed, it is a hard matter to burn; Indeed, said he, it is for him that hath his soul linked to his body, as a thief’s foot is in a pair of fetters. (Acts and Mon.) In the days of that bloody persecutor Diocletian, Certatim gloriosa in certamina ruebatur, saith Sulpitius, multoque avidius tum martyria gloriosis mortibus quaerebantur, quam nunc Episcopatus pravis ambitionibus appetuntur. Those ancient Christians showed as glorious power in the faith of martyrdom, as in the faith of miracles; the valour of the patients and the savageness of the persecutors striving together, till both, exceeding nature and belief, bred wonder and astonishment in beholders and readers. {a} One martyr said, Can I die but once for Christ? Another, Had I as many lives as I have hairs upon mine head, they should all go. Hanc animam in flammis offero, Christe, tibi, saith Jerome of Prague.

{a} Non maiori unquam triumpho vicimus quam cum decem annorum stragibus vinci non potuimus. Sulp.

Ver. 12. Rejoice, ye heavens] Ye that have your conversation in heaven, and shall shortly remove your tents thither.

Woe to the inhabiters of the earth] Earthworms that load themselves with thick clay, and strive, with the toads, who shall die with most earth in their mouths.

And of the sea] Seamen are, for the most part, very profane and godless. See #Jude 13 Isa 57:20. Mr Brightman by these inhabitants of the sea understandeth the clergymen, as they call them, who set abroach gross, troubled, brackish, and sourish doctrine, which doth rather bring barrenness of godliness to their hearers, and doth gnaw their entrails, than quench their thirst, or yield any other good fruit.

For the devil is come down] Indeed he was cast down; but that the devil dissembles, and makes as if he came for his pleasure’s sake, and so makes the best of an ill matter.

Having great wrath] Indignation, commotion of mind, perturbation of spirit, inflammation or heaving of the blood, by apprehension of an injury, θυμον. Satan’s malevolence was a motive to his diligence. Natural motion is more swift and violent toward the end of it.

Because he knoweth] By the signs of the last judgment, which cannot be far off, and by conjectures, wherein he hath a singular sagacity.

That he hath but a short time] He therefore makes all haste he can to outwork the children of light, in a quick despatch of deeds of darkness. Certain hawks in colder countries are most eager and earnest to take their prey when the daylight there is of least continuance.

Ver. 13. He persecuted the woman] As the matter of his calamity. The devil infinitely hates Christ, and sins that sin against the Holy Ghost every moment. His instruments, also, carried with hellish malice, cease not to malign and molest the Church, to their own utter ruin: for Christ must reign when all is done.

Ver. 14. Two wings of a great eagle] That is, sufficient means of safety and protection from peril, #Ex 19:4. By this great eagle, some mighty personage seems to be designed, #Eze 17:3-7. And this may very well be Constantine, whose peculiar surname was Great: but yet so (saith Mr Forbes) as that the great honour and riches, wherewith, as with wings, he upon good intention endowed the Church, is an occasion to make her flee to the wilderness, all true and sincere religion by degrees decaying in the visible Church.

Where she is nourished for a time] {See Trapp on "Re 8:9"}

A time, times, and a half time] That is, a year, two years, and half a year, even three years and a half, as #Re 11:9.

Ver. 15. Cast out of his, mouth water] Those barbarous nations, Goths, Huns, Vandals, Lombards, others, stirred up by the devil to overrun the empire, and afflict the Church. Or else it may mean those pestilent and poisonous heresies, Arianism, and the rest, wherewith the Church was infested, according to that of Solomon, "The mouth of the wicked belcheth out evil things," #Pr 15:2.

Ver. 16. And the earth helped the woman] That is, the multitude of Christians meeting in the general councils, those four first especially, held at Nice against Arius, at Constantinople against Macedonius and Eunomius, at Ephesus against Nestorius, and at Chalcedon against Eutyches. These helped the Church exceedingly against inundations of heresies; and were therefore by Gregory the Great received and embraced as the four Gospels.

And the earth opened her mouth] An allusion to #Nu 16:32. Look how the earth swallowed up those malcontents, so did God root out pernicious heresies with their authors and abettors, by the power of the Scripture and the zeal of the orthodox doctors, so that they suddenly vanished out of sight, after a marvellous manner.

Ver. 17. Was wroth with the woman] Who yet had done him no wrong; but he and his are mad with malice (when their designs miscarry especially), and are ready to sue the Church, as he in Cicero did another, quod totum telum corpore non recepieset, because he had not taken into his body the whole dagger wherewith he had stabbed him. (Orat. pro C. Rab. Posth.)

To make war] That war which is mentioned #Re 13:7.

With the remnant of her seed] As a little seed grain is reserved out of a great heap for store, which is nothing to the whole crop; so is the small number of true believers reserved by grace, nothing to the whole field and crop of the world.

Which keep the commandments] A just description of a godly Christian. Boni catholici sunt qui et fidem integram sequuntur et bonos mores. To be sound in faith and holy in life, this is the kernel of Christianity. (Aug.)

Chapter 13

Ver. 1. And I stood] Where I might best see the beast that came out of the sea.

I saw a beast] The Church, flying into the wilderness from the dragon, falls upon this beast, which is nothing better than the dragon under a better shape. Sic aliud ex alio malum. This beast is that Antichrist of Rome.

Rise up] Not all at once, but by degrees.

Out of the sea] Out of the bottomless pit, #Re 11:7 2Th 2:9.

Having seven heads] To plot.

And ten horns] To push. Craft and cruelty go always together in the Church’s enemies. The asp never wanders alone; and those birds of prey go not without their mates, #Isa 34:16.

And upon his horns] The kings that are the pope’s vassals. See #Re 17:11. These are the props of his power.

The name of blasphemy] This is his true name; his pretensed name is mystery.

Ver. 2. Like unto a leopard] Which is the female among the panthers, the property whereof is, as Pliny telleth us, with her sweet smell to allure the beasts unto her, hiding her terrible head, till she hath them within her reach, and then teareth them in pieces. Just so dealeth Rome with her unhappy proselytes. The Papacy is an alluring, tempting, bewitching religion. No sin past, but the pope can pardon it; none to come, but he can dispense with it, Etiamsi per impossibile, matrem Dei quis vitiasset, said Tecelius.

As the feet of a bear] Which stands firm on her hinder feet, and fights with her fore feet; so doth the Papacy with its canons, decrees, traditions, &c.

As the mouth of a lion] Wide, ravenous, roaring, and insatiable.

And the dragon gave him his power] This bargain was offered to Christ, #Mt 4:8-10, but he would none of it. The bramble in Jotham’s parable thought it a goodly thing to reign; so did not the vine and fig tree.

Ver. 3. One of his heads as it were wounded] Either by the invasion of the Goths; or by that fatal schism in the Church of Rome, A.D. 1378, when there sat three popes at once for 40 years together: or by the falling away of the Protestants from the Popedom, from the days of Wycliffe, John Huss, the Waldenses, Luther, to this present. Bellarmine bewails the business, that ever since we began to count and call the pope Antichrist, his kingdom hath greatly decreased. (Lib. iii. de Papa Rom. cap. 21.) And Cotton the Jesuit confesses, that the authority of the pope is incomparably less than it was; and that now the Christian Church is but adminutive.

And his deadly wound was healed] By that false prophet, #Re 13:11, that is, by the Sorbonists, Jesuits, Trent fathers, and other Popish surgeons. The Jesuits give out that the devil sent out Luther, and God raised up them to resist him; but great is the truth, and will prevail, when all falsehood shall fall to the ground. It is but a palliate cure we here read of.

And all the world] sc. Of Roman Catholics.

Wondered] Or had wondered till the beast was wounded.

Ver. 4. And they worshipped] Admiration bred adoration. Idolatrous Papists are worshippers of the devil; whom though in word they defy, yet in deed they deify.

Who is like unto the beast?] Papa potest omnia, quae Christus potest, saith Hostiensis; The pope can do whatsoever Christ can do; yea, and more too, it should seem by these wise wonderers: for who is like unto the beast? say they. Papa est plus quam Deus, saith Francis Zabarel; The pope is more than a God. And why? for of wrong he can make right, of vice, virtue, of nothing, something, saith Bellarmine. (De Pap. Rom. lib. iv.) Mosconius cannot be content to derive papa from papae, the interjection of admiring, because he is stupor mundi, the world’s wonderment (that ye may know him to be the beast here mentioned), but he must style him the King of kings and Lord of lords, having ruledom over all rational creatures, Dulia adorandus. (De Majestat. Militant. #Ec 1:1)

Ver. 5. And there was given unto him] As once was to Antiochus, that little antichrist, #Da 7:25. What cracks the pope makes of his unlimited power and prerogatives; who knows not? what blasphemies he belcheth out of the fable of Christ, of eating his pork, Al despito di Die, in despite of God; of suffering himself to be styled "the Lamb of God that taketh away the sins of the world," as Pope Martin IV did; of drinking a health to the devil, as another of them did, who hath not heard? Baronius, in the year 964, reckoning up certain of the popes, calleth them monsters, an abomination of desolation in God’s temple, &c. Cardinal Benno saith of Pope Hildebrand, that he was a blasphemer, a murderer, a whore master, a necromancer, a heretic, and all that is naught. The Church of Rome (saith another of their own writers) had deserved now for a long time no better of God than to be ruled by reprobates. Marcellus II, pope of Rome, said, that he could not see how any pope could be saved. (Jac. Revius, p. 275.)

Forty and two months] Here Mr Brightman calculates and pitches the ruin of Antichrist upon the year 1686, or thereabouts.

Ver. 6. In blasphemy against God] As when Pope Leo I and (after him) Nicholas III affirmed, that Peter their predecessor was taken into fellowship with the blessed Trinity, as one with them. See #Re 13:5.

And his tabernacle] Christ’s humanity, {#Joh 1:14 2:19} this he blasphemeth, by transubstantiating a crust into Christ. Or, the Church of Christ, which he counteth and calleth the synagogue of Satan.

And them that dwelt in heaven] The glorified saints, whom either he despiteth with obtruded honours, such as they acknowledge not; or else barks and rails at incessantly as arch-devils, detestable heretics, common pests, &c., as Luther, Melancthon, Calvin, whose very name he hath commanded to be razed out of all books, wheresoever any man meets with it, Ubicunque invenitur nomen Calvini, deleatur. (Ind. Expur.)

Ver. 7. To make war with the saints] As he did with the Albigenses, publishing his Crusades against them, as if they had been Saracens, and destroying ten hundred thousand of them in France only, if Perionias may be believed. Not to speak of the many thousands since slain in battle by the pope’s champions in Germany, France, Ireland, and now also in England; besides those many more that have died for religion by the bloody Inquisition, by the hands of the hangman, 3600 in the Low Countries by the command of the Duke of Alva, 800 here in Queen Mary’s days, &c. The beast hath even made himself drunk with the blood of the saints.

And to overcome them] So it seemed, but so it was not. See #Re 12:11. The saints never more prevail and triumph than when it seems otherwise. Of them the enemies may say, as the Persians did once of the Athenians at the field of Marathon (Stobaeus),

Βαλλομεν, ου πιπτουσι, τιτρωσκομεν, ου φοβεονται.

We fell them, yet they fall not; thrust them through,

They feel no mischief, but are well enough.

Over all kindreds and tongues] Here the Holy Ghost points to the Popish Catholicism. The Jesuits will still needsly have the Roman Church to be the Catholic Church, though so many kindreds, tongues, and nations have utterly disclaimed it. Herein they are like that mad fellow Thrasilaus in Horace, who laid claim to all the ships that came into the harbour at Athens, though he had no right to the least boat there.

Ver. 8. Whose names are not written] He then that lives and dies a Papist cannot be saved.

Slain from the foundation] sc. 1. In God’s purpose; 2. In his promise; 3. In the faith of his people; 4. In the sacrifices; 5. In the martyrs; the first that ever died, died for religion. Christ undertook to pay our debt in the fulness of time; and hence we were enlarged. A man may let a prisoner loose, upon a promise to pay the debt a year after.

Ver. 9. If any man have an ear] q.d. Let all that have souls to save, beware of this beast; for is it nothing to lose an immortal soul? to purchase an everliving death? Purus putus Papista non potest servari. Confer #Re 19:21. It is confessed by all, that a learned English apostate Papist cannot be saved.

Ver. 10. He that leadeth into captivity] q.d. Be of good cheer; Antichrist shall one day meet with his match, drink as he brewed, be paid in his own coin, filled with his own ways, have blood again to drink, for he is worthy. See #Isa 33:1 2Th 1:6.

Here is the patience] q.d. Here is matter for the trial exercise and increase of the saints’ graces. Hard weather tries what health. The walnut tree is most fruitful when most beaten. Or, here is support for the saints, and that which may well make them to hold out faith and patience.

Ver. 11. And I beheld another beast] Another in shape, but the same in substance with the former. For here Antichrist appears not as an emperor, but as an impostor. That these two are both one, see #Re 17:11 19:20.

Coming up out of the earth] Set up by earthly men and earthly means, of base beginning, Gigas quasi νηγενης. Ego supernas, vos infernates estis, saith our Saviour to the Jews, "I am from above, ye are from beneath"; ye are earth sprung, as so many mushrooms, #Joh 8:23.

And he had two horns] Two horns in his mitre, two keys in his hand, two swords borne before him, a twofold pretended power, secular and sacred, as king and priest, in the Lamb’s stead, whose ape he is.

Spake as a dragon] That is, saith Diodatus, he used an absolute command over consciences, raised himself through devilish pride and execrable boasting, #Re 18:7. Or thus; though he hath two horns like the Lamb, that is, professeth the meekness and innocence of Christ, yet he speaks like the dragon, which is to be understood partly of his blasphemies, partly of his diabolical doctrines, partly of hellish courses thundered out against true professors, and partly of his great promises to those that adore him. (Downh. of Antich.)

Ver. 12. And he exerciseth] The power of speaking blasphemies, of waging wars, of ruling over kindreds, tongues, and nations, &c., notwithstanding his wounded head, which is after a sort cured by the sedulity and subtilty of the Jesuits, and other the pope’s emissaries. The first beast, saith Forbes, is the kingdom of Rome under the Pontificality; the second beast is the Pontificality wonderfully quickening the wounded beast to that estate; both are one and the same, except in consideration, as I have said.

Ver. 13. And he doth great wonders] By his art of magic; for true miracles he can do none, nor his master the dragon to help him. Hence they are called lying wonders, #2Th 2:9,10, sorceries, #Re 18:23, and impostures here, #Re 13:14.

So that he maketh fire] As another Elias. This the pope doth daily by his excommunications, casting firebrands, as it were, from on high at those that slight him; and moreover he telleth us of some, that for withstanding his edicts were thunderstruck to death. (Aventin. Annal.)

Ver. 14. That they should make an image] An emperor, saith Aretius, an image of him at least, chosen indeed by the seven electors of Germany, but confirmed by the pope; who therefore is said to give life to the image of the beast, whereby he both speaketh and acteth, #Re 13:15. For if the pope confirm not the new elect, he is no emperor.

Ver. 15. Should be killed] What slaughters Charles V made at Magdeburg and elsewhere by the pope’s appointment, and what bloody work hath been done in Germany now for this twenty-eight years, or thereabouts, by the now emperor and his father, against the Protestant party, I need not here to relate.

Ver. 16. All both small and great] Emperor and else. The pope having by his nephew persuaded the king of Bohemia, Maximilian (afterwards emperor), to be a good Catholic, with many promises of honours and profits, intimating the succession of the empire, which else he should hardly obtain, was answered by the king, that he thanked his Holiness, but that his soul’s health was more dear to him than all the things in the world. Which answer they said in Rome was a Lutheran form of speech, and signified an alienation from that See; and they began to discourse what would happen after the old emperor’s death. (Hist. of the Coun. Trent, p. 418.)

To receive a mark] The Popish clergy say, that in their ordination they receive an indelible character. They may choose whether they will have it in their foreheads (where it cannot be hid) or in their right hands, where they may either hide it or show it as they think good. {See Trapp on "Re 7:3"} The mark common to all the Popish rabble is, St Peter’s keys branching out itself in every antichristian doctrine and idolatrous practice. I can never sufficiently admire (saith Mr Heyrick) the speech of blessed Luther, who though he was very earnest to have the communion administered in both kinds contrary to the doctrine and custom of Rome, yet he professeth, If the pope, as pope, commanded him to receive in both kinds, he would but receive in one kind. It is a general rule among the best, that what the pope commands, as pope, though it be good or indifferent, as to pray, read, lift up an eye, hand, to wear black or white, &c., it is a receiving of the mark of the beast, &c. (Mr Heyrick’s Serm., p. 108.)

Ver. 17. Might buy or sell] As at Rome, oaths, laws, vows, are soluble, and all things else are saleable. Romoe omnia venalia.

“ Vendit Alexander cruces, altaria, Christum:

Vendere iure potest: emerat ills prius.”

“The pope sells crosses, altars, Christ, and all:

Well he may sell, for he bought them at the stall.”

Also it is well known that the pope flatly forbids trade and traffic with all whom he hath excommunicated, as he did with the Albigenses in the Lateran Council, and as he did with one Tooly in Queen Mary’s days, who being hanged for felony, and defying the pope, was (after his death) suspended and excomunicated, that no man should eat or drink, buy or sell with him, bid him good morrow. (Acts and Mon.)

Or the name of the beast] To be called a Roman Catholic, which is better esteemed among Papists than the name of a Christian. It is notoriously known, saith Dr Fulke, that the most honourable name of Christian is in Italy and at Rome a name of reproach, and usually abused to signify a fool or a dolt. (Armor. in Acts xi. sec. 4.)

Or the number of his name] That keep somewhat more aloof, and yet privily comply with Papists, and drive the same design with them, though more slyly and covertly, and to themselves perhaps unperceivedly. What is the reason the pope will not dispense in Spain or Italy, if a Papist marry a Protestant, yet here he will; but because such Protestants receive the number of his name, and will soon be drawn to him?

Ver. 18. Here is wisdom] That is, work for wisdom, as #Re 13:10. Here is "the patience and faith of saints."

It is the number of a man] Such as a man, by search, may find out, if he have his wits about him, as we say. Others sense it thus, the whole number of the beast, whatsoever is numbered to belong unto him, is but the number of a man; human inventions and will-wisdom. Men will have it so, and this is the sum of all Popish religion. Or it is called the "number of a man," because men do number. (Mr Cotton.) The philosopher affirms that man is therefore the wisest of creatures because he alone can number, Bruta non numerant. This is an essential difference.

Six hundred threescore and six] Among the many conjectures, that of λατεινος seems to me most probable, as most ancient and authentic. The year of Rome’s ruin is by some held to be 1666. It is plain, saith one, Satan shall be tied up 1000 years; 666 is the number of the beast; Antichrist shall so long reign; these two together make the just number. {a} Luther observeth, that about the year 666, the pope assumed to be αντπευθυνος, uncontrollable. Others observe, that Phocas (that adulterous assassin), Boniface the purchaser of supremacy, and Mahomet the grand impostor, brake forth together about the same time, to the great devastation and hazarding of all Christendom.

{a} Bernardus asseverat Antichristum futurum meridianum daemonem quia a meridie erit, et ibi sedebit. In Cant. ser. 33.

Chapter 14

Ver. 1. A lamb] In opposition to that counterfeit lamb, #Re 13:12. A lion he can show himself at pleasure.

Stood] Ready pressed for action, as at the stoning of Stephen, or he stood sentinel for such as he here reserved to himself under the reign and rage of Antichrist.

A hundred forty and four thousand] The same that were sealed, #Re 7:4, all the holy martyrs, confessors, believers.

Having his Father’s name] His Father and their Father, his God and their God; this was written. on their foreheads, as "holiness to the Lord" was upon the high priest’s, #Ex 28:36. For the constancy of their confession; they were not "ashamed of the gospel of Christ" #Ro 1:16, nor "afraid with any amazement," #1Pe 3:6.

Ver. 2. As the voice of many waters] The word of God (called here a voice from heaven) hath, saith Mr Forbes, three degrees of operation in the hearts of men. 1. It works wondering (as the sound of many waters) and acknowledging of a strange force and more than human power, #Mr 12:22 Lu 4:32 Joh 7:46 2. It works not only wonder but fear, as thunder doth; thus it wrought in Felix, and may do in any reprobate. 3. It works in the elect peace and joy; it makes music in the soul, far sweeter than that of harpers, #1Pe 1:8.

Ver. 3. A new song] {See Trapp on "Re 5:9"}

But the hundred, &c.] To whom alone it was given to understand the mysteries of God’s kingdom. Others could not skill of it.

From the earth] i.e. From the Antichristian rout and rabble. These dunghill cocks meddle not with that jewel, the joy of faith, but speak evil of what they know not.

Ver. 4. Which were not defiled with women] Which have not moiled themselves with fornication corporal or spiritual, as those Israelites, #Nu 25:1-9, by Balaam’s counsel, and as Papists at this day, seduced by those effeminate locusts, #Re 9:8. As for their shavelings that plead this text to prove marriage defilement, let them hear the apostle, #Heb 13:4, and another almost as ancient: Si quis coinquinationem vocet commixtionem legitimam, habet inhabitatorem dracohere apostatam; If any call lawful marriage a defilement, that man hath a devil dwelling in him. (Ignatius.)

These are they which follow the Lamb] As the seaman’s needle doth the north pole; or as the hop, in its growing, winding about the pole, follows the course of the sun from east to west, and can by no means be drawn to the contrary, choosing rather to break than yield.

These were redeemed] For royal use. See #Re 14:3.

Being the firstfruits] Separated and sanctified unto him from the rest of the world.

Ver. 5. And in their mouth] Children they are that will not lie, #Isa 63:8, neither is a deceitful tongue found in their mouth, #Zep 3:13. They will rather die than lie. The officers of Merindol answered the bishop that moved them to abjure, that they marvelled much that he would go about to persuade them to lie to God and the world; affirming that they punished their children very sharply when they took them with a lie, even as if they had committed a robbery, for the devil is a liar. (Acts and Mon. fol. 866.)

For they are without fault] 1. By imputation; 2. By inchoation.

Ver. 6. And I saw another angel] This is held to be John Wycliffe, who wrote more than two hundred volumes against the pope, and was a means of much good to many. The Lady Ann, wife to King Richard II, sister to Wenceslaus, king of Bohemia, by living here was made acquainted with the gospel; whence also many Bohemians coming hither, conveyed Wycliffe’s books into Bohemia, whereby a good foundation was laid for the following reformation.

In the midst of heaven] Not in fastigio caeli, in the height of heaven, as some render it; but allow rather, and as it were in the mid-heaven, because of the imperfection of his doctrine when it was first divulged.

Having the everlasting gospel] The ancient truth, no new doctrine. A gentleman being asked by a Papist, Where was your religion before Luther? answered, In the Bible, where yours never was. It is called the eternal gospel (saith Brightman), as if the Holy Ghost would on purpose meet with the offence of those times, when the truth (that was restored) should commonly be condemned of novelty.

Ver. 7. Fear God] Let one fear drive out another (as one fire doth another); the fear of God, the fear of your fellow-creatures, who draw you to idolatry. For this it is that the second commandment is the first with punishment.

Give glory to him] By confessing your sins and amending your ways. See #Jos 7:19 Jer 13:16.

For the hour of his judgment is come] The judgment that he will exercise upon idolaters and their mawmets, as once in Egypt. See #Joh 12:31 Ac 17:30,31 Ac 14:15.

And the fountains of waters] Quantum miraculi sit in admiranda illa fluminum perennitate, nemo, credo, philosophorum satis explicare haetenus potuit, saith Bucholcer.

Ver. 8. And there followed another angel] Martin Luther with his book De Captivitate Babylonia, which when Bugenhagius first read, he rashly censured for the most pestilent book that ever was written; but upon better deliberation he retracted his former sentence, and became a means to convert many others.

Of the wine of the wrath] Of the intoxicating, enraging wine, that sets men a madding after her:

“ Nam Venus in vinis, ignis in igne furit.”

There is a story of Walter Mapes, sometime Archdeacon of Oxford, who relating the pope’s gross simony, {a} concludes his narration thus, Sit tamen Domina materque nostra Roma baculus in aqua fractus: et absit credere quae vidimus. Rome had ravished this man out of his wits.

{a} The act or practice of buying or selling ecclesiastical preferments, benefices, or emoluments; traffic in sacred things. ŒD

Ver. 9. And the third angel] Understand by this third angel, all the reformers and preachers of the gospel after Luther, to the end of the world.

If any man worship] See Mr Perkins’s Treatise. A Papist cannot go beyond a reprobate.

And receive his mark] He saith not this of those that have the name or the number of the beast. For we doubt not but many were carried away by him, as those 200 were by Absalom in the simplicity of their hearts, #2Sa 15:11, knowing nothing of his treason.

Ver. 10. Of the wine of the wrath of God] Wine for wine. God delights to retaliate and proportion; as he that said, Fumos vendidit, fumo pereat, He sold smoke, and by smoke let him perish. Imposturam faciunt et patientur, as the emperor said of them that sold glass for pearls: They deceived others, themselves shall be deceived much more.

Without mixture] viz. Of mercy, with which God usually moderateth the cup of believers’ afflictions. See #Jas 2:13. They only sip off the top of God’s cup, Illud tantum quod suavius est et limpidius: That which is so sweet and so clear. Reprobates drink the dregs. They shall have an evil, an only evil without mixture of mercy, #Eze 7:5. Judgment without mercy, darkness without light. Philosophers say that in this world non dantur purae tenebrae, there is no mere darkness; but reprobates, that here preferred darkness before light, shall be cast into utter darkness without the least glimpse of light. Non surget hic afflictio. God will make an utter end; "Affliction shall not rise up the second time," #Na 1:9. The wicked shall be totally and finally consumed at once.

In the presence of the holy angels] Who shall be not spectators only, but executioners also, as once at Sodom.

In the presence of the Lamb] Notwithstanding their Agnus Dei, Lamb of God and other superstitious trumperies.

Ver. 11. And the smoke of their torment] Utinam de gehenna ubique dissereretur, saith Chrysostom. Would to God men would everywhere think and talk more of hell, and of that eternity of extremity that they shall never else be able to avoid or to abide. Surely one good means to escape hell is to take a turn or two in hell by our daily meditations.

Ver. 12. Here is the patience] See #Re 13:10. The beast, being thus declared and declaimed against, will rage above measure; hold out therefore, faith and patience.

Ver. 13. A voice from heaven] That voice of Christ, #Joh 5:24 8:51.

Write, Blessed are the dead] Though by the pope accursed and pronounced damned heretics.

Which die in the Lord] Especially if for the Lord; which is (saith Father Latimer) the greatest promotion in the world, such as is not granted to any angel in heaven.

From henceforth] As well as heretofore in those primitive persecutions. Or, from henceforth, that is, presently from the very time of their death, απαρτι, e vestigio, a mode, ab ipso mortis tempere. This puts out the very fire of purgatory; for if all believers die in Christ, and are blessed, and that presently, then none are to be purged.

Rest from their labours] The sleep of these labourers, oh, how sweet is it! Quale sopor fessis in gramine -they get the goal, they enter the haven:

“ Italiam socii laeto clamors salutant.”

A Christian here is like quicksilver (which hath in itself a principle of motion, but not of rest), never quiet; but as the ball upon the racket, ship upon the waves, &c. Death brings him to his rest, #Isa 57:2.

And their works follow them] They die not with them, as Hortensius’s Orations did. Mors privare potest opibus, non operibus, Death may deprive a man of his wealth, but not of his works.

Ver. 14. A sharp sickle] An instrument to cut down grain, #De 16:9, and the bunches and branches of the grapes, #Isa 18:5. It betokens sharp and sudden vengeance. What more beautiful to behold than the field before harvest, than the vineyard before the vintage, &c.? This is spoken for the consolation of the persecuted people of God.

Ver. 15. Thrust in thy sickle] This is not a command, but a request of the faithful, which is soon fulfilled. It is like that of the Church, #Ps 102:3 "Arise, O Lord, and have mercy upon Zion; for the time to favour her, yea, the set time, is come."

Ver. 16. And he that sat on the cloud] That is, Christ, who soon condescendeth to the suits of his servants. Iste vir potuit quod voluit, said one concerning Luther. The death of Arius was precationis opus, non morbi, the fruit of prayer, rather than the effect of his disease, saith another. He was brought to confusion by the prayers of Alexander, the good bishop of Constantinople.

Ver. 17. And another angel] The community of faithful Christians that combine against Antichrist, to pull him out of his throne and cut his comb.

Ver. 18. And another angel] A type of true pastors, saith Mr Forbes; by whose plain and powerful preaching the other are informed and stirred up to consecrate their hands to the Lord. Such an angel was Zuinglius, who died in battle; such was Beza in that battle that was fought in campis Druidensibus; such were the Angrognian ministers, and such were sundry of our late army preachers, Mr Marshal, Mr Ash, my dear brother Mr Thomas Jackson, now of Gloucester, &c.

Which had power over fire] Not Christum et Evangelium flammeum praedicans, as a popish varlet {a} slandered Beza at the afore mentioned sight, but as the pacifying the fire of contention among brethren, and setting them all together against the common enemy.

Thrust in thy sharp sickle] Fall on, quit you like men, be valiant for the Lord of hosts; "Cursed is he that doth the Lord’s work negligently. Cursed is he that withholdeth his sword from blood." Thus the faithful ministers strengthened the hands and hearts of the soldiers to battle, and made them stick close to their colours and commanders.

Are fully ripe] Ripe for vengeance, as the Amorites were, when they had filled the land from one end to another with their uncleanness, #Ezr 9:11. About the year of grace 1414, Theodoricus Urias, an Augustinian in Germany, complained, that the Church of Rome was then become, ex aurea argenteam, ex argentea ferream, ex ferrea terream, superesse ut in stercus abiret; of gold silver, of silver iron, of iron earth, which would shortly turn to muck. (Jac. Revius.)

{a} A man or lad acting as an attendant or servant; a menial, a groom. Now arch. OED

Ver. 19. And the angel thrust in] Down go the Antichristians immediately, by the power and prowess of the Christian armies, thus edged and eneagered by their preachers. This we have seen fulfilled in our late wars to our great comfort, at Edgehill and Nazeby fight especially.

In the great winepress] Lacus iste locus coedis. Such a lake, the place of devastation, This winepress is called Armageddon, #Re 16:16.

Ver. 20. And the winepress was trodden] viz. By Christ the King, with his heavenly horsemen, #Re 19:13,14.

Without the city] i.e. Without the Church, haply in Judea, whither the pope being driven from Rome, shall fly and sit, till Christ shall unroost him with the brightness of his coming, #2Th 2:8.

Even unto the horse bridles] To confute the pride and cruelty of those bloody Papists that threatened to ride their horses up to the saddleskirts in the blood of the Lutherans. (Flac. Illyr.) So Famesius, Minerius, Felix of Wurtemburg, Sir Charles Ellerker, Charles IX of France, that cruel Queen, who when she saw some of her Protestant subjects lying dead, and stripped upon the earth, cried out, The goodliest tapestry that ever she beheld. These and the like shall be one day glutted with blood, which they have so barbarously thirsted after. Satia te sanguine, quem sitiisti, &c., Satisty with your blood which you were so thirsty for, as she said of Cyrus. (Justin, lib. i.)

Chapter 15

Ver. 1. And I saw another sign] Distinct from the former, and describing the utter overthrow of Antichrist in this and the following chapters.

Great and marvellous] A just wonder it was indeed, the miracle that we in these last times are to look for, that the kingdom of Antichrist should be so easily and suddenly overturned by the preaching of the gospel, as once the walls of Jericho were by the blowing of rams’ horns.

Seven angels] i.e. Certain chieftains of the reformed Churches.

Having the seven last plagues] Being the several parts of the seventh trumpet, and said to be the last that shall in this life be inflicted; though far worse follow in hell, whereof all these are but typical. Here the leaves only (as it were) fall upon reprobates, but hereafter the whole trees. Here they pay but the interest only, but there the whole principal.

Ver. 2. As it were a sea of glass] The word of God mingled with the virtue of the Holy Ghost, say some. The world full of affliction, say others.

Having the harps of God] Hearts full of heaven.

Ver. 3. And they sing] There cannot but be music in the temple of the Holy Ghost.

The song of Moses] As being delivered out of spiritual Egypt.

And the song of the Lamb] That mentioned #Re 14:3, and the same in effect with that of St Paul, #1Ti 1:15,17.

Ver. 4. Who shall not fear thee] q.d. How mad are the enemies, how sottish is the world that fear not thee who art the proper object of fear! #Ps 76:11. The Greeks call him Θεος, just as Δεος, fear; the Chaldee Dechilah for the same reason; and Jacob styled him "The fear of his father Isaac."

For thou only art holy] Before it had been said of his Holiness, Who is like unto the beast Now, Who shall not fear thee, O Lord? for thou only art holy.

For all nations shall come] As being deeply affected with thy heaviest plagues upon Antichrist; they shall better bethink themselves, "They shall return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked," #Mal 3:18.

Are made manifest] i.e. Are begun to be, and more and more shall be, if our sins hinder not.

Ver. 5. The temple of the tabernacle] These words are all one with those #Re 11:19, to the consideration whereof we are here recalled, after so long an interruption.

Ver. 6. Clothed in pure] Habited as holy priests.

With golden girdles] Here an interpreter gives this note, that they which are lewd and vicious, though never so wise, political, rich, and valiant, shall not be God’s instruments to plague Antichrist and his kingdom. (Mr Bernard.) This their priestly apparel showeth also how that these angels come forth in the Church’s cause, and for her sake, without any by and sinister respect. They are all of them sincere professors of the truth of Christ, their breasts girded with the golden girdles of truth.

Ver. 7. And one of the four beasts] The faithful pastors, by their divine discourses of the pure worship of God, the intolerable tyranny of Antichrist, &c., stir up the spirits of God’s servants to set themselves against that man of sin, and to execute upon him the judgment written. "This honour have all his saints," #Ps 149:9.

Seven golden vials] Vessels of large content, but narrow mouths; they pour out slowly, but drench deeply, and distil effectually the wrath of God, which may be let out in minims, and yet do great matters; as there may be much poison in little drops. These vials are said to be golden, to show that this anger is holy.

Full of the wrath of God] Filled out of the cup of his wrath, mentioned in the former chapter.

Ver. 8. And the temple was filled] This shows that God graciously approves and miraculously protects the reformed Churches. See #Ex 40:34,35 1Ki 8:10. So he did the Hussites in Bohemia. All Germany was up in arms against them. Actum iam de Hussitis videbatur. Verum Germani, nondum viso hoste, Panico terrore perculsi, diffugerunt, saith the historian. And when things seemed to be in a desperate condition, the Germans, smitten with a panic terror, fled all away before they had looked the enemy in the face. How wonderfully is Geneva preserved in the midst of many mighty enemies! What should I speak of Rochelle relieved, and Leyden rescued, both from heaven! We of this nation have lately seen as much of God’s glory and power in our temple as ever did any.

Till the seven plagues] No Antichristian could understand the end of the seven plagues, till beaten into a better mind. Vexatio dat intellectum.

Chapter 16

Ver. 1. Go your ways] A proof of the divine calling of the ministers of the gospel. This commission came out of the temple, as obtained by the prayers of the saints.

Pour out the vials] {See Trapp on "Re 15:7"}

Upon the earth] Upon Antichrist and his adherents, Roma facta est ex aurea ferrea, ex ferrea terrea, Rome was made from golden to iron and from iron to dirt, said one of her own favourites. It is said, #Re 12:16, that the earth helped the woman; and yet here that the vials of God’s wrath were poured out upon the earth; to teach us, saith one, that men may be useful for the public, and yet not freed from God’s wrath. But that by-the-by only.

Ver. 2. And the first went] They went not all at once. Note the patience of God, waiting men’s return unto him.

Upon the earth] Antichrist’s footstool, his branded slaves.

A noisome and grievous sore] The French disease, say some; the devil’s disease, say others, viz. spite and envy at the Reformation wrought in Bohemia, Germany, England, &c., upon the discovery of the Papists’ hypocrisy and filthiness.

Ver. 3. Upon the sea] The popish council (called a sea, from the concourse thereunto from all parts), that of Trent especially, with their deadly decrees, making the traditions of the Church the rule of faith, &c. And these deadly decrees were written with the blood of heretics.

Died in the sea] As the fishes of Jordan do as soon as they fall into the Mare mortuum, Sea of Death and as the fishes in the River Nile did, when the waters thereof were turned into blood.

Ver. 4. Upon the rivers, &c.] The persecutors and impostors, the Jesuits especially, who have lately added twelve new articles (by the authority of Pope Pius IV) raised out of the Council of Trent, and added to the Nicene Creed, to be received with others as the true catholic faith, to be believed by as many as shall be saved. And those that receive them not, are not suffered to live among them. This is worse than the six articles in Henry VIII’s time, that whip with six cords, as they called it. See these twelve articles in the Epist. prefixed to Bishop Jewel’s works.

Ver. 5. The angel of the waters] The same that poured forth his vial upon the waters, #Re 16:4.

Thou art righteous] God’s judgments are sometimes secret, always just, and so to be acknowledged. We shall one day see the reason of all, and say as Jehu did, #2Ki 9:36.

Ver. 6. For they have shed] As Minerius that monster, the cruel Duke of Alva, bloody Bonner, the Guises, and other of the pope’s champions. Duke d’Alva, boasted of it, that he had put 36,000 Protestants to death; but they were rescued by the goodness of God and by the prowess of Queen Elizabeth, and now they are got from under the altar, as #Re 16:7. (Acts and Mon.; Camden.) {a}

Thou hast given them blood to drink] As Tomyris dealt by Cyrus, the Parthians by Crassus, the Romans by those Jews that cried out, "His blood be upon us," &c., as our laws do by the priests and Jesuits, and those that receive them, proceeding against such as traitors to the state. The putting out of the French king’s eyes, who promised before with his eyes to see one of God’s true servants burned; the death of Charles IX of France, author of the Parisian massacre, by exceeding bleeding at sundry parts of his body; who seeth not to be the just hand of God upon them? This Charles beholding the bloody bodies of the butchered Protestants, in that execrable massacre, and feeding his eye upon that woeful spectacle, breathed out this bloody speech, Quam bonus est odor hostis mortui! How sweet is the smell of a slain enemy! and shortly after breathed out his accursed soul, Inter horribilium blasphemiarum diras, saith a historian, tantam sanguinis vim proieciens, &c., after that Beza had forewarned him (but in vain) by that verse,

“ Tu veto Herodes sanguinolente time.”

So Julian, Attila, Felix of Wurtemburg, Henry III of France, stabbed in the same chamber wherein he, then being Duke of Anjou, had contrived the French massacre. So let thine enemies perish, O Lord.

“ Talia quisque luat, qualia quisque facit!”

“Let everyone be paid according to his deeds.”

{a} See the Mirror or Looking Glass both for Saints and Sinners, set forth by my most loving and highly honoured friend, Mr Sam. Clarke, pastor and preacher of the word at Bennett Fink, London; unto whom not only I give thanks for his help in this publication, but also all the Churches that shall get good thereby.

Ver. 7. And I heard another] That in the mouth of two witnesses this truth might be established. Let God be justified, and every mouth stopped.

Out of the altar] Under which lie the souls of those that were slain for the testimony of Jesus, #Re 6:9. {See Trapp on "Re 16:6"}

Ver. 8. Upon the sun] The pope’s supremacy, say some, the Scriptures, say others, by the light whereof they are laid open to the world (dancing naked in a net, and yet not seeing their own nakedness, as Mr Philpot, martyr, told Chadsey), and by the dint whereof, "God smites the earth"; #Isa 11:4, that is, the consciences of those popelings, glued to the earth. He even "hews them by his prophets, and slays them by the words of his mouth," #Ho 6:5. But this interpretation touching the Scriptures some hold to be dangerous; because upon what subject soever these vials fell, the wrath of God fell together with them upon the same, #Re 16:1; they understand therefore by sun the house of Austria, or the highest authority that holds on Rome.

Ver. 9. And men were scorched] Or parched, scalded, roasted, εκαυματισθησαν. This is by accident in regard of the Scriptures; for the Lord speaketh peace to his people; and his word is good to those that are good, #Mic 2:7. But as Origen saith of devils, so may we say of Papists; there is no greater torment to them than the word of God. In hoc eorum omnis flamma est, in hoc uruntur incendio. Hence they burn up Bibles, tanquam doctrinam peregrinam, as strange doctrine. (Spec. Europ.) Hence they censure St Paul as savouring of heresy, and could find in their hearts to purge his Epistles. Eckius is not afraid to say, that Christ did never command his disciples to write, but to preach only. (Enchirid. loc. com. cap. Eccles.) Bellarmine saith, the Bible is no more than commonitorium, a kind of storehouse for advice. Hosius saith that the pope’s interpretation, though it seem never so repugnant to the Scripture, is nevertheless ipsissimum Dei verbura, the very word of God. The Council of Basil answered the Hussites (requiring Scripture proofs for such doctrines as were thrust upon them), that the Scriptures were not of the being of the Church, but of the well being only; that traditions were the touchstone of doctrine and foundation of faith.

And blasphemed the name of God] The truth of God contained in the Scriptures. What a devil made thee to meddle with the Scripture said Stephen Gardiner to Marbeck. They tell us of several that have been possessed by that means; and assure us that our condemnation is so expressly set down in our own Bibles, and is so clear to all the world, that nothing more needs hereto than that we know to read, and to have our eyes in our heads at the opening thereof. (Alex. Cook.)

Ver. 10. Upon the seat of the beast] This city of Rome, which was never yet besieged (since it became the seat of Antichrist) but it was taken, and shall be again shortly to purpose. Rather, say some, by seat is meant his kingdom, the pope’s singular sole authority and monarchical frame of church government.

And his kingdom was full of darkness] εσκοτωμενη. It appeared to be so (as motes appear in the sunshine) by the clear light of truth shining upon it. A Scottish mist is here already fallen upon a piece of his kingdom, and what further service God hath for their and our armies to do against the pope in Ireland, or elsewhere, we expect and pray God grant us good agreement among ourselves, and then much may be done abroad.

And they gnawed their tongues] Being as mad with malice as Boniface VIII was of discontent, who being suddenly taken prisoner at his father’s house by Sara Columnns his mortal enemy, and brought to Rome, laid up in the castle of St Angelo, within thirty-five days after most miserably died in his madness, rending himself with his teeth, and devouring his own fingers. (Turk. Hist. i. 26.)

Ver. 11. And blasphemed the God of heaven] As they did in 1588, when the Spaniards gave out that Christ was turned Lutheran; and as Faux the gunpowder traitor did, when he told those that took him, that not God, but the devil, had brought to light and to nought that desperate design. (Lonicer. Theatr. Histor.) Thus they set their mouths against heaven, and their tongue walketh through the earth; as if Augustus Caesar were dealing with some god Neptune; or the three sons, trying their archery at their father’s heart, to see who can shoot nearest. What an execrable blasphemy is that of John Hunt, a Roman Catholic, in his humble appeal to King James in the 6th chapter of that Pamphlet: "The God of the Protestants is the most uncivil and evil mannered God of all those who have borne the names of gods upon the earth, yea, worse than Pan, god of the clowns, which can endure no ceremonies nor good manners at all." See Dr Sheldon’s Mark of the Beast.

And rspented not] This leopard {#Re 13:2} can never change his spots, because they are not in the skin, but in the flesh and bones, in the sinews and most inward parts. Tigers rage and tear themselves at the sound of a drum, and at the smell of sweet spices; so do these savage Papists, when called to repent.

Ver. 12. Upon the great river Euphrates] i.e. Upon whatsoever yet hindereth the destruction of spiritual Babylon and the coming in of the Jews, as the Turkish empire.

That the way of the kings] Christians, say some, who are kings in righteousness, and come from the East, or from Christ, "That dayspring from on high," #Lu 1:78. Others understand this text of the Jews, who are most of them in the East, dispersed through Turkey, Tartary (the ten tribes especially), and China. {a} Junius saith, that which is called the "land of Sinim," #Isa 49:12, may probably be meant of China; which if it be the meaning, there may be many of the Jews, whose conversion we daily expect and pray for. See #Isa 11:15,16 Zec 10:10,11.

{a} Tartars of Tothar, a remnant or residue.

Ver. 13. Three unclean spirits] Spiritual fathers, as the Papists call their Jesuits, who seek to subject all to the pope, and the pope to themselves, being ultimus diaboli crepitus, as one speaketh, the last attempt of a daring devil. These are the pope’s janizaries, {a} bloodhounds, vultures, whose nest (as Aristotle saith) cannot be found, yet they will leave all game to follow an army, because they delight to feed on carrion.

Like frogs] For their filthiness, impudency, loquacity, with their continual brekekekex {b} coax {c} coax. (Aristoph.)

Come out of the mouth] That is, by the counsel and command, by virtue of that vow of mission, whereby the Jesuits are bound to the pope, to go whither he shall send them, about whatsoever attempt he shall enjoin them. Yea, if their governors command them a voyage to China or Peru, without dispute or delay they presently set forward. Hence haply they are called spirits.

{a} One of a former body of Turkish infantry, constituting the Sultan’s guard and the main part of the standing army. The body was first organized in the 14th century, and was composed mainly of tributary children of Christians; after a large number of them had been massacred in 1826, the organization was finally abolished. ŒD

{b} Used by Aristophanes to imitate the croaking of frogs. ŒD

{c} To make a pet of; to pet, fondle, caress; to treat endearingly or with blandishment. Obs. OED

Ver. 14. The spirits of devils] Or breathing devils.

Working miracles] Lying wonders, #2Th 2:9.

Unto the kings of the earth] The pope’s nuncios, legates a latere, and other emissaries, stir up the spirits of princes to embroil the world with wars, for the upholding of his tottering greatness; but all in vain. The greatest impostors have ever been the greatest courtiers. The Arians in their age, and from them the Jesuits learned it. As Pharaoh’s frogs, they get into kings’ bedchambers.

And of the whole world] Papists shall call in the help of foreign princes out of Asia, Africa, America, to suppress the heretics, as they call them. But with poor success; for they shall associate themselves only to be broken in pieces, #Isa 8:9. Exorientur, sed exurentur, It will spring up but it will be destroyed. #Re 19:18. The mountain of the Lord shall be lifted up above all mountians. These auxiliaries shall speed no better than those subsidiary Syrians, #2Sa 10:18,19.

Ver. 15. I come as a thief] Who gives no warning. {See Trapp on "Mt 24:44"} I come suddenly, secretly, yea, and also violently and terribly. See #Re 3:3 Lu 12:34 1Th 5:2.

Blessed is he that watcheth] The prophecy is here interrupted {as #Ge 49:18} to forewarn and forearm the saints; #Lu 12:37,38,43, they are three times said to be blessed that watch.

And keepeth his garments] Keepeth himself unspotted of the world, undefiled in the way.

Lest he walk naked, &c.] See #Re 3:18.

Ver. 16. And he gathered] God hath an overruling hand in that which the frogs of Rome do at the courts of kings, and ordereth the disorders of the world to his own glory.

Called in the Hebrew Armageddon] That is, they shall receive such a famous foil, such as Sisera did at the waters of Megiddo, #Jud 5:19.

Ver. 17. Into the air] The popish air, the kingdom of Satan, #Eph 2:2.

Saying, It is done] What is done? The mystery of iniquity is abolished, and the mystery of God is fulfilled. So Cicero when he had slain those of Catiline’s conspiracy, he came to the people, and said, vixerunt, they were alive, but now the world is well rid of them.

Ver. 18. And there were voices] A description of the last judgment, when heaven and earth shall conspire together for the punishment of the wicked. See #Mt 24:36-41,50,51 2Pe 3:10-12 2Th 1:8.

Ver. 19. And the great city] The whole Antichristian state.

Divided into three parts] By the earthquake disjected and dissipated. Or, divided into three parts, that is, into three factions, 1. Stiff Papists; 2. Converts; 3. Neuters.

And the cities of the nations] That came to aid Antichrist.

And great Babylon] Augustine and other ancients do call Rome the Western Babylon; and do so compare them, as that Abraham was born in the flourish of the first Babylon, Christ of the second. The Jesuits here, though they grant Rome to be Babylon, yet they would have it to be Rome heathen under the emperors, and not Rome Christian under the popes. But it must be Rome Christian, as it appears by a double departure: 1. Of Babylon from the Church, #Re 17:3. Babylon is called a whore. 2. Of the Church from Babylon, #Re 18:3. The temple of God is the seat of Antichrist, saith Paul, #2Th 2:3,4.

The cup of wine] That wherein God delights, as a man would do to drink a cup of generous wine.

Ver. 20. Fled away] Either swallowed up by the water or consumed by the fire.

Ver. 21. A great hail] Bigger than that which brained the kings of Canaan, #Jos 10:11; perhaps this shall be fulfilled according to the letter. Howsoever, the elements shall melt like scalding lead upon Antichristians and other atheists; and they shall answer for all with flames about their ears.

Chapter 17

Ver. 1. And there came] This and the following chapters are set for the explanation of the dark and difficult passages in the former, in the three last vials especially.

One of the seven] Probably the seventh.

And talked with me] ελαλησε λαλια, familiarly as the Samaritess with her countrymen, #Joh 4:42, or as the master with his scholar.

I will show unto thee] Thou shalt not only be an ear but an eye witness.

“ Segnius irritant animos demissa per aures,

Quam quae sunt oculis commissa fidelibus.”

Horat.

The judgment] The damnation of her; the destruction is reserved to the next chapter.

Of the great whore] The whore of Babylon, more infamous and notorious than any Thais, Lais, Phryne, Messalina, Orestilla ( cuius praeter formam nihil unquam bonus laudavit, Sallust), or Pope Joan, of whom Funccius the chronologer speaketh thus; Ego Funccius non dubito quin divinitus ita sit permissum ut femina fieret Pontifex eadem meretrix, &c.; I doubt not but that God therefore permitted a notorious harlot to be advanced to the popedom (and this about the very time when the popes were most busy in subjecting the kings of the earth, and making them their vassals), that he might point out to men this whore here mentioned, with whom the kings of the earth committed fornication.

Ver. 2. With whom the kings] As submitting their sceptres to his keys; and becoming his feudatories.

And the inhabiters of the earth] So that she is not a noble whore only, but a common strumpet, prostituting herself to the meanest for their money, as in the pardon office.

Have been made drunk] Hence it is so difficult to convert idolaters: there is no dealing with a man that is drunk. "Whoredom and wine take away the heart," #Ho 4:11.

Of her fornication] Both spiritual and corporal. Sixtus Quintus lupanar utriusque Veneris Romae condidit (saith Agrippa) et decessit tabidus voluptate.

Ver. 3. Into the wilderness] Whither the true Church fled, Re. xii., of which they must be (saith one) that can learn to know the Romish Church to be a whore, condemned of God.

I saw a woman] {See Trapp on "Re 17:1"}

Sit upon] Not going afoot, as Christ and the apostles did, but magnificently mounted, as the pope is ever, either upon a stately palfrey (emperors holding his stirrup) or upon men’s shoulders. England was once called the pope’s ass, for bearing his intolerable exactions. This ass he held by the ears instead of a bridle.

Upon a scarlet coloured beast] The proper colour of the court of Rome; and it well serves to set forth their pomp and their hypocrisy. Innocent IV gave a red hat to his cardinals, to show them (as he said) that they should be ready to shed their blood for the truth. But that painter was nearer the point, who being blamed by a cardinal for colouring the visages of Peter and Paul too red, tartly replied, that he painted them so as blushing at the stateliness and sinfulness of his successors.

Full of names of blasphemy] His head only before was busked with the blasphemy, #Re 13:1, now his whole body. Thus evil men and seducers grow worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived, #2Ti 3:13.

Ver. 4. In purple and scarlet] Clothing for kings and nobles, over whom this whore domineers much more than the concubines did over the kings of Persia.

And decked with gold] Gr. κεχρυσωμενη, gilded with gold, to note her hypocrisy and outsideness, gold without, copper within. The pope styles himself the servant of God’s servants, but yet stamps in his coin, "The nation and country that will not serve thee shall be rooted out." At the absolution of King John of England, 8000 marks of silver were presently delivered to Pandoffus the pope’s envoy, who trampled it under his feet as condemning that base matter, but yet received it and sent it away to Rome. (Daniel’s Hist.)

And precious stones and pearls] Besides the rich stones that are in the pope’s triple crown of inestimable price and value, he carries in his pantofle {a} (which he holds out to be kissed) the picture of the cross, set in pearls and precious stones, Ut plenis faucibus crucem Christi derideat, saith Hiedfeld. Pope Sixtus quintus five was wont to give to Tiresa, his harlot, pantofles covered with pearls. He spent two hundred and threescore thousand crowns upon a conduit, which he built for his pleasure; and yet he brought in fifty hundred thousand crowns into the new treasury built by himself in the castle of St Angelo. At the coronation of Pope Leo X, a million crowns are said to have been spent in one day. Pope Paul II was wont to sleep all day, and spend whole nights in weighing monies and beholding jewels and precious pictures, uno eo die 1,000,000 aureorum expendit. (Jac. Rev. 261.)

A golden cup full of abominations] Gold, if it be right, they say discovers and expels poison. Put poison into a cup of gold, and it will hiss and send up certain circles like rainbows. Hereby is signified (saith an author) that God threateneth judgment and fire to those that pour poison into divine doctrine, as the pope doth with his mad mixtures. He that argued from the letters of Papa, P. Poculum, A. Aureum, P. Plenum, A. Abominationum, argued no less wittily than that other, who of Roma made Radix omnium malorum, the base of all evils.

{a} A slipper; formerly applied very variously, app., at one time or another, to every sort of in-door slippers or loose shoes; esp. to the high-heeled cork-soled chopins; also to out-door overshoes or goloshes; and to all manner of Oriental and non-European slippers, sandals, and the like. (In Scottish use from 15th c.; in common Eng. use from c 1570 to c 165060; after that chiefly an alien or historical word.) ŒD

Ver. 5. Mystery] This word mystery is in the pope’s mitre, saith Brocard the Venetian, and many more who have been at Rome, and profess to have seen it. (Dr James of the Corr. of Script. Preface.) The whole antichristian state is a mystery of iniquity, #2Th 2:7, and is much conversant about mysteries, sacraments, ceremonies, pompous rites, &c.: murders, treasons, thefts, &c., they easily dispense with, but none of their ceremonies. Let God, say they, see to the breach of his own law; we will look to ours. Rome was raised in a mystery: she grew to her greatness insensibly and cunningly. Her bishop is both an Aemulus and an opposite to Christ; one that would seem like him, a vice-Christ, αντιχριστος, and yet is his chiefest adversary; this is the mystery of iniquity. See #2Th 2:7, {See Trapp on "2Th 2:7"}

Babylon the great] Rome, resembling the Assyrian Babylon in pride, idolatry, filthiness, but especially in cruelty toward the Church. See the Babylonian cruelty graphically described, #Jer 51:34, and make the comparison.

The mother of harlots] The Church of Rome to this day delights to be styled Holy Mother Church. Holy she is in the sense that the Hebrews call harlots. And such a mother, as bastards have for their mother, by whose name they are called; the father is seldom mentioned by them.

Ver. 6. Drunken with the blood, &c.] Bishop Bonner delivered Richard Woodman, with four more, requiring of them to be but honest men, members of the Church Catholic, and to speak good of him. And no doubt (saith Woodman) he was worthy to be praised, because he had been so faithful an aid in the devil his master’s business, for he had burned good Mr Philpot the same morning. In whose blood his heart was so drunk as I suppose he could not tell what he did, as it appeared to us both before and after. For but two days before, he promised us we should be condemned that same day that we were delivered; yea, and the morrow after he sought for some of us again, yea, and that earnestly. He waxed dry after his great drunkenness; wherefore he is like to have blood to drink in hell, as he is worthy, if he repent not, &c. It is wisdom (said a certain unknown good woman in a letter to Bonner), it is wisdom for me and all other simple sheep of the Lord, to keep us out of your butcherly stall as long as we can; especially seeing you have such store already, that you are not able to drink all their blood, lest you should break your belly, and therefore let them lie still and die for hunger, &c. Thus I kept the bandogs {a} at staves’ end (said Shetterden the martyr), not as thinking to escape them, but that I would see the foxes leap above the ground for my blood, if they can reach it.

I wondered with great admiration] All things are portentous in the popedom; what monsters were Pope John XII, and Hildebrand, as Luitprandus (Lib. 6, de Reb. Gest. in Europ. in Vita Hildeb.) describes the one, and Cardinal Benno the other, both of their own side. Tertia classis continet Papas vel potius πωπους, saith Alstedius. After the thousandth year of Christ, there was nowhere less piety than in those that dwelt nearest to Rome, as Machiavel observeth.

{a} A dog tied or chained up, either to guard a house, or on account of its ferocity; hence gen. a mastiff, bloodhound. ŒD

Ver. 7. Wherefore didst thou marvel?] Nil admirari prope res est una, Numici. We wonder at things out of ignorance of the causes of them. Hinc admiratio peperit philosophiam.

Ver. 8. Was and is not] Was before the time of this revelation in the Roman government, which was afterwards usurped by the pope. A thing that the first bishops of Rome dreamed not of. And yet Tertullian (Lib. de Pudicitia) taxes the rising ambition of the popes in his time, thus: I hear, saith he, that there is an edict set forth, and that very peremptory, in these terms, Pontifex, scilicet maximus, Episcopus Episcoporum dicit, Thus saith the high priest, the bishop of bishops. (Baron. Annul. tom. 4.) Odi fastum illius Ecclesiae, I hate the pride of the Church of Rome, saith Basil.

Go into perdition] Go, not run; by degrees, not all at once. He now takes long strides toward the bottomless pit; which is but a little before him, and even gapes for him. There stands a cold sweat on all his limbs already.

Shall wonder] Admiration bred superstition; and illumination draws men off it. Julius Palmer, martyr, was a most obstinate Papist all King Edward’s days; and yet afterwards, in Queen Mary’s time, suffered most cruel death at the Papists’ hands at Newbury, for the most ready and zealous profession of the truth. His words to one Bullingham, walking in Paul’s after his conversion, were these; Oh that God had revealed these matters unto me in time past! I would have bequeathed this Romish religion, or rather irreligion, to the devil of hell, from whence it came. Believe them not, Bullingham, I will rather have these knees pared off than I will kneel to yonder jackanapes {a} (meaning the rood). {a}

And yet is] In regard of that imperial power then extant, which the pope should afterwards take to himself.

{a} Applied contemptuously to a crucifix. Obs. ŒD

{b} The cross upon which Christ suffered; the cross as the symbol of the Christian faith. Now only arch. ŒD

Ver. 9. Here is the mind] q.d. Here is work for wise men to busy their brains about. Sapientia est vel codicibus vel cordibus. Wisdom is either from books or from the hearts.

Seven mountains] The Jesuits cannot deny but that Rome is here pointed at, as being set upon seven hills, επταλοφος. So the ancient Rome was, whereof the present Rome is but a carcase, retaining nothing of the old but her ruins, and the cause of them her sins.

Ver. 10. And there are seven kings] That is, kinds of government.

Five are fallen] Kings, consuls, dictators, decemvirs, tribunes.

One is] i.e. The heathen emperor.

And the other is not yet come] sc. The Christian emperors.

A short space] sc. At Rome; for Constantine soon translated the seat of the empire to Byzantium, calling it Constantinople, and left Rome to be the pope’s nest. (Zonaras.) The Emperor Constans, nephew to Heraclius, and after him, Otho, had some thoughts to set up again at Rome, but could not; that so the kingdom of the Church foretold by Daniel might there be seated, saith Genebrard: if he had said the kingdom of Antichrist foretold by John the divine, he had hit it.

Ver. 11. He is the eighth] viz. The Pontifficality.

And is of the seven] i.e. Shall exercise that monarchical power that was before in the seven heads.

Ver. 12. Are ten kings] Of ten different kingdoms, Naples, Spain, Portugal, France, Polony, Bohemia, Hungary, Denmark, Sweden, and this of England, which as it was the first of the ten that submitted to the pope’s yoke, so was it the first that shook it off again in Henry VIII’s time.

Ver. 13. These have one mind] This is the unity or rather conspiracy of the Church of Rome. The Spouse only is but one, #So 6:9. Other societies are but as the clay in the toes of Nebuchadnezzar’s image, they may cleave together but not incorporate one into another. There is a great deal of seeming unity under Antichrist. The Turks also have as little dissension in their religion as any. But well may that garment have no seam that hath no shape. Bellarmine notes a providence, that in the ninth age there sprang up no new heresy. But how could there, when little religion was afoot besides superstition and heresies?

Ver. 14. The Lamb shall overcome them] 1. With a spiritual victory, by a sweet: subjection, at least by a conviction of their consciences. 2. With an external victory, as the Imperialists in Germany, the Papists here.

Ver. 15. Are peoples] Fitly called waters for their instability and impetuosity.

Ver. 16. These shall hate] As base fellows use to hate their harlots when they find them false.

And shall make her desolate] Shall deny to defend her.

And naked] By denying her maintenance, and laying her open to the world by their remonstrances. King Henry VIII and the French king, some half a year before their death, were at a point to have utterly rooted the bishop of Rome out of their realms, and to exhort the emperor to do the same, or else to break off from him. The realm of France was ready (upon the pope’s refusal to rebless King Henry IV upon conversion to them) to withdraw utterly from the obedience of his See, and to erect a new patriarch over all the French Church. The then archbishop of Burges was ready to accept it; and but that the pope, in fear thereof, did hasten his benediction, it had been effected, to his utter disgrace and decay. (Spec. Europ.)

And shall eat her flesh] Be so bitterly bent against her, that they could find in their hearts to tear her with their teeth. See #Job 19:22. We read of two notable thieves in the kingdom of Naples (the one called himself Pater noster, and the other Ave Maria) that had slain 116 men at different times and in different places. These two were at length taken and tormented to death by the command of the magistrate, with hot burning pincers, &c., and made to die piecemeal. It were but reason that Christian princes should use like zeal and severity against that grand soul-murderer the pope.

And burn her with fire] For an old bawd. {a} It is reported that in Meroe, the priests of Jupiter had so bewitched the people with their superstition, that they would sometimes send to the king of Ethiopia for his head; which was never denied them, till it came to King Erganes, who upon so insolent a demand slew them all, and took away their priesthood. Why is not the same now done to the bridge maker of Rome?

{a} fig. He who or that which panders to any evil design or vicious practice. ŒD

Ver. 17. For God hath put] As he sent Nebuchadnezzar against Tyre, Alexander against Asia, and Attila against Rome, who surnamed himself the World’s Scourge; so he will one day send these kings against Rome. It had been burnt when Charles V took it, but that the soldiers were kept in by a kind of violence. God’s time was not yet come for that purpose.

Ver. 18. Is that great city] Rome, that radix omnium malorum, the base of all evil. This is confessed by Bellarmine, Ribera, Alcasar, and other Jesuits. The Rhemists are so straited, that they know not which way to turn them, or how to deny so clear a truth, which yet they are not willing to acknowledge. The wit of heretics will better serve them to devise a thousand shifts to elude the truth, than their pride will suffer them once to yield and acknowledge it.

Chapter 18

Ver. 1. I saw another angel] Some excellent and worthy man (saith Mr Brightman), such a one as should come suddenly before he be looked for, as those things do that slip down from heaven.

Having great power] εξουσιαν, or authority; as having in hand a great business, viz. the denouncing of Rome’s utter ruin.

And the earth was lighted] He delivered himself clearly and expressly, so as that all men may well understand his meaning. Ribera the Jesuit gives this note upon this text, that the judgment of Rome’s desolation shall be (not kept secret, but) made manifest to all men.

Ver. 2. And he cried mightily] So to awaken Babylon, that slept no less securely than that old Babylon, whose king Shesach was feasting and carousing in the bowls of the sanctuary, when the city was taken the same night. The people also did so little fear it, that it was three days after the city was taken by Cyrus ere some of them heard what was befallen them. (Herodot. Arist. Pol.)

Is fallen, is fallen] Certo, cito, penitus, or, with a double fall. They have fallen culpably, and shall fall penally. This was also long since foretold by Sibylla in the eighth book of her oracles:

“Και συ θριαμβος εση κοσμω, και αοιδος απαντων.”

“ Tota eris in cineres quasi nunquam Roma fuisses.”

Rome (during the Roman felicity) was never taken but by the Gauls; but since it became pontifical, it hath been made a prey to all barbarous nations, and never besieged by any that took it not. There yet stands, near at hand, a second Babylon (saith Petrarch), cito itidem casura, si essetis viri. This would soon be down, if you would but stand up as men.

The habitation of devils] Which, by a sweet providence of God, for the good of mankind, are banished (as likewise fierce and wild beasts are) to deserts and unpopulated places. See #Mt 12:43. (It is an allusion to #Isa 13:20 14:23 Jer 50:39) Yet not so, but that, by Divine permission, they haunt and pester the greatest throngs of people, yea, the holiest assemblies. Some take the words in another sense, thus, it is become a habitation of devils, that is, of idols; and this hath wrought her ruin. In the year 610, Boniface IV instituted the feast of All Saints, after that he had begged of the emperor the Pantheon of Rome, which he consecrated to the honour of All Saints, and set up the Virgin Mary in the place of Cybele, the mother of the gods. (Alsted. Chron.)

Ver. 3. For all nations] All Roman Catholics.

The merchants of the earth] καπηλευειν. The Popish emissaries that huckster the word and make merchandise of men’s souls, #2Pe 2:3, after they have taken them prisoners, and made prizes of them, #2Ti 3:6, αιχμαλωτιζοντες.

Through the abundance of her delicacies] στρηνους, or, of her insolencies. Proh pudor! haec res est tote notissima caelo, sang Petrarch 200 years since, speaking of the luxury and insolency of the court of Rome.

Ver. 4. Another voice] This was Christ’s voice, whether mediate or immediate it appears not. See #Jer 51:45.

My people] A people Christ had, and still hath, where Antichrist most prevaileth. There are thought to be no less than 20,000 Protestants in Seville itself, a chief city of Spain. Even in Italy there are full 4000 professed Protestants; but their paucity and obscurity (saith Sir Edw. Sands) shall enclose them in a cipher.

Partakers of her sins] Esto procul Roma qui cupis esse pius. Roma, vale, vidi, satis est vidisse, &c. John Knox refused the bishopric offered him by King Edward VI, as having aliquid commune cum Antichristo, something in common with the Antichrist. Adam Damlip, martyr, had been a great Papist, and chaplain to Fisher, bishop of Rochester; after whose death he travelled to Rome, where he thought to have found all godliness and sincere religion. In the end he found there, as he said, such blaspheming of God, contempt of true religion, looseness of life, and abundance of all abominations, that he abhorred any longer there to abide; although he was greatly requested by Cardinal Pole there to continue, and to read three lectures a week in his house; for the which he offered him great entertainment. (Acts and Mon.) The like is recorded of Mr Rough, martyr, that being before Bonner, he affirmed that he had been twice at Rome, and there had seen plainly with his eyes that the pope was the very Antichrist; for there he saw him carried on men’s shoulders, and the falsely named sacrament borne before him; yet was there more reverence given to him than to that which they counted their God. Mr Ascham (schoolmaster to Queen Elizabeth) was wont to thank God that he was but nine days in Italy, wherein he saw in that one city of Venice more liberty to sin, than in London he ever heard of in nine years. (Mr Fuller’s Holy State, f. 159.)

And that ye receive not of her plagues] Muscult ruinis imminentibus proemigrant, et aranei cum telis primi cadunt, saith Pliny: Mice will haste out of a house that is ready to drop on their heads, and spiders with their webs will fall before the house falleth. Cerinthus the heretic coming into the bath where St John was washing, the apostle εξηλατο του βαλανειου, sprang or leapt out of the bath, saith Eusebius (lib. iv. 14); as fearing, lest being found in his company he should partake of his plagues. It is dangerous conversing with wicked men, 1. For infection of sin; 2. For infliction of punishment. Ambrose, closing up the story of Ahab and Jezebel’s fearful end, fitly saith thus: Fuge ergo, dives, huiusmodi exitum, sed fugies huiusmodi exitum, si fugeris huiusmodi flagitium: Flee therefore, O rich man, such an end as Ahab had, by shunning such evils as Ahab did. (Amb. de Nab. Jezreel, c. xi.)

Ver. 5. For her sins have reached] Gr. ηκολουθησαν, have followed thick or been thwacked one upon another, thick and threefold, as they say: there hath been a concatenation, or a continued series of them, εκολληθησαν. Others read, Her sins are glued and soldered together; or they cleave and are glued to heaven. Matthew Paris speaking of the court of Rome, saith, Huius foetor usque ad nubes fumum teterrimum exhalabat: Her filthiness hath sent up a most noisome stench to the very clouds of heaven, as Sodom’s did; therefore shall Babel (the glory of kingdoms) be as the destruction of God in Sodom and Gomorrha, #Isa 13:19.

Ver. 6. Double unto her double] This is spoken to the good kings that shall sack Rome, that they do the Lord’s work thoroughly, not sparing Agag, as Saul did to the loss of his kingdom, nor dismissing Benhadad, as Ahab did to the loss of his own life.

Ver. 7. She hath glorified herself] As mother of Churches, queen of nations. Steuchus (one of her parasites) saith, That kings have but the use and administration of their kingdoms; the right and property belongs to her. Pope Boniface wrote thus to Philip the Fair, king of France: Volumus te scire te in temporali et spirituali nobis subiacere, &c. Contra sentientes pro insanis habemus: We would ye should know, that ye are to be subject unto us both in temporals and spirituals; and that none that are in their right minds can be otherwise minded. The king thus answered him again, Sciat tua maxima fatuitas, &c., I would your singular foolishness should know that I acknowledge no such subjection, &c. (Alsted. Chron.) It was tartly and trimly replied by one Leonard to Rustandus the pope’s envoy, claiming all the churches here in England to be the pope’s, Omnes Ecclesias Papae esse, tuitione non fruitione, defensione non dissipatione; That if the pope had such right to all the churches, it was to defend them, not to devour them. (Jac. Rev. de Vit. Pontif., p. 178.)

So much torment, &c.] Thus the sinner’s cup of honey endeth in the dregs of gall; as Herodotus writeth of the river Hypanis, that the first day’s journey from the fountain and head of it the water is sweet and wholesome; but after that, exceeding bitter. Pleasure and pain are tied together with chains of adamant. Oh, how short is the wicked man’s Hilary term! {a}

{a} humorous. to keep Hilary term: to maintain hilarity, be cheerful or merry. Obs. ŒD

Ver. 8. Therefore shall her plagues] Security ushereth in destruction, God shall shoot at such with an arrow suddenly, and fetch them off, as he did the rich fool, #Lu 12:16-21

Come in one day] To confute their fond conceit of an eternal empire. See the like, #Isa 48:9. When the war began in Germany, A. D. 1619, it was reported, that a great brass image of the Apostle Peter (that had Tu es Petrus, &c., Thou art Peter, and upon this rock will I build my Church, engraven about it) standing in St Peter’s church at Rome, there was a great and massive stone fell down upon it, and so shattered it to pieces, that not a letter of that sentence was left legible, save these words, Aedificabo Ecclesiam meam, I will build my Church. This was ominous to that tottering title of Rome, and might have taught the popelings, that God is about to build his Church upon the ruins of their worm eaten title. The Lord thereby seemed to say the same unto them, that once he did to Israel by Ezekiel, "An end is come, the end is come, it watcheth for this, behold it is come," #Eze 7:6. Sed surdis fabulam. This hath been long and loud rung in their ears, but they will not be warned.

Death] That is, war, that deadly evil, called an evil, κατ αντονομασιαν, #Isa 45:7 "I make peace, and create evil," that is, war: a woeful evil that hews its way through a wood of men, in a minute of time, from the mouth of a murderingpiece, and causeth thousands to exhale their breath without so much as "Lord, have mercy upon us." Hence the poet:

“ Omega nostrorum mors est, Mars Alpha malorum.”

And mourning] πενθος. For the loss of dead friends.

And famine] The usual concomitant of war, in sieges especially. {See Trapp on "Re 6:5"}

For strong is the Lord] Full able to effect it, seem it to Babel’s brats never so improbable or impossible.

Ver. 9. Shall bewail her and lament] κοψουσι, As with the "voice of doves, tabering upon their breasts," #Na 2:7. The chief of these mourners shall be the Spaniard likely; who yet hath no such great cause, if he look well about him; for he is yearly excommunicated by the pope, for detaining him from the kingdom of Sicily, as Baronius witnesseth. (In Respon. Apol. ad Card. Colum.) It were to be wished that he would imitate his predecessor Charles V, who upon a displeasure conceived against Pope Clement VIII, abolished the pope’s authority throughout all Spain, Exemplo ab Hispanis ipsis posteritati relicto, posse Ecclesiasticam disciplinam citra nominis Pontificii authoritatem conservari, saith mine author, i.e. The Spaniards themselves setting forth to the world that the Church may be governed without the pope’s authority. (Scultet. Annul. Decad. ii. p. 2.) But this Charles did in a passion only, and not from a settled resolution. For after this, when Pope Clement and his cardinals were imprisoned by the duke of Bourbon’s men in St Angelo, Caesar in Spain forbade all interludes to be played; and pageants prepared for the joy of the birth of his son Prince Philip to be pulled down. In France, by the court of Parliament, the duke of Bourbon was condemned of treason, his name and memorial accursed, his arms pulled down, his lands and goods confiscated. Neither would King Henry of England answer the emperor’s letters, whereby he excused himself from having any hand in the action. (Speed, 1012.)

Ver. 10. Standing afar off] As fearing their own safety, they will not venture themselves for an old withered harlot, that is now (Lais-like) ready to be extinct in the last act of her uncleanness, Λαις τελευτωσ’ απεθανε βινουμενη. (Athenaeus, xiii.)

For in one hour] God will make short work of it when once he begins, #Ro 9:28. This should be an encouragement to Christian princes and states, to set upon the service. The pirates’ war was incredibili celeritate et temporis brevitate confectum, saith Austin, soon despatched; so shall this. Papists vaunt now of their temporal felicity, as a note of their Church, and make catalogues of the strange victories that the Catholics have had. Bellarmine brags, that vix unquam fuerunt haeretici superiores quando iusto proelio dimicatum est (tom. ii. lib. 4, cap. 14), the heretics scarcely ever had the day when it came to be tried in a just battle. But if all this had been true (as it is not), yet at last, in one hour shall their judgment come. See #Re 18:19,22. {See Trapp on "Re 18:19"} {See Trapp on "Re 18:22"}

Ver. 11. And the merchants of the earth] The pope’s indulgencers, and other officers of his exchequer. What huge sums of money did Tecelius and his companions rake together out of Germany. The pope had yearly out of England above nine tons of gold; Polydore Virgil was his collector of the Peter’s pence here. Otto (one of the pope’s muscipulatores , mice catchers, as the story calls him) departing hence, left not so much money in the whole kingdom as he either carried with him or sent to Rome before him. (Job. Manl., loc. com., p. 492.) It was truly and trimly said by Pope Innocent IV, Vere enim hortus deliciarum Papis fuit tum Anglia, et puteus inexhaustus, England was then a gallant garden to the pope, and a wellspring of wealth that could not be drawn dry. (Speed, 1027.) Cardinal Wolsey emptied the land of two hundred and forty thousand pounds, to relieve and ransom Pope Clement VII, imprisoned by the Duke of Bourbon. And being himseff sent ambassador beyond sea for the pope’s release, and coming through Canterbury toward Dover, he was seen to weep tenderly at mass for the pope’s calamity.

For no man buyeth their merchandise] Men shall see further into their fopperies and knaveries than to endure to be any longer gulled and cheated. William of Malmesbury began to groan long since under the grievance. Romani hodie (saith he) auro trutinant iustitiam, pretio venditant canonum regulam: The Romans today sell justice, sacraments, masses, dispensations, benefices, all. Mantuan comes after, and cries out,

——“ venalia nobis

Templa, sacerdotes, altaria, sacra, coronae,

Ignis, thura, preces, caelum est venale, Deusque.”

“Temples, priests, altars, rites (I tell no tale),

Crowns, sacrifices, heaven, and God, are set to sale.”

The leaguers here for the liberty of the kingdom in the days of King John, drove Martin, the pope’s publican, out of the land; the king also cursed him grievously at parting, with Diabolus te ad inferos ducat et perducat. (Jac. Revius, lib. iii., de Pont. Rom., cap. xxi.) But now much more than ever these merchants want chapmen, {a} as Bellarmine sadly complains; their markets are well fallen, their Euphrates much dried up.

{a} A man whose business is buying and selling; a merchant, trader, dealer. Obs. or arch. ŒD

Ver. 12. The merchandise of gold] All this is taken out of #Eze 27:22. All countries have catered and purveyed for the pope, who hath had it either in money or other commodity; but money answered all things.

Thyine wood] A wild kind of cedar, very sweet and sound; for it will not easily rot.

Ver. 13. And cinnamon] Galen writes that in his time cinnamon was very rare, and hard to be found, except in the storehouses of great princes. And Pliny reports, that a pound of cinnamon was worth 1000 denarii, that is, 150 crowns of our money.

And chariots] Or sedans, {a} as we call them.

And slaves] Gr. σωματα, bodies, so slaves are called, because their master’s commands reach only to their bodies, and not to their souls.

And the souls of men] Tecelius, the pope’s pardon monger, persuaded the people in Germany, that whosoever would give ten shillings should at his pleasure deliver one soul out of the pains of purgatory; and as soon as the money rang in the basin, that soul was set at liberty. But if it were one jot less than ten shillings, it would profit them nothing. This gainful gullery Luther decried with all his might, and so marred the market. This gave occasion to that saying of Erasmus, whom when the Elector of Saxony asked, why Luther was so generally hated? He answered, For two faults especially; he hath been too busy with the pope’s crown and the monks’ paunches. (Scultet. Annal. dec. i.)

{a} A closed vehicle to seat one person, borne on two poles by two bearers, one in front and one behind. In fashionable use during the 17th, 18th, and early 19th cent. ŒD

Ver. 14. And the fruits] Those first ripe fruits, #Mic 7:1, greedily desired and bought up at any rate by the richer and daintier sort of people.

Which were dainty and goodly] Gr. λιπαρα και λαμπρα, fat and fair-liking, pleasant to the eye as well as to the taste, confections, suckers, deserts, second and third services.

Ver. 15. Which were made rich by her] By their fat benefices, commendams, {a} golden prebendaries, {b} some one yielding ten or twenty thousand by the year. The archbishopric of Toledo is worth a hundred thousand pounds a year; which is a greater revenue than some kings have had. (Spec. Europ.) What a vast estate had Wolsey gotten. So that rich and wretched Cardinal Henry Beaufort, bishop of Winchester, and Chancellor of England in the reign of Henry VI, who asked, Why should I die being so rich? (Acts and Mon.)

{a} The custody of an ecclesiastical benefice in the absence of a regular incumbent; the tenure or enjoyment of the revenues of a benefice held as above. ŒD

{b} The holder of a prebend; a canon of a cathedral or collegiate church who holds a prebend. Originally, each canon had a praebenda or share in the funds of the church to which the clergy house was attached; in later times when the custom grew up of assigning a particular estate for the support of a particular canon, the latter received also the designation of prebendary from the estate so assigned, e.g. ‘Canon of St. Paul’s and Prebendary of Finsbury’. ŒD

Ver. 16. With gold and precious stones] All these avail not in the day of wrath. Neither need we envy wicked men their plenty; it is their portion, all they are like to have. The whole Turkish empire is nothing else, saith Luther, nisi panis mica, quam dives paterfamilias proiecit canibus, a crust cast to the dogs, by God the great householder. I have no stronger argument (said the same Luther) against the pope’s kingdom, quam quod sine cruce regnat, than this, that he suffered nothing. Surely there is the more behind, there will be bitterness in the end, no doubt.

Ver. 17. So great riches come to nought] Gr. ηρημωθη, is desolated, or become a wilderness. Petrarch writeth, that in the treasury of Pope John XXII were found by his heirs two hundred and fifty tons of gold. And of Boniface VIII it is recorded that he was able to show more money than all the kings in Christendom.

And every ship master] i.e. Cardinal, patriarch, archbishop, though but titular and imaginary, without jurisdiction, as are the patriarchs of Constantinople, Antioch, Jerusalem, and Alexandria, which the pope successively consecrates, ever since the Holy Land and the provinces about it were in the hands of Christian princes, A.D. 1100, so loth is the pope to lose the remembrance of any superiority or title that he hath once compassed. (Spec. Europ.)

And all the company] The cardinals and archbishops’ train and retinue, those in office especially. What a pompous family kept Wolsey, consisting of one earl, nine barons, very many knights and esquires, and others, to the number of four hundred. (Rex Platen., p. 26.)

And sailors] Bishops, abbots, priors, &c. In a parliament holden here at Leicester, A.D. 1413, in the reign of Henry V, a complaint was exhibited against the Popish clergy’s excess. This bill (saith E. Hall the chronicler) made the fat abbots to sweat, the proud priors to frown, the poor friars to curse, the silly nuns to weep, and all her merchants to fear that Babel would then down. But God’s time was not yet.

And as many as trade by the sea] All the clergy, the Jesuits especially, without whose lusty help (saith Mr Brightman) St Peter’s fishing boat had stuck in the sand, and had rushed against the rocks long since.

Ver. 18. What city is like unto this] q.d. Who would have ever thought we should ever have seen this dismal day of Rome’s destruction? It was wont to be said, Roma cladibus animosior, Rome is unconquerable. The pope wrote once to the Turk that threatened him,

“ Niteris incassum Petri submergere navem;

Fluctuat, at nunquam mergitur ills ratis.”

Ver. 19. And they cast dust] As men willing to be as far underground as now they were above ground. Having lost their livelihood, they had little joy of their lives.

All that had ships in the sea] All churchmen, i.e. all, for the most part; some of them have little enough. Sanders was starved. Stapleton was made a professor of a petty university, scarcely as good as one of our free schools. On Harding his Holiness bestowed a prebend {a} of Gaunt, or (to speak more properly) a Gaunt prebend. Allin was commonly called the starveling cardinal.

{a} The portion of the revenues of a cathedral or collegiate church granted to a canon or member of the chapter as his stipend. ŒD

Ver. 20. Thou heaven] i.e. The Church on earth.

And ye holy apostles, &c.] i.e. Ye pastors and teachers, who as ye have been most shot at by her, so now you are especially called to triumph over her, #Ps 58:11.

Ver. 21. And a mighty angel] For further assurance a sign is added, and an allusion made to #Jer 51:63. And here it is easy to observe a notable gradation, an angel, a strong angel, taketh a stone, and a great stone, even a millstone, which he letteth not barely fall, but casteth, and with impetuous force thrusteth into the bottom of the sea, whence it cannot be buoyed up. Thus is set forth to the eye also the irreparable ruin of Rome.

Ver. 22. And the voice of harpers, &c.] Thine organs and sackbuts, thy chanting and churchmusic, shall cease.

And the sound of a millstone] Anciently they used handmills, which did make a great noise in the cities, as Diodate here noteth.

Ver. 23. And the light of a candle] The candle of the wicked shall be put out, they that here love darkness better than light shall hereafter be thrust into σκοτος εξωτερον, outer darkness, where they shall never see the light again till they see all the world on a light fire.

For thy merchants were the great men] The pope creates his cardinals by these words, Estote fratres nostri et principes mundi, Be ye brethren to us, and princes of the world. They hold themselves the king’s companions.

Chapter 19

Ver. 1. I heard a great voice] In obedience to that exhortation, #Re 18:20, Rejoice over her, thou heaven, &c.

Saying, Alleluia] i.e. Praise the Lord. Was not he a wise man that gave this derivation of the word Al altissimus, le levatus est, lu lugebant apostoli, ia iam resurrexit? Acutum sane decompositum. This word is in the Old Testament first used, #Ps 104:35, where consuming of sinners is mentioned, as in the New Testament here, where the destruction of Antichrist is foretold. Praise is therefore here given to God in the Hebrew tongue, saith Mr Bulkly, because the Hebrews or Jews shall acknowledge the Lord Jesus with us.

Unto the Lord] Gr. Is the Lord’s, as #Ps 3:8. He is the true proprietary.

Ver. 2. Which did corrupt the earth] I read of one, who journeying to Rome, as soon as he came within the city shut his eyes, and so kept them; as resolving to see nothing in that city (which he knew to be very corrupt, and a cotrupter of others) but only the Church of St Peter. (Sphinx Philos. p. 753.) {See Trapp on "Re 18:4"}

Ver. 3. And again they said, Alleluia] As unsatisfiable in performing so divine a duty. Some think that the Hebrew word is retained to import that after Rome is ruined, the Churches of the Gentiles shall by their incessant praises provoke the Jews to join with them, and concelebrate the mercy; like as the Spouse, by praising her Beloved, stirred up those dull daughters of Jerusalem to seek him with her, #So 5:9,10 cf. Re 6:1.

And her smoke rose up] Like that of Sodom. Yet wretched Romanists will not be warned, whose judgment therefore is here revealed after that of the sitting of Rome.

Ver. 4. And the four and twenty elders] The former Alleluiah was more private; every good heart being lifted up with joy and thankfulness, when first they hear the good news of Antichrist’s overthrow. Now is this the joint Alleluiah of the public congregation, praising and magnifying God. This may be a further means to move the Jews to come in.

Ver. 5. And a voice came out] This is the Lamb’s voice, his all quickening voice, which shall rouse and raise the dead and dedolent Jews; powerfully pulling the veil from their hard hearts, which yet were somewhat moved and mollified by the former Alleluiahs, so that now all the servants of God, small and great, Jew and Gentile, shall praise him with one consent.

Ver. 6. And I heard as it were the voice] See how morigerous the saints are, and ready-hearted to obey God. No sooner are they bidden to praise God, but they are at it, dicto citius. See the like #Ps 27:8.

Saying, Alleluia] This was the Hosanna Rabba, as the Jews call it; the victoria Halleluiatica, as the old Britons called their victory over the Saxons. The story is this. Under the conduct of Germanus (here in Britain), who came over from France to subdue the Pelagian heresy (which then prevailed among us), against a mighty army of Saxons and Picts, the Britons prevailed only by the three times pronouncing the word Hallelujah; which voice echoing and redoubling from the acclamation of his followers among the mountains, near to which the enemy had encamped, frightened them and won the conquest, upon which it was called victoria Halleluiatica. (Dr Ussier, de Brit. Eccles. Primord. p. 332.)

Reigneth] i.e. He now maketh it appear that he reigneth, which Averroes and some other of the world’s wizards doubted, yea, denied; because they saw bad men prosper, good men suffer.

Ver. 7. Hath made herself ready] Being first made ready by the grace of Christ. Certain est nos facere quod facimus; sed ille facit ut faciamus. (Aug.) The bowls of the candlestick had no oil but that which dropped from the olive branches, #Zec 4:12.

Ver. 8. And to her was granted] It is here clear (saith Bernard) that there shall be as great difference between the state of God’s Church now, and that which is to come after Rome’s ruin, as between the time of honourable persons only betrothed, and the high, joyful, and glorious day of their public marrying; as between the time of a king coming on to his kingdom, and his actual and powerful reigning as king indeed.

That she should be arrayed] This also is given her, as well as her rich raiment; which she can no more put on by herself than she can purchase it.

Clean and white] Or, pure and bright. Pure, saith one, because imputed righteousness is pure indeed, and hath no spot in it; but not bright; you can see no great matter in it; it maketh no great show before men (as inherent righteousness doth, #Mt 5:16), but before God. A man may be very much defiled and subject to many scandals, and yet be clothed with the garment of imputed righteousness.

The righteousness of saints] Gr. righteousnesses, that twofold righteousness, imputed and imparted.

Ver. 9. Write] To wit, this ensuing sentence, for the use of posterity, worthy to be written in letters of gold.

Blessed are they that are called] So they have hearts to come at Christ’s call, and not show themselves unworthy to taste of his supper by framing excuses, as those recusant guests did, #Lu 14:15-24.

These are the true sayings of God] q.d. This foregoing sentence is "a faithful saying, and worthy of all acceptation," #1Ti 1:15.

Ver. 10. And I fell at his feet] So taken he was with the joyful tidings of his countrymen’s (the Jews’) conversion, that he fell down as Abraham did upon the good news of Isaac’s birth, #Ge 17:17. And it may be he took this angel for Christ, the Angel of the covenant; but that was his error. Triste mortalitatis privilegium est, licere aliquando peccare. (Euphor.)

See thou do it not] οραμη, an elliptic and concise kind of speech in the Greek, betokening haste and displeasure at what was done. Papists will needs disdain the angels with seeming courtesies and respects; and whereas the Council of Laodicea (cap. 35) saith, it behoveth Christians, αγγελους μη ονομαζειν, not to pray to angels, Surius and Caranza make the words to be, Non oportet Christianos ad angulos congregationes facere; It is not proper for Christians to associate with angels, and the title they make De iis qui angulos colunt, in a clean contrary sense to the Council’s intention.

Ver. 11. And I saw heaven opened] i.e. He saw things done before his eyes, as it were; so do not we, but are left to conjectures. Here is showed, saith one, the foil of the beast, bearer up of the whore, and no question but now highly chafed with her fall. This is the last and noblest act of Christ’s riding, for the dragon and his vicars’ utter destruction. Thus he. Here is showed, saith another interpreter, in what state the Church shall be in, upon the ruin of Rome, even as people standing in arms under their General Christ Jesus for a time, till the last battle be fought, and the enemies destroyed.

Behold, a white horse] Christ riding as an Emperor triumphing, and as a righteous Judge, #Ps 9:8 96:10,13.

Ver. 12. His eyes were as a flame of fire] A quick sighted Judge, an intelligent warrior. "Counsel and strength are for the war," #2Ki 18:20.

And on his head were many crowns] Let the triple crowned pope look to himself; Christ outcrowns him by far.

And he had a name written] His holy and reverend name Jehovah, importing his Godhead; for he is "Jehovah, our righteousness," #Jer 23:6. And as thus, no man knows the Son but the Father, #Mt 11:27; for as God he is incomprehensible, #Jud 13:18 "What is his name, or what is his Son’s name, if thou canst tell?" #Pr 30:4 "Who shall declare his generation?" #Isa 53:8. Or by this unknown name may be meant his dignity of being Head of his Church; which is incommunicable to any other, #Php 2:9.

Ver. 13. Dipped in blood] In the blood of his enemies, as a victor returning from a huge slaughter. Caesar is said to have taken prisoner one million of men, and to have slain as many; Mahomet I (emperor of the Turks), to have been the death of 800,000 men; Seanderbeg, to have slain 800 Turks with his own hand. But our Conqueror shall outdo all these; when he shall tread them in his anger, and trample them in his fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon his garments, and he will stain all his raiment, #Isa 63:3.

The word of God] #Joh 1:1,7. Hereby it appears that this was John the Evangelist that wrote this book. Idiotismus Ioannis. (Pareus.)

Ver. 14. And the armies which were in heaven] The heavenly minded heroes that fight his battles, are all in his livery, horsed and habited as he, in whom they are more than conquerors, because they are sure to conquer before they fight.

Ver. 15. A sharp sword] The word, #Eph 6:17; the rod wherewith he smiteth the earth, #Isa 11:4; the breath of his mouth, whereby Antichrist shall be overthrown, as by force of arms, so also of arguments.

The nations] The paganish pa-pagans. See the book entitled Paganopapismus; wherein is proved that papism is flat paganism, and that the Papists do resemble the very pagans in above seven score individual things.

And he treadeth the winepress] At Armageddon, #Re 16:16.

Ver. 16. And on his thigh] Where his sword hangs, #Ps 45:3, to show that he will keep what he hath gained ( Vincere scis Hannibal, victoria uti nescis, said one), {a} or "on his thigh," qui filiabitur nomine eius, #Ps 72:17, the name of Christ shall endure for ever; it shall be begotten, as one generation is begotten of another; there shall be a succession of Christ’s name; "he shall see his seed, he shall prolong his days, and the pleasure of the Lord shall prosper in his hands," #Isa 53:10. Confer #Ge 46:26. Or, "on his thigh," that is, on his lower parts, his people. Christ "will make the place of his feet glorious," #Isa 60:13, that is, the Church in their lowest condition.

Lord of lords] This title the pope usurps; but what said Miconius in a letter to Calvin upon the view of the Church’s enemies? Gaudeo quod Christus Dominus est; alioqui totus desperassem, I am glad that Christ is Lord of lords, for else I should have been utterly out of hope.

{a} Non minor est virtus quam quaerere, parta tueri

Ver. 17. Standing in the sun] Where he might best be heard, as a herald. And he well types out such, as by clear light of truth shall make known the certain destruction of the enemies, before the battle be fought.

Unto the supper of the great God] They that would not come to the supper of the Lamb shall be made a supper to the fowls of heaven.

Ver. 18. That ye may eat] He alludes to #Eze 39:4,17. Gog and Magog were a type of Antichrist: "Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, saith the Lord," #Eze 38:3; where, if Gog is the Great Turk, and Meshech Cappadocia, where he first settled himself, why should he be called "prince of Tubal," also, that is, of Spain, France, and Italy, as Jerome and Josephus interpret it (neither do Bellarmine and Gretser dissent)? Is it not to show that, after the fall of Babylon, the Antichristians shall call in the Turk and other pagan princes to invade and distress the Church, that they may all perish together, and feed the fowls with their dead carcases?

Ver. 19. And I saw the beast] The Church’s enemies are even ambitious of destruction. Judgments need not go to find them out; they run to meet their bane.

Ver. 20. And the beast was taken] Taken suddenly, or as he was fleeing, and so thinking to escape. {a} Dio maketh mention of a notable thief that did much mischief in Italy (afterwards the pope’s seat) in the days of Severus. This emperor used all the means he could to catch him, but could not do it, Quippe qui visus non videbutur, non inveniebatur inventus, deprehensus non capiebatur, saith the historian. But this subtle beast meeteth with his match and more; for he is caught and cast into the lake, &c. Christ is a conqueror so soon as ever he comes into the field, Venit, vidit, vicit. He came, he saw, he couquered. When the enemies are tumultuating, he comes upon them as out of an engine, and hurls them headlong into hell.

And with him the false prophet] This is the same with the beast; only the pope is called the beast in respect of his civil power, and the false prophet in respect of his spiritual. {See Trapp on "Re 13:12"} I remember, saith Aretius here, that many learned men in the year 1546 interpreted these words of the war that then was, and were confident that the emperor was the beast here mentioned, that should be overcome, and taken in battle by the Protestants; and together with him some false prophet of his (perhaps the pope), but it proved much otherwise, and the event showed that this application of the text was false.

“ Fallitur augurio spes bona saepe suo.”

These both were cast alive] Death shall not end their misery, but they shall suffer most exquisite torments. Potentes potenter torquebuntur.

{a} επιασθη, proprie dicitur de iis quos fugientes arripimus. Beza.

Ver. 21. Slain with the sword] Not so deeply damned, and yet so slain as to be made a prey to the infernal vultures; and then the fattest carcase shall be the finest prey, the greatest sinners the sorest sufferers.

Chapter 20

Ver. 1. And I saw an angd] Constantine the Great, the Church’s male child, #Re 12:5.

Having the key] Not that key, #Re 9:1, but another.

A great chain] The succession of Christian emperors.

Ver. 2. And he laid hold on the dragon] #Re 12:7,9. He took him in a field fight, and since then till now we have heard little of him, more than that he substituted the beast, Re. xiii., whose destruction being declared, the prophecy returns to show the judgment of the dragon.

And bound him] From the open slaughtering of the saints, as he had done by the heathen emperors; or, from molesting and mischiefing of God’s people, otherwise he is not bound one hour, #Job 1:6-12 1Pe 5:8. And how his vicegerent the beast hath bestirred him during the thousand years, who knows not?

A thousand years] Hos explicate fateor trepide me aggredi, saith Pareus. He begins the thousand at the destruction of the temple, A.D. 73, and so it ends in Pope Hildebrand, who stepped into that chair of pestilence, A. D. 1073. Others begin it at the birth of Christ, and end in Sylvester II. Others at Christ’s passion, and end in Benedict IX. But they do best, in my opinion, that begin at Constantine and end in Boniface VIII, who is of his own said to have entered like a fox, reigned as a lion, and died as a dog. He excommunicated the French king, and published this decree, that the Bishop of Rome ought to be judged of none, although he should carry innumerable souls with him to hell.

Ver. 3. And cast him into the bottomless pit] That is, into the earth, #Re 12:9,12 13:11; the earth is the bottomless pit, out of which the beast was raised by the dragon.

Deceive the nations] The Gentiles, by defending Gentilism, and hindering the course of the gospel among them.

And after that he must be loosed] He must, because God hath so decreed it, for the glory of his own name in the defence of his people, but destruction of his enemies. As also that the devil may show his malice, which God can restrain at his pleasure. Roger Holland, martyr, said to Bonner, This I dare be bold in God to speak, which by his Spirit I am moved to say: that God will shorten your hand of cruelty, that for a time you shall not molest his Church. And after this day in this place shall there not any be by him put to the fire and fagot. And it proved so; for none after that suffered in Smithfield for the testimony of the gospel. (Acts and Mon. fol. 1852.)

Ver. 4. And they sat upon them] Resting from former persecutions, and reigning in righteousness even here upon earth.

And judgment was given unto them] That is, say some, the spirit of discerning between Christianity and Antichristianism, or the clearing of their innocence, and doing them right, say others. Or, they had their chairs, seats, and consistories, wherein they did both preach the word and execute the Church censures, as some sense it.

And I saw the souls] This makes against the millenaries. Souls reign not but in heaven, there are "the spirits of just men made perfect," #Heb 12:23. True it is, as Mr Cotton well observeth, that there are many devices in the minds of some, to think that Jesus Christ shall come from heaven again, and reign here with his saints upon earth a thousand years. But they are, saith he, but the mistakes of some high expressions in Scripture, which describe the judgments poured out upon God’s enemies in making way to the Jews’ conversion, by the pattern of the last judgment. Thus he. The souls here mentioned are the same, I conceive, that were seen under the altar, #Re 6:9, and do cry, "How long, Lord?" These are not capable of a bodily resurrection, nor of an earthly reign.

And they lived and reigned with Christ] They, that is, those that sat on the thrones (not they that were beheaded), "lived and reigned," as spiritual kings (after the same manner as they are priests, #Re 20:6), for else there should be more kings than subjects.

With Christ] It is not said "with Christ upon earth"; this is an addition to the text; or if the words did import a reigning upon earth, yet this would not infer an earthly reign for a thousand years, in great worldly delights, begetting, many children, eating and drinking, and enjoying all lawful pleasures, as some dream today. The conceit, I confess, is as ancient as Cerinthus, the heretic, and Papias (scholar to St John), a man much reverenced for opinion of his holiness, but yet homo ingenii pertenuis, saith Eusebius, not oppressed with wit. Jerome and Augustine explode it as a Jewish fable, and declare it to be a great error, if not a heresy; so do all the ορθογνωμονες at this day. The patrons of Christ’s personal reign upon the earth are Mr Archer, and Mr Burroughes (Moses’ Choice), who tells us that if the opinion of some concerning Christ’s coming to reign here in the world before the day of judgment be not a truth, he cannot make anything of many places of Scripture, as this place for one. But if he cannot, yet others can. See an answer to his and Mr Archer’s chief arguments in Mr Bayly’s Dissuasive from the Errors of the Times, chap. xxi. p. 238.

Ver. 5. But the rest of the dead] Dead in Baal worship, as Ephraim, #Ho 13:1; dead in sins, as Sardis, #Re 3:1.

Lived not again] By repentance from dead works, or they recovered not the life and immortality that is brought to light by the gospel.

Until the thousand years] Until, being taught better by God’s faithful witnesses, they abjured Popery.

This is the first resurrection] From Romish superstitions. Mr Fox tells us that by the reading of Chaucer’s books, some were brought to the knowledge of the truth. (Acts and Mon.) But here it must be remembered that a Papist must have two resurrections or conversions ere he can come to heaven. First, of a Papist he must become in judgment a true Protestant. 2. Of a Protestant at large, he must become a zealous practitioner of the truth he professeth. Like as corn must be first thrashed out of the straw, and then winnowed out of the chaff.

Ver. 6. Blessed and happy is he] The holy only have part in this resurrection, and are therefore happy, or out of harm’s way, as the word μακαριοι signifies.

The second death hath no power] For they are brought from the jaws of death to the joys of eternal life, where is mirth without mourning, riches without rust, &c.

But they shall be priests] {See Trapp on "Re 1:6"}

They shall reign] The righteous are kings, #Mt 13:17 cf. Lu 10:24 "Many righteous" is the same with "many kings." {See Trapp on "Re 20:4"}

A thousand years] These thousand years begin (saith Mr Brightman) where the former ended, that is, in the year 1300, whereby continuance thereof is promised for a thousand years forward, among some of the Gentiles; and how long it shall reign afterwards among the Jews, He only knows that knows all. The most interpreters by a thousand years here understand not any definite time, as #Re 20:2 of this chapter, but an indefinite time, that is, for ever, as #Ps 84:10. This thousand years they take for eternity, and a further degree of glory for such as are called forth to suffer. See #Eze 37:1-14 Isa 26:19.

Ver. 7. Satan shall be loosed] i.e. Suffered to rise up in open rage against the open professors of the truth, and to make havoc of them, as he did of the Waldenses, Hussites, Huguenots, professors in Germany, Netherlands, Ireland, England, &c. He hath laid about him lately to purpose; besides those seas of Christian blood shed by the Turk, since the thousand years expired.

Ver. 8. Gog and Magog] That is, pope and Turk, saith Aretius; the pope a covert enemy to Christ; the Turk an overt or open enemy; as Gog and Magog signify, #Eze 38:1-39:29. These are set forth by Ezekiel as the last enemies of God’s people before Shiloh come; and presently after their utter overthrow, the state of the city and temple is notably described. So, after the pope and Turk in that last great battle at Armageddon routed and foiled, the New Jerusalem is in the following chapters excellently portrayed and depainted; that being a special type of this.

Ver. 9. And they went up] As a flood, #Eze 8:9,16.

And compassed] As resolved that none should escape them, #Ps 118:11,12 2Ki 6:14,15 25:1.

The camp of the saints] The Church militant.

And the beloved city] The New Jerusalem, #Re 21:2 "The dearly beloved of God’s soul," #Jer 12:7; or, "God’s dearly beloved soul," την ψυχην την ηγαπημενην, as the Septuagint render it. (Spec. Europ.) For present the Turk is the bridle that holds in the pope with all his followers from any universal proceeding against the Protestants; who herein are greatly advantaged above them, in that their opposites lie between them and the Turk; or in that their countries, coasting so much as they do toward the north (as Denmark, Switzerland, &c.), are out of his way, and no part of his present aim. Italy is the mark he shoots at. And when once he shall rise against the true Church, fire from heaven shall devour him.

Ver. 10. And the devil] This Mr Brightman interprets of the Turk, called here the devil, because instigated and set awork by the devil. Albeit another learned expositor is of opinion, that by the fall of the beast and conversion of the Jews, the Turks and other states of the East shall be brought to embrace the gospel, being first taught thereto by some notable foil. What to think of this I know not; but cannot but like well of Diodate’s note upon #Re 20:4; that in all this prophecy it is better and more sure to expect and stay for the explication by the event than to give it without any certain ground.

And shall be tormented] Gr. βασανισθησονται, racked. The devil and the damned have punishment without pity, misery without mercy, sorrow without succour, crying without comfort, mischief without measure, torments without end and past imagination.

For ever and ever] This is as another hell in the midst of hell, and forceth them to cry, ουαι, ουαι, "woe, woe," as if they should say, ουκ αει, ουκ αει, "not ever, not ever, Lord." Whereto conscience answereth as an echo, αει, αει, "ever, ever." Hence that doleful ουαι, "woe and alas" for evermore.

Ver. 11. And I saw a great white throne] A lively description of the last judgment, to show that henceforth, since the last great battle, the New Jerusalem should have no disturbance till Christ comes to judgment. His throne is said to be white, for like reason as he is said to sit upon a white cloud and a white horse, #Re 14:14 19:11. He shall give most just and uncorrupt judgment.

From whose face the earth, &c.] To show either his terribleness or their renovation, #2Pe 3:12 Ro 8:21.

Ver. 12. Small and great] It is the common opinion that men shall rise again in that tall and goodly stature of body wherein Adam was created; or at least in that vigour of age that a perfect man is at about 33 years old, each in their proper sex. And hereunto some think, the apostle alludeth, #Eph 4:13. But Mr Brightman holds, that in the resurrection every one shall appear in that stature in which he departed out of this life, and that the contrary opinion doth manifestly contradict this Scripture.

And the books were opened] The books of conscience, saith Origen; of the Scriptures, saith Augustine; of both, say I; for according to law written shall the Judge pass sentence, the conscience either accusing or excusing.

Another book] That is, that of God’s decree of free grace; the book that hath our names in it, and our pardon.

The book of life] That God’s elect may be seen and known. God neither needeth nor useth books to judge by; but this is spoken after the manner of men. Mordecai’s name was registered in the Chronicles of Persia. Tamerlane had always by him a catalogue of his best servants, and their good works, which he daily perused.

Ver. 13. And the sea] Those that perish in the waters, and those whose ashes were scattered upon the waters, as John Huss’s; whom after they had burnt, they beat his heart with their staves, and cast his ashes into the river. But there is a substance of the saints’ bodies preserved, by a secret influence from Christ their Head; and their dust is precious.

Ver. 14. And death and hell] There shall be an utter end of all evils and enemies, nothing left to disquiet the Church. She shall see them afar off, as Lazarus did the rich man, and be able to say of them, as she did of her accusers, #Joh 8:10,11 "they are all gone."

Ver. 15. And whosoever] As those priests were cashiered that could not prove their pedigree, #Ezr 2:62,63.

Chapter 21

Ver. 1. And I saw a new heaven] New for form and state, but the same as before for matter and substance; as an old garment translated is called a new one; and as whoso is in Christ is a new creature.

Passed away] i.e. Were purged from their vanity and defilements.

And there was no more sea] i.e. Trouble and tumult. The sea is of itself restless, and often tossed with storms and tempests, #Isa 57:20. As for the element of water, it shall remain, probably, as earth, air, and fire do. Andreas thinks there shall be no more sea.

Ver. 2. The holy city] The Church in glory, saith Diodate. The Church wayfaring and warfaring, saith Brightman, whose interpretation of this text, Nitur coniectura optabili magis quam opinabili, saith Pareus, is more to be wished than imagined. The glory of Christ’s bride is fitter to be believed than possible to be discoursed, saith Prosper. The Italians have this proverb among them, He that hath not seen Venice, believes not the bravery of it; and he that hath not lived somewhile there, understandeth it not. This is much more true of Uranople, the New Jerusalem. St John’s New Jerusalem, and Ezekiel’s city and temple, from #Eze 40 to the end, are contemporary (say some), and signify one and the same thing. (Haffen refferus.)

As a bride adorned, &c.] Bishop Ridley, the night before he suffered, invited his hostess and the rest at table to his marriage; for, said he, tomorrow I must be married. Some other martyrs went as merrily to die as ever they did to dine.

Ver. 3. And I heard a great voice] To confirm the vision, lest it should be thought a delusion.

Behold, the tabernacle] His special presence both of grace and glory is with his elect. See #Eze 37:7,28.

He will dwell with them] He will indwell in them, #2Co 6:16. {See Trapp on "2Co 6:16"} The enjoyment of God is heaven itself, therefore God is called heaven; "I have sinned against heaven."

Ver. 4. And God shall wipe away] As mothers do their children’s tears. "Sorrow and sighing shall flee away." Baca shall be turned into Berachah, sighing into singing, misery into majesty; as Queen Elizabeth was exalted from a prisoner to a princess; and as our Henry IV was crowned the very same day that, the year before, he had been banished the realm. (Daniel.)

No more death] For mortality shall be swallowed up of life.

Neither sorrow] πενθος. Properly for loss of friends; for we shall inseparably and everlastingly enjoy them. We shall sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, have communion with them; not only as godly men, but as such and such godly men. And if with them, why not with others whom we have known and loved in the body?

Nor crying] κραυγη. Qualis est in tragoediis, saith Aretius.

Nor any more pain] πονος. Or, hard labour for a livelihood, to be gotten with the sweat either of brow or brain.

For the former things, &c.] The Latins call prosperous things Res secundas, because they are to be had hereafter; they are not the first things.

Ver. 5. Write; for these words are faithful] Though few men will believe them; for if they did, what would they not do or forego to get heaven? Cleombrotus reading Plato’s book of the immortality of the soul, was so ravished with the conceit thereof, that he cast himself headlong into the sea. But how many reading this better book of heaven’s happiness, are no whit wrought upon thereby, or in the least measure moved to affect those things above, that run parallel with the life of God and line of eternity!

Ver. 6. It is done] As the punishment of the wicked, #Re 16:17 {See Trapp on "Re 16:17"} so the reward of the righteous is performed and accomplished.

I will give unto him] Whereas some good soul might say, I would it were once done. Have patience (saith God), I will shortly give unto him that is athirst to drink of that torrent of pleasure, that runs at my right hand, without any either let or loathing.

“ Clitorio quicunque sitim de fonte levarit,

Vina fugit, gaudetque meris abstemius undis.”

Ovid. Metam.

Of the water of life, freely] But merit mongers will not have it freely; therefore they shall go without it. Caelum gratis non accipiam, I will not accept heaven for nothing, saith Vega.

Ver. 7. He that overcometh] Gr. "He that is overcoming," or not yielding, though he hath not yet overcome; if he be but doing at it, and do not yield up the bucklers, ο νικων, quasi μη εικων.

Shall inherit all things] Tanquam haeres ex asse. All God’s servants are sons, and every son an heir.

Ver. 8. But the fearful] Cowardly recreants, white livered milk sops, that pull in their horns for every pile of grass that toucheth them, that are afraid of every new step, saying as Caesar at Rubicon, "Yet we may go back"; that follow Christ afar off, as Peter; that tremble after him, as the people did after Saul, #1Sa 13:7, and the next news is, "They were scattered from him," #1Sa 13:11. These lead the ring dance of this rout of reprobates; and are so hated of Christ, that he will not employ them so far as to break a pitcher, or to bear a torch, #Jud 7:3-7.

And unbelieving] Therefore fearful, because unbelieving, for faith fears no fray bugs; {a} but why do ye fear, ye little faiths? saith our Saviour.

{a} An object of fear; a bogy, spectre. ŒD

Ver. 9. One of the seven angels] The same, likely, that, #Re 17:1, had showed him the damnation of the whore. So studious and officious are the angels to serve the saints, #Heb 1:14.

The bride, the Lamb’s wife] Uxor fulget radiis mariti, saith the civilian; so is it here.

Ver. 10. To a great and high mountain] As Moses was carried up into Mount Nebo that from thence he might view the promised land. He that would contemplate heaven must soar aloft, fly a high pitch, &c. Take a turn with Christ in Mount Tabor, and be transfigured.

Ver. 11. Having the glory, of God] Who putteth upon her his own comeliness, #Eze 16:9-13, as Rachel was decked with Isaac’s jewels.

Even like a jasper] And so, like God himself, who is set out by a jasper, #Re 4:3.

Clear as crystal] There is no such jasper in nature as is thus clear; but such a one must here be imagined. Nec Christus, nec caelum patitur hyberbolen. In speaking of Christ or heaven it is hard to hyperbolize. Christ’s blood (the true Pactolus) ρει τον πλουτον, floweth with riches. Uranople (the New Jerusalem) hath its foundation garnished with all manner of precious stones, to signify as well the durableness as the excellency of it. See #Re 21:19,20.

Ver. 12. And had a wall] Far better than that of Babylon. Indeed this celestial China needs no wall to divide it from the Tartars; this is Arabia Felix, the people whereof live in security, and fear no enemy. They are in a far happier condition than the people of Tombutum in Africa, which are said to spend their whole time in singing and dancing.

And had twelve gates] Thebes had a hundred gates, and was therefore called εκατομτυλος, but nothing so well set and so commodious for passengers as this city with twelve gates.

Twelve angels] As porters to let in, not as swordsmen to keep out, as the angel that stood sentinel at the porch of Paradise, #Ge 3:24.

Ver. 13. On the east three gates] The Church is collected and heaven filled from all quarters of the earth. Hence it is by one compared to the Samaritan’s inn (πανδοχειον), because it recciveth and lodgeth all strangers that come. In the synagogue there was not lodging for all; the Ammonites and the Moabites were excluded the congregation of Israel. But Christ was born in an inn, to signify that in his kingdom all may be entertained. He is called the second Adam; the Greek letters of which name (as Cyprian noteth) do severally signify all the quarters of the earth. {a} His garments were divided into four parts, because out of what coast or part soever we come (saith a divine) Christ hath garments to clothe us, and room to receive us. There are those who have observed that the name of God in all the chief languages consisteth of four letters (as הוהי Θεος, Deus, Dieu, Gott, &c.), to intimate that he hath his people in all the four quarters of the earth, out of all countries, nations, and languages.

{a} Α ανατολη, Δ δυσις, Α αρκτος, Μ μεσηυβρια.

Ver. 14. And the wall] A wall the Church hath about it, and a well within it, #Re 21:6 "A garden enclosed is my sister, my spouse a spring shut up, a fountain sealed," #So 4:12. This wall of the Church hath twelve foundations, that is, Christ the only foundation, #1Co 3:11, laid by the twelve apostles; in whose names also the sum of Christian faith is made up in those twelve articles of the creed. Discessuri ab invicem Apostoli normam praedicationis in commune constituunt, saith Cyprian. (De Symbol. Apostol.) The apostles being to be severed into various countries to preach the gospel, agreed upon this as the sum and substance of their sermons. It was called Symbolum, a sign or badge, to distinguish Christians from unbelievers.

Had twelve foundations] Foundation is taken either for Christ, #1Co 3:11 Mt 16:16, or for the doctrine of the apostles teaching salvation only by Jesus Christ, as #Eph 2:20, and here. The Papists have lately added twelve new articles raised out of the Council of Trent, to be believed by as many as shall be saved; as above hath been noted.

Ver. 15. Had a golden reed] Not those twelve Trent articles, or any human invention, but the word, as #Re 11:1, wherewith is measured not the temple only, as there, but the city, gates, and wall, as #Eze 40.

Ver. 16. And the city lieth four square] So was Babylon of old (as Herodotus describeth it), which yet was taken by Cyrus, Alexander, and various other enemies. Heaven also is taken, but by another kind of violence than by force of arms. The solid square whereby it is here set forth commends it to us: 1. For stable and unshaken, #Heb 12:28. Immota manet, as it is said of Venice, which yet stands in the sea, and hath but one street that is not daily overflowed (the Venetian motto is, Nec fluctu nec flatu movetur). 2. For such as looketh every way to the four corners of the earth, as Constantinople did; which is therefore said to be a city fatally founded to command.

Twelve thousand furlongs] About 300 Dutch miles. Nineveh was nothing to this city for its large size; no more is Alcair, Scanderoon or Cambalu, which yet is said to be 28 miles in circuit, being the imperial seat of the great Cham of Tartary. Quinsay, in the same kingdom, is said to be of all cities in the world the greatest; in circuit a hundred miles about, as Paulus Venetus writeth, who himself dwelt therein about the year 1260. But our New Jerusalem is far larger; 12,000 furlongs (according to some) make 1500 miles; and yet he that shall imagine heaven to be no larger than so, shall be more worthy to be blamed than the workmen were that built Westminster Hall; which King William II, the founder, found great fault with, for being too little; saying it was fitter for a chamber than for a hall of a king of England; and therefore took a plot for one far more spacious to be added unto it. (Dan. Chron.)

Ver. 17. An hundred and twenty four cubits] A cubit is six handfuls.

That is, of the angel] That appeared as a man, but bigger and higher than ordinary; now because this holy city is thus measured, and that with the measure of a man, some think it to be of the Church militant. But some other passages in this and the following chapters cannot be otherwise taken according to the letter, than of the state of full perfection. They do best, in my opinion, that take in both.

Ver. 18. Was of jasper] A stone of great worth and glory, the beauty whereof, saith one, it is easier to admire than to declare. It hath a variety of sweetness in it; such as none of the most cunning wits and sharpest eyes are able to distinguish. Heaven (we are sure) is such as eye hath not seen, ear hath not heard, &c. Sermo non valet exprimere, experimento opus est. Words are too weak to utter its happiness; get to it once, and you will say so. (Chrysost.)

Pure gold] A metal that shineth in the fire wasteth not in the use, rusteth not with long lying, rotteth not though cast into brine or vinegar (as Pliny noteth), to show that this city is incorruptible, invincible.

Like unto clear glass] Glittering gold, such as this world affords not. No, not those two islands in India called Chryse and Arger, for the abundance of gold and silver there found, as Soline telleth us.

Ver. 19. And the foundations] The apostles and their faithful successors, who were puriores caelo, saith Chrysostom, clearer than the sky, the very stars of the world and flowers of the Churches, as Basil calleth them. The twelve patriarchs have, #Ex 28:15-21, each of them his precious stone inscribed with his name in the breastplate of judgment: a symbol of the Church under the law. Levi hath the chalcedony, Judah the smaragd. But here in the foundation of the New Jerusalem, the Church under the gospel, Levi hath the smaragd, and Judah the chalcedony (the tribes have their stones in Aaron’s breastplate, according to their birth). Our Savionr’s chalcedony in Levi’s place tells us (saith Mr Sarson) that he hath put an end to legal sacrifices, and that he is both king and priest of his Churches.

Ver. 20. The fifth, sardonyx] Search is here made through all the bowels of the earth for something of worth to shadow out the saints’ happiness; which if it could be fully known (as it cannot) it would be no strange thing or thankworthy for the most horrible Belialist to become presently the holiest saint, or the world’s greatest minion the most mortified man. He that desires to know the natures and virtues of these precious stones, may read Epiphanius, Philo, Franciseus, Rurus, and others, De gemmis; Josephus also in the third book of his Jewish Antiquities. That was an odd conceit, and scarce worth relating, held by Anaxagoras, Caelum ex lapidibus constare, et aliquando collapsurum, that heaven was made up of stones, and would one day fall upon men’s heads. That other saying of his is much more memorable, when being asked, Wherefore he was born? He answered, Ut caelum contemplar, that I might busy my thoughts about heaven.

Ver. 21. And the twelve gates] i.e. Gatekeepers, preachers of the righteousness that is by faith.

Were twelve pearls] All which do receive their lustre and worth from Christ, that pearl of price, #Mt 13:45,46, like as the pearl by being often beaten upon by the sunbeams, becometh radiant as the sun.

Was pure gold] Which no dirty dog may ever trample upon.

Ver. 22. No temple] No need of external worships and ordinances; for they are all taught of God; they see his face and hear his voice. Now we see but in part, because we prophesy but in part, #1Co 13:9. They that understand it of the Church on earth, say, there is no temple in opposition to the Jewish temple, but a gospel temple. But, #Re 21:25 "There shall be no night there," as here no temple. Now we shall not be above ordinances till above sin; which will not be in this world.

Ver. 23. And the city had no need] He saith not there shall be no sun or moon, but there shall be no such need of them as is now; for the Lamb shall outshine them, shine they never so gloriously, as they shall in that new heaven, #Isa 30:26.

Ver. 24. And the nations] See #Isa 9:3; and that he speaketh of the life to come, see #Re 21:11,18,19,21.

Do bring their glory] Despise and cast away all for heaven. Canutus set his crown upon the crucifix; which, according to the course of those times, was held greatest devotion. King Edward VI assured the Popish rebels of Devonshire, that he would rather lose his crown than not maintain the cause of God he had taken in hand to defend. Nazianzen rejoiced that he had something of value (viz. his Athenian learning) to part with for Christ, &c.

Ver. 25. For there shall be no night there] And so no need to fear a sudden surprise by the enemy watching his opportunity. Their day above is ανεσπερος ημερα, a nightless day, as a Father calls it.

Ver. 26. And they] i.e. The kings, as #Re 21:24.

Ver. 27. And there shall in no wise] Though the serpent could wind himself into paradise, yet no unclean person can come into this holy city. Tertullian called Pompey’s theatre (which was the greatest ornament of old Rome) arcem omnium turpitudinum, the sty of all uncleanness. Heaven is none such.

Chapter 22

Ver. 1. A pure river] Not muddy as Nile, but clear as Calirrho. The allusion seems to be to that earthly paradise so well watered, #Ge 2:8-14, or else to #Eze 47:1-12. This river is Christ, #Joh 4:14, and so is that tree of life, #Re 22:2. The second Adam is a quickening spirit. Apollonius telleth us (lib. 3, Argonaut.) that in the court of Aeta, king of Colchis, were three fountains, which flowed, one with milk, another with wine, and a third with honey. In heaven there is all this and more.

Ver. 2. In the midst of the street of it] In medio foro eius, where all may easily come by it; not kept with a strong guard, as the apples of Alcinous, Hesperides, &c.

Twelve manner of fruits] Heaven’s happinesses are so many that they cannot be numbered, so great that they cannot be measured, so copious that they cannot be defined, so precious that they cannot be valued.

Every month] Like the lemon tree, which ever and anon sendeth forth new lemons as soon as the former are fallen down with ripeness.

And the leaves] No want of anything either for food or medicine. Ita balbutit nobiscum Deus. So God speaks obscurely with us.

Ver. 3. And there shall be no more curse] No casting out by excommunication; no cause of any such thing.

Of God and of the Lamb] He and the Father are one, #Joh 10:30. {See Trapp on "Joh 10:30"}

Ver. 4. And they shall see his face] How we shall see God, whether with our minds only, or with bodily eyes we shall behold his invisible Majesty in the glorious face of Jesus Christ, there can be nothing determined.

And his name shall be] As servants of old had their master’s name branded in their foreheads.

Ver. 5. And there shall be no night] See the note on #Re 21:25.

For the Lord God] He that is Αυτοφως, light essential.

And they shall reign] Reign together with Christ, a part of whose joy it is that we shall be where he is, #Joh 17:20: he will not be long without us.

Ver. 6. And he said unto me] This is the conclusion of the whole prophecy; and it is very august and majestical.

These sayings are faithful and true] Thus (among other evidences of its divinity) the Scripture testifies of itself; and we know that its testimony is true. Vapiscus saith of the ancient historians that there is none of them that hath not told many lies. Tertullian saith of Tacitus, that he was mendaciorum loquacissimus, a very loud and lewd liar. Baronius doth not compose annals, but coin them, saith one. But none of all this can be said of God’s word of truth, void of all insincerity or falsehood.

The Lord God of the holy prophets] Some copies have it, The Lord God of the spirits of the prophets. He is the God of the spirits of all flesh, but of the spirits of prophets in a special manner; for those holy men spake no otherwise than as they were acted or imbreathed by the Holy Ghost, #2Pe 1:21. {See Trapp on "2Pe 1:21"}

Sent his angel] As #Re 1:1. The authority therefore of this book is unquestionable, whatever some have surmised from #Re 20:4, that it was the work of Cerinthus or some other millenary.

Ver. 7. Blessed is he that keepeth] In memory and manners, #Re 1:3. Those were pronounced happy that read and hear, but so as they retain in mind and practise the contents of this book.

Ver. 8. Saw these things and heard them] So that there is no colour of cause why any one should doubt or distrust such a witness.

I fell down to worship] This is the second time. It is hard to say how often a saint may fall into the same sin; howbeit they sin of incogitancy; put them in mind, and they mend all. They sin of passion, and passions last not long. There is no way of wickedness in them, they make not a trade of it, #Ps 139:24.

Ver. 9. See thou do it not] {See Trapp on "Re 19:10"} This was a flat prohibition, not a merry repulse; as Lorinus and Veigas the Jesuits would have it.

For I am thy fellowservant] Wycliffe disallowed the invocation of saints and angels, when he called servants, not gods. For the wore knave, which he used, signified in those days servant, not as it doth in our days a wicked varlet, as his enemies maliciously interpret it; Bellarmine for one, a man utterly ignorant of the English tongue.

Ver. 10. Seal not] Keep them not up for thine own proper use (as he did that wrote upon his writings, τα εις εμαυτον, things for myself), but freely impart them, and in such sort as that others may conceive and improve them.

Ver. 11. He that is unjust, &c.] q.d. Let things be foretold never so plainly, and fall out never so accordingly, yet wicked men will be uncounsellable, incorrigible, #Isa 26:10 "But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant," #1Co 14:38. He falls with open eyes, let him fall at his own peril: who so blind as he that will not see? "Ephraim is joined to idols, let him alone," #Ho 4:17. He hath made a match with mischief, he shall have his belly full of it.

And he that is filthy, let him be filthy still] This is the last judgment we read of (befalling in this life) in all the New Testament. As that judgment of pining away in their iniquity (as if nothing could awaken them) is the last that God mentioneth, #Le 26:39, after those dismal ones there threatened to befall the people. It is contiguous, and as it were bordering upon hell itself.

Let him be righteous still] Let him persevere and proceed.

For the time is at hand] And every day’s events shall explain the prophecy.

Ver. 12. Behold, I come quickly] Therefore quicken your pace, bestir yourselves lustily; your time is short, your task is long, your wages inconceivable.

Ver. 13. I am Alpha and Omega] And am therefore worthy to be believed in my predictions of future events, which I can easily bring about and effect, since to me all things are present.

Ver. 14. That they may have right] That they may be assured of their interest in Christ and his kingdom. Plutarch tells of Eudoxas, that he would be willing to be burnt up by the sun presently, so he might be admitted to come so near it as to learn the nature of it. What then should not we be content to do or suffer for the enjoyment of Christ and heaven?

Ver. 15. For without are dogs] In outer darkness. The Irish air will sooner brook a toad or snake to live therein, than heaven will brook a sinner. It was not permitted to a dog to enter into the Acropolis or tower at Athens, δια του ακολαστου και δυσωδους for his heat in venery and ill savour, saith Plutarch. Goats, likewise, saith Varro, come not there (unless for necessary sacrifice once a year) lest they should hurt the olive. No filthy dogs or nasty goats get into heaven’s tower, &c. The panther smells well among beasts (whom thereby she draweth about her), not so among men. God and the saints loathe what the wicked love and delight in, as the panther doth in man’s excrements.

And whosoever loveth] Though he maketh it not. Some will not coin a false tale, that yet will spread it; these are equally guilty, and excluded God’s kingdom, #Ps 52:3.

Ver. 16. Have sent mine angel] With weariness of flight, as #Da 9:21.

I am the root] That bear up David by my Deity; but am born of him in regard of my humanity.

Ver. 17. And the Spirit and the Bride] i.e. The Bride sanctified and set to work by the Spirit, #Ro 8:26.

And let him that heareth say, Come] Abrupt sentences, full of holy affection; q.d. Let him pray daily, Thy kingdom come.

“ Heu pietas ubi prisca! profana o tempera! mundi

Faex! vesper! prope nox! o mora! Christe veni.”

Mr Burroughs’s last words were, I come, I come, I come! and so he gave up the ghost.

And let him that is athirst, come] q.d. If you think me long in coming, come to me in mine ordinances; there "I will stay you with apples, comfort you with flagons," #So 2:5.

The water of life freely] {See Trapp on "Re 21:6"}

Ver. 18. If any man shall add unto these things] Either to this or to any of the foregoing books of Scripture, #De 4:2 Pr 30:6 Ga 3:15 2Ti 3:16,17. All which notwithstanding, the Jews have added their Deuteroseis, the Turks their Alfurta, the Papists their unwritten verities, which they equalize (at least) to the Scriptures.

Ver. 19. And if any man shall take away] Since every word of God is pure, precious, and profitable, #Pr 30:5 2Ti 3:16.

Ver. 20. Even so; Come, Lord Jesus] This is the common and constant vote of all good people; and is therefore pinned as a badge upon their sleeve, #1Th 1:10. {See Trapp on "1Th 1:10"}

Ver. 21. The grace of our Lord] An epistolary conclusion. The Revelation is rather to be counted an epistle than a book. Read it as sent us from heaven, and ruminate what ye read.

Deo soli Gloria.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Chapter 22