Á d ARe ,eiatio,á ofthe Apócalypfe. C A P.4, in the heavens themfelves , becaufe of that more abundant glory, wherein the Gofpel fhineth above the law; by howmuch the more diligently, every thing is to be confidered. Seeing therefore we un- derftand the purpofe of this Vifion, let us fearch out the explaining of the particular things one by one. Firft, the head of the Church is defcribed, fuch as the true members do alwayes confeffe , and wor- fhip,both by hisfitting in the throne, in this verfe,and alto by his like- neffe, in the next. Thisfitting Both declare the Majeflie, and glory of the higheft God, and no leffe his fixed , and (table habitation among the Saints, in whofe aßembly hee bath placed his throneof dignity, being never to depart any whither elfe. Now in that this throne is one, and he one that fitteth npon ir, we know him to be God, that is one in nature, power, Majeffy, glory, and that there is no other be- fides him , that ruleth in themiddeft of the Saints. Such a Jehovah therefore , only one and higheft ofall , doth the holy Church wor- fhip, andmagnifie with ail manner of reverence. 3. Now he that fate , Was like to fee to. a. retas , Complutenfrs, and the Kings Bible do not read the hrff words, and he that fate Wa.s, but that that followeth, like ix.fight, they fet immediately after theend of the former verle. Our Copies and the Vulgar Latine, do more plainly diftinguifh, fitting and fimilitude, which as it feem- eth, ought not to be omitted in defcribing the true God. This verfe Both a little more fully fhew , who this one God is; of whom not- withflandinghee propoundeth no Image, but only a certain Phew of colour, according to there ancient reprefentations made to the old people of old. Tee perceived (faith Mofes) nolikeneffe, at the day When Godfpake untoyou in Horeb, out of the middefl ofthe fro,Leut. 4.15. For this one true God , that raigneth in the Chriftian Con- gregations, is the fame whom the ancient Church did worfhip from the beginning.And feeing in the infancy of the Churchhe gave them no portraiture ofhimfelfe,much leffe is any fimilitude tobe expected, now that the is grown to her ripe, and full age. Indeed this mani- feitation is more familiar, and more ample, feeing that betides one and thefame efence, which the common glory expreffeth; the in- comprchenfible diftine ion of the threeperform. , is after a fort ope- ned , by the three preciou-o f ones , the Iafper ; theSardine , and the Emerald. For it pleafeth the Holy GhoJt to ufe thefe delight- fullecreatures, for the declaring of thefe myfteries , becaufe the grace and beauty that thefe have in this loweff Region, Both rnoff excell above all other things ; whence it is that they may
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