A Revelation of the Holy Apocalypse

The first common place: War.

Hayle and fire mixed with blood, showeth vexation with war: ever since Constantine's house fell, the Popes bestird them to stir wars to overthrow the East Empire, and to set the West by the ears.

The second common place, The Popes supremacy.

The arising to be a great mountain: became a mountain of fire, when he cast himself into the sea of nations: That a third part of men became dead in sin, in profane trafique of life.

The third common place. Corruption of Scripture wrested to his policy.

A great star burning as a torch, fell from heaven, and fell into the rivers and fountaynes of waters, & the name of the star is wormwood, &c. Angelus ecclesiae, the Doctor is a star, Ch. 1. heaven is the Church: burning as a lamp, is kindling of wrath: the waters be the Scriptures: falling into them, is wresting of them to maintain his kingdom: so the sense is bitter, and the D. is wormwood: that many find deadly heresies by this wormwood.

The fourth trumpet, Great fall.

They which were principal, as the sun, moon and stars (Jacob's family, in Joseph's dream) lose much light. Gagnaeus a Papist telleth, this to touch, Popes, Cardinals & Bishops.

The V. common place.

The Angel or Doctor, falling from heaven (the Church,) hath givē to him not S. Peters keys of knowledge, but keys of a deep pit: to darken sun and air: the office of Christ and law by which we see him. So infinite millions of monks and fryers come forth: locusts for devouring the earth, with scorpions stings to torment harts: when Christ is obscured and Scripture, that men find no comfort: but be worse for their soul, then Job for his body, Job 3.

To make wars, their wealth will make many horses: and they have authority as Kings with their crowns: though they pretend to be as private men. ( Dan. 7. The Chaldean stripped of Kingdom is so termed: And Antiochus having no right to the kingdom:) and they keep within doors, as of women's hair: but they have Lions teeth, to hold fast all forged and wringed gifts: openly forged, as Constantine donation: and wringed of kingdoms, which they help up: and from deceived by terror of purgatory. They have breast plates of iron, to defend themselves: and the noise of their wings is like the noise of horses running to wars: while still they set Kings by the ears: for the first common place: that hail and fire be mixed with blood. And their scorpion stinges sting men five months: till Princes compel them by a cold winter to hide themselves in hedges, as Nahums Locusts of Ninivy, hide them by enemies.

An excellent name of the Pope: THE ANGEL OF THE PIT: KING OF LOCVSTS, ABANDDON, APOLLYON.

Our common name which we give the Pope is Daemon in Greek: for Popes be Daemones in Eustathius: from the Commentaries of old Aristarchus and Didymus, and others. His Commentaries are from ancient Heathen, not from himself: as Erasmus well noteth in his observations upon the Apocalypse. Whereas I cited Homers Commentary followed by S. Peter, D. B. the learned, thought that a foolish oversight: as though I must mean Eustathius: who was of late. And he doubteth whether S. Peter read Homer. I am out of doubt he never read him: But the holy Ghost gave words of old for S. Peters use afterward, by instinct, not by reading. And so much a simple Doctor might have known.

B. L. shown himself, in his unlearned skophing most Athean. And as Jannes and Jambres, Simon Magus & Elymas, and Alexander the Coppersmyth are for eternal memory in the heart of the Bible, so deserve such for to be. Now as we unawares and Papists call the Pope, Daemona, a Devil: unawares we call him so, GOD ruling our tongues: that is specially worthy noting. When Julian the Apostate was killed, and Libanius commended him, that he now was with the Daemones, the Greek Doctors took him upon his word: and what an asse he was to speak that which the enemy would wish. D. Johannes Pistorius the Popes challenger, wrote to me that JOHN CALVIN was Dactylodeictes of Antichrist: Who shown by the finger who was Antichrist. I took his grant: that so the Pope was. For Calvin's finger aimed at him. So the Popes challenger overthrew the Pope. The same wrote to me the Anathema. But God dealt with him as with Balaam the son of Beor, in Italy pronunciation, of Bosor, in Chaldean, where S. Peter kept: where the Galilaean his voice told he wrote not from Rome. The Doctors Anathema was this, to me, I Anathematize thee, as Paul did Barnabas. I take it, said I. And so thou makest me better then any Pope that ever was at Rome. Paul thought him of the same faith, and happiness: But I anathematize D. John Pistorius, as S. Paul did Anathematize Elymas Magus. Upon this he yielded, as Helvetia knoweth. And to his dying day spake most reverently, as some English heard, of his checker.

So here we must mark not what men call the Pope, Holy father, and vicar of Christ, and head of the Church, and King of Kings, and Lord of Lord's: but what GOD doth call him: and God taught Adam to give fit names. Here the Popes names be many. One is, the Angel of the pit: as the star falling had the keys of the Pit, to bring forth his Locusts. And, the King of Locusts is the fittest name for him. In Hebrew, he is called Abaddon, Num. 24. and Abdan in the Talmud is the worst name. Aruch will teach the place. Also he is called Abaddon chiefly for remembrance of Num. 24. where Balaam endeth his prophecy, in Italy going on to destruction: & John Chap. 17. 8. 11. translateth Balaam most properly: as D. Kimchi, in hard Grammar: Adey obed goeth on to destruction. In Greek he is another Apollo: a Devil of Delphi, destroying such as seek to him: as Apollo destroyed rich Croesus: deceiving him to war against Cyrus. He knew well enough that Cyrus should have the victory: Isaiah had told him so: and though Croesus gave to Apollos temple, very great gifts: yet when he asked him, whether he should fight with Cyrus, he answered: Croesus passing over Halys, shall overthrow a great King. So he did in hope of good: But overthrew his own kingdom: and rich Croesus became poor Irus. So the Pope maketh but a mock of Kings. Thus one who of the sixth seal, is fully described: what the Pope is, and what he meaneth to do, as Chap. 11. shall tell.

And this first of the three woes thus set forth, reacheth from the Popes supremacy, after the year of our Lord, 600. unto Jerusalem's war ended at 1200. For which 600. years, the Pope still made hail and fire to be mixed with blood. Now the second woe is in his punishments, by the Turk: and by the Gospel and Martyrs, teaching Princes to cast him off.

The sixth trumpet and common place. Of the Turks coming up and dealing.

Cedrenus and Volaterranus (in Arabia triplici) teach of the Turks and Saracens conjunction: and sundry others, how they afflicted Spain and Italy. Their history I have touched in my book of Scripture Concent: & I would any of clean spirit that rageth not against the Concent which GOD gave to Scripture, & I do but show, to have my best help, thence. There is a full explication of the second woe. Bibliander in Chronologia showeth that after the Popes supremacy granted by wicked miserable Phocas, to impudent Boniface the third, Machumed began to be as gracious a Father as the Pope in Rome. Machmad is in Cant. the title of Christ: Graces itself. And Chamudoth partaker of graces, to rare Daniel Chap. 9. by the Angel Gabriel. Now this false Prophet forging himself taught by the Angel Gabriel, taketh Daniel's term in the highest sense: Machmad delight itself. Rashi telleth, that because he humbled himself before GOD in fasting and prayer, he was so called. But Turk and Pope will have the holiness of Apollo: past repentance.

The combat of the King of Locusts with the Martyrs.

When the Martyrs begin to revive the Gospel, the city which is called for spiritual uncleanness of religion, spiritually Sodoma, for cruelty against Israel, Egypt, setteth fourth the King of Locusts: who cometh with his Locusts wings of chariots and war horses: and fighteth in all nations, with these two captaynes of Martyrs: and killeth them: and their case is plain, how they are murdered: as if a Crowners quest went upon the policy that crucified Christ: after his preaching 42. months: or days 1260. or years three and an half. Now as Beda and Carthusianus well note (in three years and an half) all time of preaching Christ, in memory of his preaching so long: so the time of their noted death, while their ashes may be seen, and they are not put in grave, is, in a proportion, called three days and an half.

Now that all may know that two year is not proper, twice one: but as all the returned from Chaldea Babylon be two, Zach. Ch. 4. and 5. So the witnesses of truth that leave spiritual Babel, all are in that sense called two: and the city which killeth them, in people's, tribes, tongues, and nations, is not a building of houses: but a building of policy. So the two be not two men, but two companies: and the dwellers in earth would not rejoice and send gifts one to another, as Jews against Haman in Ester for two, but for the companies of two sorts: rare wightes full of eyes, & 24. Bishops: and the troupes that give glory to God and the Lamb, and pray only to the Lamb, the great God and Savior: these in all nations where the king of Locusts tyranny reacheth, are the two Prophets who vex them, whose minds dwell on earth, and cannot see the heavenly policy of Christ.

In that sense, after three days & an half, spirit of life from God entered into them, and they stood up, and fear fell upon their enemies: and they heard a great voice from heavē saying unto them, come up hither, and they ascended unto heaven in a cloud, and their enemies saw it. John's vision went upon two: and upon one city: & one beast. But Rome's policy the king of pit keys, with his Locusts: and the states that write and fight against them, must be meant: of whom when one is dead, another is alive, iump in the same vein: as though it were the same man: and their enemies see, they go up to heaven: and the beast which is ascended out of Abyssos, that is all his corporatiō, millions of millions (these visions represent corporations, and under one, millions of men be told) all Papists go from their Abyssos of black ignorance, unto Abyssos, Luke 8. and Zohar upon Genes. 1. 2. whither the Devils shall come in their time (but are yet in this world) to be tormented forever and ever.

After this teaching and fighting a great earthquake shaketh a tenth part of the king of Locusts city: which crucified Christ, and prayeth to the virgin Mary, to command her son, the Eternal God, by the right of a mother: as though she were mother to the godhead, because she was mother to the Person one of two natures. And they are very wise who think the mother of God, in school phrase, can find no better speculation in heaven then to listen to the City that crucified the Lord of glory. Iscariot the traitor confessed his fault: yet Christ gave him over to hang him self. Rome that killed Christ, after justifying him, sinning so against the holy Ghost, and sinning more then if they had killed all the men in the world; yet is worse then Iscariot, and will not confess sin, but claim right to rule the world: because once they durst crucify the maker of the world: and pray to the Virgin Marie to forgive the Popes holiness, the Vicar of Pilate.

In Elias 7000. bowed not the knee to Baal: and live. In this City 7000. that bow the knee to Baal die, are killed, in vision 7000. in story seaventie millions of thousands, with this 120. years of the Gospel revived. And full many give glory to God, and leave the virgin Mary alone, to be happy as other faithful, Bathshebagh, Ruth, Tamar and Sarah, all her mothers: and who more in sin yet stayed vpō her son, who was then in their loins. Thus the second woe is past.

The Popes fall: the seventh trumpet of common place.

Since Kingdoms match the Pope in strength, and have brought him that he dare not queck but be content to hold his own: An open voice is in kingdoms, that whereas the Pope hath been once cast out, and now God reigneth, we look for no change till the resurrection, at 6000. by old guess. Hence at 463. For our Lord was borne at 3927. add 1610. then now Adams soul and dust hath 55, 37. at 463. the guess will show itself. At 3000. the Ark was brought into Solomon's Temple. at 4000. exactly the Romans destroyed Zerobabels temple.

And as the Pope falleth by steppes as he came up, & not all at once, so 463. years may Spain and Italy hold him up: while Archbishops and Bishops, Pastors and Curates have too much stipend and authority: but little learning in the holy book, for wisdom unto life. As Agamemnon said of Nestor, that ten such would soon fell Priamus city: so ten Kings that would clear the Revelation to Hebrews, Greeks, Latins, and all tongues might hasten the Jews calling: but I am afraid none, saving our own, will perform any promise that way: to agree with Jews that the Ark in the Temple is the holy man, which is golden within & without, and hath the tables of 613. letters, to which answer 613. laws, into which all wisdom falleth, and none faileth, written in his heart: and upon the mercy seat all of gold stay the Cherubims look. When Christ is seen in his Temple of humanity, thus Papistry faileth and falleth: and from the Church daily, till the end lightening and voices and thunderings, and earthquake and great hail, would make Egypt and Rome to quayle.

But few desirous of divinity have maintenance, and ambitious in wealth spurn at souls health: and kings see how much is spent in vain, and how scholars bend to gain: and so courts fall at Sardis, Ch. 3. and the Pope may live yet Hebers years, this present and 463. That this Trumpet may then speak to Ezekiel's dead bones, & make them arise, Ch. 37. as Apo. 20. all arise.

Thus in seals and Trumpets God hath once shown all. By seavens: spirits, horns, seals, and trumpets, to teach the profane world of resurrection. The same shall be repeated in beasts seven headed, and seven Angels: unto a new mention of the resurrection.

The Popes description.

A beast arising from the earth, that is, without war: having horns like a Lamb, that is, Christ's Vicar: having the mouth of the Devil, for devilish laws: restoring the Empire, and working Miracles of deceit: as though he were Elias, a restorer of truth. The Jesuits report of their miracles, comment well on this. And the Popes endeavor, (since great Constantine left hateful Rome) to set it up, by revived Empire, & to destroy the East: this matter is famous in continual stories. And Canon law telleth that none may live under the Empire, but by yielding unto the Popes laws in subscribing or oth, or some open token: as a mark in the forehead. And where a mumber given to a man, as the sons of Adonikam were 666. that being called the number of the beast, and to a sense of wisdom, which is usual in notation, A God standing up, that is Adoni-kam: this describeth plainly the man that stands up in the temple of God, as if he were God.

How in the West, the Church falleth.

Six seals, shown the Romans violence, against CHRIST & his servants; plagued with wars, death, & pestilence, and overthrow of Empire. The seventh showeth a sinful state in all Satan's might deceiving the West, whereof 7. trumpets give warning, which the sealed before will take; others will not.

The sum of the Gospel: contempt of which, causeth God to cast off the open Church.

CHRIST, a sacrificer forever, the Angel of the covenant, maketh his humanity, the golden Altar, upon which he layeth the incense of our prayers, received in a golden censor of his pure mercy, & they come before the Father for the 144. thousand Jews, & innumerable heathen: whereof the trumpeters for 7. commune places: compaines of holy Doctors be the principal. Now, because Rome would teach with forcefull deceit, not to receive the abundance of the grace, of the gift of justice of Christ, that by faith we should be justified, to have peace with God, to reign with his Son: but must seek help from our selves, who be children of wrath: Christ turneth his mediation, into wrath against the seed of the serpent; whose City pierced his hands, and feet; and by their occasion made others fall. As the love of God in Christ, for breadth, length, depth, and height, passeth all knowledge; so the contempt of the tree of life; and of the man a little inferior to Angels, in death; but after ascension, crowned with glory: as to the rebellious Angels disdaining man's glory it gave eternal woe, it giveth to men that follow that company called Satan, the old serpent. The anger of Christ is hear, voices, thunderings, lightnings, earthquake in states; as at the Law-giving; Because Christ the end of the Law is contemned. This could never have fallen out, if the Hebrew Bible, with the Masoreth orthographie dictionarie, for accents & vowels, had been usual in churches over the earth; and the N. T. the marrow of all Greek, and sun’s bringhtnesse to the old, had been schools study also in all nations.

But slothful contempt, to make translations from translations; bred vncertainti; and it disdain; it blindness; it contempt of Christ; it rejection. Machmad soon turned away all the East; whereof old, GOD was known; and God hath for that, cast them of forever. The Grecians were so proud of Greek bravery; that of Origen's Octaplun: of Hebrew, in Hebrew letter, in Greek letter, in the 70. in Aquilas, Symmachus, Theodotion, and other two uncertain translations; they little cared for the Hebrew, but from Greek uncertain, they marred their commenting, and gave Arius great advantage. And, when Arabians, Ethiopians, and Muscouites translated the 70. not the Hebrew: the difference of 1500. (and more) years excess, above truth by the 70. in Genes. 5. and 11. caused Greece and the other, and much of Romish soils, to blaspheme the Hebrew, as corrupt: so disdaining bitter roots, they missed to gather fruit of nourishment. This bred the thundering anger of the Eternal Word; which was with God aey; and made all things: and gave words Hebrew and Greek, each as pearl and shining Jewels: Hence unlearned scholars, turn all to Ambition and Heresy: polititians, to profaneness.

Of the VII. Trumpets.

As one trumpeter telleth of a kings power in milliones, so here 7. represent 7000. as might fall out: still learned men gave warning: but when the root of Iessai was contemned, the waters of grace, were not sent into unclean hearts.

The first Trumpet.

Buishopps, strove for superiority; Monachi, fall to idleness, and extolling of Saints: Princes give wealth that way: painful scholars be hated and persecuted: their voices make allowed trumpet: Athanasius, Chrysostom, Basel, Nazianzen, sound out matter against herefies, and forged Monastiques, and contempt of scripture: and how the possessor of the West Empire should be taken away: and a policy all sinful, should be erected in Rome. Andreas Caesariensis doth more plainly show that: being at the rising of it: about the 600. years, of Redemption. Patriarchs affected supremacy; but the city that crucified Christ; and now plagued Christians, was to afflict in the end, and to be a trapp, for all coasts to fall. The contempt of learned warnings, & Rome's supremacy, made east, south, & north, fear least old tyranny from Rome should be revived. So Machmad turned much of the world to fall away; that hail of state, as in Isaiah, and fire, and blood, of wars come to the world: And most of all Popes supremacy challenging Empire, raineth hail, fire, and blood to this day: that men grounded as trees for the third parte: and all the weak as grass fell into God's anger. So this is a commune place of the Popes supremacy. The next trumpet soūdeath that point more fully: The scholars that inveighed against Phocas the murderer, for erecting Boniface 3. supreme Papes or Father.

Of the names, Papas and Pope.

The name Papas, in the Greek fathers epistles, is from one to another, this much: Right Reverend father. But when one would have all to himself; not by learning in Hebrew or Greek for God's word; but for strong hand in supremacy: then the name rested in him, but turned into Pope; which in Homer, as Eustachius well noteth, is Damon, a Devil. The Providence of God, in men's tongues for names, fitted unto matter, is to be regarded much: That Pope, and Daemon is all one.

Add unto this, that the Pope is called holiness: Mark for this, S. Paul; THE SINFVL MAN; THE WHOLE ENEMIE: HE THAT EXALTETH HIMSELFE ABOVE ALL, THAT IS CALLED GOD; OR WORSHIPPED: A NEWE ANTIOCHVS EPIMANES: SETTING FORTH HIMSELFE IN THE TEMPLE OF GOD, AS IF HE WERE GOD. THIS, AND POPE OR DAEMON, GONCVRRE. The second Angel, or Company of Scholars, showeth howe he cometh up, for the Emperor.

The second blast expounding the first.

Mountain signifieth an Empire; as Babylon is a mountain destroying: Burning with fire, is, causing hot wars; as in taking the Empires land, to become a Mountain: and casting himself into the sea of kingdoms, to be to this day, a firebrand of all our wars: The sea is politique states, for this sea of our troublesome life; as Tully translateth Euripides: Si mihi nunc primum tristis illuxisset dies, Nec tam arumnoso nauigassem salo: esset dolendi caussa, &c. That is, If a heavy day had now first shined unto me, neither had sailed before so troublesome seas, there would be just cause of sorrow, &c. So sea is, Dan. 7. & Apo. 12. where Empires arise: so the men of the seas policy, called fish; such as seemed alive Chap. 3. Forsooke the waters, Esa. 55. and Eze. 48. which give life to all where they come, turned here to haerefie, be turned to death: and traffic of civil policy is turned to corruption.

The third blast, expounding the second.

The third explication of the learned great, telleth that the messinger of the holy Synagogue, or heaven, for the kingdom of heaven, shall fall from his calling to be as Babylon's king, Isai 14. A star setting Nemrod his house on fire, will soon corrupt the third part of the Bible, called waters, Isa. 55. & John. 3. and 1. John. 3. and infinitely in Rabbins, He shall turn Justice of faith into Idolatry, as Ephraim in Amos. That many men died the second death (called fish afore) by Idols worship. So the Pope turning the holy doctrine into idolous waters, is called wormwood.

Articles of the Popes corruption of Scriptures.

First, He holdeth not the Hebrew and Greek holy text in use: God own holy words: penned by the Eternal Spirit: speaking all of life by the SON: in daily esteem: for all in leisure of study to know: and which all of leisure to study should know. But in steed of it brought in a Latin work; of which tongue none is bound to have regard: and brought unto schools, Latin for Greek and Hebrew.

II. The Apocrypha books were all made by Men of Judah: And speak not a syllable of CHRIST: yet help Josephus for all Israel, against Appiones, Instim, Diodorus Siculus, & Cornelius Tacitus in mad Antiochus: and so far have their use. The fable of Tobi is made to busy heathen for Assurs captivity: which heathen never mention: nor Judah's deportation to Babel, or return: For it Barucs forged Epistles; Susannaes allegory, for the whole state, King Ioakims wife polluted by the Babylonian Judges; but revenged by Daniel, is wittilie fabled. The envious heathen, never mention the fire quenched by Daniel's most noble Cousins: Therefore a Rhetorical song, was formed to show what in the fire, their cause might speak, to Idol-seruers.

But Daniel recordeth nothing spoken: who knew all: and would omit nothing of glory. So no heathen tell as Ieremi of Babel Bels servants, who thought Bell gave them kindoms, that GOD by Cyrus would take out of Bels throat, all the kingdoms which he had devoured: therefore the fable of Bell mocked heathens blindness. No heathen tell of Daniel cast into the Lions den for not worshipping the Persian Emperor, or Dragon: as Pharaoh is, Isa. 27. and moving the K. to renounce that: the fable of the Dragon worshipped in Babel, and destroyed, telleth of their envy and folly. And upon Darius speech to Daniel, that GOD in whom he believed, would save him: and Daniel said he was saved, because justice to GOD and the K. were found in him: Abbakuks saying; the just man shall live by faith: is enlarged by a fable: that Habakkuk brought Daniel pottage from Judea. The heathen knew not God's counsel; that God by Jews would teach in Babels fall, how he hated the pomp of this world; and hath another world for souls Rest, where wicked shall be plagued forever, and telleth that true happiness standeth in the knowledge of Christ: who gave Cyrus all Croesus gold, to send Jews home from all quarters: to preach of their Eternal hope: and to confute Greek sages. The 3. of Esdras, is much true, much in fable, to smooch this in a greek style, familiar for heathen: and such fables be the additions to Hester. The fourth of Esdras, was made to keep Esdras, (another Moses ) from contempt amongst heathen: who would think him base, that handleth but Jews genealogies, and the Temples building, without telling the reason: and diuorcements: therefore they fain for him deep speculations: as the greeks Clem. Strom. 1. feign all the Law was lost: and Esdras by revelation restored all. The Persians for religion, were a new Nebuchadnezzar, their warriors, one Holophernes; Herodotus nameth one so. The Jews states, Judith. God's justice against Elam, Iudiths sword. And thus, heathen that would mock truth, are mocked by fables.

Wicked Diodorus Sicul. and Tacitus, commend mad Antiochus, for his endeavor to overthrow the Jews religion. Two works of several Jews, the later very foolish and unlearned; yet good enough for profane heathen: were received to stop such mouths. The whole nation is of wicked Tully termed barbarous, and superstitious, to stop such a mouth; eloquent Syracides passing him in sentences, and showing all the Laws glory; and eloquent Philo imitating Solomon's wisdom; for man's good end, were received: to check heathen; though one knew not Christ. Of these the fable of Toby, is by the Pope made God's word. The Thal. Ieru. in Ros Hasana for Michael and Gabriel, make it a late fable & wicked. For Manasseh, carried to Babel by the King of Assur, some tryfling declamer would show what one in his case might speak: as doth Homer for Agamemnon, Achilles, Calchas, Nestor and such: but it were a ridiculous babishnes, to hold that trifling work better then Tobies fable; A plain fable throughout, and no fitter to be read in sadness in the Church, then Lucians dialogues. The Popes joining of these to the Bible, is wormwood.

III. Wormwood holdeth not these 3. principles true: which all should. 1. The text of the old Testam. is kept in letter most sure, by the orthographie dictionarie, or Masoreth: that no letter was more nor less, nor of other▪ orme in Moses time, with vowels, and accents, & margin reading expounding the text; then we have it at this day. 2. That the Rabbins expound all in grammar sense, well for our use. 3. That all good for religion, and life is in Moses; as the Prophets and Apostles draw him forth at large. IIII. The Pope in Bellarmine and others, perverteth or contemneth every whit of the Bible. V. He maketh a whole policy, wicked: against all points of faith; and civil laws: and would be as a God in the Church so set forth, 2. Thes. 2. Thus he is wormwood it self. How he groweth up to be a great mountain, to be able to vex the world: that followeth in the next Trumpet, and keys of the deep.

The fourth expounding the third.

The fourth Angel sounded, and the third part of the Sun, Moon, and Stars, were stricken, for their third parte; & day and night, Gen. 37. Jacob expoundeth Sun, Moon, & Starrs, for his Church: so it is here, day and night are ruled by the stars; and mean the times more or less prosperous: scholars and learned, falling away, corrupted scriptures, make an ecclesiastical mountain; from a burning lamp, falling from God.

The occasions of the Churches fall from heaven.

The two Testaments, show that CHRIST is the Angel of the Covenant, standing by his humanity, at the Altar of incense; and in his golden Mediation receiving the prayers of the holy, that with his incense, they come before God: so he sitteth a sacrificer forever; figured in Sem described as God, without father, without mother, without beginning of days, without ende of life: witnessed in Moses description, that he liveth forever; a King of Justice, and a King of peace, so S. Paul to Scribes after their own manner, yet extant in Zohar and Menachem and others describeth his Vicar Sem, the great: as Rabbins term him, to have figured the Redeemer to the world now, of Noah's house: The SON thus known in our Son.

How the Old Testament: came turned into wormwood.

Of the age before the flood, God said: I repent me, that I made man; therefore water, took their bodies; prison eternal, their spirits. The tower-masons making God's of stars, in contempt of SEM, the high sacrificer; and prating daily against his faith, were cut off frō Shem tongue, to let it alone; and in Babels captivity ended it from commune use: and soon after Daniel's age, from speech of all, but school learned; But Moses, by Sabbath reading was some what known to the people. Besides God made Shem tongue so hard, that a man's whole life will hardly catch it: and left no authors of it, but Shem prophets; to make us search how rare words in them, open themselves, (and they used but once) by the argument.

So Shem tongue is an hid pearl, of it Job cost me more pains alone, then all Greeks, who now cometh to open judgment. Churches had no Hebrew Rabbins for grāmer of yer. near 1000. nor grāmars, or dictionaries; Origen did put forth Hebrew, in Hebrew letters; and spell'd in Greek, much cited in Epiphanius; with six Greek translations. The 70. hid their mind much, specially in 3600. years alteration of lives from Moses truth, as thus; Adam lived 230. years and begat Seth. And afterwards 700. for 130. in Moses, and 800. our notes say, Moses omitted 100. y. before Seth’s birth; they may as well say he gave 100. too many afterwards: and so in 3600. years. Yet though Arabic were near Hebrew; and Ethiopian: they translate the 70. And not the Hebrew: and Greeks with Muscouia follow them. But if Princes had allowed in every land, so big as Canaan, 42. great Cities, for Hebricians only; they had been Ezdrae, for readiness in the Law: and had been Atlantes, to bear up heaven.

God saw that his justice could chose but few; and of eternity did set many to anger, and therefore gave not Princes that judgment, nor to scholars, one of a thousand millions, a mind to such hard pains, but to be such monachos, as Nazianzenus taunteth, given all to feed them selves, and to envy all pains: and Athanasius, Gregory, and his dear brother Basil, felt for the holy Trinity. And West Monachos rested in Jerome for text, and in S. Augustine for explication.

Of the New Testament.

The New Testament penned in Greek, by the H. Spirit, is to be esteemed in Greek better then all the world can ever conceive.

Part I hope to utter: but conceive more. The preparation to bring Greek over the world, must here be known. To Iapheths Iauan, God left it: and spread his race from Silicia over the West: that Bardi Caesar. Cō. in France, and our Cambria kept Greek Philosophi. And when God meant in open action, to end by Babel, Shem tongue; which he kept in Canaan 500. years that Babylon's confusion hurt not the Kings house: but the Chananean dialects twelve, came near his: when God would end this tongue, in holy Daniel's age when he had shown the strict year and Pascha day, of Christ his Pascha, who being the first from the dead, would show light unto the world. And Aggei, Zechariah, and Esdras Malachi, had commented upon holy Gabriel's oration, when God would have no more Divinity written, all being spoken that could be told: he showeth a miraculous providence to fi • t the Greek tongue to the Gospel, by Athens and all Grecia, Pisistratus, of holy Josiah's time, brought noble Homers wit into more reverence, then Monks the holy Gospel: that children should learn him every whit without book, and parted him twice in Iliade & Odissea: into Alpha, Beta, &c. (As the unknown God dealt, Psal. 25. 34. 37. 111. 112. 119. 8 times: 145. & Pro. 31. Lamen. 6. times. ) And Aristarchus made a commontarie upon his hard words: so that S. Peter by God's reuelatiō useth his noble phrase; and him, not Eustathius I cited, though Bil. and Bar. would win spurs, to prick their own sides. Didimus elder then S. Peter kept Aristarchus remnants, and frō Didimos, not from Eustathius, I brought Aristarchus and Homer, whom I am sure S. Peter never read, but the holy Ghost read him, and led Peter. This honor to Homer, set on Solon to write sentences; and Theognes, & Phocillides, & Minermus: that civil grounds were made pleasant in brave Greek: to make all eloquent in speech; Then arise tragiques, Aeschylus & an Heroi{que}, equal to Homer, or old Corinnos of Troyes age: and P Alamedes scholar, who in other wars, gave Homer his timber. Euripides, the painter of man's lot, and Lyriques rare, and Commediques, as witty Aristophanes: Physicians: Historiques, from Hesters age; Hellanicus and Herodotus, and Plato, and Aristotle, and ten Oratores, and Theopompus, & innumerable of all sortes: while Judah was in Babylon, and under Persian, taught, ( Dan. 10.) that soon they should be under Grecia, till Christ came in some parte: and therefore they taught their children Greek: that the 70. flaunted in store: setting 80. several Greek sometime to one Hebrew tree; as to Shub. 70. 60. 50. 40. 30. 20. 10. and so to very many. Now Macedonians of Selleucus Nicatores people being in 72. Kingdoms: East and North, were forced to know Greek: and by the Ptolomies, South learned Greek; and the Jews scattered by them, brought the 70. over all: and mention of Moses. So before our Lord's redemption time, all nations (as Tully, for Archi saith) knew Greek, when Latin was kept in a narrow compass. And thus a foundation was laid for elegant timber to the N. Testament. The Jews note in Ierusalemi Megila, that Noah prophesied how Shem house should bring Japheth to faith in the tongue of Iauan, the Greek. And Midras Rabba citeth the same; and in Megilah theysay: that no tongue but Greek, can give Hebrew fit terms. Christians should urge their own testimony, that as a Tribe failed not from Judah till Messiah came, so all nations then spake Greek; but not many ages after that. And as Abben Ezra confesseth upon Dan. 9. that the 70. sevens are 490. years, from Daniel's prayer, to sealing of Messias, the holy, of holy; wherein not one of a hundredth thousand millions, speaketh so truly for our victory, as the sharpest enemy doth. So Ierusalemi should have confessed, that the fishers of Gallile were to write in Greek from Jerusalem, after 490. years. And before it should be destroyed, as we see Actor. 15.

Of the New Testaments elegancy.

The N. Testam. in Greek is so little that by one hour, in the morning and evening; in one week; one may with ease, and great delight, read it over. Yet this book hath more several words by the fishers of Galilee, and the Pysician of Antioch, and the tent-maker borne in Tarsus, to be the first Apostle at Rome, then 100. great Greek books: above 4600. that all old Greeks have some building in it: and all extant now, but for fragments kept, cannot serve it. More, in men's names it learnedly openeth Hebrew, to rare use: as Bosor for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 2. Pet. 2. by Babels pronouncing, not Italy: that any maid of Chaldea, might see by the speech, whence the Galilean wrote. So Talmud names come, as Lazar, for Eleazar; whose natiō is fit for any one that maketh God his strength: to feast in Abraham's Bosom, when the soul departeth hence. Moreover the Macedonians spake Greek words, in east & south hardly found; as, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , and such: such from Talmudics of Babel, the N. T. had: and east terms, for politique matters, from Seleucidae; as, Angareum, to postseruice. It hath above 50. of Syriaque, for rare use: And to show in what age, evē under the Romans empire beginning, & Greeks end, Jews have Greek names, and some Latin: as Philip and Andrew and Marc Iustus, & such. This checketh the Talmud, which from the depth of Satan persuadeth his sons, that Jesus our Lord his days were long before, in the Maccabees government.

Four Dialests the Book hath: Attique or commune Greek for matters known to heathen: as, Spermologos, to Paul at Athens: the deadliest that Demosthenes there above 300 years afore bestowed upon Aeschynes. So from Diphilus, and Philemon, and Sophocles, some for special use: and from Epimenides Aratus & Menander, known testimonies: briefly from all eloquent some: as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 for any passage, & Hades, to contain heavē & Hell Luc. 16. & 4. and in Act. 10. times. Luke praeuented 15. foolish brawls by Greek: But men care not kicking against the spurr, Act. 9. & is often in Aeschylus & Euripides; and names of manners from all: so that one cunning in the N. Testa. & Greeks should frō the one, still run to the other, in memory: & see better use of both. And though one had so many eyes as Argus in Aeschylus 10000. all would here be well occupied. Another Dialect is frō the 70. whē the speech is most to Jews, as Jeconiah begat Salathiel, so Zedekiahs the uncle 3. yer. elder, is son, and Ioachaz first king, younger 2. years, Ioackim is eldest. So Uzziah is son to Joram his fathers great grandfather: So our Lord is son to Joseph (as men thought) to Eli '&c. to Adam, to God, as son of David. For some of these the heathen have the like: so Julian calleth Romulus his Ancestor, as S. Ma • h. speaketh of Jeconiah and Salathiel: so for the word, until, for a matter never done, Math. 1. and 5. and Homers Ili 5. in Agamemnon to Chryses: that he should not have his daughter until she spent her age with him in Argos. So a judge giveth sentence for one that oweth 10000. talents; and hath not a penny to pay, nor can get in prison, that he shall be in prison, till he pay the uttermost farthing. The prisoner will not plead that in time he must come out. Stars be darkened by ignorance of Greek, to put going to Hell for going to Paradise, a breeding of Purgatory, which Grecia of 1200. years never held. The 70. Greek is notable in this: whom God raised up, disannulling the sorrows or hurtes of death. Act. 2. from Psal. 18. he that would say Peter spake of the second death, or of hell Torment, deserveth small thanks. Briefly, many a thousand of words, have the Apostles from the 70. calling us to remembrance of so many places in the Old Testament: of them I have made an Hebrew Greek dictionarie, and my friends have it in London, and they who will give security for the copy, may write it out. The old Jerome, Erasmus, and Beza missed much of lights, by not expounding 70. Greeks from their Hebrew, that sun and air were much darkened. The 3. dialect is the Apostles own: often do they express Hebrew in a new manner; and S. Paul the Orator of Tarsus, borne to be first Papas or father in Praetorio at Rome; brought up at Gamaliel's feet, to show in the Epist. to the Heb. the best Thalmudique that ever the sun saw; the Hebrew of Hebrews, fathers side and mothers side: and rediest in genealogies, true and profitable for his sisters son, and other cousins three, Rom. 15. This Iaspar of Benjamin the first foundation of the heavenly City shall be cited for clearing Moses, Deut. 30. & the holy Gospel: by expressing Hebrew in new Greek; What to go up to heaven, to bring Christ down, meaneth; What to go down to the deep, to bring Christ from the dead, meaneth. Moses of Levi graven in the Smaragd, and in his Law a sun; ( In solio Phoebus claris lucentis Smaragdis ) forbiddeth Israel, to leave study of the Law, as though it were high, or far fetched in speech: and thus telleth what Smaragd-light it hath, Deu. 30. 11. This commandment which I command thee this day, is not a wonder for thee: neither is it far off: it is not in heaven, to cause speech, who can go up unto heaven, to take it, and preach it to us, that we may do it: neither is it beyond the sea; to cause speech, who shall go for us beyond the sea, to take it, for us, & preach it to us, that we may do it: But the word is very near unto thee, for thy mouth & for thy heart to do it. Thus Moses showeth that the Smaragd of the Law shineth in the Covenant of the Rainbow, Isai 54. for the waters of Noah. That Christ in Genesis was known to the Patriarchs, and all the Ceremonies went no further; and the Civil laws were most sensible, and all might be acquainted with it: The Scribes do teach it sitting in Moses chair; without their own works of traditions; and such as lived in travail of hands might be able to judge. Now Saint Paul giveth such testimony that for the Law they were exact, as he yet was a Pharisee, but they not knowing that God was in Christ reconciling the world unto himself, by the death of Christ: and resurrection, missed of the end of the Law; that blind zeal to it made them fall frō God. Now S. Paul imitateth Moses, whose whole doctrine cometh to this sum: do not say who can go up to heaven in high conceit, to bring Christ to dwell in our Tabernacle below: or who can go in belief, to the deep of the earth, to bring up Christ from the dead: But what saith he? The word is near thee, for thy mouth, and for thy heart; This is the word of fath which we preach; for if thou confess with thy mouth, that JESUS is the Eternal: and that God raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. Without marking imitation of Moses and 70. phrase, Psal. 71. 20. Paul will not be understood here: And here he before had allowed the Scribes for all other Divinity, while they sat in Moses chair, for holy Trinity, and works, and law, and passage of all just hence to Paradise to perfection of joy: to the City which they had desired; the heavenly City which God prepared for them. Though they had not openly the Gospel: the perfection. But the Scribes saw not that our Gospel was the perfection to the Law: And by that they perish. I might bring a volume of examples: But my digression may not be too long. The fourth is the Thalmudique kind when speech is to Jews. The old Testament never named expressly and properly, place for souls: because infidels would mock at that: But thus God saith; Levite. 26. If ye keep my commandments, I will be your God, and walk amongst you; that is simply and forever: as God, is the good God to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, not to dead but to living. Now when the Prophets, had ended all that was to be spoken, to open congregations: and the faithful were few under Macedonians: and Sadducees denied souls immortality: and rejected Prophets comments upon Moses; The holy learned enacted these terms: The Law, for all the Old Testament. So is Psal. 82. John. 1. & 15. so Es. 8. Rom. 9. Also, world to come; Paradise; Gehenna; Day of Judgment; life eternal; second death, and many such: which all, the precious Greek Testament hath. And in all GOD applieth it to man's capacity, in infinite mercy: when the Redemptiō manifested, made the profanest leave mocking. Examples of all four come, Apo. 21. in the 12. Jewels. Rubens Sardius is Attique & 70. Simeon's Topaz is attique, and 70. Leuies Smaragd is atti{que} & 70. But this by the way: Smaragd, Ex. 28. in Aaron's shoulders holding 6. tribes on the one, and so many on the other: is the Beryl of King Joseph: as the K. is the stay of the Commune Weale: and the Emperor in Constantinople: not S. Chrysostom, whom in Photio the Dialect deceived: not decerning the 70. from Attique.

Judah's Chalcedon in Thalmudique as in Targum Ierusalemi upon Exod. 28. for the Carbuncle: Isachars Sapphire, is Attique and 70. Zabulons Sardonix is Apostoliq. Dans Hyacinth, is Attique & 70. Neptalies Chrisophrase, is Apostolic: Gads Amethyst is Attique and Apostoliq. Asers Chrisolite is Attique and Apostoliq. Joseph's Beryl is Attique & Apostolic: Benjamin's Jasper, is Apostolic, fitted to the Hebrew: Isachar had it in 70. Exod. 28. Judah in Isai. 54. and Apo. 21. in the first place: where the walls were like Jasper Christalling. And thus glorious is the Greek Testament: which a tetractys of most learned studies, maketh a building all of Gold, in the streets: & of pearl in the gates: and wainscotted with Carbuncles: for Promisses in the SON, the Sun of justice: and with other states for warriors: for states men: and for nauigation. I cited many Rabbins for this placing of the stones to the tribes: then I had not Arias Montanus bible by me, nor remembered him. Otherwise I had made reverend mention of his learned pains: as I hold it a dogged atheism to rave against truth for human respects.

How the Papes of Grecia used the Bible: And the Popes refused it.

The holy New Testament, the learned Papae, as Athanasius; great Cyril, and elder Origen, and Basel, and his own-soul- Gregory, celebrate with Attique Greek, equal to Libanius & Porphyry, and the best heathen, that ever Athens bred; & all Monasteries were busied in copying it, with such care that where paradoxa came, they left it vnchainged: and where they had no Old Testament but the 70. against enemies, which knew not Hebrew, they were most ready in it: And had also Origen's octaplun: whence men of leisure might be reasonable in Hebrew: & the Christians Jews synagogue thus dealt. They read Moses in Hebrew, and expounded him to their towns language: So Jews, in Maymoni, did: and S. Paul described the like, and his discipline and theirs was all one. The wealthy Jews that brought not up their sons in Moses, were holden godless. And of multitudes learned, a sufficient number were chosen by all, Elders; for all matters. They were Ecclesia: Zakenim: Episcopy, overseers. And one, their best learned, to read the Law, with skil & choice of conferences: with Prophets and Psalms fitted; he was chosen to be the Messinger of the Congregation. He dealt for matters that touched all. In expositions, the Archysynagogue requested the best in estieme to expound the Law, by another text: or to some commune place. Where heathen Officers bridled authority, they did excommunicate: and never the chief, but bade him keep house and save his honor. And they made Rabbies, or Doctors; two or three, laying hands upon him, and saying: Learned Rabbi, take thou authority to teach what is loose: and what is bound. And in the Synagogues Leuy had no particular stroke, but went from their 48. towns to Ierusalemi, at their courses: and the high sacrificer was not of the Sanhedrin, but as they esteemed of his learning. And all the Synedrion might be of Israel, or all of Leuie: and many Synagogues had not a Levite, but all Doctors were of Israel. In Grecia the Greek Bishops carried them as servants: so Polycarpus martyr at Smyrna, and all, a long time. But let us mark The City that crucified Christ: what corruption of Doctrine it had, with Egyptian tyranny.

First the Greek New Testament, the joy of man's mind, [ 1] they excluded: And brought in steed rude Latin, of open lies, leaving out Mat. 6. a sentence from Dan. 7. Of Kingdom power and glory: howsoever loiterers will excuse this; the golden balance of justice would bear reading of Latin to people of other speech, and the babbling and Babels building in equal peise.

Secondly, Italy had Greek commune, when S. Paul [ 2] wrote to the Romans. The Papes continuing Fathers, had brought up youth in God's word, not in dross of man's speech, to charm to men of other tongues; that must needs stop their ears as deaf adders: though the charmers charmed never so wisely. But Popi Daemones will answer to their name: and show what the only cursed City, 2. Thes. 2. & Apo. 11. and 17. meant to do.

Thirdly, Because Clemens and Tertullian, were Eusebius [ 3] auctores, that Peter was at Rome, though Luke Act. 23. and 28. and S. Paul speak in other tenor: and first Peter telleth, that he was at Babylon: and might not without infinite sin, use a metaphor to deceive his reader: and when truth is a story, to Psal. 87. that Babel shall have God's Church. Yet Popes begged great revenues for buildings and scholars, by S. Peters name. Paul's man of sin will do this.

[ 4] Fourthly, The Rock eternal, Deut. 32. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 there, and Psal. 18. and 2. Sam. 22. and often, is GOD only. And in Deut. 32. a Prophecy is laid, of the Rock, a defender against the four beasts that come out of the sea: upon which Rock the Church stood, until the SON of Man like in body, Dan. 10. to Tharshish or sea-like stone, took part of their afflictions. Now the WORD Eternal, that gave all reason, the only teacher; in demanding, teacheth to answer, saying: Whom do men say, that I the Son of man (Dan 7. by Rabbins general) am? The fisher of Galilee, that heard Daniel often read, said from Dan. 9. Thou art CHRIST, and holiness there of all holiness: and therefore (Psal. 2.) The Son of the living God. Then CHRIST calleth him to Deut. 32. speaking Rock in Job's Hebrew, Upon this Rock will I build my Assembly, that no courts by terror of death shall be stronger then it. Christ is Ceph, & thou, as all that know him to be the Rock Cepha; and as the Sanhedrin maketh Doctor, saying: Take thou authority for thy keys of knowledge, to teach which is loose, & what is bound: whom thou teachest that God, was in the Rock, reconciling the world to him self, he hath his sins loosed, by thee on earth; by the Rock, in heaven: and who so believeth not that, thou bindest his sins, in earth and in heaven. This matter is the sum of all: and Greeks in Photios, tell that Andrew was the Rock, before Simeon was. And Cephas answered with all thought, as well as he: wherefore all had equal comfort: and so all godly. And because this new sentence, hath no new Divinity, he leaveth all after confession of the Rock, as knowing him self and Theophilus, to have as good right to the name of Cephas. But he by senioritie was to speak first for all, and so the name for all must be told to him: that they who build their house upon the Rock, shall be shaken with no Winds, storms, waves. The Sun is not brighter then this meaning, for these words. Let any who dare, try; by a conference of holy Scriptures, as I do.

Now the Popos Daemon, denying that Rome crucified CHRIST: as Saint Peter denied that Christ ought to die, and was termed Satan for that. He would have this believed of all, that Peter had a praerogatiue above all the Apostles: and was at Rome: and left to the City that crucified Christ, (for their good service) a successor to pardon, or to tie sins.

Fiftlie, Hence Lands are given by Princes: and specially [ 5] in wast wild grounds, for Monasteries, where men before rebelled, that Monasteries giving a chief rent, and superstitious people being fed with hospitality, wan much in three hundredth years, that after Buy-shop Gregory, by Creontophonos Phocas, held Satan's throne, and became stronger then the Emperor by this proceeding. The Bible must not be studied in Hebrew. The Jews marred it; and in Greek haeretiques: As though there were not most learned Christians, that could look to both. And this was pretence to pray still: never to teach truth: and to give the people in Latin Niene commandments for Ten; And the Creed with a translation, that white was black: that to go to Paradise, in the Greek Creed, should be translated, to descend to hell; to Gehenna; in old Chrysologus: and that the Fathers were there. So the Popes Clients, are the tail of the great Dragon. Moreover, the Lord's prayer, for many thousand pounds Lands, they might have, but maimed: to disgrace all authority of the New Testament. But they never taught the meaning of the Lord's prayer, that when we pray, we pray unto the Father, which is in heaven. That did Pope Daemon disannul, sitting in the Temple of God, as if HE were God; And he teacheth to pray to all from whose name he could get any lande: to Marie, though Rome killed her son: to Peter, though Rome by authority made him a martyr, far off to Apostles and other Martyrs, that Rome martyred: as though Apoc. 6. under the fifth seal all these did not crave vengeance against the beasts of the earth, that killed them. Moreover, to busy Princes, they say; If Popingayes said over Pater noster, so often, they should have so many years pardon, in a new invented fiery bath of Purgatory: stinging poor souls like scorpions, five hundred years before their Devils doctrine was espied. About the year 600. they tamed East proud Prelates; and go on thus. From Levi they will make an order, and have an altar; and an Aaron, with a cope, and holiness in the forehead: and Levites in Linnen: and the name Priest: and of bread, they can make flesh, and of wine, blood: and they break Abben Ezraes rule praef. to Moses allowed of all; that nothing must be taken properly, which goeth against all sense. So they will not have the Lord's death to end all sacrifice, by the supper: But will make the supper a sacrifice: against all wit and learning; And the Pope is an Aaron: and the Priests lips will keep knowledge, Mal. 2. where he tells them they did not, but should; therefore the Grecians would consume them as stubble: Also they are flat Arians praying to Michael, (who holdeth it not robbery to be equal with God ) as if he were a created Angel: and not the Eternal Son, the Angel standing at the golden Altar of incense, his humanity, to receive in the censor of grace, our prayers. These and such other treacheries against all the Bible; first brought the third part of sun, moon and stars to be darkened in the third part; but soon, Christ the true sun, and all air, for brightness of Scripture. And by these degrees, Man of sin became able, as now 600. years we find, to stir hail and fire mixed with blood, in the earth: missing wholly of Religion: and not as Turks by ignorance, but by covetous malice.

In the open Church, companies of godly were martyred, for resisting the Locusts, deceyuing of the world; now leaving the zeal that Ephesus once had, and the first Doctors in Italy; and following Smirnean Jews heresy, in apish renewing Leuitiques, inflat Atheism of altar, cope, linen, priest, sacrifice: reviving Pergamos Balamites, who for wealth and wantonness bred Monasteries, joined to Nunries: when Thyatirean Jezebels, are with Baals Priests, setting up a new Sardian dead wealth, in profane riches; and contemning Philadelphias true love, to save souls: But reviving Laodiceas falling to the manner of the world, neither hot in true zeal, nor cold, as open contemners, but Chananean hypocrites. To this end the Popes clergy is described in a plain painting forth of them: and of their wars for Jerusalem at years 1100. Next are all the Turks wars handled alone: next reviving of the Gospel against both; until the end of the world: before which time neither Turk nor Pope shall fall. They flatter themselves that write otherwise. But as the Antiochi who reigned about 300. yer. after 150. were so weak, that they stood by the Romans courtesy: & so Lagidae in the tutelage of Rome; till the set year of Christ his first coming; so though the Pope be weakened in many places, Italy shall remain a continual plague: that shall appear in the seventh Trumpet. But now let us consider the first Trumpet.

The 5. Trumpet sounding out the Popes clearly.

THE haters of the Papes turned to Popes, from fathers to Devils; to be the wicked (Isai 11.) Romylus, (in learned Jonathan from Cittim: Jerome's Italy, Nu. 24. Onkelos & Rashi, Romans. ) They be for this commune place, the fifth Trumpet in order of handling, but in an explication of the first in tenor of matter. The star fall̄ from heaven was in the third trumpet: the messinger of the congregation fallen from the kingdom of heaven; & Dan. 2. Mat. 3. in Christ: and by Kimchi upon Hosea 4. Key is power of government (in souls case) Isai. 22. Mat. 16. Apo. 2. The deep is darkness, Gen. 1. 2. in Zohar comparing visible with invisible, darkness bringing to Gehenna; even as the commanding of light to shine out of darkness, is compared with showing Christ to our souls. As Rattes, suo indicio pereunt. Terent. so here the Pope; and all that bear his keys. Keys here be damned; but not such keys as have God's warrant.

Whence the Pope challengeth Keys.

Nothing is more commune, nor ever seen more impudent, thē the Popes chalinging of Keys; from Mat. 16. first saying that Peter is there the Rock. 1. All holy will hold him therein Abaddon, & Apollyon, autor of destruction. For the Son of man Dan. 7. Christ the holy of all holiness, Daniel 9. The son of God Psal. 2. calleth himself the Rock from Deut. 32. translated in the 70. God. six times in one chapter: and the Rock was Christ, 1. Cor. 10. & there is no Rock but the Eternal, in Psal. 18. and Rock is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Creator: & S. Peter chap. 4. useth that term for God only, teaching Papes not to be babes, nor Popes but to know how he understood the words of Christ. yet the Pope will make Peter to take God's name: & to be the chief of the Apostles; and to have power in new sort, to bind and loose sins: as though all that truly teach Christ, do not the same, though they know it not. But the first teachers of the son, Ps. 2. were to have the first commencement of Doctorshipp, in Talmud known speech: And all kings, who should read the Law & preach, as Solomon did all his life, are the true Papae and Episcopy: One appointed man should be the sergeāt of the Church: to look to business special: But all that governed should be & are called Episcopy, as well as he: & should be as well learned. God is Episcopus; Job. 20. Pakid any of charge; as Eleazar, is Episcopus, communely in the 70. Judas office was Episcope. Antigonus in Diodo. was like to be Episcopus of all Asia. And when the Greek Papae would be Episcopy alone, they were never quiet. They had been stronger, if all learned had been Episcopy with them; as at Zurich now one ruleth none: but is chief sergeant for teaching & sacraments: but accountable as any other, for carriage. But Pope Roman thus goeth on, to teach: that Peter came to Rome, that he left keys to one: and he to successores, that they be the Rock, to sit in the Temple of God as God; to make men swear, otherwise then any of God's people ever heard: to allow Priests after our Lord's death: to reject the Hebrew and Greek God's gift: and to accept a Latin deadly falty translation, Exod. 12. Act. 7. & 13. to deny that the Bible which God gave is extāt, to use Latin in Lands of other Languages: to give the people no use free in it: But 9. of 10. commun. And Pater noster as to parrats: and with the last verse stolen away; the verse from Dan. 7. showing all Kingdom, Power, and Glory, given to Christ. So the sum of faith they had, in Latin as Parrats: & in the main pointe; for the souls going up to the Father, a going down to hell, with belief that the fathers till then were there. Before I reckon more Popish, that is devilish, points: I will here show how Jews have disgraced our Gospel by the wicked translation. Descended to Hell; by barbarous wresting of Latin from the true use in Tullius days.

A digression to show a scandal laid to Jews.

Isaac Ben Arama saith: Behold the string upon which the law of Christians hangeth; is this, the famously known; that for the sin of Adam, the first death of the soul entered upon all ages: and they fell all, fathers and sons, first and later, Prophets and holy into the sorrows of Gehenna, until Christ went and redeemed them. These be strictly his words upon Levi. 26. where Moses expressly telleth, that the Godly should go hence to God's Tabernacle: and Saint Paul 2. Corint. 5. translateth him in a most heavenly and comfortable sort; and telled expressly of Abraham and the commended, that they desired an heavenly City▪ and God prepared it for them: although they were not perfected in this world with manifestation of the Gospel. Some Greeks mistaking S. Paul, held Limbum: and wrested Greek from old use to that: as Basel upon Psalm. 49. Yet he spake well upon Psal. 15. As Maymoni, tract. poenite. That, all holy went hence to God's Tabernacle: and Chrysostom, though he said Christ opened Paradise to the thief, saith upon 2. Corint. Hom. 6.

Herein Chrysostom is very sound, and laid no trap for the Jews. Athanasius, Cyril, Theodorite, and others upon the Psalms, and many in Theophilact upon Luke. 23. And he upon Johan in this; I go to the Father: and very many in Photios library: and Hegessippus upon the Maccabees: yet Rome's advancing Latin to abolish knowledge of the Greek Testament, caused old Chrysologus to say: that Abraham was in Gehenna; till Christ went thither, and the 3. day brought him out. So the Jew had caught the Latin company, enemy to all the Bible for happiness & Redemption: that Jews and Philosophers could speak of Emperors causes better then they. Thus for 9. cōmun instead of 10. for the Lord's prayer maimed, and turned to Battus infinite repetition, against the Law. Eccles. 5. that our words before GOD should be few: and their belief stained in the main, showeth how they of Rome taught the people, that would not receive the love of the truth, but became a great deep sea of darkness: that Sun & air; Christ the sun of righteousness, and the scripture by which light cometh to our eyes, were darkened: by a smok of heresies, marring in their Mass, all religion. The Jews though faithless, yet they do search most narrowly, and profitable, the speech and story of the law: and show us Christ in all whom they cannot see: But Romulus man of sin setting forth him self as if he were God, in his Mass book, darkeneth sun and air: in steed of serving God alone, that is, praying to God alone; as our Lord (Mat. 6.) repeated his Law: when ye pray, pray to your Father which is heaven. Maymony showeth, upon what Command▪ prayer dependeth, (otherwise prayer were sin) saith in his treatise for prayer; That all the Fathers expounded the Law for service, to be prayer: And Menachem saith, God forbid, that any should pray, but unto God only: even as Psal. 50. Pray unto me, in the day of trouble, & I will hear thee, so thou shalt honor me. No holy in all the Bible, the air to see Christ, did ever pray to any Angel, but the Eternal Son, nor ever to any man departed. Therefore Romylides liturgy in praying to infinite millions of creatures, hath infinite sins.

Of the Locusts, most lively describing the Popes subjects, to make him King of Locusts: distinguished from all other policies that be, or ever were in the world.

Locusts came out of the smoke: and the hot vapors of Libya bred clouds of Locusts: which by South winds flee to Sardinia, Silicie, Spain and Italy, as others in Ioels days to Judea: that in one night the slow-bellies devour whole valleys of tender Corn: where it would grow otherwise 100 fold. This a Sardinian man told myself; & merchants many, as past doubt; that exorcistes by Satan's help were invited to help the matter. Now the millions of Monks and Friers, and such as devour other men's labors, void of all actions for political use, are so fitly compared with these, that we may say, God in the Creation made locuste to abound in Libya: to show in time the locusts bred by Rome, which would crucify the King of glory: and should devour the fruits of such as had no love to the truth; but would Honor the City, that would kill the Lord of glory: that was a greater sin then the devouring of all the fields in the world.

A distinction of these locusts from the proper locusts in Joel: that these be as scorpions.

These had power as the scorpions in Italy, which sleep under every stone; that no common weal could be healed of their sting, but such as make their blood pay for it, and by them selves be healed.

A further illustration, of distinction from natural Locusts & Scorpions.

professing openly that Christ is the Angel of Covenant: and his Humanity the golden Altar: and his Mediation the Censer, to receive the prayer of them, who by the abundance of the grace of the gift of Justice, look to reign by Christ Iesuus.

A further distinction how their sting is not of natural scorpions, but of spiritual.

These kill not, but torment men five months: with a torment as it were of scorpions: Hear the read must mark corporation speeches; that the whole state is termed by one man. So doth Moses speak to Israel, for many thousands of years, in speech, as though all were to the present men: so Ezekiel speaketh of the King of Tyrus, then living: as he was (for a King) in Solomon's and Chyrams day: Solomon had Chyrams daughter, and he was a Proselyte; and by his charges, Chyram the workman, wrought Solomon's brass works: & so the king was of Eden garden: so, here, men of long descents be stonge; and not only for a particular age. And as scorpions in locusts have no more time to hurt: but hide themselves in winter: as Nahum telleth: so these locusts hide themselves: when sharp weather of policy cometh. The Church spend near 1000. years (good Abbates as Bernard & others full many in Flaccius Illyricus and Antilogiâ Papae, and such) telling the Daemones or Popoi, of their dealings: and Princes resonablie matched them so long: but Satan was let loose, after 1000. years. That Popes deceived Princes to spend their strength 200. years, as God's enemies, to bring the land cursed forever, into glory; to make God a liar: so Princes being weakened, Daemones Popoi, by strange forgery of Constantine gift, became strong. Constantine sons, knew no such matter, no Julian that scoffed all that he could forge against his Uncle; nor Sozimus, as bad as Julian: nor any Grecian. Yet the Popoi Daemones will have their own testimony; for Empires given, without States consent. Thus the Papae or reverend Father, that would be a king, by his locusts beggars the wealth of all Countries.

Of the Scorpiones stinges.

[ 1] 1. Popoi Daemones taught to deny this: that so God loved the world, that he gave his only son, to the end, that whosoever believe on him, should not perish, but have life ever lasting.

[ 2] 2. As the serpent deceived Eve, so the Pope having the throne of the serpent, deceived many minds from that playnesse which is in Christ: and so stong their hearts, as they (Job. 3.) who desire the grave: and dignity for it more then for treasures.

[ 3] 3. And whereas, this is only the work of God, wherein a Christian is distinguished from Civil scribes, to believe in him whom God hath sent: the Pope teacheth, not to rest in this.

[ 4] 4. He teacheth trust in wicked works, in giving Lands to Locusts, to avoid Purgatory, unknown to Greeks: and to hate the Bible as auctor of heresy: & to pray to Creaturs: to be sure for that only, if no more sin were, to perish forever. And he teacheth, that men should doubt of their salvation. So his Locusts have the stinges of Scorpions.

Of the Locusts strength and authority.

When by their forged Purgatory, and much begging, the Locusts had gotten the fat of all Countries: thē they were horses prepared to wars: that they set Kings to war; as they would. And though they would seem to have no secular Power: yet their dealings shown they ware crowns like gold: being in face as private men: of woman's hair, in keeping in Cloisters; yet have they teeth of Lions to devour all: and habergions of iron to defend them selves: and the noise of their wings, the proper noise of Chariots of horses, running to wars. Their false teachers that speak lies, be the tales: and they sting and kindle wars: and they torment five months, less then half the time of the Gospel's continuance.

Of the Locusts King.

A King is a chief person in a policy, bent all to the good of that state: so the Buyshop of Rome got all bent to him. And challengeth to be King of Kings: & by his own mouth he is condemned His policy ruleth through all states: Kings he will excommunicate. Thal. Ierusa. recordeth that Kings should not be excommunicated; But in Jereboam's cause. The Synedrion the Bishops of the state, would in high offense, tell the King thus: keep your house: and salve your honor. And the pelting preachers that will be teaching states, what they should do, otherwise then for the sum of salvation, have a barbarous spice of Pope pride: & ruynate states. Thirtie yer▪ study should a messinger of the assembly have, to read scriptures with due conference: and to be a learned orator, to speak for commune matters. Now an year or two in a common place book, will make a bold Crier: the curse of the world: & an Archbuishop to have the keys of deep darkness, if money can buy a shop. this hath the depht of papistri. Jethro Exod. 18. By civil wit telleth Moses what Law GOD planted in all men's hearts: that Bishops in all charges, must be of skill. If Bishops of Kings armies must learn of Phormio, how to pitch a field: rivers will soon flow with blood. As pope made hhaile and fire mixed with blood: daily after a thousand years.

Of Oaths.

Kings try men by witnesses: and David forced none to swear against any: the hid things were left to God. And by this law, upon 2. or 3. witnesses, every matter shall stand: the Talmudiques as logical as others, condemned not men, upon their own confession: as experience telleth daily, that many forlorn, take upon them matters of others: in Ireland, a poor man; in Walter Essex days, for a swall supper, took upon him to be hanged, for other men's harm: it was perceived: & his confession was not taken. And usually men once condemned, take other men's guiltiness upon them. Man of sin, will charge the Duke of Buckingham, to tell whether he ever affected the Kingdom; and then tell it; and kill him: A policy patched from Popois Demonijs doth this; against the law of linseywolsey. They who follow him, are like unto him; & all who Buy-shops to his Laws.

Of the Popes advancing learning.

Papists brag, how the pope brought Hebrew and Greek to us: and so deserveth thanks. This doing is a Kings work: and all kings are shameless, if this be true: Grecia gave Greeks, written over the world; and Jews Talmudiques: & Bomberbe a merchant undone by Popes envy; printed the best Hebrew: so this speech is from Satan; as his kingdom.

Of Popes blindness, in Hebrew easiest matters.

Paul disputeth in his whole epistle, to the Heb. for the Doctrine of Law & Gospel: that perfectiō of doctrine was in the Gospel: & the Jews be forlorn, which grant not that. The Popes in the depth of Satan's blindness, would make Saint Paul an Atheist: against Levi. 26. and himself, 2. Cor. 5. And for Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, who went hence to the heavenly City: & they make him say, the fathers had not perfect joy: til Christ took them frō Limbo. Arias in Arcano sermon▪ in infernus, & Lacus: would make the holy Apostle to cross Moses & the Gospel; & to set Isaac Ben Arama, as I touched, vpō the Popes treason, to disgrace the Gospel. I do marvel that he wrote so: so learned a man: to miss so grossly. I think he was forced to suffer it to pass under his name. This can a King of Locusts do. Some Grecians stammered at S. Paul's words; as Basel upon Psal. 49. But upon Psal. 15. & 73. he called himself back: and so did Chrysostom, and the sway of Greeks, agree with Moses. Levite 6. and with the New. Test. and Talmudiques, that the faithful went hence to perfect joy.

How blindlie the Papists wrest Jerome's words: that the Jews read not the 3. first Chap. of Genesis; till they were 30. years old.

Jerome's Epistle to Paulinus, telleth that the Hebrews read not the beginning & ending of Ezekiel, & the beginning of Geneses till 30. years of age: Maymonie in Morek Nebuchim, upon Ezekiel: saith of him the same. But the term, darash legere; is to read as Doctors, not as children read: Children read Genesis from 7. year old: But under 30. hardly will any comment, well upon Gen. 1. 2. 3. Papists turn this to simple reading: He must be a blind king, that would have the Bible to be so hated.

Of the Popes names.

He hath a name in Hebrew ABADDON: from Num. 24. THE ROMAN SHAL AFFLICT ASSVR AND EBER: AND HE TENDETH TO DESTRVCTION. The whole bent of the Pope is to destruction: his whole policy: and his Mass: his Idols; and his rules of faith. Zurich takes a short course: to leave the Civil officer all government: and to Scholar Bishopps only to look to learning. This much they should add: for education of wealthy: that both Testam for Greek and Hebrew, in Thalmudique civil law should be known perfectly before 30. By 15. it might be reasonable: well by 20. exceeding well by 30. This I would show to a Prince of zeal: that would urge study: But slow scholars, shall not be troubled with advertisement. Plantines Bible, the Popes work, hath offered much help: A Kings bent; if some had not hindered, had done much in another sort: that in one month, the New Testament might be learned, even by Talmudique manner: calling all to Moses 613. laws; and they in few yer. and both tongues, by the Apostles dictionary. No time will ever clear either, by our stale wandering course: and unlearned flaūting sermons: far from holy Ebrewers manner, as far from all reason; that one scholar should teach all, matters of Experience, in an hour or more. If they drew still all the Law to Christ; that by the Gospel, we are perfected, it were learned. But the commō sort, shall give an heavy accompt for many idle words; speakers and allowers.

Of the Popes Greek name.

APOLLYON, that is, Destroyer: is the Popes Greek name: Because all his policy tendeth to eternal destruction. The Bible till of late he little suffered in the original: and yet, in the head of all; he fighteth against all for Hebrew: in Gen. 3. HE SHALL BRVSE THY HEAD all the millions of Hebrews, to each man say, HE. And John expoundeth all of CHRIST: that HE should destroy the works of the Devil: so saith Onkelos, HE shall, &c. And so the Arabiq. Sadaias: And so the 70. and all Greeks upon it: Yet the Popes translation hath she; against thrice the masculine gendre, in Hebrew: & all Hebrew kind, that ever were: to bring Mary into Christ his honor, to destroy the Bible, & the world: So, whereas it is a sin most high, to crucify Christ again: and to make him an open shame: the Crucifix through all popery, showeth here, that he is Apollyon. Pilate knew as Mary that Christ was crucified; But that helped nothing. But he could not consider the L. of glory crucified. And the Crucifix cannot express that: but leaveth only a base object. Herein he is an Apollyon; and so in all Pointes.

A digression to our Prayer book, made from the Popes.

Our prayer book was made when Papists were the more in Parliament: and allowed by our side for men's infirmity, as Luc. 3. alloweth Cainā a son to Arphaxad. And Acts. 7. souls 75. for 70. And as S. Paul allowed circumcision, for Timothy: But Christ should profit the Galathiās nothing, if they simply did it allow. The whole book is bent to the Popes vein: & if there were nothing false in words, the frame draweth hate with it. For weakness in other, I would allow it; until I could persuade to better: But seeing prayer is our service to God: the Lord's prayer, and his Psalms learnedly chosen, for all occasions, should serve the turn. Toby, is a fable and pēned full of lies of purpose: that the reader should hold it no better. Yet because Antiquity saw some use in the fable, ours suffered it, till better light came. When simple put a Parliament in trust, the Parliaments oversights should be no plague to the simple. Al who fear God, will stick only to his word: & urge no more. I have taught most unthankful Buyshopps, the Creedes article, that souls go up, not down: and the holy, to heaven, not to hell. Archbi. Whitgift yielded by M ^r Geoffrey King: and knew that I cared not for voices of men, sure to perish if they stood to their error. And thirteen year ago, I knew not of an other living, of my mind; but I was sure I could make them worthy of Ioakims burial: that durst burn my writing: and Anathema Maran Atha, while they lived, and forever. Spedily the best over Christendom flocked to my mind; although some of Geneva, Marpurg, Hanaw, for rancor, deny all helps for their own victory; & make them selves enemies to God, and all good men, to make a Gehennean torment, of a going to the most happy dead, in Abraham's bosom. The learned Fath. L. T. Winton hath cleared this cause, & shown that neither Westminster nor Rhodanus Alpin, through-flown town, should bind men to their wits. Our speech to God, is our only comfort in this world, and they who will hinder us from the best in this kind, shall have their portion with profane, in weeping & gnashing of teeth. Since the King came to England, the Realm might have had the Bible well translated 5. years ago, with every man's freedom to speak for the best: & a table for psalms; for all the ordinary year; & all particular occasions: and for reading; Law, with Prophets, Gospel, & Epistles: and both Universities, by this day ready in both Testaments. But they had rather rent one another, thē have the peace of God to guard their tongues, in the eloquence of God's word. But now let us return to our Popes.

Of Antichrist, his Chaldee name.

Jonathan Ben Vziel, a rare Hebrew Doctor, elder then S. Paul's Gamaliel, expoundeth Isaich. xi. When he saith Christ shall consume the wicked with the spirit of his mouth: He showeth what wicked, even wicked RHOMILVS; he knew that Balaam made but East, Assur: & West, Cittim Grecia, & Grecia Major Italy, to afflict the holy, & therefore speaketh upon a most sure ground, that that wicked was Rhomilus. Arias Monta. knew that here, he brake the Popes neck; if he came forth truly, under the Popes grant: & therefore leaveth out the word 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Romylus. And what be our Papae of Croydon & other Parochies, that could never spy this dealing. If the K. Roial vow, to the Bibles honor had not been hindered by Bishops, the Hebrew with Massorit, & the Caldy in true copy, had been seen by this day in work. But whē Buishopps crossing, hindereth the workman, what can the Kings money do; when the dogs neither eat hay, nor suffer the ox: yet here the old Proverb taketh place, Mendacem memorem esse oportet. Boderianus, the fellow-laborer, in his Chaldee dictionarie, he not privy to the guile citeth the Chaldi perfect: But spelleth it subtly: not Romylus, which Jonathan expressed most learnedly to any Rabbin, but he spelleth it Armilus: to make nothing of it; but, Antichrist, or Antideus, or by some Gog, or Magog. But Gamaliel's scholar, who to the Hebrews, passeth in Talmudiques, all Hebrews; that none but by Talmudikes help shall ever understand him, specially in Melchitzedeke, living still as God, whom he describeth in office, even as they who in story knew to be SEM: this Talmudique of Salem; Orator of Tarsus, borne to be Abba: Abba, Papa, for Rome; as Peter, for Babel, Psal. 87. He expoundeth Isai xi. and Jonathan most soundly: that when the present governor should be taken away ( 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is any governor, that restrayneth others, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 ) then, man of sin should come. And although, God still plagued Rome, by Alaricus, Gensericus, Thodoricus, and Totilas, specially: yet the Papae still begged land; and took Imperial name, as Pontifex in Sozimus: and by wealth overmatched Constantine Popes: that whē no punishment made Rome humble; but would have there, the Empire again set up; and cared not for the truth: spirit of deceit should work, to their destruction; that would not receive the love of the truth, to salvation. SO THENCE, WAS THE REBELLION TO ARISE: MAN OF SIN; APOLLYON, SONNE OF PERDITION; ENIMIE; LAVLESSE; KING OF LOCVSTS; THE NEW ANTIOCHVS, EXALTING HIM SELFE ABOVE ALL THAT IS CALLED GOD: AND NOT SETTING THE IDOLL OF IVPITER OLIMPIVS IN THE TEMPLE: BVT VAVNTING HIMSELFE, AS IF HE WERE GOD: to expound scriptures; to loose or fasten sin: to set up or depose States. And to have a people of his own frame: and to burn the true Temple of God.

The Epilogue, for the description of the Pope.

Five Trumpets described the Popes greatness, how it grew to be a kingdom of Locusts; able to sting and to overrule in wars: his last mischiefs are told first, how in his high power he bringeth hail of troubles, & fire mixed with blood: when he is made a mountain of Empire cast into the sea: from a star or Doctor of the Church, falling into Idols worship: and soon darkening a third part of the chiefest; & in quick process, a smoke of blindness, darkeneth Son, and Sun, and Scripture: that the Pope is to mighty to be overthrown. As when he sent Princes to war for Jerusalem, and to spend all their strength there: since now 600. years his might is high. Now follow three points: Machmads invasions: and martyrs fight; and lastly Christians Policies, in war; his match.

Of Machumed or Machmad, or Moamed, in Piel, Hiphil & Hophall, the participles three are used in Arabic & Rabbins.

The voice of Christ from his own mediatiō, biddeth the godly, as having power, like the Angels, Dan. 4. over Nebuchadnezzar, tell Machumedists, that God will frō the East send them great success, with the Popes supremacy, Machmad began: and soon turned away all the Contreyes of Daniel's Image, to shake of the West yoke, hated of old under Greeks; and still resisting and rebelling. Of their coming up, and spoiling of Spain and Italy: And joining with Turks; I spake in consent of Scripture. Euphrates was the old place of fight for the Romans, as to M. Crassus army, and the Parthians. Old stories give credit to prophecy: their armies are infinite; and horse many; with success, and lions boldness: to threaten ruin to all that yield not: as they have destroyed all ancient towns: Fire, blew smoke, and brimston; mean that: Machmad his sonnets of victories, the false prophet maketh a tail of Lions boldness. Men in the East, worship the Devil: Idols, in the West; lived by theft in Arabia; abounded in witches in Libya, and in Europe. Hence, GOD set up Machmad, to be a plague: yet men cannot repent.

Of Angel.

CHRIST is an Angel, the Glory of the Father, his Character, Exod. chap. 23. Eb. chap. 1. so Chap. 8. MIGHTIE, Isa. 9. and there in the 70. the Angel of great Counsel.

Comming down from heaven, Isaiah 64.

Isai. 64. So here Christ coming down: the Mountain of Rome and Turk melteth.

Of the Cloude, Isai. 19.

Behold the Eternal, rideth upon a swift cloud: and shall come into Egypt: and the Idols of Egypt shall quake at his presence; and the heart of Egypt shall melt within him; This Ancient speech, John expoundeth for spiritual Egypt, chap. xi. and her Idols cap. 9. So when Israel cometh from Egypt; God one day, went before them in a Cloude, &c.

And the Rainbow was about his head.

The Rainbow is Genes. 9. 13. a token that the deluge shall not drown the world again: and Isai 54. Thus GOD speaketh: This is unto me as the waters of Noah. For as I have sworn that the waters of Noë, should no more go over the earth: So I have sworn, that I will not be angry with thee, nor rebuke thee; the reason is in the verse. 5. For the Eternal would become a housband, to us Gentiles: and he would defend, as verse. 17. In this place compared with Chap. 12. where the Dragon casteth out waters, to sink the Church: this Rainbow drieth up those waters.

Of the face, like the Sun.

When Daniel was taught the fullness of Christ, by the Angel Gabriel, Dan. 9. in Chap. 10. he seeth his face as lightning: as the Doctrine was: so Saint Stephen handling the same matter, matter most clear; had his face like the face of an Angel, Actor. 7. So Christ, Apoc. 1. had his face like the Sun in his greatest brightness. That place telleth who this Angel is.

Of the feet, like a pillar of fire.

When the Angel of the Lord went before Israel, he removed and stood behind them: and so did the pillar of fire: which went before them; and removed and stood behind them: and came between the Campe of the Egyptians, & the campe of Israel. So here CHRIST, will stand betwixt Rome's Egypt, and his Church.

Of the little Book opened.

The sum of the Bible is short: How of God's eternal counsel, the world was made forman: Because the son of GOD by whom he made the world, woud be a man to give life to them that rested in this wisdom. And the story of 4000. yer. to Jerusalem's fall, by Rome hath no more: and all should gladly hear of this, all their life: and see CHRIST his bright face still to this sum. The book is open, and easy to be understood: This sum I prefixed to Ecclesiastes: for such as will not sit in the seat of the scornful. This Book is opposite to Idols: that can teach nothing but baseness of the King of glory; & crucify him again: and make him an open spectacle. The first crucifying of Christ, cost Rome one utter destruction: that Rome standeth not where it stood. And the Crucifying of him again, hath sent millions to eternal destruction. The little book open in the hand of Christ, commanded no making of such crucifix: and it commandeth to do no more, then is commanded: They wander wickedly, from the mothers womb, that will adventure their eternal state, upon man's inventions, which all know, may be spared.

Of the right foot, set upon the sea: and the left, upon the Land.

Waters, or sea signify war toils: Land, quieter profaneness: CHRIST, Dan. 12. stood over the waters of sharp swift Tigris, and lift up his right hand and his left hand; & sware by him that lived forever; what time should be for Antiochus rage: so here he telleth for Turk and Pope; that when the 7. Trumpet hath his blasts ended, the world shall end. Antiochi lost all, by the first coming of CHRIST: and the Pope shall wast, until the second coming: and till then keep some stroke.

Of the little Books eating.

The voice, like a trumpets, chap. 1. and 4. biddeth gracious John go, & take the little book from the hand of CHRIST: so he asketh Christ for it: and he biddeth him take it, & eat it. And telleth, that it will be sweet in the mouth; for study: but bitter in the belly, for them that shall hear of it: as the roll that Ezekiel aete, it told the Idolatrous Jerusalem of a fall, which hastened upon them. So John by his book, sweet for God's Counsel, is bitter for them which shall digest it: when he preacheth now to many people, nations, & tongues, and Kings.

The roaring of the Lion, and seven thunders, shall be handled at the last woe.

Of measuring the faithful.

The Curtaines in Moses Tabernacle, were made fit for the number: and the number of men aged twenty, and above, was thus: the sons of—

REVBEN. 1. 46500.	151450. SOVTH	Summa totalis 603550.
Simeon 2. 59300.
Gad. 3. 45650.
IEHVDAH 4. 74600.	186400. EAST
Issachar. 5. 54400.
Zebulon 6. 57400.
EPHRAIM 7. 40500.	108100. WEST
Manasseh. 8. 32200.
Benjamin. 9. 35400.
DAN 10. 62700.	157600. NORTH
Aser. 11. 41500.
Nephtaly. 12. 53400.

Thus God in Num. 1. and 2. twice reckoned his chosen; of the XII. tribes, besides Levi. And the Curtains were fitted to such a number. So here John's Doctrine shall teach a certain number: such as God hath chosen; and no more: the other will follow the God of this world. A man by man's wit, might marvel why Princes, would suffer such a deceiver as the Pope, to stand one year: his doctrine being altogether against all light: and each Prince being able to cast him from his territories. But God hath chosen a few only, and none can come to Christ, unless the Father draw him.

Of the Court within the Temple, to be cast out; in condemnation of Judaism.

Maimonides, in Bethabechica; or treatise of the Temple, about 430. year. ago, wrote how the Jews yet look for return to Jerusalem: and to have a temple like Ezekiel's, or Solomon's. For Ezekiel's Saint Peter telleth Chap. 1. 2. Epist. That every Prophecy, is not to be expounded properly: because the holy men of God spake, as they were carried by the spirit of God. Now Dan. 9. telleth, that the Jews Temple should be utterly destroyed; and all sacrifice ended: So by Daniel they should know, that the Messias should be the building wherein God would delight: as the very Jew Isaac Ben Arama noted above, in Port. 52. John preventeth Judaism in showing that this Temple hath no Levites court to sacrifice; nor separation for Israel. But all be here kings and sacrificers, and their Court reacheth over all the City. And old Judaism is now profaneness.

A digression, to compare the old Temple, or Tabernacle, with the spiritual.

The Temple of Solomon imitateth Moses Tabernacle: and all Jerusalem within the walls; the space within Israel's curtains: as the Talmud noteth, Christ is the Temple, John. 3. High sacrificer, Heb. 3. who went through the veil of his flesh, by his own blood into the Holy. He is the Ark: golden within and without: and containing the Law graven in him. And all grown into Christ, should have the Law in their heart: and look for the crown of the Law.

In the outer Tabernacle or Temple, were the Candlestick of gold, lightened with beaten pure oil, by the high sacrificer: and the table of xii. loves set openly: & that had crown work: and the Altar of incense, covered with gold. The Candlestick, the golden people: beaten pure oil; the spirit of grace, that cometh by afflictions; the kindler, CHRIST him self: Shem Tob; the Jew cometh in words thus far; though he knew not God to be in Christ. The Table, expresseth the governor, who provideth bread for the xii. Tribes, the xii. months: And that pains findeth a crown. So King Joseph feeding Israel, held the xii. Tribes in his Beryl, on Aaron's shoulders. King Moses, King Jesus, King Samuel, King David, and King Solomon, ware the Crown for this Table. The Altar of incense was proper to Aaron's sons; high Sacrificers, and lower; as Zechariah of Abia, the eighth, of 24. courses. This work had his crown. Now Christ is our Angel only, to stand at the golden Altar, that our prayer as incense may come before God. In the court, an altar was of sacrificing; where daily sacrifice, & the Pascha of flock beast, Kidd or Lamb, a duty to all; and voluntary Pascha of Ox, and Ram voluntaire, and of two days feast, John. 18. were killed, & had their fat brent on the altar, and blood shed at the foot of the altar: where pypes conveyed it away. Christ is our Lamb, Ox, and Altar: and when he ended sacrifice, he gave bread and wine, which his Disciples did eat and drink (in taste like other bread and wine) to be his body and blood, for our souls. Symbolon, Typus, Antitypus, Icon, in Greeks: who durst not look for a knot in a bulrush.

Of the holy Synagogues.

The Synagogues saving in 48. Levites towns, usually were of Israel & no Levite: and they were Bishopps all the Ancient learned, & one, Sergeant of the congregation, he read the Law: and the Archbishop requested the other in estieme, to speak to the Law; how all tended to MESSIAS. So a Sabbath days journey, would draw all the Law unto Christ. And all were holden wicked who being of wealth, brought not up their children frō 7. year. in the law. Their commentaries to this day in peecemeales, agree with the marrow of the New Testam. Abben Ezra is wonderful, Dan. 9. speaking better for our main battle, thē any of ours. Where he saith, the 70. sevens, are from the beginning of Daniel's prayer, unto the sealing of Messias, the holy of holy. Our Acadamiques might be ashamed, that a Jew in Rhodes now 500. year. ago, spake better thē they for our Gospel. Zohar on Gen. 1. Elohim, in these words, Let us make man; may be likened to a father, & a mother of the work. The father saith, what wilt thou make man? he will rebel: and an ill son will be the sorrow of his mother: then the Mother saith, his rebelliō be upon me. This matter is deep for a Jew to speak, The same saith upon Gen. 49. IAH, is in Shiloh. And vpō Gen. 3. By the serpent, Christ shall be killed, and many of Israel with him. And a rare saying, of God Rediemer in a Iubilie, I graued in a brazen abridgment of the Bibles consent; from Zohar, upon Leu. 25. In the Iubilie yere, God dwelling in our tabernacle will be remission, Redemption, and ending of Sabbath to Israel. fol. 53. Col. None of ours of old saw Iubilies, sitted to our Lord's death: the Jews knew it must be so. Ours scoff it being shown: & after that be highly extolled. S. Paul describing Sem, in the person of Melchitzedeck, to be as God, hath Rabbins phrases: yet extāt in Zohar, for his warrant; that he held the man, and person as they did. And for all that epistle, Rabbins speak the same that he doth. And Rabbins have been a bridle to keep Daniel sound; that only holy Jews, be the afflicted in him; and when the image afflicting holy Jews ended thē Messias should be borne in Bethlechem. They might have taught us the right meaning of Daniel. So, for ending the house of Solomon in Jeconiah, lalkut bringeth God's oth: & Maimoni in poenit. God's decree: & so Barbinel & Kimchi and Rashi upon Ier. 22 and universally they conclude, that the first Adam, the first day fell: So the first day Christ is called heir of all In this sort the Bishopps of the Synagogues, taught as learnedly as any of Leuie.

Of the Synedrion.

Tha • . Yerushalmi in Sanhedrin showeth, that the Sanhedrin of 70. might be all of Israel, without any one of Levi. And that the high sacrificer was not of the Sanhedrin: but as another if he were rarely learned, and sage. And for all faltes he was judged and punished as another: and that often they were so simple, that the council taught them their duty on expiation day. The high sacrificer might be excommunicated, but the King might not, but in Jereboam's case. Where Mallachi telleth, they should ask the Law at Levi, that is; because they were always at the Temple: and bound to be learned. But Samuel of Korah, and Daniel of Judah, were not inferior to any.

Of Athean imitation of Aaron.

It was death for any of Israel, to meddle with Aaron's office. Samuel of Korah, and Elias, whose tribe is uncertain, had God's dispensation. Otherwise they had never sacrificed. And nothing about the Temple might be in Israel's houses; no building like the Temple, ark, candlestick, table of bread, Altars, or Levites attire: yet the father of Rome, will counterfeit: he will have a Candlestick, Cope, Linen garments, precious stones, mitre, girdle Priest, sacrifice, Altar: Satan taught him so, to dally with God's Law. Greek fathers began the name Priest and high Priest, to be fitted to their Doctors, but in the end the gangrene crept to harm unspeakable: that Satan by Turk and Pope ruled the world.

How Bishops were made in Israel.

Maymony, in Sanhedrin showeth how the Bishops of the Sanhedrin made a D. to teach the people: that they called him Muphla, wondrous learned, and held him so, first: then some of the Sanhedrin laid their hands upon him and said; Rabbi, take thou authority to teach, what is bound, and what is loose. Our Lord useth that speech in making his Apostles Bishopps: in giving them authority to teach what is loose, and what is bound. But Iscariot, let another take his Bishoprike, the rest were faithful Bishops.

Of excommunication.

In King Moses time, and other Kings, Civil punishments were used: but when heathen ruled: then the congregation could do no more but remove the party from the company: by open voice in their Civil court: Kehelah in Adams tongue: Ecclesia in Iauans. Any of the seniors might excommunicate; but if the excommunicated complained of injury; the Sanhedrin examined the cause, and upon injury they excommunicated the excommunicater.

A just; but strange doctrine.

Thal. Ierusal. in Illu Megallechim, writeth of a Rabbin, who fell into an haunt of Jew thieves. They took his money from him: he pronounced the Anathema for them: they returned the curse upon himself; that amazed him: and coming home, he asked Rabbies whether he were in danger of curse: doubtless, said they: a money matter, where Laws be open, giveth no Anathema: so the false Anathema, returned sound upon thyself. On this he went to the thieves haunt: and confessed sin, that for money he gave them to Satan: and requested absolution, then said the thieves, absolve us & we will: they agreed to both. There a woman cometh by a scholmaister, beating a boy cruelly; & saith, thou art Anathema; the scholmaister asked a Rabbi, whether that could bind him frō the Synagogue the ordinary time; A mounth doubt less, said the Rabbi: not the person, but the matter, giveth the authority; go and confess thy fault to the woman, and thou art free, and so he did. Thus reason, not politique authority giveth the force; and the Law, 1. Cor. 16. If any love not the L. Jesus Christ, let him be anathema Maran atha The Pope the greatest murderer & Idolater in the world, he will be excommunicating Princes. They should return the curse upon his own head, and leave God judge: & others may deal alike with all of the Pops keys: and God will make known who be his: so Moses used Pharaoh; so Elias used the soldiers; so Eliseus used the 42. of Bethel; so Jeremiah used Jerusalem; so S. Paul used Alexander, so the martyrs here deal with the king of Locusts.

A digression to expound the term Bishop.

Much strife is for the Bishop of Rome, and for others. The manifold sense of the term must be opened to end the strife. In Job, EL, the Almighty God, is translated Episcopus. A looker to man's dealing. In the Law PAKID, a man of charge, as Eleazar, or the bishop of the army, is translated Episcopus Judas had Episcopon, as I mentioned afore: therefore the Apostles were Episcopy: in S. Paul, 1. Tim. the term Episcopus is translated in Arabic Zeken, a senior, & that is the right meaning. Polycarpus the messinger of the congregation of Smyrna, is in Greeks Episcopus. And so the great teachers: so Calvin was, and Beza in Geneva was Bishop: or yet Archbishop, though they took other names, as high Pastor, is usually the civil Governor, and for Moses that is used, he was Meparnes to Israel 40. year. that is Feeder. So Bishop is a term, for Lawfull calling, and commondable: if learning & tender care of people be to it: Otherwise Ananias shall be excommunicated of S. Paul as a painted wall.

Here, by City, is meant folk, as Ebr. 12. the City of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, so in this chap. where the tenth parte of the City falleth, people, not wall is meant. So when the City is called spiritually Sodoma, and Egypt, & where Christ was crucified: People of Religiō most loathsome, to chaste truth: and of tyranny murderous, and the People by whom Christ was crucified; as Tiberius the Emperor; Pilate, his Deputy, Cēturion, and the soldiers. So the holy City signifieth here the heavenly Jerusalem. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 people is once translated by the 70. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 City.

Of the xlij. Monethes.

Elias staid rain 42. months, when he was fretted by wicked Israel: & Antiochus the wicked trode down Jerusalem 42. months; as I shown upon Daniel. And our Lord preached 42. months: or 3. yer. & a half; or days 1260. or a time, two times and an half. Eusebius, & many after him, have shown that: Old Beda, and Beroald and others. Here by time, the manners from a like time is meant: the persequuting Pharisees manners; revived by the Pope. And no certain time; for Chap. 12. all rage of the Serpent is but days 1260. And again the profane Caesar's rage, which endured 300. years is termed but 42. months.

The term two, meaneth a sufficient number, according to the Law phrase: In the mouth of two or three witnesses, shall every matter stand. Nine and forty thousand and moo, who came from Babylon, are the two oliues that stood before the Lord of the whole earth: and the two witnesses here be as much. Therefore by two, may whole states, and many millions be signified.

Of Prophecying.

Prophecying, is taken for expounding Moses by ages following, when the sum of Religion is shown, how later ages would follow it, or leave it: all falsehood falleth. So whē Cittim, Num. 24. is compared with Daniel xi. to know the nation: and with Isai xi. and the Gospel for the crucifiers of Christ: and 2. Thess. 2 and withal the Apoc. this prophesying revealeth the beast, that cometh out of the earth, the king of Locusts: how as the profane Caesar's, had all their divinity from the unclean spirit; so hath the Pope all his: to mke a spiritual most unclean large commune weal: His Idolatry matcheth the profane Caesar's: & he making Saints & Archangels, to pray to; and a third world of Purgatory, & merittes, not to rest in CHRIST; and forbidding study in the holy Bible, and mixing the Apocrypha, most foolish and wicked fables, as Toby and the 2. Maca. with the most holy Hebrew Bible, matcheth or ouermatcheth all the Caesar's profaneness. Therefore he cannot abide expounding of Moses, when he cannot abide the reading of him.

Of the Decalogue.

The holy Jews honored the Decalogue, or Ten sayings, graven by God in two great stones, with such high & heavenly reverence, that, because it cōteyned the sum of Divinity; they reduced all Moses unto it: and as the Decalogue had letters 613. so they reduced all the Commandments, that could be gathered out of Moses unto 613. And reduce to them all that can be spoken in Divinity. And the Prophets, and our holy New Testament goeth no further.

Of the Popes theft.

The Pope stole from the people this Law: Thou shalt not make unto thyself any graven Image, &c. A City in Israel that had scraped but one letter from the tables number, had been destroyed. And of with infinite wickedness, then must we hold the Popes and Popistes to be, that so dare contemn the graven tables of all the frame of Moses Law, contrived into the two tables number of lets, for laws 613. which is by the Popes theft, brought out of frame. And all must be holden wicked, that wish not his unclean spirited commune weal destroyed.

Groundes which all should know, that soundly prophecy, or expound Scripture.

First, a Doctor should be a grammarian, for both Testaments; to know the text sound: and the meaning plain.

2. The Masoreth defendeth every letter, in the Law or old Testament: that no modest wit would wrangle.

3. A work called the Glory of Israel, speaketh sagely; that the form of letters which we have now, were not invented by Ezra, but were in the two tables, and vowells & accents, as we have them now. The holy Ghost hath given a double reading, a text reading and a word in the margin, to expound the text: which very often standeth upon like letters, as 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 &. Now they who feign letters, late invented by the form which we have now, overthrow the authority of the double reading: and so of all.

4. Pisistratus, Tyrant of Athens, was elder then Ezra: he parted Homer into Alpha, Beta, &c. the Illiad. into 24. letters names: and so Odyssea. Hence it appeareth, that the Greek letters names be elder then Ezra. Moreover, they are from the Hebrew: Aleph, Beth, &c. and so later then they. And the Hebrew names be after the form, in 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . Therefore these forms were very ancient: and all of God's wisdom at the first. Moreover in Noah̄s family, like letters 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . gave double names: Dodamin and Rhodamin: Diphath & Riphath: and many such, doth David Kimchi note, upon the first of the Chronicles. And when the septuagint translated by old dim copies, like letters; gave them often̄ occasion to leave the exact Hebrew, & 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 turned to 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Abbak 70. & Act. 13. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 turned to 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Amos 5. Lxxij. & Act. 7. Aedom turned to Adam, Amos 9. Act. 15. a Prophecier will trouble himself, if he know not these grounds.

5. The Alphabets order is celebrated of God's wisdom, often; sometimes nearly perfect, sometimes wholly perfect; sometimes with a verse more: sometime with parenthesis in the middes, as Psal. 37. 34. 25. 111. 112. 119. 145. Pro. 31. Ier. 1. 2. 3. 4. This showeth the order to be old. Besides, the order is consonant to the form and lines, as they depend one upon another 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . so the frame must be as old as the order.

Of Arias Montanus work; of diverse readings.

I noted 848. double readings: both holy. Kimchi, praef. to Ios. thought the text corrupt, in Babel: & amended after the return in Ezraes days. Rob. St. praef. to the new Testa. followed that: and Arias Montanus; at him I marvel: & more at Kimchi, who in particulars giveth sound reasons of the double readings. And Pagninus abridgment, refuseth Arias his mind: And Elias Levi. praefa. to Masoreth; in Mos. soundly defendeth both readings: and still the text is the subtiler; as of curiosity, and not of negligence; and the margin, an help for the simple.

Of Lindanus, quareling with the text, and one Erostratus.

Lindanus labored to break the authority of Scripture; slandering the text, as corrupted: and namely, Caari for Caaru, Psal. 22. was brought of him. John Isaac the Jew paid him. And Arias Montanus paid Erostratus. All Doctors should be ready in that: to defend their ground; whereupon all their doctrine must stand.

Of Law, vowelled and vnvowelled.

The Law Copies were some vowelled, and accented: the commune vnvowelled and vnaccented: because the tongue may by use be read, reasonablie without them; but in doubts, to small certainty. Rabbi Jacob, the bringer of the Masoreth into a Dictionarie form, with notes, showeth that Moses gave vowells: but the people had few vowell'd copies: till Ezra made them commune: and Ibn Ezra saith well. He that set the vowells and accentes, was a perfect wise man: for He never missed of the best sense. But the 70. translated by vnvowelled; that they might hide their mind: when dull heathen would quarrel with truth.

Of the 70. differing: thirty six hundred of years from the strict Hebrew.

Many blaspheme God's word by the 70. differing from it, Gen. 5. and 11. in opusculis Patrum, one work blameth the Hebrew: and all Grecia still followed the 70. so Arabia, so Abyssini, so Muscouia. The text Gen. 5. faith; Adam lived 130. years, and begat Seth, and lived afterwards 800. The Lxx. Adam lived 230. years, and begat Seth, and lived after that but 700. Our notes not well set, 1603. have this note; Adam lived 230. years, and begat Seth, wherein Moses omitted 100. yea. &c. This note dasheth all Moses authority, if he were not true in his narration. S. Augustine could not tell the reason of the difference, Ciuit. Dei. I have shown it in Concent. Scrip. & Melchitzedeke; though my recompense hath been, but ungrateful scophing of unclean spirits. DD. that know not a letter, vowell, or accent, what authority they have from God: such unclean spirits are good helps for the king of Locusts; when they hinder the grounds of all prophesying.

Of Perfection in Scripture.

The text hath perfect Divinity. The holy in all their ages knew the Trinity: and that Christ would be made man, of a woman; according to our kind, as of Mary, of Eli, of Adam. Here Anabaptists and Lutherans, are in an heavy case. All the holy knew that man's soul returneth in death presently to God: to receive the Abundance of grace of the gift of Justice in Christ, and joy under God's throne: or Anger for their sin, and contempt of God's love in Christ, before God's angry face, Levite. 26. Apoc. 14. The ancients lived by the law graven in all hearts: some few they had, delivered, tokens of redemption. But for all life, the heart laws served, Ier. 31. Rom. 2. Job telleth what store of laws, hearts held. Moses for an whole great nation gave law written: but the most bent to Levi: & imperfect without the Gospel. Job and the Apostles have no Laws, but such as wise heathen, all would commend.

Authores for tongue.

Christians may pass in Hebrew, very rare Hebrews: because the Apostles translate much in special elegancy. Besides, they allow very much in the 70. What they handle not, ancient Hebrews make plain. And they who will expound Hebrew beyond this warrant, as some do, for Hell place, and Hell torment, in life, do not well.

Prayer is our service of God. Maymoni in prayer from all Rab.

God forbid that any should pray but to God. Menachen upon Gen. and Deut. 6. Mat. 4. and 6. never any holy prayed to a Created Angel, or man. Men the best, had great faults; as Abraham long worshipped creatures; Philo and Maym. in Idol Bechaia, showeth exceedeth sin of his, for Sarah, for which his posterity smarted in Egypt.

Of the New Testament.

The soundness of text, & playnenesse in four Dialects, I handled in our Lord's family; against which book I hope none will rave, but for Ioakims burial.

Conclusion.

Popery hath no defense, by any sound grounds of study; not to any one article.

Blasphemous grounds of Popistrie.

1. That they say, the Scripture is corrupt in text. The Masoreth, or Dictionarie for every letter, prick and accent. checketh that for the Old Testament. And the new Testament can none blame, but to his shame; as I have shown Princes in Latin.

2. That they say, the scripture is doubtful; no book was ever penned so certain for Laws meaning: Visions, Allegories, bring no new rules; as Ezekiel and Cantica. The New Testament hath not one phrase, but the easiest to learned Jews: not one from the beginning to the end.

3. That they say, the scripture is imperfect, they might as well say, God made not the world perfect: But the Pope can make moo Creatures, and better: as Archangelles, and Purgatories, and souls departed, to understand our hearts: and bold to teach God whom he should pity: and to make Mary command Christ. Satan in his own person, durst never be so bold.

4. They plead from the Law of Sanhedrin; where a man must stand to their judgment. The Sanhedrin might be without any Levite, as Yerushalmi noteth: though the Law speak of that, which most usually falleth out: that Levi should be ready in his own profession: But Isaiah saith to them, who was so blind? and Mallachi speaketh to the same effect: & the Levites whole condemnation of holy Jeremiah, where one of Israel cleared him. But the Pope his Cardinals, & Archbuishops, have no more to do with Levi: then apes to stand for men.

5. The Pope maketh a spiritualty, & a Clergy: to tie learning to them. David had his warriors, the best learned in Moses: that by foresight of Christ thence; one frighted 1000. and killed 800. And in Babel; Judah in Daniel, Ananias, Azarias, and Misael before Ezekiel of Levi came thither, were the glory of men.

6. All wealthy should be brought up in the Bible, in frame of art, to know it thoroughly: what laws it hath; what disputations are upon those Laws; what stories: and how the sentences of Job, David, and Solomon comment upon the stories. All our nation might have seen this plain, if wicked had not hindered: by their spiritual keys. And in Popes proceeding they make him known to be wicked.

7. By God's Law, Ecclesia, the Sanhedrin court, should rule in all matters. And old Wicklife, in Walsingham, did hit the nail upon the head, saying: That if the Commune Laws of England might take place, the Pope should have no more to do with us: then any other. Yet frō Satan he will rule all: and make Ecclesia to be not civil courts: but his courts. Our commune Laws praemune that sagely▪ and the lawless resist God.

8. The Pope from Rome will rule; and the Rome-free-borne. Apostle; after he taught the Thessalonians of Pope, from Rome: giveth a charge to the Romans, to keep every soul in obedience to the civil government: and by Civil government, S. Paul escaped from death by Scribes traditions.

How young men learned in liberal arts, might be rarely exquisite, in the Greek New Testament.

GOD perfect in wisdom, knew that the Jews would marvel why the New Testament should be all in Greek, and not any whitt in Hebrew. Therefore to show it God's work; against whom none may plead, he maketh one little book exceed for variety and elegancy of words: above 4600. chosen words. Thus the book might be made easy.

1. The words should be all in a table: that all might read them quickly.

2. Appellatiues, and proper, should be set in their colors.

3. For Appellatiues, all Attique and eloquent Speaches of them; (as Rom. 12. 3. Paul passeth all Athens ) these should all come in their families.

4. Next, many thousand frō the 70. with Hebrew to them: and in how many God followeth the 70. departing from the Hebrew. This would carry the Reader through all the old Testament.

5. Thalmudique speeches be plenty, and easy to a Rabbin: as, Forgiuenesse neither in this world, nor in the world to come: and girded about the breast: second death: and such: these most trouble Greeks, and would be easiest handled, in their veins: and they be very many.

6. Sometimes the Apostles mende the 70. or speak more eloquently: as in Iaspis Apoc. 21. verse. 19 it is Benjamin's stone, after the Hebrew. Exod. 28. But verse. xi. the Carbuncle, Isai 54. So Sardonix for Zebulon, and Chrysophrase for Nephtaly, are the Apostle John's, passing in Greek skill. And 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Eb. 1. 3. from Isai. 4. Tzemach Lecabod, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . From Exod. 23. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 these S. Paul bringeth. All this kind settled together; would bring light and delight, to all godly learned.

Of proper names.

Many proper names be taken from the Old Testament: wherein the 70. is communely followed. Sarra, will try a scholar, and Phanuel: from the margin reading: and Ionanan, Luc. 3. and the names from Israel in Egypt, being full many: show they knew Ptolomies Egypt should fall: many cōteyne, Psal. 89. as Zorobabelidae, Mat. 1. many other special stories; chiefly Towns full many, call to Seleucidae and Lagidae: as Antiochia, Seleucia, Philadelphia, & such. Many are cleared by Thalm. Yerushalmi, as Lazar, for Eleazar: and Alphai for Chalphai a. s. in the fathers stead: and such. The Greek and Latin in one family; Alexander and Rufus, show that the Talmud lieth, bringing Jesus our Lord his days to the Maccabees times. The name Marck and Paul, and all the Latin terms show, that, under the Romans Christ was on earth.

Epilogue.

Thus when every word should be handled alone: and words tossed in disputatiō handled alone: the whole book would be soon eaten: and millions would be able to Prophecy: and to defend the faith, against the Beast that cometh out of the pit, of Satan's deepness: & to make Seniorie of true Bishopps: that unlearned pseudo-piscopi, should no longer pine better learned in prison: sage and learned be lawful Episcopy, bestowing revenues aright: but nobles ought, and lower gentrie to be the best learned, and to keep all in sage dealing. So the King of Locusts would soon loose his crown. The 2. olive trees in Zechariah, which pour oil into the golden Candlestick, are they, who not by might, but by God's spirit, as they under Aggei and Zacharias built the Temple. The chief ruler was holden as anointed: so King Josiah, though none but the first of the house, as David, or in stir as Solomon for Adonias: and Joash for Athaliah, & Ioachaz for elder Joakim, were anointed. The high sacrificer was of course: so both states were under the two oliues: and whē all be sacrificers, Apo. 1. Then the governor that provideth for bread, and they who labor in word, are the two oliues; that give matter of light, to the golden Candlestick. Clothed in sackcloth: in sadness of their mind: considering how the gold is darkened.

The restorers of the Gospel, be as Elias.

Here, the kingdom of the beast arising from the dark pit, is closselie compared with Israel, in Ahab's days: when Baal was worshipped by so many false prophets. And Elias knew none but him self, left of true religion in Israel: and the Altars, which GOD tolerated extraordinary, were all broken down. The Papists damn themselves mightily, when they cast in our teeth: That our company had not open policy still. Sigibertus complaineth, that at 1200. England admitted not the Popes supremacy: So he answereth Papists. And still our commune Laws made it treason, to appeal unto the Pope: and holy Wycliffe condemned him as freely as any in our times: Wycliffe, that set over the Bible into English: Wycliffe, that taught how the commune Laws would utterly fall the Pope: Wycliffe, whose Bible many yet have: the Copiers of which show, where the Church of God was. Such had the spirit of Elias, which called for fire from heaven into Bohemia, and Prague, and Saxony, to burn much of Rome: as Elias called fire from heaven to burn two Captains, and two fifties: so Eliseus called fire from Hazael, that brent up Israel; And John the Baptist, called for fire from heaven, that brent up all Herodes house. And as Elias staide rain three years and an half, so Eliseus spirit, brought famine to Samaria: and the Christians in Claudius days: and the martyrs by the black horse, bring corn to be weighed as spice, for dearth: so still God sendeth famine for his martyrs.

The Martyrs be as Moses.

This showeth Rome to be a new Egypt: still rebelling against Moses, and therefore hath plagues to the same effect.

1. Egypt had waters turned to blood: so Rome, chap. 11. and 16.

2. Egypt swarmed with frogs: so Rome, chap. 16.

4. Egypt was plagued with serpents; and all savage: so the Locusts had tails like scorpions: and their plaguers had horses with Lions mouths: and their tails had heads like to serpentes: and the Caesar's people were spent by the beasts of the earth.

5. A plague killed the beasts of Egypt: so the Caesar's people, 6.

6. Boils vexed Egypt: so the marked of the beast. Apo. 16

7. Hail Fire vexed Egypt: so, Rome hail and fire mixed with blood, chap. 6. and chap. 16. great hail.

8. Locusts, ate the fruits of Egypt: Locusts, strangers swarm, Apo. 9.

9. Darkness, vexed Egypt: the throne of the beast is darkened. Thus God compareth proper Egypt: and the king of Locusts Egypt: how they that follow Moses Law, and Prophecy: and bid the king of Locusts grant freedom to Israel, still plague their Pharaoh.

For doctrine of unclean spirits, they are termed, as a City brent from heaven: for many plagues, by Egypt: for good note, a broad City, as Rome's policy was broad and large. And for a most sure note, the City, policy and authority large: in which the Lord was crucified. This name striketh the nail upon the head.

Of the City which crucified the LORD.

Talmud Yerushalmi noteth in Sanhedrin, and Maymonie; that fouretie years before the destruction of Jerusalem; causes of life and death were taken away from Israel: so they teach, that Christ was not crucified in the policy of Jerusalem, but under Pontius Pilate, in the Roman policy: as the four Evangelistes record carefully. When the Sanhedrin concluded to kill Christ, they brought him to Pilate: he cleared him; yet whipped him, and delivered him to be crucified. And the Romā soldiers shown all wickedness. 1. They brought him into the Common hall. 2. They gathered the whole band against him. 3. They put off his own apparel, & put in mockage a scarlat robe upon him. 4. They platted a crown of thorns, and laid it upon his head. 5. They kneeled in mockage, and said, All hail King of the Jews: and spate upon him; & with a reed they stroke him on the head: and when they had ended mocking of him, they put off the robe, and put his own clothes on him, and brought him to be crucified: and pierced his hands and his feet: and pierced his side with a spear, and cast lotts for his coat. These so great contempts from Romans the vilest in the world, against the Lord Eternal, could never be put up. But that Rome should be the misery in tyranny, while the world stood, Pilate killed him self; and the Emperors for 300. years were miserable. And Rome, by many spoiled: and since Popes supremacy a new Egypt; Now as the Jews, who betrayed Christ, are slaves over the earth: so Rome that went further, was to be revealed, to have all curses: the old serpents poison, chap. 12. Cain's murder of Abel, chap. 13. a Deluge, chap. 12. Biting of tongues, chap. 16. consumption as the cursed brent Cities, cha. 11. Egypt's misery told above: Joshua's hail, cha. 16. Siseraes fall at Mageddon, chap. 16. Jezebels misery from Elias, chap. 11. Daniel's beasts misery, chap. 13. and the Romans misery by Pompei and Julius, Psal. 97. handled in Appian fully: and as the Pope knew more then the Caesar's, so his sins were more strong against the holy Ghost: and he should be openly Man of sin, to all sage in this world. The four Evēgelistes might teach the simplest this much. That seeing Rome grieved Christ, as he complained (Isai 49. & Psal. 22.) and felt too; most high grief. Rome should be Satan's throne while this world stood: and all relics of theirs a curse.

So this City must mean a very large Common Weale, and Kingdom: and the two in general may be full many thousands in particular. And as all the time of persecution of the living, is three years and a half: the body is here three days and a half.

This plainly showeth the burning of Martyrs, whose bones and ashes may be seen three days and a half; and are not put in grave. So good Bucer's bones in this honor, were taken out of the grave, not to rot there; but with pure fire, to have consumption: as Elias in his fiery chariot, had his body consumed; and our Father Enoch, that in his life matched the days of the sun 365. was without pain dissolved: when God took his soul to heaven: and Moses had not man's burial; God providing somewhat better for the ancient: that they without us were more perfect, and for rare honor to their persons, though by the doctrine of the Gospel above the Law, we have the perfecter: but no whit to souls joy. But as they with smaller helps passed us far, in following God: so their mind here was infinitely fuller of graces, then ours: though the joy of eternal life is equal to all. In not suffering the best men in the world to be buried; the City that crucified Christ, is openly the throne of Satan.

The dwellers on the earth are the Locusts, & their friends earthly minded: and feared the companies of sound Christians; because they taught Princes to hate the Popes religion, and Pride, and Wealth, & Monasteries. The Hypocrites immitated the Jews; who upon the death of Amalekites kept in open Towns, the xiv. of Adar, with joy and banquet, and wake day, and sending of gifts one to another. These two Doctors of Divinity (Prophet is here in that sense) were such a torment to the Papists: as the first martyrs to the profane Caesar's: who taught that they were not Diui, and had no religion but from unclean spirits.

In his Vision of the Lord's day, he hath by light and darkness three days & an half, resembled unto him: for viewing of the martyrs, from the eye-sight, to the mind: thus we must turn it. When men behold the bones and ashes of the martyrs, they hold them not dead, but passed from death to life: because they died for honor to God's plain religion: teaching to honor GOD only: and to receive eternal life only by his mercy in CHRIST, the only Rock: and to pray only to GOD: and to have a sure faith in him: and to loath all proceeding that is not agreeable to God's holy word; and that it hath a plain and sure meaning.

The old Martyrs for these grounds were in honor with the Pope: these two armies of Doctors died in the same cause, therefore their enemies hearts must needs confess, that they are gone to heaven: even as if they had heard them called up, and seen to ascend as followeth.

As the case of Elias was to the body, so the Martyrs is to the soul: expressed bodily in this vision.

Of all souls passage at death.

It is appointed for all men once to die, and then cometh judgment, Eb. 9. so all souls must, when they leave the body, return to God that gave them: to judgment for every hid thing, good or evil, Ecc. 12. 2. Cor. 5. so all ascend, Ecc. 3. And only the souls of the beast descend.

The commune place is called in Greek Hades: and the happy part of it, is heaven to Abraham, Eb. xi. Luc. 18. And a place of burning torment to the wicked. The faithful went hence to God's eternal tabernacle, Levite. 26. 2. Cor. 5. Mat. 8. Luc. 13. our Lord, John. 15. and 16. Luc. 23. Eb. 9.

Of Purgatory.

The impudency of them which would establish Purgatory, is unspeakable. Moses hath not one syllable that way: therefore it cannot be in religion. They that wrote in Judah for the Maccabees story, make but two states: as resurrection to honor, and shame from Dan. 12.

Saint Paul professing difference from Scribes, but in the incarnation and resurrection of Christ: where they hold but Paradise and Gehenna: concludeth, that he held no moe places for souls. Where Saint Paul handleth a commune place, of teachers; what doctrine will abide sound: what fire of judgment will consume as stubble: they that hence would have souls fire, out of this world, little regard Paul. He taught nothing but what Moses and the Prophets taught. But no Talmudics, who best knew their tongue, could find a purgatory in thē: therefore Saint Paul taught it not.

Of the second of the Maccabees.

The second of the Maccabees, doth the Pope must aestime, chap. 12. for sacrifice for the dead, but little considereth the vileness of that book. Jews would tell him that it was Hagada; a fable made upon phrases: as where they sacrifice, Ezr. 2. and no mention is of fire: he feigneth a most ridiculous fable, of fire hid by the sacrificers, when they were carried to Persia forsooth; not Babylon; and found by their posterity, turned into a thick water; which when wood and sacrifice was brought: Nehemiah's bade them anoint both with this water: and the Sun shone, and kindled a great fire. Who would not judge this to be a most ridiculous fable. By what wit could the sacrificers dream of such matter, that fire could be turned into water, or by shun-shining kindled, please God. It must be kept vnquenched. The whole consent of Jews in the chain of their Cabala saith, fire from heaven kindled the sacrifice. A man would think the whole Nation in a sensible matter, should be of more credit then obscure Jason of Cyren.

Moreover Zerubbabel of Salathiel; not Nehemiah's of Chilkia, was governor at the return. But jesters upon phrases, in Rashi, make Cyrus and Artax all one; because Cyrus end is not recorded. So in Rashi they make Zerubbabel and Nehemiah's to be all one: for memory of phrase: that Zerubbabel's remoning is not recorded. They that cannot judge betwixt a ridiculous fable, and a sad story, are in great darkness. So the fable, of Jeremiah, hiding the Tabernacle, and the Ark and Altar of Incense in mount Choreb, is not heard of in the Talmud; nor agreeable to reason. And the Law of the eternal God, not to regard Jews fables, here taketh place: and they be lawless that break that Law. This much for the whole book, made one frō five of Jason of Cyren: that little knew Moses, or yet Jerusalem's story.

Of Judah's sacrifice.

In Judah's sacrifice, the Writers speech doteth: Judah doubted not, but that they slept in godliness, Chapter 12. 45. And what fool ever spake so senseless as this is; if he had not hoped for the resurrection, it had been in vain to pray for the dead, verse. 44. Now, what sense can be in that speech, that sacrifice should help the resurrection: The story durst not touch any ease to the soul, for that had strouen with all Talmudiques. Maymony showeth, they offered for the dead; the heir did in Siphra Col. 31. But no otherwise, then as paying a debt, which the predecessor should have paid here: And that, when they doubted not of the others salvation; but honoring him in paying that which the other should have paid. And Jason of Cyren harped at such a string, but could not bring his mind about. Now the Popes Purgatory is holpen nothing hence: from a trifling book, and senseless speech: and wrested beyond all religion of the Jews.

Epilogue.

As the two Prophets were seen called up into heaven in vision: so all faithful souls by scripture truth, are to be seen called hence into the joy of Christ.

What the Greek Fathers thought of Purgatory.

The Greek Fathers should be thought to understand the Greek Testament, better then Latin: and none of them could find Purgatory there; but grant all holy a passage hence to the Kinglie Palaces: some staggered at the speech Ebr. chap. xi. They without us were not perfected. Saint Paul in all that heavenly Epistle, disputeth of the Gospel, perfection to the Law; and of perfection of Doctrine in this world: and he had shown in the same Chapter, That the Fathers desired the heavenly City, & God prepared that for them: so they, who deny the Fathers perfection, by S. Paul, mark him not well. Basel did once, upon Psal. 49. but called himself back, upon Psal. 15. and often. And Chrysostom, who seemed to stagger, placed Lazarus and Abraham in the kingdom of heaven, 2. Corinth. homil. 6. Mat. 8. Luc. cap. 13. and the principal Divines, in Theophyl. upon Luc. chap. 23. and upon the Psalms; and in Photios Librarie, Philo in Greeks, and Josephus, I have cited, and Azarias, who turned into Hebrew, Philoes words. And the Greeks be greatly injured, when Limbus Patrum, is fastened upon them.

Hegesippus, and others that wrote the Maccabees martyrdom, doubted not but that they went hence to salvation, Dan. 12. And it had been an infinite disgrace to our Greek Doctors, if they could not see so much by the New Testament. Now, let us return to the text.

When the Popes persecution came to ripeness, then Princes by wars shake him off: as in Germany, England, Switzerland and Netherland. And Christ here roareth like a Lion: and the 7. thunders tell, the thunder of his power. In Venice, he is now a mockage; and hath but Spain to his strength: Queen Mary's persequutiō, is now turned against the Pope: and his stirring Irish to rebel, undid Ireland; And now his men the chiefest in learning, stick little to him: and speak to his overthrow, not much less then we do. And now the Dukedom of Cleaue, will make him weak in Germany; If Geneueans would leave their Gehēnean torment; and our side prophecy soundly: we should weak̄ him more by learning then by strength of spear: seeing the best learned of his own side labor for us: as Arias Montanus hath done in much, about Plantines great Bible: & the best learned Papists rejoice to see Daniel his 7. fold comfort of Nathan's house: and the certain yere of the Lord's supper, to have no more the body and blood of a Lamb, his body and blood of Covenant: but Bread & Wine to show, that no more flesh & blood may be in sacrifice. In Hebrew, Greek & Latin they saw Jews request answered: and were very thankful in speech and letters: and show that now they would soon cast off the king of locusts: if they might have good maintenance to hold up better truth: and liberal arts that serve truths honor.

Of the third woe, and last Trumpet.

Where the kingdom of the beast Abyssigena, bred from the Pit, is gone: all the Church proclaim; that CHRIST will have no more alterations; until he show heaven to all his. So the speech passeth to the worlds end. The Prophets communely pass over matters of common state: as needless to be handled specially: and step from one thing of plague, presently to Messiahs kingdom: as notably in Hosea, after mention of Israel's scattring, the kingdom of Messias is joined. So wen Isaiah had spoken of Babels fall, after Sanecheribs; then he steppeth thence to CHRIST his preaching, By the voice of a crier in the wilderness. So Daniel telleth of his kingdoms, their coming up: their urging of Idolatry: their chastisement: their overthrow, omitting matters of ordinary course; where the present age would look to it self. So Apoca. 6. handleth the profane Caesar's: and thence, omitteth the Churches sliding away, till it come to an absolute fall. And then telleth of tyranny: and after tyrannies end; steppeth to the worlds end.

The third woe, is the plague of the enemies: by Kings of good religion: continually unto the end.

The sum of the Bible.

Great voices, express the voice of whole nations: and the Kingdom of God & Christ, the matter of all the Bible. Adam had that theme, to preach 930. years. Sem the great, by S. Paul and Gamalies likened to the eternal author of justice & peace, figured this matter: and confirmed Abraham in this, 75. year. & rejoiced in Elam, trodden down by Abraham: And all the large writings breathed by the holy Trinity, teach no other matter but this: and punishments for contempt of this: and nothing should be suffered in the Church, but to this sum. In the prayer which our Lord prescribed for a common form to the whole Congregation; this containeth all: Thy Kingdom come: thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. So when John the Baptist opened the kingdom of Christ: when the Levitical policy was to cease: and all nations should serve God by Laws writ̄ in the heart, Rom. 2. Ier. 31. Then the kingdom of heaven is said to come, when men humble themselves to receive the justice of Christ; and to be clothed with the SVN. The fullness of kingdom cometh when the holy soul 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 leaveth this world, & goeth to God, and there reigneth forever: and seeth the Locusts pit-bred, in Hades torment, fried in fire forever and ever. The pit-bred beasts had sun and air much darkened: when they knew not, whether man's soul ascendeth or descendeth: and whither the holy goeth, to heaven or to hell. This saying, Caterchesthaeis haidon, is neither more nor less, then to go to God: when the godly, have a light place of joy: and the godless, a dark place of torment. And this exposition cutteth off at the least fifteen bad opinions, direct bad for this article: by consequents fifteen score. The Kingdom here spoken off is termed Hades in the Creed: and we may not put Hell for Heaven; nor descending, for going to God. Purgatory falleth when Hades hath but two partes: Heaven and Hell; and with it all Popery: Satan entered into many unthankfull Caytifes: that could not suffer the holy souls going into the kingdom, to be most eloquentlie spoken in the Greek Creed: if they descend not to Hell as our Lord did in the Creed; they shall ascend up, and before God's throne have an hell forever and ever.

The Elders be the Governors of God's people in all offices: & specially in sage usage of Scripture, on assembly days: all learned in the scriptures, and able to give faithful exhortatiō out of it; and all borne in wealth, are brought up amiss, that are not gronuded in young years, to read with delight in the holy Book. Albion seeth, who hath opened that way: and faithless Jews confess: though Atheā pāches for envy burst. These have thrones before God: not Buyshops and Archbuyshops of Papists; But chosen of the holy congregation: to teach what God telleth: but as Moses gave no commandment of his own head; nor Christ in the flesh, but as he taught in Moses: so these speak all frō scripture: few words by old plain warrant: and yet in few lines shake of all popery & all errores. In number they be 24. as knowing the XII. tribes story; how the tribe should not depart from Judah, till his child came: and how the XII. Apostles gathered the XII. tribes, to make them the foundation, of the heavenly Jerusalem. These are not many: but 24. yet a reasonable good number. Many nobles in Albion and others, that live by their own revenues, study the Bible, with as good dexterity, as any feed-men: and know it better then some: after 42000. Brabant Gilders charges, & again 40000 crowns charges: such be humble and know Jehovah, who is, who was, who will be still, the same, to rule all ages to one sum of salvation in Christ: how in him, GOD, was manifested in the flesh, and taken up in glory, and the salvation of all ages. Enoch age, the flood, Babel, Jeroboam, felt the price of despising this life. And after the great salvation begun by the Lord himself to be spoken, and confirmed by his hearers, with all gifts of the spirit: for contempt, the world was soon given over: to Arius, Pope, and Turk, yet God sealed a few, and at length placeth them in open kingdoms to be seen: though still the greater part in open policy, careth but for this life: as in Solomon's days, all were of great show: but soon after his death, Ephraim turned all but Judah; to worship calves, not God. So great Constantine helped Christians, but few of his men cared for God. So here, Popes Idols, & murder of the saints, cause God to shake him to dust: as he shoke the Macedonians after Antiochus Epiphanes persecution: That the Jews received their own kingdom, under the Maccabees: and that means the psalms, 97. and 99. and others about them; howe the power of Christ breaketh Idol kingdoms; that God should take the protection of all into his own hands. So here Elders show Popes strength cast of; that others be so strong as he: But as under the Maccabees new corruption, left scant any in faith for Christ his first coming: so it will be for the second: that scant faith will be found in the earth: The true Elders complain not for men's negligence: but look for Christ his second coming: upon the Popes full fall; as upon his first coming the Macedonians had not a foot of ground.

Of the Worldes end.

No man can tell, when the world shall ende, nor when the Pope shall be utterly consumed by the spirit of Christ his mouth: But that many hundredth years remain yet; we have many arguments of likely-hood.

Of the Jews calling.

S. Paul showeth that the Jews shall first be called, Rom. 12. But Christians in name, are miraculously bent against that: very near open Atheism: so their calling cannot be yet: when Christian states swear to hinder that. Agent Barton, moved a Jew, to request an explication of the new Testament; how it is the perfection to the old. Two copies of one Epistle from a Rabbi, the best learned in the East, came to England; in a strange Character: such as was never seen in the West, & in style, unlike all Christians vein. And in date, and particular circumstances; so, for the writers occasions, that all the wits in the world, of the West, could not feign such a Character, style, and particular matter. From England, after long viewing, these copies were sent to Basel, to the party for whose work they were written. The Epistle is printed: and the sum, (as request was made) cometh forth in English. Now mark the recompense, from a most thankful nation. Libellers the impudentest that ever were in the world, that scoff a Conclusion of their own auctores allowed sillogisme; a most learned work that brake Gehennean torment; (the cause is well known) these rave against him, whom the Q. Agent made the Jew believe to be the ablest of all Christians, to handle our Gospel in Hebrew vein: And this scoff, from a most unlearned wight: is allowed by the Buyshops.

The simple people were persuaded, that the Epistle was forged: thinking, that, no slave of Satan, durst ever be so impudent, as to borrow the princes authority, to a slander: and seeing two impressions, of the Libel were soon sold under authority; they held not (as they ought) the slanderers, to be Anathema Maran Atha: but supposed they spake true, and joined with them to serve Satan. Now Christians should have the first benefit, in showing the Harmony of both Testaments: and where Christians hinder their own good; GOD will give them no honor for Jews. The like prank, one of Geneva plaid; being advertised of the Jews petitiō, and being requested to lend Sadaias Arabic Moses, kept a coile as though the matter was forged: that many marveled, and gave information of him: and when the Senate gave leave, to printe the Jews Epistle, and answer; he by one Grinetus forbad to use the Senates leave: and bred much coile. Thereupon a Greek oration, accusing him of machmadisme, is sent to the Senate. They call him to his answer. Then he saith, he thought the Jews Epistle was forged. The Libell from England cited him, and hardened him in that. And others in Germany kept a stir; (that, thereupon I called his divinity to accompt) and altered Princes from great promises, towards Hebrew opening of the Bibles Harmonie.

Of our Kings rare bent: to the honor of the Bible.

Our King vowed, to the Bibles honor (so that the party would, and might conveniently, take the work in hand) 1596. a thousand pounds a year; after that he reigned in England. Satan hindered the workman, by one that made Gehennea torment, of going to Paradise, in the Creed: And blamed the workman, as deceived: until he cleared himself; no modesty would request the Kings pension; nor no wisdom grant it. The more religious promises be made; the more circumspection is to be had, to the work of their ground, which failing the Promisse is no Promisse. Also the BB. would take the Bibles clearing in hand: for which work much of the old purpose began: so the workman was content to be freed. After questions were cleared, a cold letter moveth the king, with mention of old bent. The King most redily telleth by a Knight, of a royal pension, to open the Bible against Jews: the offer is accepted: a book is printed: chief objections are dissolved, and after nobles, an high preferred Clerke, hath a copy. He denieth the Kings message: and said he would stay the King from allowance to Hebrew clearing of the Bible: where the King was so willing: and a Clerke so cross: A learned man wrote unto me, that God meaneth not yet, to call the Jews. But of duty, I have now 12. yer. celebrated the Kings ready bent: and most constant faith. And I see that God stirreth unlearned scholars, to force a calling of them to accompt. Now by Hebrew, and Greek, Jews must be taught: and Switzerland would persuade me, that they knew none by story of my study that way: and I think some hundred of years will pass, before another of like pains will arise to call them.

Of the Popes scholars.

The Popes scholars in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew; are terrible to ours: as D. Pistorius, of Friburge was: & they so play upon our errores: that they have turned millions so from us. Geneueans checking of the Greek Testament, makes Jesuits use the Latin, & reject the Greek: many armies would not so much help them: Besides rash terms: as Deus agit, excitat, impellit, mouet peccatores. These give Jesuits victory. God, leadeth them into temptation, to show his judgment: but in light of conscience warneth against ill. But the wicked rebel against light. Again these; asystate, stand not together. Deus operatur omnia in ominibus; in good and bad: and Deus non agit in malis: Beza hath both: And this no better: Deus agit in impiis deserendo. This trifling of unlearned disputing, increaseth papistry exceedingly. So; this cannot be denied: God hath set unto anger, all that he calleth not to faith: But he furthereth not by inward instinct, their destruction. He hardeneth by patience, or too great affliction. This speech, he praedestineth men to destructiō, is not from God. For that term is used in furthering the means; as in the godly, for salvation. So one rash term of a weak school, will turn many away.

Of Daniel.

Long did Beza roar in french homilies against the Pope, from Daniel: Jesuits reply, that no syllable there meddleth with him: so all their powder without pellet is lost: till Lemanus-lake-fishers emend their nets, they shall not catch 153. great Fishes: and they must launch on the right side.

Of the poor Indians calling.

Of loctan, Gen. 10. come the East-Indians, their names famous in heathen; for nations, mountains and rivers, tell that; Their contempt of Godly teaching Christ was great, Noah, Sem, Arphaxad, Selah, Eber, Phaleg, brother to Ioctan, hath cast thē of hitherto. The West-Indians seem to come of the East: as both speak some Hebrew. Now God driveth us to both Indians, not for Pepper and Tobacho: but in time, to show his name. And the Jesuits in teaching the holy Trinity, Person, and Justice of Christ, may save many: and the Pope shall have an outward reward of longer success, and some hundreds of years must be spent this way.

Of the old opinion of 6000. years.

God hath cast old ages into a pleasant frame of measures: of them for Jews, and from Jews, I dedicated an Hebrew work to the Landtgraue of Hessia. Now thousands I will touch. In 3000. exactly, the Temple was fully furnished: even to the Ark. In 4000. exactly the Romans destroyed the seconde Temple: if without it Messias days have 2000. years from the year of Christ 1609. of Adam 5536. One as Heber may come to the worlds end, by 464. yer. The truth God only knoweth: reason telleth affairs in work require such time: But no particular person is sure of one day: but all should watch, when the Bridegroom cometh.

And to destroy them, that destroy the earth.

Although no Creature but Angels and men know God: yet the close bent of all Creatures is framed to serve man for Christ: God bending them so. And in that sense, everything is weary of their toil, Eccl. 1. and groaneth looking for the Redemption of the Children of God. Rom. 8. and being turned to service of Idols groan in God's estieme, as corrupted: such was the old world in corrupting their ways: such were Babel builders, till heathen came to God: and almost all to this day. And Apoc. 5. All creatures give glory to the Lamb, in service of Christians. But alas, men to this day would never search God's word, the wealthy, and principal of state, but remit that over unto others: as a base work, for themselves to regard; whereby God cast off the world.

After papistries overthrow, Christ who is the Temple, and the Ark, who hath the Law within him: & is the mercy seat, shall be opened to the few saved: and God will pay Papists with wars, for the hail and fire that they mixed with blood: troublesome meteores eloquently express troubles of state: as before our Lord's first coming, the Romans miseries, destroying themselves, were a wonder to historiques: because Crassus robbed the Temple: and Pompei afore made Israel serve Rome; and Brutus with Cassius; and Antonius with Cleopatra: and again Julius: so Rome that still will crucify Christ, shall have as great stirs to warn them of utter ruin. But by wars, profaneness breedeth; to all sides: that when the SON OF MAN cometh, he shall scant find faith upon the earth. The best way, to keep faith is to exercise our universities in the Hebrew and Greek Testament: and to leave civil government to sage courts fit for it: as Zurich in Zuitzerland doth; that, Scholars tyranny make not new papistry. And thus once, all is revealed unto the end. New visions tell the same matter: for better clearness.

Of the Profane Caesar: and Pope reviving of him, both comprised in the body, and tail, of one Dragon.

John saw with his eyes in Vision; that which he and all the Apostles: as S. Paul. 2. Thess. 2. saw in their mind. That from Rome, the Ruler, should rule; till he were taken away: After, thence man of sin should arise. Both be here in one dragon: which the profane Caesar's and the Popes cannot perceive. They who be of the heavenly state, they all, do see, the Dragon is the Devil, or accusar of God: the great is the Devils power by Rome: the ruddy bloody persecution. His seven heads, are seauē states of Rome, over THE FAITHFVL: as the Jews knew their story full well: Pompei by Rome was an Emperor in the East: But perished near: in the land of Cham. So in Judah, M. Crassus was after him, armed over Judah as a King, for Rome, who robbed the Temple of Salem, of Abraham's house; but at Abraham's Charan, he and his army had a most famous destruction. Julius Caesar made Cleopatra Lady of Judah, who perished in Capitolio for that. Brutus & Cassius force, after was a King for Rome: They by Antoni perish. Antoni hath the East and marrieth Cleopatra, and ruleth Judah, and both perish. So five diademes of the Dragon perish. The 6. state is the whole power which crucified Christ; and his members: till our Helenaes son, left Rome: and New Troy; to be a pillage to Alaricus, Giezerichus,, Theodoricus, & Totilas for old persecuting of martyrs. The seventh is the Popes wealth, getting lands by S. Peters forged supremacy: and setting up the Empire in the West. These be the seven diademes; spoken, to the Jews plain understanding. Heathen stories may fit Rome's 7. other states. The more fall out fit: (as often many do to one speech) the more Rome (that crucified Christ) is condemned: when GOD turneth continual reuolution to have Rome called into mind. Moreover the allusion is to Daniel's four beasts, which had 7. heads. The Lion, one; the Bear, one; the Leopard four; the fourth beast, one. The Roman state winning all those contreyes of the East, are fitly noted by their arms: And specially by the then horns. The Seleucidae by five kings vexed Judah by wars, against Lagidae: and Lagidae by so many again, wasted Judah: So that Greek beast in one parted Kingdom, had 10. horns: From that beast, the Roman beast hath also, ten Kingdoms, at the least: and under Augustus, and under the Pope, rekoned to that number, Strabo 17. Steuch. contra Vallum. Lib. 2. so, these matters be all, most plain.

Of the tail.

The profane Caesar's persecution, moved few Christians, the stars of heaven, to fall. But the tail of the Empire, the false prophet, that speaketh lies, he as Antiochus, Daniel 8. maketh many fall from heaven: praetending religion, with much praetense and no substance.

The combat of the Roman Empire, with the Church.

The allusion is from the days of Christ, borne in Bethlehem: when Satan by Herodes swords, would have devoured him: but his mother fled with him to Egypt: & after that Satā hoped to devour him in the grave, he was taken up into heavē: so when Christians souls travailed to breed Christ: the Emperors stormed; to devour that doctrine as David told, Ps. 2. But they brought forth into the light of the world: the SON would bruise all nation-with an iron scepter; as he did bruise the image in Daniel. And shown that his throne is in heaven, being taken up, unto the eternal King. And the Christians fled into the wilderness; as CHRIST did in the time of his preaching, or half seven, Dan. 9. and often handled in the Gospel: in Eusebius handled: and of Beda, who cited the Apoc. allusions. M. Scaliger and others that make mo years of our Lord's preaching, spent ill, good hours. All time of affliction, is sweetly termed by our Lord's affliction, to be as his, of days 1260. though it were of 300. yer. under Caesar's resistance: and 600. under Popes: enemies to John's Apocalypse. The speech is full of comfort: calling us unto the afflictions of Christ himself; who reckoned all his own days: and will have all our tears in his bottle: and pay all dogs and Doeg's for Cerberean barking.

A Commentary upon the former vision.

The state of the faithful, here, is sweetly called hēauen: to show our certeinty of hope, for the proper heaven: as the word of Law and Gospel is as sure to us, as if we saw the third heaven; that, above the air, and above the stars, as S. Paul did, at his first calling, to a comfort against all his following afflictions: so the holy Daniel, that in one image made abridge from the end of the Old Testament, unto the beginning of the new, called the state after abrogation of Moses, the Kingome of heaven. John the Baptist doth begin with his tongue. The kinddome of heaven is come. And the eternal WORLD, the essential WORDE, who spake and all was made, he confirmeth the same speech, to show that Daniel's Image was ended: and the GOD of heaven setteth up a kingdom, that cannot be corrupted: The observation of this speech, had kept Daniel in a clear meaning: and not brought the West Empire of Christians, for East Greek, Seleuco-Lagides athean. Nor times after Christ, for stories teaching when he would come. The terms of the Bible be pearls; & still beat upon the open story, for noblest matters. So Saint Paul Hebrew. XI. speaking of the Maccabees martyrs, famous in the Talmudiques, and after his days, historied by Greek Jews, saith from Daniel's last speeches, of double resurrection; That they would not be delivered because they looked for the better resurrection. So he showeth that Antiochus persequutions were the last mentioned in Daniel. The Romans hindered not the Jews holy religion, till by the Pharisees they vexed our Lord himself: when he opened the kingdom of heaven, days 1260. They who without knowledge of Daniel, would know the Gospel, are as men that would go from one Land to another parted by great waters without a shipp. All that care for the kingdom of heaven, will care for him: And my pains in a third commentary, an English, a Latin, a shorter in English, came forth by my care and charges. By the third milliones of our simple might have known, the Prophets whole heart. But that Bargulus Illyricus, would cast him into the Lions den: If Lions rent not his bones; I will commend him to the God of Daniel: and the firy flames streaming from his throne, for his fighting for the dragon against MICAEL and his Angels.

Of MICAEL.

Michael and Gabriel, are the only holy spirits, which have names in the Law. And they only, in heavenly Daniel, called Son of man: as admitted unto Angels company: so Ezekiel; and only they two. From Daniel chap. 8. and 9. Gabriel is brought, to Luc. 1. For most rare use: The wise will understand it: but the wicked will never understand: Dan. 12. Michael is used thrice in Daniel: twice, chap. 10. and one chap. 12. Dan. 10. verse. 13. Behold MICHA-EL, the principal, or only of the chief Princes, is come to aide me. Daniel saw a glorious vision of Christ: before which he fell as dead: then an Angel in the form of a man, that is, Gabriel speaketh how Christ shown his assistance; against Cambises inhibition of the Temples building: and giveth him a notation: He that is in the form of God: from Exod. 23. The Angel which hath the name of God in him: The character or form of God's person. Ebr. 1. 3. That doth MICAEL signify. In our Lord's words, John. 10. from Dan. 12. The Father, and I, am one. As I have shown upon Dan. 12. In Dan. 10. verse. last: the matter is plainer: in these words: there is none strong for you in these affairs: but MICHA-EL, YOVR PRINCE. Daniel acknowledged; no creature of spirits, his PRINCE: therefore Micah-el must be the Son of GOD. So he is called chap. 12. in the same Angels speech: Michael the great Prince, that standeth up for his people. No created spirit dare challenge, a princehood over people: so here, in the exposition of praise, MICHAEL is expounded Christ.

Of Tobies fable.

The Jews, as I have written; in Ierusalemi, upon Dan. 8. say▪ their Fathers brought with them Angels names from Babylon, Michael, and Gabriel. Then if Angels had no names before: Toby, that bringeth Asmodaeus for a spirit, must be a late fable. Neither Talmud Yerushalmi, nor Babylonian hath that name: Only late Rabbin's. Yet the fable of Toby, cited by Clemens of Alexandria is elder, then the compiled Talmudes. But they are made from Writers, all, Elder then Tobies fable. Targum, Eccl. is a late work: and eldest Jew for record of Asmodai, the Prince of Devils: The Pharisees had, Beelzebub Prince of Devils: And later Jews made Prince of Devils, Ben Tzirgha, son of Leprosy. To disgrace our faith of the SON; Prince, among the holy Angels. The wicked Rabbin's, feign a Prince among wicked spirits. But we make no created, Angel, Prince: the Eternal Son Creator of all, is the only Angel, Prince: And he is the Arch-angel, that could not suffer Satan, to speak bad speech of Moses, the first King in Israel. But Jehovah, before Jehovah: said, The Eternal rebuke thee, Satan. The Jews in Midras Rabba. Deut. chap. 33. feign, pleading from Satan, before God, for Moses: and in Abboth Rabbi Nathan. S. Jude telling Rabbins that they would destroy the Nation by resisting rule: bringeth their own commentary, how Michael the Archangel checked Satan, for contempt of Moses King of Israel: and giveth him the high check from Zach. chap. 3. The Eternal rebuke thee Satan So the Eternal Son before the Father, spake in Zechariah: what in Jude’s Rabbins in a like cause Michael the Arch-angel speaketh: and Zohar, Gen. col. 46. saith, Where Michael is head of the holy Angels, there God's majesty is meant. This hath Zohar. And we should not favor Arias more, then our enemies would. Tobies fable disturbing Scriptures glory, where even Rabbins speak for it, should no more come among holy works: then a work of Beelzebub, Asmodaus, or Ben Tzirgha: being a leprous wicked work; from the principal mischief of the Devil.

Of Michaels Angels.

All the true Christians are called Michaels Angels, they fight by the two edged sword of God's word: which originally, in the Hebrew and Greek New Testament; is pure in writ: clear in meaning: and perfect to discuss all sage matters. Caesar's Diui were soon confuted: because all knew their profaneness: they were soon by all sides excluded, from all men's regard: for any hope of happy state: But the great fight here is with the King of Locusts: and his garrisons, Satan's Angels: that they may be known, not to be the People of God. Here is a sore combat: that of the two Prophets, ch. XI.

Of the wicked spirits names.

Dragon, old Serpent, Devil, Satan, be the names of the wicked spirits company. King Pharaoh, Esa. 27. is a Dragon, as old Pharaoh; who, for all Moses Rod, would be but a Serpent: So the king of Madai and Paras worshipped in Babel, that for a month none should pray but unto him, is in the Apocrypha fable, a Dragon, worshipped in Babylon: So the Roman Diui Caesar's, and the Pope, showing himself, in the Temple of God, as if he were God, make a Dragon: as the old enemy worketh in them.

Of old Serpent.

The old Rabbins as Zohar: and Ibn Ezra, and many moo, confess, that the Angels which fell, spake in the old Serpent. And that company is called the old Serpent or Tempter: as Adam gave the Serpent from his nature, the name, Tempter: The Rabbins whom I have cited, (in an Hebrew treatise of fitting Jubilees to the year of our Lord's death;) so term the Tempter: & later Ibn Ezra; though late wicked Jews turn all to fables of a natural Serpent: who may be musselled by their own ancient.

Of Devil.

Diabolos, in Greek is the commune name of any slanderer; but applied by Job's translater, chap. 1. to the Hebrew Satan, enemy; where our enemy the false accuser, goeth about like a roaring Lion, seeking whom he may devour. There Diabolos expresseth enemy, by occasion taken from Satan slandering of Job. Saint Pet. 1. 5. taketh both names. The Zohar telleth upon Gen. 3. howe the Devil accuseth each one, from his coming into the world, all his life. So by the Jews, he accused Christ as an enemy to Caesar; and made him pay for robbery. Psal. 69. though it was not robbery for him, to say, he was the Son of GOD. Christ held it no robbery to be eaquall to God; but the Devil the Slanderer made Caiaphas urge this as a deadly matter: so the Christians, were slandered to the Caesar's, as athean; and the reformed now are haeretiques to Papists; some trapps we lay in their way: whereby God's justice doth whipp us by their tongues.

Of trapps laid by our selves.

Whereas, Catelthein eis haidon, in the godly: is all one as to remove hence to the father: Geneva denying Christ a pass, Catelthein eis haidon: denieth in tongue, that he went to the Father: And so denieth all religion. Likewise Lutherans by Vbiquity, for the humanity of Christ, wound all the doctrine of incarnation: wherein the humanity is according to our kind, sin only excepted: Besides, we grant to the Papists, that text of both Testaments is corrupt: and so we weaken the authority of scripture; and make no end of checking the holy Greek Testam. that the Jesuits bind not it, but Jerome's Latin with Hebrew in octauo. Also where the Apostles speak plainly to all learned Jews: we expound them as if they had coined Phrases, to new vexation of our spirits: and make the word seem a nose of wax. Thus, we hinder our own fight, but some still hold the truth, that the accusation cannot be general. The rest should be wise with them.

The Devil and his Angels, by MICAEL that standeth up for his people, who be his Angels; are banished from the Church: and known to be unclean spirits.

A second and plainer exposition, of the Dragons war.

Where a company by Martyrdom show that salvation cometh only by the death of CHRIST, and are constant in that Testimony: then troupes that make the heavens kingdom here, protest they know how salvation cometh: & know God's power, that falleth the mighty state of the Pope, and know wherein the Kingdom of God standeth: And the authority of Christ: where the Pope had a Kingdom of Satan in his policy, through all partes, of all common weals: even from ruling Emperors, to the poorest that had but a chimney, to pay a Peter-penny. The holy Testament playnelie showing our Creatores: And how the spirit of CHRIST flootereth upon all the waters of both Testaments, and cleared the holy story: And cleareth our hearts, to call upon GOD, with a good heart, this showeth in this plain sum, what the Kingdom of God and authority of CHRIST is. Gouernement standeth upon plain rules. The wealthy that know CHRIST, Kings, Dukes, Earls, Barons, Knights, will study to excel in Divinity, to be true Bishopps and Elders, to eat up the Book of the Gospel, and to see all miscarriage sagely restrained: being those that Saint Paul and the Talmudiques meant by Pastors. And will see how by Church lands an infinite company may be made cunning in tongues, and sense of both Testaments. That the Angelos Ecclesiae, and daily Seniores, may be so taught in Divinity, as men are in liberal arts: to know the whole faculty, and the proper use, of every holy book. And what consent all the scripture hath; and where one error putteth all out of tune, but may soon be removed: so a faithful mind, will often in a day run over all the Bible: and see all ages faithful, as trees planted by waters: and all wicked as dust scattered by the wind. And such will be true Bishopps; as, Cucullus non facit monachum: so a courtiers favor, and title; maketh not a Bishopp for salvation, and power, and kingdom of God, and authority of Christ. Buy-shopps mock with GOD: but all Mordecai's will use them as Agagites: and as leprous to the Church. So when all Gouerners in state; be learned Bishopps, joy will be in the Church; that the Devil must go to Land, or quiet state of the Pope, or sea wars of Emperors bad: to seek whom he can devour. The learned dealers for the Church, will find for it, means in persecution to be protected: Yea and to make the Land or Papistical state, as King H. VIII. did, dry up the rivers of the Popes persecution. In the middle of Papistry he overthrew the Pope by Papists. Who were content to buy the Abbeies that fed Idolatrous Locusts, & could not for stark shame deny, a common prayer book made from the mass book, turned to English: so, so much was chosen from the mass book, to be in English, as seemed not directly to fight with God's truth, and subscription for allowance to that, was no further meant, but that the Papists could find no fault with it: Under K. E. 6. and Q. E. the best Bishopps allowed the communion book, no further; and gave others leave to express that, how they bare with it, until fit time of amendment.

Of the Dragons short time.

This speech showeth the time, near the seventh trumpet for the worlds end, by the Dragons tail; the Pope here meant: in his persecution: that the Devil is fierce, knowing that he shall not be long the God of this world. And the Pope feareth least his Kingdom shall soon fall. And our Buyshopps that urge his canons damned by our common Laws, are now in rumores, that they incense some to beg all Buyshopps lands. Leicester went far: to chaing 40000. lib. for rack rent: but more harm is bred by Buyshopps tyranny now. Bishopps under King Edw. have been such, as none (but of Satan's spirit) would deny them to be lawful Bishops. And such as agreed well with Nobles, Gentry, and all. The name troubleth none but the Barbarous. They who hold the place without teaching the people the truth; and with tyranny: break the common laws of the realm: which stand with reason: that is, the Law of God: such should chainge their mind: and obey the Gospel, lest their short time be for Sarans service and forever.

This common place toucheth all the Popes persequutions, though it be uttered as at one time. The Pope had still ready cruel torment: for all of his that descried wickedness, in his religion.

The Pope driveth the Church into the Wilderness, as Pharaoh drove Israel: Saul, David: Antiochus, the holy Jews: the Pharisees, he Lord of glory for a time, two times and half a time: three years and an half: and, as I shown; all time of persecution, is called in remembrance of our Lord's: a persecution of days 1260. as chap. XI. or of a time, two times, and half a time: As Beda, and Carthusianus, well noted. In Exo. 19. God saith, he brought Israel from Egypt, as with eagles wings: so the persecutor here is a new Pharaoh: and Rome is Egypt spiritually, as in chap. XI. And the Dragon Pharaoh; is here, a new Dragon. And the Pope; which will be worshipped, for a God: is as Darius, Dan. 6. and in the fable upon that: as the Dragon, which the Chaldeans worshipped. The Phrase of the fable, followed a true story.

Of the time of these persequutions.

The Popes power (when Satan was let loose, to deceive; that Kings gave their strength to Pseudo-Petre) driveth the Church not to be seen: for certain hundreds of years; before Martyr, Zwingli at Zurich, in the Church which Charles the Great built, shown that he was the tail of the great Dracon, which drew the stars of heaven from their place. And now they comment best upon this place: asking where was our Church; before M. Lutheres time? I will ask where was it not? Milliones in England opened themselves present: when valiant K. Henry the VIII. shook off the Pope: and the best learned of the Popes pay: were least enemies to us: as Cuthbert Tonstall; who at London and Duresme, still bare with the Protestants works: and would swear by his Fathers soul (therein faulty) that neither the accusares, nor he could amend them: full many moo were of that vein: as they who gave harbor closely to the teachers of the holy Gospel: and what learned have the papists bred; till our side forced them to study. And at this hour their best grant, that we over-reach them in the testaments tongues; and clearness; & defense of the pureness of the text. Our greatest hindrance cometh by our Buyshops, that are void of loyalty, & full of cruelty: I speak not against Bishops, sage and learned: but Buyshops savage & unlearned. Waters of trouble, they help the Dragon to cast from the mouth of his canons: that no praemunire will serve their turn: and if any would keep them from hell, will burn such papers. And when common Laws of earth policy, drink up and dry the K. of Locusts waters: yet if the rest of unadvised zeal give them advantage; Cerberus shall bark so: that they may be forth coming, but not coming forth. The main of the Church in Albion, Almany, France, & Zuitzerland, the confederate provinces, and Denmark, have made the earth to dry the Popes Rivers of Belial, (as 2. Sam. 22. speaketh.) But yet in Spain holy Martyrs daily find the 42. month like affliction: to be conformed to the sufferings of Christ, because they worship God only: That is, as all Jews expound the phrase, pray only unto him: and rest in the abundance of grace of the gift of justice, to reign by Christ. What authority on earth maketh this Dragon; the chap. 13. following will tell plainly: and the 14. how for Idolatry rejected, the tail of the Dragon maketh Martyrs.

Of two special points to be noted here.

They who make the Romans one of Daniel's Beasts, do pleasure the Jews highly: concluding that Caesar and Rex Romanorum: and our Constantine and his successores went to eternal flames. Eusebius began it, as Oecolampidius citeth his fragment: good Calvin followed that Atheism: and good Beza too: thence thundering with powder without pellet against the Pope; and not marking how seven times over, gracious Daniel, teacheth that Greeks be the last that afflict holy Jews in his pictures. And Jews upon Dan. 8. confess as Ralbag, and Seror Hamor of Abr. Sebagh, that Greeks be Daniel's last pictured. And our error is duller then the Jews: they confess; for our Gospel, that Greeks be the last afflictors: When the matter forceth them to speak truth: we relinquish their grant, to our Gospel's strength: and follow them in a lie, to our Gospel's overthrow. Here we have no better to say; then, that Satan hath deceived us. Polichronius the learned Greek Father of old, saw the truth, and wicked Porphyri confesseth the same. And Sebastian Munster, at Basel revived a touch of the truth: and Polyhistor Bodinus, Tremellius: and our learned Whitaker; and D. John Reignold, in daily speech; and M. Rollock: and Geneva the zealous town, in their last french, reject all notes damning Rome and the Pope; The Jews over the world were broken, if all the Popes side, for their own cause, would do the same: and the Jews broken, would break the Turks Machumed.

The second Poincte.

The goodness of God was infinite, in breaking Solomon's kingdom; and sending Jews to Babel, to preach God, that made the world: and to show the wickedness of the towers building, forworshipp of stars. So the power of the great God, appeared in extolling base Babel, to fell Assur and all kingdoms, and to fall in seventy years: that Cyrus might say: The God of heaven gave him all the Kingdoms of the world: and when Daniel had taught of the redemption by Christ: after seven seuenties: & Jews went home from 120. nations to Jerusalem in that hope: God made foolish the wisdom of Plato & Aristotle, for their dreamed happiness. And this above all, is a miracle of miracles, that the Greek tongue known in the West over, was conveyed by Greek soldiers over North, East and South, by Seleucidae and Lagidae. So that, in three hundred years, Greek was made common over all the world. And Homer, was turned into the Greek tongue, as Fr. Portus, praef. in Hom. writeth; doubtless by some Macedonians, for increasing Greek in their Colonies. By this means, the Greek tongue was made commune, over the world: that commune salvation might be written in Greek. Also, the Macedonian Kings setted in Egypt, and they of Syria: both claiming Judea, and still fighting for it, as they became victores, scattered Jews into all partes: that they abide scattered there yet: And Itinerarium Rabbi Benjamin showeth: even through the furthest India. So the Apostles might speak in the Greek tongue to the old law. And thus the 4. Kingdoms tyranny, helped much to save others, by their own destruction.

How the Romans arms, are taken from the Kingdoms in Daniel.

The ten horns are from the Seleucolaegidae, in ten horns: five of each side vexing Judah. But there were ten particular Kings; here Kingdoms: noted by a crown upon every horn. Now exactly, five Seleucidae, are not notable: but five Lagidae be. So for the strict number God would not have all the world vexed: in men not worthy strict regard of story. But aboueX. Kings of old Kingdoms now be noted. And Strabo lib. 17. noteth, that Augustus divided all Proconsulships into X. And Steuchus against Vallu. divideth the Popes, in the same sort. As I have in Con. Scr. shown. The color of Leopard, is from Alexander: Bears foot, from Paras: Lions mouth, from Babel: Horns, color, feet, mouth; mean all tyranny; demeanour, course, & laws alike. As Babel deified the Image, Dan. 2. Paras, their King: Alexander, would be a God. And Antiochus, would have Jupiter Olympius: So the Caesar's, would still be Diui: And termed the Christians Atheists: as when martyrs were moved to abjure Christ; this was the recantation; 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . That is, away with the Atheists. As a speech unto Caesar: to hold Christians Atheists: and to request their destruction. Eus. Eccl. Histor. In this sort the Caesar hath a name of blasphemy, holding God's servants, whose conversation is in heaven, to be not God's servants, but wicked men: as the text will show anon.

Here we see, why Satan bare arms, from the Romans arms. Even because Satan's authority was executed by them. The god of this world had such authority given, to try the elect: that the Gospel might be known, to be hid to none, but to whom the God of this world blinded understanding. This far reacheth the profane Empire: which our great Constanstine made dead: when he left old Rome, and made Bizantiū new Rome. By the death of one head, the exposition following showeth the whole beast once dead. Pompei with Rome's [ 1] force oppressed God's people: there Judah felt one head: and he perished in Egypt. M. Grassus with Rome's army made [ 2] another head, and robbed the Temple of Abraham's sons; who came from Charran or Carrae. At Carrae the Parthians overthrew his whole army: to the eternal shame of the Empire. Julius Caesar tamed Egypt: and disposed Cleopatraes Gouernement; [ 3] to have Iudae under a toe of that leg: a third head: he was killed in the Senate house. Brutus & Cassius, the chiefest of his murderers, their Roman host oppressed Judah; [ 4] and they made a fourth head. Antonius, he with the Roman force being made a mighty King in the East, married Cleopatra, and made Herod for Her, King of Judah: that Daniel's Image might have some remembrance till Christ came. [ 5] He as Pompei perished in Egypt; a fifth head. Then came the state of Rome to one Person: and so continued one head from Augustus, unto great Constantine. And in that head when he left cursed Rome, the beast there was dead. So the sixth head had [ 6] been, and was not: and yet was restored; to be a seventh head: [ 7] and the Pope is in that head, with all his power: and also will [ 8] be a several power above all: and make also an eight head, chap. 17. That is here once told.

Here the tyranny of the profane Caesar's, carried by the spirit of Devil is fully described: well known by Diuus Nero, Diuus Domitian, and the rest of Diui or Devils, unto Diocletian. That Christians reading this, might look, for such troubles, as the holy in Daniel sustained. This needeth no exposition: but it self expoundeth, chap. 12. for the upper part of the Dragon. And as Dan. 7. God sat upon a fiery throne; showing a reueng upon all the afflictors of his people. So Apoc. 6. war, bloody, black, and pale, and a gulf of a grave was opened: showing how the Caesar's warred and perished miserably 300. year. with their great armies. The Roman stories tell all, most plentifully: and Rome, after their destruction felt it, by Alaricus, in Zozimus, by Giezricke, in the Eccles. story: from Libya a new Hannibal, by Theodoricus, & Totilas: THAT AS STEVCHVS CONFESSETH, ROME HAD BEENE MADE A MOST FILTHY LODGE, OF OXEN AND HOGGES, BVT FOR THE POPES. Now the Caesar's punishment followeth, with a severe taunt of dullness, to them that will not mark stately speeches: From Mat. 13. and Apoc. 2. and 3.

When Antiochus the vile slew Jews faithful to God, & had affinity with Egypt: God plagued both houses more notably then any families that ever were before. Heathen did note it, though they knew not, that they made a commentary to make Daniel, a most clear book: so Aurelus Victor commonly read with Justin in Grammar schools, showeth howe the Caesar's were plagued to the astonishment of the world: since Rome crucified the Lord of Glory. And Herodian handleth an Iliad of their plagues for 70. yer. how the Emperores were so vile as dogs. Sozimus showeth little better success. And before our Lord's days in the flesh, when their Empire made an head over Judah; Pompei, Crassus, Julius, Brutus, Antonius, and their Civil wars, were wonders of misery. And Plini recordeth, what miseries made Augustus weary of his life, full often. These rules should be a bridle for Buyshopps of Rome, and all of their Gaius.

Here is the faith and constancy of the holy.

Our gracious eternal Spirit here meeteth with the weak: that they should not judge of God's favor, by prosperity in this world, From Cain, to Tuualcain, (or heathen smith Vulcain ) the wicked bare sway: Which Spirit went and preached in the days of Noah, to them that are now Spirits in Prison. Nemrod the Rebel had first dominion; and Nineveh and Babel at the last, Nemrods house: and in Dan. 11. 35. and 12. 10. the faithful are told what God meant, to let wicked Magog so afflict his: even to try them in the fire, to purify them, & to whitten them. Twise the very same terms be told. Here, is the same matter. That God would try the patience, as Dan. 12. of the holy: Holy Peter writing from Babylon to the Jews scattered, telleth them of their happiness, in believing in Christ, whose kingdom trieth his, as gold is tried. The witty wicked Poet could tell so much: as Menander, Epimenides, and Aratus other points.

That is,

Every truth hath God's warrant, whosoever doth speak it. Now the Popes religion standeth in prosperiti; & no common weal hath their wealth and quietness. Therefore they are not of S. Peters faith: who from Babylon wrote to the near scattered Jews, of affliction. Although at the first some Doctors of Rome were afflicted, and martyrs is too. But after quietness, they still labored, to bring home from the East to old Rome; and pleaded from the Jews manner of Fables, that the first called Apostle was in the Principal City: to make him a most wicked man: that (foreseeing (as a Prophet) combatts where he hath been,) would not in his own time, make that matter past all doubt. As Saint Paul Bishoppe of Rome: and Saint Luke of Antioh, maketh it past all doubt, that Peter was never near Rome: Clemens and Tertullian made Eusebius, write that he was: And all who follow them have but rumores authority. And he is cursed that makes man's authority his arm: and Melchior Cano a Rhomist, maketh a sound common place, that our Churches stories of men are weak testimonies: In the 300. yer. persecution, it was not safe for any to write of others: because enemies by such would search out more, how to persequute Christians. Paul of Roman name, borne free in Rome, who would not build in others fundations, who was careful for to strengthen the Romans, as not having yet an Apostle, who first told the Synagogue, Acts 28. whereupon the Gospel stood, showeth that HEE brought the name of Christ, to Caesar's palace, Phil. 1. and was told Act. 23. that he should so do. And saluting 25. Rom. 16. never giveth token of one word touching Peter: but clean otherwise, Gal. 2. and Peter telleth expressly that from Babylon he wrote his first Epistle, chap. 5. whereby all manner of speech, all men would require propriety: that the most known Babylon should be there meant. Yet as Pindarus saith that men believe fables more then truth: so experience of sage men prove that true: men otherwise sage, hold that true; that Peter was in Italy: as the Chaldi Job saith he was at Constantinople, and the forged Ben Vziel upon Num. 24. and millions of milliones after them: whereas we despise Jews: Jews equally despise Romists: where any could not miss to have known the truth: if Peter had ever been at Rome. They who say by Babylon he meant Rome, would make him a simple Fisher: that knew not where a trope would make a wickedly: and afflict all ages: where men never date common books for all Ages, from a misnamed place; where the Reader would count the speaker a liar: so the 2. Epistle was written from Chaldea where the letter 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 was an S. in Bosor. Beor in the 70. and that, S. Peter would have followed living in Greek lands.

A most plain description of the Pope. 1. by the beast arising from the earth.

First his state is a beast: as all arms of state are figured, by beasts & such. So the King of Locusts, ch. 9. is a beast coming out of the earth, ch. 11. earth opposition to the sea, signifieth a quiet state. So the Pope by quietness gate lands, to be above all Emperors; yet Ceph, the Rock eternal, would be a servant. And Peter Cephas, a fisher: but the vnlikest under their name, would be the vnlikest: next the Devil, the God of this world: so his, a great state upon the earth; in the City which crucified Christ.

By the Lambes two horns.

The Lamb, signifieth the S. of God; Johan. 1. & Apoc 5. Horns, power, Psalm. 18. & Dan. 8. So he that challengeth to be in stead of Christ, and to have double power from him, Ecclesiastical and Temporal, in Hebrew, ADONIKAM. My Lord is set up, he is here described. He so showeth himself, in the Temple of God: as if he were God: among many millions who knew him to be the wicked man. But as in old Babel men were of Angels match, the three nobles that quenched the fire▪ (and made Nemrods son confess their God.) and gracious Daniel admitted to familiarity with Christ, and his Angels: and Ezekiel, and Ezra, and men like Angels: so where the Devil had his Chapel, God had and hath his Church; to tell how Satan ruleth the Pope: and hath strong work in error.

OF ONE ERROR IN THE POPE: WHICH MAKETH HIM NEXT THE DIVEL: WHERE THE DIVEL WOVLD TREMBLE; TO BEE SO IMPVDENT OPENLY.

The ground of our salvation standeth, in believing this, of the woman's seed, a destroyer of Satan's works, Gen. 3. HEE, shall bruise thy head: that is spoken twice, in Adams tongue, in the masculine gender. Some late Popes I think, knew so much Hebrew: though of old few did: when they made first the translation, called S. Jerome's, to be ignorant of this. So, not SHEE is meant, but HEE. The eternal God, as the Zoar, from Jews, there note: God in Christ, and again, and again, thou Serpent, shall bruise HIS foot-step: and not HER foot-step: yet the Popes translation corrupteth that which they call S. Jerome's: and say; she, shall bruise thy head.

1. So the Latin called S. Jerome's goeth; though Arias Mōtanus had a better Conscience: & put forth the true Hebrew.

2. Of all Hebrew copies, that ever have been heard of: none herein was noted to differ: as by them full many, (which we read) we may judge of the rest: who would not pass over difference in Silence if any difference had been.

3. All Greeks universally, follow the Hebrew: yet against all, the Pope would have: not HE: but SHEE: Marie, in his translations: & in a treatise foisted into Plantines great Bible.

4. Satan is broken thus: he brought Adams soul to death by sin: the restorer must give it justice.

5. Satan brought man's body to corruption; that HE, must restore it in resurrection.

6. Satan by Adams fall brought all this world to corruption▪ the restorer, must be able to make a new world. But an HE, not a SHEE, must do this: wherefor, this error, convicteth the Pope of wickedness, as high as the Devils can go. Yet all, that go under Papists names, are not of this mind nor Giltinesse: but all well charged with error here, are gilty without good change of mind. While this standeth, & honor to Mary above her place. The Popes throne & Satan's be all one. For this main point, would I gladly have, a learned Papist to reply: that all might see, what can be spoken against the truth.

Of the Dragons speech.

Laws be the speech of a Policy: and the Popes decretals overruling states, are wicked, commonly; though all cannot be senseless: yet by unlawful men urged they are all wicked. Seeing the Pope can have no more right; thē a Teacher, if he were learned: all frō him is like an hand blackened with pitch. And S. Paul taught the Romans; that every soul should submit himself to the higher power. Nero was then in place: and S. Paul appealed unto him. And Nero the wicked man; in polity sensible, from native wit, was S. Paul's gard, & the good of the world: against the Scribes Synedrion: to which all must stand, Deut. 17. provided always, that they speak sensibly, from the Law: otherwise all their right was lost: and when they persecuted Christ. He gave the Romans their authority for life and death: that Jews might not kill any 40. years before Jerusalem fell. So the heathen Laws given for man's civil good, be the earth that drinketh up, the river cast out of the Dragons mouth, to drown the Church.

Of the two horns, counterfeiting the Lambes.

The Pope praetendeth to follow Aaron, and the Levites: and thence cometh his spiritual sword: and he will without all color of warrant; be a King of Kings, and Lord of Lord's. His wickedness in the first being detected, should show that the Dragon speaketh in him. Aaron had no more to do with government then any other man, nor any of his sons: and it was death for any to meddle with his trade: that was not of his seed: that his house should be distinct, till Christ of Judah sacrificed himself: & through the veil of his flesh went not into the Limbum, as the deceived hold, but into the very heavens: after this, Leuies office was wholly ended: though M ^r . Eduward Lively be commended, for his Persian Chronology: Which maketh sacrifices of God's house hindered in Emporour Vespasians days: that they could not be done, by whom they ought to be done, or not so diligently, as they ought. He and his commonders missed strangely of Christianity, unto the depth of Satan's badness: and next them the Pope. Aaron's sons for strange fire were presently killed; and were not forgiven in this world, but were in the world to come: But the Pope blaspheming the Holy Ghost, and the plain truth of God's spirit, shall neither be forgivē in this world, nor in the world to come: but as Iscariot in this world is given over from sin to sin: that he cannot come to the justice of God: and is expressly condemned to eternal flames for the world to come: Chap. 19.

Of the Popes succession.

The Popes brag of succession, ever since S. Peters days, in vain. S. Peter was no Priest; nor of Levi: But an Elder: 1. Pet. 5. and having no more honorable faith then those Elders. Elders never had particular succession: though he Talmud in Aboth to prove wicked traditions feign succession, howe one delivered over, Law by mouth. May. praef. Tom. 1. Gamaliel had S. Paul S. Paul Timothy, and millions: who kept the Bible to this day. And Christian Princes who truly knew God: left succession in some of their policy: and still there were some Apostolie, or Angelie Ecclesiae: that sagely read the Bible: and Baptized: and brake bread: the Communion of the body of Christ: and gave the Cupp. his New Testa. blood. The high Council made Doctors: and they were all either learned in Divinity; or, in great blame before God: and one skillful might make thousands, in few year. that men should not brag of succession, from one: to know both Testaments pure in write: sure for meaning; by auctores of the tongue: where enemies and friends, use language alike: and praeceptiue, for all that ought to be known: this duty, a Doctor should perform: to show the face of Christ, to shine like the sun, through all the Bible. But never Pope to this day, could do this much. Therefore, they should not claim the spiritual horn. As holy Paul wished K. Agrippa, and all the assembly, equal to himself, saving his bonds. And S. Luke joyed, to pen S. Paul's infinite wit, therein: and what an Ass he made of Tertullus: so, true Papae, would have rejoiced to have made all Princes that gave them reverence, perfect in the word of God. But they had not S. Jerome's spirit, to go by might to learn of a Jew, the Hebrew tongue: and to write till, 91. to open God's word. He alone, did more then ever were in Rome Papae. Therefore he deserved more reverence then they all: and the slow bellies should be ashamed, to be such Kings of Locusts in the world: and all Cardinals & Buyshopps that cross that cross the common Laws of nations: And People must needs be wicked, that honor the prelate, in Judgment. Isaiah. 32. repeteth Moses law, and saith for the Gospel: that under it; Nabal, shall not be called Nadib. The fool shall not be called most reverend, or right reverend; But he shall be such whose study standeth, in most reverend or right reverend matters. I now translate Nadib, a general term of high title; Isai. 13. to particular special use. every commandment of God hath his Majesty, which created the World: and they breed Monsters, that make cross laws.

Of the ancient facility, in teaching the Law.

The holy Jews did, as all men should; honor the finger of God in the two tables: wherein all wisdom of faith & manners is contained. And a late work, Tiphereth (glory) of Israel, telleth that Hebrew letters, vowels▪ pricks, accents, are at this day, as God set in the two tables. All Popes Academies deny this, their own glory: and would make man's wit auctor of these three; that all should be accursed, who make man their strength. So wise is the Church that cannot err; as to deny the pillar of truth. But still God kept in the company of some, that belonged to the Church, the ground of truth. This being settled, we may go on; to show how the godly did honor the tables of God. There they reckon letters 613. And because the ten Commandments, for faith and works contain all Divinity; the holy Scribes; drew all Laws of Moses, into the number of 613. They might have made them moo or fewer. But by God's spirit in honor of God's writing, they bring them to his letter 613. to show God's care in the Law, that one Yod or prick should not perish: so we see that God honoreth the Alphabet order: psalms 25. & 34. & 37. & 111. & 112. & 119. & 145. Prov. 31. Lam. 6. times: to stir all to spend their life, in the word of life. That everything here, might teach how God inviteth all to salvation. And the very Geometrical form of Aleph, Beth, Gimel, Daleth, Heb, Vau, Zain, &c. showeth that when God, gave them, their order; he gave them also the form, which we have now: and the Ebrewe name is from the form which we now have: and the Hebrew named Alphabet is followed in the Greek Alphabet; old in the days of Phisistratus when Aristarchus divided Homers Iliad and Odyssea, by Alpha, Beta, Gamma, &c. Now this was old, before Ezra was borne: and later then the Hebrew Alphabet: & that was later then the forms of Hebrew letters, which we now have: therefore Ezra invented them not: as Popes would persuade: but they are as God gave them in the Tables: & be 613. there: whence the Laws 613. have their order. 248. bidding commandments, telling what we should believe or do: 365. forbidding evil. The Jews say the bones in a man well anatomed, be 248. which all should work what God cōmandeath. That rule is only given for memory: & hath no further mystery: the 365. call Enoch into mind, that as a son walked with God, & had his years, as the days of the suns year. and so shall they that walk with God: as Messias, psal. 72. To these commandments all disputations are called: & all the N. T. The Law, thou shalt make a King, that commandment, is for Messias chiefly: handled in Maymonie Tom. 4. Now the Scribes knew not, that Messias was to be God. Therefore this Law; JEHOVAH, our God, JEHOVAH, is One. is urged upon the Pharisees: that Messias must not only be David's son: but also his eternal Lord, from Psal. 110. and so Mat. 1. showeth a golden Candlestick of 42. notes: and Immanuel and chap. 2. MESSIAS the holy of all holiness, is sought for: the K. of the Jews. And all the 613. Laws are called into his life. The N. Testa. being so handled, might be laid in one view, to make Princes admire it at the first: when the years and promises of Christ: and punishments for contempt: and Oeconomie of states, are laid in one light: and children when they first read, were taught to read his family: and the end of Solomon's house: and are taught the afflictions, of Sorobabilidae in Daniel, seven times over. Thus an unspeakable love of the Gospel, would flame in Princes hearts; when they should see everything that can be disputed, brought to this Law. And the Law for the King, that he must write a copy of Moses. And once a year read it himself. So states could never be deceived: & millions might be skillful in speeches of the holy Trinity: and in the story of them, from whose feed CHRIST was made after the flesh; the blessed God in the Divine spirit: and so great God and Savior. Moses made three crowns; one for the ark; which kept the Law: which for knowledge, every man should wear in heart; and the oratores of the Congregations, also in tongue: to bring all the Bible to short speech; as Matth. 1. Luc. 3. Act. 7. and the epistle to the Hebrews doth, to a ready mind.

The Table with show-bread; remembereth the King of care, to feed all his xii. tribes: so Moses was King, and still craving of God, what the people wanted; so Joshua: so David: so Daniel made rich by wisdom, chap. 2. praeferred his zealous nobles, hoater for God's glory then the fire: who kept their nation from further danger of Idolatry. And by Daniel's wealth, the returned, above 49000. were enabled to restore their policy. And God gave Cyrus Croesus gold, to be abler to send the Iwes home, to teach the hour of true happiness by our Lord's death: in Iubilie 28. such men wear the crown: no less learned then the sacrificer: and these exalted the horn of Christ: as much as he that by the Crown of the Altar of incense: morning and evening brent perfume.

The third Crown was on the Altar of incense; touched now: and honorable in zeal and skill of praying to God: & Zechariah father to John the Baptist, not high sacrificer, but of the eighth course of 24. had a Crown of praise for his carriage in that office.

Now for these Crowns, every man should know the Arkes meaning, the mercy seat; the Cherubim: and know who would bear this Law, in a mind golden within and without. But skill of speaking, should be required only of the practiced unto ripe years; not bearing of the Ark, be laid upon shoulders of Beasts.

To the maintenance of all by bread; belonged government: for all offenses: That the court of all tribes used; when heathen took away capital causes; then excommunication, was all that could be done. Otherwise he that kept his Fathers wife, had felt death at once. Princes were never excommunicated. Ierusal, Sane. The high sacrificer was whipped, & in all sortes judged as any other man. ibid. Leuies tribe was bound to be ready to answer to all demands; for applying Ceremonies to their spiritual meaning: But they were often worst, as in condemnation of Jeremiah, and Eli's Sons, and Iehosuahs in Nehemiah, and Zechariah and Malachi.

An application of the Popes calling to this.

It was death for any of Israel to meddle with Leuies proper duty, when his office is quite extinguished, it is a most high contempt of God to revive it, by imitation from man's brain; so all the Popes Priesthood and Mass is cursed. As Archisynagogus was chosen for the best learned: so where many learned be, one to be chief; reason and practice allway suffered this: but so that he should not overrule: or do anything of his own head. Reuenues altered not the case: which Laws and reason require to be spent for Christian good: and not for purchase to idleness. Numius Ecclesiae, Sheliah Zibbur, The Talmud term, is now the office of a Bishop, or Elder: and none can be fit that way, without rare and chargeable education. And never yet any Pope was so learned, as with skill of the holy speeches, to make a true narration, for the strength of the Gospel. They make their Cathedrals, dens of thieves, when professing to teach salvation; blind lead the blind into the ditch.

They who wrest S. Matt. 20. Marc. 10. Luc. 22. for condemning of Governors of nations, deal most wickedly. Our Lord. Prov. 8. that he giveth Princes wisdom to govern: and stories, show that heathen governed for this life, and civil commodity, as well as ever anyother. Neither any term used of the three Evangelists meaneth tyranny, but as in the 70 answereth to ordinary Hebrew. And Zebedes sons Mother requested not place of tyranny: but of civil authority; as for to be great in Judah. And our Lord would never answer beside the Qu. Their barbarous blindness is unspeakable, who wrest holy words, to maintain Buyshopps savage, and more then hagarene tyranny: and how can such escape the fire of Gehenna?

A doubt for the manner of policy now: what way is best to be taken.

Seeing the common sort of wealthy are bent to this world, to be rich in kings service; or Law; or merchandize: that many cannot be fit Teachers; but men bent altogether that way: what is the soundest remedy, here? Seeing the world will not admit great chaing: and great learning should be plentiful: before great change would be to any good.

Answer.

The Universities should urge, great practice of the Hebrew Prophets & Greek Apostles, using all helps of Talmudics and Heathen: by chosen guides: & all of skillful acts, should have good recompense: And after certain years, none should have any praeferment, but of special redinesse in the truth of holy story: where error troubleth as heresy: & the people should have a most exact translation; to which all the Realm should have their consent: & so Scholars all should have a voice in Bishopps proceedings: & revenues: & be the only seniores in matters of learning: but for all Court matters, should have common Lawyers: & other officers in Society with thē: & by learned sermons should make all of good conceit; though not of learning to teach others. But all that the scholar should do, is to be Angelus eccles. & to keep him within that compass. Some as in Geneva, bare scholars would in wickedness, overrule the Senate: more then any Pope was ever known to do. Men that will teach and speak not precious matter, will be the destruction of the Gospel. The zealous without knowledge, have in this kind done much harm; and when an unlearned scholar is highly praeferred, and not bridled, he will hardly be kept from doing unspeakable mischiefs: Civil authority should make a wall before such, that they should have no whit of Popes authority: where the Civil horn belongeth to the King: and only the horn for the heart, to Sheliach Zibbur, or orator of the congregation; So the Popes horns be broken, as the Seleucians, & Ptolomeans when they tyrannized over the holy.

What may we think of Buyshopps, of which sort many Popes and Cardinales be.

The Talmud in Sanhedrin concludeth, that if any give money to be a Senior, they should hold him, as an whipp for an asse. Maym. fol. the People, be the asse, that suffer him; and he is a scourge from GOD, for some badness of theirs. And Ambitus in Tulli was hated: and, Lege Julia. And from Act. 8. called, Simonia: and one such man may cause God to be openly angry with many; that he will not forgive them in this world; but send open punishment upon them; though civil wicked have their open reward here: and the punishment reserved, to the world to come: that is the meaning of the phrase: forgiveness in this world, and in the world to come. Math. 12. and Maymoni. tome. 1. Poenit. Perek. I have known mighty mightily plagued; for Buyshopps; some by their own strange death: some by many Children: and Sanhedrin saith, others should not be quiet, till they remove such from their society. And the words; thou shalt not make thee Elohim (Judges) of Silver or Gold: are of the Thalm. applied hither wittily. And such Buyshopps in Divinity be most high contemners of God, and they cannot speak from God but from the Dracon.

Of the Pope, King of Kings.

L. Inter Claras C. de summa Trin. so all the Emperors now are confirmed of the Popes: which right in old time, Emperores used over Popes, As reason would: though a D. of a great town as Rome, had great revenues: to be hospital, and to breed many learned, that was the intent of Princes in their great Liberalitie.

In his confirmation of Emperors, he giveth them S. Peters blessing: and men worship them with title of Diui; when the Empire was once dead in Rome: and translated to Bizantium, called new Rome: so that old Rome had continued a most filthy habitation of hogs and oxen, but for the Popes supremacy: when he was worshipped, as the old Caesar's. As Steuchus confesseth against Valla; lib. 2. BVT WHEN THE PONTIFICALITY WAS SET VP IN ROME; THAT ALL NATIONS, FROM EAST TO WEST, DID WORSHIPP THE POPE, NO OTHERWISE THEN OF OLD THE PROFANE CAESARES: He taketh authority to confirm the Emperors; & to make them of better estieme, with superstitious simple people. That is here plainly fore-told.

How long the Popes, the Stars falling; could not become mountains of fire, to cast themselves into the sea of the Empire.

Before Christianity came in policy to Rome, the People, and Doctors chose the Father, as the Jews did the Archisynagogue: as all should be and were under heathen government. And they should be of the Dragons poison, that would make anymore ado for their authority. When Christians • eld the Empire; and Constantine loathing Rome that Crucified Christ, and the unlearned Popes, that could not bring the Palace to Christianity in 300. years. When holy Paul soon made Narcissus bad folk, the best; and Peter if ever he had come there had done as much. So when Constantine removed to Bizantium; his house and lieuetenant of Rauenna, confirmed the Popes, whose election should be authentical: so when Charles the great after the overthrow of Desiderius, king of the Lombardes; and of that kingdom, and came to Rome; Adrian the Father, (when Charles the great confirmed with greater privileges, all that Pipinus had given to Gregory the third) to requite the benefits of Charles, calling an hundred and fifty Bishopps, maketh a Perpetual decree. Nullum posthac fore, neque aliorum Templorum Antistitem, nisi quem Carolus, successoresque eius sciuerint & iusserint; refragantes huìusmodi patrum, decreto, diris deuoti, est nisi resipuerint adiecta proscriptio.

That is:

That there should be no B. of Rome, nor of other Churches, except him whom Charles and his Successores should know and command (to be so.) They that withstand such a decree of the Fathers, are cursed; and unless they repent, a proscription is added.

This constitution subtle Popes, in great dissensions of Princes, brake: yet in the year 1314. Loduike Bauaras, restored the Empires right (much blotted) unto his whiteness: against John 12. for when he was excommunicated of the Pope. for entering into Italy with an army: and for setting Gouetners over Villages and Towns against his will. And because he praesumed as soon as he was chosen, before he was commanded of the Pope, to take upon him the name & right of the Empire; He with the Counsel of his Nobles made one Petrum Corbariensen, a minorite, Pope: using his ancestores authority & manner. And assembling men that knew divine and human Laws, showeth that the Pope hath no right above Caesare: But clean contrary, the Pope with all spiritual high & low, should be subject to the higher power. Thus dealt this good Emperor; mild enough; or rather, too mild. And S. Paul borne to be a Bishop of Rome, in Tarsus, free in Rome, told the same, Rom. 13. as he told from, 2 Thes. 2. howe thence man of sin would arise. If 2 Thes. 2. had been read of all Children, since S. Paul wrote, aged, moo then the Stars of Heaven, a million for a Star, had known what the Pope is, and equal guilty, Cardinales; And our Archbuyshopps in his canones, damned by common Laws, following the light of God's engrauement in souls. All Scholars that will be overruling Civil matters, unable to show skill in the Law, of one Yod or Prick, as our Lord's speech requireth. Mat. 5. and will Archbuishopps be, and urge athean oaths, and imprison better lettered by many years study then themselves: and pine in Prison unto death, full many which hold the truth of redemption in trades life better then they; are, in the Popes Giltinesse here: and speak from the Dragon: And are sure to go with both into eternal flames. The learned know that they to whom I now give the Anathema Maran Atha, will sooner go to Bantam to fetch pepper, then reply. And as Ovid. speaketh, that while the Roman Empire standeth, his fables should stand: so while the world standeth, our reuiuers of Dracons bloody laws, & others to profane God; shall stand, in this my blame, in my defense for our King and nations integrity.

By what Iudaique cursedly revived Ceremony, the chief divinity D. of Rome, bewitched Emperors: to give a spice of countenance, that the Pope was above the Emperor.

In Judah; Kings were anointed with oil, prescribed by God, to Moses: and it was death to imitate that oil. The Thal. hath a full treatise of that. Thence all of wit will fetch it: No King was ever anointed with this, but Kings in hazard; King Moses was not, King Jesus was not, King Samuel was not, Saul not accepted was, David not accepted was, Solomon in hazard by Adonijah was, and Joash for Athalias stir was. All this God alloweth. By the Peoples authority wicked Ioachaz, two years younger then his brother, more wicked Joakim, was: all these, to avoid dissention. So annointment was still the token, of a person doubted: whether the people should accept him, or not. Now the Patriarke of Constantine: beginning annointement, of Emperors: as in Iustinius, the uncle of Justinian, fame goeth; challenged herein no superiority, but would have the Emperores that requested the Churches favor, If they were stained in open blame, to want that good will, till open repentance came. This had zeal and man's wit: but God forbiddeth to imitate Aaron's ceremonies: namely in oinctments. No chest, might be made like the Ark: no candlestick; no Table; no curtain; no building, like the holy. Touching our manner in England, think it began in token of freedom: as not under the Emperor, but equal. But seeing Priests were the annointers, Locusts NOW in flames eternal: it should, with sacrifice, Aaron's cope, Levites linen, and name of Priest be left off: If my poor opinion were worthy of accompt: if quietly they might: otherwise ceremonies of force were broken: as in David's eating of the show-bread: and being deadly for use: as circumcision for Galatians; yet in Timothy was repeated. So the wicked books of the Apocrypha whereof none have one syllable of Christ: (though Galatinus would bring Baruch to him: In, God will be seen upon earth ) because the fables spake of Jews stories (whose truth heathen denied) were received for men's weakness. But when Greeks would make jarring sayings, true divinity: Jews told Hagarenes their judgment was weak: and so there the Gospel found contempt: since the Pope anointed Emperores of weak authority: after he deceived the Empire: For 200. yea. war that weakened West Kings, the oinctment was pleaded for a token of superiority; that the beast coming out the earth, might have two horns like Christ's.

When Israel's state came far badd; holy Elias made fire come down from heaven: In memory of that story; John saw in his vision fire come down from heaven: betokening thereby any signs. Saint Paul told this in propriety, that by false signs wicked Romylus, (Isaiah 11. in the Venice Chaldee ) should deceive, if possible, the very elect: because they would not receine the love of the truth: as Solomon warneth Ephraim, Prov. 3. the Emperors strife was with the Popes for Auctority, little or nothing for Divinity, where they should have been of best judgment: as Charles the great was of great judgment; that the Popes for fear of fall, by resisting a learned Emperor, decreed for him and his successors, (as I shown,) confirmation of Popes, that should serve in Rome.

Of Papists miracles.

Never any commented upon any text, Bible, or Law, as the Papists do upon their Miracles. The Jesuits in the Indianes do such strange Miracles, that Lucian de vera historia, would as well seem true: as noble learned Saddeel nippeth Turrianus. And at dinners and suppers instead of the Bible, they read the stories of their own Miracles. So the Lady of Hales, made Iustus Lipsius, of a quicker spirit to his style: as Bacchus made Ennius. And cripples come to Hales: but go away leaping: So at Colen in a stage play, cripples came to S. Laurence, and went a way leaping. So in Walsingam: The Host was carried in Cambrige over the market place, in a coffer by two strong men: and presently became so heavy, that both they could not carry it alone. And when they put drakes fresh blood to the wine: all (but Heretics) may see the very wine, lively blood. That men sware by the blood of Hales: I heard a man, (in the ende; of true faith, and fatherly carriage Rich. Meneuensis ) say: how his conscience pricked him, when to Mass he used drakes blood. I know not but by confession, whether this be true or no. At Mainz towns end Eastward, in the brim of the fields, standeth a low cross of stone: That way I walked with two Jesuits, and a proselyte, whose commendation from the Pope to the Bishop; and they then sitting with me on a green, desired to read from Latin to Hebrew, for to plead for a principal Cardinalship. Of that stone cross, Pater Nicolaus Serarius said, thus: Once a man drunk, armed with a sword stroke this cross: and it poured out blood: and pursuit was made after the man: and he was executed.

Then said I; let the Bishop, and all his Canons, that be not Lutherans (I know they will not try) take swords and strike all the cross, and if it shed one drop to my sight: I will accept the Cardinalship offered: and be of your faith: as I am of Saint Peters faith already: and believe no more then Epiphanius, that he was ever at Rome: as he cared no more for Clemens Alexand. then did Patriarch Photios: and less of Tertullian, hurt by Montanus. The only auctores that Eusebius could bring for Peter to have been at Rome. And that strength being broken, all further testimonies are but wind. The Talmud in San▪ requireth in testimony eye-sight. And for the new Moon (though they knew the Mathematiques) they used two men's testimony that they saw the Moon (unless clouds hindered) before they ordained the feasts celebration: so God would have the People to hold their eye-sight judge: as all simple must plead sure faith. So, strike you this cross and make blood come forth to two witnesses: which by Moses Law must be my warrant: and then I will be of S. Peters faith in your sense. Of the Catholic faith I am, and of the ancient faith, which holy Paul of Tarsus, Gygs land; and holy Luke of Magogs land, in Syria, taught and wrote from Moses and the Prophets. Ep. 2. 20. Make blood come out of this stone, to my sight and I will be a Pseudo-Catholic as ye are: upon this we turned to read the proselytes letters: For whose testimony that I might have had a Cardinalship principal at Rome. One M ^r . Murton of Yorkeshiere, desired me to go to Mainz, with him to hear that asked: and took occasion in speech of Cardinales, to ask what mine had been worth: then said he, about 18000. french Crowns. But I shown that God's word was plain, to all of the tongues study: and pure in all rules, to convert any well meaning heart: & perfect to guide, through the whole course of life. I wish others to believe their miracles as I do, who know that God made sense a divine testimony: that a man convicted upon two witnesses, convicted to worship bread and wine, should die the death. The Gospel thrice, and S. Paul 1. Cor. 11. tell that JESUS gave bread and wine, and that the Disciples drank what he gave. That no miracle was here, but the native manner of a Covenant. And if the Apostles or Greek Fathers had said; The Bread and Wine were altered, from their taste, or nature, for so much: heathen would have sworn, the world never bare wickedder Magicians: nor worthier of death by Moses Law: which Christ gave, as eternal God, and came as man, to be judged of man, how he did perform all: so that the native power of reason which he planted in all souls, should judge of him; that he performed all justice, to plain capacity of all nations: and required none to believe further then logique common; to every man, would require assent: or tell of open rebellion against the truth.

This also was a great miracle that Emperor Henry the VII. next Albertus; in seditions, coming to Italy where 60. yer. Emperores absence, gave the Pope much authority, when the king of Sicily, Robert; made stirs: and the Pope Clement, V. favored him, as a vassal, of the Church; and then kept at Avigno: he commanded both by the oath of fidelity, to keep the peace. He answering that he would take no such oath: yet (by persuasion) would take the crown of him, was soon after of Cardinales, by Dominican Bernehard poisoning the Hostia, or the Sacrament of the Altar, sent to Hades: because he would be bound to no man. The beast with two horns, like a Lamb, in truth the Dragon let loose, after 1000. yea. Apoc. 20. did this miracle: The like was done to our K. John, who shown in the Abbot of Glassimbury, little good will, to make Popes too fat. And their daily miracle told afore, of the Sacrament of the Altar, that men must believe they have no sense; this Simon-Magus-bewitching of men; by Moses Law should put them to death: howe they would make their Images sweat; by a fire and water, hid behind them, in the Vestrie, and tell how the saints were angry, that men had no more zeal to offer to them; these were commonly known to them, that lived in our Fathers days: before valiant King Henry VIII. brake both the Popes horns, and ate the flesh of the beast. If Erasmus Roterodamus, had lived to this hour, he could never have jested enough, with the Popes false miracles: as Saint Paul termeth them. Yet to this day every where Papists brag of their religion, as proved by miracles: and so, they prove their doctrine to be new. Miracles are to be wrought at the first delivery of doctrine. When Adam first sacrificed, fire from heaven kindled it: and Abel's sacrifice respected of God, (are in Octaplo,) were fired by God. That fire was kept until the flood. Then again, Noes sacrifice was kindled from heaven: And that fire was kept by great SEM, or Melchitzedeke. Abraham sacrificing, had fire first (in record) from heaven: and in Moses & Solomon, that is expressly told, and thence gathered to the former: so when the Jews came home from Babylon, they sacrificed: no mention is made of their fire. Their private story, Salseleth, Hakabala saith, they had fire form heaven. The abridgement of the senseless writer Jason of Cyren, called the second of Maccabees: telleth an old wives tale, of fire, turned as unto salt, and set against the sun, and so brought to inflame the sacrifice. Archimedes fire that set Roman ships on flame, at Syracusa, with a Crystal Glass of narrow passage for the sun beams, should have been as holy a fire, as that of Iasons fable: yet the Pope maketh great accompt of this invention: as being so true as his miracles: whereby he would prove new sacrifice. Before the flood, Adam living longe to teach the truth, and the creation being all miraculous, we have no properly told miracle, but our father Henochs assumption. Abraham reviving the world, did miracles: so Moses beginning a new state: and JESUS in his noble conquest, in staying Sun and Moon: and Samuel at Saul's installation. Hezekiah in great fall of ten Tribes captived, had the sun turned back ten degrees. To Babel the fire was quenched, Dan. 3. and the King made as a beast, chap. 4. Daniel stoppeth Lions mouths: and an handwriting damning the state, chap. 5. Thus to nations first motion, or fall miracles are given: but to confirm no other religion, then agreeth with Adams. But the Pope will daily transubstantiate, and make a Lynceus believe he cannot tell whether he see Bread and Wine: and so make a sacrifice, as calling fire from heaven: which must kindle every sacrifice. And whereas eye-sight is God's Testimony by Creation, law, and allowed ever, even in the seal of the Covenant, which may contain no matter litigious; He breedeth wars, to make hail & fire mixed with blood. All this Doctrine is from the mouth of the Dragon.

The earth, is the profane common world, opposite to the Church: The Image respecteth, Dan. 2. as the beast looked to Dan. 7. So the Pope shall challenge power to make Imperial state; termed Image, Daniel. 2. Padeuicius lib. 3. Capter 10. In Lotharius saxo, handled a plain story for this prophecy. Lotharius saxo, by persuasion, or superstition, cast himself at the Popes feet, as he took the Crown. The Romistes to make this a matter praeiudiciall to other Emperors, set up a picture, when Lotharius was gone with this inscription.

That is,

Frederick the first was angry; saying, To be the Popes man, was all one, as to be his servant, or subject: The Pope once took away the Picture: but soon after fearing, lest the Emperors courage would wholly shake him off: thought to bridle him at the first; and upon strife, by letters, he warned him, that he should have before his eyes, how he had received the ensign of the Imperial Crown from him. And a stir rising against this one of the Legates said;

That is:

The Roman Empire was translated from the Greeks to the Almanies: that the King of the Germans, should not be called the Emperor, before that he was crowned by one Apostolic. Before the consecration he was King; after, Emperor: whence then hath he his Empire, but from the Pope? By the election of his Princes, he hath the name of King: by the consecration of the Pope, he hath the name of Emperor, and Augustus, and Caesar: Therefore by the Pope he rules: search antiquities. Zacharias promoted Charles the Great, he gave him the name of Grande, that he might be Emperor: and that ever after, the German King should be Emperor; and advocate of the Apostatique sea. That Apulia, brought to peace by him, should be subject to the Roman Bishop, which is the Popes together with the City of Rome, & not the Emperors. Rome is the Popes seat: The Emperors seat is Aquis in Arduenna, which is a wood in France. That which the Emperor hath, he hath wholly from the Pope: as Zacharias translated the Empire from the Greeks, to the Germans, so now the Pope can translate it from the Almaines to the Greeks. Lo, it is in his power, that he may give it to whom he will: and for that cause he is ordained by God above nations, and Kingdoms, that he may build and pull down, plant & root out.

This Oration of the Popes Legate, maketh a most lively commentary upon the text following.

He quickeneth the Empire, to have power of life and death against the reiecters of his allowed Emperor: till he depose him, and set up others.

Of subjection in all matters to the Pope.

Mark, in the hand; is oth of fidelity, and subscribing to his Supremacy. When Emperor Henry VII. refused to take oth of fidelity, to obey Clement VII. he was soon after poisoned in the host, transubstantiated from wholesome bread into poison. Because he called great Assemblies and Scribes; and answered, that this was a new matter: and not seen in his praedecessors age; That the Prince of princes, and Lord of the world, should be bound by an oth of fidelity, to the servant of servants. The vicar, of the Dragon who was a murderer from the beginning, shown all his conscience; that pretending to give Christ our life, gave death. After Henries death, Clemens being terrible, that Emperors should be redier, to swear unto fidelity to the Bridgemaker of Rome, putteth forth the contents of that oth.

That is:

That Caesar defend the Roman Church, expel haeretiques, nor have any commerce with ungodly men, that he should preserve the privileges once granted to the Roman Church, at what time soever; and especially those, which proceeded from Constantine, Charles the Great, Henri, Otho 4. Frederik the secund, Rodolph: and that he challenge not any right or power, upon any title over those privileges and possessions of the Church of Rome. That also he defend the rest of the Churches wheresoerver, their liberties, their laws, &c. In Clem. sub Tit. de iure.

Thus Emperors must defend all Popes Laws: by which all his foes and haeretiques, cannot buy nor sell. And all must have auricular confession: and all housekeepers must pay a ricks-penny for every chimney: and Priests be the exchequer men: & Chancelors for ecclesiastical praefermēts; Buyshoprickes, Abbeies, &c. that Kings and Emperors should have but small force. And the Locusts should have the Lions teeth, to hold fast all that they caught: and should be like Horses praepared to wars: and should have Crowns upon their head, thought their King called himself, the servant of servants: and bare the face of a mild private man: the Locusts had wings of Camps, and the breast plates of iron, to command war & peace as they would: that none should be in the Commune Weale, but of their mark, by oath, & subscription, or whole profession.

Of the mark in the forehead.

Aaron his garments contained the sum of religion: whereof one part, was a plate of gold in his bonnet, thus engraven: HOLYNESSE FOR THE ETERNALL. That is expounded, chap. 14. where the Christians hating Idolatry, have the name of God written in their forehead. As God will make known who be his: and all who call upon GOD must depart from wickedness. So here the having of his name in the forehead, is the profession of his decrees. The saying of Ave Marie, went over all, to the poor beggars: and reverence to the Cross: and coming to their most wicked Mass: and refraining from reading God's Book, but for licenced: and auricular confession: briefly, all differing from their Dracoes laws, was an heretic, and might neither buy nor sell.

Of the name of the beast, and the number of his name.

That is, his own name: So usual in states, the Antecedent is for the relative; as Daniel chap. 9. The Governor shall destroy, the Governor own people: for his own. Through the Bible, the names given by the holy, abridge the sum of their life, God called the first man ADAM: which is also our commune name, MAN: to tell us every moment, that dust we are: and to dust we must return. Seth bare a warning, that only some of his should be settled, when the flood made a mood of all the earth. Enoch telleth of sorrow: (that profaneness sprang instead of calling upon the name of God:) Cainan telleth of Lamentation due for that; Mahal-el, how the Almighty bringeth a mixture by water, upon all. Iared how all goeth down: He nameth his son Enoch consecrated to God, to be an only man in the cursed world: and he told in his sons name, when God would send the flood, Methu-Schelach; when he is deadp, resently God sendeth it. Lamech, borne in time of all sorrows, in his days the fathers died: and all to every soul that called upon God: and looked to save their life by the Ark; else they had come to Noë: to have gone into the Ark. Noë is conforter. All these be fathers to all in the world; and all degenerate, who desire not to know the reasons of their names. So through the Old Testament the faithful printed faith and story in their children's names. And the Book of numbers, hath under proper names moo sentences of faith then would make a great volume. So that without Hebrew much of the Bible will be unknown. So before the Captivity of Babel the Godly gave names to their sons, showing hope of their defense, and help by Elam, of whom came Cyrus: one long before called his son, Elam, another also calleth his son, Elam: for instruction that Elam should send the Jews home. And God blesseth these two with most issue, Ezra. 2. Another calleth his son Bagoas: by a famous Persian name. Another calleth his son Adonikam: God standeth above all. Now the sons of Adonikam were 666. God then meant to apply that to further matter: as sevens in the Bible call into mind the first Sabbath, rested in hope of Christ; so sixes, are commonly a memory of the sad fall, and used in sorrow. Holy Lamech lived years 777. then he rested. In the six hundredth of Noë, the flood came. Nebuchadnezzar his cursed Image, was in height, 60. cubits, In breadth 6. cubits. The gold brought from Ophir to Solomon, was 666. talents: as no long blessing, when after his death, Sysac King of Egypt, hath all of the Temple for a spoil. Now, Adonikam his sons, 666. might show that God would use that text to some sad matter. Let us now examine the words of the Text.

Adams wisdom is shown equal to Angels, in giving names to beasts and fowls, according to their nature: so that man's first wisdom appeared how his soul bare the image of God, in fit names. His holy sons followed that: and all of wisdom will examine what names they have given: and see which of all them will fit the beast here: the man's name may soon be found by 666. for only ADONIKAM of a man hath that number. Now the wisdom standeth in the nation of Adonikam: how the beast that hath horns like a Lamb is fitted to that. Let us have our stories, to show how the Pope is fitted to this. Innocentius the third bragged to Emperor Philip, that he would take from him the Diademe of the King, or he should take from him, the Apostolical (Apostaticall) ensign. Christ saith; by him, Kings reign and Princes decree justice. And he is truly ADONIKAM: Lord, standing up sure; for defense of his. And Innocentius of Adam, the earthly, of Enoch the sorrowful: he will be ADONIKAM: simply, a Lord standing sure: and have two horns of the Lamb, though he speak like the Dragon. Mark another; when Albertus son to Rodulph, following his fathers Example, sought by entreaters the confirmation of his election of Boniface the eight, which bragged that he was Lord of the whole world; Then Boniface coming forth girded with a sword, and wearing the Imperial Crown, crieth with a tyrannical voice: EGO, SVM CAESAR ET PONTIFEX: and in a chafe he rejecteth the election, which was made without his Authority, as of no force, and frivolous, and refuseth the confirmation: and called the Emperor a murderer: so this Boniface had as brazen a face as Boniface the third, which bought supremacy of the murderer Phocas: and vaunting that he is, TOTIVS MVNDI DOMINVS, LORD OF THE WHOLE WORLD, the name of the MAN which hath 666. attributed, ADONIKAM, will be his name; with the two horns of the Lamb.

A repetition of the term Rock.

Speciallie, the term Rock, claimed of the Pope, to be his name, proveth him to have this name, or notation of ADONIKAM. In this Conceit thus he reasoneth.

• Peter is the Rock,
• The Pope is as Peter. Therefore
• The Pope is the Rock.

So the Pope maketh himself God, who only standeth sure: ADONICAM.

A digression to a disputation at Mainz, in the Promotion of a graduat in their commencement. 1601.

At Mainz in salvation year named, a commencer gave the question. I then printing in their own Town, a Greek Oration of all my grounds in Religion, was requested by Pater Nicol. Serarius their D. principal, to come to the cōmencement. There they requested me most vehemently to dispute: that Rector made short the first reply. And I took the second. This was the question.

Promotus. I deny the assumption:

Reply. The term Rock is never used in commendation, of Holiness and Constancy, but in God only: and is in the Law Deut. 32. six times translated 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : But the Greek Lxx. durst not translate it so, lest the Heathen should say: The Jews worship a Rock for God: as the Jews in Yerushalmi in Abodazara, charge Heathen to make Godds of Rocks. So the Greek translation deceived the Greeks: and they hold all faithful, Petres; and Andrew before Peter, was Petra. In Photij Bibliotheca. But said I, Petra is God; Petros is one, that is made 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to Christ, that is, godly. But in all the scripture, PETRA, is praise of holy Constancy, unspeakable, which is never bestowed upon a Creature. For the ground of Israel as quarry whence they came, as cut out: Abraham and Sarach is made the quarry: as of one quarry yielding many. This tendeth only to multiplication: as of Deucalion, and Pyrrha, cast stones over their head.

But touching Abraham, excepting faith, how much he missed in duty towards God; Rabbi Bechaia, doth so handle his weakness in leaving Sarah to shame, that for that, all the harm of his seed leaving God, and afflicted in Egypt did proceed. So no man may plead the term Rock, any commendation to them two. Otherwise it is never spoken of any bare Creature.

Answer. It is.

Reply. The text will never be brought forth, while the sun shineth, here he was dumb: convicted upon, nihil dicit. Then he said, God communicateth his proprieties with us. As God is good, and men some.

Reply. Never is this in one, only. The Angels are called the sons of God: But never one particular: so the faithful are the sons of God: But no particular man, But, the son eternal, in whom they that trust are happy. So your condemnation is sure, that ye are God's enemies: in making Peter God, and your Pope. God being only MICHA-EL: and a man. Michael. as Michaelis, belonging to God, Adonikam as in the possessiue: belonging to God which standeth sure: But seeing you have missed herein: I will try you in another argument.

• If Rome crucified Christ: it is impossible for his unchangeable justice, not to plague Rome, while the world standeth: though Pilate washed his hands: in the end he killed himself▪ and Pilate's Vicars that wash themselves in titles of holiness, they run to eternal destruction.
• But Rome crucified Christ.
• Therefore it is impossible for Christ, to bless Rome with any praerogatiue.

In wrath he remembereth mercy in every place: but the main of justice still abideth. Ioctans sons yielded to Nemrod, to build Babel, for worship to stars. When all these holy Fathers were alive to dissuade them, Noë, Sem, Arphaxad, Selah, Heber: other faithless had not so many holy to dissuade; Nemrod, had but Cham and Cush, both wicked So of Cham by the Mother, all Israel and our Lord cometh. And for the Centurion, Math. 27. that acknowledged Christ to be the Son of God. And the Centurion, in Capernaum, Luc. 7 who built the Jews a Synagogue, and loved the nation, and passed all Israel in faith, Math. 8. And Cornelius, in Cesarea that feared God with all his house, Act. 10. And for Sergius Paulus in Paphos, which sent for Barnabas and Paul, and desired to hear the word of God, and believed. Acts 13. And for Lysias in Jerusalem, Act. 23. And for Julius the Captain was so careful for S. Paul, that for his sake, the life of the prisoners were spared. Act. 27. God would not record this, but to save millions of millions of Rome's Clients for S. Paul: but for the unthankful to S. Paul, and forgets that Peter was at Rome, (who never came near it) he still reserved Pilate's holiness; that Popes self-murder, should be the reward. To this effect I spake.

That is: Where the LAW, distinguisheth not, you ought not to distinguish: but we take that, which you grant. As it is the fear of the Empire it is cursed. But the Pope is Caesar, and chief Bishopp, and Lord of the world. Ergo, he is most of all detested of God, and ye are all alike. And whatsoever wickednesses the Apocal. doth foretell; ye being separated from our English Religion, many (of those wickednesses) are yours and unpleasing to us, ye shall maintain the cause of all those. And in our departure from you, I will maintain the cause of Geneva. The Senate of Geneva hath approved my writings. Henceforward, ye shall dispute to your positions, not to Calvin.

These arguments fitted to this question I had: which the Jesuits void of envy, celebrated over Europe. But Midae Thersitae Satyroscoptae Ptoliporthi, marred success, being amazed to hear that all Papists and Protestants who granted not, that the Creed speaketh of the holy souls passage to the holy: be Atheists. The Jesuits gave me leave to print all my religion, & allowed my Latin Concent: specially upon Daniel chapter 9. So for ADONICAM, they grant all, or in reply must combat: which to do, D. Iahannes Pistorius refused being a challenger. So as none is the ROCK but Christ: and ADONICAM but Christ. The Pope challenging to be the Rock, and to stand up Lord of all; is in wisdom guilty of challenging, the name with the attribute 666. claiming the horns of the LAMBE: which is all one as to be ADONICAM. Thus John speaketh plainly, to the Jews nation: which in their names contained the sum of their story.

These two Chapters well read, had made the Pope well known, to be Pilate's successor, not Paul's: Peters he could not be; that never came near any part of Greek land. How God hated Rome, it may appear: that S. Paul being willing of a long time, to confirm the Christians there, having no Christian Synagogue, and yet famous over the world. God would not, till the Jews came to all extremity of shame, suffer Paul to go to Rome: & Paul's warning that he should bring Christ's name before Caesar, and his desire to build where none laid foundation, & to confirm them of Rome, and writing an Epistle to teach the first Principles: and his mention of bringing Christ's name into the Palace, as not known there before: and the ignorance of the Synagogue, Acts. 28. that knew not what the Gospel meant, but that it was in every place gainsaid. This showeth that Peter was never at Rome. And Saint Paul's journey telleth Rome that God hated them. If he had not been sought to be killed, Lysias had not sent him to Cesarea: and if the Jews had not again there sought to have killed him, he had not appealed to Caesar. God would not that he should come to Rome, but upon extremities. So the journey thither (shown that Christ hated the City that crucified him) was strange in calamities: and Paul was brought thither as a prisoner, and kept in prison, though somewhat free.

What this song was.

Through the whole scripture this song is one and the same: that JEHOVAH, our GOD, JEHOVAH is ONE: The FATHER, the SON, the Holy Spirit, be one, Coaeternall and Coessentiall: the SON is called the WORD; by the WORD the Father made the World, and by the Spirit beautified the heavens. And because the WORD would become flesh, the World was made to serve once Adam the first. The Angels that grudged at that, fell forever: and deceived Adam: and made him dead in sin: and brought him to be turning daily to dust until he died, and for him the whole frame of the Creature, was pronounced corrupt. But he believed that Christ, made of a woman, made under the Law, God being in him to reconcile the World to himself: should give Adams soul justice by faith, should raise up his Body, and make a new World: by his power, whereby he can subdue all things to himself. This is the sum of the song; told through all Books of the Bible.

A Digression to show the Concent of all the holy Books.

Geneses showeth, how by the WORD of JEHOVAH, the heavens were made, and all the settled army of them, by the Spirit of his mouth: and when man fell; the WORD telling, that to destroy the works of Satan, he would be made flesh, and have a Tabernacle in us. In which point, the Fathers faith, unto the charge of Joseph's bones to be carried unto the Land, wherein our Lord's resurrection should be a Testimony of a new World: taught by Joseph in his bones, long after his death. By faith, he taught by his dead bones, of the new world: and therein Geneses end, hath a new Geneses. All simple, should learn CHRIST from the Gospel of Geneses: where his Godhead so familiarly, delited in the holy, Prov. 8. and shown in appearances, that he would be man. All young men brought up to be Bishops of the Kings armies, or Church: would rejoice to have learned Geneses in Hebrew by heart. In old age they should gather the fruit.

Objection of them, that are not bought from the earth.

S. Jerome saith: Jews read not the three first chapters of Geneses, till they be 30. years old.

Answer. None should cite Jerome to make him a fool, or to win the Whetstone. Maymony, in Morch Nebuchim hath this sentence, that none, did Darash, read (as a Doctor expoundeth) Genes. 1. and 2. and 3. and Ezech. 1. before he was aged 30. So S. Jerome meant. Jews all teach their Children, from seven to read all Moses. It were better that Rome, were with Helice and Bura, then Popes should be suffered, so to bring most wickedly the word of life into a deadly hatred.

Of Job.

Job, is a book for all holy to take notice of; for instructing their families in the knowlede of Christ: which Abraham carefully did, as God testifieth; the comfort of it their posterity shall find: as the book setteth forth the faith and love (the effects of the Gospel. 1. Thes. 1.) of his posterity; even before the Law was given; to show that the godly had always the Law written in their hearts, 2. Cor. 3. Ier. 32. Rom. 2. Job, is a patron to all the faithful; in prosperity, for love, compassion, justice and equity, &c. in his afflictions, his faith and hope in the Redeemer the seed promised, whom he knew would take our nature upon him to dy for him, and by his Godhead raise himself from death, and that by his resurrection, he should be raised in the last day, & be made like his glorious body; and that he ever lived to make intercession for him: these things were his comfort in his greatest miseries: and patience and constancy, the fruit of his hope, he shown Rom. 5. and commended to us I am. 5. And in Job, God describeth the state of the Church, now flourishing, now wholly afflicted: yet by faith in the Redeemer find recovery unto eternal life. Briefly, the whole book is a divine commentary on Geneses, both for Creation and Redemption.

Of Exodus.

Exodus showeth how God performed promise to Abraham of multiplying his seed: of their affliction in Egypt: (for his heinous sin as Rabbi Bechai saith, in giving Sarah to Pharaoh ) of revenging Egypt: of bringing Israel thence, by the blood of the Lamb: & drowning Pharaoh, where they sang the song of the Lamb. The Tables with letters 613. Vowels & Accents, as we have this day, in the same form in the first Law, teach how we come from the Egypt of this World: and the Tabernacle, how the WORD would have his Tabernacle in us.

Rome's error against this song of the Lamb: barbarous.

Their Latin saith The dwelling of the Children of Israel while they dwelt in Egypt, was 430. year. yet Cohach came with Jacob, Gen. 46. and lived but 133. year. Amram 137. Exod. 6. Moses 120. Deut. 33. all in extremity maketh but 390. year. So Moses must be buried 40. year. before he received the Law. So the Pope maketh all the Old Testam. nothing worth. Saint Paul maketh it but 430. year. from the Promisse, Gen. 12. unto the Law, Gall. 3. 17. So the Pope would make both Testaments, of small force: as his knights, in Gen. 3. say, she shall bruise thy head, to be the ground of hope: that so, the Virgin Marie might lawfully be worshipped.

Error Athean.

The heavy Commandment, Thou shalt not make unto thy self any graven Image: in the Popes decalogue is left out. The Chaldean who destroyed the Temple, that all of Gold was carried to Babel: so the covering of the Ark, and the rest of the Gold: that the timber, and Tables seem broken by the wicked: those wicked are not more wicked then the other Babylon in a mystery, which to receive Idolatry, would take away one commandment from the ten.

Of Leviticus.

When the Tabernacle was set up, the voice of Christ, which was terrible on the mountain, speaketh softly to Moses how Levi should cōtriue all the Law by sacrifice hither: that when the Jews had destroyed Christ his Tabernacle, he would raise it again the third day: and end Leuies trade: and the Angel commenting upon Levite. 26. telleth the very hour when Christ by death would end sacrifice and offering.

How the Pope disannulleth all Leviticus.

The Pope will have Priest, Altar, Cope, Leuitique linen, flesh of Bread and Blood of Wine, to be for sacrifice; against all the light that Christ planted in souls, for sense of eye sight, taste, feeling, smelling and hearing of words: and common reason, when words of possessions must be expounded, lawyerlike: not in natural sort. He that should urge natural propriety in this. Jeconiah begat Salathiel, should bring infinite absurdities upon the genealogy. He is more senseless that knoweth not speeches of a covenant, how the thing signifying, hath the name of the signified. Typus, antitypus, simbolon, Icones, old greeks Dionysius the forged, Origen, Eusebius, Nazianzen, Theodoret. &c. could term the Bread and Wine, seals of ending Moses Policy, which had the authority of God, equal in wisdom to his wisdom in the Creation of the World. Now where God endeth all sacrifice, and Moses policy, performing by our Lord's death and testifying by S. Stephens martyrdom. Thence the beast arising from the profane earth, would with the mouth of the Dragon, erect a policy over the World; to make by Satan imitation of Moses policy, to turn all Common weals to apish mockage, of the sage wisdom in Moses: unto the deceit of Satan, who transformeth him self into an Angel of light. Thus the harps on Mount Zion, will not agree with the Popes Policy, by Leviticus.

Of Numery.

When Moses had shown in figures, that Christ was to suffer, and being the first from the dead should show light unto the World: the people were to try, whether by this faith, they would conquer Canaan, & not by man's strength. They are numbered in persons, a miraculous number; to proceed in 215. yer. (whence only 70. male souls arose in 215. years) 603550. men of war besides Women and Children. But they misbelieue and so come short.

The Like.

Popery teacheth, that merits of saints, must be helps to conquer the Land of Rest. And trust not to the Promisse given to Abraham.

Of Deuteronomy.

Deuteronomy, repeateth to the sons the fathers religion: in an abridgement: showing that all ages should do soe: and giveth an express Law, that fathers should teach their Children the Law. And so, many psalms, and many places of the New Testament, abridge the heavenly wisdom of God, for all former doctrine.

The Contrarie.

No Cardinales of Rome, nor Princes that gave them honor, knew this much. Therefore their gold is in high gilt.

Of Jesus.

The book of JESUS, showeth how JESUS conquered the Land by a lesser number then the first, that man should not have the praise, but only God. Psal. 44. And their towns 324. as some reckon them, in Chananean names, show all commodities of soil for a land.

The Contrarie.

The Jews were told by David, that JESUS settled not the people in the true rest: but biddeth them enter into a Rest from man's Ceremonies: where Baptism for Circumcision, and Bread with Wine, (tokens as strong as the worlds frame, upon God's word, of life to faithful receivers) are all that religious policy requireth, that we have a Rest from the infinite toil of Moses Policy. But the City that crucified Christ, denieth this Rest: and bringeth from man's wicked brain, wicked toys innumerable, to be religiously observed: whereof the least were as bad as the strange fire that Aaron's sons did kindle.

Of the Book of the Judges.

Joseph in his Beryl, bare the XI I. Patriarchs names: as a King and stay of the common Weale: when the people fell away, other tribes: Judah, Benjamin, Isachar, Zebulon, Nepthaly and Dan in part, and Levi to alteration, upon overthrow, in Eli's sons. The 70. for a special reason, set in Greek for Joseph's Beryl, the Emerauld of Levi, that heathen might not say: the God of Israel did not foresee what would come to pass. Joseph bare the sway: and Ephraim of Joseph carried (except Judah) all tribes landed away. Upon the Greek translation Chrysostom, sharper witted then skillful in the original, in Photios liberary, would make the high sacrificer the stay of the state: where his office was for the World to come; and upon this the Patriarchs would be checking not teaching the Emperor, till both came to naught: as Eli his sons, overthrew all the glory of the states under the Judges. The Pope passeth all Greek Patriarchs over Kings; by whom they stand, and by whose gifts they had means to study the word of God, If they had grace, and to help many lands so to do: that in the Pope (as in Eli's sons,) a fall extreme shall be.

Of Samuel, &c.

When God hastening to show CHRIST from Judah, gave Israel a mind to choose a King: he would give one of Benjamin, that Rachel should be equal to Leah: but soon remove him: then cometh DAVID of Judah: David rare for faith and all humanity: whose Psalms tell of Christ all that can be known: from Stories past, and in Prophecies for the state following. That all men, high and low, rich and poor, should still sing his psalms. And to him, is promised an eternal throne in Christ. Now to prove, that this throne is not for this World. Solomon hath all wisdom, prosperity, and pleasure, and writeth a song of songs, that is all in continued allegories of true souls following Christ: and Proverbs, to warn Ephraim from Idols: and Ecclesistes to tell that all under the sun was vanity. To the same effect the history of poor Ruth, of Lot, leaving Country, kins folk and fathers house, containeth a sage hope in the song for the Lamb. And Solomon's Temple is soon cast off, to be despised, and the Kings of his seed; in 1. and 2. of the Kings; to show that a King of Nathan Solomon's brother, should be the true King; when Solomon's Kings should cause captivity to Babel, and overthrow of all. The Books of Kings, and Chronicles, show that in event. Then Daniel, showeth 7. times over, how under Kings Judah shall be in affliction, till the King of Kings cometh. In Prophecy, Hosea telleth of his salvation, how he shall be called from Egypt, and destroy death, and arise the third day, which matter Jonah in figure experienced before. This salvation Osee teacheth and how Lo-Ammi, should be Ammi, and Lo-Ruchamah, should be Ruchamach. Joel, showeth God's favor for the spirit upon all flesh, to speak of the resurrection, chapter 2. and sharp judgment cited in this Chapter. And Amos, of erecting David's Tabernacle. Isaiah, is an Evangelist from chapter 40. specially chapter 53. and where not: and who is like to Michah, telling Herod of Bethlechem, where the son of David should be borne. Nahum, comforteth the true Jew with the fair feet of them that show peace: and saith: Aggie Aggeicha: festiue thy festiuities; though Nineveh scattered Israel, yet Judah should be built. The name of Aggei the Prophet calleth that into mind. Abbakuk, embraceth the people with comfort against Babel, and leaveth a mess of potage for Daniel, and all good: that, the just shall live by faith. Jeremiah, 40. year. telleth Judah their Ceremonies cannot turn their hearts from strange God's: But Babel shall be their dwelling to consume the wicked, & to show God's glory, where the Tower brought shame to all nations, built to worship Creatures, and to forget the Creator. Tzephain, telleth that (Tze-phan Yah) the eternal hath sealed up judgment for despysing the Redeemer, (taught by the Passover in Josiah's days) therefore he will visit the Kings Children for close Idolatry, the rulers for cruelty, the false Prophets for lying vanities, overthrow the state & carry them to Babel, but after confession of their sin, he will leave a poor and humble people, that shall trust in Messiah the Lord. Obadiah, telleth Edom, that for helping Babel to destroy Jerusalem; by Babel they should be destroyed: yet in time Saviors (that is Apostles) shall come from Zion to conquer and judge them (Luc. 22. 30.) that is, to bring them to the faith, and that, of that Kingdom Christ shall be King. Ezekiel showeth the son of man glorious above the Cherub, Chap. 1. and from 40. a new Jerusalem: and chap. 38. showeth to the eye the resurrection: touching his Jerusalem: S. Peter tuneth the Harp on Mount Zion, that: every prophecy of scripture is not to be expouded properly: because the holy men of God spake carried by the holy Ghost. Daniel, expoundeth him, that the death of Christ shall bring all nations to be an heavenly Jerusalem: Of Daniel I have written more then any since Daniel wrote, how his holy Gospel, showeth Christ unto Children. The Copies of my last edition he that useth, as the Persians the Prophet, shall be commended of me to the God of Daniel, whom he knoweth not. For if he had known him, he would not so have crucified again the Lord of glory. So described king of the Jews, and first named CHRIST, mere properly in Daniel. Ages following shall inquire how God will deal with the men. Aggei, answering in name (as was shown) to Nahums words, showeth that of Zerubbabel, the SIGNET shall come: who shall shake the heaven of the Jews policy; and the profane earth. Zacharias and Malachi, with him, show what Zacharias & Malachi Luc. 1. should learn to begin the New Testament, by the Angel Gabriel, on whom they comment: Ezra, and Nehemiah's, also record his truth, and celebrate the names of the chief returned, and the number of all. And Mordecai, in Esther, telleth how by faith in Christ they escaped the edge of the sword: Thus upon Mount Zion of old, they tuned their harps, in the strang land of this world: knowing that God would receive them hence into his Ourano polin: yet they were not perfected in their music here, to see and feel as 1. John. 1. the word of life. S. Peter writing to poor Jews 2 Pet. 1. commendeth the reading of the old harps, as a light shining in a dark place, till the morning star (Psal. 22. Apo. 2. & 21. and David Kimchi upon Psal. 22.) arise in our hearts.

The Popes contrariety.

S. Peters most deadly enemy the Pope, which would make him the Rock, or God: and will not learn how he expoundeth Rock: to be the Creator. 1. Pet. 4. from 2. Sam. 22. will not suffer the people to read the Law: a Pope or Daemon, openly bent against the goodness of God.

Of the New Testaments music. The Gospel.

The holy Publican maketh in his first Chapter, a stately porch to the new Temple; showing from Abraham to David, that the Fathers of Christ, were all afflicted in this world: and knew the holy Trinity, and foresaw Christ, and his kingdom, which ariseth from David by Nathan: not from Solomon: whose house would not be upright with God. 2. Sam. 23. All be faltie: but Joakim so wicked: that because he overthrew the state; the Jews enacted, not to name him, in their narrations: and so S. Matthew left him out: Now when Nathan's house cometh in, for whom all Daniel's Visions speak, in them we see heaven opened: and howe God sat upon a Throne, as if he were like Jasper and Rubi, with the Rainbow like Moses Smaragd about the Throne: and his harp hath all tunes of Law, till Christ be taken up. So Mark playeth upon Gabriel's harp, Dan. 9. till CHRIST is King in heaven. Luke. playeth first upon the last string of Malachi: and the same tunes as the other two. The Son of thunder beginneth from before the beginning, showing that by the SON, God made the world: and harpeth most upon that string: and teacheth the Pope, that he, not Peter was the best beloved: and needed not a threefold encouragement to feed the sheep. Thus the man Levi; the Lion, Mark. The Ox, Luke; Eagle John, play all David's tunes: That mighty Theophilus saw in everyone, Man, Lion, Ox, Eagle; as Ezekiel chap. 1.

Of the Acts.

The Acts telleth that S. Luke was full of eyes, specially for depth of Hebrew skill. Act. 7. and 13. as in his Gospel ch. 4. which points I touch in a Latin Epistle to PP. of Germany, and to our K. Majesty. The Antiochian showeth how Antiochia first had Christian name: to show that Christ would be great over Magog, Ezek. 39. and he alone was a miracle of God's mercy: But Nicolaus stood not sound: as Antioch by Pride had a fall. Though Peter were there, and an heavenly company: of which if Rome might have bragged, a 1000. Martin Luther's, and Zwinglians, and Martyrs & Bucer's, should not have shaken the Popes pride: who swelleth that Paul comforteth the small Company, who had no Apostles to strengthen, that yet their faith was sounded over the world. And S. Luke endeth in Paul's speech unto Jews, who knew not what the Gospel meant, till he came thither: that the Pope might be ashamed to say that S. Peter was there: whose writing is all in Jews vein; and if he had been there, but one day, the Synagogue had heard what the Gospel was. In that he telleth how S. Paul was borne free in Rome, and thereby found great protection, and freedom, and how Jesus our Savior told, that he should be the Apostle to bring his name before Caesar, & of the famous course, by appeal from Festus to Caesar, known to king Agrippa, by famous nauigation and miracles: these show the Popes badness, that would put all this out of tune: to beg lands to match Emperors, by a lie that S. Peter should be at Rome: whereof God hath not given one syllable of found. The Testimony of Origen, Clemens, Alexandrine, Tertullian, Eusebius, all unsound and nothing worth, without testimony from them that should see him there. The Pope must cut of all the stringes of S. Luke's harp, on mount Zion, and use Poliphemus music to Galatea, from Aetna, if he will stand in his old forgery. Epiphanius would not stay upon that fable: though Latin writers to glory of the West, could foster the fable.

Of the Epistle to the Romans.

As the stringes of the Wolves entralles, will never have concordes with the sheep's, the musical: so the fable from the Pope that believeth not that Christ, is the only Rock. Psal. 18. will never agree with the stringes of S. Paul's epistle. It Catechiseth men, as needy of stay: and telleth of a long desire that way: and giveth express Law, that every soul should obey Caesar, in matters of government: as to Jews not taught in that. And Modestly showeth his reasons of rules fit for simple: though he was persuaded they could teach one another. He had not passed over S. Peter if he had taught them. And he pleadeth for his Bishopric charge over the Gentiles from Jerusalem to Illyrico, all ready gone over: and the Romans to be of his Bishopric where the name of Christ had not been sounded by any Apostle. And in salutations to five and twenty, not one syllable soundeth toward that S. Peter had been, or ever should be at Rome. If the Pope had known IAH JEHOVAH, THE ROCKE OF ALL AGES, this epistle had taught him the Ebrews song: and to avoid them that should make sedition and scandala from this doctrine.

Of the first to the Corinthians.

This teacheth that the authority of Cephas, Paul, Apollos (the cunning lawyer,) might not be of authority: But with express doctrine of Ceph to Rock: whereupon they that build be Cephae set upon the Rock. And for excommunication, he followeth the Synagogues sage manner: That the open Court, not Angelus Ecclesiae should practice it. Though the Pope will be excommunicating kings: which thing Thal. Ieru. in Sanhedrin, holdeth never used nor lawful. Other Thalmudique questions he decideth, many: and for the Lord's supper, putteth transubstantiation out of tune: and showeth how all the Church should be as one body, full of charity and goodness, and exhorteth all to have skill in the Bible.

Of the second to the Corinth.

It continueth in the same tenor: and that afflictions be the adiunctes, to teachers of salvation, not the Popes ease and quietness: and that the Gospel shineth to all, whom the god of this World blindeth not, though ignorance be the mother of the Popes holy devotion.

Against Purgatory.

Where he saith: we know that if this earthly house of tabernack hath an end, we have a building from GOD, an house not made with hands, everlasting in the heavens: The Rock Levite. 26. poureth water of that Doctrine to Moses: So Hades to all godly is heaven.

Of the Epist. to Gal.

Galatae barbarous Canniballs in Strabo, are brought by S. Paul to the Rock of salvation: by faith without works of the Law, and if they stick to any one of them as Circumcision, Christ profiteth nothing. By this Epistle Martin Luther shown the Pope to be an enemy to salvation. And where he saith after many years he found Peter at Jerusalem, and that Peter was the Jews Apostle, to save whom he could before the nation should be scattered. And so he was for Greeks. This water from the Rock should wash away the Popes lies. And the whole Epistle might tell him that he might as well repeat Circumcision as Priest, high Priest, Mitre, Cope, Linen, sacrifice.

Of the Epistle to the Ephesians.

The Epistle to the Ephesians containeth a perfect doctrine of all faith: penned easy for all to learn: and dashing all popery.

The Philippians.

Are taught to rejoice in afflictions: as the martyrs by Rome Apoc. chap. 1. and 7. and 11. and 12. and 14. and 15. and 17. and Paul's afflictions brought the name of Christ into Caesar's palace.

Colossians.

Epaphras brought the Colossians to the Rock: the son of God of whose aeternity and dignity S. Paul speaketh heavenly: and to their building into all riches of full understanding in the mystery of Christ: about deceit of Philosophy, & Jews Ceremonies for meat; the Pope in both matters is busy: that his Wolves stringes make no music, but where Lupa gave milk to Rome builders.

Of the first to the Thess.

They in affliction be an example for the Martyrs in Spain haters of the Popes idols. The last glorious coming of Christ will be their comforts.

Second Thess.

They should not look that the last days were come to the World, as to the Jews Common weal: in Prophets, Genes. chap. 49. Dan. 2. and Ebr. chap. 1. Because not only open tyranny shall try Lions and Oxen: but also mighty deceit (that they which receive not the love of truth, may be damned for love to lies) shall try man, and eagle: and who be full of eyes. From this place Greeks tell Antichrist should arise from Rome: see chapter 2. Th. 2. he maketh the matter plain. So at the first he shown his care for Rome. And as Daniel chapter 2. calleth the Counsel of God in the afflictors wicked, a mystery: eloquent Paul taketh his term thence, teaching that as those matters had a most sure event, even to Antiochus figure of Antichrist, exalting himself above all religion. So when the Emperor should fall: The Papae or Divinity fathers of Rome should be 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , with all force of Satan. That text is an abridgement of the Apocalypse.

First and 2. Timothy, and Titus.

Paul in Timothy telleth all, what great learning they should have, which should govern others: every man of charge is Pakid 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Adams tongue 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the LXX. Elders Acts. 2. and Titus 3. In virtues of regeneration they should be rare: and by study they should be learned. Exod. chap. 18. is the ground Sanhedrin, Maymonie, an explication. Of these the King chiefly was Doctor, Maymonie Hagigah. And Archysynagogus and the rest chose one of their company, to be Sheliach Zibbur, Orator of the congregation: he read the Law: and dealt in exhortation; and all prophesied; and none should rule ouerthe people but in mildness, 1. Pet. 5. Maymon in Sanhedrin whose words for our Athean tyranny, in BB. forcing oaths, &c. I wrote in my Book to I. C. of reverend, memory. Titus is taught the same. Now an ape is liker a man, then the Pope Paul's Bishop; in 2. Thes. 2. 1. Tim. 2. Tim. Tit. The opening of S. Paul by the Talmudiques sitting in Moses chair, would clear him more then all others. He in Greek abridgeth them writing to Timothy and Titus, who knew them at large. Geneva doth well this far: that all should be kept in order: in excommunication far from S. Paul: and in letting the rains to Preachers to be Rome Popes.

Of Philemon.

After he had described the governors, learned, and lovers of the people: he handleth the cause of Servants: from Exod. 21. and Israel servant in Egypt, Exod. cha. 20. whence in Talmudiques, a long common place is of servants. The marrow of all which Gamaliel's Scholar contriueth to one short epistle. And here the gracious providence of Christ, in the notation of Philemon and Onesimus containeth the duty of Master and Servant: so wiseing all to learn Paul's tongue. Philemon is loving: so should every Master be to his servant, Eph. 6. knowing that they have a Master in Heaven. A famous Greek Poet, much cited for Hades, Heaven and Hell, from Sophocles, Herodotus with Menander and Diphilus, was called Philemon. Onesimus is by interpretation profitable: such should all servants be to their masters. Not in ey-service as men pleasers but as serving the Lord. The poor Daughter of Israel in Naaman's house, caused him to seek Eliseus, and GOD: and when he took peper in the nose, for Jordan: his servants overruled him, as Onesimus to salvation. The name Onesimus is in Lysias the Attique: as usual in Greeks, Onesiphorus S. Paul's great helper, is of the same notation.

How the Servant of Servants is Concordant.

The Servant of Servants is such an Onesimus, that he bringeth all to poverty by his treachery: and by his Peter-Pence for Chimineies, made millions of eyes dim with smoke: and can forge Constantine donation for the kingdoms of the West. If Julian had heard any such matter: he had set that among the chief schoffs for his Uncle: But neither he nor any Greeks could hear of such a matter: which all the world had known in Constantine's days, if it had been true. The robber thus recompensed Constantine for bringing in Christian polity: to destroy new Rome, and to root out from the East the holy Gospel.

Of the Epistle to the Hebrews.

From Rome S. Paul the most reverend Papas, that ever was in Rome, (and S. Luke next him) the Hebrew of Hebrews telleth the Hebrews, that were upon revolt: that all Moses Policy ended in Christ: and that no further sacrificer must be on the earth: and that faith giveth true commendation, from the Creation to the Maccabees days, who in Dan. 12. hoped in the better resurrection. In this Epist. S. Paul abridgeth all the Bible.

The Popes Contrarietie.

The Popes whole doctrine, as I shown, would make a new policy over the World by imitation of Aaron: so that he cometh to the height of sin: and denieth the whole doctrine of justification by faith: and that Abraham and the rest went hence to heaven; against S. Paul's expressed words, praetending, chap. XI. II. vlt. Where he speaketh, as through the Epistle, of perfection in the Doctrine: which the Gospel hath above the Law, and not a word, he nor any of reward in the World of souls. Also Augustinus Nabiensis writeth wickedly, that the Greek is a translation: and faulty, in, thou hast made him a little inferior to Angels. He would have it: A little inferior to God, yet Christ could say how in humanity despised he was a worm; as infinitely inferior to his Godhead, though both together make the Person great GOD.

Of the Epistle of James.

S. James frameth his speech to Jews, who knew that no Bishops of Elder, could be above another: and bringeth a Law not to praeferre any before the rich in knowledge: and where Jews then and yet hold that belief in the truth of the Law, and reverence to it, justifieth: as Abr. Sabung in Zeror, writeth of some; and Moses de Kotzi, praef. in Talm. He telleth such a faith is a dead faith: regeneration must follow: as all teach.

Of the first and 2. of Peter.

Both Peters epistles, are written in Jews vein, that by affliction, (not by the Popes pomp) we get heaven: and that Christ took that course being killed in the humanity, and made alive by the spirit (the holy Spirit in the Ethiopian and Oecumenius) in which he went (ten times is that speech of God in the Law) and preached to them which are now spirits in prison: because they believed not when Christ preached in the days of Noë. And, he biddeth us commend our souls to the faitfull Rock, chap. 4. teaching the Pope how he understood the term Rock, to be all one as Creator: where the Pope (as I often told) challenging that name, showeth himself in the Temple of God, as if he were God. And chap 5. he telleth expressly that the chosen Church in Babylon saluted them and Mark. And all speakers be wicked deceivers that use not propriety, where all minds require propriety: and otherwise the whole world should be deceived. And in the second, Bosor, with S. for Y, used only in Arabia, and Chaldea, telleth where he kept.

Of the 1. & 2. & 3. of John.

These be wholly for contempt of this world: and clean contrary to the Popes doctrine: as his Apocalypse.

Of Jude.

He in teaching of Jews fall by the Rebels in the wilderness, by the Angels that fell, and by the unclean Cities, brent from heaven: warneth not to brag that the Church cannot err. And where Jews thought government, a tyranny: he showeth from Talmudique upon Moses Burial Midras Rabba, Aboth Rabbi Nathan and others, that MICHAEL the Archangel, could not suffer Satan to speak slander of king Moses: So he will not suffer Popes to blaspheme Kings. But the Popes understand not so much as Jude’s text: to know MICHAEL to be IEHOVA: but make him a created Spirit: such blind batts they be. And thus all the scripture agreeth as harps to follow the LAMBE: whose doctrine the Pope stayneth by idolatry: that none can understand the drift of the Scripture, but the hundred forty and four thousand.

This speech is taken from the song of songs: which saith, O that he would kiss me with the kisses of his lips, for thy love is better then wine. Thy name is oynctment poured out, therefore the Virgins love thee. Draw me, and we will run after thee. None may think that marriage is a pollution. But this speech is a trope for the virginity of the mind: free from Idolatry, which is spiritual whoordome.

They follow the warrant of God's word for everything, and be bought from men, the first fruits for God and the Lamb, which was a small part of the whole: and they hold no heresy: but hold them only happy whose sin is forgiven, and whose iniquity is covered: as Psal. 32. & be just before God, in the justice of Christ.

The Combat of the 144000.

In the seventh chap, Martyrdom was shown, but without telling by whom. In chap. XI. the Persecuter was told, and the persecuted were called two prophets: and chap. 12. the Persecuter is double, the upper part of the Dragon, and the tail: and the persecuted is the woman, clothed with the sun: but the cause of persecution is not told: chap. 13. describeth the Dragon by sure state, specially in the Empire revived by the Pope: and how no man could live in the Empire, without his profession. Now that it standeth manifestly in Idolatry, that is here told: and persecution is for preaching, that God only must be worshipped, and not the Empire, or Pope, and Idols. For now God will defend his flock which of long time he suffered to be deceived. Now he will judge and defend their cause. The Popes Idolatry is in worship to Mary and creatures, called saints, and in prayer to them: due only to God: creator of all things: of whose power, creatures put us in mind, and he will not our invention. Now of Idolatry, the next Angel telleth, how God will revenge the City.

The old BABYLON now had no authority to force Idolatry: while it was under the Greek Empire, or Turk which hateth Idols. But now Rome beareth sway; so shaken from tongue of scripture, as old Babylon from Adams tongue: which remained in the house of Heber, and far passed the old Babel in Idolatry. Therefore ruyne is spoken, to be sure for it, as fell by Isaiah 21. and Ierem. 51. upon the old Babel.

Patience in this sort here, and faith of the saints was equally spoken of in the profane Caesar's days, here greater terror is set down: and fit warning against the subtle work of Satan by man of sin, to deceive, if it were possible, the elect. One point here is to be noted, that Gehenna is on high, no less then Paradise, as in Levi. cha. 26. before the angry face of God. So the Jews in Cether Malcuth folio 11. hold: that on high, place of torment is, no less then place of joy: They who think that souls descend, and that the holy were in Hell: and after warning hold this, should fear the punishment here described. And the reformed Churches as Zurich, take the wisest order, that destroy all the Popes marks: and most straitly look to scholars carriage twice in the year, and refer all punishments to the Consul: and Synedrion such was the Apostles doctrine, and the Synagogues of old. Great revenues are now most needful: to breed learned to deal with Papist and Jews. But Simon Magus Buyshopps, should have no place in the Church, following the Buy-shopps of Rome, As Ananias the painted wall, and Eleazar his son (in Raba ) caused Jerusalem to be destroyed. So one like may bring an whole nation under curse.

Because in time of blindness, none could buy nor sell in Popes Kingdom, but of his profession; other were killed: here is a sure comfort to strengthen the martyrs: God who knoweth all, being the speaker from heaven: that praesentlie after death they are fully happy, which dy for God's truth, or in faith: to rest from the labors of this life: and their works follow with them: their open profession: that God only is to be worshipped; and their careful life: teaching all, to consider still: as all must dy: so presently followeth judgment.

Comparisons of phrases, for holy souls departed.

When the fifth seal was opened, chapter 6. John saw the souls of them which were killed for the Word of GOD, and for the testimony which they had, he saw them under the Altar: who is Christ. The Talmud of Rabbi Nathan, in Moses, saith, that his soul and all the just, are under the throne of God. So as Saint Paul saith, Rom. chap. 10. The Apostles doctrine is confirmed by Talmudics directly in all things, saving the Person and office of Messias.

Chap. 7. The martyrs have white garments, and palms in their hands: they be before the throne of God, &c.

Chap. 11. They are called up into heaven: and their enemies see them, going up in a cloud. Hence purgatory is confuted: which hath no ground from the Old Testament: as any Talmudique did ever expound it. For Levite. 26. telleth, that hence men go to God's tabernacle to joy, or before his throne to feel eternal anger.

Reuenge: for Christ his Justice.

The cloud is God's chariot, Isaiah 19. as I told chap. 1. and this place telleth what Person was there described. Here he hath a crown of gold, as in Psalm. 20. a token of victory by death: so, chap. 6. In Maym. Poenit. the just have Crowns in the World of souls. So to Talmudiques, the New Testam. would be clear. The sharp sickle, in Joel, is God's vengeance upon Judah's enemies; Assur, the Image, yea and the Image of the beast, here. For he speaketh of all enemies. The roaring like a Lion, and the 7. thunders tell the same thing: and chapter X. and the earthquake: and destroying of them that destroyed the earth.

Reuenge for the prayers of the Church.

The Church be the faithful: the Angel is the representer of their state. So Nebuchadnezzar saw one watchful and holy. Who telleth that his punishment of 7. yer. beastliness, came by the prayers of the just: Spain perceived in the Low Coūtries the force of this: & is like to feel as good at home. What shall befall our Buuy-shop that urgeth better learned to oath then himself, never heard of in Judah by either Testament, and imprisoneth better learned then himself, that will not profane the name of God: & pineth unto death in cruel prison, them who deny him to be lawful Buy-shop, and put by Teachers of salvation from their maintenance 400. What shall become of this man: from whom the heart of a man hath been taken 7. yer. Nabuchad. died two years after he came to himself, so may this man. How prayers of the just be heard, the next verse telleth.

So the cry of the poor ascendeth into the ears of the Lord of Hosts.

Reuenge by the injured themselves.

The faithful here have equal strength: and try combat with Pope: as this year for Clieue: and Iuliaque: All the Protestants against the Pope. Oh that our Albion would thrust in the sickle of good Laws against those Popoi; lest they be still pricks in our eyes, & thorns in our sides; as they have been.

In Daniel, the Angel telleth, chap XI. that in the first year of Darius the Mede, chap. 5. he was a strength and might to him: Jacob had a campe of Angels: which story David turneth to all faithful. One paid Sanacharib: one strengtheneth our Lord: One saved Peter, Act. 12. So here the lively speech of the Angel, is an open token of assistance from the Angels of Christ: as they be all ministering spirits sent forth to service, for them that shall inherit salvation. Angels rule fire: as that which brent Sodom, Gen. 19. and Babel in Xenophon compared with Dan. XI. And water in S. Paul's voyage. So all anger from God is fire: and Angels, his servants.

The sure event.

The City is the assembly of the holy, the place out of it is the dwelling of the faithless: The stadia or furlongs 1600. are taken from the quantity of Canaan: which Talmudiques calling to a square: make Ris, that is Stadion; every way. The place I have cited in my Concent: where I abridge the Apocalypse.

A plain description of the Popes coming up.

Steuchus against Valla reckoning the Countries, which held of the Pope, bringeth them to ten. But we must know, that ten, usually is a great number, about ten, fewer or moo: These kingdoms under the first Caesar's were not so parted: as when Julian the Apostate kept at Paris: who never heard that his Fathers brother, the great Emperor Constantine, gave the West to the Pope: and if any such matter had been, it could never be hid from him. But when the Pope of Rome, by long begging for S. Peter: and so for Monasteries in many Countreies, had gotten much wealth: and ready good wills in Rome and the West, to set up again the Empire at Rome. He picketh quarrels with the Patriarch of Constantinople: for procession of the holy Ghost, and Pascha day, and supremacy: & still of old labored to extinguish the Greek tongue: and purity of Latin: and weakeneth the East Empire, that barbarous Goths reigned: whom to overthrow, Princes gladly join with him: and he with them still for great Countries: that in the end they swear to help him to hold Constantine donation: and to bring the East, the Greek, to agree with Rome. And after 1000. yea. the king of Locusts hath Satan's throne in such power, that his wings be chariots and horses to cause kings to do what he will. As, for Jerusalem wars; to overthrow all their kingdoms. And in these times Satan bare sway, that scant any learned were in the West. But Monasteries and Collegies were built to fortify heresy: that Greek was unknown till our age: and Hebrew to this hour, for skill in the tongue able to hold water: and to make a translation of good warrant, to all learned judgments. In this blindness, still some Abates and such fought well by pen: and at the last by Martyrs: whom the Pope damned; and the secular power put to death. But in the end, Christ by his martyrs roareth like a Lion; and seven thunders tell his anger: & seven Angels pour it out: and men eat the little book of Scripture: and preach to nations and kings, to bethink them, how they did set up Rome.

The phrase is from Babel, Ierem. 51. O thou which sittest upon many waters: and from Dan. 3. These phrases teach the simple how plain God's Law is, lightning the eyes: to call old matters into mind: and to teach by old events, howe other matters will fall out. Moreover, this open speech of many waters, to mean people and nations, would (making a commentary in the margin, upon many places of the old Testament) enlighten much.

Of the Popes fall.

The same kingdoms which cleaved to the Pope for profit or deceit: when they see all profit gone: and how he by terror of forged purgatory gate Princes great lands, will alter their mind to hate the Pope: Many millions in England, hate his keys in Canterburies arms: as a mockage to the true keys of knowledge: so they hate the title grace, in Scotland, as doth the learned M. Meluin; others, hate Leuies Linen, Cope, Priest; and Kneeling at receiving bread, which should be received with most holy judgment, not in the Popes gesture: others, hate the Leprosy of the Apocrypha books: the writers of which show no more faith in Christ then did Flauius Josephus, nor so much. Others, hate the Popes form of prayer: patched up for his use, to content the people, not to spend that time in requiring of them opening of the Bible: And many would have our Bishops caught in praemunire to loose all. Others, make great suit to have their lands. Now if in England, most reverend & right reverend fathers, so learned as they take upon them to be, be so hated, for remnant of Papistry; what hatred shall open Popery have, where the Pope dareth excommunicate kings? Thal. Ierusal. noteth, that the King might not be excommunicated, nor any chief Ruler. But be sagely warned, to keep his house for a time, and to save his honor. But the high Sacrificer was whipped with as many stripes as any other, for his faults, Ierus. in Sanhedrin. But our Pope will be excommunicating kings, without all color of warrant from God: & show himself in the temple of God as if he were God: being in all policy sinful, and blaspeming true teachers: so he must needs be hated of Princes, that everyone will draw from him all that they can: That is, to eat the flesh of the Idolatrous town: and burning it in the fire.

Because they did not receive the love of the truth, unto right happiness, to study the Laws of God day and night; God gave thē over to a foolish mind to pull down the East Empire, and to set up one in the West: and to set the Synagogue of Rome, above all: to rule all Empire and Kingdoms. And to this day, that cursed blindness abideth in men, that they think it a shame for a King to be learned: or for Noble men. True Kingdom, standeth in knowledge of the kingdom of heaven: and Princes of cunning education, might know both Testaments in Greek and Hebrew; and vein of story, in young years: that their hearts might a thousand times in a day run over the heavenly frame of God's book: and see their Ancestors, from Adam to Noë, the pillars of the world. Then, the noble warrior Abraham, King Moses, King Joshua, King Samuel, King David, King Solomon: and noble Daniel, the mightiest (subject) in the world, and greatest warrior; & best learned. And his noble Cousins that quenched the fire, refusing Idols, should have taught nobles, to have in equal sort hated Babelish idolatry of cursed Rome, that crucified Christ, and by the serpents biting pierced his footestepp and hands: and would nail fast all feet and hands, from walking in God's ways: and working in his truth. What a shame is it for Kings, that they know not the family of David, penned of purpose to make kings wise. David & Salomō both wise began the glory: Joakim & Ioachin, both unwise, ended the glory: all betwixt are a glass for Kings to see their own case. Again the pomp of this world is eminēt in Daniel's Image: afflicting the holy house of Nathā, but beat̄ to powder for their pains: & that madness of Counsel is expressed in Nebuchadnezzar's open madness. His open madness of seven years, was not so mad as the Persians, or Alexander that made themselves God's: and the parted Macedonians are a patron of slavery to Satan. Here in one Image all Greek and Latin to Liuie is cōteyned: and Kings might make their teachers, to bring such stately matter into commune knowledge, to make a Bridge from the fall of Solomon's house, unto the setting up of Nathan's. Nebuchadnezzar honored Daniel to Judah's good; For chief heads of this matter: Kings further called, should further delight in this kind. So, for the Image of the beast, Apoc. 13. if Kings had been happy, they had learned from story what John foretold: but because they despised God's exhortation to read the Book: God gave it into their hearts to give their kingdom to the beast: if they would make their people learned in this Book: the flesh of the harlot should soon be eaten. All true soldiers, should be Doctors of Divinity: such all will conquer with small loss, as Israel under Joshua, which studied Moses 40. yer. And David's Capteins by knowlede of Moses, were mighty in battle. Doctors in bare title; the Popes, and ours, deserve so much reverence, as so many apes, and all that put any trust in them, are like unto them.

Now cometh a plain condemnation of Rome.

All be past shame, that see not Rome here damned unto the end of wrath.

Of the Hebrew term.

God, only wise, contrived the world unto Macedonian victories, and reign of 300. yea. from West, unto all partes: that Greek was made common over all the world, by the time that the Apostles were to write the Gospel: that in the Greek tongue, and only in the Greek tongue, they might write it for all nations. Yet God would have the tongue, which Adam spake and Heber kept: and that in which the Law was penned, to be still studied. Therefore, the N. Test. hath many, yea full many words, that require Ebers help: and in expressed letters about 50. And whereas, Isaiah. 19. telleth, that in Egypt they shall speak the tongue of Canaan: he meaneth, that with the Gospel, they shall have the Hebrew tongue: and Origen's Octaplun, eightfold work, in Epiphanius Ancorato, had Hebrew in Hebrew letters, and the same spelled in Greek: and six Greek translations: so here, the study of the Hebrew Prophets, to open the Gospel, doth fell the Pope: and the Pope is closely touched by the word, Allelu-iah; Praise God, in whom we breath: and not Idols which have no breath in their nostrils.

Of the best way to overthrow the Pope.

The Turks Princes moved Q. Elizabeth's agent, L. Barton, of godly memory, to the known way, by common wit, to open the truth; in causing a Rabbin to demand a proof of the New. Test. by Hebrews. The Apostles proved all by Ebrews: & so should all expounders of them: And the Pope unable therein falleth, and all his Cardinales, and Archbuyshops. And our King took once a noble course that way: the hinderer, shall abide judgment: and that a most heavy: & shall not have his shame forgiven in this world, nor in the world to come. An Hebrew explication of the N. Test. by sayings granted of Jews, would move Jews & Gentiles to hold one truth. My Hebrew explicatiō of Nathan's house, Mat. 1. & Luc. 3. from Dan. 7. fold shield, and the Hebrew chaining of the Chronicle, hath moved Salem and Rome: though Nazareth would bring the auctor to the top of a Rock. This matter is worthy of record: that God's vengeance may be marked while the world standeth, how he will deal with so grateful babes. But now let us abridge the text: People, Bishops, rare godly praise God, for calling to the Marriage: that the Church is married to Christ: and clothed in white justice: and Christ warreth, to overthrow Rome.

This short sum of Divinity, distinguisheth us from Papists, who make God's of Creatures: and give praise to them where God only will be feared.

When whole kingdoms call upon God: and fight for the Gospel with success, it is fitted to continual noise of waters: as Ezekiel 1. 24. the kingdoms that made God's judgments known: are likened to much water: & the thunder of God's power, is well expressed, by thunder of the air, Psalm. 29. All tendeth to Aleluiah; Praise God in whom we breath, for rescuing us from Satan, with manifestation of his kingdom: And let not England forget the goodness of the Lord: but acy remember it: and not hide it from their children: but to the generation to come to show the praises of the Eternal, his power also, & his wonderful works that he hath done. The light of the Gospel now these hundred yea. hath been exceeding great, & to greater knowledge, then ever since the Apostles times the Church had. And all reformed Countreies flow with learned men. And sage carriage is here laid out to the eye; in white linen. This short rule must always hold: God will make known who be his: and all must depart from sin that call upon the name of God.

This should be written in all hearts: that they only be happy, which in the Lord's Supper, protest the abundance of grace of the gift of justice. The bread bare, & wine bare, taken in the sage use: that our souls feed upon his incarnation and redemptiō; is as strong, as the frame of the world, to stay us in Christ. The authority of the speaker, who made the world by his word, must be looked unto: and as our eyes, judge of the frame of the world; and our mind, to what invisible use all was made subject to a man: so our eyes, must judge of bread & wine, & our minds, that Christ suffering for us, ended sacrifice & offering. By seal of things without life: by bread and blood of the grape: by the term supper: the whole tenor of Christianity is meant: but the acceptation of the seal is an open action, to distinguish us frō others. The Pope corrupted, from the playnesse that is in Christ: and making Priest & sacrifice: hath missed wholly of the truth in Christ: as Jannes • nd Jambres resisted Moses.

Papists would make fools believe, that Calvin bread this; symbolum corporis: and in other matters, if Calvin hath 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . a rash word: they urge that upon whole Churches. Their eyes might tell, that the ancient Grecians never made question here: neither had combat with haeretiques here: Eusebius after Origen, recorder of the whole Churches opinion, in praep. calleth Bread and Wine, Icones, & symbola. Neither did any after him, strive against that: but full many followed him. God is light: and all the Bible is so plain, to a sound student, that none can move doubt, but to his plague. The Papists carry in a silver chest, a wafer of meal, as the body of Christ: making themselves a scoff to God and his Angels: and the barbarous think by unlearned prating, to make their cause good. They come 40. yer. short of learning, to defend the common grounds, against a subtle Jew, or Turk, as to this syllogism of Machmad.

If the scripture be corrupted, another judge must be had (The Pope not only granteth, but urgeth also this: & this.)

But the scripture is corrupted.

Therefore another judge must be had.

I will join with Turk, Jew and Pope, to grant the Preposition. But against Turk, Jew and Pope, & our side; I deny the assumption: and hold the text pure. This no Romist yet ever saw. Therefore their studies must be holden vnfitt to rule in Divinity.

By reason that the carnal man cannot see the glory of the wisdom, which is in the covenant of CHRIST, in plain simplicity full of heavenly truth: The Angel stayeth upon this doctrine, as opposite to Rome: & working Rome's fall: handled chap. 18.

Here, John showeth man's weakness to Idol-service, in his transe, ready to worship the Angel. And telleth, that, Angels be ministering spirits for our salvation: God only must be worshipped. The spirits that teach, teach of Christ: that he only must be worshipped: In the Old Testament, Christ is called an Angel: and is worshipped; but no created Angel is worshipped.

The wars of Christ and Christians: against the Empire and Pope.

The heaven opened, showeth what shall be opened in the Church: the white horse, is sincere might: the Ryder is called faithful and true, to assure us of victory against mighty states: and he judgeth & warreth in righteousness, unable to abide sin, still to reign: his eyes be a flame of fire, searching in justice to the bottom: as Daniel 10. for the overthrow of Xerxes army: and Apo. 1. and 2. And his many Diademes, showeth that he will rule Kings in many Countries. And the name written which none knoweth but himself, signifieth the Godhead, dwelling in light that none can come to.

His garment dipped in blood, is expounded Isaiah. 63. showing, that the enemies blood shall make him known, as under old Assur and Cittim. And his name is the WORD OF GOD: as in John the first: and infinitely in Onkelos. Jehovah, is the WORD of JEHOVAH. These mighty titles comfort the Church: that they shall be sure of a victory. Reign still, O King MESSIAS, for we rest on thee: reign still, O King of Saints, and we will follow after thee.

The valiant Christians with speed and courage follow Christ: and in sincerity of truth: though Lutherans Vbiquitie, and others journey to hell, be great spotts: yet many are free from these: and mo will be in time.

The sword of his word, hath in all ages told; that, every trespass should receive just recompense: and by stories past we should assure us, of them that be to come: and the iron Sceptre, taught by David, how Christ his enemies should fall. And the Image beaten to dust, Dan. 2. and the Roman civil wars taught them, what it was to meddle with the Jews: and with Tully to say: Barbara Iudaeorum superstitio: Gens nata seruituti. So Diui Caesar's for 300. years were bruised: and now the Pope for 400. to come, may still look to be plagued, that by 6000. years of the world he shall be as the Macedonians at our Lord's birth, void of all authority.

This short vision may endure a long time, as that in Ezekiel, of Gog and Magog, 38. and 39. contained matter of 300. years.

Isaiah 63. telling of the winepress, teacheth now by story, of old events: and the other Attributes, Nabuchad. Dan. 2. giveth to Daniel's God: and the stories show the works. And students of judgment, would be ready in heathen which open the holy Books, from the first Greek stories to the last. By garment, and thigh written upon: open dealings of Christ, teach men to contemn his mediation: and to feel that he ruleth all.

An open proclamation of the Popes destruction.

This speech Ezekiel used, ch. 38. speaking of Macedonians, that should afflict Judah: specially, under Antiochus Epiphanes, after whom, that Kingdom fell daily, more and more, with horrible destruction. And as the speech in Ezekiel is carried hither, so the names of Gog and Magog, be in the next Chapter: where the Popes chief ripeness cometh to let Satan loose.

This short prophecy telleth, that the Pope and Empire shall fight against the Restorers of the Gospel: and still have the worse. Albion and Ierne have shaked him off: and much of Germany: and Netherland: and half Switzerland: and all Denmark: and his murthering of the French King, will have revenge. In Ireland his stirring of Papists, under Desmond, to rebel, made greater death, then kites, wolves & dogs could devour, or men bury: or rivers wash without poisoning their fish. And Brabant, now 40. yer. hath seen great slaughters, and the Kings putting of his own son to death, was more loss to his house, then many millions: And his own death, was of a strange sickness: So many French that persecuted the Gospel, had strange death. And one after another, while they fight against Christ, shall have strange success: as the Popes have strange deaths, and boils at home.

An abridgement of all God's judgments in one.

Andreas, upon chap. 13. teacheth plainly, that Antichrist setting up the Empire, is there meant: So Pope & Emperor, must needs be meant here, to as evident destruction, as if they were cast alive into eternal flames: this should be a fair warning, for men to come out of Babel, to use no garments, no prayers, no laws, of the Popes making.

The principal had open terrible misery: the others, in vision, had but death. So, in Daniel chap. 7. the fourth beast, was cast into the fire: and the common sort in Ezek. are eat of fowls.

The Pope deceived not generally till, 1000. yerees.

Here then, be martyrs, and holy for 1000. year. But the star-worm-wood, and the darkened stars, and the locusts they continued, in profane heathen lot: and the Devils were in their pit, helping them to set him loose: to vex the holy Church: for the old Jerusalem: which Christ pronounced, that it should be Iebus, or trodden down forever.

The Pope to weaken Princes did set them on, to recover the holy land, which God would have to abide cursed: that Jews might see their sin; killing Christ: this would the Pope have recovered: and Rome in a thousand years, could not learn this one chapter, nor remember old Gog and Magog: how the Pope now reviveth that war, in my Concent, I have shown the terms meaning. Thence the Reader may fetch it. The Jews Jerusalem was holy: but now the Christian Church is the beloved City, and the tents of the holy, which, to besiege and weaken, he stirred this wars for desolate Jerusalem.

The Pope weakened the West in superstition, provoking to war, for (as he termed it) the holy Land.

All the strength of the West was deceived by superstition, to go fight in the East for Antioch: in the land of Magog: and other soils near Jerusalem: and all the force of Machmad, from the East assembled: and 200. yea. the poor Church was afflicted: that afterwards Popes might set Kings up and down, as they would. And Machmad still since hath vexed the West: and the king of Locusts now hath 300. years, being a new Gog and Magog, vexed the Church.

As Satan dealth with Job's sheep, he dealth with the Popes sheep, to eat them up with fire. Even thence to the worlds end, chap. 19. which matter is here briefly repeated: and in that which followeth.

The Pope is a Beast of Empire by his might.

The Pope is a Beast of Empire by his might, and so the eight is also the seventh: and he with his Clergy is also the false prophet. Here Papists may see what shall become of them.

A lively description of the latter Judgment.

All men's doings are in record before God, as written in books, the like speech is in Daniel, chap. 7.

All that put not on Christ, are condemned for their works.

Death and Hades, are expounded in Arethas, sensible: Men which commit matter worthy of death & destruction.

This showeth that only the chosen in Christ have life everlasting: and what there company is: even the heavenly Jerusalem in this world; the chapters following do show.

This speech may well be referred to the new world: which for us to search of what sort it shall be: the Law, Deut. 29. (to leave hid things to the Lord our God) forbiddeth us to search curiously. Of the heavenly Jerusalem, I have made a treatise in Greek alone: at large, which I made turn to other tongues.

Of John.

Jehoiadah, the stately high sacrificer, is called also John: and sundry others, and that name is in the 70. Ionan, and one of our Lord's fathers is called by that name, & others too: Ianna, and Joanna be of the same notation: Grace: given by fathers that still looked to the grace of God, in Christ, and all should in heart be. So everyone should be in heart Petros building upon Petra, the Rock: Eli Tzur & Tzuri-shadday, Num. 1. 5. 6. teach that. My God is the Rock: My Rock is God. One word of Hebrew, had broken the Popes keys: as the Pharisees keys of the Kindome of heaven, and all take a foolish course for Divinity, which seek it from Latins rather then from Hebrew.

Of Jerusalem.

Of Jerusalem, I wrote at large in my treatise of Melchitzedek, where also I shown, why the 70. altered the Hebrew, 36. hundred of years, adding to the Patriarchs at fatherhood, to many, 100. As Adam at 230. begat Seth, where Moses proper truth wrote 130. Our note 1603. hath flat atheism, saying, that Moses omitted 100. yer. so the note might have said for Seth, Enoch, Caynan, Mahalaleel, Enoch, Arphaxad, and all to Nachor, and that he gave many hundreds too much, to their ends. It is trange, that most reuerened FF. and right reverend FF. after plain demonstration of truth will be such fools as to utter such athean lies to the people: and, it is more strange, that the people give them any regard, after their utterance of such blindness. These teachers are not for Jerusalem, the sight of peace; but for Abyssus, whence the king of Locusts and his swarms came. Salem, was the towns name in Shem days: and the place where Isaac was offered, was called by Abraham lireh▪ and of that famous action the town enlarged, was called IERVSALEM: the sight of peace.

Maymony writeth in Bethbechira, the chosen house, or place where the Temple was built: as, by history Isaac was offered there: so, by tradition, Adam and Habell offered there, and Noë coming out of the Ark, and that may well be: for God troubleth not his people with many places: but contriueth all points for help of memory: and for like matter for our dullness. As for Rome that crucified Christ, God would not plague another City: but would have Rome once destroyed: to show his anger upon it: & revived to be a throne of Satan, to plague them that cared not for his warning: but would have all to depend upon it.

Of Melchi-Tzedek and Isaac: causing glory to Ieruschalaim.

Sem, the great, in the title of just King, and King of peace, described as God: (as the very Rabbin's note) and Saint Paul upon their grant, draweth all unto Christ, in his humanity: how the sacrificer is taken from men: and so resembleth not Jehovah, Michael, in heaven barely; but as he should come to his office on the earth: being the SEM, the great: Sem here containeth all; with Isaac received from death, and their story crieth out unto all Jews, that they should know; that God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto himself: and that Christ was to suffer: and being the first from the dead, should show light unto the world. S. Paul most eloquently draweth Moses speech hither, Deut. 29. Say not in thine heart, who can go up into heavē, for to bring Christ down: or, who can go to the deep to bring Christ from the dead? but if thou confess with thy mouth, that JESUS is the ETERNAL: and believe in thy heart that God hath raised him from death, thou shalt be saved. So Melchi-Tzedek and Izhack, in their story teach all, that God giveth the sight of peace: to make the City of God upon the earth; For heathen, in Abraham our father: as he and we believe that God raiseth Christ from death: and that matter is sweetly told in calling Christian Policy, Jerusalem. So Zacharias, saith, Jerusalem shall be built in Ieruschalaim; The sight of peace, shall be taught in the soil where SEM dwelt, and Isaac was received as by a resurrection. The low Jerusalem, is called holy, when our Lord was baptized & tempted: and when after his resurrection, many Izhaks arose: and were seen of many. But after our Lord his ascension, the term is not bestowed upon it: though in Pentecost, the spirit came plentiful, to teach Jews and Proselytes of all nations: the resurrection.

Of S. Paul's heavenly Jerusalem.

S. Paul in his Epistle to Jerusalem, telleth them that the earth which breedeth briers and brambles: shall come to be brent up: that so, the Low Jerusalem should have an end: And, that, we are come to the heavenly Jerusalem, &c. In that term, he expoundeth the Prophet Isaiah for his Jerusalem.

Of the Jews error to this day.

Maymony, and all the unbelieving Jews, to this day, expect a return to Mount Zion, to restore a City there. Maymonie, may be read in Hebrew and English upon Ecclesiastes: & in my disputations from Isaiah with them, they said, he speaketh for the world to come; in higher matter: then that which touched building of stone. And they be guilty of S. Stevens blood to this day, holding it blasphemy to say: that, Jesus of Nazareth should end Moses Law, and sacrifice. Maymony, in the fundations of the Law, writeth the Jews common error, thus: it is a matter plain and expounded in the Law: that it is a commandment: which standeth forever, yea forever and ever. To teach them better understanding of Moses, God brought them to Babel, with loss of all Ceremonies, saving circumcision: and before he brought them home, he told them to the last year, when God would end their Ceremonies, which made the heathen to hate them: and told that their City should be destroyed. This matter S. Paul urgeth through all the Epistle to Jerusalem. And I should have had occasion, to have examined all Talmudiques upon Moses 613. Laws: and to show how all the Ceremonies God hath abolished: and given in the New Test. Laws, written in all hearts: moo then 613. That we need not come to Talmudique. This argument, would require all opened, in the New Testament, to which of Moses 613. each thing belonged: and would show all wherein Talmudiques yield to the Apostles: and teach Jews and Greeks, how all the New Test translateth Hebrews. He that threatened to stay the king from allowance this way, shall in fame be buried with the burial of an Ass. There is no study so good as this: nor so much desired of all sortes. He knew neither the Low nor High Jerusalem, that would threaten to hinder this study: and is worthy to be recorded forever: for an example to others. The treatise of David's family, and Nathan's comforted through all Daniel: & of the Rome-Beast, one made of four; savage unto Constantine the great: This shown more thē any Academique in Hebrew and Greek, or either ever, the way to the heavenly Jerusalem. The right honorable S ^r . John Fortescue, reading the works, told the bearer, thus: Tell the auctor I will obtain of the King, a very great stipend for him. The honorable Gentleman knew what a privy Counselor should do: death praeuented him: yet, as it seemeth from his motion, the Kings kingly promise came: and for Jerusalem, his memory shall not die.

The City for a ruler is trimmed, as a Woman (to be married) for her husband. Isaiah. 52. Rules of salvation are a greater trimming for the mind, then any outward trimming can be for the body. The holy Prophets words have all trimnesse that speech can contain in language: The promises of Christ all trimnesse of sharp wisdom: the stories of contemners endless to destruction; and of Embracers, few to salvation, all trimnesse of story: and so the New Test. for the age here meant, all trimnesse of wisdom, and learning, and carriage: rules of faith have wisdom passing all heathen: and Christian true policy is more civil then all heathens. So the City is trimmed for a City, as a bride for the bridegrom.

In Leviticus 26. God telleth, that if they keep his Laws, God will have his Tabernacle with them: and they shall be his people, and he shall be their God. So before the captivity of Babel, they that conquered the lande, with Joshua, and the Judges, and under David and his house many were: And Ezekiel telleth that after they have been in Babylon, to teach the Creation of the world: and return from Babel in the hope of Messias, they should be the people of God: and the same is here spoken for us heathen, coming unto CHRIST. And now, that men be taught of Christ plainly: no affliction will make them weep: as in Babylon they wept, at the River sides, Psal. 137. not knowing clearly God's counsel: how the Lord sent them thither, to teach by Babels punishment, that ONE, the God of heaven ruled all: and when men see the death of Christ, to give life: that they who believe in him die not, but pass from death to life: then death, mourning, cry & pain, will be nothing: as the first case is altered. Andrew was Petros before Simeon, in Photios: because he first acknowledged Petram: & all who do so, are sure; that the courts (to kill Christians) the gates of Hades shall not prevail against them. When they knew that in Hades, God hath Paradise for the Godly. So Athanasius telleth that the Martyrs feared not 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . The going to 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 .

Turn this to a new life here: and in that sense Christ about fourteen years after Jerusalem's fall, spake to John in this vision: that although the Church in the sight of the world, should be base: it should be a new heavē. The Jews see a new light in Moses: and the New Testament calleth us from the toile of Moses, to the rest in Christ: that Daniel, chap. 9. 24. shineth as Saint Stephens face, as the face of an Angel: and the mind which by the New Testament doeth see the old, seeth a new world: above that which was seen in Popery: Where Bellarmine and his, labor to disgrace the scripture: the waters from which they that be not baptized by the spirit, shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

When the Apostles were all dead, but John: and the Disciples were in great affliction, and the God of this world was mighty in persecution, the natural man would think it hard, to look that the Bible, should bring a new world: Therefore the WORD, who made this world: and will make a new world: would have this written, that in this world first he will make a new world.

The learned note; Hebrews, as Kimchi, and Greeks, as Eusebius, that the Prophets spake in the praeterperfect temps, for things to come, because with God, all is present: and as sure as things past. So, should men have regarded this book, that all in it (though strange) should come to pass. That the Roman Emperors should be plagued to overthrow: that a new Rome should be built for Empire, near old Troy: that a beggarly scholar by lies and false miracles should set up an Empire; making himself as if he were God: and deceive the world: men feared not this. But Christ what he spake in the beginning bringeth it to pass in the end.

Of ALPHA and OMEGA.

In that Christ nameth himsefe by the Greek letters, the first, and the last, he giveth great honor to the Greek tongue, that they who seek not from his words, but from barbarous Latin his wisdom, should be guilty. Many Latin terms have greatly deceived: as, sacramentum, for mysterion: dispensator, for Oeconomus; Descendere ad inferos, for Cateltheim eis Haidon; and such: hence come seven sacraments: dispensing with God's word: and going down to Hell. Briefly, the smoke from the Pit, is bred by wrested Latin: as that an Image may be worshipped, not an Idol. When Papae, Cardinales, Arch-buyshopps and Buyshopps, rule the sheep, ignorant of God's words, they become wolves: and the most deadly enemies to the truth. The Pope hath an auctor, in opusculis patrum, which by the LXXII. rejecteth the Hebrew truth, adding an hundred of years, more then Moses gave at Seth’s birth: and he allowed this blasphemy: That Moses omitted an hundred of years. His notes for souls 75. Act. 7. teach by Gregory Martyn, that either the Old Testament, or New faileth, and his translation not the Septuagint, taught; that the dwelling of Israel which they dwelt in Egypt, was 430. year. And their translation checking S. Paul's Greek, for 450. after a sort, made Beza and our BB. after Bibliander and others hold the text corrupt, and their rude translation made Achaziah two years elder then his father, and 20. year. elder then himself. And their barbarousness not knowing Pascha Bouis and Arietis, as a peace offering, to endure for eating for the night of the Lamb, (a day and a night further,) bred the wicked note: against expressed words of Saint Mark: that the Lord praeuented the Jews in the day of the Passover, where so his Passover could not be killed in the Temple: where not to kill it on the due day, it was death: and their translation taught these lies, Act. chap. 7. Jacob died in Egypt and the Patriarchs, and they were carried to Sychem. And they were put in the grave, which Abraham bought for money of the sons of Emor the Sychemite. Where Jacob was not buried in Sychem, but in Hebron: And Abraham bought nothing in Sychem: neither was the purchase there for money but for Lambes. Thus with a false translation, they brake the people's heart: that they were discouraged from the Bible. Also they blasphemed the Hebrew, as Steuchus doth: and praeferre their barbarous Latin to it.

Of ignorance in Alpha, how it bred deadly errors.

They hold from a father, well known: that Ezra invented the Law Characters, which now we have. Alpha Beta, &c. be Greek names from the Chaldee: and old in Greece, as referred to old Cadmus: which from Sidon built Thebes in Grecia, Pisistratus was elder then Ezra: He by Aristarchus divided Homers Iliad and Odyssea into Alpha, Beta, &c. named from the Chaldee, expressing the Hebrew form: therefore the letters were an old invention; Diphath and Riphath: Dodanim and Rodanim, Genes. 10. and 1. Chro. 1. are acknowledged of grammarians to come several names for one Person, in Noës time, by the similitude of the Letters, which we now have.

Therefore, their antiquity is from the beginning. Now the order of letters is settled by God, Psal. 25. 34. 37. 111. 112. 119. 145. Prov. 31. in Lament. Chap. 1. once: the 2. once: the third, thrice: the 4. once. And the speech showeth, that God hath a sure order in his ways: as in the letters, whereby he doth teach us of his ways. Moreover, the Geometry of the Characters, is agreeable to their situation: as all that mark them, may know. So the Popes ignorance, greatly disgraceth God's word: by not knowing one letter in the Greekor Hebrew. Also their exposition for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Tau, in Ezekiel to make it a Cross from T. in Greek, that is senseless. Tau, there is, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in the 70. a mark: as the Pope in his wickedness hath to his. Tau or 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . The Hebrew last letter is, Thaiu in grammarians, with distinction from Tau, the Mark.

OF VOWELS.

The Papists be more hurtful in teaching that Hebrew vowells, were not from the beginning. Here some Jews help them, and our side, and so they infer, that the text is uncertain. Their conclusion is Athean, and the help to their assumption godless. Very many words in Hebrew, differ from ordinary grammar, without difference in sense, and none but the first writers would have laid them so. Accentes be of the same tenor of antiquity.

Of Tiphereth Israel.

A most learned gramatical work, called, Tiphereth Israel: the glory of Israel; affirmeth that letters, vowells and accents were written by God in the tables as now we have thē. And that is most sensible. For, God's work must needs be perfect: and who can add to that which he hath done? And Abben Ezra speaketh most sensibly, that none ever was so wise as the auctor of the accents: for he never misseth to direct to the best sense. Now the Popes ignorance, in A and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Alpha and Omega; showeth that he is ignorant of the whole glory of the Bible.

Of Cethib and Kery.

Tymes 848. God teacheth us elegancy of the tongue, or sense of the text, by setting a word in the margin, to adorn the text, and this passeth the wit of man, and must needs be known, to be the work of God: and commonly for like Characters, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Yod: and some time to note the coniugation and mode, for the commō Bibles vnvowelled: and to 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the margin hath a term of art, to note Hophal: 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 make thou straight my ways. Psal. 5. 9. lest David seem to say: My way is straight. So in substantive the text, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Ios. 18. 24. might be read Ammoni, but to show Patach under Yod, the margin hath Ammonah 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . Sometimes, vnciuil words as Rabsaketh, Isaiah. 36. are read in the margin by cleaner: Now Aria • Montanus hath made a whole work of this, in apparatus: showing the text to be corrupted in Babel: whereas copies would endure 1000. yer. And Daniel rich, holy, wise, would keep his pure. And some double readings be after the Captivity, as in Daniel, and Daniel's former had been amended by himself. This opinion of Arias, Kimchibred: Praef. ad Ios. & Elias praef. ad Mass. Bibl. & Barbiner ad Ezek. confuteth him mightily.

Now Plantines great Bible is printed without the margin reading: and a Cypher is over the text word, noting it to be corrupt. So that work would teach that the Bible is most corrupt. It is strange, that the Papists should be so blind, as not to see this: or so bad, as to persuade it.

Of their inter linearia.

Their interlinearia, sometimes putteth the text in the margin; and the margin in the text, to breed confusion.

Of a most wicked slander.

One writeth to the interlineall, a poison full treatise to Genes. 3. That for, HE SHAL BRVISE: the Hebrew should be, SHEE shall bruise: that the Virgin Mary, not Christ, should destroy the works of Satan. And the text thrice, hath the masculine gender: and no Hebrew is evident, or mentioned, to have taken it otherwise: & the Zohar saith, upon HV: This is the blessed God. So for Alpha and Omega they would make the late daughter of Eli the auctor of all. Here, their Latin & their trāslations out of it place SHEE for HEE: and at Colon on D. Sauerrinus meeting with me, fell into sudden talk, would know my religion, by assent or dissent herein: and I made my mind plain: and that all Hebrews, Greeks and divinity rejected SHEE.

Of Cetib and not Kery: and Cery: and not Cerib.

When two Prophets have the like phrase, saving one word, as Isaiah. 16. and Ier. 51. the word which aboundeth, is left vnvowelled: so Idroc, is twice, in Ier. 51. once, in Isaiah 16. in memory of that, left vnvowelled. Sanctus Pagninus, knew not the reason of this: therefore he left the word untranslated. But Alpha will not like of this doctrine. So, when a story is repeated, as the speech of Rabsaketh: if a word be more in the one; the other hath the vowells of that in memory of the difference: that the Reader may read it. Thus Alpha, is as curious in his word, as in the frame of the world: and requireth due reverence to it: and they are in great danger, whose profession of life should be skillful in it: and will deal with it, with unwashed hands.

Of Yod not contemned.

The Jews, to show God's care over every letter in the Bible, bring in the Law cōplayning, of loosing Yod, with humble cry, before God: thus: O Lord of the world: this is thy rule: that a Testament which faileth in a letter, faileth in all. Now in Sarai I had 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Yod, when she is Sarah, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Yod is gone, & the authority of the Law is lost. God answereth, thou hast no loss: Yod was in the end of a foeminine, and I set it in the beginning of a masculine, when Hoshea was called Iehoschuah 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉

Thus they mark narrowly, that which our Lord telleth: one 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Yod of the Law shall not perish: he that is Aleph and Tau: will keep all the letters from Aleph to Thau: More of this, is in Thal. Ierusalemie, in San fol. 20.

Of OMEGA.

He, that nameth himself 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 mega, will require that his new Testament shall be regarded in due kind; to defend truth of Copy, & elegancy of speech. I defended truth of Copy, against Rhemistes translating, Act. chap. 13. from the Latin, in years, not about, but after a sort, 450. yet a thankful Pseudographus, wrote that I defended the 70. & became a scorn: none of 1200. yer held the 72. pure: Satan was strong in him, that would believe a disputation for sincerity of their copy: and if ever any should be thought to know the 72. he that translated the Prophets a new into Greek, should be thought to use all the 72. copies easy to be had. But 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in all unthankfulness would be still cursed in lies. The first aduiser of him sped ill.

Of Greek style.

Because none afore me, have noted God's counsel in making Greek common: I will often handle that, to have it better understood: when God first destroyed Judah's kingdom, and speech: he stirred Greeks, first to set up theirs. Then Pisistratus set Homer in honor: that children learned him by heart. Plato in Timao mentioneth one such. Thence of 200. yea. all kinds study, to make brave Greek: that it came to perfection. Then God sendeth Greeks to rule Gog or Gyges land, and Magog with all Assyria, and 72. kingdoms in the East, and North, and South, to fill all. 300. ye. with Greek Armies and Colonies: That Tully noted in his days, the Greek to be common over all the world. Now the Bible, was by Jews translated into Greek, and so read in all nations. And the Jews being carried by the Macedonians into all quarters, when the Apostles came to teach, granted all: saving, God in Christ gave life to all souls, that did eat his flesh and drink his blood: feeding continually in soul upon this: and were baptized with the water of the Law. So the Greek tongue by O MEGA, the ETERNALL, taught Japheth, to dwell in the house of Sem. Ierusal. in Megilah & Midr Rabba' Gen. 9. And the Jews confess in Megilah, that no tongue but the Greek, hath words to expound the Hebrew. So he, that termeth himself by the Greek, and Hebrew Alphabet, is much despised, when Babel banisheth both tongues, to a pedlers Latin, in so much, that the true Latin auctores, were out of request.

Of 4. Dialects in the holy Greek.

Of necessity, the Apostles were to speak to heathen, in Heathen or Attique Greek: as all, that will move others, speak to their capacity: and they be ridiculous and citizens of Babel, not of the heavenly Ierusalē, that will this deny. When the Apostles tell stories of Jerusalem, to the Church, they were to speak in the 72. language: And all, of wit and conscience, would so expound their words. When disputations are had with Jews, the Talmudiques specially; the Jews school-phrase, doth our Lord use and his disciples: and when none of these three answer the Hebrew fitly, then the WORD taketh heathen general terms, to apply unto special Hebrew. Reason, forced these four Dialects: and they who confound these four are fitter for Babel, then for Jerusalem: for confusion; then sight of peace.

Of the Attique Greek.

Hades, in S. Luke 16. containeth the lodge of Abraham in heaven, and the lodge of the rich Epicure in Gehenna. Saint Luke an Heathen, wrote to Prince Theophilus an Heathen. And Heathen would judge whether the Physician of Antioch, of Magog, knew Greek in fit sense to teach Gog, in Ephesus or Gyges Country, and Magog in Siria, that Christ in their own language now doth conquer them, so far, as to have the first Christians named of Antiochia, and S. Luke to be the glory eternal thence: though God had no other occasion to honor his enemies town, but to show that where sin abounded, there grace should once, more abound: But not often: Nicolas the proselyte falling away, taught, that the town, deserved as much supremacy, as Rome, that crucified Christ: or Alexandria, for that Alexander would be made a God. So Hades, containing heaven and hell, and nothing else in propriety; Old Chrysologus, who placed Abraham in Gehenna, and is tossed of Isaac Ben Arama, fol. 205. and Purgatory, and many opinions moo are confuted. If Hades, have but Heaven and Hell, Purgatory is gone: which maketh a third place: so the first Dialect, in one word, telleth the Pope, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 . Let Greeks seek to Eustathius, what meaning is plain for these words. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , 2 Peter. 2. is of heathen Greek, in Homers commentary: Iliad. Of this I spake in Catechizing the modest Archbi. Whitg. which yielded and sent M ^r . Geoffrey King over sea, to confess his error: I spake generally of Homers commenter: and should mean, the principal, Aristarchus, from whom old Didymos made his commentary: and Eustathius from both, and many moo ancient: and though he were late: his commentaries are made from these two and old heathen. Two Petifoggers in Greek, would scoph, as though I cited Eustathius to be followed of Peter, far elder. Such Midae be fitter for Babel, then Jerusalem: Their further equalling of error to Lybian sandes: show an ill bent.

Of the Lxxij.

The Greek of the 72. cometh often: notably; Act. 2. in this; whom God raised up, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 disannulling all pains that death brought. The matter is taken from Psal. 18. And thence, would the Sadducees expound S. Peters word: to prove him a wicked Sophister: if he had meant more. They who prove the second death hence, know not O Mega: the auctor of speech.

Of the Thalmudizinge.

These be Talmudique speeches. The dead, for the profane, often in Zeror, once in S. Peter, 1 Epi. chap. 4. In S. Paul the dead in sin, Eph. 2. such is, Gehenna: and the second death. Chrysologus missed grossly, for Gehenna, that Abraham should be there: whom expressly S. Paul, Ebr. XI. after the Gospel Mat. 8. and Luc. 13. and all Talmudiques, from Levi. 26. placeth in heaven. N. N. and his commenders missed most atheanly, more then anyeuer, since the Devil deceived Adam, to say, that our Lord was in the second death. The Devils trembled till their time, to speak so blasphemously: he may brag, he at the last hath made them next himself, and more open.

Of forgiveness in this world: what Talmudiques mean.

Maimonides, cited by me, in poenit. Perek. 6. saith, there be sins, whereof judgment determineth, that punishment shall be taken for a man in this world, in his body, or in his wealth, or in his young children, which are his possession: and there is a sin whereof punishment is taken, in the world to come: And there is a sin which is punished in this world, & in the world to come. This was an old Hebrew speech: and to the Scribes our Lord speaketh, in their own phrase, that they sinning against the Holy Ghost, should not be forgiven in this world, nor in the world to come. Old and late who hence, breed Purgatory, show that from Babel, not from Salem they speak. The same sin is said, in sinning willfully, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 : as Core, Dathan, & Abiram did: whom the earth swallowed: and heat of fire consumed their remnant. That punishment have the Jews to this day, for sinning against the holy Ghost; in betraying of Christ: and now a days many resist the truth: as Jannes and lambres resisted Moses. Such never knew him who is O MEGA, bringer of all things to pass.

Of the Apostles pecular Greek.

The Apostles peculiar Greek, is wonderful: as in the Lord's prayer, Give us this day 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , bread, neither in superfluity, nor wanting. The term was made by the holy Ghost by the frame of Greeks, to Pro. 30. in Agur the son of Iakeh. Give me 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 bread fitly measured for me.

Of Saint Paulls most eloquent expressing of Moses: to show a short way, to expound the new Test.

S. Paul saith, that he differeth in nothing from the Jews generally, but, in not doubting of the incarnation and resurrection. In his speech he followeth, Deut. 30. and doubteth not, what mind can go to heaven, to bring Christ down: or what mind can descend to the deep (of the earth, Psal 71) to bring Christ from the dead. But he confessed with his tongue, that Jesus was the Eternal, and believed in his heart that God raised him from death: and assured him self and others of a sound way, to truth by this.

Of Talmudics agreement, with the New Testament.

Neither the holy Gospel, nor holy Epistles, teach anything for Ecclesiastical government, but as the holy Synagogues did: many superfluities of ambition, the Scribes and Pharisees had: as they had in right sort, all that the Apostles held, taught of old, by them, and godlier, sitting in Moses chair. So that, by old grantes, all Divinity questions might be soon ended. And this doth Paul (in his imitation of Hebrew) speak: Gamaliel's scholar at Jerusalem: and the Greek orator bred in Tarsus, free in Rome: that none other Apostle should be Papas of Rome but he, so called rarely of God; and tendered by Coronel Julius, Sergius Paulus, and the Proconsull of Melita: and the barbarians for a prosperous journey to Rome, to which, and of which, he wrote more from God, then any, saving Saint Luke, Act. 23. and 28. And if Saint Peter had been there, he knowing the state to come, would have left monuments of his being there: & would have cōmented vpō S. Paul, 2. Thes. 2. as he cōmented upon all his Epist. 2. Pet. 3.

And thus, Christ by taking the name from Alpha, and O Mega, requireth knowledge in the tongues wherein he speaketh. The direct and proper use, calleth us to an higher matter. The beginning, and the end. He created all things: and they were very good. And created Angels, that when man should be created, they should take care of him: misliked man's superiority: & were condemned to Tartarus, & are kept in chains in the black air, unto the judgment of the great day: he hath an end for them: that although they sinned of infinite pride and unthankfulness, and every whit from their own motion, yet they over raught not the decree of Christ; who told the day of their fall, and Adams fall, that in humanity he would be a little inferior to Angels, by suffering of death: but would have all things subdued unto him. In Adams fall, all were to be borne dead in sin: that all should forever perish; but for further mercy. All, he inviteth to seek unto God, that they might feel him: but all being dead in sin, only they whom he quickeneth believe in him: he still inviteth the wicked to goodness, but they rebel against his spirit:; thinking his wisdom foolishness: yet he ruleth them, that their sin shall not have the rain to open mischief, but as he will. And one open judgment he shown in Noës days: another he will show in fire, Apoca. 20. And all whom he hath not chosen of eternity, & called in due time, and quickened from dead, and sanctified by his spirit, he condemneth for their wicked works: and this helpeth them nothing, that they do his decree: they did not that which he telleth plainly by doing, they should live: and their own conscience damneth them, that they justly perish forever. And in their stubburnesse, after long patience, he showeth his power. And these his ways be unsearchable. But as the letters from Aleph to Tau, have all their form and sound in special use, order: and not two the same. So, from the beginning to the end, he ruleth the world in a most wise course: to show his judgment and mercy; wherein, this last book calling old speeches to new matter; goeth through the Alphabet of all ages: and showeth how Japheth hath fellowship with Shem house, and Cittim or Italy, shall be perishing when they afflict Heber, that he may be seen to join first & last in wise order. The Concent which is in Moses and the Prophets, and New Test. is wonderful in places, times, and families: I wish all Preachers to follow the holy men's vein: but the tongues and stories require much time: that for Divinity, the most use commoration of plain Ethiques known naturally: and little study how the Prophets comment upon Moses: S. Paul upon the Gospel: and how all four have their harmony. And if Daniel and John's Apoc. should be made plain over a kingdom: that pains would kill millions of papists. The one, I have made plain, in my last edition: by which, since it was printed: many might have seen light: But, the God of this world darkened some minds, to hinder that; not regarding the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone.

Here all excuse is cut off from the wicked: that they are called to the waters of life, but refuse: Rome begging lands, thirsted not to have the waters of the Law to refresh the soul; but made them bitter: Therefore their condemnation is just. And for these waters be our fightes: from Tiberius, to this day: since Jerusalem came from heaven.

Here is a valiant combat. The waters of life of the Hebrew and Greek Testament, are drawn from a deep well: many fadom of years deep: and policies still will have will have their own devices: and bestow death on such as offer men life: Here the faithful unto death, shall have a kingdom; as the Sons of God.

They who take not up their cross, and fellow Christ, are not worthy of him: they who believe not the Gospel are not worthy of him: certain beasts, fowls, fish, forbid to Jews, to distinguish them in diet, from heathen are called unclean, or loathsome, so be all without the Gospel, in their high learning: as Socrates, Plato, Cicero, Varro, Plutarch, and the ciuilest: Murderers of the Martyrs, specially: wherein the Spanish Inquisition is the deepest. Fornicators, in Rome, Venice, and all Italy, have open freedom: and of old Horace age and all epicures still, as Turks wallow in that: and therefore S. Peter to the Jews of Arabia giveth sharp warning against that: and witches in all common Weales are hated: and the subtilest witchcraft is that, of the Popes TRANS-SVB-STAN-TIA-TION: a monstrous term, for a monstrous matter: besides all other their coniurations.

Of Idolaters.

Idolaters be the Papists, the grossest that ever were: and where Christ had infinite grief to be seen on the Cross: though in glory he darkened the Sun, and shook the earth, and rent the stones: yet Papists think, that gold, as in Nebuchadnezzar his Image; Daniel chap. 2. or silver, or Alablaster, or stone, or wood, is a goodly worship: Christ (in whom is hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge) could have commanded that, if he had liked of it: and we should not be better learned then Alpha and Omega.

The Popes brabarous Answer.

An Idol is heathenish; and unlawful: an Image is lawful: as no man saith, the Idole of God, but may say, the Image of God.

Answer.

Neither Attique Greek, translated by Tulli; nor 70. Greek: nor the Apostles Greek, nor any Talmudique will suffer this distinction, therefore it is for Witches, not for Doctors. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Aratus, is Cor • i, Imago, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 in Plato is forma & species, in Tulli offi. 1. Idolum Dei, is in Apian: Imago, simulachrum, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Chal. Imago, figura, corporea vel incorporea, & Targ. idem, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 is in Num. 33. 52. and the same is in Gen. 1. 26. 2 Kin. 11. 18. 2 Chron. 23. 17. Dan. 3. 2. Isai. 40. be all unlawful. They who would have People, to adventure their aeernall state upon such quirks: against all teachers of speech, are pestilent witches, and most impudent teachers. He that cannot remember Christ by all things made ours, for Christ, is no Christian: The stars serve Man, for CHRIST: the Ayer, Lande, Sea, Plantes, Beasts, Foule, Fish, and what need we an Image? which can represent but a base man, in base sort. No Jew, for Ebrewe; no Attique, for Greek, will clear the Pope: therefore he is Popes, and teacheth doctrine of Devils, and Rome is a mere Babel: confusion to holy speech. And all liars have their portion in the lake: all who miss of God's truth, are liars, and perish. The Talmudics who agreed with Paul, for all justice of the Law, Rom. 10. yet missing of Christ, lost all. Now the Papists be most impudent in lying: as when they teach to use Latin, for Hebrew, in the Law, and for the Greek in the Gospel: their lies be of infinite number: in their Purgatory, and where Hades hath but heaven and hell: in the bread and wine, against eisight, the witnesses of God, and their whole policy is a lie: therefore, chap. 19. the beast and false prophet was cast into the fire.

The second death.

The phrase second death, is a Talmudique, used in Onkelos, upon Deut. 33. and Jonathan upon Isai 22. and in Zohar and later, infinitely. And no soul goeth to it, but perisheth forever. Of this, I wrote upon great occasion in an Epistle to Doct. Whitg. to which he gave great testimony: though one unlearned brent the Copies, after his death: which flame may bring him and is very like, to the fiery water, Dan. 7. and here.

The same art it is, to plague Rome; and to build Jerusalem: and in vision an Angel doeth this: visibly, learned truth: wherein John him self is the principal Angel. The Church hath here a goodly name: warning to be careful of a wise & holy soul: the Bride of the Lamb: All the song of songs goeth upon this and the end of Isai. Such Concent of Scripture, Bellarmine and all that Brackmunim that would not have all to know, may look for fire and brimstone, to be their portion. All be bound to praise God: and to do that skillfully. And his word teacheth, that the Pope and each such, is a Buy-shop from Satan, not a Bishop from God, which would not have the word of God to dwell richly in us.

This expresseth that, which Ezekiel wrote of old, concerning the building of the Church, under Christ. The Jews to this day, look for a building in Canaan. Against that, Saint Peter giveth this rule: That every Prophecy of Scripture is not to be expounded properly: because the holy men of God spake, as they were carried by the spirit of God. This place strengtheneth Saint Peter: and so expoundeth Ezekiel, that all Jews • ight see, Christ spake by the fisher of Galilee the dear to Christ: Ezekiel was brought to an high mountain: so John: and our Lord, Math. 17. when he would show his glory, took Peter, James and John, and carried them into an high mountain, alone. Visions must agree with spiritual matter. Buildings of Princes, be upon mountains, stately to behold: and hard to be come to, by enemies to vex: And wicked Rome braggeth twice in Virgil.

And Ovid is plainer.

Propertius, and Galen in Aphoris. Hipp. and they who name the mountains, may be spared; All serve Apo. 17. Now God that is One, he from one mountain will fight against seven Psal. 68. will tell what Mount Zion is. The church hath high matter: unto whose height of study the profane cannot climme. Alexander could match Porus, upon his high rock: But he durst not medle with mount Tzion. So Philosophers can speak much, to the height of heaven: but unto Paradise above the heavens, no thought of theirs could ever come. And as heathen were amazed at stars, & worshipped them: so Papists are amazed at Martyrs, and worship them. The Pope should study the Bible, and cause all scholars to do the same; in Hebrew, Greek, and conference of stories, to pass all Martyrs saving the Apostles age taught from God, without study: & should confirm in open study the doctrine which Christ sealed by his blood. So he had made an holy City. But Rome begun with bloodshed of brother, when Romulus killed Rhemus, (not as Salem with Sem and Isaac in peace & redemption) would ende with bloodshed of brethren: and to go to heaven as Romulus, and Julian the Apostate: in somnio Scipionis, and in Sozimus, and Apolline Delphico. And as Libanius said, that Julian was with the Daemones: and the Greek Doctors granted that, with heart and good will: So we will grant with heart and good will, that the Pope, and his Martyrs shall be together.

Of the great City Jerusalem.

Though Nympha, the Church in song of SS. hide it self as a dove in cliffes of rocks, as few: yet when all of all ages are put together, they make a great City. And this City should have holy Laws, to worship God in spirit and truth: all sent from heaven, and having the glory of God.

The 70. in Isai, chap. 54. 12. for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Codcod. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , and in Targum Yerushalmi, Nophec the stone of Judah is 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 and for 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Christallos. Thence Saint John hath his matter: and he that marketh not that, teach, that John bringeth matter without warrant: which he never doth thorough his book: but still confirmeth his matters from old speeches. So the stone of Judah maketh the windows that the sun of justice may shine in: and the gates shall be of flaming stones; clear Doctrine, that may call all unto Christ: And all thy borders, shall be pleasant stones: for thy children shall be taught of the Eternal: so the taught of God, be the precious stones: such was Moses, and Joshua: such were Isai, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Daniel: such were Paul, and all the holy Apostles: and all that sincerely know and cleave to their Doctrine: But no Bellarmine that would disgrace the wit & writ of the scriptures. No such, shall be any stones here: but be as common sandes: parching in heat, and dangerous in wind: & still fruitless.

The wall is the defense by Christ, as followeth, anon: that the inner building of the wall was 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Carbuncle. The gates have Angels to conduct them that shall be saved: and the true story of the XII. tribes, taught here by their names, teach others a passage into the city. This matter expresseth Ezekiel 47. where the names of the tribes of Israel be upon the gates: and the gates 3. to each of the four corners of the world.

Ezekiel being in Babel, North from the East of Israel, began that men should come to the holy City from the North; where Israel was scattered. But for us in the West where the Church is best, in our ends of the earth the possession of Christ: Jerusalem being East was first to be named: and next the North for holy Daniel's sake, the light of the world, whom moo in Albion understand, then in the world besides; and I hope moo shall by my enlargement now coming forth: teaching how the New Testament commenteth upon him.

Then the ordinary course, the coast joined to the East, the South where the Jews were scattered by the Ptolomies: and a long time Alexandria bare Patriarchs: Athanasius a wonder for holy Divinity, and Greek eloquence: and great Cyril, great, though not equal to Athanasius: whose long commentary upon Isai in Greek, I have and wish it printed: Thence, D. B. may see upon Isai 38. what he meant by, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 to strengthen his own most learned Syllogism: which breaketh the neck of Purgatory: when Hades is known to have but Heaven and Hell. Alexandria in the South had glory: as Antioch North. That, wheresin abounded, grace should more abound: Antiochi deserved no such favor, the head of Magog in Siria. But God promised, Eze. 39. to glorify his name about Magog. And therefore would have Christians to bear the name first from the place most hateful, and next Alexandria, the next hateful, to be high: and Rome that crucified Christ, yet for some help they had shown the Maccabees, and certain good captains, Math. 8. and 27. and Act. 10. and 23. and 27. God would pity that cursed town: Though Constantine new Rome bare sway a great while: but the Buy-shop of Rome still worked to overthrow Bizantium: that he might have the throne of Satan in higher measure. And Bizantium had not meddled with God's people, and long had no occasion of high throne for God to show later anger: But had far more learned then Rome ever: and scant ever acknowledged Rome's purgatory: And to the West from Canaan; in the Land Gyges or Gog: as Croesus wealth enabled Cyrus, when he took Sardis, to send Israel home from 120. nations; So, God by John gave Sardis his Apocalypse: that it kept religion far longer then Rome. Now, as God placed the tribes about the Ark, three nobles of Leah Eastward; the blemished to parching sun: and the basest Northward; and the last borne and dearest towards Sun-set: to show that his mercy reacheth most to the furthest off: Of these the Psal. 80. speaketh: before Ephraim, Benjamin, and Manasseh: stir up thy strength, & come and help us. That is, as (Shem Tob well noteth) at the Sunset of our state, and our last birth, as Joseph and Benjamin were most tendered; show O Lord now, the fathers favor to the children.

Paul, the Hebrew of Hebrews, of Benjamin, he challengeth for him self and his kinsmen, Rom. 15. and his company, all Grecia and the West: and nameth expressly Spain. And besides Joseph of Arimathea, Paul's scholar might teach our West, the ends of the earth, to be the possession of Christ, That Albion, France, & martyrs of Spain, have now 3. gates in extreme West: that the Hebrew and Greek Testaments were never so much studied, as in Albion, and France & Germany. Cambridge, Duresme, York, London, will bear one record, that thirty years he cleared the Revelation, that Papists made great means to be further taught: By the Major of Duresme, & by others at London: offering as good as a Bishoprike, if without danger in further matter they might. And I know there had been but few Papists in England, if a few had opened the Old Testament by the new: as the Apostles vein required. And if the new Testament were translated into such Hebrew as the Apostles made Greek: and the Old into perfect sense in Greek, all nations would swear, that our ends of the earth are the possession of Christ.

These foundations, are the 12. precious stones which follow▪ in which, Exod. 28, the xii. Tribes are named: So the very stones engraven infer the Tribes, from Exod. 28. And here the Apostles names show that they taught no new doctrine, but the same which the Tribes had of old.

When the Jews came home from Babylon, the like restoring of the City, Zach. 2. is expressed by an Angel having a reed. So, the restoring of the high Jerusalem, after the City which crucified Christ, had made it low: is expressed by an Angel having a reed. Now twelve thousand furlongs, make (as we may suppose) 1500. English miles. A City so high, so long, and so broad, would hold an infinite company of men: and since Satan was bound from supreme rage. The first 300. year. by martyrs, bred an infinite company of millions, & in quiet long after, moo: and when Angels held the four winds 144000. of Israel, and so many heathen, as none could number: & now after restoring, when mo in number profess salvation in Christ (by breaking bread: and pray only to Christ for justice by his gift) then papists be in mumber; it must be a great City that shall hold all: If all old holy be taken in also. And if some by envy had not hindered opening of both Testaments in Hebrew and Greek, in the Talmudique vein, which others might translate into many tongues, many poor Jews and Turks had seen the xii. tribes over our gates; & the Apost. doctrine to be fastened in Aaron's Jewels, and had taken Chambers, in the large building of our square Jerusalem, 1500. miles high: and so square. When Christ taught Noë to make the Ark, of 300. cubits length; and 50. cubits breadth, the sixth of the length: and thirty high, the tenth to the length: he shown Noë, he had all beasts and fowls and their fodder in measure. So he, that weigheth all the dust of the earth: knoweth how many souls he hath chosen: and how large his heavenly City shall be, and how many he was to reject, that their carcases should be fuel for Gehenna.

The City was square.

This, alludeth unto the Tabernacle and Temple: where Dabir the Arkes place was square: and now we all have the Law in the Tables of our hearts: and see the Cherub, as having seven cups of wrath fighting for us: & know Christ to be the mercy-seat: and golden Altar: and we are all sacrificers to make our own prayer of incense: and the lifting up of our hands to be the evening offering: and we our selves to be the golden Candlestick: and our hope is the anchor of the soul sure and fast, going within the veil: whither JESUS our forerunner is gone: being a sacrificer forever, after the order of Melchitzedek: So we leave imitation of Aaron, in Linnen, Cope, Mitre, Altar, Flesh and Blood substantiated, Priest and Sacrifice, to them that will toy with imitation of Aaron, and remember not the fire that brent Nadab and Abihu for strang fire. The Popes fire is a thousand times stranger. Therefore an whole lake of fire and brimstone, remaineth for him.

Of Arias Montanus, placing in Altar of Incense in the most holy.

Arias Montanus knew well enough, that the Altar of incense was set in the outer holy: yet in Apparatu, he doth place it in the holy. It is marvel why he durst spare a truth: This I guess; that the simple papists, should not see the birth of Christ cast out of course. This I will but touch. I told Jews, that his conception and his birth is all one for treueth of salvation. And Christ would have neithe exactly known: because it would trouble the Mathematicians of the world too much. As of late double rekonnings made. Turk and Jew think we have no truth of story. Seeing, annus salutis, cometh as well from Conception in December, as from birth in September: the old accompt may be well kept. But we should have no lies in our heavenly Jerusalem, though men estieme more of custom, then of him, whose eyes are a flame of fire: Eighteene weighty arguments one learned man, a Ciuilian hath brought, to settle the time better. Because Jews should not gather absurdities, from our Gospel: that a wise favorable Prince (taking order, that all men's wealth should be rated: that Soldiers pill'd not any, but rested in set portion:) should cause everyone to repair to his native town at midwinter; in my book to the Landt-Grave, I place the conception in December. That as their Midras Rabba, in Deuter, telleth the MESSIAS should come in Tisri: and redeem, on friday. by Bechai, fol. 12. so he did: and then John's trumpet proclaimed him: and at Pascha, became our Pascha: and at Pentecost, gave a fiery law. The old testam. is so strong for Christ: that the very Jews speak thence the same that the New Testament doeth.

A wall, is a defense: and so thick a wall must needs be a strong defense: and being of shining Carbuncle; it showeth the City to be of glory and truth invincible. Such is Divinity: being skillfully handled.

Of Prayer.

The Place. whither the people met to prayer in Solomon's Temple, is called in Hebrew, Azara, Strength: and in Greek 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 the mercy-place, Now, seeing Prayer and God's mercy be our wall: this should be made of the Carbuncle of his: that the Psalms and holy scriptures should be our prayers. Athanasius showeth use in them for all life: and to every part of holy story, certain Psalms might fitly be quoted. The prayers wich we have from the Pope, were penned for his drifte in Divinity: and offer great hold of blame in every point: and no wight full of eyes will be taught but by God, to what prayer he shall say, Amen. The Prayer which the Lord gave is commended to be the common-prayer of the Church assembled. But without Battalogie or often repetitions. And for it, Math. chap. 6. the Pope corrupteth the Greek text: filching away, the sentence of greatest light: Thine is the Kingdom, Power and Glory, for ever and ever: which calleth, Daniel chap. 7. and all Daniel thither: To be a Carbuncle-wall to the Sermon. If the Bishopps translate the Bible well: and add tables, for skillful reading, of Conference in Places. This will best build walls of Carbuncle: when all pray as their heart and God best liketh.

By the City, is meant, the whole laws of policy: which should be as pure as gold: and as clear as glass. Tyrannicall and superstitious, anger God: and where the policy is disputable, it is foolish.

Before, I shown upon ch. 7. how the Tribes were fitted to their stones; and more largely in my advertisement of errors, in our handling of religion. How the warriors, the frontiers, were two noble of Lea; but of some blemish, Reuben and Simeon; and of each handmaid, Dan and Gad: had stones of color for a warriors coat. The water men, likewise fit colored stones, & fit notationed, Isachar, Zebulon, Aser, Nephtaly. & the noble statesmen, also fit Leuy, Judah, Joseph, Benjamin. So that the dum stones assuring Israel of the Land; when they misbelieued; argued them to be but common sand.

The order of the Tribes, Apoc. 21.

Sundry orders (very many) be of the tribes, in the Old Testament; to show that one is not better then another: but that in some points, the mean is as the best. Here, they are placed in special regard of story.

Benjamin, not Reuben, nor yet Joseph first.

Issachar, not Simeon second.

Because Levi, and Judah, held themselves all ways better.

Then Judah, third, not Levi.

Then Levi, in Judah's old place.

Then Zebulon, fifth: as next to Isachar.

Then Reuben, sixth: to come before the handmaids S.

Then Aser, the handmaids son: Ancestor to Anna: the Dau. of Phanuel.

Then Joseph, the eighth.

Then Simeon, to come before the rest baser borne.

Then Naphtali: of the first bearing handmaid, before Dan his elder brother.

Then Dan before the later bearing handmaids S.

And Gad, in the place left.

This situation, cometh not from John's wit: as he nameth the tribes, chapter 7. but from eyesight of a building, set by God.

Reason of their order.

Reuben, lost his glory: first falling from the land: Then, by Civil right, Joseph should have had it. For in Jacob's purpose he was eldest: and had the birthright. But Jeroboam after seven defenders, falling and felling ten tribes, cast him to the eight place. For that cause: his Beryl in Aaron's shoulders, holding six Tribes on the one, and six on the other: is translated of the 70. Smaragdus: because heathen could not see, why God should plague proud Ephraim, Joseph, bearing up all in Egypt and in Joshua. So the Sardius of Reuben, is not in the first place: not the Beryl of Joseph: But the Jasper, of Benjamin: Ioseps brother: by civil right. As the Temple was built in the tribe of Benjamin, whereby half Benjamin clave to Judah: and Benjamin, by Ester Atossa, and Mordecai, repressed the decree of destruction, from Aman of Amaleke: and Esther became the mother of great Darius Artaxerxes, bringeth the Persian King, that built the Temple, to be of Benjamin; and all his seed: and caused favor to the Jews under Persia: Whereby doubtless many of Benjamin, before S. Paul & his sisters sons, and the named, Rom. 15. were great pillars of the Church. And S. Paul alone, building three gates of Jerusalem, Westward, is enough to make Benjamin's Iaspar, the first foundation: seeing he filled all frō Jerusalem to Illyrico with the Gospel of Christ: & after to Rome, where he first taught the Synagogue; what the Gospel was, Act. 28. and Caesar's Palace, Phil. 1. and taught two years, without let: and went to Spain: for he spake from God that he would so do: and from wicked Rome that crucified Christ, he built many Churches by others: sending Crescens into France, and Titus into Dalmatia: and calling Mark from the East, who had been with Peter at Babylon: & keeping deer Luke the Pysician with him, to make many Princes, Theophilos. And in his beginning of Epistles, he warned, 2. Thess. 2. that cursed policy of the world should come: and Rom. 13. warned them, not to take superiority over the Civil Officer: and recording matters small, and many persons; never hath one syllable that Peter should ever be at Rome. But being a Prophet, as Saint Luke hath arguments innumerable, and invincible that he never was there: What a company doth he reckon in the Epistle to the Romans, without any mention that Peter had been there: but of his own desire, to build where others had not laid a foundation. And from Rome to the Galatians, he telleth expressly, that Peters charge was for the Jews scattered by captivity: to whom the twelve Apostles were charged chiefly to go: and to judge the 12. Tribes. To the Ephesians he mentioneth Tychicos, whom he sent to them: but nothing of Peter. And to the Philippians, he mentioneth, that the Gospel by his bonds was manifested in Caesar's palace. It had been a stale news, if another had done that afore: and if Peter, had turned any of Caesar's house, which to record, it toucheth the glory of Christ, he had as well mentioned that. And S. Luke, who envied not S. Peter, (in the Acts) but told high glory, had not hid his praise in Rome, if desert had been. And he telleth the Collossians, that Luke was with him, without mention of more: or token that Peter ever had been there. And in the second to Timothy, he nameth many, Demas leaving of him: Crescens and Titus, as I told: and Lucas only to be with him: and that Mark who was in Chaldea, 1. Pet. 5. should be brought to him. Also he mentioneth Eubulus, Pudens and Linus: and where he left Trophimus sick: and how Alexander the Copper-smith hindered him: and if saint Peter had laid any foundation in Rome to his help, he had never hid that: And when Timothy came to Rome: and was sent from him, he telleth the Hebrews of him: but because they knew howe Paul many years after his calling, agreed with Peter, to bishop the East: he mentioneth nothing of him. That by Benjamin's Jasper, S. Paul should be the foundation of the heathen, borne among heathen: and borne Citizen, of the chief West town: and a persecutor, to comfort the City that crucified Christ: that as he found mercy: so they might suffering as he did. And this much, for the Jasper, the stone. But for the Greek term I must speak more.

Of the term Jasper in the third place. Apoc. 21.

Four Dialects, the holy Apostles have: which matter, telleth a sound reader to distinguish: and a D. ignorant herein, will work much disturbance. To Attique or common Greek they were to stand, when they wrote to heathen: and were not forced to peculiar ( Greek ) Dialect. So to Theophilus the heathen, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 , Luc. 16. is used, for heaven and hell: as having both places and no moo: and Catelthein, for passage, as the journey standeth, without regard of up or down. Luc. 4. and ten times, in the Acts, as I mentioned: So 70. Greek: so Talmudiques and Apostles proper. Colyrion, in John. ch. 3. is Talmudique: and that the Sacrificer was girded about his breast, as Christ, Apoc. 1. Maymony proveth from Vzielides and common tradition, in treatise of holy apparel, Perek. 10. John's own use of Greek is in Chalcolibanus, Apoc. 1. to Dan. 10. and in white stone, to Deut. 27. and in Iaspis cha. 4. for Iaspeh the Hebrew; and here: In the 70. Exo. 28 Sabulon is graven in it: for which John first applieth Sardonix, and as I told twice before, in this chap. Iaspis must be referred to the Hebrew Carbuncle; Codcedona, in the Targum Ierusal▪ as Kimchi, upon Isai. 54. well noted. But here Law will tell: the Hebrew Iaspeh calleth the Greek unto it. He that marketh not this, shall confound all this matter. And this much for the first foundation: wherein Paul not Peter is surely meant.

Of the second foundation.

Simesn, in Aaron's chosen HAMISPAT, or virtue of Judgment, was graven in the second stone: by birthright: but he as Reuben by carriage, not with right of judgment, lost native dignity. Shechem, and Joseph, and Madianique, Num. 24. brake his dignity: that gave him no defender, judge: only against Arabians in Hezekiah days, he gate ground: and held it a while. But for his own people, he did nothing extraordinary. Therefore, because Jacob blessed all his sons, some Darshan descanter, framed Iudiths fable for Simeon's help: if that had been a true story, the builder of Jerusalem had left Simeon his Topaz in the second place. For Issachar in Thola, was not such a conqueror, as Judith: if it were not a fable. God hath plagued Grecia, for Judith, that would give an whole book to the glory of Simeon: where God giveth scant a line; he cā plague us as well, and we be as well advised.

Of the Carbunck.

Levi in Aaron, third in birth, had the third place; and the Smaragd to be for Moses: as the sung Ovid Metamor.

That stone telleth, that they be blind, that think the Law dark: all Moses describeth Christ of Judah, to be the true sacrificer: who abolishing Leuies Office, taketh Leuies place. And as in Jacob's sons, not the first was best, nor the second, but the third better, and Judah the fourth best: so, Peter most missed, and needed most comfort: and Andrew found the Rock before him: and James sacrificed himself (not at Compostella, but) under Herod: and John passeth all they both of Judah: & Christ now changeth places, as ending sacrifice: that Levi shall teach of an eternal sacrificer. So, the Carbuncle is in the third Place.

The Smaragde.

The Rainbow of Covenant, Isa. 54. and Gen. 9. Like the Smaragde, is about God's throne: to speak of the Covenant and Kingdom: therefore it is next Christ.

Of the Sardonix.

Sabalon should be next, by order of matter: and Sardonix his Iahalom, Exod. 28. a term so applied by S. John. In Plato Phoed. Sardius, and laspis, and Sardonix, are used to represent high joy, for the just in Hades: therefore Sardonix is of high price. Elon was a Judge of Zebulon: and in the land of Zebulon the calling of Disciples began. And as Zebed in Leah's tongue, for society, to be from her husband sure: so Zebedaeus, had the term in his name: the father of James & John.

Of the Sardius.

Reuben deserved much pity. For he would have saved Joseph's life: and he was a frontier against the enemies: & therefore his Sardius, a war color, was in God's glory defending his Church: ch. 4. and hath his place before any of the handmaids S.

Of the Chrisolite.

Lea, pronounced her self happy, when her maid bare Aser. and God gave him an happy soil, to have the sea, and other tribes, as bars and locks to him: and continual strength, and olive woods: and much good, Deut. 33. And whē Ezekiel telleth the King of Tyrus, by terms frō the tribes stones, what dignity he had in old society, with David and Solomon in Israel: he reckoneth all Leah's six, and Rachel's two: But none of the handmaids, saving Aser, bordered next him: and fellow to the sea with him. He had no judge all his days: but gracious Anna, that kept her a widow about 84. years: praying and fasting at the Temple, & prophesying of Christ: and teaching from Dan. 9. 457. years after the return: that, that year Christ must be borne: and, seeing God face to face. The daughter of Phannel, seeing God face to face, being of the happy Tribe of Aser, showeth the Son of God, to all that looked for Redemption in Israel. Therefore, though of the last borne of the handmaids sons, for this Godliness hath the seventh Place.

Of the Beryl.

Joseph that bare all, is now bare of glory. His Beryl bare all the Patriarchs: equal in Letters, as God's providence did cast them, 25. in one Beryl, and 25. in another. Thus Maymoni doth cast them, in Celi Mikdas Perek 9.

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Thus God's care, doth teach what a precious thing, belief in Christ is: that, for Abraham's faith he should so play with Jacob, for his marriages: for the wives aemulation for Children: for wisdom to give names to them: as their lot should fall out, and time of their birth: that Jacob should bless them according lie. Now Joseph bare sway about 600. years: But too long dignity, bred pride to contemn all hope in Christ: that Joseph bare not up, but bare away the Tribes. The wisdom of God, who knoweth how the Angels despised his counsel, and Christ, and perished for ever: doth show matter, (small to a carnal mind) wisdom to astonish Angel: that every word of this book, should have a mystery. These defendours of the people, came of Joseph: King Joshua, Deborah, Gideon, Abimelech, Ieptha, Abdon, half the tribe of Manasseh in Jair, with Reuben, & Gad in Saul's days. But Jeroboam the eight, did mar all. So manifold, and unsearchable is the wisdom of God. The Jews, seeing Joseph gone for Jeroboam: might fear, lest Judah should fall more for killing of Christ: that now, only Saint Paul's Bishopric of the West is best, in Christianity: & he foretold how Rome would deceive, and bad them not to be proud, but fear: and not overrule the civil officer; but be subject: all this is vain; to many. Joseph's Beryl, the glory of Paradise is now abject.

Of the Topaz.

Simeon hath the ninth place, to be very base, yet afore many of the handmaids children.

Of the Chrysophrase.

The Chrysophrase is a white Achate, with a golden lace, and part green. Achate simply is in Exod. 28. for Nephtaly: John giveth the trimmest of Achates, as God shown him: And Naphtali, is set before Dan: because Dan first fell away.

Of the Hyacinth.

Leshem, was Dan his stone: and in notation it is, Folow God: and in the partition of the lande: Leshem, the Town was given to Dan, as prophesied in the name of his stone. though it were far from the other soil of his, where Samson dwelt. Semel is an idol. Alpha and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 mega, gave him warning that he turned not the Letters. But none can stand longer than God stayed him. Jonathan the some of Manasseh of Gerson, of Moses (who would think it) he and his house were Priests to the idol, till the removing of the glory from Ephraim: and Jeroboam (regarding not that) set up a Calf in Dan. The Antichrist, by imitation of idols, is Dans child. Barbarous Rome cannot avoid that, but by a ridiculous distinction, of Idole and Image.

Of Gads Amethyst.

God, of ordinary course, should follow Dan, and Aser, the younger, being set before him; for Anna the daughter of Phanuel.

Thus, John comforteth the 12. tribes in their own vein of speech, calling all their stories of 1700. years, often reuolued in the same desert, to show the Constancy of God: to encourage the 12. tribes, not to be amazed, that Rome hath crucified Christ, and destroyed the low Jerusalem: but to know, that it also shall be destroyed: after unwilling furthering of the Gospel by martyring: and when ease and wealth bringeth blindness, and error: it shall under praetense of holiness, and by persecution cause more study of Law, then all former ages had. The Jews soon would climme into the mountain of Tab • r in mind: to acknowledge this description, to be all from the Prophets: and most easy to understand. And, this, cutteth off all Judaism, which the Rabbins have to this hour: who from Ezekiel, 40. look still for a return to Canaan. But against that, S. Peter told them, that every Prophecy of Scripture, is not to be expounded properly.

The words of the holy Apostles, open the way into the City, and the spirit of God spake in them, and no one could be above the other, but everyone stood a foundation upon the Rock. By them which have written, we know that the others had words also as pearls. When the Pope buried the style of the Apostles, and brought in Rome's tongue: and neither that pure: then the pearls lost their gaynesse.

The open laws are agreeable to the souls frame in judgment, from God: and rules of faith be clear. Rome hath scant one rule of either. But their laws cross commune reason: and their speeches of faith be either false, or litigious.

Earthly buildings profit not: as all S. Stephens oration telleth: and the faithless Jew Isaac Ben. Arama, Port. 52. showing, how the Tabernacle thrice described, and set up; did little help, they presently misbelieuing. And Solomon's Temple after his death, was robbed by Shisak King of Egypt: and rejected of the ten Tribes. And this (as the Jew confesseth) to show, that God rested in CHRIST, a goodlier Temple, the heaven and the earth: whose temple, when it should be once pulled down, he would raise it up the third day. Moses Law; ye shall stand in reverence of my Tabernacle: took effect for punishment in Ephraim, for Eli's sons defiling of women, waiting there; that God foresooke his Tabernacle in Shiloh: and Ephraim fell in the day of battle, 34000. 1. Sam. chap. 4. and Psal. 78. Nebuchadnezzar that destroyed the Temple: was so many years like a beast, as the Temple was in building. And his Babel, for the holy Temple, was destroyed. The carnal Jews, urged Moses Law, against Christ, as to death: That he said, destroy this Temple: and I will build it again in three days. He spake of his own Temple. For which, the Law of Moses was made: and the Tabernacle, and the frame of the world: and because they stood not in reverence of his Temple, he destroyed them. By the former Law, as they martyred S. Stephen: for saying, Jesus of Nazareth would destroy the Temple. And they meant as much, for S. Paul, for speaking & teaching against the Temple: and they thought he had brought Trophimus a grecian of Ephesus into the Temple: and so polluted it. But the true Temple they saw not: till theirs was destroyed. And here John expoundeth Moses: That God, the Lord of hosts, (the Angels, and goodly frame of the world) That CHRIST in whom all fullness it self dwelleth, is the Temple. And they that crucify a picture, as his, making him vile: or worship a piece of bread, as his body, being a mockage to Angels and men, shall find no place in Jerusalem. The Temple of the Lamb must be used as he teacheth. It sitteth in shining light in heaven, and may not be made base in this dark air, by our foolish inventions: his own commanded works, as Solomon's Temple, cannot contain God. 1. King. 8. & Act. 7. & Isaiah. 66. This one rule; overthroweth all Talmudiques by the Prophets: whose words they reverence.

A plain conclusion, from Isaiah. 60. and 51. and Ezekiel 47. of the Gentiles Jerusalem.

Isai. 60. Arise be lightened, for thy light is come, and the light of the ETERNAL riseth over thee. Ephes. 4. He saith, arise thou that sleepest, and stand up from the dead, and Christ shall shine to thee. Many Rabbin's, as S. Paul, draw Esaies words to Christ: and when John wrote, 144000. Jews faithful would so take it. Isai. 60. The Sun shall be no more thy light on the day, and the brightness of the Moon, shall not give light unto thee: But the ETERNAL shall be thy continual light: and thy GOD shall be thy honor. Thy Sun shall no more set: and thy moon shall not be hid: for the Eternal will be thy continual light: and the days of thy mourning shall be gone: worldly joy shall not be thy comfort, but the joy of God. As John, banished into Patmos, hath in one day, the Lord's day, more joy then all the world is worth: when darkness covered Caesar's, and obscurity, nations: But God shined over him, and the glory of Christ was seen to him, to show him in wilderness the state of the Church. If he had not been banished from Ephesus, he should not have had these visiones. But now his comfort is the greater. As one, far from his Country, may study more in six years, then in 12. among much acquaintance at home, and be less grieved from quarrelling of the wicked.

Now John applying Isaiah unto the LAMBE, showeth that all his comforts carry unto Christ. And all the Prophets do the same: so this book teacheth all the Myriads of Jews that believed, to expound all the Bible. So do S. Paul's Epistles, expounding all the Law and Prophets how they speak of Christ. And the chap. 61. ver. 1. is plainly by our L. Luc. 4. of him self.

Isai 60. And nations shall walk in thy light: and Kings in thy brightness, that ariseth to thee (And her gates shall not be shut in the day, for night is not there) that they may bring the glory & honor of nations unto her. And they shall open thy gates continually, day and night: they shall not be shut, that men may bring unto thee the wealth of nations: also their Kings shall be brought. Thus God comforteth the xii. Tribes, from their known prophecies, to go forward to win at the last so many as would furnish a City: Fifteene hundred miles square, in two thousand year. Though the ten Tribes were scattered, yet Hosea telleth them that as HE raiseth up the dead, so he can call them back: & Cyrus called them from 120. nations upon his own charges: and some of all Israel, returned to have hope in Christ: at 490. years, by holy Daniel. And from all nations, some were at Jerusalem the last year: and men, 120. received spirit to be sufficient to teach all nations, & many thousands were turned: and of them everyone would turn many thousand. And John stirreth up their hope.

Profane infidels, unclean in soul: and lying in judgments, as all Papists be; and old heathen, estranged from Christ, are not of this: but they whom Christ hath chosen, called, and sanctified. This matter is eloquently expressed, by Manasseh-saw-martyr, chap 52. Arise, arise, put on thy glory, put on thy trim apparel, Jerusalem the holy City; for no uncircumcised and unclean, shall come anymore unto thee.

This showeth, that they who be truly of the Church, have their mind bravely clothed: and will have none profane of their company, nor auctores of untruth; unfit for the Carbuncle walls of Jerusalem: as the Apocrypha lies are with the Bible: a mere leprous sort, whereby Papists term all the Bible lies: yet they that cannot read one word of the Law, as a professor should; will fight to keep those wicked books with the holy: and fight to hinder explaining of both Testaments, in Saint John's Carbuncle vein: and in Paul's Jaspers. As none can be saved, unless he be borne again of water, Isai, chapter 55. so puddles of filthy pools, will mar those waters. It is marvel, that any dare chirpe, to hinder the light of God's word: seeing God is able and ready to revenge. The Pope putteth the wicked fable of Toby, in the heart of the holy Bible. But it had been better, a millstone had been hanged about his neck: and that he had been cast into the main Sea. It is better to be a door-keeper in the holy Jerusalem, then in Emperors Palaces in such mixture, to the pure waters of God's word. John and Ezekiel shall be judge.

An exposition followeth here, Chap. 22.

They that were cursed, are healed by the waters of repentance, and by the leaves of the tree of life: and their service to God only, and sight of his favor, is meat and drink to them: and they have God's mark in forehead: as Papists have theirs: They God's word, and Baptism, and breaking of bread: Papist prayers to saints and images: and profaner theirs.

They who know God in Christ, shall not be to fearch Philosophi, for better happiness, in native study: nor Jews, Talmudique study, wherein they adventure their soul. But seeing Christ, they see all: and reign with Christ, first here, and shall reign forever.

The Epilogue.

The Angels speech.

Because this book applieth all the Prophets unto Christ, and taketh away all covering from their meaning: he calleth the Lord, the God of the holy Prophets. This convicteth all to be godless, who contemn to know the Prophets: and to make them plain by John.

How the Revelation would force any Jew or Gentile of learning, without rancor, to yield unto faith.

First the learned style of John should be shown: and infinite fullness of eyes: howe every phrase from first to last, is couched with circumspection admirable: for common Greek: for readiness in expressing the 70. for ouermatching Talmudiques in their kind: and proving the Gospel by their grant: and visions passing man's wit: expressing plain matter, from 2. Thes. 2. by all plainesse and majesty, that heaven can afford. This being granted the sequel followeth.

The sequel, by any Jews grant.

When the visions are seen to pass the wit of men: as Isaiah. chap. 60. as Ezekiel's, as Daniel's, and Zacharias', and all drawn to Christ, with a commentary from God: John being a simple fisher, and in transe: no Jew nor Gentile could deny, but that this book hath God's authority: and expoundeth it self: and showeth how all the old Test. speaketh of Christ.

A Digression to Jews desire, to know the proof of the New Test. by the Law.

Twentie years ago, I disputed in Francfurt Synagogue, with a Rabbin, the Jews chosen for skill: with this promise, that I would make him confess that Moses draweth unto Christ, or speak against his conscience: and we both agreed: to call God to strike him presently, that spake untruly: I requiring nothing of him, but that which I well knew he perceived: and might judge all past denial. He was content and never crossed me: But desired a large treatise: And ten yer. ago at Basel, requested a full treatise: and all the New Test. translated in such Hebrew as I spake to him: and the Apocalypse, applied in order of books to all the old Test. Also he moved the Jews of Germany, to request the same: who have made him their Orator (they of Hanau ) that if he yield, they all will. And the Jews of Wormes, and Mainz: being commanded by the Bishops to read my Books, said that they could deny nothing: But requested Moses & the Prophets, opened at large: to full measure of their 613. Laws, showing which stand still for all nations and ages: and which were given as unto children, to be removed in riper knowledge. The Rabbi, my friend, chief requester of Catechese, & their Orator is called Rabbi Elijah. Why now I accomplish not request, I will tell: omitting their particular injuries: because when all this age is dead: this description of Jerusalem may stand.

The greatness of the Jews request, in due articles.

1. The translating of the New Testament into Ebrewe, should have with it a Dictionary of four Dialectes: and I should have many Scribes learned, who by direction, may help me much to speed.

2. Faire Copiers of my translation, and learned Printers will require States help.

3. A treatise of MESSIAS, from Gen. 3. to the end of Malachi from all Rabbins, of whom often I need but line out, what I would have copied: that would require much money for learned Scribes.

4. The comparison of all Moses 613. making a commentary from the New Testament upon them: and a table from them to the New Test. this will be of greater pains, then my goodly recompense can heartily take in hand.

5. Jews request me to require our own side, first to yield to me: which I could make them do: or refuse with shame enough. But that I cannot force superiors to justice.

6. To these positions, I must require consent: that the text of both Test, is pure: that of the tongue, the enemies may best be made judges; to their overthrow, and our victory. For all speeches hard in the New Test. to us, are easy to them. That for government of the Church (to make many learned in the Law) they and the Apostle have yet to eyesight the same rules.

7. As the Jews grant all that I have yet printed in Hebrew; I would request Princes to force their Scholars: to yield from their crossing of their own Gospel: or to combat with me briefly.

8. Because unlearned wightes, shall not prate against any thing; but that many nations may judge: I would have ability for helpers, to turn all that I do, into other tongues many.

Princes helping in this, I would hasten the works, and till then, I leave all hinderers, as murderers of souls, out of Jerusalem the holy City.

The speech of Christ.

Behold I come quickly, &c. unto, &c. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, Amen. Chap. 1. 23. needed no comment: nor the chap. 18. nor this Epilogue. Therefore I may not with idle words weary the Reader.