- -I'lUnwalf >, %.'Vr> )<^yi/l^A ^\^^ PRINCETON, N. J. '^* ! Collection of Puritan Literature. Division Sectioji Number ^v. ■5" SERMONS VPON THE VV THE Set forth by Ge VVori LE fpOKE >F ainEflex. r diffcultjbecaufe the Lord himfelfexpouded that mjfery of the j.flars, ^ of the -j, golden candlefttcks.Then next there be eyght chapters to be toyned together, beginning at the fourth , ^fo continuing to the end of the eleuenth. In thefe eyght chapters there are fet out very briefly & darkjyy the jumme of all the whole prophecy for it reacheth to the generall iudgement which thefe chapters con^ taine^ as it u mofl euident by the oath oft he Angel chap, lo.who fweareth that there Jhalbe no more t^me but in the dayts of the voyce ofthefeuenth Angel when he (hall begin to blow the trupet: which trupet isblovvne in the endofthe eleuenth chap*- ter, where there is al/o a defcrtption of the lafl iudgemet. Andnowfor the particu- lars in thefe eyght chapters. In the fourth chapter there is a glorious 'Vifton , -which fetteth fourth the maieflie^the g/orie &prAife of the mofi high ^od,that raigneth ($• rulith ouer allwith hit tnfinit power ^vtfedemeJl^rouidenc€i'& iufiice ,frd whom this reuelatio cZmeth.For tt is calledthe reuelatto of lefus Chrifi/vvhtch Godgaue him cha. i . And we reade in the beginning of the next chap,that the book^fentledwith feuen fe ales (which is this reuelatto^ was in the right had of him that fate vpothe throne,T hen further inthiifift chapter, there is none found worthy to opethefeales of this booke but.the Lamb^uen the Lord lefits alone^vhofe praifeboth m^& Ait" leh TO THE REE AD ER. gehf HHdallcreatuns do found forth, Then thefumme ofthefe two chap ters is^from koTP high, how mighty ^how rvife^how iufi & hot» gUrious a Gtdthis prophecte cent- wethi& alfofrohow worthy a medUtor-.who rtceineth it»& opencth the feue fe ales there of. In the ftxt chapter we come to the reuealtng of the mj/^eries,when the Lamh epenethfiue ofthefeuenfeaies, Vnderthefirfi ofthemiifigHredtheconqnefl which thrift maketh oner the mttot oftheworUby thU Cjofpel^nder thefeeed, the third ^ the fourth, are refembledthe plagnet & wdgements which the LordfendethV' pothe wickedworldfor deffifjng und abftfing the fame his holy an\ precious Go [pel. . For when the graces &rtch treafures ofCjodarcpHh/tftjedo-efferedvitto men, and theyfet Itght by them.blafpheme ^ tmpHgne them^hejendeth bloudie tvarsyfamtnes, peflilences andfuch like m all ages, Vnder the opening of the fift fe ale, there is p.>ewed the happie reji ofthefonles ofthofe which were mnrtheredbythe tyrants, ar.d cruell rage of the people for the tcftimony oflefifs: And how their blond crteth alowdin the fares of the Lord for vengcAnce vp§ thoje wicked me which fo crijellyfue theJVher- Uponvnder the opening ofthefixtfeaie, there follow vvonderf tillterrihle fignes of Cods wrath ^& comotions,enen to the horror of the mofi wicked. Alfo vnder the fame fixtfiale is fet forth a jptrit (tail plague of God vpon the world, etten the (I'^ying of the CQttrfe of the holy Gojpeljwhich isfigkred byfoure wicked Angels or diuels, holding the four e vvin^s thtM they jhold not blow. This tn t he feuenth chapter, where alfot-t is fjewedhow the Lcrdyetproutdcrh for his eleB both of I ewes C^ Geniiles, which tri- umph ^glorifte Qodfor tl^eir falaatto together with at the heauclj compfinyof blef- fed Angels. In the opening of the feuenthfeale are figured out thegrcatefi plagues of all,for the Lord comet b to bat tell in ho file mansr agaivfl the wicked vvorld,where- fore 7. Angels do found 7. t-'Upets,andye k^ovv that triipets are founded vnto war. In the midfl ofthefe horrible plagues the Lord CJod ft til prefer net h hischfirch,& to declare fo much,before the founding of the trumpet s , the Lord lefts appeareth in f/- JioJ^anding at the a/tar ruith a golde cenfer ^fweet odors, hi thefoudtr.g ofthefrfl, thefecod^the third and the fourth trumpet, the hiule and fire minaltd with bloud, are cafi into the earth,the great mount aine burning with fire is tafi into the lea, a great ftarfalleth into thcfoitntaines of waters e^ maketh the bitter, (^ the third part of thefun,ofthe moor.e,& ofthe fctrs is fiytke ^ darken; d. B)' al which it mcdtfuch an vniuer fall plague %n all parts of the world in corrupting c?* dcprauing the pure reh~ giQ,as\hold lay wafi,poyf6 (y darks,cue» to the finall defiruElton of many. We may not thinks it ftrange that one plague is fet forth vnder diuers figures ^which ts becaufe the vniHerJaltty of it is defcribed by reaching to the heaues,to theearth,to thefea, C^ to the riuers of waters. To the earth a vvafiing c?» ccrruptiKg tepefljto the fea a bur- ning moHtainejto thefrejh waters a bitter flar^c^ to thefunncy moone O'fars , that which doth dark?. After thefe 4. tritpets founded fS.lohnJeeth an Angel flying in the ' midll ofheauen.whom alfo he heard pronouncing, Wo,wo,wo,to the inhafitants of the earthyC^ declaring that thefe three vvoesfljold be at thefouding of the three trii- pets that remayned. For the plagues which cotne at the founding ofthefe three tru- pets are exceeding greatyeathe greatefi of all other, The fir fi of the, which is at the fonndwg of the fifttrnpctf fet forth in the ninth chapter^ fro the beginning of it vnto the TOTHHREADER. the 1 5 *ver/e/s the plague of the great Antic hrif, ThU horrible pUgue is defcribed Vttder a great ^arthat droppeth dowwfrom heaueiiy to whom is giuen the hey of the bott omleffepityeuen the key of hell . Starres in this bo^ke^fU the Lordjheweth in the firfi Chap.)doftgnifie the AJimfters of the CJojpell. So that this plague which is tht kjngdome of the great Anttchrifl-, comet h by a Mimfler which falleth fro heauenly doiirweyto that which is of the earth^yea of the dine li: fir he openeth the pit ofhell^^ hrmgfth in thefnoke of i^Korancey& darkne{fey& error s^which dar^neth theayre C^ tht fume. Out of which fmokf breed thefrvarmes ofLocuflsflvhich like Scorpios dofliniT menSrhen at the funding ofthefixt trupetyWhich beginneth at the i g .ver.ef the g.chap.thtre arefoure dtuels let loofe at Euphratcs,e^ thefolloweth the defcrip~. tioofthe fatiagekutgdome of the Turkes.whofe armies do waft (^ deHroy me in thf T'optPj AyitichriflL:n kingdome^euen thofe vvhtch worpjtp images ofgold^offiluer^of b7'A^eyofwood,& of ft one, which yet repet not at thatplague.The lo.chap.cotasneth matter of great ce^fortifor after that darke kingdome of Antic hrift^ andthatcruell kinffdowe of the TfirkeSythe Lord commeth downe With brightne^efro heaueUyWith the booke ofCjods Word opeii,to (Xpellthatfmoke of Antichrtft . Heftandeth vpothe earth & thefeajoe denounceth by feu e thunders horrible iudgemets agatnsi his ene- v^ies^hefwearith that the Ufl dayfhallbe at thefonndrng of the next trumpet , and lohn tn theperJoM of the UMtmfters which (fjouldltue whe this pjould come^ts willed totakethelttle booke &to eate ity<&toprophecietothekingdomes ^ nations^ his thing fs come to pajfein ourdajes , for after the great darkening , the Lord is come downe with light, I he holy 'Btbleisagaine opened y 0" the jeruants af Cjodhauewith great flu die, eue at tt Were eaten it vp, d" haue preached it vnto great kt>^gdomes ^ nations. This watter ts continued in the 1 1 . chap, where John // willed ts meafure the teple,&c,For the Church ts meafured^ built vp by the preaching oftheword. And by this occafion here ts annexed the hisione of the builders, that is tofajyofthe fatthfall^Aimflers of the CjcffelyVvhom the LordcalUth kts two witnelfes. his in the Law^hat to tefttfie any matterythere muft be at the leafi two winaejfes:& there^ fore that mber ts here chofenytofijewthat the Lordvrtllneuer be without afufficienf nuber ofwtttiejfes to his truth , whethe (fhtirch was per fee uted by the heathen Em- perors of Rome, (^ afterward by the fecodbeaflywhich ts the gf eat Anttchrifl.T heir dtgntty (^ jpiritual power IS fet forth to be very great, but the beafl jhal kill their ba» dteSyf^" the feruats of Antichnfl Jhallvfe very fauage crueltie towards thejbut Cjod giueth them glory. For xfhen others dofucceedthem enduedw'ththe fame jptrityond do fet forth the fame truthy^ matntaine the fame c.iufe that they didythey may well befatd to be ra'fed vp againe to ///?, to the great wonderment of the wicked enemies, who are amaz.edto fee the lifted vp to heauen with honor ^homthey hadcondened V)7i heUoi heretikesx ^ this commeth with great commotion <^ diuifion of the peo- ple. And then comet h the third wo of the threewhtchthe Angel proclaimedyVvMch is the la/l cfr the greatefyeuen the euerlaflmg wo;tvhich begtnneth with {rreat terror, at the founding ofthefeuenth trupet,which is the lafi- And thm haue we the whole matter of this reuelatto lajd open m the opening ofthefetie fea(es,AllmatterSyMye tnayfecyare openedybut brtefly ar.d d^rkely.zy^ndit woi bthauefultothe ferucnts of TO THE READER. Godjto hane them more filly an^ more clear elj openedtandfor that caufeythe Lord of his great goodneSfdoth Jet firth the chiefe and principal matters more at large,&far more cleerely. For now from the hegtming of the twelfth chapter, vnto the end of this' (fooke^yefhallfiftde Urge and platnedefcrtpt tons ^which open the former things more clearely. Let vs then come vnto them. In the beginning of the ttvelft (fhapter.the (fharch militant is fheveed in vtfio^vn- der thefvrme of a woman deckedvvith heauely ornaments^ ^ traueltmg with faith andhope^to bring forth her Satnonr^thepromtfed Meffiat.The appear eth alfoin vi- Jionjher chiefe enemie^a mofl vgly monFler the dtnell , waiting to deflroy the blejjed feeds pfoone as he {Ijonldbe bome. He fatleth of his p»rpofe,and is ouercome in battel hy Chrifl^and cafi dawne from heauen^fo that he can no logger affatle the Church to plucke her downs f-om her hentienly inheritance, at whtch there is the voyce of tri- umph, of toy and gladne^e.T hen Sat h an being coyie^ueredby Chriftjoe feeksfh latter- ly to defiroy the woman at once out of the earth^the Chnrch being then in a narrow' comp a (fe, and failing therein, he makfth war with the remnant of her fee de. In the 13. Chapter there are f jewed in vifion the chiefe infirnwents that the dragoon vfeth in warring agatnfi the faithfully inperfecutmg and aJfltBing of the:of which the fir fi is the beafi with feuen headt (^ ten homes. A be aft mofl monjlrom ^fauage ^ cruelly ^ ''ff^g^eat power that the worldwodereth after him^<:t' worfhippeth ktm,T he fxt headof this beajl euen the heathenperfecpiting Emperoiirsof%^me , vttered great blajphemies again fi God and his Church ^and made war agatnfi t he faints, (f" cuer- eame thew^and fine thou fandthoufands of them, in thoje ten frfl per fecutions which hifiories of old do report. And what power vnder heauecan be flwwedy t hatfomurde-^ red the faint s,fincc Chrtfl,btft the Empire of%^ome?The other is the beafl with two homes like the Lambe^which fpeaketh iike the drago.This is the great Antichrifi{as the T^aptfls thenjfelues are forced to confilfe)(^ therefire it isfet forthy how he fedu- eeth the inhabitants of the earth with ftgnes ^ wonders. He is both the feueth head of the former beafl^andabeafl by him felfpj,exercifng double power , and therefore the Angellychaptcr \ "j.calleth him both the feueth head of the beafl, & faith alfo that he is the eight »He eretleth the verie patterne or image of the heathen Stnptre that for- mer bea^, and caufeth the inhabitants of the earth to wofjhip and to obey the fume^ Hecaufeth alltorecetuehismarl>e , and none may buy and fell ., except he haue his marke,or his name, or the number of his name, where the number of hi r name is ex- prejfed.ln the i/[.Chapter there isfyfi a vtfion of the Lambe vpon mount Ston yWtth his holy and pure companie of true andfincere worfhippers , which fin^ lahde and prayfe to Qod , For the Lambe prefer ueth them as his holy (fhurch nul'taKt vpon earth in the hayes of that kingdome of Antichnft. Thenfolloweth the fall of great Babellywhich is that tyrannous l^ngdome ofAn- tichrifl. And her fall is by the preaching of the Gofpcd, whtch the Angellrepre fen- ting the Admiflers^doth publifhjcaUing vpon all nations ^kindreds ^tongues ^and people to worfbip the true Cjod,& fo the worflnpereUeA by AntichriU ^being th e wcrpJtp of creatures, down it falleth^this is come to pajfe in our day es:and there is vengeance denounced agatnfi all thofe whtchwillnotfirfaks that melted idolatrous kjngdome. Then TO THE READER. Thenfilloweth in the lafipart of the 1 4. Chapter, h defcription of the lafl iudgemen^ vnder two figures y the o»e 0/ haruefl , the other of the vintage . The latter indeed which is of the vtntage^doth reprefent only the cutting downe oft he vvtcked, (^ car Fling them like clufters of grapes into hell , which ts as the great vvtne prejje ofth^ vrath ofGodJn the 1 5 ,and 1 6. (Chapters there follovfeth another vtfion offenen An" gels with thefeuen la ft plagues. Thej be the plagues which are povered forth vpo the ktngdotne andfubteBes of the great Antichnfiyfix of them in this worldjeafi t^ mtght be thought y(hall they efca^ehere vntillthe la(i day! And thefeuenth which 1* at the day ofiudgement^the lafl andthe greateH^euen that eternallplague. And be^ fore thefe plagues are powred forth, the vifjon dot hjhew^horv thefatthfull do efcape betngfet infafetieinthemtddefl of them,paffing through thefea of this tvorldyWhtch is called glaffie andmingledwith fircy euen as the children oflfraell did efcape fiom Vharaoh when hepurfued them in the redfea,Mofes and the children of Ifrael did fingafong to the Lord^whe they were pajfed through And fo they that pajje through this gulfi of the world and get the viSiory ouer Antichrtfi^ are fatdtofing the fong */ Mcfes and the fong of the Lambert he Angels powre forth their vials, and there is a grieuotu forehand bloudfhedbyvvarSythere is famine andpefltleKce throughim- moderate heate at four e of them. And then at thefift the kingdome of the beaft vva^ xeth darke by the preaching of the ^ofpell^which is an exceeding forrow vnto the Im dolaterSyandat theftxt the great riuer Euphrates ^which ts the fortification of '3 a* belldrieth vp,fo that the way is in preparing for thofe that jhalidefhoy her, ^ylnd hereupothe dragon,the beaft &thefalfe Prophet do beftir them^^ fend forth their Ambajfadors into all lands togetfirces vnto battellagainjl thofe which deftroy thetr kingdome.pyhtch war is now at the hotteft in our dayes.And thefolloweth thepow- rtng out of the lafi vtal^vvhich containeth together with the laH vengeance ofeter- fiall ludgement , great ^ horrible plagues going immediatly before the lafl day.The there foUoweth the \'J. Chapter ^vhere the Angelljheweth vnto John great 'BabeU borne vp with the beafi vvtthfeuen heads ^and interpreteth vnto him themjfiery of euery part. As what the beaft is,vvhat isfigmfied by the feuen heads, ^ alfo by the ten hornes^and what they (houlddo:andlafi ofall^who that woman is which (it- teth vpon the beafi , & faith it ts the great Cttie which ruleth ouer the kings of the €arth,%ome is the great Citie,%ome is great 'BabellfR^me ofneceffitie is the feat of the great iy^ntichrifi'f or what other Cttiein the world is builded vpon feue hilt befide Rome^which the Angell faith is meant by feuen headsiWhat other Citie in the world befide %ome Joadthofe feue feucrall gouernementshf which fiue were fal- len when lohn receiued this prophe fie ^one waSyCUen the Smpire^y & one to come ^t hat is the 'VapacieJVhat other Citie hath [bed the blond of the Adartyrs but %ome, let the T^apifies (hew if they can.Then is %j)me Babel^ cue the woman drunken with the bloudof the faints. In the iS.chapter the fall of^abel is fit forth more at large, Shefallethbj the light of the Goffellforas chapter 10. the Angelic ommeth deyvne with the Itttle booke open^fo here againe he commeth with great light, ^ downefal- leth *Babelj^ becometh the habitation ofdiuels,She hath comittedhorrible things^ and abomdeth infinne^and the people of god are called vpon to depart fiom her, and not TO THE REEADER. H9t *ne!y thit^hat 4tt(b to execute venfeance vpon her , and to recompence her for ail the mifchtefe th.ttfh? hath wroH^ht.iy^ndat her great fall and de/lruSfhn , there are hrotight in her lottirt & friends ^way ling and Umenttng veris dolefitllyy euen all fnch at hane comittedwhoredome andltued mpleafure rvtth her, andgayned hj her: for their pleafure a^d their game is gone for [he commeth to vtter de(oUtioti.TMhenin Chapter 19. there ufir(i the voycie of the heauenly companies prayfi-^g the Lord for. her fall and deftruElion^Then is there alfi a very great toy avd r etc yctng^and pray fe^ for the celebration of the mariage of the L^mheyVvhtch is the manage of Chrif_ to his ^hftrch^and the Hefjedneffe ofrhofe which come to thatfeaji . n^tndlajily there is in that (Chapter a glorious defcrtptton of the Lord lefut comwg forth "onto bat tell with his armies jagatnfi the Beafi and hU adherents , with the viElorie vzhich he hath ouer them,\y^nd this is the full ouerthroro of Antichrifi. "^ut there hath asyet bene no mention of the defiruElioH of the chiejv enemy of all, that ts to fay^ of the dra' gon htmfelfe the diitelly in the 20.^has>ter therefore his tudgement and deflr fill ton ts fet forth. And becaufe he hath bin a more generall worker y C^ hii mtfchiefi hath eX" tended larger then the ktngdotne ofsyinttchrtflythere is tn that 20. (Chapter an hifio-^ rie of htm Jet forth by tt felje : hefeduced the nations before the commwg of Chrtfi; who at his coming bindeth him by the light of his (jo^ellfrom feductng the nations^ andfoholdeth himjhut vpfor the jf ace ofathoufandyeareSy in which the Church doth fort f J great Ijf, and manj are rat fed in thsfpirituallhfe . 'But when the thou- fandyeares are exptredySathan is loofedandgoeth forth a^ame to Jeduce^ and by the great Antichrtfi, andby the Turkfygathereth innumerable multitudes into hu ar- mies to fight againfi the Church yWhich armies are called Cjod & Aiagegybut they are allouercome and defiroyed and that oldferpent htmfelfe is caught ^ and together with hisinflruments the Beafi andthefalfe Trophet^is cafl tnto et email fire to be tormented. After this we haue m that lO.Chapter a goodly defcription ofthe gene- rail tudgement yWith the execution of vengeance tpon the vvicl^d.ty4ndthen tn the two lafi ChapterSfthat is,i» the zi.andli. there ts dejcribedthe eternallfelicttie C^ • buffed efiate of the Qjurch^ and that tnfuch goodly manner ^ that he is euen a verie blocke orafionejthat is not moued therewith. There be thegreateflriches^andglo- rie,and ioyes fljadowed out that euer were heardof. After this in the latter part of the 2i.0}apterfrom the tenth verfi Jolloweth the generallconc-luflon ofthisbooke, where the authoritie of it ts ratified with fundry ratifications. If men do but ob. ferMethis generallcourfe of this T^rophecie , andftudioufiy obferue the handling of matters yt hey fhallfindtuofuch darkneffe as isfeAredjmuch leffefnallit be found (oobfcure as the Tapifles do be are tn hand, when they would driue men from the reading andjiudie of it 9 becaufe it painteth out great !2?<<- bellythati^fh harlot* Farevpeliin Chri/^, THE I. S E R M O N. CHAP. I. I. The%eUeIationoflefm Chrisi.tvhichGodgauevntohimtopjewtohlsfir^ uafjts things which mufl^iortlj he done : andhejigmfiedjeyidmg by hU Angel, vnto hii [eruant lohn^ 1, who bare recordofthe word ofGod,and of the tefiimony sflefta ^hril^»wh4t- foeuer things he hathfiene, 2 . Biffed 16 he that readeth, and they that heare the tvords of this prophecy ^ and keepe the things which are written therein^for the time is at hand, T is not many yearcs paft (as ycc know) fined did ex- pound this booke eucn in this place , and vnto this audi- toric : and therefore Icaft anyfhould maruaile , why I vndertaketo expound it againe, I let ye vnderftand,thac there is great reafon to moue me hereunto, as namely, that the booke is a moft excellent and a moft precious iewell, which God hath beftowcd vponhisChurchjand great pitie it is, that all Gods f'^ruantsare not throughly acquainted wiihit^efpccially in thefe times. The holy Ghoft (^vHay'BlejJedishe that readeth,andthey that heare the words of this prophe- c'y^and kfepe the things which are written theretn.^c. which fufficiently proueth ic to be moft precious, and molt excellent, and the vleofit right neccilary for all good Chriftians.and efpeciaIly(asliaydbeforc)in thefe times.Ifany will fay, why cfpccially in thefe dayes? let hmi marke a litJe. This booke (at leaft one great pare ofiOdoth dcfcribe 8c paint out as it were in liucly colours,the tyranous kingdoms of Ancichrift, eucn great Babylon,the mother of whoredomes & abominations of the earih.lt hath pleafed God, ofhis great goodnefIe,& abundant mercy towards his people, a little before our dayes , and in our day es,to powre forth a viall of his wrath vponthevery throneofthat babylonicall bcaft^and to make his kingdoms waxc darke.The pure light ofGods word hath difplaycd & difclofed al their filthi- nesThcirpower,tlieir e(limation,theirglory,thcir riches & their dignity are much come downe and decayed.Thcy gnaw their tongues for forrow^they be vexed in mind.They be ftudious now in learning,and ranlacke all corners, in what writers foeuer to find any thing which may make fome fhe w of defence for therafelues. They be both rubtle,aad full ofcruellpradtifes : and all,ifit werepoffible^is to r€- B — - • coiicr . i SERMONS VPON couer thch* ancient glor ic,and to repaire the breaches which are made in the walles ofthcir great citie. Is it not then good that men fhould be armed againfi them with the things rcuealed in this booke? Is not now in thefc dayes, the very hcate of the battaile bctweene them and vs? and this prophecic Icaueth them opcn^whereby ye may well percciue, that there is great tea (onto expound it againe andagaine, that it may arme the feruants of God. But here will be obie6^ions and (hew of reafpns brought forth,to proue that this Reuciation is not to be medled vvicha!l,nGr in any wife to be expounded among the common people. The PapiRs indeed cannot a- bide,thatthe people iliould haue any part of the holy Scriptures in aknownc lan- guage, nor that they fhould haue any skill or vnderftanding in them:bccaufe all fa- cred Scriptures deted and bewray their treacheries : but of all others jthcy cannot abide that this prophecie fhould be made knowne, or expounded publikely. The ancient Fathers (fay they) the greateft and learnedeft Do6^ors of the Church fincc the Apoftles times , confefTe that this prophecie is fo myfhcall and fo dorke , that they could not vnderftand it. And our Englifh lefuitesofRhemes, alledoe for this purpofea faying o^ HteromeyihdX theReuelation hath as many mylkries as words, and that in euery word there is hidden manifold and fundry fenfes. Alfo they al- ledge Denii Bifhop of Corinth fpeakingto like purpofe. The matter commeth to this in efFedlrIf the great learned Fathers could not vnderftand it,how can any man of leflc learning take vpon him to expound it ? is it not great arrogancie to fay wc do vnderftad it better then they did?Or (hal the vnlearned people be made to vn- derftand that which thofclearned Fathers could not attaine vnto ? Where there is fuch myfticallfenfeand ambiguitie,what certaintiecan there be in theexpofition? And if the interpretation be not certaine, but that one will fay this is the feufc , aa •ther will differ from him, and fay that is the fcnfe, and a third from them both/o vvhat purpofe fhould it be interpreted? Let not this trouble any man , or caufe him to thinkc it in vaine to fecke for the interpretation ofthis prophecie,for all is but a blind cauil,and very eafie to be rcfcl- led, which alfo I will now partly anfwer , and partly when we come to the hand- - ling of the words in the text which I haue read. I doe , and I may boldly affirme, thata man of mcane learning in comparifon , may now in thefe dayes more eafily vnderftand, & expound this booke far more perfe<5tly,then the learnedft Dod^ors could, and Fathers in ancient times. And further I fay , and can proue that it is no arrogancie to fpeake thus^becaufe there is great reafon for it,as one ©fthe ancien- teftFathers, Irendttu I meane,in his fourth booke, chap.45. doth flicw.For he vpon a faying in Daniel 1 2. of fcaling vp the booke vntill the time determined.-and from a faying out ofthe Prophet leremioi^ that in the ia(^^ dayes men fhould vnderrtand thofe thingsrinferreth ,that euery prophecy before it take efFe6\is darke riddles and ambiguitie vnto men. But when the time came (faith he) and it commeth to paflc which was prophecied, then the prophecies haue ;. cleare and an vndoubtcd expo- fition. If this faying of his be true,(as none that hath fenfe can deny it)thcn this Re- uelationhath many things in it , which vnto the fame Irentw , vnto Df»^, vnto Hitrome^ vnto Augnfime^ and vnto the reft of tlic Fathers were, as Irendtu fayth. THE REVELATION. 3 ty£mgmt{ta^ darkc ridd!cs,and ambiguitic,and might be taken diucrfc waycs, bc- caufc they liued beforf the times in which they fliould be fulfilled, which now vn- to vs that haue fecnc them come to paflc , haue a cleere and vndoubted cxpofi-' tion. I will open this more particularly thus : Some things in this bookc were f\xU filled before the dayes of thcfe Fathers,and fome in the dayes in which they liuedj thefe they did vndcrftand. Some things were figured out which fhould come to pafle after their day es,as the commingof the great Antichrift,and all that he fhould do . They vnderrtood that fuch a wicked dominion fhould be fct vp, yea fomc of them law plainly, and fo they teftifiein their writings, that this monflcr, the man of finne fhould haue his throne in Rome ; but that the Bifhop of Rome (hou id Co farre degenerace,as to become the head and the flandard-bearcr in this Apofiafic, to fet vp idolatrie and all blafphcmous abhominations , and to perfccute the holy Gofpcll oflefus Chriftjthey did not fee. Hcreofit came, that many things darke vnto them,are now fo cleere vnto vs being fulfillcd,thatall which arc not wilfully blind by defpifing the light,cannot but fee them,yea euen vnlearncd men and wo- men. And thus you may fee that this obicdionofthe lefuites is but a meere cauill. We haue a cleere and vndoubted cxpofition of the chiefefland almoftofall things in this prophecy : becaufe they be come to paflc^and agree in all rclpe<5ls with the things which haue fallen out. There is another obic6lion , and that fecmeth to carry greater waight: That is this, there be many great learned men,Bifhops,Do6tors,and wife Princes, whicft do take the Pope to be the Paftor ouer Chrifts Church,and in no wife to be Anti- chrift.If it be cleere by the Reuelationjifit haue fo ccrtaine &: fo vndoubted an ex« pofitionvpon the fulfilling of prophecieis,that Rome is Baby lon,the papacy the a- poftafie,the Popethe man offinne,iheir religion the worfhip of diuels ; how com- meth it to pafle, that all thefe learned and wife men fliould not fee it , no not any one of them? Do not they read the Scriptures? do not they vnderfiandthe Scrip- tures,as well as others? Isitlike that fo many of them fliould be Wind inthac which a few others oflefie account fliould ree?Nay^fhall we fay that all they can- not know thatjwhich vnlearncd men and women do take vpon them to fee and to know? Shall we thinkc thefe of the common people can be right and the other wrong?Shal] thefe talke ofthe rcuelation,& fay thus & thus it is to be vnderftood, the Popery is the kingdome ofthe beafl,the Pope is Antichrifl,and fo teach them that be learned? What n)anof wifedome will thinkc that plowmen and artificers know fuch mifteries,and great wife Dodors know them not? Thus they rattlcj& make a noife to trouble weake men:and indeed vnto mans wifedooiCjit feemeth anhundrech to one^that all thofe great Cardinals , Bifliops, Do(5lors,and wife Princes ihould rather fee the truth,then afew dcfpifed perfons: but lookeinto the holy word of God , go into his fan6tuary,asihe Prophet fpea- keth PfaliTie.yj.and you fliall find it nothing at all which they obie6f. For in very deedeit is the fame argument, or fJjther I may fay , the fame blind cauill that the Pricfts and Pharifies made againfl our Sauiour Chrift > and againft thofe that fol- lowed him,Ioh.7.Thcy gathered a councell^they fent their officers to apprehend B2 cm, ^ SERMONS VPON Chrift,and to brlngbimbcforethem.They fate and cxpc6led their comming , and the officers returned without him.Why haue you not(faid they)broughthim?Nc- uer man(&y d the officers) fpakelikc this man.Thcn the Pharifics anfvvercdrArc ye alfo dccciucd? do any ofthe Princes , or of the Pharifies belec.ue in him ? but this multitude that kno wcth not the Jaw is accurfed.Is not this vnto mans wifedome in all likelihood a very ftrong argument? Compare both fides together and fee. Here arc the high Pricfts,the Pharifies,the Do6^ors,the Princes, and the lludied men in the Scriptures : all chefe cry out with one voice , and condemncChrift to be a fe- ducer,a deftroyer ofGods holy worfhip, a falfc Prophet. On the other fide, who > follow ChriftjWho imbracc hisdo6trine,& beleeue in bim?hisclwcfe difciplesarea few fishermen. Then certainc Vv'omcn,and fome of them that hadbene great fin- ners,as Mury A knovv,he gi ucch them; wherefore ic is faid,chac God jgauc this Reuelation to le- B 3 " fu5 4 SERMONS VPON "^ fusChrlrtjto (hew to his feruarits things which rauft (hortly be done. The Lord lefus^who hath loucd his fpoufe,and waftied her in his owne bloud,hath fo tender a care ouer hcr,that what may do her good, and be for her fafety while fhc is here vpon earth in her pilgrimage in the middeft other foes,he cannot withhold it from herrwherefbrerecciuing this Reuelation.heTcndeth his Angell, and fignifiethto.his feruant lohn^ the difciple whom he loued , that he might recciue and publifh the fame. Behold then the loueofthe Father, behold the loueofthe Sonne in gluing this prophecy , to open to his leruants the things that fhould be done, be fore they come to pafle.But ftill for the authority of the bookc , it commcth from the high Godjit is from Icfus the raed!ator,itis fent by an Angell,here is no blemifh : but it commeth alfo from a man.Indeedc it commeth from a man but from fuc h a man, and in fuch fort,that the authority is nothing at all diminifhed , for the holy Apo- flles and Prophets were but the inftruments ofthe holy Gholi and dcliuereri no- thing of their ownc,but whatfoeuer the fpirit by them vttered: as it ij: written: Tor the prophecy cttme not in olde time by the wtllof man : but holy men of Cjod j^ake as thej were moHed by the hotj GhDJi. i.Vcz. i. This Saint lohn refperteth when he fayth here of himfelfeiw^/^r/; bare record ofrhe word ofGoa , and ofthe tefltntony of lefHS Chrifi ^and of aU things that hefaw. He doth not here vtter any thing but as a faithful!' witnefifc.euen as the tongue and penne ofthe holy Ghoft. Then is it our part humbly to ftoopc downc with all reuercnce, to hearken to God, and to our Lord lefus Chrift,who in lingular louc hath fent this Reuelati5 vnto al his feruants, Wc muft takeheede that we defpifcnot things commingfromfo grtat and fo glo- rious a mediator , fending them vnto vs for our fpccialigood. Thus much for the high authority of this booke. Now come to the fccond part,whtch cxprcfleth the fingular fruit and commo- ditic which the faithfull (hall recciue thereby : Bleffedishe that hearethj andthej^ that read the wordf of this Prophecy^ andkeepe the things which are fvrilten there- in :for the time is at /> W. What can be faid more to ftirrc vs vp to readc, to heare and to imbiacc with all good wilandgladnefTe, the things which are fent vnto vs, and vttered in this bookePThey be no triflL*s,they be not things onely tor a fhevv,to inoue wonderment, or to delight the curious mind of man; butfuchas indeede, do giue true bleffedneflevnto all thofe which are well inflrubut when tiiey cometo pafi[e,thcy will be cleere. Then blelTed is he that readeth^and they that hearc the words ofthis prophecy, & licepe the things which are written therein : for he fhall be able to ftand in the truth, and to ouercome all daungers. Thus we fee what authority this booke is of, comming from the high God through the mediation of our great Prophet lefus Chrifl:,and alfo what fiuit euen vnto true bleflednefle we may receiue thereby :that we may with all diitifull reuerence be attcntiue to learne^and then to loue aspreci- ous treafure that which v;e are here taught. Hauing thus fliewcd you the fumme ofthis title ofthe booke for the two maine parts ofit ; I will now come to ftand vpon fomc colled^ion, wherein we are to ar- gue againfi the Papifts;for here is ftrong matter againft them. Fir/t you fee it is cal- led a Reuelation, which is as much as to fay, an vncouering of things that did lie fccret/or it is peculiar to God to know all his works from the beginning, his cou- fels and decrees are fecret to himfelfe , vntillheopen them . What his Church fiiould here vpon earth pafle through, what combats and affli6lions Oie fhould fu- ftaine,what vi6lory and glory flie flial at thelafl obtaine,he hath before in his high wifedomc and fecret counfell decreed. What monftrous huge enemies fliould rife vp againfiher,what they fhall deuifc and pra6tife,and how far they fhall preuailc: alfo what ouerthrow and defiruiflion (hall come vpon them , he hath likew ile in the fame his fecret counfell appointed. All thefe being moft fecret with God, are reuealed to the man lefus Chriit, who alfo reucaledthcm to his feriiant /£>/j»,and he by his commandement vnto the whole vniucrfall Church. If it be a Reuelation, then how fay the Papifis, that it is fo darke , that very litlc in refped^ can be noted in it? Are the tilings fo vncouered , that they be flill not to be vnderilood? ? How ilioulditthenbecalledaRcuc'ation ?A11 andeuery part of this booke is a Rene* lation:Shall wcfay that the holy Ghort,the fpirit of truth, hath giucn a wrong,yca . a falfe title vnto it? For if it hide matters,or fo fet forth that they cannot be vnder- , Itoodjthen is it not rightly called a Reuelation.lt may be they will then fay, and are the matters indeed fo decre and cuident? Is there no hardneflc in then)? I haue al- ready fhewcd,thatthis Reuelation ferueth the Church in her Icuerall crtate as the limes fallout . Wherefore fuch things as wercfuifilled in thedaycs ofche learned fath?rs were clcare vnto them^the things to come they could not vnderftad for the moll partjbut did grope at them.Thcfc are now fulfilled in our eyes, and arc ma- nifefl,at the leaft the mofl ofthem : and the re(i which remaine(vnleiTe it be fome fcw)thc tenor of the former things leading vs to fee. Some thingcs which yet re- maine vnfuifilled,mu(i nccdcs be darke vntill the time come: but to haue thisopi- nion.that all or the moflpart ofit is darke,;i; contrary to the nature of a Rcuelati- cn.Thc iloudifulnclle^ the negligence and the coaccmpt ot holy things^that are in ' ' 'n>cn, THE REVELATION. 9 men, Jo make k hard . The Lord hinifclfe expoiindcth fome myHcrles In the Jfir/i Chapter, which giue clecre light cfpccially to the fird vifion. The Angell expoun- deth o:her,and efpecially in Chap, i j. The writings ofMofes and the Prophets, vnto which there be fundry aliuhons, and from which fundry things are drawne, Aiy manifeft many things. So that indeed to be ignorant in it, is either wilfully, ou negligently to defpife that which we may,and ougiit to know vnto our happines. Then remember when thou hearelt any go about by the hardncs of the booke to difllvadefrom t/iereading and hearing ofit,I fay remember, the Lord faith it is a Reuelation : be not (b cafily driuen away from it. MoreGuer,if any be ready to cauill further^and to faVjit is a Reuebtion,but not Tnto all . It was giucn to lohn , it might be giuen likcwife to fome fpeclall men^ which could tell how to vfc itjbut not for the vnlearncd.Indeed the Papifts reafon after fuch fort ; but the next words do quite put them do wne,when he fayth, T9 Jhew to hisferuants thi>igi which mnjl Poortly he done. That is, vnto all Gods fer- uaniSj men and women , young and oldc, and therefore lohn'xs commaundedto write all in a booke,and to fjnd it to the feuen Churches of Afia. Maike well that he faythjthat this Reuelation is giuen to lefusChrifl:,tofliewto hisfcruants,&c.lF it cannot be interpreted, nor vnderftoodjhow doth ir,or how can it {hew things ? And if thou regard not or canft not vnderfland it, take heede , looke to thy felfc, leaft thou be found none of Gods feruants,for it ilieweth to the feruants of Chrift things that mufi be done. When the feruants of God whichvvithall humility fubmit themfelues,and depend vpon him to be taught, fhall haue their eyes ope- ned to fec,the wicked proud world,and children of the world fhall be blind , yea To blind and fofarre from vnderftanding this prophecy , that they fliall fulfill the things which arc propheciedin ir. The Popifli Cleargy ,the Cardinals, the Bifhops, Abbots,andIefuite PrJefts conft-fTejthey do not nor cannot vnderHand it:where- by it is moiieuident,that they be not the feruants of Chrirt . Let none draw thee away with their cauils, defire the Lord to open thine eyes, that among the num- ber of his feruants , the things may befiiewed vnto thee which this booke reuea- leth.LaNly , if this booke be lo darke and fo my flicalljthat it cannot be vnderriood; ifthe interpretation of it be vnccrtaine : or if the common people cannot be taught to vnderfland it;,& therefore are not to meddle withitjhow fhould the ho- ly Ghoft fay, ff/f/firii/ii/;*?/^^/- readethy andthey that heare the rvords of this frO' thecy^an^ kee^e the tht»g! whtch are written i herein! Let any man iudge that hath common fenfe , fhall a man euer become blcffed by reading cr hearing thofe things which he cannot vnderfland,cr which he is not tomeddle withall ? Lidgc alfo in this,whether part are we to beleeue ? ThePope(vvho chalengeth to be the vicar of Chrirt,3nd fo guided by the fpiric of truth , that iudicially from his chaire he cannot erre)fayth this is a booke dangeroi's for the peopleto meddle withalJ, The CardinalSjthe Prelates in that kingdomCjtbe lefuites and other,beare men in hand that it is euen fo, and that the fafeli way for the people is,neuer todea'e with it. The holy Gho(i by the penne of Saint 7o^»vpvcciaimethaloude , thattbcybe bkflcd which i:eade,,hea«Jj^dHeej)e the mact^i^ hers vvjfiuen . Who. fay th the lo SERMONS VPON truth? for they cannot both fpcakc truth, their fayings be (6 flat contrary. Arc ycft not furc the holy Ghott doth fpeake the truth? then doubt not but be as fure thac the Pope and Papifts do fpeake by a lying fpirite , euen by the fpirite of the diuell. Thus haue we in this firft part of the prefacc,thehigh authority of this booke com- tning from the God ofglory, through the mediation oflefus ChriR,andthcfin- ■gular fruit which we fhall receiuc thereby .Let it moue vs with reuerence to be at- lentiue to the things vttered, to learne them , and to louc them, that wc may be blcfledfor eucrniorc, ^meft. mmmm THE II. SERMON. 4. lohft to thejenen Churches which are in Afia^ grace be mthjee , mctpence^ from him which it , and which woAy and which is to come , and from thefeuen jpints which are before hts throne, 5". And from lefns Chnfl, which is that faithfuUwitneffe^andthatfrfi begotten ofthedeid^andthat Princeofthe k^n^s of the earth ^vnto htm that lottedvSf andwajhed vs from our fnnes^ in his bloudy €. And made vs kj^gs and Priejls to (Jod euen his father , to him Ifay, be glory and dominion for euermore. Amen, "J. 'Seho/dhe commeth with clonds^^ euery eye fh^llfee himyea euen they which pierced him through , and all the kindreds of the earth fhallwaile before him, euen /by Amen, ' 8. y^w Alpha, andOmGQ'iyihe beginmng andthe ending faith the Lord Vfhicb is^andwhich was, and which is to come^euen the sy^ /mighty. E had in the three former verfes, the title of this booke, being the fiiRpartof the preface: and here we haue in thefe fine verfes the fccond part,that is the falutation, or greeting, which loh'n fendeth to the feucn Churches . It was the vfuall manner ofthe Apoftles, when they did write vnto any,to begin with falutation, testifying there- by how vehemently they did loue them to whom they wrote,how well they did wifh vnto them, praying for their faluatjon through the high blefHng oi God /^ohn was vvilledCas ye fee afterwan^sin this Chapter)to write thisReuelation,& toicnd it to feuen Churches of A^ia^wh-ch are named vnto him , thac they might receiuc this prophccy.and deliuci; forth cruc copies of jc vnto othci Churches, And before THE REVELATION. ir he will declare the vifions which were fhewed vnto him^hc grcctcth them louing- Jy .If we compare his falutatio with that which Pau/ti the reli vfc in their Epiftles> we fliall find in fubftance of matter no difference at all,but in the manner and or- der he differcth,vfing fuch a fty le,and fuch dcfcriptionSjasarc agreeing to the Ma* ierty of this booke. Confider the things in particular,as they be fet downe c Touchingthe matter wifliedinthe falutations vhtothofe to whom they write. Saint T^^w/fwifheth grace and pe3ee,to the Romaines^to the Corinthiatis.Galathians, Ephefians,&c. and fometime. grace, mercy,and pfeace,as to Ttwotbyflndvnto Turn. Saint John craueth the fame things for the Churches to which he fcndeih : as ye fee, loh^ to the feuen Churches which are in ^tAfia^grace be Tvirhje^and peace, C^clfye will demand what is meant by grace and peace, they fignifie the free fauour and good will of God towards mcn^ and ali good things which flow from the fame , In a word.vvhen the Apoi^Ies wifli for grace and peace,they pray for allfpirituallblef- fings in heauenly chingSjas Saint f ^r^/fpeaketh,Ephef.i. they pray for all the rich and precious treafures which are giuen vs in Chriii, & manifefted by the glorious Gofpcll.Whcreupon I may here by the way note one thing briefly , touching the true miniftcrs otChrifl, whar property they haue:-For weall confefle that the bleflcd Apoftlcs were faithfull Minifleis indeedjand great patternsfbr all other to follow.Thfry fpent their flrength in labouring,they pafled through all daungers' and perils,to difplay & to manifefl vnto the people the riches of the grace ofGod inChrifllefus. It was lone oncly that conflrained them , both the loue they bare to Chrifl,tG his truth and gIory,and the lone and pity which they bare vnto men. Wherefore as they did preach the grace of God which bringeth faluation j fo did they inflantly pray ,that the people might be partakers of the fame,vnto their eter- nall blefledneflc. The Miniflers which follow thefe fleps , are in the right way : but if they preach and labxaur for filthy luketjin refpe6^ of worldly benefitsjif they preach to magnifie themfelues, to feeke their owne glory , they be notthen true feruants of Chrift , although they fhould preach the truth . For if they feeke their owne^and not the things which are Chrifls, is not their belly their God ? as Saint Pa»/e fpeaketh, Philip. 3 . Let all that labour in the minifterie , not onely fludie to find out the truth,and to lay it open, but alfo pray and wifh that the people may imbrace the fame vnto their eternall bk(kdnt{k,S. Pau/e wiOieth grace and peace from God the Father,and from our Lord lefus Chrifl , not mentioning the holy Ghoft:but /o^»here craueth grace & peace from allthe three perfons in the moli blefled Trinity,which may feeme to befome difference, but verily in effe(^ there is no difference at all. For when the holy Ghofl is not exprefly named in the falu- tation ofthe Apoftlesj yet he is not excluded/eeing he is the worker of all in the hearts cfmen: and therefore indeed there is no difference but only in the expreffe mention,betweene lohu and the other Apoflles. Alfo this may be noted, that the vfuallplacing ofthe perfonsis in this order, the Father , the Sonne, and the holy Gh6f^:but Johtthcphptth with theFather.then next the holy Ghoft,and fo com^ wcth to the Sonne inihe third placcV This nwy not fecmc flrange, feeing there is ^. . - ^-_ ._._._ ._ -- ^^ IS SERMONS VPON no degree ofdignltle in one perfbn aboue another: the Father Is not greater then the Sonne , the Sonne is not greater then the holy Ghoft. They be all of the fame power,maieftie,and glory, none is before or after other . And it was more con- ucnieat thacSaint loh>i Hiould here fctout our Sauiour in the third place, becaufc he maketh a large defer iption of him , and in the fame fpeaketh of the laft iudge- ment, and fo from thence commeth fitly to conclude his falutation in that high and magnificall maner which he doth. Now let vs fee the defcription of euery pcrfon in the Deitie. He fpeaketh ofthe Father thus , Grace and peace from him n^hich ts^j and whtch xom , and "which ii to come. That is as much as to fay, from him that is eternall, immortall, and vnchan- geable, who hath his being of him felfe , and giueth vnto all creatures their being. ^imtlohn ( as it feemcth ) by thcfe three words which he writeth in the Greeke, . would cxprefle the force ofthe name of God lehorta in the Hebrew ,or ofEheie, Exodus the third. Whom (faith Mofes) fliall I fay hath fent me ? Ani'vver is made, fay Sheieh^ih fent me vnto ye : that is, I wil be,or as they fay, the future tenfe may haue all times included in it , and fo it is as much as to fay , I ana, I was, and I will be, hath fent me vntoyee. Ic may here be obie6led,is not the Sonne Ieho»afit She* iffy he that is, and he that was , and he that is to come ? Is not the holy Ghoft alfo Jehouai I anfwcr,that refjiedingthe eflencCjthe Father,the Sonne, and the holy Ghoft,are but one and the felfe fame eternall, immortail, and vn changeable God: but lohn fpeaketh here diftinguifliing the pcrfons.And the Sonne being begotten ofthe Father, the holy Ghoft proceeding from the Father and the Sonne, the Fa- ther in this diftinguifliing ofthe perfonSjispropoudcd as the fountaine ofthe Dei- tie, and the feuntaine of all being, of life , ofgrace , and peace. According to this we Ihall find fundrie places of fcripture , as when he faith, Qodfe louedthe worldy that hegatte his optely begotten Sonne ^ that yvhofoeuer beleeueih tn him fljouldnot pe- rip} , but haue life euerlafitn^ , lohn. 3 . Godrvas in Chnfl reconciling the world to hintfelfi, nat imputing their JinywSyi.Qox.^/Becaafejie arefonnes, Cjod hath fent the Ipirite of his fame mto your hearts^ which crieth i.y^bba, Father , Galath.4. Then next he wiOieth grace and peace t'rom the holy Ghoft , the worker of all grace in thefaithfull/aying ; And frothe feuen fpirits which are before hi;* throne. There be fundry g'fcs , and fundry operations , and yet but one holy Ghoft ,how doth Saint lohnthzn call him feuen fpirits ? This hathcaufed fbnieto take it ofthe Angels , not that Saint lohn fhould wifli grace and peace from them , as firom the authors ofgrace and peace, but as they Itand as n)inif iring fpirits before the throne. And vpon this the leluites of Rhemes lay hoId,faying, that the holy Ghoft may be here meant , and lo called for his manifold graces. But they fay , it feemeth more probable , that he fpeaketh this of the holy Angels : and fo they conclude, it muft needs be confcflcd, that grace and peace is wiflied by the Apof lie, not oncly from God,but alfo from his Angels. And hereupon they infcrre, that it4S not fuperfti-. tipusjbut an Apoftolicallfpeech,to fay, God and our Ladie blcffe vs,God and his Angels, or God and any of his Saints hclpe vs , or bleflc vs. But there arc reafons in deed fufficicnc to proue, that thcfe feuen fpirits be tlK holy Gholt, and not the " iniuiftring THE REVELATION. 13 miniQring Angels . Let it be a light reafon tliat the/c fcuen fpirits are placed be" twcene the Father and the Sonne_,as proceeding from them both , and ofequal^ Maiefty and authority: yea we mu ft note that grace and peace is vviflied from thcfe fcuen fpirites , cuen with the fame manner of fpcech , that they be wifhcd from the Father and the Sonne,the coniund^ion coupling them all in one. Againe, Saint lohn fpeakcth ofthe holy Gho{},as he appearcth vnto him in vifio in this Rc- uelation. Here are fcuen Churches^which reprefent all Churches. The holy Ghoft did workc fo fully and perfcdly in euery one ofthefefcuen,as if he had bene in e- ucryonca leuerallfpirit(asa]foinallandeucry one through the whole world) and for that caufe is lliewed in vilion chap. 4. as feuen lampes burning before the throncjcalied there the feuenfpirites of God. The holy Angels be the Lords Mi- ni(ierSjbut ncucr I thinke in the Scriptures called the Ipirites of God. Euery An- gellindeed is in fomcfenie a fpirice ofGod,but when theScripture fayth the Spi- rit ofGodjit is the holy Ghofi. Morcouer^the Angels are before the throne , and about the throne^but proccede not out ofthe throne : but the holy Ghoft fent and proceeding from the Father and the Sonnc^commeuh forth ofthe throne. For it is fayd^there proceeded out ofthe throne,IightninoSjandthundrings,andvoiccs,and feuen lampes of fi5e,burning before the throne.Doth not the conftrudion carry ic plainely, that thcfe lat^ipes whichburne before the throne proceeded out ofthe throne? Alfo the holy Angclsjahhoj^gh they be employed in theferuice ofChrift,. cxcrcifing his power and prouid^ncqyyct the holy Ghoft is in a moft high and pe- culiar manner the eyes and homes ofthe Lambe,that is, his abfolute wifedome & power.-asin the /ixt Chapter thefe feuen fpirites of God are called the eyes and homes ofthe Lamberby thefc theLambe opencth thcfeales ofthe booke. Thefe feuen lampes^feucn cycSj& feuen hornes,do not worfiiip before the throne, as theother: wherefore we n^ay take itforcertainc, that Saint hhn here doth wifti grace and pcace^as from thcFathe'r in the iirft place,fo from the holy Ghoft in the ncxtjwho is the worker ofall grace and peace in the harts of men. In the third place,hc wiilieth grace and peace from lefus Chnft : he is the me- diatour betweene God and man : he alone hath wrought the reconciliation: he isourpeace-makerjthathath brought vs into fauour with God : worthily there- fore doth he wifii grace &pegce from him. He doth nor,asyefee in bare tearmes, according to the vfuall manner, wifh graceand peace from lelus Chrift , but fet- teth him foorth with a goodly defcription, full of excellent glory ,touching euery partofhis office,andthecoma?unicating the fame with vs , The parts of his of- fice are in rhefe,that he is the great Prophct,the mighty Prince^and mercifull high Prieft. The firft is exprefied in thefe \soiQSyT hat fatthft^Urvttnejje.Wc as the Prince of all Prophets, brought alhhe counfels of God, and reuealcd them vnto men: as it is written, Neman huthfceneG.odat anj time^fhe onelj begotten Sonne which is m the hofome ofthe Father, he hath decUred himjohn.i .verfe.i 8,He did bearc record to the truth euery.way:for being apprehended , brought before 7i/ate, and accufedjhe asked him,z^rt thou a, Ktyjg ? He au7ifwered,for. this caufe vcas I hrne^&for thiicmfccamd intf thfV^or/4,that i wtght hjarc mtnef to the truth, ; ' " " ^~"" John.r8» J4 SERMONS VPON loh. 1 8. verf. 3 7. Wherefore Saint P^«/ faith, H when he fayih: •■^ '"'" " ' / THE REVELATION. 17 / fkwe fert*.Ants vpon h»rfis : and prtnees walking vpon the ground itkeferuantes* chap*. 10. verf. y.W'!; were in bondage vnto Satan the prince of darkcnes,obcying him and doing his will : butbeing annointed witbthcfpiriceofChrift, wctrcadc him do wnc as mighticprinces,vndcr our feet, & as a pray are deliuercd from hint?, and as captiuesare fetfreefirom thehands offuch crucllpowcr.We were captiues, in bondage vnco death, vnto eternal] fhame and mifery; butbeing annoiuted with the holy Ghoft , we flialbe raifed vp from death in great triumph and glorie , to raigne for cacr & euer with our head Icfus Chirift.We were the children of wrath, through our vnclcannes; he hath waflied vs in his bloud , and n)ade vs the fonnes of God, and that is , he hath made vs great kings . For the children of Emperours and kings here in the world inherit riches and glorie, and are borne princes.All the kings of the earth are but beggers, being compared vnto him j tlaen mull his chil- dren ofneceflity alIofthem,be great kings andprinces;and who is able to exprcflc with any words, the riches and the glorie which they fliall inherit ? He beltow- cth many good things in this world vpon all, but how great are the thinges which they rhallcnioy,whom he makcth kings ? This isa blelling doubled vpon vs; for to be dcliuered from the raifcrie and bafenefle is muchrbut then to be aduanced fb high is more . How vehemently ought we to pray. Let thyktngdome come ? It is a blefled kingdome. How well is it with thofe that are made kings to God ? It may be faid, if the beleeuers be lifted vp by Chrittinto fuchadignitiej howcommetn it to paflc that they be fo bafc andfo dcfpifed in the worldPlfa man come into the prefencc of a kings fonne, by and by he is moued with a rcuerence , and fliew- eth that he doih regard and honour him . But they that profcfle the Gofpell , and to be the fonnes of God, are bafe and contemptible in the eies of men. Saint lohn anfwereth this in another place,{aying,«ytf«' rvhutlouethe Father hathgiuen vs^that ve (hould be called the fonnes of ^od.T herfore the worla knoweth vs not, becaufe tt knoweth not htm.Beloued^e are now the fonnes ofCjody but it doth not appeare tvhat wefhallbe: vie know that when he ^aU be made manifefly wejhallbe /tke vnto himv becaufe wefhallfee him as he is: i Job. 3 . verf. i . 2. To the fame purpofe it may be cited, which Saint Prf»/fpeakethJlom.8.verf.ip.ofthereuealing of the fonnes of God. We muft then not looke vpon the prefent eftate of the faithfull, but what it (hall be; for here the fonnes of God which fhall fhine in glorie as kings , do lye fubieil vnto contempt,vnto bafenefle, vnto rcprocheSj& vnto manifold miferies. Being wafhcd then iitthe bloud of the Lambe, and cleanfed from all our fins , we are alreadic the fons of God, we are kings , but we may not looke to come to the glorie in this world. Now fortheother,thathehath made vsprieflstoGodeucn his Father: this may feemetobebutafmallmatter, vntillweconfiderwhatitistobe pricfles to God . Nothing that is polluted and prophane can haue acceflc vnto God to abide in his prefencs. A Prieft to God isfan6^ificd and priuiledged to come vnto him c- uen with fauour. As euery prophane thing is abhominable to God,fo cuery gift & oblation offered vnto him by fuch prophane ones is reieded; but afandtifiedpricfl; to God offering vp giftes and facriiices, the fame are delightforae and acceptable C ynto iS SERMONS VPOK Vnto hini.We are all of vs by nature vncIcane,prophanc and abhominabic to hintj and quite fliut out from hauing any acceflc into his prcfcnce. There were priefls of old time that did approch and offer gifts and facrifices which were acceptcd,buc they were figures of Chrifi, and offered vp all in his mediation: for he alone is our priett that hath fandified vs with his own bloud,and made the way for rs to enter cucn vnto the throne of grace, and as holy prieftesto offer vp fuch facrifices as do pleafe hira. We arc not made priefls as in the law to offer carnall facrifices,accor- ding to the law of che carnall commandement,(as the holy Ghofl fpeakcth^Hebr. 7. verf. 1 5. ) but we are pricfts to offer fpirituall facrifices , We are made Aa holy Vrtejihoody to ofer vp fpirituall facrtfices acceftab/e to ^o^ through lefus Qmjtx 1 . Pet.2. verf 5 .We are to confecratc our bodies a facrifice liuing,holy & accepta- ble to GodjRom, 1 2. verf I . And as it is written,^^ muH alwaies By ^i>»(that is c- uen by Cbx\i\)ojf€rto Cjod the facrifice ofpraifeythatisthe frutt of the hppes which confeffe his name . To do good and to dt^Irtbute forget not, for wtth/uch/acr'tfces Gocltsp/eajed, Heb. 1 3 . verf. 1 5. 1 d.Thefe be fpirituall facri/ices,therefore all true Chrilhans may be called fpirituall prierts,and no one man is more a prief^then an other, no not euen the holy ApoftlesjT^/^r, or Patt/yOX lohnpx any otherjncithcr is there any other priefthood remaining among men, but this fpirituall prieiVnood, Thclefuit Papifts in their annotations do grant that all true Chriflians be fpiritu* all priefts to God: but to fay that all be prielis alike, or that there ought to be none but fuch fpirituall prief^s,they cry out vpon,and fay it is the fcditious voice of ^tfr^*, who faid to Mofes & Aaron , Arc not all the Lords people holy?They vfe this ar- gument, that as hcfhould be afeditious heretike,that would rcafo thus,all Gods children are kings, therefore there ought 10 be no other earthly powers or kings to gouerne in worldly affaires ouer Chn/lians : foarc they fcditious heretikcs that v- pon this place or the like would inferre,that eueryonein a properfignificationisa priefi, or that all be priefts alike, or that there ought to be none but fuch fpirituall priefts. We do not reafon ^o, they leaue out that vpon which we f land . The ho- ly fcripture doth teach that all true Chriftiansbe fpirituall kings,and yet that there be other kings alfo to gouerne ouer Chrif^lans, and ouer all other. The fcripture faith, all are priefts to offtr vp fpirituall fact ificc; wc fay that the fcripture doth not teach that there be any other priefts, but thefe fpirituall pricfts. They affirme, that there be other priefls fo properly calledjwhich offer vp in facrificethe Lord lefus to his Father. This is wicked blafphemie ,and as they cannot fhew by the word of* God that any fuch facrifice remaineth to be offered for the quicke and the deadzfo can they not fhe w that the holy Apoff les or any other minifters of the gofpel were called priefls. When I fay they be not any of them called priefls in a proper fignifi- cationreflraincd to a miniftery,! mcane fuch priefls as offer facrificc:for the word Pricfl is vfed confufedly in our tongue,fbr ifour englifh word pricfl come of Pr^/^ hitery then hi that fence Peter may be called a pricfl:, feeing he was Prejhtttry^s h« callcth himfelfe, I. Pet. 5. verf. i. and foare all rainifiersof the Gofpell piicffs. For Bifhoppes, Paftors, and Teachers, are all called Trefiftteriy that is clders,euen for their office and miniflery.But when priefl is vfed for a facrificcr^thcn fhall we find that THE REVELATION, ip that neiclicr Pfter nor any other is called a pricft,that is a facrificcrjOtherwifc then all Chriftians arc called pricfts or facrificcrs. AH Chriftians arc not Treshittri^ for that is proper to the miniftery and Church goucrnors: but all Chrirtians be facrifi- cers alike, there is no facrificc which fome offer, and not other fome. Vpon this mention of the benefite of Chritt , S. lohn brcakeih forth into his praifc, faying, To him hegUrie and domimon for euermore, Amen, He that is the faithfull witneflTe, cuen the prince of all Prophets: he that is our mighty king hath ouercome for vs death and the diucH, and is exalted at the right hand of God: He that is our mercifull high prieft hath loued vs and wafhed vs in his bloud from our /innes; He that hath made vs kings andpriefts to God cucn his father: is not he worthy ofallglorie and dominion for euermore? Whofoeuer he be that feeleth that he is thus deliuered by Chrifl: from deftru(3ion,and aduanced to fuch dignity and glorie; how can he ftay, but breake forth with S. loh» into praifing and glo- rifying of Chrift ? In deed if we feele not our felues partakers of his glorie , our hearts are ftiUfliutvp, and our tongues are tyed from glorifying him with ioy& delight. It may be fald, hath he made vs only kings and prieffs ? Hath he not alfb made vs Prophets? Yes, he hath alfo made vs Prophets: though S. Ichn doth not mention chat, he hath giuenvs knowledge ofheauenly myfieries: I will pome ontr ofmyjpirit (fatth he ) vpon allfle(h , and jour fonnes andyour daughters fha/l pro- phecte &i\ A61. 2. i7.Reioice then in the Lord Icfus, and praifehim with glad- neflc of hartjthat hath done fo great things for vs. Let not this vaine world, nor the tranfitory things which be in it,that are in d^t6 in comparifon but bcggerly trafh, lb bewitch and befottc our minds , as to fet light by thefe heauenly treafuresand dignities. For doubtlefie fuch as fet their harts vpon the lufls of this world , neucr regard thefe heauenly dignities. He addeth one thing further vnto this defcription ofChrift,and that is his glori- ous commingto iudge the quickeand the ^ez^/B^ho/d he commeth mth cloudefj_ andeuery ej/ejhalljee him , yea cuen they which pierced him through : and all the kmdreds of the earth fhallvfaile before him , euenfo ^ ^men. Why is this his commingto Judgement here defcribed? Becaufe all this glorie and dignitie fhall then be made maniteft, not onelyto the children of God which fhallinherite the fame, but alfo euen to the wicked. The glorie of Chrifl: is now publifhed, & how he doth communicate the fame with his redeemed: but all this glorie, both in his perfon, and in his chofen, is feene of vs only by faith. It is farre remoued from our bodily fences.We fee not him, & we fcele our felues fubie(5l vnto great bafenefle, and vnto a thoufand calamities . Saint /o^«liftcth vp our mindes vnto this day, faying, behoUhe commeth wtth clondeSy ^c . The kings and great ludges of this world haue a pompe and maiefhe when theytit in i udgement , but nothing com- parable to this that he fhall come with cloudes, to (it vpon the throne ofhis glory. And then euery eye fhall feehim.Not onely the godly fhall behold the king in his glorie, but alfo all the wicked,euen the worl^ that euer haue bene;yea his aduerfa- ries that did fo cruelly murder him, fhall be confHained to their fhame & endlefle forrow to looke vpon him, & vpon the glorie of his Saints, whom they fo hated & C 2 defpifed. JO SERMONS VPON defpifed.Thcn fhal all the>prophanc peopIe,cucn al the kindreds of the earth wailc before him : their forrow ftall then come ypon them, butall too lateto find any place for mercy at his hands whom they haue fo defpifed. They now hate and de- fpifc his word,they taile vpon thofe which profefle it:then fhal come their punifh- mcnt: for then fhallthey giiie account for all their wicked deeds , when he com- meth with cloudes, and when euery eye fhall fee him, euen the eyes that now arc the eyes ofthe dcad,as well as the eyes of the liuing.Yc fee there fliall be two forts of people : the one fort fhall lift vp their heads and reioyce,fbr the day oftheir re- demption is come: the other fort fhall lament and mourne, and cfie out dolefully with bittergriefe and forrow,becaufe the day of wrath and vengeance is come vpon them, I pray you thinke well of this , and walke fo carefully now , andfo wifely ,thac when that day commeth, ye rnay not be of that company which fhall houle and lament,but ofchofe which with great ioy fhal be crowned with glory to raigne with Chrift.He that doth not ftudie now to know the wayes of God , and to walke in them,that he may at this fecond comming ofthe Lord be blcfled, he is more then a foole, yea is more then madde . AH our whole life ought to tend to thisjthat we may be accepted in that day .-and marke how Saint lohn doth con- iirme this with a double affirmation,the one in a Greekc word,and the other in an hebrew word, which is,Ame,which is.Sobe it.By this he doth not only fet downc the certainty of his comming, but declareth his vehement defire for the fame: and thereby he giueth vs an example euen to long for it . For then the kingdom of Sa- than fhall be quite put d owne , Sathan and the wicked fhall be fhut vp in the pri- fon ofhell:the glory of Chrift fhall fhine forth in full perfedion,and his Saints fhal be glorified with him. For both thcfc refpeds , we haue caufe to long and to pray for the comming of this great day. Nowremaincth theconclufionorfhuttingvp of this falutation, and it is a con- firmation of this grace and peace to come from God alone , who is ( as he faith^ tyilpha and On}ega/Ji\2iZ is the beginning and the ending , for Alpha it the firf^ of theGreekeletters,and Omeq^a is the lalh he was before all,and gaue to euery crea- turcthebeing,hecontinuethfor euer,and fupporteth all , Heiseternall and vn- changeable,that is^that wa^,and that is to come ; he is that Almighty , cxcrcifing his power and prouidence ouer all . And here we may note , that whereas before in the diflinguifhidg ofthe perfons iij the Trinity, ^f that isjiethat wasyandhe that is to comeyis fpoken ofthe Fathcr,herc to declare the vnity offubfiancc, it is fpoken ofthe whole three perfons. Thus much for the falutation 0^6 John to the Churches. THE THE REVELATION. 91 THE III. SERMON. p. 1 hhn eHenyour Brother, andcompamon in tri^u/atioff, attdin the Kingdome 4ndpattence oflefus ChrifiyWasin the lie called Patmos^for the wordofCjod^ and for the rpitnejpng oflefiu Chrifi, lo. J^ndl rvoiinthejpmt vponthe Lordf daj!,and heard hehfndwe,a great voice, atit had Bene of a trumpet, 1 1* Saying : I am Alpha , and Omega, that firfi, and that lafl, that which thou feejl write in a Booke,&fendit to thefeuen (^hurches which are in AJia^vn" to Ephefm, and vnto Smyrna, andvnto Pergamus , andvnto Thyatira, and vnto Sar disband vnto Philadelphia, and vnto LaoHtcea, 1 2. Then I turned Backe to fee the voyce thatjpake with mei& when 1 was tHr* ned,l fawfeuengoldencandlefiickes, 1 3. AnA in the middeft of the candlefiickes, one like vnto the Sonne of man ^ ch" thedwith a garment downe to thefeete , and girded about thepappes with a goUengirdle. 1 4. Hu head and haires Were Vfhtte,as white wooll,and as [now, & his eyes were as aflame of fire, ly. And his feet It^evnto fine Brajfe, Burning OS in a fornace, and his voice liks vnto the found of muTiy waters, 16, And heehadinhitrtght hand feuen flarres : and out of his mouth went a pparpe two edged fvpord^and his face ^one 04 the Sunne^ineth tn hisfirengihm 17, Andwhen Ifarv him^ 1 fell at his feet as dead'.then he laydhis right handvpoH me, paying vnto me,feare not, I am that frfl,and that lafi^ 18, AndamaltHeJbut I was deadpan A behold lam altue for euermore., t/imeftm ^Andl hauethekeyesofhell andofdeath, ip. IV rite the things which thou haflfeene, and the things which Itre^ akdthe things which [hali come hereafter. ^, ''^t-*^ •, tJ!'- <* 'v ' -^ 20. The mtflery of the feuen Stars which' thou fkweft in my right l3and»dras[ih$ feuen golden candlefitckes is this : thefeuen Stars are the Angels oftheftum Qhurehes : andt he feuen candle fltckes, are the fetSen (fhurches, *^< I^ ^'^"^ ^^ preface confifting of the title of this booke,& of the falutatloA to the ChurcheSjSaint /o]&» commeth now to his narration,iand dccla- reththefirflvifion which wasfliewcd vnto him, contained in three Chapters. It fhall not be amifle to lay open vnto you in the firfl place to what end and purpofc this viiion ferued^which is three fold:fbr firfi it was to cal C 3 and n SERMONS VPON md autborife S. lohn to write tfccondlvjto fet vp the authority of this prophecy: & thirdly ,to declare in what cftatt the Cnurch then prefent vpon the earth was. .^ Touching the calling and authorifingof S. lah»f it may be faidjwas he not one ofthe Lambcs tweiue Apoftles, and had now many^ycares executed the office of the ApoftleQiip right faithfully ?What needed he,beingan ApoftIe,to be called a- gaine,cr to be authorifed ? It may be anfwered , that this is a new and a (pcciall worke, and therefore requireth a new and a fpeciall calling . Againc , it is as God dealt with the old Prophets : for when he would forefhew great and fpeciall mat- ters, he called diuerfeofthemby very glorious vifions; as yce may reade what a goodly vifion Sfay had^Chap. d.what a vifion ful ofheauenly glory Ssutchte/hsidf Chap, I. arjd what a vifion the Prophet Damelhid, Chap.io.euen in maieftielike vnto this which SJohn hath here.Thusit is then to be confidered:/ci&« is as the oFd Prophets to forefhew things to come, therefore the Lord appeareth vnto him in vifion.andralleth him,and authorifeth him thcreunto,as he appeared vnto them & called them.Thus much for the firft end,to which this firft vifion ferued. The fecond is ( as I fay d ) to fet vp the authority ofthe booke it felfe : which thing is to be drawne from the high maiefty,and glory,and power of him that ap- peareth in the vifion,vpon which I need not to flay. The third thing is,that this firft vifion is to declare in what eftatethc vniuerfall Church vpon the earth was ac that prefent time.For when the Lord wold reucalc in whatcafc his Church fhould be eucn to the worlds end , he firft dcclareth the prefent eftate thereof. In deed there are but feuen Churhes named,the feuerall e* ftateofcucry one of which is opened in the two next Chapters;but vnder thefe fe- uen,amcng which fome v;ere in better or more perfed^ cafe then other, the ftate .ofthe whole vniuerfall Church militant is laid open. It had bene a matter infinite torecken vp all the particular Churches that were then in the world,& to haue o- ^pened their eftate.Therefore as thjs prophecy, whichis for all the feruants ofGod in what Church foeuer,is fent but to thofe feuen by name: fo vnder thofc leuen,all other Churches are comprifed. Thefe three things tliU5 in generall obferued,now let vs come to the vifion,to e- uery branch ofthe word^f in order as they lie , in which there be many particulars which conccrnc the perfon that is called,the perfon that calleth,and the Churchei .whofc cfiatc is iayd open. He beginneth with hinifclfe,who was called by this vi- i[ion,fayihg,/ lohn^Henyonr Brother and companion in affliEiton^ and in the King* dome^and patience oflefm Chrijt , ^e^ Let it not feeme ttrange that he namcth himfelfc againe,for this is at his calling,as ye fhall reade in the Prophet , when he cxpreffeth thofe great vificns, how often he repeateth,/ Daniel3wi I may here a- gaine fpeake a litlc touching the former obiediion , Was not the office ofthe A- poftlefhip, the higheftdegcpcpff^uthority among the mioifters ofthe Church? Andwas not Saint John^n Apoftjc? And did not the Apoftles prophecy of things to come? Ypa, but this porpphecj^ which Saint John /rccciuah here . gocth further then that which the Apoftles hacl,itis a ipeciallReuclation;aod therdbre he hach a new calling vncoic 4 which he doth not in vainemencion/aying,/M» • In the next 7HE REVELATION. 93 next place he glueth himfclfc ccrtaine titles , but not fuch as arc fwcUing or pom- pou$,nonot cue fuch as he might,astheticIcofan Apoftleor Prophet,butofabro« ihcr to all the faichfull,and of a companion with all thofe which were afflidcd 8t perfecuted for the Gofpell of Chrift, vnder hope of the glory to come . But why may fome fay, did he not here take the title of an Apoftleor of a Prophct/ecinghe is to commend the authority of the booke?Was it not lawfuJI for the Apoftles and Prophets to take thofe titles? Yes, but here was a particular refpedt, for which M« fettethhimfelfefo low? for fureiy, I fuppofe that Saint /did change the day,& chofe for the holy aflemblies the next day vnto it following,vp6 which dayourSauiourrofe from the dead. ThecauillofthePapiflshereis vaineandfri- Uolous, affirming that the Apoftles had no fcripture to warrant this,nor any com- mandemcnt we readeof,but did change the day,net only otherwife then wasob- ferued, but plainly otherwife then was prefcribed by Godhimfelfeinthecom- mandemcnt/eeing God commanded precifely that the feuenth day , and not the eight fliould be kept hoIy.How wickedly wodd they draw from hence a power in the Church to abrogate things that are commanded by God in the Scriptures, and to eftablifh things not commaunded by the fame ? for they faile in thefe two things: the fi'rft, thatthey feenot how the obferuation of the Sabbath fo farre as it was ceremoniall, was by the Scriptures to beabrogated. The fecond,that the holy Apoftles were led by the holy Ghoft to deliucr all dodlrinc to the Church ; and the Churchfince hath the holie Ghoft not in fuch meafure , to haue power to abro- gate any ordinance fee to beperpetuall, not to teach any new \hings,but to know • ' ' and THE REVELATION. 25 and to continue in the dodlrinc of the Apoftlcs.For as our Sauiour preached all the vvhole Gofpelijas he faith, ft/ill things that I hane heard of my father ^aut 1 made knownevntojou.Ycioxi 15. verfe 15. fo he fentdowne the holy Ghottvpon the Apoftlcs, which Jed them into all truth, lohn id.verfe 13. This Comforter did bring al things to their remebrancc whatfocuer he had faid vnto them,Ioh.i4.2<5. And fo the holy Apoftlcs, euenas Saint Fanle witneflfethof himfclfc, A6ls 20.vt* tcred all the whole counfels of God. In fo much that he is bold, and faith,Ifan An- gellfrom bcaucn preach any other Gofpell vnto you befide that we haue prea- chcd,lethimbeaccurfed,Galath.i. Ifhehadnot preached all the do6lrineofthe Gofpell, how fliould he fay. If any preach befide that we haue preached? If he had faid, againft that we haue preached, it had not bene fo much as to fay, befide that we haue preached : for they may fay and cauill.that their doilrine is not againft or contrarie to that which the Apoftlcs preached, but if it be added , is it not befide ? audit is to be knowne that the Papiftsof Rhenaes do themfelues tranflate it,befidc that I haue preached. Further that they fay , this day is called the Lords day, and fro ancient time,yea cuen from the Apottles,and that to call it Sunday is an hcachenifh calling, they fay right : but then why do-aot they confider that the calling it Sunday was not only taken vp in Poperie,as the reft of the day es of the weeke , fin which for my part I aninotfcrupulous)but alfoifany that profeffe the Gofpell call it the Lords day, the Popifh fort among vs haue them by and by in derifion. I truft they will do it no longer, if they know that thelefuics fay it is an heathenifh calling , to call it Sunday. Thus much for the time* Now followechthe calling of Saint lohn.U authorifing of him by commande- ment vnto this fpecial bufinefle.He is indeed firft called vpon,and receiueth com - mandementby a voyce, not feeing any thing. For be heard (^as he faith) behind him a great voyce,as it had bin of a trumpet : no doubt there was fome caufe why this goodly loud voyce it vttered behind him, to ftir him vp before he faw any vi- fion, but I will not ftand about conie6lures. Then he telleth what the voyce Ipake, 1 am AlphaandOmega^thatfirfi^andthat laJl:lL\\\^ is to let him vndcrftand,of what authoritie he is that calleth him,and appointetb him to this workc; for that is a chiefe point,& a thing neceflary for him to know. He is indeed the eternallGod, the fecond perfon in the Trinity, euen the Lord ofall Lords : for who but eternall God is Alpha & Omega ^ the beginning and the ending ? And the great God alone hath authoritie to call minifters of his word, and to deliuer matters vnto them, for the inftrudlion and faluation of his people. Ifthey be not called byhisappoint- ment,and to bring his word, what authority haue they ?who need to care for the, or what they fay ? This is a ftrong place againft the moft damnable herefie of the wicked Arrians, which affirme that our Sauior is God,but not eternall GodThey afcribcvnto him a fecondarie Godhead which tooke beginning. We fee it moft c- uidentby that which foUoweth , that it is lefus which here appeareth: for he faith, lam aline ^and was dead. lefus as a man died> and as eternall God he faith, / am AlphaandOmega^thatprJl^andthatlafiMhtY^Qizmt the fame God with the Father z4 SERMONS VPON Father and the holy Ghoft, how fliould he be the firft and the laft ? Do not doubt thcnofhis etcrnall Dcitic. Let vs proceed. Here followeth what commandement the voice vttcred, which confifteth of two parts. The firft wilietb him to write in a booke that which he fecth : then the other is^that he (hould fend it to the Churches : becaufe the Lord wold hauc it re- maincin pcrfed record vnto thcvfc of the whole Church.tue to the worlds cndjhc willcth it fliould be written in a bookc.ThePapifts to vphold their kingdome, be- caufe the written word is againli them, boalt of vnwritcen verities, and traditions, which they fay are things fo myfticall,that the Apoftles would not commit them to writing.nor make them comon to all the peopIe,but deliuered them vnto feme few chiefeperfonsjthat they from one to one might deliuer them to others which ftiouldfuccecd.HeretheyrauftbringinthcirhallowingofAlcarSjbaptizingofbels, and a thoufand fuch like trumperies. But if any thing had bene to be kept feccet indeed from the common fort,and therforc not to be deliuered in wricing,it might feemetobe the my rticall things vtteredin this prophccie: but the Lord will haue them written in a booke: andnotonelythat,but the other part ofthe commande- ment is,that he fliould fend it to the feucn Churches which are in Afia,vnto Ephe- fus,andvnto Smyrna,andvnto,&c.He doth not will him, when he hath written it, to keepe it clofe , or to fend it vnto the Bifhop of Rome , that he might hauc the cuftodie therof,to deliuer to his Cleargie:but he muft fend it to the whole Church, and to all the members ofthe vniuerfall Church, which is rcprefented by thefe fe- uen,and which from thefe feuen was for all particular Churches toreceiue the true copies thereof,to the end chat whofoeuer would be bleffed,might readeandheare the words ofthis Propheeie,and keepe the things which are written herein. Nowhccommeth to fet forth the vifion, which confiftcch ofthe defcription^ partly of him that appeareth, and giueth him charge for this worke : and partly in the refemblance ofthe Churches and their miniflers. Here is indeed a wondcrfull goodly defcriptionofChriliIefus,ourhigh Prieft and chiefe Paftor and king.exer- cifing atthe right hand of God his kingly and paftorall office,with great glory, wif- dome and po wer,to the good of his chofcn, & to the fubduing & vtter- deflrudtio ofhis enemies. We fee how the Gofpell by the foure Euangciifts defcribcth him while he was vpon the earth, both before and after his refurrcdion , euen vnto the day that he akended vp into the heauens:but how he is in the heauens is not there fet forth, but here is fliewed in vlion vnto hh». It may delight vs to haue his glo- rie in fome maner refcmbled,though we be not able to comprehend the fame, no not by manie degrces,as it is in the fulnclFcThen in this place behold fuch a repre- fentationthcreoffliewed to lohfi'in view.and vtteredto vs in words as no colours can ferue to paint out .He did not appcare thus while he preached vpon earth, but tooke vpon him the fllape ofa feruant, Philip.2. yet in his fecond comming at the laft day toiudge the quickcand the dead, he will come indeed in this glorie. The enemies that thendefpifed him, becaufe he was bafe in fliew,and which now dc- fpife him, becaufe they fee him not,flialatthat day, when this glorie flial appcare, not dcfpifchim.Biic Ice vs cxaaiiac the particulars: lohn faith^hc turned hioi co fee the THE REVELATION. 27 the voyce. And when he was turned, hefaw feucn golden candlefliclre5,andinihc middeft of them one like to the fonnc of roan. Then the firft thing is this,our Lord lefus appcareth in the midft of the feuen golden cadlcftickes. The golden candle- ftickes are expounded by the Lord himfelfe, that we may haue a certainty in the expofitionjto be Churches rand I will fpeake more of them whc we come to that expofition. Here we are to note thus much by them , that onr Lord lefus is conti- nually in the middeft of his Church here vpon earth. Lideed he hath but one Church, or one fpoufe,but there be many particular Churches, as members of the fames and to fhew that he is indeed with the vniuerfall, and with all the members thereot^he appeareth in the middeft of the feuen here named, which reprefeni all other particular aflemblies and faithful! members. He is indeed touching his man* hood afccnded vp aboue theheauens,andtheheauens muft containe himvntill thetimeofthe reftoring ofall things, A61 2. and hcmuftcomc downe euenashe went vp,A6b 1. He is not now by his bodily prefcnce in the earth, no not inuifibly as the Papifts would haue it in the Sacrament , for that dcftroyeththe truth of his humanitie, and makcth the properties of the humane nature , and of the Deitic to be all one, as to be inuifible or infenfible, & to be in all places both of heauen and earth at once. And if men receiuc the verie flefti or humane nature of Chrift o« therwifechen after a fpirituall maner ,ihey muft needes alforeceiuethe verie ef^ fence of the diuine nature with the fame,which dra weth with it horrible and moft execrable blafphemies. For will they feparate the Godhead and the manhood in Chrift 3 will they be fo blafphemous as to fay , a man may rec eiue his manhood e- uencorporally,and not together there with his Godhead,a3 being but one perfon? or will they be fo abfurd as to fay , that a man may receiuc with the manhood the verie cflcnce of the Deitie , and not be deified, which is the diuellifii blafphemie of thofe that be of the Family of louePFor they fay men be deified. Wel,although wc receiue the verie fldhand bloud of our Sauiour in the Sacrament, but myftically, and after a fpirituall and heauenly mancr,which is aboue our capacitie to compre- hend , and fo touching his bodily prefence he is remoued farre from the earth : yet after another fort he is always prefent here below. And fo he fayd to his Apoftles, ^Behold I am wtthyou alwfay, euen to the endof the world^zxh. 2 8. He defendeth, he coforteth, he feedeth his Church : he performeth all things which belong to the office of the great fliepheard. In verie deed all other ftiepheards are but his inftru- mentsby whichheworketh, he himfelfe dothallinall.-hefcekethvp that which goeth attray, he feedeth the hungrie,he comforteth and fupportcth the feeble and weake,hebridlcththefroward , he repelleth the wolfe, and euerieraueningbeaft that wold deuoure the tender lambes ofhis flocke.Foras wefliall fee by this vifion, he is in the middeft ofhis flocke^not weake, nor idle.How then doth the Pope of Rome boaft as though Chrift were abfent, and had left him in his ftead,as his Vi- car, committing his whole office and authoritie into his hands Pandlooke what hc fj^jthjit muft be taken as equall in authoritie with that which Chrift hath faid. He faithjhe is the head of the Church in Chrifts abfenceibut we fee here that out Lord Icfus raigning in glory at the right hand ofhis father,is fo prefent with his Church, thai a8 SERMONS VPON that he vvorketh all , and nccdeth not to haue a vicar. The Pope indccde is a vicar, but as wcfhall fee afterward inthisbooke^ and that moft manifcft, not by hu- mane conied^ure , but by clearc teftimonic ofGods fpiritc , he is not the vicar of Chrift, but the vicar of the diucll : the dragon giueth him his thronc,&c. For albeit the diucU is not abfent , yet he hath a vicar, becaufc he cannot worke well without one, vnto whom he may giuc his place, histhroneand his authoritie. Then next he notech his attire, which is a garment downe to the feete, and gir- ded about the breafts with a golden girdle : the Kings vfe large and royall robes, and thePriefts alfo at Gods appointment by tjllofes in the time of the Law, This figure then doth rcprefent that he is among the candlefticks,as our King & Prieft: and when they that wore large garments did execute any office (as we may reade of the Pricfts in the Law) leart their garments fhould hinder , they were girded to them with a girdle. The garment is here girded to Chrift with a golden girdle: which doth not onely rcprefent, that he is in the midft of his Church not idle , but executing his Kingly and Prieftly office , but alfo that this his worke , is mo(i pre- cious and acceptable to God, as we fee the fine gold is vnto men. Looke vp then beloued^ our King and great high Prieft , is entrcd into the moft holy place in hea- uen, and is at the right hand of God in gIorie,but yet he is prefent here below, and cxecutcth his office to our faluation; for behold he is in his robes girded vnto him. Then n ext he faith that his head and haires were white , as white wooll , and as fnow : the white colour in the Scripture doth fometime reprefent innocencie and puritie : fometime heaucnly glorie , light andioy. And fo we fee that the holy Angels haue appeared in white raiment, Matth. 28. Alfo Chrift transfigured vpon the mount, hath his garments white , Matth. 1 7. But here it is fpoken of the head and haires, and therefore doth rather reprefent his full and ripe knowledge and wif- dometo performe all things in his Church: fortheauncient in daycs haue wife- dome and knowledge, and their haires & heads grow whiter, as they waxe older. The Lord God appearing in vifion vnto Daniel y chap. 7. verfep. the haires of his head were as pure wol.The figure in this place doth reprefent the fame thing with that in T)anielq. Indeed touching this figure , we mult not extend it further then vnto one point ; for old men by the multitude of daycs gadier wifedome : they be white headed ifthcy waxe exceeding old; now to reprefent a full ripencfTe of wif- dome,the vifion is with head and haires as white as white wooll,and as fnow. But thus it holdeth not,that as by the number of dayes,naturall heate decaying in men, they grovv feeble, and their haires waxe white , fo God fhould alfo waxe old : for there is no chaunge or waxing old in God, nor in lefus Chrift , nor no incrcafe of wifedome in the deitie by any experience. Then further he faith, his eyes were as a fliamc of fire : the fire ( as we knowe) is verie quicke and piercing to pafTe through all things, and alfo goeth with cleare light, which cxpelleth darkeneflc, and difcouereth things that lye hid : and for that caufeisherevfedto reprefent the piercing fight of our Lord lefus Chrift, from which nothing can lye hid , no not cuen in the darkeft corners in the world, nor in the decpeft fccrets of mens hearts. His eyes behold all things,both in the good and in THE REVELATION. 79 in the bad: all tliingsarc naked and open vnto his eyes , with whom wc hauc to do,Heb4.vcrri3.The finccre godly man is often accufed and condemned to be an hypocrite , by the corrupt malice of men which are blind : but his eyes be as a flame of fire,hc fecth the inte nts of the h art,& knoweth the defircs ofhis feruants, not caried awric with the finiftcr opinion that the world hath of them. The glory- ing and glofinghypocrite.raaking outwardly a notable fhew,and highly commen- ded of men,being but as a painted fepulcher,faire and beautifull withouc,& with- in full ofrottennclTe and dead bones,cannot lye hid from his eyes. The craftie ene- mies in their fccrct counfels, which they take againft the poore innocent lambcs of Chvitt,and in their dcepe diffcmblcd pollicies how to entrap and deflroy them, are indeed often farrc rcmoued from the fight of the wifefi men : but his eyes are as a flame of firc^he fecth the all well enough. Thedeuils in hell can deuifc nothing a- gainrt his feruants,but it is euidcnt to his fight. As this may terrific all tyrants and hypocrites/© may it comtbrt all the godly exceedingly, and encourage them tt> fly vnto him,and to depend vpon him in all difireflcs. Then foUowerh that his feet are like vnto fine brafle burning in a furnace. This declareth not only the perfe6iion ofhis waycs,but alfo his mightie and inuincible power to tread downe all his enemies : for the kind of brafle which hisfcetcare likened vnto, is of a maruellousfhiningcolourjefpccfally when it is burning in a fornace .• fuch is the excellent puritie and brightnefie ofhis wayes. But why then is not this reprefcnted by the fineft and pureft gold, which of all mettals doth excell? Th° caufc herc,as alfo in Daniell i o. is euident,that fuch a mettall iSfthofcDjas bc- fides the brightneffe, is alfo verie hard andftrong, to reprefcnt as Ifaid,thc power which he hath to tread downe all his enemies : for he fhall make all his enemies his footftoole,Pfalme no. Iftbc mofi fine gold wcreequallin Chining colour with thiskindof brafle, yet gold is a (oft bowing mettall, and not fo fit to reprefcnt his inuincible (irength. He is of might indeed to ouerchrow all the mightieli , and to dcliucrhis.lt alfo fettethforth his might,that he faith his voice islike to the found of many waters. How the great nations haue bene called and fubdued vnto him by his mightie voyce, I will not rtand to rehearfe . Here are yet fome parts of this goodly dcfcription remaining :asfirli,thathehadin hisrighthandleuenftarres. The iiarres are the An gels of the Churches , for fo the Lord himfelfe expound^th it in the laft verfe of this chapter, where we willipeake more ofthem: but here we may note,that Chrift in feeding & guiding his ChuryKbc findctb bi$ Qwoe wcakneife and imperfection^ not capable of fuch THE REVELATION, it fuch a fight fo farrc as to endure it. It was no doubt-proliitablcjor as I may ray,necdful,that the holy feruat ofChrift fliould thus be hutnbled and made fit to recciue this reuclation with the greater ro- Bcrcnce from his great Lord & mailierrbut yet it was chiefly for vs, as it appearcdi in that euery part ofthis vifion is rchcarfed in the Epililes to tlie Churches.We fee not Chrifl with bodily eycs,wc cannot conceiuc the grcatncs of his glocy,and that boldencth vs to defpife and to difobey the words that come from hira . Such a fhew thereof and reprcfentarion ofhis gIory,is ncedfull for vs.Now he coforteth & cSfirmeth him,partly by figne, & partly by words , that he might not be afraid. The fign is thjs,whe he faith,//f latkhis right hand vpome.The laying on his right hand /ignificth that he is his protc6lor:y ea ail this power & maieftyis for the good of the Church. Woe be to the diuels^and to all the wicked tyrants, that Chrift le* fiis is fo mighty,they fhall trenjble and quake at it indecde; but let the Church re- ioyce,tor wjth his right hand and (trong arme,he is her defender . And letit not difmay vs that /ohn is fo terrified at the fight of Chrili,for he was not yet fully per- feded: For vhenthi^mortall huth put ontmmorta/itjyi.Cor.i^, and wee fhall bee quite rid ofall infection and difeafes both in body and foulc, then fhall the be- holding of the king in his glory be moft comfortable vnto vs, which was yet thus terrible vnto /oh>7. Then follow hjs words, f «?«/■# notjl am th4tfirj},(tnd that iafi^ drc. Shall hhn feare , or fhpfll tbefChurch ftare at this highmaiefly ? nayit is that which muft comfort and dcliuer vs from all dread, that our redeemer is fo mighty, as both the vifion^and |iis wowl^herc do fet fbortb. lefus Chrift is not only God-, but God euerlaliing,and before a,ll eternity , for he faith, 1 am that fir fl and that lafi. With this etcrnall Deitie,thc madhood is alfo in fuch fort vnited, that toger ther they make but one perfon; For thq fafne whichXaith ^lam that firfi, and ihaf lafi: faith alfo, lam aliue^ hutj.w^ dea^i(^&. The diuinc nature could not fufier nor dici che humane nature ha4 b,egin^>ingi& was not thjst firft,but yci being fo y-» nited.he that is firfi and lafl:,is af^ue andiwi^ dead.AH power is from the godhead, (it is the fpiritthat quickneth, the fleill p^ofiteth nothing, lohn.d. and the fccond man is the Lord from heauen, i.Cor.i j.^jbut becaufe the children are partakers of flcfh & bIoud,he alfo rooke part with them,that he might defiroy through deaths himihat had the power of dcath,that is the diuelliHebr.2.ver.i4.he tooke Qiir liar ture then that he might die,and by death ouercome the diuell and all the power of death and heil,and deliuer his captiues. In that he was dead and is a liue , yea li- ueth for cuermore, death is fwallowedvp into victory, i.Cor. 15. Inthathedic^ (as thefame Apoftle faich}he died once to finnejbutin that he liueth, heliueth to Go<\^om.6.wcx.\oJB€hold ( faith the Lord lefus here ) J am almcfoptHerrnqre^ AmenilQ willethrs to behold , asa very fpeeiall thing , and then ratifieth it with this word,v^«>fwJForin that heliueth for euermore^his kingdomeaadprk:flhop4 are etcrnall,as iiis '^mitm^hou art a PrteHfor euer^aftsr the order dfMplchi[t» dech: Pfalm, no. This is neceflary, and conrfortablc to be knowne, as a thing moft furely confirmed and ratified vnto vs:becaufe vpon jc dependeth the perfciit faiuatioa of the whole Church. For thus fayth the holy Gboft, ThUmw h^auC* 51 SERMONS VPON he endureth euer,hath apriefthoodrvhich cattMotpaffe from one to another . PP'hen* fore he is ttble alfi perfeSllji to f/tne then that come vtito Cjodb) htm , feeing he euer Uueth to make intercejfion for /i&tfw.Heb.7.vcr.24.& i j.This fectetb forth the great glory of his eternall pricfthood,and for the power of his kingdome,markc what he UythiathGnQxtwovdit/ind J haue the kfjfes of heUandof death . Thekeyes in the holy Scripture are put for the rule,and power, and authority,vvhich he hath that is made high fteward in an houfe.or in a kingdome,to order and difpofe all things as hcfhall fee good. Lookeinlfay chap. 22. where the Lord threatnethj^^w^^, that he would remoue bim,and that he would fet E/tachim in his place to hauc the rule ouer the houfeofthe king of luda.and ye fhall find it expreffed in this maner.7 rvtl put the key of the houfe^fDautdvpon his ^oulder, he fmll open^and riOMeP:allffj(tt, he (ha/lpjutyandfio man jImU open. The Lord lefus Chnfh is fet at the right hand of God the Father Almighty , all rule and power is committed into his hand in heaue and earthjMath. 28.and therefore he faith in the third Chapter of this booke, fpea- kingof hirafelf,thathe hath the key of D4»iWjthat he openethand no mafhutteth, that he fliutteth & no maopcneth.This expreflethhisSoueraignty ouer the whole Church which isthehoufeofZ)rf»ii,into which they be receiucdin,&they be fhut out, whom he will.He faueth,and he punifh€th,& none can refift him:he comma- dcth,and hefotbiddeth,and,nonemay gainfay* In this place to take away all fearc liot onlyfrom Iohn\ but fioiSfi all his chofen, life farth , / haue the keyes of he/ and ^f death Jtox if he hauc the Lordftiip ouer hel it felfe,aildouer death,thcy can hurt vs no longer, we need hoc to feare. As he that Wilirteth a defcnced city,takcththc keyes, openeth and {huttethrfo Chriii hauing vianquifhed death and hell , euen all the infcrnall powers, in their flronghold, keepeth the keye»,and none of his fliall be hurt: and as for his enemies,e^ien Sfftah and all'his Angels, and all the wicked,hc will (hut them vp inhell,and punifK them for euer ■ . Thus hauing confirmed and comforted /d^«,both by layinghis righc|fartd^6iihim,and by his fpeech, hcc5* mandcth him againe to VYtite this RcueliftriGn. AinKve may note, that he deuideth it into thefe three parts,?"/?^ thmgs which thou haft feene^the things which are, and things which fhali come hereafter , He had then feene that glorious vifion of the mighty fonne ofGod appearing in the middefl of the fcuen golden candleftickts, which he according as he was commandcd,committed to writing.cuen euery par- ticular.'for the vifion was not for him alone.but for the whole Church,that we may know what manner of one he is from whom this Reuelation doth comc.This is the firft branchy ' ' Then the fecond is, the things which are : and thofc bee contained in the two next Chapters,thc fecond & the third. For there is the fiate ofthe feuen Churches tofAfia layd open , in which they were at thatprclent, that by them ( as 1 fayd be- fore) we may vnderftandin what eflate the whole Church militant was at that time . S, / Touching the mettall gold is precious , fo that we are hereby giuen to vnderftand how precious the Churches be before the Lord.There be indeed many infirmities, yea deformities in the true members ofthe Church, and we are bafe in fundry re- fpe6ls, which caufeth many euen to loath and defpile vs;but we mufi learne to e- ftceme the Church as the Lord efteemcth it,cucn precious as gold,not looking vp- on the prefcnt ettate which it is in here vpon the earth, but whe he fhal make it to himfelfe a glorious Church, not hauing fpot or wrinkle, Ephef.j.verf. 27. marueli not then that the candleftickes be ofgoldzfor how precious and deare is that vnto him, which he bought and purchafed with his owne bloud ? Some eftcemc true Chriftian people , efpecially if they be poore, euen as much as they do ragges : I would they did vnderRand this vifion ofthe golden candlertickes. Then further, why are the Churches refembled by candlefticks? Bccaufe as the candlefVicke doth not giue the light, but the light is put vpon it , and it bcareth vp the light: fo the Church recciueth all her light put vpon her from Chrift , fhe fhi- neth with light,but noc herowne,the whole dodVinc is from God,and not of men, the heauenly light doth remaine in her and vpon her oneiy . This is the caufe why Saint Pau/c2L\kth the Church,the pillar and ground of truth, i . Timoth.3 .verf.i j. No man can b? partaker ofthe true heauenly light, except he abide in the Church. There is the oncly candlefticke which beareth the light : feeke therefore to be of the true Church, And thatChurch which taketh vpo her not to be a candlcfticke, but to giue light of her o vvne,yea to make her owne decrees cquall or a^ bpue the word of God^'as the Church ofRomc)flic from , ic, it is the Synagogue of Sathan. Thus much for thefc words of tjiis fiiiivifioni^ THE •a-ji?s:.i. ; -rr. i ...3 i i. jcn-rrirr. •;. . r;i.. i .- . . »..t!J(i' . >-.. "i.'-:4V^r ' r •' . ' nasrrtffiob ^IbqlloC orb loanf) ,irn tuTJvdi JVud' ' •' ' ' ■" ,} mIo rov^r^iji/aos"^!^ , f-> ',r ~ ., ■ . - ,', •/» ^ ^ THE REVELATION. 3) THE nil. SERMON. CHAP. 2. I. To the Angellofthe Church which ii at Efhefusvnte^thefe thingt faith he that ho/deth t he fettenfiarret in hu right hand^ and that ivalketh w the mid" defi of the feuen golden candlefiickes : 1. 1 k»ow thy worses , and thy lab our ^ and thy patience ^ and how t how canH not beare with them that are eutU y and hafi exawtned them whtch fay they ara ty^pojiles andare not^and haH found them Iters. 5, And thou rvafl burthened,andhaft patienceyand for my name fake hafi labow red^andhafi not fainted, 4. Neuerthelcjfe Ihauefomewhdt againfithce , becaufe t ho tt hafi left thy fir (i lone. 5. Remember therefore from whence thou art fallen^and repent ^ and do thefirft workef^or elfe I will come agatnfl thee floor tly , and will remoue thy candle'^ jiickeout of his place^except thou amend. 6. 'But thii then haflfjecaufe thou hatefl the works ^'f^he NichoUitAns;»hich I alfo hate. 7. Let him that hath an eare^heare what thejpirit faith to the Churches'.to him that ouercommeth will! giue to eate of the tree of life, which U in the middeji of the Taradtfe of god. Aint lohn ( as we baue feene in the former Chapter) was commaunded by the Lord, to write that he faw, and to fend it to thefeuen Churches of Afia , which arc there na* med^nd now being to forefhew the ftate of the Church, hebeginncth firftwiththelefeuen Churches themfelues. For here is to euery one of them feuerally, a feucralJ Epi- file or mefTage, fcnt from the Lord , in which their eftatc which they were then in, islaydopen . Inthefe fame meflages , there be many excellent things fetdowne for our inftrudtion , wiiich require our diligent obferuation. For there is not onely layd open in what eftatc thefayd Churches were at that time ; butalfo wcihall find what things the Lord praifeth & commendeth in the minifters ofhis Church, and in all Chriftians,likewife what he difalloweth and conderanetkMoreouer we (hail fee admonitions and thrcatnings,alfo very great and precious promifes. But let vs handle the words in order as they be fet downe ; The firft meflage is ~ P 2 icnc 3^ SERMONS VPON fentto the Angell of the Church of Ephcfus, for that was the chicfe city of Afia, and by all likelihood there was the greatcft. and the moft populous Church of thefe feuen. But how is it , that where he commaunded him before to write to the feuen Churches,now he willeth him to write buttothe Angels^that is,to the pa- yors and teachers ofthc fameChurches,as hereto the Angell of the Church ofE- phefus,arid fo in all the refl; We muft know,for to anfwcr this^that writing to the paftorSjhe excludeth not the Churches,but in very deed in them or vnder them he writeth to the whole Churches. And leaft any may imagine,that this is but mans interpretation, readc the conclufioa of euery meflage , and yce fhall find thefc words, Let him that hath an eare heare what the fpirit faith to the Churches , He beginneth with the Angels ofthe Churches, and endeth with this: Icthimhcare what the fpirit faith to the Churches .-then that which is fpokento the Angell of the Church, is fpoken to the Church . Whatisthereafonof this (^may fpmedc-. maund)that directing the fpccch but to the Angels ofthe Churches,yct he wri- teth to the Churchesjor being to writctothe Churches,he nameth but the Angels of thofe Churches? It may be fayd,Lhat it W3srcquifite,that the payors fliould haue the ftate of their flockes laid open vEito them,to the end that they might apply the do6lrine & cen- fures ofthe Church accordingly . This is true, but not all, there is a further caufe : And ifye confider that the paftors are commended , and reproucd together with their flocks,fo thattheirowne eftate,and the flateofiheir flocked is layd open to be all one,ye may foone gatherwhat it is.Suchfhephcards/uch flockes, fuch builders fuch building: the praife of die good , and the blame for the euill , lieth vponthc Paltors.God indeed buildech his Church,Chri(lfeedeth hisflocke, but he doth it by the miniftery of me,as the holy Apoftle teachcthiEphe.4.There is a great mat- ter depending vpon this miniflcry: tor ifche builders be wife,if they be expert and carefull,the building goeth vp according!y,very goodly and faire. If the fhepheards be fiill ofthe fpirit of God, if they be full of faith, full oflouc, ful ofzeale,and full of all holy vertues,lo that they be patterns m holy do6lrine & godly conucrfationrthen iheir flockes are well inflrudkd, well fed,and wel guided: there bcvcry excellent fheep for knowledge, for faith.for loue,for zealc,and for aH godIinefl'e,Concrarnvifejifthe builders be vnskilfullthe building is vnperfed, thev do but marre ic:Ir the fhepheards be vnwifejif they be negligent jf they be corrupt, cither in dodlrine or in manners,thefheeperemaine ignorant,thc fheep arc weakc and feeble And further,as the fliepheards increafein graces.the flieepe incrcafe (for God powreth forth his graces vpon the flockes of his minifters,) they bee the veflels in which thetrcafure is brought,2p Cor.4.verfe.7. As the flicphcards decay & waxe, <:oId,thefheepcgo backward and waxe cold with them, euenasthe kettle vpon the fire coolcth as the fire flakcth. Maruailenot then that the Lord opening the fiate ofthe Churches,doth itby o- pening the flate only ofthcir paflors and teachers . Here is a Icflbn for the mini- ftcfs of ihe GofpelJ , and hcsc is alfo a ieflon for the people -, the miniflcts and pa- , ■ ' Itors THE REVELATION. 37 ftors muft confidcr vvhit a waight licth vpon their fliouldcrs ; ifthey performe the things which are required at the hands of Chrifts true miniflcrs,thcy iliall(as Saint Pau/Ca'iih of Tiwor/^w, chap.4. v.14.1 5. i d.)raue themfclucs, and'thofe that fhall hcarc them. So hkcwife on the contrary part, if the paftors be vnskilfull , corrupt and ncgligcntjthey defhoy the flockcs . Where there be good things in the fhep- heards.they flow forth vpon the whole flockcs; and where there be euill things in them,they infe61 and deliroy thcrheepe. Let no man thinke that this is to afcribe too much on both lides vnto men: but rcadc whacS.P^w/writethji.Corjj. vcrf 9. F or xve together are Gods laborers, je are Gods husbandry ^andGodshmldiyig. He comparcth {^asyc fee)the Church vn- to tilllage,as alfo vnto a building, and the minifters they be the workemen that till and drciTe the ground,and that frame & fit the lionesjand couple them in thebuil- ding.Novv we mutt needs confefl'e,that it is Almighty God aIone,that makeththc Corne to grow , but yet if the husband man doe not plow, and harrow, and fowe, and wcede,what haruefl: will there follow? The husband man is Gods inflrument to bring forth the fruites of the earth . In like manner it is faid ofthe Lords fpiri- tuall hzmt{\:^Pi>tu/e hath p/ajitedy«f' Tight ofGod. But our Sauiour lefus Chrift,^v^^hQfp ej^<^;iy|a,^s a fla5(^ of fire, and ' " ^ ^ pierce THE REVELATION. 31^ pierce through all things, before whom all things lie naked and open, Hebrews.4, vvho fecch the intents and counlcls of all harts,and will make them manifeft , and will bring into lightthings hid in darknefle,i.Cor.4,verre. 5« this Lord, I fay, in praifing and dirpraifing,failcth not one iot,or as they fay, one hairc breadth . All that followeth then touching thepraife and difpraifccfthe Payors and the Chur- ches , we iTJuli take as a molt peri-e6t ccnfure proceeding from him that faith , / l^cwthj/rvorkes. This is a great comfort vntoall the true and faithful! fcmants of lefus Chrifl.For howfoeuer their doings are depraued among men,and they be euill rewarded, yet the Prince of Paftors , the Lord lefus fitting in glory at the right hand ofGod,is prefent among them,beholdeth and knoweth moli perfeilly all their wayes , and will giue thern their iuft praife and reward. This caufcd S::int Patile to fet ^o light to be iudged by mans iudgement, as he profcfleth, i .Cor,4.verfe.3 . Ifthe ncgli- genCjVnskilfull,and vngodly fliepheards, which feekc but for lucre or glory, wold inarke thefe words well (/ ^^^b* thj worlds) it might flrike them as a mof^ terrible thunderbolt. For can they thinkc theyfliall efcape his iudgement that knoweth all their woikesPor Ao rhey imagine,it is a light matter to deliroy the flocke of Chrift? All and eueryChriftian man ought continually to be mindful of this,that the Lord fitteth in his glcry,beholdeth and knoweth all their workes^ihat fo they may inde- uourto worke welUo walkevprightly and faithfully before him^Sc fo to fight the good hgbr offaith,asthatby him they may be crowned. We be fouldiers in the Lords army to fight vndcr his banner againfl finne , the vvorld,andthe diucll: whcnthe Empcrour in the woi Idly battailes doth flandand behold themjho w valiantly cuery coward will then lay on and fight?And fhall not we(our Emperor looking vpon vs)fight fo in this fpirituall battaile, as that he may approue of vs? We flial be rewarded for euery good worke which we do ofa fin- cere faith and loue towards him, Math. I o.ver.42.Marke,p.ver.4i. How happy a thing is it then to be rich and plenteous in all good works? Now let vs fee what his works were which the Lord faith he did know,3nd firft thofe for which he did commend him . Here are {\\q vertues, which are euen holy ornaments vnto a faithful fiiepheard rehcarfed by the Lord, & afcribed vnto him : Labor, patience, xeale, wifedome, finceritycf heart,and heroicalll magnanimity. Thefe t5e the fixe . I might in fomc fort haue fayd feuen, becaufe he hath a double commendation for hispatience. Thefe vertues do fhew that he was a very excel- lent feruant ofChrifi,efpecially before this his blemi!fh,when he blameth him that he was fomewhat decayed,and had left his former loue: for if he had wanted other things which are by the rules of the word of God required in a pafior, he fhould haue bene blamed for them alfo : but hee is blamed , onely foribme decay in loue. I_ooke now vpon the vertues which our Lord afcribeth vnto him. The firft is labor,for he faith , thy labor .He that in the miniliery ofihc Gofpell will follow the fieps of Chrift the great fhepheard , and the fteps of the blcfled A- poftles which follow next vnto him, hee muft take great paines and labour, hec muft not bcidle and negligent . For ye may reade in the Euangeliftes how Cbrift D4 did '40 SERMONS VP ON did trauaile from Townc to Towne,and from City to City,preaching the GofpcU of thekingdomc,Math.4.vcrfc.23 .We reade of the labours and trauailcs of Saint PaPi I yiXZorA 1 .and what charge he gauc to ethers ,A<^s. 20.1 .Timoth.j i ^. i ji 1 5.2«Timoth.4. ve rfc. 2. Can a man ^ede, and guide a flocke of fticepe , and not takcpaincs?AndraithnotChriftvnto/'i'fi??',Feedmyfheep?Iohn.2i.Canthehuf- band- man plow, harrow, fow , drefle and weede his grounds, but it will coU him great labours? The Church,as Saint Paul(z\i\\^\s Gods husbandry,cue his ground that is to be tilled and rownc,i,Cor.3. verfe.9. Can the builders build vp anhoufe andnotworkevponit ? The Church in the fame place is called Gods building. There is no ground fo churli(h,ro vnfit for feede , andfo plentifullin euill weedes, as the harts of men are without continuall dreding and tilling , vnfit for hcaucnly feede,and plentifull in all vices. There is no timber, or ftones which aske nrorc la- bour to hew and to fquare them, then men doe to bee framed, and made fit to bcc coupled in rhefpirituall building. Such thenashaue charge ouer foules, &beidle and ncgligentjfpending away their timem vaihe partimes, tollow not the fteps of Chriliand his Apofflc,s,but dcftroy andfc5tttertheflocke,lay the Lords husbandry waft and ouergrowne with noyfome weedes,and pul downe his TempIc.Do thefc men make account that there is any Judgement feate ? do they thinke they fiiall c- ucr be called to their reckening ? He that will be^a true miniucr of {efus Chrift, he muft make account he hath enircd ypon a matter of continuall labour & carej: vnleflehe regard nor what become of the Lords llieepe , of his husbandrie and building. Thefecondvertuc is patienccrThisisioyned with labor in the Church,becaufe without it the labours cannot be continued. Indeed wheie a man fccih sood fuc- ceffe of his trauaile,it cariech him on forward tolai^our fore,euen wiliingiy. But in the Church fome be (o dull and flow oFcapaciry, that they murt bee taught as the Prophet Ifay faith,!ike children new weaned, Z,w they muff be at peace with the diu€ll,audhelpctopulIdowneGods truth. Well, Chrift commended this man for his courage andfortitude, that nothing could make him faint, or waxe wearie ofalithe buithcn which was layd vpon him: Ibtailtheferuantsof God looke vpon his praife,forit is written for oiir:inftru(5lion , that we may follow the fame ffeps. ■ ,. :Ji. ■ ■ .:. , ^ .. •••;: ^^;vL -:::' -; ; .• . a. ,^..' . ■. l Hithetco he hath bene commended, now ioBowahhis dHpraife in fbreewhat:" the -words are thefe, Nenerihekffe I haue fomexshat agatnfi thee. Then although he vv-ere very excellently qualified for the worke of the mini(f:erie,yettheKis fome fault which the Lorddoth not conceale , but plaiiaeiy JayCthit open : and what was it ? Ye feeit fet downe y.eucnin thefe words, Thou'hafi left thy former lotie,' Wcmay well fee by., thofe former. vCrtucSj. that hxc'hadnot'Iofi the graces of the. holy Ghoff ( as the Papife won Wp roue from hence ihat the regenerate may fall from grace) but he was fcinewlracdcliaycd and gone backward inIoue.:for by na- ming 44 SERMONS VPON minghis former loue, he attributeth a louc vnto him now, but inferior to the for- mer. For indeed although hcthatisborneofGod(as Saint lohn faith) finneth not, neither can fin , becaufc his feede remaineth in him, and becaufe he is borne ofGod, I. loh. 2. verf. 9. Yet the graces of thefpirit may for a time decay in himj pr lye fmothered^not (hewing fuch force: and that we may fee in Z)^W,and o-» ther holy perfons. His and their fault being thus laid open, here followeth firft an admonition , in thefe words, Ranember therefore from whence thoft artfa/kn^ and repCKt , and do. thefrfi vporkes.T\m admonition, as yc fee, doth confill of diuers branchts,ali ten* ding to this, that he might be recouered from his decay. Firrt, v;hen he biddcth him remember from whence he is falien , it fiieweth that men do decline in reli.Hi gionby negligence and fbrgetfulfiefle of former graces; and the way torecouer, \i to bemindfullin what eftate we haue bene, aboue that which we areprefently in, if we be declined . It teacheth alfo ( by faying from whence thou art fallen) iiow high th^y be lifted vp which loue God and their brethren, how precious a thing loue is before God, that the decay therein, is accounted fo great or fo foule ?. fall. For if it were not a thing of very great price, why fiiould icbe faid,remember from %vhence thou art fallen? Ye fee how highly Saint Papfle extolleth loue, i .Cor.13. And where it is not, all is in vaine , and the decay in it is lb much the fouler fault, becaufe we are tsjught that weought to grow and increaJe, yea more & more to abound therein. Then he willeih him to repent; he being entrcd into a dangerous courfeofdeclining and going backe ward, the Lord leius the great ihepheard ,- who feeketh vp that wliich is gone aftraie, and recoucreth that which is readie to be loft,fceketh to hcalc him by repetance.For when we are awrie,there is no way but to alter our courfe by repentanccv & returne againe into the right way.& that we fhould not imagine that the repentance is but fome afteCiion of the mind that refteth within, he addeth, and do thefirfixvorket. If we repent indeed, with the true and vnfayned repentance, we iiiaill( as lohn Baptift willcth, Matth. 3.) bring forth fruites worthy repentance. , ,. . :. ■ ■' .>.0 how ready arc we, when our harts accufe vs that we are fallen or declined in any godly duties, as in zealous and fruitfull profelTiO of the GofpelKto re(i in fome inward touch thereofin mind,andfome confeflion in fpeech,and neuer returne to the adions. We are therefore willed here,in the perfon of this man , fo to repent, that we do the former workesrthou haiibecne a zealous man in the profclTion of theGofpel,thou hafi loued tenderly the gbricofGod.theGofpcl ofChrili,& the Church, thou hdfi bene readf in ad^iom to aduaneethe tame: thou art now waxe cold, thou doett both confefie it in words, and fceme to bewaiip it,' and to be (ory ' for it: take heede thou hold not this enough , but if thou wilt repent indeed, do the former workes: fhall vvordesior inward motions feme ? Nay, bring forth the fruitcs ofrepentance; that is loue in deede and in truth,, where the workes of loue are wrought. Bucwhatfliall wefaytothisthathcTcquirethof him, to do but the former workes, were the former fo full and pcifeaine his Church no longer. We know the parable of the vineyard let forth to husbandmen , which would not render the fruits of ic^as our Sauiourtelleth, Math. 21. and how it is faid the vineyard fhould be taken from them, & let to other husbandmen, which will ren- der to him the fruits in due feafon : and then how he cxpoundcthit plainely , The Kiniidome ofGod^oAllbe taken from ye , andgiuen to a nation that votll bring forth the fruits thereof. The Lord doth not threaten to breake the candlefticke, but to remoue it vnto another place : for he neuer def-lroy eth his Church : but when his Gofpcll is abufcd in one place.he remoueth it to another; as when thelewes were obftinate, it was taken from them , and giuen to the Gentiles : and thefe Churches of Afiaherenamed,and miny other famous Churches haue long fince bin mifera- bly opprefledj and laid wafte by the cruell enemy the Turkc. We fee then it is a fore threatning, eucn to terrifie them from backfliding , and that they might feeke to recouerthemfelues from decay, vnto their former cf^ate. Here is indeed a glaffe for vs all to looke in : and the L ord of his tender com- panion open our eyes, that we may in it behold our felues.Firft,letthe minifters of theGofpell confider what a maruellous waight is laid vpon their fhouldcrs,in that the Angel) ofthis Church hauing left his former loue, the whole flockeis threatned; why is it, but that they with tmii were gone backe, and had forfaken their former loueflf they in his declining had not declined with him.why fhold it be faid, I will come againft thee fhortly , and will remoue thy candlefticke out of his place, ex- cept thou repent ? Should they allbethrcatned, ifthey were not in faultPThepa- fiorsthcn, the teachers, the guides and fhcpheards ouer the Lords flocke , had need to be careful! ,yea verie carefull that they decay not in loue, nor in any fpiri- tuali graces; for ifthey continue and ftand firme and faithful to the end,inthe holy workc of the minifteric, they (aue thcmfclues , and thole that hcare them. If tbeif 46 SERMONS VPON their loue and zeale waxecoldc, and the care oucr the flockc decay , they ca ft downe themfelues by licle and ]itlc,and not only that, but they hazard the flockes. It is no lighc matter for a man to take fuch a fall in re^ed of the waight of his own perfon.'how much more that the deftrudlion of the people is laid to his charge? 1$ it a fmall macterto be guiltie of the peoples bloud? O what need hauc the mini- ftcrs of the Gofpell to be inftant with the Lord to guide them , and to keepe them vpright, that they may (iand to the end , and with a feruent loue to Cht iftand his Church performe all hohe duties ! We may fee by this Angell ofthe Church of Epherus,that very notable men be in danger. And furely all that runne do not obtaine:for couctoufnefle,vaine glory, & am- bition do vtterly in all ages ouerthrow fomc. Now for the pcoplc,yea for vs alljWC are taught in this place,how hainous a thing it is before God to waxecold in loue. No doubt to feelc the loue ofChrift through faith , & to be by the fame euen con- firainedto loue him with a feruent loue, and in him and for-him tenderly to louc his Church,is a thing in moft hi^h price before God,& bringeth forck great fruits. On the contrariepart, for theie fruits to diminifh, and this loue to be abated and ftill decaying,prouoketh fo farre the difpleafure of God,that he threatneth againft itgrieuoufly. Wehauefeenewhat excellent vertucs the Lord commendeth in this fliepheard and his flocke, and yet notwithftanding he threatneth for the want of their firft loue,if chey do not repent. Moft lamentable is ourellate in thefe dayes : for who can looke vpon any place where the Gofpell hath bin preached but euen a few yearcs , and not fee,I vriil not fay, decay ofthcir firft loue, and ot their former workes, but euen in verie deed al- moft an vtter forfaking ? yea many there be which at the firit hearing ofthe Gof^ pell, were fo inflamed with the loue ofic,& had fuch a taft ofthe fwcetnefle therof, thai they could not but acknowledge the great kindnefle of God towards them,& fecmed to run zcalouOy from the wayes of wickednefle vntotruegodlinefle, and would euen ftirre vp others, which now(as it is written, i. Pet, 2.) The dog to his vomits and the fotv that was rvafhed , to the iPAllorvwg tn the mtre . And thinke it notltrangCjforourvSauiour foretold this, fpcakingofthelaft times, Matth, 2^^, vcrfe. 12. faying, Bee aufe inicjttitie PjaH abound y the loue of many fhallw axe cold. Many neuer come to haue any true loueatall,butdefpife allgoodnefle, and hate bitterly all that with lincere affjdion imbracc the light, and they raile vpon them, as Saint Peter foretold, i .Pet.4.vcrf 4. The mifchief doth not reft in thefe,thefehaue not left their firft louc which they neuer had, thefe are not of thofe which haue declined, and are willed to repent & todotheformer workes, thefe are not they that are willed to remember from whence they are fallen.-but the backeflidingprofeflbrs ofthe Golpcll: Ileaue this thing for them to confider. Here is yet one thing to be noted, and it is a great thing, and I would to God ic were deeply printed and grauen in our harts; for I am perfwaded few do obfcruc it, both of teachers and people, which cafteth downe many . It will be faid , that to br^e their iirft loue,is a thing obfcrued,whcn it Gillcth out^either in the mini- liers THE REVELAtlON. 47 ftcrs ofthc Gofpcl, or in the common profeflburs. Yea butj'Ct it is not throughly obfcrucd in this point , that fonic do feeme to themfelues and to others to grow vpward, when as indeed they fall downeward, with a grieuous and mod dange- rous fall. They increafe in other gifts , as in expericnce,knowledgc,vndcrft3nding and fuch like, which arc fit and neceflarie for all Chriftians, and decay in loue. Thus itil, when men are fir(tiighccned,their harts arc much inflamed with louc and zcalc : but there is often great defe6t ofknovvledgc,& of difcretion, & ofo- thcr good gifcs. Time bringcth on thefe, and in time their loue waxeth cold; they doefpie fomc crrours in their waies(as who doth not?j which they do corre6t;but herein they faile, yea fall, that they corredJoue it felfe,I mcane they fufi-cr it to de- cay , to waxe cold, and to be diminifhed in them . It is a good thing to correal ig- norance,error, and rafhneflc,and to grow in knowledge and difcretion,but withal we muft hold the pure Ioue,and increafe alfo therein; for if that faile, though wca- bound in many goodly gifts , jet Saint Tanie tell vs what we be, i . Corinth, i g. Thou wert a zealous man , full of burning loue to the glorie of Chrift, and to his Church, and forward to performe euery good work that might aduancc the fame, thou artincreafed in many things;but thy firft loue is quenched, thou doeft glory as a man lifted vp and beautified; but do not glorie , but remember from whence thou art fallen,& that thou haft loft thy iewell which did inoft of all beautifie thee. Repent and turne againe, and 6,0 the former workes, or eife the Lord doth threa- ten thee . I may fay to another, thou haft goodly learning and knowledge, thou doeft excell many waies, but thou neacr haddeft thine hart inflamed with fincere loue and zeale, but haft fought thy belly, rcmcmber('I fay not from whence thou art fallen , feing thon diddeft neuer clime fb high ) but what thou commeft fliort of, repent, and let thy latter workes exceed the firft. Let vsalllookevpon this place, let vs labour to abound in fprritual graces jbut efpccially in the holy loue: if welet ic be quenched, wo be vnto vs , There remai- neth now fome mitigation of the threatning, in which the Lord fhcweth that this Angell and the Church at Ephefus did one thing highly pleafing vnto him, which is in thefe wordes, But this thon hajl^thtit than hateji the workes of the Nicholai" tat,vthich I alfo hate.Thit which our Lord loueth,it pleafeth him that we loue thff iame:and on the other fide,look what he doth hate^and highly loath, it delighteth him that we hate and loath it. He hated the works ofthe Nicholaitans,the Church at Ephefus hated them, this was veric well,& for this, much is granted vnto them. The fcripturc doth not tell ofwhonie thefe Nicholaitanstooke their name, nor what were their works: but the auncient writers that liued fomcwhat neare to the limes ofthe Apoftlcs, fay they tooke their name oWicholas , one ofthe feuen Deacons, KB.,6. And that they held , men might hauc their wiues in common. Saint lude in his Epiftle, and Saint Peter in his fecond Epiflle chap. 2. Do write of very filthy perfons which were crept into the Churches,& very like it is they were thefe Nicholaitans . There haue rilen vp filthy monftcrs in thefe daics , as Liber- tines, fuch as be ofthe Familie of loue and others , the Lord Godgraunt that we may hate their workes : pitcie the mca ifchey may be any way brought to repen- tance. 4^ SERMONS VPON tancc,hut bate their workes. Thus much for the nanationof thisEpiflle : now wc come to the conclufion. This conclufion is fet downc in thefe words , Let him that hath an e are , heare what the fpirtt faith to the Churches: to himthat ouerccmmeth vviS I ^ifie to eats ofthnreeofhfeyVvhichuinthemtddefioftheparadife ofgod.ln this fame con- clufion there be two parts ; the firft is to moue attention to heare, and the other ferrcth downe the precious promife which ismadc. When he faith,Z,^f him that hath an earcy &c. it (he weth plainly, that that which is diredcd in thefe fcuen E- piftlcs to the feuen Angels of the Churches, appertaineth indeed and is diredted vnto euerie Chriftian man and woman. Secondly ,when he calleth vpon , and (tir- reth vp him to heare that hath an care, it teacheth that none can heare rightly what the Spirit faithjbut thofe to whom it is giuen from aboue;for if thefe outward cares could feiue, why fiiould it be faid,Z-f / him that hath an earey&c. Beg of the Lord to haue the earcsofour hearts opened ; and whereas yc fee many that haue thefe inward eares fhut vp,let vs giuc moft humble thanks to the Lord : for were it not forhismerciCjWefliouldhaue continued cuen like vnto them. The holy Ghofiig the fpirit of truth,the fpirit of wirdon)e,and of all wholfome counfell : and there- fore the fpirit whom we ought moli reucrentlyandattentiuely to hearken vnto. And as I faid,whcn we fee men fhutvp their eares, dcfpife his counfell, and walkc on liubburnly in their owne wicked wayes, we may fee how much wc are bound to God that hath opened our eares:and let it moue vs to be fwift to heare what the Ipirit faith to the Churche^^. The other part of this conclufion containcth a great promife, cuen the promife of eternall life, vnto euerie one that ouercommeth. There is no ouercomming,or getting vi6torie where there is no battell to be fought ; thistherefore putteth vs in mind of the ftate we areherefctin,eueninthe fpirituall battell againftfinnc, the \vorld,and the diuell, as fouldiers vnder the banner of lefus Chritt: if wc fight vali- antly ,andftand to the end, we fhall be faued: ifweputon the whole armour of God,as S. Taule willeth , Ephcf. 6, If we ftand in the holy faith : for S. lohn faith, This is the vtUorte vvtch ouercommeth the rvorld , euen oMrfaith,i,lohn j.verf.^. feeing then we haue no promife vnleffe we ftand in the faith, and oucrcome all the power of the diuell and finne, let vs feekc by all meanes to haue our faith dayly in- creafed.lt is a moft worthy and bicfled fight that is againft fiich deadly cnemics:let vs neucr faint, the Lord will vpholdvs : hate the diuell and all his wicked waycs, and cleauefaft to that which is good, and yefhallliuc for cuer. This is the pro- mife which is vttered thus : / vvillgiue vnto him to eat of the tree ofltfe , which ts in themidH ofthefaradtfe of god. This promife is made vnder a figuatiue fpcech: for in the earthly paradife whcrin e^<;/4w was placed, there was in the middcft thereof the tree of life, which was a Sacrament vnto ^^>»,and whereof he might catc fo long as he flood in obedience. But here the hcauenly paradife is fpoken of, and in the middcft thereof is the Lord lefus , who is the tree of life : he is thfc bread oflife, lohn 6. In him, by him, and through him, all that get the vid^orie ihali liucinthc hcauenly and ioy full Paradife of God, for cuer and eucri Thus piucjj THE REVELATION. 4^ much touching this firft mcflage which was fent to the Angcllofthc Church of Ephefus. THE V. SERMON S. Andvnto the Angellofthe Church of the Stnyrmans write ^thefe things faith he that iiftrji and ia^, which was dead and is ahue : 9, 1 k^ow thy worker and trihulatton f andpopierty [ ^ttt thou art rich) andl know the hlajphemy of them which fay they are lewes^andare notj^ut are the Synagogue ofSathan, ip, Feare none ofthofe things which thoufljalt fufferxhhoU it (hallcofue topajpf, that the ditteRfaellcafi fome ofyott into ^rifon^ihatye may he tried^Qrye (halt haue tribulation ten dayes t bethoufaithfuUvnto the death^ and I willgiue thee a cronrne of/tfe. XI. Let himthat hath an eare, heare what thefpiritefatth to the Churches ; he that ouercommeth fha//not be hurt ofthefecond^ death,, "^ T^^^^ Q^^^^Tj ^ He fecond Epiflle or meflage js dire(5^ed to the Angell of .^'^^l f^^H^^ the Church of the Smyrnians. They be called theSmyr- i^^^^ nians becaufe they dwelled in the cicie called Smyrna : as we know it hath bene and is the vfuall manner to call the Citizens by the names of their cities , asof Romethc Re- mains: of Corinthjthe CorinthianSj&c.Smyrna(as it is re* ported by writers) was the chiefe city ofloniajand had in it f a great Church of hncere Chrifiians , both ofmen & wo- men which profcfled the holy Gofpcll . Who planted this Church atthefirft, whether Saint Pau/e ^ or Saint John y or other of the Apoftlcsand feruantsof Chrift,it is not cxprefled in the Adls ofthe Apoftles , neither as I fuppofc , can it be gathered for certainty. Indeed it is not materiall to enquire : but this one thing we arc fure of^that here is a mofi excellent fhepheard^and a right worthy flocke, as it willappearc by the teftimony which the Lord himfelfe giuethof them.Thcrc is indeed but one miniftcry ofthe Gofpell, and but one Church: but there be ma- ny miniftcrs and many particular Churches: and as we may here learne, fomc mi- nifters far excell others in the heauenly graces, and fojs there great difference bc« twecnc the particular Churches , which arc members of the whole, fome being more purc,and fonic fubicft vnto greater foots and deformities. E The 5o SERMONS VPON The exordium or beginning of this meflage is taken from tlic perfon ofhim that fendeth it, in thcfc words , Th&fe thingffatth he that idfirfi^ and/afiy nhich wm dcAd^And U Aliue, Thcfe be the words which he pronounced of himfelfe vnto lohn in the former chapter , where he appeared vnto him in that glorious vifion . Here was no need then to rcpcatecuery part,fbr he that is the firiiand the]a/i,&c.is the fame which holdech thefeuen (krresin his right hand,and wali^etb in the middeft of the feuen golden candleftickes,and that hath his eycslike a flame of fire,&cjc is cuen hee which hath all thatmagnificall power, wifedome, and operation in the Churchjin which lie is before defcribed . Then is this Angell and the Church at Smyrna , to rcceiuc attentiuely and reucrcntly this meflage fenc vnto them from their great Lord. That whicb he faith,I am the firtt and the laft, wiiich was dead and am aliue,we haiie handled before. Thefe three great and high points of our faith are fully and deerely fet forth in the famerthe firi^,that lefus Chrifl is eternalIGod,'before all beginning and with- out ending: He is the fir fl un^ the U(i. If he had but a fecondary Godhead as the Arrians moft blafphemoufly hold , how could he be the firil and the lafi? Thefc- cond.that he is a very man,how elfe could he die, and be raifed from the dead ? as he {iv\\lr»M deadJjHt am aliucThc wicked fied fuggeflcd vnto fome inoldtime, that he had but a phantafticall body,or a body but in fhev^',and that he died but in apparance.If he were not a ma in al things tempted like vnto vs,as the holy Ghoft faith, finne exceptcd.Hcbr^.ver.ij. how could he fay,I was dead, but am aliue ? Thethird,that the two natures ofGodand man arefovnited , that they make but one perfon. The manhood is not the fir ft, that is to fay, before all eternity, nor the Godhead cannot dic:& vet the lametaDtfaich,! amthefirH& thelaft,faith,Iam a- liue,butl vvasdcadibccaufe God & ma is but one ChriliForifit were as Neflorim niaintained,and Pctrm Sr:aph£tu , that in Chrift the humane nature was one per- fon by it felfe.and the Godhead which dwelled in him another,how could he thac is the firft and thelait,fay,/ a-^ aliue^ but I rvM dead} Now to the narration. 1 k»otp thy wjtk^f^ &c . ] haue ihewed before that he only can giue iuftpraifc and difpraifc, which perfe(ftly knoweth all workcs , beholding the dccpeiifecrets, and intents ofall harcs,and that isChrifi lcfus,who haih his eyes as a flame of fire. It is a comfortable thing,as it is wntze/rhe Lsrdknov^eth the way of the nghteotttt Pfalnie.i .for his knowledge is with approbation.yea with fupportation;as on the contrary part he doth behold the way ofthe wicked.difalloweth and condemneth it,and therefore it fhall perifli.and come vtterly to naught . Here be diuerfc parts of this narration (as we fliall fee in the pauicuJar handling) and yet no one vertue named. We had in the pafior and Church of Ephefus ( as wc noted) fundry particular vertues cxprcffcd by name,of great commendation,and in this Angell and Church not one in particular. Indeed the Lord faith,I know thy works,thy affliction, and pouerty ( but thou art rich) and the blafphemy ofthoie which fay, they bee lewes and are not.butarc the Synagoj;ue ofSathan . What thcn^ is not the Angell and Church of Smyrna corair.cndcdjCommcnded, y cs aboue them ali , cuen as the mofi THE REVELATION. ^i moft cxcellcnt.For albeit there is no one particular vertue natT»cd,yct whc he faith, thou art richfyez'king ofthe fpiritual riches,fbr in the worldly riches he was pcore» ic includcth all vertucs,if we ioync this,that the Lord rcproiicth no fault in him. A- mong many goodly vertues in the Church ofEphefus,chcrc was this blor,thac they had declined and fodakcn their firft louc . Ocher paftours and Churches alfo are found fault withal/ome for one thing, & fome for anothcrrbut here is nothing re- proucd.Here be all Chriliian vertues both in the fhepheards and their flocks, and no grofle rice : For if there had bid any grodc faulc,the Lord wold not hauc con- cealed it,no more then he hath in the reft. If we refpcft the Angcll ofthe Church at Smyrna, thatis,the paftor,or paftor^ (for vnder one diuerfc paftors may be mcant,as well as the whole c6gregation)hc was rich in the precious faith ofour gloriousLord IefusChri(t,he was rich in know- ledge and vnderftandingoftjjeheauenly myfierics, filled with fpirituall wifdomc, he was rich in loue and 2ealc,in meeknefle and patience : he was rich in care and diligence to feed and guide the flocke of Chrift: for if any of thefe bad bene wan- ting , how could ir be l'aid,thoH art rich ? how could he haue cfcaped without re- buke? Then ifwc refpedl the Church it feifc , they were excellently well inihu- 6\ed and fed, and builded vp in the truthrthey were rich,& enriched in all fpirituall graccstthey were rich in vertues^and good works : yea their light did fo lliine be- fore men,that they might fee their good works, and glorifie God, as appearcth in that they be not rebuked nor adn^cniflied to repcnt,nor tbrearned,as the Church of Ephefus.Hcre is then a worthy example for all to folio w,both paftors and peo- ple. What a goodly thing is '% to be thus allowed and commended of ChriftPlt is more comfortable thcnto e;.icv' nil the riches and pJeafures vnder heauen . But it may be faid, were they fo perfect that no fault could be found in them?Is there any fo holy,fo iuftjfo pure &: vpright in his waicSjthat he may abide the trial & the fe- tcce ofthe high Iudge?Is it not written, who vnderliandeth his crrors,Pfalm.ip.& who can fay my hart is cleane? and doth not Saint /oh» fay , Ifyvefay we haue no Jintte we diccine our felner and the truth if not in Vf i We may not fo take it , that this notreprouing him for any fault, doth argue a pcrfedlion ;but the Lord doth not mention fmail things,but doth couer them.This Church had her frailties , but was free from grolfe offences. Behold herein the great kin dneflc ofour Lord lefus Chriftjin coucring all the frailties ofhis true feruants. He is the iudge before whom we fhall ftand.and we haue many imperfeynagogU€ of Sathan.Th^rc be foure things in thefe words,the firft is the blafphemy; the fccond that the Lord did know ic: the third , whothey were that did blafpheme: and the fourthjin whacaccout they were before God,uhatfoeuerthcy boafted ihcmfelucs to be.To be reniled,railed vpon and blaiphemed by euill men , is a gricuous thing, cfpecially when it is for the holy profe{rion,when the pure dodrine,and the Lord of glory himfelfe arc with moft viie &. fikhy fpeeches railed vpon and blafphemed. Novvit wasmarucllousto heare with what tcarmes they which were vnbelee- uers did railcvpothcLord Iefu5,as a falfe Prcp!'et,adccciuer,& one that did al by the power of the diuel.Anu alfoto hcarc how they did tearme theGofpellherefie and faldioodjand all that belecue ic her ecickes,aad curfed people. This is the blaf- phemy which cur Sauior faith he did know. It is vttered for comfort,tbat the Lord faith he did know the blafphemy .for he will ca'l tlie blafphcmers to account for it.as Saint Peter teachQih^i. Per.4.verf 5. they ihal not cfcapefree.thcugh the Lord feemeto wink at the matter of their rai» lings vpon his feruantsfor atime. And the godly fhalhaue great reward tor iufi^e- ring fuchreproch for the nameofChrift: For this wehaue the plaine words ofour Sauiour j (zy'mgjB/eJpdareye when men retitleyou^andperficuteyoUjandfoiy al ma' ner of emll agamji jqh for my fctke falfelj : rctoyce^and be glad for great it your re^ Vfjtrd in heauen. Math.j . Here we fee there is great reward layd vp in heauenfor fuch as arc rayled vpon,reuiIcd, and reproched for the glorious Ciofpell oFChrilt, yea fo great that he willcth them to reioy ce,for they are blefled. Saint Peter faith, ifye be railed vpon for the name o(Chr\i^,'BleJ[edareye: for the fpirit of glory and of God reftcth vpon you, which on their part is euill fpoken of,but on your part is glorificd,i.Pet.4.vcrf.i4. Now lay thefe together with that Chrifl laith here ta this Church, 1 k»orv the blafphemy yC^c. and you may fee it is to let them vnder- ftand , that they wcry very higiiiy blciTcd in fuffcring fuch railings for the name of Chrift . Aiojes by faith eftccmcd the rebuke of Chrili greater riches then tlie trea- fures THE REVELATION. 5j fures of Hg}T5t,Heb. 1 1 .Vnto the nature ofman there is nothing alnioft more gric- uous then to be derided and railed vpon^becaufe it fecrrjeih h great a diflionci & imbafcment : but ifit be for the name of Chrift, that is , for the zealous and finccre protefTing of the Gofpeii.that we will not poure foorth our felues and tnnnc with the world vnto all cxccfle of riot in drunkcnneffc.fikhy ribaldries, & all loofeneflTe in vanities, that w e be railed vpon, and mocked, as in derifion and reprochc they vfe to fay, they be full of the fpirite,thcy be precifians^&c. It is a very great honor and glory, let it not difcouragevs or make vsafliamed, for what are we that wee fliould be accounted worthy to beare any rebukefor the glorious fonne ofGod? VVc fee euen at this day the great weaknefle of many , they beare feme loue to the Gofpell, but they hearethe reprcchand railings which arecaflfoctrhvpon thofe which follow it, and they dare not be feene, Icafi they fliould be hated and moc- ked; for a litle thing doth fnib them. Let vs fet before vs the example ofthis bleffed Angel of the Church at Smyrna, and of the faithful i Chri(hans there.They were blaf phemcd and railed vpon excee- dingly: and as we fee when any notable flrtunpet is carted, how they which hauc filthy things will caft them forth vpon her; fo did they cafi forth vpon thefe holy feruants ofGod, all the molt villanous railings and filthy fli^unders, they could dc- uife,and they went through, bare it Hrongly,andneiier fhrunke. And now to en- courage them and all others that flisll cca'r^.?«w accord iug to the faithj it was to be indeed regenerate, fand^ified, and circumcifed in hart. And fo Saint Pa»/e fettcth it forth in his Epiftlc to the Romains.'for he is not a lev/(rait.h he)vvhich is a lew outward^neithcr is that circumcifion which is outward in the flefh:but he is a leWjWhich is one inwardl3% and the circumcifion of the hart, which confifleth in the fpirit,and not in the letter 5s circumcifion, whofe praife is of God, and not ofmen.Rom.2.verr,28.2p.Thefe obiiinate blafphemers were lewcs outwardly, and circumcifed in the fleCh , bea- ring there thcfealeofGods couenant,butas the Prophets complaine euery where of the ancient rebels , their wicked forefathers , that they were vncircumcifed in hart, fo were thefe . They boafted moft arrogantly that they were the onely true Church of God, and in moft fhamefull mancr railed vpon the Chrifiian Religion, They could make fhewesofcommingoutoftheloynesofy^^r/^^^iw, and being of that holy people which God had chofcn out of all nations,& fcparated to him- felfe as his peculiar, and vnto whom he had granted fo many priuiledgesand fpc- ciall dignities. But now through hardnefle of hart, biindncfic and infidelity,hauing reie^ed the Sauiour of the worlde, and the wordc of life , they arc no longer the Church ofGodjbut as the Lord faith here , the very Sinagogue of Sathan, which is the fourth point. O what a fail is here 1 How much were they deceiucd in their opinion? They came ofthatblefled ftock,they had the couenant.and were the onely people, and vifibic Church;and now(^lb many as blafphemed Chrifl:)quice caft dow n,and be- come the malignant Church ofthe diuell.It was very requifite,c6fideringin what glorie the lewcs had bene,and how they gloried ftill of their fauor with God,ihac the Lord fbould tcllify thus much ofthem from Hcauen, that all thfir aflcmblies, in which they reade AJofes and the Prophets, and feeme to worfliip the true God, arc but blafphemous afleinblies, and Sinagogues of Sathan . No man is to be troubled with that which they glorie and bragge of out diMojes and the Pro- phets : they arc fallen from their dionitie and glorie , in denying him whicbwas the ende ofthe Lawc. This isafpeciall place tobcconfidered, not onely for the lewes, but alfo bet weenc the Papilis raid vs : they boaft and glorie of the Church ©fRome, as the onely true fpoufe of Chnft; and they rayle vpon ail that imbrace the heauenly dod1:rine ofthe Gofpell,terming them herciikcs,and fchifmatikes, & dcuifing againl^ them moft filthielics and Haunters. ^ But feeing they haue forfaken the true dodlrine, and {tt vp a dodrine and wor- Hiip of their ovyne deuifing, maintaining all maner of fupcrftition, lies , and idola- tries, (hewing themfelucs the very blalphemous Church of Antichriftthat whore of Babilon, why fhould we liick to pronounce them plainely , to be as they be in deedc,notthc chafl fpoufe of Chrift,but the whorifh Church.euenthe Sinagogue bf Sathan ? What priuilcdges haue they to boaft of more then the lewes had ? Rome in oldc time had a famous godly Church in it, of truef ncere Chriftians, it had godly B;£hcppes,whichgaue their Hues for the teliimonic of our Lord lefus Chrift: what doth that hdpe thefe which are fallen from that holy faith and godli- BcffcPThc high Piicfts were the fucccflbuis of //<«rc»,the Scribes and Pharifics did fit THE REVELATION. 57 fit in Mojes chairc,the LaW came out of Sion,and the word of the Lord from Icru- falcnuRomc was ncucr comparable to chat Church for fundrie rcfpcdis. And now bccaufe like the degenerate lewes they raylc vpon vs , and glorie that they be the only true catholike Chriftians^fliall it mouc or trouble vs , feeing that for all their boafting they may be, and indeed are (as we know by clearc tefiimonics of Gods word)thefynagogue of Sathan.Lct vs fland firme & bold in the defence of Chrifts glorie and worfhip againft them, and let them railc, and flaunder, and blafpheme cuen their filhas the Lord fayd to the Angcll of the Church of the Smyrnians., I know the blafphcmy of thoie which fay they are lewes^buc are not,but are the fy- nagogue ot Sathanrfo will he fay vnto vs,l know the railings, reproches and blaf- phemics of thofe which fay they be the true Catholike Chrifiians, but are not, but are the limmes of Antichrift, the Church of the diueil. The Romans fet forth fuch glorie of their Church, and boaQ of priuiledges, as ifthey were the only floure of the world : but readc after in this booke,and ye fliall find their Church is the mo- ther of whoredomes and abhoniinations. There is great ods betwecnc that which they glorie and brag of, & that which the Lord pronounceththem to be :but fome man will fay,if wc could fee it as e- uident.thatthe Lord calleth the Church of Rome the falfe malignant Church of Antichrift, as it is here that he calleth the Church of the lewes , the fynagogue of Sathan,it might greatly boldenvs to fland againftchem, and to endure all their reproches for the Gofpell of Chrifl. But they fay they blafpheme the holy Catho- like Churchjthe fpowfe of Chrifr, which fay the Church of Rome is that whore of Babylon. It is no matter what they fay , but what the infaihbie truth proclaimeth, what the holy Ghofljthcfpiritoftruth faith: the lewes thinke ^nd fay that they be the holy people , beloued of God : the Lord himfelfe faith they be of the diuelj. The'Papifls fay they be the onely true Chtiftians : the Lord doth not in exprefle tcarmes fay,the Pope or the Popifli kingdom.e is the great Antichrili^Rome is the feat of Antichrift , and that the Papifts worfhip the diueil : but yet all thefe are fo clearely fet forth in this booke, that he which is not blinded,euen by the iudgemet ofGod vpon him,or that dothno: eusn obfiinately fliut his eyes,may fee them to be out of all doubr. But this by the grace of God wc fliall fee when wc come to thofe places. Thus hauc wefecne the commendation ofthis Angelland his flocke, and what they endured for the Lords caufe.Now be cncouragetii them againft thofe fuflfe- rings which were yet behind : Tearenone of thofe things (^iiv^^€) vvhwh thon fhaitfuffer^^c, Firtt we may note here,that cuen as the Captaincs in warrc do exhort and ftirrc vp their fouldiers to be valiant,fo the great Captaine doth his fouldiers in this fpi- tuallbattcll. Other Captainescan but mouc & perfwade,they cannot put fHcngtfr and vi6^orie,and fo fome of them cucrmore are ouerthrowne : but this Captaine biddeth feare not,he giueth ftrength^and cleaning vnto him,and following his di-: region, they fight not doubtfully, but are fure to get the vi6^orie : when hefaitb, fearc wot, let ail the diucis of hell come, wc are fafe cnough.Was not this a goodly con- 58 SERMONS VPON confol3tion,was it not fingular fauour and loue,to foretvarnc them of dangeis ap- prochingand to bid them be out of feare? He doih the fame to vs a!]_,if vve will be dircded by him. Secondly, we-are to note, that the troubles which were to come vpon this Church fhould come in a terrible maner ; for they were (irong , and had fuffercd much bcforc,and a litlc would not make them affraid. And he faith not in vainc cuen to fuch valiant tried fouldiers , Feare none of the things which thou fhalt fuf- fcr, the cnemic will fct vpon thee verie fierce and grimme,he will make all the cer- rour he can^and ifthou be not well armed he will put thee in feare , but f^and fali in the faith, and thou Ihalt ouercome. Then wemay note here further, thatall theirformer calamities and affl:6lions, by which they were broughc into pouertic, and lo much reuiled and railed vpon, did not free them from further and from greater trials. The diuell hadadcfireto aflailethetn yet further, and the Lord giueth him fcope. It is a thing greatly to be notcd,and vvhereofwe may haue fpcciall vfe : we heare of the crofle , and ofaffli- ^ions for the Gofpell, and manie can ftand for a brunt or two verie valiant : but perceiuing that there is none end.but liill they may lookc for new, and it maybe more gricuouSjthey begin to waxe weary ,tofaint,and to withdraw thenifelucs by lide and litle out of the dint and edge ot the battell. We are rcadie to thinke if we haue fuffcred fome things, that we haue done enough: whereas indeed we arc vn- der this Captaine to receiue all aflaults and onfcts that may be made , eucn to our laftbreath. Say not then,! haue fuffered much, I may now take mine cafe and be (pared, butlearne here,that there may be yet far greater things behind, and feckc to be armed againft they come.For it is fo precious a thing to enter into glorie,and toraigncwithChrift,thattoattainevntoit ^ we ought with Saint 7* W^ to ac- count all the forrowes and atflidions ofthis life , light and momentanc , and not Vvorthie of it. What fooles arc thev w hich will loofe fuch gloric, rather then they will endure hatred and reproch,thc lofle and fpoyling of their goods, pouertie , imprifonment «nd death ? The Lord willing them not to feare anieof the things that they fliould fuffer : now he telleth what Qiould come wponthQmjBeho/d (faith he) // (Ij^/lcowe to pajfe , that the diuell Poallcnfl fome of yon into prtfon, ^c. Marke well how the Lord telleth them that the diueii Ihall do this, he fliall cafl them into prifon. It is a great encouragement to know that the battell is againft fuch an enemie, therfore he is noted as the graund Captaine en the other fidc,& as the chiefe agent. A thing needfull to be kno wne, bccaufe the diuell is not feene to vvorke it. Perfecutions againft the Church are raifed by Princes and Potcntates,as at that time the Church at Smyrna,and other Churches were perfecuted by the power of the Romane Emperors.Now we raurt know, that the powers be of God ; & when they perfecuted the true Chriflians,they pretended it was for their dif obedience to gouernment, and danger which they brought vnto the common w ealth , becaufe they would not do facrifice to Idols. And leaft die weake might be troubled and cali downc by thinking it came from Ptinces^Sc from the power ordained of God, the THE REVELATION. 5^ the Lord takcth away this doubt.and (zKXv.ThedmellJballcafifomeofyoti imopri^ Jbn.The diiiell fliall put into the heart ofthe Eniperour to perfecutc the Churches, and the diuell (hall inflame the hearts of infcnourgouernours and officers vnder hinijwith bloudy and criiell hatred ofthe Chriliian namCjand the diuei fhall fill the hearts ofthe bhnd multitude with mad furiCjandlothey ashisinflrumentsfhalriin violently vpon you.In this place we haue a Icflbn taught vs to iudge of pefecucios. When the true and faithful! Icruants ofGod are perfecuted,thcre is alwayes a grcac fhcw made by the Perfecutors,thatitis for their mifdemeanour. They do it(they will fay)euen in the zcale of their dutie towards God, and no doubt many thinkc fo.But in trurh whatfoeuer thev pretend^y c fee it is the diuell in them that doth all, they do but execute his wili,they do but fatisfic their owne bloudy defires. The Powers are to punifh and roote out euill doers, and godly Princes do punifli anii imprifon heretikes and feducers.but where were cucr any perfecuted by wicked tyrants for the truth but they pretend is it for euill ? Let vs be wife then, and lookc into the caufc for which men do fufFer,and not what is pretended. Here is a good leflbn for allthofc which oppofethefclues againftthe preaching andprofeffionoftheGofpell, if it might plealeGod to open anieoftheir eyes for tofceit. They bearerhemfelues in hand oftentimes, that they do well, yea, that they do good feruice to God ,when as in verie deed the diuell beareth all the whole fway in their hearts,and fetteth them a worke, tliey do but fulfill his lufls. Their hearts indeed are inflamed with wrath,butthe diuelisthebellowestoblow vp,and to make the fire to flame,he moueth the heart,which they do not perceiue. They take craftie counfell , and deuife mifchieuous pradtilcs , but the fubnIJ diuell doth helpe to fuggefl the fame into their minds. They giue their tongues to lie, to flaunder,to railcjand blafpheme , but the father of lies doth thrurt them forward. And to fpcakc in a word,whatfoeuer they do, he hath an oare in it. He being their niaiftcr that fetteth thema worke^they flial haue their hire with him: then may we learne here in what mifcrable eftate all the enemies ofthe true feruants of God be, the diuel hateth extremely the children of lisht.and coucteth to haue them rooted out: becauie his kingdome is hindrcd by them. And feeing he hath no way to deale againrt them of himfclfe,but by temptations, which they refiii, he is driuen intoa rage, andfeeketh inliruments that haue power, which may execute thatcrueltie which he defircth. Thefe, like blind men, run in rage & furie, not knowing whofe feruants they be, or whofe will they execute. He vfeth them but homely often- times : for when they haue told foule lies, and raifed flaunders, and it fall out that the truth commeth to light,and all men fee they haue lyed fhamefully , fo that for a time they be halfe afliained,yethe thrufleth them on againe,andhow often fo- euer they betaken tardie,yet they muft on forward. Thus much that he faith, the diuell cafieth into prifou. The kindnesofour Sauior to his faithfiil feruants hath appeared euen in this,thac hcfbrewarned the ofthe dangers to come^Sc encouragedthera not to feare: but he ilieweth it yet further by adding moft comfortable things. The firft of them is in thefc woidSfThaf thonmaift be /rw^.Thisfeueth forth the counfelandpurpofe of the ^o SERMOHS VPON the LordjOr to what end he would hauc them fuftcr afflidiion : and that is^not for any harme towards thera,but indeed for their great good.For this trying which he fpeaketh of is a right worthiething,and to the lingular commoditicofthefaithfuL Reade thefirft chapter pftheEpiHie of S./^w^/,and ye llial find, that hevviilkib vs to account it all ioy, wh6n we fall into diuerfe temptations, knowing, as he fetteth downe> vnto what intcgritie we are brought through the trying of our faith : and that the man is blefled which indureth temptations , becaufe when he is trycd, he fliall receiue the crowne of life,&c. Likewifeyc may reade what Saint Peter fakh touching the famCjYeare in hea- uinefle through manifold affli6lions, that thctriall of your faith (being much more precious then gold thacperidicth , though it be tried with fire)might be found, to be to your praifcjand honour,and glorie, at the appearing oflefus Chrili, i .Pec.i. 6.7. Like wife in the fourth chapter of the fame Epiftle ,he exhorteth them not to thinkc it a ftrange matter concerniogthe fiery trial which was come among them, for to proue them. Then marke this,the diuell in a rage would terrific and throwc do wne all,and fhrreth vp cruell and bloudy tyrants to make ail the fhew of terror that may be : both the diuell and his inftrumentsdoallof a molt wicked purpoie cuen with wrath and malice^euen to trieifthey can with any feare make them de- nie and fall from the truth : this is the triall they make. But the high Lord ouer al), which gouerneth and dire6leth all things according to his goodpleafure, will hauc hisferuants tried to a farre other purpofe,and that iSy as the gold is put into the fire to betried,tohaue the drolfe and mixture burnt out, and fo to be fined and made naore pure & bright:fo the faithfull are caft into the fbrnaceofaffli(5lions,thatthey alfo may be fined and become more tried and pure. Is not this a good comfort to make vscheerefully to bcare troubles for the Lords caufe ? what wife man indeed will not reloyce in that which is for his great good ? The next comfort here minifired,is in the fhortnelTe of the time which this pcr- fecutionfhall laft,vttcred in thefe words: Andye (^lallljAHe affli^ton ten dayes. Al- though wefeele and find by experience that afflid^ions do vs good, yet our fiayle nature will hardly endure themlong,and in continuance of time we waxe wearic and are readie to faint,if we fee no liklihood but that they will continue . For this caufe the Prophet prodaimeth in the Pfalme,Therod of wickednefle fhall not reft vpon the lot of the righteous , that the righteous ftretch not forth their hands vnto Vvickedne{Ie,Pfal.i2 5. Accordingly,the Lord forefhc weth to this Church at S my rna,that their perfc- CUtionfor the great violent heat and terror ofit,{hould not laft euer,nor yet conti- nue long,for he faith it fhould be but for ten dayes. This is indeed a veric fhort time , if we cake ithut for ten of thele naturall dayes, whereof euerie one confiftetb but of 24 hourcs; but the holy Scripture fometiraes in the Prophets,and namely in D4»if/vfeth fo many dayes for fo many yeares,as euerie weeke is feuen yearcs:8c fo it feemeth to be in thisplace.ten dayes,that is, ten yeares. Why fliold it not the as well be faidycares, if it be meant ten yeares ? There is rcafon for that, we be no good mcafurers oftime^ vvc chinkc a few ycarcsco be a wondcrfull long time. And there. THE REVELATION. ex therefore the Lord leadcth vs to confider ofyeares rightly,to bcindeed as nothing* and which fpcedily come to an end. It feemeth that this perfccutio ofthe Church of the Smyrni3ns,which is faid to be for ten dayes,w3s rhat which was raifcd vp by the Emperour TraiaMU'. for he followed very fhortly after this nieflage wasfent^ynder him(as ancient hiftories do report) was the Church at Smyrna perfccuted, and his pcrfecution did continue ten yeares. Saint lohn receiued this reuclation toward the end of the raigne of 1)omitUn, Then next fucceeded A^4:j which was flaine; he calleth him hisfaiihfuil Martyr . For it tea- cheth vSjfiow deare and precious vncoChrift the glorious Martyrs be ; theperfe- cutors do account them the inoil bafe and vi!e things vpon the earth,yeaeuen the ofF-fcouring,and as it were the fcumme , not worthy to line among men : they curfc and reproch them^they raile vpon them^they put vpon them*all the torments which they can dcuifc : but contrari wife (as we be here taught ) before God they are as precious pearles among heapes ofbafe ftones.They are ble{red,& after their paines here ended, they liuc with the Lord in glory : they bee honourable among the Angels in heaucn: their memory is blefled vpon the earth among all pofterities that feare God. This may teach vSjto fearchout the holy faithjCuenthe pare dc6irine of Chrift, that found truthjwhich he himfelfehath deliuered,and as the faithful! witneflc fea- led with his bloud. And then it may encourage vs to fland faftin the open profef- (ion thereof, and if the multitude ofthe world rife vp againfi it and condemne it , yet Jet vs be faithful! euen vnto death/or there can be no greater honor , then this tliat he faithjMy faithfuil Martyr. Hitherto we haue feenethe commendation of the Angell and Church in Per- gamus ; now followeth their reproofe in the matter for which they arc rebuked of theLord.5«/' / h'lne (faith he)^ fetvthingfagatnji thee . This Angellthenand this flockcarc not without their faults, yea their grofle blot,albeit they are the faithfuil ibuldiersofChrift;a thing worthy to be notedjkaft we cendemnc excellent Chur- thy 'vvork^Sy and thy loue, andferrtiee, and fait hj andthy patieneefdnd thyvvorkes^andthe laji are moethen thefirji, 10, Notrvithftanding Ihaneafew things againfi thee , that thou fkjferefl the woman lez^ahely which calleth herfelfe a ^Propheteffe^ to teach ^0" to deceiue my fer Hants f to make them commttfornicatiotand to eate meats facrvfced fw- to Idols : 21. And I gane her jpace to repent of her fomicationyandp^e repented not, 22. Behold I wiP^caJi her into a hedyand them that commit fornication with her into great ajjUEiionyexcept they repent them of their vvorkes: 23. And 1 will kilt her children with-death '. and all the Churches ^aRkpoWthat I am he whtchfearcheth the reines and hearts : and / vvillgiue vnto enerie one ofjoHaccortUr.g to your vvorkes, 24. Andvntoyau Ifay^ the re!l of them of Thyatira ^ as many ashasse not this learmngy neither haue knowne thedeepneffe of Sathan(as theyfpeake) I vvtl put vpon ye none other bur then ^ ij. ^ut that which ye haue already Jooldfafl till 1 come, 26, Far he that ouercor»meth,and keepeth my workes vnto the end , to him wilH glue power ouer nations y 37. iy4ndhejhallrulethemwitharodofyron:andastheve^els ofapotterjhatl they be broken, 28. Euen as I receiued of my father ^fo will Igiui vnto him the morning fiarre» 2 p. Let him that hath an earejheare what the Spirit faith to the Qhwches, He fourth meflage is fentto the Paftour of the Church at Thyatira.a citic of Lydia.The entrance is as in the former, * from the great Lord of gIorie,the fonnc of God: he noteth himfelfc by one part of the vifion in which he Chewed his glorie in the former chapter , as namely , That his eyes art as aflame of fire ^ and his feet like fine brajfe. For (as Iliauc fundrie times noted) by this one they might conlider of all the reft : feeing there is none whofe eyes pierce through, & with cicare light belioldali fecrets, nor that hath fuch ftrength/uch ftedfail- 74 SERMONS VPON nefie and perfc(5tion in his waycs , but onely that mightie Redeemcr,our Lord Ic- fus Chrift. Tiicn he faith in the fecond part,wbichls the n^nation, I k^iow thj vvor^s.Thii we fee he faith vnto all : and this is peculiar to him , and he can glue due praifejSc a iu/t reproofe,neither more norlefle the cucric one defcrueth. There is no pleading againft him,nogainfaying nor colouring of anie matter^ He doth firft greatly com- mend this Angell,as his worthie feruant and faithfulKhepheard among his flocke, and fo together with him the flocke is commended. The vertues which he repor- teth to be in him, arc general! and large, asloue, fernice, faith, patience, & works, and the fame increafed ; for fomany Iteps there be in his praife. Touching the loue, whether we vnderfland it the loue he did bearc to Chrift.or the loue he did beare to the Churchj or generally ofthem both,it is all one in effect; feeing wc cannot louethe Lord Icfus, but we muft needs loue his Church , nei- ther can we loue his Church , except wc loue hiiu firft, Thefe go infeparably to- gether: and thcrclbre wc mufltakeitthatheloued God,heloued Chrilt,heloued the Gofpcll,he loucd the Church. He was not void (as ye fee) of that which Saint T^^/tfji.C^r.i^.fhewethjif it be wanting^ all other things are but a vaine fhew. His faith was the true and liucly faith , which ('as the fame Apoftle faith) worketh by loue. If a man be neuer fo full of knowledge, and feeme to haue neuer fo much faith, and haue not loue, he knoweth nothing as he ought to know^ he is in dark- ncflcjhis faith(which in fome fence the Scripture calleth faith,as Iain.2.)is not faith properly and indeed, but a dead imageand relemblance of faith : therefore flill I fayjwe are put in mind to exccll and to abound in loue.Vnto this his loue the L ord ioyneth his feruice,th3t is, his mjnifteric , euen ail the labours and duties which he performed to the Saints,in teaching & otherw ife,& fo all the feruiceof the Saints, and their labours of loue in their place , following the fteps of their Paflor, This is verie well ioyned vnto loue, as the fruit thereof: for as Chrifi faid to Peter, Lo' ttefi thou me ?feedmy fbeepe^feedmy Umbes : and as that chofen veflell T^w/^.ta- king exceeding great paines,enduringmany troubles, and running through manic daungers to feed the Church, fceming vnto fome to be as a man cither out of his wits,or vainglorious, rcndreth the right caufe,faying, The loue ofChrifi conflrai* l»cthvs,2.Cor,5. Socucrictrueminiftcrof Chrift beholding what louethe Lord hath fhcwed towards v$,and how dearc his Church is vnto him,with how great a price he hath redeemed it ; cannot but louing him, be thruft forward by that loue , to pcrformc (though it be painfull and dangerous) all the duties of their minifleric, in feeding, flrengthcning,and comforting the wcakc and tender lambcs ofChrill.And euerie faithful! man feeling the loue ofGod,doth loue him againc, and thereupon labou- rethtodoallthe feruice he can. If a man take neuer fomuch paincsand trauell inftudic,intcaching,orinwhatfoeuer, ifitprocicd not from this loue, but ci- ther to fcckc gaine , or gloric, (as 1 noted alfo before) all his minifterie to hirafelfc before God is nothing worth. I fay to hlmfelfc^bccaufe it may profite the Church, but THE REVELATION. 75 but he fhall receiiie no reward withGod.The finccre feruicc doth procccde from loue: and To we fee it here commended in this holy Bifhop. It is certaine that fuch as be loofe and negligent in feruice of Ciirift and his Church, it is becaufc they nc- uer felt the loue of God, and fo do not loue him. Then next his faith is fct do wne_,and with it his patience : here may feemc to be no good order obferucd for this , We know that Joue is the fruit of faith, and fol- lowe£hofit,asI noted before, that Saint T^w/faich , Faith workcth hylo«e . It is fo then as taith is to haue the fir(t place; but our Sauiour would commend the mi- nifterie ofthishis feruant, before he would praife the patience in the fame, and therefore fetteth loue in the firft place. There is no mention of wicked men, as of Ic wes or fuch aduerfaries in this citie, but yet you may percciue the diuell wanted not liis inftruments, ( as indeed he wanteth them no where in the world ) for this man was withliood, and fowere the people, and endured great troubles,& there- fore his patience is comcnded . Ifhc had not ber\e troubled, what patience could there bc?If his troubles and affli6lions had not bene great , what neede there anie mention of his faith by which he bare them? For it is faid , Thy faith andfatmee, A man euen by humane courage can beare much: but the afflidlions, the troubles, the rcproches and dangers of this man were fuch, as that he could not haue borne thcmy but being armed with the heauenly power of God through faith. We may. Hot thinke that the diuell being fo madde and full of wrath as he is,where his king- dome decay ech, would fuffer any fuch feruant of Chrift topafle without great af- faults. For doubtlefic he that will ferue the Lord lefus indeed , let him be armed^ and that with the power ofGod through faith, for he fhall be aflaulted, his pati- ence fhall be tried and tried againe. If we haue faith we fhall ftand as this man flood, and ncuer be ouerthrowne: but if we want faith , we cannot but fall in the great affauJts. Now furthcr,this faith and loue of his could not be without many good works, yea many fweet and pleafant fruites,and therefore he againe ^3.\tb yandthj rvorkes. This man was a branch in the vine which barefruitejoh.i 5.The Chrifiians taught by him abounding in faith and loue, were fruitfull . And he is commended that he . grew more and more fruitfull, and they together with him. For he faith. The lafl Are moe then thefirfi. This is a great commendation, and a very rare thing t© bee , fbund.For albeit,God require that we fhould grow vp in Chrift day ly, & become j better and better, fuller of faith, of loue, and of all good works, as he faith; As new , home bubes couet the [mc ere milhe eftheivordtthatje n,aj grow thereby, i. Pet. 2. yet very few do it, but we fhall find many euerie where which with the Angell of the Church of Ephelusforfake their former loue, and do not their firfl: works, & , marke whatfolloweth. God did threaten the Church of Ephefus, for the Church did decline and decay with their Bifhop in forfaking their former loue. Yea he did , threaten them with a fore thrcatning,that if they did notrepent,hc would rcmouc their candlefhcke out of the place. Here was alfo a fault in this Paflor , but yet no^ fuch fcucre or fharpethreatningagainft the Church, which did grow better and better: whatis the reafon? S urely the Lord is fo highly plcafed where men that bc- lecue 7^ SERMONS VPON I«ue arc goingforward though it be (lowly, yea eucnbut creeping, that he bca- reth with great infirmities. He that is declining and forfaking his former loue, of a forward man may foonecome farrc behind, and fall into a dangerous eftate, fyea many fall quickly,and neuer rife againe)but he that is going forward and doth be- come better and better, in faith, in loue , and good worksjthough he bclodcn & compafled about with infirmities, and fomegroffe finne appeare, yet in time hec groweth to be a very good man: For what faith Chrift , Eaery brartch inmeetkat hearethfrmt, hepurgeth it, that it may bring forth more frutt. loh. i j. Let vs then I pray ye for Gods fake, ftudic to go forward, and take heede of backflidrng. Yee fee in one Church the going backward, and how it is miflikcd: and in another the going forward, and how it is commendedjno feuere threatning againft their fault, for they are growing better. There is but one vniuerfail Church, eucnone fpoufe of Chrift, butlprsyyou marke the varictieofthe true members thereof, while they be herein this world not vnburdened of this corrupt flefh. For here ye fee one part decaying and wax- ing worfe, and an other growing better. He that feemeth to be alofc and moft ex- cellent comming downc ward , is in worfe cafe then he that is below climing vp- ward. Now commeth the reprehcnfion, or the fault which is found in this man andhisflocke. NotvQithjt^^ng Ihaue a few things affamfi thee, &c . I noted before that the Lord findeth nothing to be reproued in the AngcIIofthe Church of Smyrna : not that he waspcrfe61:.or free from all faults, ( which is not to be found in any thatli- ueth)but he had no grofle offence : So here when he faith , 1 haue a ferv things 4- gainftthee'. It is not to be vnderftoodthat the frailties & imperfe(5lions of this ho- ly man,& ofthe faithfuil in that Church were fev>^,but that there were a few grofle things in hini & in the. We fee the Lord doth tcftify for him,that he did grow bel- ter &: bcttetjboth he & the people ;but yet he had this foule fault in him,that con- trary vnto all good order of difcipline, he (uficred a moft vile and wicked woman to teach filthie dodirinein the Church^and therewith to fcduce the weakc feruants of God . The do6trine v^fhich fhe taught , is the fame which before he called the dodlrine o'i Balaam yX.o eate of things ofi^cred vnto Idols, and to commit fornicati- on. It is ('as we may learne euery where by Saint Paul) a great commendation for thePaftortobeare meekely and patiently many infirmities in theflocke, both for differences in fomepointesofdodrine, as alfo in manners^ alfo to beare with fro- ward men, and to fufFcr patiently :but to fuffer I'uch abhominablepoifon as this to be powred forth and fpread among the faints of God, euen to the polluting ofthe Churchjto the reproch ofthe holy faith, and extreme danger ofthe weake,was as I faid before, a foule fault. The good man and the whole flock,or the moft ofthem, in this thing were ouer gentle and too too patient • The Lord calleth this wicked woman Iez>abeU,(Tiot that her name was fo) whether it were but one woman or diuers,but to ftiew how odious and accurfed fhe was in his fight : whatfoeucr ftie pretended, fhe was like lezjeli^^ cue no better,for lezinbel was the wife of Ahab, kine of ZfraelI:And a; flic drew on Ahab vnto moft horrible idoIatric,as flic with- ftood THE REVELATION. 77 flood and pefccuted ihe Lords ho'y Prophets;as fhe kept a table for fburc hundred falfc prophets ofSa^tl^ and v/aseucnasanhead of falfe prophets, a ringleader and mirtrefle of all filthineflc.euen curfed lez,ai>e}. So this filthy woman called her fclfe aProphete{Ic,and would be a great doer in the Church, as if flie had vttered all her doi^rine by the reuclation of the holy Ghoft,w'hen as in verie deed fhe had it from the diuell himfelfe. For fo the crafcic diuell hath at all times (to purchafe crcditc to hisahhominablcwavrsjai^d to make them faleablejf^t them forth vnder the name and authoritie of the holy Ciottifor if he fhould offer them as comming out of his owne {hop,men wold then take heed ofthem.She was a Prophetefle of the diucJI^ but {he boaiied of the holie Ghofl.This hath bin the whole fleighc ofthc Popcrie; the Pope cannot erre , he ficreth in Peters chaire, loo*e whatfbeuer he decreeth, it is from the holie Ghoft. Thus I fay haucall the moll filthie dregs ofPoperie bene grecdilydrunke vpofthc blind world, bccaufe the wicked diuell hath broched them vnder the name and authoritie of the holy Oiio(l. And marke a litle the com- parilon bet weene thefe two.This woman called her fclfe a Prophetefle,but Chrift teanneth her lez,al?eL'Th(^ Pope of Rome chalengeth to be the head ofthe Church, but the Scripture tearmeth hiiii Antichnft : fo that we muii not looke what fuch fcducers tearmethcmfelues,for they will take glorious titles,but what Gods word fliewcth them to be. Now the Lord proceedeth to denounce Judgement , that if fhe and her follo- wers could not be reclainied^yet others might therby take warning. Firft.the Lord doth declare his long fuflfering,which fhe abufed: / ^aueherjpace (faith he) to re" fent of her fornication, hat floe repented not. This wasagreatkindnefTeofGod^to call fuch horrible finners to repentance.and to giuc them time and fpacc to repent. VVc fee he doth fo at this day vnto manie, but they takeoccafion thereby (as the Lord chargeth them, Pfalm.50. J to be more bold in their wirkednefTe, euen as if God did allow of their wayes , becaufe he doth not fpeedily ftrlke themdowne with plagues.But his plagues wil be the more grieuous,that his kindneffe is fo abu- fed , and that he giuethtime to repent,and they waxe worfe. For marke what he faith here, Behold,! wtllcafi her into a bed, andthofe that commit fornication vvttb herj int9 great ajjhlitortyexcept they repent them of their wor^. And I wiUkill her chiUrenvftth death. Here is vtter deflru6lion and wrath denounced, thefpeech indeedbeing applied according to the matter. For becaufe fornicators delight in beds to conimit their finne,the L ord faith he will cafl this woman into a bed, and her louers with her,and this he expoundcth to be great afflid^on. This is not to be rcftrained to afflictions in this world, but without repentance , they fhould haue this bed euen inhell.Whichisalfotobe vndcrflood,when he faith,hc will flay her children with death. No doubt the fecond death fhould deuour thefe children of fornication. And the execution of this iudgement fhall be made fo manifcfl:, that (as he faith) All the (Churches Jhallk^ow , that I ant he which fearcheth the r ernes and the hearts: and 1 will glue vnto euerie one ofyott accordwg to your works. The Judge of all the world , which mufl iudge vprightly>and render to euery one accor- 78 SERMONS VPOM according to his works.mufl: know the fecrct thoughts and intents of aU hartj, and that doth Chrill Iefus,a5hepronounceth here, Anditistobc markcd,howhe can and will difllnguifh and fcucrthofc which arc mingled together in the Church,vvhile it is in the world.For this wicked Icz^"- ^^r/ with her children that flic brought forth by her abhominable dcdrinc, were mixed araon^ the Saintsrbut Cbrilivvili part them afunder , and for their wicked works they inaJlbe caft into heiJ: and the other which hauenot cofentedvnto that wicked do6trine, nor bene defiled with thofc foule workes , but haue held the purcdodVine and faith otChrifi, and brought forth the good fiuitsof the fame, (hall be rewarded with glorie in the heaurns. Thts is a thing worchie our confidcration. It is indeed a comfortable thing : for asjtfliall not profit the wicked atall,that they haucaplacein the Church ,&arc mixed for a time with the godly(reeing they fliall be plucked out & recciuc accor- ding to their works jfo iliall it b« no dammage to the true belceuers , which kcepc thS'clucs vndefiledfrom their fikhie pollutions, that fuch vncieane fvvinc retnaine with them in the bofomc ofthe Church. l>ue it is,thatthe Church & the Gofpcll are much difgraccd,& lye fubieil vnto great reproch, when fuch foule n)6ncrs are fufFcred to harbor among the people of God,yeamanie are defiled & endangered by the,& therforc the Paflcrs & Church gouernors do fin a great finne (as we fee by that which is reproued in this Angcii)vvhen they be negligent^ and do not their befl to purge and clcanfc the Lords houfe,&keepe it from being defiled with fuch doing. Shall they not care how the Gofpcll be dill lonoured? fbaiiihey not begrie- Ucd to fee the weake feduced?Biit yet we may alfo Icarne here , that the godly arc not thereby defiled, which confent not vnto fuch wickednviTe ; the Lord Tefus fpcaketh kindly vntothem,not blaming them that they did not feparate thefelucs from that fociety & comunion, where lo horrible pcrfons were fuffered to rcmaine by the fault ofthe teachers and goueinors.Fcr he faith, Atjd vntoyou I (Aj^rhe re^ ofThyattra^whtch hanemt thii learmngy neither haue knowtte thedeepneffe of Sa- thanfas they/peak^) I wUpm vpon ye none other i>Hrtbev.Thefe whom'he calleth the reft of Thyatira,are they which did abhor that filthie dodlrine of that le^^hel, & did hold conftantly the holy faith of Chrirt.He faith, he will lay no further bur- then vpon them:he doth not charge them as men defiled, for comunicating in that Church,in which fo foule an abufe was fuffered: he denounceth no tcrrour againli the:hc doth not charge the to take heed, & hereafter if their Bifliop & guides that then wcrCjOr anie other that {hould fucceed,did permit luch abufe among theiT:,to depart away & to feparate thefclues,leaft they fholdall thciby be defiled: he doth not I fay , lay ani« fuch burthen vpon them : for that would make much for Dona- tifme,but he only willeth,whatfoeuer fall out , that which ye haite ^tlreadj^ holdfajl ulllcome'. ftandfall in theholy,and pure,and found faith which ye haue rccciucd. Beloued in the Lord,markc this faying wel,for that which is fpoken vnto thefe, is fpoken vnto vs alh It commcth top3lfe,& that not feldome in the true Church gfChnft, where the found faith is taught^tbat there fpring vp foule hercfics, wic- ked THE REVELATION. 7^ kcd opinons and abhominablc deeds. It fallcth out alfo, that the Goucrnours and Paftors arc ncgligent,and do not cart them forth, their fault is hcrcrebukcd,whcn he faith, I h^Heafew thuigs agatnfi theCythat thou fuffcrcft that vvicksd woman Jez.abely (^c.But Chri(i lay ctli no commandcnient vpon thee to depart out of that coinpanic , neither doth he threaten thee as a man polluted by the open finnes of others : but willeth thee to hold hi\ to the end the truth, and not to confent vnto that which is foule, either in dodrinc or maners. If (I fay) he laid no other bur- then vpon the reft of Thyatira, he laycth no other burthen vpon vs , but that we holding the truch.keep our felues vnpollutcd from fuch abhominations as arc per- mirtcd,euen in the Church. |. Butthereisfonicdarkeneflein thefe words, when he faithj T hat hjiuemt this /earning i»ei: her haue l^owne thedeepeneffe of Sat ban (^astheyjpeakj;) &C, The Ear- ning which he fpeakcth of, was the do»5trine of that Iez.abeiy that falfe Prophetelle, which rhe taught,and whereby flie feduced fome to eate of things oflered to idols, . and to commit fornication : thofe which reiedted it,are faid not to haue it.Moreo- uer,this Icz.aheiv^\\K\\ called her felfe a Prophetcfle , and the reft which were the chiefe teachers of that do6lrine, boaftcd of veric high myftericsand deepc points, reckening them but as dullards, which did not receiue the fame, and as men of fo {hallow capacitie,that they could not reach vnco the deepnefle ofmattcrs. They cioubtlcftejboafted of a deepneffe from the fpirit of God , but the Lord callcth ic the deepnefle of Sathantand yet (aith , oi they [peake, cuen becaufe they called it a dcepncflc.For fo ye fliall find,that whenhcretiks,or men which come with ftrange and vainc fpcculations,if they be not reeeiued, they fay it is becaufe of the depth ofthediuine matter, which fuch dull heads cannot reach vnto. But asyefcCjthe Lord doth fcornc them^and tearmeth it indeed a deepne(fe,but yet the deepnefle of Sathan. Indeed heis deepe in his kind to deceiue proudlofty minds, which de- fpife the plaine fimplicitie of Gods truth, deliueiedinthe holy Scriptures. And what was the deepnefle of Satha in this prophetefle^to feduce to fuch abhomina- tion?It is not to be doubted,but that the dodrine of the NicholaitanSjthe dodtrinc of BaluATityOX of this lesi,abelyV^^% the fame which rhofe abhominablc curfed men held that were crept into the Church, whom Saint TeterK Saint I tide do fo paint out, and warne men to take heed of. Yc fee there were fine wittes among thc Corinches, which could rake vpon them to defend thefeafting with idolaters in the idol! Temples, with the meats ofFrcd to idols: and though the Apoftles withftood them, yet fome euerie where grew more pcruerfe, and increafcd by thehelpe of the diuell , eucn h'j his fuggertions , the fubtill cauils, by which they made, either that eating meates offered to idols,fecmed lawfully or the bodily fornication , and fuch like, for venly all their deepnelfe was, to proue that they were not defiled by their adlions in thofe (innes. This brood continued in the Church , and no doubt in the Valcntinians we may fee what thedeepneffc of Sathan was.For Irenetu in his firft booke and firft ch3pter,defcribeth their iuancrs, and alfo dcdareth the chiefe reafons whereby they 8o SERMONS VPON they vttcrcd the dcepneflc ofSathan in prouirg it lawfull to commie fuch things* Thcjrcalled thcfducs ^as he reportcth) ipirituall, as haiiingthe perfeci^ knowledge of God, Such in the Church as receiued not their do<5^rine , they called natural!, and not hauing perfe6t knowledge. To thofe thac are natural!, they held it ofnc- cefTicic tofaluation,tohauegoodworkes,otherwifevnpofliblcto be faucd: but they themfclucs as they boalied, being fpiritualjthey could not(as they raid)but be faued,in what anions foeuer they walked.for they held it impollible for that which is fpitituall to receiuc anie corruption , in or by what workcs foeuer. For proofc they vfed this companion : that ss gold in the mire doth not loolc the bcautic_,but kcepcth (till the proper nature, the mire doing no harme to the gold ; cuen fo theyfaid, that they in whatfoelier material! adlions they were conuerfant , diey were not hurt at all, nor loft their Ipirituall fubliance. Hereupon (as /renew faith) they durft do any thing which is forbiddenrthey did eate of things offered to idols, making no difference , thinking they were not thereby polluted. And when the Pagans made feafts in honour of their Idols, they were euen of the firft that came thither, as he rcporteth . Alfo among other horrible fadls, he fhcwcth of their vncleannefle with women, euen wherfoeuer they lurted, if they could fcducc them, to draw them from their husbands ; fornication or whoredome could not defile them that had lo decpe knowledge, and were become ipirituall. This is the decpneflc of Sathan , this is the myflicall diuinitie of thac Icz^nbel'. carnall men could not,nor cannot viidcrfland this learning : thefe myfieries are aboue the reach of the common fort. Now as Sathaniaid the foundation of this his deepe diuinitie intheApofilcs times , which he afterward did further build vp by the Valentinians and others, fo in thefe laft ti^iies, fo foone as euer the light of the Gofpell brake forth,he fet it on foot againe by the Anabaptifts, Libertines, Family of Loue , and other fuch roon- fters : for they boafi of fuch deepnefle of illumined elders, and men deified, thac looke whatfoeuer they committcd,eucn the fouleft deeds,yct they finne not. Ma- ny arc offended at this day, that fuch things fpring vp withthe preaching of the Gofpell, and takeoccafion thereby to flaunder and deface it: bur why do they notalfo condemne the preaching of the Apoftles, feeing the holy Scriptures do thus plainely vvitnc{fe,that fuch things followed them ? The wicked Papilb know right well how it began in the time of the Apoftles, and how Oiortly after the Churches euerie where were grieuoully rent and tormented by fuch monl^rous hcretikesand moft filthie perfons , and yet they arc not afliamed to obie6l it as a naofl vile reproch againft vs, that herctikes do fpring vp where the Gofpell is prea- ched. But let them conliderwhom they reproch: euen the holy Churches of old,euen the holy Apoftles and the Lord himfelfe. We may not take it to be no true Gofpell,no right preaching, or no godly Churches , where fuch horrible and moft vile things fpring vp^butratheracknowledge and confcile , that it is the fame Gofpell which is now preached , and the right Catholike Church , wliich Sathan fccketh to deface^cuen as he did in old time. If THE REVELATION. 8i If we thinkc the diucll be ftill like himfelfc , why fhould we not lookc for his working and praiUfes againft theGofpclI to bee the fame that they were in oldc time ? When ycc thinkc' ofthcfe things that grew vp in the Churches , andfol* lowed the preaching of the Gofpeil , cuen in the times of the blcfled Apoftlcsj let it anne youagainftall the damnable hcrefics>re6ts,and fchifmes,which follow ch^ finccrc preaching; and likcwife be^ not feduced nor difcouraged* by the blafphe- rnous railings ofrhePapifts , which charge the niofl holy and hcaucnly do6trintf of the Gofpeil,to be the feed of all hercfies and errors,and tumults. For it is the di- ucll which ibwech all the eulll feede , and then fetteth them ( I meane Papilts and Athcilis ) a workc , to cxclame, as hce did fct the heathen a wofke in olde tirae,a- gainfl Gods truch,and his faithfull people,asifthe fault were in the dc6lrine.This packing of the diuell, many of the Papifis do know well cnough.andyet are con- tent to gratifie him : for they dare not fay the ApoWes or their dodrine was the caufe of fuch abhominable things of old. And why fhould they thinke it the caufc now ? It is raaliccjic is malice^which cariech them headlong,let vs fl:and faft, and dcfpifc it. Now follow the promifes to the conquerors , by which we may be encoura- ged to fight valiantly againii the diuell and all his armies ; He that ouercommeth (faith hc)then adding , andksepng my worket vntothe ends . The workes of God are holy workes , and here fet againft the filthy workes of the difciplesofthat wicked Iezjah£l,\N\\\c\i boafted of fuch deepcnefle of knowledge. The diucll labo- red to draw as many as hce could to follow their workes,whom hee by that falfe prophetefic of his had feduced: and the Lord promifeth him life ^ bleffedncfle, dignity and glory ,thatiliall filand conftant in his wayes againfl them, and againft all other euill wayes ^ euen to the end : for he onely getteth the vi6lory which con- tinueth to the endlf a man be ouercome^though not in the beginning , nor in the middeft of his race, but euen towards the latter end, what is he the better that he ranne or fought at all ? hath he not loft all his former labour ? Let vs therefore take heede, and bee carcfull to be ftedfaft in loue and 2eale of the truth to the end. We fee many that are but as a morning deaw,ox as apples that are blaftcd fb fooii as they bee out ofthe boffome , and fo fall downe. Againe we fee, that there bee fome, that after iong time, do wither away and rot , as fruites that hang too long vpon the trees : the warning therefore is very needefull which the Lord giueth in this place. Then folIoW the promifes to him that ouercommeth, the firft in thefe words. To him wtUl £^iue fower ouer nat'tons , and hee fhall rule them with a roddeof iron , And. at the vefi/s of a potter jhall they hee broken . Thefe fpecches the holy Ghoft vfeth to fet foorth the rule and power whfch Chrift fhall haue ouer Nations , by which he fhall breake downe all the force of his enemies , and raigiie duer them, Pfalmc.2. And then that all his chofen which in him and by him get thevidtory^ fliall be partakers of his kingdome, and raignc with him; which is meant by thefe %eeche$ here vttered . The other promife is in thefe words, Ar I rtc fined ofvy Father t Jo will Jgtue him the morning fiArre . Chrifl in his man- G hood S2 SERMONS VPON hoodrece'med all things of the Father to communicate with vs : therefore as he is the bright morning Ikr, full ofall trueand glorious light/o ali the faithfuil in him {Chall be madeihining ftarrcs.Let vs then neuer faint in tribulation for the Gofpell, feeing our vid^ory fiiail be with fo great glory .We are now full of d3rknefTe,aJbeit we haue the Sunne of righteoufncUc {Lining vpon vs^and giuing vs hght; but then alldarknefle and corruption fhallbe abolifhcdoucofvs, and the bright ne fie of God Oiall be vpon vsrthcreforc he willcth againe,Z.f/ him that hath an earejheart tfhatthejpirtt faith to the Churches, I. 2. THE Vlir. SERMON. CHAP. 3. Andvnto the iy^ngelUftjje Church which ts at Sard^y Vfrite , thefe thinas faith he that hath thefeuen^iritt of God, andthefenenfiarrer, I \»on> thy works '.for thou hafl a name that thou linefi^ hict thou art dead. 'Be aiBukeyandjirengthen the things whfch rewatnejhat are ready to die for 1 haue not found thy works perfe^ before God. '^metnber therefore how thou haft receiued ar.dkeard, and held f a fi and repent, If therefore thou wilt not watch yl Willcowe on thee M a thtefe , and thoujhalt not know what hower I wtllcome vpon thee. Tet thou haft a few names tn Sardu^whith haue not defledtljeir garments : and they (hall waike wtth me in white^for they are worthy. He that oHcrcommeth fhallbe clothed tn white aray , and I w til not put out hi4 name out o^the booke ofhfcj^ut l wil confine his nawe before myfathtr, and before his Angels. Let him that hath an earejheare what the Spirit faith to the (^hurches. He fift mcllage, is fent to the Angellofihe Church at Sar- dis.This Sardis was a very famous city, in which ( as wri- iersreport)thc Kings of Lydia kept their Courts, and in it now the King ofKings had fet his throne.Tlie entrance of this mcffage , is alio from the perfon ofChriH, ^%frhus faith hee that hath thefeuen ^tritet ofGodj andthefeuen ftarres : that is, he who hath the holy Gholt , whofc ma- ^r~ — ^^ «, »^ - -«^» nifold gifts he fent downevpon the Churches, as he pro- mifed his Apofiles^that he wo uld before he afccnded/end them^he comfortcr.Ic fc hcc which vfcth ihe miniftery of men in the building of his Church, The Angell of 4- 5- THE REVELATION. 8j ofthls Church, and with himthcmoftofhisflocke, were in a very wcakccafc totiching fpiricuall Iire,and needed the quickning ofthis fpirit to put them in mind hereor;he takcth this with fomc part ofthe virion,7"/j'«/ fan h faith he that hath the Jeuenjptrttt fifGo4.M(o he that hath the {"ciieii ftars in liis hand, is that great Lord whobuildeth vp his Church by the ininiftcry of men . This was good alio for him to confider, that he might remember he had the place ofaflarrc,andindcuour to performc his office. In the narration he teileth him,/ ^wtp thy rvorkes: but alas how poore were his workcs? how poore were the works of the flocke*? For here is no commcnilation giuen irnto him at all.He is difpraifed or difcommendcd , he is admonifhed to a- wake Si to repet,& he is thrcatned grieuouOy if he do not amed,eucn with a terri- ble threatning.Indeedhis difpraifc is fet downe in few words, as thus ( Thou hafi anum: that thou /iuefljfut thou art deitd:)^\.\x. it is a difcommendation very great andgrieuous :for he wasannnifter, orminirtcrs ofChrift, a fhephcard, yea a Chrirtian,rarherinfome {hew,and outward account before men, then in deed and in truth before God: and fo were the mofl of the flocke,as wc fhall fee afterward, bat as dead. For when he faith,thou haft a name that thou liueli , what is it, but as if hehad fayd , thou haft the roomc , and oflfice,and account among the Chur- ches of one that hath recciued the true faith,and fo is ingrafFed into me, and made partaker of my life.yea ofone that is a minifter ofthc fame grace ofiife vnto others, but thou art dead? What a terrible meflage was this vnto him firom heauen ? and how farre doth he differ from the Angell ofthc Church of Smyrna ? and with him how farre did the flocke differ from thofeSmyrncansPFor asit was a fingiilar com- fort vnto him to haue his miniftcry fo fully approued,and his fheepe fo praifed by the Lord from his glory, thathee reprehended nothing at all in him and them : fo muft it needs ftrike this man as a terrible thundcrbolt,tliat he is fo deeply difallow- cd,asthatnoone thing is commended in him. Thefe then may ftandascontrarie?. Ifall the mini fters ofChrift and all Churches at that time in the world had giuen fuch fentcnceagainfthim,it could not haue had fuchforce,norhauc ftrook fo deep, as coraraing from Chrift in his glory. For we fee how men can flitter themfelues,. and take it they haue great wrong oflfered them .when any thing is vttercd againft them by men,which is fharpe, though it be from the manifeft word ofGod , fuch is mans hypocrihe. Yea wc ihall fee them roufe vp themfelues as if they were euert of the beft and moft faithfull minifters of Chrift,being nothing lefTe, and euen en- ter into comparifbn with the beft. But here is no gaynfaying,hereis no colouring, he knpweth him throughly .both within and without,which fendeth him this mef-- rage,and teileth him what he is . No doubt this was a great mercy fhewed to this man, and to that flocke,if they did fo take it , andf cpent,to be told thus from hea- uerijbut we haue the fame. It may feeme to be peculiar onely to this one man, or to this one Church , in eflfcfl vnto allfuch as he wai , feeing the Lord will not x\at cannotjif he fbould fend vnto vs now from heauen,pronounce any thing difagree- ingfronj that which he haih fet downcin his word.And Icteuery one that isin the office of the miniftcry,aud that profefleth the Gofpell, be furcof this j, that as thia G % "Lqi^ 84 SERMONS VPON Lord kttbwcth his works, fo in whatfocuer, either in his heart, or in his outward deeds,they fwanie from the holy w'ord,he fhallhcarethe fame at the day of iude- ment, that this man had feutvnto him, Imeane according to thcmeafureofhis fauit.It were beft for vs indeed to hcare it now,3nd repent euen from the bottomc of our harts, but as I fay ,\ve are all fo full of hypocri(ie,wc can fet fuch a face & fo bolfter out all matters , that although our works tcrtifie againli vs that we be far worfe then this man was,yec we beare our fclues in hand iTiat all is well. This man did profcfle the found doiflrine of the Gofpell, he taught the people in fomc fort the way of God, his life was not notorioufly euill or fpotted with grofle vices. For ifany of thefe had bene wanting , how could it here haue beene omitted ? how fhould he haue had a name that he liued ? or how could he haue beene fuffeepttsbrinkewashc before this meflage was Tent ? He waseuen asthclampe where the oyle is quite fpentjfauing a marucllous little in the wicke , which doth ( as we fpcake) vvinke, and winke, andis.rcady to go foi th,exccpt a new fupplyof oylc be poured in.Chrift doth notfticw fuch fauour vnto euery one,asto fend vn« to thccTijand to warne them in this fort fronj heauen, & therefore many dccline^Sc fall quite away .Indeed there be other fpcciall meanes.as fharpc atfli6lions where* by he rouleth fbme out oftheir flecpc : and foihe are quickned by admonition & f cbuke from godly men.But yet let men beware how they decline ncuer fo little and continue therein : for it is not in their owne power to recoucr thcmfelues, Sc all that fall do not rife againe. Here the quefiion may be moued, whether this bee fpoken of the Angell of this Church alone, or together with his flocke, as being both in one cafe, i - r . ' :*. .1 haucalfeady noted -vntoyee, that the ftate of euery Church is fet forth vndcr their paftor: fortheflieepe follow their fliephtard. Ifjhebe full at graces , and of the power ofthc (pirK,the fheepe arc well fed,and are in good cafe.If he be barren and deadjtliey liarue alfo and pine away. So in this Church a few excepted ( as ye may fee verfe.4.)chcy v/erein fuch a dead ficcpe , that the little which remai ned in them,v.'ae cuen ready to die. When he is willed therefore to bee awake and to ftrengthen the things which are ready to die , it isnct meant that he fhould lookc to hinifelfe aloncjbut as the duty of a fhepheard requircth, heis w illed to looke a- niong his fheepe.For while he was thus fallen into fuch a dead flcepe , the fheepc were fcattercd, the wolfe was broke in antong them,& had made hauocke, Some wcntaftray, fomeit islikeweredeuouredofthe wolfe, many were fo bitten and tome,that Icarfeanylife reniained in thcm,the little vvhichremained.was ready to ldie. IFhe do not.now awake and befhrre him,ro gather that which is goneaftray, tohealethat which is brufed and broken , and to fupport and comfort the feeble, inany areeuenat thepoitKtobelof^. Thus much thi$adnipnitiongiuen vnto him importcth^j nT , rfrjiinJ-J^f'Kl ns b.- :: / ibKti! Sun; ■ Might lioetheAngen of cBis Church haue a very beauy heart tohearc that fo many were endangeredjand fo extremely , through his fecurity ? and that a godly Church was thus fallen into decay ?It is not in vainefwhich now could not but en- ter ioto hisTniiidJthat the Lord God'tbieatne^h he will require the bloud of his Iheep which periOn through ncgligence^at thehands ofthfe ftiepheard.Ifthie'waich* imn be gileepe' whett he-flbould giue vvativing, and the'fword come and deuour j it {balliseivpontbishead I] They bein-bad^afechert that hooe fuch wathchmcn attd fuchfliepheardsjbut the:fhephtarcl§ aiKl watchtftcn themfelues be in worfe eftatei for their ccckcning will be gr^ter^thfe-bloudofall thereft which pcri{h,(hal be re- quiredattheir bands. -'>: ■ 'i ' ? 2 iThedaufe' which folIoWith ;^dbth cxprefle the wbdle- matter further and more plainely : f^ it doih asitVveieiii«efit'the cilufesby the cff^<5(s. ihdf/e w-^i^C faith he^» fssfffsdthy nfork^p^yfi'S} l^foyt G6A'. This iiiiperfe^^idn of his works , fhe^eth thtf iwperfetShon dfthatvjfiliiflli/fomJwheilce 'g6bd Vvork^s do fpring : that is , of hif| faith, and fo ofhis[oUc,^ofhiS -zoalc^'bfbis care, and of airother-fpirituall grates,* G 3 ibr ^6 SERMONS VPON for from tbefc inward graces, doe all good workes fpring . What were then the workcs which were not full in him? All workes, cuen the works which eucry Chri» flian is bound vnto , and the workes of his miniftcry, the workes ofafhepheard in his flockc. He did preach ( for it were a moft abfurd thing to thinkc other wife of a paftorin thofe times) he did admonifh and exhort men, he did rebuke , how elfe couldhehauea name that he liued ? Buthowweakely, and how coldly was all this done ? not of any fcruent Ioue,but cuen for fafhion fakc.Hc did build,but how vnpcrfc6t was his building ? How farrc off were the moft in his flockc , from that which fliould be in true ChrilHansPAlas being fallen into a dead flccpc,what good and perfcd workc could he make among thcin?That he did was cuen much like to a dreame.But it will be faid,whofe workes be full and perfe6i before God?is there any man that can hauethatpraifcPI anfwcr,that all mens works are indeed imper- fe<5l before God, but he fpeaketh here of a further matter then of the common im- perfeiiions which are in the beft : for where there is a foundnefle and fincerity of hart, the biemifhes and iir»perfe6lionsare not imputed,though they be many ; but where that is wanting, though the works may outwardly feeme before men to be many and good,yec before God it is facie otherwife;fbr God iudgcth mens works to be pcrfed,not by the number or greatnefle in outward (lie w,but according to the inward afie^ftidns of the hart. Now folio weth another admotntion, Remewlfer therefore how thcu hafl recei- ftedandheard^amholdfafi andrtpetit , It is a great matter which is here fpoken. For this paftour and this Church was taught and gathered by fomcone of thofe chiefe builders. They came with great power of the holy Ghofi,and after an hea- ucnly manner vtteredaud declared the diuinemyfteries. And forthiscaufe they are willed here to call to mind how they had received and heard, and to holdfafl, and repent. We are then taught in this place,that when we decline,or decay in th^ |ioly religionjt is by forgetting, and letting flip put of our minds.thc dodrine and the graces which we haue heard and rcceiued in former ti mes . There bee many things that delight raen,and their memory doth hold and keepethcm fo fa(^ , that they can neucr forget them ifthey would neuerfofainc . The myfieries ofGod though the glory of them be fuch as that our minds be euen rauiflied for the time withioy at the hearing and recciuing of tbem,yet how fuddenly do they flip away fromvs,asiftherc had neuer bene any fuch thing*. This commethpartly from our ownenaturc^and partly from the diuell . Vaine and corrupt things do agree with our vaine corrupt naturc,'and the diuell doth eftfoones fiiggeft them: and they bee very light to carrie with vs,and fiicke faff. The heavicnly things arc fo contrary to our affc6^ions,that for them to abide in vs is euen like fire and water put together, they be fo heauy,th3t we waxe weary, and the diuell doth what he can continu- ally to quench the light of dWm in our harts,and f b vt^crly to rcmbue them.as that there may not fo much a'sanypiint/>f thenl.be left behind^ How dangerous a thing it is to be fo loofeand rechlcffc hearerSjnptonely this cxampkybut alfo that terrible ihrcatning,Hebr.2.1caf J.ap any time ye ruiinc ou!t,nMy teach vs. And novi? his to be obfcrued^that in calling ypon him to rcpent,hc is willed to cal thole for- mer THE REVELAT,IOR^"^ S7 mcr things to mind, and to hold them . Is this the way of repentance ? then many go awrie, which hauc long fincc heard andrecdued the mylkries of the Gofpeil, and do hearc ftili,but not delighted, but with fome new matter.Thcfe arc hkc the mill which is turned about day ly, but yet with new water : for the other pafleth a- way. The Lord willcth vs to keepe that which we hcare,and let it be renued dai- ly invs,and fo itfhail hauepower:for it is not the hearing,thebarc vnderftanding, or delight for the prefent time , but the power of the do6lrine remaining in vf which fhali fauc our foules. Therefore, although this fentcncc was fpoken but to the AngelJofonc Church.yet let vs keepe it in mindiKemcmhr how thou hafi re- €etnedyand heard^and holdfafi^andrepent. Here followcth now the tl ireatning, if hce fljail not repent . It is a maruellous feuere thrcatning and denouncing of wrath: Ifthon vult not watch, J mil come on theeMatheefcy andthotifhuhnot knowwhuthoWer 1 will ccme vpon thee . Ifthc good man of the houfc did know(fayth our Sauiour in another place) what howcr the theefe vVould come, he would watch,and not fuffer his houle to be broken vp. But the theefe watcheth his time when men be fafteft on fleepe,breaketh in^killeth, and ftealeth. After this manner the Lord threatneth here , that he will come vp* on this Angellof the Church atSardis , and vpon fo many ofthcflocke as were in his cafe,if they continue fleeping. Yea and hee will be fureto find themfleeping : for he faith, thou fhaltnot know at what hower I will come on thee. But for what will hee come vpon him thus fuddenly and vnwares ? furely euen to cut him oflfin judgement. This doth file w how much Chriftlefus is difplcafed with men that from care and zeale in the trueth, grow into a droufie fecuricy , and fo bring ruine vpon his Church, And it is a notable placcagainft thofc which doefo mockc and dallje, and which can fo pleafantly footh themfelues in all irreligious and worldly pro- phanenefle vpon hope of a good end. I, faith he(in the iolity of his finnc, jniwhich hce is fallen into a flcepe ) doe not care fo I may hauc time to call for mercy and pardon at the lalt when 1 am ficke , and percciue I fliall die. What fhould a man trouble himfelfe that way vntillhcbe ready to die? repentance fhallfaue a man at all times . Marke here 6 foolifh man how Chrilt threatneth that he will come vp- on thee like a theefe , euen while thou art a flcepe, and thou fhalt not know of his comming. Art thou fure he will wake thee when he commcth ? ( for none but he can wake thee ousofthis dead flcepe.) Nay he threatneth to come fuddenly vpon thee, when thou fhalt be ftill a flcepe, and fhall not know . Is this meant onely of fuddcn death? We fee God cutteth downc cuer anon one or other in all places fuddenly : which might be a warning vnto euery one of 7S to watch and to be in a rcadinefle.For why may it not come vpon any one of vs as well? But what ir a man be fo (icke,and that many dayes,that he feeme to be in daunger of death, is he by and by awaked out of his flcepe in finnc ? nay we fee many ncke, which looke not for dcath,and on ajfuddcn their vnderflanding is taken away, and they are cut ofE And there be alfo that haue longtime and looke for death , but are they euer the betcer^is it in cheii OYvne powerto awake^tobeleeue, and to repent }, God giueth G 4 thefc 88 SERMONS VPON ^hefc gift?, and is it likefuch men fliallhaue them which pfouokehim to wrath? ct not mentruft to this ; for the Prophet in the name of the Lord willcth to' turnc vnto him.and not to put ofFfrom day to day^becaufe his wrath fhal come fudden- ly ,and in time of vengeance he vvill deftroy thee . If we defire the Lord to giue vs warning^and rtot to come vpon vs fudden!y,as he here threatneth, becaufe we arc fo full of imperfections, yet it may not be a meaneto hold vs in fecurity , but wee muft as ye fee at atl times witch . Thefc bee hard things which are fpoken againft ihepaflorof this Church together with his flocke : therefore here foHowethfomc rriitigation , not towards him, nor towards the mulcitude of that Church which vvere in the like cafe that he was : but towards thofe which had kept the faith , and the right way without declining. Yet (faith he ) Thou huft a few firmer at Sardis vhich IjAfte not defied f heir garment t: ati^ therefore thej fhall walke with me in Vf hit Cy for they areivorthy . Thisnot defiling ofthcir garments is but a borrowed fpccch.and he meaneeh that they had not pollutcdand fpotted their foules and bo- dies with the filthy pollutions offinne. But alas hee faith there were but a few of thefe/or the pollutions were fpread oucr the body of the Church : as it cannot o- therwife be where the payors and guides bee fo dead in their minifterie . This is a great c6fort,that where there is fuch dcadnes in rhc fhepherd.yet the lord by fomc mea nes or other preferueth fome. There be fome godly faithfull men fcattercd a- n)ong the multitude : and the Lord is (o farre here froni threatning them,asdefiled with the pollutions of fuch as they were mix6d among , and with whom they did communicate, that he promifeth them life and glory , for that is meant by this that he faifhjthey ftiail vvaike with me in white garments , And that he fayth they arc \\'orthyjit is nor meant that men can merite eternall life by their workes: but their wbrthin effe is to be taken of a fitncflc , ■ in that they were iuftificd in Chrift sis th^ir fincere godly lifedid declare: •'--' ^-•^^^*-- "^ ^'^ ^' '■} ^n /^y ; ;H!>) diJ.TA ;,fK Alfo hee promifeth in the words followirrg generally vnto cuery one whidh o-' uercommeth, the fame thing vvhich before, though not in the fame words . Firft, that whofocuercouercommethjhe fhall be clothed in white garments . Then this isnot a thing peculiar vnto thofe few names in Sardis, which had not defiled their garments : all that by faith are armed with the pov^'cr of Chrift, and fo get the vi- ctory oucr the djuell, fhall be coUcrcdoutfr with innocency, with heauenly glory andftiiningbrightnefle, eueniasit were with a large andprecious garment.ThcIc garments do moft fitly reprefent that rightcoufnefle wherwith all the blefled ones Ihall ftand clothed and couercd btfoteGod : and it is not inherent righteoufnefle, it isnot fromthemfclue9,but giuen vnto them from another, and put vpon them : Blefled arc they whofe iniquities arc forgiucn,and whofe finnes are couered; blef- fed is the man to whom the Lord impureth not his finne,Pfa!m.5 2.Thcfj blefled arc all thofe which'HaUethe'f^'white garments put Vponthc,for by them iheir fins arc couered. Woel^e to ill thofe that fhall bee found naked and vricouered , not hauing thcfe white garoiehts, ^hich Hand tt> be?uftifiednot by freefbrpiiienes of (ins,or by free impiltaticjh of Chrills righteoufnts through faith,but by their own Vi'orkcs,; fdralbcic their deeds fceme to be many, aiid to be very glorious, yet be- fore THE REVELATION. 8^ fore God they tha.\\ be found nothing elfc,but eucnas a polluted and defiled gar- ment, yea eucn like dung. It is added ^UTthcTylVetrher mill ^Ht out his name out of the hooJke of life ; bttt 1 vpillconfejfe hU name before my fatherland before hu Angels^ Thefe be vcrie great & high promifes: the Lord is faid to haue a bookc oflifejin which ail their names arc written that fliail befaued. It is indeed but abonowedfpcech from the com- mon vfe among men,applyedvnto our capacitie : for men cannot keepe in their memorie a great multitude of names ,and therefore they vfe to write the names in a booke : the Lord God ncedeth no fuch hcipe, but yet to fliew vnto vs the fla- bleneflc ot this cIe6lion,and that no one of them whom he hath chofen can be for- gotten,it is faid , he hath written vp and regiftred their names in a booke. But the faying here y^td , may feeme to be fuperfluous (1 vetll not put out his name out of the booke of hfe)(Q^moGod^ dcci^t is vnchangeable , and no one of Godseled^whofe names are written vp,can be blotted our: when as I fay,it is not poflible that any one fhould haue his name blotted, why or how is it (^aid^Neither ytpill I blot hU name out of the booke of life ? Herein alfo we muft learne,that our Sa- uiour applyeth his fpeech according vnto that which feemeth to be fo in our eyes; for when a man is an earnert profcflbr of the Gofpell, and his life to mans fight, framed according to the famejhe feemeth to haue his name written in the booke of life,and he for hispart taketh it to be fo : now when he falleth away , becom- meth an heretike, denycth the truth in time of perfecution , or fal!eth into wicked life,and focontinueth to the end , chough his name were ncuer written,yctheis faid to be blotted out,becaufe it is made manifeft vnto men, that he is not of that companie of which hefeemed to be. They went out firom vs f faith S.lohn) be- caufethey werenot ofvs, forif they had bene ofvs, they (hould haue continued with vs.But this is to manifc^ that all are not of vs,i John 2. IntheChurch of SardiSjthroughthat deadnefle of their Bifhop.a great number that before time feemed to be excellent Chriftians.and to haue their names writ- ten in the booke of life,had defiled their garments, and were fallen away: and that is the caufe why this promife is made to the reft, / m/lnorput out hU name out of the books of life. \nd the the cotrary to the putting out,is promifed in thefe words; "Sut I wi!lco»fefje hii name before my father ^ and before bis Angers. Then not to be put but.is to be confefled by Chrift : and to be denyed by Chrift before his fa- ther and the Angclsjs to be blotted out. It is no fmall matter to be accounted of^ to haueChrift lefus in his glorie confefTe vs before his father,and before the holy Angels: and if we waike worthieof the Gofpell , and confefle him indeed before men he hath promifed that he will doitiand fo on the c^ntrarie part, what can be more grieuous^thento be denied of him at that day ? Depart from meye v;orkers of iniquitie.I know ye not.. Though .they haue call forth diucis, and clone, orhcr miracles in his nam-, a^d fo Were taken to be regiflredvp in the bbr>lrr'j~f trt'?:'^e'c 90 SERMONS VPON be his true dilcIpIes.Now folio weih the gencrall concIuHon. Let him that hath an eareyheare what the fpirit fatth to the Churches.Thc holy Ghoft fpeaketh nothing in vaine,and therefore we muHheare , not what he hath faid to one Church,or fome things that he faith, but whatfoeuer he faith vnto all the Churches.We fee what he hath faid to this Church, and what a pitifull cafe ic was in : it ought to warne all the Pattors and their flockes, Would to God there were not at this day, more then one for eucrie feuen,both of the paftors & flocks, in as bad a cafe, or worfethen is here defcribcd. This man made fome (hew, he taught the Gofpell,otherwife being in that office,ho w fhold he haue a name that he liued?He was not an open groflc finner How farre be many from fo rouch?The only comfort and hope is »that the Lord hath a few names among vs , thatbaue not defiled their garments, and for their fakes doth takepitie vpon vs. . THE IX. SERMON. 7. Andvnto the Afi^ellofthe Church vvhtch u at Thtladelphiay write, theje things faith he vpljich u holy and true, which hath the ksjf ofT)attidj which openeth^andno man fhuttethyVvhichJhtttteth and no manopeneth. 2, I k»ow thj worl^s-.beholdyl haue fit before thee an open doore , and no man eanfhut it : for thou hafi a litlejirengthiandha^ kept r»j vvord^andhafi not denied my name, f, Beholdflvvillmake them of the Synagogue ofSathan^vvhich call them feiues lewes^andare not^but do lye : behold, I Jay, I w til make them come andvvor» Jhip before thyfeete,an(ijlja!lk»ow that I haue loued thee, 1 0. Becaufe thou hafi kept the word of my patience , therefore 1 will kfepe thee from the houre oftemptatio»t whtch wiUcome vpon all the world^to trie them that dwellvpon the earth, 1 X. "BeholdJ come portly, hold that which thou hafi, that no ma take thy erowne, 1 2. Hint that ouercommeth wtll I make a ptSar in the Temple of my God^and he [hall go no more out : and I will write vpon him the nam: of my God , and the name of the citie of my (jod, the new lerufalem, which commeth downe out of heauen from my Cjod,and I will write vpon him my new name. tl^Let htm that hath an eare^heare what t he Jpirtt fatth to the Churches, THc fixt Epiftlc is fent to the Angcll of the Church ofPhiladcIphiarthis Phi- ladelphia was a citie of Lydia^not very famous,nor yet of the meaneli.Thc Angcll and Church at Smyrna are highly commended, as we faw in the Ibimcr chapccTiand nothing reprehcndcd:fg alio here is commendation giucn to this ) THE REVELATION. 5>i this Angell and Church of Philadelphia: goodly promifcs and comfortable are made vnco them,and nothing rcproued , vnleflc we cake this as fomc kind of re- proofc,that he raith,T/?vvhom his word pro- 9^ SERMONS VPON pconounceth to be (hut out, what arc cbey the better for retaining a roome and % place in the vifible Church vpon earth ? here is one holdcth the key cs which will chruft them forth, and fhut them out at the laft. And againe, if by wicked prelates, any man contrary to the truth be cafl forth,what is he the worfc? there is one o- pcncthj and none can (hut, which will rcceiue him in. If any had the power of the Keyes ( as the man oflinnc , the great Antichrift boafteth ) how could it be faid ^ I Open and none (huttcth, I fliut, and none openeth ? Here is the onely gouernour oucr the houfc o^Oauidy which is neuer abfe^t from his Church , and therefore necdeth no vicar. Now we come to the narration, //^«eortnmng of the creatures of God : 1 J, / knorf thy rvorkjjthat thou art neither coldnor hoteilwrn/dthou rvert cold or hot e, 1 5, Therefore becaufe thou art luke rearme^an^ neither cold nor hotCy I vpilljfue thee out of my mouth. 17. Becaufe thou faie^ I amrkh yandenriched, andrvant nothings andknowejf not that thou art wretched andmiferable ^and^oore and blind^and naJ^d. iS, I counfatle thee to buy of me gold triedin the fire,that thou mate/} be rtchy& white rayment that thou maiefi be clothed^ that thyflthj nahedneffe do not ap^eare^ andannoynt thine eyes wtth eje-falue that thou mayfi fee. i 9. As many as I lout I rebuke and chafien^ be z^ealous therefore and repent. 2 o . 'Behoid Ifland at the doore, and knocke : tfany he are my voyce^and open the doore,! rviUcome in to him^and rvtllfup with him^andhe wtth me. 21. To him that ouercommethiWilll graunt to fit wtth me in my throne ^oa 1 alfs haueouercome and haue fit with my Father in his throne. 22. L^t htm that hath an eare, hear e what the fbint fatth to the Churches. He fcucnth or laft meflage is fent to the Angell of the Church of Laodicea : this Laodicea(as fome writers re- port)was the chiefc city of Caria . The exordium of the meflage is taken from the perfon of him that fendeth ir, that is, from lefus ChriH: Thvu faith ^men , the faith' ' fuhandtrue witneJJe.Chvlli is a firme and conttant truth, and ( as Saint PW faith ) all the promifes of God in him, I are yea & Anlen, 2.Corinth. i .He bare record moft faith- fully ^and conrtantly to the truth. He requireth that all his feruants,euen all his difciplcsjfhould follow his fteps,and efpecially the Minifters of the Gofpell , who are as guides and examples herein to go before the fiocke, which thing the paftor of this Church failed in. It is written of Chrif i , in Handing for and witnefflng the truth , The sjsak sf thins houfe hath eatenme : But this An- gell and his Church,had no zeale nor heate ofloue in them , as we fhall fee in the narration.But firft wc mud confider the other part of the defcriptiori^whichisin thefe Wordcs, the beginning of the creatures of God. He is called the beginning'bf *f the workcmanfliip ofGod ^ becaufe all was created and hadbeglining by him. H 3 As loi SERMONS VPON As Saint 'T^aule calleth him the firft begotten of cucry creature , and then faith, becaufe by him all things were created, which are inheaucn, and which arc in the carthjthings vifible,and innifible, whether they be thrones, ordominations,prin- cipalitieSjOr powcrs,alI things were created by him,and for him: and he is before all things, and in him ail things conlift,Colo(r.i .verfe. 1 5,1 6.17, And we may note, that there is the firft creation , and there is that which is called the new creation,as in the ProphetSj Behold I make all things new . And as all things were made by him in the firtt creation, lohn. i .fo is the rcftoring of all things,euen the new crea- tion,by him. He is the beginning ofit . Hitherto the exordium, now to the nar- ration. 1 know thy worksty c^c. It is fmall comfort to this Angell, and to this Church, that Chrift did know their works : for he doth not praife them in any thing, but difcommendeth and difalloweth them, lay eth open their wretched eftate, and gi- ueth them aduife how to deale for their recouery from the fame . The Lord doth not tell them that they held falfc do6lrine,nor that they were idolaters, adulterers, or fuch like,but onely this, 'Thou art neither coldnor hote . They had bene taught in the true dod^rine , they had receiued the fame anddidprofefleit , theycaried themfelues in fome ciuill courfe of life , but they wanted the heateof loue and of zeale . Iftheyhadnotprofeffcdthe truth, and in fome fort walked in it, how could it be fay d, thou art not cold ? And if they had bene endewed with loue and Zeale, how might it be fayd thou art not hote?So then here is no vtter denying,nor here is no found profeding. And now leaft this Church or any other might thinke it but a fmall matter.to be neither cold noi- hot ; the Lord doth declare and lay o- pen,how loathfomc a thing it is vnto him , and in how miferable eliate fuch be, as are neither cold nor hot. Many dofuppofeatthis day , fothey allow and profefle the Gofpell and name of Chrift in any forte , that they be right Chriflians , and in moft excellent cafe^ though they be voyd of all zeale,bciug hike warme,neither hot nor cold. Againil fuch, this fcripture is mort plaine. For I hope they will not gainfay that which our Lord with his o wne mouth vttereth from his glory .Then let them , and let vs all hearken what he fayth to the Angell ofthis Church •• / woti/d thou rvert en 'jgr cold OP hott Doth the Lord then allow of coldnefle,which is as much as to haue no reli- gion at alljl meane no true religion? DoubtlcfTe that cannot be : for ye know how it is written, 5^ zealous tn (pint . The Lord God requireth feruent loue and zeale in religion. When he faith then: / rvo/d thou wert either cold or hot^w. is noi! to fhew that there is anv goodnefle in being cold, but to fct forth the badnefTc of being be- tweene both,as we call it lukc warme.To be cold is naught , yea very naught, but to be neither cold nor hot is worfe. And behold how ourSauiour expreflcth his deteftation of this thing, faying, Jt mil come topaffe that 1 (hall (pue thee out of my w»f*th. That which men do vo- mit or fpue out at their mouth, the (iomacke abhorreth, and they receiue it not a- gaine,but caft it away with deteftation and loathing . Such then as the vomit is to the oflfendcd flomackc,to the mouth , and to the man that fpcyveth out , fuch arc lukc- THE REVELATION. 103 lukcwarme Gofpcllcrs to the Lord Icfus Chrift , and fliall be caft forth by him as loathfome vomit.A molt terrible fcntcncc ofiudgcmet,vtiercd by the ludge him- fclfe.Ic n^.ight fray thourands,& ten thoufands in our daics/or all is ouerfpred with newters and fuch lukcwarme Gofpellers, as be here fpoken of. Indeed the ma- ner of this denouncing iudgeni^cfcemcth to be taken from hence, that water nei- ther hot nor cold, but warnic, & as we vfc to fay lukewarm*, doth prouokc the ftoniacke to vomit. This is then an allegorical! fpeech, tliac the ftomacke of Chrift doth loath fuch,& he will fpucthcm forth of his mourh.Thisis no fable, this is not the word of any mortall man, but of the moft blefled Lord bimfdfe,the only foQ- taine ofall truthrlbcfeech ye let it not pafle away without credit, let vs beleeue ic afl'urcdly. For the time will come when fuch hankers as are without zealc, and canioyne withallcompanies,andneuerbc tormented, vexed nor giieued in their foules, by hearing and feeing the abhominable and filthy words and deeds of vn- godly men, (hallbe caft forth with loathing and vtter deteftation . But it will be laid, our time is net without zealc, men are hot, euery fort as they take. I anfwere, that this is fpoken not ofeuery fieate to be wanting , for there is a true zeale with loue and mceknes offpirit, which is from God, and there is a bitter zcale,which is fromtheflefh. Of this latter, the Lord doth notfpeake, for it doth abound eueric whcre.Eucryfalfe religion , euery hcreficand fc(5lljath thofe which with great ve- hemencie and zeale ftandto defend itt but this zealeis from the flefh . Onely the Lord Icfus and his truth find few which with pure zeale^fiand in defence of them. The newters, the lukcwarme Gofpellers, which are neither cold nor hot, are car- neii and zealous,butnotfor the Gofpellrbut m defence of their owne waies.In co- demningthofe that be feruent in fpirittobefooles, they canfhew themfelues very vehement. In defending the courfe which they themfelues do follow, if any difal- low iCjthey be very hot and fiery, looke not to hauc them lukcwarme therein. Be thefe men in fo euill a cafe? Are they worfe then they that be cold? Yea,markhow the Lord lay eth them open further: Eecatife thoujayefi I am rtch,aTtd enriched, G^ 7 want nothingiand k^evfefi not that thou nn nvretched^and miferable^ & pe ore^nd hAndyandnaked. It is one ffep towards bIefIednefIe,for a man to know and to feele his miferie. And he that is in a miferable effate, and thinkcth he is in good cafe , is fo much the further off. The lukcwarme Gofpeller is moft wretched,& of all other imagineth his cftate to be thebef^. Therefore the Lord wifheth rather thatthej^ were cold,then neither cold nor hot. I befeech ye marke well, and let it be deeply printed and cngrauen in your harts which the Lord vttcreth here. It may do vs good, for are we not growing luke warmc,euen as the Church to whom this mef- fage was fene? Then lookc what is faid of them and to them , let vs take heed the fame come not vpon vs. The AngellofLaodicea, and the Church confifling of lukcwarme Gofpellers, tooke themfelues to be rich, and enriched, and to want nothing. Writers do re- port of that citie, that it was veriewealthie in worldly fubf^ancc through wollcii cloath.And where men abound in wealth, and liuein plcafures, hauingallthingcs tvhich the fleih dcfireth^they eafily grow fccure,& imagine that they be in cxcel-^ H 4 " fePt t«4 SERMONS VPON lent good cafe. But alas how farre arc they cJeceiuedPWhat faith he that knowcth indeed what they be? Andk^owefi not ('faith he) that thou art rvrctchedy ana mt- Jeralfle,nndpoore ^andblindydnd naked} Here is a great difference indeed, from that which they did imagine of themfelues. Here are (as yee feej diners words heaped vp, of miferabie wretchednefle, ofpouertie, nakcdnefTe and blindnefle, touching fpirituall things. And wliy is this heaping vp of words, but to fet forth the certain- tie of a moft wretched efbte ? And why fo , but becauleGofpcllers neither cold jioi- ho:e,ofall others need to be moft terribly thundered againft , that if it be pof- fible they may be btought to fee their miferie . Let vs obferuc a tew things in this place for the vfe of our rime. Chrirt doth not fend any meflagc now , but this meflage was fent once for all, and if euer to any, to a oreat nutiibcr of Churches inthefe daies. And then further, v;hat aflembly is there any where in z\\ the world of fincere ChriRians , but there are mingled among them many fuch lukewarme GofpeJlers, hauliingprofeffors, and newtersPTalke with them,and ye fhall find that they are perfwaded, & haue this opinion of themfelues, that they be very happie men . They know that there is remiffion of (innes through the bloud of Chrift, They know and profefie all points ofdod^rine fet forth in the Gofpell. How fhould thefe men be in euill cafe.^ Come then to the touchftoneto try the pure gold : come to the words which the Lord himfelfe hath vttered , and fearch by them and fcanne the true Chriftian, Thou faiefi otrhy felfe, I am a finner,! looke for pardon through Jefus ChrifiThe promife is, ail that bclceuefl"iall be faued. I do beleeue. I take my felfe to be rich, & enriched, and to want nothing. Wei, but is thine hart enframed with thelouc & zealeofthegloricofGod ? ha(hhou a burning defire that the name and glorious Gofpell of Chriii may be magnified ? hafi thou an carneft care ofthe good ofthy brethren? Doth this louc of thine breake forth and fhiew it felfe in adlions tending to the fame purpofc ? doth it vexe and torment thee when Gods glorie is troden downe, when the holy truth is defpifed and defaced , when the Church goethto decay and into ruines?If it be thus with thec,rhou art well indeed:but it thou doeft want this louc and zcale, making religion fo indifferent, and fo light a matter, be- ing in the caufesof God neither coldnorhot,thinke while thou wilt that thou art in good cafe, we know the Lord fayeth true, we muft giuc creditcto his words before allvaine opinions which men haue of themfelues, which are thefe: ^yind k»oweft not thjit thon art rvretchedp and mi/erahkjand^oorey & bitnd^and naked. I may very well mention here that which Saint />4«/ writeth : He that thmketh he dothfiand^ let him take heed he do net fall. l.Cor.i o . For we fee it plainely,that fomcthinkc they haue faith, and that they be rich, and that they be in very good cafe, when they are not, but indeed are moft wretched, blind and beggerly .Mens opinion and conceipt doth decciue them . We muft examine our felues whether we haue the true zeale. Among the Corinths there were fuch Gofpcllcrs, as could go into the idol temple with the heathen,and feaft with them.at thofc fcafts w hich they made at the worftiip & in the honor of their idols. They could reafo fmooth- iy tQ proue it iawfull as a thing indiffcrent,but indeed they wanted Ioue,they wan- • -^ ted THE REVELATIO>J. 105 ted zcale againft al fuch horrible iabhominations,& therfor e the holy Apoftle /pea- king to fuch/aith, Let him that thinketh heflandeth , tak^ heed he f till net. Then doubclefTe the luke vvarmc Gofpeller doth thinke he ftandeih, but doth not. Wc hauc not the Idol! Tetnplesofthe heathen among vs : but wc haue Papifls & fuch as do rayle vpon tiie minifters of the GofpcU, and vpon all that do profeHe it. We hauc them which be lb loofe in life^ and fo giuen ouer to follow the corrupt lufts ofthe fieflijChat they cannot abideany which will not poure forth themfelucs to the fame cxccfleot ryot, or at the leaft allow thereof; and there be Gofpellers which are fo zea]ous_,that they can be familiar with the,& vene nierrie cuen when they heare them flaunder and rcuile the preachers and profeflors of the Gofpell. VVhathaltingis this? what newters are thcfe ? If there were anic loucofGodor true zealein chem,how could they endure fuch things? Can a man abide to haue thofe rcuiled and flandered which are deareand precious vnto himPThe Prophet in the Pfalme teftifieth thus of himfelfejiJwtfrj ofteares defcend forth ofm'me eyer, becAufe men ksepe not thy law. This was the zeale of the Prophet. And Saint Feter tettifieth ofZo/ whehe did dwell in Sodome^that he vexed & tormented his righ- teous foule 6:5 day to day ,in feeing & hearing there their wicked deeds,i. Pet.2« And now a dayes we haue fome Gofpellers which can laugh cuen heartily at the committing of great finnes and enormous offenccsrit is a fport to make men, or to fee them made drunken.If I fhould enter into all particulars , 1 fliould be tedi- ous. Yemayeafily fee what nianer of profeffing the Gofpell hath inuadedour Churches,and how far it hath preuailed : namely vnto this , that they be accouii* ted the wifett and the verie befl Chriftians,thcy carie away all the commendatio, which be neither cold nor hot: they be the men which are worthy to be magni- fied, that bclukewarme. This is the eHate nowgcneraIly,how miferable,let the words of ChrifthimfelfS SERMONS VPON rajment^h4t thoumaifl he clothed.that thy filthy nakedne^e appear e not y&Annoint thine eyes with eyefalneythat thou maififee, O bounteous Lord and gracious Sa- uiour,whogiueth connfell to this Paftor and his flocke , how they may come out of their milerie. Was it not great kindnefle that fuch a paftour &: fuch a Church as this £hould be chofcn for one of the feuen^vnto whom this prophecy was to be fcnt ? Is it not much^thatthey muttrtand asone ofthe feuen golden candlcftickes? Is it not raore,thathelayeth open their eilate vnto themplaincly ? for whom would they haue bcleeued among men,that fhold haue told them fo much ? And yet he goeth furcherjand giuech them moft wholfome aduife and counfeli>wher- ' by they may become veric bJefled in all fpritual! & heauenly blefJings.The coun- fellis, toreceiue fromChrift all good things. He vfcth fpccches anfwerableto thofe by which he layd open their nii(erie: Than fayeU 1 am rich ffaith hc^^W enriched, and k^oxvefi not that then art wijerabk, andpoore. He that hath plen- tieof gold is not poorc,for gold makech rich : and fo he iaith here, 'BHy of we gold tried in the fire ^that thou maifi be rich. The gold which is tried in the fire, is the more pure without drofle and mixture ; and therefore to note the puritie and perfc<^ion ofthe heauenly riches giuento vs in Chrift, they are called gold tried in the fire. There is plentieoffine gold in Chrift, to make vs rich vnto God: and • we are called vpon to come and buy it of him. Then becaufe he faid,7'^ • • V ' \"X ^' Behold I ft and at the dore andJk»odke-^ &c, Here is ;^et Further kindlies detlW|B^ the Lord ftandeth at the doore knocking to belet in . He is the good ifhepheal^d^, he feeketh yp that which goeth affray, he ftandeth knocking at the doore of inans heart to enter and tomake it his Temple to dwell in.Markc here diuers things : as fitft that the Lord doth not onely kndcke and call at the doore ot^mans heart, But^ continueththe fame: for he ftandeth atthe doore, and hath ftood'at the doote,.a$^ the word importeth . This is much th^t he. muft waite vpon vs, ftibiiing vs to re- ceiuc him: but the truth is , we neue^ haue anic mipd of him but when he doth ftand knocking at the doore of our heart. Then further behold how difficult a thing it is for the heart of man to rccdue Ghrift, and to be turned to God. We are fo well contented that the povyer ofdarknes^ftiallraigneinvs, we take fuch de-; light and pleafurc in the corrupt lofted o'ffinn^J^^tid we are fofaft afleepe, that he may knockeand knoeke againe,'weregatd bimft6^,'Butlet vstakeheed,. for albe- it his kindnes is marvellous, yethewill hotalWat'ies oifferhimfelfe, noralwaicsbe found. Ye know how it \%vix\x.xxxv,To-ddj ifyev;>\lll3eare his voice, harden mtjonr heartsizadthcn,r9hikfttsc4/iedtif daj^HcU,^, And how terribly he threatneth, no SERMONS VPON that Cuch as regard not,but defpifc vvhcn he calleth, how they (hall eric vnto him vMca their miSric commeth vpon them, but he will not hcare, but laugh at their dcftrudion* Be not therforc too bold with him:if he hauc by his word and by the motions ofliis fpiritjftood dayly knocking ac the doorcof thy hcart,{hcwing thy (innes^and mouing thee to repentance,and thou baft made light thercof,take heed leaft thofc knockings of his ceare,and thine heart be niorehardcned/o that there is no feeling of anie godly farrow vnto repentance.Makc much of this knocking, make much ofthefc motions of the fpirit/or manie that hauc had great rcmorfc & beginnings for to repent, are now hardened and boldcned in fin. Moft miferabic are they which defpifc his knocking and driuc him away. On the contrarie part, chey be a thoufand times blefled which open vnto him, and fo recciue him. For niarke what he faith : ^fanj/ do heare my voicc^ and open the daercy I tfiUcome in t9 himyandvfillfup vifh htm,aridbe mthmeJWhzt more happy gueft canbercceiued in ? what good thing can be wanting where he is PIfChrift dwell in the heart by faith,ifthe graces and power of Chrift be receiued in, all cuill and miferie is driucn out,and all goodncflc and fclicitie do fucceed. Darknefle is driuen out, the diueU is cxpclled,(inne is deftroyed.and horror of the dreadfull iudgcment doth vanifb away .There is light,thereis God.there is righteoufnefie, and peace,and ioy of the holy Ghoft.FuU notably doth the Prophet D^umdCct forth this, Pfal.24. when he taithyLift vpyour heads yt gates yUnd he ye lift vpye euerUfting doores^Mttd the king ofgtorielhallcome inJVho is the king ofgloriehhe Lordfirong (^ mightjythe Lord mtghtyin ^atteH.Our enemies be ftrong,eueu death,and fin,and the diuell,buthe l^ath encouncrcd with them in battel], and fubdued them, fb that we recciuing in him,wc recciue in all heauenly powcr.We are bafe and vile in our corruption ; he is the king of glorie,and wethrough him ftiall be railed vp vnto glorie.Hc fetteth k forth tlvit we ftiall receiue all good things by him, in thefe words, that tfatfy ope the doorey he w til come m and J ftp with hmiy ^c. He bringcth all the dainties with him,& compareth it vnto a fuppci-,for we Qiallbe fed with them; we fhallbccuen filled abundantly with allfweetioyesrthis fupper fhall neuer be ended. But it may be faidjfeeing all the good things .are from him,how is it faid he will fup with vs ? what haue we to glue him any fupper } He taketh ioy and delight incur faith, in our Ioue,in our obedience, or in all holy vertues which proceed from vs.For thefe arethofe fwect things which Salomon in his5ongoffongs , declarcth that Chrift delighteth in fi-6 his Sponfe.But in this placp the Papifts ftcp in for free will: Chrift Icfus(fay they)doth knGckc,thatis,he doth ofFtr gracc,and it lyeth in man to giuc cofent by free wil,hoIp€ alfo by his g^ace. Like wife that faying in the Pfalme,2»/r vpyoMr heads.ye gfitesyandi'eye liftedz'pye enerlaping dooreSyUnd the kjug of glory ftaHcotfte ««,fecmeth to afcribe it to mans ow'ne wil to open the doores of the hart to receiue in Chrift. Wchaue the pUine teftimonie^ ofthe holy fcripturcs , that there is nothinglcft iniiian,nOfnbt fb mi^cbas^o think a good thought,Gcn.8.ix . z. Corinth. 3. j. Ephcf, 2. i . Moreouer, ifa man could thinke a good thought of himfclfcjthcn could he do fomcwhat without Chrift,but Chriil faith, ff^ttlyfHt me ye can d« nothifigyldin l j.vcr. y . /* at C7'ilv/ '^J ^tiiioocl iih io iiDH'v j'hii Sfii i)i:fl SMsci oyv noiqi^d^ 73rn-:aj 5(ij I^ t "''^" ' . ■■ ■■^' -r ■■■■'. '. •; «ui533ioi' ';):iiior|qt.f.nfi b3iiiofhuBjrjJIfo;T.'//w'^«i\ || !>i(! !:>rTVfHlD I^)l3iha!^l o3bni:,rif:5cd'cfH3io;i:vv-'*« Ill2 f rMi t* THE XI. SERMON. CHAP. 4. !♦ 4 ill n:). >#/}<•>• /Am 1 /oo^dy ^ hhoId,A doore vvoi of en in heauen^^ thefirfi ve^e which J heard^was as it were of a trumpet talking with me, fay wg^ come t/p httheryand 1 wilipsew thee things which mftfi be Aone hereafter, AndimmediAtly lvvasraf4iJhedtnth.e.lpiKit,i(UStdb£hold^d throne was fit m heauen^aKd one fate vpoKthe throned .^rjoj wviHih i\h:'v.. -..A:,: L! And he that fate was to looke vpon hke vnto 4 lajperj^aneyOftda Sardtnej^ there was a ratnhwe roundahoMt the thfone, in fight Uks "i^nto an 8meraud, tyind round about the throne were four e and twenty feates , andvpon the feates Ifawfoure andtwente Elders ftting^cloathedinwhtterayment, and hadoHtheir heads crorvnes of gold, .0 rjfi jind out of the throne proceeded liighteningSyandthundringSi and voyceSy and i there were feuenlam^es of fire burning before the throne ^ which are thefe- Henjpiritsof^od, S, Andbeforethe thronetherewasafeaofglajfe, hke vnto ^hriflall: andin the middefi of the throne ^and round about the throne werefoure beajls full , of eyes before and behind, -' 'fjii t^^ndthefirji bcaft was lil(e a Lion, and the fecond beaU hke a Calfey and ithethirdbeafihadaf^celikeaLManyattdthefoMrthbeaftvvaslif^.aflymg ■ Eaglii .'■:*..:•: ti.r, ' ..'^ : ■ ;■ , ;■ •: i > • ii ■^^, ■ Andthefoureheaftshad each one of them fixewings about himy& they were fuSofeyes within; and they ceafed not day nor ntght^faytngy holy, holjy holy, LordCJodAlmtghtytWhich waSjandvvhichis,andwhtchu to come. - ! JJ. 'Andv^hen thofe beafis gone glorie^and honour ^ and thanks to htm that fate ^.-f^nibefihroneywhtchlsuethfor^tteriandeuert ' ' : • ■ • ,* 1 0. Thefoure andtwenrie Elders fell downe before him that fate on the throne ^ andworjhippedhim that Uuethfqr etiermtre , andcafi their crownes before the throne,fayiMgf . i •' : 11. Thou art wort me Lord to receiueglorie, and honour yand power :for thou 3 'i 'I haft created all things^andfor thy wUsfake they are and haue bene created* IN the former chapters we haue had the firft vifion of this bookc, by which S. /tfA« was called^auchorifcd and appointed to recciue this prophecie, and to write it in a booke,and to fend it to the feucn Churches of Afia. We haue had ^0 fcucn feuecal Epii^Ies or mellages vnco the feucn Angels of thofe fcuen Chur- ches. THE REVELATION. 115 chcs. In which we hauc fccnc by thofc fcucn what was the ftate and condition of the vniuerfall Church militant at that time. For fomc were very excellent paflors, & had excellent flocks/omc were commcnded,and alfo in fomc things difpraifcc^ and fome were wholly difcommendcd . No doubt if the Lord had gone through all the particular Churches at that time in the world, it would hauc fallen out eucn fo . We haue had alfo very worthy and precious promifes fct foorth to all that get the vifloiy in tficChriftian battailc. Now followcth the fccond vifion, which rcachcth vnto the twelfth chapter/ct-* ting foorth the ftate of things , cuen to the worlds end : in which there is firft ( as namely in this Chapter & the next) fet forth how Chrift receiucd this Reuelation from the hand of the Father^to glue to his Church/or he calleth it before in the firtt Chaptcr^the Reuelation of lefus Chrift,which God gaue him , to fbew to his fer- iiants,&c. And here ihall we fee how it was giuen him. In all this whole Chapter, the glorious raaiefty of God Almighty , from whom the Lord lefus rcceiueth this: Reuelation^is defcribed & fet forth euen as lohndw the fame in vifion^now to the words as they lie. The things here rcuealed, beall from thefecret counfels ofGod^ they be heauenly * and therelore he faith , i/oo^d,afjdheJjo/d a doore vca^ opcnin hebled by thefe wortis, And before the throne was afea ofglajje /i1^ vn-. to fhriftaliJMxs fea of glafle is the world.for the world is fitly called a fea,bccaufe it is fuirofliormcs,andtempeftcs, and waues that arc raifcd vp. It is fuliofrockes vpon THE REVELATION. 115 vpon which many do dafh, and make fliipwrackc,'and arc drowned in dcflru61io andperdition . Andalthoiigh vntovs there be many things in it which are fccrcc and hid.many things fecme to happen by chance, yet vnto him of whom the Pro- phet fpcaketh (faying, The dArkeueffe is no darkenejje vnto thee^ btn the Aarkene^e unA the light are alike : Pfal.I^p.) there is nothing fecrct.And therefore this fea is fayd to be like vnto chryfiall. Ye know that the chryftall is fo clcerc, and our fight doth fo run through it,thatif therebe but a little fpot it appearcth.-Euenfo for this whole world the fight of God pierceth through it without any Iec,and feerh euery thing far more cleerely,then we fee the fpots if any be in a chryltail. For all things lie open and naked vnto his eyes,Heb.4.Thc diuell is fubtle in the darke, and wic- ked merr haue dcepe reaches to practize mifchicfe againft the Church :bnt this is % fpcciallcomfortjthatthey can hide nothing,no noteuen their fecrct thoughts from the eye of God. Remember this I pray ye , that this world is like a chryftall fea before the throne of God.For they that be good may hauc great comfort by itjand the euill confcience may be terrified : For God fce^h cleerely through the hart and confcicnce. Audit is not to be omitted that this fea is of glaflc , for albeit the reprobate are drowned in it,yet through the fauor of God, though it be a mo(i troublefome fea, yet no one oftheeledcan be drowned in it:for vnto them it is as glafle.Whcnfoe- ucr ye fee troubles and turmoiles raifcd , and all fcemeth to be confufed as if there were no diuine fight or prouidence;call to mind this place, that this fea ofglaffe is before the throne of God Almighty .and that vnto him it is in euery part as dcere as chryftall . Confider alfo, that this high maiefty which reuealeth the things which fhould fall out in this troublefome world, feeth thempcrfed^ly and cleerely afore hand,euen as in a moft cleere chryftall. Thus hauingfet forth the heaucniy maiefty of God by his fight and prouidencc: be commcth in the next place vnto the chicfe & principall miniftcrs of his power, the holy Angels,in whom and by whom he declareth h^s glory and magnificence, Thcfe are miniftring fpirits ; Hebr. i . Saint Paule calleth them thrones , principali- jtics, mights, and dominations, Colofl^ i . for they are about the throne of the moft: high,and he doth execute his will and decrees by them.Ofthefe heiaith hcre^Thaf in the middefi of the throne ^and round about the throne^rverefoure beafit full of eyes before and behind.Then about this throne there be moft glorious inftruments, as; we ftiall fee their nature and properties by that defcription which is giuen . They arc moft vigilant,beingfull of eyes beforcand behind. The hrftofthe fourc is like a Lion. And the Lion is the king of beafts:fo that here is noblenefle & courage re- fembled hereby.The heauenly fpirits haue nothing bafe in them, which to vs is re- fembled by thelikeneffe of the Lyon . Thefeconci-islikeacalfe; by this there is ftrength and might fignified: for the oxe isftrong,they be mights and powers.Thc third had the face of a i-nanrwhereby is fignified their vnderftanding and wifdom: for among the creatures beIow,man only hath wifcdome and vnderftanding.- The fourth was like a flying Eagle . The Eagle doth mount aloft : whereby may very well be vnderftood that the heaucniy ipirits do receiuc the knowledge of" high I 2 ' fecrecs ti6 SERMONS VPON fecrccsand counfels. For they are aloft euen about the throne of God, and manic high and great feciets are opened vnto them. The Lord hath had here vpon earth among men excellent worthie inftrumentes, ciccumfpcdl and vigilant to do his worker noble, valianr, full of couragc,ftrong,cxpert and wifc,vnto whom he hath alfo communicated high fccrets, but yet in all thefc they haue come farre fhort of the bleffed and glorious Angels in hcauen^ which arc about his throne , which are refcmbled by thefe fimilitudcs . Further it is faid, that euery one of them had fixe wings about him. The Angels being fpirits haue indeed no bodily or vifible fhapc but for our vndcrflanding and capacicic, they arc faid to haue wingcs, whereby is reprefented how fwift, how full ofreadinefle and expedition, they be at all times to execute the will of God. They be fent from the higheft heauens into all parts of the world, and do moft fpeedily performe their feruice , and therefore are faid to haue winges. Vnto this, 'I)a»tdhzd refpe6i, when he faid : The Lord rode vpon Cherub, and came flying, Pfalm.i 8. ver.i i. The Prophet Efay chapter <5.faw the Lord fitting vpon his high throne, and the Seraphims landing aboue it . He faith they had each of them fixe wings. And moreouerhcaddeth, that with two of thofe wings they coucred their faces, with two they couered their fcetc, & with two they did flie. And what did this fignifie? The two wings wherewith they co- uer their faces do teach, that aibcit the Chcrubins,3nd Seraphims, euen thofe hea- uenly fpirits be very bright and glorious, yet they come fo farre fliort of the Lord God ofglorie himfclfc, that they be not able to endure the beholding ofhis infinit brightncfle and maicfiie. Ye fee we inioy , and waike in the chcarcfull light of the Sunne, but yet we are not able to looke fully and diredly vpon it, when it fhineth in the full ftrength and brightneffe: euen fo it may not feeme ftrange vnto vs, that the Angels themfelues , are not able to looke vpon the depth of Gods maicfiie. With two they coucred their feet,faich thePropher.They be holy and pure,thcre is no fpot or blemifh of finne in them; but yet their holineffe is not infinite, and fo not to be compared with the holinefle ofGod, their vvaies are not cquall with his waics, andthisistcftifiedinthat they couer their feete. They liand nottoiufhfie their waies in comparifon of the Almightic.How far from this arc prophane hypo- crites which dwell in houfes of clay, and which drinkc in finne like water, and ha- uing nothing cleane in them, yet ftandtoiuffific themfelues euen before God.^ With two they f^ic, Thi i is to declare ('as I faid before) how fwift and readie they be in the feruice ofGod. Saint lohn doth not fpeake here that thefe couered their faces, and their feet, and therefore 1 cannot tell whether thefe Gxc wings , to each haue the lame fignification which I haue fhcwcd of the Seraphims. It is very like, but I do not affirmcfor ccrtaine. Then he faith; They were full of eyes mth'm. He faid before, that they were full of eyes before and behind.to fee & behold euery way for to execute their miniftcry and feruice to God.but this hath a further meaning, and that is , that they do not onely behold things which lie open, but alfo things hid and f ecret . True it is, that God alone is thcfcarcher ofthe hart,but yet withall we muft vnderfland , that as great kings do make their fccrets knownc vnto them which arc next vnto them, fo tlic THE REVELATION. 117 the Lord opcncthfccrets to his Angels . They arc made to fee hid and fccrcc things. Then next he fheweth how thcfe glorious Angels do continually without cca- fingjlaudand magnific God . For he faith, They ceafednot day normght^ f^y*^£% holy J holyjooly^ Lord Qod Almighty, which voi/md'whtch U , And which u to corne^ In that they do not ccafc day nor night, wc may not thinkc it firangc : for though it be a wearifomc thing vnto v$,that are burthencd with corrupt and dull flclh , to continue in firaifiag God , cfpecialiy becaufc we haue fmall delight in it : yet it is farrc otherwife with that blefled company ofheaucn : they are not burdcned,it ij their whole ioy and felicity to gIoriheGod,and they are forauiflied with the loue thereof) that they can neuer waxe weary. In that they proclaime holy^ holy^ holy^ it is to tcftifie that all his waics,yca euen all his moft fcuere iudgcmcnts are iuft & vpiight,& ho]y,howfocucrthey may fipemc vnto men.There is many fore plagues, andSorriblc iudgcmcnts fet forth in this bookc , to be executed vpon the wicked world , which vnto the corrupt fcnfe offlefh and bloud may fcerac to be from ri- gour and cruelty in God, affd the wicked do blafphemchim indeedc as a cruell iudgc, when he cxccutech vengeance vpon them: but thefe heauenly and glorious, and blefled Angels, which arc about the throne of his glory , and the minitters to execute his will and his decrees , do pronounce that all that comrneth from him, is mott holy and iuft.Let vs learne hereby when any thing doth fall out which fee- mcth hard and cruell,to fubmitour fclucs,and to reli vntill wc be made like to tl\c Angels jfor then fhall we fee, as they fee, and know as they know, and proclaime as they proclaimc.Ncxt vnto his holincfle they fet forth his omnipotent po wer.for they fay. Lord Qod Almighty, And then his eternitic,in which he is vnchangeabic, hauing his being ofhimfelfe,and giuingthe being vntoall creatures.for they adde, which was^and which is^ And which U to come^\\m we fee the nature and proper- ties of thefe heauenly inftruments , in which God doth fet forth and magnific his glorious maietty . And now we arc cpme to the fcuenth and lali thing, by which the high glory of God Almighty is in this Chapter defcnbed,and that is,that he is praifed and magnified both of Angels and men . For thispraife which the Angels giue beingfecforth he addeth,that when thcfourc beafts gauc glory ,and honour, and thanks to him that fate vpon the throne,which liueth for eucr and euer : The foure andtwefity Sldert felldowne before him that fate on the throne , andworjhipi' fed him that liueth for euermore , Andcafi their crownes before the throne yfAywg^ Thou art worthy o Lord to receiueglory^andhonouryAnd power '.for thou ha/i crea- ted all thingr,andforthy willesfake they are ^and haue bene created . Thefe fburc «nd twenty Elders do reprefent all the Saints, bothofthc auncicnt Church, as al- fo vndcr the Gofpell . And firft that they fall downe before the throne , it is by a /igne to teftifie their reucrencc in praifingof him, as alfo to worfliip him : for the true Church doth worfhip him alone .• the true beleeuers fall downe to neither Saint nor Angeil,Bor to any image or reliqucs,butonely vnto the moft high God. In that they caft their cro wncs before the throne , they emptie thcrafelues before him of all wotthines to hauc any gIory,ackaowledging that their crowncs of glory I 3 arc iiS SERMONS VPON ate his free gift , without any defert o r mcrite of theirs. For why clfe flbould they caft them downebefore thethronc,butto confefle that God alone is worthy of all honour and glory ? The PapilH thinke themfclucs great friends to the Saints in heaucn.and take it they muii needs accept of their friendfhip , when they be deucut wcrfliippers of thcm,as their Legefida murea and their feftiuals are Huffed full for moft impudent lies and fab!cs,what fuchand fuch a Saint did for luch and fuch that were their dc- uout worfhippers : but this place doth fully confute the vanity of all fuch wicked apd blaiphemous forgeries. For what likelihood is there that the Saints in heaucn, throwing downc their crownes.confclfing their ownc vnworthmede, & afcr ibing all worthinefle of glory and honor to God alone , can like well that the Lords pe- culiar glory fhould be taken from him , and giuen vnto them ? For the Church of Rome in praying to Saints, in worihipping them with diuine honour , in making them mediators,authors and patrons of faluation, rob God, and fpoyle our Lord Icfus Chrirt of his ornaments to decke them,But let them go,and let vs learnc here that the Angels and Saints in heauen delight that God only (hould be glorified, and therefore do moR highly abhorre and detert , that his glory fhould be taken from him and giuen to them,yea euen the very leafi part of it.They will be no pa- trons,nor they do not thankc thofethat commit fuch abominable facriledge.Thcy louc thofe which after their example afcribe all glory , and honour , and praife to God alone through his Sonne lefus Chrif^ . Lafily,they do by words afcribe vnto God the Father all vvorthinefle to receiuc glory ,honor,and powcr^becaufe that of his ownc holy will he hath created all things.and doth fupport them. Now then to conclude,Iet vs couet and long with all our hart for that time when we fhall be vnburdened, and deliueredfrom all corruption ^ and receiucd into the ibciety and fellowfhipof thisheaucnly company, euen of the blefled Saints & An- gels,and together with them , laud and magnificour Lord God for eucr and cuer,; euen world without end. Thus wc fee the dcicription of the diuine maiefly,cuen of the great God,from whom this Reuclation commeth.Whatfoeucr things do follow in the fcooke, that come to pafle in the world, let vs rcmembct from whofc prouidence they come,and how the world is like a fea ofChrif^all before him. THE THE REVELATION. tip I; THE XII. SERMON. CHAP. J. X, yifjJ I /aw in the ri^ht hand of htm that fate vpon the throne y a booke writtdn rvithinyand on the hackjidefealedwithfeuen feales, 2 . ^y^ndl faJf aflrong Ange/l tvhich preached with a loud voice, vfho is wort hie to open the hook^^dn^ toloofe thefea/er thereof? 5 . And no man in heauetty or m earthy neither vnder the earth, was able to open thebookeyneither to looke thereon. 4. Then 1 wept tKuch, becau/e no man VfOifoundworthj toopen^andto readc the booke^ neither to looke thereon. 5. Andone of the Elders fai A vnto me^rveepe notjbeholdthat Lion which is of the tribe ofluda^hat roote ofT)amdyhath obtained to open the bookfyandto loofe the feuen feales thereof r 6. Then / beheld yandlo in the mtddeji of the throne yO^td of the four e beafisy and tn the mtddeji of the Elders .Hood a Lambg as though he ha^ bene kjl^edywhich had feuen homes andfeuen ey€S,whtch are the fetsen jpirits ofGod^fent into all the world, 7. tAnd he came andtoo^e the baoke out of the right hand of him t hat fate vpon the throne, 8. Andwhen he hadtakenthe bookcythefottre beafieSyOndthefoure andtwentie Elders felldovne before the Lambcyhaving ettery tne harpeSy and golden vials full f odour Sywhich are the prayers of the Saints^ p. And they fang a new fongyfafmgy thou art worthy to take the booke and to e- pen the feales thereof, becattfe thou wafi killed , andhaji redeemed vs to God by thy bloudyout ofeuery ktndredyand tongueyandpeoplcyandnatton : 10. Andhaflmade vsvnto our God Kings andPriefis^ andvve fiallraignevpon the earth. 11. Then I beheldyOnd I heard the voiciofmany Angels roundabout the throne^ and about the beafls and the Eider Sy and there were tent hottfand times ten thoufandyandthoufand thoufunds^ 1 2. Saying with a loud voice yWorfhy is the Lamhe that was killed y to receiuepo* wer,and riches ^andvvtfedome, andftrengthyand honor ^and glory yandpraife^ l^p Andall the creatures which are inheaueny and on the earthy and vnder t hi earth, and tn the feayand all that are in themjheard Ifayi»gypraife,and honor ^ and glory , and power be vnto him thatjitteth vpon the throne , andvnto the Lambefor euermore, , 14. ^nd the f our e beafts faid. Amen : andthefoure and twenty SldsrsfeHdoWKt and vvorpitpped him that tiuethfor ettermore* * *N the former Chapter, wehaue had the dcfcrlptionof the high raaicRy of God the Fachci: Almighty, who gauc chjs RcuelJicion to bis Sonne lefus Chrii^.In this 14 Chapter 120 SERMONS VPON Chapter is fct forth vnto vs,firft a dcfcriptio ofthis Reuelatio: then next a deferip- tion of the Lord lefus Chrift,who rcceiucth it at the hand of his Father: and laft'y here is fet forth the nioft glorious praife, which by the chiefe Angelsjby the Saints, by the multitude of Angelsjand by all creatures In heauen , in earth, and vnder the earth, and in the fea/i$ giuen to Chrift . Of thefe three parts confifieth the whole chapter. Le vs come to the words as they be fet downe:/ /^B»(faith he)inthe right hand of him that fate vpon the throne ^ a bookewrttten within^andon the hackejldcy fealedveith feuen feales. The booke as appeareth afterward by the opening of the £eales,is this Rcuelacion.AUthe fecrets reuealed in it come from the will.the coun- fcll and decree of the moft high God,and are ordered by his prouidence,and there- fore are by vifion fliewed to lohn^io be in his right hand . This right hand of the Lord doth all , this right hand of the Lord bringeth mighty things to paflc, this right hand of the Lord hath the preheminence:thisisone point of the defcription. Then further,that they be written in a bookc,it is to fhew,that they be decreed, and determined fo finiiely and fo conflantly in the counfcll ofGod, that none of themfhall faile,but come foorth,and be fulfilled in their feafon. That the booke is written within,and on the backfide, we arc giuen to vnderftandjthat there be ma- ny things to be reuealed.-foritis nor only a whole bookc,wherein they be contai- ned_,but alfo written as full as mightbe,both within,andon thebackefide : they be many great things which fhould fall out in the world , from the time that lohn re- cciued this prophecy , to the day of iudgemet.That it is fealcd with fcuen feales: we arc taught, that they be the counfels and fecrets knowne oncly to the moft high GodjVntillic pleafcd him to rcueale them by his Sonne:for the number of the feales doth fhew,that they be pcrfe6ly fealed vp. No mights,no thrones,no principali- ties, or dominations in heauen , did or could know any ofthofe things which arc written in this bookc,before the feales be opened. Now that we may know, that lefus Chrift, the onely begotten Sonne of God, which is from the bofome of the father, the mediator bet weene God and man , is the only reuealer and opener of his Fathers will : here is proclamation made vnto ell creatures in heauen and earth , which is a part of the defcription ofthis booke, that only the Lord leliis is found worthy to open the feales thcreof.For he fayth, J faw a firoKg Angcll that preached with a loude voyce , who i,s worthy to open the hookCy and to looje the feales thereof'. Andnomanin heauen ^ nor in earth, netther vnder the earthyWas able to openthe booke ^neither to look^ thereon , Letvs then inow for ccrtaine, that our bleffed Lord lefus hath ai wayes had this glory peculi- ar to himftlfe alone, that he is the opener of the counfels of God . He is the etir- nall wordjIohn.i.vcrf.i.Heisthe wifdomeofthe Father from cuerlafting,and be- fore all creatures , as Salomon fetteth him forth , Prcuerb.S.ver. 22. No manhath Jiene G&dat any time, the onely begotten Sonne whtch ts tn the bofome of the Father, he hath declared htm, lohn.i.yerfiS. Hefenthis fpirit vpon the Apoflles,ashec had alfo ofolde time giuen him to his Prophets, and Co the holy Scriptures were written. Here do the Papiftslay in for their Purgatory,and for their LimbHSpatrum'. in- (kcdc THE REVELATION. in deed the learned Papifts do rather defend both Limbta and Purgatoric by tradi- tion then by Scripture,but yet where there may the Icaft flaew be made of Scrip- turc,thcy take hold: as theRhemKts vpon thefc words, that none in heauen,nor in earth, nor vnder the earth was found worthie to open the booke,infcrre thus. He (peakft h not of the damned in helly of whom there contd he no queUion ^but of the faithfullin Ahahams hofome^andtn TwgatoTjf.The force of their reafon is in this, that touching the damned in hell,there could be no queftion,whether any among them could be found worthy to open thebookc: and fo there needed no procla- mation to be made to find any thcre.Therefore vnder the earth , is to be vnder- ftood(fay they)of fome other companic , as ofthe Saints in Abrahams bofome, vvhich they call Limbus V-itrkm^ox ofthe tormented foulcs in Purgatorie. O fooiilli ridiculous Papifts, which feekcin the cleare light to blind the world with fuch fooleries: firft why do ye here mention the faithfull in Ahrahams bo- fome, when ycteach that Chrift did fetch thcmforthjand carie them with him to heauen before this time? Did he leaue fome behind him in Limbo fii isheauen vn- der the earthPAnd then when ye fay, there could no queftio be made ofthe dam- ned in hell,whether aaie there were woithie,! pray ye then what quertion could be made of thofe in PurgatoriePcould it be doubted that among thole, which (yc fay) lye in thofe horrible torments of Purgatorie,peraduenturc fome one might be found worthy to open the booke ? If there could no one be found amongthe An- gels and Saints in heauenjCould there the be queftion about them in Purgatorie? Why do ye not fee,tbat this Proclamacion is made,not for anie quei-lion,whethec there were fome Angell or Saint worthie (for it was knowne and out of doubt there was none^ but to teach vs,that indeed among all creatures in heaucnor earth, or wheiefocuer,there is no one worthie, but that this honour and worthi- neffeis peculiar to the Mediator lefus Ghrifi.Thus much I thought good to note of their pcruerfe folly. It followeth now in the text, that John wept much , becaufe no man was found •worthie to open the booke jto reade ttyOr to iooki thereon. Saint lohn did not doubt but that in this booke were wri ten fuch things as were verie good and profitable for the Church to know;and when he faw there was none found w orthicto ope it,he forrowed and lamented much/or feare that the Church (hould be depriued of fuch a benefite.Heloued lefus Chrift dearely, and therefore he loued the fheep and lambcs of Chrift, which he hath redeemed'with his bloud, moft teruently co' uetingthat they might beinftru6ted,andfed with all knowledge that might bring them vnto faluation.This was a good fhepherd,thofe are nothing like him,which care not though the people ouer whom they haue the charge , be ignorant in the word ofGod. Saint lohn did weepc for feare that the things in the booke fliould not be knowncrthey weepc that the people come to anie kiipwlcdge,and fo efpy their wickednefle:here is great ods, .n..»l7v\-j;::. j:v-o. Then next is fliewed,how lohn is coforted touching tliTs matter:' Ft»r(>w^ oftlfi Eiders fatdvnto kim,weepg not^hehold^ that Lyon which is ofthe tribe oflttda^ that roote ofT)aHidJoath obtained to open the book^^andte loofe thefemnfeahs thereof, . The 112 SERMONS VPON The ftrong Angell then did not preach with a loud voyce, to find ifthere was a- ny other worthie to open the bookc , as a matter that might be , but to make it knowne,that none indeed was worthie but Chritt lefus alone. The Elder calleth him that Lyon of the tribe of /^irfjrefpeding that prophccieof /^igs enemies , thepeoplejhallfall vnder thee.ln thefe words of the Prophet is fet forth the goodly & glorions cor- queft and vidsric of Chrift oucr the nations ofthe world , fubduing therd vnder himby the Gofpcll, where he rideth forth, il-rooteth hisarrowes, and getteth the victorie. But let vs compare the words in both places together more particularly. In this place the Prophet fpeaking of Chrifi, faich, Wtth thy comely beauty r'ide-dn pro(per9fijly,&c, and Saint lohn ac the opening ofthe firfi fcale,feeth a white h©rfe and one fitting vpon him,which goeth forth eonquering.If we refpe6l the colour of this horfe which is white,doth it not reprefenr the coniiely beautic & glorieof Cbrift & his GofpeIl?Ifany will obiedl; that the Pfalmc dothnot fpeake of the co^- lour <&f his horfe :i anfvver, that in che i p'Chapitfer ofthis bookd,Chrift.ii'de{ci:ibed riding vpon a whitver, wrought fcarcfull things.In thePfalmcthe Prophet mentioncth no bow,but fharpc arrowesrand contrariwife here Saint Uhftfcah him hauc a bow,butmen- tioneth no arrowes.Let not this fceme to make any diffcrencc,the bow and thear- rowes go together, & fo the matter is all one, for thebow is not to any purpofe without arrowcs, which S./oh»f^caketh of herc,& the arrowcs fixed in the hart of the kings enemies , which the Prophet fpeakcth ofthere , arc fliot out of a bow. Here S. lohaSccih hiivhaue a crownc giuen him , which bctokeneth the vi6^oric which he gcttethouer the inhabitanspfthc world with bis bow & arrow es. The Prophet fctteth it forth in thefe words, that ^^ hujharpe arrowes being fixedin the he4rt oftheki**gi enemies ^the people fall etowne vnder /7/w.Then here is the crownc ofvi6lorie,hercisthe conquett and the fubduing of the people by the bow and arrowes.Thefc arrowes,euen thefe molt fliarpc and decpe piercing arrowesof the Gofpelljby which the world hath bene fubdued vnto Chrift, Saint lohn hath not fhcwed vnto him in vifion into what part of man they arc fliot ; but the words of the Pfalmc do (hew/or in it the Prophet faith , thejefharpe arrowesfiicke in the heart of the kj^gs enemies. And in veriedeedall thearrowes of the Gofpell which Chriftlhoottthoutofthisbow, which is euen the tongues of his minifters, do ftril^ethe verie harts of men,^Ki do ihcke in them,yea they pierce into all the fe- cret places of the hesrt. Theiebe noble airowes, thisisa worthie bowe, and here is a glorious vi6^orie. But the queftion may be moued here, why the Pro- phet fpeakcth asifthefe arrowes werefhot,anddidflickeoncuth. The Emperors, the kings,the Princes, the Judges, the Ppilofophers,and all idolatrous people which flood vpon the ancient religion of their forefathers,madc fierce war againft them,and yet t his white hoi fe and his rider proceed and breake through them,yea the Lord with his fharpe arrowcs from the mouth of his twelue Apoftles,mort mightily bringefh them vndcr. There be many enemies at this day and fhall be eucn to the worlds end(tor the diuell will neuer glue ouer vntill he re- ceiue his finall iudgement)and therefore this white horfe & his rider ftill go forth: and many by him are dayly conuerted and fall downe to Chrift , and the enemies arewoundedwith deadly wounds which they fliaIli?eiicrrccouer , yeaeuenthe whole kingdome of Antichrift . Beloued confider this vifion,the world is bent a- gainft the Gofpell,great power is madc^great cruelty is exercifed,^nd terror euery where to opprcfle it, but this rider will conquer all , let vs therefore boldly cleaue vnto it.Thus much for the opening of the firft feale. At the opening of the fecond feale , he heard the voyce ofthe fecond beaft fay, Qome anfifee . We haue fecne that there was figured out,vnderthe white horfe & his rideriri opening the former feale.the moftioyfull thing that euer God fent into the worldjCuenthe Lord lefus with his glorious Gofpell,running through the na- tions ofthe world. Now in the next three fcales being openeii , there come forth three other horfes and their rider8,of other colours,to reprefent other kind of mat- ters , cuen the horrible punifhments , and fcarefuU iudgements of God, which in K his 150 SERMONS VPON his wrath and difplcafurche pourcth forth vpon the wicked world for defpifing his grca: kindncflc ofFercd/or hating,and blafphemingjand railing vpon his GofpcU, and for pcrfccucing his Church.For the greater the kindneffc ofGod hath bene in giuing his only Sonne vnto vs, with thcfulncfle of ail heauenly treafures^co enrich, and to make vs truly bleffed for euer;the greater and the more execrable is the in- gratitude , and wicked contempt of the blind world , in hating and reied^ing the fame. And from hence it enfucth^that more fore and grieuous plagues haue oucr- ipread the inhabitants of the earth linccthc comming of Chrilt , then in former ages. In the firft of thefe then , here commeth forth a red horfc, he that rideth vpon him hath power giuenhimto take peace from the carth,thatthcy might kill one an other,and there was giuen him a great fword. This reprefenteth the bloudy wars, tumults and cruel! flaughters among the people of the earth . Thisplague fhould fwiftly fpread it felfe, and therefore commeth alfo on horfebacke . The colour of this horfe declareth what he doth bring , for he is red , that is,all bloud , and very (laughter it felfe. The rider vpon this red horfe, is the diuell himfelfe : for he is the liiolt fit for fuch a turne : He is a cruell murtherer from the beginning, hee deligh- teth in bloud,in hatred and malice, and the fame he worketh among men . The righteous God ofvengeance giueth him power to take peace firom the earth , that men may one kill another, and to this ende a great fword is giuen him for to mur- ther and kill withalLHc ftirrcth vp hatred among kings,and mflameth the wrath of Princes & great men,he raifcth vp tumults and leditions among the rude people, hetaketh away all Ccnce ofhumanity out of the harts of men,and fillcth them with fuch cruelty,thatthey can without any mercy or companion fhed the bloud one of another. A man is not able almoliin his whole life (^ if he vndcrftood all lan- guages and fliould do nothing clfe) to reade all the warres and horrible flaughters that haue bene made vpon innnitcmalcitudes, in all countries, fincethc time of the Gofpell. And yet the quantity ofthe bloud that hach bin fhed in killing one a* nothcr, euen that the riuersfometimes hauc bene coloured therewith, isnotfo flrange.asto confider with what fauagc cruelty it hath bin done. Many Captaines andfouldiers liaucbcne fo cruell and hardhearted^that they haue had no compaf- fion vpon old men,norvpon women,nor children ; but hauc thrurt their fwords and dao;gers into them,as litle moued,as it they had thruft the into a fhcke of hay. This fellow vpon the red horfe hath played his part throughly in the world , and doih (iill euen at this day .This bloudy cruelltyrant is fit for the vvorld:for God hath giuen a king of peace, vndervvhomwe fhouldliue, which rideth vpon the white horfe; the world will none of him_, & therefore this bloudy tyrant the diuell doth l«cciue power ouerthem. But it may here befayd, that thefe bloudy warres in time ofthe Gofpell^ doe fcemcto be diiagrceing, yea quite contrary to that which the Prophets of old did vttcr touching the Hate of the world vnder the kingdome ofChrili . For they de- fcribe,asl may fpeake,a golden world. The Prophet E/aj^ Chap.i i. fpeaking of «hc branch that £hould fpring out of the roocc of //rahawznd the Prophets another, or they but in figure, that is,in truth not at all, then our faith and their faith is not all one,thcy are faued one way and we another. What wicked abfurditics will follow hereof we may eafily fee : and therefore it is moft euident^that albeit we haue Chrift more fully reuealed vnto vs , being come and hauing finiflicd all things which werepromifed to them, and which were vn- dcr figures fhadowcd forth vnto thcm,yet as we eate his flefh & drinke his bloud, fo did they . They did eate his very flefli, and drinke his very bloud fpiritually, and fo do we , they eate it not with their teeth, no more do we . His body once flaine vpon the croffe was aitailablcto faue thcirj,fo is it to faue vs . What corre- fpondcnce can there be then bctweene the foulcsofthc Martyrs vndcr thehea- uenly akar,and the laying of dead bones and reliqucs neere to thefe blafphemous PopifhaltarsPChrif^s dody doth not come vpon thofe altars,and therefore if they haue in the popery any bodies bones, or reliqucs of fuch as were true martyrs in- deede^jihe laying ofthem vp fo.is not as their foulcsare necrefltohim in hcaucn, io their bodies arc nceref^to his body in earth :but they arcvniufily and wickedly abufed vnto moft vile idolatry,and filthy luker : euen as the Ifraelites would haue worfliipped the body o^Mo/er , if they could haue come by it , and therefore the Lord buried hin) they knew liot where, about which the diuell ftroue , as S. ludc fhe\v€th . While he was aliue they often rebelled againfthim , and were ready to ftonehim,but being dead.they would haue worfhippcd him.They which murde- red Chri{t,buik the icpulchcrs of the Prophets in their honour,MatLli,2 3. Eucn fo 'the idolatrous Papifts , murther the faithful] that come into their hantls^and wor- ship THE REVELATION. 237 fhlp the martyrs which wcreflaine by their farhcrs in old timc.Then next he faith thatthcfefoulcsof thcmartyrs,frj(f^'5/?//>^ a loHdvoiceyfaytng^How longoLord^ which art hoij and true^hoefi thoumt auenge our btondon them that dvpell on the earth ? This is a vehement crying for vengeance vpon thofe that had fhed their bioud, ycaeucn for full vengeance. And moreouer , they crie for it fpecdiiy , and feeme to be impatient of the delay .Here be two things that may feeme very hard: the oncjthat the holy martyrs before they died(as we fee in ^r^«f«,A6l.7 J prayed for their perfecutors,that God would not lay that finne to their charge : and after tlieir death cleane contrarie , they crie onely for fpeedie vengeance. The other, that they be in fuch dii'contentment and di(iurbance,which agrccth not with ioy and peace,or fuchhappie eftate,as they arefaid to reit in that be in heauen. I will anfvver to thefc. For the firii, it is mo(i vndoubted^that theblcffcd martyrs in hea- uen are not led with any hatred or priuatedefireof reucnge , in re(pe6l ofany wrong or cruelcie fliewed to them, but with a loue & burning zeale of the king- dome and gloric of Chriftrand whatfoeuer defire they haue, it is wholly to that end. Wherefore they are here vnder a figure brought in crying for vengeance, ra- ther to exprelTe what iudgement ofGod tarieth for the cruell perfecutors,then to fhew what mind, they beare towards thcm.For it is indeed their caufe that cryeth for vengeance , and as Ahis bloud/o their bloud crieth aloud in the eares of the Lord of hofts for reuenge.And here their crying is to fiiew that God hath not for- gotten them ; but that indeed their cruel! perfecutors fhail come to their account. For thefe things fhewed in vifion and figure, are applyedto our capacitie.As the ludge can neuer forget where the crie is iiill in his eares^fo the Lord hath not for- gotten('though he delay for a time )the bloud of his feruants that hath bene fhed. Thus we may conhder,and not take it that they are caried with defire of reuengc. Touching the other point then, the martyrs haue no difturbance , no impatience, nor vnquictneiTe to hinder their peace and ioy in which they rc&., the loud crie is not to fliew any difcontentmentor difquiecnefle in them. The Saints in heauen (as it muft needs be granted) haue not that fuil glotie which they fhall haue when die fonnes of Gad fhali be reuea!ed,and th?rforc delire rhe laft iudgement,whea they fhali receiue their bodies : and no doubt their defire is earneli. Saint Peter fpcaketh of the Angels how they couet to behold the things which fliall be acco- pliHied at that day, 2. Pet. i. And yet the Angels are not hindred in theitprefenc ioy by that vehement defire : for they refl: in the will of God , and fo do the holy martyrs which are here fpoken of. The next words do fhew that they be in honour,in glorie, and in peace, when he (zi^yLoKg white robes weregitien to enery one ofthem'Sox tbcfe robes are robes of dignitie and bliffc.I need not to ftay in the expofition ofthem. And laflly, it is fiiewed that the full redemption is for aiitle feafon deferred , and they mui^ refl contentedjbccaufe there are moc of their brethren to beflaine as they were.Sure- ly the beaft which maketh warre againflthe Saints,hath murthered many in fun- drie kingdomes , yea exceeding heapes now oflate yeares in Frarwcejc that the number is filled vp a pace : whereby we are admonifhed to lift vp our heades, and to 138 SERMONS VPON to lookc for that bicflcd day .God hath fet the number and the pcrfons whom he will call vnto martyrdomc^and the times wherein they fhal be called: happie,yea thrife happie and bleffed are they that be of this number. Let vs not be Co much affraid to haue our bloud {Led tor the tcrtiraonie of Cbrili : it is ihaipe vnto the flefhforalitle timejbutyefeein what account they be with God, that were conflanteuen vnto death in the profeflion of his name. Ifvvetruftinour owne ftrength we (hall faU.-but if we i'cck our weakcnefle^ trult in God,hc will make Vsablc toftaad. f The opening of the /ixt fcale foiloweth ncxt,in which there be figured out ntoft fearfull and horribletokeiisofGods difpleafure vpon the wicked world, and the horror of confcience wherewith all forts of worldly men are ftrickcn and terrified at the beholding of them. There were grieuous things at the opening ofthe fe- cond,third,and fourth fealesrbut now after the crie ofthe martyrs for vengeance, though the ftill vengeance be not executed , yet the Lord doth declare his wrath further, euen in a wonderful! maner, andasit were with the altonifhment of all creatures. So horrible a thing before God is the fauagc cruelty in ILeddingthe bloud of true Chriftians,and lo much is he raoued at the cry of their bloud:fbr the terrible things which now follow are vpon their eric for vengeance. Let vs fee the things. Firft,there was a great earchquake.Then,the Sunneis darkened,& be- commeth asblacke as an hairc-cloatb.The Mooneis turned into bloud. The ftars fall,euenasafiggc-tueeca(kthher greene figges when it is fhakenofa mightie wind. Heaucn departeth away as a fcrole that is rolled , and cuerie mountaine 2c lie are remoued out of their places. This is it v\^iich Saint Peter yh6i.2.6\d alleagc out of the Prophec /oel : /^ p^a/iife w the lafl dmyes^ faith God, 1 willpoxvre out of myjpirit vpon allficfi , amljcur Jons undyonr daughters pjall ^rophecicyour yottng men ^ all fee vifionSt your old men fljall drcame dreames, ^c. And I vvtllgiue fgnes inheauenahofie^ and tokens inearth beneath yl^loud^ and fire , and the vapour of fhtoke: the Sunfhail be turned into dark»ejfe, and the Aloone into bloudy before that great and notable day of the Lord come. ThvCc fignes in heaucn aboue,and tokens in earth beneatb,are fignes and tokens ofGods heauy difpleafure: for as his kind- neffe cxccedeth in the GofpelI,in powring forth the greateft gifts and graces of his fpirit : fo is his indignation the more increafed, that fuch mercies are not only defpifed and hated , but that alfo ail cruekie is fhewcd vnto thofe that embrace them.We reade of mightie fhakings and earthquakes in old time,by which many cities were ouerthrownc : we rcadeoffuch tumults, commotions, and feditions among the n3tions,as if all were on fire^Sc turned into bloud.Moreouer,we readc offuchconfufion,fuch fc6ls and hcrefics, that worldly men haue as fenfibly per- cciued the wrath and difpleafure ofGod,as if the Sunne it felf were darkened, the Moone turned into bloud, and the fiarres fhould fall:yea,a$ if there were fuch an horrible concu{Iion,as that the heauens (hould depart,and the mountaincs & lies be remoued out of their places. We do not reade that the Sunne, the Moone, or the ftarrcs indeed, or the hcauens^the mountains or lies were thus;but he that fhal rcadcchc liiftoriesand records of ancient writers, and fee the iUtc ofthe world fbc THE REVELATION, 13> for twcluCjOr thirtcenc, or fourtccnc hundred yearcs paft^inthc times , and immc- diatly after the times ofthofe crucll bloudie (laughters of Chrifts martyrs,mu(l Dccds confefle that God did wonderfully , yea fo wonderfully declare his wrath from heauen^as if thefe things fpoken of the Suune , the Moonc & the ftarres,had benevifiblyrcperefentedtotheeye. Thofe ancient times were wonderfull grie- uousand lamentable to behold. And if we come downewardvnto later times ,in which the Poperie began to grow& was fct vp (howfoeuer the Papifts fpcakc of a golden world) we /hall reade offuch terrible (rgnes and tokens of Gods anger, as thelikehauencuer bene heard of. For as herelies, fuperftition , idolatrie, and mejasinuencionj incrcafedand bare fway, to the defacing of the Gofpel,& of the pure woi fiiip of God : and as hatred and enmitic incrcafed againtt Gods true fer- uants , to the perfecuting and rooting of them out : fo God incrcafed his plagues and heauie iudgements vpon the world. Great commotions, great bloudfheds, great pefiilences,great famincs^yca great miferies of all forts did euer anon cuer- ipread . I do not miflike, in thefe tokens and fignes of Gods wrath in the earth- quakes, darkening of the Sunne, turning the Moone into bloud , and the flarrcs falling from heaucn.theheaucns departing away, the mountaincs and lies remo- uingjthat wealfo take a myfticallexpofition. As by theearthquakes(^as our Sa- uiour,Math,24.fore{hewed,there fhould befamines.peftilenceSjand earthquakes in all places) we may take it, were fhc wed the fiiakingsof the people, the chan- ges and alterations of kingdomes,Oatesand religions. Forthe alterations were niaruelloHS in manie kingdomes. There were tumuks and commotions, and hi- deous broyles in ail countries. There haue bene daughters , and turning all into bloud,when tyrants haue perfecuted.The minifters ofthe Gofpell hauc fallen and dropped downe from heauen,cuen from their heauenly lighr^and other fuch grie* uous things. Now rolloweth theeftedl ofthefe fignes in the heartsofthe prophanc worldly men of all degrees. All are terrified, and that grieuoufly at the beholding of thefe things.For he Cmh/The kings ofthe earth, the great men, ar^dthe rich men, euerie i>onci ma^t and eueryfree mm htdthewfelues m denmSydnd Among therockes in the mQUHtatKes, If ^company of wicked fubiei^swere committing (ome wicked fa<^s to the difhonour and damraagcof the king,and the king commeth forth to looke vpon them, and tedifieth his anger, they fcatter and runneto hide themfelues: fo. the Lord fhswing himfelfe from heauen, with fearcfuU fignes of his difplea- fureat the crie ofhis martyrs , and for the diChonour offered to his name , the wic- ked enemies are not able to abide his k)okc,but fcatter euerie waVjand hide them- felues : they defpifed him before, when hefcemedto be abfent and to keepe (\-' lence.They made amocke of his Gofpel!,3nd ofhis fonne : they trode downe his poW(?^« was the next, and then Lemti\\Gy arc both depriuedof it for their cruell fad in killing the Sichemitcs , becaufe their fitter Dina was de- floured, lehnda he was the fourth,heprcuaiIed and obtained theprincipalitie,and fo lacolf fetteth hira forth in the fame chapter. Thy brethren fliall praife thee, thy hand fliall be in the necke of thine enemies , thy fathers fonnes fliall bow to thee. It is manifeft,as it is faid in the Epiftle to the Hebrues,that our Lord fprong ef /«- (i/rf.But luda did not obtaine the whole birthright,but part ofit befell vnto lofeph, as namely a double portion in the diuifion ofthe land, and his two fonnes Manaf' fi and Ephraim become two tribes. This is fetfoorth i,Chron.5. verri.2.Alfoyc may reade how lacob himfelft^doth appoint it fo, Gen.48. verf.5 . Thy two fons (faith he to lofeph ) which were borne vnto thee in the land of Egypt , before I came to thee intd Egypt, are mine ; Ephraim and Manaffe^^it mine, as %eiihn & Simeon. Sothcn lofeph being two tribes, there arc 1 2. befides the tribe of Leai^ ^hich did not inhfe?il^as rhc reft, but was fcattered in Ifrael , Here now infealing twelue thoufand o^uery tribc,the one fonoe allojeph is named, and lofiph hira- felfe for the other. And againe,becaufe the priefthood oiLem ceafeth , and all are made priefts, & the Leuites inherit as the reft do, in the heauenly land ofpromife, thetribeofZ after the rules which he hath prefcribed in his holy word. We heare how they hauc bene murthered vpon heapes, and arc in fuch contempt, fo delpifcd and hated, as if they were the of-fcouring of raen:andlooke what mifchiefe can be deuifed and wrought againfi them , they fhallbe fureto haueit. And thus it fecmeth, God doth notregard,nor carcth not forthcm.Thatisfalfe,their bloud is precious in his fight. This warfare is alotted vnto them for their triall, and to their great good. If the Lord himfelfe tiien do chalhfc vs with his owne handes; if the world do hate andperfecutevs for righteoufneffe fake^ and ifthe diuell flirrevp all maner of trou- bles againfi vs, let vs rcioyce and be glad , we be ofthe multitude here fpoken of; Shall anie terrour of afflic^^ion for a few dales , driue vs from the poffclTfion of fo great glorie, which fhall lall; world without end ? Nay, let vs be of good comfort, let vs be glad, and reioycc that the Lord hath made vs worthy to be ofthe fello w- fhip here defcribed. For fee and confider well what followeth: They h^tte rvapjed their long robes , andhaue made their" long robes vfhitein the bloud oj the Ltzmbe^ What is meant by thefe long white robes? The innocencie,the holineflc, the puri- tie and glorie, in which they (land cloathcd before the inoft high God. They may not ■J \ THE REVElAtlON. 153 flot be rtikcd, neither muft they come in filthie garments , that fiiall dwell in hi$ prcfenccBut whence haue they this purene(Ic?ho\v comethey to be thus royally clothedPhow come they to fliine thus in gloric, and to be of this fhining & puic brightnefTe ? It is told here, that they haue wafhed their robes, and made them white in the bloud of the Lambe. All Adorns children are vncleane and moft fil- thie to behold : but thcfe are come to a fountaineand haue wafhcdthcmfclues, and made them cleanejOtherwifethey fliould haue bene caft forth with the reft. This fountaineis the bloud of the Lambc/orthat doth cleanfe from all (inne.Hcre is the workc of faith , here is our iuftification , here is the treafure of the Church. But how can the wafliingin bloud make a thing white ? Indeed bloud doth make red, but the bloud of the Lambc , bccaufe it clcanfcth and maketh righte- ous and innocent, is faid to make white. The Papifts vaunt much of the indulgen- ces and pardons giucn by the Pope to take away finne : they fay he hath the dif- pofingofthe Church rreafures J the merites of the bloud of Martyrs : they glory of a righteoufnefle inherent in mens owhe workes^and they haue deuifed a num- ber of things to purge away finne, yea fomc they fend vnto the fireof Purgatoric. None ofall this heauenly company haue light into their hands : for here is no mention of anie thing wherewith they haue bene wafhed,but only in the bloud of the Lanibe.Againe^if their righteoufnefle and innocency were inheret,fticking in them astheirownc,euenby the merite of their owne workcsjiow fhoulditbc compared to a robe that is put vpon one ? That which we haue not of our ownc but by imputation, as the righteoufnefle ofChrift through faith_,that is fitly refera- bled by a garment, yea by a large and goodly garment put vpon vs. Beloued,the bloud ofthe Lambe,his mLrits,his righteoufnefle, his innoccncie, are fufficienc to cloath vs in the prefence of God : lee vs ftedfaftly beleeue and truft to the fame,, let vs feeke to be waflied and fandlified in him : and let the Popifh fort alone with their pardons,theirPurgatorie fire, and all their other wares which they fell for money. Such as will haue faluation among them, mufl: buy it with their filuer. Let them kfeepe their markets by themfelues,and let vs wafh vs only in the bloud of the Lambe.Renounce thofe ftinking inuentions of Antichrift , which 'derogate from the glorie of Chrifts paflioh. Ifany thing can purge but his bloud,furcly the thepurging by his bloud is of no exceeding glorie : forthatis but meane which hath fuch companions.Moreouer,by this purity through the bloud of Chrift, the faithfull are reconciled and brought into fauor with God,he rcceiueth them into his prcfencc,euen into the prefence ofhis gloric, to dwell with him, to fcrue him,' and to be partakers ofhisglorie.to be vnder his prpre6tion from all harraes, & to liue blefledly in ioyes for euer.For it followeth. Therefore they are in the prefence ofthe throne cf God yUnd feme htrnd^y andnight in his temple , andhe that fittetb vpoK the throne rpu'l drvellamongthern. Ohow great a dignitie is this, vnto which our blcfled S auiour hath aduaunced vs? Let vs thankfully receiue it,let vs long to come to itjiet vs life vp our hearts from this mifeVable world. We fl:iall dwell with the great king of glorie : in what honour andblifle fhall we be then ? what (hall be able to hurt vs anie more? Indeed while the children of God liuc vpon the earth, 154 ,M -SERMONS VPGN earth, they be toflcdjand turmoylcd with many mireries.They be perfecatcdjthey be driucn out of their countrcy, they be imprifoncd, they be poorc, they be defti- tute,they be hungry, they bethirftic,thcy fufFer heate, & cold,& wearincflej they be ficke, they be fubied to a thoufand mifchiefcs and dangers.-but now they fhall be rid from all raiferies and encombrances.For he {zii\\'.T hey fhall hmgerm morcy neither thtrfi any more^ neither Jhall the Sun Itght on them , neither any he Ate. By thefeare vnderftood ail calamities and oppreffions,andmjreries,which we endure while we be here: notonely inbodie, butalfoin foule. Men feeke euery way to hurt vSjinour bodies,in our goods,in ournames,and in our liues. The diuelJhc af- faulteth, he temptcth, he terrificth, he raifcth all that he can againft vs. The Lord corre(Seth, fcourgeth and cbaftenech , as a father doch nurture his children, that they may reuerencehim, and ftand in awe. What Ibrrowes , what fighes, what grones ,what mournings^ and what teares do arife from hence, who is able to ex- prefle? How often do thefe things come one in the necke ofanother, eucn as the wauesofthefeawhenitistofled with mightie windes ? How terrible vnto fleHi andbload is death it fclfe, which wc areailiure wcmuft come vnto? And where is the comfort, but oncly in this, that after a litle time,eucn of triail of our faith and patience,our gracious God will rid vs of them all? that he will bring vs out of this troublefome lea, vnto the hauen of reft? Seeing it is thus, let vs not faint, but take courage and be ftrongco bsarc all aduerfities. All the elcdofGod cemeoutof great affliction. Why Iliould we not remember this, and not be cali downc in our temptations,as if it were our cafealonejoras ifGod had forfakcn vs? If we endure and fufFer affliilion as good fouldicrs ofChrift, we fliali ftand before the throne ofGod ere it be long, with palmes in our hands , and clothed in long white robes ofdignitieand glorie. For our time oftriall^our time of pilgrimage is but for a few dales: if we be pinched with pouertie, if wefuffcr hunger aud thirfl:,or be any way in diftrefle , God will put an end fpeedily , We fliall be with theXambe , cuen with thatblcfTed Lambe of God which taketh away the finnes of the world. The Lambe fhall be our flicphcard, and fhall guide, and feed vs with all good things: for he fayth : The Lambe which is i» the mtddefl of the thror.c fhall goueme them^ and ^JAlUeade them vnto the line ly fount aines of waters . Can a Lambe then be a fliepheard? Yea.fuch a Lambe as this, for he is in the middeft of the throne. He is a Lambeto the flocke, but yet fo full of all might and power, that he is a \noi\ vi- ji- ^orious Lion vnto all the Wolues and deuouring bealis . The Prophet 'Dauid, I' Pial. 2 5 . proclaitneth the Lord to be his fhcpheard , and therefore he fliall lacke nothing. Helodgeth him (afe in the folds or cotes, where there is pleniic of greene pafture. He leadeth him vnto the pleafant ftreames of flill waters , both to coole heate, and to quench thirftj and other duties he fetteth forth of a fhepheard. They be all included in this, that the Lambe fliallgouernethem , and leade them to the fountaines of lining watcrs.The Lambe then bringeth vs vnto God,& the Lambe feedeth vs when we be there with all heauenly and fpirituall dainticj.Hc is rich.fof ithathpIeafcdtheFather,thatin him all fulncfle fliould dwell, Col. i .Howfhold they hunger, how (hold they thirft any more, or how fliould any euill come nigh them. THE REVEEAtlON. iH them, whom he doth guide,and whom heleadcthtothe waters oniFe? Wei, and bleffcd , and a thoufandjand ten thouiand times blcfled is he that is a Chccpe in this flocke : he fliall drinke his fill of the waters oflifc.Buc what are thefe waters of life, orKuing watcrSjWhereoftheftteamcs do run continually /Our Sauipur faith, H^ that yeteeneth in me^as faith the Script are ^ oat of his belly (hall flow riaers ofwattr 9f/tfe.Th\s (faith the Euangelift^ fpake he of the fpirit, which they that beleeucd in him Ihould receiue : for the (pirit was not yet giueh, bccaufelefus was not yet gIorified,Ion.7.ver.38.39.WefhallthenIiue by the fpirit, the life of God (hail be in vs ; we fiiall be filled with ioy and comfort vnfpeakeable : welliall be in ho- nour and glorie for euermore.AU our mifcries,trauels,and forowes which we en- dure in this world,l}iaIl be quite forgotten andvanifBaway:forhefaith,(7o come to the heauenly ioyes. No,remember what Chrift faith, 'Blejfedarej/e that weep novfyfor je Poal laffgh^Luke 6.71^ Andwo he vtJto ye which laugh now^for ye fhall lament andvveepe^Luike d.25. It is much better to weepe here inafflidtions for a litle time, and to reioyce for euermore in the world to come, with ioy vn- fpeakeable and glorious,then to haue delight in the pleafures of finnes for a fea- fon , and afterward to mourne for euer in the torments of heil. Thus haue we fc^i»e,that notonlie the Martyrs which be of the Church triumphant arc in fafety, but aifo the Church militant in earth. They are gone bcfbre,kept by the power of God in the time that they continued in the battel! : the fame power ofthc Lord fhall keepc vs,and we fhail follow and be ioyned with them. They trufted in the Lord,and he did not faile them : let vs trull conftantly,and continue fairhfull eucn vntothe death^and we fhall find him the fame vntovs that he was vnto them .For hath he not made the famepromife, and doth he not loue his people as well now as he did then? For {hall we thinke that he is changeable ?or that he will notre- gard thofe that truii in him ? he is the fhepherd ouer the whole flocke,which fliall be euen to theworlds end. And feeing we be now in exceeding great dangers in thefe euilldayes ("as the laft times are pcrillousj affure yourfeJues he bath afpe- ciall carecuervs. O how miferable aud wretched are they which defpife fuch a fhepheard , and will not be fed by him ! Let vs day ly . vpon our knees infiantly beg of God, that wcl ne- ^^ vt^'ix , ' •" > uer come to be of that number of fuch • :?: \^t^v\tt5-« dcfpifej-s. And thus muchi^s,n^-i6« faith. Another Angell came and flood before the altar^ hautng a golden cenfeff C^c. The RhemifhPapifls hauing no warrant in the holy word of God to maintaine their dcuifes,yet to blind the ignorant,lay hold where there feemeth to be any fliew: as here they £ay, the Priefl fianding at the altar praying and ofi'ering for the people in the time ofthehigh myfleries, Chrilt himfelfe being prcfent vpon the akariis a fi- gure of this thing.which the Angell dorh here at the altar,and thereto he alludeth. Wo be to thofe which arefo blind,as to be carried away with fuch gcere as ihis,to beleeue the Popifli facriiicing Prleflhood , and the abhominable MafTc. There is no Scripture either for their a]tar,theirpriefthood,or facrificc: how fliall we then thinkc that there is an allufionin the Scripture to things which by the holy Scrip- ture are not warranted ? This is manifcli , that in the old law there was a golden altar,and a golden cenfer , in which the Prieli did burnc fweete incenfe before the Lord,which did figure the mediation of Chiifi, in which the prayers of the Saints are acceptable ; to this figure we arc fure he alludeth in this vifion; for hauing the Scripture to warrant that,the verie fpeechcs do alfo accord. There is a golden altar,a golden cenfer,and fweete odours defcribed in Alofes^ and io are here. As the Priclihood and mediation of Chrifl was figured by thefe in time of the Law, fo how can we fay that the fame figure now in vifi6,doth fignific any other thing? The holy Sacrament of che Lords lupper is the fame that Chrift did firft adn)ini- flcr with his ownc hands,fitting at the table with his twelue Apofiles : and if that their Mafle were not a filthieprophanation,but a figure of this hcauenly vifion, then was Clirift in that a<5^ion a figure ofit alfo. How wicked andabfurdathing Isthis? Again^ whacrefcnibiance can there be^or what figurcin aPrief^ offering a flainc THE REVELATION. T5p flaine facrificepropitiatotie, (for in the Mafle they glorie that they offer vp the ve^ tie bodie of Oiift crucified and his bloud that was flied) and a PrieXt offering ini ccnfe vponan altar chat is not an altar offlaine facrifice,but oncly to offer fwcetc odours? Alas, fhallpoore blind people be iWl fcduccd by fuch impudent cauils? But they are yet more fhamelefle in abufing this place of Scripture, For as they .vvouldbcaremeninhand, that their PopilL Mafle isfo glorious a thing, as that this heauenly vifion doth allude vnto it : fo they would prouc that the Angels in heauen,do offer vp to God the prayers of the Saints in earth , bccaufe this Angcll offrech with the praiers of all Saints. Thus they find a way to breake in & to fpoilc the Lord lefus of his gloiie,who is the oncly high Priefi and theonely Mcdiatouc betwecnc God and nian_, and indeed the beloued fonne, in whom alone the Fa- ther is well pleafedjMacth. 5. But yet they are here grauelleddiuerfewayes, the matter doth not fall out to fit their turnc. For firft, they dare not affinne that this Angell is not Chrift himfelfe,butfaythus:lfthisbeS. C^lwhaely or anie Angcll, and not Chrifl himfelfc, asfomecakeit, then Angels offer vp the prayers of the faithfull. Where do ye find that ^yiaron with his golden cenfer with fweet odors at the golden altar, was a figure of anie but of the Lord lefus ? Did Aaron & his Tonnes reprefent anie Angell? Then how will they perl wade that this is any cJ^i;- chaelyOX any Angell befides Chrift ? For doth he not perfourme that which was fi- gured by thofe things vnder the LawPIndecd the things are finifhed, but yet fop; our capacitic the fame are fet forth againe vnto vs in the vifion^by the ceremoniall figure . For how fhould that heauenly & inuifible thing, the mediation of Chrift, be more fitly fhewed to vs by vifion , then vnder that figure by which it was fha- do wed out in time of the Law ? Who is the Priefi figured, but the Lord lefus ? Who is the golden altar , but the Lord lefus ? What are the fweet odours with which the pray ers of all Saints come vp before God , but the mofi fweet media- tion of the Lord lefus ? Forit is faid, There vv44 much odours giuen vnto hifn that hti might ojf^r with the prayers of all Saints, vpon the golden altar vvhich St before the throne. And the [moke of the tncenfe^vvith the prayers of the Saints went ip before Cj^dy out of the Angels hand. This may feemc to be fbmewhat to prouc it was TiOt Chrift himfelfe, becaufe the odours are giuen hjm : but the Scripture faith,yea Chrift laith,/^//r^i»^T aregiuenvnto me ofm^ Father-.^ this is called the reuelation ofIefusChrift,whichGodgauehim. Itisthemoft fwcete incenfc of Chi ifts mediation, with which allthe moft holy place in heauen is perfumed. It is that fweet incenfe of his mediation, in which God is well pleafed and delighted,! with which our prayers afcend as it were mixed with it,and fo become alfo fweet and delightfome vnto God. Indeed without thefc odoursour prayers could not bcfweete andpleafant to God. For how can anie fweet thing proceed out of fo corrupt and (linking veffeh as we be } but they are fan6lified in hinijand ^^^d^ fweet with his fweet odours. The L ord is delighted with the fwectneijfc' of his fonne,and the prayers ofthe whole Church come vp before him , mixed andfea* foned with his fweetnefic, therefore he cannot but be alfo delighted with thenni Then fccondly, vpon thefc words tliat the Angcll doth offer with the prayers of ,. all i^ SERMONS VPON «1I Saints,our Rhcmifts do confcflc that by Saints here, a§ alfo In other places of Scripture, arc meant holy pcrfons in earth. Indeed it is a thing cu idem by the irvord of God,that all true belecuers haue this honourable and glorious title giuen them,and ofright belonging vnto them,to be called Saints , cuen while they liue vpon the earth. Why then hath it bene the vfe in Poperie.and is ftill among all the ignorant blind Papirts,to account none Saints but fuch as are dead, and the fame canonized by the Pope ^ Though (fay they.cucn the RhemifhPapiifts) it be not againft the Scriptures, that the inferiour Saint orAngcUin heauenfliould offer their prayers to God by their fuperiour there. Behold into what vaine fpecula- tions men are carried , when they are bold to fet themfelues againft the truth. What an infinite heapcof Martyrs may the carnallrcafon of man imagine, and fay they be not againii the Scriptures ? But let vs fee how this ouerthrovveth their owne diuinity,and what abfurdities it carieth with it. If the inferiour Angell do oftcr vp his prayer to God by his fuperiour, then this Angell is aboue aIl,for he of- fereth the prayers of all Saints. And the Papifts fay,the blcflcd Virgin is Lady and Queenc of heauen, and fo fuperiour to all Angels.Howcommeih it then that (lie loofeth her place ? why doth not (he as the moll worthie Mediattix next Chrift, offer vp the prayers of all Saints ? And if the inferiour Saint or Angell offer his prayer by his fuperiour , then this Angell offereth her prayer among the reft : for heoflfereth with the prayers ofall Saints,& fhc is one among the Saints.How fhall (he offer vp praycrs,and be a Mediatrix for others,whcn her owne prayers are of- fered to God by another? For as I fay,this Angell offereth with the prayers of all Saints : and this Angell offereth alwayes,and none but he; feeing this vifion doth let forth not what was done at one time,but what was and is done fo long as the Church doth and fball continue vpon the earth. If this Angell then offer vp the prayers ofall Saints , and at all times (as it is manifcfi) where is the mediation of the Virgin UHarte , and ofother Saints and Angels ? whofe prayers do they offc r rp , if one offer with the prayers ofall ? Againe, if an inferiour Saint or Angell be to offer their prayers to God by their fuperiour Saints or Angels : then is it not lawfull for anie inferiour Saint to make a petition to God,but by the mediation of a fuperior.What diulnitie is thisPLet it pafle,let them alone. It folio wet h, that the jiHgeff('whkh ye fee is the Lord lefus Chn{k)too^ethe cenfer^Andfifledit with fire of the altar, and CAp: it into the earthyand there were voyces, and thHnderwgs^ and lightenin^^Ty andearthcfuakes. This fentence is diucrlly expounded by diuerfc : becaufe fire in the holy Scriptures reprefenteth diuerle things. It is terrible to be- hold fiamingfire,it confumethandburneth vp with fharpe and bitter painc : and for that caufc, the wrath of God is compared to fire. Alfo it picrceth, it purgeth in burning out drofle.and giuerh heat ; and for that the holy Ghoft is called fire, and reprefented by fire ; as lohn the Baptift fpeakcth of Chrifi , faying, He fhall taptiz^ye with the holy ^hoft attdvvith fire^Match.'^. And there appeared vnto them clouen tongues,asit were of fire, A(5l. 2. which were the gifts ofthe holic Ghofl.For he pierceth deepe,hc burneth out drofle , and purgeth the hearts ofthe faithfully he fecceth them alfo on fire with burning loue and zeale of Gods glorie. Let THE REVELATION. i6i Let vs fee then which of thefe is reprcfentcdbytheccnfer filled with the fire of the altarj& caft downintothe carth.Thcy that take it here to be the wrath of God caft downc by Chrift vpon the world, fay that the voices, the lightnings , thun- drings, and earthquake, are the terrible fignes and tokens of his wrath. But feeing all the plagues which God fendeih downe in the opening of the feucnth fealc, arc at the founciing of the feuen trumpets, there is no rcafon to take this fire of the al- tarfpr to fignifie Gods wrath, but indeed for the holy Ghoft, euen for thofehea- uenly gifts which Chrift beftoweth. Through the mediation of Chrift, the prayers of the Church come vp before the throne and are heard , and the heaucnJy fire, cuen the gifts of the holy Ghoft are thereupon fent downe: who can deny this co be true? Then follow voices,for the glorious Gofpeli is founded foorth, by theo- pe^ation ofthe holy Ghoft , Chrift is conftantly profe{led,the world is reproucdof fii>nejOfrighteoufnefle,& ofiudgementjioh.i d.The diuellis dil^rbed in his king- domerhe rageth fuil of wrath. The tyrants and wordlingsare alfo molefted: here- vpon areraifed vp all maner of broyles, tumults, vprores, and commotions, with cruellperfecutions, and horrible {laughters, which are reprefented by thundrings, hghtnings, and earthquake. We muft euer looke for fuch ftirres at the preaching ofthe Gofpell: it cannot be otherwife, while there be diuels . Hauing thus fee forth the mediation of Chrift for his Church, and how he fcndeth downe his fpi- ric vpon.her, by which flie is comforted and guided, he returneth to fet foorth the plagues to be powred forth vnder this feuenthfea!e» And fir ft as he fayth, the fe^- uen Angels which had the feuen trumpets^ prepared themfelues to blow the tru- pets.Thefe heauenly meffengers are moft rcadie to execute the will and the com- mandement ofGod,without any doubtingor reafoningrfor they know he is moft holy and iuft in all his iudgemences, and no cruekie proceedeth from him . They found the-trurnpets then of defiance, & proclaime open warre from God, againft the wicked world. Itis hard to declare euery particular,but I will wade no deeper then the cleare light and dodkine ot the Scriptures may Anew the bottome, and as it were the lafe places where to tread . Firft therefore it is manifeft , that here are dreadfuil plagues powred forth from God Almightie, being highly offended. Se- condly, it cannot be reftrained to corporall puniftiments, but indeed the plagues arc chiefly fpirituall. Thirdly, we are not to take it that a feuerall plague is powred forth at the founding of euery trumper,but the fame, vnder diuerfe figures in fun- drie of them.This withalfthar there is an vniuerfalitie,and a progreftionfrom leftc to greater in the plagues. For thnt an vniuerfall plague might be fliewed as it were vpon all parts otthe worrd, inthefoundingofthe firft foure trumpets, the world is deuided into the earth,the fea.the riuer?,and the hcauens, through all which the plagues are fpread; fo that ye can looke no where, but all is ouerlprcad with the wrath of God, and with terrible iudgements . The firft Angell blew thetrumpet, and there was haile and bloud mingled with fire, &they v/ere caft into the earth, and the third part of trees were burnt, and all greene grafle was burnt . We may not take thefe things literally, ofhailc and bloud, and fire indeed mingled toge- ther,nor ofthe very trees and greene graife burnt vp:for fuch a thing hj\th not bin M l)eard i62 SERMONS VPON heard of lincc Chrift.But vndcr thefc there are fpiritualJ plagues figuredras we may confiderin particular: for haile is a thing that doth beatcdownecorne, & deftroy the fruits of chcearth,and fohurteth many vvaycs. Bloud doth caufe to corrupt & putriiie.Fire dothconfumc and wad As thefe three fliould be mingled together in feme horrible tempefi.andcaft vpon the earth; fo vpon njen.yea euen in the vifible Church.a tempeli of fpiritual hailcjbloud and hre,that is,of errors,lyes,and ftrong delu(ions,is caft downCjOuerfpreadeth and wafleth grieuoufly , Thus much may iiiffice for th^ founding ofthe firfi trumpet. Thefecond Angell foundeth the trumpet, and this apoOafic by Antichrirtes Icingdome firit figured by fuch a terrible tempeft, is rcprefcnted by a grea!: moun- laine burning with firc,and caft into the fea. A thing mort horrible to looke vpon : but fuch as the world hath iuttly deferued, by refufing to receiue the loue of the truth, This burning mountaine doth corrupt and deftroy : for the third part of the fea is turned into bloud: the third part of the creatures which had life in the fea tiyed, and the third part of fhippes were deftroycd . Thepeoplcindeedeareas an huge fea of many waters : and this mountaine is very great which falicthvpon them.Thethird Angell doth blow the trumpet , and there fell a great ftarre from heaucn burningiikc a torch, and it fell into the third part of the riuers , and foun- taincs of waters. And the name oftbeftarre is called Wormcwood , therefore the third part of the waters became wormewood, and many men dyed of the waters^ becaufc they were made bittcr.This doth mofl: fitly fet forth the fall and declining of the pallors of the Church . It is euident that the llarres in this bookc be the pa- ftorSjChap.i. Thisis a great rtarre ,reprcfcnting very many paftors and teachers. For many did decline and corrupt the pure doCtrine : or at the Icaft it did reprc- ient fome fpeciall great one which drew many downc with him . As when fome paHor of great account ani authority deciincth, may ckop dovvne with him.This great flarre doth fall from heauen , when thofe BUliops which fucceedcd the for- mer did degenerate , were lifted vp in pride , and in fteede of fliining with the light of pure do6lrine of the heaueniy word , did fet vp and maintaine their ovvnc jnucntions^and liued vidou5 lines . This ftarrc falleth into the riuers and fountaines of waters,which men do drinke of.Thc doi5irinc of Gods word is the water$,eueir - the moll pure waters which aregiuen to the Church continually to drinke of. Thefe waters are mo'i fwecte, comfortable , and wholef )me of themfelues. This ftarre falleth into them, and infe6leth them : for by little and little the teachers mixed their owne dcjiifes with the word.- they infeihd with falfe cxpofitions, mingled and poyfoncd the waters, makingthcm bitter : and hereupon it foHow- eth that many did die and perifli-But feeing the corrupt do(^rine,which is agree- able to the finfulinaturc of man , is fo fvvcete aud delightfome' vnto the blind fu- perfiitious people, that they greedily fucke it in, and are ncuer filled; how can it be fayd that the waters become bitter ? I anfwcre to this.that the pure doilrinc of Gods word is fwecte and comforrable.becaufe it worketh peace in checofcience, andioy intheholyGhofl . The falfe do(!:lrine though atthefirft ta(lc it feemc fweetc^yea becaiiic it dcftroy cth the iu(hfication,and reconciliation through faith in. THE REVELATION. 16^ \a the b!oud ofChrift^takingawajr all peace ofconfcicncej& fpirituall ioy, filling the heart with doubts , and tortures, k is moft bitter .For what can be more biriei, thcnindeedc ofa liuely feeling through faith , that wc are reconciled to God through the bloud of his Sonne, aTid in fteed of the fpirit of adoption by which we arc fandVifiedjwhich beareth witnefle to our fpirits that we are the childre of God, to haue the doubt? and tortures of confciencc , which I fay do follow of fuperlliti- ous and corrupt do6lrine?The afluranceoffaith^orfull pcrfwafion of the remiflioa of finSjis condemned of the Papifts as high prefumption:and to be in doubt is dee- med great humility. In the next place followeth the founding ofthe fourth trumpt,at which SJoh» faych. The third part ofthe Swme was/mitteHy and the third part ofthe Moone^and the thtrdpart cfthefiarrer^. , fo that the third part efthem rvoi d^rketied : and the _ day vaifmitte>i^ that the^thirdpart of it cottidnotpnney andhkewtfe the w^^f .This darkening the third part ofcheSunne, theMooqe and the Itarres, figureth the darknefle brought vpon the Church by fuch teachers as did daily more and more degenerate. The light of the holy Scriptures, the light of heauenlydodlrinc was quenched and darkened. This tempefl of hailc , bloud, and fire , the great moun- taine burning , th.c ftarre falling into the riuers , and the darkening of the Sunne, the Moone and the fUrres, are moft horrible plagues : but yet not to the vtter de- Colation ofthe Church , nor yet the full fetting vp of Antichrif^ : for in eucry one there is mentioned but a third part deftroyed , and more grieuous things do fol- low. This curfed kingdome began and proceeded by degrees, and the fulneflc of it is fet forth in the founding ofthe fift trumpet. And that we might know the grea- tef^ plagues are yet behind at the founding ofthe three trumpets which remaine, an Angell doth flie in the middclt of heauen, and with a loude voyce proclaimcth woe,woe, woe,to the inhabitants ofthe carth^fbr the founds ofthe three trumpets which remaine. The woes indeede are denounced but vpon the inhabitants ofthe carthjthat is, vpon the children of this world : for no one of the ele<5l fhall be hurt by them with fpirituall hurt/o far as to deflroy them. As in the former, fo in thefc the Lor d preferueth his Church , they were all fealed with the feale of God • But we mufl note, that albeit great and terrible glagues haue bene already reuealed, yet the three that remaine cxceedc them all. / Ma THE m SERMONS VPON THE XVIII. SERMON. CHAP. p. 1 . ^»d thefift Angell blew the trumpet y and I /^w a (farre which fell from hea- Hen vnto the earth , and, to him wasgttten the key of the bottomleffepit. 2 . iy^nd he opened the i^ottomlejje ptt,and there arofe thefmoke of the ptt , a4 the fmoke of a great fornace , and the Sanm attdthv ayre Were darkened by the /moke of the pit. 3 . And there came out of the jmoke Locufis vpon the earth , and to them was giuen power, oi the Scorpions of the earth haue power. 4. And it woi commandedthemy that they (honld not httrt the graffe of the eartkt ; : neither any greene thing , neither any tree ^ but dnly thofe men which hauenot ■■■ the fealeof God in their foreheads. 5. ^nd to them was commanded that theyjhould not kill them , bat that they (hoftld be vexed fine moneths , and their pame fhonld be as thepatne that com" mfth of aScorpto'/jyWheuhehathftoKgaman. 6. Therefore m thofe dayesfhallmen feeke death., and PiaHnot findit'y and^aS ,:; defire to die, but death fhallpe from them, ' :.'7. Andthe forme of the Locufis, wasltke vnto her fes prepared vnto battailcy & on their heads were ai it were crownes of gold , and thetr faces were like the faces of men. . . ..> 8. Andthey hadhaireoi thehaire of women ^ and their teeth wereoi thtteelh t ■ ).af Lions, r. or • 11^ thmjr,' v^.jib;) o: ?i; ■■■:i ■. w- '■■ - Iktuiiif;! rij; /.■ trnrlj ^d ; 9;. Andthey ha:dh'ab^ergiofrs'likth habbergtons ofyron, 4h4 ttie ^uh'deif^lut^' wings was like the fo and of chariots, when manyhorfes runne vnto the bat- tatle. 10, Andthey hadtailes like vnto Scorpions , andthere were flings tn their taileSy and their power woi to hurt men fine moneths. 11. ^nd theyhaue aki»g oner them which u the Angell of the bottomlejfepitt Tvhofi name tn hebrue IS Ahiddon, and in greeke he IS called Ajpolly on, that «, defiroytng, INbtcd vnto ye the laft tlm^jthat thethfee woes to come are the three laft woes, andthe three grcateft woes rcuealedinthis booke , and therefore proclai-- med by an Angell flying in the middeft ol:' heauen with this voyce , woe, woe, woe, &c. And now we come at the founding of the fift trumpet vnto the firft of them . It is a woe of darkneflc,yea ofmoft horrible fpirituall darkncfre,& of dead- •17 THE REVELATION. 155 ]y poyfonfonie flinging verminc , which come with the darknefle. Wc wililooke vp9nit,asiclycth in order . When the fift Angcil blew the trumpet, JohnfsiwSL ftarrc fall from heauen vnto the earth . Here is a flarre falling from heaucn, the brin^cr in of this great woe . Some do take it that this is the (iarre which fell at the founding of the third trumpet .• becaufethe participle is ofthe time perfectly part, I cannot thinke fo, vnleflc S. lohnh^d vfed the Grecke participle, fo tlatic might he faydjl law that .flarre which t^W. J take this fufhcicnt to proue it to be anbthcr I-tan:e. Some t^kc. this (larircfor an Angell'comming downc fpeedily from heauen, ^nt ofGod to open the bottomlefle pit.But how fball that be fo , when flarrcs in this bqoke do fignific no other Ar.gels, but the Angels ofthe Churches, as Chap- tcr.iahat is,the miniflcrs ofthe Gofpell ? This flarre therefore that here falletb, is fome great Mini(icr,& of high eftimation in the Churcb.as his power giuen rn- to him may t^ach vs to fee. And ifyc demand 'a ho it was, I anfwer, the Church of Rome was aright worthy and famous Church . The Bifliops of Rome were ex- pedient men many of them fucceedingeach other , and fufFered marcyrdome for jtheGofpell : they declined and grew worfe and worfe,fofarre as to become the ^reat Antichrift. This flarre being of maruellous account,fal]ingfrom the heaucn- ly brightnefle ofthe dodiine contained in Gods word , and from the true godli- neflc, vnro humane inuentions , and wicked life, retaineth flill an exceeding great powpr to ,do hurt.He hath giuen vnto him the key ofthe boitomlefle pit: Sathan by him broacheth in all his hellifli dodrino . The Papjfls boaft that the power whichrheir Pope hath exercifed fo long,islthekeyes of heaucn,and that at his plea- fure he can fend and let men in there ; and fo the Pope doth promifc eternaliife at hi^ pleafure.But the truth is,that his power is the key of hell, that key is giuen vnto him,to bringin diuel.'ifh dodrioe,ignorance ofthe truth darkneflejidolatry,fuper- flitipn,andall wicked errors rfor he openeththebottomlefle pit , and thefmokc thereof, yea fo darke a fmoke commeth vp , that the light ofthe Sunne and ofthe ayre are darkened.We did fee how at the founding of the fourth trumpet the third part ofthe Sunne^and the third part ofthe Moone,and the third part ofthe ftarres was flriken/o that the third part did not fliine : this was a great diminiflrjing ofthe light,but nothing comparable to the darkenefle here fct foorth. The courfe ofthe Gofpcl was ftaycd(as we fee the foure Angels held the foure winds)mans deuifes ^n(\ fuperflitipn- greatly increafcdf, the cleere light of the moft pure do6lrine was much dimmed, and fo by little and little Antichiifl was exalted: and wher>^^^ ^jjg come to his full flrength,thepit ofheli being opened, that Sath^-;, miohc fend forth whatflrong delufion he would,thecafeis farre more m.iC;;j.2blc then bcfore.Marke yv.hatfimilitude here is vfed. For like as the Sur:v,e vvith his bright beamcs doth peirce through and lighten the ayre , andfo we haiie light vnto thefe our bodily eyes here vponthe earth ; and ifa-tWcke darke fmoke arife, it darkcncth the ayre, sjncj kctjpeth the light ofthe Sunfle backe frprti vs : fo Chrlft lefus with his glo- rious GofpelI,fhining vponthe Churchjthe fmoke ofthe pit ofheli , euentheil- lufions ofthe diuell, the inuentions of men, idolatry, errors, and fuperflition doe darken, or keepe backe the bright bearaes thereof from men . Wc may plainly M 3 * fee 166 SERMONS VPON i*ec by this plate, that in the kingdom of Antichrift, grofTe and palpiablcdarlfneffc doth ouerfpread all/ and that meiVarc ignorant ofthetmth, and couered in blind- ncflof fomc things gone before in the opening ofthe fcales. Moreouer,is it not out of doubt, that the kingdomeof Antichrill is one ofthe grea- ter plagues? And will ye call into quefhon whether the three woes denounced by the Angell, be the three greateHPThc M\ ofthe three is the dreadful day ofiudge- inent : the la (I fauingone,is che horrible kingdome(as we fhall fee)of the Turke: and the firlt ofthe three (which is this that we are now in hand withall,is the wic- ked kingdome of AntichrilJ . A Itarre fallen , a gceatminilier of the Gofpell fhll in title,to whom the key ofthe bdttomlelTe pit is giuenjs the head ofthis kingdome next vnder the diuclJ. This one|)oint ye fee, is nwft cuidentby ihe wordes ofthe text , whereby we come to a fccorui point ; namely, that the Popery ]i this' king- dome,which indeed is more folly declared in the Chapters following.-but yet to be proued by this. For what kiwgdome offiich power, as to agree with the defcripti- onherefoUowing can be found,,rhat hath a liarre fallen to be the head thereof,btit thepapaciePkt it bellwrwed ifthcvcan through the vniucrfali world .And now to comefurther , andtoproucitby tihe darkneflc which arifcth by the fmcke ofthe pit:is any fo feafcleffc as not to take it offpiritual darkneflc ?Js it meant that a fm6kc ahall arileout'of thepit ot'hell.and-darken the ayre which we draw in,and the Smi in the firmamcr??-which lliineth to our bodily cycs?No,lct the moll ebftinate and f ankert Papifl in the wf>rld deny if he can, that this darkening is not the darkening of theGolpcIl,in which ChriRfhineth to the Church, as the Sunnc to the world. Lptfuchan oncaUbit hecaq This doth flie w how fully their torment is like to thofe which are f^ong with Scorpions : for they lye in grieuouspainecertaine dales, & would faineberidofic by death, & death linge- leth.Surely the fuperftitious papirts void of all true peace of confciencc_, tormeted with the feeling ofthcir finnes , and feare ofcomming to iudgement , in all their fecking for eafe do but increafe torment. For that which they drinke in as a medi- cine to eafe themjs poifon which doth more and more cncrcafe paine.No doubt fuch as be in that caie wifh to be dead , fo that they might ncucr come before tht ludge, and fo may be faid to feeke death. And thus hauing defcribed dh(i tormetit wherewith thefe locuflsfhould vexe the inhabitants ofthe earth, in the time ofthe great Antichrift, he returneth to defcribe the forme of them. He faith the forme of the loculis was like vnto horfes prepared vnto battaile, Sic. here we haue a mar- uellousdefcription.Whatisapicldlocufttoan horfe? and yet thefe locuftesare like f^rong horfes prepared to battaile. The popifh cleargie, though the inferiour fort of them were bafe in fhew like paltrie JocuHs, yet were i-irong and linked to- gether with readie and prepared minds,as horfes to battell againft all fuch as fhol'd anie wayljut fo much as mutter againrt the vfurped power and tyrannic of thcit klngthe Romifh Antichrift. Who knowethnot this which either liueth among them now, or that rcadeth the hiftories ofthe times part ? they rufh firongly like horfes to the battaile. There haue bene great troupes and armies of them, and fa» bold as to bid battaile againftthemi^ticflEmperors& kings in all Eurbpc.Thenf next he(ai:h,\:hey had oil their heads a$ it were crownes of gold: they be but Vile locufi^s a d^uouting veiYpine, good for nothing, and yet decked with honour as it Vt'crc with crownes of gold ypon their heads / To vnderftand this, lookc what deuifes 17© SERMONS VPON dcuifcs they had to be in digniue and cftimation : looke what priuiledj^cs ^jf^- munitics tlrey.had,as not to beynder the power ofkings; finallyjooke what tides of honoucam^.prcheminencccuericLccurt didchakngc, and ye muft needs con- fcfle tha;, they had crownes vpon, their heads like crowncs of goJd.Indeed it is notf .faid that ,their crownes were of gold, but like gold. For the honour which Go^ hath ordained , and the maicihe which hegiucth vnto Princes , is fct forth with crowncs of pure gold.Butthofedeuifed titles and honousji of the RomifliCler- . gie,though they giilietjand fliew like goId,yet they be no crownes of aold, they be no honours to them which know the truth. Their great Lord himfelfe with his triple crowne,whofe glorie and magnificence was publilLcd and efleemcd to ex- cell themaiefiy o{Emperours,asfaire as the Sun dothcxcelhhe Moonc in biight- ne{Ie,is now ccueted with fliameand ignoniinie,it is no crowne ofgold.For who doth not knoWjthat it is no true n^agDJhcece ordained by God , but giucn by the Dragon? What is then the cfowne of their Monkes & Friers? do not all men now fee it is no gold,? In the darke they feenicd to be gold/o long as the fmoke of the botiomlefle pit darkened d-c Sunup ; but now the Sunnc lliiuethj and we fee the csowncs were but like gold. He faith further,that they had faces likf faces of men. They be not terrible to looke vpon,in as much as'they pretend all good, making men beleeue thatthev can bring then \ vnto true bleilednclTe.For they will teach them true religion,true deuotion,and g!ue them pardon of all their finnes.Manie things they promifc,and make a faire faccjthat none may be affraid ofthem. They had haire hke women r they are delicious and wanconjand fullof whorifli entifements.-their attire and ge- flurcs wholly Lending to allure viito fpirituall v\h6tdomc and fuperftition; but theirteeth are as the teethof i yonsrthcy haue ihongand Oiarpe teeth. Thefe aic flrange Locufl:s,in forme like horfes tobat!:ell,rhat Ifccke like men in their faces, haue h"aire like wom£n,and ceeih like Lyons. They be great dcuourers , they eate vp all.Looke how they were planted and featcd^& lee whether they had not got- ten the fattcfUhings in the earth which they fed v^on. Looke vpon the Abbcyes, the Priories,the Nunries,and all religious houfcs, and iudge vn hat teeth they had. When there was not enough to fatisfiethem of temporall mens lancfs , then they prayed vpon Church linings , and made impropriations. If they had continued,, and bred ftiU.and their time offiucmoneths not limited, which is now expired,! \\'hat almofi fliould haue cfcaped their teeth ? The next words do flaew how, flrongly they were armed :fbr lie izMh^T hfj hadhahhrgions^ It^e to hahbergions ofyronHovi can this agrec,may fome ma fayjto the poorc Popifii Pricfts^Monks or FrierSjif they be the Locufts?were they armed in any fuch lort?Yca, they were liroDgly armed all of the m.Their grand Captaiirc the Pope had fo tenificd and brought vnder all Kings and Emperors , that ncxie durH meddle with the bafclt of thefe Locufts : they were exempted from the fecular pov\er, and not to be Judged or corred^cd by the faqie. If any King fhould take vpon him to punifli one, thoughncuer i^o meanc of their Clergicj for njurther,for theft, for whcrcdome^or Qiiie notorious vice, the Pope as a dreadfull God vpoh the carth^wculd by and by - ' call THE REVELATION. hji caft forth his terriWe lightening and thundef, cuen \ni excdmmunication, asaf- gainfla facrilrgious encnjie that yvouklrobbe Saint T^r/fr. And then the corn* nx)lVI'nult^tU(^e, worfliippingthe bedft, diir(? nofbue'rertbunce and deriicthdc allegcance, & (o vnleiTe thofc Kings wold loofe their crownes , they miift ftoopc tor abiolntion. VVas not this as ftrongan armour,as to hauc habbcrgi'onsof yron? Thus the Locufts might do as they lili, and no harme at all done vnto them. Jf they were coniUrers , riotous,whQ}:e!tK>ngers , and radrt filthy Ht all \iviefccd and Icud hfcja? the Monks, and FrierSj& Prielis were for the moflpart, yet was there no puniftlmentto be laid vpon them by Princes. Alfo' their wings mak'e a great noile : for he faith, thsfourid of their vvtngs was .^i^g^l| pf beli,thc^ PfApe w4 the diuje.ll,^ ■Al ^rxli -iibgniad C H AfRri^., 1 1» One Wdfispafly and kehojdyet two vvoes come <^terthis. % 3,. Then theftxt Angellblew the trumpet ^^ I h^arda voycefrom the fo fire hornet C-' nf^the golden ait AT rehich is before (^ody . 1 4» SaytN^t^ theftxt (s^ngeH.whtch had thefrumpetjoofe thefoure Angels ;vfhich ■-.^v .'are hoHndtn the great rifteriEnphrates,. ,. )., .;:.i-il Si^ii , cfthe fire, and of the fhiokcy andoftha brim/loneyWhich came out of their mouthes. ip. For their power is in their mouthes,and tn their tai/es:Jor their taylcs were Iske vntoferpeKts.a:id had beads wherewith they hart. • 20ii And the remnOMtafthe men which were not killed by thefe plagues y repented not of the '"workes of their handsythat theyfhould net worJJjip diuelSyand idols - (fgold,andoffiltier-^andofbrajfeyandofflone,a}idofwoodi whfth neither can /ee,neitherheareynorgo, i ai. Alfvjhey repentednot^of their munher^ andofebetr forcerie ^ neither of their ^ J Jvi^a^aitaftjiucar.i^tijeirtheftt ....-.:.. \...\'- OF the three la ft woes which the Angel! proclaimed, we haue had one in the former part of this chapter, and that is , the darke kinedome of Anti- chrift which we paflc briefly oucr,bccaufc it is afterward let forth largely. And THE REVELATION. 173 Andnowwecomctotlie fccondwo, b^lng th^'firft ©fche two which yefref- maine. It is (as vvcfhall ree)!a gfeararibild ^hich^iW horrible mannerflayeth the third part of men. This wo is alio vfually ^xpottndc^f tht'kingdomc'of Anti- chrirt,as namely in a further incrcafc. But I do tike it, to beotherwifejbeing ltd by thefe rcafons folIowing.Firft,the Angcll denouncing ^fT*, vi^offytfe^y'dcaaun- •ceth three feucrall woesrand thcrtbre it i* fkki^ Q^f *vvae Up'a^yiiHiai hehdUyet fvtb ,%tvois corns after thts. If the kingdbniie of the P*dpe fhould be ^laUlftd oflpbcith'by ,chc Locu/ls,and by thefe horfmen ,- I^it-i? hbt^hbW ^hbyfedtddfeB' totopcrly-eati led two feuerall woes.The fame woerhigh^fc'e a(lfg3>^te^,^ft#^WHiH'ttit faftite^ hvx. this is another,or a feuerall woe frorh ity and fo^^led the feeond woe otthe three. He that will then expound this fecotid'wofc to be'thfe tyrinnieof^ihePop'c, be two feuerall' {laughter of the wicked ^and not oFthe iSaihts, and^alf6 aibladlly flaught^r/ as iWay €uidently appeare by the latter end of'this chapiter. For IdbftteVi' 'thaC^ wdf ftti^ dluclsarc fpiritually llainc already , this flaugHti^is' vpon'fuc^i vngodly dnes>ai>«l they that efcape the fame,rcpent not of their idolime. It? i*: a plagiJie;if we'C(>n(v- d6( it well , vpoiT the idolatrous kihgtlbifie-of Aiiticiiri'l^^r H' is^lgf^at fl^tights't -made vpon thofe that wbrfliip idols. The Pdi^f^lhd^jed With" fiis .^hwe¥t>f ftorp^ Locuftsjbefides the (hnging to dedth of the foules'-ofthe' V^^rSblt'evflayeth th^ "bodies of the Saintstbut that is far another thing frotti this flaughtct. Thirdly , no roan ofany iudgemet, as I fuppofe, cart doubd^that this retielatioreuealing & de- fcribing aH the gr^ateft calamities and plagues that flibuM cbtiie vpoh men in the World, fhbuld not fef fotththe kingidome of the Turkes. ''Tlw^ri^flre indeed fbme thing^ which at the firft'rtiay feerAc tb makc^gaihftic: bii^ I talte this clearititbbe the dcfcription ofthe great plagui? ofTurcfifme. 'For as I faici,Tam butoPdbubt^ that the kingdome of the Turkes is cfefcrib'ed in this booke; and if this be not it,let any'tnan ftiew whercwe fhairflrtdit.'Lctvs then come to the words as they lyci •When th^ fi'xt Arigell bleW t^tfum^c¥,'9alhi!^/o^» heartia vbtee^frBmtirifbure Iwtncs of thc^bid^n altar which^is-b'^fore''G'bd.^,M^ ofthe Prophets viider the Law , whereihings w^te figurcd'b'y cereriToni^. Atnd becaufethe mediation of Chriff ft maineth'frefli and alwayes effeduall, there w faid to be a golden altar before God inbeauen,'Which is the altar of fvvfcet incenfe'. Afld indeed' biir alkr-is in hediierl^iftlrWhatTd^Uef Jpirituall fadifice of praifis arid th^nkfgiuing we c0ctjit'is vpiih thfe-"t^ffiatibnT5f^hrif^;ppHrthis tiltair tlie VoSbi tofnmeth tbthe Atjgcll whicHblevV tHe^fiktttutiip'et; tl^ai/weai^ghtlftibw iti« Ihc voyce and commauridement ©four tbrtJlelRis ChHft ,-'it is the voycc ofthe tnightie God.The voyce comrnandeth the Aftgi^l to Ibbfethe foure Angds which ftre bound in the gteat fiHtv-Fuphf^ater, Thefe Attgek thus bound 2!i:±itphrates ^'diaeist their bin^ittgis^ radfeWt a rc(^iht*bytacWtfi^^y ^jV^'H^aiiack^ ffbrrt doihg^kat mi1c/fei^f4 whrch they defired'tb^ao i^rfd^wfe^e r<^aytc-T^ir Ibtx- fing giueth them power to perfbrnhe that wliicH tfidy wiHied: ' W'e may-iibttike it that the)' were iuft fbiire in ntiiiiber :but becaufeihey fBouId r^fdan hottiblc :>-/■-.! plague 174 SERMONS VPON plpgue tbJtjQicylfKpteM Edft and We(^^Noith ^nd^butl'Rouer agrcat part ofthe 3'VVpxl4i<,4ity.-ar.e r^iilpj? ft»iH;e>; The- fei^ie is,- thafcthe idibtis baue yec ftirthcr and ^plt^r'r$i»pc,§iiV?h5iif ii> tjl>^nrbirjo}:e,to|pUgii:e ajid defkoy the inhabitants ofthe ■catth. Tbty iiadi ejtcetdjng grfcat po\^cr in the If4^rea.t riM§f 'vvhic^JJ r?'tfi?,e-fei3jgh the .qitiic, Babylon iaCbaldca, i\W -^ W^f( »M^lt>Jfi>e d^f^ ^§ «;o4i|^e; f ^iei,/o ihaf , the citic eot^Idobt be eafily taken, ^yiMjUl th^y* thfltji^^ thel(ieg€cut ptit,trenchcs and dequed the i waters another 'V\/ay.This isthe JerCt^r. N_ow/ev phe mydeiie. Rome in this booke is called Baby- ]li»5i,gtfc,4t:Bfii>?P h?th to ^efeod^t ielfe, Jjie^ jn tljKppwer ofRome lye the diucis Jbpw^d^T^istaurethlntcfprej^ers.tp |al>cthJs plague alfospbe thepopifn armie. ^ut this one ci'r^ru-xnftance of t^e-place doth not carrie fo great force in it, as to en- fqrcethat (cnfc, as wcniay confidcrjt is out ofdoubt tha? Sathan vvaitied through the powerpfthc citieotRotr.c to workc aUmirchiefe; ai;id therefore may well be f^yd to jyebouod there (oJongasJhie >y^?reifitrained . Ajjo from Rome the grea- r^l]:.f(U|%pf;Turci,fme!c3/pe, fip^^ingitvyaS' n^^ faijVil- vp to be the plague of Idolaters; butaU'o the darknefle which made;way for that error, euen the religion ofthe Turkcjcamc alio from Rome,wbethe.liarre euen the -Angel of that Church had opened the bottomlcffe pit. I thipke it therefore no hard matter tofay,the di- uels were let looJfeat Jlonic which brought thp Turcifnie : forlthinke they all waited there for their hclpc trom that citie ., He faith thefe Angels were prepared atan houre^ at a day , at a nioneth, and at a yeare , to flay the third part of men. This afcending by degrees fionia iliort time vnto longer andlonger, I know not what it meaneth, vnlefle that they be prefeurjy and in fhort time readie to works their mifchiefc, and as readie alfotp cpntjnjeHpp the farije ftlH without wearifiefle: and, wit hail tl^at Gpd cipth limit.their times, Fprcertainealltbefebempfttrue, they b^ readie witl^fpefid, they l^je^erwearie^and God doth jijmit ihcm . Firfi thatthcdiuelsareina vvondcrfulIread;nefle to workc the de(h'U<5iion of men, if they may be let loofe, can any doubt? \y hat a bloudic tyrant is Sathan? Secondly, they bcncuerfatisfied with any time, but would continue: fpr they be ,wraththat their kingdoracdraweth towar^ap§nd.An4thifd]y , (which is our comfort) the Lprd Goddothfet tl^pir bounds fepvvfi}n:e they jQ^all go, in plaguing and dcflroy- iflg, and bcxw long. ^\VclI they ^^e. lopfed npw , and here followcth prcfently the defcription ofa terrible plague which they raife . It is a murthering armie, and he bcginneth in the defcription with the number of them . The number is twcntie thpufand tiroes tenac thoufan^jts . Qr as fome cxprcfle i^ , which is all one, two lhouf^n4tinics5nb^n,dred,tlV6ul^ndsf o| two hundred t^oufand thoufands. Onc- tboqf^od thpqian'ds is a great ariviie, and fuch as hath bene but fcldomc in the yvorld in comparifoo: How great is an armie then oftwo hundreth fuch armies of athoufand thoufands puc together ? Ifay hovy huge is an artnic which is of two ~ ^ hundicth T HE R E V E L A ¥^l'0 R 175 hundreth atmii?s,and eueri'ebfth^hrJrtViyijrandthaiirands? But it may be /aid, -H^'hcre fliall wc find thatthe Tutkes miittherthg afrtircs'hauebene Co grcatflafl- fwtr thait it is notmcaht, tbat'tJhisarhiidwa^allacatime; hrteiis' the fuJi plague of manic yearcsfet forth. Then it maybcobie6led, that this number Commcth fhort ofthc number of warriours which haue bene in the armies of the Saracens and TurkeSjifwe take the fpaceoffixe or feiien hundrcdyeares :- for inthiS fpaCp of time their whole armieS would rife to a'^'reatc'r nuniberjthen two hui>drcth ar- mies of a ihoufand rhoiifimds in eueiriearmie. -1^6 not 'icfblibt bfth'ac : forit is ni^t the purpofe of the lioly Ghort to fet downc the iufland full number, but bf this great and marucUous multitude toleade vs vnto an innumerable companic which iliould kill and deftroy-mcn. How could Saint lohn number fuch an arniie^or did he Hand to number them, may fome fay ? He anfv\'ereth thisd6ubt,an£f faitbjlie heard the number of them, He did-not number tlieirij but the number was toki Then next follow^th t defcription ofthele warr!orSj& their horfeS, a defctipt'^ indeed full of terrour.For thus they appeared invifion : firlt ,the riders had fierie babbergionSj and ofHyacynth, and of brimftone. Fire is a bitter thing, efpecially when icisioyned with brirriftoncand with frnokcjwhi'-b doth choke and itrangle: for fmoke is refembled by the colour of Hyacynth:and thehorfes and their rid^rfs therein are alike.For after he hath reported that the heads of the horfes were as the heads of Lyons : which fheweth their ftomacke, Hrengthand fiercencfTche zS- dethjchat out of their mouthcs went forth fire, and fmoke,and briinfione. They ■-con-je wicha terrible crueltie & fiercencfTe. Then foHoweth the great fl'aij'^htcp, ^•vvhich iSjthat (he thifdij>aHt>fmevi>ereJlaiK€ by the fire jhf Jmohy& (he'brimfl-onhy which caive out of theirnfof/f hx. They are flaine with maruellous barbarous' cfuet- ty,either killed with bodily death as multitudes werepr drawn to that wicked Re- ligion of A'fahomet. For partly by externall violence^and partly by a Turtle lliew of religion and deuotion, they dc(h"oy:J«nd therefore it is faid, phetrpovftr is mthiir mouths s^ andtv their taiks : and that their tayles are like ferpeKts,a»d haae heads wherewith they ^.vr^.Thefe horfes may be diuels theiijfelucs for ought t-hatlcan fee/or the diucis haue fct the Tiitks a vvOrkc and do. • : i' on t::? And now that ihefe things may the better appcare, I will briefly note vritoye the beginning, the proceedings.and the order of the Turcifnie. About the yearc •■tef oar Lord 591 wascJTAf/j9W£'^rhorne,ofbafeparcnt3ge,in acertaine villageof •Arabia called Itrarix , ('forfo hiftories do report.) This Mahomet by fraudatid coulinage grew inco great credite and fame among the fedicious Arabians,and Egyptians. Jnthe yeaieofourLord 623, he wasmade Captaine andProphet of the Saracens and Arabians. It fell out to be fo vpon this occafion. There was an armie of Saracens^which with Heracltus the Emperor did wane againli'thc Per- sians. Their wages were denied them, and notionfely that, ebut alfci ■neprochfuli -tvords were giucn ; for the Treafurers oUHeratiim faid i tbby d)uld Bardlygiuc •wages to the Roraane and Grecian louIdiers,and that they had noinjoney remai- Hing to cart to this rout of dogs (for fb they tearmeUthe Saracens.) They hearing liiis ^fi SERMONS YPON tljis rcprpch/in a great rage fpoy Ic all the towncs neape 2k>p\xifDapmfifU.Thty rc- ^eUHfc ):be;r fubijSfiiiwi^d Qt>edicnc(5 Wthe R^mane Emperorj& created C^a- ;^HMi^C^theu:'Gaptaine : f^r hejhauing^iTiaried a vqric rich vs^fe;, had wonihc hearts ;Qf iMany,vyirh gifis.Thisiilthie niantained himfclfe to be a Prophet , and faid that hehadyifions and r€uelations,andtalke with Angels, And fo by the helpe o^Ser- jgfuji aMopkc^an AEcianfwho4eni?dtheeterr^fTGodh^ ©four blefled Sauior) A^ fej^iMeda new wc|»f^iJ^ and re,ligion,pa«;ched together oqt of the old tefiamcpt, jand out of the jiew v^hicii be dcpraued. He raigned ^w the piai|t> nQaie^amafcHS ,>|>lneyeares,and fo died in theyeareofour Lord 63 1, ; o. - -<, . i „ . jhen fuccecded this Mahomet in the kingdome of the Saracens, £^»^^^^r,he y{iugned;two ycai'eSjand tookc 2?^»» had they alhhefe regions, Syria, Cilicia, Cappado- tci3^Mefopotami3,thc Hand Cyprus,Egypt and lerufalem In allthefe parts the re- ligion of cJ^i<5^flwer was fctvp : at Babylon was then the ieat of the kingdome. •Thev ruled the prouinces by Prefidcnts,wh5 they called Souldans : theSouIdan ^of Egypt was the mightiert : he tooke Czefaria of Pajciiine ^ in the yeare of our Lord ^4*^ .And in the y earc 6f^^.\\Q poflefled the mo^aioblc Hand ofRhodes,fro •whence he caried verie great riches. The fourth kirtgofthe Saracens was Hoam, -vnder whom they inuaded /^/^/>^. 3//i^^»/<«(j fucceeded him, and raigned 24 ' yeares,yiider whoili they inuaded Africa the fecond time, & caried away captiues fourefcorethoufand. In this kingdome of the SaracenSj which held now the Em- pire of Alia and Perha.there fucceeded one anotiier to the number oi 26 kings, & {Co.ntinubd.20cyeares without ciuilldifcord among thcmrelues. In thiafpace of time the borders of their kingdome wereyetfomewhat further enlarged, manic fore battels were fought , great flaughters of Chriftians , and rnanie carried cap- tiues: for they tooke the Hand Greta, they entred into ltaly,rpoy led fome townes, and would haue fet vipon Rome it fcife,but the citizens of Rome put the to, flight. Biitaboj!]t theyeareofour Lord 85 2.the Souldans through emulation andambi- 'tion^beganto warreandcontendiamongthemfeluesjfo that their power dimini- fhed,and the power of the Turkes by degrees iricreafed fo farrc, that in litle more then t wo:hundrcth yeares,befidcs the regions of Armenia the greater, & the Icfle, Cappadocia,GaIatia,and By tbinia, which they had gotten, they call theEmpe- irouroft^c Saracens forth ofhiskingdome, .indfet vp in his place a king of the 'Turkiis.ThVir fiift king was Z4^o/^e,in the yeare ofour Lord 1 05 i.In two yeares ■fpace hciiibdued a great partof Afia. Three ofhts fucceflburs Emperours of the Turkes preuailed,and did great things agaiuft the Chriftians : but afterward there was THE REVELATION. 17^ was much ado to winne from the Turkc t he holy land • The Pope , and the kings and Princes of diuerfc countries ioyned together, and fent an army vndcr Cjodfrey of Bullaincjof three hundreth thoufand footmen,and one hundrcth thoufand horf- nien. In the ycate lopp. Godfrey wan Icrufalera,and was crowned king; there fuc- ccedediiimfiue or fix kings in lerufalem^which with the lofle of much bloud kept the holy land ( as they call it ) which to maintaine the warres againft the Turkes, did ordaine certaine orders, as of Templars , and knights of the Rhodes.Ierufalem was Jort againe , with great flaughters of Chrifhans in all parts thereabout, in the ycare 1 1 8 7. And within fhort time after that.the Tartan a barbarous people, be- gan to be of power. Their firfi Emperor was Chdngita (^nn . Diuerfc fuccecded, which greatly diminifhed the dominion ofthe Turkes,vntil abouc theyeare of our Lord 1 3 oo.for then the Empire ofthe Tartan was oueithrowne , & the Empire of the Turkes did flourifli more then euer before . Now come the greateft mon- fters,and mort fauage and cruelleft tyrants of all . Ottoman was the firft of them .• he and his fucccflburs with moft cruell flaughters ouercame the Chriftians in ma- ny countriesjand fpred the Turkes dominion very farrc : but yet in the middeftof their glory» there is a great gap made .Thus it v^z.^yBaiazjSthes the fourth Emperor ofthe Turkes wonderfully preuailing with great flaughters of Chriftians,and lea- ding innumerable multitudes captiue out of Hungary which he inuaded ; and fet- ting vpon the Emperour ofthe Grecians , wafting and deflroying with fuch ter- rourjthat the Emperor craued aid,and Charles the fixt king of France , fent a po- wer,and cSf^;/«>«»;, '^ *' whi'^f^ was one, being a man of wonderfull valour (for therefore the Turke called him not by his owne name which was Gcorgel^wx. Scanderl>eg^\.\\2X, \s, Alexander the great) reuoited from the Turkc,recouered his fathers poflcmon,and was a great plague to that fauage king- . dome . ButyetcheLordGod which was wrach for the wickedncffe ot men, would haue ic further preuaile. For now followeth another L^iahomet a moft cruell tyrant , which meant to fubdue the whole world^and indeed exceeded all his predeceilors in powx r. For he befiegedand wan Conftantinople , and fo didouerchrovv and put an end to the Empire ofiheEaft. He wan it in the yeare 1453. and there hath euer fincelxne the Royall Pallace of the Turkc . The winning of this city, and the oucrthro w of that Empire of the Grecians, was a manifeft token ofGodsheauy wrath , and did ftrikc iiich a terrour into all Chriftiandomc , that many yeclded thcmfelucs to the Turke, and many regions and cities heouercame by violent warres . If I flioul J fland now to recite the horrible {laughters of ChrifUans , and the innumerable multitudes which the Turkes haue led into captiuity, I Oiould be more then tedi- ous . I fuppofe that by the Saracenes, the Turkes, the Tartarians,and Scythians, t.\\Q third part of men haue bene horribly flainc ; as it is fayd by Smut lohn jthat th- third "part of men were limine. Many did confefle that thefe plagues camevp- on them for finne,euen that the word of God was delpifedjaud that all foule vices did abound among the prelates ; but yet there was no amendment of life , no re- pentance, but all grew worfe and vvorfe. For marke w hat Saint lohn fay th: *y4Nd the remnant of the me^Tuhi-ch rvere not killed hy thefe pUgftes^ repented n^t of the - worses of their hands , that they P^ould not vforfhip diusls , and'tdols ofgoldyAnd of ' fduer yandofbra^e^andofjlone,andofvvood^r»htchn:ttherhsare nor go , zy4lfo they repented not of their murther^ andofthstr for eery , neither of their fornication ^ nor nf their theft . Jf vvelookc through all Europe, io Farre as the Pope bare fway, ye fiiall ^nd thateuen to the very time that the light of [he Gofpeil brake foorth againe , the more the Turkc with fauage cruelty and tyrannic, did Icadeinto captiuitie infinite multitudes , fo that 'there was a terrour Oriken into all mens hearts, thacashe hadfubduedailthe Fail Churches, Co hce would alfoouer- runne all the Wefi; Churches, yet horrible idolatrie increafed , and other wickcd- nefle dayly more and more . How were the people befotted? how did they runnc from Idoll to Idoll, which were but of gold , or (iluer.or brafle, or [ione, cm wood, and had nofenfe to hcarc,to fee, or to gc?The truth isj they worfb'-p de- ucls which worlliip not the Lord as Sat^Jt lohn herefpeaketh. And none worlhip thcLord which worfhipIdoIs.Likcwile what cruell murthers did they coi^miCj cfpccially rpon the true feruants of Chrift?The MonkcSjthe FrierSjtbe. Prieft$,ihe . Nunn2s,how full of charme^.forferies, witchcrafts, and comursaons-wcrc' thcyj N 'i vvieh tSo SERMONS V,PON with innumerable whoredoms, murthers and thcfts?The common people,yea all forts did follow them. What {hould I here ftand to enter into particular demon- ftrations,whenalIrhatbe ofyearcscanteftifiejvnlefle it befuchasbe wilfuUyblin- dedjhow all agreed*to that which Saint /c^» here fettech downe ? And now let themoftflieandfubtill of all the Icfuits which warre for Antichrill, fhcw vs where ihey be in the world that haue bene plagued with this terrible armie , fe»c in Gods wrath for worfhipping of Idols,and the other vices here named,but onely in the Poperie ? If they will Icade vs vnto more ancient times , they may not : for chis is in the opening of the feuenth feale ofthe booke,& in the blowing of the fixe trumpet, and therefore in the latter end ofthe world/ceing the day of iudt^eraet commcth when the feuenth Angell bloweth the trumpet. If they would turne vs oucr to the heathen nations.the Weft or Eaft Indians ; indeedc the Weft Indians haue bene flaine in fuch multitudes, as it is almoft incredible : but then the Popi(h Spaniards haue bene this murthering army,for they haue killed thcm.But alas who cannot fee that this prophecy Is chiefly fulfilled vpoiithofe nations which profefic ChriftPPoore and miferable is the fhift of our Rhemifts vpon this place, which fay here are meant the portraitures of the heathen Gods : feeing they be gone long lince,& this isfpoken ofthe latter end ofthe world, in which none worftiip Idols ofgold,filuer,&c.butthePapifts . BlefTed be the Lord who by the light ofthe Gofpeli hath deliuered from worfhipping dumbe Idols, and fo from the feare of this horrible army . For where men haue imbraced the Gofpeli, and repented of their abominable idolatry,they haue no feare of hfm any longer. THE XX. SERMON. GHAP. 10. I4, And IftiT^ another mighty tAngell c»me downe from hduen clothed with a tloudy and the rainebow vpon bti head, andhts face was at the Snnne, and his feetc as ptJiarr of fire, ft. And he had in his hand a httle booke open, and he put hit right foot e vpon tht fea^aad his leftfoote vpon the earth, 5, Andcried with a loud voyce^at when a Lyon roreth : andivhen he had cried, fenen thunders v tiered their voyces, «}. Andwhen thefeuen thunders hadvtteredtheir voices, I was about to write: but 2 heard a voycefrom heauenfaytng vtito me , Sealevp thofe thtngr which the feuen thunders haue fpoken^ and write them not, J, And the Angell which I [aw fand vpon thefea^and vpon the earth, Uft vp hid hand to heauen : €, tyind THE REVELATIOR iSi 6. Attdfrare hjhim which tirtethfrr euermorty which credtedheauepi andttte^ t^ngs thatthei^eihht Mrtdth&eaHh;afidfhe things tkai^therMHe ^indijse fea\ and the things that thireinifephitt time fho'u^ 7. But in the dayes of the voyce oj the feuenth AngeU^xvhen he piAtlheginto blou the trnm^et, euen the mjfterj/ of God (hall befnifhed, m he hath declared tQ hufernantstheTrophetF, ..,-. i 8. Andthevoyeev^htch I hearMfromheAueft,fpis Chujrch^, ^emsj^todifpcliaU tjia^lmpke ofche bot- tqmlcfle pittas vyc fee t,be §ua fcattereth ^iid driuethayv^y c^c.^nicke-nHftes . And as the ftingingl9cufts were^bccd ofthq tpiokcfonovv thpbrightnefl^ ofhis^coun- tenance doth fcattcr and deftr.oy them, as verininc which cannot endure the light. The fwarmespf them were exceeding great, and like to moft terrible Locufts they did craule in abundance, & fpread theiufelues oucr^he face of the earth: but now their.ne|^^bc dertrpyejd,an.d they are become, very few ^^ coii?parifon'of that they werb,'had^witha'n,they be greatly^diftrclTed vf^rhich remaineyct bchind.The bright (liinihg counteha'nce of this Angell caufeth them to appeare moft vile and bafe , not onely to thofe which imbrace the truth , but alfo to the very fubic6tes of An- t^chrift. Their glorie is defaced , their fhame is layd open , and their firength de- cayed. Hirfeete are as pilars of fire ; This is fet downe for the ^prtour of his ene- mies, whomhe yvill tread dov;c>c vnder hisfect, & confume them with the fire of his wrath.Before he commeth^the locufts are of wonderfull power,Antichrift held all thcKirigs in Europe in awe, and excercifed tyrannic at his pleafure , theTurke was terrible: but what afc they vnto thismightie and glorious Angell ? vvhat is their power to withftand him ? Then further it is faid, that he had in his hand a litle booke open. This booke is the booke of the holy Scriptures: for as we fee, the BibIeisalargebooke,ifwe cpnfider jtbyit felfe, but yet in compatifpn of the Hiige volumeis pf the prdinauccs and decrees in the pppifh Church, it is but alitlc bpoke.The booke in the hand of him that fate vpon the throne was fhut,and fea« led with fcueii feales, that no man could looke vpon it: but this booke is open, to fignifie that it is to be looked vpon of all men, andopenly taught vnto all the fer- u'ants of God. It was fliut vp in the poperie, and lay buried in a ftrange tongue : no man taught it, which embraced theRomifh religion, butinfieed therc6fraens decrees and muCiitions, and all lyes and fables were preached by the popifh clear- gie, and beleeued of the people. The Laitie (as they call them) v/ere in no wife to meddle with it . Fourefcpre yeares pafl,yefhouldnot fee it in the hands of any: (nowitisopenin thehands pf{hp,ufand thQufauds, and ten thoufand thoufjndi^ oirpods people, which out'sfi^ do Je^rne to know God, and to worfliip hiina-j.. righkihfpiritaudintrutlylthatn b^pi/ghtfuch light euery where, that the fcor- pion locufis cannot deuoure vp the greene things of the earth, nor fling men any longer in fuch multitudes as they did. It was faid befpre , when the third part of xmn wcreflaine by the fire, by thcfmoke,and by the brimflonc that came outoj^. thd'horfesiwuthes, that the fcmnant ofthe men which were not killed of thofe pfagiies, feperited not of the workes oftheir hands, that they fhould not worfhip diuels, and idols pf gpid, &c. and the fame kingdpme and tyrannie ofthe Turkc being feht pfGpdinhis wrath tp plague Idolaters, as Idolatrieencreafcd, fpit al- fo cncreafed:for the more the Lord plagued the world by theTurke, the more I- dblatrie encreafed,and they were further $nd flirthc'r from repentance ifo that cue^- v]Jon the'tiriie that the Goipel f)cgan't^ peepe forth, oarkneflc was grownt euen • to tjie full, Idolatric was exceeding grofle,'and the Turkes power did fo encrcafe, that he was a terror vnto all Chrificndome, & it vvas feared chat as he had throwne ^ ^^^ downc THE REVELATION. ^i?3 downe the EtfJplrc of the Eaft,and ouerrun allthoTe Churches/6 he would throw downe the Romanc Empire and fprcad himfclfc oucr all the Churches in Europe. For as a terrible fire doth hang in the ay re,and men looke with fearc when it fliould fall vpon them : fodid he feemc to hang oucr all.But when this mighty Angell had brought this little booke open from heauen,and that men did looke vpon it , and Irepent ofthcir idolatry , andturnetothcliuingGod,theplaguehath departed c- Uer fincc , and the Turke hath not bene feared in thcfe part? where the Gofpell is preached : but God hath drawrte his poWcr another way , and fet hira a Workc clfcwhere. So that if men cannot be brought to bcleeue , that God raifcd him vp as a fcourge and plague for idolatry, and other fbule finncs in the Church , accor- ;dingtQ the wordes of the former Chapter,when he fayth They repe»tedyt$t of the .Tdforkcs of their hands y^c. yet wheti they fee that^ at the opening of the booke of ,God, and forfaking idolatry ,th"efeareof him is remoiiedjec thetii tieleeue it.What tcan we haue more plaine , then that this open booke in the hand of the Angela, hath dcliuered vs both from the Pope and from the Turke ? a jiicfthappy opening of this blefled booke. Then it is fayd further,that he put his right fbote vpon the fea,and his leftfoote vpon the earth.Thisflicweth that he is Lord and ruler both ouer fea and land: foi: hetreadeth vpon both,and ftandeth as ftedfaft and as firme vpon the fea , a'^ypot) the faft carth.He cried alio with a loud voyce,as when a lion roreth. This is to ma- nifefland to declare his wrath againtt his enemies,euen againlhhe Locuftes , and the horfemcn of warre,and their horles.He let them range for a time at their plea- rure,but novv.they fhall feele bis hand , and thepov\'erof his mighty and terribld voyce.lf the Lionrorejthebeafts of the forrcft tremble.The Lord hath vttered his voyce againe in earth , and hath fcattered his foes , he will in the ende makethem tremble. And when he had cried (fayth S.'John) feuen thunders vttered their voy- ces. It is not exprefled what he vttered in his ftrong and mighty voyce, with which he cried as when a Lion roreth : but it appeareth euidently that it was concerning the terrible vengeance and feuere iudgements to be executed vpon the deftroy- crs and oppreflbrs of his Church . For that which feuen Angels do vtter^ at his call , is vttered as if feuen thunders Ihould vtter their voyces . Thunder is a moft terrible thing, and for that caufe the moftfearefull iudgements ofGodagainft the aduerfaries are vttered by the voyces of thunders . He will thunder vpon them in his wrath,and horror fliall opprefle them. The number of feuen , is a per- fect number in the Scripture : for the Lord made all things in fixe dayes , and re- fted the fcuenth day : and therefore to denounce the fulnefle of all his iudgements, here are feuen thunders vtter their voices. Thefe thunders did fpeake fo as they might be vnderftood : for S.lohn was about to write the things which they fpake: he tooke it they were vttered for that end and purpofe^thar he {hold deliuer them in writing to the Churches : but he receiueth a commandcment to the contrary.;. He is willed not to write , but to feale vp th& things which the thunders hadfpo- ken. Why then were they vttered ? or wasit not in vaine , feeing they be concea- led? It was not in vainc : for firft , though the particulars be not exprcfled what N 4 the iS4 SERMONS VPON the thunders rpake,yetjTf^f<;3re?i/?;,c^^ there rejnain^moftfearcfiill iudge- hicnts tor Gods eri^a)ie9, wbiq^ hehach thundred out with tcrrour agairtfi them, Andthen niorcoucr,whea the time commeth they fhall be feeneand vnderltood, for they be fealed vp vntill thattjtpe: gis we fee the Aiigellfpaketo T)ame/LThck things are fealed vp vntill the time determined, chap, 1 2. verf.9 . Let vs then fully afTure our felues tha^ph^re is greatvyrath and vengeance of theJLord to bepowred Forth vpon the pf pms, and vpon the Turkes-j,& vpon allfuch enemies of the troth, for all ^heir crueltip fhewedtowardes his popre fgrqants. Their wrckednefle hath bene and is exceeding great many waies, both againft Gods truth, and againft his people : and no maruell though the Lord dcnounceth his wrath and vengeance againft themfor the fame byfeiien terrible thunders , Who fhall be able to ftartd whe this commeth^ucn wheq th ; j ■ . There remained but the laft trumpet to be founded vvhetrthe Angell made this lolemne proteftation, and a good part of the time (mcK is expired. It is therefore as I fayd, euen to warne vs that liue now in thefe dales , and hauc feene all thefe things fulfilled, to be prepared,and to wait for the fecond con)ming of Chrift. But IcLYjSjJopke vpon euery part and circumftance in this oath,as the words of the text dpjeade vs. Th^.^n^eli (^faith lohn) which I pm ft and vpn the fea^ andvpon the earflo, lift vphts hand to heauen. It is a dcare cafe , that in old time, they that {yv arc, did lift vp their hand to heaue,thereby teftifying as by an outward ccremo- riie orgcfture, that they called the God of heauen to vvitncde. And therefore A- ^j^4/;fjw when he would haue the kingof Wownour,rhac wc fweare by hisfaaitie in truthrand Co the Angell fwcareth by him and by none other. I wil not ftand here to confute the Anabap- tifts , which becaufe of thefe words ofour Sauiour , Srveare not all: do hold it vn- lawfullnow vnderthe new Tcliament to take an oath : we fee here the Angell fweareth . Bu: if anie flial thinke,how it can be, if this Angell be CHrift,& fo the liuingGodjthat he fhould fweare by theliuing GodJthe matter is eafily anfwercd. Chtilt in the perfonofthe Mediatouris both God and man. And againethefcnp- cure iz\&ijfVhen there vvoi no greater to fweare bj^the Lordfwore by htmfclfe. Hc faith notjthc creator of all things, or the Creator of heauen and earth: which is as much in cffed as hc (peaketh, and doth teach vs , that he hath the ordering of all things,& hath in his o wne counfell decreed the time when the world fhal hauc an cnd:but which created the heauen^Sc the things which be therein, & the earth, and the things which therein be, and the fea, and the things which therein be, &c. Here we fee the whole world is diuided into three parts : the heaucns, the earth, and the (e^ with their futniture, Euerie one ofthefe is vcrie great ,& furnifhed with maruellous creatures:and when we looke vpon them fcuerallyjit may leade vs in- to a greater wonderment at his glorie. And that is one caule no doubt, why be doth fpealce of them euerie one,as it were apart. We are negligent in confidering the creatures to fee how they fet forth the magnificece of their create r.The Lord no doubt could haue created all things at oneinftant, but he made them in fixe dayes,and fo wc haue them dirtinguiflied,totheend we might be mouedand led vmo deeper confideration. And now folio weth what he fvvare.and that \s,TinieJhallbe no more^ butintUe dayes of the voyce ofthefettenth zy^ngell^when he fhall begin to blow the trumpet^e- uen the mji[ier$e of God foul be fulfilled, as he hath declared to his feraants the Pro- phet s.Thc time that (hali be no more.is the time as it is now, for the ttate of things as they be : and that there (hall be no more delay or deferring of matters , but all fhall be brought toiudgement. For now wc fee commonly good matters tro- den downe,and euill caufes maintained, and no redrefie to be had: biit then there ftiall be no more delay ,but euerie thing righted that is amifTe, And this the An- gell fweareth fhail be euqn when the feuenth Angellbeginneth to blow the trum- pet. But why doth the Angell take fuch a folemne oath that the day ofiudgement fliall fhortly come ?The caufe is euidcnt : we fee how men in thefe laft dayes are drowned in worldly cares and pleafurcs, euen with as much greedinefle ,asiftHc world were new begunne,and fhould lali for euer.Our Sauiour telleth how they fhall eate'and drinke,marrie wiues, plant,build, &c. and how the day fhall come vpon the vnawares euen as a fnare.The things be lawful in themfelues,& that caii- feth the more danger: for many thinke fo long as they be about lawful! & honeft thingSjthough they be euen drowned and oucrwhelmcd in them, and expell all cate and delight in heauenly matters, that they cannot be blamed. Yea euen the faithfull need tobe i\[ptcd vp: for the wife virgins do flumber and fleepe.Wehau^ warning giuen vsin many places of the Scripture : but this warning,ifwe be not vtcerly as dead flefb, may touch andmoue vJ^eucnto prepare our felues vvith our r |oync5 1^6 SERMONS VPON loynes girded , and our Lampes burning^to waicc for the commlng of our raai-> But what is this that he faith, Sfieu the myflerie of God [ha/il'efi»i(hed ? It is the rewarding of the iurt,and the punifhing of the wicked. The word ofGod,not on- ly the writings of the ApoftIes,but alfo of the Prophets,doth plainely fet forth & teOifie both : that is to fay,what glorie God will bcttow vpon all fuch as be faith- full and true vnto him,which loue, obey andferue him ; and on the other fide, what terible wrath fhall be po vvred forth in full meafure vpon all vngodly finners, and yet they be ftill a myfterie : for the greater part thinke litleofany fuch mat- ter, and the faithful! which bcleeue it, come tarre fhort of comprehending it as it (hall be. For the high glorie of God fhall be exceedingly magnified both in the faluation oft he iuft,& in the deftrudlion of the wickcd,which we cannot now ful- ly comprehend. Let vs thinke of it, and long for it , and be aflured we fliall then fee the greatcft and the moii wonderfull fights that euer haue bene feene. And a- boue all,letvs labour that the myfterie of God may be finiflied vnto our ioy and comfort.Nowisthetime,bewareyebe notofthofcthatfhall^be madeveflels of .Tjvrath. , Now all that remaincth to the end of this chaptcr,is concerning the litle booke which the Angel'brought downe open from heauen in hishand.Firrt,/ impugned the Pope and bis clcargy, calling the Pope an Idoll , and threatning the iudgcments of God againft their abominable finnes . Alfo about the fame time %obert Grafted Bifhop of" Lincolnej a man famoufly learned in three tongues , wrote diucrfe inuediucs a- gainft the Pope. And when he was ficke, and lay vpon his death-bed, which wa« at Bugden, he called one lohn Giles a preaching Frier , complaining of the difor- ders of the Friers and Romane clear gy,prouing the Pope to be an hcretickc. And fpcaking ofchc manifold abufes of the Church of Rome, and particularly about their couetoufnefleand ]echcry,he fayd they fhould not be deliuercdfrom the fer- uitudc of Egypt but by force. And being fcarfe able to vttcr his words, with fob- bing and weeping his breath went away , and fo he departed in the yearc 1 2J3» which is now more then three hundreth yearcs part , After his death the Pope would haue had his bones digged vp, but was terrified by a vifion . About the yeare 1350 the Lord raifed vp diuerfc learned men, which openly and boldly im- pugned the Church ofRome: as Qregory Anninenjis^ who lay d open the abufes of the Romifh Synagogue, and confuted the popifli dodtrinc of free will. Tattle- rm m Germany a preacher taught likewife . Francifcus Petrarcha at the fame limc,who calleth Rome the whore of Babylon,the mother of eiror, the temple of herefie. And a little before thzt jUhannef de rnpe Sctfa,vfas caft into prifon for re- buking the popi{h prelates for their great enormities _, and for that he calleth the Church of Romc,the whore ofBabylon,the Pope the minifter of Antichrift, and the Cardinals falfe Prophets.And being in prifon he wrote a booke, prophecying of the afffi<5lion which hung ouer the heads of the Spirituality for their vngodly life : he called his booke , Vndemecttmin tnhulatione , Then was there Maifl:er £owradtti Haver y who taught more then twenty yeare* again ft the Mafle: he was afterward fliutvp in prifon, ^^rW^j/w'I^f^or wrote a booke againft the Menkes and Friers , which hee intituled Lachrima ecclefi* • About the fame time O were IP4 SERMONS V PON were LMkhaell CefeuM^ and Petrmde Cor^oaa^znd JohAnnes de Voliaoo : thefe were condemned by the Pope and hisadherents.Thcfayd /l^tchae/ ytrotahookc againft the pride,the tyrannic j and primacy of the Pope , accufing him to be An- tichriH, and thcChurch of Rome the whore of Babylon , drunke with thcbloud of the Saints, &c. he left behind him many followers , of whom a great part were flaiae by the Pope , fome of them were burned. About the fame time two Friers were put to d:a:h at Auinion fo^ n)acters which they held againftthe Pope : one, of them was called Ioha>iwf%ochetai/acia, who did preach that the Church of Rome was Babylon , and the Pope and his Cardinals Antichrift . About the y care ij^OAvasfetfortha writing againftthe Pope and the popifh Cleargy , called a complaint of the plowman. About the fame time , Armachanm an Archbifhop in Ireland, was raifed vp againfi Antichrift, he was a man of great learning and god- linefle, his troubles were inany, and the dcliucrances great which God gauehim. In the y care 1 3 64 one N icboloi Or em preached a fer mon before the Pope and his Cardinals , in which he rebuked the popifh prelates.and denounced their defttu- ^ionnot to be farreofFfbr their raoft wicked abhominations. About the yearc 1370 liued MathiM P^mfienfis , a Bohemian^ who wrote a large booke of Anti- chrift, and noteth the Pope to be the fame. About the ycare 1 3 84 Nilm Arch- bifliop ofTheflalonica, wrote a large booke againft the Romane Church. About the yearc 1 3po many were put to death for the .Gofpcli , rcfuiiug the doctrine and worftiip of the Romifh Church.As at Bringa there were burned 36 Citizens ofMaguntia. IntheprouinceofNarbone there wercto the number ofonehun- dreth and fortie w hich chofe rather to fuffer all torments then to receiuc the Ro- niilli rcligion_,and to deny the tiuth of the moft glorious Gofpcll . A good while before this time, there were 24 put to death at Paris . There were foure hundrcth Doted to be her etikes, foure fcore beheaded,Princc Artriericm was hanged, & the Ladic of the Caftlc was ftoned to death . In the dayes of king Edward the third, about the ycare 1 3 7 1 began lohtt fVtcklijfe of Oxenfbrd openly to dcalc againft thePopeandpopiftidoifirine . The times werethcn very grieuous, rhcpopift^ kingdome of Antichrift being rifen vp vnto very great ftrcngth and cruelty . King ^d^w^r^the third himfelfe being well learned and a valiant Prince greatly with- ftood popery ; he much fauoured and defended Wtckjiffe , fo did diuerfe Noble men, in fo much that Maiftcr JVtckltjfe znd others openly preaching againftthe Church of Romc,the Pope & his prelates doing what they could,werc not able to hurt him. After the death ofKingEdtvardt he was greatly fupported by the Lon- doners : and fo efcaped the hands ofhis aduerfarics, ftill proclaiming the holy and hcauenly dod^rine of the Gofpell againftthe Romifli Antichrift. It plcafed God by his preaching, and by his bookesto giue light vnto many inthclaixi.Sun- dricwere putto death, ofwhomthc Lord Coi'ham was one y and diucrfeflcd out of the land , becaufe they would not deny the truth which they had learned: from him . That popifti Counccll of Conftancc 41. yearcs after his death , con- demning his dodrine,caufed his bones to be digged vp.and burned .And as PFtc- itffes doib:inc tookc place here in England and ^rcad farrc , fo were fome ofhis workcs THE REVELATION. t^> works caricd into Bohemia, where they did more prcuaile,for about the yere 1410 Jehn Huff, who taught in Bohemia,with diucrfe others the holy GofpcJlof lefus Chrift,which a multitude zealouflyimbraccd,& thereupon renounced the Church ofRome, was cited to appeare before the Pope,whichhe auoided.And about the yearc I4i4he was chargedtgaine to appeare at Rome , then was hccxcommuni- cated , and much moleflation followed , but he continued a con Rant witncfleof Chrift,and openly impugned the Romifli Synagoguc,vntill the CounccII of Co- ftance, where he was condemned as an heretike and burned. In the fame Councell alio /^row^ of Prage,a worthy feruat ofChrifi in refining the Romilli harlot, was condened and then burned. Thcfc men were put to death, but Antichrift and all his power couldnot roote out the Gofpell in Bohemia.God raifed them vp a valiant Captaine Ioh?i Ztfca^znd they put to flight great armies of the Papifts that came againft them . I will not ftand to fhew what perfecutions followed about thistimein England, and what a number were vexed, and many put to death: they called them at that time Lollards.Come downe lower: Whe the Romifh prelates had now long perfecuted , and Teemed to haue rooted out with fire and fvvord almoft all the.profeflors andpreachers of the GofpeIl,the Lord rai- fed vp new witnciles, men famoufly learned and godly .Among thck Fifeltfs gro- n'mgenjis , who died in the yeare 1490 which is now an hundreth and three yeares paft : he was fo worthy a man , that he was called Lux mundi^ that is, the light of the world . Hedifputed mightily and boldly againft Poperic, and proued their dodlrincfalfe and WJcked^and that the Popes keyes do not open but fl:iut heauen gates. In thcycare 1 500 Hieronimm Sauonarola a Monkc in Italy , with two other Friers named Dontimke^^ni\ Silue^ery were condemned to death at Florence.They taught and maintained againft the Pope and the popifh do6trine,the things which we do now. Thefe faithfuil witnefles were not fruitlefle, as may appeare by the perfecutions and murtherings which followed after them in diuerfe places. In the raigneof King Henry thefeuenth,liued hhannfs Ptcits the Earle of Mirandula; he was but 5 2 yearesold when hedyed,and yet of great learnsng.He made open cha- lengeatRome to difpute with any , againft fundry points ofpopery : Thepo- pifli prelates wold notdifpute,bun did article againft him touching fufpition ofhc- refie. We are now come downe^eue within a very few yeres of the time that God raifed vp his worthy feruant Martm Luther,an6 then together with him fundry o- thersto puil downe Antichrift, and to deliucr his poore Church from grieuous thraldome and miferable bondage, fo that I need not to proceed any further. We may fee by this that I haue noted , that the Lord eucr had fome faithfuil witnefles which withftoodthe Romifli Antichrift, and taught the truth to his people.Thus much then touching that one thing that the Lord had alwayes fome faithfuil mi- nifters of his'Gofpell , euen in the depth ofpopery. That he fpeaketh of fo fmall a number of witnefles .* we are taught thereby not to depend vpon the greater multitude in the minifteric , but vpon thofe which purely teach the tructh,andleade a godly life agreeable to the fame^following the O 2 ^^PP^^ i^B SERMONS VPON fteppes ofChrift and his ApoftIes.The'Papi(h brag much ofthcfr multitudes and would thereby opprefle the faithfull .miniftcrs of Chrift as being few in nnmber. Some arc much troubled at the fame : but what ifthc diuell and Antichrift haue t wo thoufand feruants.for euery two true feruants of the Lord?arcthey the leflc to be regarded? was noione E/im, being onetruePropliet ofGod,bettcrthcn fourc hundreth falfe Prophets of'Baai}Bc not troubIed,be not difmayed w hf it fiiaU be cbiedledjthefe be but tew againli many,but looke to the way of truth and found godiincfle,looke which haue the right on their fidcrThe malignant Church often- times haue exceeding many goodly prelates, when the true Church feemeth to be alniodvtterlybanifliedoutofthe earth. Thetruth of God dcpendcth notvpon the multitude of the voyces of men which confpire together . It is fay d further that thefe two witnedes fhall prochecy a thoufand two hundreth and fixtie dayes clothed in fackcloth . This fetteth forth the apparell of Chrifts miniftcrs. In oldc time when men did faft and mourne dolefully ,they did vfe to put on fackcloth. This prophecy fpeaking my (iically , and vndcr figures is notto be takenherc according to the {ettcr,that the true witnefles of Chrirt,euen hisfaithfull preachers {hall all the time of Antichrift be clothed in facke ; but that indeed they fliall haue a forrowfull life here vpon the earth,yca fo full of griefe and lamentation, as if they did al wayes faft and mourne. A very good place to ttand a little vpon.to note the difiference betweene the true minitters ofChrili, and the wickcdpompous Anti- chriliian prelates.Bcgin with the Prophets in the timcof the law. They were fent of the Lord to rebuke al eflaces,& to reclaime the from their wicked waies.Whc they fa w how ftifnecked the people were, and how rebellioufly they dcfpifed the counfels of the Lord: When rhey were hated and perfecuted , what was their life but a continuall forrow ? what could they do but mourne from day to day ? And how meane were they then in the eyes ofthe world ? were they in pompe and io- lity? No verily, for with them it was as ifthcy had alwayes bene clothed in facke, Whenothermendidfolaceandfportthemfelues , they did lament and forrow. What (honld Ifpeake of the glorious ApoftlcsofourSauiour Icfus Chrift > what was the whole life ofthat choicn vcflell p4i^/,2^[CT he was called to preach the Gof- pcllPTlie hiflory ofthe A6ts ofthe Apofties Oiewcth his life. Shall we thinke that ^etcr found any better entertainment then he did? Was Umet, or lohtt^ or any of the reft in outward ioiity? we are furc they were not. Then Icauc them> and come downe to thofe that rucceeded,and cfpecially in the time of Antichrift , and what fhaJl we find but men clothed in facke ? God did manifefi his trueth vnto them and raifed them vp,and appointed them to be his witnefles . They did lay open the way of life , and reprouc the whorifh Babylon^and all abominable vices . Their wov-d,& their tcftimony which they bare was dcfpifed,& condemned almoft of all nien,cuen as hcrefie. All tftat gaue credit to the fame , were deemed ranke here- likes. Tiiey were cruelly perfccuted^-ccurfedjand murthercd. Thev faw the wic- ked f^orifh.Thcy faw idolatry, fuperflition, and crrours mof^ abominable , fct vp and maintained, and the worlliip and glory of God troden downe. They faw the people fcduccd by the great Antichrift,fitung io the temple of God, & led by lca« pcrs THE REVELATION. t^j pers into hell. Alas what could they find but forrow & giiefc of hart? hcyv could they now but be clothed in fackePhow could they but mournc and lament ? Then looke vpon the contrary fide,the Pope & his Cardinals^his great prelates & Clcar- gy maifterSjWerc they clothed in facke^were they in bitter griefc and forrow? Nay they haue bene with pompe, and pride, and outward glory arrayed in all precious 'coftly things^like to thcPrinces of th? earth ; as with gold,(iIuer,pearlcs, precious ftones,filkes,fcarIet,purpIe,and with all fine dothing.Thcy liuedin all pleafures & delicacie, feeding vpon all the fatted things,and fweetett that might be gotten for mony.Hcre we fee then a' very great difference betweenc thefe , and the true and ■faithtijll witnefles ofChrift clothed in facke.The hiftories of thofe times do fhew, what great complaints there were of the pride and cxccfleofthc Pbpifh Cleargy, And now whatfliall we fay for our time ? Doubtkffe the true minificrs of the Lord haue no caufe to giuethemfeluesto the mirth, rhe iblity, dn-dbrsucry of she worldBut thereis caufe liill,y ea euen in thefe dales to be clothed in facke;that is, to kment and mourne.For how do we fee the voice of God defpifcd ? hovv is his glory defacedjthe proud magnified; & vanity extolledPAIas there is caufe of great mourning to all thatloue the Lord,& we are not to thinkc that it will be better. If we therefore willapproueourfelucs tobc the Lords faithfull witnelTcs, we muft not feekc the pompe, the riches, the plearurcs,the eafe, and the delicacie of this world: let thofe things alone for the mlni(krs of Antichrift , whdfebeliidis their God,which mind earthly things : but we mufi painefully labour to aduance thetruchjtopulldowneerrours and wicked vices : we muft lament and mournc to fee the truth fo muchdcipifed , the Lord our God fo highly difhonored, and men running headlong to dcftru61:ion . Then fhall we pleafe God,and our minil^ery fhall be blefled. Thus much for this time. ; ui^^v^. / '- . O 3 : .^^n.(^^t^:-YHE ,i\- ipS SERMONS VPON THE XXII. SERMON. CHAP. 11. 4 . Thefe are tvfo Oline treer, and two candlefltcl^es tflanSng before the God of the earth, J, And if any vf ill hurt them^fire proce&deth out of their moHthtattdfaaldeHoUr their enemies : for if any vftlthnrt them,fo mnfi he be killed, 6. T^hefe haue power to (hut heatten 9 that it raine not in the dayet of their pro* phecjingy and hanepovfer ousr waters to turne them into bloud^ andtojmite ^ , .^ ^the earth with aH manner of plagues , as oft as they will. '^,^' Andwhenthey hane fimPiedtheir teftimony jthe beajl that commeth ostt of , . the bottomle£e pit [ballmake war againfithem, aHdfhaRouercome them, and ]'.^fhull kill them, '_^ : 8.i And their carafes ^allte in the (ireetes of the great cityy which is called ^iri^ r^.tu^lty S^ohome and Bgpyt^ where our Lordalfo yvoi crucified, j^,. Atfathey of the people y and kindreds ^ and tongues^ and G entiles ifhaU fee their '" \ CQVpfes. three dayps and an h^lfe , apdihalinotfftffer their corpjes to be put in gratfes, ^ ;ii-,i; "\-^ .n-yvo'v 10, Andthey that dwcll^^pon the earth ^all reioyce otter them ^ andthey fhall bg glad, andthey [lo all fend gfts^ one to another yfor thefe two Prophets tormen^ ted the inhab/tants of the earth, 11. But after three duyss and^nhalfe y the ^irit of life which came from God^ {hall enter into them, andthey fiall fl and vpon their feetyand great fearejhall '7 T \fajllvpon them which fee them, i 2, iyindthey heard a great voycefromheanen tfaying vnto them , come vp hi' ther , itAnd they went vp into heauen in a clou^ X andthetr enemies f aw them, 1 3 « And in that houre there wot a great earth quaks>^*td the tenth part oft he city fcllyandin the earthejuake Were jlaine names ofm^n yfeuen thoufandy and the refi were t)trrifed and gaue glory to the Codof heauen, Ain^^^^«'4)jro€Ccdeth forward in the dcfcriptionof tbcfc two wit- efles , • ofwfapm we fpakc the laft time in the fonrjcr vcr fcs . And .^hccz^cimt\\cc^&<^- thc-world , or in cxti^nall flicw , the true mi- A. nificf^ (^f^J^^pfpell Teemc very baff , veryweake, a^d contemp- tible, and to haujrFioti&g«lxce1lentor]3fpdousin them ; andr^^^rp^^itreemeth that they be oucicbmejtrddcndovvheyaiid vttcrly vanqHinied by their enemies : leaft THE RBVELATION. ii99 kaft we fliould be caried awry with that opinion,they arc here fee forth to be he nourable in the fight of God, and full of fpirituall trcafurcs wherewith they enrich theChurchjand heaucniy power alio is in them, wherewith they be armed , cuen vnto a maruelJous vi6lory and triumph ouer thofc which feeme to ooercome the. This place is then ,^as we (hall fee, for to teach vs, that we muftnot efteemeof Chrilisminiltersaccordingto outward appearance in ejiternall gloty and worldly pompc, which indeed they hauc not:but according to the heaucniy and fpirituall graces and power with which they arc furnifhed , for the weapons of their war- Urre are fpirituall. Let vs looke vpon the words as they lie , He fay th they be two oliue trees, and two candlertickes, &c. We reade in Aiofes^ that the oyle of oliues is very fweetc and precious . And it is vfuallin the holy Scriptures ( as all do know ) by fwecte precious oyles wherewith they did vfe to annoy nt them,to reprefcntthe graces of the holy GhoIl.This heauenl/precious oyle, cuen thefe fweete graces of the holy Ghoft, the Lord powrcth vpon his Church by his faithfull minifiers : and there- fore>they are fayd to be two oliuctrees, they hauc the fwecte oyle of the fpirit, not to themfelues alone, but for others . They be alfo two Candleffickcs : ye know what the vfeofcandleftickesis.They beare vp the pure light of Gods wordjwhich from them fhineth vpon men, as the candleflickes do beare the candles fct vpon them. Then that they are fayd to^fiand before the God of the earth, it is to ihcw, that they be his inftrume ncs which ruleth not only in the heauens , but alfo in the earth , yea cuen then when all things feemc to be ordered at the will of Sathan 6c wicked men; for we will acknowledge that God ruleth in the heauens, but in fuch times we can hardly bcleeue that he ruleth in the earth. We may note from hence what a precious vfe there is of the minifterie of the Gofpell : and what blel^ fings God doth gtue by it . For what can be more neceflary ? what can be more for our fpiritual comfort and etcrnall blefledncffejthen to haue the Lord powrc in- to our hearts the heauenly and fpirituall graces of the holy Ghoft , which is figu- red by the oliue trees,and to fhine vnto vs with the true light, which he doth by his minifters, as they are fayd to be candleftickes ? Here aMb the miniffers ofthe Gof- pell may learne, ifthey will be true mini fters of Chrill:, what manner ofpcrfons they ought to be , cuen frefh oliue trees, and candleflickes,thatis, full of heaucniy graces dropping from them , and full of clcere light, bothinpuredo6lrinc, and godly conuerfation . Blefled be fuch inftruments, that f^and before the God of tne earth,yea a thoufand times blefled of God,their worke is fo precious.And wo be to them which hold the place,& through their darknefTe andflefhiy mind , arc nothing lefle, then oliue trees and candlef^ickes . Thus we fee what precious in- ftruments they are vnto the children of God : now letvs fee with what might and power they be armed againft the wicked enemies and prophane worldlings . And ^/(faythhe) any will hurt thent, fire proceedeth out of their mouth, and deuotereth their enemies :for if any will hurt themfo mttB he be killed, Thefe haue fower t0 fjut heauen that it raine not in the dayes of their propheeying, &c» It may fecrac ftrange^that wc afcribe this which is here written vnto the ordinary mbif^ers and G 4 preachers 200 /SERMONS VPON preachers of thcGorpell: for where haue thofc preachers bene feene or heard of, that haue had fire proceeding out pf their mouthes to deuourc their enemies? Where haue we known of fuch as could fhut the heauens that it fhould not rainc? or that haue turned waters into bloud, andiiroke the earth with allmanerof plagues when they would? arc there any fuch minilJers now? or haue we read of fuch in time of poperie? For anfwcr vnto this, ye mull know that this booke vtte- reth almolt all things myfhcally . For indeed the dodlrine ofGods word, which proceedcth out of the mouth ofhisfaithfullwitnefics, is a fircthatrhail deuoure and flay all the wicked enemies . It fhall not flay them vy ith bodily death, for that way the beafl preuaileth againft the fcruants of Chrift.but as a fire it fhall deuoure ihem for eucr with a fpirituall death. O mightic is the glorious word of the Lord, and it triumpheth ouer all: for thofe whom it doth not purge as pure gold, it bur- neth them vp like droffe. Let vs take heed how we dcfpifc and refift it, and let vs beware how we become enemies vnto the true minifters of it. For they be ftarke inad, and know not what they do , which oppofe themfelues againfl the mini- flersofChrift . They muft be killed and deuoured with this terrible fire, and yet they know it not. This is plaine enough touching the fire which proceedeth out of their mouth ; but how fhall we vndcrfland that which foUoweth, that they haue power to fhut hcauen that it raine not, that alfo they can turne waters into bloud, and fkike the earth with all ma ner of plagues, which of all the preachers hath doncthefe things? Thus it is, E/ias did fhut the heauens, that it rained not in three yeares and fixemoneths. Aiofes turned the waters into bloud, and ftrokc the land of Egypt with fundrie plagues. And now the faithfull wirnefTes ofChrill, thetrue miniliers of his Goipell are compared to thefe two great Prophets Mofes and £- liafy not that they fhall worke thofe rayrades which they did in fuch outward things, but thjcthey lliall befurnifhed with a power in fpirituall things , which is nolellc.The gfeat power of God is in the miniflery oftheGofpel,as yc maj^'reade 2. Corinth. I o, euento cafl downe euery thing which exaufteth it felfe againft God,&c.This power is notvifible^and thcrcforeit pleafed God to furnifhhis pro- phets and his Apoflles with the power to workc wonders vnto the bodily fight of men, that thereby they might be led to confidcrofthat inuifible power otGod with which they were armed . Now although the faithfull miniflers haue not the power to workc thefe external] fignes and wonders ; yctbecaufe they haue that glorious inuifible power which is the greater, they are fayd to haue alfo that po'-i wer to da out w,*rd fignes & wonders, which was but as ^ witnefTe of that other," I know that this is farre from the common opinion of men, bccaufe they can fee if a woder be wrought before their bodily eyes, but they haue no eyes of the foule tobehold the moft wonderfull and glorious power of the Gofpell, in throwing downc the powerqf daTknefle,cucn thckingdome and power of the diuell, in fa«i uing the faithfull, and defiroytngthe rebellious, The LordourGod by thefe fpce- chcsorfhuttingofhealien, thatit raine not in the daycsoftheir prophecying, of turning waters into bloud, and flriking the earth with all maner of plagues, doth kad V6 CO che,con(idcr%tion of chat inuihbie power which is in the true minil^erie . i of THE REVELATION. 201 of his word. Saint P^w/ faith, the Gofpell is the power of God vntofaliiation, to cucry one that beleeueth, Rom. i. It is thearme ofthc Lord , Efay.5 3 . Therefore let not vs be blinded to thinke meanly of it according to the outward fhew ofthe minitters. I would ftand no longer vpon thcfe words, but it is needfull here a litle to anfwer thepapirts. For from hence they draw one of their chiefe arguments, by which they wouldproue that the Pope is not Ancichrift. Thus they reafon {'if I may call it rcafoning,which yet indeed is plaine doting.) K Enoch and E/tas hauc not yet come and rclified the BiQiop of Rome,then is not(ray they)the Bifhop of Rome Antichrirt.Butthefc two men EtiPchznd Eitas^ haue not come and refifted the Pope,therefore he cannot be Antichrift.For they take It that the two wiinefl'es here fpoken ofare indeed Enoch and E/iaSy and that they fhall come downc from hcauen in perfon, and preach againftAntichritt three yeares and anhalfe, &theti be killed by him • They haue for this, the opinion of Ibme ancient writers, but in deed with varietic, & nothing as they vaunt and would make file w of. They ftand alfo to prouc the fame by the holy Scriptures, but faile vrterly therein. For al- though the holy Scriptures dotcliifie, that Enoch was tranflated and fawnoc death, and that EUas was taken vp in a fieric chariot •• yet to fay that their bodies were receiued into heauen we cannot: much lefle can it be proued that they fhall comedowne from heauen, and liue among men, and preach again ft Antichrift, and then be killed. Yesf'fay the papifts) touching £/mx it iscleare, thathefliall come againe in perfon, euenby the words ofthe Prophet Malachy:^z\\o\d I fend you EitAs theProphetj&c.How importunate would thefe papifts be,ifour Saui- ourhimfelfe had not expounded that faying ofthe Prophet touching the com- mingof £/;-«/?Sothey might haue fome colour of matter toproue that Aatichrift is not yet comc,they will ftrengthen the le wes in their opinion, that the Meflias is not yet come.For when the Lord lefus Chrift the redeemer wascome,the Scribes faidhcwasnottheChrift, and why? becaufe f faidthey) f/w^muft firft com6 iand re(^oreall things,as the Lord promifed by the Prophet Malachy, This you may fee in Matth. 1 7. verfio. They erred becaufe they looked that E/tas fhould come in perfon: whereas the meaning ofthe Lord by the Prophet was, that he would fend one to prepare the way before the face of his Sonne , which fiiould come with the fpirit and power of £//>//, as the Angell doth expound it vnto Za- fWi^x the fai-hcr of /£;/(>?» Baptift, Luk. i.vcrf.iy.Our Sauiour made anfwervnto his DifcipieSjthat indeed Ehas muft come,and then addeth further that he was al- readic come, and they did not know him, Matth. 1 7 . And when he hadfpoken miich in the commendation ofthe greatnefle oHohn the Baptiftjin the end he ad- deth, and if ye will receiue it, this is that E/iasWnkh was for to come, Matth. 1 r. verf, T 4. Can the papifts with any face ftand now to rnaintainc that this place of Moilachy was and is to betaken, that jE/iheye our LordwM cykCi^ed.Thc(e words do dcelsre a niofl bit- . tcr hatred,and a moft fauage aultie in the men of AntichrirtsSynagogue^againft the Saints ofGod.For they are not fatisfied nor contented with the killing ofthe, no not with all the torments , tortures and reproches, wl^ch they caufe them ta endure while they be aliucrbut after they be dead, they do them all the difhonor which they can^ by cafting forth cbeir dead bodies into the open places j^ denying them the honor of buriall, " ■ Their whole drift and purpofe in this , is to haue thofc precious bodies ofthe holy Martyrs,efteemcd to be no better then dead carrion^euen the dead bodies of dogges or fwine ; and (b they would terrific others. Whereby wc may fee how low here inthevvorld,the Lord doth fufF:r his glorious witnefies to be caft into al outward ignominie. Ifthcy could put them vnto a thoufand deaths, this place fhcweth that they fi^iould be fure of ir.And becaufe they wold make it(as I faid^ a fpedlacle and a terrour vnto others to driue them from their do6^rine, they caft their Hainebodics into the open fireetes ofthcir bloudy citie.Why,will forae fay, will they fuffer the dead carcafics ofmen to liein the ftreetes ? will it notanny thlj&be fo vnwholfomethat they fhal not be ablcro abide it? And ifit be^eleere tbatKome is this great citie,the feat of Antichrift,what Preachers of thcGofpcU haue ^^^ SERMONS VPON bauc bene flainc thcre,and catt forth into the ftrcets there to He ? I anfwer, that we may not take this to be fpoken of the ftrectes within the walles ofthecitieof Rome,but looke how farre the power.and dominion of Rome hath fprcad it fcif, looke how farre Antichrift the Pope hath excr(^ed tyrannic ouer the Churches in pianie great and large kingdomes, fo farre go the Paeets of the great citie. Thofe vvhich haue bene crudlymurihered in Frauncc, and caft forth into open place in the fields, haue lyen in the ftrcets of the great citie. Likewife in Eng!and,in Scot- landjin Spaine, in Germanic, and in all the reft ; for hitherto reached the ftrectes pf the great citie. In thofe countries there haue bene many faithfullMiniftcrsof Chrift cruelly put to death,and all the difhonour that might be was then flic wed to their dead bodies. This fame great citie, this Church or Synagogue of Anti- chnft,boafteihher felfeto be the holy , the pure , and the chart Spoufe of Chrift, cuen the mother ofall the faithful! children of God: when as indeed for her vn» cleannefle and filihinefle of life moft deteftable,the Lord calleth her Sodome:and' forheridolatrie, and fore bondage in which fhe hath held and opprefled Gods peoplcjhc calleth her Egypt. Sodome was filthicin her wickednes not to befpo- keUjbut not more filthy then Rome-& the Romifli Synagogue , and rabblement cf Popes,Cardinals>Monkes,Friers and Nunnes. Egypt was full of fuperftition, and of moft foule and groflTe idolatrie,when ftic held the children of Ifracl in cru- ell bon^age,butRome hath exceeded her in both. And marke how the Lord faith that this great citie is fpiritually called Sodom & Egypt:for this teacheth vs that the literall name is another: as we fhall fee it plaine in the 17. chapter, that the feat of the beaft is literally to be called Rome. Then Rome in letter, but fpiritual- ly Sodom and Egypt. Then he zddcxhyfVhere our Lort^WMcrMCijjeii, Full glad are the Papiftsof this claufe,for hercBj^W^^jy it is euident, that Rome is not the great citie which fpiritually is called Sodom and Egvpt, feeing all do know that Chrift was not crucified at Rome,but at lerufalcm, lerufalem,Ierufalem,fay they is the great citie where Antichrift fluall raigne, and therefore the Pope cannot be Antichriftjbecaufehchath his feate at Rome.and not in the Temple at lerufalem where Chrift was crucified. Let this trouble no man, for doubtleffe Chrift was crucified at Rome.If any fhall replie, that the foure Euangelifts do teftifie that he was crucified at lerufalcm : I anfwer, that is moft true : but yet be was alio cru- cified at Rome. Was he then twife crucified ? No,but thus:if we rcfpe(5t the place, he was crucified acTerufaIem;if werefpc6^ the power and authoritie that put him to death,he was crucified at Rome:Ronie ruled at that time in lerufalem. Reade the Euangciifts,and ye fhall find that lerufalem at that time was in fubiedion vn- to the Empire and dominion ofKome.Ponnus Ptiate was Deputy for the Empe- ror ofRomc in lerufalem. The le wes(as they confcfic) had no authoritie to put a- ny man to dcath,Iohn 1 S.verf.^ i .& therfore they accufe him before Ptiate. Pilate i"aw that they did it of enuie,and would haue deliuered hiro. Then they cried out, that if he did deliuer him, he was not Cfe /» h/'j Tf»tfhj the itrkf of his Tesiament^ and there followed lightKings^UKdvoicc J ^ and th;tndringSj(itrdearthquake, and much haile. He opening of the icuenth fealc of this booke, is as yee know diuided into the foundingot leuen trumpcrs:\Ahe fourcofthem w^rc founded, an Angel flycth in ihemid- dert of heaucn, faying with a loud voice,woc,vvoe,woc, to the inhabitants of the carth^ihac is three woes^becauf* of the three trumpets which were yet to be founded. At the fii ft ofthcfc three greateft woes, w cc had briefly de- fcnbcd the darke kingdomeof antichrift. At the fecond trumpet founded, there was painted out the horrible dc- .firoyingarmieofthe Tutkes. The(e two being fulfilled, there remaincth but oflc which is the third. And therefore as it isfayd at the firft of the three,one woe is paft, and bcholde two woes will cotnc after this ; (b at the next it is here faidc, the fe- cond woe is paff, and behold che third woe commcth anon. This third woe is the greateft woe cfall woes, euen the bft woe,that is-to fay,the woofeternalliudgc- mcnt and vengeance. This is heredefcribedacthc founding of the hft trumpet. Here is then thedayofiudgement, andibme defcriptionof the things which fol- low that day both vpon ihe good, and vpon the bad . For this dercription,as wee (hallfee,deuidethit felfe into thefe two partes, that is to ray,iheioyesofthegood, and the torments, of the wicked. The former two woes, thatis, thekingdome of the Pope,and the kingdome of the Turke being much fpent, we are now to waitc for the great day : for as the holy Ghofl fay th. The third noe rviUcome amn . It is no time for men to line now in fecuritie. Then he fayth, Thefeuenth Angellblevf the trawpet, avd there nfere great vsy-m €es in heaueHy c^c. The Angell did denounce a woe, and it is fayde, the third woe will come: and now at th? founding of the trumpet, here are voyces heard of tri- umphing ioy and giadnes, Howdoth this agree to a woe? Ye muft note that the three great woes arc denounced only againll the inhabitants ofthe earth, the chil- dren of this world,euen the reprobate. Now the ioy which is here fct forth is of an- other companie, euen ofthe blefled Angels, and ofall theele6l and redeemed of the Lord. For when the greatefl woe ofall beginneth vpon the deuils,vpon A nti- chrift,and vpon all the wicked, then beginneth alio the greateft ioy ofthe church, and ofall the hcauenlycompanie.How do the holy Angels and the Saints expreffe the caule of their ioy ? or what caufeofioyvtter they? Saint lohn laith,iherewere loud voices heard, faying, The l^»gdawesoffhis reorlde are oar Lordes^ andhis Chrips^andhefhaUrargneforenermore. Here is thecaufe of ioy cxpieffed. Then all their ioy is in this,and for this, that the kingdome of God, and of his fonnc lefus Chrirt is fct vp.and fh all fta nd for euermore, euen world without end. Here is in- deede full caulic of triumphing and reioycing,for in this kingdom of our Lord con* f ftethjhe§lory of God, thcgloxy and the ioy ofallthe heaucnl^ companies : and P there* ^10 .isERmmas; 'VPON V therefore no marudltliougbfherc hefeloirdyoyces of !/^yeaj>dtjiompfe^ fectingvp'ofchefame. Buticniaybefaii!, doth not the Lord God raignca^ king ouef all the world eueii now ? or did hee not cuen then luk' w ben Antif hnA bare fway ? Yea hath he not alvvaies raigncd ? and is not ih.c Lojd Icfiis lifted vp in olo- ry at the right hand of God,& hath all power gincn vnto biipjp heaiien ajid earth and doth raigne as Lorde and .king ouer all ? How then is-rhis applyed to the day of iudgement,asthoLighthek!i'igdoi-ncofGod,andofhisChrifi,ll)6uld then^and not bcf<3re then.be, fee vp ? To anfwer this, wee muft note, that although the molt high Godof glor^is king ouer ail, atidhadj exalted his fonnevnto thchiglicft maie(Hc,yecby his permidion, Satan theprinceofdarkeneSjVvithhis Angels exer- cife a kingdoine and a dominioti in darknes, in vni ightcoufncs, and fin^ and bca- rethguea' iwayin the world byhisniinifiersand fernanti, the wicked and repro- bate, and ilir.lldoeeucntoche dayofthegencralliudgement. Buratrtiatt dav,the W'hole kingdoir^e of Satan, of Antichrili, and of all the wicked enemies, fliallbec quit>2and vitcrly beaten do wn,noreliques,nor remnants of the fame remayning, 7 he deuils an;i the wicked (liall allbccaft intotheprifonofheli,and there be fhuc vp in dar]ineji,& in eucriafting tormcnis.They Hiall range no more abroad to mo- ici\ the fcruants ofGod,nor to worke wickednes vpon the earth.Fcr we !ooke(a$ Saint Peter faydi) for nc v heauens, and a new earth,in which dwellcch righteouf. ne>,2.Pcr.3 . 1 his is it w hich n e are taught to pray for dayly,when we fay,Let thy kingdomecome. Andtoal!tbathace.thepowcrof ihedcuill,widithe workesof darkneSjand that lot.e the glory of God, and of his Chriftjit is a moft io) fill time to thinke vpon. The LordiclusChriH (\\.\\ raigne^asthehca: f:i!y Ipiritsdohercpro- nouncc) nqtfor a thoufandyeaie^ vpon theear^h, which is thcerrour of dicChili- aftcs.bu: for cuctmcretEucn fo fitfell riKbleilcdnesofche faints be with their head and king world without enue. For fo long as God and his Chri(^ fliali raigne^fo long fhali the '„hurch inioy true blcfiednes : and chat is fo long as ncuci il; all haue ail cndc. Men are carefiill about the things of this life, and an hundreth yeares (ccmeth a longtime, butifoureyescouldbeopened to behold the time, eucnchceternitie andeiierlaftingcondnuanceofdic kingdome oi Chrill, it would makevs defpife andfet l;^ht by the time prefent, and the tranhcorie things which are in it, .andfo fee our whole hart vpon this glorious kingdome which fhallnci:er decay or draw towards any end. Thinkeofcen I pray yc, vpon thcfe reioycing words of the holy AngelSjthekingdonies of the world are our Lords, and his ChriHes, and hee (hall ra ignc for euermore. 1 hiis muchfor chc triumphant ioye of die Angels. Now fol- loweth the reioycing of the Church. The 24. Eldersdocreprcfent all thechofen wTiich are faucd.borh in the time of the law and ofthc Gofpcll. The number of tweluc doubled, rcfpe6ieth the tw due tribes, for the one ; and the Church gathered by the Lambcs tweluc Apolilcs. for thcothcr. Thefcfir(f doefalldownevponthcirfacesand worfliipGod. Theydoc not worOiip one an other^they worfliip no Angelljbut they all v\ orfli ip God. And yceHialliieucr findc in the holy fcriptures, that die true Church 01 ar>y member thereof^ 1 THE HEVELATION. iir thercof,dothworfhipanybutGod.Forihcdiurnew'orniipispcculiartotheinoft hichGod alone, who will not (as he layth by the prophet) giiie his honour to any other. Ic is heinous facrilcdge and robbery to giue away any part oFic vnto crea- tures. The popiflu SyntJgbguetne ChurchotRome^doe woifliip Angels, andpray vnto them. Thepopilli Synagogue do worfliipSaintes,andcall vpon thetTijCna- liing them mediators of intcrcellion. They do vvorQiip and call vpon the blcflcd Virgin, vpon the Apoftles, and Martyrs. The populi Synagogue doe \vor!"hip dead bones,and rotten rcl iques,yea euen thebones lomtinics ot w icked mcn^luch asThomasBcckec.Ffnnl'y,thepopi{h Synogogue doc worfnip Idols oflilucr and gold,of braiTcjOf vvood,and oflTone, which can neither goe norfeCjand therefore indeed they wbrlliipdeuils, as the holy Scriptures doe Batly charge aliiMolaters: therefore the popiOi Synagogueare nothing like to the heaucnly company, which .^A'orQlip none but God. Learne therefore out ofthe holy Scriptures,and take heed to what companie ofworfnippcrs yec ioyneyour fclues. If yee ioync with'thcni which woifhip God alone, there is pl.iine warrant enough in iheliuelyworde; If yee will ioync with them that make others Gods, (for what a ir.anoffeicih diuinc worfhiD vnro,that hce makethGod) yec follow the wicked inucntion of tlic flcfl), iandihe diuilifli fuggeftion ofSatan^andrhe Lord in his w'ord doth terribly threa- ten againft tne fame. Kcepeyour fclues chall^becpure woriliippers of Go'd^com- init not fpirituall wiiorcdome with deuils. Ic foUowedijthst they giue thanks and praifc'id God :JVe giue thee thanl^ Lord Cod /i//J3icrc THE REVELATION. 215 wcrcangrie. Asiftheyfliouldfpeakcthus, the Gentiles, cuen alhheprophane e* nemiesofthy Church.bothforraineanddomefiical, hauebad their time/m which ihcy were angrle with thy people, and in their wrath did afflict and vexe them ve- ry lore : And nowc the cafe is altered, and the lime of thy wrath is come to puniHi them for the fame their wicked crueltie. 1 hcfpeech is very fitte/ccing there hath been no time,but the Church of Chrift here in earth hath had very angi ie enemies, and in their anger and furie, they flic vpon her, reuile and pcrfccute her, and moll cruelly murder her childrcn.This wrath of the Genti]es,and bitter rage againtt the Church, which is moB dcare & pretious to the Lord.is moft highly difpleafinghis heauenly M aieftie ; and therctorc though hee futfer them, and lecme to wincke ac them, yet there is a time to declare his wrath vpon them, and that,as the elders fay, is now come. Ic is alirange thingto fee how, blind the world is :TheMiniflersof Antlchrifl-, how angrie they be, and how they flct and rage ac al tbofe which loue and imbracc the pure dov5irincofthcmo(^ glorious Gofpellof lefus Chrift? And how maddc they bee, that men wilnotreuerence thelawes and curfed decrees of Antichrirt, and fo together with them worfhip the bead? And in their anger,how cruelly they runne vpon yong and old^both men, w omen and childrcn,(paring nonc^and mur- der them vpon heapes ? Againc, the prophane worldlings, whichtakc plcafure in the lulls of !in,& would gladly walk without rebuke in all vncleannes,how excee- ding angry be they, 'a hew the liuely cleere word is ntered,wbich dothdifdofe and bewray chem? And ifthey fee any ot the people imbrace the holy dodrine ofGod, and eixhew vndeane waics, how their wrath is then inflamed, they could euea find in their hearts to bcatc out their brainesPbecaufe the Lord leiteth them alone, (I meane he doth not po wre forth vpon them the full meafure of bis wrath)they i- magine that they (liall neuercome to any account for the fame. But let men re- member that v^ hich is here \\nttev\,The Gentiles trere ^»^r/>,that is,they had their time to fhew their wrath : and the time of thy wrath is come. Men haue a number of excufeSjto colour their wrath and furie againft thofe which publiili and profcfic the doilrine of Chrirt,they will fay icis for theiclewd and naughtie behauiour and euill manners : (as though they which can and doe tnake much of the moft filthy vncleaneperfonsbare anymiilikingtofinne) but they can not cloke matters be- fore God, let them therefore take heed, that their anger bee not againfi the light, «uen ofa loue which they beare vntodarknes. And for vs^beloued,lcc vs the more patiently beare the anger of the Gentiles,feeing they haue but their timc:and there is a time when the wrath of the Lord fliallcome vpon them for it. We were better to endure their anger, which is but for a time, then to vndergoe the wrath of Al- mightic God, which dial! torment as a confuming fire, foreuerandeuer. Manic doe not confider well of this, butfearethe wrath ofmen, more then the wrath of God.They fee fo many angrie at the gofpeljand fon^e of them of power,thac they will profefleit no further, then that they may kindle the wrath of none againft them. Such and fuch will bee offended with vs, fay they, they msy worke vs great harme and difpleafure^ and why fliould weedifpleafe and anger any ? Nay, why "' PS wile 2T4 SERMONS VP-ON. wilt thou difplsafc andangcrthe Lord God, thacthou fearefl thevvrath ofmati-, and feareft not his wrathPLet vs learne here to be armed Orongly,and euen to fland fad, euen fully perfwaded, that if we will cfchewthedreadfull wrath and heauic difpleafureof aliTiighticGod, wc muft make fuilaccoiintto endure the anger of the Gentiles.For this is the portion and lot oi the Churchjand ofali her cbiidren^to beare the anger of the Gentiles. The ncxc words are : And the time ofthe dead that they (hould be iudged. T!ic Angcllin the tench chapter did fvsfearc^ihar time rhuld be no more but in the dayes ol^the voice ofthe fcuenth Angell, when he fnal beginne to blow the trumpet. Wc lee here how this agreeth with the famejthnt now the dead Hiall be iudged. Then they are decelued which expound thcfethinges tobeefuch as goe a little before theladiudgemenr. For when this trumpefliall found, the dead fli all bee raifcdvp incorruptibls : Chrift with this commcth to iudgethcquicke and the dead. As to this alfo thofe former thing$,the receiuing his great migbr and kingdome,and the time of his wrath doe agree. And what fiiallbe done at diis iudgcment ? The next vvordi doe llievv,th2t when they fay,thot thou maicll giue reward to ihy fcru?^unts theProphetSjandtotheSaints.andtoailthat fcare thy namc,bothfmal and great: andthatthoumaie(lde(lroythcm,thatdc{-iroy the earth. This yee fee reacheihto both partSjto the reward of the godly, which flial receiue the crowne ofglory,and to the rendring vengeance and deflruftion to the wicked, for all their wicked waics.The blefl'ed ones which now fhal raignc with the tord in glory^are diuided iiuo ihefc three forts,theprophetSjthc Saints and all that feaieGod,bothfmalI and great. No doubt men (hall in their feuerall degrees^not ofmerite^becaufe there is cone in the works of man)but of the fruitcsottaith receiue the reward of glory. If a manfowefparinglyjhe (iiallrenpe fparingly,andif he fowe plenteoufly^hefliail reape plenteoufly,as Saint Paul telleth the Corinthians, z.Cor.p, verf p. We arc called vpon to be rich in good workes,i .Tim.6. Wc are w illcd ro make vs friends with the vnrighteousMammon,Luk.i 6. OmS2iU\Q\ii(z.\i\\l'Vhofoefier (baQ cine vnto one ofihefe little ones to dr 1^1^,(1 cup ofcolde water one Ij^in the fiameofa dtfci- flcy verily I fay vMto ye, he fh all net lofe h is rewards. Math. lo. By Prophets arc meant in a large fignification, all that haue faithfully taught and inHrud^ed the Church in the holy dodrine ofChnf^, whether prices or prophets ©fold in time of thcIaw,orapo(iles,prophet5,Euangehft5>pailors,and teachers in time oftheGof- pcll. All thefe, euen according to their tliithfullferuice, and labours, fliall receiue their reward. It isfaidinthe Prophet Daniel, that they which haue taught other, fliali lliine as the firmamentjDaD.i i. Great iLali be the reward ofglory vpon the faithfull, and true Prophets. Then next it is faid. He will giue reward to the Saints, and then to all that fearc bis name, both fmaJl and great.It iscuident by the Epiltlcs of Saint Paul, as alfo by diuers other Scriptures,ihat the true belccucrs are ail ofihem called Saints : how is Kre then a diftindlion of Saints,from thofe that feare his name ? for they fay to the Saints,and to them that fcare thy name. Wc mu{i cither take it thus^to the Saints, euen CO all that feare thy name,fecing all thatfearc the Lord be Sairis : ordsthcfc foii^ci. THE REVELATION. nj formct are called Saints by an cxcellencie.For while they Jiucd in the world/ome hauefarre excelled others in holines. But all that fcare the Lord rhall bee rewar- ded, both the fmall and the great. This is a great fpurre to pricke vs forward vnco al good workes, wherein we may feructhe Lord,and glorifie his holy name. And as on the one fide, here is ioyftiU reward proclaimed to the good, fo on the other fide, here is deIku6lion denounced to the cuill : and lhoulde(t (fay they) deftr oy them,thatdeftroy the earth. The oodly receiue theirreward from the free nicrcie, and bountiful! goodnefic of the Lord,noc for any merit or dcfertoftheir ownc;for how can any worke done by man, merit or defcrueetemall glorie ? But the wicked and vngodly, therepro- bate are puniQied anddeftroyed in cternall perdition, eucn according as they hauc deferued. And therefore it is fayd here, the Lord (liall deilroy them, chat de- firoy :for they that deftroy,deferue, and are worthic to be deHroycd. But why are vn^^odly men fayd to delhoy the earth ? I anfwer, w ickednei doth corrupt,and de- firoy. And as godly men by holefome do6\rine, found aduife, and good example in life, as meanes, arc fayd to faue others ; which is a blcflcd thing : So euill men vvith their vngodly opi nicns,euill perfwa fions,and wicked deedcs,do corrupt and defile, and euenvtterlydefiroy many. Ifycniarkeit, thisisamoftcurfedthing, which yet many wicked men doe glorie in,that they can hinder all goodneffe.and draw many after them into euill. Woe bee to fuch, for as they doe deftroy, fo ye bearc that they fiiall be deftroyed.Thc Lord fendetb his holy word to be preached, vvhich is the arme and power o? God to faluation, drawing men out ofthe power offinne,of death,and ofthe diuell . Thou oppofcft thy fclfe againli it becau Ic thou canft notindure the light, thy workes being euill, thou railed vpon thofe that preach itjthouhateftfuch as profefleitjand fo warring forthediue!j,thou de(koy- eftthecatth, and therefore thou fli alt be deftroyed. The Lord hath redeemed vs thatwefhould feruchim in holines and righteoufnesali the daycsofour life: thou doertnotonelydefpifethis/andwalk^in finnethy felfe:but artamaftcr, anda ringleader vnto all vices, yea euen a perfwader and a fetter on ofoihcrs. For thou art not onely a foule fwearer thy felfe, but doeil eucn deride him that will not fweare. Thou doeft not content thy felfe with thine owncdrunkennes. but haf} a delight,andafport,tomakeothersdrunken.Thouentifeft towbt)rdome,totheft, and to a thoufand vanities,thoudeliroicft the earth,and therefore moft iuilly thou ftialtbedeftroyed, vv>. ^Aru^K^-^^iv aiv'-x^^- Thus farre we hauefeenc the reward ofthe good,and the defiiu^^ion ofthe bad CKprelfcd by words : now in the next verfethey be both of them figured vnder fi- gures. And the Temple of God was open inheauen (laythS.Iohn) and there was fecnein hits Templethe arkcofhis couenant : and there followed lightnings, and v.oyces,and thundrings, and earthquake, and much haile. The faithfull are recon- ciled vnto GodbyChrift, and {hall dwell with him intheheauenlykingdomeof glorie for euermore : which is figured by this, that the Temple of God is openUi heauen^ and in the fame Temple was feene the arke ot his couenaut. For by this ' P 4 ~ ' ' arkc 215 SERJvlONS VPON arkcwee muft note that our Lord lefusisreprefemcd, cucnthc mcdiatourbe- tvveeneGod and man,in whom thccoucnantorrcconciliation and peace is made and ratified. There fliallbe no fuch carnall things (as the holy Ghoii Ipeakcth ia the Epiftletothe Hcbriies) in heauen: but the arke did figure Chrili in the time of the law : and this booke fetteth foorth heaucn.'y and ipiricuali thmgs, by thcfe lame externall Hguicsv\bich were then vfed Ti»en he fayih, there tollowed Jight- nings.and voices, and thundrings,and earthquake, and much hajle. "fhe fair.hfull being receiued JntoblifTc, here is exprcfied the terrible wrath and vengeance of God fent downe vpon the reprobate^ And all is here painted out vnder a moft grieuous tcmpeft. For as the Prophet DauidjPfal. i i.delcriberh theiiidgcment ot God.that he will m-ake it raine vpon the wicked fnareSjfier, and brit-n'lone,and tempeftjwhich lliall be the portion ofthcircuppe; To here iliallbcfuch a tempcft a,s ncuer w3« feene, with lightnings and voycesofterrour, andrhundiings, with earthquake, and much haile. Indeed there is nothing here in tlus world To terrible, asthat itcan tully reprefcntthc horrorof Gods wraih, whichfliall at the day of iudgement be powrcd foorth vpon the damned : hue (omc fliadow thereof is re- fembledby thefe terrible thingcs. Lctvs fcaretbe Lordc, andgiorifie his ho- licname, that wcC bee not found among thofc yponvvhora thiotcmpeii Ihall light.. THE XXIIII. SERMON. CHAP. XII. r ty^nd there appeared a great 'svonder in heatten , a, woma» clothed rvith the Suntieyandib} ^^Moone vnder herfeete, andvfon her head a crorvne oftwelu& fiarres. 2 ey^ndfhe was with child, and cried trattelliKg in birt h, and gained, readte to he deliuered, ■ : // 31-t n :; 5 r ' ^ i .' :>i i,: no./ at: 3 yind there appeared another wander in heauen, Behvld a ^eatred dragon, ha* uingfeHtn hedds^and tenm homes ^andvpen hts heads feuen crownes. 4 ^nd his tatledrew the third part ofthefiarres efheauen, and cafl them to the earth .■ and the dragon flood be fore the wo»jan,which wasreadie to bedeliueredy ' ' ' t^ hen ^^thadbr ought it foorth, '^ /^nd(he brought foorth a WAnch'Jd, which fbould rnle all nations with 4 rod of jron^audhtrjonne was taken vp to Cod and to his throne* 6 Aad THE REVELATION. 217 6 t/fftd the womatiflfd i nto the mlderHe[j'e, where fhee hath a fUce prepared of God, that thejjhoiiidjecde htr there a theftfand^ two hnndreth, and threefcore dajes. ^^fi^^J^-^^ "i^^K HE fcocnd viflon of this propheclr, which bcginncih at the fourth chapter, andcontinueth to the end of the elcuenth, being hnjChcd, v.e are come now to the third vihon , which reacheth to the ende of this booke , in- v.hichthcre bee fundiie particular vifions. There bein- this no new matters (for all things were contained in the bookc fcaled with feucn feales, allwhich fealesaie ^--j^J'qJ^ opened, and the fecrets difclofcd, in briefe and darkc msnner) but here wee fhall haue feme of the fame ihings^cucn the chiefe ?.nd principal! which haue beenc (o briefly,and fo darkly vt- tcred in the opening of the reales,ir»ore largely and more cleeicly for our better iu- ilrudlion, painted out. For v\ e fliail now fee in goodly manner defcribed by a vi- fion, fir(i the Church militant vpon earth, viider the figure ofa womanclothed withthe Sunne,&c. Then is there a defcription of herchiefcnemic the dcuill,who as a mofl vgly monfter doth fccke to deftroy the blefled fcede, and fo to deuoure her alfo,by difpofleHing her ofthat eternall bleffednes, of which fhe hath the pro- mile , Then next follow the defcriptions of the chiefe and pr inc ipall inl^riiments, which this monfler thedragon, euenthe deuill vfeth againft her, which arc de- fcribed vnder the figures ofa monflrousbeafl with fcuen heads and tennehornes*. and ofa beaft with twohorncslike alambe^whofedominion & tyrannic againfl- the Saints are fetfoorth. Then doe follow theruines andvttcr ouerthrowof the powerofthefe beaOs, andtlie plagues vpon the malignant Church which doth' worfliip them, withthe condemnation of them all, that is to fay, of both the bearts,and of them that take their part,andofthe deuill. Arsdlaftly amoftfweetc and comfortable defcription doth follow of the vid^orie, ofthegloric, andofthe- eternallfelicitieof thetriie Church, after the finalldeHruf^ionot all her enemies. - Thefethingsatcrcueiled infundric particular vifions, butmaybeccalledallone,- But before Hie come vntothis vicftorie and glorious triumph, fhe mnrt encounter ■withthofe huge and vgly forenaiiied monikrs, as wee fhall fee by their defcrip- tion. Come now to the words : there appeared (fayth he) a great wonder in hcauen, a woman clothed with the Sunnc,&c, Here beginneth the defcription ofthe holie. Catholike Church, vshlchjs called the Spoufeof Chiifi, the Lambcs wife. And that wee may haue our mindcs prepared vnto a due regard and reuerend efiima- tion ofthe whole matter,\vhichishere handled :S. John fayth, thereappeareda' great wonder in heauen. We are moued at great vvonders,and he tellcth that here isa great wonder fhcwed.. Lookenot then here for common matters, andfor? fuch as are butoffmall moment and little to be regarded: but forfuchindccdcas- ate to be vvondred at fox their greatnes, andvvhichfor ourprofiEandfaluation, m ftandcibi 2i8 SERMONS VPON ftandetb vs greatly vpon for to know. Fhft this being (as none can denye) a cfc- fcription of the Church militant vpon carth,hcrc anfeth a qucftion : How is it ihac flice appearcth inheauen, for this woman appearcth inhcauen, and the Church militant is vpon the earth? The anfwer is plaine and cafie enough to this. For wc mi'iil vnderftand, that her birth is from heaucn, fliee is borne of God, her inheri- tance is inheauen, where fhefi-kallraigne with Chrift in glorie^ Oicisbuta Hran- gcranda pilgrime, and that for a time vpon the carih. This is the caiife that fLec appeareth in vifionj not vpon the earth, but in heaucn. This is a great and a won- d<;rfull thing to confider, ifvvee could throughly way it. But the wonder is farre greater in the next words, namely, that the Church appeareth in the perlbn, and vnder the figure of a woman^and hath fuch monftrousenemies.Hovv fliail a wo- man ftand to fight againft fuch horrible enemies, andprcuaile? What is a wo- man to the cruell monger the dragon here painted out? What is a woman to thofe great monftrous beafts which follow in the next chapter, whom the world wondreth at and worfhippeth ? How fnall fiie fight sgainrt thefc ? how fliall fhe bein fafetie,or how lliallilie (land? Is itnota wonderofwonders^that ("heis not v:terly fwallowed vp, and quitedertroyed ? She hath indeede one which is on her fidecovpholdher, who is moft mightie& inuinciblc,in power farre aboueall her enemies, othcrwife flie fliould be fwallowed vp&vtterlydeuoured, athoufand thoufand times. The moB glorious power of God, and of our Lord lefus Chrift,- dicwethicfelfein prefcruing this feeble woman, and in giuingher viitorieouer fo mightie enemies. All that haue eyes to fee, muft necdes confefle that this is a very great wonder indeede. And let vs for our inrtruflion learne, that wee being but as a weakc woman in our felues, all our flrength wherewith we be armed and made able toQand againflthc dcuilland againft AntichrilUn the fpirituallbat- taile,is from our Lord God. Wee are kept by faith, i .Per. i .verf 5 .0 ui vidlorie is ourfayth,i.Ioh.5.verfe.4.Letvsalfo,asS. Paul willcchin his Epjftleto the Ephc- fians,put on the whole armour oPGod, otherwife wee are but as a wcake woman before thefc hugeencmiej. Then it isfayd, that this woman is clothed with the Sunnc, the Mooncis vnder her fcete, and on her head a crownc of twelue flarres. Here is goodly attire: this is prctious and hcaucnly decking, farre aboue the rich and colUy robes, and princely ornamentsof the greateft Qucenes that euer lined vpon the earth. Here is a glorious woman, and full of light : the brightnes of God is vpon her, flie fliineth pure and cleere, fhe is clothed with the righteoufnes, and withthe innocencie and puritie of lefus Chrift, whoisthefonncofrightcoufnes, and therefore he fayth,(Lc is clothed withthe Sunne. O blefled woman : She trca- deth vnder her fcetc things mutable and tranfitoric, euen the things of this world, "which are fitly rcfcmblcdby the Moone that doth alter &change,which he faith is vnder her feer.Her aftccijo is vponheauenly things,cuen vpon the glorie promilcd and prepared for her in the world to come, and in rcfpediofthefimc, Aicetrea- deth vnder her feet c, that is, fliecdelpifcth and fctteth light by all the tranfitoric riches, glorie, pompc, and carnallpleafurcsofthis world. She is crowned, for ve- Klyflieeisagreat CJnccne, euen the Ipoufeofthe king of kings .-and her crownc THE REVELATION. 219 is not of golde, or pretious ft ones, or pearles, or ofany corruptible thing, fuchas Kind's and Qiieenes do vfe, but of an beaucnly matter euen ofcwclucbright Hars : For iTie fliall bee crowned with heauenly glory^and light which fhall neuer faile. She isbrought to the fruition of this heauenly glory, by the pure Hiiniug do6trine ofthcholy Aportles, and therefore it fecmcththe number of twclue isvponher crowne. This is a thing aifoofgrcat wonder, that out offo bale and mifcrabJee- flate,ycacucnfrom the bondage of corruption and thraldomcof eternal] damna- on,into which ail were caft downe,the Lord doth lift vp his Church into fo cxcec. dingjhioh glory. And here I pray yc all toconfider, and to take it as a deerc doc» trine dcliuered in this placejthat f o many as will be the true children ofthe church, they murt putonChrirt,they mufldefpifethis world, and all the vainepompe and the glory thereof, with all riches and carnallpleafurcs, and as citizens ofthe hea- uenly citie,euen long after their countrie : And the word ofGod,euenthe do«5^rine ofthe Apoilles muii be their crowne. In the next verfe it is fayde,that the woman was with child, and fonccre her time to bring forth, asthat fhee wasinthepainej of her trauaile to be dcliuered. Here is a great matter to be noted. It appeareth plainly by the fift verfe following,tha t the child which the woman trauellcth in paine withall to bring forth Js Chrili lefus the bleffed feed ofthe wo* man, who was promifcd as the Sauiourthat fiiould breake the ferpents head. For there it is fayd of him, that he fhould rule all nations with a rod of Iron. And who is that but Chiift the Sauiour > Hee was proraifed vnto Adam, and Eue at the firftinparadife, immediatly after their fall. This promife was renued vnto the Pa- triarchcs, and vnto all the faithfuU in the time ofthelaw.ThewholepeopIe of Ura- cil waited for the comming of this Meffias , which fhould vanquifh the deuill and death. And albeit hee was borne but of one member of the Church, that is, ofthe blefled Virgin Marie, in whofe wombeonely he tookehis flcfli, yet may it be faid that the whole Church^euen all the eleft of God : which were before his comm ingi did eucn trauaile. with paine to bringhim forth, they had fuch a longing, they had through faith in the promifefo vehement and feruent a defire and expcftationof bis birth. And therefore he (aith, thatthe woman, that is the whole Church,cryed irauailing inbirth,and was pained,they brought him forth by faith. Thus far Saint John hath proceeded in the dcfcription ofthe woraan^ which iseuen now rcadie tobringforthherSauiourznowhepaintethoutthatvglyfoulemonflerherenemy thedeuill, as he wasrefembledandfhewed in tlicvifion vnto him. Andthereap- peared (faith he) an other wonder in heauenjbehold a great red dragon,&c. Wcc faw good caufe why the woman appeared in heauen,although fhe be warring vp- on the earth:but this may feeme a ftrange wonder,that the deuill appeareth in hca* uen. Hath this dragon any thing to doc there ? hath he the power to enter into t1:e beauens? Isnothellhis place ? what fhall wefay to this? /noted vnto yee before; thatthe woman hath herbirth from heauen, fhe is borne of God and heauen is her eountrie,thereliethherinheritanceJneednotfl:aiidtoproucthefethings,forwho is it that will doubt ofthem, or call thein into queftion ? Now becaufe the dragon fcckethtocaft her quite do \vne fronuhis her high dignitie and glorious life, and vtteilyv- 220 SERMONS VPON vcterly to deprlue and to difpoffeffcherofthatheaucnly inheritance, be appcarcth by vifion alfo in lieauen. It is to teach vs,thathecpur(ucth her cuen thither, when be laboureth to cart her do vvnc from that dignitie. For the whole praftife of Satan is, to bring downe nito condemnation in hell with himrclfe,cuen all the ele<5t and chofcn children of God if it were podible. Hee enuicth the felicitie of the Church, and would draw her dovvne into perditionrand fo we fee then why in vifion he ap- pearethinheauen. Icis not then thathehathanyright,anyintereliorpIaceinhea- uen ; but that he purfuech the woman in fome lort thither. Hee is a moi\ enuious, a mort hatefull and cruel! enemie of ours. And now let vs fee what manner ofone he is, what hisdifpofition,qualities,and properties be. He isrefembledby a dragon, which is a bcalt fo fierce and cruel!, that he cannot be appcafcd. We doe all abhorre it, and eucn as it were tremble at the name of a dragon : and therefore vndcr this figure is painted out the mo(i fa- uage monOer ofalljfullof all dragonly felnes. He is laid to bee a e^reat one, and fo the more terrible : torlookchovv much the greater, fo much the more terrible is a dragon, huge in greatnes, very mightie and ftrong, and a dragon that is fell. Be- fidcs his greatnes, his colour doth alfo be wraye v\ hat is in him : for hee is all fierie red. Hedothburne, yea hee is on a flame as it were widjhatred and malice, both againrt God and man. Hee delighceth in nothing fo much as in murther and cru- cltie,heisall bloudie. He is a murderer from the beginning (as our Sauiourfayth) and abode not in the truth, lohn 8. His bloudie and fiery natu re iecketh nothing continua!ly,but to dertroy and murder both the foules and thebodies of men. And he doth delkoy and fwallowvp fo many as God doth not blelfe and keepe from iiim. We fee here plainely what the woman is to looke for at the hands of fuch an e- nemie : and we are continually to craue the blefiingand protedlion ofGod.Is hcc any way to be appealed or qualified ? Is it good to obey his will ? May there be a- iiyreconciJiation,or any truce fo much as for one how er had with him ? Put v\hen as the holy fcriptures doe teach, that there be great multitudes and aimies ofde- uils which doc compaffevs about and feekeour endlcficdellru»?Jon :How is it ihat he fpeakcth here but of one dragon,whom heafterward callcth the deuill and Satan? Theanfwere vntothis is cuident: namely, that this one dragon doth rc- prefent the whole kingdome of the detJils,eucn ihe whole infernali power.Ifthcre be an head or a mafier deuill, yet ail the re(i doe ioyne in one. Yea they all of them fo ioyne together in malice and mifchicfe, as if they were bur one, and not manic xieuils. Their malicc,thcir power, their craftincs,and their indeuourSjdoe all con- currc. Our Sauiour teacheth, that Satans kingdome is not dcuidcd, Matth. i z. Then further,thi£ dragon hath fcucn heads,and ten homes, and vpon his heads fc- lien crownes. Here is a vvonderfull, and 1 may fay,a mort dreadfull dcfcription of his lubtiltic, of his (Irength, and of his viitorie?, v\ hich hy his force and fubtiltics he hath obtained. He hath feuenhcadsjand marke well what that reprcfcnteth,for as we vfe to fayccmmonlyofa crafcieman,hce hath a fubtlehcad : lb the pcrfcdl number of fcucn heads hcic do rcprcfcnt the fulncs ot his fubtiltics and craftcs.Thc cumber THE REVELATION. 221 bcr of feuenis vfed in the fcripture for a perfefl number to fignific many,and fo by thefe feucn hcads,are fignificd the manifould and fundry deepe flcights and fubtiU jiesoftbis horrible enemic,and as I fayd^euenthefulnesofthem. He is moft vglie and moft foule in al things,and yetthrough Height he can colour the matters thac hedealeth in,ro farrc and with fo great cunning as to transforme himfclFcinto the likcneffe (as Saint Paul faith) of an angell ofliglit^ and make the things feeme good which he perfwadeih^ Without the fpcciall wifedomeof God therefore to guide vSjhe fhould outofdoubtdeceiueall ; none,not euen the wifcft fliouldbc a- blcroefpieout,andtoauoydehisfubtikies.He hath ten homes: andbyhornesye knowc right well that the Scripture eucry where fctteth foorih, and refcnibleth^ ftrength,andpower,aTid might .Then it iseuident,that befides the manifold fub- tiltiesof this cruell dragon^he is of wonderful force and might : for ten is alfo a per- • k£i number.Thcy be mightie fpirits the dcuils and full ofccrrible power : For thefe ten homes doe pretendib much. , Wee all of vs doe vnderfhnd this, that flrength • can do much by itfelfe,and fubtiltie alone doth often preuaile to effed very great raatiers : what lliall wee thinke then, where fuch exceeding greatllrength refem- bled by ten homes, and Co manifold fubtilties jas his fcuen heads containe, nieeic and are ioyned to gcther? Thefe do indeed concurre in this fierie dragon,the fierce and cruell cnemie of mankind. And whateffeftes they haucwrought,is declared; in the next words, when he faith. And vpon his heads feucn crownes. Who do'vfe to weare crownes I pray you butconquQrourSjWhich in deed get the vicSlorie and^ doeraigne? Nowbecaufe the dragon by his fubtilties efpccially hatH gotten many vi(£io- rJes, and hacii feduced the nations ofthc worlde, euen to worfhip him in ftead of God, and fo hath brought them vnto etcrnall perdition, hce is crowned and hatb paignedouerthemasaking, and as a mo fl^ mightie conquerour. Andbecaufehis fubtilties haue fo often preuailed^allhis heads areciowned. There is not one head ; that wanteth a crowne.This is that mightie ty rant, whome Saint Paule calleth the: God of this world, whoblindeth the eycsofthe infidels, 2.Cor.4, AndAwhom the fame Apoillecallethprincipalities, and powers, euen the rulers of the darkencs of this worId,and fpirltuall craftines in the high places. AniSaint Peter calletb him' aroringLion, Ephef.d. i .Per.i .5: . Indeed all his dominion isinfalfhood, in lyes, in error,in darkenes,in fupcrftition,in Idolatrie,andin all filthincs of other wicked /iniKS. As his fubtiltie is very great fortofeducc, fo is hee mightie and flrongia the corrupt heart of man toleade vnto all thefe. The lrght,the truihjtbepure worde of God in deed do vanquifh him : and the fpoufe of Chrift is armed therewith,as with the fpirituall fword,Ephef.<^,Itis a very good thing for vs,that the holy ghoft doth thuspainthim out,euen in this tcrriblcxnanner, euen toraife vsypfrom fecu- ritie, that we may feckc continually toGod, to bee preferued by his gratious and mightie prote^^ion from this dragon.Hc deilrpyeth n^any thoulands,and yet ma- keth them beleeuehe neucrcommeth nigh them ; he holdeth them in fuch blind— nes and contempt of Gods word. He woundeththeir fou'es to death with all abo^ minabie finnc, tit vs'oikcih mightily in their hearts fo fane that ihey obey his will • and^ 22i SERMONS VPON •aadfohonourhim as tbeirGod,and yet they docnotpcrcclueit.TfyewllIbe wife," beinftantwiththe Lord God niohcaiid day, and let icbcyourcontinuall prayer Cobedeliuercdfromhim. J'/rl't^i'S liVsM ;:b(ic.sfan>.-, !:v[c'iik>::"c;\. 1.; .; It is iayd further, that his taile drew the third part ofthe fiarr es of heauen,' and threwtheindownetothccarth,Thisisamaruailousthing,and which we may in- deed greatly wonder at, that this monfkr the dragon is fo huge and fo great, that his tade reachech vnto.and doth caft do wne the third part of the fhrres of heauen ? what is the bigneffe of the whole bodie, and what is hisrtrength that hath fucha taile ? Hereby 1 take it cuident.that dragon reprcfentcth the w hole bodie of aii the detiils. How cafily wercheabletofwailow vp the woman, ifthcmightie power of God did not keepeher ? What is ilicin her feifc compared vnto him?Glory,ho- nour. thanks, and praife^ be to the mort high God, which is greater and mightier then he, and doth foarmeeuen theleaftandtheweakert ofallhisclwlenjandma- keth them fo (irong,th3t they vanqiiilli and oucrcomc this n)on(lcr. And it is a'glo- rious vi6torie,that wcake ikrh through the power of God is (o mightic as to oucr- comehim. Biitit may bee demaunded, what is meant by this, that his taylc doth draw the third part ofthc (larres of heaucn,and c^l\ them downe to the earth? HovvisittobevnderHoodPWeknovvitisnot toberakcnliterallv, that the deuil with a very tayle euer drew downe the Ihrres thcrafcluesol'the firmamcnt,wliich doc fhine vnto our bodily eyes: Wee mud then take it my/tical!y, and not as the letter foundecb. And ye fee before by C^riiis owne words,when hec fayth.the fc- iien iiar3,3re the fcuen Angcis oi tf)e fcuen churchcs^ihai by ilar:, aic fignificd prea- cbersoftheGofpeli.bccaufe they mu(t lliincto the world with pure doifliinCjhke llarres. A great paitofchem areby thedesiils tailecart downe.They feemcd which are thus ca (t downe, for a tinje to lliine like fiarres ofheauen, both by thr light of heawen'ydod^rine, andalfoofvpright conueifationrbut the dcuill casing in his taile,that is eucn tempting them with ambition, with vaine glory, with couetcuf- nes, and with other flellily lulls and eanhiy dcfires, puUeth them downe Irom their brightncs. They become euen like the reft ofthc worldlings, which arc cal- led the inhabitants ofthc earth, which he (beweth wh.en he fayth,thc dragon doth caft them to the earth. This place doth inflrij6t vs aI,for this is declared to ihc cRd, that we may not be aHonitlied, notOumblc at it as at a ftrange matreri,vvhtn wee fee many learned mcn,th,ithauezcaIoufly preached the gofpel, and were famous, that in continuance oftiine doc becomceucnmccrewovldhngs, fcarce retaining To much as any little llie w either of zeale for to fet forth the trueth.or yet of godly co!iucrfation:sllgracesdoe withcrin them/Ihisprophecie mufl needs be true ia all ages and times. The dragon hL'htcih againfl the woman very (icrcdy, and al- though hecannotcaft downe tbclcaflof Godseleift, forChriftfayth, thcbther that gaue them me isHrongcrthcnall, and none can rake them out of his Iiands, loli.io- vet hccpreuailcrhagninfi multitudes which are in tlKvihbkChurch,and vvhichdid icen)cfora time name is giuen him in the tenth chapter ofDanielj wl)ere hee is called the firft of the chicfe princes : bee aufe he is the head of Angels, who are the chiefc princcSjbcing as the blcfled apoftle Saint Paul cilleth them,principalitics,mights, thrones, and dominations. In the twelfth chapter of Daniel,hec is called Michael the great, or the grcatefl prince. The vvord is an hebrue namc,compoudcd of three words,which confift euery one but ofonc fillablc, which are thefe,Mi,cha,and cl. Mi,fignificth who or which, cha, equall or like, el, the (Irong God : Michael then fignifiethhewhichis equall with God. And we are taught that lefus Chrift tou- ching his Godhead is equal with the fathcr.For Sa int Paul(as ye kno.v the place in hisepilileto the Philippians)faith,thatChrift being in thcrhapeofGod,thought jt no robbery to be eqjallwich God. Then this Michael is lefus, for hee is equall with God. Here may now a queftion be moued,as thus : Did not this M ichael on- ly oucrcomc the dragon? Is there any otherpovverbefides the power of our Lord lefus, which hath vanquilLed Satan ? Ifnor, howe is it faidc^ that Michael and his Angels fought againft the dragon ? This is cafiiy aunfwered, that how iocucr Michael hath his Angch that doe fight, yethe alone hath the power which ouer- commeih the dcuilh for they all fighr.in his namc,and in his pow cr. Yea to fpcake more propcrly,thcy bee butthcir.iniftcrsand inftrumcnts ofhis power. They bee then ioyned w ith hin) in this battcll^not that they fight in their ow iic ftiengtb,but becaufe they be his miniflers. Now THE REVELATION. 119 Novvbefidcs thchcaucniy fpiritcswhich are not to be excluJed,ihc bicficd A- poflles,and other minifters of the Gofpell v\ horn the Lord raifcd vp , were the An- gels of Michael.Thcfc fought and doe fight againfl the dragon,whcn they dcliu ct forththe light of the hcauenly truth: v\hcnthcy teach the true v^o^(hipofGod, andbeatcdowncallFaifc woifliip which is in Idolatrie and error. Yea \\ hen ihcy lay open the power oflefus Chrifi, and his fauing health : Do v\nc goeth Satan and hiskmgdome cuen by thefe. So then, when Peter^and Paul,and all other holy fer- uauts ofGod,euen as the Angels of this moft illighty priucc M ichael, doe fight a- gainft the dragon and againli his Angels,and ouercome thcnv: they fight not in a^< ny power of their ownc, neither doe they ouercome by any might oftheirownc,^ butthey fight and ouercome only in the ftrcngch and power cf their captaine.l his may teach vs, that itisnotbccaufe Chrifl needed any helpe, that his 'Angels doc- fight with him : neither is it to fhc we that Satans power is fubdued by any ether might then by his alone. All that fight againll the deuilland his Angels,and oiiei'*^ come, fight with the power of Chrift. Thus much may fufficc for the aafvvcringp ofthatquc^ion. -.'",.•:.,• 5. ^ Come now to the other part.The dragon and his Angels fought.Tbis great ty- rarit hauing obtained a kingdome, is very loth to hauc it pulled downe or dimiui- (hed, yea he fighteth and endeuoureth uct oncly to vphoid that he had, but alfo ta- enlarge his dominion,yea cuen fofarrcif it wcrcpofiib'e, asvtterly to pull dov»ne the kingdome of God. Here isfightingthenfortwokingdomes, euenbetweencL two great princes,the princeof darkues,and the king of glory. The Lord of hoaft^ cuen the Lord ftrong and rnightic inbatteil,v\hici» is the king oFgIory,Pfalm.243 will brcake downe thetyranous power and kingdome of the dragon, andfetvp the kingdome ofgrace,and faluation,and from hence arileth the battel!. But-\\ ho are the dragons Angels which doe fight tor him > Shall wee take the dragoritobc but one deuill,cucn the chiefc, whomc the Pharifees called Beelz.ebub,and all thc^ rertofthededilstobehis Angels? Oi as the papiiles lay, this great dragon is Lu*l cifcr,for fo they callthc prince of the dcuils, becaufe in the 1 4 .chapter offifay,veri X 2. it is faid, how art thou fallen ftonrheauen Lucifer? whii his fpokcnof theking*i dome of Babell, and they ignorantly apply it tochc deuiil. ^ior the king of Babeil is compared for the brigbtncs of his glory; to che tniorningftarre, wbicl^ iscaUcd Lucifer. It may bee there iyonedeuiilchiefe askingoueralkkcrjd5i,batf{ doc noD yet (ec how it is decrely proucd by the holy fcripturesi' t kno w the vanicieof fome isfuch, thattheydoehotonelybcleeuediat there is (as I fayd) oiiedeuiliasking ouer all the rert,w htch Iwill not affirme nor denie, but alfo bt-Ieeuc the coniurer?, which fet forth that according to the goucrnments here ainoiig mcn.there be alfo ainong the deuils, vnder tlve chiefe deuiil. Princes, Dukes*, Eatlcs^ and great eap^t taines which haue their armies vndcr them. Ihhe holy word of God hach tadiefet no fuchthing,thenv'chohaihtaughtitbuitheratherofli?!^?But if any manHiali reply, and fay it is cleere by this.placCjth at there is one prince ofthc deuils,and all the rclt be called his Angels. Andlikewife, Math. 25, Goc ye curfed into euedaOing fire, which is prepared for the deuiil and his Auigels. 1 fay as 1 did before, I doe notde- ijo SERMONS VPON nie, as Idoe not affirine,'buc that one deuillmaybccthcchiefe, and asthe prince, butycci doc nocTec, but that rather by this dragon the kingdome of deuils is re- prclented.and that if there be feiierall orders or degrees,becaufe Saint Paul calleth theiri principuhties,and powers, and the rulers ofihe darkncilc oFthJs worldjEphc. 45 .yet they may be all included in this drae;on. Who then will forne fay, be thean- gels of the dragon which here doc fight? It is no abUirdicic to cal^particular deuils theAni:;elsottbedrag6nj howrocacrthcy bee all figured by hitu, feeingtheyall tight to maintaine and holdvp one kingdome.Andmoreouer bythe Angels ol the dragon,arc not onely deuils vnder(iood, but alfo tyrants/aife teachers,corriipters of the truth,and heretikes :for all tbefe do fight for to vphold thcpQy\'er and king- dome of the dragon. As C^hrid and his angels fight on the one part,lb thcfe with thedragonfightagainflhinijon fheotlierparr. Ittoiloweihj ilutthe dragon and bis Angels prcuailednot,-' neither was their place found any more in iisauen. This may fccme tobcebuthalfea comfort .that he taithjthey prcivailcd not ; fora power fo nctiine doth nor preuaile,and yet is not ouercorae,nordin)iniflied. Doth Satan goeavvay, and his Angels from this bat- tcll onely not peuail ing ? Arc they not fubdued and vanquidicd ? Yes, that is out of que(iion,that our mighty prince hath broken or cruOicd the head ohhe (erpenr. He triumphed in hiscroffe ouerprincipaliticSjand powers.Satan commeth down from heauen (peedily : As ye know how our Sauiour fpeaketh in the Gofpcl,! fa vv Satan Fall dovvne from heauen like-Jightning.Thcy preuailcd not,not onely in op- pugning the whole Church, but alfo in not retaining that power whichihey had. Forhauiiigfeduced the large anartly by his flrengthi and partly by his craftiocs,hadlong time prcuailcd^and thereby was made To bold that euery way hecadailed ChrKi lefas himfcJfejnow heefccleththachciijouei:- come, and that there rcaiaincch no hope for him cucr to aflailc againe in battaile, cither the Sauiour lui-n{eire,jDrthe faluation of the Church. Their place in thatrc^ ipe6t is found no more in hcauco.Where is their place then found ?fortheybcnoc quite put downc asyec from nghjing, they haue aplacc, they be not yet quite dilpofl'eflcd of their kingdome ? r It is exprcfied m the next vcrfc, that they be caft forth into the earth, out of itea- ucn then into the earth. Not vccerly put downc then (as I faide) from their king- dome^norlrom fighting,butcaft out from fighting any more in heaucn.to fightin the earth.Ofthis we fliall fpeake more anon^but i\:l\ couching the fpecches which arc to fctoutthe dragon. The great dragon (faith Saint lohn) was caft forth,called the dcuill and Satan, which feduceth the whole worId,&c. iookc vpon the words, he is a dragon tierce and fellr He is a very great one,and ofwondertull power : He is that old ferpent, and therefore not only fubtill.but through long experience won- dcrfulldeepein manifold crafts and Heights. He is called the deuill,rhat is, a falle acculer by his calumniations. He iscalled Satan,!* which is an aduerfarie, burning with hatred againftGod and man. He hath with his craft and fubtilcie preuaiied and feduccd the whole world, (only chofefc we excepted which the Lord hath cho- fenout ofthe world) and yet in this battel] heisoucrcomeandcaftforth.Forwhat ishefor allhisfiercenes,ftr€ngth,and fubtiltics.when heencountrethwithChrift? for he is Michael, equallor like to the ftrong God. Indeed yec il^ay well perceiue that al we are nothing to this vgly monrter,he could eafily fwallow vs vp:but there is one on our fide, euen our redeemer who is too hard for him, .arid hath call him forih.he hath caft him into the earth, and his Angels with hinii Weil then come, he is not yet caft do wne into hell and fh ut vp there. Hec is caft but into the earth, he is not fpoyled of all power, but vpon earth he renuech the battcil, and fighteth. And the Churchis and hathbecne vpon the earth. Very true,& he fighteth againrt her vpon ch? earth,hc temptcch her children, he perfecuteththem with ftaunders, and with all kindc of cruell torments: but her faluation is ratified and fealedvp, and fohee cannot fight againft her inheauen. Hee hath then ibme power left to fight with allagainft the Church in earth.'to vcxe and afflidlher in this worlde,but hurt her eftate in heauen, nor difpoffclie her hee cannot, being fpoyltd of all that power, neither remaineth in him . any hope thereof. Againe hee hath his power, his kingdome,and dominion remaining whole ftill in the ea rtlvthat is,ouer the re- probate and wicked worldlings.Hciscaft forth and his Angels out of heaucn,buc not from amongft them. They be his fubiedts, they be his vaflals^ihey honor hira by doing his will. Xhusfarrc then vve fee hiskingdomedoih yet continue after this great battaile: Q^ and 2J2 SERMONS VPON and (h all continue to the great day , that is,thc day ofiudgcment. But hath not the liord Icfus fully ouercomGhicn rbadi h« not fully trodedowne his aductfaries ? or did he want mightfor to doe U ? He wanted no might euen at once vtterly to tread them downe all,and to Icauc them no powei.Thc worke which he wrought was not in it felfe vnperfed, either for the full dcliucrancc ofhis chofen, or for the vtter oucrthrow ofall his enemies ; but it pleafethGod in hisheauenly wifedorhe, that this power fhould not fhew forth it fclfc at once, but by degrees,and in foiftc meafure for the time, and then perfe(2:ly to take c^ct\ when all the dead ihall bee raifed vp.Thch let vs not be difcouraged.that the dragon after ibis battailc fought, rctaineihihllakingdome, and great power, anddoth ftillmuder his bands, and armies, and doth fight. He cannot fight any more (as wee hauc feene) in heaueft, and that which he retaineth ofhis power in cat th, isbutbypermiffionforatime : for ChriR atihc latter day (as Paul fhewcth, i. Cor. i 5.) willput downc all rule and authoritic, and fhall baue all his enemies made his footelioole; Thus fatte couching the batta lie. ■-■'•■ Now as it hath been the inanner ofold, when any greatbattaile was fought, that the fide which preuailed would fing a fbngofvii^oric, and fct fjrth the praife ofLbe conquerors : As ye may fee how in (iich a iong Mofcs, and the children of Jfracl, magnifiethcLordGodasthemoft (Irong and mightie warrior, when he had ouerthrowne Pharaoh and his hoaft inthercdfca, Exod. 15. Alfoweereadc how Deborainihebookeof Judges, aftcrthe greatev;6torie gotten oucr Sifera, made afijng,in which flic fettethfoorth the praife of the conquerors, ludg. 5. The Lords is magnified, and cheinflruments, cuen her fclfc, and Baruck, and lacl the woman which draue the naile into the hcadof Sifera.and Iikewife fuchofthe chil- dren of liraelin thcirtribes, asbchaucdthemfelues valiantly. And wereadealfo, that w hen Dauidhad flaine Gollah, and the vidotie was gotten oucr the armie of the Philiftims, the women camefcorth and did fing, that Saul had flaine his ibou- fand,and Dauid his tenne thoufand, i . Sam, 1 ^ Thefe were fongs ofvidory : this v^fasthemln^er'toextolhheconquerors,Sohere,when the dragon and his Angels arc ouercomejthere is a ioyful fong of vi6lorie, which S.Ioiin heareih vttered with a loude voyce from heaucn. This is indeedca moft excellent fong, in which f.id the kingdome and power of God, and ofhis Chrifl, aremagnificd foroucrcom- ming the dragon, then the glorious vidWie which the Church hach ouerhim fhroughChrirt. Third!y,there is a calling vpontheheauens and vpon all that dw el in them, to rcioyce for this glorroui-' viifone. And laflly, woe is prod jmed to the reprobate, whichreceiuc no good by the fameviftorie, but through theirownc corruption,tui nc it to their further dclhudion. Touching thefirfl of thcre,wee fee it is fayd, now is faluation wrought, and the ftrcngth, and the kingdome ofour God, and the power of his Chiifl. There is no- thing darkc or difficult in thefe words : but as ye fee thepraife of God . and ofhis Chrift arc founded foorth, in that the mofl high power ofGod, and His kinpdome, haihfhcv\cditfclfein Chrif^, byvanquifliing the dragon, and thereby working and ratifying the falu^tion ofthe Church, that it can ncucr be iLakcn. Mark well (I THE REVELATION. 233 (1 pTay you) how it is fayd, that faliiation is wrought inhcaucn,and then the king- dome of God, and the power o' his Chrifl arc annexed. For hereby we are taught, thatihc raluatibnofchc Chnrchiswrou|,htontlyby thepov\crot God in Chrift, and whoiydepcndcthvpon the fame, Merc is no part afcribed tothe Angels, nor to any other creature, but all wholly vnto God and his Chrifi. If is the kingdomc and power ot Ciod iahisfonne, and not the kingdomcofany creature, in which the ialuation oftheelcdVcoiifi'ktb. Weniuft afcribe vnto God and hisChrirtjall the giorie and praife thereof! ItplearcthGodindecde, tovfe boththeminiftericof men and Angels in working this faluation, yet they doe nothing but in and by his ftrcngth: Thenletvsnotchcrethat which wecfpakeofbefore, namely, howrhe dragon is cafl foorthfrom heaucn, that is, wherein his power to fight did confift, and how it is taken away. For?he words ofthis long doe expreflcit, when they fay, becaufe the accufer ofour brethren is cafl footth, w hich accufcd them before God day and night. This drapon did ouercome our firrt parents Adam and Eue and brought them into the guiitincs of finnc: yea all theirpoderitie arc ofneccf- iitieborne from them vncleanefinners. Then is the iuHiceofGod/iich that where there is the guiltines of finne,there is damnation. All then being guiltic.t he dragon doth ftand before God night and day, and requircth and iudgcth cucn by the iu- fticeof Godto haue all damned inhellforcuer. Herein then flood his power a^ gainft all : and as vndcr a certaine right herein he fighteth : and the Lord God can not deny iuftice and right, becaufc he cannot denyhimfelfe. How is the dragon then cad footth from this ? Thus he is caft foorth,the Lord lefus is borne.cuen Mi- chael the moft mightie prince. He taketh all the finnes and guiltines of his peo- ple vpon him, eueatobeare them in his bodie vpon the tree. HeiufFerethallthe wrath and torments duefor the fame, fothat with his owne bloud he warhcththe v-fhole Church, and maketh her cleanc from all fpot. Then (he being thus iufiified and clothed in Cbriti with pcrfcft holines and puritie, the deuill can accufe her no longer, nor lay any thing iuftly to her charge. All his right and power agaynf^ the cledt is taken away rand fo his place is found nomoreinheauen. This is it which S.Paul glorieth of,Rom.8. Who fiial lay anything to the charge of Gods ehofen ? It is Godthatiurtifieth(faythhc) who is he that condemncth ? it is Chrifl which dycd,yea rather which is raifed againe, which is alfb at the right hand of God, and makethioterccfTlonforvs . Who then fhallfeparatcvs, fromtheloucofChrift? Behold then bcloucdjthe dragon ca(^ foortb^becaufe he can no more Isy any guil- tines offinnc to our charge. Behold our faluation ratified in the death and refur- re6^ion ofchriO. Behold thckin^;;domcand might ofGod, andofhisChrifl here- in,and let vs afcribe all g!orie,and praife, and honour, onely to him which indeed hathwafned ysfi-om the guiltinesofour finncs,""and made vs foperfe^lypure,that thedemll canlny nothingto ourcharge. Thisis the firf^ part of the triumphant fong, proclaming the glorie and praife of the chiefe conquerors. Now to the fe- ccnd. I noted before that in fongsofvii^oric, not onely the chiefe doers had their- praife,buc alfo all that dealt valiantly : as in the fongofDebora next after God,her felfeb> 254 SERMONS VPON fclfejBamck, Iael,and others : So here after the praife to God and his Chrift foro- mcrcomming the dragon, the Church alfo^ ;eucn allthcfaithfull, haue their praife and commendation, fortheir valiantnesin conquering the dcni'I and his armie, Thefe be the words, And they ouercame him by the bloud oi the Lambc, and by the word of their ceflimonie, and i hey louednot their liues cuen to the death. Then here is a praife ot theelei^, that they vanquiili thedragon, here is then va- liant Rrcngch.which they tread him downe withal! in battaile celebrated : but not to take any thing hem the praife and glorie ofChrifl:. For they doe not ouertomc byanym'ghtoftheirowpc, butby the bloud of the Lambe, and by the word of their te(iimonic, &c. CbriOihcn is hee tiut hath ouercome,and.euery one that hachthctruefjithjinhim andbyhimdoothgetchevi(^^oric. SaintPauI, when be {etteth foorch the fpirituail battaile, willcth vs co be firong in the Lord, and in the power ofhis might,and to put on the whole arn^.our of God,Ephe.d.Eucn fo may ■we learne in thispIace,ho w cuery true Chriftian foule is armed to fight,and to get the viiloric ouer the deuill. It is eucn thus.to haue the true and and liuely faith in the death of Chrift, andfoby his bloud tobe purged from all finne:andtoimbracc )tbc moU pure and holy word ofChrifb,and openly to protefle it, and notonelyin the time ofpeacc,but euen when they be fo peifccuted forif,thatit cofl them their Jiues. For then arc they fay d nottoloue their hues eucn vnto the death^when they ichufe rather to ftifter all thecruell tortures and torments, which the deuill and the tyrants can deuife,thcn to deny the trueth and name of IcfusChrifi. It is called the -word ofthcirteflimonie, not that it is the word ofman, but becaufethey doc wic- ncs the fame : For it pleafeth our God to giue this honour to his people, as to bee v\ irncfies to his mod facred trueth. And our Sauiour faith, that he w hich doth not fbrfake father and mother,wife,chiIdren,and his life, for his fake.he is not worthie of him. And one thing is here to be obfcrucd.that eucn in death and martyrdomc, euen in all reproaches and torments which tyrants and pcrfecutors lay vponthe holy leruants of God,thcy ouercomc the dragon. Wiil he then gladly efcape from the iawcsof this dragon, that he fwallow you not vp with him into hell ? Set all your tru(i in thebloud ofihe Lambe ofGod,Tefus Chul},fortheremiffion and free pardon of a 11 your finnes. For being through a liuely faith iuftified in him,the dra- gon hath noching to lay to your charge wherein hce may iuftlyaccufc ye before God. Take the fliarpe fA'ord of the fpirit,cucn the pure word of God, and fight a- painflhim with the fame,for it fhall cut and wound him deeply. Stand jn the pro- felTion of this trueth, and be nocaOiamed tobearc witneflevnto it before men; and if it fhall coft thee thy life, and that thy bloud fhallbc fhcad for it, faint not : thou art one of thofe which get the vi(ftory in the great battaile, eucn ouer the dra- . gon, and ouer his Angels, For let not this depart out of thy minde, they ouercame him by the blond of the Lambe, and by the word ofiheir tef^imonie, and they lo- ucd not their Iiues,cuen to the death. The next part ofchis heauenly fong of vi(5lorie,fayth. Therefore reioycc ye hca- uens,andyethat dwell therein. That God and his fonne lefus Chrift doe raigne, that the deuill and his Angels arc caft foorth,^ that the chofcnbaue the vi^^orie o- uer THE REVELATION. 255 ucr him thronght^^ blond of the L5mbe,and chat the faluation ofihe Church caji neucrbcfliaken are fo happy things, tbatkbehoueththevery hea'uenstoreioyce, and alichc An<gc thing .feliout, they cried by and by,to haue tbeCnrifiians cafl to the N'on^^ huh was one ofthe waycs by which they put them to death. Aunci- when the fierce dra^ gon filleth them full of his fierie malice,& will haue them as reflles as himfclfCjC- uen till he bring them together with himfelfvnto endlesmiferie.Refift him there- forCjbeloucd, giue not place vmohim by anger, and wicked enuie : for if he once get hold in them,that i$,to fill the heart with malice, he can hardly be cafi foorth. But letvs rcturnenow againe vnto that former point of SatarJs making warre. He makcth warre with the remnant of her feed. Here is that which we are to look for, cucn continual! warre with the dragon, and with all the power which he can make : we haue him our cruel! & fierce enemie. Al the true children ofthe church Inuft makefiill account of this fo long as they liue.and f^and prepared. For al- R z though 244 SERMONS VPON though he finde it (as I faid) beyond his reach to rootc out the mother^ yet he will not ccafe to torment as many of her children as he can, that he may terrific others from imbracing the holy faith. We are put in mind of this by Saint Pau!,and wil- led to put on the whole armout of God,that wee may bee able to refift, Ephef.o. Here is alfo to bee noted, that Saintlohnmakethafiiortdcfcription of the right feede, or true children of the woman : for he faith, which keepe the commaunde- inentsofGod,and haue the teftimonieofIefusChrift.lt is but fhort,butitisa pithie defcription of the right feede, he notethtvvo things which both goetogc ther in the found Chriftians. They hold the doftrine and faith of lefusChrift in an open and boldprofcffton, that is one; and vvaike in obedience to the law ofGod, that is the other. They profeflTe the Gofpell, and will not denic it though it (nould coft them their liues. And they profeflc it not with a dead faith, but that liuely faith which worketh by loue:forhe faith,they haue the teftimonieofTefus,and they keepe the comman- idementsof God. And this is one chiefecaufewhy thedragon doth rage in wrath fo fore againft them, that they will not with the reft of the world obey and wor- fiiiphim.'butcleauctothe Lord God in faith and obey his lawes. The children ofthis world alfojtheminifters of Satan cannot abide them, becaufe their workcs bee good ; and they louc the light,and they themfelues loue darknefle more then light,bccau(c their deedes bee cuill, lohn j .vcrfe ip. Hereupon it folio wcth, that the dragon fhall al waies haue them for to take his parr, and moft readie to pcrfe- cute the true children of God, becaufe they cannot buthate,eucnasheehateth. Thus much touching the dragons making war with the remnant of the womans (cede. It folio wcth in the text, Aad Ijioodvpottthefea fat7d.l\As ftiort claufe maketh a pafiage vntothat which followeth in the next chapter, touching the vifion and defcription of the bcaft thatrifeth outofthefea. But whether Saint lohn faith of himfelfe,! flood vpon the fca fand, or whether he faith that the dragon ftood vp- on the fca fand, is the doubt : becaufe the Greekcmaybee interpreted, cither I flood,or hcc ftood. Some expound it, that Saint lobn in a vifion ftood vpon the fea fand, that he might behold the rifing vp of the beaft. But I take it the more probable, that the dragon ftood vpon the fea fand, as it were working and fra- ming out of the fea his chiefc inflrument the huge and terrible beaft,by whom he warreth againft the fcruants ofGod. It is not much materiall whether way WCC take it^and therefore I wiU not ftay vpon it^but will here make an end. The THE REVELATION. 245 5 THE XXVII. SERMON. CHAP. XIII. j^ftd ICavpa heaft rifng out of the fed ^ hauingfettert heads, and ten hornes:and hts feate^andgreat autharitie. And Ifavp one ef his heads as it were woundedto death ^andhis deadly wound VPM healed.and all the world wondred after the hafl, 4. And they worjhipped the dragon whtchgaue power to the heafl, and they wor- Jhipped the heaji,fayingJVho is like vnto the beafi f who is able towarre with himf ^nd there was giuen vnto him a mouth fpeakjng great things and blafphe^ mies,andpower wasgtuen vnto him to dee two andfortie moneths. And he ofened his mouth vnto blafphemie againji God, to blaffheme his na me,4nd his tabernacle,andthofe that dwell in heauev. And tt was giuen vnto him to make warre with the Saints^ and to omrctmt them: and power was giuen him^uereuery tribe ^and tongue ^and nation. And an the inhabitants of the earth fhaH worpjiphimjwhofe names are not written in the booke of hfe of the Lambeywhichwas k^edfrom the beginning of the world. jR If any man haue an earejet him heare, I o He that leadeth into captiuitte,fhallg9e into captiuitie : he that kjlleth with the fword, Piall be kilUdwiththefword. Here is the fiattence^andthe faith of Saints. JVdlfawabeaJltC^c.lhihc former chapter, vvcc haue had the dc/cription of the womans greateft cncmic, namely,the great red dragon. In this chapter are painted^ out the next greateft enemies which fhe hath, eucn the chiefc inftruments which ihcdiuell vieth to warre a;-- gainft her and her children herein this worlcl. For t\\& dragon,as it is fayd in the latter end ofrhc fbnncr chap- ter, doth make warre agaynftthofe which kecpcthc commandcmentsofGodjand vVhkh haue theteiiimo- iiic of lefus Chrift : and be doth vvorkc andmakc this warrc by iaftrmnenis, and^ ^ " R 3 rov^' i^s SERMONS VPON now S. John hath them (liewed vntohim in vilion,anddoth accordingly dcfcribe them. Firrt he fayth/y^w a heafl riling out of the fea. Her enemies are bcafis^wc (Thall fee nothing but beaftly qualities, Weefindein the holie Scriptures, that by beafis are figured cercaine great kingdomesor Monarchies. As for your better in- ftru^ion,readeihereuenth chapter of Daniel, and yee (hall fee that the Angell doth loexpound it,touching the foiirebeafts which Daniel fa wc in vifion. Then we are out of doubt thatthis beaft reprefcnteth a great Mon arch ic, power or do- minion,vvhich the diucll vfeth as his inftruments to warre againft the Saints. In 6€cdc we mufl note by the way, that the holy Ghoft doth not reprefent the ciuill power of the kings by fauage bea(ts,for the ciuill power is of God : but he figu. reth out the pride, the ambJt*onjthecrueItie,therauening, and the fauage quali- ties ofthofe mightie kings, which creeled and vpheld thofc great Monarchies, We fee then what is meant by the beaft : but how is he fayd to rife out of the fca ? doth a Monarchic arife out of the fea ? As the beaft is not to be taken literally, no more is the fea to bee vnderftoode of the very fca indecdc , where the fifties doe fwimnic,and where the tliippesdoc faile ;but it muft bee interpreted in a myfti- call fence. And that is thus, the tempeftuous and troublelbme eftate of the na- tions of the world,is called a fea.And from the boyling and broyling eftate of the nations, did this beaft arife. For the Romanc Empire(which is figured by this monftrous beaft) did fpring and grow vp from the contentions and difcords,and diuifions among the kingdoms,which are as a raging fca. For w hile they through ambition andvainc gloiie vexe and weaken one another,, commeih a ftronger and fubductb them all. Thus thebeaftarifethoutof the fea;thisyccfeeisverie j)lai»c. Then he faytb,that he had feuen heads. and tennehorncs,and vpon his homes tcnne crowncs. The dragon in the former chapter had feucn heads and tennc homes : and this beaft his child is very lH(e him,yca as like as a child may be to the father. Here is a difference, that the dragon hath his cro wnes vpon his heads, and Dot vpon his homes, and this beaft his child, hath his crowncs vpon his homes, and not vpon his heads. What is the reafon of this ? I will tell ye how I take ir.Thc dracpn hath great power,which is ftgnified by his homes : but he Imh prcuailcd moli by his craft and fubtilties,v\hich are fignified by hisheadsjandbythcm hath gotren greateft vi5tories,and therefore they are cro'A ned. This beaft hauing very much ofthc fubtiltie of his fathcr,hathyet preuailed moft by force and power, e- ucnby the power of kings, which his horjies befides ftrengthdoc reprcrcnt,and therefore thefe homes are crowned. That there is the name of blafphemie vpon his heads, it fitly exprefleth the qualitie of the fathcr,w ho is euen the fountaine of all blafphcmics againft the mp(i high God, and againft all goodnelfe. Wee may alfo percciue by this what the feruantsof God are tolookeforatthc hands ol this bealh.That whicli isl?!,^fphcinous againft the God ofglorie,how willit fparemc? all crueltic i^ hqiet9;bc|ppke<^ i'er. Then next this b^^i^ ^sde/qibcd ^s acompound of diucrsbeaftsrand fo indeed a very trjonflerpJfyipnftcrs.Forhis body:is like to a.Lcopard,v\hichforaecalIthe cac ^ THE REVELATION. 247 cat ofche mountaine,a bcaft(as they fay' very fierce /wife and fubrill.Hisfeeteare like to the fecte of a Beare : and wc know a Beare,and how vgly^ and raucning he is.His month is hkc the mouth ofa Lion.Thc Lion is the moH HatcJy proud beafl that liuetb.Wcll then we fee that this beaR,this Romane Empire (as wee rhall fee jt plainly proucd to be the dominion of Rome, when w c come to the i /.chapter, by the exposition of the Anijell) hath the properties of thofe three beafls. There is craft, there is rauening, there is pride, and many other faiiage and bcafUy \ui\s* VVhatinallthc Church lookc for at the handsofthisbea(^,but that which com- mcth from LeopardsjBeares, and Lions? And now Icaft wee might thinkethac this monlkr fho'jid not bee able to doe much harme, it is addcd.thai the dragon gauc him his power, his throne, and great authoritie. The dragon is the great migluieprinccofdarknes.the godofthis vvorld,heis worfhipped and obeyed, he is ofgicat power and might in all manerof vngodIines,it is therefore a very high tbtone,it is great dignitie and power among the inhabitants of the world, which hegiuethvntohim.This mighiie prince then the dragon fetteth him that is the beaft aloft in might and glorie and dominion, that he may execute bis will in op- pugning the trueih,3nd murdering the Saints. Rut it maybedemaunded: Doth the dragon refigne ouer all vnto him ? doth he goe out of his throne, and let him haue all his doings,and all the glcrie and the worfhip ? Nay,it is not ineant fb : for Satan holdeth histhronc,he isliitlthe god ofthe world,theprince ofdarknesj and worketh mightily in the children ofdifobedience,and is worfhipped fl ill together with the beaft : For Saint lohn fayth in that which followetb, they worOiipped the beaft,and they worHiippcd the dragon which gaue power to the beaft , Then the dragon doth not fbrgoe any honour in giuing his throne and power to the beaftjbut vfeth the beaft as his chiefeinftrument, by whom hee worketh, to get glorie to himfeifc : for the throne ofthe beaft and his throne doe become all one, fo that by the beall hcc ftttcth vp all his abominations ; they wcrke together, and are worlliipped togcther,in as much as thebcaft maintaineth idolatrie, and wor- fhip ofdiuel?. Bu!: here will ^rife another doubt: for S.Paul (peaking ofthe po- wers, fayth, that they bee of God, and willed that men fhould obey the Romane EmperorSj when they were heathen ; how then i.«it fiyd,thatthedincliret vpthis beafi.cuentheRomaiieEmpire? This is ea/ie to bceanfuered. The LoidGod difpofcthrhckingdornes of this worldto whom it pleafethhim,TheciuiII power alfo is ordained ofCjodj and is good, and toheeobeycd euen forconfcience fake. But nowasthemen come vpro it by crafr.by fraud, by opprdTion,bycruclticand rauenins, and as they rule with tyrannic and ail wicked IuIts, whereby they im- pugne the tructh.ihey iirefayd co bee fee vp by the Gi'.'ell.and to worke by the di- uell : for all thcfc tiling.' are ofthe diuell, ?nd the Empire is called a beaft, not iii refped ofthe ciujll po\A er , but for thofe beaflly qualities , which are ofthe di- u:ll. " Then it foHovverh,thr.tS.Tohn fayth, he fa w one of his hcads,as it were woun- ded to death. Kerc is fomed^f^cukie tofindctheperfeftfenceof this:bccaufeit:>- is not faid which ofthe feueo beads \\ as-vs'ounded^norycc when it was wounded R 4 T)ie m8 sermons vpon The Angell in chapter 1 7 fay th,that the fcucn heads are feucn hil$,& feuen Idngf. He faith that fiuc of thofe kings were falleUjOne of them was ft anding at that time when this reueblion was giucn.and one was to come.Wee muft take this accor- ding as the hke is tobe taken in Danicl,chapt.7. where the Angell fayth,the fourc beafts arc fourc kings. Hee meaneth not by foure kings no more but foure men vvhich vvere kings; but by euery one a fucceltion of kings. As by the Lion was fig- nihed the king of the Chaldeans, that is, all the kings which fuccecded each other in that Empire. So muft we take it for thefc heads, when hefayth fcuen kings, not for feucn men which were kings, whereof fiue were fallen,one was, and one was to come : but indeede,for feuen feuerall gouernments which hadkingly po wer.in eueiy one of which many fuccecded each other. Andofthefe feuen, the Empire flood at that time,for Rome was gouerncd then by Emperors,which was the fixe hcad,and the Papacie the fcucnth hcad,which was not then comc.Now it is moft probable that this wound was made cither in the fixt head, that is, in the Empire, or els in the feuenth,which is the Papacic. For fuch a deadly wound is not read of in any of the former fiue that were paft. Wee reade of fome wound giuen to the Papacie before it was rifenvp to the full, as in thedayes ofA^/c/vasgifie» vnto him a mouth fpeaklng great things and hUf^hemits. O mo(t horrible wicked beaft that muft blalpheme the liuing God,histruetli and fanc^uaric IBut it may here firf^ bee demaunded, who giueth him this wicked mouth to vtter great things and blafphemies? You will fay, who butthediuell? as it isfayd before, that the dragon gaue vnto him his power, and his featc,and great authoritie. No doubt fuch horrible blafphemies come from the diuell; hee is euen as the welfpring and fountaineofthem all. But doubtles Saint lohn celkch vs here, that GOD gaue to the beaft this mouth to 250 SERMONS VPON t o (peakc great thlngs,and bjafphcmiesJc wilbe faid.ho w can the moft holy God bee layd co giucluch a mouth to fpeakc blafphemies ? I will fhcw you.Saiin Paul fpeakingofchccommingofAntkhfiRjfaythjthat becaufc meiuecciucdnotthc loue oUhe irueth that they might be fauedjGod would fend them fliong dclufion tobe!ceuelyes,&c. 2.Thefl.2. How doth Gcd fend them ftrong dclufion? Euen thus : when in his iufi judgement for the wicked contempt ofilie tructhjic giueih fcope to Satan to fet vp the great Antichfift,and by him to fpread forth si hispoy- Ton. So in this place we are to look thus high as vnco God^who iuHly for the wic- kednes ofth;? world, letteth the diudi loofe to fct vp fuch a blafphemous mouth : and fo after a lort the Lord God giueth him this mouth. But thisbeaft hath Icuen hcadsjand euery head doubtles hath his n)outh : it may therefore be demaunded, ofwhichof theheadsis this mouth ? I anfvvere, that eucry one of the feuen heads had a blafphemous mouth : for thofe Hue feuerall ttates of gouernment by which Ronje hadbecnc goiierned, which were fallen when lohn recciued this prophecie, were bent againft God arid his truth^and did Ipeake blalphcmies. The fixt head, that is theperfecuting Emperours^had an exceeding blafphemous mouth againlt God,a'.id againft hi ^ truth.Buc the feuenth head excecdeth them all, and therefore no doubt Saint John fpeaketh chiefly of that ieucnih head here.For w ho is able to fct forth the greatnes of the things which the papacy hath boaded of, and the mo- ftrous foulnes of their blafphemies, euen beyond all b/afphemics of heathen ty- rants ? What power was it almoft that bclcngcihvnto Chi irt which thepopc did not challenge ? and what is therein the office of Chrift, which he hath not vtte- red his blafphemies againft ? Lookc vpon the authcritie which he vfurpeth oucr the word ofGod : See what power he challengeth to remit finnes : Confider how many i«cdiarourshcefcttcthvp,and ^^hathe afcribeth to the merits of man : yea: goe through al! iheir worHiipjand ye fhall finde almoft nothing but horrible pro- phanations of Godstrueth^ and foule blafphen-iies. A man might write large vo- lumes of this thing. It is added, That poAcr was giucn him todoe,twoandfortie moneth?. Tliis is alfo tobc referred to the God of beauen.who ruleth ouer al,that in his righteous indgement he giueth powervntothis hugebcaft to work his tyranny in the world tothc dcftrucflionoHnfirHtethoufandsjwhich wickedly defpife the hciydodnne of God. They would not deny their corrupt andfilthie lufts,cuen thcpleafures ef finnc, they would not fubmitthemfelues to the glorious Scepter of gracethat the king of gloric might raigne in them vnto their eternal bleflcdnes: a iid thcj fore thisbcalilv tyrant hath power giucn him to raigneouer them, and to eycrcife his. fpirituoll tyrannic, euen to plunge them dcepc into thebottomlcifrcgulfeofetcr- nall mifenes. For all the power which is giuen tothisbeaft todoe,is in thefetwo pointSjthc one in afflifting and murthering the (cruants ofGod,vvhich turncth to their good : and the other in feducing the childfcn of this world vnto damnation. The time that this bcaft fhall raigne is cxprcfted to bee two and forrie mone ths. Tliisisihcfamcnmc which wee had in the elcucnth chapter, in a thoufond two hurulreih and threcfcorc dates, h istlirceyeercs and an halfe : but v\'c muft not be fo THE REVELATION. 151 fo grofic as to take it literally, as the papifts do for three yecres and an h3lfe,as wc reckon our common yccres,but according to the tenor of rbis prophecic, wc inuft take ic myftically, feeing one head of this bcaft, that is, the hearhen perfecuting Empcrours madchauockeofthe Church with many cruel flauf;hters,a|3out three hundred yeeres. Wee may not imagine that the time which ihis head raigned, is cxcludedjOr not contained in thefe two and fortie moneths. The time that this beaft (hall hauc power to doe in the world fcemeth very long vn:o vs, v\ hich take a thoufand yeercs to be a long time : but with the eternallGoc; ,a thouland yecres arebutasytftcrday,theybce almoftas nothing: and to bring vs tofccintothc fiiortnes of the time that this bcaft lliall raigne, conjpared with erernitie, he fet- teth it foorth by a few moneths. Becaufe it miniftreth great comfort to confider that the Church is in her pilgrimage and forrowfi)!! conflids but for a time, and (hall remaine in gloric for cuer and cuer. Let vs waite patiently, and tkc end of this tyrannic will come. The next vcrfc fayth,that hee opened his mouth vnto blafphemie againft God, to blafpheme his name,his tabernaclc,and them that dwell in hcaucn. This beaft, thisRomanedominion,exercifeihtothe full all that power to doc eui 11 which is permitted vnto him. For heopeneth that wicked mouth which is giuen him vnto bla(phcmie,euen againft the moft high God, againft his name,cuen his holie and pure worfhip,againft his tabernacle,that is his church,andagainft the Angels and ipirits of iuft men which are in the heauens. All thefe doth the beaft blaipheme. Wcll,no man can denie.but that the heathc perfecuting Emperors did blafphcm^ all thefe : for they denied God the father of our Lord lefus Chrift.But if we affirme that the papacie is one head of thisbeaft,ho w can it be flie wed that the faid papa* cicbhfphemeth the true God, his ^vorfiiip, his Church, his Angels and Saints in hcauen ? I anfvvcre,ihat they bla(plK;meGod many waies,andforexample,what horrible blafphemie is it.that they take vpon them topidf urethe Godhead, w hich is inuifiblc and incomprehcn{ibIe,yea that they pi^ure the glorious trinitie,&wil tefcmbleit by a man with three faces in one, which is a monfter? And doth not the papacie horribly blafphemethc name & worlhip ofGod,w hen they condene the holy & pure religion ofGod to be berefie? when they eftabiifl-j the»r owne de- crees aboue the holy Scriptures of the Prophets and Apoftles. They doe alfo blafl pheme his tabernacle, when they accurfeand condemne for hcretikes all the true worxh ippers of God,eucn al thofe which will worfhip him ace jrding to the pre- fcript rules of his holy word.They blafpheme the AngCiS& Saints in heauen,vvhe facrilegioufly afcribing vnto them diuinc honor,as by praying vnto them and ma- lting them mediatours,they fay that the Angels and Saints dce^llowofthe fame. Alfo many other waies they blafpheme them,w hen they make tlic to be oatrones oftheir abominations. For like as he maybee faid to blafpheme God,\\hich fayth that God sUoweth penuries, whorcdomes, and cruell murthers:fo may they bee fayd to blafpheme the Saints and Angels in heauen, w hich fay that they allow of the higheft facriledge,of idolairie,of fupcrftition.and of many abominations. Then next it is faid. That it was giuen vnto him to make warre with ihe Saints, and 151 SERMONS VPON and CO oucrcomc themtand that power was giuen him oucr cucry tribej& tongue, and nation.Herc be two things fet forth, the one is the terrible might and power H'hichis granted vnto him to make warre \A'ichalI againft the true worfhippcrs of God.and to ouercomc them : the other cxpreHeth the largcncsof his dominion. Touching the former of thcfe,ic is certaine that he doth oucrcome them but by an outward force and vidi^orie in tormenting & killing their bodies, he cannot caufc diem toforfakc the truch,that way they get the full vi6torie ouer him. A good me- ditation is here to be badjth.it the Saints of God are cruelly troden down,oppref- fcd and murdered here in the world.For if we were not thu s taught aforehand by the holy Ghoft,we fhould think that God regarded not thefe,but fauoured thofc that haue fuch power to tread them do wne. O it is the lot of the Saints^to be cru- elly murdered by the bea(i,thac is,by the Romane tytanie. How many thoufands did the Emperors flay in the ten great pcrlecutions? And what (laughters haue the popes and their adherents caufcd to be made? It is wooderfull to confider the vic- tories which theyeuenas raueningwolues, haue had oucr the poore lambesof Chrift : and not in fome one countrieor nation, but in many great kingdomes, for power is giuen him ouereuery tribe,and tongue, and nation, ( which is theo- iher thfng fet forth in this verfe)and looke how farte his dommion reachcth/o far his fierce and fauage cruekie againft all that will not worfhip him, fpreadcthit felfe. Hereby it hath come to paffe that great heapes haue been flaine here in Eng- land,in Scotl3nd,in France,in Germanic, in the low countries,and in other king- domes farrediH ant from Rome,yetby thepowerandlawes of the Romane bcatf. What other Monarchic hath there been ouer the kingdomes of the world fincc Q)rift,but the Empire and papacie of RomePThere be indeed that haue large do- minions, but nothing to that which is here Ipokcnof And if any will reply that Rome neucr had dominion ouer all the kinrcds, and nations, and tongues of the €arch; I anfwerc, that the holyChoIt here as in other places, and names, Ad.2. aameth all nationSjto fignifie very many. Now let the papifts brag oftheirfnultitudc,of their vniucrfolitie^andconfent, and that therefore they be catholike; Ye fee here that the beaft withfeuen heads (one of which heads is the kingdome of Autichrift)hath power giuen him ouer c- uery tribe,and tongue,& nation.Doth the largenes of his do winio make it good > Hath he the truth on his fide,becaufc he can flay in all nations^thofe that will not worfhip himPHow foolifh are the papifls in glorying oftheir multitudes, and that dicyhaucalwaies preuailedouer thofe which haue withftood them ? feeing the kingdome of the heart is here defcribed to be fo large, and Co mightic,and killing in all nationsthofe that will not worOiip thebeaft. Now asithathbeendcclarcd,thathecniall make warreagainfl the Sa'.nts,and oucrcome them, that is, byan outward viflorie killing their bodies: fo in the next words bee llieweth the vI<5torie which he fliall haue ouer the children of this vvorldjby feducingthem vnto eteroall damnation. For it followeth^ Andall the inhaifitantsoftheearthfljullvporpji^ bim,irhofi names arg net rvrtttenin thel^eokc ^flffe of the LambevfhichwM kiHedfrom the l^tgwrtwg of the world, Anticbill then THE REVELATION. - 255 then prcuaileth oucr the bodies of theraithful,& oucr the foules of the vnfaithful. In the one he murthercth the bodie,but cannot hurt the foulc : in the oiher,he ca- fteth both foulc and bodie into hell.Foi what llial become of all thofc u hich vvor- fhip the bead ? do they notforfake God ? And niarkeherc, how when Saint lohn hath fet forth that the bea(t fhallhauc power oucr all nations^andlTiallmakewac with the Saints,and ouercomethcm; he addeth by and by,that all the inhabitants of the earth (liall worfhip him : which is to note vnto vs, that looke vpon which lide the out A ard power goethjthithcr do all the worldlings turne then ifelues. And becaufe the bcaft condemncth the true worfhippcrs of God to bee hcrctikes, and cruelly putteth them to death: they can fee no further, but gather by and by that God is with the beaft,andfo fall downeand worfhip him_,receiuing all his ordi- nanccs.hls lawes,his decrees, and his do ftrines as oracles fromGod,not calling any thing that he doth into queflion.Such force there is,I fay,in the outward po- wer to perfwade the blind world, which fee but according to the flefh . VVe arc to note further in this vcr{e,when he faich,that al the inhabitants of the earth do wor- fhip the bcaftjthat by & by he reftraineth it to the reprobate, laying, whofe names are not written in the booke of life of the Lambe,&c. Although the multitude be exceeding great that rcceiue the religion of the bcaft,yea fo great that the holie Ghort tcrmeth them all the inhabitants of the earth: yctfome are excepted, fomc doe renounce him, and that is all the eledl, whofe names are written in the booke of life,he cannot feduce any one of them vntodamnation. This is a goodly com- fortjthac all his glorying of power,ofmultitude,of learning,or whatfoeuer, yea all his tyrannie againft thofe which will not afcribe vnto him that which belongeth only to God,cannot dcceiue nor terrific any one,no not cue the leatt of the eledt, but onely -he vngodly which proudly dcfpife the holy dodtrinc of the Lord. Spea- king of the holy elc6tion inChrift,(which hecalleth the book of life of the lambe) he addethjtha: this lambe was killed from the beginning of the world. Chrifl was offered in facrifice as the vnfpottcd lambe of God which taketh away the firines of the world. And although he was manifettcd in the flcfh in the later end of the world, and not flaine before, yet becaufe the holy Patriarches, euenfrom Adam were faucd by his blood : it is faid,he was killed from the beginning ofthe world. His death is alfo ascftc6luall noWjandfhalbe vnto the worlds end.as it wa^when he did hang vpon the croflfe. The redeemer by the Lambe (hal be fafe in the mid« deft of all dangers. It folio weth now, tfany man haue an earejet him heare. This is to giue a note; that the things which are here vttered be myfticall : they are not to be ynderftood by theflefhlyearCjbut fpiritually. Ifanymanhauc his care opened by the holic Ghoft,he may heare and vndcrftarid them : otherwife he cannot. For they whole care God openeih,vnderftand the my fteries ofthe prophccie, and they arc clecre vnto them : but to the reli,tbat is,to the worldlings they be fealed vpjthey cannot heare nor vnderftand the, they fliall worlhip the beaft,afcribing vtito him diuine power and honor. After the defcriptio ofthe beaft,and calling vpon fuch to heare, as haue an eare^ecommeth to denounce iudgcmenc and vengeance againft this terrible- 254 SERMONS VPON terrible raonftcr. For (hall his power defend and fupporthim alwaies againft the mightie rcucnginghandofGod? (liall he neuer bee called to iudgcmcnc for his horrible blafphcmicSjand tyrannic ? Yes verely for here it is fayd^hee that Icadcth into captiuitie,fhall goc into captiuitic ; he that kilieth with thcfword, rhall bee killed with the fword. Here is the patience and the faith ofthe Saints. The Judge of the whole world isiuft,and wil rccompence euery one according to his deeds. This bloodie Romane Empire both former and latter, which hath (o tyrannoufiie opprefled the Church with bondage, and drawne infinite thoufands into cuerla- Xling captiultie, (hall alfo it (elfc bee caft do wne, and the vphoiders thereof fliall |)Ccome the bondfiaucs of hell world without end. They put to death with the fword the holy ferisantsofChrift: and the fword ofGods wrath {hall kill them for cucr. The $aints are with faith to beholde it, they are with patience to vvaitc for it. For by faith wee are to behold cleerely, that the moft righteous God will refcue and fane his afflid^cd feruants,and dcftroy their opprefTors ; and becaufe in his holy wifcdome he appoynteth the times and fealbns, we muR patiently waitc for the fame. THE XXVIII. SERMON. CHAP. XIII. 1 1 ftx/»^ / hke/d another beafi afcending out ofthe earthy hatiiftg two hornet Itke a Lambejftit hefpake like the dragon, 1 2 And he Hid all that the fir fl beafi could do in his pre fence, and he canfeth the earth and them that dwell therein, to rvorjhip thefirjl beajl^whofe deadlte VPonndw as healed. . 1 3 ^nd he doth great wonders, fo that he makethfire come dor»nefrom hea- uen on the earth in thejight of men. 14 And hefedhceth the inhabitants oftheearthby the ftgnes which hehadgi- uen him to doe in thefght sfthe beaflfaymg to the inhabitants ofthe earth, that thejpjotildmake the image ofthe beajl rvhtch had the rvonnd of a far or d and did line, 1 5 And it was giuen vnto him togine afpirit to the image ofthe beafl, fo that the image ofthe beafi p30Hldfpeake,andJhould caufe that as many as would notworjhip the beaftfijoftldbe killed, 1 5 And he made allbothfmaUandgreat.rich and poore free and bond,to receitte a marke in their right hand.or tn their foreheads. 1 7 And that no man might bnj erfeU,faue he that had the markf, 9r the name of the beafi fOr the number ofhh name* 18 Herf THE REVELATION. 7^t 1 8 Here is wifedetHeJet him that hath vnderstandin^ coufit the number of the heafl :for it is the number of^ ma»,and his nnmher is fixe hnndreth, three' [core andjixe. ' ^ J E had the dcfcription of the bcaft with feuen heads in the WfF^ fcrmer part of this chapter: and now hec painteth out the ^^in^ bcaft with the two homes hlic a Lambc, which alfo doth '^i^^ warre againft the Saints. Abea(),as wee haue fccne, is a ^ kingdome,a d()niinion,or a power cxercifed with tyrannous I and beartly qualitics.And by thisbeaft with thccwo homes, y^M:sj is the kingdomc of the great Antichrift, euen the kingdome of the Papacie defcribed. This bealiis called the falfc prophet, chapter i p. Buc here arifeth a great doubt at the firftrforif the feuen heads ofthe former bcaft, ♦bee (euen (euerall Hates or gouernments, by which Rome hath ruled ouer the \A?orld : and that the Empire (which then ftood when John receiued this prophe- cie) was the fixt of ihofe heads, and the monarchic of Popes the feuenth, which the Angel! fayth wasthentocome,chapter 17. why,or how fhall the Papacie be dcfcribedagainevnderanotherbeaft? Can that Empire ofthe Popes be both the feuenth head of that former beaft, and alfo a beaft by himfelfe? Yea verely that he is in refpcft ofthe double power which this fecond beaft did challenge. For they.that is to fay the Pope,challc:igc the higheft powcrciuiII,oucr all Emperors and Kings, and the higheft power (pirituall ouer the faith, ouer the confciences andfoulesof ail men: which power is pecuIiartoChrift,qncisycKjrdo(5k>r c» uenChrirt, Matthew 2;. So that this fecond Empire of Rome is fct foorthnot onely as an head ofthe former beaft, but alfo as a feuerall beaftbyitfelfc. And this may as well be, as that the Angell, chapter 1 7.faith,that the head which was not then come, fliould bee bothoneof theleuen and the eight* If he bee one of the feuen,and alfo the eight, then is he fomewhat befidesan head ofthe beaft, yea euen a feuerall beaft by himfelfe. But more of this when wee come to that chapter. Now let vs proceede to the dcfcription of this monfter,which is not onely the feuenth head ofthe beaft,but alfo for his differing power from all the refj,isalfa a feuerall beaft by htmfelfc.Saint John faith, that he faw him afcending out ofthe earth.Hcre is noted in this firflcIaufe,hisoriginall, ofwhatprogenieor flocke he commeth.that the feruants of God may know what his dignitie is.howfbcuer he glorieth thereof. For the Papacie doth boaft with full mouth, that their dignitie and power is fromheauen. They glorie andbraggethat Chrift gaueitto Peter, and that they haue it by fuccelTion from him. Thus I fay they make their boaft* But the holy Ghoft tellcth vs, that it arifeth out ofthe earth :for as that is right cx« cellentand glorious whichcommcthfromhcauen.fb that which fpringethfrora the earth is vile,bafc^ndc6tcmptible.Moreouer,in the phrafe of the holy Ghof^, to fay he afccndeth out ofthe earth,is as much to fay,as that this bcaft is bredandi fpringcth from the fenfualjtie of man,and from the very diucl of hdlPor S.Iamea joynetii 25^ SERMONS VPON ioyncth thefe three together as agreeing in one, earthly, (enfuallj and diuellifli. lam.3.vcrr.i 5. Let them then braggc while they can, that their power is from heauen,wehaue the clcerc word ofGod that it is from the earth^it isofman,it is ©f the diuell. In the next claufe he fayth, Thts heafi hath two hornes like a Lamh, hut /pake Itke the Dragon. Here is a great difference in this beaft in deede and truetb, from thatwhichhepretendethinftiew. Forhepretendeth andmaketh fhewas ifhcc were an innocent Lambe,and fayth that both his hornesfthatis,thetwo powers which he challengeth,cuentheciuilandthe eccIefiaHicallJarethe homes of the Lambe of God Chrift lefus : when as he hath receiued the fayd powers from ihe diuel,and in working is as the dragon,which is noted in thefe words,^»/ hefpake like the dragon. I might here ftand to fhew at large how the Popes of Rome fince the time that they vfurped to be vniucrfaIBi{hops,callthemfeluesChrifts Vicars, and affirme moft ftoutly that he hath committed into their hands both the tem-«» porali fword ouer all Emperours and Kings in the carth,to place and to di/place aC their will,andalfo the fpirituall fword and power ouer all mens fbules, tocarrie to heauen;and to throw downc to hell at their pleafure. I might like wife ft and to fhcwjthat the Lambe indecde is kingof kings, and Lord of Lords, and that he is our great high prieft,and hath the lordfhip ouer the faith and confcienceofnien, and that he hath not refigned either of thefe powers to any,but fitting at the right hand of the higheft maieliiejdothexercife them himfeIfc,to the great ioy ofal the faitbfull. I might(I fay)ftand to handle thefe things at large:but it is fufficient on- ly to note them/eeing there hauc neuer been any fb blafphemous as to challenge t^iefehighpowerswhicharcpeculiartoChrift,but the Popes which are the head and ftanderd bearers in thekingdomeof the Papacie. And marke this wcll,how the Lord doth not fay,thathe hath indeed the two homes of the Lambe,but two homes like to the Lambe, For howfoeuer they braggc in the Papacie, that their kingly and prieftly power doe bring fauing health vnto all that obediently fub- mit themfelues to the fame (as being the homes orpowersof the Lambe ot God committed vnto them) yet the holy Ghoft to the end that the godly may not bee deceiued,faith,thcy are but like the homes of the Lambe,and that they be indeed the very homes and powers ofthe diuell, for he doth fpeakelike the dragon. Here againe is a large fieldjif we fliouldrunne through all particulars.tofhcw how the Romifh beatt boaftingof Chrifls power, is no more but the mouth andinftru- ment ofthe great red dragon the diucll,toblafphcmc God and histruetb,toper- fecute his Church, to tread downe die holy worfliip,and to fet vp the w orfliip of Ido!s,yca to teach and cftablifii herefies,errors,and doctrines of diiiels.O the Pa- paciemake fhew of homes like a Lambe,butfpeakelikethe dragon. Wee mud not then bee troubled with their vaincbragges,butlookc what the pure word of God doth teach vs.andrert in that. Whofocuer teacheth againft that holy word, Ipeaketh like the dragon. It io\\o^sti\\,l hat hedid allthatthefirft heaft could doe in his ^re fence. Here is the great pdwcr of the Papacie and iheefficacic thereof fet forth, that it is as mightie THE REVELATION. %^j miobcie and pcrformeth as much in the feruicc of the dragon againft God and his Church, as cuer the Empire of the heathen and wicked Emperours could doc. Thisismuchjifweconfidcrboththemaieftic, and power ofthe Empire be fore it rcceiued the deadly wound, and alfo what horrible things it did again(t God and his Church throwing downe the trueth, andfettingvpldolatrie, and murdering theholy feruantsof Chrift :apd yet this fecond heart gocth asfarre. Yeadoubt- Ics (as we (hall fee) he doth more, but the holy Ghoft notcth firft that he doth all diat the former could doe. And he caufeth the earth (fay th S . John) and them that dwell therein, to worfhipthe firft beaft, whofe deadly wound was healed. Thefe words doe miniftera great doubt vntofome, how this fecond heart may repre- fentthePapacie, feeingthe Popes doe caufe the inhabitants ofthe earth to wor- ihipthemlelues, and not to wotfhip the heathen Emperours which were before them. This doubt is eafily remoucd.if wee cbnfidcr but two poynts. The one,thac the hearts are not the men that ruled either the Empire or in the Papacic, butthe tyrannous power excrcifed by the men with cruell and beaftly qualities. Theo- theris, that albeit the power in the Papaciecommethvnder the name of Chrift, and with othertermcs, as it werevnder another cloake, yet is it the very fame in idSc^y or a liuely image of that which the Emperours did exercife. The heathen Emperours condemned the true worftiipof God, perfecutedall thofc withcrueH ^cath which did imbrace it,and (et vpthc worfhip of falfe gods, and do<5lrines of dcuils.Whcn that head had rcceiued a deadly wound,and was fome w hat reoiucd againc, the Papacic raifeth and rcneweth all that former beaftly tyrannie,impug- neihthe trueth of God, maintaineththe worftTiip of Idols and do<5^rines of diuels. Now when the inhabitants ofthe earth ire compelled to worftiip this bcaft, that iSjto fubmit themfelues to this vfurped tyranny, to imbrace the la wes,the decrees, the religion and worfhip which it fettctbvp, they doe indeede worfliip theolde Romanetyrannie,which is brought in againc by the Papacie. Indccde the popes, andche papifme doe not allorw of the old Roraane tyrannic, but doe condemne it to be ofthcdeuill,becaufe it denied Chriftianitie, fet vp the worfhip of falfe gods, and murdered the Saints: and yet they compell all men to worfhip that beaft. If this (hallfeemc ftrangc vnto any, let them confidcr that the holy Ghoft doth not hecre teach what the lecond beaft thinketh orintendeth.but what he doth : for Sa- tan can (b farre delude the blind hearts of nien, that w hen their intents are to wor- ftiipGod, iheyworfliipdeuils. Ifamaninthe darkcintcndethtofctvponhisc- nemietokillhim, and vna wares in ftead ofhis enemiekiUeth hisownc father: (hall wee fay that he hath not killtd his father, buthisenemie,becaufc his intent wasonely to kill hisencmieand not his father ? Ifwceconfefle that to be abfurd in the darknes ofthe bodily eyes : why (hall wee not confefle it to be as abfurd in the darknes ofthe mi nde, tofayaman worfhippcth God, whenheworfliippeth deuils, bccaufe his intcntis to worfhip God, and not deuils ? Then feeing it is fo, whatfocuer the papifts intend, becaufeihey bringin againc the old Romane ty- rannic, they caufe men to worfhip thcformerbeaft. They themfelues are decei- ued in their intents : for the holy Apoftle S. Paul prophecying ofthcm/ayih vnto S T^'Tiothie, 15S SERMONS VPON Timothic, djat tbe cuillmen and deceiucrs fhall waxc wotfe and worle deceiiiing, and being dcceiucd,2 .Timotb. 3 .ven 1 3 ,. Let it bcjthcy thinke they do right vvhcn ibey pray to Saints and Angels, andmakethem niediatours, and v\hen they \vor- (hip Images : yea let it bc,iiiey take it they doe God high feruice when they put to dcathallthat will not obey their la wcs; yet in truth they bring in Paganifme, and murther the Saints. The popes arc woriliippcd, not as men, but for their power which they haue vfurped, which power of the deuill, and fo the former bealiis worfhipped in them,which the deuill fet vp.. Then next it follbweth,that this beaft did great wonders/o tiiat he makethfirc come downc from heauen in the fight ofmcn, and.decciucth them that dwell on the earth by mcanes ofthofc fignes which he hath power to doc in the fight of the bcaft.In thcfe wordsjtherebe fet forth vnto vs two things,the one is the figncs and wonders which antichrift fhail worke : the other is the erficacieofthofe fignes in reducing the blind worlde. Our Sauiour faish, that the falfe prophetslliouTd arife and worke fuch fignes and wonders, that iHt were poffiblethe veryeledl fhould bedcceiued,Matth.2.4.And Sftinc Paul (hewing the commingofthe great Anti- chrift faithjhiscomming (hal bie by the efficacic of Satan, with al power,& fignes, and lying vvonders^a.lheff.z.. Here is then theptopcrmarkc of the kingdomc of AntichriO.lying fignesand wonders. . Now that we may fee how fitly this agreeth to the'papifmc,let vs call to mrndc how they that arc for y bloudy kingdomc doeboaft of their miracles, their fignes, and wonders. TUckLege»daaureaythe\tk(\'mz\s,ZDd other their writingsdocfct .foorth infinite miracles and wonders, which they fay were wroughtto confirmc their religion. As fomc for purgatoric and prayer of the dead, fome for the rcall prefenceof Chrili in the facrament,to (hew that the bread and wine are turned in- to his very flellie andbloud : butmoft plentiful are their miracles which were wrought for thofe that were very deuout in worfhippingofSaints,and their Ima- ges. All is miraGl€s,mir3cles,atnong thcpapifts, and all but lying fignes. S. lohn nameth onewondet here which is this,namely,that the beali caufethfire to come downs from heauen in the fight of men. The great Prophet of God Ellas, as wee rcade , caufcd fire to come downc and to confu me the captaines and their fifties which were fcntfrom the king oflfraell to fetch him. Likewife at his prayer the fire came dowue andconfumedthefacrifice, when the priefts of Baal could not doe the like. But where doc we find that any fuch thing hath been done in thepo- perie : lanfwere, thatitisnottbemeaningoftheholyGhoft, that this bea ft, the kingdome of Antichrifl, fhalin very deed hauc power to caufe fire to comedown fromlicauen ; but in the opinion ofthe blind world he hath as great power as had Elias. For as the fire came downe from heauen at the prayer of Elias in the fight of the people, to confirme that to be the true worship of God which he maintained, andtoprouethc worfhip of Baaltobe falfc and wicked : fopartlyby counterfeit miraGlcs,and partly by (omc (Irangethings done by thepowcrotSatan,the world hath verily beieeucdihat thisbealt the papacie, orihoie popiili prelates had as great power to workc miracles as euer had Elias, both to confiinic their isligicn to THE REVELATlOlsr.. ij^f CO be true, andalfotocondemnethc worfliip ofthofe which withfiandche fame. Then we fee the rcafbn,why the cfficacie of Satan to vvorkc wonders in thcpopc- rie,is compared to fire commingdowncfrom hcauen in the ng/icofmen/uenbc- caufc the whole controiicrfie betwcene Ellas and the Prophets of Baal was dcci-» ded by that fire which came downe to fliewe whether part had the true rcJigron, We may note then what a great aduantage the Rom ifli bca ft t akcth to feduce the blind world : Asihus,when religion was inqueftioninthedaycsor'£]ias,thecon- troucrfie was decided by the fire that came downe from heauen,in fo much that al the people fell vpon their faces andcride,Ichouahhee isGod^Iehouab hee is God, Reade thehiftorie, i.king.cbap. 1 S. Now this beaft the papacie came in, in times part cuen as if he had bin an other EUas, faying vnto all that withftood him, letitbecried bymiracles, whetherparc hath the true religion. Theholy and true worfhippersof God make anfwere, ou£ religion is exprefly deliuered in the word of God, it is fully confirmed by the mi- racles of Chrirt and his Apoftles, wee worke no miraclesco confirme that w hich is alreadie confirmed. This I fay,is the anfwere of Gods true feruanrs. Then cried out the popirtiroutjWehaue miracles wrought in ourChurch to confirme allthat we do ; Behold all pcople,andyee fhall fee. Then came theeftedluall power of Sa- tan to doe fome ftrange things which feeme wonderful! vnto the ignorant. Then downefell the inhabitants of the earth vvondringat thefelying fignes and won- ders,nothing doubting but that the beaft can caufe fire to come downe from hea- uen,not onely this material! fire, but the fire ofGods wrath to confumc all bis ad- uerfaries, both the captaines and their fifties. Thus hath Antichrift feducedthe world withthe power of his fignes and wonders, and caufed them to murther the true feruants ofGod as nobetter then the prieiis of Baal,that couW work no mira- cle to confirme their worfhip. Now the world commethtobc at the commandemenc of Antichrift, whome they take to hauc fogreat powerto confirme all that he doth with miracles from heauen. And now he bath gotten them vndcr,he layeih his<:ommaundement vp- on them, faying to them that dwell onthc earth, that they fhould make the image of the bcaft which had the wound ofa (word and did liue, for foit tolloweth in the text. Hereis a matter of fome difficulty to be well vnderftood. Wee are furethac theholy Ghofl doth hereby declare that Antichrift enlargeth andfpreadeth hit power by caufing this image to be made.But what is this image of the beaft-,therc lyeththedifficultie. Thefixt headof thebeaft, that is the Emprre, fofarre asit was tyranousand beaftly,hadreceiued a deadly wound when Conftantineimbraced and defended the faith of Chrilt. After alfo the Empire was rent in peeces,fo that there was the Emperor of the Eaft, and the Emperor of the Weft. The Empire of the Weft fell quite downe,fbthat for the fpace of three hundreth yeares and more,there was no EmpcroutoftheVVeft,vntilltheBifliopofRomeLeothethird,madeCharlesthe great the king ofFrancCjEmpcrour. Now here was an Empire ofthc We ft againc tcei^ed^but not of fuch maieftie and power as the old Romane Empire had been. ^■''^'" S a What i6o SERMONS VPON What (hall wee takechisto bee the image of thebeaft whofe deadly wound was healed ? I fee uot how that can be, becauie the Empire is the bcaft,for the bcaft ftill semaineth though not in like power y it was before, for this fecond beaft doth all that he doth in the prefenccofthe former beafl,which cannot be both the beaft and the image of the beaft. Therefore the fetting vp ofthe Empire,cannot be the ma- king the image. What then, where fhal we find this image ofthe former beaft,euen in the prcfence ofthe beaft, andthatin thepapacie. For fubftance of matter, asl haue noted before >the papacie hath let vp the oide Romane tyrannic which was in the heathen Emperours againft the true worfhip ot God, and againft his Church, and haih brought in the do6^rine & worfhip of deuils. And now Saint lohn (he w- cih.that as they fet vp the fame matter in effe(5t ; fo likew ife they cre6l an exiernall forme of their ecclefiafticall gouernmcnt, after the very patternc and formeofthc gouernment ofthe old Empire,yea fo 1 ike,that it is called an image ofthe fame. It (Lall fufficc to fhew this in a few things. As firrt.behold the policic or forme of gouernment ofthe ancient Roman Em- pire, which fee'med to be an Ariftocratie, becaufe there was a Senate : there were graue Senators, which teemed to haue high authoritie,but yet in very deed it was a monarchic,yea and cruell tyranic.in as much as they were all vndcr the rule of one oian,th2 Empcrour who bare the fway. In like manner ye may behold in the pa- pacie the like forme, yea the perfeil image of that policie ; for there is at Rome the high Senate,thc coliedge of Cardinals, whichtakc the vpperhand of k:ngs,whicb alfo feeme to holdc the power of an Ariftocratie, but they alfo are all of chem fub-. ic6^ to one monarch,to one head, which is the pope that ruleth ouer them , and or- dereth all things at hi.^ pleafure as a God vpon earth,for they alias his vaffals extoll his power, and affirtnc that hecannoe crrcj neither as they lay,is he to be iudged of any. Tl>en further in the ancient Rom ane Empi re,the heathen Emperours tooke vp- on them not onely the higheft kingly power and Empire ouer all mei^,btit alfo the priefthood&powerouerreligion:andmorcouertobe the Tribunes ofthe people^ which had the power offorbidding and difanulling all decrees made by other ma- giftrates. We haue the very true image of this in the papacie, while the popes haue vfurped the higheft ciuill power ouer all kings and Ediperors, the fulnes of autho- ritic ofthe prieftljood to ruleouer religion, and as the high Tribunes ofthe people tobe exempted from all iurifdidtion, andto difanullthe decrees of all other Bi- fhops, yea ofgencrall counccls if they be not ratified by ihcm. Doe wee not here fee the very image ofthe old Romane Empirc,aIthough I fhould goe no further in this matter ? But rvow as the head ouer all,that is,the Emperour, was at Rome,and the Senate which next vnto him were the higheft,fo were there in all lands(fo farre as the Empire did reach) pre (idents and great rulers ouer ptouinces, which had all their authoritic from the Empcrour, and were as his fworne men, at his becke and commandcment. At Rome alfo hath been and is the head ouer all in the papacitf, cucn the wonder of the worlde, the pope whome they extoll as a God vpon earthy and there aUb is the high Senate the collcdgc of Cardinals, and according totlic old THE REVELATION. 25i old pattcrne this Monarch had in all kingdoines (fo farrcthe papacic did reach) hisoreacprcfidentsouciprouinces, which were allofthenihisfworncmen, and had their whole power from him, euen the mightic prelates, which were able to iuftle withkings. 1 might here alfo Itand to rtiewc, how the poperie bathfet vp a- gaine that cxtcrnall formeoF worOiip which the idolatrous Romanes of oldc vfe abouttheir Idols with caudles,with holy water.withprocedions, and with a.great number of other thingcs, whichthcy vfcin their chiefcfolemnities; but this littk mayfuffice. Wherefore to conclude this point,as the fecond beaft hath in fubftancc of mat- ter fet vp the former bcaft to be worfhippedjWhileft he bringcth in againc that old cyrannie againd the Church,that opprelTing and condemning thetrue wordiip of God, and that ereiling of idolatrie and worfhip of deuils, euen the fame, though not vnder the fame termesrio likewile hath he in his fpirituall tyrannic, framed his hierarchie,after the very forme of tl\c aunciant Romane policie, and fo hath fet vp the iiuely image of the former beal^.Thiis may ye fee what the image of the former bcaft is, here ered. Yetthere remaincth one doubt, forit isfayd thatthisbeaftr withtwo homes like a lambe, willeththe inhabitants of theearth to make the I- mage of the former bealh When as the popes them{elucs,did vfurpe to haue that hicheft power in all things as the heathen Emperonrs had, and to haue all gouer- ned according to that forme of goucrnment vn hich was in the Empire.how can it bcfaid that the inhabitants of the earth make the image ? Doth not thebeafthim- ielfc make it? yeajbut this is to be anfwered that the kings of the earth,and the peo» pie their fubie(^s giue their confent, orelfeitcould not haue been.Forifthe ma- lignantChurchjthe Synagogue of Antichrift,th3tRomifliclergie,had not feduced thdkings and the people with the power of their lying wonders, and made them bcleeuethat they could bring do wnc fire from heauenvpon their enemies^ they might haue required this image to be made.but not haue obtained it. But now it might arifc in a mans m / nd thus, an Image is but a dead fhe w of a thing, and can doe nothing. The holy Ghoftdothpreucnt this obie6^ion,and fhe weth that it bc- commeth more then a dead or an idle Image ; for he faith, the beaft had powctgi- uen him to put a fpirite into the image of the beaft, fo that the image of the bea(t fliould fpeake, anddiould caufe, that as many as wouldnot worfhipthc beaft fhouldbe killed. Here is a wonderfull Image,that hath life put into it, and power to doe fo great mattcrs.Thc popifh hierarchic is not a bare refemblance of the old Roman e policic to ft and as a pi6lure in a wall, but hath a fpirite put into it by the falfe prophet (which is the whole bodic of all the falfc teachers in that Romifha- poftafie)andfpreadethit felfe and fpeaketh with fuch power in all kingdomes,that' it ca u fcth all fuch to be put to death,as vvHI not worfhip the beaft. Who knowctb i pot this ? that as many as would not in all countries imbracc the whole popcry(and fo in fuc^ worfliip that old tyranie w hich maintained idolatrie) the popifh hierar- chic whcfcofthe pope is the top, then his Cardinals, then his great prelates,incjui- fitors, a nd other officers did Ipcakcand condemnethemasheretikes, deliuering' «hcni ouer bein g condemned to the fccular power, to bee put to death. And vs-cJc: S 3 knovr Qsi SERMONS VPON know that the kings then durft not but put them to death, leaflit fliould light vpon themfelucs. Thus were the poorc fhecpc orChrifi killed by themightie po- wer ofthis image, andlookc into thofe kingdomes where the parts ofit yet rc- mainc,andyeflialircehowitopprcffeththcL,uurch. Timisvery much, butthe bcaftisnoc yetfatisiied, but will hauc all ibrcs of people brought intobondagc vnto him as his marked Teruancs. Yea,as men vfc to feta brand vpon their iTicepc .and oiher cattcU, and to carc-nsarkc them, that it may openly and manifeflly ap- pcarcto uhomc theyappertainc : (b doth Antichrift thisRomidi bcaft, caufe all men in ail kingdomes to carry in open view bis marke or brand, whereby all may fee that they doe appcrteine vnto him. For thusittbilowethinthetext, Andhcc made all both Imall and great, rich and poorc, free and bond, to leceiue a marke in their right hand, or in their Foreheads: and that no man might buy or Tell, fauc he that had the marke of the name of the beart,orthe number of his name. Then we fee that among the people there is none fo fnyal,or fo ba{e,either man or woman, v\ horn Antichnli doth ncglcvit, but will baue them marked and bran- ■ded. Among the Kings, the Princes, the Dukes and nobles, there is not one fo great, or fo high, but he muftrtoope to recciue this brand : feeing heecaufeth all bojh fmall and great to recciue it. There is no man which by the abundance of his riches and worldly wealth, can buy out this matter. There is notthe pooreft bcg- •gerthat fhall be let go. All free men muft be bond to him : and bond men befides their makers according to the flel"h,mu(i haue a fpirituall Lord. None of all thefc .fhall be permitted to trafiique in the world, or to be conuetfant among men, vn- les the marke appeare vpon them,eitherin their foreheads or in their right hands, Theirhand is put for their aciljons, and the foreliead for their open proteflTion, and ,in one of them at the lcaft,eucry man muft openly declare that he acknowledgeih the Pope of Rome to bee the Lotdouer his faith. Is tbereany man which dooth doubt of chetructh ofthis, Imeancthat this was in cucryrefpetft fully performed inthcPapacie? Doc not all that be ofanyyear€iknow,thatfb many of all fortes ..whatfoeucr, as did not openly profelfc the Pope to bee their Lord, yeaeuenin .Chridsrtead, Lordand head ouer the whole Church, were cruelly put to death? Could any , I pray you, which would not doc this.bee fuffcred to buy and (cli,or to be conuerfant among mcnPGoc now into Spayne.and fee how you can hue there: where a part of the imageof the beaft yet rtandcth. I call it but a pan of the i- niagCjUotbccauleitisnotasan vvholcimage,but becaufethe image of che beaft is called but one in aUkingdomes/ofarrcas itwaslpread, and in fundric king- -domesit isbroken downe. Itmay herebcdemaunded, v\hctherall thcfe three bee put for one, the marke ofthc beaft, his name, and the number of his name ? I take it they arc not all one, but that the marke is a morcfpeciall thing then his name or the number of his name. For v^ho knoweth not, that fome were more neerely marked vhto the Pope, or wiiha more fpeciall brand thenothers? Allthc Laine (as they called them) barehisname, ortbcnunibcrof hisnamc, and did profeffe their humble iiibmiilioa vnto all hisdecrecs, did woiihip him as their fpirituall Loidthathad the THE REVELATION. i^Tj the power oucr the Ipirituall life, and death. But his clergie of all forts.as hisCar- dinaISjhisBifhops,his Abbots,hisMoiikes, FricrSjNunncs,and Votaries.hadlpe- ciall rnsrkcs, and were moU necrely bound vnto him. Then wee fee it is not in vaincthat the holy Gfioli maketh a difference of the markc, feeing all arc bran- ded, but no: all alike :but fomebcddes thccominon markc, hauc alio their lene- rall,andrpcciall marke. Thus we fee that all fores ofpeo;>le become as the marked or branded cattell of the beaft,and mui\ be fubicCi to his will. The papirts thinke they put a great queftion vnto vs, when they fay, where vvas yourCT-ifchan hundrethyearcspaft? roanfwercthis, aske them where the true Chjrchof Chrirt was, when the fecondbeaO, thebeart with two homeslikca Lambe, did caufe all both f nail and great, rich and poore, free and bond, to rc« ceiuc the markc of the beaft, and that none might buy or fell but fuch ? were they not perfecucjd, condemned as heretikcs,and murdered inalllands,which would not become his marked feruants ? What can be more deere then this ? What tmc Church of ChrirtlTiojld wee looke for, alithetimcth3tthisbeartraigneth,buta perfecuted, fcattered remnant ? And what doth the vniuerfalitie, the multitude andconfent offo many kingdomes fubmittingthemfelucs to the Papacic, and worfhippingthc Pope and his decrees, but plainly declarcthat they bee the very malignant Church, the fynagogueofantichrift here painted out ? Reade all aun- cicnthiftories of things that were done in the times ofpoperie^ and fee what one thing cm bee found which doth not in all refpci^smoft fitly agree with the dc- fcriptionof thisfecond beaft? Reade how they haue becnvfed in all countries within the popiQi dominion, which haue denied toimbraccthepopifh idolatrous religion^ and fee whethcrthey doe not likewife in all re(peefore the throne, and i>efire the foure teafts and the 6lders:Andno man could Uarne ihatfong but the hundrethfour- tieandfoure thoufa»d,whichxvere brought from the earth. 4 Thefe are they which are not defiled with women , for they are virgins, thefe follow the hambe whither foeuer hegoeth^thefe are brought from menjbeing the firfl fruit est God and to the Lambe, 5 ^Andin their moutheswas found no guile ^ for they are without jpot be fore the throne of God, N the two former chapters the 1 1 . and 1 5 . wee hauc had the defcription of the enemies to the truefpoufc ofChriftjthehoIy Church: as in the 12. chapter there is painted out the great red dragon thcdeuillhimfclfe with all his Angels; and in the 13. chapter the beaft withfeuen heads, and the beaft with two homes like a Lambe. Now in this chapter here is firft fct forth her protedor and defender againft thofc huge monfters, and then afterward their decay and ruine. And I loo- ked(layth S.lohn) and behold a Lambe ftood vpon Mount Sion. In the dayes of the great Antichrift they were killed that would not worfliip the beaft, and no man mightbuy or fcUfauehe that had the marke, or the name ofthe beaft, or the number of his name: and this was ouer many nations, kindreds and tongues. Where then was the true Church ?didftie vtterlyfailein the earth Pas the papifts Jay vntovs, where was your Church -in hi:ndrethyearespaft ? The fpoufe of Chrift did not faile vpon the earth euenin ihe middeft of thofe grieuous times ; for here is ft ilia mountSion, that is, a true Church in the world, here is a Lambe ftanding vpon the fame as her protedtor, and here be many ihoufands of pure worftiippers her true cliildren, >\hjch are not defiled v\'ith the idolatrous wor/liip ofAntichrift. - - The ic6 SER?v10NS VPON Theycoiidcn.ic chemai hcrctikcSjperfecutc and ki 11 them, butthey canncucr caufe chci-n totorlakethetruih.Tbiis machisherc pla incly let before vs. B'Jt this is flrange tha: a lambc iihcie fee Torch co be the defender of the church agaiiiU thofe mightie enemies. What a mighty huge monger is thep,reat red dra- gon ? Of-Ahat marueilous power isthebeilt with feucn heads, and likev\ifethe beaft with two hoi'ncs?what isalambc vncoall thcfe? Yes this lambc is too lirong for them all : for hee is the lambcof God that takcth away the finnes of the world. He is throughly able thouL,h he be a lainbe to defend his church againrt chofe mo- vers, though they were ten thoufand limes ftroager then they be. Bat feeing this lambc in the fife chapter of this bookc,is called the lyon of the tribe of luda :ic nnay be dcmaundedvvhetner he might not in this place more fitly appcare in the (hapc of a lion to encounter with thofc m ightie enemies. It is out of doubt,that our Lord lefus is called a lion in refpc6^ of his terrible power wherewith he doth teare down his enemies. But we mu (i note withall, that the grcatnes of his power againft the dcuill and all his inftrumcnts hath fheweditlelfeasheeisalambe, yea thclambc flaine in facrifice : for it is the powerof his death that vanquirheth.and the church hath her vit^orie through hisbloud. So that it is indeed a lambethatoucrcom. mcth thefe terrible enemies,and proced:eth his chol'en.They oucrcame him by the bloud of the lambe,chap.i2 . vcrf.i i . And marke well how it is faid,that this lambc ftandah vpon Mount Sion ; for albeit he be in bodieafcendcd vp intoheauen, yec he faid,bchold I am with you^ euen to the endc of the world. Why then doth the popebragge that all power ouer the whole Church in earth is committed intohis hand,and thathe is in Chrirts ftead ? Ye fee Chritt is not abfent,thathee needeih a vicartofupply his roomeand office. The Church hath the lambethat wasflalnc prefent with hcr,by whom fhe doth ouercome. Thus much for the protcc^or,now forthcprote^icd. And with him (faith the text) anhundreth andfourcand fortic thoufand.Tbis is that number which are fealed before in the feuenth chapter. It is a number certainc, for an vncertainc :for it is r,ot the purpofeofthc holy Gholt to teach rs that th-j Lord lefus did prefcrue iufl fo many thoufands in the dayes of Antichvirt, but that when there fcemed tobe few or none, yet the Lord preferued many thoufands. As Elias fayd to God, Lordthcy haue digged do wnethine Aul- tcrs.and killed thy prophets, and I am left alone. Bit the Lord made him this an- fwere, I haue rcfcrued to my felre leuen thoufand tn iirael, which hauc not bowed the knee to Baal. Elias(asitappeareth) fawefcwe or none, and yet there were a great number. So in the dayes of popcrie when they killed all thole which would not worfliip the beaft,fc w appeared, but yet the Lord preferued many thoufands fcatteredinthekingdomesand great nations, ouer which the Romilli Amichrill had gotteti the dominion. An hundreth foure and fortie thoufand are a great num- ber, and thefe are fayd to be of the tribes of ifrael : and it feemeth that t Ws number is put for a farre greater. It may then bee obic6led, that fo great a multitude couI4 notbutappeareand make fomcOitwe, yea a farre greater fhe vcthen eucr was madein thcdaycs ofpopcrie, by tbolcthat wichrtoodit. To thislanfwcr, tliac lookebutintoourovvncland^ which isbutafinalcountriciaconjparilbnoffom« other. THE REVELATION. icy other, andfcc when there ismuftringof fouldicrs, aman or two outofaparilli which are not niiflcd, &may fceuic to be little, yet when4licy come to gcihcr they make a great armic of many thoufands :So the true worfliippers of the Lord fcat- ccredchinnc in many great kingdomesj fctall together ir.akc a joodiy compa- nie. Moreouctjbefidcs the largenes of the kingdomcs in \^ hich ihcy be fcatiered, wc mull alfo note the length ofihe time : For the popcrie was in the diength and did fiourifh foure or fiuehundrcth yeares : in this time a few at once amount to a greac numbcr,bcing gathered out ot To many nations. Howtoeucr the marked feruants ofAntichriftdelpifethis fcattered remnant, braggingof their infinite millionsof millions, yea of fo many thoufand thoufands, almolt asherebccperfons, yet this fmall number(l'mall I call it in comparifon of theirinnumerableheapes of people) (halbc found to be the true Catholikc Ch(irch,and their multiiudc the Synagogue cfSatan whom they doe worfhip. Thisbookc dothplainely flicwe that the true Church is tarrelelVe in number then thefalfe Church, and that ihefalfe Church fhall preuaile In the world againO the true feruants ot God, and murtherihem : what do they then boaft of their (Irength a nd mul; itude?Doth it not make againft them ? ye5 verily. It is alfo here to bee notcd,ihat bowfocucr the true worfhippers be difperfed and fcattrcd one from another here in the world,yet they meet all to- gether in the vnitie oftaith,& are ioyned to the lambc their head.Our pnpKU con- tend for a vifiblc bodie in the world,or els it canot be the church of ChriU ; As now at this day llnce the difclofing of Anticbrifl there be many vifible aflemblies that doe profelfe the gofpel.But how could there be fuch aflemblies in the dayes when the kings and their fubie6ts did worfliip the bea(},aad thofc which rcfufed to wor- fhip him were put to death ? True it is that in fome places, there were fome com- panies ofthofe which profefled the Gofpell, and which condemned the dodrinc of the church of Rome to be Antichrittian : whome the Romifli beaft w ith all his power could not fubdue, as the hillories doc lliew of the Bohemians, and ofthofe whome they eall the Waldenfcs. The Lord had many fcatired people in this oux countrie of England alfo, which imbraced the true do^irine, and refufed to wor- fhip thebeaft.biitefpecially in the dayesofVVicklifFe,andcertainc yeares after. Then it folio weth, Hauing his fathers name wrirtcn in theii foreheads. As the children of the malignant Church, which arccalled theinhabitantsof thecarth, hauethematkeofthebeal^in their foreheads,ov in their right hands,euen the name 'or thenumber of his name : fo the pure and holy Worlliippers on the contrary part haue written in their foreheads,the nameofthe Lord God, who is the father ofthe lambe. What is this, but that as the feruants of Antichrift are not afhamcd openly to bearc his markc and to profcffc his religion : \o thefe are not aOiamed ofthe ho- ly religion and worfliip of God, but doe openly profefle it before men. It is great reafon that this Jhuld belo : nay it is a veiy ab{urdthing,that the popilli foit fliuld glory in the name ofthe pope, and openly reioyce in the profefTion ofhis wicked inuent7ons,cuen in the worfhip ofdcuils,& that on the contrary parf,ibetriic wor- . (hippersflioulUbeaihamedoftbenamcofGodjthatiSjOfhisgofpclljofhisreligi- oa i58 SERMONS VPON on and true woifiiip:and therforc it is fayd here jhis fathers nam e 15 wri tten in thcif foreheads.Yehauc many which are time fenicrSjihat wii fay jthcykeepe tiieir con- fciencc to God, when as outwardly they do ioync with falfe worfiiip. They bearc openly and outwardly to the view of the worldethemarkcofthebeaft^and arc a- {hamed to beare openly the name ofGod, that is,the profeffion ofhisholytrueth, which condemncth all falfe worfhip ; but fay they carrie that fccretly in their con- fciencc,which they fay iscnough/eeingGod lookcs vpon the heart. Let fach mc Icarneout ofthisfcripture,that notwithHanding all the tyrannieof Aniichrift.ihc true worfliippers doe carry the profcrtion of his religion, as openly to the view of the world.as the other doecarry the marke and name of the beali. Yea moreouer aske fuch men whether it be tolerable, that the I'eruantsofGod fiiould bee more afhamcd of his name,then the feruantsof Antichril^ are afhamed of helPShal God bauc lefle honour then the deuill ? Let them alfo remember that our Sauiour doth • not fay he will den y them, and bee afh amed of them that fh all denie him, and bee aQiamed of him before his father in their heart and confcience : but he faith,he wil deniethem, andbeafhamedofihem, whichareaOiamedotbim, anddeniehim before men,Math. io.verf.32.33. Whofoeuer willbeofihiscompanie which are with the Lambe vpoH Mount Sion,they muft not be afhamed to haue it written in their forehead,that they profefle the do and the praifes vttered bythe Church, are as a terrible thunder :but after a more through and found conuerfion all is fweeteandplcafaiit, as moft delcd^able mu- fickcDoubtlefTcthele things are moft true In many :andit may be, thisfcripture is tofignifie (b much.But if we will rather apply it both to the parties that vtter the voyce,and to thcfeuerall exi?rcifes oftheChurch,then itisto be taken thus : water* doe figaific (as the Angell (hcweth chap. 1 7.) tTiuUitud€s,toDgues,and kinreds of '^ people. . Hjo SERMONS VPON people. So the noyfeofmany waters, may very well be here taken, that tbcvoycc of this prayfe is the voyce of a multitude gathered out ofmany kindreds, nations, tongues and people : For the Lord gathereth hiscled out of many kin^'domes and nations. And albeit they bee feuered by fcasanddiflanceofplaces, yet they meete together in the vnitieof faithin their head Chrift. Yea, ho wfoeuer their ianguagcs docdiffer, yet like as many waters meeting together they make but one lojnd, and in thisrcfped that the fubftance and fumme of their feuerall voy- ces is aUone,euen the magnifying the praife ofGod.and the yttering his tructh,it is fayd,thattheir v^oyce is as the found ofmany wacers. Then for the iccond, that it is as the voyce of a great thunder, it may very well -reprefentthe terrible iudgcments&threatnings whichtheferuantsofGoddo de- npuce againft the wicked corrupters of his holy worfhip. Although the minilkrs of Anticbri(l,and the vngodly worldlings doe heare if with deaffe cares,yec is it in- dcedcasaraoftterriblcthunder. Inthelaft placethe fweetemelodieofthehar- perSjdoth fhe w with what fpirituall icy and gladnes the true belceuers doe praifc God, TopraifeGod is nothing, vnlesa man take great ioy, delight, and pleafurc therein. In the time of the law God appoymed that his people fhould praife him in the publike aflemblies with all manner of fwecte inftruments of mufickc: what fliaii wee imagine that God is delighted with thefweetenoyfcand harmo- nieof Inftruments? That were moftfoolifh, ifweefhould thinke fo, feeing his ioyes are in himfelfe,and infinit: but it was to (hewc indeede that the heart and minde ofmanmuflioy and reioycein praifing the Lord; As Saint Paul requireth ofthe ChriHians, thatthey makemelodic in their hearts to the Lord. Itisaplacc worthie great and deepe confidcration : for it may teach vs that w hen men do vt- ter the praifcs ofGod, if it be onely with a plcaflire in the voyce, and for cuftome and fashion, it is a dead thing, not plcafing to God at all.But if we delight and ioy in glorifying and praifing God,fo that it is euen like fweete and pleafant mufickc to ourhearts :theti doe we praife him indeede with hisSaints,and that isplcafing vntohim. Ohow men delighttohearcthepraifcofthofe whomihcy loue: ifyec loue the Lord, let your heart and tongue agree to magnific his praife^ and reioycc inhishonour. The deuill applicth all his might and force to defiroy the praife of God^and therefore feeketh by all meancs to draw afide the hearts of men from rc- ioycingin the Lord. Wee fee the perturbations, and diflempered affe6tions that many are in,v\hercby,vpon eucry light occafion,euen as atthc wagging'ofa flraw, they are tormented, and difquicc others, fo that they cannot reioycc in the Lord, and with glad hearts fing forth his praife : but rather doc murmuie.We muft take hcedcofthaf, and feeke to hauc our harpes well tuned, that is our harts, that euen with fweeteand pleafant harmonic, they may found foonh the praifes of God. The fame deuill alfo who corrupteth whatfoeuet hecan, dravcththe melodic from the heart i nto the mouth onely : for fomc iookc onely to the outward tunc, and arc delighted with the skillofthat : they chauntand make a pleafant noyfc to the outward care, but the ftringsof the heart arc not tur.cd, thcrcisnoipirituall delight in praifing God^and wbic doe fuchbut euen bellow ? Ic THE REVELATION. 271 It followcth, And they did fing as it were a new fong before the thfone^and be- fore the foure hearts and the Elders. As S. lohn told vs ofihe melodic of harpers, fonowhceaddcih, that they did alfo fingasitwere a new fong, which alfo is tcdecbre with what giadncs and mirth of heart, the faithfulldoe found forththe praifc ofGods glory.Men doc vfcfortofingwhenthcybcmcrrie andglad, as the Aportle faith, fsa»j merriejet himjtng Pfalmes, And it is to beeconfidercd that he faithjiheir long wasasanewfong. Wee knowe that a fong doth delight mo(i when it is ncw,and lefle as it waxethcommon, and^as W'cfay,rtale. Thepraifing of Godby the faiihfuUis moft auncicnt and continually and yet they continue it with fuch delight, as if it were ftiU new. For if men vpon a cuftome or common farti ion vtter( he praifesofGodjWithout feeling ofioy and gladnes in the fame, ic is euen as a ftalc fong. Therefore the godly receiuing daily new benefits, doe Hill renew their fong, that it remainethasfrefhandplcafant asatthefirrt, itncuer waxetholde in the motions and affe^lions of their minde. This is it that the holy ProphetDauid fooftcn calletbfori faying, Singtothc Lorde a new fong,cheere- fullypraifethe Lord. Here is then no moreesprcfledin this place to bee done by the Church, then that which the holy Ghoftalwaks called vpon the feruants of God for to performc. We muft then make account,that it is our part and duty to ioyne with thcm,and to take more delight in letting forth the praife of God,then in all earthly ioycs: we ought to make it euen as the top and crownc of our plea- fures: weemuilgoecheerefully vntoit, both in priuatebyour fclues,andalfoin the publike afiemblies. Behold then his benefits and louing kindncs towards vs, that we may al waies rcioycc and triumph in his moll holy name. It is faid that they fing this new fong before the throne,before the fourcbeafis, and before the Elders. Althoughthe praife be vtteted by the Church vpon earth, yet the fweete harmonic of their harpcs and long, commeth vp into the hcauens, before the throne of God,and before his holy Angels, in as much asthe Lord hea- reth their praife,and it is pleafing vnto him,and alio all the holy Angels and Saints do reioyce in thcglorifying of God. It is the whole delight of the blefled heauen- lyfpitirs to praife the Lord,andtohearehispraifesvcteredbymen. Itis euen the Iwceteft melodic and fong that can be vntothem.We doe not reade ofany praife o&ered vp by the faithfull in all chis booke vnto any Angeli or Saint, but oncly to him that fittech vpon the throne, and to the Lambe: for none is to be with him partakcrof his worfhipandgloriernoneisworthiecobceioyncdwiihhim: hec isGodaloncTheminirtcrsofAntichriRcrieoutvponvsasaducrfancstotheho- ly Angelsjto the blelTed V"irgin,and to the Apoftles and Martyrs, that we refufe to call vpon thciii, or any way toafcribe vnto them that which is peculiar to God and to his Chrirt. They imagine that they haue them on their fides, and that they be fct againd vs becaufe of this; As their popilTi bookes are full of tales, w hat fuch * or fuch a Saint did forthcfs that were thdr deuout worfhippers. If it were ^o^ doubtksweefhouldbec inanhcauiecafc, tohauealltheheauenlycompanie a- gainft vs. Butitisfarreotherwife; forthe Angels and the Saints in heauen haue " their whole icy in chis,that God isglorifiedjihey delight not in horrible facriiegCj that 27^ SERMONS VPOM that !s,tbat the gloric which bclongeth oncly to God,(liould be giuen vnto them. Nay, they arc againft all thofe which doc not together with them, worfhip oncly the great God. It is added furthcr,That no man could learne that fongbut the hundreth/ourtie and foure thoufand which were bought from the earth. What language then mightthisfongbcc viteredin, thatnone canlearneit but the redeemed? Istherc any tongue peculiar to themin which they fingpraifcs to God ? Wee mufl note that he fpcaketh not her^ofthe outward voyce,or found of words : for what forme of pr aifc is thcre,or in what l3guage,but fome or other euen ofthe enemies of God, as it fallcth to be in their tongue, can learne it ? But this fong isto bee vndcrftood oftheioyfuiIprai(ingofGodinthcheart,itisthefpirituaIlioy,oriheioyoftheho- ly Ghoft, which neuer any c an attainc vnto,but only the cM. No man can right- ly praifc God, vntill hec fcelc in his heart that God hath chofdi him vnto life and glorie : no man can actaine vnto that but hec that rccciueth the fpk'it of adoption. Whereupon it folio weth, that none but the ele6t can learne this fong. Outwardly then hypocrites and wicked perfonsmay learne to vtter this fong in outward voice and fpccch (for what words that tend toglorifie God cannot thcmort wicked tongue pronounce^if we re(pCi5l the fiUables ? ) but that which is in thebcart,they can not learne. Let vs then be afrayd leaft we decciue our felues in this, that we can fpeakc as good wordes to the praifc ofGod asany,and cometothe fame prayers and praifcs that the beft doe,and thinke that is ail,or fufficient.For if we doe it but in word, not reioycing in heart, we neuer learned this new fong, wecanhaueno tcfti monie vnto our confciencCjthat we be of the number of the faithfull^and pure 'V-'orOiippcrsofGod. Ifweelabpur not to learne this new fong, weefailcinthc whole : we are none of this companie, for they all Zing as it were a new fong. Lay hold of the promifes then, apprehend the loue of God, andyee flialllouehim againe^ and then fhallyour grcateftioy and delight bee in praihnghis bleffed name. ■ Hetfe followetli next , that this companie which are with the Lambc vpon iiK.jntSon,are allvirgin$,andnotdefiled with women. Here is a companie, yea i great companie of chaft and pure ones. It is meete indeede that all they which accompaniethevnfpotted Lambefhould befuch : All virgincs^all chaft and pure virgins, here is a goodly aflemblie. Here the papifls fteppe in and lay hold for the commendation of finglc life, and fay it appeareth hereby, that virgins alwaycs ac- companic ChrKt inhcauen, and fohauc greater dignitie then others haue. This Tliakcth (asthey takcit) forthe finglc life of all their Pricfts, Abbots, Monkes, Fners,Nunncs,and fuch like : for ihey be all vnmarried pcrfons. If S.Iohn had faid here thefe bee vnmarried, it had been well for their purpofe : but he fayth not fb, but that thevarc virgins, not defiled with women. For all vnmarried perlbnsarc not virgincSiSU that iiue in finglc life kecpe not ihemfelues vndefiiled with women. Wcgrauntthattl:epopifhfw'armesoffuchvermineIiucafinglelife, but we will not graunttb*mtobcvirgincs,or not defiled with women:for the earthhath been filled with the IHnke ofthe whoredomcs, incelb, and abominable filthic lulks of their THE REVELATION. 27^ their PopcSjtheir Cardinals, their Bidiops, Monkes, Friers and Nunnes. Thcic himdreth/ortieandfourc thoufand virgins which arc with the LaiTibc,come no& out of their cloyOers,thcy muft fecke for them fome vvljcre chc. -But to aniwcrc them more fullV;,! fay they arc very much oucrfcen tocxpound this place of finglc lift eras I may fpeake, of bodily virginitic. They fpcake indeed reprochfully of marriagCjbutdare they fay that the marriage bed is defiled ? The holy GhoB faith, Hcbr. 1 3 .that it is vndefilcd. Then v^hen S.Iohn fayth^ chefe are not defsled with womcn,if wee 'A'ill vndcrftand it of this corporall virginirie in fingle life, muft it not ncedesfccniilj^ charge all married pcrfons to bee polluted by chcir marriage ? When the holy Scripture plainly affirmed), that the marriage bed is not dciiied, we may not expou nd this place to contrarie that plafne do ftrine : which we muft needes doe if wee will expound it of lingle life : becaufe in this placc^virgliis.and fueh as are not defiled with women, are put for the famething^and as I fayd^if we take it fo,thcn fccrctly it impu teth a defilenient vnto all married perfons. 1 hen feeing wee maynotcharr.c the holy ordinance of God withpolIutionjWec muft becrc flye vnto another kKideof virginirie^ and that is a fpir;tuall virginitic : as S.Paul fayth he did labour to prefcnttheCorinthsas a chaft virgin to Chrift. The Lord {hevYCih that bee dooth take his Church as his (poule, and llic is called the Lambes wife. There is then a fpiritual w horedorac w hen men commit idolatric, and follow the wordiippe of Idols, andthe fuperftitious inuentionsof men^ and doi^tines ofdiuels. And there is a fpirituall virginitic where men are not defiled with fuch whorifh women as the Idols and falfc worftiip. How often doth the Lordvfe fuch fpeeches by the Prophets, (as all that reade them can tell) that his people went a whoring when they worfhipped Idols > Then thus it is : thefe huii- drethjfortie and fourc thoufand are fuch as kept themfelues from worfhipping I- dolsofgoldjof {iluer,of bradejof ftone,and ofwood,which fliould be,and were worQiipped in thekingdomeof Antichrift, as it is cuident by the latter ende of the ninth chapter of this piophecie. A great part of this companie alfo confifting of married mcn,and married women,were alfochaft and pure as well as the reft, from the bodily fornlcatipn. Therefore beloued^if wee will bee with the Lambe, imbracc and hold faft that holy and pure wo-^ip which is prcfcribed in the word ofGod,and vtterly renounce all Idolatrie and all mens deuifes: for fuch chaft and pure virginsaic meeteto accompanieChrift. Such as bee polluted with fornica- tion either carnall or fpirituall , bee not as chaft virgins to bee coupled vnta Chrift. . . He deicribeth this companie yet further, and fayth, they followe the Lambe whither (bcucr he gocth. The Lambe is their fhcpheard,they know his voyce, and goq to whatfocuer he caileth therajand they will not hearc the voyce of ftrangers, but doe flye tiom them, lohn 10. Antichrift, euen all the falfe prophets in the po- perie,hauc fought to make the whole Church in allkingdomcsobey their voyce, and they drew infinite multitudes to imbrace their do<5trinc, and to take their wicked decree, to be cuen as the oracles ofGod: but thefe they cannot neither by T deceit. SERMONS VPON it,nor yet by violence draw from following the La mbc. Thefc doc ackiow- c no doctrine nor no worlliip, but that which he hath-dclriicred by his holie a74 deceit, ledge no doctrine nor no woriiiip,^„. , ...^«v/i.w 'Apoftles and Prophets, Where (hall we find Chrirt but in the rariptures,& w here (hall we find the true Church but with'ChriftPIn the next wordshe(heweth,hov7 it commeth that thcfe are Co nigh vnto Chrift, & that indeed as he dcclarechis not through their own indeuour or worthines,but that they arc bought,as he faith,fro men. The Lambe bought theni,and he bought them w ith a great price, not with corruptible things,(as S.Peter faith) as gold, or filuer,but with theprecious blood of Chrili, as of a Lambe vndefiled aad without fpot, i.Pct. i . i p.He fheweth al- fo to what end they be redeemed,in thefc words,being tlie firrt fruits to God and to the Lanibc. By this wee muft voderftand that they beconfecrated and fet apart to God, and to his Chrift. They are not to liue vnto themfelue.% they are not to feruefinnc : butthey are in all puritie to walke with the Lord their God. That he faith,ihere was no guile found in their mouthes,and that they are vvithout (jjot be- fore the throne of God.it is not to be referred to their own boliaes^but to thatper* fc6\ rightcoufncs which they haue by fiiitb in Chrift, THE XXX. SERMON. CHAP. xiin. •S' Then Ifm another Angellflte in the middefl ofhe0uen,h4uing an euerUfiinf Gefpell to f reach vnto them t hat drvell on the eart h, and to euery nation, and kinred,tongue,and people, •J Saying wit h a ioud vojce : Feare God and gtm ghrie to him y for the hottre of his indgement is come: andxvorjhip him that mt^de heauen and earth ^thefea^ and aUthefountaines of water. 8 Andtherefollonvedanother AngeHifaj/ing^it isfaUenyit u filUn^Babylon that great citie.forjhegaue to all nations to drinke the mne of tht wrath of her fornication, f Andthe third Angellfolloiredthem.faying with a loud voyce^if any man vcor- fljip the heafi and his Image ^ and receiue his marke on his forehead, or on hit hand, \iy 7 he fame jh all drinks of the wine of the vfrath ofGodjeathepHre rvine which is povfred into the cup of his wrath, and hefh.il I he pi^htjhedw fire and brimr ^one before the holy Angels, and before the Lambe. i^r Andthe fmoke of their tormentspjaliafcend vp eftermore^andtheyjhall haue no-- THE PvEvELATION. ^75 »tf reft i iddc fl of hea- uen. Such as haue not obferued this are very fencciefi'e and dull. Thus we fee hovv • fpeedily the Gofpell iliQuld bee carried ouer the kingdomes of the world, when great Babel fliould downe,andhow no power vpon eaiih lliould be able to flop it,the Angel flying witbit in the middeft ofheaucn.Now let vs hearc the d'j6lnnc k felfcvvhich he preacheth,for the fummc of it is here reported, whiih is this,fay-» ing with a loud voyce,Fcarc^Jod,& glue glory to him.forthe ho'ire of hi* iudgCi* nicijtiscomc:3nd worflitp him thit made heauen and earth.the fca, and .lU the fountaines of water. What a wonderfull comfoit and confirmailon vnto vs here isgiuen,tofl3:)dinthedod>rincno'A'pub!irnedaga;uflyRomi{h Antichrifljfee- iing the Gofpci which ihisAneel flicth witbaU^coiuainctbilicvs bole fumme of all THE REVELATION. ^yy ill the do^hinc which M.Luther,M.Caluin,and the rcflhaue taught out ofGods Vord,no difference at all to be found ? For readc ouer all their bookciwhich they hauc written ahpoperic brt'that klngddtYie of sbe-grcat Antiehrift which fhould coitic. They carioot fee it to be a matter of full ^cf|aiBtie,\^ herein we may reliout of all doubi and concroucrfic. I.ct them cAfi-'-^ iidcr well of this place, what che eucrlarting Gofpell is which chc Angell preachcth to all nationSjkindrcds, tongues and people. Let them a!fo con fider that the fc- cond Angel after thepublilhingoftbatdoftritie,proclai!ucth thefall of Babylon tfeatgreatcitJC.Thenfurcberlecdiciwrfcewhetheriibenotthcfamedodrinenovv of late preached among natious, vvhich the Angicllihereytterctb.. And finally^i iparke whether the popci ie bee oot caft do wneby it. Finding thelc things thus td concurrCjwhy fhould weedoubt^but that the papifme 'vi the very beaft with twd: homes like a Lambe, eucnthcgrcat Ancichriil? And now brethren, how happie are wc,and how great tbankes and prSife arc wee with glad mindes to offer vp to God alraightic,thatwc,are borne and liueinihedaieSjin which the Angell flicth with this heaucnly Gd(pel,a$d (ce;the ruines of that idolatrous kingdomeSi which bath murdered fo many true wotfhippcrjjof God,andfcduccd lb many rhoufand thoufandsjvnto the worlhip of dJuebPYeahowlocuer they railevpon them, hap- pie and thrice happie are thofe great feruants ofGod,Luther,Caluin,Bucer,Mar* lir,Bullinger, Cranmer, Ridley, and others, which haiic fucceeded and followed fioce their dayes,and are indcede the Angelkhat flyeth in the midded of hcauen, to call men withthc puredod^iincoftheQtjfpel/rom'Worfhippiogthe bcaft an4 dumbe Idols^to/worlliipthe true and liuingGod. Let vs alfoforourpartftcpin, and with all our might fo farre as the Lord doth inable vs^and call vs^ ftrike ^v the head ofthis monfter,and increafe the ruines of wicked Babcll, We all (ce how the feruants of Antiehrift beftirre them, and eipeciallythofe wicked traytors thele- fuitjCs,to healethe wounds that arcgiucn to their Idoll, and to recouctihe brea- ches, which are made m the walles oftheir great citic : and £hall not we be as for- ward in the feruice of the Lord ? Is there any thing hei'c wherein we may fo much reioyce,as in the ruine and downfall of Babylon, being fa horribly wicked ? For fee what the Angell addethas the caufe why the Lord God will execute fharpc vengeance vponher : for (lie gaue(fayth he)to allnationsto drlnkc of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. Here bcebutfew words,butyet theyexprefie a fea,orgulfeofmoft wicked abominations committed by Babel, the Romifn fy-. nagogue.Formarke welleucry part of the fcntence : Herfilthinesisnotcompaf- fed in withnarrow bounds, as committed in fome onckingdomc: but fprcadeth ic felfe ouer all nations : for he lay th, fhc gaue to all nations to drinke of the wine, &c. It is 3 foule thing beforeGod to corrijpt one man : it is more to corrupt a fa- milie,and fo goc vp by degrees to a whole citieand to a kingdome, which is very much rand if it ftayed there, yet how horrible muft it needes bee in the fight of • God ? But Rome hath not ftayed there, but hathcorrupted and feduccd all na- tions vnto IdoIatrie,fuperftition,herefies,and worfhip of falfeGods: who is able then to declare the largenes of the fea or gulfe ofali her abominations? What luadncs is it in the papifts to boaft oftheir multitudes ? feeing it is plainly expreff fcd,that the great Antiehrift, the whereof Babylon Giall giuc to all nations to T 4 . drinke 280 SERMONS \VPON : drinkcof hertonelythc wincofherfornication, but the wine of the wrathof her fornication. This (he weih that the Lord is prouo- ked to. wrath and difpleafure,androtoexecutevengeance for her abominations. This wine of wraiKmay be taken both thefe waies : firft, that the Lord being mo- u^d to wrath with the world/or defpifing his truetb, gaue fcope to Satan to ere6l xhekingdome of Antichrift,andfo to bring in all abominable idolatrie. For that Saint Paultcacbetb,2.ThcfC2.Then fcconcily,ihat it prouoketh the Lord God to wrath, who isa iealous God,and will not fuffer his glorie to be giuen to creatures, yea Idols,and to diucls,but he willbereuenged. Then wee fee that the fpirituall whoredome ofthe Church of Rome,is the wine ofwrath. So lay al thefe together, Babylon that great citie hath fpreadherfilthinesfo farre and wide, that (he hath corrupted all nations, making them to drinke of her cup, fo that there is a deepe gulfe of her abominations.She hath filled her cup with all fikbie fomfcation,vnto which fhe hath led both the kings and their fubic6^s,who haue greedily ft jpped vp the fame,euen to the dregs, it is the wine of wrath, fortheiutt Godisptouokbd thereby: therefore Babylon is fallen, it is fallen. It is not poflTible that this proiide kingdome fhould (^and,thc moft high God comming to iudgemcnt againf^ her, euen to po wrc forth his wrath and vengcance.Herc is a generall dof^rine for vs all to meditate often vpon. And that is, if the mightie kingdome ofthe world come downe for wickednelTc, who c an efcapc that prouoketh hinj ? For ifhc iudge the nationSjhow Hiall any one man efcape? And when yee ftc wicked tnen flouri(h, and befo mightie in the world that yee thinke they niuf^ needes {tand,remensbef how great Babell which made all kings to tremble at her power, is fallen for her wickedn the (low, thcdeaffe^and dull cares of many caufcth. For albeit the li- ht ofthc Qofpell hath turned fo great multitudes from popcrie,thai Babell hath caught a very great fall, yet experienccdoth teach vSjthat many hauingbia nuz- Icdfpinpopcrie, (land vponthcantiquiticof Jt,and condemne the holy Gofpell of Glirtf^ as new learning : Therfore Icafl fuch (liould flatter thcmfelues,and leaft the wcalfe (liouU be fcduced by the, it is very ncccffary that the wrath & venge- ance of God fhould bee (Wrongly denounced againft them, Thinke not therefore that it is an intemperate heatcf or as fome fmooth Atheiftstermeit rayling)when the true feruantsof Chrilithat publi(h the Gofpell, doe with great vehemencic denounce vengeance againft the popifli idolaters : feeing the Lord hath here fi- gured it long before by an Angell. Nay rather know that this Angell figureth the true minificrs of the Gofpcll,and therefore they execute not their office faithfully, which do it not There be many alfo whichaccount fo little which religion be (et fbrtbjthat they think theyworlliip God in both.They cannot (ee,but that the pa - pi(^$ alfo bee good Chrirtians, and worfhipGod : the voyce of this Angell is very needfufll for ibem,that they may fee what dreadfull vengeance the Lord denoun- ccth againfl the popifli worfhippers. Well, let vs come to the words which this Aogellpioclaimeih with foloude a voyce. They mayall bee deuided into two partes, whereof the one noteth out with fuppolition the worfliippersof the* beafl: the other defcribethihe wofull torments which they (hall endure for the fame.The former isthusjifanymarrworfhip thebeaft and hisimage^and reeciue lusmatke on his forehead or on his hand : that is to fay,if any man profetfe and lake the Church of Rome ,eucn that idolatrous (trumpet, which vfurpeth power ouer Gods worde, to bee the true Church, euen the chad and beloued fpoufc of Ghrift : If any man acknowledge the Pope to bee theVicat of Chri(^,the head of theChurch,andthat hee hath power and aiithoritieto makelawestd bindethe faith and confcience, which men arctoobcyvnderpainc of damnation, and (b receiueth all bis decrees as the oracles ofGod : if any hold,tbat there is no rcmif- fion of (inncs but in that fociciic and vnder that head,and fo will hauc his pardon ' from hiin,or from ibme that haue that power from him, bclceuing that the Pope hath that power committed to him to pardon whofe (innes he wi!l,and that the ■ fame power is deriued from him as from the head and fountainevnto all his (hauelings : If any man hold thefe ibrefayd things, or carriean open pi?ofe(rf6Ji or marketo fliew that heholdeththem,& ioyncthin the Idol feniicc with that (y- nagogue, or wiHieth to ioync being teftrainedthe fame worfliippeth the bea(i and his image, and carriechindeede his marke.That fame is hee to whom, or a* gainfl whom the Angell denounceth this fliarpe vengeance. One partofthc words which denouncr: the horrible damnation vnto the pd- pi(h woi(hippers,fet forth the vengeance of God by two comparifons,naniely,or ■wifiC- 2S2 SERMONS VPON wine powrcd into a cuppc and giuen thcratodrinke,and of fire and brimfione irj whlcluhcy dial burnc : the other dcclareth tha^ their tortnenc flnal neuer hauc any cnd,nor any intermilTion. When God by hisProphe^s of old^did threaten deftru- dionto the wicked nations, hce fomctimevfedchisfiguratiue fpeech,thatthey ilioiild take the cup and drink : So herc,like as the Idolaters haue wilHngly recci- ued the cup at the hands of the whore of Babylon^to drink vp her filthy abomina- tipns,the Angell threatneth that they Hiallbc madcto drinkc of another cup, that is,of the cup of Gods wrath. And he callcth it the wine ofGods wrath whic-b is powred into this cup. Wine is a piercing thing when it is receiued into a tiians bodie ; and fo by this fimilitude is meant, that the worfhippers of Anrichrift ftiall as ic were euen drink and Be filled both in foulc and body,euen as vcflels, with the piercing wine of the wrath of God. There Ihall bee no part of them free from it. And the Angell doth amplifie the matter, that he faith,it Oiall be vnmixcd wine, which is not delay cd,and therefore (b much the morcpicrcing andfearchino. o wofull creature's that driwke this wine, it will Icauenocornerfi:ccintheni,inail parts both of bodie and foulc. The other comparifon^which is of fire and brimftone, dedareth inmoft feare- fullmanncrthe bitter torments ofthc wrath of God. What torment is like vnto fire and brimOonc ? who is able to abide it euen for one, day ? If a man (liould lie a whole ycerc in fuch torment, were it not a yvonderfull horrour? And the Angell faith here,tliat they (liail be tormented in fire and brimftone before the holy An-. gels,and before the Lambe. They fhall be a gazing ftocke in their torments vnto the Angels and Saints,who fhalnot pitie them,but rcioyce to fee their confufion. And moreouer,they fhall not lie in thele torments for a ycere,or foryeeres,but for eucr,asthe AngcU flievs eth. The fmoake (faith he) of their torn)ents afcendeth vp for euermore. We know that if fmoake afcend vp,the fiie is not quenched : there-' fore it dedareth that this fire fliall neuer bee quenched. Yea further, it is fhcwcd, that it fhall not be with themjas it is with men that fufFer grieiious torments here in their bodies which come by fittes, with fbme intermifTion,and fometimes they haue things that refrelli and comfort, and fometimes they fleepe andforget,or feelc not their painc: but the euerlafting torment of thcfe^ as it were in fire and brimftone, fhall neuer bee eafcd one minute of an hoyre, neither by day nor by night. This is the portion ofthofc that worfhip the bcaft and his image,& rcceiuc the print of his name. Here is the good which the Pope doth bring vpon all thai loue and honour him. O confider it Ibeleechye : and imbrace the pure and holie worfhip of God which he hath prefcribed in his word.Cleaue faft vnto it,and bee npt drawnc by any torments to drinke ofthat whores cup ; leaft yee drinkc of the cup of Gods wrath. It is much bettertogiueyour bodies to bee burned for the Lords tf uethjthen to be tormented world vvithout end in fire and brimftone, THE THE REVELATION. ,2^ -=^lgw mmmmm THE XXXI. SERMON. CHAP. XIIII. 1 2 Ifere is t he patience of the Saint s^ here are they which k^efe the commander ments of (jod,fg' v»to me,ff>r/te. Saint lohn fheweth,thathedidnot only heare the voice pronouncing fuch a matter, but alio before it is pronounced, he is willed to write ir. VVriie(l"aith cKe voice)thc dead are blefled which die in the Lord from hcncefbrth.Hehada commandcment in the iirft chapter to write in a booke the things which he had feene,& being now againe commanded to write this fayingjthat it might ftand in record vnto all poIkrities,it is to teach vs that it is a faying right excellent & ncccffary for al the feruants of God, euen to cofirroe them againlt alItroubIes,daungers,reproches,infamics,and agaiuft the terror of death it fclfe. The moft high God himfelfe from heauen,hath willed his feruant lohn to writCjthat the dead are blefled which dye in the Lord. But ffc how the fpeech is framed, it is notfayd indefinitely, generally, or abfolutely without re- ftraint, that the dead arc bIe{led,butthofe that dye in the Lord : For there is a dif- ference of the dead.Suchasdyein their fins,dcath doth notdifpatchor rid them from their miferies, but is as the gate through which they pafle into the gulfe of endlefle woe. They pafle from the Icflc miferies (which they haue endured in this lifc)vnto the greater.Such as die in the Lord.that is,all liich as are found in Chrift, death is as ik: gate through which they pafle from all the calamities which light vpon them in this vale of miferies, viito endlefle ioy and bliflc.For Chrift hath o- uercorae fin,thediucl,anddeath it fcIfcrHchathled them captiue and triumphed cuer the in his croflc. All fuch as arefound inhim,haue all their fins abohlfhed,his innoccncie is put vpon the,they are reconciled votoGod,how fhall any cuillthen come nigh vnto them? Behold what a goodly thing it is to die in the Lordrlt is the fulnesof bhflc.Andtheythatliuein y Lord,asyemijft obferue,arc they that fliall die in the Lord.Idoenotdeaie.but that fbme which fpeiit their life wickedly hauc dyed in the Lord, as the thecfefor one,whiGh did hang at the right hand ofChrift. But this is a rare gift of Godjthey be more then mad fooles which prefume vpo it. He that will be wife,lcthim bend all his ftudie and care, euen in the whole courfe of his life to apprched the faith and liuely power of Chrift,euen to liue in him,that he may die in him. Yea let all the whole life bee no more but to learne to die well and bicfl'edly.For if a man lay hold ofths holy faith,and ftudy to pleafe God with a pure confcience^ifhcfcckethemortificationofthe old man with all his corrupt lufts^and tu Mil not ^he.de'iresoftheflefh : if hce put on the new man, and walke in the vCTtuc-: ot the (jiiriMhe vercrw aid po.ver of the death and reriirrc(5^ion of ChriHli inhim,hedothliue ii'ry Lord,whcn ccaJnpproc herb he fiia! haue peace ofconfcicnce.he '^-!a!I rcinycc ih?r he i7iail -i-yiQ die in die Lord. There is no good- lier ms.':ei iur /o ?-) ca4vt;giur then Uiis Id:r,c, And marlve well how be < aitb from bencefoitb. 28^ ' SERMONS VPON hence-forth, which is as much tofayjprefently.or forth- with. They that dyia the Lord arc blefTcd by entring into ioy prcfcntly, there is no delay. Their Co ulcs wander not vp and do vvne,that it need to be faid, God reft their foulcs, God reft their foules,as the fuperftitiouspapifts vfcto fay. They arc not boylinginpurga- torie,and Co necdc praiers, almes,Dirges,ma{rcs,and the Popes pardons to helpc them out, nor any ocher popifh filthy trafh. Yc fecthatthcvoyceof God from heauenpronounccth, and willeth lohn to wtite it, that the dead which die in the Lord are not onely bleffed,but alfo from hencc-fbrth, that is to fay, cuen fo foonc as cuer they bee departed out of this hfc, becaufc they enter prcfcntly into reft,and aye freed firom all their calamities, labours, andaffliftions, which they endured wh'le they walked vpon the earth. What thcnjfhall we beleeue this voyce of God, which S. lohn is willed to fet do wne in writing,or fhaliwec beleeue the popiih Church which aflfirme,teach,and (Hfly maintains the flat contraiy?Which(think you)dcfcrueth to be credited, the voyce of God from heauen, which telleth vs diac tiicyareprefcntly inbliffe and reft from their labours which dye in the Lord? ot fhall we beleeue the pope and his fhauelings, which for their gaine, do teach that many whid^ dye in the true faith, and fo in the Lordjgoe into the greiuous paincs ofpurgatone, and muft hauc their hclpc by Maflcs andpardonsto come out? There bee three places ffay theyi)vnto which the foules of men doegoe when they depart this life, heauen, hell, and purgatorie. They which dye in a perfect good cllatc, goe immediatly to heauen: they that on tlic contrarie are found in a ftate fo w icked that they bee not at all in the ftatc of grace, goc diredly to hell: and fuch as bee in a middle eftate betweenethefc, notperfed^, buthauingfomc drofleoftheirfinnesjandyetnotoucof the ftate of grace, thefe before they can goe to heauen,are caft into that purging firei and tarrie there longer or flicrtct time as the matter oftheirfinneis,oras they receiue helpc from the lining. This is the popifh dodVine. And when wee fay it is wicked, and that it dooth derogate from the bloud of Chrift, which onely doth purge the foule of man from fmne : when we (ay it is blafphemousthat the Pope dooth challenge fuch power , as to fetch out foules out ofpurgatoric by his pardons, which he felleth for money, and when we truelyaffirmethaf there is no fuch purgatorie taught in Gods wordjbut thatitismansinuention,aIleadgingthi« place againft it , that the dead are forth- with blefled which dye in the Lord, becaufe they be at reft : the lefuiies reply ,ihac this place maketh nothing againft purgatorie, and certainevainc fliifcs they hauc deuifed to auoyd it. As firft they would haue thefe words in the Lord, to be taken for the Lord, or for the Lords caufc,and fo they fay it is to be vnderftood onely of the Martyrs which were flainc for witncllingthe Gofpel,whom their Church de* nyeth to goe to purgatoric,but diredly to heauen wichout delay .So they wil haue it thusjthe dead are bleffcd that dye in the Lord,that is the Maitirs,thcy goc forth- with to heaucn,as this text teachcth; but yet others (fay they Jgoe to purgatorie. Let it be that in the Lord may be taken tobc,for the Lord.-yet what rcafon can be fhevvcd why fuch reftraint fhould bee made in this place ? Are not al that dye in Chrift, true members of his myfticallbodic'Arc not his mcmbcw coupled vnto ■ him THE REVELATION. 1^7 hlmastoiheirhcadbya fpiritiiall vnion? Then doth not S.Pa^fay,i!iathcc was made finneforvs,whichkncvvnolinne,thatweinhim might w made the righ- tcoufncsof God ? i.Cor. 5. What is ihis^biit that the things vv hich are in the body arc imputed to the head : andthac contrariyvile the things which are inthe head areimoutcd to thebodie?. feeing the head, and the body ft and as one ioyncd to- gether. All the redeemed are the body.and ChriH the head, they be in him, and he kithcm. That whicbis theirs, is imputed vnto their head Chrift: as namely their finne,thcir curfe,theirpenaltie,theirdeathj all which he bare vpon the erode, thac be mi£,ht aboJifh them. That w hich is his, is imputed vnto his body ,euen his obc- dicnce^his puritie^and all good things that be in him. He hath abolifhed their vn- righteoufncs, their curfe, andcheirdeath: and hath put vpon them his righteouf- neSjhis bIclTing,and his life. If thefe things be thus, (as thofe words of S. Paul doc plainly fhe v\)ho vv fhould any that dyeih a true member of Chrift,whcther he die as a martyr, or othcrwife bee lent any where clfe to bee purged, but onely in the blood of Chri(i? Hauc not all true beleeucrs their pardon through Chrift, and die inhim,aswellasthcmariyi-s?If Chrift were madcfinne for all the members of his myfticall bodic which is the Cbureh,and if cuery true member of the Church, bee made the r ighteoufnes of God i n him : then how ftiall not all that dye in him forth-withbe bleflcdPHath not the death of Chrift fuffrciency in itfelfe fully to a« boIiftifinne,but his very true members which be in him and he in them, muftbe caft intoafire topurgcthem? Nay,they are from hence-forthblcffed that die in him. Our lefuites reply yet further, that although thefe words,the dead are from hence- forth bleflfed that die in the Lord, be taken generally for all that die in the flate of grace, yet it proueih nothing againft purgatoric. How fo ? Forfooth they {hew reafons to prouc, that fuch as bee in purgatorie^ bee in a more blefled eftate then the godly whichUuc vpon the earth, which yet are called blelTed euen while they liue. Firft,becaufe the words ofthe text here be plaine,thatfuchas die in the Lord doe reft from their labours, they affirme that the fbules in purgatorie may bee fayd to reft in peace. Is it not ftrange that purgatorie muft become a place of fuch happie reft.^ But let vs heare what reafons they bring. The foules in purgato- rie (fay they) are fet free from the labours, affli6tions,andperfecutions of this life. See how contrary the popi (1» feducers are vnto themfclues. For when they would make their greateft game of purgatorie, they terrific the rich men by defcribing the horrible and vnfpeakcable torments thereof, that they may bee readietobuic their pardons and their Mafles with any exceeding great price, ratherthento lye- there one day. The fireof purgatorie(fay thcy)difFcreth not infharpnes,orbitt€r- ne^of tormentjfromthe fire ofhell,but onely that it laftcth not but for a time,thc foule com meth out of it, but they that bee in hell neucr come our. And then fur- ther they fay, that the fireof hellexccedethinhcate our common fire vv hich wee bauehere,as much as our fire exceedtih painted fire. Painted fire doth burnc bur a-HttlCjand we al know that our fire for they Ipeake by the (piritof Anti- ch: ift. And although wee ought to giuc credit to the voice of God vttercd barely without reafons to confirme the fame,yet he fta icth not there, that is,in bare affir- niing,butyeelding to our weaknesjaddeth confirmations. For hcfayth,they reft from their labours,and their workes doe follow them. Their happines is here let foorth in two parts, to flie w indeede that it is a true bkflednefle. The one is, that they reft from their labours : the other is,that their workes doe follow ihem„ As touchingt:hcformer,itisagreatpartof happinestobcdcliuered and fet free from calamities .from fbrowcs/rom labours^and from the troublesof this lifejelpecially in the godly, who as Saint Paul fayth, are ©fall other the moft mifcrable in this life,i .Cor. 1 5:.f jr they are fubieitto the common calamitics^as of ficknes,poner- lie,loffes,and painfull labours,and befidesthofe_,the world dothhatc themjteuilc andperfecute them, and that fo bitterly, that many of them hauebeenimprilb- ncd,racked, tormented, and cruelly put to death by theRomiftibeaft. Itis, asl faydja great part of happines to reft from all thefe labours; but it is not a perfect happineSjVnlelTc we will fay that thehorfe which hath been foretrauelled,is hap- pie when he is dead,becau(e he refteth trom his labours. The dumbe beaft being deadfecleth neither good nor euilljbut in that refpe6tis well that he refteth from his miferies which his cruell mafter put him viito : And leaft any might imagine that the dead in Chrift had none other bleflednes but that,euen to reft from their labourSjhere is added the other part, namely ,that their works follow them. This make th vp the true bleflednes,this ftieweth that they do not reft from their labors asfeeling neither good nor euill,but that they bee in icy. For God hath promifcd, that he will honour them that honour him. He hath promifcd that he will rewird^ with glorieeuery good worke ofhisfcruants: and here itis faid.that their worker ^o follow them : their good deeds which they did in loue of God,and of his trinhj arenotf;>r^otten,but doc accompanie them. Death fcemeth to cut offall from them,and quite to ftrip them.as indeed he cutteih off honourSjVicheSjWiueSjChil* dren.and friends ; but he cannot cut ofV^norfeparate the from their good work^.'- Itldcrd it is moft certainc that a man goethnaked and bercfiof all things that he injoycth in ihislife^fauirg his vvorks,for they doe ftiil accompanie him,as we are V here X90 SERMONS VPON here taugbt.lt is a thing vvorthie great confideratlon. Men glue their mindcs to feeke for fuch things as chcy think (hall do them g^rod : as for humane vvifedomc, for riches, for honours, for dignities, for delights, and for friends. And fomcvfe there is indeedc of chefe things herein the world : but they doc not well confidcr that death fhall cut them off from all thefe things, and leaue them vtterly naked. They do not wifely weigh what it is to hauc great troi^pes and trains attend vpon them foj a time of fuch as death will fhut the doore vpon, and thrutt backe from following of their inafiers, They doe not wifely prouide fucha traineasdeath can not kecpe backe, but that ihcy.fliali accompanie and follow them: For there is iuch atraine, and who are they ?euen theirworkes. For fo it ishercfaid,and their workcs fliall follow them. O that we could well coiifidcr what a bleffing this is : how vvould we then while wee liuc here,proi!ide co hauc fuch a traine to accom- psnie vs at our death as cannot be kept backe, when all other things (hall leaue vs alone & vtterly forfake vs? Wc fee the great men of this world what great troupes ihey hauc follow them ofhouQiold feruants,and retainers: what weakh.what ho- norSjWhat ioyes and plcafjrcs they poffeflciO how happy are tbey,ifat the houre of death v^hen all thole iliall forfake the,they hauc as goodly a traine alfo of good workes to attend vpon them 1 For they that imbrace the true faith of Chrift lefus, and bring forth plcntifull fruits thereof,(as Saint Paul willeih Timothic tocharge them that be rich in this world co be rich in good workes) iliall findc the comforc and ioythercofat the houre oftheirdeath.lt may be demaunded,fliall men then comcto blcflcdnefle or bee faued by \ heir owne workes ? The holy fcripture faith plainly, that he which is not a fbrgetfull hearer, but a doer of the worke, fhall bee blefl'ed inhisdeed,looke lam.i.verfi 5. And blcfled are themercifull, and blef- fedarethepeacemakers,Matth.5.&c.but yetvveemaynot beefogrofle as with the papifts to hold that mens good deedes doe iultifie them, or merit eternal! life. Chrift is our iuftification whom we apprehend by faith: good works are the fruits of faith,and do declare that the life and po v cr of Chrift is in vs.For before wc be jnhim,wccandoenothing,Iohn i5:.verf.5.Moreouer, albeit they bee not of that value to meritciernall gloric,our workes wc doc of faith : yet God hath promifcd. to reward them with glorie,vvhichcommeth of his free grace. We arc iherfore,if we bejwifcjto cndeuour not cmcly to fiiunne wicked workes, but aJfo to abound and to be rich in all good workes. A great ioy it fhall bee vnto vs at the houre of our death, when all other comforts fliallfaile vs : for what is it that can then doevs any good? But if we haue imbraced the trutb^and fludied to pleale God night and day,performingwithagood conscience thofe duties which hee requirethat the kands of his children, both towards his holy maieftic, and towards men :It fhall rcfrefh vs with fwcete ioy to looke backe into the race that wc hauc run!ic,it ftial ■ cafe and comfort vs in the middeft of ail griefes which wc endure in the body:and when the eyes be doled vp,a goodly troppefhall attend vpon the foulc,eucn ofj holy deedcsjwhofe reward (hall begrcat. VVcallknow wefhalidie: v\ecdoe sU^ ofvs confeffe that our life here vpon C3rth,isbut as a fliadow and as a vapour. Wee cao difcomfe vpon the vanitieof,richcs,andhonouri,andpleafurcs:whata^reat folUe THE REVELATION. ^i?t fbllicandraadncsisitthcnforaman to hauc abundance ofriches, whereby hcc might be able to ouerflow in good works,inaduancingthe glory ofGod^ and re- lieuingchc needie,and doth rcmaine as a barren withered tree which is planted where it hath no moifturcPWhatrocuer gift God hath bellowed vponvs whereby we may be able to doe good decdes,Iet vs not negle6^ the timc,buc take alJ occa- fions to be doiri2,that when wee die our workcs may folio vs vs, and that we may recciuc the blcfled reward that is promifed. Some needcin(irui"iion for the Ibule, Ibme reliete for the bodie, doe what thou canH to helpe them ; thou flialt heapc vptreafure, andlay a good foundation again fl: the time to come, i.T'mi.6, But (hall not the wicked men hauc their workes follow them alfo ? Yc3,euen to their «rcarfhame : for all (hall be accompanied . And as the good workes of die righte- ous doe foUowthem vnto their praifc and gloric:fo the euill deedesof the wicked (hall accompanic them vnto iudgcment, and euen into hell,that there they may rccciue the reward that thofc their woiiies haue deferucd.Ic were well for the vii- eodly if they might any way wind ihemfelues from the traine of their euill deedsi but they cannot,for they fhall follow them with a loud cry for vengeance. Let all ' fuch therefore as be wife,prepare themfelucsfor death, in doing fuch good works at ihe^ may reioyce iii. V THE XXXII. SERMON. CHAP. XIIII. 14 And I looked, and hehotdavphite cUude,and v^ontht chude one Jit ting lil^e vntoihefonne ofnmnJoAuing on bis headagalden crofpne, and in his hand a Jharpe (ickie, 13 ^nd another it/4'ngeUcanje out of the Temple j trying with a hade voice to him that fate on t he cloud jthrufk in thy fickle andreape,for the time is come for thee to reape,fortheharueJi of the earth is come. 16 ylndhe that fate on thecloudthrHjiinhispckleon the earth^andthe earth woi reaped, 1 7 Then another t/fngell came out of the Temple which is in heanen, hatting a pi arpe fickle. 1 8 And another tAngeU came out from the Altar which had power otter fire^ and cry ed wit h a loud voyce to him that had the Jharpe fickle, andfaidy thrufi inthylharpefickle,andg4ther the cluflersofthe vineyard of the earth, fir her grapes are ripe, tp And the AngeHthrttfi in his Jharpe fckje on the earth t and cut downe the V% grofet jpi SERMONS VPON grapis of the vineyard of the earth iatfdcafiti/em into the great wiftefdt of the nrath of God. t O A^d the wine fat rvas troden without the cttie, and blood ca me out of the rvine^ fat euen vnto the horfs bridles, by thefpace of a tkonfand andfxe hundreth furlongs, j Here hath been fct foorth vnto vs before in this chapter^thc ruinc of great Babell, which is the kingdome of the beaft, and the fame ruine wrought by the preaching ottbe Gofpell. The light of the trueth bringeth them do vvn.Tbere was alfo vengeance denounced againft 'the worniippersofthebeaft,andthatirtmoft grieuousmaner.Now in this which I haue read vnto you , here is defcribed their vtccr ouertbro vv,and the vtter oucrthrow of all the wicked,v\hich Qiail be acthcday of thcgenerall iudge- ment.Forhere is a defcriptionofchclad iudgeinent^and ofthe wrath ofGodthat fliall be powrcd forth vpon all wicked finners. The whole matter is painted out vnder two fimilicudes ; the one ofthe haruefl.the other oFthe vintage. In the for- nier of thefc fitnilitudes,thcre is firrt a reprefentation,or a defcription of our Lord lefusthe high iudgc,comming in his glory to iudge the world. When he walked vpon the carth,and fpakcof the iudgement day,Matih.2 5.he faid he would come jnthecloudcsofheauen,andficvpon the throne of his glorie: and here Saint lohn faithjilookcd.and behold a whitccloud,&vponthecloud one luting hketo the Sonne of man. Here then is fuchathrone^andfuchagloric,as all the kings and ludgcs of the earth come farre fliort of. They verily fie vpon high thrones,3nd in great maleflie vpon the earth^but the throne and the maieftie here defcribed is far grcatcr,for it is hcauenly. There is no iudge but he that can lift vp himfclfe fo high as to fitinthccloudcsof heauen. This is a peculiar glorictothat iudge, and it is not to bee pafled by /chat hee faithjt is a white cloude vpon which he fitteth^ for dicreby is rcprefcntcd the vprightnes and intcgritie ofthe iudge. The ludgcs vpon earth doe faile often in iudgement.bcing carried awry fometimc with igno- rance/ometime with afFc(5iions either of loue or of hatredj&lbmetimes through feare,yea and fome no doubt at fometimc are corrupted with bribes ; but here is no fuch thing, this (cate is white, euen cleere,innoccnt,and pure from all fpot or flainc. This is a right vvorthic commendation of the Iudge, that no man fiiill re- cciue wrong iudgement from his mouth. The fentence Qiali bee vprighr,iuft, and perfcd^jboth to i he one part, and to the other. It foiloweth.That this iudge fitting vpon the cloud, hath on his head a golden crowne. This fhcwcth his authoritieand power, for Chrifi is as it were crowned king of kirigSjand Lord of Lords. He hathreceiued all maieliie, and pow er, in ^o much that cuery knee fhall bow e, and all tongues fhall confcfle that Icfus is the Lord.to the glory ofOod: asherc he that reprcfcnteth him fitting vpon the cloud, is crowned with a golden crowne. 1 hen it is faid,that hee hath a fliarpe fickle i:» his hand. OurSau^ourhimfelfcinccrtaineparableSjMatth.i; likcncdthccndof the world vntoharucQ, and fo accordingly in this place the laft iudgement bc- THE REVELATION. x^^ ingitprerencedbyharue/t,thc iudgc hath a fiiarpc fickle in his hand, with which heconinricthfor toreapc.For a fickle is for that vfCja fickle is for harucft. But what isreiembled by thisiliarpc ficklc,may fomc man fay? I anfwer thatby this ffiarpc fickle is fignificd the fharpcfeucritic of iufticc and veogcatjcc, with whichjali the wicked fliall at the dreadfull day of iudgcmenc be cut downe.Thc fentcijce of iu- fticc pronounced againit them by the iudge, fhal! they fecle to be a right fliarpc fickle indeed : it (hall cut (a* we ray)cuen to the bone. It fh all rcape them cuen as cocne isreaped,and ihcy flial bcboiind into flicaucs,and caft into the lake of fire. They fhall feele the fharpnes of this fickle world without end. It may be faid.that die iudgcmcnt fliall bee both ofthieiuft, and of the vniuft. Yea but this figure is flicwcdtofec foorih the terrible wrath againft thevniuftoncly : forihe iu(i{hal fecleno fuch feucritieof ludgement. It fliall be a mofl happie and ioyfuil day vn- to them^eucn the day of redemption. Then it folIoWeih : iAHdauothgr^^ngellcitmeoutofthe I'efKflccryingwith 4 loud voycc to htm tbfitftte vp»*i the clotide, thruJI in thy (ickli an(lre<^p^,^ecau/e thetim^is^omcfortheeeoreapeiforthcharuejioftheearthurtpff. The Lord le- fus fliall come to iiidgemcnt at the time which his father hath decreed, and there- fore here commcth a commandcmentfironi the throne ofGod, to him that fitteth vpon the cloud to tbrufl in his fickle,and it is faid,that the time for him to rcape is come. Wee mufl alto iriarke how he rendreih the reafon,nameIy,.thst the harueft of the earth is ripe'. For as men doe know when toreapc their corne,namely when it is ripe and well withered : fo the Lorde knoweth the time of iudgement, cucn %vheu the wickednesof the world is fully ripe. Wc fee great and horrible abomi- nations daily ouetflo w in the world : wee may wonder at the long fuffering and paticnccof God,yec wc mufl not think that heregardeth not,becau(e men are let alone,but remember what is here faid,that the harueft mufl be ripe, and then the Lord willcome andcutitdowne. God promifedto giuc the land of Canaan to Abraham,and to his fcedc, and for the wickcdnes of thofe nations which dwelt Ehcrein,he would deflroy them to plant in his people: yet he telleth Abraham,thac his (cede fliould bee foiournor foure hundreth yeercs.Adding moreoucr that they (hould in the fourth generation returne thither, bccaufe (faith the Lord j the finne oftheAmoriteisnotyetfulljGen i5.ver.i6.AstheLorddcfcrrcdcocaftoutand to deflroy thofe nations vntill fuch time as their wickedncflc wasgrownctothc ftill ; (b wc Icarnc here that he defcrrcih the great day of iudgement vntill the ini- quities and Jinnes of the earth be fully ripe : then is the Lords harueft, then will he cut downe his come. Doubtles if men haue this wifedomc not to thruft in fickle vntill the corne bee readie:the mofthigh Godthefountaincof all wifedome, knoweth niuch morcthe time when the finnes of the world are come to iheirftill ripcrics; Doubtles fo farreas we can difcernc, the regions are already white vnto the Iwrucft , wc may eucn lookcdaily for the fliarpe fickle to cut them all downe : but yet wee know not but that there may bee fomc good diftance of time yet re- maining to their fulIripeiies,oncly let ys be furcthe time willcome of this iudge- mcjnc ; and therefore i bcfeech ye, let it bee your jireatcft care to ftand faft in the V 3 true 2P4 SERMONS VPON true fca re of God,ihat wee bee not found among thofe that fliall feclc the (harpe fickle. Then it is h\d, thathe which fate vpon the cloud thruft in his fickle on the carih.and the earth was reaped. Itis a great harueft,and yet this reaper can rcapc it all. Behold the mighcic power and lirengihof the iudgc, which none fhall be able to withftand. For eucn as the corne is eafily cut do wnc with the fickle, and bath nopo wer to refi(! the reaperjo ihall all the wicked, be they neuer fo many, and neuer fo migbtie,bce cut dovvne with the fickle of Gods Judgement, and no waybeableto lefift. They fiiall be all as ripe corne vnto the (harpe fickle of the iudge. Men dpe now encourage themfciucs inVvickednes,bccaufe they be many that ioync tisercin cogether,and b^caufethey bemightjer.butjct themthinkeyp* on this fharpe fickle which fhall be thrull intothethickeftof them.and fiiall cut them downeby handfuls. The mightie wamoijrs,ihe great princes,and the kings of the earth, with all their nobles and traine, (hall be but as wcakc flraw to the fickle. This iudge, when his harue(i is once come, will ihruft in hisdiarpe fickle, Si,nd cut downecuery high thing which exaltet|iit felfe aga^n.tlGod. He will cut jdpwn the kingdomc of the great AntichrirtjthatRotpifiibeaft.Hc will cut dowa the whole kingdomc of darknes:hc will cut dowhe the diuelsthcmfclues, there fhalinothing rcmaine novVjthe vvhole harnelUliall bcreapcd. O that men would confidcr this before hand^and be wifc^and not bolden themfelues for to doe euill, by their firength and multitude. Now they fland Co rhick,eucn as w hpl<; re£;ion$ of corne. and ihinke there is nonebutthey; who fhali Ipe ablet»hurc th^ni? V{<:\1^ Jctthembc fo,hcre commeth the reaper: and they Oiall findetlntthcrc is one tcx? hard for theiri,y\ hich -will defi roy them all , who indeed ha th a fcatrcrcdrcmn anr which he will fauc. Thus wee haueiceneone figure by which the Judgement day is rcprcfented : but the Lord doth rcprefeni it by tvvo^and therefore no w follow- cih the other, which is of the vintage. , , lu our countrie we make no wiije,and therf >re this compariron \s nojC fo creere to euefy one.as that othcrofthe haruefi is, how tjic corne isreaped dovvne when it is ripe,thateueiy man knowfctb. In the hot countries where ihc vines grow,w he the time of-the vintagecommcth,the hu ibandman commeth with a fliarp infiru- ment;whichis here alfo called a fickle,& curtethoffrhe clullers of grapes. Then is thercauincpre{re.andjntothjthccafleththQfeclu(]ers,andthcn after that the prCifle is troden.to theend that the iuyce may be prefied out.No w to this the Lord compareihtbcdcfirudtion ofthe vngodly at thclafi day^The wicked (lull be cwc downers grapes^cafl into the preflc and trpdcn. Jf any fliall demaund, why i;his vengeance which the Lord will execute vpon the wicked at the day of iudgcmenr, is defcribed by two fimilitudcs,thc one of tlie harucfi^the other of the yint.age ; [ anifvere, that it is not oncly to declare the full ccrraintie ofthe il\ing, as the holie fcripture vfcth to doublq a thing for ccrtaintie, but alfott;) raifq men vp from their. fccuritie an,(| drowfines. Fpr.vyce fee hovvjncn delight apd ipcxrt themfelues in allj maner ofabominablefins, and how licclc they think of iuch vengeance tocomCj^ as ifthcir doings fliulJ acuer be called i;o any reckpi*ing:yca when they do think ofit,it is but eucn as it \\crc^iii a dreame,pr a maiLcr fo Farre ofi^as if it liiould not; '. V hi: THE REVELATION. is>^ bcj and therefore that the godly may be ftiengthencd,and (h al(c ofFrccuritle^(ffllf the wicked wili take no wanting) the thing is doubled. Let v& therefore bcloiied^ howfbcuer the Lord let wickcdncfle here cfcape ynpuniflicd for a time, and thd wicked which pfouoke God doe floiii'ifli) afl'uie our fclucs that there is a day comming when vengeance (hall bepowred foorthin full mcafurevponalhiiofc which haue corrupted their waiesv pen the earth. ''■'' ' Butlet vs come to the words of ihis.tcxc iThenamther A*tge!lcame(faythbe) out of the Tewflexvhith is in hauiv,ha(ifHg.a fharpf. fickle. This Angcli alfo reprei fenieih the Lord Ieru8,who Hiall iudge both thcqukke and the dead. He is afcen^ dcd into heaueHjhe is exalted in glorie aboue ali,ficting at the right hand oFGod, andexercifing thefulnes of all ppvvcr, and trom thence he (liali come with great glorie to iudge the world,as itisfaydherejthactheAngeli commeth out of the temple which is in heaiien, Hee hath alfo a (harpe Hckle.becaufc thciudgement islikcncdto *hevintage: for with Ws hooke or fickle he will cut and gather thd grapes of the earth. What it figriifierhUoldcyou before; for this /ickle reprefen-r teth the fame thing that the fickle of him thatfate vpon the white clovvde, which reapethtbe harueft. The fcntencc of iudgement fhall cut downe very (euercly andfliarply. Well, the Iudge haththisftiarpefentencereadie, and expeifieih the fblncs of time.which thehigh wifedotn^ofGod hath 3ppointcd,when the clufters of grapes fl-iaU be fully ripe for the v int age. For fo foone as that time is come,hec (hall prefently cut tlicm dpwne,and therefore fee what folio weth, Another tyiyh> pelt came 4>Htfror)i the Ahar which had ponder otter fire ^and cry edtvit b a land voyc§ to him that had the fharpe fickle, afidf4id, ThrufiiMthy[harfefickle,andg(ttherthc cluTiers oft he viMeyard of the earthy for her grapes are ripe. Now then the time iscome.becaufewifkednes is growne to the full: the clu(tersareripe,andeucn readie fpt the winepreUc. O mo(i wife God^ which hart appoynted the times and ^c fcafonsjthy patience and long fuffering is great, it is meet that w c Chould w ait thy good pieaiure and will,w hich difpofeit all things to thy gloribus praife,aud to the good of thy chofen people. But let vs come more particularly to the matter. He,faiih,anAngeIl came out from the Altar which had povv'er oucr fire.There is fome diffieultiejn thefe words, but we muft bee \>'ife with fobrietie. The Lord is faid to dwell in his holy temple inhcauen. In that temple and mort holy place wee haije a great high prictt,o|if Lord Icfus, who is our Mcdiatour, and interceflor. There is fayd to bee an Altaiv which Altar indeede he is : for hec is both priert, facrifice.and Altar. It Is fayd be- fore inthis prophecie,tbat the foules of then) that were flainc for tbe tefiimonie of |eius,were vnder tlie Akar. T hen \vee may take it ^ that the time qf ilje lafi iudgCr incntis decreed inthefecretcounfeUpf God,and comtnetb fromiheinnerri)oil. pla;cc in the temple to reprefent fo much. For in the timCjof the law there was 4, gqlden Altar in the moft holieplace,eiicn in the prcfcneeqf God. But why it tbisj Angell faid to haue power ouer fire, or what is meant by that, there is the difficul':'' tic ? Some doe take it^that by fire here is meant the vengeance ofGod,which vfu- aliy in the holie Scriptures is called fire. And fo they t^ij^^gfcnce co.|>ce chis^ that V 4 ' the 2g6 SERMONS VPON the Angcll is the cxecutorof Gods wrath vpon the bloodic kingdomc of And- chrift,and that hec is fayd therefore to come out from the Altar, becaufe it is fayd before,that vnder the Altar lye the ibulcsofthofc which were killed for the tefti- monie of lefus^crying for vengeance. This is a godly fcncc,& I could yeeld vnto it, but that there is in the i <^.cbapter an Angell called the Angell of the waters. For thereby I take it plaine,that this is fpoken ofthe materiall fire^becaufe that o- therin chap. i6.is to bee taken ofthe materiall waters. Then thus wee reade, that S.Paul fpeaking ofthe exaltation of Chrift,faiih,God hath placed him at his right hand in heauen,farre aboue all principalitie,and power, and might,and domina* tion,Ephef. i .verf. 2 1 . By which tearmes he noteth the Angels : And they are alfb called thrones,principalitics,niights,&c.Colo{r. i,verr.i6. Thefe titles are giuen vnto them .becaufe the Lord God doth vfe their miniftrie in ruling a nd preferuing the world.Thcn although v\esre notcurioufly todifpute^yet we may take it that Godhvathgiucn power to lomc Angels ouer thefireKand tofomeouerthewa- ters,and to fome ouer other crcaturcs/or the ordering and preferuation ofthem. Then further wee arc plainly taught, that at the day of iudgcment,thc Lord will come in fire.For thus fpeakcth S.Paul/^*(;tf» the Lord/efuijhalt bemnAe wanifefl from hemtn rvith his might ie AKgels^ withflamw^fire, to rcftdcr vengeance to all that k*}ow Mot God.vor obey the Gojpell of our Lord leftu ChrifL ^.Theflf. t .verf 7. A!fo Saint Peter in his fecond epiftieand fecond chapter doth t?,xh, that tljc hea« Mensand the earth are kept for fire : and that the elements fhall melt with heate, and that the earth and the things which are therein fhall bee burnt vp, 2.Pct.3. Then feeing it is fojthat the Lord will come to iudgemet with flaming fire,wher- with the creatures fhall be burntjWe may fee,that the Angell which had power o- uer fire ishere fitly brought in,when the iudgement fhall bee. When this Angcll had cryed witba lowd voyce to the other, that hee fhould thruft in his fickle and gather the clufteKof the earth, becaufe her grapes ate ripe: it followeth that by and by tlie AngeUthruft in his fickle and cut them downc, andcaft them into the great wine fatte ofthe wrath of God. I tolde ye before,that where the wines aro made, they haue a prclTe or fatte into which they cart the clufiers,that their iuybc may bee prcflcd out. And according to that, it is here fayd, how the Angell cue downe the cluftcrs of grapes of the earth, and caft them into the fatte or preCTc 'where they (haU be preffcd. Then what arc thefe clutters ofgrapes ? They bee the wicked men of the world. And why arc they compared to clufters ? Becaufe they grow fothickCjCuen on heapes like grapes. Yee haue great partes ofthe worldc which renounce the name ofChrift: as the Heathen, the lewes ari^ihcTurkcs. There bee very large kingdomes of fome of thefe. Againc, come to thofc which acknowledge the name of our Lord lefus Chrifi,whatheapesand multitudes are thereof Idolaters? Come neerercuen to thofc kingdomes in which the Gofpell is prcachedjbee thtire no clufters among them of thefe ftinking grapes ? Vcrely the whole vines doe fecme to bee oucrfprcad almoft with nothing els. It is hard to fiiide any great clufters of godly men anywhere: they bee fcittered and growc thione.When the Senneof biaq (hall come (faith our Sauiour) (hall he find faith f vpon THE REVELATION. jpj ▼pon the earth ? Wcc fee how it is alrejtdie,and the worldc fliall not amend , but waxcworfcand worfecucntothccndcjfo that when the iudgemcntday com- incth,there{haU bealmoft nothing vpon the wholcearth,buthcapcsofvngodlic iiien,which are compared eucn to cluflersofgrapcs, which the Judge commeth lo cut downe with a fharpe fickle. And no more powerrhallthcrebecinallthe inhabitants of the earth to refift the cutting oFthis fickle,thcn is in the clufters of the vines, to withftand the force of his fliarpc hookc, which cuttcth them for thc- vintage, Moft fit then we fee is this figure to cxpreflc the cutting downe and dc- ftru6lionof all the wicked which fhall bee at the great day of the Lord. Then what is that great wine fatteof the wrath ofGod into which they (hall be caft? It is the place of exccution^and oftormcnt/it is hell : for all the vngodly flialbe caft' into hell,as into a great large winepreflc : for it is the great wine fat of the wrath of God. The Prophet Efaycallcth it Tophct, and defcribeth it thus: Tophet is prepared of old ; it is cucu prepared for the king : he hath madeit deepeand large: the burning thereof is fire and much wood^ the breath of the Lord like a riuer of brim(?onc,doth kindle it^Elay 3 o.vcrf. 5 5 .This is the great wineprcffe into which all the dufters of (linking grapes fhallbc caft,andprcflcd. Now to fc : foorth the horror ofGods vengeance vpon the wicked in hell, the allegoric isconcinued :fbr as it was faid,thattheclufters were cut downe and caft into the great fatte or winepreflc,fo lie faith now that thefatteis troden. For when the grapes \\tvc in the prefre,they had a way to tread it, to the end that the licour might Ifl'ueout : and (c be faith heerc,that this fat is troden wiihoutthe citie.This is out of ali doubt.that hell is without the citie,that is, without the heaucnly habi- tation ofthciuft: for allthatworkewickednesfliall be put apart intoa place by themfelues,wheretheyfi-iall be torn)ented together. For the heauenly lerulalem is defcribedin the ende ofthisprophccie,tbe citie of the Saints : and it is faid that they that do keep the c6mafidemehts,may enter in through the gates imo the ci- tie : and without fhall be dogges^and enchanters, and whoremongers,and mur- therers,and idolaters,and whatfocuer Icucth or maketh lyes, chapter 2 2.vcrfi 15.. Then it is iaid,that blood came out of the winefattecuen vnco the horfe bridles. It feemeth that to tread the great wincpreflcs they did vfe not onely mcn,butalfa horfes: and fb according to that the figure is here exprclTedjWhenhe fpeakeihof horlcs. Wcknow alfo that when the prefle is troden,theiuycc ofthe grapes iffu- eth oui:and for that it isfaidhere,thatblood came out ofthe winefattecuen to the horfe bridles. And it is faid,by the (pace ofa thoufand and fixe hundreth fur- longs. Eight fiirlongs arc a mil^,thcn eight hundreth furlongs are one hundreth miles,and(o thethoufand and fixe mindreth furlongsamountvnto two hundreth miles.This is a large winepre(Ic,as need requireth ror to containe the whole mul- titude of the vngodly Jt is not fpoken w declare the luR or full bredth of hell: but by this large fpace,and by the blood comming forth to the horfe bridles, to giuc vntovs (bme refemblance ofthe wondcrfull (laughter which the Lord will make of all his cnemics.Mcnmayconfiderby thisliowfearcfull the vengeance is iHar. fhali bcpovyred foorth vpon all the wicked. They clufici together now like c!»j-- a^S SERMONS VPON ftcrs of grapeSjand each doth encourage and embolden other vnto all Hnnc, yea many comfort themfelues thusj if I goctohell.I rhallhaue good ftorc ofcompa- nic.Ycabiit the companie fliall not comfort thee ac all, but niakc the iudgcmcnt morehorrible: for they ifhall be caft on heapes like grapes intoa great lakc,whcrc thcyfhall bee preffed together, vntill they doe euen as it were fvvimmein their ovvncblood. Letvsbewarncd>letvsrtudietofceepeagopdconlcience,that"w^? may efcape from this horrible vengeance of the great God; >For all woes^ all for*^ r.owes,all euils and mifciies Chajl be vpon thofe W;hich rhall jbe caft into this great vvine fatte pf Gods vvrath. VVhac a fpihe is it, n-ot onc/y tolof^-eternall gloriCjbu^ alfo to fall into this wofull deftrudion^caen fora few vndeane lulls and pleafurps, of finiie,which laft but for a fcafon ? ^mmmm^mmm THE XXXIir. SERMON. CHAP. XV. il. ,t/^nd I fatv auotturjtgne in hrauen great 4*id metrue'tloHt feuen Angels h^* ;, r; mingxhe fsiieniaU plagues : for by thfm is f^hlfilUdthevprath of ^ 2 And Ifaxv as it were agUJJlefea mwgled with fire, and them that h^d gotten viUorie of the beaflyAnd of his image ^^Kd of the ntfimber of hU name, fi and at the glaffie feaJha'Aing theharpesofGod. 3 Andthejfung thefong ofMofes theferuafit ofCod,andthefong of the Lambe, •b £^i»g*Great a»drKarHeiiQi^ are thywirkss LordGodalmightietiu^ andtrtte arethywofeski'^gof Saints. ; , 4 Wbopjall fiot fedrejhes O Lord^andglorifie thy name for thou art holy ^andaU nations floalcome ^ worfhip before thee for thy iudgements are made mantfej}, 5; And after that I Uoh^d^nd behold the temple, of ihet^dfernacleffwitnes vca4 .fipeninheauen^^ , -ih,^^^-:^..^?;;'! "■ '' yy •■■'' ::s-" :ir.:-'^'^ 6fkndi he f Hen Angels came ottt of the temple which hati thefeuen plague s^lo' y, 4Jl^e4^» pwr^e^a^i fright linnen, and honing their b^f^^,£i^^,4 »'^'^^^^^4?F- ^.^jHes, ;.. !;):,•.> . . . .;t - ; .- , 7 And one ef the f dure beaHsgaue vnto the fatten vjfw^tf ///*«7aq rhol n :;^ But before wecometo the view ofthcrri,hereare other matters to be confide- red : as firft, the entrance which Saint lohn makcthvntothis vifion, which is to moue and prepare the mindes of the godly vnto attention. For when matters are rtotcommon,norfuch as arelight or trifling,but great and wonderful,inen ought to giue difigcnt hcede,to thc^^nd therefore that we may be attentiue. He bcgin'- neth in this wifej And I faw another figne in heauen great and marucilous. If the figne be as hee fayth here,great and marueilous,thcn let vslooke for great th ngs, and llich as vvc are to wonder at. Then he telleth what hee faw, euen feuen Angels, hauing the (cuen la/I plagues: This is the figne which he calleth great and m.aruei- lbijs> God doibexty partof the diuinc worfliip and praife, and to giue it to any creature. The Cbmchtherefore being taught by the Lambe,and altogether guided by his ipirit doth nng this ioyfuU fong of the Lambe. They worQuppe^thcy praife.thcy .magr.ifie,and cstoll the name of the Lord God almightie, ioyning none other with him. It is nor therefore the fongoftlie Lambe which is (unginthe popifh Church,becaufethcy worlhip andpraifeand magnifie creatures,they giuc thanks .vntotbem,asvniopatrones and mediators vpon whom they call.andvnto whom they alcribe their deliuerance andprcferuation. The Dragon,and thatbcafl with twohorneshaue taught their longs, of which their Maflebookcis full. For they that rcade them, if they hauc their^es opened, fliall fee them fluffed full of blaf- -phemousfacrilegies, while they worfhip the creatures, and afcribevntcihemthc ^lorie and praife which is due onely to God^and to his fbnne lefus Chrift. Which part then is itbefi and fafeflfor vs to follow ? Shall we ioyne with thefc that lUnd ^ttheglaffic fea, w hichhnue gotten the vi6lorie of the heart, inpraifing Goda- lone ? Or lliall we ioyne with the Church of Romc,which honoiireth eucn witb dioine honour,the creatures,in ftead of the Creator? Shall v\ c worfhip God os ly, (as the Lambe teachcth,Matth.4.^r fhall we ioyne with the papiftsthat worfhip and glorifie the creatures, with the glorie and worfhip that is peculiar to God? }n their Maffe bookc they hauefbngs of praife to the Virgin Mary, in which they call her their Mediatrix andfayfheis placed in the throne with God the Father, and that flie raigncih withGod : this is in the Mafle of her Afliimption. They call her the ftarreofihefea, the Mother of grace, thefountaine of mercic, in the Mafle of her Vifitation. T hey call her the caufe of faIuatioii,and the gate oflife,in theNiafle of her Purification. They craucby her grace to be fetinthe haucnof faIuation,in the Mafle of her Conception. They pray that they may bee deliuered ficm the flames of hell, by the meritcs and prayers of Saint Nicholas. What fhould i Hand in making particular rehearfall, they worfliip the Saints, and afcribevnto ihttnthe office of Mediators, vvhichbelongevh only to Chiift. Shall wee, I fay, ioyne \ \ THE REVELATION. 305 ioyncwith them ;nt-^^ ihcir wicked facriledge? No^ Ictvs ioync with the true CarholikcCbuich,3nd\'*orfhip God oncly, for fo doe the Angels and Saints in- hcauen.For there is no creature wortbie to beioyncd with God,tobau€any part of diuine worfhip : be IS God ouer all to be praifed for euer. And now let vs come to the matter of this fong. I will notdiuide it into any parcSjbutflicweuery branch as itHcib. Theyfidt proclayme that the workes of God are great and marueiious. We may vnderftand this generally of al the works; of God^uhichthe faithful! doebcholde and wonder attand wee may reHraine hi to the particulars here in hand. Thegcnerall doth reach to the wonderfull creati-^ on,andfcttingvpthe frame of the whole world, with all otherthings which hauc fallen out in the gouernment and preferuation thereof. The particulars here in 1 aid.arethegreat and miraculous preferuation of the true belceuersin tliis gulfe of the wotid,ttiat the Dragon and the beaft doc not drowne them: and the execu- sion ofGodsiudgementsvponthem that worfhip the beaft. All circumttanccj confideredjthey be both to be greatly wondied at. And in them both,the Lordc doth euidently declare that hc*is almightie,as they^doc here prailc him. What are thcfaithfullin themfelucsincomparifonof the Dragon and of the beaft, which purfuethem inthcfeaof this world ? Ids the mightiehandof God that bringethf them fafe to thcfhorc. It is the miraculous power of God from heauen thai prcfer- ucth them,for which they doecclebrate his praife. Aga!ne,tbat the Lord plagueth fuchmighticenemies,and pullcththcm downc,yea bringethtoruine that mighty monarchic of Antichrifljthe wonder of the vvorld,ic euidently manifcfleth his aU mightic power and prouidence,which none can withfland. All things are great], all things areraarucilousin thefchis workes, if our eyes were open and cleere to' behold them. Then it followcth, luft andtrue arc thy wales, king of Saints. As in the formct claufsj they celebrate the praife and glorieofGod, in that his almightie power hath manifefted it (elfe by workes great and wonderfull : (6 in this they magnific him, that a5 a \id\ king, ruling andiudgingwich vprightnes, all his waies are iuft and trv;e. When he execoteth vengeance in mofl iliarpeandfeuerc maner vpon- thewicked,it(eemcthvnrothe(enleand wifedomeofthefleQi, to bee cruell ri- gour,and the vngodly doe murmurc and fret at it : but all the faithfull, which haue their mindcilightcned with the graceoftheholyGhoftjdoefec cleerely, that ali- bis waies are iull:,and fo they glorifie and praife him for his righteous iudgemcnts, and plague3,executed vpon the wicked. And lookc whatfoeuer hehath vctcrcd in ' bis holy word,eitherin promifestotholc that obey bim,orinthreatningsagainft the rebellious, heperformeth the fame,aiid fo all his waies arc true. The vnfaith-* fultfee the godly paffe through great affli6lionsinthi&life,andthey imagine that the proniifes which are. made to fuch as feare the Lord are but words, Againe, they behold that wicked men for a time dee fiourilli and proipcr,eucn in the mid* dcHbf their wickedne3,2ndthcypron3ile;t6themfclucs fafctie from all cuill^as-if all thethreatnings of God againi^ the euill doers fhould come to nothing. This'" makeththemib bold ui dilhonoiingGod : hut the godly doc fee that nothing* &ai|: 304 SERMONS VPON fliall fall to the ground of all that hath proceeded out of the mouth of God, and therefore they proclaiiDC that hiswaiesare tiuc. In that cheygiue the Lord this tule,that he is king ot Saints, vve muft not Co vnderftand it,as it he were king only ouenhem, and not alfooucr thcynholy, but that the Saints doe recciue good by hiskingdomc. Heisthcirkingcodefend them^ to comfort them, and to let them vp in life and glorie^hiskingdome is their icy. Hcc hath alfo dominion and doth raigneouerthevvickcd.but fo.asitistothcirgricfe and endlcs woe. For as in a kiiigdomet>hefaithfuH(iibie6ls receiuc muchgood, and docreioyce in their iurt, vidorious and nuightic king, and costrari wile the rebels doe fcele his power to their gricfe : fo is 'it m the' Lc'rds kjngdgtiie. The iuft receiue all good, but the re- bels are trodcn downe, and fhali kck hisjuQice, his hand andpowcr,to their e- ternall woe. It is then added, \Vho fliall not fearc thee O Lord, and glorific thy name, for thou art holie ? The Lord ii fogreata king.tbat he is to bee feared and glorified of ^\\, The good doe fcare himvvjth a.reucrcnd feare that is ioyned vsith joue : and i!>f y doe delight in fettinglfoorth his praile and glorie^euen the glorie of bis great (iawie. And the wicked which doe defpife him, fliall be made to tremble & quake aihisprefencewith feruile feare rand albeit they louehim not nor his glorie, yet flial] he be glorified by them, yea he is glorified in their dcrtrudion. For howloe- Ufr they (lull eurfe and blafphemein their horrible torments, yet the iufl/hall pro<.laime£hjt therein he is holie, and that heflicweih ho rigour nor crueltie,buc layeth that which isiuft vpon them. It is laid further, All nations fhall come and Vvorfliip before ihec,for thy iudgements are mademanifcfL By this it is fhcwed, that howfoeuer the multitudes in the world doe ccnlpiretogetherincafiingoff theyokeoFtheLord.andrcbellingagainftbim, yetthey fha'l inthccnde at the ftiU manifcOatiou of his iudgemeritsbow before him, and acknowledge him to be I. ore! and king ouer all. We fee daily whatdefperate boldncs there is in many, asifthcy vverciavvlesandvnder no king, Wemaylec alfbf'ifwebenotwonder- fiill blinde) that fohie ofthc moll wicked, which fcemed to bee armed againrt all lcrror,ac fon)e (Grange hand of God vpon thcm,do tremble &: bow for the rime : how much more then Oiall all the ftoutc(i be made to bow before him,and to ac- knowledge his fupremc power and goucrnmcnt, at the terrible day of vengc- qhce? v\hdo all nations fliall come ^nd worOiip before him, when (as the Apofilc Paul fayth) all knees iliall bow vntohim,and eiicry tongue nialiconfefTe thatlc- fus is the Lordjto the praife of o6d. It is good therefore that we acknowledge the L,ord to beking,and that with all dutifulncs we fubmit our fclues tothcobediecc of his ho!efomelawes,and fo worfhip and glorifie him with holy worfliip. The rebels fliali cireryoneof them eucn to the ftoutel^,be made to (ioope before hfrn, and to confeflehisfolicraigne power, when it Oiallbeto their gricfe and forrow : but the Saints' (Iiall rtioycc in their king,whom they haue carefully obeyed and v^'orlliipped. And thus hai;e we feene the ioyfull triunjphant long of thofc which fioodutdiegblliefca.v bich had gotten ithc vi6^orie of the beait, of his image, and of the number of his name, Thcbattcllyctcontmucthbetwcencihe heart and THE REVELATION. goj and the faithrull,and if wc be not of this companic, which with the harpes ofGod jdocfingthis foHg of vid^orictoour Lord God, we are but in cuill calc : for if wc get not the vidorie wee drownc in this horrible fea. The true worfhippcrs being thusfet inrafccicvponchcfliorc,hecrcturneth to the dcfcription of the plagues which are powrcdfoorth vpon the kingdome of thcbeafi ty^ffertfjat((3iihhc)l looked,and behold the (emfle of the tahrfiaclt^ oj mttres tvoi open in heatiett. This booke fetteih forth the matters vnder figures^and it ailtidetb to the figures which were vnder the la w. There was tht tepIej.vvhich-Was as a fignc that God did dwell among them : for it vvas the royal! palace of their king. In this tcmple,thcrc was the moft holie place,whcre was the arke ofcouenant, and the tnercie feate : cuen the figne of Gods prelence. To fhew therefore that thefc feiicn laft plagues doe come from the courtfcll and decree of the mort high God vpon the kingdonic of thebeaftjthe tabernacle is opc4vm heaueny and the teuen Angels , vvbich haue the Icuenlaft plagues come oat from thence. Ihe deflru6ifon' of the kingdome of Antichrittjand ail plagues vj)on.thepopifii worfihippers cotnc from^the throne of God in heauen.He fendethforth the miiiifters of his wrath,w hich doe execute his 'will in plaguing the wicked. Thefe hohe mini(krs the bleffed Angels^ are readic with all integritie to doe his will: and therefore he faiib^they were clothed in pure 'bright linnen,and girded at then: biqafts, with golden girdles^ Then it is fayd,! ovJliH < . ) t* t j'h 50^ SERMONS VPON H! THE XXXIIIL SERMON. CHAP. XVI. 1 And I heard a great voice out of the TemfUyfayingtothefeHen Angelty Goe rour rvahSypotvre out thefetten vUls of the verath ofGod.vpon the earth, 2 iAnd the firj} mAngeU went and porvrcUfoorth bis viallvponthe earth : and therefett a not fome griemm fore vpon the menrvhich had the marks of the heaflyaadvpoHthemrvhichppoTfhippedhismtage. • . 3 tydndthefecofid AngeA poured forth hit t;UU vpo^thefed, and it became as the bloodofa deadman^andeuery li/iingthwg dyedin the pa. 4 And the third AngeflpowredforthhtsviaB vfoxitks ttuariandfoHntaines of xc ,, vfaters.afidthey turned tolfiood,: ., Liittli;/- a^iafbojoJi.''?-. 5 And I heard the Angell of the waters fay, horde tboitdrt infitwhich artt ai^d whichr^aj} hoi/yhcaufethouhaj} fudged thejethings.' ; ; 6 For theyjhed the hlooi oftheSatnti and Prophets^ndthereforethott haftgi- uenihem hloodtodrtKke: for they arexvorthie. 7 tAndlheardatjoiher A^ge// out of the A/tar faying, BMenfo LordGodal" mightie^true and righteotu are thy iudgements. ; n-jjv ■•!.! ;n>;.i') ;i vA'Xj . 8, A". kingdomc of thebeaft,and no win thiscliapter followctbthc ^^|S^t;.^ execution of the fame. The Angels bad the vials full of the wrathof God dcliuered vnto them, and were in a readiocs, ^^ but did not powrethcmfortbvniil they had commandetn.cnt ^^«4^^' from their Lord God. Aild thcrfore he raith,he beard a great voycc out of the Temple, which willed them to powrc them forth. The Lord v- fcth the miniflerie of Angels,and as we fee they depend wholly vpon his will, They flay till he Gommaund, they pre/cntly fulfill his commaundement, and leaue no- thing vndone which he willeth. There is a.perfc»5^ obedience in them : ^-r by little and Jittlc;but to powre forth the vials of the vviath of God vpon the THE REVELATION. 307 ibcearth. The vials are full, and muft as it is fayd bee povi red forth, which (lievv- (ichthat God is fo highly dirp!cared,that he will execute vengeance vpon the ene- mies of his tructh in great meafure. We may not wonder that the Lord is fo wroth atiainlithcpopiOi worf}iip,and worfhippcrs.-fortherci&iiiic the corrupting of ill bis holy ordinances, and thcvcry worQiipof diuels, in maintenance whereof, they murther the fcruants ofGod. Suchajhaue any true fight in the,muft ncedes confeflcthac thcfc are raolfhorrible things. Well, the Angels rcceiuing charge, the firft theft powreth foorth his viall vpon the earih^and there tell a noylomc and gricuous fore vpon the men whichhadthc marke ofchcbcaIi,anc vpon them that vs'orlhip his image. ' i ■ for the better V4idcrftanding6fthefeplagucs,we mufl vnderHand^that as the great citiccf Antichrifl is called Ipirituaily Sodom and Egypt, chapter 1 1. fo the plagues w hich the Lord plagueth them w ithall, are fet forth Ju ndrie ot the vnder the farhe names thatthoft are,with which Pharaoh and his people of Egypt were ftriken. WcreadcintxoduSjChap.p that God commanded Mofesand Aaron to take their handfuU of the aOiesol aturnace,andtocari them into the ayre before Pharaoh, which they did, and there fjllo wed a fore ail cuer Egypt vpon men, yea cuenvpontheinchauntersihenifelueSjiothat they could notliand before Phaia- bh f6r the giienoufnesof liic fore. This wasthe Hxt plague of Egypt: and oftt)f fe- uen la(t plagues which r re powred foorthvpon the kingdome of the great Anti- chriH,which hath held the Church in dirall & bondage as Egypt did, It is the firlf. BiA dovvit may be demaunded what this fore fliould be .? The plague fore is very ^tieutius,3ndthathath raged mightily among the Papists -. but it w ill be fa (d that theGihurches^fth&Protellantshaue not been free from the fame^ but arediuers times rharpiychattifed therewith: and hcfe he (peaketh of a fore which is more ■pectiliar tothepopifli fort^firft to their votaries which hauc the mark of the bea t, abdthen to the coiiimop multitude which worfhip his image. There is a new :ibre which is tailed the French pock, which is a moli grieuous,anda mofi loath» •fomedifeaije.It:iscalledalfo^<>r^/«/Vip4pfl//r tior- '7-'.:i X a Jibic 30$ .SERMONS. y,P ON r jblc at\eprepared. I J eJfnd I farv three vndeane jpirits hke frogSt 9eme out ofthe mouth ofthe dragon^ and out ofthe mouth ofthe beaUt and out of the mouth of thefalfoj Prophet, 14 foi^ 514 SERMONS VPON 1 4 Var they are thi ^ frits of deuils Vforhjng mirtieles, to goe out to the ki^gs of the earth, and the whole tporlde, to gather them to the hattaiJe of that greap day ofGodalmightie, 1 5 Behold leome m a theefe, hlejfed is he that watcheth^ and fyepeth his^ar* ntentsjeaft he vtalke naked^and men fee his ftlthines, 1 6 Andhe gaiheredthem intoafUce'caUedm thehebrei»toiigfte^ Armagcd* don. 1 7 Andthefenenth Afigellpouredforth his viali into the ajre»a»d there came S great voice out of the temple ofheaae*t,faying,it is done, 1 8 And then followed voices fhmdrings^and Itghtnings, and there was a great earthquake, fachaswas not fincemen \perevpon the earthy fo mightie a» earthquake Imeane, 1 9 And the great citie was dettidedinto three farts, and the cities of the Gen* tiles fell^and great Babylon came in remembrance before CodjtogtHe vnta her the ctip of wine of thefiereenes of his wrath, c O Eftery f/lejled^and the mount aives were not fonnd, z I Andthere fell a great haite as it hadbeen talents out ofheatienvfon the men^ andmenblaffhemedGod becaufeof the plague of the hailc,for thcplagui thereof was exceeding great* jlE hauehadfoureofchefeucnlad plaguesinche former part I of this chapter, at the pouring forth of the vialsof the fourc ! Angcls^and now in the reft ofthc chapter wc hauc the othct thrcCjthe former whereof is the fift plague. And to comeco 'that, he faith, that thefift Angell poured forth his viall vpon |thc throne of the beaft. The formerplagues were very grie- 'uouSjbut notlikevntothiSjfor thiscommcthneerer,euen to the tdp,or to the headland fo fprcadcth ouer the whole bodic. For in that wicked apofta(ie,the throne is euen the very top,and that being touched,alI the wholefo- cietiewhichisfubic6^to the (ame,is alio touched. Wee muft therefore note that here commcihaplaguethattoucheth to the quickc, the efFe(5l whereof is exprcf- fed tR thefe words, And his kingdome waxed darke. We haue fcene before how high the throne of thebeaft was exalted, where hecfayth,ihe dragon gauehitn his power,his throne,and great authoritic: and all thcworlde wondrcd and fol- lowed the beaft,andwotfliij5ped the beaft, chapter 15. And now at the pouring foorth of the fife viall, here is fhewed, not the quite ouerihrowor vtier pulling downe at once,but the decay and diminifliingof the fame. For he fayth not that the kingdome of the bcaft iscaft downe,whcnthefiftAngelJ poured forihhisvi- ^all vpon his thronc,but that it isdarkened. The maieftje, the power, ?hc dignkic, he pompe, and the cflimation of. Antichrifts kingdome commcih now into dc- cayt'vaxeihobfcure,andisdi:iiinif}jed. Jtltnayhere bccdemaunded , Isnottbe kingdome of the bcaft.a kingdomcof d^^rkencflc ?. Yes verily,it is akingdome of all darkncs and confuHon. Hovt then can iibc faid to bciiarkened ? Can daieknes be THE REVELATION. 315 be darkened? or is the power ofdarkcuesdiminifhcd by dar?ccnes>To make this clcere,\ve muft cJirtinguirti : for in rc/jied of heauenly and Ipiiituall light, the po- perieis darkcnes^and blinde ignorance,euenagulfe of confiifion. Butinrcfpeft of this world,the throne & kingdonie of that Romifli beaft did (htne in vvondcr- fullbrightncs,in pompe,and glorie. Now the darkening is in rcfpedt of thefelat- tcr/ortheir worldly power and glory is obfcured and waxcthdatke. That throne was taken to be the chaire of Pctcr.and the Pope was e(ieen»ed to bee his fuccef- ror,and to haiie ChrKis power here vpon carth,eucn as a God to doe what he luft. All men were glad tohauehisblelTing, tfembling at his curfe, and feeking remif- fwn and pardon of their finnes at his hands. They did all magnific and ex toll him as the moft holy father : Emperouis and Kings did vvorfliip him. But when the Angell had poured forth the viall vpon that throne, vs hen the time was come that tfaelight of Gods word tlioiildbreakc forth againc: his throne commcthinque- liion, hisauthoritiecommethinquc(iion, andisfound bythecuidcnt teftimo- niesof chetruethto bevfurped. Whereupon ic followeth, that all his l^wes and dccrccsarcnotof God, but wicked and abominable. Whereupon further ic is foundjthat it is the kingdomc of the great Antichrift, theman of finne,the whore of Babcl. So that great Kings,Princcs,and multitudes of people; whicbhonou* red him before as God, hauing their eyes lightened with the cleerebrigbtnes of Gods word,hauenow loathed and defpifcd him, as the mott horrible andiilthie Monger in the world. This is the darkening of chat kingdome, this is it tharhce (aithjtheir kingdomc waxed darke. And how fore a plague this is vnto them^ and how necrely it doth touch them, the words following doc (hew, when he faytl^. that they did gnaw thcirtongues for forrow. At the firft when the GofpcUb^an to pcepe forth,ihey did defpife it,as a thing which they could cafilic fuppreflcjbut within a (hort time they found, that neither by their cxcommunications^wbcre- with in former times they had eucn as it were with lightning and thunder, caufed kings and nations to trcmble,ncither by force of warres, norbybloodie flauglv ters,ncitherby any skill in learning, nor by treacheries, they could any thing pre- uaile, but that it d id more and more,Iay open their filthines and fhame. Then did they become,and fodoe they continue at this day,cuen as madmen in forrowand^ rage, which the holy Ghoft expreflfetb, in faying that they gnaw their tongues fi>i fbrrow. They be full of fieEieiiatred,and cannot tell which way to be reuenged : for the more they ftriuejthensoEetheyloofedailie. Fainc would they haue the Pcv pericreftoredto the ancient glorie^and they deuifc what they can to bring it a- bout: but ic will not bee, for their kingclome.vvaxcch darker and darker,. This is > the gricfe of all gricfes vnto them. Headdcth,aadtheyblafphemcdtheGodofheauen, for their paines, and for iheirforcsand repented not of their workcs. Here againe the holy Ghoft fhe wcth' what effect the plagues which God fendeth, doc worke in the reprobate. The more necrely men are touched and prefled with the hand of God, the more they (hould be hurabledand become penitcnt,asweejiotcdbeforeo. But thefe.arefo &rrc from that, as that iadeede they breakefoubimo'opeablafpfieroies agaanft^ ■ — - ■ - f^ gi(j SERMONS VPON the Lord God of heaucn : and turnc notfton their wicked workcs. It is notpof- fiblc for a man to recken vp all the bhfphcmics v\hich the Bifliopsof Rome with their CardinalSjthcir Bifhops, Abbots^Monks,and Fricrs,hauc vttcrcd againihhc holy doctrine and worrhipof God,and efpccially fincc it hath made their king- dome to waxe darke.and their pompous glorie to come downe. And it is a thing to be wondred atjto behold their impudencie in colouring and defending all the vvicked abominations v\ hichhaue been^and which are committed among them. They defend the fuperftition, the idolatries, the hcrefies, and foule errors w bichia former ti mes their Church hath fet vp. Alfo the wicked maners of their Votaricf, and othcr.moft filthie deedcs, they fecke to cloake : yea they adde treafons,pci:iu- ries,and murders.This is the repentance of thepapi(ts,now when the gofpcdlhath bewrayed them. But let vsgoe forward to the pouring forth of the fixtviaU. It is faidjthat the fixt Angell poured forth his viall vpon the great riuerEuphra* tes,and the Waters thereofdriedvp,&c. Thekingdomeofthebea(l waxed darke at the pouring forth of the fift viall,but the fixt payeth them home neerer.For it dri. eth vp the waters of Euphf*tes,fo that the way is laid open for thofe that Hial Ipoilc and deftroy their c itie,to enter into it,and to take it. Let vs giue eare vnto ihis,for it is icy full vnto all Gods people,and it iseuen now in working.The waters of Eu- phrates aredried vp by little andlittle,and do wax eueryday more (hallow, to be- come fuch as men may wade oucr intoRome,cuen to roule Antichrift out of his pallace. But thiugs are here fpoken myfiically, and muftbee interpreted. Rome thecitie of Antichrift,or the kingdomc of the beaf^ is called in this prophecieBa- bclI.Weall know the reafon,euenbccau{c it hath held the people ofGod inbon- dage,fbt (b did Babel in old time. Then looke what the fcripture teacheth concer- ning the dertru6lion ofthat Babel,and ye dial find that the holy Ghoft vfeth thofc Speeches here to fet forth the deftrudion of Rome, and of the kingdomeof Anti- chrift. In Daniel, chap. 5. is fet forth how Babel was taken by Darius, and Cyrut Kings of the Eart. For they were the Kings of the Medes and Perfians, which bc- (icged Babel. This citie Babel wasfo ftrong that they could not preuaile. On the one fide of it, andiuftbyit, did run the riuer Euphrates, ariuer very broad and deepe.which was fuch a defence, that on that fide there was no palling into theci- tie.Cyrus had this dcuife,hecaufed thearmy to cut out great trenches and ditches, and lb to let out the riuer aboue before it came to the citie, and fo drawing out the watcrs,anddcriuing them another way, he made the riuer fo fhallow before thccitie,thatthefou!dicrs waded oucr,andentred. To this the holy Ghoft here al- ludcth. Then is it eaHc to fee what is here meant, when he faith,thc waters of the threat riuer Euphrates were dryed vp. For by this riuer is iignifiedthe fortification cfRomcthis great Babel. It wasof lateagreatdeeperiuer,andnotto be waded ouer. For when the world wondred after the beaft, and faid,who is able to warrc with the beaft, how flrongly was that kingdome, or that great citie fortified? The liches, the glorie, the honour,and the Hrength thereof wereexcecdin*^ grcar, thcfe arc Euphrates , and tl)e waters of thcfo are dried vp. The waters of this li- uer arc a great dealc fliallowcr then they were fome fifiic ycarcs paft,and doubt- leflc lefle they d^Tp l?y littlf^iajjd |i«le4aiJ^.jrhcPopcstf66:ra^';ixecrtipctC;btiut hereit wiUbedciiiaundiedjwhbarcthefekiiigsbftheEa6, and bowfiiftll the citie of Antlchrirt be taken? The things being yet to conie,it is bard to tell how they Ijiali be,or by whom. Rome fhall downc,thac is moft cer- qyrte : aed vvhethetiby CbrKiianifa-incesios by thcTurkcs^of other Eafteine prin- cesjwe cannot tell. If any fliall fay, that the text is plaine,that the wayfhallbee ^fepared for the kihgs,of)tlie Eaft : J anrwcce;that is but aniHufion,becaufe Da- riu^,and Cyrus that icookeBabeil,dryingvp thewatersof Etrphritcs,and leading' ©uer their armiesivverffikings of the Eaft« -. ; Well ktvsgoeforwaicdi the waters drie-vp. and they pciceiueiit, and beflirrc ifaena ex^jpedinglyjpot^^i^beia iiienletfiOutcheHwaOTisof agrcaf|)op|i h diUsf §jlij2s,vvbsn tk^ .^ater wax,€t!hl<>vy,yei {Baid feb the fi^es take oa wbnderfdl^^: £» is.it withtbe.Rdnaifh AnsticbriHianirabbfesincwc:; they feelc the watersof their rfer ucr diiying. yp,and ^ey tumble and toile cuery way. For behold whacS.Iohn ad- ^nhjfimhree.viiCicanefpmtsltl^frogsconfc out ofthemoHth oft he idretgon^eai efj(bimMfhfffths,hafitaJkiemrfthe^MthM!f.thef4/p cerwaxst^ hctf. And nwtkeliere vvhoujjitne togeth€t?,thedragon^thc beaft^& the Cijile orophet ;]f he dfagQatbe falfo propljet 15 the papacie,who is alfo in onercipe61l'atida^ hcisthefahc prophetya beaft by him fclfe.Tbefe three are no;meaneones,& they Oooff iiE^ and,>€onrpire tog^theragainft the GofpGil,to niaintaine popcrie, which b.iie^Ciieprc&otfad byi thj^ec iljsfics which'ConrB ouc oftbeir' rafotichcs, which ar« ^tLaii^-e^fer^tbeybeiail likefrogs^they be alioFoiyettature^ahd C)ualiiic,{t>rhe faith/ They be=the fpirits of diuels working mirablesj attdchpy-goe fooreh all vpon one bufines :f<»- he.faith, they goc forth to the kings of the leartb^to gather them to th* battell of thegreaitdayoi/God almighticOoeyenot fee how they all threeagrce togctfacriin ooe ? HbsadiueUts thechiefejthe bea^andthe falfe prophet are led by bisjfpiritiribrfthc %iDiis that ctiiuebub of^iheinntoijtlbes; are (thefjbne with; thac whiahalneminde,onepiirpofe,one dek (Mfcl,andpraiiife one ichingvWhat? arc thcfefpirits then' that are the fpiticsof dc^ uils.likeftogs, which goeforthto the kings ofthecarih?i Surely the lefuites and Seminark priefis, which are fcnt foorth into alUandsvnto kings and princes to mouetherh againil chc Gofpefii^aTe moft fitly refembled by thcle i^ndcane fpis ritSk Fbrjfiffi they tothc! with tlw mindc of cbe* Pope, 4nd of the Rbmane Empire, atid (o with the very rnind and fpiricof the dragon. jTbiycoipcwith,tI»evcry fph fits of diuels,and with great cfEcacie of ei^cor do workc ftrange* tfaings,eiien woil* dmto deceiue the! Uind. They, be like frogs, nocondyihat thsir'deligli|HsJncHe ^iS SERMONS VPON feinkihc; poddies of filthic fupcrfiition,ds fro^s delight in tbarifli places, but alfc* thatihey kecpc i croaking and make a rediouj ndyle. They fecke by treacheries^ arid all manevor Icwdpradiles to moiw reditions,andfebeIlions,and ireafons; and all for the maintenance oFthc popcrie. J will not here enter into any difcourfti oftbeir particular doings, which haue been To Famous here within our land, thae eucivcbildrcn cannot be ignorant iheceof. How many of them haue ct>nfpired the Heath ofourprince,and haue their heads ftandingouer London bridge ? Let themero^kc and take on whiiic they v^ilf in all lands^and gather as great armies^as they can, yec the waters of Euphrates rtialldaiJiediminifiianddnevp, and they doe but afleinblc and prepare themfelues to thellaughter in the great day ofGod almightie. It isGod thacbiingoih thcmdownc^nd no power ci* man can with-i ]^:at)d-him. ' -■; i(h ::.ri7,ai:;i. ■': A i/-: si-i iu\- \..- /r ■■,. \i;i 11 ...u j0i!ju.j;;v;\'- :; - r Then in thc:neict>bcc,biceaiirefecfc wa^jnenkioh mkdcxjf fhtl gt^ilt ^iy^, there tsa warning added, for to ffirrc vsvpvnto.watchfijlnes,to waite our Lordscom- ming. Behold (laithhe) I come as atheefc. The Lord will come fuddenly, and wlien he is not looked for,as he tcacheth by this comparifo«,Matth. 74.and Luke i4.*Thatifthogood:raanofthchoufcdici'knowat what houre ihethccte w<)uld come,bc would not fleepc biit watch) and not fuftcr hishoufe tobe broken vpk A thcefc-^ommetb at vn wares vntothem that be afleepe. For which caufeour Sa- uiouT faych here, Bcholde I come as a thccfer I will come whbn men (ball thinke Jeafi,andtheyfballbeecaughtasinanet. Wherefore they are biedcdthat doc i«atch^and keepetheir garm«nts,lcaft they walkenaked,arid men fee their f.hhif* ftc*s. Thi«^3tching js to be vndcrflood: of the miiTde,tbat! it 'feJlnoc afltepe iactiti nail pleafuresjin cares of this wotid, or (ecurcly wallow iu[firnc,and lobcfpoyii kd of the precious garments of thefoule, which are giuen vsmChriH lefus. 1 his admonition is giuen more then once Ui the fcriptures,and reafons added to mou^ tnd toperfwade,becaurcthcheererthcendotthe.vvorld is.thc more worldly mc will grow,and lefle watchfullio tninde.Nlnto gpojd things. I doe therefore befeecb ycto confider of it,' and brwai ned. • Doe not follow the multitude of rijc worlde berein,which asmenaflcepe in (h| walk«flaked,and their filthines li feenc bothto God and mca.They will notbe warned :but (beloucd) be ye warned at the voice of the Lordhimfelfe:whoistobebcleeued,and tellethwhatis tor our good. ti Andnow where jtw.is faid,,tihfltthevucleanefpirits, winch came our of the mouth ohhcdiiagon,out of.themouihof ihebeart, and outofthemoliihof thd falfc prophet, went forth vntothckings of .the earth to gather them together vn* tobaitaiic; itisflTCwediDhaMheypreljaiicthcrcin, Imeanethusfarre as to gather themtothebaciaile- Thefc wickcdminifters of Antichriff, guided and led with thcifviritof Satan,althoughthcy cannot preuaiieuith all kings and princes, yet they iiiarrc yp fome,vvhom tl>!cy peifwade to bend their force againft the caufeof ljcd,arid agamfihis fnthftjil feruants, Fotfijch Kings antiNiibles as ( jod doch not bv! hw ipeciaU gracelighten to bthblde his tfuectijycopen to bee fcdi ccd by thnrncgbts. lhcva'<'f'» impudent in their faireflaurders. with v\huhthcy U.r- thea thepiufviifors of the Oojpcli; they, are fo imponunacc in bualiing ot the au» THE REVELATIdM. $19 thorlticofthcirRonufh Synagogue: they are fo cunning todeprauc and toper- uerc the holy ScripnirKjSj.jhac they much preuailewkhlbme. Jt is faid thcrpfprc that they gather the kings with their forcfes together into a place called in hcbruc Armageddon, Here is darkc fpeechjbutthe meaning is thJs,that the Lord will dc- ftroy thefecncmics of his Church with fb horrible (laughter, that the place fhall take a name chereof.For fo we may rcadc,thaq among the Hebrcvves it was anyfu- all thing whqrc any famous thing fcU out, to call the place where it fell out, by s^ name that did report the fame vnto pofteritie. This is fo vfuaH a thing,a$ I fayd^ that whofocuerreadeth the oldeTcIfament flialifinde it very often, fo that in io cleerc a matter,! will not alleagc any particulars. This isi hard to bee expounded what the word Armageddon doth fignifie : becaulc Saint lohn wrote it not in he- brew letterjs.buE in thf greekei,au4 fbme Vyh?italfo in forme of a greeke name. For there beehebrevvle:ctcrs, which vyhcn a word j$ turned into another language, I me anc exprcfl'ed vs ith, the ch^radtcrs ofanother tongue, cannot fitiy be cxprcfledj and thctcforeare-fandric times left our. And this name Armageddonis compoun- ded of two hcbrew words^but with what letters in the Hebrew it is hard to tell, or with what change alio of vow?ls. Some fay i^commcihof //"^r, which fignifieth aniountaine, zi}d<^^egfddo,yv\\kh is the aarae of the place where the godly king lolias.w as llauie: and fp this pIa?ej(houl,d bccalled uirnMgedion^ihzxnmn* taiac of Mcgidvl'jjfort|>cflaughter ofkiDgstbatfhall bee there. Others doe ex? pound it to coiT;c of C^^/'*»i»j which fignifieth a kiliing,a deftru6iion, zndGfidnd* which figniftethanarmiCj-andfo together it lliould fignifie the def]ru6lion of an armie.Somepther doc ?ak^ it to be expounded of y^r«;<«^withthcletter Afff,2iH0 f^y^g'fitr^a^iy^JMf^hiiibuk^zpdgad^tWithjih^^ alfoiwhichfigniueth to cut cjo wne,?»«o f^y,g^d»ift, and fo the fcnfe fhould be the fubtijtie of cutting do vne, be^aufe the kings and their armies arefcducedby thefuBtiltieof Anti- chrift andof his minifterijjtpiheirvtterfubucrrion and cutting do wne; All thefe come to one thing in efFe(5l,,vvhich is, that the armie of thefe wickedone^ which affemble themfelue,siabjttfai]eagainft the Lord,fhall bc;deftrpyed:and therefore itisnotmijch matepallljcp.f^i/putc whjfl;»jis the tnpre likely figniHcation of the word. Tliis is our ipcc^ia^coipfibu, i^hatalb^ bythefpirit of the Dragon, doe make great fturres, and gather great armies and powers to fight againlithe Gofpeli,andagainft all that doe profciTeit,andthat oi^ely for the maintenance and fupportation of their owne;pompc and gloric, yet they (Kail not preuaile,but flialjbc vtterly cut dp wneanddeOroycd : af we ll>aj| jjE;c;icinprcatlargefettoxtJiinthcjp.ch^tcr.. i, ,.,,>•".,' .{; -r'. •; ^ ;> • ■ - Nawrochela(i plague .\Thc{euenib;Aiigclipowred forth his viall into the ayrCjan^i thcrecameagrcatvpyceoutof thetempleof hcauen from the throne, faying,it is done. This plague containahthc moftgcnerall and the moft gvieoous wrath and yengeancecif almightic God, vpon the whole bodic of the kiiv dome of Afitichrift. ItcpntainethiJ?deedc ifbre iudgemcnts vpon ^hem immcdiatlybe* fore the laft day,with the wrath that fhall then.come vpon iliem : and tliercfoie it is fayd to bee powred forth into the ayrc: for that doth^ompafTe-thcmall m oa eucryy jid SERMONS VPON cucry^de. And moreouei,that net may. note the grreuoufncs of this yengeancc, here is the voice of almightit God'frbm his throne in heau€n.Moreoucr,tbis ?oic< isto teach vs, that God in his vncbangeabJ^ decree bath determined to beateth^ dovvne^and thit now the time iscom^,attd bee wtti endurethem no longer. Hee hath touched them with former plagues,and that neerer and necrefjbut no repen- tance hath followed, no am^ndmetw ; butcontrariwife they hauc waxed vsorfc and' wbrfc^and hauetT>opcwick^dlybIar|>hefinedhim and his holy truth^tomain- taine their o vvne imicmi6ns,arid tlier^forenp w he biSginrtethto come vpon theiri Vv'ith more horrible verioear.ce,eiien to their vtter overthrow/ "^ ' -' , ' ^ ' iHefaythj ftii elone. Nowthcy njufi come to their reward. There is no way for them now to efcape : for can menefcapefrom the hands of God? Although their plagues ha ue beeii gFe3t,yec they arc f6 ftohc hai^, that they feemed little to fcele them,.Nay,thc tbrd leeittcdtk^'winlkf atthcm in fome rort,and'but to dallie VvitK them : bufnb w he^vill lay 013 doxne bl6 v^cs^dlien to brcake theilonie fockes in peeces.O bcl^iiedjlet vs take iiccde that we haiic nothing to db'c Vvith the popifh fortjet vs flic antf cfchew their religion and their manncrsjeaft w e come alio to be partakers with tl>em in the plaguc&which here doe follow. For firft hee fayrh, ihat ihet^ fdlfo<\'c^«vc|yc«S,thiihdfiji0^dndligHtniftgs,and' that there was a great earthquake, focK'jts^vvasfldt'fince iiieti dwelt vpon thc'^ai'ilh, fdmightie an carth'quake.There (peechc^ are not to be taken accor^in^ to the lettcr,but myfti- cally : and they doe let foorth thatalliliall bee full of hdrrour arid fliakings. If there were fo great a tempeil in the ayrc^with tef rible thuhderclapSjand flafti es of Ijghtnirtg, and raring noyfes, and witbMl the earth trembling and fiiaking vndcr ^^i^n%ffc^te,v<'6uldit not Dee^ mbfl tferribic thingto bihold ? Goitld any riiah en* idUre'artdnGt?(Eiba^eforfeareatthe'flghtand hearing theleof ? Woiild it riot bee thought theojas we vft to fay.'tliat itieeVneth hcatieii a nd earth would be mingled together ? There fhall come then (as is heerc figured by fuch a tempeft) horrible things vpon the kingdomes which are fubieitvntoAntiehrift. Terrible iudge- rrients of God fhall hghtvpon them.They fballbccasic were beatdovv'ne with lightnings "and iliiinders, and the earth Hi akihgvhder them. Where (hall they haue any comfortjotfuccbur? There fiiirfU bee not onelytierrible and dreadful! plagues vponthem, but alfb luch fhakihos of thefr ef^atc/uch commotions and tumults^as the like were neuer fince the begirtning of the world.Thcre hauc been ^reat rhakings,gteatcbmmotions,"great broyles,grcat alterations and chaunge$j Dftt nci'tcr any like vnt^thb(e which fhallTall biJtwfien this tern pcft is begunnir.- Thus niay wee reethechiefecaufe whythcAngellisfaydtopowre foorth his viall into thd ayre!, becaufc theaf^,may be fay d to bee citizens and to dwell lu the great citic. THE REVELATION. jil citic. Thcnisitfallcthout inniightie tcmnefts and great earthquakes that cities arc tome and rcnt/o is it here fayd, that by tnis tcmpeli and earthquake, the great citic is cloueninto three parts. Many doc expound this thuSjthac the multitudcia all nations, which with one confentdidprotefle popcrie, and worfhipthcbcaft, fliallbcdiuided from'chatvniticinto three parts. As namely ,onc part at the voycc of thcGofpell forfakctheRomifh religion, cuen with zealc and pure afFec5tioii,to vvorfhip the true aodliuingGod, according to the rules ofhis holy word. Ano- ther pare fhallftiffely cleauc to the popcrie, euen blinded and befocred in their er- rors. A third part not caring for the one fide nor the other, but as men voyd ofre- ligionjdiall ftand as it were indifferent. Doubtles of this latter fort there be]\von- tderfull many,whicb being men ot this world, fo they may inioy the world, the ri- ches and delights thcreot with peace, they care notmuch what religion come. They can goe through in poperie, and when they be among papifts commend it-: and they can make feme flicw ofthcGofpell among Gofpeileti.No man can de« nicbut that this ismpft true : but yet Ithiuke wcccannorfbrccrtaintieaffimic ihaticis hercmcant by the cleauing of the great citieinto three parts. Forminc owncparti thinkcthe titncofthc po wring foorth of this feuenthviali is not yet come : and therefore we cannot precifcly fay what it fhall be..Sure we ar^c^it fliall be a very gricuous calamity,and a gricuous rent,but in what manner,wc muft not sakcvpon vsto fet foorth, feemg the fulfilling ofpropheciesisthedecre andper- {c&. interpretation ofthem.l t may be it fliall be In Rome it felfe,and not to be vn- dctllood of the whole focietie,v\hich w fubic6l tot|iat Komane tyrannic; they that liuc when it commcth,rh all fee it. Then is it faid further. And the cities of the Gentiles fell.This is vfuaily expoun- ded of the kingdome of the 1 urke, and ofother kingdomes ofthe Heathen which deny Chrift : but I fee noreafon to force thereunto. Indeede vfually in theholic Scriptures the Gcntjlfes aw taken for thofe«na£iaris/ whit euery Iflc fled,and the mountaines were Botfound : which (liewcih that there (hall be no place of refuge for thcfc wicked men,whcrcunto they may file for fuccour. For in timeofgreat calamities men vfc to flie to the mountaines to hide themfelues, or into Ifles. But in this tempert and earthquake when the terrible God (Undcth vp to execute vengeance vponthelc ▼ngodly enemies of hisGofpeljtherc Oiallbe no place for them wherein they may bide themfelues from him,but bis hand will findc them out. 1 licnlaft ofallhe fayth, that there fell a great haile as it had been talents out of heaucn vpon the mcn,and me blafphemed God becaufe of the plague of the haile, for the plague thereof was exceeding great. Wee reade how the Lord God cart downc great rtoncs from hcauen vpon the wicked, whomehcc rooted out of the land of Canaan, when lofua came and fought to plSce the tribes of Il'raell there : and lb it is faic^, that vpon ihefc wicked in Antichrides kingdome, hecwillcaft downe haile ftoncs of great waighr. Hee will fight from heauen againH them to bcatc them downevnio eternall dcftru<^ion.But they will not relent,but ftill blaf- phemchim. And thus yecfce whacatcmpert ofwrathrcmaincthforthc wicked Papilh. Lctvs therefore cheerefully andlouingly imbrace the holy Gofpellof God,that we may reioyce, when the enemies fliall houlc. For with thi s haile they fhallbce beaten downe intahell, where fliall bee weeping and gnafliing ofteedi- world without end THE XXXVI. SERMON. CHAP. XVII. 1 Thefi there eame om ofthefeuen A*igdsywhich hadthefeuen vials and talked »ith me,fa)iiptgvnto me:come, Iwillfhew thee the damnation «f the great whore that ftteth vpon many waters, a With rrhom haue commttted fornication the kings of the earth , and the Inhabi- tants oft he earth are dr/in^fn with the wine of her fornication. 5 So he caryed me away into the wilder nes in the fpirite,and I/awe a woman fit vp' onafcarUt colonredheafl^ full of names of blajphemiet which had fetten heads and ten homes, 4 And the woman which Ifaw was arraied in purple and crimfon^and girded with goldypretioks flones\andpearles yhauinga golden cup in her handful c f abomi- nation sand fit hines of her for ni cat ion, f\ And in herforeheadwasanametvritten a tnyjlery^^eat Bahyhn the mother of tfhoredomes^and abominations oft he eart h. . i r 1 1 1 ■ i ^ %yind Ifawethe woman drunken with the bloudofthe Saints y and with the blond 7 THE REVELATION. 525 blottdtfthe KMAYtyrsoflcfHitancivthen Iftw her Ivfoidrgdwith^rfit mer" And the A»geUfaidvntomey xvhereforemeruaileflthoHf IwiUfijewtheethe my fl trie of the tvomav, and of the haji that ^eareth her, that hathfenetJ heads and ten homes. E haue had the defcription of the bcaft wkh fcucn heads, which is the former dominion of Rome, and of the beafl: with two homes which is the latter, cucnihe kingdomcof the great Antichrift that fliomld come. The plagues alfo which GOD would fend vpon that idolatrous Synagogue haue bcenc fct forth,and the ruine thereof. And now that the people of God might know for certaine, and not by coniec- turcswho (houldbee thisbca/1, and where he fhouldraigne: here is not oncly a. vifionfhcwcd vnto Saint lohnofthcbeaft, butalfoof thecitie where he fhould raignc, and raoreoucr the myrterie of them both expounded. The Lord fctit his Angellvnto John to open the meaning of thcfevifions, fothat wee doe hot reft vpon anyvnccrtainc conie(Stures, but haue the expofitionofGodhimfelfe. Why fhould wee any morecomplaine, and fay the ibiiTgs be fodarke that they cannot be vnderftood ? or that wee can haue no ceriaintie ofthem ? what can wc require more but thcexpofitionofthe Lord God himfelfe? Here the Icfuitcsvfc what fleightcs they can to defend Rome, and their Pope, but they are fo euidently noted, that they cannot coucr their fhame but with fuchihinne couetingsas cuery one may cafily fee through them. But now beloucd,f(:cjngtheLorde doth fo gracioufly by his holy A ngell expound vnto vs the myftcrie of tl)c whore of Babell, andofthcbeafi which bearetb her, letvs thankfully and rcucrenrly apply our minds to learnc : and cfpecially bccaufe theexpofition of the myflerie ofthis v^'oman, and of the beafl: that bearethher, is a deere opening of the greatcfl part, and euen of all the chiefeft matters in this prophecic. This chapter is euen as tlie key to open the clofet of the myficries ofthis booke. But let vs come to the words of the text. Thcn(faithhe) there came vnto meoneofthe feuen Angels, whichhad thefc- uen vials,and talked with me,laying vnto me,comc,I will fliew thee the damnati- on of the great whore vijhichlitteth vpon many waters. Hereisfbrthi5vi[Ton(as ye fee) firft fet downe the minifter by whom this vifion is fhewed and expounded vnto Iohn,that is the Angcll, And hee was one of thofe feuen which had the feuen vials of the wrath of God, becaufe here folio weth not onelyanexpofitionofthc myfterie of the great whore, but alfo her damnation in the next chapter. For this Angell is one of them which poureth forth vpon her the wrath and iudgsmcnt of God. Secondly, it is noted howhecallcrh Saint lohn to the recciuing ofthis fpeciall vifion. For he iaith^come I will fhew thee. And then is added what he willfhew him, namely, the dgnpation of the whore. The words after fome phrafe may bee ^^ Y a cxpouiv 554 - SERMONS VPON expounded thus, I v\'ill fi;ew thee thatdamnablc great whore which fitteth vpon many vvatcrs.Foras ycr lolm had not fQctic her in any vifion. And in that he faith, Shefittcch vpon many waters: it fheweththat {he hath dominionxsuermany cia- tioiisand pcopks, as we fhall fee afterward in thiscbapter : for the angell doth fo inccrpretc them . I n the next words there is a reafon repdred,rK)t onely why fhc is called a whore,bdt alfo the great whore. She is a whorc,becau(c fhe hath com- i-nittcd fornication ; {Be is the great whore, becaufc fhe hath committed whorc- dpmc with fuch greato[jcs,anI vvithfo many:forhcfayth,with whom bauecom- jnitced fornication tl>e kings ofche carth,& the inhabitants of the earth are drunke vWjtb the wine of her fornication. The chiirch ofRome boalicthher felfe to be the cba(i fponfe ofChriii, but fhe rciei^ethhislawes, flie condemneth his pure wor- . Jliip, and Ictteth vp a worlliip ofher owne,eiJen all idolatrie and fu perHition, the , worfhip of deuils. and io like a moi} abominable fiithic whore, hath allured and drawen the kings ofclie earthy and their Ibbicils cuen mightie nations to commit ipirituall whoredom wiih her : for fo the fcripiiire fpeaketh of.alhhofeihatturne ftomthe pure worfhip oi?*God vnto mens inuentious. And here we are to note that he faith^the inhabitants of the earth ate made drunke with the wine ofher for- nication,Forthisin3woid cxpreffeth v;ith what greedie ddire the blind idola- trous people Oiould receiue the decrees ofthe Bifhop of Rome , euen as drunken men feekc (til topoure in wine.No man is able with words fufficiently toexpreflfe^ how much and how madly men in the time of popery doted vpo the rotten filthy inuentions ofthe Pope.How did they drinke vp his pardons and indulgences euen as men drinkcvpfweet wine? How rannc they after {^ockes and ftones at his ap- p.oyntmentPand euen like men that are mad drunke.looked tofaue their foules by fwilling in thevery dregs of his inuentions.lt is rare to find any that haue the like true zeale to receiue into their fou le the holy ^nd pure oracles ofGodDoubtIe{rc the drunker^ zeale of papifis to commit whoredome with this great whore of Ba- bylon,invehemenciegoethfarrebeyondeiiie zeale generaJIic of thofe thatpro- fcflfe the holy Go{pell.Which thing indeed ought to make vs much aHiamed.For fhal they be riiofe-z^alous of mens inucntions,nay ofthe deuils inuentions which poyfon th^foulc vuto dcathPthen we (hall be of the liucly words of God which b(ringgr,jc Chrill doth fliinc among them ; it is their crowne, their glorie arkibcwtic. They (eekc not todrawe men to their religion, by the glittering (hew of outward things : but by the heauenly treafures and rich graces which are giuen vntovs in Cbrifl Ic- {us. Onthe other fide, the Church of Rome, which extollcth her owne rightc^ oufnes, gloricth inhcr own doctrine, and in her owne decrees, hauing no fpiri- tuall treafures for to lay open, fortodrawcmcnby, vnto her religion, tnmmeth vp her felfe, and all her religion with outward pompe ofrichcs, and precious ac- tyres: all is in outward glorie, and in 'goodly fliewes. There is gold, pearlcs, piccious rtones, andcoflly garments : and take away thefc, and you takeaway all: for there will remayne nothing that is worththc looking on. itfallcth out fbmctimc, that notorious harlots which trimme and decke themiclues with coldly apparel, and goodly ornaments, andhauepayntcd their faces, doefeemc very be wtiful, comely and amiable ,which yet, thofe goodly garments taken off, and they put into mcane apparcll, and the painting of their faces gone, arc as homely and as hard fauoured women, as a man fh a 11 lightly fee. And this isthe very cafe oPihc great whereof Babylon, the Romifh Church. Shechaib trim* nied her felfe with coflly ornaments aboucall other v\hores in the world, Shcc hath painted her face, and hath fct forth her felfe in fuch worldly pompc, bcw- lie, glory and riches, as the like hath Hot been fcenc, and thereby hath won threat kings and multitudes, to commit whorcdomc with her, both w hile fhc was hca- ^leo^ and finccihce hath been vndcr the Popes: and take away her outwarde pompc. THE REVELATION. 327 pompe,and{licc is the moft euillfauourcd and beggarly whore rhat maybe. She Jiachno trucfpirituallbcwtie, (he hath no trucheauenly trcalurcitobdiow vpoti her children. Ic is added further, thatthis woman fitting vponthcbeaft, hatha golden cup inhcrhand, fullofabhominations of her fornication? The AngeJl byd before, that this great whore had made the inhabitants otthe earth, drunken ^vith the wine of her fornication :and nowhere invifign, isfhev\cdthecupinAhKi»ixie hath offered the fame wine. Forhe faith, fiie had in her hand a golden cup. his not ill vainc that the cup is rHcntioned, becaufe it may be demaunded how men fhouldbe focafilieled todrinkcvp fuchabhominabic filthie things? Surely the cupdoth intlcethem. It is fucha goodly fine cup^ for itisacupof golde :who would fufpc led but vvith humane wifedomc. Andfoyec wiHconfeflie when ye know what it is: for what is this cup which this gorgious whore of Babel holdeth in her haiid, of which the kings and nations doc drinkc ? What is it by which fhee brdacheth all her filthie abominations? Itis eucnthis, thetitlc ofdie CaihoJike Church, of Peters chayrc, and Chrifles Vicar: forthey boatt that they bee the Catholike Church, Peters chayre they fay is at Rome, and the Pope hee is the Vicar of Chrift. Is^iot here thinke ye a golden cup, wyianyman beafraidetodrinkeof it ?;Now intothis goldencup, haththis whore put all her fwill ; forlooke v.hai?- ibeucr iilthines in fuperHition , in idolatries and hereHes, the Romifh Church hathdeuifed, iheyhaue put the (ameinto ihiscup, andfo ofFcredit to the kings and nations to drinke, and the cup hath made them drinke, making no queftion what they did drinke: for be itneuer foeontrarie to the holy word of God, ific were once put into this golden cup, thatis tofaye, the holy Catholike Church haihdccrced, Chriftes Vicat fitting in Peterschayre dothcommaund, who a!- moii would refufe to foppeitvp? All lyes, dodrinesof deuils,«uen filthie ab- hominatioDs being put intothis golden cup, the world was fogrecdieof them, that well was hee which might getthe firfldraught : and they did fwill them- {elues, euen vntill they were drunken. Hcrelay the chiefe deceite : for if the filthie whorehad not craftily made her fuchacup, (he could neucrhaueentifed the kings and nations to com mitte fuch abhominabic whoredome with her. Could fhcc! haue made them drinke vp herefies and errors condemned by the cxpreffe written word of God? Could fhe haue brought them contrarie to his fiat commaundemenc, toworfhip Idols ofgolde andfiluer, of brafle, ofwood and f^one ? Could fhe haue brought them not onely to worOiipthe draoon, but alfo to condemne, toperlecute and mod cruelly to murtherrde holyand pure worfhippers of the Lord:? but that fheelhad vfurpcdand chalengedihjs title of Catholike Clmrch, andohhc power of Chrifi, and the blitid'Aorld didbeleeuc her.: They idokeit, that nothing could come forth of this cup, but th it which Wastbrtbe faluacion of their foules, VVeeare here taught a good lelionto bee Y4 Wife, 52.8 SERMONS VP ON wife, cucn to lookc what is put into the cup before \vc drinlcc ofit : or ell« oatof a goodly cup ofgold, wemay drinke deadly poyfon. So many m times pa(i as by thewifcdomeofgods bolyTpirit, andbythclightof hispiire word did examine andtrie the things which were put into this cup refufcdiodrinVc thereof^ and fa- iled chciribules.though to theirirouble in this vvorld;diusmuchcoaching the cup. Then it lblloweth,andin her forehead was a name written, a myfkric ; Great Babylon, the mother of whoredomes and abominationsof the earth. Shcehdtb her name and her qualities vvrittcnin her forehead, to bee openly feene^and read ofallmen. Weevfe tofay, ifeuerie mans faults were written in thcirtbrchcads, fome would pull down their hats very low: but this whotc hatha namecxpreC iingher qualities, and allher abominable whoredoms 'written in her forehead, and yet is Co impudent that fliee is not alliamed ac all. Shce hath the whores fore- head indeed: this is the great goodnes of God, that this whore hath her name written in her forehead, to the end that all his chofen feruams might cfchcwher, and take heed of her whoredom?. Thename which is writtenin her forehead,is great Babylon, andthert her qualities are notedthusj the mother of whoredoms and abominations of the earth., Babtl isJcontu/ion,, Babel heldche Ghurchin captiuiiie,Babel was full of idolatry.Rome is the great Babel,flicc hath mixed and conftifedallin Godsworfliip : Oic hath iopprefled the Chihreh: fhc haih aboun- ded ia all abominable Idolatries: Shec hath not onely committed all manner of - whoredoms and abominaiions^ami fildiincs,. but cucn as a mother of all thcfe things, flic hath bred them, brought tlicm fotth, and fprcad therii- oucr iheVirigi- doms and nations of the earth. iShee is the mother indecdofall ifilthiriestfoTfoik great Babylon. But i: will be faid, if her name be fo openly graucn in her forehead,- andber fiUhie whoredoms fo maniicflly exprcfled, how commeth it ropailcthat fomany hauebcen led away, and feducedby her to commit fjrnication. ? Did they reade the name,& yet imbraceher?The holy Ghollanfwereththis-JaaAvord, tbatthoughhcr name and her qualities were written inhcr forchc^d,yct^c wfarld jdid not, norcouldnot reade it.for he fayth it is a niy^ieric. The whore braggeth, that flic isthc chali and pure fpoufc of Chri(t : her whoredoms andabhominaiiw ons are foeuidcnt that they be euen written in her forehead, and the Lord hath fet a brand vpon her forehead wirh this name, great Babylon the mother of whore*- doms , &c. But yet it is a my ftwie, it is hidden from theblmd world, and none.C)f ihat Romi(h fort can reade it : but Gods true andfaijthful fer-uants by the pjurC'Iight ofhistrueth, as it were putting fpeftacles, doebelioldiiiodclcarelythcrfettcrsof this name in the whores forchead.Oh fay (bme, if Roinebe Babylon jifthcChnrcb of Romebethe Synagogue of Antichriii, which carricih her namewrittcn in her forehead, why (liou Id not fomany learned men ofrhat fide efpicfo much? Yec icchere that her name is written in a myftcric,wl»ichihc papilis cannot pcrcciue, beingblinded andbefotted with the iouebfihc whore :fbnt!Tis place flicwcthc- uidentlywhat an exceeding blindnes thepopifli foit arc taken and held uojchaJI, that a name being written enenin the forehead, arid that ibclearc letters yet faii not they reade iL.This itis^whcn mcndcfplfc the light o/Godsword^aadwrilfol* lowc THE 7 REVELATION. 325 jowcithcirovvninuer«ion«: the)deri"land myfterie^.AndthuSl^alf we'cfcape from the dcceitiot thecup of this abominable harlot, andrtand.vprfgh't in the fcareand true vvor(hip;of Godi' And if any doc not fee that the RomiOi Cburdh is great Ba^ beljjt i^ becatjfe they be blind, crvnskilfvjll in the mylieries ofOpd. Gine* fairc .fxriht€d;b.Do.ke'toaman fchit cannotreade, which kno Wth not a letter, and what i^ it to him? Eucn fo co fuch is i>aue notihe light ofGods wpidi what is it that the name great Bibylonds writjceo in the fotcheadofthe Roniilh-<3iureh ? theycan- notreadcit:they cannot pei-ceiue it : theymayearilybemadebelccuethatitisa right noly Church. Well, we may (ecthcn that foch as bee feduccd by the whore (pf B^i'0 Which vVas ppt Bkbylcip/ AndifodocinfcfrciHac if I^Ticbee tlift-'feaBe^^ Pj3:p^4«id his.C^hurcbare not Antldijrii^. 'As rhongh- it were riot etndenti that the pjji^jre of Rom^, thafis, cbcbcaft which heareth ncr'vpi Oiould haoe heads fuc- cecdingeachoihertofuf^orthcras BabellcucntoheEende,andtH'atthefeuenth bead was onely remairiing to conic when John receiued tbi^ propheeie. Haue not |h.e , Pope^s born e her vp eucri as the E in pcrcwirs did ? And let theim fliew what o- ibfir head tbpp^ijiall be oftliebeafK Safnt John rfotth db'fcribechiswhoir^yetfufi tbef/ayjngj liaw the womah drunkenj'withihcblbnd'ofthc Saints, ai^^vith the bjpudto^thc Martyrs oflcfus. This part of chedefcription istojhe'^j/ that this great ^abylon is tht crudl murthercr ofall the Martyrs in the timcofthc Gofpdl. It is ^ ihebloudiccitie, yeafb bloudic,^that Die Jscuen>driinkerivvithibcbloud6fthcf- Martyrs. Thisisacleeremarketo fliew vntovs thccitiewhichis cilledinamyA^ ^?ri?^r«if BabyJen, ithe itiothctofAvhoi'cdbmes'andrabominatirtnsof thc^artiiw |?orlpt-|bc?iP:api(i fivdw^ v,Qtovsany other citiebchdes Rome^^whichiri-thc time ofthcf Qb(J?«cH,batb fhedithe bloudof the mart^ss* I5any will reply and fay, their l>Joud batl>p>?4»(}i?dtn alMartdsy and in cities wry farre diHant from Rome. I an- fwercjthat that is very truCi but yet it.was oncly Rome that pocthem todcath. For inoldc time when the firrt perfecutions vvcre, and minythoufands were cruelly murch^fed-iri jiliJaiid^^v^ef C5 thcyuooputto deaihby the authoritie of Rome ? Did nojttfie Ji\;[}f^z<^'4x^ ofiRohaWiComdi'aimd it ?andvya$ not the -thing C3cecuted-in>' their name and authoritie i* Who can fay tint Rome was notthen thefheadero^ sfacbjo'jd of the Martyrs ? Aad now of latex times, all that haue been flainefor the - teHiraosiiet: 3?o SERMONS VPON tcrtimonicof thcGofpel, in France.in Spaync,ih EnglaBd,and in other countries, * vvhohait? puii;hj;ip,tp death b^t Rqtoc? Ac whole decree haue they been (lain^, ^ndby wbofe^mhorkiejblifofthePopesof Rome ? RomcRome, hath put them lOAjcath. Rome is guihic of their bl pud ; yeaRome tliegreac whorc'is euen drun- ken with the bloi^d of the riiartyrjofljefus. Haueyou read or heard of any other befidcsRome? Hath there been any other power fince the Heathen Emperours, that hath there borne fv\ ay and perfecotcd befidcs the power ofthe Popes,cr ftiaH yvclfipki; for any othcrto come ? If not, why (hou)d wee bee in any doubt to iay ^0mei$-gr«at BtibdIjlhs»ti>lQudiecitiCyand the perfecuting-popifh Church of ;P;ome is the \vickc4fyoagoguc of All tjcbrifti. Weil, Saint lohn vvas in great adi. mir_aiiion,and wotudermes^tjw'hen hebeheld this woman. He faw her fit vponfuch a aionfkr with feuen heads and tennehorues.hc faw herfo richly arraied anidec* ked with precious coftly ornaments, he faw fucba goodly cuppe in her hand,fil- led vyich filthie whptedomcs and abominationSjhe faw her name in her forcheadi . and her quaJitic5ipaiutcAonderfo much a$ lobe hindrcd,and thereforethc Artgcllcallcth him from his wonderment, fayingi I will fhew c thee them) flerie ofche woman, andof thebeafi that beareth hcf which hath feuenhead$i and tennc homes. Here is a goodly thing, tlwt wee may not follow vncertame x^onie^urcs, but haueti full and an vndoubted interpreta- tion ofthe mileriesiof this bookc, the Angell expoundeth thim. For the expofi- tion that the Angell here giucth,i&:cucnasa key toopcntheclofet into all thechief things in this book«>For id we Vnd^rliand what is meant by thisbeaft ^by hii heads and homes, nnd likewife what the woman is, weefliall vndcrlland thechtcfearKl ahnoliail the whdieargument of thisbookc. Shall we then let light by this expo- ficion,w hen the Lord hath fent his Angell togiue it r Nay, letvs with allthankful- ncs and rc.u^rmccgiucearevnto it,and rcceiucthcfruiie thereofjthatvve may vn- derQandthisjpsropbicic^andfloibcefcduccdby Anticluift* Thus much fonhis timci v •■):'■ n-?iv f r-7;3A:- :ffTi!r?m ttTE THE REVEt,ATI;PN m^mm. THE XX XV 1,1, SERMQN. CHAP. XVILr ;^ : -^ .. 5r: 8 ', Theyeafi which then httfifeenc, ^at^ and is trot y and JhaR 4fce»deoHtofthe Ifottomlespit , and (had goe into deflruElion : and they that dwell on the earth'JhaHrvonderf whofi names are nst written in the if ooke of life from the foundation of the rvojcld, whettihejiheholdtheheaJithatwaSf andisnot^ and yet it, , ;;,)nij'/\ ,£;i!t!)I ^2iC!Tj'|fr!:; [)i'i. luiiif tM'^i&\ 3^irf: p Here is the mt^d tih^t hath mffMfriey 'the Jeuen hhadsdre feuenmofttttaines whereon the mnian (it tetb,. Z o They are alfo fenen ki»gs .'fine are fallen , one is, andanether is not yet rome^ andwhenhecomethhemttjltarrie a little jpace» 1 1 And the beafi that was^ and is not, is enen the^eig^j and is one of the fine ft^ ^nd (hall goeifitpde^tH^ ion. ;r;T rJiC) ;n iA' :r.?-;!Ci; 30. ';>../ •jiri :;:.->.:. 1;2 ■ And the tenfie horne/ which thorn hi^fiede, arthnne Kittgtt^ rohiphasye^ . hatie ffot received a ^ngdome, ^jhaJi receiftepfftver^as Ktncrstat ^iie honrc with ihe bea(i, ■■ - . \ ■ . ; r ; > 13 Thefe hatie oneminde^andpsaUgiue their fotver andfirehgtht^thehe)^^ 14 The fefhall fight mththe Lambeyandthe Lambe(hattMer€ome themjbec4ttfe ^, hets Lord of lords y md ICtng of ^ngfikf/d they that are with him,ealledi . artdc^o/e»,hich hath the kifigm. %[_ dome oHtr t he kjngs of the earth, 1 ...» O w wc come to the expoficion^herc the Angcldoth Hot tel what the ibcaft figiiificth : andyetmcniTiaythinkc, thaithatfti&uldbctlicfirft' xpofitioii. And^doiibtlcsib k'(Iwbldl b«c th^t thic Angcll' )fhin|;inthcei doth not ejtpound that which th« Scfiptute before had tflecpelyex- po«nded,For by beafts,chc Aiigclitelleth the Prophet Daniel,arc iignifiedkingsr btttyet not the pcifons of kings, but the tyranous powet caUroilcd by t^em by fiiccvflioo* i.^ Sermons vPON^- ^ucccdiof!. Wherefore wee mu(iherc confiderthac thisbcaftisnof to,bce.takco for certaine^perfons, but for a dominion cxerciledby thofepcrfonj, v\ hichhauc thercinfuccc;ied?a^lip^licr, kwQwiiigtiicn whatis mcantbyabeaft, which the Angel! doth here cm i tie bccau|Jcit^ Jsin Daniel clccrcly expounded, wee may the better vnderftand that interpretation which follouerh. The beaft faith hec, \\ hich thou hal^ fcenc, wgs andis not, and fliall afcend out oftbe bottomlcspir. ^hismay fceraea very ftrsnge and hard fpeecb, to fay thebcaft wasandisnoc, andniould afcend ag^jinc out of the iaouomlcs pit. Had thebeaft been in the world before the time that Saint lohn receiued this reuelation ? was he then gone out ofthc World, and fliotild be afterward rctumc againc ? Yea verily, let not that fcemc Orange : for the tyranous power of Romehad been very great before lohns tiihCy it was deminiftied in this time, and afterward fhould ri(c vp againe to the formermaiefticy .Before that Roraie was goucrned by Emperors, andalfoin the ■daycs, andvnderthe raigneof herfirfl Emperors, Julius, Augufius, Tiberius, and Cjaudiusytbemaieiiicind power of thatMonarchie was exceeding grear. 1 n the dayes of thefc Emperors Nero, Galba,Otho,Vitcihu$,and Domitian,that fbrm^ maiefiic.and power was.greatly diminifhed ; And the fame was rayfed vp againc .bythcpopes. --■-».<,...,,..■., ^ ■., . ■' -■•' But it will beobiedcdj that although, the maicfiie and power ofthc Romanc Monarchic was not fo great when lohn receiued this reuelation, aisit had been jafaraiet times, jtel it coulduotbc faid, not to bc,bucthc Angcll faith, the bcaft which th,oush4lirctnc.v«as.^d isnot.; Janlwcrc, that the Angell himfeltc ta- kethawaythis'^oubt, for that wee might know it is not to be taken abfolutely, that hefaith the bcaftiiiior, but for fbmc refpe'f^/ and in comparifon he addeth thatjrh^bea(i Isnot, andyetis; How fl:iall wee expound ihcfje words, thebcaft VVaSiaod^s not, and yet is, burxhatbc is, but not (uch as he had beeh^ nor fuch a$ he fhould be ? Then we feethcreisnodifficultieinihefewoi'ds, fo wetakcthem ^l9g«t|^r%0ittiiayaUb bcdcmaiinded, feeingthc powers a re of God, how this Empire may bee faydto afcend but ofthc bottomicspit ? the bottomles pit is hcll^ that which coinmeth from heJl cpmmeth from the dcuill ? J anfwerc, that abeaft docthnot reprefent fimplic the power ot gouernment, which in deed is. the ordinance of God, but the vfurpation, thecrueltie, and the tyrannous abuic ofihe power, dgainft thatruetb afid againii the Ghurchof God : and fo wicked tyrannic oCthe heathen' Emperors, and the papaJl power afccndethout of hell cucn from thfc very dcuilU They bragge and boaft in the papacie that they haueitfrom Peter, and he had it from Chrift, and fay that iheybecaft away that will not obey it: and the very trucihis, itisofthcdeuili, and they fall from God, which fubmmpjthetnfclucs vftio it;, .«nd, verily the Angell faith it fl^iHgoe to deOtt*<^i<>n» for as that .which i$of Qoddcjctb notperifli, fo all^hati^of the dc- uill w^ftocedesgo^ to deft^u^joi).- Wheiiibis heart afccndethagainci^utjofthc bottptnles'pic, hte flaarll cartiefuch amatettie, that the inhabitantsofthe earth ihall wonder. Surely neuer any 'power in the world was fo much vvohdrcd at as the vfurped powci and maicfue ofthc Pope. They fuppofcd that bee had povsei THE REVELATION. 333 po\ycr euen a^a ^od.vpon theearch, and that hce tnighc fendco hcaucn, and cart dovvnc iiucrhcii whome hec would.. He might depofc kings and EmpcroM, .and fee vp alio cuen at hk plearure. , O how did. the world wonder and tremble ac this power? buiyet the AngcII rellraincth it ta the reprobate, for none, woiv. der at the heart but fuch, whufe names arc not written in the bookeoHife. The faithful! in all ages cried out vpon the biafphcmous vfurped power of the popes, and did not wonder at it. Tlie Angell addeth^ here is the minde that hath wifc- ,dome ; which is a preface to moue attention, when men fliall vnderftaqd that ic is found wiledome, yeja itisfuch wifedomeas Godhimiclfe commenderh, for amantovnderfhnd the interpretation oftbc bcali, andofthc woman :forhce that vndcrflandeth will not be feduced by the popcric, but will abide firme in the true worlliipof God. Therchath alwayesbeene muchfiibtiltie vfed to drawc mcB to the Romilli religion, butihemindewhicbhath wifedome,that is to fay, . that minde which God doth inHrudt, and vnto which hee giueth vnderlhnding, doth vndcrftand the interpertation wlMchthe Angell here maketh, and know- ciluhattheRomiOi church is the whore ofBabylon^cuen a moft filthieand idola- trous fynagogue. Wellthc Angqllfayth that the feucn heads ofthebeaft are feuen mountaincsvpon which the woman litteth, and they bee alfoleuen kings. Then itiseuident that two things are fignified by the heades : for feuen mountaines, are one thing, and feuen kings are an other. The papifts here viing all their cunnitigto defend Rome, doe cauill and fay, that the feuen hillesarc feucn kings. Jfithad beenefetrejdowncthus , thefcucn heads arefeuen mountaines, that is feuen kingsi ithad madefor them that billcsand kings here were all one. But when hec (aith that the feuen heads of the beali are feuen kings, and that they bee alfo feuen mountaines, who fecth not that here arc two feuerall things reprc- fented? They doc al/b cauill that the nufnber feuen is put indefiniily and nojE for Jurt fo many, as fundry times in this booke. But let them bee asked how ma* ny are fiuc, and one, and one,, are ihcy not.iuft feuen ? Fiue fayth the Angell are fallen, one is, and one is to come, arenottheie iuft feuen? Is not this to tcllvs that weemufi take it ofiuft feuen ? wcllthcn t6thematter,the Angell telleih John that the woman which fitteth vpon thebeafl: is the great citie,&c. Then he fpeak- cthof a citie here wiiich for her fituation is bMilded vpon feuen mountaines, , and forher power and regiment hath been fupportcd by feuen feuerall kindesof gouernmcntes which are called kings. Rome Was builded vpon feuen moun- taines : all the papifts in the world cannot denie it ; for not onely the poets of old limcsfpakefbofit, but alfo the feuen mountaines on which the citteis built arc thtssnamcd, CapitoIinus,Palatinus, Aucntiiiiis,Ceiius, Exquilinus, Viminalis, and Quirinalis. Letvs fee if any papiit in the world can denie but that Rome was builded vpon thefe feuen hilles , not one more nor lefTc. Indeede they heercfeeke a little poore fhift, and fay that Rome in oldetimc didiiandevpoa thefe feuen hilles. How faintly and ho we coldely is this vttered? Fainethey would faythat Rome now ftandcth not vpon thole feuen hilles, becaufeitnow fiandeth in the plaine of Campus Martins, and the pope fitreth on the other toofcheriuer: bucthcy dare not for feaicit (hould bee fayd , if your pope fittc not-. ^34 SERMONS VPON not in that Rome where ye fay Peter fate and had hischaire, then docth not your pope fit in Peters chairc. For if Peter were BHliop of Rome, hcehadhjs chaire and was Bifhop of that Rome , which was builded vpon feuen moun- taines. So that if they will deriuc their power from Peters chaire, it muft be from that fame Rome bui'c vpon fcuen mountaincs,in v\ hich,ifS.Pcter were Bifhop of Rome, he had bis chairc, and not from another Rome. Letthenrlooketoit. But what though the citie bee remoucd, and the pope remooued alfointo anodicr part, isit notflill a cicic builded vpon feuen hi!ies, when as the buildings vpon thofe fcuen hils doe ftiil partly remainelnhabited, and the popifh religion there pradlifed ? Doth the buildingin the plainc, make itnot to bee vponth'e feuen mountaincs? Let the papiltsdeny ifthey can, that there bee either churches or .monafieries orbcJih vponeuery oneof thofe feuen mountaincs. Let it bee that for the inhabitants the prime as it were of that citie is remooued from thofe mountaincs, yet let vsfee how they canfliiftit, that thofe churches and mona- fteries, be not in Rome and of Rome. Then that he fayeth, the fcuen heades arc alfo (euen kings, it (heweth that the citie Rome thatgorgious whore, which is drunken with ibeblood ofthe Saintes, hath been. borne vpnot onelyby feuen hillesvpoa which flic wasbuilt, bat alfo by feuen kinds of gouernmenr, which heecallcdi feuen kings. Hee faith that fiueof thefcwere fallen, before the time that lohnrccciued thisreuebtion, onewasthen prefefit which wasthcfixt, and one,thatisthefeucnth, wastocome. It will peraduenturebeobie6led, thatthe Angcll dooth not fay, the feuen heads are feuen orders orfiates of kingly go- uernenient, but feuen kings, itfeemeth to note out feuen men which raigned as Kings in Rome, and not feuen kinges ofgouernement, in which there was the kingly power in euery one, I fuppofe this hath led fbmc to expound it of fc* ucn ofthe Emperors, fiuepaft before the time that the Angcll fpake this to lohn, the fix; then prefent, and the feuenthtocome. But what reafonistheretoleauc out the other v\icked Emperors ? Becaufethcy were not Romanes. They were Emperors otthe fame citie, and as wicked astheother. What then, fhall wee not ihinke thatthe Angell fpeaketh here, as the Angcll fpeaketh in Daniel? The foure great be a fies (faith the Angell to Daniel) arefoure Kings which fhallrife vp in the earthy Dan iel. 7. ycrfe. 1 7. Is it not as clecre as the funnc, that by fburc Kirtgsare mcintthere, not fov\er men which raigned as Kings, butfoureking- domes or monarchies, in which many men fucccededeach other, and raigned as Kings? tiie whole Empire then or Monarchic ofthe Babylonians is called a King, which fioode long, and had many Kings byfucceflion. Thclikeistobec laid ofthe Kingdoine ofthe Medcs and Perfians, and alfo ofthe red. Why ihenn^.allvM-c not take fcuen Kings hereto bee feuen kingly gouernements, by which tlie .vvonian had been borne vp ? Rome was not oncly builded vpon fcuen hils, but alfo hrtchbeen vpholdenby feuen feucrall orders of kingly power. For Rome was builded by Romulus and Remus: and Romulus raigned King. Af- ter him fuccccdcd cy.hcT Kings of Rome, of which Tarquinius Supcrbus was the lad. The Angell faith fine ofilK heads werefallen, of which fine, this was the tirrtihatfcliin thcfaid Tarquinius : for there the Kings ended. Then next were CoJifui* THE REVELATION. siS Confuls chofen, ^ndchcy goucrncdthe cklcwith kindly power rtlicrc is the fc- cond head, Afrcrward the Dpccmuiri bare the chicfc Iway, ancj fo hauc yc thjC third heati. Then followed the gquernemc;nt of Didtatcrs, astlw foiirthhesd : and then was there a fife iiatc which wer^ihe Triumuiri. Andthcfc tuie heads were fallen before our fauiour was borne. FcJr none of thefe then bare the chiefe lulcin Rome: but the fixt head, which was of Emperors, was then vp, when the Augclltalked with lohn, which head begun in lulius Ccfar, for bee was the firO Emperor. This fixt head is it of which the Angell faith, oneis: and one isto come, This one to come isthe feuenth and the laft, yeaeuen thclaH Hate by which Rome f}iall bee fupportcd in her magnificall ponipe and delicacie. And this head is the papacie,this hath fucceeded the Empire, and this isciies the grea- teft head ofall. For vnder the Popes hath Rome been in herhighert exaltation and gloric. And now as this laft head commeth doj^'nc, dowi'e alfo flie whore comnieth. For the flrcngth of the bcafi that bcareihher vp, decaying andfay- ling/jfhec carinot bm faile and lye on the duft. The Angcll faith, that this feuenth head when hec commeth, muH farriea little while. But will fome man fay, doth not this lliew thatit is not to bee taken of the dominion ofthe Popes, forthey haucraigneda longtime. lanfwcre, that ifwecconfider of time according to man, feuenorcyght hundrethyearesisagrcattime: butifwec cfteeme thereof according to the fcriptures, athoufand yearcsis but a fmalliime, for what is it ifit bee compared witheternitie ? It is now well fpent, and the beaflthatbea- rethvp the whore will failc vnder her, andfhee (hall come downc with her gol- den cuppc. The AngcUaddcthyet further, faying, the bcaft that was and is nor, IS cucn the eight, and is one of the feuen, and fhall goc into dcflru(5lion. Thcfc wordcsbeverymyflicall, thathecfayib, thebeaftwas and is not, applying it to the lart head, that is, to the Antichrilf ian power which was not yet come. For how can it bee fayd that it was before, when as yet it was not come ? For the ty- ranny of popes had not been inthc worlde. Surely confidering allthings here together which the Angell fpeaketh, efpecially that bee fayth he is the eight and yet one of the feuen; For hereby it is moft cuident, and without all contradifti» on, thatheefpeaketh oftwo powers^ theciuil, andfpiiituall : for in refpeif^ ofthe ciuil power bee can be but the feuenth head. And therefore that he is alfo fayd to > be both one ofthe feuen, and the eight, itmufl necdes folio we, that as fbrci- uill kingly power one of the feuen, fofor thc^bigheft fpitiwall inrifdidtion which? he would vfurp he fhould be the eight. Then m arke what I fay, the greatef^ power of thebeaft fhould be Iri the (pirltu- all iurifdi^^ion.He is faid before to haue two homes like thelambe : and this is that which he hath moft preuailedwithall ofthetwo. And in refpeiSoftbishorncS. lohrt (aith.thc beaf^ that was and is not.Forthe ciuill tyrannie of Rome was when the Angell fpake thefe things vnto lohn, but the ecclefiaflicall tyrannic was not as yet coriic,! mcitfie in fuch a kind andmaner as the PopcshadO this ecclcfiafli- call tyrannic ouer the faith and confciettccsofmen is fuch, that Saint lohn giueth Rename ofthe wholebc?iIl vntoic. Fordoubtleflfe in rcfpc<5i of the terrene go- uamnent; 33^ SERMONS VPON ucrnmentjit could not well be faycl,thc bcaft which was and is not^ but in re(pc1 . , v,^.;.;j .;. ;«! ;:'.» ■■^^J•.' 1 . - : ■ -.•• lii - • ;i This is very csfie,ifyccoo{ijtpacicbaih cbalcn- ged, and both of them the highefij that is, the kingly terrene power ouct all men both high and lowe, euen oucrEmperours and kings: and the Lordfhipoucr the faith and confcicnce of men. Both thcfe in the Pope doe concurre,and doe make but one heart. And in refpcdt of the ciuill kingly power hce is thefeuentb bead of the heart which bearethvp the woman ; for hec is the feuenthorder ofkingsby which Rome hatHbeen goucrned.Nowifwe rerpe I ■ .' •' ' ' rvoWhccon)mcth totheiionTes. Arjdihetcnnc4)brMcKfi«yeHlicl whichihou hart fccnc are tennc kings. Wee know thiithorncs in the fcriptnredoe reprcrcnc iiren^thandnmghc:and roher|foftfeeix miyht and powers icHkiBg«tgs of the earth kaue committed forntcationxvith her^andthe Marchantt ef the earth hauevcaxedrich of the abti»danceof her fleafares. 4 iy4nd I heard another voyce from heauen, faying, (fame avfay from her my feeble, that yee bee not partaker of btr/inneSt and that ye recetue not of her flagues. J For her (tunes are come vf vnto ke4U0M, and God bath rememhredher iiii» ^fiittei, 6 Reward THE REVELATION, 541 6 ftftffardff her etien as pjee hath rewarded j0ay andgiue her donhle accer^ ding to her worlds: and m the euf^e that /be hath fiHgd te yeH,fillher the double. 7 Tftat much /u pje gUr'tfied herfelfe^ and Uued'tnfleafure.fe much giue yee to her torment andfirrerv : for jhe faith tn her heart, I Jit being a Queene^ and am no widow, and [hall fee no mourning. % Therefore /halt her plagues come at one day, death and farrow andfami*fe, and Jhee Jhall bee hrnt with fire :for ftrong ie theLordc God that tttdgeth her. He fall ofgreat Babylon^ and Her deflru5lion,h2th been briefly touched before in thisbooke: but here it is fet foorib mofe at large. For from the beginning of this cHapter,vntothc end of the lart chapter, it may well bee fayd, that there is nothing but the generall conclufion of the whole prophecie. Forthroughthe booke, there hath beene fetfoorthanddefcribedjthe pov\er,thedo- minion,thcpompejand the cruclticofthe enemies oftbc Church, and what great affiidions they baue cafl her into: and now the conclufion painteth foorth their vttcr downfall &de(kuflion, and how fhc is drawne out of ail her mifcries/vnto a moft happie eftace of endks glorie. Almoft all that foJloweth may bee reduced to this one poynt. So that the conclufion is thus :Thcfe proud tyrannous enemies haue bin aloft,thcy hauc en- ioycd their iiches,honpurs,pompe and pleafures^they haue condemned, petfecu- tcd and afflicted the Church of Chrift and her children, and moft grieuoufly prefTed them downe. But now the cafe doth alter, the proud perfecutors come vnder^andtheafflifledisraifedvpintoglotic.Thisbeingthc fumme,Iet vs now come more particularly to the matter. AfterthefcthingsffaithSaintlohn)! faw another Angell come downe from heauen,hauing great power. Here is he that beateth down thekinpdomeofAn* tichriii jhere is he that bringech the great whore of Babylonto ruine,euen a migh- tic Angell from heauen. For it is the Lord from heaucn that iudgcih chatblocdic kingdome. But what AngeM isthis^or what doth he reprcfent ? TOt isfirll to bee enquired. In the 1 4.chapief he faith,diat an Angell did file in the middeft of hea- uen withaneuerlaningGofpelltopreachjand forthwith do'Aue went great Ba- bylon. Where it is eaident.ihat by the Angell is reprcfcntcd the minillers of the Gofpell whom the Lord hath raifedvp,and fent in thefe lafi tifv.cSj for to recouer his afflided Church from'vnderthecaptiuitie of Babyjon. This Angell reprefen- teth the felfe fame thing,euen the mriiilhieoFthe Gofpell : which fcen^eth to bee wcake and contemptible in the viewand iudgeinent ofthe world :but yet the cf- ficacie thereof bei no from heauen isHrong and miohtic.asit ii here faid. And wc lee by experience the mightines thereof, in that it harh call downe the pompe and the glotic of Babcll. It hach ouerthrownc the power & pride ofthe Roniifli bead, Z 2 which 342. SERMONS VPON which the kings oftlKcnrch Hid tremble at.It is not (aid here in vcine that this An - gel! hath great power ; for he pullcth dovvnc a r.iightie beaft,euen the wonder of the world , the Romanc Monarchic. He faith further^ 1 hat the earth was lightened with his gloric. The power of this Angcll confiHeth in light : as the power of the enemie confifteth in darknes. The brightncs of the ]ig!ic,cxpelleth and vanquiGicth the darknes.The kingdome ofBabylon is nothing bi't i'piriruall darknes and cpnfijfion: as wee haueleene be- fore in thisbooke how the bottornlelTe pit was opened, and how the fmoke of the pitafcended vpand darkeisrd all. The deuill from hclhhrurt forth by the mini- nrie of his vicar the pope,alI ignorance, errours,lies,and fuperrtition.This Anoeil withthcbrightnesot the pure word ofGodcxpe'lcth all chefe :and therefore it is faid that the earth was lightened withhisgloric. O what darknes had couered the carth,and whstfooliflj things did n -en beleeueinthetimeof poperie ? And what a wonderfull light hath the wordoi God ginen, fo that cucn the fimpie^yeaeuen children doe laugh at:hcthingS3s mort fond, which great wife men did then be- leeue. Yealmay. truly fay,and whofoeuer doth narrowly obferue the matter hee (hall find it fo,that the brightnes of this Angcll is fuch in lightning the earth, that the beamcs of his light do pearce euen into the holes of the night birds, which yet doe what they can to hide and couerthemfeluesfrom the light,Tmeane the gro(le papills, which labour all that they can to vphold their darknes : for they are euen conflraincd in many things to fceele the power of the light .though they cannot a- bide itjbut fame would vpHoId the whore of Babell. God for his infinite mercies fake blefie and profper the holy miniflrieofhis word^that the earth may be more and more^iglnened,and that thcfe wretched papiftsthefeminiftersofAmichrift, inayhauencueradarkcholctocouerthemfeluesin. Wefeeihcboldiiesofchofc impudent men,and their trauailes, I would it might moue all the ftruants of God, tobecome more zealous and vehementto (preadthe light of the holieGofpell. Publifh and fpreadit,and let the Lord workc his holie will and pleasure, for it is the light and the power ofthetruethjwhichmu ft ftrike theftroke. And he cryed out mightily with a loud voice,fiying,It is fallen,it is fallen^great Babylon,&c.The faithful minirters ofthe Gofpell proclaimc and that vehement- Iy,that thcpoperieisfallen^yea that it is mod certainly fallea,and (hal neuerreco- uer againe.They publifh with mightiezeale that Rome is great Babell,and that her dominion ouer the kingdomesof the earth is come to an end. And albeit thd papiftslabour with tootli and naile, omitting no treacherous pradiife to recouer her fall,and to rertore her aga ine to her former dignitie,yea and beare the ignorant fort in hand that in time they fiiall preuaile: yet this Angell mightiliedenounceth the contrarie. If ye demaund how the miniHers and preachers ofthe Gofjiel an for certaintie publiHi this, feeing they be no prophets to fee what Hial! be in time, to cotne. I anfwerCjthat this prophccie hath declared and doth dcclarecuidently, that Rome fl;iail neuer recouer her fail, the pope Hiall neuer bee crtccine(i againc, but labour he, and all that be for him,both kings & Icfuite pricfis, what they can, he fliall daily by degrees come doyvne more and more, euen till the vtter and fi- nail. THE- REVELATION. 543 nail dcftru ftion. A nd now what is Babylon,u hat is Rome, \\\m is the Church of Rome now fliec is fallen ? The Angcli tclleih vs, flie is tiie habitation of deuils,a cageofcucryvncIcanefpirite^andacagcofcudryviKleancandhatefuIlbird.Doe ye not fiippofe here bcafweet companietoioyne v\ithalI?Al tliathaueany good- nes in them,doe forfakc Rome with her moO filthy aboininations.The deuils and vncleane fpirits,atul vncleane birds,beare all the I'way there. Wee muft note that the Angell here indercribingrhedenru the habitation ofdiiicls,and the hold of all vncleane fpirits. See bcloucd the glorie of the Church of Rome,which boaftcthhcr felfcio bethepurefpoufeof ChrifhNo man^llie faith, can be faued, vnlefle he become oneofher obedient childrenrand the Lord faitlyhat fl^c is the habiiatiori of diuels. Their doilrine is thedodrineof diccls^ thcirworfliip is the "worfliippe of diuels, their woikes is the workesofdiucls. For what dodtrinc doe they teach (a few things excepted) but flat contrary to the written word of God ? What worlliip but ofldols, and of rotten bones ? And what isrctheir workcsbuc treafonSjfcditionSjperiurieSj and daughters ? If men bee not blinde they may fee, that Rome is the very habitation of diuels. Is ic then good ioyning with them,or is it (as fome take it) a matter fo indifferent tobee of their Church? Judge in your feiuesbrethrcn. Yea but will fome man fay,if it were certaine that Rome is Baby- Ion. Alas that men thould doubt,there is nothing jr.orecleere. If there were but one man in the world oflhiurc.preportion, and vifage fariediffeung from all o- thcr,and a right cunning pairaer {hoiild draw his pi(5^urcin all points from top to toe : could any doubt that had f eene the fame manjand then fhouid fee his pi- (5iiire,but that it were his onclypidlure? TheholieGhortin this prophecic hath perfed^ly drawne the pi6^ureofBabcII,and they that perufethe picture andlookc vponRomejfindcthem(b.likeinailparts3snothingcanbemore:andthey(liaU findc none other in the whole world^whom the picture doth relemble. The only reafon or caufe why men bee not fully rcfolued that Rome is Babylon,is that they doe not diligently pcrufe this pi6\ure.Be diligent in this booke^and thou fhalt bee out of all doubt that Rome is the whore great Babell^and the pow er of the papa- cie.thebcaft. If thou wilt when thou know e(Uhis,ioyne thy felfe with the habi- tation ofdiuels,and with the holde of vncleane fpiritesjthou fhalt together with them bee faucd. Butriow what is the caufe of thisheauie indignation of God a- gainrt Rome? What is ic wherewith fhe hath prouoked the wraihofthealmighty to dcflroy her, and to make her the habitation of diuels? The caufe is repeated, whichhath beenbeforerehearfed., that ailnations haue drunke of the wine of the wrath of her fomication,thc kings of the earth hauecommittedfornication with Ixtjitid the marchants of the ca«h haue beene made rich of the abundance of her . Z 4 plcafurcs. J44 SERMONS VPON pleafures. Behold what an hainousthing it is before God,thatRpme hath Co cor- rupted religion, and that flie hath made chenationsdrunlcevvitluhc raging wine of her fornication, and that fhs hath drawnc both the kings and their liibiQiis to commit fpiritnall whorcdome.For vvhcreas men ought to keep thcmrelucs chaft and pure to God in hi$ holy worfhip.that is, to worfliip him alone in fpirife and tructhjCuen a ccor ding as he hath prefci ibcd in his holy word; the Romi rh \\ horc . hach cnti fed them to her inuentionSjeuen to vvorHiip ldols,and To to commit fpi- rituail v>/horedomc with diucis, and with her falfe wares hath enriched her mar* chants, [snot this a great m 3tter,cipeci3lly when vvte confidervnto now many (he hath fpread thefc her whoredomes ? then mirueile not though it bee lundric Eimes repeated. And now Saint lohn faithjhe heard another voyce from heauen fayingjCome away from hermy peopIe,&c, Here isacallmg forfcparation.and a reaion rende- red to perfw adc thereunto. The voyce is from heauen that willcih the feruanis of God to come away from her. It is therefore the voyce and the commaundcment of the Lord and not of man. This voyce in thelc latter daies hath been and is foun- ded forth by men vpon the earth ; but becaufe it is by the word of God, the voyce isfaid to be,and that rightly, from heauen : for that which is of God is from hea- uen. There is much adoe about this point: the papifts crieout againfhhe prea- chers that call for this fcpaiation, and againft the Chriftian princes which com- pell their fubie6)s vnto it,ihat they be Schifmatikes. Ye make feparation,fay they, from the trueCatholikeChurch,yefor(ake thechairc of Pctcr,ye renounce Chrilis vicar the pallor of your foules, with other fuch thundering Ipeechcs : but wee fee they are Babell that abominable whore, wee regard not their vaine Speeches, but follow the voyce andcommandementofGod which is from heauen,both infc- pacaiing our fQlues,and in perfwading and drawing as many as we can from their wicked focietie. Wee fee the daunger which is the realbn that is here vfed to per- fwade,namely, leaft wcc bee partakers of her finnes,and Co confequenily of her plagues. For how can a man be of that focietie, and not bepartaker of their fins ? And if he be partaker of their finnes,mufi he not needs be partaker with them in their plagues? In the i4.chapter there is fct forth the heauie vengeance ofGod vponthorethatforfakenotthewor/}iipand.focictieofthcbeafiAnditis,bccaule inany are fbloathto bee dra wne from the Romifli religion, in as much as it hath been fo long imbraced by their snceflers. In like manner here is a great terror fet before vs,!eafl wee might imagine it to bee as a thing indiflerent to be of the po- pifb aflemblics, Ifher/inneswercbutfevvandlight,fmallpunirhment,in com* panlbnfhould belong vnto the fame :forthepunirhmcnifolloweth according tothegreatnesof thcfins. As men dfferue,fb arc they plagued. Andfor the fame caufe that all men may well vnderf land,that the focietie with the whore of Babel, tbeicyning with the popcrie, the imbracing ihelawesofthcRomilTi Antichrift, (hall plunge them dccpe into the gulfe of moft horrible plagues, and dreadful! vengeance of almightie God, the voyce from the Lord faith, that her finnes are thcn doth he declare that he rcmembreth the iniquities vshichare pal), andfois iaid tore- member: for the holy Ghoft in the rcripiureapplicthhimiclte vnto our capacitie, /peaking of God. The godly feruaots of Chriti which liued in forniertimcs, and beheld the blafphennies of t he Romifh beaft,and withaM confidered how long the fame had continucdj and faw no appearance cf vengeance vpon them^ had no- thing but faith in the word ofGod to lupport them , there was none out ward thing tplcad themto fee that God did regard or remember theiniciuitiesof Babel ; but inthefedayeswehaue bcfides the word of God, the fight and view of the thing before our eyes. Wee ice how God hath begun to execute vengeance, and how ihatheremembreth, and will notletpaflethewickeddeedejofthepapilh. The voyce from heauen addeth yet further/ayingjc ward her, cuen as flie hath rewar- ded you,and giue her doublc,according to her works: and in thecupthat (be hath filled loyoUjhl her the double, llic turn ofthisis,thar thcferuantsofGod are not onely to reraoue and to (cparatethemfeluesfrom great Babylon : but alfo to exe- cute venL'eance vpon her: for the Lord God that iudgeth and caficth her downc, doth it by inOrumcnts. And as the 137. Pfalmepronounccih them bleflcd that Ihould execute vengeance vpon Babel, for the crueltic which fliehad fiiewedto the church : fo doubtles wc are to make account, that it is a thing moft highly plejfingGod,whenhis feruancsfeekereuenge,cuentothe full vpon this Romifh whore, for all the euill which (he hath wrought vnto the Church. And toaflurc vs of this.the Lord from heauen willeth to rcwarde her,and that double, yea euen to the full, for all theeuill which fbc hath done to the holy worfhippers of God. But it may be fayd, vengeance is to be executed oncly by fuch as Scare the fwordc: priuate perfons are forbidden to teuengc. How then is this to be taken ? Are all the faithfullherc willed to be rcuengcd vpon hcr,aud to recompencc her for here- uill deedes ? Oris this fjx>ken onely vnto fuch ai be publike magiftrates ? To this Ianfwere,that the recompence of vengeance here fpokcn of is of diucrs forts.and (bmewaytobcc executed by all the faiihfull people. Rome hath niurtkred the Saints,and died theblood of the Martyrs of Chrill: now to reward this, and to flied her blood, bclongeth onely to princes, and ciuill magiOrates. They be here called vpon,ihat way to reward her : and arc much to be blamed if herein they be negligent. Do wne with hcr,make no doubt, the Lord from heauen doth will ye. And how. Dial! the chriliian princes anfwere it beforcGod, if they ncgleit this holy woikc ? Agai:ie,ihe Romiili rynagogue,hathgIorifiedherfelfe,and her own decrees,bo3(iing that flie hath authoritieouer all : andteuilcth, rcprocheth,and condciTint th them all as herctikcs,vvhich rciedl her abominations. Now to be rc- uenged vpon her in this,ihe niiniHcrs of the word ajc to difclofc and to paint her ibrth to the world. I bey gre to lay open all her whorcdomcs and mot) fihhie trea- cheries. Ihcyareconianifeftihatherdotlrincand vvorfbip, isthedodhincand YS'orfliip THE REVELATION. 548 %vor{hip of diucis: that the Kings, and Princes, and people, may hate and abhor her. Such as be feducedby this whore, crye out that the zealous preachers of the Gofpell doe raile and blafphemc when they doc this: but what are they to care for the reproches of linfull nien, when the voycc from heauen wilJeth them to be rc- uengcdvponhcr, and not to (pare her? And then touching the priuatc pcrfons, thus far they are to be readie to execute vengeance vpon her,euen tobereadie and mort willmg at the commandementoftheir princes to deftroy and pullher down. They are ahb as far aspriuate men may,to lay her open in fpcech, to help to with- draw fucU from her focictie as be feduced. And thus yc may fee, that alJ the fer- uants of Cjod^both high and Iowe,euenofeuerycaihng,arcca]led vpon fiomhea- ucDjto fet vpon great Babcl.the motiierofwhoredonies and abominationsof the earth, and to berenengedvpon her foralithe cuill which fhe hath done to the ChiirchofGod. Would to God this voycc,euenthisheauenIy voyce did found moreflirillintheearcsof all men; that they might beearneHIymouedvntothis holy vvorke. It is the workc w hich the Lord from heauen doibcall men vnto. It is that vvhkh is highly plcafing vnto the Lord, and in which we fhall doe him great Icrnicc. Wherefore wc arc toremeniber whatis faidby the Prophet,ftirring mea vp toexecurethc Lords vcngeancevpon the other Babcll in the Eaft, asnamcly, Curfed is he that doth the workc of the Lord negligently. Is Rome and the Ro- milli religion fo abominable to the Lord.for al their vngodly doings,both againfi: his holy worfhip and people? h thetimecome,ihat he will bauchisiudgeracnta and vengeance executed ^'pon them?And hathhisvoice from heauen called vpon all men toreward that bloodic citic and wicked Synagogue, and totecompcncc them double/or alltheeuill which they hauedone tovs? and (hall wee then bee excufedjifwebe negligent? Doth not the curfetheqbelongvntovs? Are we not of the number offlouthfull feruants ? Doc we regard how much God is glorified, and his Church ealed, by the decay and mines of thit horrible kingdome of the great Antlchrift? Let theChriftian princes be readie to doe their cfHce ; let the preachers of the Gofpell performe their duetie; and let all good people be readie and not wanting for their parr,io execute the vengeance of God vpon this filthie harlot. Doth not the Lord himfelfe as it werefound the trumpet vnto vs from hea- uen? Ye feehow the feruants of Antichrirt doe bcflirrc them to maintainetheit kingdome : They fight and ftriue for the diueli^and are mofi vehement : and fhall we be flacke in the caufe of God ? Shall they be more forward and bold for their worfliip of the dragon and of the beafl.then wee for the holy worOiipof God? Whenyee hearcof the great trauailes and labours of the lefuite prielh, of their zealcforthe defence of poperie, andhowtheyaduenture euenvnto the peril! of deathjlet it make vs much afhamed. For is it mccithat they in fuch a caufe fhould goe before vs ? Their reward is from the dragon,and from the beaf^,orrathertc- ^ctherwiththem,cuenendlesdeftru(5tion.Butwe,if wefightvaliantlyvnder the, banner of Chrift.in thedefence ofhis trueth againfi Antichriff,againfi the whore, of BabeljCuen to pul! her dovvne,and for to defiroy her,fhall raigne in glorie with our great Captaine. Whatfhall we then fay vnto thcfc neuters, which haueno xeal* 348 SERMONS VPON zealenorheaccinthcm againft the whore great Babell ?Doe they any thing at all re garde this heauenly voyce ? Or be they worthie to bee numbred among the fer- iiamsof God?Theheauenly voycc doth yet further declare what vcjigcabceGod willhaue to be executed vpon the Romitli BabeII,or in what meafurc : for here is a proportion notedj that according tothc height and Joftines of her pride and glorious magnificence.vnto which (he hathbytrechcrous meanesaduanced her fcUcjSnd according to the great abundance of herdaintieand delicate pleafures in which fbe hath taken her iblace,ihc greatnes of her fhame and forro wes fhouW bee anlwcrable. Bcloued, this is a very great thing which the voyce vttereth, be- caufe ic requireth and denounccth her torment and fhame in an exceeding mea- fure. For if ye will Hand vpon this proportion, what glorie,and pompc,and mag- nificence vndcrhcauen hath been comparable tothegloricof Rome, vndcr the dominion of Emperors and Popes > If alio ye might take the view ofher pleafures inthetimeofthepapacie,asnamcIy,in what delights touching worldly things berPcpes,Cardtnals,and chiefc prelates haueliued,\vhcrefliould theybccmat- chcd ? Then if her fhamejand infamiemuft exceed as muchasher glorieliath cx- ceeded,andherforrowcsandtormentsmufl abound according to the aoundance of i^r delights,ye may eafily fee that all things denounced here again (i her be ex- ceeding great. All fuchthen as are to execute vengeance vpon the whore great Babel,mi)fl not be moued with pitic. They muft not doe as King Saul did in (pa- ring Agag and the fattefl things : but where the Lord commaundeth all feueri- tic,they ought not to remit. Shall man fpare and fhew mercie where God will :not? • And now to come (braewhat neercr, the voyce Icadetb vs to behold the t oppc of her pride, glorie and pleafures : for it followerh,Shefayth in her heart, I fit be- ing a Queene.and am no widowe,tSnd fballfce no mouming. In the daies ofher profpcritie,ciien when flic helde the dbminlon ouer the kings of the c.irth,Romc was in this fecuritie,that (he did promife toher felfe (for flie faid in her heart) that her pompous eflate fliould indurc for euer. I (it as a Queene, I hauc the fupcriori- tic ouer the kings of the earth for tcmporall matters, and I am the head oi the Ca- tholike Church, I am the fpoufe ofChri(i, I haueail authoritie and power in cau- fcs ecclefiafticall,! am* ctcrnjill.mypovveirfliallneuerfailc, I fhallncuer be remo- uld, farn not as a folitarieordefolatcwidowe, I haue many louers vNhichare iTrotig to defend me, I fhall neuerfceleany want or forro we. Is not this a great height of glorie, wherein (]ie hath glorified her felfe by vfurping fuch power r' And being fo horrible a filch,is it not wonderful prcfumption to promife to her felfe an crtate fo durable ? But wee fee how fhc hath been dcceiucd,the Lord pronounced icHefbrc,-nnd hcrpcmpe i$ decayed, Oie is comcdownc,eucn theLadieoi the • Wbrl^'Ijand hath aire adicIo(^thegvcatcrp«cofher Ioucrs,and of her wealth. And ; nBw lookc how much higher in cloiieand pleafures fhc hath been aboue all, fo much decpf^r mi\i\ Oie be ca(] downe into (liarnc and forrowes.Then Rome and tHc !\omifh Church are in ih.c extreamcs:thehighe(i in glorie herein the worlds arid the lovvc(l in (liamc and infamic: the mod abounding in al pleafures,thc dee- ped *ll THE REVELATION. H^ pert i *» forrowf 5. T pray you obrcruCj who: vvns higher h this world chcn the Ro- mifh fynagoguc ruling ouer al is the fpoufc ofChrift? And now what bafer^whac vi!cr,aiid wha: morcdirhancrabiechmgisthcrcin the wo* lei, then to bee cfiec- mcd and called the great wharcorBabeljChc mother ofabom inations & whorc- domes,eucnthc lynagogueof Saran^the kingdomeof the great Antichrift ?Shc was aloft, pull her downetothcfe, faith thc:Lord,l3y her open and difclofchcrto the full. She didflowinpleafurcsand delrghfs, gjiie her the like mcafurc of tor- ments. Thefe things arc well come to paffcalreadie, and fhall fully bee accom* pliflicd/or ye may readc what follovveth,tl)crefore fliall her plagues come at one day,deathjaHd lbrrow,and famine,and (he fhall bee burnt with fire ; for (irong is the Lord God that iudgeth her. Shall wee donbt of this, when the Lord hath thus before hand denounced it ? Shall we not wifli for the time, when this l"hallbe fully accompliflied, and doe the beft wee can to bring it forward ? I know it leemed a thing vnpofifibic when the pope fatfi with his triple crowne,in his glory Si. pompc, cucn as a God vpon earth , that euer that feingdonie fhould bee caft downc : for what power fliould oucrmatch it ? Here is declared what power, euen the power of God from heauen :for hefaith,ftrong is the Lord God that iudgeth her. VVhac is able to ftand which hath tlie Lord God almightie againft it ? Therefore bee furc BabcU fhall downe. THE XXXIX. SERMON. CHAP. XVIII. p Theft /halt the ki»gs of the earth l^ervaile her and lament for her, which hanc commtttedfoYnicAtton vnth her,rvhe» they (hdl fee thefmoke ofhtrbumttig. 10 AvdjhMfieindafarreofforfeAre of her torments, faying^r^Alas, das, that great citie Babylon that m'gntie citte ^forin one houre is thy iudqement come., 11 And. the march4»ts of the earth fa all t^e^pe avdwaile ousr her, for no mats buy eththetr ware anymore. 1 1 The ware of gold and (il!ier,and preciotuJfoneSyandofpearles,andoffine Iw-- ne*)Andofpurple,aniofJilke,andoffcartet,and of all manner of thin wood, and of ve felt of luorieyand.pfaUvejfels of mo^ precious wood, andofbrajfe^ and of iron^and of marble, 1 3 And ofSinnmon^ and odors, andayntments^andfrankincenfe^and wine, and oyle, and fne flower, and wheate, anibeafis anipieepe, and horfes and cha- riots,and bodies and /oules of men, 14 Aftdthcapfles which thyfmle l/tfted after, arc departed from thec,andali things 5 Jo SERMONS VP ON things which werf fat and excelUttty are departed fram thee, audthu fi^a/t finds tbcm fio more. 1 5 The ntarch4»isofthefe things rvhich were maderrch^ Pialljlandafarreeff' from her for feare of her torntentyWee^ingand watlmg : 1 6 Saying, Ala6, nlasy that great citie rvhich wot clothedtn fine linnen,attd pur' fie^andfcArlettandgtldedvoithgold 4nd precious fiones , and pearles :f$r tn one hourefo great rtches come to defiilat ton. 1 7 ^nd euery ft) ippegoHemour^ and all they that occapie Jhifs andfiifnten^ud Ai many as worke tn the feafioedafarre ojf, 1 8 zyAfdcrud when theyfaw thefmoks ojher bttrning^faying^Vhat citie is lik$ tothU great citie? y^ Andthey caflduftontheirheads,andcriedweeping,amdvF4t)fling^and faying, Alas^aloi, that grcAt citie y wherein were made rich all that had (hips tn the featby reafenofher collUnes :for at one houre is fie made defokte. ^^^^^! Vch as will diligently rcade the old Prophets, fiiall finde it their T« '!\^h ^"'^^^ Fnaniier,wiK:nrocacr they would in mofl liuely and efteduall fort dcfcribe the dcttru i^ian of any kingdom or famous citic,to fct forth or to call for a fong of lamcntatio: for by this mcanes the mat- ter was more clcere^ and did more affect and moue the minds of the peopIe.No w ye are to remember that this prophecie^doth imitate thofe prophe- cies of old: and fb the morcliiicly to paint out the ruines,and the viterfubuerfioa oftheRomirh Babell, eucn of their monarchie, religion and citie it lelfe, yea to declare how horrible the deflrui^ion of thcfe fhallbe,heere arc brought in her loucrs of fujidrie fortes lamenting andbewayling her cafe: and thefe are kings, marchants,and Ihipmaflers. Here bee indeede re^a.fons rendrcd of the forrowe, and lamentation which euery fort ofthcfedoc make. Some of them loued Babel for the pleafures and delights in which they lined vnd^r her, and others for their gaine. Her deflrudiion bringing an end to both, they lament grieuoufly. Wee may hccre note by the way vpon the caufc of their lamentation ,what things haue allured men to bee in loue.withthe whore great Babcll,euen carnallpleafures and riches. He beginneth with, the kings of the earth, they fing the fir(i part of this dolcfull dittie. They fbnowe,thcy weepe,and they how le for her. But itismoft cuident by this prophccie,that the kings of rhe earth fliall pull downe and defiroy this raonltrous whore. Hovy thenisitfnyd that they fliall bewayle her fall ? Wc muff confider that this is but a figure, in whic^ after a fort the kings of the earth which arc dead and gone in time of poperie, are brought in lamenting. Wee arc not to bee fcnipulous more therefor the fc ope of -the iiiattcr,whichistopaint ouc an horrible de/}ruwcft,haue been let to fale,ar>d folde for re^diciaoney. Thchil^oricsof formertimcsdoc fheW,that inthcpapifmethere was an ouer/nothing but euen a marte of buying and Idling, in wjiich the mar- chants t:5f all forts were afi'emblcd. Who had any oftke or roome almoft among them butasitwcreiufonieriucrorditch fpread his nets, and did fifhforgoldc? Tricfeniprihanti then docbr.v.'.ilc and lament ouer Babe!, bccaufcnomanany longer buyeth their ware3,2nd they be very many. And now touching their wares whit h no man buyeth any m6rc,ihey be rthearlcd. Thry be fomc of ihcm of thcrichcft things and niofl prctious in the world,as of ^old. THE REVELATION. 55j gold/ilifcfjprctiotis ftones,and pearlcs. And all ofthcm befides, ofgreat account'? AsoncfortofliBcliiincn, purple, filke, andfcarler. An ochcr fort ot'coiUy wood, asof thinnc wood, oriuorie,& of precious trees. An other orbraflc»Iron,and mar- ble. Then comefyuanion, odours, oyatmenc, and frankinccftfc, wine, oylc^ fine flowcr,vvhcatc,beafts,fhecpc,hoiles,ch3riot$. And hi\ oFal!,che bodies and fotilcs of rocn. Arethefe tbcjwarcs ofthe kingdome of the great AntichnH ? and will li^ man buy them any more ? Do men let light, by gold or filtier ? do ihcy not cfte A fwcete gaine made the pope and his Car- dinals, BiQiops, Abbots, Monkes, Friers, and popifh prielles, with ail the rabble- iiient ofpardoners and confefl'ors of the bodies and foules of men. Bcloued, what clfeerer defcription can bee made oftheRomilli Church, then this which yee hauc here? Was not the whole poperie a marte in which there wasbyingand felling ©f wares? And where aretheioulesofmen fold for money, but among them?When ye fee fo many forts of wares which haue been cftccmcd as moftprenous, being hallowed by the pope or popifli prelates, that men did giue great fums of money for, which now no man will giue oughtfor,remember this prophecie:and behold the wonderful! kindenes of God, whichfor theeftablifliing ofhis feruants in the xruth h ith fo long before defcribcd the downefall ofgreat Bibcl.For if men might doubt fo long as (he Hood in theloftines of her glory, yet the manner of her fall takech away all doubt,and manifefleth her to be the great whore. An d hauing thus declared that the wares ofhermarchantsare no longer falable, no man will giue money for chem,their market is done,they may packc and be goncrthe holy Ghoft procecdeth to manifert,ho w the Church of Rome fh al lofe and forgoe all her plca- (ant,deiicaie,daintie,rich,and pompous things. Kc calleth them the apples which herfbuIeluHcd after, and the fat things. Thefe werefweet apples which euery tree doth not heare : but yet euery kingdomc and nation vnder the papacie did affoord great plentie ofthcm. I hey were very great apples : as monalkrics,abbeycs,and great dignities which caryed with them much pompe,delight,and pleafurcs.Thefe werefat things,cuenofthe fatteft vpon the earth. And they are departed from them, they haue \oi\ them ; yea which is themore grieuous,tF»ey hauc loft ihcm,and fhall Beuer find them any more, Such as neucr had a thing,the want thcreotdoth notfo much grieue them,as it doth thofe which had it and haue loft it. And he that hath loft a goodly pleafant rich thing, his gricfe is (6 much the greater, if he hath loft ir, not for a t ime,but cucn as they lay , for a! euer. When the popifh fort do paffc by the great Monafierics, and Abbycs, and fee the ruinous heapcs,and remember ilicfat Kuene wes and plcafures which they had, and al the glorie and pompc which their great prelates hadjt grieueth them, they fhakc their heads^they wifh tohaue thole goodly apples and fat things rertored to them againcbutthatlTiall neucr come to pafic^they haue loft thcmforcuer.This glorious hatlotjthcRomiflichurchjfcafted imdfedhcr children daintily \vith fwcete and cofilv fat things : but now her table THE REVELATION. ^55 if bare, and her difhesarc empty: andher children in many placfS arc ^hdto gnaw vpon a cruft. What abundance ot wealth had thole popiili marchants heaped vppc, and at her deOru(5ticn they (hall Hand a farreoft, weeping and howling. Theyloue herfor the riches andplcafures which (lie brought them, and therefore they arc rorrowfullat her fall. But although they loue herneucr fomucb, yettheyftand a t'arofifand dare not approach neere fox tore fcue, or for to ayd her, becaufe her torment and vengeance (hall be fo horrible. Romethcn^ and the Romill* Church and monarchy (hall bcdefiroyed withfuch terrible ven- geance, that not one of all her louers and beft friends fliall dare to come nigh, but (hall liand afaroff! T he mofi which they candoe istotricour, alas, alas, that great citie, which was clothed in fine lumen, and purple, and (carlet, and oirdcd with golde, and precious (lones, andpearlcs : for in one houre, fome great riches com todcfolation. Markehcre beloued what itiswhichgreeueththepa- pi(^s, which caufc them to cry out, alas, alas : for it is worth the marking , ba-. -caufe they pretend the care of Gods glorie and of mens Ibules : but it is farre otherwiic. They haue gloried in the exceeding greatncs ofthcir citie and Church : and now fee it brought to nought, and that is it which caufeih them mourn- fijlly to fay, that great citie. The greatnes (^icketh in their minde. Moreotier they hauein Rome, and in the Romaine monarchic been very rich, and richly decked with all precious things which they here recite, and wherein alltheic glory didcon(i(^, thelofTe ofthcfc dothgiceue them full fore. For thefe things being gone, w hat is there in all the Romifli religion worthy to be looked vpon ? The true Church of ChriH is decked with many heauenly gifts and fpirituali gra- ceSjW hich doe make her very glorious euen in the middcli of all di(^re(res, affiifli- ons, and pouertie. 1 lie Synagogue ot Anti( hrifl, that great whore Babell, being deflituic of all graces, and (pirituall ornaments, and (hining in the rich attyreof corruptible things, as ofgold, ofpearleSjofpretious f^ones, cfpurple,and of (ilks, when thefe arc gone, (he is a foule, fihhie,vgly, and deformed beaH^, Her friends doc lament, that thefe forich andpretious things come fo fodainly vnto vtcer dcfolation. Then here follow a third fort which ucremaderich byher meanes, andthey alfo doe grceuoufiy lament and bew nileher de(hu6^ion, Thefe are marincTS and fhipmaifters. WhileRomehad dominion ouer the kingdoms, and the Pope ru- led ouer all euen asa terrible God vpon the earth, there was nothing butirudg- ingouer the feas thither out o^all landes, and againe from thence there wasca- rying and recarying, info muchtthatan infinit multitude of mariners andfhip- mcnv\ere continually fet on worke and gained greatly there by. ToRome,and from Rome, to Rome, and from Rome, out of all countries, and into all coun-- tries. Kings and great princes. Cardinals, and chiefe prelates which had the ri^- chesof the vvorld, were caricd and recarried. No maruaile then though thefe fiiipmen and mariners arc brought in among otherher friends, bewailing hct e connarie, the vv'hple focictie of the faithfull is called the citie of God» Mavkc well I pray you, is it a fit kinde of fpcech to fay that the vniucrfall corpes of the reprobate, or the whole c®mpanie of the wicked raignethouerihe kings of the c?r.{h? Or lliall Kuigi, Marcham?, ^nd Mariners (land. '"^ farrc pff at the , THE REVELATION. 557 the deftru6^ion of the whole focictie of the wicked , andnionrn foriheir fall? Thefebce vainefhifts, icisacitie, and none other citie in the world, but Rome, Obfcruc euery thing vvell,and)c fliall fee it moli clcaie. THE XL. SERMON. CHAP. XVIII. 2 o heauens reioyce oner her, andyee holy ay^poJlUs and ProfhetSibecaufe God hathgitteftyoHrindgemeHtonher* 21 tyindamighty Angelltookevpajione like a great milfi one, andcafl it iftto thefeajftyiftg, with fnch violence piallthat great citie 'Babylonbecafl, and ' (haUbefoHndednomoreataO, 2 2 And the voice of harriers and mu fit ions ^ and off if en and trfimpetterjjha I! he heard no more in thee at alhand no craft fman oftvhatfoepter craft hei>e,Jhalbe found any more in thee : and thefonndofa miU^aU be heardnomoreat allin thee. 27 And the light of a candle fhaUJhine nomere at aUin thee, and the votce of the bridegroeme and of the bride, fliaRbe heardno more at ad in thee.forthy mer- chants\were the great men of the earthy and witbthine inchantments were deceinedaHnations. 24 9y^nd in her was found the blond of the TrvphetSj and of the faint s^and ofali that vpereflain vpon the earth, Itherto, in thischapter we hauehadfet before vs, in thefor- ! mer verl'cs the fall of great Babylon to be fo horrible,that her louers andftiendcs ofdiuers fortes are brought in, wayling and lamenting for her. The kings wcepe and cry, the mer- chants and mariners, they howle alfo : their gaine and their pleafures are gone. And now the holy Ghott on the other I'fide doth Oirre vp all the feruants of GOD , and callcth vpon them to reioyce ather deflrui^ion. For as onthe one fide they lament, fo on the other fide there mufl bcreioycing. Reioyce ouer hcrOheauen, faith the Lord. Is her fall and delhu6lion (b rcquifitc for the gloric of God, and the good of his Church, that euen the very heai^en, the fcnfclcs creature muft reioyce thereat ? Indeede to fpeake properly, the heauens cannot reioyce, being voyde ofvnderftanding andfenfejbuttoexprcffethe thing with the greater vehemen- cie, and to declare what abundant matter ofrcioycing there is in htrfall;diehca- iKiis(cuen as ifit ftiould affcd them)are called vpon^ ia Read ofthofc that d wcI in - "' ' Aa 3 the 553 SERMONS VPON thehcauenSjOr that fhallpofiefleibemrgreat Babel vvidiher wliorcdomcs tiefilcd ail. She condemned the truth, and fee vp lies : (lie peifecuted and murdefedj and blaipiicmeddic true worfiiippers of God. Therefore vvho is there that loiicdi' thcglorieof God, that ciicem^'ch the tiuih,and vviihcchvAellfo the Church, buc inuitnecdcs reioyceac herde'iruiiVion? Theholv Angels in heausn, cannot but teioycc at It. The holy Apoirlesand prophecs, the Martyrs, and all tiie Sainres, mull needes bee glad thereof. Andfo many vpon the earth as hsne their conuer- Intioninthehcauens. FornDW (liallthis moniler nolonj^croppiefietheiii, nof yetbhiphemethe truihany mjrc... Ail diuare go->dih(.'n,.yeaeue!) alhhatlous theglorie ot GOD, doe greatly reioyce at th-: horrible dc(irii3ionof Babell, And [his is to bee obrcrucd, as jin-vndonbccd jprirtci.-lc, tlia: looke how much the ni:)rc g'^dty any arc, fo niMch the mnic thiy resoyceat the delTrudtion of poperie. Andlookf ho.vmucbmorc th:.'yreic)yv;c, to fa rf.irther they be ofr from pitying great Babcll. Molhrue itis, th.itthe godlier the n.an is, the tuore j-cr- fetlin mercieandpittie. andcompalTion: for thafcbcclpeciali partes ofgodli- nes. Bncthismullbe whcrepitticistoberiievved: andnot wheicGod vvillhauc V3to fiiuwnone. For our pcfc^tion isto aoreevvith theblcded willof God. Now this reioycing oner her fall, is nolhull increafeoi her torments. For where anyn)an is in great calamitie, itlomevvbat eafechihat men are mouedwithpi- tieand compalTion towards him. Andifdiolethat beholdehis mifcrie be (o far from pitying his cafe, that they reioyce and triumph at the fame, what an ex- ceeding increale of forrow doth thar bring? Tiien when the handof Godis vp- onche whoreof Babcll, eucnvpon Rome and the Romifh Church, to execute the feneritie of his wrath atxl vcngaance, we are for our parts to takeheedc that wecbecnoi: moucd with anv coinpafTi y^^ biK are in dccdc to adc'e as much tor- ment as wee can, cuenby rcioj'cingand triumphing at herde(itu6tion. Let.no manherc^crieout, that this is crueltie: Tnc Lord God himfelfc calleth tor it at our hands, btit hcc ca'fcth not for crueltie. And there is a caufe rcnc'cred why wciliouldbegladand reioyce: icisinthete words, for GOD hathgiucnyonr kidgcmcnt on her. That is, the Lorde God hath rcucngcd your caufe: Rome condemned the do6^!tne of the holy A potiles and Prophets, as wicked andhe- rcticall: AndOieehachmcficrndlicilied thcbloodoFtbe Saintesand Maityrs, becaiifethey would not bedril^cn fronuhc fxmc pure truth, to) .nbrace her m- uentiou';, and wicked decrees. And how \n hereas Dice lo fore af^li>:tcd a: dcp- preOed the Church, the Lord for the I'ame afilidleth her, and will powre forth his vengeance vpon her. Thnshec exccutcththc indgcmentofhis Apotilcsand Prophets vpon her, cuen the iudgcment which they before de,.oiinccd iniiifi name of the Lordcj and the vengeance vNhich isdue vnto her, for all the cuils uhichHie hath committed againftthcm, and J!',ain:l aHthitfcare-God, boih fmall ondjCrjat. Is not this a matter of ioyc and gbdncs vnto vsali? I knows there be fon-.e which will fay, Oyebemaliiious, yebecrucll, yeb? folloffpitc andrayiing. Jfthc Church of Komc 1kt.:c 'nulicd, yciaie wee not to louccuu: brethren? Arewcc net to piiic there ilir.ihee in calamiric.> Y-ju fccke ropuil do vnc. THE REVELATION. 3^9 downe, to defame.and 10 difgracc, what lone dotli appeare in you ? I anfvvcr it is no malice, it is not any want of pitie, ncichcris it any vnchantable nyling, to lay open their fiUhie abominations, cuen ro the full : neither is itcruclcie to rc- ioycein their deftrudlion ; feeing God calleth for all thcfc things at our hands : andfo vvorthieacaufc isrendrcd. But on thcconiraric part, this we may bold- ly affirme, thatwhofoeuerhce bee which dothnotvcicyceatthefnlianddcnruc- tion ofthis Romiili monlkr, eucn at the dei^ruction oi Rome, and ofihat bloo- dic A ntichrithan kingdome, hcc neucr loncd God, nor his truths nor his Church, hecommcth not within ihecompaffe ofthefe. Oheauenrcioyce ouerhcr, and ye holy ApoQlcs and Prophets. Is it not a mo(} euidcnt thing by the clcere words ofthisccxt, thatfuch asreioyce notac thegrieuous iudgcments of God, andat the execution of his leueie vengeance vpon Rome, ?nd the RomiOi Idolaters, haueno part in theheauens, nor with the holy ApoHlesand Prophets? Ye hauc many men w hicn care not at all, whether the dominion of the Pope Hand or fall, thefe bee indifferent, thcfe bee meere worldlings, not regarding the worihip of God, nor the laluation of mensfotiles, being children of this world; which haue their portion in this life. Thefe are not here called vpontoreioyce;v\heni he faith, Reioyce ouer her O heauen. But if it had been f lyd, reioycc ouc r her ye inhabitants of the earth and of the fea^ irmighc conccrnc them. Buctheyhauc rcceiued no fuch baime by Ancichtilres kingdome. Againc, there bee many, with cither for gaine, orelfe made drunken and befotted with the wine of her whorcdome, doe entirely louethe whore: thefe are none of thecompanie here called vpon to reioyce at her fall : for they mourne for her in their hcartes. They lone to fee herfet vp againc in her former pompe andioluic, ihcy willi to fee thedny that {"hee might preuailcagainli alltbofe whichdoe inueighagainft her which the word ofGod, and that doe bring her vnto fhameandconrempt. They wifhto fccthem all rooted out, and that allagaine withone confent would rc- celiiethe golden cup, and drinke what foeuer theharloc doth put inioit They wiflithatfhemightlitasaqueencagaiue, andasthe La die of the world aboun- ding in all riches, delicacieand pleafure;*. Then this, O heancn reioyce, isfpo- iicn of another companie, whofe caufe isiudgcd and reuengcd. And beloued if we be not of this focictie, woe be vnto vs, wee hai.e no pai t in the heauens, we haue no fellow fiiip with the holy xApoHlesand Prophets. Therefore brethren letvs confiderwhatan horrible monger Romchathbeenagaini^ the truth, and -reioyce in rhe free paflage of the Gofpell, which lliall throw her downe : yea, let vsdoc what wee canto fee this holy worke forward. Hauingthus called vpon all the feruants of God, to triumph with gladnes for her dc(tru6^ion, eucn be- caufc Godexecuteth his vengeance vpon her forall theeuill fliee hath done to his people : Now the fpirite of the Lordedeclarcththacfliee fliell ncuerrecouer herfelfe, norbce ref-^ored againe from this deflrud^ion. The Papilkdce worke apacein all lands, and aduencure thcmfclues in moft defperate manner, torc- coiier acaine the credit ofpopcrie, and to fet vp againe the dignitie and che povv- :croftheir Pope, anudie glorieof their Church and Ciiic: audditir boldtfn- V: ' Aa 4 terpiiiei g^o SERMONS. VPON tcrprifes doe make many, euentodoubt that they vvi!l agsine one day preuaile. But fiirely we ate to make fail rcckeiVmg, that although here and there thcvniay liipporc for a timelomc ruinous pares of their rotten frame, yet doc what they can, it ihaUdowne vpon their h'cads, andcometovtter.dcfolacioii. For marke what folio weth here in the text; and yee fhall fee that all things to the endeof thischapter, areonelyforthis purpofejCiicnco fhew her vtter defolation ? It is firilfaycie,thatam!ghi:ieAnge!ltookevpa none,likeagreatmilflonc, and caft it into thefea, faying, wiihfuch violence Hull the great citie Babylon bee caft, andHiall be found no more. Here the Lorddeclarcth by a forcible iignc, that the citie and kingdome of Antichrift fliall be caft deepe into perdition, and ftiall lieouervvhclmed and drowned in the fame for euer andeuer. The Hgnc is fo cleereofirfclfejhauing the wordesofthe Angell to expound it, that there neC' dethlittietobe faid for to open the meaning: but yetfomewhat ftiall not bee amiiTe. And firft yee may call tominde,thatasBabell inoldetimedidopprefle the Church, being a molt wicked idolatrous citie : fo Rome in this Prophecie for the like qualities is named Babylon. Secondly, in as much as Rome fur- mounteth in all abominations, that auncientBabell, ftieiscallednotoncly Ba- bylon, butgreat Babylon, Thirdly, the phrafes of fpccch, and thehgncs which tbeProphctsvfcdjtodeclarethedettrudionand defolation of that olde Babell, are here alluded vnto inthedeftru6lion of Rome, The men of luda werecari. ed away caprijc to Babell; the Lorde by the Prophet leremie doth promile, that he will deliuer them, and bring thembackc againe from that bondage and captiiiitie,threatningdeftru6iionvnto that proude Babell. And leremie hauing written in a booke all the cuill that fhould come vpon Babell ; euen all thele things that are written againft Babell: hee faid toSeraiah, when thou commeft vnto Babell, and ftialt fee and reade all thele words : then flialt thou fay, O Lord thou haft fpokcn againft this place, todeftroyic, that none fhould rcmaine in ic, neither man norbeaft , but that it fhould be defolarc for euer. And when thou haft made an end of reading this booke, thou fhaltbindea Hone to it, and caft k in the middeft of Euphrates, and fhaltfay, thus fhall Babell be drowned, and ftiall not rife from the euill thati will biingvpon her, although they wcarieihcm- feIueii,Tcrcm.5i. This is the type,and theie arc the words vfed againft olde Babel : and now con- fiderhow that agreeth with the fame which is here fet downe : and yee fhall fee that the differences arc oncly in this, that all things are here with greater force of iudgement,to exprefte as it were a deeper vengeance, and a more heauie and vnrecouerabledeftru6lion. Firft there is a man, here is amightie Angell. The man taketh a fione which indeed will (inckc in the waters: here the Angell ta- kethvpagreat ftoneiike amilftone: there the ftone is caft intothe riuer; here into the deepe fea. Allthelc doe ampiiHe the matter if yee looke vpon them. Toreprcfent that Babel in Chaldea ftiould fincke downe into milcne and dc' flrui^ion and not rife vp againe, but lie ouer^\ helmed, a ftone is caft into the ri- uer which doth Iinckc do vvne to the bottomc and lieth there. To figure out a njorc THE REVELATION. 551 more horrible dcnni6lioi) of Rome and of ibe RoniilTi (ynagogue, v^l^ich for their mofthorriblcabominations farrepalTing that other, is in a inydcriccailed great Babylon, hereisan Angclhvith great might, who takcthvp a very hcauie Itonc, and wi:hv!olenceca(lethit into the deepe (ca, where it fincketh downc to the bottom e, andliethco'iered, palt allmcanes and he!pc of man to fetch it vp againe. So lliail the Romifh Babel,euen with violence bcccafi into the dcepc gulte of perdition anHdefolation, and fhallneucr rife vp againe. Itisinthe Pro- phet Tereinie, thatBabel fhouldfo be drowned or fine ke as that ftone, and n<^ ucrrife againe, although they fhould wearie themfelucs. If a little fionc call into the riiier did figure fo much, being caft in by a man: fhall wee thinkethat Romefiialllift vp her head againe, whofe drowning, ouerwhelming, and fine- king deepe into perdition, is refembled by a great flonc likevntoa milftone cart with violence by a mightie Angcli intothedeepe fea? Let the papids wcaric themfelucs, as indcede their labours are exceeding great, and their interprifes dcfpeiare, yet they fhall neuerfether vp againe. Shec is caft downc dcepewith violence, like a very heaulc Hone Into thebottome of the fea of Gods venge- ance. IndeedeRotneftandethyct, and the poperie is not quite downc, but they are difclofed , and their credit is cracked, their power dccayeth, and fo this thing is begun, andthetjmedravsethon, when it fiiallbce fully accomplifhed, - Heethat had beheld the power, themaieftie, the pompc, the riches, and thcc* ftimation of that church, about fomcfourc-fcoreycares paft, and lookevpon it'< now, fhould lee a wonderfull alteration. It feemed then to bee without all dan- ger of being fhaken, the Emperor and the Kings, with all their might ftoodevp tomainta'ncit. If anyman didi7ttcrbutav^'ordagainftthevfurpedpowerof the Pope, there was a folemne calling vpon Peter, and Paul for helpe againfl him, and it was thought hee muft downc to hell without Ipecdie repentance. Who could abide the terror of their curfe.? Did not the Kings-tremble and quake for feareatit? And now hee may caft forth his lightnings and thunder (I tneane.the Pope,) like a tcrriblegod, Who doth regard the fame? Doe we not fee that all is but an illufion, and an eaiptie fhado w or vifor ? IF then that terrible bloodie king- domebe fofarre comedo wne,beyond all thought and expe6lation of man : why fhould we doubt^butth^t in the time which God hath appoynted,it fliall bevt- terly caft do wnc,and for cucr ? Now followeth thedefcription of her etcrnalldefolation, which is by denial! of thofethings which are in thecitiesinhabiied : Wee knowe that rich and migh- tie cities arc full of mirth andiolitie : There be harpers,andorher mufitians, there bee pipers and trumpetters. Thefe are dcnyedvnto great Babel), it is fayd, that there fhall neiicrbecthe voyce or found of thefe heard any more in her at all. The myrth then of Rome is come to an ende. Shee hath been full of thefe, eiicn as the Lady of the world, wanting no pleafant delights. There hath been mirth vpon mirth, and all fweetc melodic: bur now farewell all this for euer and cuer.. Shee hath raignedouer the world, (hee hath muftred her armies, and the ftately found of trumpets hath been heard in her : but now all (hall bee hulht. Here is - one^' 35i SERMONS VPON one note then ofvtter dcfolation.Then to another: And no crafcfinanof \^hatfb- €uercIafchebeJfl^alIbefoundandmorci^thee. Aciucmayftandvvithout nielo- dieor plcafanc imificke : but it hath not been kcnc. Puc cafe it might, yet this cut- rechdowne Romcvtcer'y, andOievvcch herexcieamcdefolation, that there iLall DeuerbefGiindinherany artificer of v\ hat tradcfocucr. Can any citie ftand with- out artificers? Who ^l^alI build and repayre their hourcs?v\ ho {hallfurnifhthcai with honichculdfiuflPe? what fhal (hey do for their apparellandotherneccflaries? in Babell there fliall be none of all thele, therefore l"hc fliaiJ not be inhabited, but Ive defciatcfor cucr. Vnlcfle we will imagine that a ci tic may Hand^and the peo- ple liuc in the rame,\vithoutthc vfe ofthofe things wiiich the artificers of all trades doe tnp.ke and vtter. Itmay bee fomc kind cftrade being wanting, people uii^ht inake iLift to liue : and therefore it is fayd here, that in great Babylon there lliaJI notbccany one artificer of what tradefoeucr, which lliew£th hervtter defola- tion. Then further it is added, And the found of a niii! Oiall bee heard no mere at all inihee.Thisi?yeta furthcrnotcofan vtter dcnriiclio Ofallneceflaries the people niuHhaue bread, orcIshow{Lalltbcyli(ie ? Ittheyhauebread, itmurtcomcthis way, that they banc mils to grinde their corneofwhich their bread is to be made. Andhefayth that in Rome, which is greiitBabcll, there fhallncucr bee heard any rnorcatallthefonndofa mill. There fiiall be no moregrinding,thcrcfha)lbe no more baking: whothcn iluUdweiUbere? The Popes, the proud Cardinals and other great prelates, as the Empcroursbcfoie thcmj hauc iong time been pampe- rcdandfedin her with the fincl^ fiowerof whcate. Nianyciihersofereatefhte hauc lined daintily within her palaces. The millers and the bakers haue gsyned much and lined eiien like genteliVien,through the abundance rficrdclicccie .all this 111 ail be quite cut off the found ofa mill fl;iall no more bee hcird in hcrnt ail. Defolate then, deftroyed, walled, and not inhabited ofany, fliall ILce lye for cucr. Here is yet further added. And the light ofa candle fhall riiinenomorcinihce at all. Godgiueth vsthe clecrc and comtortable light of the Sunne by day, by which men fee to v\alkc, tobuHe thcmfclues, and to pei forme all thqir works and neceflarie affaires ofthii life. When the night commeth, and darknes ouerfprea- deth the face of the earth, then are tbcyfaine to vfe thcartificiall light offire and candle. Without thcfethcy can fee to doe nothing, theycnnnot well flirrc about, all is dolefuU and dumpiQi.and therefore wee fee that ihc vie of the candle is very neccffarieand grcar, in all cities, townesand villages. Hereupon it doth fbllov\e, ihatfeeingthc light ofa candle fliallneuerdiinc any more in Rome, that Rome Hvall lye defolate andforfaken fbreucr. There n-jallbeenothingbuth.orrour and darknes, none fliall dwell iheie tolluit vphis vvindowcby night for to light a candle. There is yet one thing more, and that is. And the voyce of the bridegromc and of thebride,il-iall be heard no more in thee at all. If cities be neucr fo populous.yec if there be no gcncrauon,they mull nccdcsin fliort time comt to be defolate and emptie. THE REVELATION. 3(^5 cmptic. For men doe wearcaway, and continuance is by anew fiipplie that ari- fcch : AsSalo 1)00 laich, O tie generation paffcthaway,ancl anuchcr co.nmeth^b:ic the earth abiJeth for eiicr, EccIc-'laiK i . Well, to (licvv thatHibylon lliall not be inh:ib:tcd.it is here !ayd, the voyce ofthc bridegroine and of the bride, Hi all be no more heard intliceatail. 7 here Oiall be nomorcmarrias'.ein Rome, there Hull be no more i^rocreatioT of children, which may fncccedc and inhcrite the houfes- andlaodsandroo.-nes of their fathers. !n all thcle things then Roniefhalibe cart * dovvne-"!nd'byd dololatc. There Oiai! be none to inhabite, there Iliall be no buil- din<.;s,^ihcri-(lvaJl bee nothing but vtter and horrible dcfjl^cion. Thefe bee very Ijeathc iHini^den.-iUiiced noaind lb ^reat.fo inif'htic.and fo plorious a citie. And leall an','tr>i^ht thinkethat hereisouerniuch rigour and fcucriic, theholyGhoft aga'nercpfat.cth bi:cflythe caufes ofthisdeliruciion, thatall mcnmay fecthac fhcc hath dcfaued no Icfic. 7 here bee three caufes fet downe, the firli is in thefe words, For thy marchants were the great mcnoftheeaith. What fault isthcre ia ibis.ihat her mart hants were growne fo great ? Is the greatnesofthe marchants fb'forilcand fodctcliable a thing? Verely the. orcatnes of marchants is not /im- ply in it !elfe,ifvve confidcr themat£crgenerally,rubccondemned,buthere in the Church of Rocne it dooth argue a molfhainons offence : And that js, that they in the pcpci'-'e lee all things to iale, cuen Chrift hi .nfeire and nil holy tbint;s, and the foules of men. They had a number of falfe wares wherewith theydeceiued the people: they tiH'ned all into a vcrvmarte.ThehoiyGhoH noteth their abominable filthte lucre inawordj whenhciayth, thy marchants were the great men of the earth. Aikiiac profctfe the feare of God in fimplicitie,do abtiorre^and crye out vp- cn that buying and felling ofall things in the poperie. VVhatinfiniretreafures did the Popes themieluesheape vp by many things that they fold ? And it is wonder- f jU to confidcr the prices v\ hich they let vpon ti)cir wares. They would and did for money difpenie.and giue pardon f )ra!l offences. It is inoi} hoi rible tobe fpoken. - TbeCardj:ia!s,theBil1icps,vhe Abbots,thc Monkes, the Friers & the priefts,with fundrieothcr fores, had their packes full of wares which they made money of, and ■ infiichpleafie, that many ofthem did grow exceeding. rich. Marueilenottherc- fo?e tihat here is noted as onecaufcof the vengeance of God vponiheRomifii Church, th;^t her marchants v^evc growne to be the great men ofthe earth : feeing her fale arid marchandizeof all thingshath been fu'cli^that wc may wonder that the Lord haih (pared them fo long. ^ Then followcih thefecond caufe of this vengeance vpon her, in thefe word cs. And witiiihineinchauiirmcnt were dcce:ucd all narions.Thisisa wonderfullabo* minatipiijVv hich hiithdra.vnc the heanieindL^nationotalmighcieCjodrponherj. thacthis Rome, and;hJs RoTiifii fynagognc harhpisyed the w;tch, andby her witchcraft hatli be witched all nations, andfcouced ihcm to commit whoredomc wichher. The Pones of Rome and thrirclergic hauefetvpand maintained their' vfurped po-.vcr, with -yes, whh Heights, and with the illunons O: the deuill ; and " th.it the nations and kingdoms of [lie cauh did bclecuc them, the holy Gholi call- kth^ 3^4 SERMONS VPON leiKica witchcrlc.And verely if Satan had notcuen bewitched the minds ofmen, bow coulci they haue doted in fuch fort vpon To foule a flnimpec ? Lookc whatfb- euer (he oOPred m her golden cuppe, of errors, of herefies, of fuperftition, and of i- dolatricjorofanyfpirituallwhoredomes, wherewith fhe did corrupt andpollutc the holy worfliipof God, the feduced and bewitched nations did rcceiueand drinke vp the fame greedily. O the filthic vvhoredomes and mofi foule abomina- tions, into which fiie drew the people, hauing To bewitched their mindes. And now fliali Hie for the fame, rcceiue heriudgement, and bearciihe burthen of the vcnge ancc ofGod, which fliall deliroy and lay her defolate for euer. Then we fee two caulei of her excreamc miferie : the firft, that they fee all things to fa!e : the fc- cond, that they bewitched with the illufions of Satan, the mindes of the people in allkingdomes, and feduced them to the worfhippc ofdcuils; and now the third caufe rcmayneth which is notthelcaft, which concerneth their crueltie againft the holy fcruantsof God, whofcbloud they haue fhed, Itis cxprcfled in thefe words, And in her was found the bloud of the Prophets, and of the Saints, and of all that were flainc vpon the earth. Is not here a fufticient caufe of deftrudion ? Is not here abloudie citie ? For when he fayth,that the bloud ofthe Prophets and of the Saints was found in her, it is not to be taken as the papills doeglorie, that they haue the treafure of the Church, they haue the bloud and the merits ofthe martyrs, which for money thcybeftowe, but that indeede Rome hath fhed the bloud of Gods feruants,and is guiltie thereof. In that fenfe he faith,thc bloud is found in her, itis vpon her, fhee is defiled with it, the Lord God hath fought and found it out. And now fincethe commingofGhrift, what citie can the papiflsfhewvntovs that hath (lied the bloud ofthe Prophets and Saints^but Rome ? hi olde time, who flicd thebloudof fomany thoufandChrifiians inalllands, but the Emperours of Ro me ? Was not nil done by their authoritie ? The papifls themfelucs,do confeffe ihis/or it is lb cleere that it cannot be denyed. In thefc latter dayes,the (laughters and perfecutions that haue been for the Coipell in all lands, by whofe power and authoritie haue they been, but ofthe popes of Rome? Rome fliedthe bloud of oldjRo'T'C doth filed the bloud in thefe dayes. Rome therefore is great Babel here Tpokenof, that Diall bee deftroycd for murihcring the Saints ofGod. Other Babcll fo guilcie ofbloud, they can fhewnone. And thus wee fee the caufes of her delirudion, the Lord Icfus for his cho- fen fake, bring it fpcedily to pafle. Amen. THE THE REVELATION. Z63. THE XLI. SERMON. CHAP. XIX. r Ani after theft thi»rs, / heard a great voyce of a great multitude in heauert, frying , Hallelm^h , faluation , and glory , and honour , and fovrer , be te the Lord our God: 2 'Becatife hisiudgemeKts are true and righteous ^ for he hath condemned the great whore , wbtch did corrupt the earth vrith her fornication , and hath auen-^ gedthe blond ofhisferuants piedby her hand, 3 And againe they faid HaUeluiaht and the fmoake of her torments rofe vpfor euernjo/e, ; ..■.--■ji • . ; • 4- Andthefjure andtrventieBtd&fitkd thefoure be>afls felldowns^andrvorfhipm ' ped God that fate on the throne,fkytng,Amen,HaUeluiAb» 5 Then a voice CAme out from the throne fayiKg:T^raifeourGodallhisferuants^ '■- and ye that feare him; both fmall and (Treat, 6 And I hearde Uke the voice of a great multitude , and as the voice of many rvaters^and as the voice ofjirong thundringeSf faying Halle luiah.f or our Lord Gedalmighty hathraig^ed. ^ Let vs be glad and retotce, andgiuegl&ry to him: for the marutge of the Lambe IS come, and bis wife hath made herfelfe readie. 8 Andto heriras granted , that flfefjeuld be arayedmth pure fine Unnen and Pjinmg :for the fine Unnen is the right eoufnes of the Saints . 5). Thenhs fnidevntomee , fVrite j Blejfed are they which are called vntothe ■ Lan9bejfupper,AndbefaidvntGwe,ThefeK>6rdesofGodaretrue, ' lo And (fell before his feet e to rvo*'Jhiphim : but he f aide vnto me , See thou doe- it net ; / ©f Angels aijd;of bicfl'cd foulesj - . ^ «.. -..■^ „^^^^,.^, ,.^,.,^XV.,-.^^^. «..<.j^*.^ U^W.-». ^.VWVV. »W«*V-j jnd by. all theiaithlull vpoamtb-^rfoiherfaii and UejftruSion j^in that Godhatb JUO 16C SERMONS VPON iutlgedhcr. Kcrdefiruif^ion is taken heawlyorthcm that loue hex: but mofiioy- fuli it is vuto all that loue God,anci his glory. And that vvc may know IvoW the ho- ly com panics in heauen arc afFedlcd with the downfall oFthisfiithieharlotjall is by vifion opened and reuealed vnto lohn, and hce teH ifieth it tn writing vnto vs,ail things in order. This is no fmallfauour, thefc be not trifles, that the Lord doth re- iiealc vnto vs,\^ hat the hcaucnly companies doe. Let vs be attcntiue that we may ioync with them. There be thoufand thoufandsofholy Angels, as the holy fcriptn re doth teach, there be many foulcs of the Patriarks and other holy men, and for this caufe Saint lohnhearetha great voycc of a great multitude, for all ioync together in praifing the hi^hGod. And although they bee manic, yet it is notaconfufcd voice that they vtrer,buta moll fvveetc and pleafant harmonic, in which hce vnderRandcth €ucry word, as well as if the voice werevttercd onelyby one. This is miraculous, cuen to teach, that the praifes of God are fet forth in moft excellent and pure ma- ner,'vvith out all confufion,among the heaucnly companies. The firft word which they vltcr is HaHe'iHiah. It is an hebrue worde, which is compounded oiHallelu, which is.praife ye -, and wA,which is God. Whereby ye n^ay fee that they doe firft incite and Hirr vpeach other to praife and magnifie the Lord.For this isthcefFc<5^ of true zeale, where the creature loucth God indeed with fomc integritie,not onc- ly to glorifie him,but alio to call vpon all others to doe the fame.Thcy all crie out, Hallehiiah^ that is praifc ye the Lord. And then they vttcr his praife thus, Salua- tion, andglorie, and honouf, and power, bee to the Lorde our GOD. Hcerc be fourc words in which they fet forth his praife. In the firft,thcy afcribc vnto him faluation. For he is theonely Sauiour,all health and faluation commcth from him alone. Bothmenand Angels hauc their faluation from him. There is no creature which doth faue it felfe. And here the fpeciall occafion is, that hce doth faue his chofcn feruantSjCuen his whole Church,from the tyrannie of Antichrift,andfroni the cruell dragon. Then next they afcribc vnto him glory and honour. For who is worthie ofglo- ry and honour but he alone? There be many glorious and honorable things in his Angcls,and in his Saints, but they hauc them notofthemfclucs, heisthcfountaine they hauc recciued them from him.and vnto him is the praife,the glory & the ho- nor.to be guien for the fame. The papifls are all in w orfhipping, honouring, and glorifying the creatures : and vainglorious men fland vpon their ownc worthines, and couet to be magnified:bLit the hcaucnly company is w hole in glorifying God. Let vs(bcloued)efchew fuch vainc glorie, let vs flic from fuch abominable popifli facriicdge, and ioync with this hcaucnly companie in glorifying and praifing out Godi Laflly, ihcy afcribc the power Co the Lord God in this heauenly praife. 1 here be creatures vv hich arc flrong and mighty in power : but in God wc liuc,we moue, and hauc our being,as Saint Paultcacheth, Ad.i 7. fo that all power is from him* Looke whatfbeucr great thing is done by any might, (ashercthccaflingdowne of great Babel)v\ hatfoeuct the inflrumcnti be thai he vfeth^cicher men or Angels, the THE REVELATION. 3^7 the whole glory redoundcih to God, in as much as they haue all their mightincfic from hi'Ti. This praiie being thus founded forth to God,there is ioyned therewith, and rendred a caufc,in thcfe wordes : For true and righteous are his judgements : for he hath condemned the great whore, whichdid corrupt the earth with her for- nication^and hath auengcd the blond ofhisfciuantsfhcd by her hand. Is not here oreat caufe why his glorious praifefhould bee founded forth ? Hee is the iudgc of the whole world, hehaththreatnedfcuere vengeance againfl all impictic, and in time he doth execute the fame, thereby manifeHing that his iudgements are true, and fhail notfaile. Hee doth oftentimes defcrre thcni, but in the cnde they come, Moreouer,whenhiswrathispourcdtortb,itfccmethtoflefhandb]oud,tobcwith ouermuch rigour and feucritie :but all the holy Angels and Saints doc plainely be- hold, andfo theyprociaime, tbathi* iudgements vpon the wicked are righteous and iuft.The torments indeed w hich they fufFcr and endure are moft grieuous.buc no more then they haue deferued,& thatdoth all this heaucnly companie acknovt- ledge. True and righteous(f3y thcy)are his iudgements. If any thing do trouble vs when either wee behold the beauie wrath of God almightie vpon the wicked, or remember what he doth threaten againtt all the workers of iniquitie .call to mindc how the whole heauenlycompanies do fiibfcnbe to his iudgements as true & righ- teous : and hold this as a mofi firme and vndoubted principle , that if any thing do feemeoiherwifevntovs,}tisbecaufe wcare corrupt andblind, and that when we are fully fet free from all burthen of corruption, we fhal iudge euen as the holy An- gels doe. Wee cannot now (ce into the righteous waies ofour Lord God, as wee fhall then : and therefore wee muft now for the time reft in this, that wee arc furc ihercisno vnrighteoufnes wirhGod. Here wee muft note then further, that the whole hcauenly companies doe laud and magnifie the LordGod, forhrsiudge- mcnrs: For he doih fihew forth his glory ^ot in the riches of his mercy alone which he extendeth vnto many ofhiscreatures,but alfo in the feucritie of his iudgements. Hi s vn fpeakable glory doth vrter it CqICc on both (ides: and a 11 his holy ones do pro- cJaitneir. And then they come ro the p3rticular,faying,For he hatH condemned the greac whore. All this magnifying then of Godis for condemning and deftroying Rome andthe RomiQi Synagogue: for that is great Babcll the mother ofwhoredomes and abominations of the earth. And here they recite t wogenerall heads of her im- pieties, for whichthc Lord God in iufticedoth execute this vengeance vpon her. The oneiSjthat Pne corrupted the earth with herforn!cation,vs'hichhath been fun- drie times mentioned; becaufe it isa thing moftdeteftable before the Lord. His word and the true light thereof was fpread by hisfaiiHfull feruants farrc and nccre among the nations; his pure worfhip was fet vp and imbracedofmany. Rome vnderthe perfecuring Emperours a longtime did impugnc, but could not pre- uaile. Afterward rofe vpthe vfiJrpcd power of the popes, and by them this who- rifh citie bewitched and feduced the nations and kingdomes ofthe earth, and led them into idolatrle andfalfe religion,cuen vnto fpiritual whorcdome;and this is it which they fay, that fhce hadcorruptcd the earth, with her fornkatk>n, Isft^cnot 'vv'oiihy/ 5flvr'i ■fi":o'f.-'''K'''i ','..' viiw. y-jvCf^.f "- v ■ - ■ • * f:,;A . It{o!Iovvech,ahd againethey'ftid,/;^i//there is nothing fo full of ioy^as it fhallbevntovs to glorifie God without ccafing and intcrniKTion. Wee fliall with full affciftion found out HaUelniah^ faluation, and glori6j,ifiii^ honour, and power, be to the Lord our God, for his iudgcments are true and rig'nteous, and bis mercie endureth for euer, and when we haue done, we fhall ftiil retnrne and fay, Halle luinh.i'X\-\\s (hall bee our whole delight,as we are here taught, when hcc faith,and againc they faid, HulUlHiah. Then there came a voyce (faith hee) out from the throne, faying , praife our God all his feru ants, and yee tbatfeare him, bothfmall and great. This voycc commethout ftom the throne, but yetnotvttefed byhimthatfictethvpon the throne, but by fomecf thofc glorious Angels which arc fayd to be in the mid- deft of the throne,and round about the ihrone,chapter 4. The voyce, as yee fee, faith, praife our God, fo that the vtterer thereof ioynetbbimfelfe with thofe whom hee callcth vpon as a feruantof the fame God : which doth not agree to any of the perfons in the blcflcd trinitic. It is a moft fweete voyce, mouing and flirring vp alhhc feruants of Godj to praife him, euenall that doe fearehim, of what c- ftate, or degree, or condition fo euer they be : for it is faid, both fmall and great. God aim jghtie is (o worthie of all praife and gJorie, and it is fo much the duety of allcrcaturestofoundit foith, that here is nofTaynorintcrmidion. For vpon the vtteringof this fweete voyce, it follo'.vcth, that Saint lohn heard like a voyce of a great multitude, and as the voyce of many waters, and as the voyce of irrong thunderings, fay ing, Hal/€l(ttah,for our Lord God almightie hath raigned. Then this voyce was notvttcred invaine, it was not without eflPeCl, for the multitude of Godsferuants (bund forth fuch a firon^ pr«iic,or C6 mightilie flirrc vp cachjo- therto praife him, that Saint lohn compareth it to the voyce of many waters, and vnto the voyce of iHong thunderings. Thefc arcmightic voyces : but it may bee faid, where are thefe heard vpon earth? where doth fo great a multitude fo ftrong- lypraifetheLord.andwithfomighticcouragear.ddelight? If a manlookc vp- on the multitudes which are vpon the face of the earth, hee (hall heare them fweare and curfe, and abufe the name of God generally. Hee fhall finde few that with vehement affedion doe praife him. Yea if we refpec4 the publikc aP- fembfes, in which theyfingpfalmcs, and praifes to God, the greater part doc fingvvHh the mouth and outward tune, and not with the melodie of the heart. And it'is not the outward voyce thatafcendethto God, but the lincere affe6^ion of the minde : when men with a true faith^and feruent loue of the glory of God, doefound forth his praife. If thefe be thin fowne, whereis this multitude which mak^this thundering noifc ? I anfwere, that albeit the true worfbippersof God be fcattcred thin vpon the earth, yet as they meetein the vnitie of faith, fo their praifes doe mcete togeiher,and aicend vp vnto the Lord God. The voycc com- Bb mcih 570 SERMONS VPON mcth from tbe throne which vvilleth vs to praifc our God. Let v$ looke vpon the vvorthines and glory of his praifc, Letvs delight therein. And although vse light vpon few in compariron v.'hich doc feare and honor him,yct let it not difcourage vSjOs though our prajfcs fiiould be vveake and flcndcr : but know that they ineeie together with the praifcs of all the faints ,and afcend vp lb firongly as it were with ihevoyceof mightiethunnerings. This doth aifo teach vs what an acceptable thing it is to God^ihat his feruants doc praifc him. He is to be wotfhipped, to be bonorcdjto be glorified,and to be prailed aboue all: and no greater thing is thcra forvs to doc. It is the ende for which wee arc created and redeemed , that wee fhould fee forth his glorious praifc : and it is our glorie and felicitiCj as ye may fee in thereafon which is added in thcfe words/orour LordQod almightiehath raig- ned. If God by his ahuighcie power gettetbthc viclorie ouer allhis enemies and doth raignCj itisthat whichwe are to reioycc and to glorie inland to praife him for. And why? Becaufe wee are partakers ofthe fame. He brcakeihdowne and delkoyeth the power of the dragon, of Antichri{i,of{inne and of death, cuea the powerofall our enemies. He doth draw vs out of their hands, from vnder their tyrannic, yea eucn from envies tniferie,and 1 ifteth vs vp into glorie, to raignc with his moft blefTed fonne. Is not this a ktngdome of grace ? Is not this a ioyfull king- dome? Are we not to praifc and magnifiehim for the fdme,feeing it is to our end- tes ioyand felicitic ? The whole church is taught by our fauiour Chrift to pray with ardent dcfire. Let thy kingdome come. Tread downe O Lord all thine ener ; mies, brcakedowne the kingdome of the diuell : raigne ouer the mighty tyrants and fubdue them. Let them not tyfannize any longer ouer thy chofet), butad- uance and lift them vp out of all opprelTiotis into glorie, that thy glorie may bee- magnified aboue all. Being taught to pray thus;as for thcchiefeii matters of alJ, which we are to long for,when God bringeth them to paflc, lliall not all honpur and praife, and glorie bee founded forth vnco him in hcauen and earihi both by ijien and Angels? T hen yce fee here is great cauie rendrcd of his praife. So long as Satan hath a kingdomejandfolong as his miniilerscucnAntichrift and others doeraignCj there is muchdifhonour to the trueth, and great opprclfion to the church,w'hercby thcferuantsof God are caft into heauines and forrovv: When the Lord God dcftroycth the power of thefe tyrants , fothat they cannot hurt ! any more, then is he faid to recciue his kingdome, which commethyv'ithfuch- a- j boundanceof blcillngs vpon all that feare jiim, that there is exceeding ioyand". exultation, andpraifingofthe high name of God^ And therefore they lay, let vS] bee glad and reioyce, and giuc glorie to him, for the mariage of the Lambeis come, and his wifehaih made hcrfelfercadic.Hcrcis as ycc fcc.morc particular- ly fct forth the matter of ioy,and of glorifying God,vnder the mariage of Chrifb' and his Church. He harh betrothed himfclfc vnto her of olde, HiC is his fpoufc, as i Salomon plcniifollyfctteth forth in his fong : and now commcththetiine to fo«.> Icmnize the mariage. Ith^thbecnthemauerof oldc,bell forbid- THE REVELATION- 375 deth,fiiewIngthathccisnotChrift. I anfvverCjChat totheirformcrvaincdiftin- 6tionjherc they adde anvncrueth: tor that was Chrift in thefirB chaptcr,andyc may fee how S.Iohn faith in the beginning of chapter 1 7. that this Angcll which , fhewcth him the damnation of the great whore, and before whpm.hcc fallcth tkefupper4f the great (jod,- ■ • ■. -^ - - ; >' • - ^ '" -^ 1 8 That ye may eate thefle(h ofki'»gs,'andthefiefh bfthie high eafrtaineStHnd the : : fepi ofkbe-mighti€men,and thefirfh of hor/es,a»dcfthem that /& v^on^ the; Jmdthiflefy^ailfree meUi^Hd bfiondmenfiffmall and greats . •• :^ i . . . lij 7 hen //aw the beafi, and the Kings of the earthy and their armies gdth^ered together t^makewarrc again f him that fate on the horfe^ and with his or-' 2© A^the^e^ftSpfas t4J^n;^if4}(^thhirh the fatfeprtphet which wrought mt^ raclesheforehim,w$th which hefcducedthem that recttuedthehafismarkj and them that wor(hi^ped his image, hoth thefewere cafi altue into a lak^ thathurnethwithbrimfione, II ty4nd t he rejl were flaine with the fworde of him that fitteth vponthehorfe, which commethout of his mouth : and all the birdes xrere filledmth their flcjb. I T was toldc vsin thcclcucmh chapter of this booke.chattlicbcaft afccnding ouc ofthc bottomlcspitjfh^uld mikc warrc againft the miniftcrs of Chrift,and oucrtbmcthem. And againe it is faid in chapter 1:5 .that it was giuen tobin^, to- Warrc with the Saints,and co ouercome ihcni.This hath been fulfilled and is paft, and: THE REVELATION. t^-j-^ andgonc; Aniichrif^ hath a long time miirthcrcd thecrueworniippcfsofGod, andchac wayprcuailedagainftchcm and ouercamcthcm randnow the cafe doth alter/or here commeth the time^that he and all his flialbe ouercome & dcHroycd for cucr in eternall dertruiliou. The dcftroyer (liall be deftroyed, his time now commeth. Here is therefore a right gIorious,and right glorious defcription ofour graund captaine lefus Chrift, with his armie comm ing tbrth to battell againft the, and ouerconimingthem.Thc conquerors fliall now beconqiicred,thede(iroyers fliallbe(asl faid)all deftroycd. Firft S.Iohnfaich,thathcfawhcauenopcn,and from thence commeth forth this mightie captaine and his armie. We haue fccnc before in this bookc,that thebcaft arifeth out of the bottomles pit,all his power is from hel/,euen of the diuell : and now the power that (hall caft him downe, and deftroy him is of God fiom heaiicn.-and therefore lohn fecth heauen opcn,& this armie comming foorth to the battell. As the bottomlefl'e pit before was opened chap.p.fo here heauen isopcned. And as the great captaines^Sc mightie warriors, rldevnto battell vpon fironghorfcs ; /b here our great Lord lefus comming forth towarrcagainft Antichrift, appcarcth in vifion vpon a white horfc, and all the warriors on his fide, and allbvpon white horlcs: which is to fhew, that hee com- meth wkh his armies, very fwiftly and flrongly to the battell. By the w hitc horfc vpon which Chri!t ridetb,is figured theminilhie oftheGofpcllrforbythat the light ofthetructh ofChrift,and thepower of his grace are caricd and fpread fwift- ly ouer the large dominions of Antichrift, and do difdofe all his errors and filthic abominations,and foouercommeih and deftroyeibihe beaft. This battell is be- gun already fomcwhat before our time,and is now in fighting,andfhall continue and proceedcjCaHing thole enemies downe more and more, euen to the day of judgement. Wee haue feenc before how their citie Babell (li all fall, euen fb their popcrie fliall down and their pawcr,yeaand thepapifts in all countries flialbe {q weakenedjthat they fh all fall and beflaine by the fword,great multitudes of the. The Lord lefus,! fay,iscomc forth alreadievnto this battell vpon his white horfe. The bleffed Lord put his fpur to this horfe,that he may yet run more fwifdy.to the. cafting downe of theRoraifli tyrants : it fliall be the comfort of his Church. Then next he fetteth forth, that he that fitteth vpon this horfc is called faithful! and ittft. Verily he is moft faithful! to performeal his promifes, & nothinghc doth ' but with perfe idolatroustyraatiTCof Anticbrift, and imbraced the hblie Gofpcll, would ioync as firmciie agaynft cheni. They doc doc onely at this day ioync fo together, buc alfo» 384 SERMONS VPON alfoarcfomduftrious and fofuU of their crafcie fleights,and fubtill deuifeSjand colourable fhcwcsas it is wondctfuli toconfider. And fhall they bee fo diligent, a.nd fo forward in fo bad a caufejCuen to fight againft Chrill, and that to ftrue the diueli to their cternall deftfu6iioa ? And (liail not we be as readie and forward to ftand in the defence ofthe holie worrhipand glofieofthe Lord our God, feeing itfliall bcvntooureuerlaflingfaluation? Shall they doe more for their re wardc with the diiicll itihell, whofe feruants they bee, and whom they doc obey : then we for the reward vviiichChrifl in hcauen, whom as our fiioft gracious Lord, wee ought mort willing to feruc ? Lee vs be eiicn afliamed to come behind ihefc wic- ked fouIdicrsofAntichri/i, which here are gathered to the battell.Shall they bee moref lichfull to their wicked Lord/then wee to our good Lord ? They aflcmbie to the batteil,andit follovveth prefently,thebeall was taken, and the falfe pro- phet with iJm. It isdone without any difiicultie to Chriftjthough their powarbc gtcac: for he is of infinite power. VVfe may note that here is a warre-Iikc phrafe vied when hcc faith the beaft is taken, and with him the f^lfe prophet : for in the warres they vfe to take the great captaincs aliue if they can : fo be they here taken aliuc,not for tofparethem,being^fomonfirous rebels againft God, but for their greater iorrnent,as we fhall Keithcrealfocxprencd. But what fbail we fay to ihis.thathere is mention of thebca/l, and of thcfalfc prophet alfo? If the bead comprehend all theRomane Empire, both the former which was of the heathen Emperours,and the latter which wasofthe PppeSjWho is this faife prophet, that wrought miracles, that feduced therii tbatworfhipped the bcafts image.and receiued his marke ? Is not this falfc prophet the Pope and: bis Clergic, which feduced the world with lying wonders? Wee hauc anfwered this before in the vifions which hauc bjnfhcwcd to S.Iohn, as in chapter 1 3 . there were two beafls,the one with feuen heads,the other with two homes like a lamb. That beaft with two homes is thepapacie. He isafeuerall bcaftby himfclfc, in that he cxercifeth another power, befidcs the power of the heathen Emperors of/ Homeland he is one head of the fame beaft,in that he fct vp the image of that foo«i mcrbeaft,andexercifed that powcralfo which that former bead had done. And fo the Angel, chap. 1 7. faith, that the fcucnth head of the beaft is alfb the eight. In that hee is one of the fcuen heads ofthat former beaft, he is included in rhjt beaft; and in that hee isthceigbtithatis,anhcad by himfelfc,bcfides that other beaftjthercio he is thcfalfc prophet* And therfbre as in chap.i^. there appearc two beafts.whichoppreflc the Ghurch :fo here againc they be fct forth by two, that is; the beaft and the falfc prophet,tbat wcemight know that all the tyrannic of the. ' empire of Rome goeth downc.both inthcirciuill,andinthcir ecclcfiafticall po- ' wer.Thcir dominion gocth downc,and do wnc gocth their worfhip and religion al(b. Thefc Romanes with all their power and falfehoodin religion, arc caft aliuc into aliakeoffirctand brimftoncHcreisaftiortdefcriptionofthofe tormenwoP.'^ hcUjimdoftliatmoft horrible vengeance into which thofe wicked ones fhall bee caftjand eucn in moft fearcful maher, which is cxprciTed by this,that they arc caft in aliuc. For there are degrees of torments, and ihofe great maflersof mifchiefe Hiall THE REVELATION. iSj fiiiUh*«c the grcateft torment, next vnto the diuels. All that take part with them ate damned, for hcc faith, they are flame vvich the fvvordc which commeih out of ChriHs ntouth.that is,Nvith the word of God. And that is a fpiiituall death and c- iRrlaOing. Thus ye fee theend of all Gods encmies.euen of all ihat oppofe them- fcIuMagaintt his trueih.andagamft his Church. Andtocxpreflc tiiegrcatncs of the flaughter, it is faid,and all the birdes wcie filled with their flcOi. Thus much couching this vifion. THE XLIII. SERMON. CHAP. XX. X ey^ttd fptYV att An^eUcommwg dowKefrom heanen, which had the kfj oftht (fottomlesfit^andagreat chaineinhia hand. a And hetooke the dragon that ol.le ferment, which U the diueK and Satan^ and and botifid him ath»H find yearet, 3 And he cafi him imo the hoitomtespity and /h fit him vp^ andfeaUd ouer him, that heeflwuld not [educe the nations any more vntillthe thotifandj/eeres were expired: for afterward he mnft be loafed for a little time^ A t/ind Ifawfeates,andthere were that fate vpon them, and tudgement wa4gi^ Hen vnto thim, Andthe/iuies of them that were beheaded for the teflimony oflefw,andforthe wordofQod, and which had not worjh'ppedthe beafi, nei^ ther his image, neither recetuedhu marke in thetr foreheads , or in their, bands, and they lined andra/gned with [hrifi a thoufandyeeres, 5 The refi of the de^d lifted not^vnti&the thoufandyeeres wercfimfiei, this is the frflrefurreSiioni $ Blejfed and holy it he that hath part inthefirJlrefurretlieMfar on fnch the fe' eond death hath no power, bnt they Jhall be thepriefis ofGodtOndofChriFt, andPtaUraignewtthhtmitthoHpiMdjeeres. He fall of great Babell.and her finall deflru(5)ion ,is fet foorth I before in the 1 8 chapter. That great Babcll is the citie of An- iichrift,dcfcribed in the 1 7.chapter v-nder the figure of a wo- man drunken with the blood of the Saints, Where it is ma-* nifeft by the words of the Angell, that Rome is that woman, which hathdrunkc fo much blood. Then further w ee haue had in the i p. chapter theytier ouerthrowahd condemna- tion of the beaft, and of the f:ife prophet,and ofall that take their parte, for thd Lord lefus commeih forth vnto battell againfl them. Thcbcaft is fet forth chap« Cc ler ^U SERMONS VPON tcr I ^.v.kli fcuen V.eads/Ahich are.feuenhil^,vpon which Ronie was built, and feiicn kingSjthat is, fcuen kindes of kingly power by w'hich> than cicic hath bcene fupportedTbe dornirtion of Popes is the feiicnth headof (jhat beaf^,and the AngA caJlethitaifo theeight,bccaufc icch^iljenged a double power. And fcJr that ciiMi^ thatmonarchieofthe Popes is fet forth not only as one head of thebcaft,but«lfQ; as a fciicrall bcaft by it fdfc, vviiichhere is called the talfe prophet. 1 hen wee fee, that the Empire gocth downCjtht' papacic goeth downe, the wholekingdomc;of Antichriftgoeth dovvnc with their whole religion and worfliip, yea with all that take iheirpart,vvhen Chriftcoinmeih forth vntobactdlagainli them. Andpow afterwebauc been cold how dicfefhall bcdefiroyed.hecdmmcthtofetforihthc condemnation ofthegrcatcfi and chiefeHofthcni al,euen of their grand captaine vt'hich fct them all on worke^and that is the dragon,vvhich is dcfcribed before chap. 1 1 .He is the beginner,he is the raifer vp of the ref^,hc is the great worker of all niifchiefe.and now corntneth his hidgcmcht and condemnation. Itmaybedcmaunded^lliall not Satan bcouerthrowne,and damned together withhis inftruments ? Yes no doubt. Why then is he not ouercomc in that battel withthc beaft and the falfe f^rophet ? I anlwcre, that- be is ouerthrowne and taken in that battel.but not there let forthjbu t in a vilio by it lelf. His armies are brought iii with hifn,witii whom he is ouerthrowne, but vnder other titles. Now ye may note that there is an cuident caufe,why the hifioric of his condenation is brought in by it f^lfe after all the otl/er,and that is, that his milcbiefc hath extended it fclfc further then by the Romanc povvcr,and he hath other armies befides the bcaf 1 and the falfe prophet, which all in gcneiall arc hcr^ brought in with him. To come thcnneercrtothehinorie, ye hauc in all the dc(huc^ionsofChrills enemies, the caufes repeated for vvhichthey beedeflroyed,tothcend that it-may wellappeare, that they banc but their dcfcrt. So fhallyefindeitherc.thatis, before Satans con- ion^but an ancient matter,that is,how he was bound and chai- ned vp in olde time. And therefore there is in this vifion preparation (lie wed foe that mattcr,lbr heerecommethan Angell from heauen with the key ot thebot- tomles pit,and agreac chainc. Here is the key ofthe prifon into w hich be mu(i be locked vp,and the chaine with vvhich he mufi tjiere lye bound. Then who is this Angcll,and uhcncame hedowne thus for to bind him, and to lock him vpiii the bottomles pit ? This Angell is our Lord lefus,thegrcat chaine wherewith he doth bind him,is the holy and pure do(5lrincofthe.Go(j.^cll,the time when he was thuj taken and bound withjt, was -when firft Chrif^prcachqd it, and dien his Apofilcs vntoalnatios.Andnowmarkeho'A h(jisbound.Thisdragon,aswefeeisfetforth phap.i2, hauin'g fenen heads and tcnhorncs, and vpon his hcadsifcucn crowj^s^ IJcJiad with l)ii inight and with his fubfjiltics (educed .md oiicrcomcthe r,atioD$- of THE REVELATION. t^^j ©f the earth, and raigned as Lord ahd king,yea they woifhippcd him as Cod. For all the worrhip of the lieachcn nations was the worihipofdiuclSjas Saint Paul cca- chethi i.Gor.i o. He did xjot one!y bearc fvvay in all the great & large kingdomes of the world which were heathcn.but alio wherasthe Lord had fcparated one lit- tle corner, cucB OIK nation of the Iewes,andhad giiicnthein his holie ordinances and la weSjWhcreby they might haiic light and not be fediiccd,ci)en among them alfo^he had let in his roote,and feduced cuen the moft ofthcm.Hc brought in fun- dric feiis aniongthcm whichcomipted and depraucd the dotl:^ rinc of Mofcs and the Prophets. What a prince was Satan now ? how did he range oner the worldc? Butno w commeth a chaine ibr him. Chrift doth preachy & feiKleth forth his difci- ples withpower,& faith, I faw Satan fall down fro heauen like lightning,Luk. I o. 1 8.H«e now bcginneth to fall do wne from his dignitic and great magnificeuce. Afterward when the Lord wasafccnded, and had lent downc the holy Ghoft vp- onhisApoftleSjaudtheypVeachednotonclyin ludeajbutairosimong the heathen f)anons,& great multitudes had their cics opencd,& turned from idolatrle to wor- {laip the true andliuingGodjthcn was there a great thaine putvpon him, and he was bound. The light d;d now fhine fo cleere, that he could not fcducc as he had done. For that is the binding of Satan, whcnJie is fo rcfirained by the light of the Gofpeljthat he cannot feduce men vntofalfc worfhip. And marke, that although faefc which wcreflainc, becau/eihey would not worfliippe , the image ofthe l^eaftyftGr' rcceiue his markc,,did liuc and raignc with Chrift that thoufapd yceres ? The,y are flaine for not worfliipping the image ofthe beaft,af. tcr thofc thou fandy cere? arc expired,euen in thcdaies that Satan againe being let loofe,feduccth the nations. Jt may be anfwcred.that the fecondbeali,the tyrannic .ofthe pop?s,yvhich is called the falfc prophet,. ro[c,iiQt vppfa fuddcn, or atop^j^ but by .dfomeperfc6lion,bc- forc the thousand yecres were expired : although not ro fuch^f at the full loofing and after the loofing of Satan. So then there might be,and was, great ryrannie v- fed againft the feruants of God before Satans.|yo(>ng,by thcifecond b,eaft. It may befomc wil fay, that although thofe holy feruants of'' jod which w ere put tode?th, becaufe they would notvyorOiipthe imageofthebeaft, wcreaftcr thcthoufand yeares,y(Ct$aintIohnfef|t)itlicmakQgcthcrip;vi(aon,YV'iththofev\hicbv>ereflainp by the heathen. Empproii in the former partof^h?^ tho»ii^nfl'ycafGs> lfiv<;^ ;fkcitfo, how could he fay, ih^^tthcy did liueandtaigne with <^bri/i, tbaf jbou- (andyearcs? Itakeit therefore, that the words arc thus to bee ipyncd, that lohn fawftats, and there, were that fate vpon them, and iudgcnient was giucn vnto tbcrn, and they lined and. raigncd with Chrift a ihoufandyeares, taking it ofthe Church in earth; and nocto^oyn it to the foules which i)c faw, asro,fay,,thatth?y h"ucdand raigncd with (j^lwift a thoufaiid yccrs* For that thoufand ycc^es.tlieoi in which Satan was bound frooi fcducing the nations (o generally as, hcc, had done. THE REVELATION. $pi done^thc Gofpell prcuailed and conucrtcd very many vnto God,ruI)ng and judgr.. ingjtbough not in foriiUmeafurc as in the former times. Forinthctimeofthc Af: pofileSjtbc light of the Gofpell was fpread 6rrc and ncerein the heathen king- domcs,and that with ail pure linceritic. After their daies, abufes and corruptions crept in,andfuperflitionincrcafcd and that more and more, but yet (b that euen to the full thoufand yceres^ thcprinciples and grounds of the iiolie faith were, held in.great Churches. So although after fixe hundrctbyecres the cJecre finccritic of the (rueth was much dimmed, yet there was a general! power fiili.and they liucd and raigncd with ChriR which were quickened by the Gofpell in all lands. The words which doc follow doe more cleerely carric the fence this way. For firft he cxpoundeth the matter by the contrarie.when he faith, the reft of the dead liued notjvntiil the-thoufand yecres were finifhed. Marke well this faying : for it ope- nethmuch,togctherwith thatcxpofition which folio weth of it. For indecdethc words that follow doe declare in expreffeand plaine m Vnuer,what life,and what fifing from the dead this is to be vnderftood of^which the reft of the dead doc not actainevnto. Touching the former, wherein, as I faid, he openeth the matter by the contra- lic: itisinihcfe words.thcreli of the dead liued not vntill thefe thoufand yecres were finifhed :hereisfirftcuidently Ihewcd that all weiedead, and that one pare are taifed from death in thefe thoufand yceres,and another pat t is not raifed,w ho he calleth the reft of the dead. Forvnlcsfome were raifed from death to life, in thole thoufand yceres,and others not raifed, how could it bee faid, the reft of the dead liued not,&c ? or how could he Ipeakcofarefurrediiion? to make this more «uident, we mufl; firft note the general 1 eftate that^ll be in by nature, both the c- le6V and the reprpbatc,and that is,all be dead, for in regard of the ele^^HA^Hch^arc raifed vp out of that gencrall eftatCsthereprobatearc called the reft of the dead. What manner of death this is.the holy Scripturesdocuidently fet forth. Being all corrupted inAdam,we all die in him as the Apoftleteachethji. Cor. I 5. And that is to be YBdcrftopd,not oncly of this Icparation of the foule and bodie,but alfo of* fpirituall death in thefoule,euen while we liuc hercFor whofocuer arc feparated from God,thcreisno true life in them. Butiooke how the diuels may after a fort be faid to liue,and yet it is no life indeed^but an euerlafting death : lb the (bules of men although they hauc natural powers and faculties in them by which they giuc life to the bodies,and in tbatrelpcdt are imniortalI,becaufe thole faculties neuer dye,yet fo long as they be vnder the dominion offinnc,they be dead touchingthc (pirituall life. And inthisftatcarc all, both the ele<5l and the reprobate,the ele^t hetein only differing,that they be raifed vp to lile in Chrift. And you(faith S.Paul) bath he quickncd,that were dead in trelpafics and fins, Ephef z.vcrf 1. Alfo in the .fame chapter he faith,hc made vs aliue together with Chrift, when we were dead .through trefpaflcs. And in the 4. chapter of the famcepiftle, he faith, they wete ^fltangers ftom the lifcof God,vcrf.i 8i All then being by jiature ('as the fame A- ■pofliefaitb) the children ofwrath, now let ys fee how the difference of the elc(5i: Cc 4 is 5P2 SERMONS VPON is made from thofc whom he callcth here the reft of the dcad.It is made by Qirift, they are raifed vpto a fpiritual! life by him,cucti while they liuc heere. And cur Lord lefus himlelfe fcctcihfoorththis thing very plalnlyjohn j.verf.ij.faying, The time fliall come,aiid now is,when the dead ihaW heare the voice of the (onnc of God,andihcy that heare it fhall Hue. Then Chrift by his voice raifeth the foulc to lifcjthey that are chofen,hcare the Gofpeli and liue by it. But all are not raifed, for he laith.rhe reft of the dead liued not vntili the thoufand yeeres were finiflied *- ' What is that ? This it is,ia thofe thoufand yeeres, in which the Golpel is preached, and the voice of Chrift which raifcch the clead,is founded forth with great power, there be nwny which are not raifed vp vnto life by it,but doe continue flill in their former cftate,vnder the power of finne euen ft rangers from the hfe of God, All afc not raifed from the death of finnc,vntothe life of righteoufneflfe, at the found of the GofpclK There v;cre many that heard Chrift himfclfe preach, many that heard the Apoftlcs,which were not raifed to life, but remained Hill vnder the po- wer of Satan,and were dead infinne. Many in thofc thoufand yeeres in which the Gofpell flouriftied, and Satan lay bound, were ran'ed fi om de2th,and did liue «nd raigne with Chrift,but many more,whom he calletbihe reft of the dead, de- fpifed the Gofpell,and fo were not raifed to life by it, whom hee calleth tlie reft of thedead. Thisthing is fulfilled inallnmes^andinall placeiwhere the Gofpell is preached: for fome doc imbraccic,and by it haue Chrift liuing in them: others arc neucr the better for it : but the diuell and finne haue eueti as great power ouet thenijas before. But here the Chiliafks, ofwhomltold you before.doe ground their error, bccaufe hee faith, vntjll the thoafand yeeres were finilhed. For this fpcechfeemethto import that after the thoufand yeeres finifhed,theynvalltifc alfo whom he calleth the reft of the dead. For to fay they fhall not liue vntili the thoufand yeeres bee finidiedjWiiacis it but to fay that they fhali then liue? This thenthcy take thus. Thatthe diuell ftiall bee bound a thoufand yeeres, and then (hall ail the faithfuU be raifed vp in bodie.and raione all that thcuiand yeeres vpN- ^Tthc earth withChrift. And this f fay they) is the firfUefurredion. - '"•-'■ Then when the thoufand yeeres arc fini flied^they take h that all the dead fliall Tiue,andthat they call thefecond reliirrcen this which Saint Paul doth fpcakcof, makcth the third. Againe,they nui(^ proue,whrch they can ncuc^, that the refurtc<^ion of the bodies of tlic faithfull, goeth befote the rcfurrc(5tion which THE REVELATION. jpj which S.Paul fpealceth of to ihc CoIofTianSjIf yc bccrifen with C/irift : for there - furrcdion which lohn herclpcakcthof isthefidi And as Ifaid.if itbeofbodics, then is the refurreii^ion of thebodics the firfi : which is mo(i abfurd. Whereupon it tnuftnccdcs follow, that thcfirft refurredlion which Saint lohn herefpeaketh of,isnbtof thcbodiCjbut when the foiile rccciueth thclifeofChrift. This is the firli rerurrc(^ion,and it is peculiar to the faithfull,thc reft of the dead doe not rife at all in this rcfurredion. Butyet the matter is not anfwered : for that word vntill. Forif itbcfojihattherellofihedcad neucrrife in this kindofrefurreition,how fiiould it be raid,they!iue not vntill the thoufandyceres becfinirtied?Ianrwctc, that for this word vntill^it is both in common fpeech and in the vfuall phrafc of lheScripture,to fay a thing was not vntill fuch a tiiiie,which in dcede when that time is come,is not neither. As lofeph tooke Mary, and knew her not vntill fhee had brought forth her firrt borne fonne,Matth. i .Where we are not to take it,thac he knew her after fhc had brought forth her firrt borne. Alfo where Dauid daun-^ cedbeforethe Arke, and Michol dcfpifed himforitin her heart, therefore fayih the holy GhoftjMichoI the daughter ofSaul,had no childe vntill the day of her death, a. Sam. 5. Shall wc gather vpon this,tbat fhe had a child at the day of her death ? VVe fay vfually.furh a man was tieuer maried vntill his deatlv.No man ta- keth it thcrctTpon,that after his fleath or at his death he was maried. So when it i^ f^idjthatthe reft ofthe dead li tied norivnrill the thoufandyeercs were finifhedjit inasmuch as to fay they were neuer raifed to that fpirituall life. That thoufand yeeres was a time in which many were raifed to life at the found of the Gofpell: but there were many then not raifed. For although Satan were bound lb that he could nbt To fcduce the'nations as he had done, yet he d-id harden the hearts, and blind the eyes of the reprobate,fo that they imbraccd not the life oflFered. Thcii wefcewhatthis firft rcdirreilion is.Andnowthatwc maybeemoued withthe defireof it.eucn to labour to haue our part therein, here is tlie commendation thereof fet forth. BIcfled and holy (faith Saint John) is he that hath his part in this firrt refurre6tion/or on fuch the fecond death hath no power, but they fliall bee the priefts 6fG6d,and'ofChrirt,andlhallraigrrt with him a thoufand yeres. This is a lingular comsrvfivktipn c/tl3e-firftfe(furre6iioa,thateueryoneisble{redand bolie th at hath his part in it. What is greater then true bleflednes ? And euery oiie that israifedto life in this firftrefarre6lion,is pronounced to be blelfed. Then this isarcfurredionofnonebutof blcffed ones. And it is to bee marked how he ioy- hcth thcfe t -Ao rogctlteriWeflt d and hof ie. Fortherc isnone raifed to life in Chri(l, butbyhisfpiiit. Chri(VdwcI!ethinthem,andtheyin him.They walkenot after the (iefli,but after the fp?rit,Rom.8.They bee new creatures whicharc inChrifl-, a^theholieApofile plentifully tcachcth. If therefore ycedoe make account of blefledneSjif ye doe make account to haue your part in the firft refurre6lion,la- hoqt to bee hcfly. Seeke to bee found in Chrift,tnat ye may dye vntofinne,your cfld man being crucified, and that yemay be raifed vpvntoncwiies of life,eueo ,vqto true holines.For many may imagine that they haue their pare in this firft rc- '^*'' fflirciftionj, 3P4 SERMONS VPON {urre6^ion,bccaufcthey profeiTe the GofpeU, and bee decciucd,for except they be rayfcdvp from Vnder the dominion of (inoe, ihey be nojt; bolyi ihey be ftill dead, Then there is a reafon rendred why thefe are blcfi'ed, whkb is in chtfe woi;ds> for on foch the fecond death hath no power. It is as mudi as to fay, thcybc blcfled, for they be delivered from the damnation of hell. For there is the fecond dtf ath,in which the diuels and the reprobate doe dye eternally. So you fee then, that as there is thcfirfiand the fecond reftirredtion, lb is there the jfirft and thcl'econd death. The firH death is the feparaUonof the foule aqd bodie, v\ hich the ele(^ doe pafle thorough; ihefecond deathiisin the torments of hell, into which ail thofc doe enter that doc dye in their finncs . And are not they right happie w hich doe efcape-from hell, oucrwhonuhat death hath no power? And heeteacheth that ill that haue their part in theHrf^ refurredion, that fecond death fliall hauc no power oner chcm. Here is/ye? .^.further reafon of this alfo rendred. For fuch asbe cbnfecratjedto God andtohis Chrift, and that getthcyidorie as Kings tq raigue with hinr, how On aM- the fecond death ha^cany power ouer them? But Saint lohn fne vvcth how ihefe that rife in the firft refurrc6l:ion are prieftes to God, and to hisChrJftand they riiall raigne with him. And what is that but to be con- qijcrcrs and Kings ? 7 hefe G,iierconic,?befe be in the prefencc of God, w ho (hall pulithcra dovvne trom theriide? Byt this fcenieth hard that hee faith, they (ball f ajgne with him a thoufand yearies. For (Ijall they raigne but athoufand.y cares ? Shall not the Saints raigne world "witlioutende? Ye muft note that he fpeaketh hereof the raigne of thcfaithfulleuenvponearth/orthe {pace of that tnoufand ycarcSjin which Satan is bound rvshiehexcludcth not their etcrnall gloric in the heauens, O beloued, giue your fcluesto God, fecke this M rcfurrc«ion,that ycc may bdHdTed tbucuermgrfcig t^e.^^a^jips,. , ; , , , .,., , ,,. ,htbiN hT]joKi55C vcfj; ■rnacU v.on hriA >.' nn\i*-^'r[' THE XLIiriJ'SERMOR CH;^f^, XX. 7 yind r^hc^ the thonfanA yt0rts are expired, Satan fitall be Uofed out sf hit prifofj, M -■■■ 3 %> ^AndfhuS. goe out to deceiue the peopA xvfjtcb are m the fofcre quarters of the earth yijog, and CMagogjo gather them together to l>attaiU»rfhofe»Hmber tsast he find ofthefea . '^< . tAnd they went vp into the p lame of the earih,andeompaJfed thetetrts of the faints aifoMt,a»d the be/otted cifie,bMt fire tame dawnefrom G^d out of hea- neMjanddeMonredtbem, -' .-rjtu.i •'.;;> v^r' -rr,^ ^ji.io -'■' •'tL' \ THE REVELATION. jgy 1 o ^mI the dinell that dec fitted them vat cxfi into a take of fin dud brim" '! i~fio>se,vphere the hafi and tbefitfe frephet. {ba^be,t9r:mented day andni^ht f»ret4ern)ore, ' N the former part of chischspter wc had the binding of Satan for a choM land yeares,; We had alfo (ct torch the floiitiihingefiiteofthcCfaurchforthatcinie.And.nDw S wecowirco the loofingof Sataiioutof hisprifbn.lHo 'dclightetb whpUy in miichiefe, his great defire is, tor t<3> doc all the harmc chat may be : and therefore it was an exceeding griefevnto him, when hcc was by the cleere light and power of the Gofpcll tycd vp aodircfirayned ; lirom fcducimg cfec'nations,^ in fo whole and 'gciicrall a a maneras hchaddcinei J^ndnowthadhelslecioofc againfjitis yery.ioyfiifl vn* tohim,andhegoethveryround!ytoworke: ( ; :' , .; * r ^ ^ When the thoufandyearcs (faith Iohn)areexpired,Sat3u (ballbc loofed out of his prifon. I noted befbrc,that the reckening of thisihoufaDd yeercs is not for cer- taine in \vhat yeere they bcgan.Whctheriioinjt^eliime diariqnrSauiQur fi chedfor then Satan!bcgacita;rocncdbwnfi])orfFarnribe time tfe»t iheholy ApQ« ftlcSjafter the holy Gholl was fcrit'downevpon themyi^vich great pDwcrpubIi(hedli the Gofpcll.fecing that did more reftrainc him : orfrom the tin)e that thofe bleffcd ■ Apoftles had fplrcad the light of it among the Gentiles, and had founded greac; Churches in many kingdomes,. Ifit be the purpbfe/of the holy Ghoft to leade vs fo necrely vnto a:tim«j iluppofttbislaiiil^ould b!C©it:vaI;boughtwc^' f^ithVcmaineck tThi'ogs v\crc: vcny xltnliti? in coll^parifp^-of aui^ient pwrjcjc|,:T1^9y^ Biflibp bf-Romewas aldfr-vand wfur,pe(i;<\ith great.iyra-ony. and fpreadmuch euill oucr niany naxion^y^ fo that' Sathan hadgotten much f^ppem cowipanfon of that which".' 3^5 SERMONS VPON vvhich he had In fl>rmcr rimes. Bat as jTtt^e was not fully borcd.tfcc Gbfpelltuen in the middcli: ofinany £iumperjcft,yct tooke place in many. Gome then downe a littlclower, about theyeercofourLordej 998. Syluefter thefecond came to bee Pope, who was in league with the diucll.The hiftoriesdoefliew, tbatat his death he called for the Cardin3ls,and confeffed all how he had familiarity with the diuel, and how hchadniucnhimfclfc vntohim.fathache might come to that Pap all dig* nltie. What {balkvir thinke now, wiicn fuch an oinc.v\!aseft«emcd to be the head of the Churchl, Chriils Viear t>iiat ecu Id riot crre,and to hau'c full pb wcr ouer tjic foulcs ofmen .' How much didSathap gctloofcnow? What was it that he would not now feekc to broach? Aboutthe yearcofour Lord,i©74. rofc vp Hildebrand a moft horrible wicked Pope, whohad alfofamiliaritic with the diuel,& wrought txccccBngmuch mifchiefe.Now'thetruetb w^as oppreflcd,g©pd men were hated andperfecuted.idolatricaml a^ldiueluCbimjentionsweremaintiincd. Satan had sow his fbil fcopc to fccfucethcniBibns^^'ith hislyrng ligacs and wonders. Now began Antichrift to be in his prime : and many 'wbuthic men in thofc times cried out againft the Romifh Qergie, for their horrible impieticsjaffirming. Rome to be Babel, euen the feate of the great Antichrift, . -i^bcnitfoIlaweriajjhatfaertialJgoeonttodeceiuethe people, whic^ arc in tho foure^juantiersorthc carch. In this -we hauc three thbgs to confider ; ihefirft is tliq ihdulif ie ofSatan,or his rcadines to doc mifchiefc fo foone as eucr he gettcth loofe^ The holy Ghoft fheweth tliat he goeth out to feduce prefently ; For the diuels doc burne with fuch hatred againft God, and fuch malice againft the fcliciticof man, iHatthcy be refiles infcckingby all meanes to difhonourhis moft holy namc,and ib dra w nien w perdition, WecmwQ prepare our felues td lookc-foj? none jatheri i?h1fig at Sfttam hands. Then the fecond thing isjtbat the toiil men are feduceda« I anfwer,ihatitdoth little mitigate their offence, feeing the caufe of this fedu6>ion is in themfelues. Which S. Paul fhc w- ^htdealing-afbout this fa'me mattcr,and fh«wing ho w Antichrift (hould come by tceffttf^iiaHpyiw*? of Satan, "?,Thcff.2» Wee alforendrcth thJSicaufc why God: o^'iUftndthis h^auie fudgement vpon the wOrld,namely,iliat men receiued not the loue of the crueth, God lent the glad tidings of the Gofpell to giuc light,and d^m/v to THE REVELATION. 397 lobring men vntoctcrnallbappines: and they loued darkncfic more then light, they loued falfehood, vnclwnncs and lyes : andthcreforcSacan in the iuft iudge- mcnt of Godislecloa(e,eiiento|iIIthern wichfucHfhingMstheyJoucd and vvcr« worthicof, : , .' ;;::-j ;5jLi;,f)&' Then ihcre is the third poynt, which (licwcth chat Satan being let loofc^he (k- ducechnot fomefewkiogdomes.biitall nationsvpon the fourc quarters of the earth. A matter worthie the noting, becaufe the papifts doc boaft and bragge fo much oftheiriimltitudes« They doedefpireandcondcnvne tlictruc profcflbrs of the Gorpell^becaufe that for the fpace of thefe fine hundrcth yeeres,vntili now of late,they haue been very fe w,and in al that timealfo by an vniuerfallconfent con- demned and reputed but as heretikes. Can fo many nations fwarue, and folong time,and a few others oncly hold the trueth? Lopkevponthisplace,Satan goeth foorth tofeduce the people which are in thefoure quarters of thecarth. Here is an vniuerfalitie, hccre is a catholike confent in apoftafieand departingfrom the trueth. And ifany fhall ray,he went forth being let loofc after the thoufandyeeres expired, for to deceiue the people fo generally which.are in the Ibure quarters of the earth : but did he therefore prcuailefo generally ? Might it not be that he at- tempted (^o general! a marter,but yet was rcflraincd from his purpofe ? I anfwere^ that the ncxc words doc cuidently fhe vv,ihat hce failed not of his purpofe,but Cc- duccda^neraliy the nations of thecarth; for otherwife how fliould it beefayd, Gog zcJ:K^2o^,XQ' gashcr them together to battelI,whofc number Is as the fand of the fear And they went vplntotheplarnc ofthe earthj and compafl^d the tents of the Saints abour.and the bcloued citie. Thefe words doe manifertly dccIarCjan innu- raerabie ni! ikitude which the diuellfcduccth, and gathercth together vnto bat- tell as his fouldiers,againR the true Church of Chrift. Wee fee then that Satan is gotten loofe out of his prifon,and his chainc is offithc light of theGoipel fliineth- B(K,bunhere is palpable darknes/o that hemaynowperfv;ade alraoftwhat he will: and therefore now the multitudes are great which heleadethaway.Hcrc be many things offered to our confidcration in this defcription of the armies of Gog and Magog: as firft it is to be confidercd whether this loofing of Satan to fedute, beihefamcihatisfpokenofbefore,chapr.i3.wherc the bead with two homes by bis fignes & wonders which he wrought,deceiued the inhabitants of the earth. I anfwcrCjdut it is outofcontroucrfic that the fecond beafl- which comcth with fignes and wonders to feduce,is the great Antichrift. Then further, A ntichrifts comming is bytheeffciSluallpowerof Satan, with lying fignes and wonders, a.The{r.2. Whereupon it muft needes beegraunted,ihat this feducingby Sataii here fpokcn of,is the fame with that which is there fet forth,chapter 1 3 .onely this cxceptedjthat this ofGog and Magog is more generall. Wee rcadc there how all nationsjkindreds and tongues were made to worfhip the image of the beaft, and to receiuchis marke:bt}t that is to be extoided nofureher then lo thole' kingdt^ini which were fnbiev5t to the popcric. And here by thcfearmics of Gog and Magog, arcvndcrftoodan ihechicfe ej^miesofthe Chutcbin the(c laft timcs,fince the loofinjg^ 3P§ SERMOiHS VPON Jpolihg of Satan. Hereare befidesihc.fvvarrncs of papifts, the huge armies of the Xutke^: foibDwfocucRhcPapfiftsare.(cci^aiB{ithcTiM'k€J3 and the Tmkesi a- g{»mil,t:lK:X^a|>ift*: ycdboshigiiofttheholy Gidipcliiaad agaiulithe trueClhurch : as the Phaiifces and Sadduces could not endure each other, but yec were both a- gajnlf Chrifi; •Xhenlwcafeto cohfider about'the names Gogand Maoog, what i]iouldbec.meamby them. Some doc take it that the^narrics dorhgnifiecoue- irecj,andvncouercdj.and arcviedfor tonotethctvvo fpeciall forts of enemies of tbe.Chui;cb,£hcP:api(is andthc iTurkes. Forthe Pope he comir.ctb vnder the name .oiiant;thatistpfay,that fofooneas they were re- turned home from Babel, h6 would fend the Medias : this prophccie of Gog and Magog, is topteuenc that errors and to teach them, that after their returnc out of Babylon, they {]iouI4fM(terg?;K'UDUscala{i)ities by many cruell enemies, before thpconimio^of thcMe/tjas;. an^yyithalj, thGrc is fet forth what horrible vengc-i ance God would ^xpcpte>fpQnir}gre.€f^i>it^^iJh were collededcf duets nationsjbut ferued clivcfely ynderJihe princes of Afia thelcflcrjof Syri3,anci( of.,Scytliia,in-'Abiwh wasthc citieof Gog,and the land of Magog, or the citie cal- led thee it ie of Magog, Gogaiyd Magog ^hen are put for the princes of thoic coisntries, w hich were the cl»efc capt^i^c^ ni gathering great and raighti/c.arcnics. vntpbaciaileag^nft chcf h|l<;|(enpi>',njfr»j^|, after they were come out,ofiJ»capti-« gitie; of Babel. The ^o;]d dojt^i |:hj(:rcin9i>?fumme,vnder the armiesofKjog arid iVtagogjConiprchend 2,l!thej£;nemies that f"«ght againft them from time totimo SftCf ihecaptia:t;c,vnid the cpmmingof Chriii. And now for the application of thisynp the enemies ofihc Church vnder the Gofpell.: wee niuft firii note^ thatS tliroujijri tliisi;ookc,3^it is c,u;_de^tj t]?p Ipcf chcs, anijl figures of matters atctakofi {iinjijj^^tlic cneiHic$|ofthc,Gbur^h,vvhi<.l^Sataii fpuftcrcth after the timcof hii IpbuitJ out of prifon,bcforc thccpniipingof C.httft to indgcment,thcre is no one |>Ucc more fit to fet forth all th^fe armies,ihen iholc armies of Gog and JMagog: and THE 'REVELATION. ^99 andthercfofc the na'mcs, eucn Gog and Ma^g,ate here brotigI>t in^ to fee forth there huge acniics.of thePo^ciandof the Tia^fcc,'. ahdioKallHith enemies. More*? ouer.yeare to n6cc,ihat ihcoucf thro w and ddkaiticb oF all xbcli: enemk^ is fd J fee forth ill that prophecioct'Ez'Cchicl, that it doth (^neaMo mo^l: fitly to dcclarci thcvengeanceof Godalmighdcagainrtthefe. Thenvvcfrc why they be called the artniesof Gog andMagog.namclyjbecaufcthore vi/erethe great armies of c- nemics which fought agaiaficbcGhurdvinbkle lirae, a;nd which theLordin his vengeance did deiiroy*..ii i\':\yr. •?;-;;. -.j .v. ,...',.: l.-fH-s ! icri:! I'r hi'^^-'Ao J-. •■ Let vs in the next .place^bblciUc, that hefaith tftcy -B^ gatHered oogether vnto battaile. It appeateth.inthe words that follow, againftwhoin they are aflcmbled' for tofightjeuenagahif} the SainiSw Here isthe horrible crueltieofSatan,thathe is not concent to feciuce the nations, and to Icadc them into error; and From the way. of lite into the way of detl^ruition: but alfociien for to double their condemnati- on^hc fctteth them on worke co fight againll God, againl^ his trueth, and againft his Church. It is an hcaOic ludqement of Gbd,that rijetiiarG Icdfrom. the traeth to beleeue Iyes,and from the true worfbip of Godyvnto thcWotdiip of diuels : bur this is moregrieuous that they dod notilay £here,biic cruelly fight againrt ail that will not fbrfake the trueth, and ioyaewiih them. Satan herein doth exceedingly blinde them,and fet them in a rage. You knowe how it is,and how it hath been vviththc papiHsjthatthey fight and warrepnoft bitterly againft all that will not wprlliipthe beaftjCondemning them tobe heretikcSja|idmerinqt worthie to hue vport'theearth^: .; ,: , :-\.ir.:'i^.v .wr^Kisob^K-: i3i;?33rl!> ;:i; • ThenextcjaufefaythjWhofcniithbcrisas the fand of the'fca; This ii wonder-- fulljhow can this,be,whcnAn the men that eiier lined in the world, put altogether, are nothing comparable to the faiid of fome little part of the feafliorc, in num- ber: howvi>u<:hlc{lc can this armiebee in number as the fand of the whole Tea ?' Wc tnui^ jH«e that there is,a'kuide of fpeetib ^hich we doe call Hyperbole ^ which • is,gl|cxc6|Ti^iefppech^',tha^thehbIy fcripiurcdothfbmetimcVfe, when fbme^^^ cccdingqu«ditie,orqwaflit;uiei:&tobe,Px|>refled, Asia this ph^^^ titujc^je wj-^i^h. Satan hath feddced to .fight againil the Church,, is fuch as no man is able f;br.t<) cf>mprehend,or,to reach vnto the number of them in bis mindc, the hoIyGho(ifaytb,tbey beinnumberasthefandofthefea. Here it will be fayda- gaine:.,Arethenumbi?rof the armies of Gogand Magog, that is, of the Papifts aiaidriiEk;e^, JEmufneftble iq th€capa,citjiE:!q»f man r i anfwcre, who can doubt of tlpt ? Dq5b^tc?QB/?def in;^0yr n^ind thu^.'iwhat'ajmikitudcof people there be: iniEn?Jaed,it i|:}ei]Ni;Ajgh fqr a a^a^lyif Qdtifii^ intothcnuml^etof theminfuchfortastocoippfehendit. Then note thatm the poj;erie,almoflall the land were ierrecute. Moreouer,yeemuB know that the king- doi7ie;ol| JBi?g^pd| if bjiifialittlc GO ^H]§4^",l^r'\^M^ 1^5^^?/4^J?A'tp;the Pope.Then whatisftbcinumberin them all,. ^'ji^ i^^i^to conic i}igjiifg<|^ei)Uji]bri ,?;'; many, 402 SERMONS VPON many degrees to the toppc of the matter. For now you muft count what multi- tudes there hauc been in all thcfc kingdomes, v\ hicbhaue flood in the defence of the popifl^ religion,and foughtagainft theGofpel/or the fpace of thefe fiuchun* drech yeercs. ht% ye not now come as it were to the fand of the fea ? and yet yce are not come nigh the matccr.For vntothelcyc muft now adde al the multitudes ofcheTurkesfor fo many hundrethyeeres: for vnder Gog and Magog arc con- camcd all that Satan hath (educed in ail lands to fight againfl the truth^euer (iufc he was loofed,3nd all that he (hall feduce to the worlds end. Do but ponder thefc things in yourminde,and fee if there be not caufc tofayjwhofe number is as the fandofthc fea. What cxtreamc folly is it thcninthcpapiflstomakcfuch brags of thctv multitudes? Doth that proue ihcm to bee the true Catholike Church? Nay , if ye looke well vpon it,yc fhall finde that it doth euidently declare that they be a great part of thefc armies of Gog and Magog,whofe number is as the land of thefca. The next words doealfb fhew tlie fame thing,when heTayrh^thcy went vp in- to the plaine of the earth. They couerihe face of the earth, and notoffomeonc kingdomCjbut eoen of the world. And in that he fayih,thcy compafled the tents of the Saints about,and the beloued citic,it dcclarcih not onejy how fmaH a thing the true Church is in comparifonof them,cuenasafcw tents^or as fomc c»tic which they inclofc round about:but alfothat theircndcuouristo fwallow vpan4 vtterly to dertroy all that prafeflfe the holie and pure worfhip of God.l he hifto- ries of thcfe latter times doe fhew,ihai wherefocuer in any countrie where pope- rie had taken place^there were any that would not worfhippe the Wcati,how fu- lioufly they did compafl'e them about to fight againft them. For the tents of the Saints and the beloued citie.werc in al lands where anydid with pure and finccrc faith worfhip the true Gad,and condemne the falfeworfliip and enormities of the Romifh'fynagogue. Readc what they did to the Waldcn fcs, more then fourc hundrethyeeres pait: how did they pcrfccute and fcattirthem ?Readealfo how they dealt againft the Albigcn(es,more then three hundrethyercspart:wherc wc may fee how often they affailedRaymundus the Earlcof Tholoufe. About ihofc timcs,and not long aftcr,wec may readc of diucrs excellent mcn,which cried out of the Romjfh Antichrif},whowi they compafTcd about,and condemned as herc- tikcs. Afterward more thcntwohundreth yeercs pafl/in thedaycsofWickliffc, and after, here was much flir in England^ihcy compafTcd the tents of the Saints about. What a flirrckcpt the Popes and their armies againffthaftfamousChurch of the BohemianSjhovv did they compafTe them about ? But what fbllowcth.'Firc (faith S.Iohn)camc downefrom God out ofheauen and deuourcd thcm.Now he commeth to fct fborth thedeflruifiion ofthe armies of Gog and Magog, and of theirchicfe captaincalfo which feduced thc.Hcbegirtrieth with the armics,and fheweth howihey arc confumcd with fire from heauen. It might bcefaid '.What IHall become ofthe tents ofthe Saiiits ? what fhall beconte of thebeloued citic, wbcnaH thcfc innumcrablMnukktr^es doe compafTe thidm about? To anfwere this. THE REVELATION. 401 chis,hcrc is flic wed ihat the Lord God from hcaucn dooth m'lraculouny deiiroy thefe armies, and deliuer his Church. For that is meant when hee faith, that fire camcdowne from God out ofhcaucn and deiioured them. It will be demanded: when was this ? or where was this feenc ? I anf vere,that ye n\uli vnderfhnd, that thisisarayfticallfpeech. The truth ofGod is compared to fire, and fob his wrath aconfumingfirc : and who feeth not,thatby the liuely word,& by his vengeance hchatli already begun to conlume and to deftroy thcpopiOi armics?huhe3 8. chapter of Ezcchic!,the Lord doth threaten a teropeft of haile,fire and brimftone vpon the armies ofGog. And accordingly be fpeafeeth in thisplacc of fire com- mingdowne from God from heauen, which doth deuoure them. What way foe* uer they bee deftroyed,it is the fire of Gods word, and of his wrath from heauen, and wee muft acknowledge his miraculous power in prefcruing hisChurcli. Lee nor the multitude of the armies of Gog and Magog difcouragevs ; for they were farre greater then they bee, and as the Lordc hath begun/o will be vtterlybutnc them vp,and confume them in his good time. Thus mu ch for the deftrudtion of thefe armies: No w touching their chicfe cap- tainejwhohathfeduced them, and led them forth vnto battell againft theLord« Shall heefcape ? No,hefhallnot efcape. He is the chicfe worker of all mifchiefe : and therefore it followeth, The diuell which deceiued them, was caftintoalake of fire and brimftonc. This is that euerlafling firc,which our Sauiour faith js pre- pared for the diuell and his angels. Here (hall all the diucls be torriiented for their (innes which they hauc committed, eucn world without end. And here are alfo mentioned his chiefc infiruments which he hath vfed,the beafiand the falfepto- phct,thefe areioyned with him in thelakeof fireand briraflone : for fuch as feruc the diuell here in the worlde, fliall dwell with him for euer in hell, and there tak^ fuch part as he fhall. The beaft is all the Heathen Emperours of Rome, with all that ioyned with them in perfecuting and murtheritig the feruants of God. The falfe prophet is the Popes and popilh clergie, with all their adherents, which in ihcfe latter daies haue fo much corrupted the earth. Seeing this is the end of all Gods encmiesjbelouedjict vs not fearcthem,but let vsfhnd faft in the truth, andconft antly renounce all their falfe worfhip and abominations : for they (hall all downe with moft horrible deftrudion and ven- geance, when we fliallfland,triumph and reioyce ia the Lord for euermore. Dd THE 40^ SERMONS VPON THE XLV. SERMON. CHAP. XX. 1 X A»d! fttv A great white thro»e,Mnd wethatfate onit, from whofe face fed both the earth and the heauertyaffd their place was no more found, 1 2 And Ifarv the de^dlfothfwttUandgreatJIandkefore (jod, and the hookj were opened, and another hookr vas open^ ivh/ch is the Ifool^ of life, and the dead were indged according to thafe things whieb were written in thebook^s^accor' ding tot heir deedes, 1 5 tAnd t he feagane vp her dead, and death and hettgaue vp their dead which were inthem^and they were iudgedettery man according to his worlds, J4 And death andhetlwaecafl into the la^ of fire :thu t4 1 he fecond death, J 5 And vs>hofoeuerwai not written in thethehooke of life ^waeca^ into the Ukf •ffirt, HisScrlpturc(beIoucd)containcih a defcription of ihc !aH iudgenmnt. Wee haue bad the day of judgement fi- gured diuers times before in this bookc, but more dark- ly,and here more fully,and more clecrcly. For that is the manner of handling thinges in this prophccie:firft,to make as it were a darke fhadow, and then afterward to drawamoreliueIypi(^ure. Touching the parts of this dcfcripiionj vvc fhall ice them feucrally as they come. In the firli place the Judge himfelfe is dcftiibcd : for the firH ver(c of this tcxt^doth fet foorth the maiertie.the power, the iniegritiej the fc* ueritjc,and terror of the Judge: forthe thingsvvhicharc fpoken of his throne,and ofthc flying away ofthc earth and the heauen out of his prcfencc, are to fet foorth thole properties indecde of the iudgehim/clfc.Firft then that he fayth^ it is a great throne ; it is to flicvv his maieftie and power,with which he fhali come from the right hand ofGod.to judge the world. The kings and Judges of the earth.are or great maieiiic and power, and accordingly haue high thrones, vpon which they fit in iudgement.But this throne iscallcd grcat,by a fingular height and greatnci whichithathaboueallothers.Hethat Htteth vpon this throne, is the Judge of the ■whole world, both ofthc Iiuing,and ofthc dead.This is that throne of his gloric,af he fpcakcth,Matt.2 5.W hich he fhall fit vpon when hcc commeih in theclowdcs, and all the holy Angels with him. Then it is fayd to be a white throne. The white colourin the holy Jcriptures t« vfcdtorcprcfcntpuriticandglorie. As bccrcitistotcacb vs, that this iudgcfhall judge THE REVELATION. 405 iudgc vprightly, and doe no man wrong. Among thciudges of the earth iudge* mcnc often Iwarueth and is perucrtcd diucrs waies. And the wifcft & the bcft iiid- gesare vnperfcd in knowlcdgc.and fo do (bmtimes mifle of the pcrfcfl (entencc. Againe the refpe^t of pcrfons.eithcr with fearc of the mightie/or loue of friend?, or hatred of enemies, and fuch hke, dothleade the iudge awry : and fomeiimes bribes do Wind the eyes ; fo that iudgcment is wreftcd. Againft al thefe the white- nesof this(cace is'oppofed. Here is no fpot, but all cleere and pure. Here is no \m- perfcd^ion through ignorance.Herc is no refpei^ing of perfons through fcarc^ha- Crcd,or louc,nor yet any peruertmg of Judgement tor re vv ard. Now folio weth that which dedareth the terror of ihe iudge, in thefe words, Fromwhofeficejiedboth the earth (^ the heaf$gny4ndtheir place WMfiomorefofid* Lookc what we dread and fcare, wee flic from theprcfcnccthcicoffortohidevs, that we may not appcare in fighc : eucn fb to decLre the mofi terrible maicftic of this iudge.the eaich and thehcauens are (aid to flic away f;om hisprefencc,and as it were to hide thcmfelues, which is cxprcflcd in this, that their place was no more found.For to fay their place was not found any more is as much as to fay ihey did notappeareany inore.as vvereadcchap u.whcrethcUiJgon aiidhis angels were caft down,it is faid,thcir place v\ as not found any more in hcaucn.Thcn the earth and the heaucn here flying from hisfacc and hiding thcmfelucs, doe fliew his ter- ror. And bcloued note it weIl,for it is no fmall terror uhich is rcfcmblcd by this. The earth and the hcauen are without fcnce.Thcy be very great and mighticcrea- tures : and they haue not finned. Now if they tremble, flic, and hide themfelues out of his prcfence, as not able to endure the terrour of his fight ; vn hat fiiall wic- ked men doe ? what fhall become of iliofe poore wretches ?or how Oiall ihcy bee able to endure the terrour and feucritie of this iudge ? They lliall now be at their wittesend,and void of all fuccour or refuge. For vnto whom jTiall they flie for hclpe? or who fliall deliuer them from themoft dreadfull vengeance of this iudge? It is notfayd any where elfe in the Scripture, that the earth and the heaucn fhal flie from his prefence,and appesre no more.Indecd our Sauiour faith. The powers of heauen fliall bee moued. Saint Peter faith, that the heauens fliall pafle away with noilc^the elements flial melt with hcate t he earth and the things that be therein fhall be burntjS.Per.j. And now that Saint fohn fpcaketh more here which was (bewed him in vifion,name!y,thai the earth and heaucn do fl ic his preience,it is a myflicall fpeech,euen as I fayd,toexprefle the wondcrfull cerrouc that fnall be. Ic may be faid^if flying his prefence w il fcrue,there be others will flic alfo. I anfwere, that the earth and the heauens haue not finned, and therefore they bee permitted in their trembling and terrour to flic r.nd hide rhen)rclues,and arc not drawneforthbeforeihe iudge. But as for the finners, eucn the wicked deuils, and vngodly men let them flie and hide thcm(clues where ihcycan,ihey fhal! bee drawne foorih vnto iudgcment and execution. There is no daikc corner for any one of them to hide thcmfelucs in. Let them goe dow ne into the bottome of the fea jethis hand will find them out,andhe will draw them fonh. T his thing v-vould be well confidc£cd of^thac there fhall be fuch a terrour in the iudge^thatthe earth D d 2 and 404 SERMONS vpQN andheauen fliall flie and hide thcmfelucs, that we may now in time Icarne wife dome and be admonillied.Foi- wee fc'e how bold men are now in committing e- uill,nochingataI regarding this terror of the iudge,whichrs here fetforth.It might enter into their hearts to thinke thus, the Lord will come to iudgc the world, wee niuft ail appeare before him ro bee iudged according toourdeedes_, hisfeucritic and terror will be fuchjthat the heaiiens and the earth wil flie his prcfence & hide diemfelLies :\vhat then Oiall become ofvs, what cafe fhail we be in, which doe commit thefe foule finnes ? O how fhall we then tremble and quake,and be euen oucrwhelmed in horror ? Where fhall we finde any fuccour,when hce that alone {liouldhelpeandfuccourvs is our great terror? Is it not better fbrvsnowtofor- fakeour vngodly waies,and lb ftudictoplea(chim,that wee mayreioyceathis commingPMoft vnhappie are they which (hail haue this terrible iudge againft them .For how fliall they be able to endure the fire of his vengeance ? 1 hus I fay, men might thinke in their hearts when they heare of fuch terror ofihe iudge. But it maythcn bee obic<5led,ifthc heauen and the earth arc fo afraid at the terror of bis pretence, not for any offence which they haue committed, but atthcwrath vvherewithhecommetli armed againlhbefoutefinnes which haue bin wrought by men as it were in their fightand view : fhall it not then bca moft fcarfullday vntoa Inien? Who isfodeere and innocent as that hee may come beforerhis iudge?* I anfwerc.that this iudge in all his glorious power and maieHic, fhall not be any terror at all to the godly. It is the day of redemption vnto them, they are willed to lift vp their heads and rtioyce at it. For all their fins are blotted out, and they fhall fland innocent without ail fpot before this iudge,thcir rcdccmer.lt flial bee vnto them a day of all ioy and confolation. liicy are willed tolongforthe commingofthis iudge. Thus much touching the iudge. Nowtothofe whoarc for to be iudged. I fa w(faith he) the dead both fmall and great fiand before God. Who are they then chat ftand here to be iudged ? Eiicn all that ei;er hai:e lined vpon the earth c- uerHnce the beginning of theworld,nooneexccpted. But when Saint Paultea- cheth, I. Cor. i y. that all fhall not die ,but all fliall be changed : and when as we fayjhc Oiall iudge both the quickc and the dead,how agrccth it with this,thnt here arc none fpoken of but the dead? I anKver,that when Saint lohn lairh herc,that he fa w the dead ttanding.it doth not exclude the liuing.For he fpeaketh only of thofe, of 'A'hom there might be doubt. Thus it iSj if not any of the dead, that euer died in the world of whatdeathfocuer, fhall cfcapetrom this iudgcmentrhow fliall any ofthc quick be wanting?It is ctiident then,that Saint John faw all both the quick and the dead in vifion, (landing before the iudge. This is a great aflemblie, eucn the grcatcf^ that eucr wa$,or euer Oiall be. Here again it may be demanded,how this is to be vnderflood,that he faitb.he faw the dead both fmall and grcar.Is it to be taken ofthc flatnre oftheirbodics,or ofworldly degrees that they liucd in here in this world? For we fee that fome doe die very fmall infants, and fomegrow vp firft and be men of great (Mature. Likewife we fee how there be of all forts here in ihls world : Sotncbc king^s,princcsjdnd nobles ; others bee in low cHate^yea very many-; THE REVELATION. 405 manypoorcbcggcr?. Now T fake it, that Saint John doth nctcalhhcdeadhcre fmall and i;reatm rerpc«5^ of thpHatpfC ot'thcir bodies.butjn regardc of their place auddegrccin vAhichcheyliucd. There are allboth highandio'\e, bothrui»and poorc. Ifpcakcthisbecaukjris aql)cllion\^^lctherany^1all^i!el^lhcl^atlIreof little iijfant^.It is by feme maintaincd^that all fhallrile in a fnl) (larurc : becaulc ae the rcfurrcdtion all ihall be pcrtci^. And lookc what aj;c or lickncflehath takcn'a- vv ay fhall be rcftored, and vvhat through want of yeares is v. anting, final be addt J. Wccarcnoc indeed tobc curiousabout this matter. Nowfollovvcththcchiefclt matter otalliiVthis iudgcment, and.tlhatiSj after v\hat manner they fl^all be iud- ged. It is exprcfled in thefc words. And the book>v\'crc opened, and an other bookc was oDcned, which is the booke oflife, and the dead v\ ere ii;dgcd ofthole things which w ere written in the books,according to their wotkes. It might be wonc'rcd how all this great multitude fliould be iudged. We fee w hen earthly iudgcs do fie in ind^emcnt w hat a long time it holdeih to trie and to ludge a few pei Ions There jsfo much a doeforproolesandcuidenccofmatterstobrgiuen. Saint lohnllic- wcth thatit fhall not be fohere : but all fhall proceede according to the written tccordeSjWhichareihebookes. There fhall be none other euidcnce. But v* hat arc thole bookcs, or what v%ritings according to the which iudgement fiiallbe awar- ded? It is cafictD knowc what bookes they are, euen the confcience of eueric one. For thisisa wondcrfull wofkeot God, that hee hath giuenvntoeuery man a confcience,as it w ere a book,in which are wricte vp al their thoiights,thcir words, and theirdeedcs. A wicked man hath infinite vainc thoughts and vncicane defiies, night and day, they pafi'e away to him, but they bee eueiy one ^^•rltten vp in the bookc of his confcience. A vainc wicked man vttercih in his whole life multitudes ofwordes, which avevaine,orlying,filthic,fl3undcrous,andblafphcmous. Uhcc fhould lofe his lite he cannot remember all that he vttereth in one day but in this booke they areall written vp,and fiiall come to iudgement.Such a mati commit- tcth lins in adtion innumerable euen as the fand on the fea fliore,hee remembreth fomc of them, the greater part he pcrceiueth not to be finnes,or they flip out of his mind, butthcybecucryoncwritteninthisbookeofhisconfciencc, andfhallbce opened in iudgemenc.Yea further in the vnbeleeuersthcrebe many things in theit thoughte^ wordes, andworkcs, whichlceme to them to be excellent, which yet ate abominable before God, which fallethout becaufc they are blind and can nei- ther ludge rightly of the intents of their o wne hcarts,neither in many things which is good and whic h is euiil. Now in thi s booke ofthe confcience, the dccpc coun- fcU and intentsofthe heart are written vp,and at this iudgement (hall be dif^ lofcd : Forhow fhall iudgementbc perfected according to their vvorkes,ifthefecretiiof mens hearts be not laid open ? Ye fee therefore that the book? s fhall bee opened : thcte'''3'l ueeuidencevpon record, therefhail need no produdlionofwicnefies, fiucvvilHomefay. thecompanie willbc great that commeih to bee ii!dged,v\ hen alhhathaueliued mallates, and in all countries of the v\orld(l"ialibecraifed and come togcther;and the bookes will be manie and large to be read ouer.Isnot here Dd 3 as 4&$ SERMONS VPON aiicndlefTc worke ?H()'a' long would ichold one, to readc oucrtbe ili«ughtcr,the wordesaiiddeedcsofoneman? laflfAcr, that wee mtri-l aotconcciuclo of chciJJi bookc>,asthat there fha!l be any <^lindir>gto rtJade them. They fhaii allappeare at once. Alhhefilthie vnclcanncsofmens hearts (halllie open to the vie we of ioiea and Angels,andtheirovvncon[ciciKefhallthcnfliewvnto them their deeds^their \vords,and their wicked thoughts. Then Oial! cheirinwardsbc as it vvcrediiplay- cd. We are thus toldaforch.ind, that the bookesHiall be opcncd.tl-.at we maybe* .vvare,andpreucnt To great a daunger.lt is the great kindnes ot'Godto giae vs this •warrarig : and more then (tarke fooles and mad men wc be, if it doc not inoue vs totakehsed.Buihowiliall vvetake heed? we cannot auoid our appcarancebcforc ihisiudge. Oinbookcs muft needes be opened when wc come there : there is no rcmcdie tor this. Very true,but the danger is auoyded, when the bookes arefucb, as we need not fcareo; be afliarned to haue them opened^ but rcioyce. For as the opening ofthe bookinialbc thcfliamc, horror, and vtterconfii'lion of one parti fo ihall it be to t he pr^ife, bonout, and glorie ofthe other pait. Such as arc foulc v\ithinjand fuHofabominable vnclaannes.bcing opened liiallftinkcandbereieQ* tcdrWhenthe pure in hart fiia! fee God, and greatly reioyce in his prefcncc.Wher- by we may plaint ly rcc,that our oncly way is to be purged in our heart from an e- tjill confcience. For ifthe heart be fmcere and the confcicncc pure,the booke will open very faire.But alas,who can attaioe to fuch finccriticof hirt,and to fiich pu- ritic of confcience ? Who(faith Salottion)canfay my heart Is cicane? I am purged from n)y finnc. Who is it that is not priuietohimfelfcofmuchvaniciejand great impcvfe^lionsin this bookc ofhis confcience? God is greater then man, and fee- cth farrc more perfcirly into the heart of man then he himfclfc: Ho w then fhall he abide his triall ? how fhall he endure the opening of bis fecrets ? For anfwerc to this we arc to confidcr what Dauid faith, Blctfed is the man whofe iniquitie is forgii. iicn,and whofc hnncis couered: blelfed is the man vnto whom the Lord impuicth 'notfinnc,andinwhorc.(piiitethereisnogiuIe,Pfahn.32. Where all finandini- quitie is purged away.tbcrcrnall bee a faire bookc opened, that man need not to feare. What then arc wc todoccll our lifelong, buitoreformethcbockeofoar confcience ? And this istobcdoneonelybythc holy word ofthe Lord.Thcre wc iliall learne the true faith^by which vve are iiicorporatc into Chrirtas members of his myi-l icali bod ie. There Is repentance taught, cuen how wee lliall forfake the cuill workcs and doc the good. There is the tiuc light to expell all our darkeneSjto corrccft all our errors, and :o guide vs in the right way. We arc for to looke day ly into this word to find what is amiffc, and by the fame for to rcformcit.Ifwc attain vnto that faidi chat workcth by loue,happie are we, our heart and confcience iliall bee found finccrc. For touching all our finnes,theyare waflied away and difchar- gcd through the pretious'bloud of Chrift. And the fruitcs of our faith, eiicnilw \vorkci of loue fliallappcare and Hand vp to our praife and glorie. Thdlc workcs indcedc are vnpcrfed and full of fpots, but as all other finnes are blotted out,fo the fpots of theferhalbcvvall-ied away,and ihcy lliall be found pcrfed>. Ifwe hauc but ihc dead faith, v\c dccciuc our feliKs, out bookes arc nocrcformed,but all will be i;.n foulc THE REVELATI0;N. 407 foulc when they come to bcc opened. For then wcjiaue, asvvcimapinc ,arighc faith, which yec is without repentance. Then wcc omitte thofe duciics which Godcpmnundcth, snJ boldly commie many finnes which hcchathforbidden, preluming vpoi} pardon ? The heart is h^rdncd daily more and more, and treafu- reth vp wrath, againft the day of wrath. Fordoevvenot ailconfefTethat witliouc repentance,thereisno{alijacion.Tbeconrcienccis reformed dai/y by repentance. For as by faith vvcc haue free pardon of all our finncs : foby the fame are vvcc dayly purged and fanvfiified, wee die voce finnc andliue vn!:ori<-;hccoi)(nel{e. Hethat is in ChrKl cruciiicd.chc death of Chrift doth killfinne in him, forhis oldc man is crucified widi Chrili Againe, hc.that is graffed to-ihc fimilitiidc of hisdcaih,fhaIlbcairograiicdtotheiimilitudcothisrefurreciion.Rom.6 Then conbder for your repentance, without which ye cannot be faucd; bccaufcyour bookcs wiUljc foule when they be opened, where that hath not bccne. Confi- dcr, I fay, fitftiifor the reforming of you h^ayt and confcience how finne doeth die in you. Forby nature the minde of eu^ry one. is oaerfprca'd with vanitie, and vvithignaranccof God: by nature the heart is ftill of all euili lulls. There fscouetoufiicne, thcrcispridc, there is fclfelouc, there iscnuie, and hatred, there is crucltie, with many filthic vnclcane dcfiies. Vntillthefe things bee blotted outofthebcoke, and beucf things put indicir place, there isi nolaluation : For ye fecit; fctdovvne, that the deadare iodgcfjaccording to the things, wbichare written in;theBQokcs..It,niaII,iioj[auaile a iivap to crie, Lord, Lord^.ifnaughtic thingsbe written vp.inthisbooke. Ifjhqu docnpt.t-cpentforthy couetcufnes, andcal^ foorLhanumhcr.offinncs, which fpring from it, thou muftneedesbcc damned. The holy Appftlcfaithj ihatcouetpijifenfre isidolatrie, for the world- ly wan doth ict riches in the placcofGpd: and ftjmakeththcfn an Jdoll. If thy hcartbcfctvpon riches, ifthouputnhytru^inrthem, as if thy lifedidconfiftin )^bc abpundance ofifierii : blot it pijt o^'ihy bopke.put thy trufi in the Lord^ fet thy beartsdclight.inhim : and dcfpifc this;Wprld.,, I/thou halt gotten goods vvrong- fully, reliorc them to the right owners : Doe not f^attpr thy felfc that thou hali ifcpentance, vnlcfi'ethou fcelefuch a worker for bee it thou hafl gotten wrong- fijlly others goods in time of thine ignorance. Thou diddeft therein commie theft. Novy thoi|comment9f€c,-hpwfowleafiivieihoudiddefi commit, and the UnA the houl'c, q? the goods cuill gotici}Vcm air^?#i|i w ithtbcc .: thoM know-* cfl thou holdefithem, wrongfully, pwiytt th^u doe/i,itc(ai^*;e thfcmc is this, rew. pentaqce!* Nay is it not greater tbeft^^ef^ thy.formcr ?; for !at ihe-firfl: thou did,' deft ^eale them being ignorant: and now thou withhpldeli, and foeuenftea- leftthemofknowledgc. Here is norepentance, but an incrcafc, and an heaping Vpqtiirjne, fpr.yec know the; fay ingpfpiir Sayfpflr: Tlaat.lj^Cithatknowcthhis ii)ar]krs>^jlli;3iul do4;h itnotjjLall bee^.b^at-with m yjemt ijo9kcs.<^caIc Yiyfightly, ,git^ Y'P?9i?M??yi ^}^\) i^^^l^X^Mx "^^^ hberall and rr^f^cifujltpthq poctfej eu!en to.th^fVYidow^) aiuUp-thefathericfle,: Fprvpr^bti paling, nicrcieand pitie. arc good things tobeiourid written inyour bookes: Ijhey will^m^keyecglajd when they come to bee opened^ Irye beeproudc, vain- i^ttifca ' t)^ 4 ■ glorious. 4o8 SERMONS VPON olorious, and high minded: docyre not rcadc, that Godrcfi(kththepr5i!dc> O what abominable things are written vp againft ye , in your cDnfcicrice ? Learne then to knoAc ihc vanitie of your ovvne mindcs, learne to knowc your felucs: humble your felucs, and become meeke and lowely in heart, for therein God is plcafcd. VVcepe, and lament for the loftie pride of your hearts, which is fo abo- minable before God. And then (liall yee not bee ali-aide to come to the opening of yourbookes. Let not the hautievanitieof your hearts hauehet will fomuch, astofbcwit felfe in excefTe of apparcil. Yee will fay.that a purple heart may lie vnder a coijife mantle : and therefore the garment is not the matter. J hat is very true, but yet ih^dchght in gorgeous apparell, bewrayeth the pride of the heart. If yee beegiuen to wrath, yee haue then fct open (as it were) a widedoore vnto Satan toenrer,andto bring in many euils. Wherefore the holy Apollle fiith, Bis angry but linnc not, let not thcfunaegoe downe vpon your wrath, giue not place to the dtaell,Hpher.4. If yee doe fuftcr wrath to indure, Satan woi keth ha- tred, cnuie, and crnell words and deeds. So thatthebookeof theconfeience i$ fluffed with many fowlethi»)gs. O labour now by repentance to blot them out^ andbemceke, patient, and long fuffering. VVhu fhould I mention particulars from vice to vice, thisisthcfumiiie, fearch the heart and conicienceby the holy word of God,andfeeke to roote out all vices whichye (liall findc there, and to plant in thevcrtues which are wanting. If yee be vvire,ihinke nW aiesof thisopci ning of the bookes, and let it be yout d ulie care and trauaile,f!ill to rt foi me and to amend. Whatbufincs haue '^ee of that vaight, that may drawvs fro n this thing? Doth it not (iand vs greatly vpon to haue our reckening bookes in good orderagainftthis iiidgement? Isit notthenrequKiiethatour \hole lifi:, becuen a (tudle and a labour how we may:? I muft Hue, Imull proiiide for my lelfe, I will repent forthac which f docam M^,andfo ItruliGodwillpardontue* Deale after the like maner with Other forts of gricuous (inners, and jee (hall heare them make the like anfvvere; To that we may ke plainciy^that men are not perfvvaded that they At all giue an ac- countofiheirdeedcs. Then, as I fayd yemayeaflly fcethecaufewhy this isloo"- tenrepcatcd^ that they Hialleneryonebe iudgcd according to rheirworkes; let men therefore be fully adiired ofdiis. Let vs not be fo foolifh as to imagine, tbsc Lord, Lord, and Lord haue mcrcicvpon vs, will carric away the matter: bst V\'hilc wee haue time, letvs turnewith true repentance from ihofecuill workes, that they may be blotted our. Such as doe finnc prefumptuoufly in hope of par- don,know not what repentance is. He that repenteth,isforrowfullin his heart for thclinne which he hath committed, and fo doth lament and bcwaile it, confef- fing it to the Lord, and crauing pardon for it withtearcs.'Mpreouerhe doth hate, detelijand loathe the eui ll,becaijfeit is conirarie to the holy will cf God,and doth difhonour him. Finally^he doth tenounce and forlake the cuill and wicked decde. And all this is through the worke of grace, that his oide man is crucified by the power of Chrifts death. Then onthe other fide,he doth loue er.tirely,and from the bottome of his hcatt,that ^ hieh is pure and good : he dotheucn hunger and thirlt after it: heci&gladto performcit in a6iioiii,randfoto beefallof good decdes; whcrcbyhemayglorifieGodi. Thisis the rjgfac.way,aiid behold how farreawryi men doe goe from this: and therefore fii all be iudgcd according to their workes : letthem eric out neaerfoloude, Lotd, Lord, and Lord haue mercie vpon vs. Ic may be here demaunded thcn,wbethcr this be to be vnderliocde of both parts,Gr whether the wickcdionely fhall be; iudgcd according to their workes. Our J^auU: our declareth plainely, Matth.2 5 . that both ihe good and the bad fhall be iuilgedl according to their decdes : ag. Come yee bleflVd of my farher,&ic. When J was hungricyccgaue me meate,S:c, And,Goeye curfed.foc. When 1 was hungricyc gaue mcnomeate,&'c. For thus it is, the true beleeuer^u hole true and liudyfaich wo'rkcthby chari?:ie,foriaketh linne, and receiucth pardon, lo that no cuill. of his; fo3ira]p>peare.in iudgCiricnt : but the good decdes w hich he doth fiiall coa\e forth.! and be rewarded with gloric : A tld lookc ho'.v much greater d)e.y bc^ fo much tho greater fiialJ his honour,his praife,and his gloric be with God. '■'(•'! 1. .. ' ■ yjo) '■ Nowonthccontraricpart, the wicked man, whofe works doe cuidentlydc-' clarcthathchr.diuo true faith, Tnall haue all his deeds let before him rand dicn • according to tlicgreatnes orfoulnesof them, hee fhall receiue his dairnntian.:; for lookc how much greater his offences. haue been , fo much greitcj" torniicEkti fiiall hcc rccciuCta'The Hccjct hcccommeih iu/ionihg tbtlicdiiieli, thcdecpcp^ fhaii hcel.ccoali v^ithhiinimohorronandmifericiri the pir.of hell. / WoaidGod) twee cDuldbfec wcllperfwddid of thi'Sjlhac (niciy aucihaliisceiiid^cd actoffljingl tohis workes^ "ji::du*i'-.iiuipfiv''ii.;.oufi"b • rr Tbcu THE REVELATION. 411 ^**Ther*itfollovvctli, tba^dcnihafod beli were caft'iutd tht lake of fire, riii^is tlir fccond doatli: Hercis'ti)C c-xccutionof indgcTnencvpon the reprobate, in tills rcntciKc,and ill the nexr. AIlthedaiDncd fliallbcccanintoheUywlMchhce calleththclakeof Hre: and tbdie thb fee ond death. Thisfecond dcaihisa vvo- full death, and lafteih for euer and ciicr. Goeycccurfed (faith Chri(i) intocucr- lartinofirc, ^vhichis prepared forthediiiell and his AngtISjMatih.sj. Bnt this i9^8lkanG;emancrof fpecchthac heefaith, deathandhcll Qiall bee ci;(Hntothe Jake ot fire. VVhatisdeaththiithecfl-).dlbeecaltintoeter-nall fire? Is dcathany creature that hath icnfc to fufPcr torrnents ? Surely death is not any creature, diJach-is not any thing that hath a fubHance, death hatl)uo fcnfe or fcelinj^ cither of ioy or loirowc. How then fhall death bee caftinto hell? Then fijrthcr, the lake of fire is liell. How then doth heefay that hell fliall bee cal\ into the lake of fire? Shall hcUbeecalt into hell? For anfwcre vnto thefc things yee mufi vn- dcrUand, thatdcathandhcliare here put fortheheyresof death and hell: that is, for the reprobate that fhall bcedamncd in hell and there dye for cuer. This fpcech wantethnothisefificacie, but indeededeclareththecxceedingmiferie of there- probate, and their curled ertate to bee fuch in hellj that they are called eucn death and hell. -O poorc wretches that are euen death and hellitfelfe. And then finally hee iTievveth, that vvhofocuer is not found written in the bookeof life, (hall bcc ca(TintohcU. Onely the cied of God which doc obey andhonour him, fhall c- fcapedallination. THE XLVI. SERMON. CHAP. XXI. I ^4»d Iftrv (t new hsatisK afrd a nevn earth, for the firfi hea$ten and the fir^ earthiverepaJfed-a-vay^andthsrevrAi fjomerefea. i A>ii I lohn fofPthc holy ciiis nfi9 fernfalentf come downe front God out of - heauen, prepared as a hrtdff trtmmedfor herhujband. 3 }4yid f heard a great voyceont ofbcauett,f4yin^^, heholdthe tabernacle of CJod is withme?t,atid he tvi/Idwrellvpithihem: and thejfaallhe hispeoph^anACod himp/fe (ba/i be their God vfiih th' pi. 4 yi»d Godftiall voipe arvay nil teares from their eyeSia»d t here fhallbe no more dexth, ncithsrforrorv, neither, crying^neither^all there he any morerpaine^ for the first things are p.^lJed. :/!■'• ■•. ? • f ' y J ^nd he that fate vpen the throne fay d, behold I mahi all things new : and he fkidvMto 'pie write, for thefe words arefaithfallandtrHe,. 6 And 4'n SERMONS VPON 6 iAn4he f4idvHt9me,it is da*tc^ I am Alfhdand OmegajhehgtHning and the ende: I mllgiiteto him that is ttthirft^ tf the well of the water of Itfe freely. 7 He that euercommeth pjaU inherit e aBthi»gf,aftd I mU be hii God 4)td he /hall be myfonne. 8 But thefe«trefuUAndvftlr.ekeHing,AndahominiihleandmuYtherers^(tndvehore^ mQngers,etndforcereYS>Andidol*ters,Andall iy<^rs, fl»allhatiethetr part inthg i i : inkeivhichburfieth vpith fire mdbrimsleyie^htch tithe feconddenth, N the former cbj^tcr wee had a full defcription of the gcnersll iucjgemcnt, vvhicbis one great article of our faithjthatChrili Oiall come toindgc the v\orJde, Wee hadalfothc refurre^lioncfrhcdead, vshichisanother chiefe artjcleof our faith. And moreoucr,ihere is noted the endles torments of the reprobate. But there remay- ncthvntouchcd the lafi ariicl, nei- ther can any euill come nigh them. To want no good thing, and to bee free from the fcare ofall euill,ispcrfed^fclicirie,whichis a principall poynt: and therefore the voyce faith, Behold thctabernadeof Godis with men^&c. Now as the for- mer of thcfe, namely, that they fliall inioy all good things,is included in this that God willdvveil in tliem^and ihey (liallbc hispeople,and he their God withthem; fo the laiccr,ihat is to fay,that no eutll fhallcome nigh ihcm,iscxprcfl'ed by fome particularsjin the next words following. They Ihall wccpc and lament no more, there fhall bee no more deatb^ ncr ibr- row. THE REVELATION. ^ijr fow, nor crying, nor painc: all cuill then iLall bcc rcmoucd. The faithful] are here fubieil to temptations and doe finnc , which caulcth them to wccpe and lament with tearcs. Tlicy paffc through many afHidlions and tribulations, they bcc not made of iron or of rt onc,they doe fecic them,and they doc wccpe: other wife how ilioulditbcc fald, that God will wipe away all tcarcs from their eyes? The tearcs which they (lied fhall be wiped away,and they fhall neuer wtep any more. They ftiall finnc no morc.they Hiail not feare death anymore, there fhall be no grierc norforrow, O ble (fed people that fhall dwell with fuchaGod.Andmarkcthc reafoiuhacisrendrcd.whicb is partly in thcle words, that he faith, the firft things are palled : and partly in the words that follow,and hec that fate vpon the throne faid, Behold I make all things new. The firft things, that is, the ftate in which the world is nowjis very gricuous and lamentable. Sinne is committed, for the diuell hath a kingdome.horrible confufion,and afflictions doe follow. But all thefe for-« tner things fhall pa(leaway,and themoH mightie and hoIyGodmakcthall new. Ye fee that the words be plaine,which open the reafon ofthe remouing of all euill . from theele6l of God : and now that we maybe out of all doubt, for the certain- lie ofthe matter here is added: And he fayd vntome, write, for thefe words are faithfull and true. Saint lohnis willedio fet it downe in writing, that the words arc faichfuli and true» And againe,it is the etcrnall and vnchangeable God, w hich iscxprcflcdinthisihathccfaithilam AlphaandOmega, the beginning and the endjthat confirmeth it with ihislpeech,It is done. Things to conie,which are de- creed in the counfell of God,are as ccrtaine as ifthey were part:for the Lord God cannoterre, neither can hee alter and change, neiihef can any hinder his decree. Looke what he hathderermined before the world.he may fay iongbefore it come to pa{re,itisdone,forit cannot be altered : andifhcfayit is done,although we fee no likelihood yet we may ground vpon his word,cuenasfurely,asif weefavv the things fulfilled before our eyes. Now after he hath thus ratified vnto vs the full eertaintie of thefe things,touch- ingthenew heaucns,and the new earth, and thehoiy ciiie, with the happie eftate-' of thofc that (hall dwell in it, hee addeth certaine promifes, which declare on the one part what manner ofperfons (hall enter and dwell in if.and on the other part a thrcatning (hewing whoQiaUbee chruft out,and calUnto hell. Thefirflpro- mifc is in thefe words,Tohim that is a thirft,^^ ill I giueof the well of the water of life freely.Here is eucrlafting life prom iff dvndcr a figuratiue fpeech, which is,thac- It (hall be giucn vntomen to. drinke of the well ofthe water of life. Men for thei;^. vfc in this naturaUJife, doe draw waters out of v\ ellcs, and frefli fprings. Accor- dingly he fpeaketh here ofthe fpirituallhfe which is giuen of God in Chrift ; The Lord God is the fountaine of liuing water5,and be hath put the life into his fonnc,: who is the well of the wat crs of life vnto vs For thii s he fpeakcih of himfelfc: If a- ny man ihirrt.Iet him come vnto me anddrinkc ; Hethatbcieeucibin me,as faith- thcScripture.outof bis belhe (hall flow riucriof watetof lifc.Ioh.7.ver^37.58,- Whatthewatcrsofllftare,thcEuangelift (hcwcib intlie next vcrfcof that fe- uenth. chapter, faying, this Ipake he ofthe loirit, thatthey vvhich belceucd in hiiTv f flioul^i 41? SERMONS VPON (houldreeeiue. It is tbena fpirituall and an Hcauenly life which is licrcpromifed. Andyemuftobferuejthatit is giuen freely. If itwereby mansdefert^how fiiould it be faidjl will giiic him of the well of the water of life freely? Is that oiuen freely, which men doe earnc/jnd may challenge as their due ? Indeed the holy Scriptures fomtimes vie this phrafcjihat men are to buy thole fpiritual things. As in Efay 55. All that thirft are cjflled to the waters, they are willed to come and buy. But it is addcd^that they may buy without filuer,and without any price : they buy for no- thing. True it is,that he which forfaketh^and i s readie to ioofe all earthly pleafures and commodities 10 aitaine to the ioyes of heauen,may after a fort be layd to buy them. Yet ncucrtheleffe, the Lord giueththem freely: eternall life is the gift of God. Nowthechiefc thing that wee are to markedooth yet rcmaine, andthatis to whom the Lorde will giue to drinke of the well of the water of life, which is cx- prcfTed in one word,to him that is a thirft.The Lord promifeth to giue the waters oflife: but to!ioone,buttofuch as be a thirft.The meaning of this isplaine,that there fhall not any be partaker of this heauenly bleliing, but fuch as doe carneftlie . couet and feekc after it. When a man is in a great heatc,and fore a thirft,ye know ^^fbat a vehement defire hee hath of fomewhatto quench his thirft. And fo the Lord to exprefie the vehement de/ire of heauenly and fjiirituall things which is in thefaithfulljhccallethitihirft. Yc know how our Sauioarfpcakcth,Mat,5.Blef- fcd arc they v\hich hunger and thirft after righteoufnes, for they fhall be fatisfied. The Lord God offreth exceeding great and precious things ; fuch as do not thirft after them,are defpifcrs,and doe fct light by them, and no dcipifer fhall be parta- ker of the heauenly glory. Ye know the parable of the king that maried his fonne, and fcncfoorthtocall them that were bidden, and how they being addicted to their worldly cares and pleafures, fet light and made excufcs,Maith.2 2 . Luk. 1 4. Vvhichmen ncuertaHeofthatfupper. Alfo ye know what the Virgin Mary fayth inhcrfong: Hchath filled the hungrie with good things, & the rich he fcnt away cmpric. Who arc thofe rich,butall they that are full within them{elucs,and doc not feele their wants ? Then is it euident (beloued) that the firft fteppe vnto true bleffednesjis to know and to feele our miferie. For before fuch time as wee feele our wrcrchednes,eucn what wee arc fubicil vnto through our (innes,wee cannot couet remcdie. For w ho leeketh remedie for that euiU w hich he doth not fcele nor fcarcPIf weecome indeedefor to fee and to feele how curfcd wee arc in our vn- cleannes,and withall to know that the Lord hath giuen a rcmedie,wc fhall vehe- mently third after the famc,eucn as after liuing waters for to rcfrefh vs. Will not z wife man then enquire how he may know his miferie, and fo be brought to thirft afrcrthe liuing waters ? Surely (as I fayd) it is the fii ii fteppe. We arc in our felucs full of all vncleannes, and fuch as dorh make vslothfomc and abominable before the Lord God: but wearefo blind that vvc doe not pcrceiuefomuch,butfvvclI in pridc.as if we were very excellent, anddcfpifc thofaluation of God, He therefore that will know birofelfcjmuff c r me to the word bt (iod*: for by that he fhall fee what he is. fbetcis clcerciip^l^tfthereis puritic and dcanncs required; there a man (haU THE REVELATION. 4T7 nianfindeoiitaUthcfoulerorcsanddeforrnitiesof thefoule.and all thcfpirituall dileales of bodie and minde. There he fhall finde,that except he hauc rcme«]ie. he is vndcr the curie and wrath of Godj and vetcily forlonie. If heconccta(k how fweete the Lordis,by thatliucly vvorde, hee will thirfl flili exceedingly for more. For afliire your felucs^that the more a man taflcth the waters of lifc,ihe more he is achirft : and therefore the Lord doth not fay, I will giuctohimthatwasa thirfl, and hath now his thirft qucnchcd,but to him that is a thirft. If any fhali dcnjaund and fay, how can that be, that the more a man taftethofthofe waters of life, the more he fl"iall thirft ? or if it be fo, what benefit is it to tafte, when the taftingdoth not queiKhbut increafe thirft ? I anfwerejthat the waters of life are fo exceeding fweete and comfortable, that whofoeuer hath once tarted fomedrop of them, hislbule is inflatrjcd and rauifhed with the delire pftnore,3nd fo he thirfteth more vehemently. He that neuer tafted any droppe of ihem,knowcth not of any fuch thing,and fo neuer thirftcth. And this is the realbn why fome men doe vehement- ly couct to reade the holy Scriptures,and to heare them exp®unded,feeking daily to quench a thirft which is in them. And others there bee whichhaue no delight at all in the word of God, as hauing no thirft to be quenched : they read not; they defpifeto heare fermonSjtheyhaue no meditation. If they did know themfclues what exceeding miferie they bcin,anddidbutfeelefome refrefhing bythc word, they would doc the fame thing which now they eff eeme to be follie and madncs in others. They laugh,thcy fcoffe, and mockeatihofe whom they feetofrequent holy exercifes of religion. And it may be they will fay.what arc they the neerer for all their running,iftheir thirft be not quenched,but daily more and more by their hearing increafed ? I anfwcr,that the more the thirft increafeth in men while they liue here,the more they be blefiCed : not that the very thirfting it felfe is a matter of bleHcdnes : but becaule thepromifeis,thatthe thirftie fhall be fatisfied. The Lord God dothgiuefome droppes now of thofe fweete waters vnto the thirftie foules: which although they inflame their thirft, yet they be comforted exceedingly by them,and rcfrefhed,in as much as they be affured by them,tiiat they fliall come to the full well oFthofe waters of life where they fhall be fully fatisfied. Markcwcll then beloued,who they be that fliall be faued,euen thofe that be a thirftithey hauc tafted.and they feeke daily for more. Examine thine ownecftate: docftthou not thirft? Ifthoudoenotjthineeftate ib very bad.Thou knowcft not thy mifcrie.thou defpifeft the graces of God: thou fhalt neuer drinke ofthe well of the water of life, vntili fuch time as thou doeft thirft. What fhould I ft and here to fpcakeof the mi- ferie of thefe times, in which the deerc light of the Gofpcll dothfhine, fhewing the fountaineofthc waters of life,and calling vpon men to come to them,andthe multitude are not a thirft? Few therebe which thirft indeedc, andtheybe hadi"n derifion,and much hated. Doe ye not fee there be many which neuer reade oucr fo much as the new Teftament in their life, nor once in theweeke, care eitherto reade or to heare fo much as one chapter ofthe Bible ? If the word of the Lord be preached euen by their eioorcs, the leaft bufines, and eucn the mcanefi pleafure doth keepe them backe from hearing. Is the promlfe of life made vnto fuch ? Ee Then 4X8 SERMONS VPON Then followeth the other promifc in theic words: He that oucrcemmcthfl-i all inherit all things,an- liue.intoeucrlarting woe and perdition. Itmaybedeniacnded; are thefe all the forts which arc ou'crcome? are there not many other wicked perfonsv* hich are ouercome of the worId,and of the prince of the world, and by him led away vnto hell ? Here is no mention of proud perlbns.of couetous, nor of blafphcmers, hec fpcaketh not of rraytors and rebcls.nor of fucb as difobcy and diflionor their pa- rents: here is not any wordof theeues, of vfurers, excortibucrs, and irreligious pcrfons: nor of many other. T anfwcre. that it is not the minde and parpofeof the holy Gholljto name particularly all forts of wicked pcrfons v>hich are vanqui- flied by finne and S3tan,and led a way captiue to hell: but naming fome,all the reft arc vniierdood: as ifit were addcd,ali thclc and 1 iich like. Morcouer.v.e may note ihacfomeof tbcparticularscxprcircd be very largc^ and may contaiiiemany : as namely, THE REVELATION. 4Tp namely,vnbclceucrs,and abominable reach farre, tliey may include all manner o> tngodly men. But a little to rhe words : he fpeaketh oF the gloric of conquerors, and of thcendlcs miferic ofthofc which arc conquered. And bccaufc that fearc- full pcrfous arc not fit for warrc,but are cafily oucrcomCjtic bcoinncih with ihcra among the captiucs. The fcarcfull arc {hey which fcarc men more then God, contraric to that precept of our Saiiiour,Matth. I o. Fcare not them that kill the bodic.but are not able to kill the foulc; but fcare him rather which is able tode- firoy both foule and bodie in hell. The holy religion and worfliip of God is ha- ted andperfccuted in thcworld : and ye baucmany which 'Aili profefTcit no fur- ther,thenthey may gofafe and free from thehatredand dirplcafiireofmen. Thcfc ftaremanaboucGodjtheybeouercomcby Satan, and led to hell. Allvnbelec- uers wantpovv^er to oucrcomc the world, and arc held captiuc. Through vnbe- Icefc they arc not fan6lified,but dcfpifeGod and hisjcrueth,they be couetous,thcy be proudcjthcy be full of mod foulc abominations, and lothfomely doe ftinkc in the fight of God. All malitioushaiefullperlbnsare murthercrs: fuch as be led with vncleanelufts bcadultcrers: witches and forcercrs there be of fundrie forts: the fupcrftitious idolaters which worfhip with mans inuentions,that receiuc the very doctrines of dmels,andfoindeede worrhipdiucls,areioyncd with them : all that flaundcr or deceiue with falfehood and |ycs come in among them, and arc led to- gether as prifoners into the lake that burneth with fire and brimftonc,which is the fecond death. Beloued^ifit bcfo, as Thoppyc doubt not, let vs fight valiantly to get the vi(5ioriej that we may efcape from thedanger of this lake of fire and brim- Hone,and reignc as conquerors in eternall gloirie. There is no one of vs but fhall be tempted vnto many finncs : but let vs refift manfully, our labour therein fliail be blelicd. Thus much for this time. THE XLVII. SERMON. CHAP, XXL p %y4nd there came vttto me one ofthefeugn AngeU^hich had thefeuen vials fnllofthefetienlasi fUgttes^andtiilkedwithme,fiymg,come Iwifl Jhew thee tbehridejtheLambeswife, \0 Andhe cariedme^^^ i» thejpirit vnto a great and an high mauntaine^ and hel/hetped me thatgr^at cities that holj Jerttfalem defcending oHt of heanen from God. 1 1 Hauiug the glory of God -y and her fhimng was like vnto aflone moUpreeioHS^ ^ a laffer flone,cleere as ChriflaH, 12, tAndhadagreatwaUmhtgh^aadhadtwetuegates^aHdat th^gateitmlfte St t 420 SERMONS VPON jitigeUt4ncithe names written phich are thetwehe tribes of the childreti of Ifraef. 13 Ofi the EaTt part there were three gat es^ and on the NorthfJe three gates, onthe South ftde thfeegates,and on the WeHfide three gates, .14 A^dthe wailof thecittehadfepelus foHndationSi and in them the names of tiheLanthestvcelue yipoflles. I < And he that ta/kedmth me had a golden reed^to meafure the citie withaH^ and ihegates thereof and the wall thereof 1 6 And the citie lay fonref^uare^and the length of it is as large as the breadth of it ,and he meafmsdthe citie mththereed trvelae thouf and furlongs ^ and the len(rih^andthe breadth, and the height of it are equall, 1 7 And he meafwred t he wall t hereof an hundrethfortte and f our e cubit esjby t he meafttreofman,thatu^Qfthe Angell. --• '■ ^-' < .-• •-■'^i 1 8 eAfnd t he building of t he-wall of it was of laff errand the cii^Hi^aif^r^^bfd^' /tkevntocleereglalje. -il/ .r. ■> 1 9 And I he foundations of the Wall of the citiewere garmfbed with aS maner of precious floves : the firH foundationwas laffer : thefecondofSaphire: the thirdofaChalcedonie.'thefom-thof anEweraud. 2 Thefift of a Sardonix: thefht of a Sardim : thefeuenth of a ChryfdlHe : the eyght of a Beryll ; the niHihofa Topaz,e: the tenth of a Chryfoprafus'i the eleuenth of alacinth: thftwelfih tiit AmdthyFf. ^"t^^^Svl ,mf/ .> -i^.r^'A 1 1 And the twelue gates were tweltte pearlesAndeuery gdteis of a pearle, and theflreete of the citie is pure gold like fly ininggla^e. 12 And I faw no temple thp-ein^for the Lord^od tAlmightteandthe Lambe init'.arethetewpleofit, ,j: - . .: - 23 9yind this citjhath noneede of the Sunne^ neither of the Moonetofi)ine \.r fof the glory of ^oddtdUghtii:andthe Lambe is the light of it» 24 AndthepebplewhicharefaHedp^allwalkeinthe light of it :andtheki>^gsof the earth jJjall bring their honour andgloryvnto it. 1 y Andtheg»tesof irfijallnot be /hut by day, for there pjallbe no night there, 2 6 And theglorie a.nd honour eft he Gentdejjhallbe brought v^tto it. ij ty^nd there P^aU enter into if. no vncUan^ thing, neither whittfoeuerwor' kethabomtnation, or lies i^b^t they vrhieh Are written in the Lambes boek« .fhfi. ■ ^^v =*^ • ■, jHchoIy fcriptures,beloued,doe fet forth that' fhc godly fliall I'dwell with the Lord as it were inacitic-A^yceniayrfade, jHcbr.T I . that Abraham,! faacjand^aaliS^VivvctlecyttlKiiM, ■ iarile land of promire aa ia a (kan^d Fjm^/ifnd lobked'for a [ citie that hath foundations/A hofe builder andfrarwef is God. || Saint Panic aHq(aith, that our Po//ftf»?»<« Is in the heauehs, ^^TT^^^j, Phil.3 . which istrannaiehcr. The prophets then being fir ft, why arc the Apoftlcs named for all ? The reafon is, that the do(5lrine ofthe Apoftlcs touching Chriftismorccleere,the the do6frinc ofthe- Prophets. Moreoucr, yecmay fee that the number oft welue ismuchvfcdinthis: prophccie. It folio wetbjhc that talked with me had a golden recdto mcafure ihecity with- alljandthegatesthercof, and the wall thereof It is one great difcommoditicinai dtie,if it be fo that the inhabitants be fcanted for roome : for then one doth annoy- nn other. In this heauenly citie, there fhallbeeno fuch annoyance, but roome e-. jiough THE REVELATION. * 42^ noiigh for all to dwell moft commodioully. Now to rcprcfcnt this^thccitie muft bcmcafured, that the largcnes thereof may bceknownc. And for that caufc the Angell hath a golden rccdc to meafurewiihall. Itwasthemnncrin fomc coun- tries where ihofe great rccdesdid grovve,to vfcthcm lor mcaluring polcs,bccaii{e they were very light and fit for fuch a purpofe. Therefore tlic f ncaiming pole here iscalledareede, nocwithftanding he faith it was of gold. All things arclb preci- ous about this citic,that the very meafuring rod is of pure gold, which it isto be nieafurcd withall. And then it is faid^that the citie lay fo'jrerquarc,''and the length of it is as large as the breadth of it.This fetteth forth thefituation and proportion oFthe citie by a fquarc figure: in which the length andbreadth arc all one. If ye bedellroiisto Ifnow what is fignified hereby, markc but a little. Around thing may bee rolled and moiled outofthe place more cahlie then a-fquaie.T hat which (kndethfquare ftandcth faft and vnmoueable. When Iiec faithiherefore that this citie lay foure fquare,it reprefents, that it (iandeth fall: for eiierandcuer.Theftrongeft built ci- ties that euer haue been vpon the earth^haiiecome to ruine and decay; but the hea- uenly habitations arc durable. It is one^reat and fpeciall comfortj fur all the god- ly to know, thattheir habitation is fo furely founded by their Lord God alirsigh- tie, that it cannot be moued. This is itwhichisfpokenin the Epiiiletothe He- brewcs,chapteri2.verfe2 8. Wherefore rcceiuing akingdome that cannot bee {haken,let vs haue grace,whereby we may fo fcruc God.that we may pleaf e him. Then the citie is meafured,and ic is twelue thoufand furlongs. This is a very large citie if yccountthcmile^^ Eight furlongs are a mile, ib that the whole commcch to a thoufand and fiuehundreth miles. And then it feemeth.euidentthat he mea- furedbutonefqu2re,becaufethe fdure fquares were equall. Then if one fquarc were 1 2 . thoufand furlongs,the whole is fonre times f© much, and then the com- pafle about of the whole citieis fixe thoufand miles. Here may a qucdion be mo-, juedjbecaufe it is euident by the word of our Sauiour Chrift, that the multitude of the damned doth farre cxceedeihe multitude of thofc that fhall be faued. For he faith, the way is ftreight, and the gate narrow wiiich leadeth vnto life, and fe we iherebethatfindeit. But the way is broad and the gate wide that leadeth vnto ■deftrudlion,andmany walkcmit. If thisbefo,howcommethit thathell isdc- fcribed to be fo farre leffe then heauen ? For Chapter the 1 4. the great wine fatcc of the wrathof God (which is hell) is troden,and he faith blood came out by the fpaccof a thoufand and fine hundreih furlonos. Here is a great difference. 1 an- fwer that the multitudes in hell are caft in together en heapcs, as cluflcrs ofgrapes into the wine pre(re,andlliall not haue large and commodious dwelling, but be there as. it were prefled together: But in heauen the citizens fhall haue large and cpitimpdiotis dwelling, there fhall bee no ftreightnes : thereihall bcnoannoy- anccjthe citie iscapable of them all. Butnowyc.aretoobfcruc, that it is not the purpofe of the holy Ghofl to fet forth thciufl, and ful.lcompafle oftheheauenly lerufalam (tor itisvnmcafiira- bletoouicapacitie) but by this great meafu re, hegiuethvsas it wcfefoiiKtaftc ^^4 SERMONS VPON of thelafgftnes thereof. And this number of iwelue thou fane! is vfed.b^raulc in thisbookeaHis asyee may fee by twelucs. That number is chofen,bccaufe of the tvvdue tribes of ifiael. The citie being of fo wondcrfull a breadth andJcnqth, this is wonderfuli that he faidijthe length, die breadth, and the heightof it arc c- quall. Here isa mol^ diuinevvorkemandnp.herc is a large roonie for habitation, wee muftnot thinkc of this citic after any earthly maner. For how can any thing bcebuilt fo high^ but by the almightic power of God ? The wall then is rrjeafurcd, and found to bee an hundreth fortic and foure Cubites. Concerning tihelcngthof the wall thofe tvveliiethoufaad furlongs, fet it foorth. And tou- ching the height, he fayd it was equal! with the length : then this is to bee taken of thethickcnes of the wall. The number of the Cubites doth arife of cwelue times tweluc. And this is to declare the inuincible ftreiigthof the wall. What can pearce through this wall.. What can bring any danger vnto the inhabitatns of this citie. They are pro£eal enter into thiseitie,we mul^ be purged in our hearts from an euil - confcicnce,and we muft lead an holy life.Thc Lord graum vs that grace^ Amen, 428 SERMONS VPON THE XLVIIL SERMON. CHAP. XXII. • 1 And be fhervedme a pure rifter ofvoater of life , clear e as ckryflatt, proceeding out ofthe throne of^odtand of the lam^e, 2 In middefl oftheflreet ofity and of either fde of the riuerrvas the tree of life, which bare tveelne maner offruits^andgaMe fruit euerj moneth.-andthe leauet efths woodferuedtoheaiethe Gentiles, 3 ylnd I here Jh all bs no more curfejbtit the fe ate of God and oft he lamhefhaU be in it^and his feruAntsfjallferpte him. .4 And they pjaU fee his face, and his namefhallbe written in their foreheads, 5 ty^nd there (hall be no night, and they neede no candle ^ neither t he light of the funne: forthe Lorde Godgiueth them light y andrihey fhaHraignefor ener- more, 6 Andhe faidvnto me^ thefefayings are faithfuR and true ^ and the Lord (jodof the holy prophet sfent his hcn th^y bee vnburdencd of this corruption. This feiuicc of the Lord fliall bee no ba!i thin^ nor any bondage :bucamoft honorable and glori- ous THE REVELATION. 431 ' oi!S freedom^ for the fcnjicc ofour God(as wc vfc to fay J,is perfc(5t freedom. Si n and corruption.cuen the vanitie ofour owne mindes doth nowe hold vs fo vnder, that vvc can not feruc h'lm peifcd tly, but we (lulbe fct free from the yoake thereof and f hen, as I faid, our feruice fhalbc perfed". Then when the feruicc and the o« bedienccisperfedl^fothatthcrcfhalbcnofpotoffinnc, all daungerand fcare of curfc, or fcpararion is remoucd. He fayth further, they {"hall fee his facc>and his name fhalbe written in ihcic foreheads. Thcrebcegteatpriuilcges, and fuchas accompany true bleficdnes, and are far remoucd from curie. Our Sauiour faiihjbleffed arc the pure in hart for they fliali fee God, Math, j . To bee in Gods prefcnee, and to bee able to behold him with icy and comfort, as the holy Angels do behold him, is Co perfect and fo high an eilate, that well it may bee brought in as a reafon to fhewe, that in that heauenlycitie there can be none fubie^ to the fearc of anycurfejefpeciaU ]y when ihey /"ball beare his name in their foreheads as bis peculiar. The wic- ked in fomelbrtflialJ fee and behold the glotieoftheLorde God r but not with any ioy therein, bikt vvithextreame horror and torment". For then Oi all they per* ceiue what a glorious diuine maieftie ihcy haue difpifed. O beloucd , here is a waightic matter, euen this, that wee(ifvve be wife) endeuour with all the mighc and power that we can to be pure in heartj that fo wee may attaine to this high blefling, to fee God. Wee are full ofimpurc things^and our heartsfraught with cuili defires of the fleflijfeeke to haue them punned out, and to be replenifhed wkhtheheauenly gifts and graces ofthe holy fpirit. Andnowcbee condudetb the defcription ofthe heauenlyioyes, with this Icntencc, there Qialbee no night, and they neede no candle, nor the light of the funne : for the Lorde.God giuctb them light, and they Qiallralgncfor cuermore.,, Thcie wordes containe great and high matters, and haue no difHculty in them. The glorious light of heauca is fetforthjthatthecedialbc no night, no neede of a candle , nor the light of thcfunne : becaufe the Lorde God who in brightnes infinitely extcedeth all- lights riiailfliinevpoiitiiem and lighten them with his glorie. Here is againc the light of heauen. And thcotherclaufeaddeth, and they fliall raignefor cuer- more. It hathbeenefl-ie wed before v^■h3t a life they fhould liue,and howe they fhould (erue God without all feare ofdanger, and nowe in a wordc hee touchctb the glorie and honor of their life: they fhall raignefor euermore. Whoraigne but kings ?Tbey be then all as grcatcand^honorable kings. Wnat {ball not all this quicken and Itirvp our fpiritcs? Shall not allchis moue vs to feeke after the. true know ledge of God, and after ipirituallthinges? If this I fay can not moiic vs to the feave and feruice ofGod, what are we ? Howe dull and howe fenfeles- mayitbe thoiishE.wceareMbeieechj'ereadeouerfometimesby your fc lues the delcrtption pfthcheauenly glorie which is in the former chapter and in the be- ginning of this.. Ti>e wordes are plaine and cleare. Ye Oiall euen at the firl^ /ighD behokiihcricheiT, the plcafante^, and the mof^ glorious thinge that euer yee. heardof. Lcctlieloue, and dciWofitpofleflc your heartes. jfyc will feeke, it is- fet-berofeycCjGodhaihpromifedtogiucit, vnto all that Ipngc after it. Hi^ therto^ 4|a SERMONS VPON theitowchauehadthedefcription ofthc hcauenly lerufalem, to declare the hap- pines and olorie that cbe faincs of God (hall liuc in for euer. Now we come to theconclufion of this prophecie.lt is agcncrall conclufion, confiding otdiuerspoyncs, whereof] haue read the firflvntoyee, uhichis tofet foiih^to confif me and to ratifie theauthoritie of this booke. And ye fhall fee that here arcfonre things brought for the fame.The firft is the affirmation of the Angel in thefe.v^ ords, and he faid vnto me, thefe fayings arefaithfuU and true. In thelc- cond, we haue the auihoritie ofthc high God^the God of the holy prophets which fenc his Angell to {"hew to his feruants, things that muft Oiordy be fulfilled. Then nexcthc Lord lefiis is brought in,who faith he will come fliortly,andtherforepro- nnunccththem blelTedjWhrchkeepe the words ofthis prophecic. And laftly^Sainc lohii teQifietW^thathee heard and fa we them. But let vs come to euery poynt par- ticularly. Firll, that the An gcllaffirmeth, fay ingjthefe words arc faithfull and true : it may bcfjyd, what needeth this aflcueration, whodoubtcthofthcm? Doe not all that proreficthenameofour Lord lefus Chriii acknowledge that this prophecie is the vndoubted word ofGod ? I confefTe men doe in fome fort acknowledge, that the wordcs of this booke are iaithfull and true : but if we looke narrowly to the mat- ter, we Oiall find that men doe not beleeue them to be faithfull and true. He faith, that the bookcs flialbc opened, the bookes of mens confcience, and that men fhall be iudged according, to their deedes. This booke doth alfo plentifuliy (hew, what horribie tonrients of hell are prepared for wicked deedes.Doe men ihinke yee bc- leeuethis? Would they then commit whoredomcs,iheftes, and penuries? would they liuc in malice, inenuie, and hatred? would they defpife God, andliueinall wicked vvayes !? would they lie and flaunder, and commie allfilthic abominati- ons?] will tel I yee how they doebeleeuc. We know fay they, that all men fliall coaretoiudgement. We know thefe things are euill whichvvedoe. Weknovv that hell i? prepared for finners,but God is mercifull,and we will crie God mercy. Doth this booke fay,that men may commit all manner ofwicked deeds, and then if they crie God mercie they fhallbefaued ?No,it fayth euery man fhal beiudged accordingto his deedes. And doth not Chrift tel! vs, that not euery one that fayth LordjLord,l]iall enter into thekingdomeofheaucn, but hce that doth the will of my fatiicr which is in heaucn.Yea but fhall not a finner if he repent be pardoned ? Doth not the word ofGod makcplentifall promifes that way ? There is no doubt but that whofbcuer hath true repentance.hc flialbe faued.But we njufl vndcrftand thu repentance i; not in manspower,it is the gift ofGod.For thus it isjwhere there isnot thefjViriteof God, wlierc there is not thetruefaith which that (pirite wor- keth,thercisnct,norrherccannot bee any true repentance. Then further, this is mortccrtaine^ that where linne doihraigne, andamanisgiuenouer vntofilthie viccs^thcrfris'noc in chatman the grace otGodjthere is not the true faith.His deeds doe ckchi^c th.1t he is i-oid ofthe fcare ofGod, his workes do fhew that he hath no true faith.. Then yon kno vthat theprayeroffuchaman cannot bee acceptable, forthc Scripture iaith^hispraycris abominable to the Lord. This man hath com- mitted THE REVELATION. 455 mitccd bcapesof abominable finncSj lyeth fickc?, afidfeai'eth the tottWents ofhcll, ' and fbrtbefamcdotht!rcmbIc?iiTdj(^ijdce.- YcahcVvct^ietliaridcrykri Gocl mcr- ' cic, what is he the better if his prayer be abominable ? He hath no hope but in this," that he will crie Godmercie, and what is he the better ifhis prayer be not heard? The Lord fihcweth plainlie,& threacncth,that he will not heare the prayers of fucb wicked men,Efayi.andProucrb.r. Whcnaminhathprouokedthe LordGod to wrath, fh all he by and ;by ac his pleafurc haue the fpirit of God and true f»ich^ Shall he at pleafure be regenerate inthencwand fpirituall birth? for without that no man can be faiied,Iobn 3 . Bcloued,Iet not men predimptucufly commie wic- Jcednesvpon thisbopc that they will crie Godmercie: butlet them belceue the words of this booke,thac men for their vngodlydccdes, in which they baue-defpi- fcdGodiJiall bccaftimo the torments of hell; And let all that willdcalewifelic' fcekcfpeedily fortrilfercpentancei andfec if they can obtaincif. The multitude of the wicked damned fouies, whicharenow in bell, fome for pride, couetoufncs, a.ndextortion,fome for drunkennes gluttonic,and lecherie,others forh3tred,ma- licc,and fuch like,did all know that the things wereeuill which they committed, and prefumcd vpori this, we willctie God mercie at our cndv Surely ifit were fo, that when men haue committed all wicked deeds, ithey might by and by wafii a- way all with a few wordes, the way to hcauen iliould-be abroad way and^afie to find, quite contrarieto that which our Sauiour hath taught. Therefore bcloucd, know ye for certaincie,tbat the wordes ofthis prophecie be faithfiill and true in c- ucry part : andfo in thiSjthat they which leadean holie life fiiall be partakers ofthc ioyesofheaucnyand they that commit wiclced deeds iTi all forthefame,be caliinto' the torrpenis of hell. The moft gracious Lorde make vs wife tobelccue thefe ihings,that we be noticduced. For then vndoubtedly wee (hall efchew the foule Tices which wedded ayly committedeuen withcontemptof God :and wee fliall bcftudiousofgood workes, that wee may enter into that holy citie,and haue out part in that bleffed fellow fhip* Come then to the fecond whicJh is the auchoritic of the God of the holy prophets. , Thefumme of the matter cometh to this in eftecH', that this prophecie isofc- quall auchoritie with the Prophecies ofthe prophets which were of olde,a«d fball as certainly in eu^ery matter contained therein be accomplifhcd in the tlmc,as they were in iheirs.The bookes of Mofes, and of the other prophets w hich prophecieH ofthingsto Gom^j are iuftly heldein mo(i high andfacredauthcritie, asthe vn-^ doubted. word ofGpd.' Then is this.booke tobce held in the fame account, in a« iTiuch asihe (ame God euen the God ofthofe holy prophets,istheaUtlK)irof ir:for befenthis Angelltofhew the things which are vttered in it. Then touchini', that one point, namely that this booke is to Hand equall with cheolde prophecies,in as much as that fame God ofthofe holy prophets fent his Angell now in this, 1 need to (peake no further. ; . The other point is, that as the Prophecies of thofeold prophets were al fulfilled in their time, fo {liall euery thing in this.In Efay, in leremiejn Ezechiel,ih Darii- cl,andiu the rcil, ye (liall find many things which the Lord (hewed by them lung Ff' time 454 SERMONS VPON tip>c before, tli^ylliouldeomc to pafle. And among other matters there was firfc- fiWvy? djhow; ihc^people of Ifracll flioUld gp into captiui[tie,ho^M long they fliould continue,& what great calamities iliould come vponthcm after their returne out of capttuitic ,by diuers wicked tyranty.Ycfhallhndjthatthere was not one word that fell to the ground pfall thofc things which the Lord fpakebythofe hisholy fi^ru^ntSybuc that indeede euery thing wds fulfilled in their feafoo . Euenfo , con- cerning, this booke, there be many things forefliewcd in ic,and they fhallallbc fulfilledAsour Sauiour faid,Heauenand earth fhallpafle, but one title oriotc ofchelaw d^all not paffe, vntill all be fulfilled, Math. 5. So afllire your felues, this propheciecommingfrotBthcfamcGod,nooneiote ofiifliall paflevnful filled , He thaccan looke into the times that are paftjfinccthis prophecle was giuen,fh al find that all things hauc fallen out agreaWc to the prophecie off this bookc , And V?e miyaffureour felues that the things which renaaine,{liallvndoubtcdly come topafle. loynethis booke then to the other prophecies of the fctipture,bothin authoritievndoubted andiacred, andalfoforthe certaintieoftbe fulfilling the words of it. ilii^o^v)/*/ :■ -mikI; :;iii i£fli 'horA He bd^'Jhil.fia;)- bfic,; .-ii This latter may leade vs rothe fbrnier. For tfueit is, that the authortt4e 6fih\s- bookcwas in old time called hitb-qUethonbyfomcibut if there were none otbet- thing to perfwade vsjtouching the authori^ie thcreotitlns mi-^ht fuffice. that euery* thing hath fallen out from time to time.euen as this prophecie did forcHiew. It is our great negligcnce,that wedoenot dcerly Ice fo much. Well, then to conclude this Iccondpoyntjthcauthoritie of this prophecie is equal with the prophecies that* were of old in rhd timeofthelavve.andfhaH as certainly be fulfilled a > they were." Then in thetbirdpIaccthcLord Icfusisbrought-intoratifie-it, faying, behold!^ come fhoily.blcffed is hethat kccpcththe words of this prophecie. This as ye fee* confifteth oftwo branches, the one, that Chrift faith he vvil tome (hortly; the o- ther,hovv well it fhall go with them which keepe the words of this prophecic.BLt' what doth the comming of Chrift feruc to the matter in hand? It toucheththci matter moft neerely : For at his comming the f;illaccomp|i(hmGnt fhall be of all' thhvrs thatarcberc written. Athis coming men flisl find indeed,'thatthe words of this bcoke are trae.Thcn fhal ye fee the kingdom of the great Arrtlthrift fully caft" down,&y ful mcafure ofGods wrath poured forth vpon al hrseniiTlie.^::hen fhall yc find.y al wicked men flialbe dcllroycd m hel as this book defcribetb.Thc glo- ry of the church fhall then bereuealed,fothat wee fliall then b&e brongherotHe' perfc6t fighCjthat they be blcfTcd which keepe the words of this prbjiheci^.ftis btif a little while before this fhall come to paflfe, for he faith; behold Icomiefhortly'? Well then,letysrtand faft for alittlctime, and all controutrfiesdiallbeedecided , Here is ftriuin» and contcnding.lierc is cauilling and much deprauingofthe word of God, and all to leade the people into error and fupcrflition, and to make them imbracc the dodlrineofche great Anrichritt:but let men learn'eto know the do-' d^rineofthis prophccie.and to Hand in it,and they fball find and fceic at the com- ming of Chrift ^ that they are therein bleflcd, What an encouragement ought thif to be vntovsris there any thing to bee preferred bcforcirueblcflcdncsPItJsfayd in THE REVELATION. 455 HI the beginning ofchis book e,Ble fled is he that i;eadeth,and blcficdatc they that bf are the words ofchis ptophccic,and keepc the things \whjch arc written in it : for the time is.athande: Andhcreinxhecoticlufion the Lord kfuspronouncerhthc faine thing againe. Shall we dicn bclceuc the popifh companic which affirme that this book is notto be mcdled withal ? Nay let vs know that the anthority ofit is fa- cred and holy.and not onely chat (for Co much the papiOs do confe^e) but alfo that it is a right profitable booke for all the feruants of God to bee excrcifcd in : vvhic h (hall euidcntly appeare at the comming ofChrift. Seeing then beioued, thatthis is confirmed vntovsdouble,let it flirre and moue our jnindivnto the doubling of •our care and diligence. This ought to be, fbrwhydoththe Lordclfcrcpcateita- gainc? Doubtleflc we are duli,flow,and negligent,othervvire thcfefpurrcs fhould not be added ; and it will be to our great condemnation if we bcc not moucd the jnoreherebyk Fotitisthegreatkindnesofour Lordtoiliew vs wherein our fafe- tic and bJeffednes c'oafilteth, and bow great a finne is it iheni,Cd defpiieor neglect fuchkindnes? ' < , Inthe fourth place S.Iohnfettethhimfelfcasa witnes/aying,! am lohn which faw thefe things andhedrd them. His tcfiimonie is of great waight, though he be bjutaman : forbeisfuch aman asisfirmlytobebekeucdin all that heefptakcth. Hei$jin Apoft!e,aniDl+rumentof chcholy GhbS,' and fo guided byjtbefpitit;t hit he ipeakcth and vttercth nothing that ishis.ownc. He was well knoweii to tite Churches to be oneof Chritis Apofties, his authoritie among all the faithfull was throughly knowne and approued.For ye muft conlider^that looke what an Apo- ille didvtter, hcdidvtteritbutas theinftrumentofthatfp'ii'itwhichcannotcrre. When he faith therefore, I am lohn which fa w thefe thingsy'andhcard them :hec giucth vs to yndcrfland, ihai hewaiboth^afl^cyc atid an eare wittlefel' Be bringeth not matters which he hath receiucd by vncertaine report.He deliUereth this booke to the cburcheSjthey which recciue itat his bands do know him to be a moll faith- full leruantof the Lord,euen a great Apoftle, which deliuereth not any thing but that w bichhe receiueth of the Lord, and he teflifieth that h6 fa vV and heard all the things which he liath'vvJitteinthisboioic.Aodthefaithfuine'Softhis holy man doth (hew it felfe alfo cuen in this, that be for the godd of tlie Chtiiiihfpareth not to re- port his ownefault. For he tellethhow befelldowne againe to worfhip the An- gell,and how the Angell chargcth him not to do '^^rendring rcafons wherefore he might not. We had the like before in the 15?. chapter, where I handled the matter, fothat I need not but touch the matters here. It is to bee wondred at that fo great an Apofile,fb richly replenilned with the fpirite of God fliould faile in fuch a mat- ter, and efpecially the fecond time, when he had been once before forbidden. But wc muftconfider, that the vifionfhe wed vnto him were fomaruclous, and the glory of the Angel fo great, that for the time he forgettcthhimfelfe. Hcctookeit that he mufl fhew fome rcucrcnce in worfhip towards the Angell, and goeth be- yond that which is due to any creature, euen to befto w vpon a fcruai jt,3 creature, fome part of that diuinc vvorfhip^which belongeth peculiarly to the Lord the crea- Ff a tor. 45^ SERiMONS VPON tor. Forthat ismanifcft by this, tbacthe Angellhauing fljcwcdrcafbn whyhec might not doc it vmo him.as namely being his fellow fcruantj and the fellow Icr- uancofalitruebeleeuers.hewillethhimtodoeitvntoGod. Forihc LotdGod*is alone to be worfliipped withdiiiiae worfhiprand the vvorfliipof A ngels^of faints j vttcf ly by this forbidden. In the poperie they worfliip Angels and faints, yea they worfhip fmagcs,and rotten bones and reliques.andbccaufc this place is fodircd andmanifeft againii them, they fcckeall fhifts and cauils to auoyde. And \kher€a$ Saint John telleihpiain)y,that icwas oneohhc feuen Angels which had thcfeuen vials hill ofthdfcuenlaliplagucsjwhich came vntohimchapt. i/.and faid,comc I will {hew thee the damnation of the great vv horc/A'hom be chapr. i p.tcl downe lo worlliip : andlikcwife whereas he faith chap.cii.vcr.p.thcrccameoneofthofc ieuen Angels whichhadchefcuen vialsfulofthcfeuen lart plagues,andfaid,coiT)e, I. will fhcw thee the bride the lambcs wife^ whom he is about to worfliip, chap, zi. .The Icfuites cauil and fay, that S. lohn tooke this Angel to be Chrirt, fo meaui to worfhiphim with the higheft worfhip.For they would make the blmd beleeue, that there is a diuine .worfhip to bcgiuento creatures, which if lohn had-notpaf- fcd beyond takmg it to be Chrift whom he worGiipped,he fliould not hauc been .reprooucd. Their other cauill, that it may bee the Angell doth ref ufe it not ts vn- JawfuU, butbecaufehe will nottake it at the hands offo great a perfon as lohn j is itjofl foolifh. This iseuident,thatalbeit the holyApofiles touching the dcliuerie of Gods wordj did it fo perfedlly, that Saint Paul is bolde to fay, if an Angel from heauen preach vnioyou any other Gofpcll befides that i haue preached,let him bcf accurfed, Galath. i, yet were they not fo farre fan6tified as in their deeds in obey- :ing:the farnedpdrine to be as perfc<^ as the Angels.Fot the Angel reproucrblohn vvvithnpincotber dodtrine, but with that which heeknew. Wecare taught hereby hbw cafie the fall is vnto the worfhip ofexcelknt creatures, and howncccflarie a «hiug it is to crauc of the Lord God to fan^Sific and guide vs fo with his fpirity that vvc may obeythedodlrine which we know. For who did better know then-^A Saint lohtJjthatGpdonely i^ tobeworfliippedwith diuine wor{hip?' 3t^i Who did yi>dg:rtitndbetter'then We, tliat- Angels are but ./ .>jf«i*lj ie^ants of God, and that it is not lawful! to giue- 1 \r. v\ii ji v/sfD to ihcm any part of the worflhip which . ■ ' is due to their Lord ? ! , ^ .■':iii^fi;br'i3VV.iof(jn. -fai 1 ^. i roLT " '' " - b53n I Jtr! ol f)0-';('H' -l.-sIf^of^A To ' •- •••3T THE THE REVELATION. 457 THE XLIX. SERMON. CHAP. xxn. It 12 «5 I o t/indhefaydvnto mt, SsaU n«i the words ef the fro^hecit of this booke :faf the time is at hand,. He that is vniaft^ let him he vwufiJfiH : andhethxt isfi/th'te, let him be ^U thiefitH: andhethatiiiufi^Uthimbeiufiftiii: andhe that is holy ^ let him beholyjiill. And behold I came (Jiucj^j/ :aHdmyrewardismth me, that Imaygine vnto eaeryoueashiswerkePjaUbe. lam Alpha and Omega,the beginning and the endithefirji and the Idfl* Blejfed are they which keep e his commandements : that their part may be in the tree oflife:and thatsheymay enter tn by the gates into the citie, Forwithofit [hallbeedoggeSj andenchanterSy andtvhoremongerf, andrntir-- ,jJaer^/v_^S„ q iiite here what fhould. be tiKTant by this not fcaling, or ^"l^iV^^^G^ that he willeth that the bookc fhould remaine, or the '^ wordsinthcbookefhouldremainevnfealed.WcJknow there be two Special fvfes offcaling : the one is, whena fealeis fct tolbrtocon- firme and ratifie a writing : the other is, Vvhen a writing is fcalcd vp, fo that it can not,nor may not be read norknowne. Touching the former of thclc,we may not take it that the yvordsofibis prophccie muft bcvnrealedinihatfcnrerfortheybe raiified.and ratified againc. Then it muft be taken in the latter, that isto fay.feale them not vp, let them be open for all men to re2dc,tohearc, and to know. This is thepjainemeaning .• and touchingthis ye (hall rcadc in diuers places of holy fcrip- ture :Thc Lordfayth^Efay.apjVerf. 1 1 .thatthevilionftiouldbeasihc wordsofa bookelcaled vp, which they del iuered vnto one that can readc, faying^readethis I pray thee: then be (hall %, I cannot; fontisfeated. The Prophet Daniel heard fomething vtteredby the Angell which heedi^d not vriderftand, and fayd : Omy LordjWhatfliallbctbcendofihefethings? And he fayd, Goc thy way Daniel/or Ff 3 tkfe 3-' 458 SERMONS VPON- the fe things are (h ut vp and fcaled vntill the time determined, Daniel. 1 2 . Ye fee aUb before in this prophecie chap^^.the bookcfealed vvitkfeucn realcs.Thc things arc feiled vp and iecrct,and as the lealcs arc apened,ihey be openedjitcuealed and *" made knovvnc, hi the tenth chapter of this pr6phecie,tiiere isan Angel commeth dawnefrom hcaiien with a Utde bookc openin hishand: andhc crycd withai loude voyce as when a lybn roreth : and when he had cryed, feucn thunders vcte- red their voyces. And when the thunders(rayth S.Iohn) had vttercd their vruk5lcd and arrfied again!} all aflaiiks. They be thertfote rio friends, but e- ncmies to the Church of God, they bee not for Chrilibutfor AKtichrirt, which , would haucthc Words ofthis prophecickept/rom thehahdsotthepeople,andlic as it \\eve buiied. And fot your p^rt (beloued;bc notd;fcbnraqed, as iftlxj things •^'ttcrediniCAVcreibdarkcandmvftital, asthatvoudibuldiiorbceiblctoartair.c • THE revelatio;n. 4-9 to the knowledge andvndcrl^andingof thcm:but giueyour diligence wlthrc- uerend care ofminde, and you fiiall finde that true which is here fpoken, thac the words ofchis prophecie are not lealed.To thofc indecdc which haue no loiic of the tructh, noranydefirc tokiiowthewaiesofGod, butloue darVncs and delight in the vanities of- their owne i-ninde,all the whole worde ofGod almo(i,is as a book fealed vp. Euery thing almoli is hard and doubtfull vnto them. They are worthy that tly light it felie fliould be darkncs vnto them, andeuen thacby whichthcy liutnbie and fall.and are broken. - . , > . Thus! much touching that one'part ofihe conckfion ofchis prophc'cic, where- in he is willed nOt to feale vp the <\'ords ihcreof.Now let vs proceed vntothe next, which is inthefe words :He that is vniufi, let him bevniufl: ttill : andhethatis fiU thi'e, let him be filthie (till : and he that is inft, let him be iu H ftill : andhc that is ho- liCjlct him be holie H ill : and behold I come quickly, &c. One part of ihcfe words iscafie to bee vnderftood^when he fayih,hee chatis iuft, let him be iu(i (f ill,and he thatis holy, let him beeholy ftill : buthowistheotherparttobeeiakcn^hethatis vniuftjiet him be vniuft ftilhhc that^is filthie, let him be filthie ^lill ?Doth the holy Scripture allow,or encourage,or giue leaue to men to be vniurt.or filthie ? becaufc he faithjlei him be filthie Itill ? In other places the holy word ofGod callcthirpon men that bee filthie andvniurt, toturne from the euill w ayes : and here he fay tb, let them be€ filthie and vniuft ftill. 1 anfwerei here is no allowance, here is no en- couragement, here is hoJWue grauntcd vnto wicked men to c:ontinu€ id their c- oill v^aies : but in very detdeavtiy terrible thteatning, if ye take al'hbe words to- gether,andmarke vvelithc manner of the phralc. Fortaking the words, asl fayd toacther,it mult be thus : he that is filthie, let him be filthie flill, I will come fhort- \y and giue to euery one,or reward eacry one as his workes fhall be. That is.I will execute iudgement, I will powre foorth wrath and v-engeance vpon fuch perlbns. Doe ye not fee tliat here followeth(as we vfe to fay in our prou€rbe)a'fo wer (a wee to their fv\cciemeate? The Lord thrcatneth, asifhecfhouldfay, theytbatarein theirbanq^et,and taketheir-dcJightin their filthie lufts and p!eafuresoffinne,and bynomeanes will bee reliraincdjlet them alone, I will marre all their mirth ere it be long : for 1 will come and rewarde them according to their nkhines in the tor- ments of hell. Then ye may fee that this thrcatning is but in a manner ofphrafe,as when we fee one in an euill race obfiinatdy bentand fetlcd to goe forward, and willgiueearetonoholefbnle counfeIl,w^e will fay, lethimgoeon, hewillfmart for it in the end. We haue the like manner of fpccch in Ecclefiaff. chap, 1 1. where Salomon fpeakeih thus :R*ioyce young man in thy you th,and let 'thy heart chccrc theeinthedayesofthyyouthj and waikein thewayes of thine heart, and in the (ight ofthineeyes ; but know that for al ihefe things God will bring thee to iudgc- mfcnt.A man would thinkethac Salomon did encourage 3'outhvnto all vain de* lights and pleafurcs : as yee haue many men which vfe to fay, that youth will bee Bi"the youth to walkc in allpleuiutes and dcJights; butthelattcrpari do^; pinch and bite thcsr^, where hee w jllcth them to kno we fo? cef taintie, ^hai. for all- thofcthingSj God will bri:)g them toiudgenicnr. If there were noludge to call, men vnto their account ; if there were no vengeance to be executed vpon finncrs; if thercwerenotorrnents in hell prepared for cuill doer$, k yvexe the mfe\{ way, with the EpicurCj euen to follow ail thecarnail pleafure^whicha man could de- uife: but v\ hen it is fo that the end of them4s (bbittcr.iTien were b?ft to renounce iheni.Thusmay you fee,that hednthnotaJlow norgiueleauevntoai^ntqcpni'-i mit Hnnc, when he fayth, he ihm is vniuft, let him be vniult Uill,and he that is fil- lhie,Iet him be filthie Ihll : but contrariwifc,by that phrafe or mancr of fpcakingy and by flicwing that they fhall come toiudgement, threatneththc euill doers, lAtn are bold and pifefumptuous now^€uen toidefpife all bolefomc adnjonjtiops- whLchthc holy Ghoft gipeihin the word of God, and to heapc vpall miner of Cnnes and tranlgreffion : neuer looking to heare nptorc6ftheni,vv*hen they be once done and part: and readie they are for topluckeouchis throtg that fhall rebuke and adnionidi them. Let them goe on/aith the Lord^ihey fiiall ihortly come to^ their account,and receiue their dcferr. Then touchingtheotherpartof the words, hcth?tjs tuft, Ictbimbeiuftftilli and hp that is holy, let him be holy ftill : Thereis a promife included, yea^a great promife, euen to incourage and ftrengthen the godly tonOantly t.o pcoccede in tKeir godlines. It is but a little while, let them ftatkl faft and continue to the cnde which walke in the way of righteoufnes and true holinefle, they (liall haue their reward. For Icomequickely, andmy reward is with me, that I may glue euery man, as his workefhall bee. O beloued matkc w ell , how that which is a moft terrible and feue;e threatning to the wicked^ jsthe mort comfortable and ioyfull promife that may bee to the godly, Cht:iS will come and giue rewarde: afearefullthing to him that hath committed thofc(;uill deeds whofc rewarde by auft defert, iseternall fire in hell. Chrifi will come and giue reward, a moil cheer-* full thing to him that hath feared the Lord, and renouncing the way of wicked- nes,hath fhe^Acd the fruits ofa true and liuely faith, euen all thofe holy workes vhich Qod hath prepared for bis fcruants to walke in, and which of his free mCf- cie he hath proQiifcd to reward with ctcrnall glorie. Is it not a good thing then forv J toliudic dailie to pleafeGod,3ndto ftandfaft in the fame, when there fhall ere it be longbcfuchadiffcrcncc? Isitnot much better for vs, that the commilig ' of Chrid fhould be a promife vnto vs,raiherthena threatning. For asl fayd, that Chri (i doth t ell vs he will come quickely and reward eucry man as his worke iliall be,is a gricuous threatning to the vngodly,and a comfortable promife to thcrigh- tcous. And yvhen he fayd he that is ^Ithie, Jet him beifilthie l\\ll, it is to confirmc thcrighteoiBin their righteoufnes, that thcybqnotdrawneawric by their cjtam^. pie. Let the wickedbe wicked ftilI,bcnotyou like tbcm,.\Ve know what afercc ihercisin example for to draw men from good to cuill: and cipCcially where THE REVELATION. 441 wc fee' the multitude goe as it were whole with on confent, and no harme to foU low. Yce Hiali hcare many vtter fuch likefpecchcs as thcfc : I fee my betters, my cquals,andmyinrerioursdoeihefethings,andfliall Iwalkc alone PShalllbe one that men fh ail point, as one that will be lingular? IfGodpuni(l» withdamna- tion fuch as doc thefc things, there are but a few that Oi all cfcape from hell. A- gainftfuch vaine thoughts, the holy ghoft dorh arme the godly, and fheweth that howiocuer the multitudes of wicked perfons perfwade themfelucs that there is no harme, yet is it farrc other wife, for they fhall ere itbcelonghauetlic wrach of G O D in a full" mcafure powred foorth vpon them. Our Sauiour Chrirt as yc know tcllcth in the Gofpell, how the wicked (hall flatter themfelucs and fay pczce and all is well, and eucnfiiddenly, when they (hall thinke that they bcfafc, flialldelirud^ioncome vpon them, cuenlikeanettbatisfprcdouer. For byfuchacomparifon theholy fciipturedath (etforththc thingsvntovs. When a net is layd for birdes the fharp is made^ the baite is fpread, a birde commeth a- lon^e, fitieth looking vpon itbut is afraid. Afterward fliefceth many other birds floeke lAto it, andtfteti (lice isboldenedandgoeth in amongthem, fo many doc hartcn each other : the fouler feeth his time and fuddenly fpr^adeib the net ouer them, and they arecaught. Euen fo here be the allurcmcntes offinne, asfwcet^ baices, the Lord GOD doththreatcn, fomeman isfraid at thefiril:, anddoeth fomewhat refraine, vntillhec leeththe multitude flocking in, and no harme to follow, but whatfocuer iudgcment the, Lorde deuounceth they laugh and de- ride it, hec alfo waxethbold. But Chrifl will come, and at thelaf^they (hall all baue, as it were a net Ipredoucf them. And this is the reafon why the Lord faith here, hethatisvniufl, lethimbevniuft(^ill, he that is iilthy let him be filthy (^ill, behold I come quickly, let the iuft and holy not bee moued with their boldnes, . and fo led to commit finne, but let them goc on till their time doe come. Salo- mon in Ecclcfiaftes Chap. ^\ handieth this matter, and (heweth tha? the heart ofthe children of men is full in them to doc cuill, becaufeall commeth aliketo all. A godly man profpereth, a wicked man profpereth: A wicked man doetb fall into aduer(iiie and afflidlion, and a godly man is alfo affliclcd. There ap- pearcthno difference almofl at alHn outward things. How merric, how plea- fane andfullofdelights, are many filthy men ?and how they abound in all riches and wealth ? which maketh them exceeding proud.boLhagainft God and man, as the Prophet teacheth Pfal. 7jlBid how this doth weaken many touching the way of godlines who feeth not, that hath any fight at all ? Is ic not then very needful hhat the faithfull Hiould be armed with this. Let them goc on, let them be fiidiie, Ibndyou faft in the right way of godlines and be not difcouraged, I will fliortlycome to iudgcment, and they (liall haue their reward euen according jis their vvorkeaPhaucbeenc. Let n:e here fpeake thus muchvntoyec, andiudge in yotir fellies v( he.her it bee thecounfell of man or thecoUnfell ofthe holy ghoTI, Ifit bee but thecounfell' of man, clefpifeit asva-ine: but if yee cannot deniebut thstit istlie mott whole/bhic aduife which thefpirit ofthe Lorde giueth, then takeheedc haw you fet light byir,^ Hee willeth him that isentred into a good ^ 44^ SERMONS VPON waytoftaridfaft and to continue. We fee many that haue madcfomciliew fo chat there was gtcat hope of them, butihcy are fallen backe, and returned cucn ai 3 dog to his vomite, and as the fow that was wallied, tQthewalIoA\inpinthc myrei. Pct.i. Ithadbcen betterforthem if they had neuer knowncthe*trueth, then fo to turnc from the holy commandemenr. It is but a little while, but he th at commeth will come ai .d will not tarrie. Can wee not hold out for a little time ? I knowitishard, ournature is fovaine, wee are fo corrupt, fo light and foincon- (lant: and the temptations and allurements bee fo many andfo forcible: but feeing theend will be fo good to the iii{}jand fo grieuous to the vvickcd,rtand faft. jfit were bucto efcape the damnation of h|jll, it llipiild bee pf vvaight enough to mouevs: then how much more that continuing in the true feare of God, and glorifying him with good works^ vveefhall be partakers of the ioycsofheauen > The glory is exceeding great whichis fet before vs, if wee canftriue to enter. And i fie werefo thatnian Hiould but lofethat glorie throMgh their euiiUifc, it v\erca great matter; but when befideth^tlofle, they gocalfo into hell, cueninto a gulfe of endles mifcries, whata madnes is it ? Ileaueic io your <:onlideration, wifliingeuerymanto thinkevpon thcfe words, Heihatis vniuftjlethimbevn- sull: fill i : He that is filthie,let him be filthic fiill : He that is iuft,let him bc.iufi ftill: He that is holy, let him be holy ftill. And beholde J come quickly, and my rc- vvarde is with me,to giue vnto euery one as his wiorke fiiall bee. Ifyce would but thinke vpon thefe things, it might make you carcfuU and wjarie, but bc(:au(e wee letflippe out of our mindc.theday of iudgenicpt, and make account that our finnes pafleaway eucnas they bee com.mittcd, andfliall neuefbee called into queftion, wee are bold not onely to negle(51 thofe holy and iufl deedes which thfi Lordhath appointed vs towalkem, by which wee fhould glorifie the name o f Ins fonne lefus Chrifl: which we do profefle,and adorne the holy Golpell : but alfo wee doe fall into fundry offences whereby w ee difhonour the Lord and ouy pro- fedion. Well, wee are much called vpon andputinmindeiniheholyferipturcs touching thefe matterSjand J pray you let it moouc vs ferioufiy to lay fafler hold of the way of truth and rightcoiifnes.Shall wicked & vngodly men be moreconftajit tn their vngodlines then wee in the feare ofthe Lord? They ferue the deuill, they ferae their ludcs, their reward is in hell : we are to fcrue the Lord in holinefle, and to be rewarded with glory in heauen : fhall they be more forward and conftant in the (eruice of that their Lord the denil,then vv|||||ii the (eruice of our gracious God? letit Qiamevs/oroffuchathini^vveouphttobeaQiamedindeed. Andmorcouer iftbey be fo forward for fuch a reward as is beflowed in hell, fliall we be flacke for the reward which is in Ucaucn ? Agai ne,lct euery one ofvs make this account,that ifwewillbeaduifedbytheholyghoft and follow his counfell, whenhefayth, he that is holy, let him be holy ftill : we muft not continue wcakc, but we muft grov? Tp in Chrifl and become i\ rong men. For what is the caufe that many fall and that fo'grieuoufly,but that they contented thcmfclues in thcii weake eflate,& did not labour to growc vp and to become (Irong ? T hey profeflcd the Gofpel, and ncuet .coafidcr, hovvfarrc ihc powci of it had proceeded in them* They tookc fomc ..... - . delight, THE REVELATION. 445 delinbt, and rcflcd therein : but they {houldhauefecnc how itdidfubdue pride, fclfe louc.vaine glory, with a number offuchlike cuill and filthie afte<5lions which arc dcepely rooted in mans natute. For beloucd w hen hcc faith, hcc that is holy, Jcchimbe holyftill, icaduertifeth vsto gather ftrength thacwe mayftandeuca in the greaieft temptations. If a man be giucn toangcr,and doe not in time feckc to Uibdueic, yeeknow what the holy Apoftleteacheth: he iLall giue place to the deuill.andfo thedeuillentringleadethhim into many (innes. I might here enter into many particulars, but know that except ye nriuetofubducinall, yeliazard your fclues: for looke wherein yce be wcake,. the temptation will comctheieac onetimcor another : and when men arc fallen, itisnocalicrifing againc. Herein therefore wc ought alwaiesto be more then fcarcfuU, Icaftth^re fhould remaine any fecret corrupt rootein ourheart. The Lord purgcour hcartsfrom allthofc euill defircs which we are by nature fo ftuffisd and fraught withall, and fill vs with the graces ofhisfpitit, that we maybeftrong andconlTant in truc'godlines, cucn to the end. And thus much for this point of the conclufion. Let vs proceed to the iani Alpha and Oriiega, the beginning and the ende, the firft and the lal^. Thisis added as a ratification of the former words. They be not the wordesofa man, thateithcr isnot abletoperformeihat which he fpeakeihj orelfe may alter ^ndcfaaungehis minde, when hefaycth he will come and giue vntocuery one as his worke (tiall be : but they be the words o£ him that is cternall, almightie, and vnchangeablc And thereforehc faych, I am Alpha and Omega. Alpha is the firft^ ofchcGreekc letters, and Omega is thelalh Wherefore hcexpoundeth it faying, the firrt and the laft, the beginning and thcendc . In the firit Chapter ofthis Pro- pheciCjthe Lord fayd,I am Alpha and Omega,the firft and the laW. Whereby you feeiteuidentthatheiseternall God,equall with the father. Howishc elfethe be- ginning and the cndc ? How Is he otherwife the firft and the laft ? Then may yc fee why it inhere added agaiue, eucn as I fayd, for confirmation. When we heare of great reward promifed at the comming ofour Lord,vnto all thofc which vvalke in the trueth.it doeth not fo much moue vs, or affedl vs as it ought to doe,and why ? euen becaufe we doe not giue fo firmc credite thereunto as wcougHt. We doe not througWly vvay and conndcr that the proiDife is made by him that is Alpha and Omega.eucn the firft and the laft, who is almightie and vnchangeable. Alfo whenthe thrcafcijngis vttered againftthc euilldoers, that hee will recompencc vnto them vengeance for ahheireuill deeds,ic isdefpifcd.and ncgle6led;ci:en as if it came but from aTnorcallman. Therefore we are here a{fured,that there iTi all no iotc fali to the ground of the terrible vengeance denounced againft the wicked, in as much as it proceedcth not from a mortall man,but from him that is Alpha and Omega. .;:.•::. j;)Qv'orbMJ.iJ»-''b'; »; to.. . . * " '"'-i' And herein Becatife we are duH; hnarke How the promifeand the thrcatnihgare ag3inc repeated. Firft, the proniife in ihcfe words, Blcfled are they that keepe his commandcmentSjthat their pare may be in the tree oflife, and that they -may enter iaby the gates inty thee iiie. Touching the tree of life^^'c heard ofit beforc,wherc he- 444 SERMONS VPON he Ipeakcth oCthe riucr that runneth through the chic. Alfo wehaue fcene wh« a pnuiledge it is to be admitted to enter into ihit hcaucniy lerufalem. And here wd learne againe who fliall enter, and Co who fliall bee blefled, cuen ali that walke ia the fearc ofGod, and keepehiscommandemcnts. We arc generally of the mindc that a few words fbal carry away the matter,as if men for fayingLord^Lord^fliuld enter into the kingdom otheauen,but we are ftil and often admonifiied andtold, that none ihall enter but fuch as doe the will of God, Is it not then our part firft to be fludioustolearne toknow the commandemenis^thcordinancesand vvayes of the LotdourGod ? For if we doe not know ihem,how Oiall we walke in them ? Can a man walke in thofe waies which he doth not know norvnderftandPOrfkal a man bee thought to haue any louc or defire to walke in that way, which he fec- l^ethnottoknow?, ^ Then fccondly, when we doc vnderfiand the commaundement of God, it is oiir dutie to put them in pra^tifc^or els wc are neuer the better: nay we arc in worfc cafe then before: for you know what our Sauiour faith in the Go(peli,the feruant that kno wcth his maiiers will and doeth it not,fhsli be beaten with many ftripcs. And Saint lames handleih this point in the firfi chapter of his Epiftle, where ha- uing fhewcd what benefite wee rcceiue by the word of trueth, namely, that we are begotten by it, he by and by exhorteth men to be fwift to heare. And then further he willeth, that we (hould be doers of th^ word, and not hearers onely, dc-' ceiuing; our felues. And then by a fimilitude of one that beholdeth his face in a glalfe, and by and by goethhis way and forgetteih what manner ofone hec is, hec, teacheth whata vaine thing it is to be hearers ofthc worde of God onely, and not doers. Afterwardhe tellethvvhata bleffed thing itisforamanto be both a very diligent rtudent in the la wofGod,andaIfoadoer of the farae.Letvs then recciuc admonition.Let vs become wife vnto faluation: (or they that do this which is here taught, become wife vnto faluation : they fliall haue their part in the tree of life they fhall enter in by the gates into the citie. Andfurcly there is no greater follic and madnes, then for men to content and fat'isficthemrelucs with a bare hearing of the word of God preached.Doth not our Sauiour fay,B!e{Ted arc they that heare the word of God and keepeiti^ What doth hemeane by keeping of it? Is it that they keepcitjnmcraorie, todifpute and talkeofit, andnomore? Kayiheyarc not faid to keepc it,v\ hich doe not in deeds performe it. And the Lord faith, w no- foeu' T doth the will ofmy father which is in heauen ; he is my brotl*er,fifter & mo- ther, N I ath. 1 2 . vcrf 5 o. Let no man then any longer be decciued about this point, but know that onely fuch as doe tiie will ofGod fliall he blefledfor ciiermorc. Thenfolioweth the threatning, For without fliall be dogs and enchanters, and vvhorcmongers,andrnurdcrers,and idolaters, and whofoeuerloneth and makcth lics.Herc ace the companic that fliall not enter into the holy citie but fliall be with- outjthcyfhaiibein hell. As iheonc part who keepc thecommandcmentsofGod arc bicilcd, fo thcfe filthic perfons arc accurfed. Butlet vs noVv- looke vpon the wordes, hcbegiuneth with dogpes. What are diefedoggcs i* Shall noggcsgoe to hcil ? Seloucd, ycmay not jakc it that hec meancth thcfe bcaiftcs vv hich are called old. This ye may nate, that theybe wondetfull abominable and vile in the fight of the Lord, uhomhecallcthdogs. How be they degenerate, how haue they forgotten themfeliies, which arc turned from men into do^s ? But Ice vs fee who they bee whom the holy fcripiurc callcih dogs. Firft, the vnskil full and couecousprkfts are called dumbe dogs, andgreedie dogs^Efav^^. Sofoulca fmnt it istohaire the charge oucr the Lords people, and not faithfully tofeed and guide them. SaintPaui (('peaking of the falfe Apofiles, which corrupted the fimplicitie oftheGofpel!) willeththe Philippians to beware ofdogs^to beware ofeu.ll workmen, Philip.3 . OurSauiour Chrili giueth ihispre- cept, Giue not holy things to dogs, and ca(i notyourpcarles before fwine, leaft they tread them vrider their fcctc, and the other turnc againe and rent you, Matth, 7. verfe 6. where ye are to note that there bee (bmc men who when the Gofpcll is preached vnto them arc not moucd with wrath, but onely as it were neglcd^ and defpifcthe fame, whoarelikncd therefore vnto f wine, and they are called fA'ine which tread in the mire pearIes,andfothefc tread vnderfeetc the heaiicnly pearles ofiheGofpell. Others t-here bee who when the Gofpel! is preached, are moued with rage and tlirie, brcaufe they cannot abide the pure doctrine. Thefe flie vpoii thofe that preach it. They rend and tcarc them* They be called dogs. Ihefeinold time murdered the holy prophets that fpakc in the name of the Lord. Thefe haue put the Saints and Martyrs of ChriO to deathir Thefcdoc daily barkc at the mini- fters and profefibrsofcheGofpeil.Vnder a Cbriltian prince where-ihc holy word of God is fetfotth,thcfc dogs do in f6mefort(at the leaft many of them)conformc themfelues to the outward profelTion of it: andbecaufe the light of Godstrneth doth conuince them, they dare not for fli ame find fault with that,bu t fay they rc- .uerc^c;e it, when as irulecd they abhorreit in their hearts, and feeke 10 findefaultes witlftllofe chat doe publifh it. How fikhieand abominable thefe dogs are before the Lord, who is able to declarePYe may readc what our Siuiour fairh to his xApo- ftles when he fent them forth at the firrt, how itiliould beeeafierfor Sodonieand Gomorrhain the day ofiudgement, then for thofe which fhould refufe to heare their do'ilrinCjMath. I o.Thcn how horrible is the finne,not onely to refufe,but al- fo to be moued with wrath, euento hateand periecute thole that doe preach it ? Yeefhall fee many of thefe vnclcane andprophane men in all places, \^hicheuea - gnafh their teeth, that they cannot like dogs runnevpon thofe chat reproue their ■ euill works,and like-dogs rend and teare them. As thefe doe no w vtter many hard andflaundcrouslbeeches,and many reprochesagainft the minifters oftheGofpel, {o would (hey iftimc did feruc^pcrlecute them euen tothedeath.They be like dogs • that are chained vpfo long as the Gofpell is maintained by the Chnftianprince. Here are ioyned with thofe dogs.firft inchaunters,iben whoremongcrSjihcn mur- derers,thenidobtcrs,andId(Uy,whofoeuerloueth& makcthlics. Therebefundry fortes ofinchauntcrSjConiurcrs, witches, and fuch as dccle by the deqill, and by dl- ucUlh arc And hov,' foule and moniirous a thing it is for n»en%o dcalc and to be in- ' Jeat!u«- 44.5 SERMONS VPON league with deuils,Mv'hich arc the fworne enemies ofGod, ye may eafily confidcr, Wboredome is lictlc or no cuill in the fight of many. They cftcemc it as a matter to laugh at, and many are come to that impudcncie, that they can euen gloric and boafl of It : But how abominable a thing it is before God,is feene by this,that the whoremongers arc here aflbciate with dogges and enchaunters, and the reft here named. ThenaKo come in murderers, whoareallthofe, as Saint lohnplainely jffie weih in his Eplftle.that doe liue in hatred.The fuperllicious Idolaters perfwadc themfelues in their blindc dcuotion,3nd in their good intentes (as they call them) that they be very holy perfons : and you may fee here, that they bee euen as holy as murderers, whoremongers, witches and dogges witji whom they be here afl'oci- ate. Meruaile not at it, for the idolater forfaketh the truth and the worlliip of the true God, and worfhippeth deuils. Laft of all he namcth an other very bond kind ofpeoplc,and thatis,whofoeuer loucth and makcth lics.Thisextciideth very large, for there be they that doc make lies in Gods matters, vttcring falfe dot^rine, and thofc which doe louc the fame. And there be that do raife and vtter all manner " oflics,vntruthcs,and flaunders in mens matters. Thefe are abomina- ble. Let vs be ware wee be not found among the number offuch, foryefeethercisnoplaceforihemwith. . in the holy citie : but they (hall ■ , aiiu' bfit s be without. :o THE REVELATION. 447 mmmmmmm^Mmm THE L. SERMON. CHAR XXII. X 6 ITefHsfent m't»e Angel to tejli^evyttoye thefe things in the Churches : I am . the roote and the generation of Dah$d,the hrtght morningfiarre, 1 7 Andthsjpirit and the bride fay come : and he that heareth let him fay come, • tyindhUbAt-isa thirj} lethimcome, zAndhee that voi^ let him t^ of the • rvnters of If e freely. .=i, ,'i' i'li:- i.-iw >i..>i i8 And ' tefitHe v*3to euery '-inknthM heareth the rvords of this prof hecie: if a^ypjall adde vnto thefe things, God wtHadde vnto him the plagues that are V^rittsn inthisbx)oke. •-- 1 p A'-idifanjIhtiUiak^ imayf/in^the words oftheprophecie of this hooke, (jod • : - witttal^ 'fiv'ay hii 'pim'mt''of'the l^acke ofltfe, and ottt of the holy citie, and fromthe thingii v?hfch drimrtteK in this booke. 10 He that ts sit fieth thefe things faith ifurely I come quickly ^ e^ww, euenfo, come Lord lepis, yLl The grace of our Lord lefusChrift he mthyeoH: Amen., V-'-. ■*■-;/ ■ . : ■ . . E are now come to the laft part of the conclufion of this booke, wherein there beyecdiuers pointes to handle. And : firrtofallthe authoritie of it is againe ratified from the per- fon ofhim that is theauthor ofit. Forasyee fee, theLordc le/iis himfelfe affirmcth , faying , 1 lefus fent mine Angeli to teHifie thefe ihinges vnto ycc in the Churches. Locke ^'^^^^^ what dignitie and authoritie hec is of^ from whome the booke commeth, and accordingly eftceme the dignitie and authoritie ot the iame. - And if ye will confidcr the digniticofthe Lord Icfus the kingofglorie, marke what he fay th ofhim fclfe in the words that follow : I am the roote and the gene- ration of Dauid, the bright morning Oarre. Here is the excellencie of Ghrift con- dined in thefe few words. The firft part ofchem fee:T?eth to bee drawpe from the Propheti 448 SERMONS VPON prophet Efay.cbap.T i .In the tenth chapter of that propheciCjdicrc is a very great calamitic denounced againft the people of Ifrael, vnder thisfiinilitude, that they ftiouldbe cut downe eucn lik€ the trees ofa wood. Then in the 1 1 .cbapter^fbr the comfort of the godly leafhhey might bee difcomforced, there is added this pro- mifc ; that a braunch fhall fpring out of the rootc of Icfi'c, vpon vvhotnc the fpiric of the-Lotd fliall tcft,the fpirit ot vsifedomc and vnderliandn)g, the fpirit of coun- fell and power, the fpirit of knowledge and of the feare of the Lord. And there ic isOicvved what great things hecHiaU doe: yea there isdefcribcd the goodly re- ftanrationof all things by him. Sothat when he fayth,lam the roote and genera- tion of Dauid, heleadeth vstoihc confideration of all thofe great and excellent ; thingSjCuen the things which are in the rcftauration iT-adc by him. All wascali . downe, all was loft and fallen into vtterruine,|hc3s au oitmightie redeemer rc- ' ftorcth them againe. In a wordethen, whatfoeuer blelTingGod beftoweth vpon the world inhisfonnc, wee are led to the confideration ot it in thcfe words ; I am the roote and the generation of Dauid. Morcouer,the Lorde Iefus(ashee/aithin theGofpeil oHohn) isthelight of the world : and therefore he faith here, I am the bright morning flarrc. But when as the holy Scripture calleth our Sauiour Chrirt the fonncof lightcoufncs, doth not thi>dimini(h of his glorie that he calleth hirn felfcthc morning rtarier' For albeit the morning fiarrcisbright and goodly, yet whatisittotheSunnc? VVhentheSunnerifcthjthe light of that ftarredoothgiuc placc.Totiiis 1 anfwer,that our Lord Icfusbeing called the bright morning ftarre, ic doth not exclude the other, butheisalfo theSunne. He is the morning flarrc, and he is the Sunnc that arifeth with the full light. But feeing it is the purpofc of the Lord to fet forch the glorie of the tie hes and heauenly treaf ures which he bring- eth vnto vs.why doth he rather choofc the leflcr then the greater ? f©rthe ftarre.as 1 faydjii leflerthen the Sunne. To this it may bee anfwcred, that it is to (hew that cuen the very beginning ofall light vnto vs is from IcfusCbrift^ Wearecoucrcd vnderthc night of fpiritualldarknes ; he rifeth vnto vs as the morning (^arre, very bright and corafortablcjand proccedeth eucn to be the full light of that cleere and blelfed day that fliall (liine for euerjWhere there fhall be no night.Thcn yc fee thac thisR.uclation commethfroni aperfon ofmott highdignitie, excellencie and glorie.andfullofail prctiousthings : andi'o wee ought to cfteeme ofit.For com- ming from him (as he fayth, I lelus fent mine Angcll, &c .) wee muft knowe that there beverygood things in it,andfuchasdocneerely concernevs. The Angellis butthefeiuant and mcflengcr to teftific^thc things. Now vpon thcfe words tha^ our Lordfaidi, hcis thcrootc and the generation of Dauid, and the bright mor- ning flarrc, the (pirit and the bride fay, come. This fpirit is the holy Ghoft. The bride yc know is the Lambes wife.euen the Church.Shc hearing ofthefc excellent tbfngs in Chf ift the redeemer and reftorcr, is inflamed and eucn rauifhcd with the defire^fhiscomming, that fhc mayhauethe full fruition of them : Forallthccx- cclk ncie of thofe precious things in Chrift are for her. And IcaC^ wc fhould thinkc ^i^iac this her carueft del jre proceeded but fronifotnchumainepaflion, when flic crauctk THE REVELATION. 44P craucth of him to come,hcrc is cxprcflcd that the fpirit alio with her fayth, come. Hcrrequclt andcarncit defirc then ofthccommingof Chrift is good. But here will ariic a doubt,hov\' this is to be vndcrrtood that the holy Gho(i doorh pray for ilic comming otChrift ? We know that he is God equall with the Father and the Sonne.How then can he be faid to make this rcquc(i ? Can we fay that God doth pray?Inde«:de vpon this and fuch like places Tome haue wickedly held, that the holy Ghoft is a creature,and not eternailGod.But marke,I will {hew you how it is to be taken. It is the fame thing which S.Paul teacheth,Rom.8. Wee know not (faith he) how to pray as wee ought : but the fpirit hi mfclfe makeih requeft for vs with groningSjwhich cannot beexprtflcd. And he that fearcheth the harts know- eth what the meaning is of the fpirit : for he makcth interccfTion for the Saints ac- cordingto GodNow beloued^Iookehow that place of Saint Paul is to be vndcr- ftood,andfo mull we vnderlhnd this o?S.Iohn. When helaich^ihat the fpirit ma- keth requeft for vs with grones : we may not take it that the holy Gho/1 is fubietSl vnto any griefe or paflion : but hee workcth thofc gronings in the hearts of the faithfuII.Hc makeththcm,orhe tcachcththem to pray with moH vehement dc- iircs,euen with fighs and gronings that cannot bee cxprcflcd ; and therefore he is faydtopray with gronings, Eucnfoit is the fpirit that inftrudleth and teacheth, and inflameththe Church withthe vehement defire of the comming of Chrift ; and thercfbrche fayth,thc fpirit and the bride fay ,come. As S.Paul fayth then that -the fpirit maketh requeft according to God : fo wee arc to take it here, when hec faith^the fpirit.and the bride fay coroe,that the Church diredled and taught by the holy Ghoftjinoft vehemently longeth and prayeth for the comming ofChrifl, and that her prayerand delire herein is according to God. The bride verely could not pray ihusbut by y holy Ghoftifhe could not haue that delire of heauenly things, buteucn with the children ofthis world fet her affedlions here below : and there- fore to note w ho dire(^ech her to this heauenly motion^it is fayd^ihe fpirit and the bride fay,come. And let him that heareih fay come. It isathingindeede peculiar to the bride to loue the comming of Chrift : in as much as (he only hath the fpirit which wor- kcth that defire. And now to teach how excellent a thing it is , Saint lohn dooth wifh euery one that heareth to fay come. It is as much as if he fliould flirre vs vp tocouctaboue all other things to bee one of the children of the Church,tobcein- fttu6lcd and guided by that fpirit which infiamcth the heart, to crye come Lord Icfus.Hereisa fpeciall thing to bee noted : and that is,that the Church and all her children doe waite for,and vehemently defire the commingof Chrift vnto iudgc- ment. If wc fcelc no fuch defire in vs ; is it not an argunjcnt againft vs that we bee not led by that fpiritPHither we are in loue with the things of this vvorldjand could be content cucn to be feated in them for euer,not thirfting after heauenly things: or els our confcienccdoihfoaccufcvs,that wcare afraidcwhcn weeheareof his comming. What an excellent thing is it to bee led by fuch a fpirit, that dooth fq purge the heart andrefoimctheconfcience^ that the comming of the Lord lefus Gg ynto 450 SERMONS VPON vmoiuJgcmcnt,n'hich{halbe^T»o(l terrible and dreadful vnto others, vnto them is niort ioyfull and longed for ? Is not here a wonderfull difference betweenethe faitbfull & the children of this world ? Let eucry man therefore make this account, that ifhe doe not long for thecommingofthe Lordcvntoiudgement,hee is not right,all is not well with him. For if he be a child of the Church endued with true faith.if hebe led by the fpirit of God jf he look for his part in thofe hcauely things: how can be but crieout in the fcruent defire of his fouIe,Come Lord lefus, come quickly. I pray you therefore, let euery one looke vnto their owne heart, and fee what defire there is of this comming. If it be feeble and weake/eeke to be quick- ned with more abundance ofthe holy Qhoft : fceke to hauc the liuely hope of the partakingofthofethings which fhall bee manifefi and befiowcd at his com- ming. There bee many things done heretothedifhonorofGod,anddefacingof histrueth,Webeherefubie(5lvntoathoufand calamities.Thc things be wonder- full great which are laydvp in Chrift to bee bertowed at his comming :fhall wee no: long for them ? Then let him that beareth.iay come.Doe ye heare that lefus is the roote and generation of Dauid:euen he that iliall make the glorious rertaura - tion? Doeyebcarethathe is the bright morning (iarre,and that by him wee fliall dwell in glorious light : and will ye not fay come ? Will-ye not long for the time wheo thefc things fliall be fhewed forth ? Then he addeth : ^l^d he that is a thirfly let him come. Ye heard before that the pTomife is made to thofe that be a thirft. They b? blcfled that do thirft forihe wa- ters of life: for they fliall come to the foumaineanddrinkc their filL But fuch as be not a thirrt,woebee to them, they defpife and fet light by heauenly things, the fountaine fliall be fhut vp againft them. They bee not worrhie to be partakers of fo precious things, which elieeme them fo lightly. Woe bee to thofe then vvhich care not forbearing the Gofpell : if they had eiier tafled how fvveetc the Lord is, they would runne after it; but alas they baue not taffed. They loue their ownc wayes,and they fliall be filled with their owne inucntions. Thcythirft after gold, and filuer,aftcr hou fes and lands. They delight in gay garmets. They couetcaith- ly delights and ple2fures,euen to fill themfelucs from day to day:and thefe things they fhall abound in. But what are they the better ? for ail ihcfe fliall vanifli and come to nought. He that is a ihirft for tlie vv-accrs of life, he that earneflly defireth thofeheauenlyblcllings whkharcbcilowedinChrifi,fliall bee happieand bid- fed with the Lord God in heauen for euer. Then there is added further : tAnd he that mil Jet him take ofthe rvaters afhfe fredy. Here is a very large offer : that whofoeuer willjfliall take of the waters of lire. It may be f3yd,who is it that would not be faued ? Men indeed loue to walke in wicked waics, and take pleafure in thofe finnes which bring damnation both tothefouleandtothe bodie: but they doc not loue damnation, they could bee content to efcapethat,and willingly they would be faucdihow then is itfaid here, let him that wi!l,take ofthe waters of life freely ? As I fayd, is not this a very large offer Pis not licre a very wide gate fet open into heauen ? Surely here is no more then THE REVELATION. 4Si thcnthathe faith before, hccwill giue to him that is a thirfr of the waters of Jifc fTceIv,chap.2i.forhethatthirftethhatha will : and he that thirlUth not,hath not a will.For this yc muft knovv,that the will is not here j>ut for eiury ji<.;hc dcHreor for euery wifli that a man doth willi in his hcarr,when,?s I laid bcfoic,he walltech in the way ofdeftriid^ion,and committcth the things that dcfcruc damnation, and yet would bee failed : But he is fayd to will, that loucth the way of ihc tructh, the way ofgodlines,the way that Icadcth vnto laluation, and chooftthit and fet- tech himfclfe in it. And how may this man be fayd to will and to choofcrbiic ciicn v\hen he imbraccththe holydodtrincofthc Golpeli^andbythefamctalleihcf the wacers of hfe. They that will not loue, anddelight in tbatpure dodiinc^ are fayd not to will.There is no way to drinkc of the waters oFIifc,but by drinking in that doftrine,\\liich the}' will nor. Then he that willj i^ he that imbraccth the pure word oftheLord,andfillcth his foule therewith. True it is that men haue not this will of themfclues : for man is wholly ouerfprcad in hisminde withvanitic.There is a defirc (as I fayd before) or a kindeof will in man,by whichhecouerethtobc free from calamities andmifcries,andtoinioygood andh3ppiethings:but to haue a will to hate that which is vncleane and filthie , to loue that which is pure and good_,and to delight in the do5^rine of the Lord, is farre from nature, and in- decdeisgiuen oncly by God. Make an end (faytb the holy Apoftie) of your fal- uation with feare and trembling: for it isGodihatworketh in you both the will and the deedc.euen of his good pleafure,Philip. 2 .verC 1 3 .The fpirit and the bride fay come : euen the holy bride could not fay come,but as the Ipirit inflruf^eth and moucth her : how then can we haue any right will in vs,but that which the fame ipirit frameth ? Indeede it is a firme will in the wicked that they will not take of the waters of life, They are carried naturally and oftheirow ne accord to will and to choofe that cuill day,and they doe euen willingly dcfpife the holy things of the Lord. Mans heart is corrupt and vaine,itcannotchangeit l^lfe,it cannot dcnye it felfe.it is inclined to that which is like it felfe : it hateth the contrary. Wherefore where vaine things and corrupt doe of!erthemfelues, it apprehendeththem, lo- ucth thcm,willeth them,chufeth them,and delighteth in them. When holy things' arc propoundcd,they be difagrecing, it hateth them, it defpifcth thcm,it reie(5^eth them,it will none of thcm,vntill fuch time as the holy fpirit ofthc Lord doe work and frame that will by changing it. Whereby ye may know, that when hee faith, be that will, let him take ofthc waters of life freely, the wicked refufethem of their ownc corrupt will, and the godly doe chufe them being taught by his fpirit. He that willeth then,cucn he that is a thirft for the waters of life,let him glue all the praifc to God,who hathendued him with that grace, and let him know, that were it not for the grace of God, hec fhould neuer haue had any will to come to thofe waters. And let fuch a man alfo daily begge of the Lord, that he may haue his will more and more refomied,cucn to make choife of thofc things which in- deede are raoH holy and precious. And I teftificvnto cucryman thatrbcareththe words of the prophecie, if a- i\ 451 SERMONS VPON oy manfliall addcvntothcfe things , God will addc vnto him the plagues that arc vv|-itccn in this bookc. And if any man (hall cake a way from the words of the prophccieofthis booke,God willtakeawayhispart,&c. Hercisanother ratifi- cation of the high and facrcd authoritieofthisbookc: whichisbyacommina- tionvcryniarpe and terrible, k is for adding or diminifliing. God dooth com- maundby Mores,that they fliould adde nothing to the wordes which hee did commaund them, neither tak^ any thing from them. And great prefumption it is tor any man to take vpon him fuch a matter. What is it indeedc but for one to take vpon him to bcc wifer then GOD ? For either there is fomewhat wan- ting which argueth animperfc(Sion,orclfe there is fomewhat fuperfluousj why clfeihouldit bee taken away ? Doubtles it cannot bee but with exceeding wic- ked pride of mans heart.and iniuric to the authbritie of the molt high God, when any take vppon them either to addc to , or todiminifh from his word. In this place therefore here is aforethreatningtofuchasfhall anyway prefumCjihatis, either to addc or to diminifh : which commendeth the bookc.as perfe6l and ab- folute, andfuchascommeth withthchigbauthoritieof Go3. For the adding, he dooth threaten the adding of the plagues written in this booke: which are ve- ric great. For befides diucrfc and fundrie other plagues, yce hauc feene the plague of hell diucrfc times fet foorth,and after moc waics then one. It is the great vAineprefi'e of the wrath of God v\hich wee call hell. It is called the lake of fire andbrimftonCjin which the diuell and all the wicked (hall bee tormented for eucr.Hee that addeth^ (hail hauethisgreat plague added vnto him. Likcwifeyc hauc feene a goodly defcnption of theioyesofheauen, cucnthegloricandfcli-« cttic of that holiecide. Ye hauc heard alfoof thcLambesbookeof Iifchethat taketh away any thing from the words of the prophecie of this booke^heefhall hauc no name written in that bookc, nor any part in that holiccitie. To bee de- priued of life and gloric, and not onely that, but alfo to bcc ca(i into endlcs tor- . mcnts,might make men afraidc how to bee fo boldc with the word of the Lord,' It may bee demaunded, what (hould bee the caufc that here arcfomnny things heaped vp for the confirmation of the auihoritic of this bookc. Surely there is fome fpeciall caufe,for the holie Ghofi doth not vfc to dcale fo muchin a matter, and fo earneflly,but vpon great caufe. Ye may cafilygathcr what the caulcis. This bookc as ye hauc feene paintcth out the kingdomcof Antichrift and all Sa- tans cunning and fleight: and for that caufe Satan hath laboured eJpccially ta bring downeihcauthoritieandcreditofthisbookcHcbyfomcmcanesin olde time prcuailed thusfarre,that cuen among (bmc Churches oftrucChrifiians, the authoritie and truth of it was doubted of. The holy Ghoft did forefec this praf^ife of Satan, and addeth the more for the confirmation thereof: for it was nccdfull. Ifthe bookc fhould neuer in fpeciall fort be impugncd,thcre needed not any fuch ipeciall confirmation. Now by the fingular goodnes ofGod,thcrc is no queHion, nor controuerfie,nor doubt concerning the authoritie of this bbokr. The pa- piltsthcmfelucs doc acknowledge it to bee the facrcd and vndoubied word of Godr THE REVELATION. 45i God. In decdeof all fcriptiires they cannot cndurcihat itfhoulcfbecmcdled; withall. They fay it isfo darkcthat it cannot be vnderftoodc. They ftoldc that little in comparifon can bee noted in it, which indeedc is alhioft to dci»y&bc au- thoritjc thereof. For to make it without v(c, is to make the auiboritie of irko no purpofe. And what doc they but make it without vCc alinoft,if little can be nojed in it? Butbleficd beGod,itis focleerc, thatasmanyas haue their eyes opcneiL^ boihoflearnedandvnicarnedjmayfcctheirkingdomcdcfcribedinit. Nowle©: it here bee confidercd, whether wee or the papills may more rightly bee charged to adde to the wordc of God. We holde ftrit\ly that the bookes of the Apoltles and Prophets, euen the bookes of the olde and ne wc Tcftamcnt,which the chur- ches fince the Apoftles time haue rcceiued for canonicall, are the perfect wordc of Godj and none other. Wee holde that the Lordc in thcfe bookes hath deliiic- red his whole counfels and will, touching the faith and obedience which hecfe- quirethof man. Wee holde indeede,ihat ihcworfiiipof God is fo perfedtlyfet forth in thofe wriungs of the ApofHesand Prophets, that all matters of religion arc to bte ruled by that written word. We doe maintainc, that whatfoeuer is added as' a matter of religion, the fame is wicked and abominable* Wee holde that all they which dare take vpon them to difpenle with any part of the holy word, are curfed. Wee holde indeede that th&wordof God written,is abfolnte- ly pertcfl, and all controucrfies to bee decided by it. Gu^raducrfaries take vpon themtomaintaine that befides the written word, there bee alfb vnwrittcn veri- ties, which are kept by tradition. They adde to the holy Scriptures fundrie bookes, whichthey take vpon them to make Canonicall: which bookes were neuerwrittc^i by any Prophets or Apoftlcs. They fay^ that the holy Scriptures aredoubtfuU and vncertaine^ and not fufhtient to decide and to determine all controuerfies in religion. They maintaine that the authoritie of the holyfcrip- ture in rcfped of men, dependcth vpon their church. They holde the decretail cpiftlesof their Popes, and Canons of gcnerall Councclsin (bmeequalitie with ' the written word of God: in as much as they maintaine them to be free from all error. In all ihcfc things, doc they not adde nor take away ? I fuppofc there is no ' manof vnderftandingj which will not confeffe that they doc both adde and di- minifh. What an impudencicis it then in them, vpon this placet© chargcvs? Wc being fodcere, and ftandingfb firm c for the whole fcnptures, and fornor thingbutfcripiure, and they themfcluesfoguilticmany waics, . Letthemalone, thcthreatninghae vttercd againft fuch as adde or dirainifh,^ muft needcscome vpon them. Touching the cauill of thole of the familie of ioue, it is not worth the anfvvcring. Some of them faye, that fuch as expounde doc adde to the holy fcriptures : but interpretation, and the true application of the word of G O D, IS no adding. Then Saint John addctb, hec that tcftificth thefe things laith, Bcholde I comequickely. This is toftirrc vpthemindesof the farthfull to wacch for his comming. For wee arc dull, and thinke the comming of the Lordc farre ofF^ The rcafon is,ihat wee cannot rightly mcafure timc» For if h\ ee Ggj could- 454 SERMONS VPON could fee, it fhould appearc that a thouCand yceres is eucn almoft as nothing : for what is it to etcrnitic, which after many thoufand thoufand yceres, commcth not anyns^r to an cud: for where there is no end, the end conimcthnot nccrc. Men thinke the timcofthcir life here a great lon^ time, and very madly fora few plcafures of finne caft^away themfelues forcucr. Wc O^ould remember that the end of ihc world is eucn come vpon vs,and that the Lord will come (juickly.and fo preparcour fducs for his.^pmming. The Lord faith he wiU come quick!y,3nd Saint lohncrieth out witn great zcalc. Amen, cuen fb,comc Lordlefus, This defireof hiscomming ought wee all tohaue,ifwebelcdbythat(amcfpiritthac Saint lohn was. Then he concludcth this holy booke with the laft part of the concluiion.that is,by wifliing all (pirituall bicflings vpon them, t\ hich he cxprefleth in thcfc words : The grace of our Lord lefusChrirt be with ye all,Aracn. The Lord bring his prayer vpon vs. 'i:*^\ 385 GIFFARD, George, Puritan. 50 Sermons upon the whole Book of the Revelations, 4to, calf, gilt, rare, 9s. JPrinted hi) R. Field and F.Kingston. 1599 A very noted preacher, a man admirably well versed in the various branches of good literature. — Wood't Atheiice Oxonienais. A great and diligeiit preach- er. — Strype. d ^^ ■^ 2infe^