A require of agreement to the groundes of divinitie studie wherin great scholers falling, & being caught of Iewes disgrace the Gospel: & trap them to destruction. By H.B.

A require Of consent to agreement against Iewes , who by vs are hardened , and perish .

SOME of the best learned Iewes haue greatlie desired to be taught our Gospell . One Rabbi Elias of Germanie whole 21. yeres : with whom in Francfurt Synagogue 1589. I drew all the lawe to Christ , so that he denied nothing : but still desired to heare the matter enlarged . We disputed vpon this oath , That God should strike him presently , that spake against conscience . So he never denied any thing that I spake , but requested leave to moove doubtes : and departed with desire to bee taught by printing . That our Conference was reported by Iewes to Constantinople , and by further instigation thence R. Abraham Ruben sent his Epistle to England : which when I had printed in Basil , Rabbi Elias came thither , & was so mooved by that Epistle , and longe talke vpon the New Testament , that he brake into these wordes , saying : Oh that you would translate the New Testament in such Hebrew as now you speake to me , ye should turne all our Nation . On the morow I went to Zurick , and he renued his desire . He desired the Consull to write to Zurick a request of returning , to teach him further : But my occasions could not suffer . And after my returne from Zurick , two Italian Iewes came thither : and seeing what I had printed , specially vpon Daniel , beleeved and were baptized , and came to Basil to see me . An other is in England now , as I heare : who by my occasion tooke the Gospell . And in Wormes a milde & eloquent Iew tolde me , that if I could shewe that God was in Christ , in all other poinctes , Moses should giue place to the Gospell . And generally it pleaseth them to speake to Princes of Germanie , that the Hebrew style which calleth them to faith , commeth nearer the Prophetes purenes , than their best : forced for the simple Iewes to patch Languages . Thus far a doore is opened . But some are bent frowardly : wherof one requested disputation in a great Hall , and had it . Others aunswered with blame of our disagreement for one article : our maine ▪ Catelthein eis hajdou . Others demaund explication of Consent : where Iewes consent to all , is handled : and Epistle to the Hebrew , and Apocalyps .

The summe of Rabbi Farars disputation : in Syllogismes of this : I. If the kindred of Christ ( how he cometh of David ) bee not in the Gospell , it can not be from God . But the first is true . Therefore the latter also . II. If Iechonias of Salomon begat Iechonias Neri of Nathan , Luc. 3. cannot be his father : But most large consent holdeth the first : Therefore so the later is false . III. If the legges of Daniels Image figure the Romanes , the true Redeemer is not yet come . For all the Image must equally be broken to dust . But the first hath Christians infinite consent . Therefore also the second . IV. For Daniels seavens , whereby ye end Moses ceremonies , that hey● are not to be vsed , ye haue no constant agreement . But as Barbinel saith : so many opinions as heades : so many deny , all but one , your Gospell to be from God .

But your diversitie is endles . Two Vniversitie Professors of your countrey shal be cited : and two of Marpurge in publike disputation , professors both are famous by Epistles of studentes . Your two are D. Iohn Reinolds of Oxford , and Mai. Ed. Liuely of Cambridge . Both their wordes you haue printed . Reinolds beginneth the time at the message of the Angel , or at the first of Cyrus , his speech is long , but that is the sum . And for the end thus he writeth : Septuaginta septimanis completis excisus est Christus . So he must needes meane that 490. yeares after the Angells Message to Daniel , Christ was kild : But , as not holding that true , he saith , the Angel meant no certen time : But , si Angelus dixisset , post octies 70. annos excidetur Christus , praecisè & propriè locutus esset Angelus : quoniam praecisè ab eo tempore intercesserunt anni 560. This Oxford schooles heard , and you cite the Page of his Lectures written . Maist. Ed. Liuely , and his commender whom you terme Bar. Lo. denieth Messias , Dan. 9 to meane the Redeemer , & beginneth the time at 137 ▪ yeres after the returne , & ended it as we doe at Iernsalems Flames , and as we doe , so he , denyeth any time certen , when Messias should come into the world , or to teach , and to redeeme : & Bar Lo is highly honored after commendation of his doctrine . Againe as we so they two , Liuely and Bar Lo teach that sacrifices were lawfull in Emperour Vespasianes time . You can haue no conscience in your Religion , if you suffre men to live , that denie all your religion , or them that sell such bookes as good . But Portugalles know , that Bar Lo was twise Buy-shoppe since that time . And so you know that a Preacher Lutheran of Francfurt saide , there , was no religion in England : wee Iewes thinke there can be none , till better doctrine here cometh .

V. If the text of the New Testament bee corrupt , it can not be from God . But Th. B. spent sixtie yeares to proove that it is most corrupt , & hath full many longe speeches to prove that , and triumphet what infinite varietie of copies he hath seene , and him you holde your chief : and for him Quirites binde not the Greeke with our Ebrew , as holding Ieromes translation better . Therefore by this doctrine your New Testament should not be from God : for God would keepe that which he gave , as our Ebrew to every Iod. VI. If you hold most ridiculous Fables to bee part of Gods Hebrewes doctrine , where we Iewes never holde , I meane the Apocrypha , all fables , or trifling writers : how can wee thinke yours the Prophets of God ? we can never doe it . But the Apocrypha be , cheeck by cheeck with your New Testament : Therefore we are to thinke your New Testament to be no better .

The sum of answer . In my booke of our Lordes Familie , I answered to most of these : and I make a sole treatise of the Apocrypha : what vse it hath , as your Midrasoth or Fables : and Col b●● , in a treatise of sentences , Syracides is no better .

Now I will brieflie lay downe a short answere to all for the simplest .

To the first . Sainct Luke Chap. 3. telleth , that our Lord is of Ely properly , as Mary was his daughter : and that Ioseph is not ther saide to be sonne to anie , but Iesus is sonne to all , there : who were the pillers of heaven , as Iob termeth mountaines , in their ages .

The seconde . All Iewes of conscience might see that in Ieremie God sware Iechonias should die childles , as theirs all there note , and that he begat Salathiel no more then he begate his Vncle Sedekias , elder then him selfe : yet by succession is his sonne , 1. Chron. 3. And Sainct Mathew beeing now not a Publican but a Doctor in Law , knew law phrases : and that all learned would agree to his speech , where the storie was knowen .

To the third . All of Conscience where my Commentaries vpon Daniel come , which I gave the Iewe him self , will sweare , that Seleucidae and Logidae be figured by the Images legges : and my Ebrew bookes and many thousandes in copies besides , tell the same . What haue I to doe to defende mens dotage ? The dead , died in the repentance of errours : Let the living answere for themselves .

To the fourth . Oxford knoweth , how I forced D. R. to agree with mee for the limites of Daniels seavens . And D. Kennel can not forget that . I will record it . D. Kennel told me in London , thus : Our D R hath turned all vs of all degrees against you . Then said I : Presently will I turne you to me : speaking so , as calling for God to strike you presentlie , if you speake against your conscience . God forbid , sayth he , that I should denie that . Then marke , said I , The Angell saith : Seaventie seavens of yeares ( that is 490. ) are shewed most exactly : For to seale sinne and bring iustice by the death of Christ : when must the time begin ? said I : At the Angells houre of speech , saith he . And when end ? when Christ dieth , saith he . Tell D Reinolds he may as well deny God as those limites : Hee telleth him , and D. R. so settleth them . so the strife is ended . They who can not suffer him blamed for saying the Angell meant no certen time , shall answere me before God . I wrote an Epistle to Oxford Doctours , that such doctrine deserved to send Oxon to Helice and Bura . They complayned to Lord Will ▪ Burghley , Chancelor of Cambridge . He cooled their courage , with report to my friends , what wise men they of Oxon were , that complayned to him of me . Now let Oxon answer the Iew for D. R. And all who countenance Bar Lo ▪ who for M. Liuely raved against that consent which GOD gaue to Scripture , I did but in part shewe it , should thinke them selves so farre sonnes of Gehenna with him . God will not be mocked , nor regardeth person , and holdeth thankles and godles neighbours . The sight of Scriptures concent is more worth then all the golde in the world . So the mocking of it is one of the highest degrees of Atheisine . And all who revenge not that , if they can , can not escape Gods revenge . When iust complaint is made for most manifest and most weightie iniurie against God : all that bee slow to revenge , shall finde God readie to revenge them . Though Doeg prosper a while : he that denieth consent to be in scripture , may as well denie God to be the authour of it . And none but godles will suffer that . So the reioycers in the Libell , when it was , who suffred the other , many had quicke passage hence : not as well dying . Moo should weigh desert for fellowship with wicked . All be Atheistes which deny concent of word to be from God .

To the fift . of Iakim Math. There is not a letter amisse , nor contraritie in the New Testament : The true copy saith : Iechonias ( not Iakim ) begot Salathiel , as Beza vnchecked his check , so the French , & English should . Of this I haue elswhere written .

Of Barachias and Ieremie , Math. 23. and 27. In Barachias for Iohaiadah , Saint Mathew followeth the notation Blesse God ▪ for : God hath the knowledge . So Ammiel and Eliam , be one man . Iochanan & Ioachaz the King , by Kimchi : & Ichoiadah and Iohn , and Iohn and Chen in Zacharie , and about 60. propre names for notation diverse are in the holy margent readings among the 848. the Ebrew double readings : whereof I haue much written . Now Exalt God , and remembrance God be of one force : as Ceplias & Peter . And so S. Mathew in a knowen person eloquently and stately by imitation of the old Testament sheweth that hee wrote by the same Lordly spirit as penned the Law . Senses exercised , would never stagger at that . As Ezra and Malachy are the same man by the Thalmud .

Of Rempham . And soules 75. Act. 7. Of these I haue written in my Consent of Scripture . Well I trow though vcalegon Iscariota schoph , that of Rempham . He that teacheth , Our Lord in Catacyrievo blamed Heathen Rulers of tyrannie : where Prov. 8. he saith , Princes by him decree Iustice , will litle regard what to scoph , for Gehenna .

Of yeares 450. after a sort . Act. 13. This number hath bene blamed : And Rhemistes in the Martialcie requested Bish. Elmer that some should reproove them , if it could be done , for translating after the Latin , and refusing the Greeke copy : and they chose that of Act. 450. Bishop Elmer , that rarely favoured me , requested me to dispute with them . I did so , and they soone yeelded . Iscariofa libelled that I defended the 70. translation , of a copie which I should say was found in Geneva betwixt two walles , And that all laughed at me . I wonder what asse ever could be so vnlearned , as to thinke that ever any now 1300. yeares would defend the 70 ▪ which is no where extant , but patched infinitely . And I marveile who should dreame of any 70. found at Geneva betwixt two walles : the father of lies Belial taught Ben Belial so to lie . I complayned , but sped no better then Abakuk . Ch 1. The blamed sped wel in a thankfull people , who haue his nyse learning in high esteeme . Such Lactuce is fit for such lippes .

Of Boanerges . Thus the Iewes dispute , if Boanerges be corrupt , Christ was not God , who kept not the name which he gaue Iames & Iohn . But Geneva holdeth that name corrupt : and what scholes allow not the writer ?

Therefore by such Christ should not be God .

Answere . Geneva was warned of this checking , to a Genevite in the way to their towne : when the Genevite bragged of deepe amending the holy text . But they could never bee quiet till they wearied the warner out of towne . Soone after GOD threatened by Savoy to take their towne . The answer is easie : that the Iewes to this day made Scheva O a , as Noabyim for Nebyim : so Boanerges , where Th. B. would haue Benerges , Iewes generally will defend our Gospell .

Of Armageddon . Armageddon is vily vexed . Most of all by Danaeus , but I will not cite his corruption . Our Geneva had Arma-Geddon . Th. Beza noteth an huge companie of differences . That is iniurious , where Gods authoritie is so cleare by art .

Against Harmegiddo . If Origenes Octaploun were extant , where the Ebrew is expressed in Greeke notes : the letter Eh , by a weake spirit , as in Abel , Alleluja , Agar , Ephphata , Aman , Ararj , & Ar , in Eusebius , for oros a mountain we might well guesse by that which we haue , that many thousands of examples doe cheke the blame of Ar , to turne it into Har. So For ME as better then MA. many thousand or Examples would shewe that shewa is oftener A then E. as in Isaac , and twice in Nathanael . So for little Chirik , that it is many thousand time E short . And the whole word Mageddon with N. is in the 70. Esay 10. and elswhere . So the checking of God in all the syllables of Armageddon , against so many warrantes : to prove that wee haue not the New Testament that God gaue : this can but exceedingly greeue all that see Iewes hence made fewell for Gehenna , and many of our owne cooled from zeale .

Of Sabbaton act . blamed by M. Scaliger . that it should be Sabbatωn , in the newter gendre . M. Scaliger greatly forgat him selfe for thinking that Tω sabbatωn ωnos , could agree with Greek In all the tongue , the like is not , the text in all copies standeth well .

Of the storie of the adulteresse , Iohn 8. In a Latin Epistle to the Princes of Germanie , I haue shewed that Saint Iohn by one Thalmudique rule sheweth more learning then any forger could . I am loth to repeat it , to Anabrais . For it would be tedious and hard for the vnebrewed .

Of Cainan . Luc. 3. For this Cainan , I haue written at large vpon our Lordes Familie . Thence the Reader may fetch my minde , against M. Scaliger , that held the Cainan ioyned to Arphaxad to be a corruption : Because in deed the man was never in the world , and S. Luke knew that : and it would make any stagger why S. Luke should bring , in that family , a forged name . That which I haue often handled , I think bitter in repetition .

Epiloge .

Thus I haue brieflie holpen the vnlearned to defend the trueth . Touching Persones here blamed , I will shewe my minde . M. Beza I hold to have deserved rarely of the church , for rules of faith against the Pope . But as he confesseth his hebrew store was scant : so it was pitie that he was not warned to keepe him at home . I holde D. R. equall to him , and syncere in all , saving his defence of M. Scaliger against the churches : whereby he much missed , in Heathen Greekes , not in Divinitie otherwise . Of M. Lively I can not tell what to say , who still held the Ebrew text corrupt , and so , little cared what to say , and missed , as I haue given advertisement . Bar-Lo I leave to God . I am sure , that our Melec , whom from my hart in Geneve in extreeme danger , I defended to be the only Orthodox K. in the world , would pay him if hee knew his Libell .

His learning is small for a Doctor , his wit no better : for a polititian that made wicked beleeve our people loved not their good : Our K. His conscience that scoffed God the authour , is worse then the rancour of any dogge . His whole course is voyde of grace in his Libel , and declamation against Rob. Fss . as though he had authoritie to censure Nobles . I never read of any so shameles to haue made a good end .

Now for the Hanaw Iewes arguments .

The Hanaw Iewes brake to rancour vpon these Syllogismes .

First . The stryving against an open commaundement of faith , is as wicked as endevour to breake all the world in pieces . But ye strive voyd of all conscience , against this : Kisse the Sonne , least he be angrie : happy are all that trust in him . Therefore ye are equall to the Divells in contempt of the Sonne of God .

Preofe of the assumption . Ye say , Nasheku Bar is not to kisse the Sonne . I replied that Nashak is never but kisse , and I made your selfe confesse so much . Even Rabbi Man , turning to his concordance , & that Bar is is Sonne , Prov. 30. twise , and Dan. 3. teach , and your Thalmud in millions of places . And Aben Ezra , the sharpest and best learned that ever yee bred , telleth plainly , that Messias is there meant . And in that you print him , you make him your mouth : yet you tell me , you will not stande to him . No iudge in the world ever gaue a client leave to shrink from the pleading of his owne counseller . And doe you hope to mocke with the Iudge of all the world , & to escape the rivers of fier that are afore his throne ? You know what your Thalmud Bab in Chelek speaketh of your selves , that ye shall haue the faces of dogges , before the Messias helpeth you . For that our S. Paul saith concerning you , Phil. 3. 2. Looke to the dogges : should not this moove you , to quake , when yee call your selves dogges , and the holy Ghost from your owne mouth doeth condemne you ? Moreover , Midrai Tillin your Eldest worke telleth in a parable this to bee spoken of a King , of whom vewing his subiectes they would make an hymne . Then said he , make not the hymne on me , but make it to my sonne . And you know this , and will yee wilfully perish ?

The seconde Syllogisme . If by your owne consent a Golden Chaine of times is made one of five from Adams fall , vnto sealing the Messias , the holy of all Holynesse , and not one whit further , that Chain should draw you to Messias . But the first is true : Therefore also the second .

Proofe of the Assumption . And the first Chaine . From Adam to Tharaes death , you make vniversallie yeares 2083. To that death Midras Rabba ioyneth Abrahams calling from Charan : and Philo the true Philo , the Greeke : who also telleth that none who haue read the Law , can bee ignorant of that . All this I haue cited in my Ebrew booke to Landtgrave Maurice , from your owne authours , and that yee spent 215. yeares in Chanaan , and 215. in Egypt . Out of Rabba Azarias I cited your Ebrewes for that . So from Abrahams calling from Charan , to the Law , shal be graunted yeares 430. and 480. to the Temple , & 36. to Salomons death : and thence in Barbinel from Ezek. 4. 390. to the burning of the Temple . Now come backe 19. yeares to the beginning of the captivitie , And ye knowe that ye haue a new Chaine of two linkes or yeares . But 19. must hange downe , and ye must fasten the twentieth linke to the former Chaine . So fiftie one yeares are to the end of the captivitie . And thence Aben Ezra telleth by the Angell Gabriell that 490. yeares are thence vnto sealing the Messias the holy of all holynes . Now this Golden Chaine is of your owne making vpon Gods authoritie . But your ▪ Thalmudiques made a Cobweb , full of all shamefulnes against all light or conscience . Of that you have read my booke , So the assumption telleth that your Golden Chaine draweth you vnto Christ .

A third Syllogisme , From the Iubilees . If your selfes confesse that the Iubilees draw vnto Christ , and that falleth out most clearlie by your former Chaine : your conscience telleth , ye rebell against the light . But the first is true : Therefore also the latter .

The proofe of the proposition . In Zohar ye haue this wonderfull saying , vpon Levit. 25. Col. 2. 10. fol. 53. In the Iubilee the Maiestie of God will be a remission , and redemption , and ending of Sabbatisme to Israell . This is a wonderfull saying , to be spoken by your selves , and not perceyved by your selves . So the Zobar hath vpon Gen. 3. The seede of the Woman , thou serpent , shalt pearce footestep , and HE shall pearce thy head : Vpon HE , ye say this Person , is Hacados Baruc Hu : The holy and blessed God : we can speake no more , and you could speake no lesse . For he must be God that can destroy the workes of Sathan . Moreover , Kimchi saieth vpon Ezek. chap. 40. That the Messias redeemeth in a Iubily . Now looke to the pleasaunt progresse of times by Chalebs age , Ios. 14. telling how it was 45. since Moyses sent him to view the Land : So in the seaventh the Lande was parted : then the eight is the first to the Iubilee , so the first Iubily Chusan is tamed by Othoniel , and there beginneth a blessing with your first Iubilee . in the seaventh Iubilee the Arke commeth into Iudah : and Ephraim his glorie was transferred to the tribe of Messias . Thence to the captivitie of Babel , are seaven seaventies : it of one seaventie : & thence a new seaven seaventies . Put these together and ye have 28. Iubilees , or 1400. yeares . To such pleasant facilitie hath the God of heaven distinguished the times : and he hath made al partes most famous by high dealings , to draw all vnto salvation . But your sinne against the holy Ghost , which Maymonides noteth from Es. 6. and our foure Evangelistes marke , that your sinne keepeth away your hartes from vnderstanding .

A fourth Syllogisme . If every whit that Daniel pictureth and expoundeth in his Images , be come to passe , even by Heathen testimonies , before the birth of Messias in Bethlehem , you sinne against the holy Ghost by despising the trueth of God . But the first is true , as I haue shewed you in my booke of Davids Familie : Therefore you sinne against the holy Ghost in not beleeving . Vpon these reproofes , they break to open refusall of hearing , to say : you labour in vaine to turne vs , while Christians are at such strife among your selves , for your whole religion , &c. specially for your descent to HEL : Ye have aboue 20. opinions ●●r that : and fourtie branches growing from the Genevean . The Genevean , the Marpurgean , the new Hanovean , hath much hindered you , as we heare . And the Romane of the Fathers being in Gehenna Isaac Ben Arama blameth , fol. 205. col. 2.

Of agreement generall for our groundes . This ground is generall from Athanasius and eldest time : that nothing may be holden for Divine trueth , but either graven in all heartes , or evident in the Bible . And our Apostles never went further : and the best learned of all sides being called to these groundes , will refuse combat against them .

Groundes of disputation . I. The old Testament is pure , and New to every letter . II. The Apocrypha be for vse but of tolleration , and rightly damned generally even in your Thalmudes , as not to be regarded for any sound worth : but wicked to be vsed at all in any reverence , as sound sadnes . Otherwise some of them be very witty to play with heathen : & godly & learned by our K. III. In Moyses all Divinitie is taught by the Angell , called Iehova the God of Bethel : how he would be Emmanuell . The Prophetes and Apostles goe no further . Vpon this ground I brake your Rabbi Elias in Francfurt Synagoge : that to this day he desireth institution . IV. Your Thalmudiques for tongue are indifferent , and as good as we can wish for the Prophetes : and proprietie must stande wher it striveth not with sense or common notiones . V. The New Testament was to be written all in the tongue of Iapheth , as ye well gather from Noes allusion to his name , Gen. 9. in Thalmud Ierusalem in Megila : and thence in Midras Rabba . VI. God gaue the Graecians first a minde to advance their tonge when Iuda was in Babel : Then Pisistratus brought Homer to esteeme as Iewes haue Moses , or we the Gospell , for daylie vse of speech , though they knew all to bee fables , the sager sort . Vpon this beginning all kind of florishing writers came , in 200. yeares . That by Alexander Macedons time , it came to the highest perfection . And all the learned in the West spake it willinglie . Then the Macedonians conquering South & Indians by Millions of Souldiers : force all to know Greeke , the wealthy of Leasure . Tully pro Archiâ Poetâ , telleth that Greeke by his time went over all nations . Now all might in one tongue learne the salvation by Christ . And Christ giveth his servants the greatest sharpenes of Logike and bravenes in speech to heathen : wherein S. Paule giveth place to none that ever was in Athens . Saint Luke in storie hath equall spirite . And when they speak storie of Law , the seaventie Seniors phrase is theirs , to call the old Testament stil to minde . And to Scribes they bee Thalmudique : & rare Ebrew matter they expresse rarely by termes Greeke : but Gods wisedome is vnder those termes in rare sense . VII . Saint Paul teacheth nothing differing from the Scribes , but that Christ was to suffer : and beeing the firste from the dead , should shew light vnto the world . And the same is the summe of all the New Testament . VIII . All our best learned know by these groundes controversies be tried . And he that cannot dispute by these groundes , should be still .

Examples of Consent . Our groundes that Scripture is pure , & only must iudge , and is perfect for to rule all our vse of life : the learned of all sortes when they are openly called to accompt , know they must graunt : Even the Quirites . D. Iohn Pistorius is famouslie knowen for this argument . The Popes maner is to provoke disputation before warre . And as disputation proceedeth , warre or peace followeth . D. Pistorius of Friburge was the Popes chalenger : a great Graecian , and Caballist . The Chalenger was written too in Greeke what groundes his Chalenger held : and that Pistorius should haue fafe-conduct for an hundreth his owne friends to come with him to Basill schooles : Their disputation should be in the tongues which God vseth to vs , Adams tongue which continued in the house of Hebers faithfull : And in the tonge of Iapheth , which God trimmed 600. yeares , and spred over the world , that all nations might learne the Gospell in it . Wisedome requireth no moo tongues for Divinitie . And by this kinde all terme brallings should be cut off . And his owne heart knew that he must graunt my rules : and therevpon I assured my selfe , and tolde him that the chalenger would give over his chalenge . After some combat , so he did , vnder his owne hande in a Greeke epistle : and so both sides were glad that they no further needed preparation of warre . Since , warre was : and a letter of myne written from Marpurge to Zurik stayed vndelivered two yeares , and then they wrote : That stayd : Suo magno malo , To their own great harme , That they knew not I was in the countrey : Let the scornefull say : they know better then they , their owne case . Vnlesse our common groundes were sure : tempestes could not bee so soone calmed . Many such dealings I could bring , but the vowed to sit in the seat of the scornefull would but mocke . But for you Iewes I wil cite Iudaique matters . Rabbi Elias your own chosen Oratour , he seeth my groundes to be your grounds , and never checked one whit of my assertiones for his vse . And Rabbi Ruben of Thrace , commeth not short of him . And if your hatred to our Gospell blindeth you , doubtles ye goe into the fire which ye have kindled , and ye shall lye downe in panges . Obiect not , ô Iewes , our dissent where our generall consent might save you . And thus much for your generall accusation of our disagreement : where ye are vnexcusable for most grosse crossing of knowen trueth . Now I will come to the particular difference which you obiect of our Creede : for Catelthein eis haidou .

Of descent to HELL . Twentie opinions ( saith the Iew ) yee haue touching the Descent to HEL : as your selfe in writing haue charged our soile schollers . And what religion can be in your New Testament , seeing articles be so vncerten . I will touche them which are knowen to fight openly with you . Sebastian our Preacher of Hanaw , told your self to your face in our towne , that you were against all Churches : And when Marpurge printed a Thesin in these wordes against you : Quidem , autumat descendere ad inferos in sacro Symbolo idem esse atque ascendere ad Coelos , quod nos non credimus . Maister Isaac Genius told that Lavater our Scholemaister sayd to the Grave , he also would write against you . And Iohn Lucas of our Hanow telleth how when he brought you from the Badens sick to Geneva , full fore against your will , because you had warning of their bent , for defending the text of scripture to be pure : where one Beza spent sixtie yeares to prove it most corrupt , and to finde a miraculous difference in copies : Iohn Lucas tolde often how they vsed you , when you first went from your chamber to salute the Professours . A small professour sayde : Oh , you are against our Calvin : you say , that , to Descend to HEL is to goe vp to Heaven . And what a further coile they kept , you have printed all in Latin . Iohn Lucas sayde : The Syndique and two Senatours gladlie heard three whole houres , your opinion of our Iewes petition , and how by Thalmudiques you meant for him to cleare all your New Testament , and how the Syndique gaue you leaue with Gods blessing , to print what you would : and how the next day 30. strange studentes by the Syndiques consent , sent one D. Goldastus , to request you to professe in Geneva , and presently to shew him how without Chaldie studies the new Testament could never be vnderstood . But presentlie after you had bestowed three houres discours with the Doctour , the Senat sent you word what a Plot the schollers layd to kill you , and how he offred you 300. french Crownes to goe presently away with the Scottes . Now what religion can be in men of this bent ? And for Hanaw we heare that you printed here vppon Dan. 9. a double helpe to Calvin : One for Beroaldus against Scaliger , the other for IESVS passage from the Crosse to Paradise , by all Greekes , that to catelthein eis haidou , meaneth that in speach of all godly . But when you shew how Geneva refusing all armies getting a sure victorie , turne God and all men against them , then Hanovians kept a Saracene coile : and moved the Grave not to goe forward with Princes promises for that great allowance which you expected : to teach vs in Hebrew your Gospell : we were in hope that you might haue saved our whole Companie : till these strange dealings of your strife weakened vs : to cast off all opinion of Christianitie .

Answere . Twentie opinions are in deed : all springing from one root of bitternes : the Latin phrase , Descèndere ad inferos , The Greeke Symbolon is no lesse cleer then the brightnes of the Sunne . I will open that , and then all wil graunt , that the Latin and all translations must meane as the originall doeth : afterwards I will come to Lavater , Marpurge , Geneva , Hanaw , and shewe consent of all sides to me .

Of immortalitie taught by the Greeke article : and the ground of an happy common weale . Iapheth taught his sonnes soules immortalitie , and that by death they shall goe hence to God , where place of ioy shall ever holde the good : and place of torment the bad . The common name to both is haides : a place vnknowen . And the Heathen of most auncient time , made haides to haue two partes . Leimonas , that is florishing places of the Godly , and Tartaron , a iayle of the wicked : So God and all soules are in Haides . And to the holy , Haides is Heaven . To the other HELL . Leonidas King of Spart , when with few hundreths hee fought against verie many thousandes of Parsians , hee encouraged his Souldiours thus : Dine with a valiant courage , O Lacedaemonians : We shall Suppe in Haides . This he made the whetston of valour : that he who dieth for his Countrey , should have in Haides a sure Lodge of Heaven , as Tully translateth that word . Agreeable to that Plato the Eloquent would haue it taught as the foundation of a good common weale , that Haides hath place of Eternall ioy : for the iust and valiant , and such as die for their Countrey : and place of Eternall woe for the evill and cowardes , that will rather flee away then die for their Cittie . Sophocles is most noble in this kinde , in verses cited by Iustin Martyr : and by full many after him . Him I have cited vpon Iob. And that all soules goe to Haides from Homers dayes all kindes of Greekes holde that , and many great volumes would not conteyne all their testimonies .

And after that God had by the Macedonians conveighed the Greeke tongue to the Indianes , Strabo recordeth that the very Indianes beleeved of Haides as the Graecians did . And the Macedonian Greeke vsually termed Heaven Haiden : as Portus Dictionarie telleth . And our Lordes Prayer from Math. cap. 6. in vulgar Greeke for the borous , saieth , Our Father which art in Haides . And Sainct Luke in his Attique style bringeth the tormented in Haides talking to Abraham : assigning no other place for him . And no Greeke ever denyed Abraham to bee in Haides . And we Christians holde him wicked and godles , that would make Saint Luke senseles . All who bring men speaking one to an other , must looke that the Reader will infer they bee neare : and otherwise holde the writer a lier . And any Eloquent Heathen would sweare , that Sainct Luke placed Abraham in Haides , and in ioy . And he maketh the word Catelthein most certen : that it meaneth , Permeare , to passe vnto : not to goe downe , but as the situation of the place may inferre inferioritie . Now then by Sainct Lukes Greeke , Catelthein eis Haidou must meane a passage for the holy to Heaven . So in this article we professe against Epicures with Plato and all sage Heathen , that Soules are immortall : and that the happy go Hence to an happie Lodge : and that all wee holde , all , everie one , Platoes ground & Tullies ground of a good common weale : that the sure recompence is in Haides : And that Kings should not persecute such Teachers , but hold them the profitablest subiects : who teach iustice and all fortitude in high sorte : that the iust dying for mans good , the soule returneth to Haides to God only wise & good , to an vnseene and pure place . All that know Platoes greek would swear the Penner of this article was so far no whit Platoes inferior for vse of greek . But the Latin phrase Descendere ad inferos , sent you Iewes to Hell , stumbling at the doctrine . And Latin Chrysologus 1200 ▪ yeares agoe , mistaking the heathen phrase , said that Abraham was in Gehenna till Iesus went thither to redeeme him out . Therevpon your Isaac Ben Arama after others tooke occasion to stumble at our Gospell : who vpon Levit. 26. writeth thus : Fol. 205. All the law of Christians hangeth vpon this one string , that for the fall of Adam he became dead in sinne : and all the Fathers and iust went into the Mahamaroth ( Psalm . 140 ) the pits of Gehenna , till IESVS went thither , and brought them furth : Now , that is not possible that the holy Prophetes being so familiar with God in their bodies of clay , should not rather out of the body , bein sight of his blessed glorie and in ioy .

Articles against Isaac Ben Aremaes slaunder . I. Our Gospell never taught any holy soule went hence to anie other place then to heaven . So Abraham , Isaac , and Iacob are in the kingdome of Heaven , Mat. 8. and all the Prophetes , Luc. 13. So the theefe , Luc. cap. 23. knew that Christ should goe hence to his kingdome , and that he should bee pitied : and was tolde that he also should goe that day to Paradise . And S. Paul , Heb. xj . telleth expresly , that Abraham was here a stranger , but looked for an heavenly citie , & God prepared it . Though in forme of doctrine he was not perfected : having but the promise of Christ to come , yet he saw him by faith , as we by storie : and by that faith went hence to heaven . And often doeth S. Paul speake , Heb. 9. and 10. that our Lord went from the body to heaven : Therefore ye Iewes be shameles slaunderers . II. Christ being in aeternall spirit the God of Bethel , the Angel that hath the name of Adonaj in him , Ex. 23. taught Moyses all divinitie : and teacheth nothing in the New Testam . but that which he taught in Moyses and the Prophetes . Now HE , in Levit. 26. where the recompence of keeping the Law is tolde , telleth of life eternall by dwelling with God : & of death by Gods angri face . And that you should know , that the Law was given to humble you to receive the mercies in Christ : You are told of 28. fold punishmentes , & of Babels 70 yeares , & that then ye will confesse your sinnes , as Dan. chap. 9. did . And then God will teach his covenant , which the Angell did : That Christ in the time set , shall end sacrifice and offring : that is , alter the lawes which Moyses gave . S. Steven was accused for the Angells wordes : and as all the Synedrion looked vpon him , they beheld his face as the face of an Angell , Act. 7. None of you all ever durst deny the storie . And when ye killed the holy Martyr , the Angel Gabriel and all the Angells encouraged the Romanes to destroy your place . And for the Godly , S. Paul expoundeth Levit. 26. thus : 1. Cor. 5. We doe know that if the earthly house of tabernacle be dissolved : wee have a building from God , not made with handes , everlasting in the heavens . Heere yee might have seene that your Beniamite spake as Levi , and as nothing inferior to Moyses : For the spirit of God ruleth his pen , by which Moyses was wise . Againe , for the place of the damned , Iohn Apoc. 14. saith : They shal be tormented before the throne of God and the Lambe for ever and ever . So Gods angrie face shal be vpon them . Thus ye may see that yee are much deceived . III. Vpon your occasion I thrise wrote in Greeke to Nicolaus Serarius of Mentz . He and many of many places requested me to write in Greeke : to stirre studie to the tongue . And longe agoe a right honorable Patron bound me in promesse so to doe in honour of our Greeke Testament : all written at the first in Greeke . To Nic. Ser. I wrote a demaund what I should answer Iewes for the Pope . He knew well enough , that if he reconciled not the Pope to me , I would begin with him . And he expresly answereth from Thomas Aquinas , that Christ neuer went by Change of Place , to Hell : but the Church beleeved as Athanasius , Cyrill , Theodoretus , who expreslie tell , that all the faithfull went hence to most blessed Palaces : Vpon Psal. in Commelins fragmentes . IV. Theophylact vpon Saint Luke 23. recordeth , that the best learned holde , all the faithfull went hence to the royall palaces . V. Chrysostome teacheth vpon 2. Cor. Hom. 6. that Abraham and Lazarus were in the kingdome of heaven . So your slaunder is great , and worthy of great punishment . Only the heathen Latin phrase bewitcheth the world : Descendere ad inferos . But now some write vnto me from England , that there be none holden of any conscience , that are not of my minde . This cause hath bene there so much debated : and the learned K. forceth all to looke about them . But I will returne to Greekes . In Photius librarie , a litle worke is cited , fathered vpon Flavius Iosephus , your man : wherein haides hath the Bosom of Abraham , in light and ioy : and a Prison for the wicked : which is called of the same Iosephus in your warre , Dark Haides . And that other worke is fathered vpon sundry moo : Ireneus , Iustin Martyr , and one Caius . Such consent was to the doctrine .

Of Iustin Martyr . Iustin Martyr was a great Philosopher , and ready in the best Greekes . He Quaest. 75. distinguisheth Haiden into Paradise , and Nabuchodonosors Haiden : And for the Monarchy of the world , and Soules immortalitie citeth against Epicures , wise Poetes for Haides , iumpe as Christian faith is professed , by symbolon Apost. And from the phrase of this article Iustin wan his chief credit among heathen . The Latin translation would never have done that . The Greek is holy .

Of Eusebius . Eusebius in the common mouth of Ecclesiasticall storie : and in this argument he vseth the phrase of the symbolon , Hist. 1. 13. and by oracles doeth expound it . He saieth that Thaddaeus taught the L. of Edessen , that our Lord was crucified , dead , and buried , and went to Haides : and thence hee raised vp the just : which had of long time bene a sleepe . This in Hist. lib. 1. cap. 13. Now Apod . 3. He citeth Porphyrie and Oracles , to tell whither our Lord went : where the Oracles say , of our Lord . Apo. 3. fol. 87.

That Mans Soule was the godliest of all soules . And the Godly Soule doeth goe into heaven . Thus speaketh the Oracle : and Porphyrie assenteth , That the Soule was iust , and went hence into heaven . So Eusebius being the common historique for the Church , telleth the common opinion for his time , how the speech of the Symbolon was vnderstood , that Haides of the godly is knowen .

Of Latines : and other translations . Soone after that Latin studies came in credit , they bred disturbance : what Descendere & inferos should meane : and no tongue but the Greeke could well expresse the matter . Therefore many Symbola , when the immortalitie of the soule was knowne , left out the article : when the mynde without the expresse word held the matter : and barbarous tongues could not expresse the right . Two causes mooved them . The one , that when soules immortalitie was knowen , the article was cold that drew the matter into question . The other , that translations drew hurtfull expositions : being vnable to overtake the Greeke eloquence . So the omission was sage , where omission was : and was to bee wished that it had bene over all Barbarous Countreys , vnable to expresse the Greekes clearenes .

But we may be sure it was in the Greeke at the first , while Heathen and Christians made equall vse and friendship by the article . And the Greek Fathers continually deale with the article , as holding it vsuall . And for all the twentie opinions : I cited , this commeth one check for them all : That it is in proprietie of Greeke flat atheisme , to denie to soules passage from the body : To Catelthein eis haidou , a returning to God that gaue them . And it is an vnspeakable shame for Doctours of Christianitie , not to know the phrases of their own abridgement of faith , and markes of profession . Now I will come to your Hanovean Preachers , and Marpurges , and Lavater , & Geneva , and for your stirres for Genevaes quarell .

Of the report that I was set against all Churches . I. This report was much faultie . It is no fault to differ from all Churches for the good of all Churches . II. Churches carrie no sway , aboue the word of God : but the word of God doeth above all Churches . III. I haue brought to light by the helpe of Iewes and Heathen , many things which none of any Church before mee cleared to my hand : as that the Law was aey written as now . IV. I knew not fifteene yeares agoe , any learned man in the world that durst mainteyn , that to Catelthein eis haidou in the Godly , was to goe vp to heaven . But since , mightie & Learned are of my minde . The Duke of Bullon being at Hanaw , was desirous to heare my selfe vpon this article , at a late supper . And as Maister Isaac Genius told me on the morrow , he sent to Sedan for his Professour : who came and read what I had written , and saide he was of my minde : and the Duke bade him tell all his fellowes , that they also should be or look for no pay . Isaac Genius is myne authour . Maister du Boys can tell : aske him . And vnlesse England bee full of fooles or flatterers , the heartie all there , stande to mee . Two Caladonians , nine yeares agoe , overthrew all the good that I might haue done . The Bishops cleared them selves : and tolde who the parties were : Two Calcedonian Lords sorrowed that that should come from their soile : and that therevpon Ban. by whom I would not be checkt for any thing , should bee great . In France the best learned presentlie ioyned to mee : and reformed Helvetia : & the LL. & Marchants of Francfurt : and the Iesuites of Mentz : and the best of Hanaw . The least should not chide , that I was against all Churches : when I am against them for their speciall good .

At Francfurt a Preacher by occasion of speach against English Spellmen , was aunswered that they were allowed in England . Then said he , There is no religion in England . A marchant whom M. Is . Gen. described to bee simplie the richest in all Francfurt , said , I would Br. heard you . He is no Turk , Iew , Romist , Lutheran , Calvinian , yet I hold him of the best religion . In England we allow no teacher but God . The Marchant , thought differing from men to be no blame , as none that studie of conscience , will make flesh their arme . I dare promisse that what so ever I defende of resolute purpose , or oppugne in schooles : that the most part of the hearers will be of my minde . I was requested at Mentz , to dispute vpon a Licentiat . I tolde them that I had no minde to be busie in straunge soiles . Then they vrged instantlie of all friendship . Therevpon I was content , but told them , that I would overcome , by their voices , or never dispute more . And if any thinke , he can doe better then their aunswearer did , let him trie . The question shal be here layd downe .

Romana Ecclesia est vera Christi Ecclesia .

The Church of Rome is the true Church .

Reply . You make Peter God : Therefore yee are not the true Church .

The antecedent is denied . Ye make him Rock : Therefore God .

The sequell is denyed . Rock is never taken in praise of person : but only in God . Once it is spoken of Abraham and Sara , Es. 51. For the Quarry whence Israell was out : and for a Madianite , Num. 25. But neither place will stande so here : Though Maymonides in Moreb , would commend Abraham and Sara here . The continuall vse of Rock in the highest degree of prayse telleth , that the terme belongeth only to God .

Answer . It is bestowed sometimes vpon other men .

Reply . Eysight will iudge , that , These be all the places wherein the word commeth , in commendation of a Person :

The Rock : his word is Perfect : He is the God of trueth , Deut. 32. v. 4. And he contemned the Rocke of his salvation , v. 15. Thou wilt forget the Rock that begate thee , v. 19. Their Rock hath sold them , v. 30. Their Rocke is not like our Rocke , v. 31. The Rock in whom they trusted , v. 36. And in all these places the seventie Seniors put Theos , God .

Thus often in one chapter in Moyses , the word Rock is , God : and the termes of the Gospell must agree with them of the Law . So ,

There is no Rock but our God , 1. Sam. 2. My God is the Rock in whom I will trust , 2. Sam. 22. 3. and Psal. 18. 3. And who is the Rock , but our God , 2. Sam. 22. and Ps. 18 The Eternall liveth , and blessed is my Rock : and exalted be my God , the Rock of my salvation , 2. Sam. 22. The Rock of Israell spake to me . The Eternall is my Rock , and Redeemer , Psal. 19. My Rock , be not silent concerning me . Doubtles he is my Rock and my salvation , Psal. 62. 3. & 7. He was to me a Rock of dwelling , Psal. 71. 3. The Rock of my heart , and my Portion , Psal. 73. 26. They remembred that God was their Rock . My God , and the Rock of my salvation , Ps. 89. My God , and the Rock of my confidence , Ps. 94. 22. Let vs sing to the Rock of our salvation . Ps. 95. Blessed be the Eternall my Rock . Ps. 144.

So in Esai , the Rock of thy strength , thou hast not remembred , chap. 16. 10. So the Rock of Israell , chap. 30. I acknowledge no other , cha. 44. The holy Ghost would not so often vse the terme Rock in so high Maiestie , and bestow it vpon Peter , who thrise denied him . S. Peter him selfe in his Epistle from Babylon to the scattered Iewes somewhat neare by the 70. terme for Tzur 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 2. Sam. 22. saieth : Let them commend their soules to the sure Rock the Creator . Now the cause of the terme Rock proceeded from the first demaund , concerning the Sonne of man , Dan. 7. comming with the clouds of heaven , or Angels , as Rabbi Sadaias termeth them . There , in a great Sea foure beastes arise afflicting Iudah . But Deut. 32. told the Rock would helpe them at the worst : as Dan. 12. telleth . So against the Romanes sea , Apoc. 13. The same terme Rock is a promesse , against Rome , nor for Rome . And Peter was never nearer Rome then Ioppe : Origen & Tertullian , Euseb. auctors , after 250. yeres of Peters being in Rome , are a Egyptian Rede , that will prick the hand . S. Luke that noteth lesse townes where S. Peter was , would never have omitted his being in Rome , if ever he had bene there . And he that expreslie telleth of him selfe , he was in Babylon to shew the Prophecy Psal. 87. that Babel and proud Egypt should yeeld a people to God , 1. Pet. 5. & in his second Epistle pronouncing the letter A in by an S. ( which Chaldaea did : as Daniels speech teacheth : and Thalmud Ierusalemy in Megilah : & R. Azarias ) in Balaams father , Bosor , for Beor at Rome by the 70. he might haue taught any maide , whence the Galilean wrote , by his voice . So Rock is expreslie against Rome , not for it . But will try you with a second Syllogisme .

If Rome crucified Christ , it is vnpossible for God to blesse Rome , with any hast or Perogative : longe S. Paul was kept back . But the first is true , by Balaam , Num. 24. and the foure Evange listes in Pilate and the Romane Soldiers : Therfore Rome for any prerogative , must still goe on to destruction , as Balaam , Numb . 24. & Apoc. 17. doe vse the phrase .

Answere . Rome , as it is the seat of the Empire , it is cursed , But as it is the Church , it is blessed .

Reply . Your Pope is farre aboue all Emperors as ye deeme : therefore as your church dependeth vpon him , ye are openly cursed . Here I gave place to others , as reason would : & the commencer gaue certen Battes to the Repliers : and the Bedell brought so to me : and they requested me not to refuse them . This disputation was celebrated by the very Iesuites , over the Empire : that none could answer the arguments . And for all that I am to teach you , they confesse that all mine extant in Ebrew , Greek or Latin , they allow . And for all that , they haue more , I reiect it . These be vaine dreames , that one Apostle could be above another : That Peter was at Rome : that any can bind , or lose sinnes : but by teaching what bindeth , what loseth : that one man should in Divinitie be above all : that the Barbarous Latin should exclude the Hebrew law : where thousands of names , as in the book of Numbers , haue plain sentences vnder them : But in other tongues we speak them to lesse comfort . And so the new Testam . in Greek hath every word as a Pearle , to them that can tell from what Heathen , the floure of Athens they be taken : or in what imitation of the 70. or Thalmudique , for weightie common places ▪ or which turne eloquent Greeke to Beryllike or Carbuncle-like termes of the Law and Prophetes . One skilfull in Greek and Ebrew shall in reading the New Testament runne in memorie through all Attique and Thalmudique The Latin is to the Greeke but as a stutter to eloquent . And a Babylonian curse came to the world : when the Grace of our Lord Iesus Christ , in the tongues of Heber and the Greeke , was despised : and a latepatched barbarous came in steede of it . The plague of Rome by Alaricus and Gensericus , and Theodoricus , and Totilas that pilled Rome , might haue warned them , of preferring the Barbarous before the Holy . The next wickednes is this : That any should commaunde any of the simplest not to read the Bible : or any learned requested by a companie , not to expound it . If the Synagogue of the Bridge-makers at Thymbris had taught Rome everie day of the Lord Iohns Apocalyps , they had not bene now in dispute for Faith and Dominion . By the groundes which they must graunt , and I would bring to you , no one whit of Bible will serve the Bridge-maker of Rome , as Sozimus termeth him . The mainteyning of a Barbarous Schoole Latin , and wicked Aristotles false groundes giveth him colour of Prate : If Graecia ruled studies , as after the Apostles dayes it did six hundreth yeares : and your Thalmudique studies were ioyned ; to shew that our Apostles have nothing but by your graunt it had bene plain of old . I will anon plead your consent with me : and now tell you that the mysterie of Godlines , that God in the flesh reconcileth the world vnto himselfe : this , your Doctours speake , but knew not what they spake . In other poinctes your olde Scribes better cleare our Apostles then any of our owne side : by reason that their disputations are vpon Moyses to their vein . hard to vs , easie to you .

Then for the Churches good I neede not to feare blames . In England by our Kings commaundement through the Earle of Pembrok , I gave advertisment of strange corruption in our handling of Religion . They saw it was soundly done to the common good : and all spake well of it . Wee conspire not as your Thalmudiques doe , to be the scumme of the world : to deny 80. yeares from the Poloponnesian warres to Alexander Macedon men of all Kingdomes , Persian and Greekes : and so over all the world ever to have bene in course of nature . Such dogges ye are : to defeet the Angel Gabriels prophecy . Now for Geneveans , Marpurgeans , and Hanoveans none of fame crosse me . So your obiection is fonde . And for hindring Princes , I sought not to them : nor ever will . And I have answered them so in a Latin Epistle . My owne K. is able enough : and was willing but for some hinderers . Now I will shew Rabbi Elias your appointed Oratour towardes me , his attendance to me at Basil , to our Apocalyps , and the Epistle of S. Paul to you Ebrewes . I will now lay downe the sum of both , as expounded vnto him in your vein , and by your Authours .

I will in dialogue handle a speach had with Rabby Elias at Basil . For , Dialogue , as in Plato and Tully hath shortnes . Thus I began . Br. I preceave by your eloquent speach , that you are the Rabbi which in Francfurt synagoge disputed with me : denying nothing , that you knewe true . Eli. I am the man . And I gladly heard you drawe all the Lawe to Messias : and I celebrated you to all nations : and gladly would I heare more . Br. and gladly would I teach you . And that you may wonder at the Fishers of Galily , I will take ourlast book penned by Iohn the Apostle : speaking how Cittim or Italy shall afflict the true Israel vntil the end of light with darknes : Balaam spake of Assur and Cittim . By ▪ Assur hee meant them that possessed Assyria , and dwelt in the East : as Salmanasars house , & Chaldea , and Persia , and Macedonians . All these held Assyria , and the Persian King , Son to Esther is called King of Assyr in Ezra : as Cyrus King of Babel . But the Empire of Italy stayde in Italy , and by Deputies afflicted : so it is as equally great to al the former , as if they had ben so many kingdoms .

The storie you know , howe the Romanes pretending friendship in the beginning : at the last , by the Machabees falling out , made Iuda subiect to Rome , and kilde Christ : and destroyed your City . Eli. Wee all know this too well . Br. Daniel told you , that Christ the King should be killed at the holy Citie : to make reconciliation for sin : and to find eternall redemption , and make the Heathen one body with you : and should finish sacrifice and offring : and then should destroy the holy Citie and Temple : as with the deluge of Noes flood . Eli. I remember , you brought me to this exigent in Francfurt Synagogue : and I had not one word to reply , & you ended the holy Chronicle in the death of Messias : and you shewed by like revolutiones , that as we had 40. yeares in the wildernes in rebellion before wee entred into the Lande , so we should have 40. for repentance : after killing of Christ , before we should goe into the wildernes of the heathen : which afore for Iuda , before the first Temple was brent , Ezekiel for Ieremy handleth : and Barbinel vpon him very plentifully . And we Iewes admire God in our Law for measure of times to our policy , noe lesse then our Godly Astronomers doe , shewing howe the motiones of the Heavens declare the workes of God : So when we see your new Testament ioyne in times to ours , the Lawe , for my part I speak , I thinke it is from God . Br. You knowe Daniel beginneth with the first of the seventie of Babel : and then he himselfe was captived , and liveth seventy yeares in Babel : and saw the event of Ieremies prophecy for it , for desolation : and then is taught of seaventie seavens to end Moses , so 70. & 490. make 560. all these by scripture : adde forty from like revolution and sure by Roman Rolles then Daniel gave 600. yeare warning that the Kingdome of Christ is not of this world . Eli. I remember with vnspeakeable gronings , the destruction of the olde world : for not regarding Lamechs speach at the birth of Noe : how he should comfort vs : after our wicked workes , and sorowes of our handes : and after the curse of the earth , from the eternall God vpon Adams rebellion : how at six hundreth yeares after , it came : when Noe was six hundreth yeares old : then came the floud , and tooke all away : and our Thalmud and Zohar telleth that all their soules be in Gehenna . Now I see our misery , and your trueth : and that our Citie shall never be restored , nor our nation : and that all our Thalmudiques rebell against God , teaching a restoring of our state in the lande of Canaan . Br. Where Daniel endeth , Iohn beginneth . Fourteene yeres after the Citie was stoken by the Romanes , as Ezekiel in like time sawe a Ierusalem . Ch. 40. Iohn seeth the Historie of Ezekiels Ierusalem : that his prophecy is not to bee expounded in propre sense of wordes : where the man of God spake as hee was caryed by the spirit . The time is gathered by Romane Stories for the death of Domitian , soone following Iohns banishment into Patmos : as Christ his eyes were a flame of fire , serching Rome dealinges : as Paras , was revenged for hinderance of the Temple , even by glorious Cyrus miserable death : and soone in Xerxes great armie . Eli. Gods workes be great , & regarded of all that delite in them . But now speake of your revelation what it is : what it handleth : what nationes , what times : and first of all what is the kind of the style . By that we shall know whether God pend the book . Hee is perfect in wisedome and speach : no man ever was : but they in whom the Spirit of God spake : They only , no man , be perfect in speach

Of the revelation style . Br. The Fisher of Galilee made a Fisher for Ezekiels waters which give live where they come , clensing hartes vnto true holines : sheweth by his wisedome of speach , that God spake in him : and by statelines of matter : wherein mans witte could not deale : and the power of performance : which now the event hath shewed . But now we will consider alone the style : in Attique and common Greeke : in the 70. Seniores Greeke : in the Thalmudique Greeke : & where the Apostle is stately from God to speake in a new maner : by this rule given to Heathen : which Horace , witty , though wicked hath in Art. Poet Licuit , semperque licebit , Signatum praesente note traducere nomen . He that goeth further buildeth Babel in building a newe language , Termes ought to bee knowne to all nations : and God giveth noe rules but the plaine for the simplest to vnderstand . And Moyses biddeth vs to leave the hid to the Eternall our God , Deut. 29. And , as you knowe full well , that speach is pricked over the head : as one of the fiften places pricked for singular rare warning . Midras Rabbah in the Prick over Aharon , to warne that he is not in the number there set down , handleth all the fiften . God requireth plaine speach : and that , in these four kindes : Rome patching a barbarous newfangled , speach dealeth as Marmony praet . to Misnah , speaketh of the wrightes to the Babylonian Thalmud : That they made a speach which lived not in the worlde but an hundreth yeares . For the Greek Emperours there taming Babel destroyed their College : & so their invention , as the tower went not forward . But it troubled you to this day : while yee teach your children athean traditiones from a language that never any nation spake : and yee are faine to make a dictiory in comment through your six great Tomes . You invented a Gibberish speach , that christians could not spie your vanitie : and ye wrot traditiones to your nation for salvation where Thalmud Ierusalemi an hundreth yeares elder dealt plainly : that we may see what ye have good , and what ye have bad . And Maimoni made it into Ebrew : and the other Moses in S. M. G. Sepher , Mitsvoth Gedoloth . Speaches from these four , vsed while the Temple stood , will helpe vs . And now I will handle Iohns four dialectes , as art biddeth him to speake . It was not he that wrote , but God that wrot by him .

Of the Attique in the Apocalyps . The Rainbow is in the 70. Toxon , bow : that would have troubled Iohn : who ch. 6. bringeth Toxon in the common sense of a bow . Therefore he taketh the terme Iris : vsed in Homer and in all after him . That is specially brave in Attique sense : As that terme is brave in Homers Schollers .

Of the 70. Bishops dialecte : Far the most part of the book is from the termes of the 70. Although the Fisher of Galilee never reade them , the Word taught him their wordes for the vse of nationes that were acquainted with the septuagint . One speach of this sort is so rare , from the 70. vpon El. 54. yea so rare : that they who marke it not , will confound all , that toucheth the authority of the twelve stones : which are twelve Exod. 28. of them be niene Ezek. 28. and all twelve be Apoc. 21. in rare vse .

Of laspis , put for the Carbuncle : Apoc. 21. From the 70. vpon . Es. 54. Codcod by David Kimchi the King of Grammarians is in Esai . 54. the Carbuncle : as you know full well : ô Rabbi Elias . Eli. That doe I full well : and so in Thargum Ierusalemy . The stone of Iuda is Cadcedona . Br. So our Iohn nameth it : Chalcedon : avoyding the repeating of the letter Daleth . Eli. Assuredly this can not be done without rare instinct . You bring me in great part to be a Christian . But goe on . Iaspis in the walles of Ierusalem is Codcod : and Iaspis commeth for the walles of the holy Citie , that they bee as Iaspis Christallizing , from Es. 54. But Iaspis in the first of the twelve foundations is cleane for an other tribe , as I will speake anone . Eli. If your translation distinguish not these two , it doth the Authour great iniurie , for the whole booke should finde disgrace , by confusion : for so rare wisedome .

Of the Thalmudique . But next your septuagint Dialect , let me see our Thalmudique : In that we would be proud . Br. Calcedon , the last worde that wee spake off is of that sort . So Collyrion . Apoc. 3. of ten in Midras Rabba & your Thalmuds : Knowne in Grecia , in you more . Iewes schattered among Greekes learned many vulgar termes , as that , and Cosmocrator : for a King : in Ierusalemy and Midras Rabba : and many such . So , That the sacrificers were girded about the brest , you Rabbi know who teacheth . Rabbi . Eli. very wel , Vzielides , vpon Ezekiel , & Mamionides in , Holy garments , and Kimchi in Miclol . And this last is enough for the Thalmudiques . Now let me heare , what the Apostle toke from Gods authority : that will most shewe that God speaketh in him . Br. That shal be more largely handled .

Of the Apostique Greeke dialect . For speaches and for sentences calling whole bookes into cleare light , I will here speake : and I will give the particulars their titles : for rarenes of the matter .

Of Iehovah expounded . This commeth first , that Iehova is expounded from Exod. who was , whose is , who wil be : and this : drawen to shew the last actes looking to the first counsels , that all may be seene to depend vpon one God . Eli. Rab. Elias . Our common prayer-booke printed here at Basil , harps at this . Br. But to what purpose , missing of all Gods nature in the holy trinity : The Father , the Sonne , and the holy Ghost : and of his counsell for submitting the world to a man , where the first man fell his first day , and then one in whom God should dwell was promised a destroyer of Satans workes : yee speak all this but as Parrets . Eli. God help , vs : hast on , the iourney is long , yet you make me think it short . So Ossenb . Iewes learnd Daniel of you .

Of the seven Spirites . From Es. 11. You note that seaven spirites shall rest vpon Messias , Sanedrin Perek . 6. Fol. 43. But you vnderstand not that the Godhead shall rest bodily in him : which Godhead is all one in the Father , the Sonne , and holy Ghost : and that is vnseparable : yet there is a distinction knowen to ▪ God , and told vs , & we know that God dwelleth in light which none can come to : and we rest in so much as our minds can hold . And your selves confesse a mystery in Elohim Gen. 1. 1. being in forme Plural , as in , Thy Creatours , Eccl. 12. Thy Makers . Thy Lordes from Es. 54. And God my makers , Iob. 35. And in Massecheth Sopherim , yee fight why Abraham should vse ( Gen. 20. ) a verbe plurall to Elohim : when They ( Elohim ) caused me to wonder from my country , ( not knowing whether he went as elswere Midras expoudeth the word ) : at this ye are all amased , yet ye cannot perceave that in Aharons blessing num. 6. for what mysterie Iehova is thrise repeted , from whom grace and peace commeth to Israel . But our Fisher of Galile , teacheth that the Spirit which flootered vpon the waters , flootereth vpon the waters of the Lawe here , to give waters of life freely , without which waters and spirit , none can be borne to the kingdome of Heaven . This spirit is eternall God , the same Godhead with the Father , as Iehova sent him and his spirit , to teach the Gospel of the Eternall sonne , whom God made heyre of all , and by whom he made the world . So he sheweth Iesus Christ to be the Eternall , when he prayeth for grace and peace from him .

Of the Psalme 89. Where the Kingdome of David promised by Nathan is expounded : How Iohn expoundeth that to stand in Christ . Elias ; I thank you hartely for calling me to consider better the Law : I will think sadly of it . But what poinct touching Christ , plain in prophecy doth he teach . Br. All you know that Aethan the Ezrahite , of Zera brother to Phares , handleth the state of the Kingdome which you loke for . And there he prophecieth that Salomons house should come to nothing , yet an Eternall throne was stablished , for one chosen , the Bechor , first begotten , here from the dead : for which hope Iosephs bones end the glorious book of Genesis . In Aethan , He is above the Kinges of the earth : and so in Iohns blessing , as eternall God .

Of Psal. 33. For election . And Iohn telleth , what true blessing is : That Iesus Christ doth love vs , and washeth vs from our sinnes . Here the eternall love of God , that chose Abraham : yea when hee had worshipped strange Goddes : yet of love , not desert , chose him : and so all blessed : who cannot chose him , but he doth chose them . Blessed be the people whom Iehovah hath chosen to be their God . He , by whose WORD the heavens were made : & all the hoast of them by the SPIRIT of his mouth .

Of washing vs from our sinnes . Esay the Evangelist , full of gladsome tidings in Christ , telles , that Iehova wil be the brightnes of glorie , & the fruite of the earth : and wash away the vncleannes of the daughters of Sion . That text sheweth the marrow of all Esai : and he of all the Prophetes . And Iohn here telleth that IESVS Christ hath washed vs from our sinnes : and so sheweth that all Levies doings be ended , for which the whole frame of the Law was made .

Of the Kingdome promised to David . Nathans prophecie for an eternall Throne , yee expound to this day , to meane ease of this world , in Chanaan . And all the world seeth now 1500. yeres your madnes . Iohn telleth that the roiall mind conquering Chananean spirites , that they reigne not in vs : this maketh vs Kings and Sacrificers , to sacrifice our owne affections , and to serve God in holy reverence : to praise him with all our heart : and to build a church against tyrannie and deceit : Against Babel and Egypt : and the New Gog and Magog .

What the drift of the Apocalyps is . Rab. Elias . I never heard so much for your new Testament : Now let me heare the drift of the booke , as you have tolde the drift of Daniel . Br. A litle more I will speake of Iohn● Apostolique Greeke in some particulars : and then Generallie . Messias in Daniel , hath his feete like shining brasse : some brasse commeth neare golde : such as Ezra mentioneth , cap. 8. 27. Mountain brasse Greekes call it . Iohn Libanus brasse : as God vseth Libanus for mountaines , in speech of their frame . So for Iahalom , the stone wherein Zabulon was graven , the 70. had Iaspis : which terme had caused great disturbance . Iohn applyeth Iaspis to the Hebrew Iaspeh , the stone of Beniamin : and to Iahalom hee giveth Sardonix : and Chrysophrase for Nephthaly , in steed of common Achates : a white Achat with a Golden list , & some Greenesse . So precious is Iohns style . And this much particularly : Now generally , the style is from the Prophetes : shewing from old matters past , how the like shall come againe : which is the surest way of teaching . And the language wil be easie to you Iewes , because you know the Prophets speach : but is hard to Heathen , because the 70. did not translate , nor ever meant , the Law plainlie , because the wicked would hold it folly . Now I will come to shew the counsell of the booke . Rabbi . And vpon what Prophecy doeth it depend ? Br. Vpon Es. 25. where God promiseth to take away the covering that covered all Nations . The Gospell sheweth how God was in Christ , to take away the covering of the Law . Now that Temple and Nation is destroyed , and Iesus Christ him-selfe in this book calleth all Nations to him , the terme of vncovering is a fit tytle for that Prophecy . Rab. Elias . This verie title might shew God to be the Author of the book . Br. The drift of it is , to comfort all holy Iewes , as S. Peter did from Babylon , that the heavenly Ierusalem is not a materiall Citie , but made of mens heartes knowen to God , and praying to him from good vnderstanding , and vsing open sage profession while God bridleth hinderance , and vsing circumspection against bad Tyranny made stronge by Satan turned into an Angell of light . It conteyneth beside Iohns preface in propre speech , visions for the present institution of the world : in cha. 1 , 2 , 3. And afterward for ages following . For the present age Iesus Christ appeareth as he did to Daniel , chap. 10. when the Temple was hindred from building : and applyeth that vision to seaven churches , in most heavenly sweatnes , and expoundeth all the Song of Songes by knocking at the dore , that he is the Salomon , who conforteth the daughters of Ierusalem . The Prophecies following twise goe over the state to come vnto the end of the world . The first endeth with the eleventh chapter : the next with the nineteenth : The twenty lappeth vp the mischief of Satan : and the last two , the glorie of the afflicted , and obscure to the world : by pear-like speaches for the Prophetes Ierusalem .

Of the Nations , by name saluted in this booke . The God of all knowledge vseth light in all his stories . The house of rich Craesus sprange from a King most famous for riches , who ruled from many Isles of the Midle Sea , to Armenia . Esai promised Cyrus all his wealth : in Rich Craesus that fell out , who being in amitie with Nabynetar , as Herodote harped at his name , he provoked Cyrus to warre : and of Craesus became Irus . So Persia ruled that Soile long . Now when Ezekiel had comforted the Iewes , that they should have a returne as a resurrection , he warneth them , that they should looke for no kingdome in this world : but that the Lande of Gog , or Gyg , and Magog , by Graecians , should afflict them with Great helpes from many countreys , as you know . In the Kings of the North and South , Dan. xj . this fell out : whereof Antiochia was neare Magog : the Towne built by Antiochus the mischievous : The other Townes here named , were the old courtes of rich Gyges : The Kings of the South Ptolemei Lagidae : And the Kinges of the North Seleucidae , both held as it were , in equall portion these soiles : and filled them with Iewes forced to learne Greeke . So these being nearest to Ierusalem of Greeke countreyes , and full of Iewes scattered , to teach the old storie were fittest to bee taught , first to save the rest of Greeke speach : and all they knew Daniels Prophecie of his last kingdome boisterous in these quarters . And the God of all knowledge , began in wicked Antioch to make a godly church : that Christians thence first bare the name : and endeth his speech to men in the other end of the legges last dominions which they could holde : The Lande of old God and Magog , vnder Macedonians : and fit to looke for a new Gog and Magog from further West . Rab. Eli. I gladly heare this . Now tell at large who be the oppressors .

Of the Oppressors , in the Apocalyps . Br. You know ô Rabbi , how closely Daniel taught , who the Nations should be , who should take away the Iewes kingdome . But in the end he nameth them : yet so , that hee wrote that part in Ebrew : the tongue ended from the world in common vsage . So here , a longe while they are closely touched as vnder seales : and from the last of them come seaven trumpets . Seeing Iohn was banished into Patmos by Rome : his comfortes in Plagues and vengeance should bee against Rome : who is plagued with warre , bloudy and pestilent , and with losse of state , for killing : then after the fall of the Church , ariseth by colour of scripture , a king of Locustes , or beast arising out of the earth by peace : in the policie or Citie where Christ was crucified . Next they are both as Pharaoh , Es. 27. set foorth by a Dragon with armes that will agree to none but Rome : and this same Dragon hath two partes : the vpper part in a policie alone : the taile , the prophet that speaketh lies . Againe , both be more clearelie set foorth in two severall partes . The vpper part of the Dragon , is compounded in a new one beast comming out of a sea : compounded of the four in Daniel : with a head like the Dragons , and once made dead : as , the state vnder the seales was once overthrowen . Then the taile of the Dragon is a beast alone , comming out of the quiet earth : bearing two hornes like a Lambes : but the mouth of the former Dragon , & maketh the former beast aliue againe : and suffereth none to vse policie , but them that vse the markes of his Policie : worship of Idoles , now openly tolde . And at the last , all is made plaine , The beast revived , hath the hornes of the former : and head : but for crueltie , all bloody in colour : as Pope is the greatest murtherer that ever was in the worlde : by warres all vniust : and chalenge to kill all that will not fall downe and worship him . Now vpon this red beast sitteth a woman drunke with the blood of the Sainctes : and then all doubt is taken away . The woman is the Citie which beareth rule over the Kings of the earth . And this for the last affaires of the worlde . Rabbi Elias . I am sure the Nation is past deniall : how so ever the particulars will fall out . Now I beseech you tell me brieflie the whole summe of Iohns vision . God is my iudge that I never heard Christian with so great delite : and I thought so when you reasoned with mee in Francfurt Synagogue . I never heard any Christian before you , that could speal Ebrew readier then we Ebrewes : and made good your doctrine by our Doctors and by Greekes , that never saw Daniel . As Abraham Ruben writeth , so I think that your Q. hath rare regard of scholers . Br. I will endevour to give you brieflie the summe of this booke , from Iohns speach in his owne native maner , & his Visions for the time praesent and to come .

The first speech of Iohn sheweth how the Sonne hath received from the Father a revealing of the Churches case vnto the last iudgement and resurrection : and Iohn , the Disciple whom the Lord loved , is talked with by an Angell , and spoken too by Christ . And Iohn exclameth what goodnes commeth from this revelation : that it maketh the Reader happie : and he commendeth the worke to seaven Churches of the Lande of Gog , where Iewes were scattered by the Macedonians : the farthest Westward of their dispersion , and were fit instruments to save vs poore heathen towards Sun set : as afterward he made our poore countrey the ends of the earth the possession of Christ . The blessing from the holy Trinitie , the Eternall , our God , the Eternall , is most heavenly , and the acclamation of glorie to the Sonne , from Fs . 4. and Exod. 19. & warning of his iudgement : when the second time he commeth in the cloudes , as he came Dan. 7. to take manhood : and from Zacharie & his owne Gospell he teacheth Rome that pearced him handes , feet and side , that they shall see a Revenger . And the Eternitie of the Sonne is manifest , in that he is Agr ; . and ω. the beginning and the end , who is , who was , and wil be the Almightie . Now he commeth to tell the opportunitie of the Visions . He was banished into Patmos , a small Iland neare Ephesus : recorded onely but by name of Heathen , obscure for any further storie . Into this , as out of the world , Iohn of whom the world was not worthie , was banished : God turning Domitians tyrannie into a blessing , that this desert Iland , should have the state of the whole world set open . Rabbi Elias . Certenly this must be a strang blessing of God : I am much bent to hear your speach : and I consider the Law-giving how it was in the wildernes , where none but Gods own should be partakers . And as at the West of the Arke , as at Sunne-setting of state , the Dearest and last-borne Tribes were set : Ioseph and Beniamin : in Ephraim , Beniamin , and Manasses , to shew that the Lord doeth stretch his power to the furthest off : So I deeme , that , in the furthest quarters of our dispersion West-ward , as before Ephraim , Beniamin and Manasses , GOD would stirre vp his strength , and come and helpe vs . Thus farre I can goe , after you have drawe me on . Br. The basenes of this Iland hath a further signification : to teach , that the obscure places shall most have the glory of God . As all men be wicked naturallie , and one pricketh forward another , so a great Citie , such as Aristides the Rhetor Sophister , maketh Rome , will soone become a world of wickednes . But Patmos now telleth that the Church shal be in the wildernes : as in chap. 7. it is not evident by open shew , but as in Ierusalem vnder Sedekias , Ezek. 9. when an Angel sealeth them which belang to God : so of vs heathen , an Angell sealeth them that bee his , when the open face of the Church was gone : and the Dragon , head and tayle driveth the Church into the wildernes : and the beast compounded of Daniels foure once dead and revived , but of purple colour , and having a Rider , a Woman , in scarlat , drunk with the blood of the Sainctes , this drove the Church into the Wildernes through a fea of troubles , mixt with fire and fagot . Rab. Eli. I admire these visiones , and cannot gainsay them . Br. The time is more wond●●full then the place . Rab. What terme have yee of the time ? Br. The Lords day . Rab. What day is that ? Br. The first day of the weeke . Rab. And why is the Sabbath altered ? Br. I will tell you large matter brieflie . The first day , Elohim , the adviser and worker of the worldes frame made heaven with the Angels , and Earth , and Light : and the Angels , the morning Starres , who confirmed by feare and tremblinge their strength , which in wisedome and holines was not so perfect , but that they might fall : these starres showted to see the earth hange in the middes of the ayer : and the Waters drawen to their chanels : and the roaring Sea , threatening to drownd the Lande , returning from the shoare , as by Gods checkes , so when they saw the Cloudes fastened in the skie , and all workes that way , they showted : No lesse at Sunne , Moone and Starres , and plantes , trees & hearbes : at Foules from Eagle to Wren , and fish , from Whale to shrimpe : and beastes with Crepers from Elephant to Antes : they glorified God the creatours : Hearing a voice , saying , Let this be : and it stood . Now when God the Creatours , the Father , Sonne , and holy Ghost , was to make Man , that should have knowledge of the Eternal Trinitie , he , dwelling in light that none can come too , speaketh , Let vs make man according to our likenes : and let them be Lordes over beastes , fish , and foules : and God made Man after his owne image : and bringeth all beastes and foules before Adam : and he giveth them names , expressing their nature , as wisely as Angels could . And seeing that it was not good for Adam to be alone , hee maketh Eue out of his Ribbe : and then carieth both into Paradise : and giveth commaundement to both in the singular number , as they were one flesh . Rab● You in the endes of the earth search the Law exactly . It must needes be holden that the Woman was made before the Law was given . As shee telleth the meaning to be of both : ye shall eat of all the trees of the Garden , but of the tree of knowledge of evill and good , ye shall not eate : for the day ye eat of it , yee shall die . All this was the sixt day . And before this commaundement was given , God gave his Angells care over man : as you hold them spirites sent foorth to minister for them that shall inherite salvation . Great armies of Spirites , not reverencing so fully as they should Gods counsell , though when Man was made , they were very good , as all creatures , yet great armies of millions being left vnto their owne sway , hated mans superioritie : and kept not their standing , but became of poysonfull hatred against God : and by leave went into the serpent , and deceaved Eua , before shee was called Eve : and she drew the man to sinne : and about time of Eating , they ate the tree fruite ( Generally all tree fruites be MELA , Apples ) . And at the Evening God called them to iudgement , and pronounceth Eternall condemnation against the Devils : and all the wicked that shal be borne of that poyson that the serpent breathed into Eve and not regenerated by water of Law , and spirit moving vpon it : which spirit ye truely say to be the spirit of Christ . This sad storie fell the sixt day . And then is the promesse that one shall come to be a man , according to the kinde : whose footesteps and handes Satan the old serpent shall pearce : but he shall bruse all his power , and destroy his workes . The serpent brought man to sinne , Messias shall finde him iustice : Satan bred death : Messias life . Satan brought all the world to wrack : Messias the mightie God will make a new world : and ye confesse in tongue , that in this speach : HE shall bruse thy head : HE is here , God to be praised for ever . And this more ye say : He hath decreed to destroy him out of the world , as it is written : Death shal be swallowed vp into victorie : And I will destroy the vncleane spirit from out of the earth . This is principally in time to come , when the dead shall arise . Againe , in Zohar , Gen. col. 298. Since the time that the serpent overruled man , he ruleth also over all the sons of the world , and he is busie to deceave the world , and the world cannot escape his punishment , vntill Christ the King doeth come , and the holy and blessed God doeth raise vp them that sleepe in the dust , as it is written : Death is swallowed vp into victorie . Also your selves say : Christ shal be killed : Therevpon is this allusion : of Booz to Ruth : Sleepe vnto the morning , Zohar col . 93. The ground of your allusions must be plain : when you can draw common matter to it . And the Angell Gabriels speech was your first ground : and it is a wonder that you vnderstand it not . Rab. El. In England , Reinolds and Lively , and Bar Lo scoff your accompt . In Leyden Scaliger Br. Churches ken them colde thankes , and wished the chief , rare otherwise , for this , vnborne : and Parkins for folowing Reinolds in 80. seavens , rare otherwise , by one rotten flie putrified a box of precious oinctment . Reinolds was droven to graunt the Limites : from the Angels speech to the death of Christ . And for all Greeke accomptes Scaliger & he were answered by Greekes . What whole Kingdomes holde , as Albion vpon our Bible : Fraunce in Genebrard , the Hebrew Professour at Paris : Heydelberge , vnder Tremelius , well payd : Zurick in their Hen ▪ Wolphlius : & Geneva in sage Calvin : after old and sound Athanasius in his Questiones : which work if it be not his ( for some later matters ) made by imitation of him hath double authoritie : and Hector Pintus in Portugall : these millions , not one , or twoo , flaunting with an idle opinion of Greeke , should have bene regarded of you .

Of Redemption day , that it should be on Friday . Rabbi Bachay saw by the case of Adams fall the six day , that the Redeemer should performe his worke the sixt day . Rab. All our Doctours graunt that Adam fell the day of his creation . Br. And all ours , not ridiculous : and all simply , that redemption was wrought that day . The whole Sabbath , our Lord rested in the grave , and the first day hee arose , and brought light vnto the world . Your selves in Zohar graunt all this of Messias : all this that I speak : That Messias is God : that this saying , Let there be light , is an inducing to his light . And this : The Spirit floothereth vpon the waters , hath inducement to his Spirit flootring vpon the waters of the Law . All this in Zohar vpon Gen. fol. 21. and much more , That Messias was in the Garden : and Adam was driven from Messias . Thus you heare the cause of our Lords day . Rab. I never heard so much . What saw Iohn on the Lords day ? Br. Visions of the Churches state vnto the end of the world .

Of the Trumpettes voice . He heard the voice of a Trumpet behinde him , when he was in the Spirit , as was Ezekiel chap. 1. What should the Trumpet signifie ? Rab. Happie are they that know the trum pets sounde , Psal. 89. Br. And speaketh not Aethan there of the kingdome of Messias ? Rab. That we hold . Brough . So Trumpet here calleth that into minde . Rab. And what sounded the voice of the Trumpet ? Br. That Messias is Eternall God : The first & the last in Esai . And by imitation of Thalmudique Agr ; and ω. Rabhi . What meaneth Agr ; and ω ?

Of Agr ; and ω. In Isaac Ben Arama , vpon Levit. 26. yee say : Aharon kept the Law from Aleph to Thau . In Greek , not Thau , but ω is the last . So Agr ; and ω should meane , Beginning and Ending in Greeke .

Of the Greeke tongue commended to all Christians vse : in that the sonne of God doeth take a name from the Letters : yea , The Letters . When the Iewes went to Babel , by Gods counsell , to teach the families that built the Tower by rebel Nemrod , to worship starres , and not the God of heaven : wherevpon 70. tongues sprang from One of Adams : God in Athens the oldest towne of Iavan , stirred vp the minde of the Tyrant there , one Pisistratus , to winne fame over all of Iavan , by braverie of language . This I have often handled , & it must be often repeated , for the strangenes , before it wil be considered throughly . Homer was a Poet of miraculous eloquence . He wrote one Fable , of Troy warres for the hore Helena : teaching better then Chrysippus & Crantor , what is good and bad , in the waves of foolish people , where for all kings dotage Achivi smart ▪ Another of a subtile King by wit , going through stitch , through infinite miseries . This Poets sonnets were scattered before his time , But he causeth them to be set together ▪ And both workes to be parted , into twentie foure partes . Rab. So we call Law & Prophets the Foure and twentie . Br. The letters in Greeke bee 24. And he caused both workes to be argumented by 24. verses , from Agr ; to ω in order , as conteyning all wit that Greek learning could affoord . Eust . vpon Iliad. 1. noteth this . Vpon this beginning Graecia in 200. yeres , by Alexand. Macedons time grew to a miraculous perfection : that all the West willingly learned it : And the Macedonians , in three hundreth yeares Dominion , forced the rest too it : that all Nations might vnderstande Greeke .

Of the Apostles Greeke . And therefore the Apostles wrote for all Nations in Greeke , that all might vnderstand it : and wrote in most roiall Greeke , to tell that the Roy of all wisedome ruled their penne . Now , where the Sonne Eternall nameth him selfe Agr ; and ω , all that honour him should also regarde the tongue wherein he teacheth all nations , next Adams kept by Heber . And if the tongue of Agr ; and ω had bene kept vsuall , the king of Locustes could never have made bitter the waters of the New Testament ▪ His treacherie had bene espied : as all Graecia holdeth him Antichrist to this day .

Of the seaven golden Candlestickes . Iohn turned him about , and saw seaven golden Candlestickes , expounded to be seaven Churches : now to have these last visions , in Ephesus , Smyrna , Pergamus , Thyatira , Sardis , Philadelphia , and Laodicea . Ephesus was famous for Diana , a dreamed Goddesse of hunting : for whom Kings 120. yeres bestowed a most costly temple : which one set on fire the night that great Alexander was borne , to winne fame : wherevpon a jest came that Diana Goddes midwife was so busie about Alexanders birth , that shee forgat the tuition of her owne Temple . Here holy Paul taught three yeares : much vexed by Dianeans . And here he left Timothee , and abridged to him Thalmud Thora , how the Law should be taught , in one Epistle : and of martyrdome in another , and to the whole Church of Ephesus , he wrote a most heavenly summe of Religion . Smyrna was an old towne , famous for one of seaven that claimed Homer the Poet , to have ben borne in them . These be the seaven :

Smyrna , Phodos , Colophon , Salamis , Chios , Argos , Athenae . There Polycarpus was martyred : a Lion for courage : an Oxe for patience : a man in deed for wit : an Egle for high flight , proclaiming the Gospell . Eusebius hath his martyrdome . Pergamus was the treasurie of the King of the North : a stronge high Fort. Eumene the Treasurer rebelled , and turned much people to him by Romes helpe . Thyatira was named by Seleucus Nicator for his daughter as Thygatira , Daughter towne : a good remembrance of Daniels last vexers . Sardis was the court of rich Gog or Gyges , and of Craesus : who raigned to Gogarene vpon Armenia .

Philadelphia , whether it was so called from Ptolom . Philadelphus : called so in honour , for his love to his brother , or in mockage , for killing of him , both might be : that first hee loved him , but after contempt of love he killed him , whether of him or of Attalus Philadelphus it had the name , or were built by the first , and augmented by the second , this for the name shal be left vnsearched . Iewes were there of speciall knowledge : and nothing blamed in their Epistle . Laodicea seemeth named ▪ by Seleucus Nicator , as the Women of his house Apamea , and Laodieea had many Townes of their names . So God tooke order to force all men to marke the fourth Kingdome in Daniel , chap. 2. and 7. and 8. & 11. God gave them a minde to name Townes over all their Kingdomes by their houses : that Daniel might be knowen how he called all the world to Christ .

Of the pride in the name Laodicea . Homer the fountaine of wit , though Suidas record hee steel most from Corinnus , he fayneth three daughters to Emperour Agamemnon whereof he offereth Achilles his choise : They are named from three partes of governement which a King should have .

Chrysothemis , and Laodice , and Iphiannassa ▪ Golden Law : Iudg-People , and execution-might . As Lawes ought to be Golden , & iudgement ready : and execution of right . Hence the Proud Macedonians would in name of Ladies promise much , but did little , & soone smarted : But this name calleth the Lydian Poet to minde how in one verse he lappeth good policie : so not a Towne is here but of note .

Of the Vision of Christ , like that in Daniel . In the middes of the seaven Golden Candlestickes was one like the Sonne of Man , Dan. 7. in Aharons linen Robe , Dan. 10. and girded with a golden Girdle , Dan. 10. about his brest : as Aharon . By Vziefides , Maimonides , and Kimchi . So Iohn saw trueth . His head & his haires were as white woole and snow , Dan. 7. and his eyes a flame of fire : and his feete like Libanus brasse , shining : and his voice like the voice of many waters , Dan. 10. Rab. Our owne confession vpon Daniel bringeth all this to Messias , defending his Church , and revenging the enemie , and making him selfe knowne over the world , when the building of the Temple was hindered . Br. But this commeth proper to present occasion . He hath seaven starres in his handes : and from his mouth commeth a two edged sword . That is spoken of the seaven Bishops of the Churches : as Bishops bee starres in Christes handes : Buyshops , in Satans , starres falling from heaven : and the two edged sword from Psa. 149. executing Iustice vpon Thyatiraes Iezabels . Now his face shining like the Sunne , is from Dan. 10. and Iudg. 5. Rab. This vision teacheth much by the like of old , and eventes old vpon it . Br. Seaven Epistles are sent to seaven Churches : and these visions and expresse word , that he is the Sonne of God , here shewed , are applied to the Churches . But plain matter you may read in Luthers Bible . The Apocalyps in Syriaque is not printed . Rab. We wish yours in Hebrew . Br. I am in Christ his hand , to doe as he will .

Of Chap. 4. Former speaches , in the seaven Epistles , handled in speciall purpose , the time present . The rest are for time to come , whose partition I touched before . Seales goe on to the elevenths end . Beastes , of three sortes go thence vnto the twentieth . The twentieth abridgeth the beast his tyrannie : the rest , the Christians glorie : which in a fit sort is once shewed , Chap. 4. and 5.

Of Christians glorie . Iohn was beholding , and hee saw the heavens opened : and the voice which he heard like a trumpet , saith : come vp hither , and I will shewe thee what is to come , and streightway he was in the spirit . Rab. This hath The spirit of Ezekiels Visions , chap. 1. and chap. 40. and others . Aithan the Israelite saith : Happie is he that knoweth the voice of the trumpet : The trumpet for true happines by the kingdome of Christ .

Of God sitting vpon a throne . Br. Behold , saith Iohn , a throne was set vp in the heavens : and one sate vpon the throne , like in sight to the Iasper and Sardine : Know you what this must meane ? Rab. Elias . The people that worship God are called heaven : a throne for them , is a defence of their cause by the almightie God . Beniamin was graven in the Iasper : and in his Tribe the Temple was built : So the Iudge like a Iasper , sheweth God a builder of his Church : Ruben was graven in the ruddy Sardius : a Frontier against Agarenes . The judge like this stone , sheweth that he will bestow blood vpon the offenders ▪ of his people . Br. So it is opened in the seales . Christ rideth vpon a white horse , crowned : so he buildeth his Church . And hath a bow : whereby his arrowes be sharpe in the heart of the kings enemies . So the judge is like a Sardine : as by the horses black , red , pale . Now what meaneth this ? A Rainbow was about the throne , in sight Smarag●i●e . Rab. Elias . This calleth Esay chap. 54. into minde : where the covenant after the waters of Noe made by the Rainbow , is confirmed : and the calling of heathen ( once cast off for Babel ) is promised to Iapheth . & that part of Es. 54. we reade with the Parasha next after the flood , of the Nations scattering vnto Gen. cap. 12. where Abraham our Father is separated from heathen . Now the Smaragd is Levies stone , and betokeneth teaching of the Law . So God promiseth teaching of his will from Moyses , vnto heathen . Br. Millatheca Amyra , your word is surely spoken , you have said it . Vnder the sixt Seale this commeth againe : after the Martyrs in the fift , have seat vnder the altar . The sixt seale teacheth a change by destruction of heathen policies , whereby the heaven of the Church was seene .

Of Elders 24. Now the Martyrs that built the Church , these are represented by 24. Elders on Thrones in white with crownes . Rah . Twentie foure well may shew the Tribes and Apostles scholers . The Thrones , white and Crownes , shew dignitie , iustice , and victorie with God .

Of issue from the Throne . Br. Now , what meaneth this : From the Throne came lightnings and thunderings , and voyces ? Rab. As in Moyses at the Law ▪ giving it shewed terrour to the contemners , Israell and Heathen : that six hundred thousand died in the wildernes : and Chananeans felt what it was to fight against Gods power : and so all Kings in the lande of Assyr , or East , even to the Macedoneans last fall : so here this must be shewed that the Romanes ( as you handle the storie ) shall perish likewise . The Dragon , head and tayle : The Cittim one sea-monster , made of the Danielean foure , once dead and revived by an earth-bred : horned in two hornes like the Lambe , but having the mouth of the Dragon being purple coloured after the reviviving of the beastes : with a bloudsucker woman , rider : not like the mans Image . I speak vpon your former speaches : by which you have made the visions plain : and the comparison of Iohn with Daniel bringeth light & delight vnspeakeable . Br. And what must this meane : Seaven Lampes of fier were burning before the throne : which are the seaven spirits of God . Rab. El. Iohn expounding it , maketh it plain : but we had guessed of the seaven spirits of Christ : by our Thalmud . Br. Ye had not missed . The Godhead of the son hath all that the holy Ghost hath : and so he hath seaven spirites , to work by grace in them who handle his cause against the old serpent : stinging by Pontifices Cesares , & Pontifices Popos .

Of the Sea like to Chrystall . Brough . What must this meane : Before the Throne was a Sea like Chrystall ? Rabbi Elias . All thinges in Allegories of Visions , as in Ezekiel , Daniel , Zachary , must touch dealinges of God with man . The wicked are like a sea foming : that is , foming out their owne shame , Es. chap. 57. And indifferentlie , the Sea signifieth many nations , as : The troupes of the sea shall be turned vpon thee . And all the earth shall be filled with the knowledge of God : as waters cover the Sea , Es. chap. xi . whence the speach of the seaven ▪ Spirites be fetched : which give fire lampes , to teach vs the knowledge of the Eternall . So here a Sea cleare before his Throne must be nations cleare in faith . So Rabbi Ruben writeth to you : that before he knew you , he knew from Esaie , chap. 24. From the endes of the earth the praises of GOD should be heard . So here many Nations cleare by knowledge of redemption must be meant . Thus far the speaches be familiar to vs Iewes .

Of the foure Wightes of six Winges , and full of eyes . Br. What should be meant by this : Before the Throne were foure Zoa , livelie bodied wightes . They are barbarouslie translated , beastes . A man is Zoon and an Eagle : But not a beast . As no reasonable bodied wight , nor foule : If we had regarded the tongue of A and ω , we had not bene so barbarous . The first was like a Lion : the second like an Oxe : the third with a mans face : the fourth like a flying Eagle . All , each one had six wings about them : and they were full of eyes . Rab. In Esay , cha. 6. The Seraphim , or Angels , that should burne the Temple , had six winges : two to cover their face , because they could not behold the brightnes of God : two to cover their feet , as not being perfect in Gods eyen : and two to flye about their duetie . They be burners of the Temple in Esay : which warne that to God belongeth all holinesse : in Ezekiel , ch. 1. the Cherubim be of these soure : and Great terrible wheeles full of eyes are there . Here I request you to open the matter . Br. After that the Lambe openeth the book of Seaven seales , these foure wightes praise him for redeeming of them by his blood . Therefore men must bee meant here : full of knowledge , as Argus in Aeschylus of ten thousand eyes : of Lyons courage : of Oxens patience to sacrifice : of mans quiet humanitie : and of Eagles high flight , to shew in the open Church the cause of Christ . Such were the holy Martyrs which made al the world amased at them . And for them the Seniours followe in praise to God . Now these Martyrs , followers of Christ , the Lambe as kilde , are knowen by his description .

Chap. fift : and in ch. sixt , vnder the fift seale , they call for vengeance : and be heard . That the sixt seale sheweth how all their state is shaken .

Chap. 5. The worthines of the matter of the time to come . The storie of the time to come is represented by a booke in the hande of him that sate vpon the Throne , written within and without : sealed with seaven seales . Rab. That renueth in part Ezekies visions , chap. 3. and the speech is easie to tell of much matter and good and hid . Br. One Angel maketh proclamation , Who can open the booke , and loose the s●ale : and none Angell , none living nor dead could . Balaam , Num. 24. told how Italie should afflict Eber , and still holde on to destruction . But told not the particular sort : Our Lord in Mat. 24. told of Ierusalems destruction : & of deceavers to deceave , if it were possible , the verie elect . And Daniel had told of an Image and beastes : but to end by Romes comming vp . And Sainct Paul told the Thessalonians , that the present hinderer should hinder , till he should be taken away : the prophane empire : and then should come : the wicked Romylus whom Ionathan vpon Esai , nameth : And all the Graecians holde to this day , that the bridge-maker of Rome is there damned : And Plantins men have stollen from the Chaldy the terme Romylus : because Ionathan and Sainct Paul , and all the Graecians , plague the brigemaker exceedinglie : yet without new revelation , the high Bridgemakers the Caesars , and Senatours & their policie , in the high bridge-makers , the Popes and Cardinales , had not bene so distinctly damned : but for this revelation . And Iohn in his traunce wept : shewing therein the profit of the booke . Then a Doctor , one of the Seniors telleth him , that the Lion of Iudah , that in David the noble Prophet , figured his warres , he should be holden worthy to teach his souldiers , to open the booke , & to loose the seales . And so in this heavenly company an opener of the booke commeth .

An heavenly description of Christ . There stood a Lambe , as one that had bene slaine : having seaven hornes and seaven eies : which are the seaven spirites of God sent forth into all the earth . He is resembled by the Lambe , as answerable to the Lambe killed in Paradise : and the Pascha and how he being our Pascha , was sacrificed for vs : and wil be revenged of Rome for that : and hath seaven hornes of Power , to be able to tame the Dragon with seaven heades and ten hornes . And for wisedome he will as in Zachary for building of his Temple , send seaven spirites over al the earth . And all the armie ioy : and all creatures that now they shall obey Christ , and his servantes .

CHAP. 6. The seales being opened : six doe shewe the Caesars case : the seaventh & last hath seaven Trumpets to sound plainly a Policie altogether sinfull . The Caesares though they were wicked men , their policie was good : while they kept their civill lawes and killed not the Christians vpon false accusations .

I. Christ , promoting the Gospell , with speedy syncerenes , and plaguing the enemies , is resembled by a white horse , with a Rider having a bow , and a Crowne : a conqueror alreadie , and to continue a conquerour . How hee conquered by the blood of his martyrs , that is tolde vnder the fift seale . This doeth appeare when the first seale is opened . And present plagues in the three next seales .

II. A red horse hath a Rider with a great sword : can not you tell what that must meane ? Rab. El. That peace should b●● taken from the earth : that men should kill one another . 〈◊〉〈◊〉 So plain is the vision . This came to sight from vnder the ●●cond seale : shewing how the Caesars should bee killed , and their armies : and Caesars made in campes , and soone oppressed . For 300. yeares , they had a most miserable life .

III. A black horse commeth , and his rider hath a balance : and a voice telleth amongest the foure Wightes that corne shal be deare : though by Gods mercie oyle and wine be of some store . Before in wicked Claudius dayes , when the Senat had thought good to root out the Caesars names , Claudius by soldiers was made Emperour : voyd of all wit , and full of all vice . For him and his governement God plagued the world with famine . For others in time the like shal come : but with mercy . As many Emperours after Domitian were moderate . Old Nerva , Traiane , Adriane , and they to whom Iustin Martyr florishing at 30. without a teacher , saving one old man , in a sodain speach , gave an Apologie for Christians : and from Homer for Monarchia , and from Sophocles , from double iudgement in Haides brake the vehemencie of persecution . What the man was that told him doubting what he should folow , & telling of holy Prophetes that they only had true happines : that could not he tell whether he was a man or an Angel : & being made from the seaven spirits a Lion for courage , fuller of eyes then all the Bridge-makers monaches to this day , for soules cases in Haides , stayed persecution , and procured quiet successe to Emperours and Empire . So easie hath God made the summe of salvation . Only they , whose God is their belly , of professours , marre the trueth . Rab. El. You know I never resisted you in al your long disputation in Francfurt : because I promised vnder pay of eternall death , to speak in conscience . Br. If your synedrion had done so , when they condemned the sonne of God in the very last day of 490. yeres since the Angel Gabriel told Angelike Daniel of redemption day : and if you had sacrificed Messias as Abraham would have sacrificed Isaac , God bidding , otherwise you should have said we will not kill him , he is the Saviour of the world , it had bene well with you to this day . But now , for missing this much , you have bene fewell for Gehenna , and shal be for ever , except some small remnant . And of vs heathen few will in wit over-reach the angels that fell : That the sonne of Enosh shall have all things put vnder his feet . Rab. El. This is our only difference : and if your Doctours had not doted in Persons & time , as Rome hath done , true narrations had brought on vs to your faith . But let me heare the next opening of seale , the fourth . Then came forth a Pale horse : and his rider was death : and a grave folowed him . And hee had authoritie to kill the fourth part of the earth , by sword , hunger , & plague , & by the beasts of the earth . Rab. El. Ezekiel spake the like of vs : for our extreme desolation . But what seale openeth the cause of all this ? Br. The fift openeth . Rab. El. What commeth thence ? Br. When the fift seale was opened , Iohn saw vnder the altar the soules of them which were kild for the word of God : & for the testimonie which they had . And they cryed , How longe ô God ; the holy and iust , dost thou not iudge and revendge our blood , from the dwellers vpon the earth ! Millions of millions dyed for the truth : and how could this be but by the spirit of God . Wicked men repose their rest for this life : when so many millions runne to death gladlier then any to a mariage , and heathen men vpon Ebrew Prophetes , how can this be , but from the plane trueth of God ? You have the families of Messias , you have the yeare , day and houre of his death : and daily stories to tell you : that when these things and these come to 〈◊〉 then shall Messias redeeme . So all fell out . You shut your eyes : Emperours persecute : Christians die for the trueth : ye Iewes , and prophane Emperours die miserable . Yee stirred persecutions : and ye are plagued dayly and eternally . That is here craved by the Martyrs .

They had white garmentes given them : that is the iustice of God by Ghrist : and they call for vengeance vpon the murtherers : And they are bid to have patience a whyle , till moe be made Martyrs with them , to draw the wicked world vnto Christ . Rah . Eli. In Aboth . and Rabbi Nathan , Moyses soule , and all the Iust soules are layde vnder the throne , why say you , vnder the altar ? Br. Christ being sacrificed for vs , is our altar . And vnder his protection the soules be that beleeved in him . And that is meant by situation vnder the Altar . You and we both holde truly , that all holy ever went hence to the holy mountayne and Tabernacle of God . We hold that none ever were holy , but they who looked that God in the flesh should give them iustice and life .

VI. When Martyrdome had brought Countreys to affect the Gospell somewhat plentifully , God revengeth the Empire . After Diocletians persecution , an earthquake of States followed : the sunne of Empire was as black as saccloth : and the moone was turned to blood : and the starres of heaven fell as a figge tree casteth her figges being shaken of a great winde . And the heaven was rouled vp like a booke : and everie montaine ▪ and Island was remooved from their place . Know you what these speaches in the Prophetes meane ? Rab. Eli. Very well . An whole destruction of States . In Ioel and Esay : That the Kings of the earth , and Potentates , and the Rich , and the Coronnels , and the mightie , and everie servant , and every free man shall hide them selves in dennes and in rockes of mountaines . Br. The Romanes , who would rule over Iuda , Gods kingdome , in their civill warres , begon betwixt Pompei and Caesar , felt the greatest change that ever policie had : that Nobles were solde for slaves : and slaves were buyers of their Maisters . And Ierusalem was tolde by our Lord that they should be faine to speak vnto the mountaines : Fall vpon vs . And the hills : Cover vs : as in Es. 2. 19. Iuda was warned for Babel : and Samaria for Assyr , Osee 10. 8. And Babel was told that their starres of heaven , with Sunne and Moone , should have passions , Es. 13. and it , with other kingdomes , Esay 34. shall have all the host of heavens molten , and the heavens shal be rolled as a booke : and all their hoast shall fall as a leafe falleth from the vine , or figge from his tree . So here for the Martyrs blood , the Empire was strangely shaken . Twelve Augusti and Caesares of one kindred and friendship , in steed of taming conquered nations fal out among them selves : till all were consumed but Constantine , the sonne of a Bretan Lady , Helena , rarely Godly : but as women often are , too zealous beyond knowledge . At Yorke in our Albion , his Father Constantius vpon his deathbed maketh him King for him : and our endes of the earth and neare nations make him Emperour : and he dasheth all the rest , and at the end commeth vnto the knowledge of Christ : and stablisheth Christianitie every where : that all Countreys have kept it , openly many hundreth yeres : but in private companies still : and now againe in Kingdomes full of Power and Learning . Rab. El. Now tell what was vnder the seaventh Seale .

Of Apostasie . Ye Iewes know how soone men fall from God . Adams house falleth to make Goddes of starres at 200. yeares . Before sorowfull Enos was borne , to hasten the flood to drench their bodies , and to imprison their soules . And Noes house by Phalegs birth fell by rebell Nemrod to bee Nemrodes , that is , rebels against God . And holy Hebers house in ●ocktan , having so many holy warners , Noe , Sem , Arphaxad , Sala , Heber , fell away : that the Indianes be of them , East and West , divelish to this day . Israel in Egipt soone fell all . Ieroboam drew ten Tribes after him : Antiochus Epiphanes made you almost all Sadduces and Pharisees . So soone men fall . In like maner , Christians common weales were never all good . But as in Israell vnder David , the godly were few , alwayes , so after Christians had free policie , many were not sound . But yet , after the manifestation of redemption , infinite many helde the main soundly , the holy Trinitie , and the incarnation of the Sonne of God : And all the conveyance of Gods counsell for the salvation of the world . The holy Fathers of old had a smaller companie , because they were not perfited by the open storie , as we are : when the historie was plainly knowen , then millions beleeved : where few could afore by reason of the matter , aey foolishnes to the naturall man : and specially when it was taught by darke tokens only : and the fulnes of time was not yet come , to bring all into open shew . But , in time , policies wolld fall . The time of their standing , God telleth not . For they needed no comfort touching the case of quietnes . But a generall state of fall commeth in cha. 7. An abridgement of the Churches state vnto the end of the world .

CHAP. 7. FOure Angells helde the fower Windes of the earth , that they should not blow vpon anie tree : Know you what this must meane ? Rab. El. I guesse somewhat . In Cantic. 4. 16. this speach commeth : Arise North-wind , come South winde : breath on the Garden . Let the spices flow : Let my beloved come , & eate his fruite . Brought . This speach meant the Spirit of grace to the speciall soules which delite in Messias . But after Salomons death , tenne Tribes ( as was tolde ) fell away , and the windes blew not . So here , stay of Grace of the holy Spirit must be meant : that in all quarters a fall shal be , and from God . This speach would be plain to all the nation of the Iewes . And this argueth that East-ward Agarenes , Southward Aethiopians , North-ward Tartarians and Turkes , Westwarde Hesperia should fall from God . But an Angel sealeth the chosen as in Sedekias dayes , chap. 9. that Gods chosen should not perish : but a secret sorte hee would have still : though an open Church of long time should not appeare . Of every Tribe 12000. were sealed : and of Heathen a companie innumerable saved by Martyrdome : or readinesse to martyrdome , which is all one . So the seaventh Chapter abridgeth the state of the Church vnto the worldes end . Romylus in the Chaldy , Es. cap. xi . his fall : and the appearing of Chist shal be neare together . If Princes had knowledge soone found by a little studie , they might fell him in one yeare . But the Spirit doeth breath where it will : and a certen number is sealed : and the chosen be few : yet many Princes as well as other , specially in this present age : as learned & as well bent as their subiectes .

Ch. 8. How the Bridgemaker of Rome came great . Great Constantine hate old Rome deadly : and removed to Byzantium and enlarged it : and made it the Empire seat : with name of new Rome , or Byzantias Rome . and did all for commodities to it , that could be graunted of a wise Emperour . Hence Rome in Italie was vndone : and often overrun ▪ and had continued a filthie cotage of hogges but that the Pontificatus was set vp : as Steuchus the Popes owne defendour confesseth . But when the Pontificalitie was set vp by the decree of God , then all Nations from East to West , worship the Pope no lesse then they did the old Caesars , as Steuchus wordes set forth his owne maister . So the Angell of the covenant with the golden Altar and Censer to receave the holyes prayers was angred : and as in Sedekias dayes , casteth fyer into the earth : And seaven Trumpets sounde the mischiefes that wicked Rome should cause .

I. Haile of state , and fyer , mixt with blood , should this Egypt cause II. It breadeth a new mountain of fyer , mixt with blood : and that mountain bridge-maker is cast into a sea mixt with fyer . III. A Starre falleth from heaven , Nuntius Ecclesiae , if hee had kept his place , and maketh the Waters of the Law so bitter by idolatrie , as Ieroboams Calves taunted in holy Amos. Ieroboams Calves and the Popes Masse have equall religion . And vther Chiron Eloquent Viretus shall iudge : who ioyned the Popes Masse , and prophane Poets iestes fitly togeather : And our old Father Wiclif from Albion whitely taught Prage , Wittenberghe , Zurick , Basill , Berne , & whole kingdomes , what Apollyon was . and I hope the moderne King of Albion shall teach the king of Locustes what it is to sende his Locustes with scorpions stinges to torment countreys . Albion was the last in the West that receaved the Bridgemaker : and Albion first cast him off : and still had lawes of treason for seeking to the Bridgemakers superioritie . And Lady Margaret my Patronesse that built Christes Colledge , and S. Iohns , in which both I had a felowship , bred a familie to his fall . IV. The fourth Trumpetter telleth of the Sunne , Mone , and Starres to be stroken for their third part . Rab. El. In Iosephs dreame , Gen. 37. this speech is plain : That speciall esteemed personages must bee meant . Gagnaeus a Papist telleth that Popes , Bishops , and Cardinals be here meant . Ch. 9. V. The fift Trumpeth openeth a deepe , and Locust come forth able to devour all Policy : which plagued the world continually . Ch. 10. VI. Ch. 11. The sixt looseth the Agarenes from Euphrates : to plague Idolous . and then the Gospell by Martyrdome and power of Kingdomes reviveth . That now the K. of Locustes shall daily consume . VII . And with the seaventh Trumpet the last state shal be to shew Gods mercy , to Iocktanes sonnes the Indians , and to you miserable Iewes : who for your zeale Rabbi Elias , as I hope , shall finde mercy . My poore will shal be ready , in your studies of the Law : which from yongest yeares I have followed with great zeale & care . Rab. El. Now you have brought me vnto the worlds end . And before you told how the Dragon head and tayle hath prophane Caesares and Popes : and Daniels beastes compiled into one , have an Empire once mightie but killed : and revived by one comming from the earth : and that beast revived differeth but in scarlat colour from the former : and hath Woman Rome sitting vpon him : cruell in blood : sparing vs Iewes , but killing them that be of your faith . Br. Millions of Rome pay be of my religion : by such as I know , principall , I iudge . Of many speaches I will tell some . The best learned Iesuites wished my poore skill in the Thalmudique of the new Testament : saying , that so they might soone turne the Indians : and many spake and dealt in equall maner . And now the Iesuites despising idler monches condemning the other Locustes begin to have some skill in Ebrew and Greeke : which tongue and writers vtterly kill the Bridgemaker . Rab. Elias . Now to conclude this : tell me the Chapt. 20. and the other two : which you made an abridgement of Romes badnes : The twentieth : and the other , of the Churches glorie . Br. The Romane Dracon should be tyed for a thousand yeares , before hee deceaved Generally : as Albion of a thousand litle cared for him : & soone stonge the stonger . But after a thousand yeres he shall deceave the West to fight for Ierusalem : to weaken all Princes power : and then shal be espied : and decay in an other thousand . Rabbi Elias . Before sinne came to the full in the old world , it was a thousand yeares before Noe was named a redresser . And after the flood at neare a thousand yeares , Chanaans sinnes were not ripe . Nor Israels of a thousand yeares to be wasted by the Macedonians . So the Rome Dragon of 1000. yeares could not deceave the whole world . But then a new Gog and Magog troubleth all : and since , six hundred yeares . But now Kingdomes of right be stronger : and sophistrie is nothing against sword and speare . Now Rome shall feele as it dealt : and see that God sitteth on a white Throne in iustice for the latter iudgement . Rab Elias . Now to conclude Iohn , tell me the heavenly Ierusalem , whiche you spake off , ending all comfort in this world . Br. I will shew a brief : as you may thereby from the holy Prophetes fetch the amplifications .

The Heavenly Ierusalem . Chap. 21. Esay telleth of a new Heaven , and a new Earth : Know you what that meaneth ? Rabbi Elias . Yes , the dayes of Messias . Br. And what this ? The wicked shal be as a sea foming out their owne shame . Rabbi Eli. The wicked shal be so helden : to be holden no part of the Church . Br. And what meaneth this : The cowards who shrink from Martyrdome , and faithles , and detestable , and fornicatours , and witches , and idol-servers , and all liers , their portion shal be in the lake burning with fyer and brimstone ? Rab. Eli. That they shall not be of the Church of God , in trueth , that be of the open shew : as the worlde knoweth : But as God knoweth his owne seale , so they will depart from wickednes that call vpon the name of the Eternall .

Now as Ezekiel chap. 40. saw a goodly Citie , so Iohn saw what a goodly Citie all the elect together good make : who though they be scattered , yet are in Gods care as all together : and a citie comming downe from heaven : having the glorie of God : and light , as Iasper Carbuncle Chrystallizing : having a great Wall of Gods defence : & twelve gates with the twelve Tribes names : as by their storie men here come in : and the wall had twelve foundations with the Apostles names vpon them : but in matter they were the twelve stones of the Tribes . And that in this order . The Iasper of Beniamin . The Saphir of Isachar : the Carbuncle of Iuda : the Smaragd of Levi : the Sardonyx of Zabulon : the Sardius of Ruben : The Chrysolita of Afer : The Beryl of Ioseph : the To par of Symeon : The Chrysophrase of Nephthali : The Iacynth , of Dan : The Amethyst of Gad So the foundations 〈◊〉 the Tribes stones : that is their storie how Christ ruleth 〈◊〉 as the Apostles taught . But Iohns vision obiected matter . Doe you remember how this order of foundation is an abridgement of all the Ebrew story , and such and God and no mans wit would so settle ? Rabbi Elias . I remember it : & wish it handled in my nations tongue .

Br. It would be a long speach why Beniamins Iasper is fift , & Iosephs Beryl is cast off into the eight : and why Isachars Saphir hath the second , & Symeons Topaz is cast off to the nienth : and why Iudahs Carbuncle hath the place of Levi , and Levi his : and so for all the rest . But you heard a reason of all . Rabbi . And verie sensible : as we are acquainted with our emblemes . Br. Now what meaneth this , The Citie was square ? Equall in length , breadth and height ? Rab. Eli. It followeth the Davir in Salomons Temple : or the holy of holy . Br. Now that Heaven is opened , all myndes may see there the Arke and Cherubim : all that be of this Citie . The Citie was 144000. forlong . Setting eight forlongs to an English mile . It was almost a thousand miles square : and what should this meane ? That an infinite company should be of Christians , though Rome and Saracenes endevoured general destruction . So the Walles were an hundred fortie foure cubites . Know you what that must meane ? Rab. Defence is meant by Walles , as in Es. 54. And thence in the Septuagint Iaspis is for Carbuncle , and so here . Iohn Visions are from the old Testament , and not from mans fanfie . And Iaspis in v. 18. must respect Codcod in Esai , Chalcedon or Carbuncle : and in the first foundation Beniamins stone : els a confusion wil be , which God suffereth not , but requireth his to be full of eyes : and to know his word richly . Now what meaneth this : The twelve gates were twelve Pearles ? Rab. The doctrine of life cleare and precious . Br. The Law had a covering : But in Christ all glittereth . And what meaneth this : The streat of the Citie was like pure Gold : cleare as glasse ? Rab. The Lawes and rules of life . Br. Such be in our New Testament : the purest rules that ever could be spoken , and the wordes be so pure in the Greeke : But knowen of few , by reason that the Bridge-maker of Thymbris scattred Barbarous Latin for Golden Greeke over the West . Men of conscience and iudgement , should studie Ebrew and Greek for Divinitie : not Latin versions of mans guesse : But the wordes that God warranteth . But my next demaund Babbi shall trie your Thalmudique skill . Iohn saw no Temple in this Citie . For the Lord God of hoastes is the Temple , and the Lambe . Why ? Rab : I can not tell . Br. Rambam in Bet●●abechira dreameth as ye all , of a returne to Chanaan to build a third Temple . That hope was senseles ever since Esai tolde you of a Ierusalem that should reach over the world . And expreslie told how , Dan. 9. where your Citie should suffer a diluge : And the heavenly Ierusalem should have no need of Sunne and Moone from civill policie , to countenance it : But the glorie of God should shine through it , & the Lamb : by closse protection every where . Yea and many Kings of them selves should gladly bring their glorie to it . And the gates should never be shut : But night and day , in affliction and prosperitie , men shall gladly bring their glorie to it . And no Anathema should come into it .

CHAP. 22. TO Iohn furthermore was shewed by an Angell , a River of water of life : ( as to Ezek 47. 2. ) comming from the Throne of God and the Lambe . What should these waters import ? Rab. All we know that waters import doctrine : and Ezekiels fishers shall arise from Galilee in Messias dayes to give waters of life : as we read in the Zohaz : Br. It is marveile , that yee should tell what should be done : and when it is done , denie it . So yee teach in Ierusalemy in Megila : that in Sems house in Salem the tongue of Iaphet shal be vsed : and when it is tolde you to be done , then you despise it . Lastly , vpon the brim of this River on both sides was a tree of life : every moneth a fruite , and the leaves did heale the Nations . That meaneth , the Sonne of God , who was resembled in Paradise by the tree of life and who hetherto in both Testaments teacheth of him selfe . These thinges should come to passe quicklie : and were spoken of old by the Prophetes for the glorie of the Gospell vnder Christ . And againe Christ telleth that he is , A and O , the beginning and ending , the first and the last . And concludeth the new Testament in a most gracious sort : and sheweth that he sent his Angell to tell this : and calleth all to drinke of the waters of lise freelie . Rab. El. O that you would turne your New Testament into Hebrew , as now you speak to me you should save all our Nation : as I tolde you afore . And now I pray you tell mee the chief heades of the Epistle to the Ebrewes .