CA P. 12. A Revelation ofthe Apocalypfe. 405 loved, not) be put for thefe, they neglected or contemned. And yet even foalto the forceof the cornparifon abideth, that is, they con- temned them in refpeet of tháit:rp>h..- This is that notable Conf1404, the Saints, which could not be removed from their faith in Cfirilk with any torments. In regard whereofGod gave them the' reward of victory. But obferve here, how notably this fong of triumph addeth thofe things whichwere wanting to fet out theEfate of the firfEChurch ; wehave feen by the defcriptionof the Woman, that the was glorious, by means ofthe fncerenefeof her faith, the pureneffe ofher converfation, theflar-like eminencieand brghtnefe of her teachers ; we heard withall, that Ace Was deflitute ofa l'atron,in that the brought forth her Son with great pains ; To all thefe you may adde out of this triumphall fong, that though the enemies of the truth heaped up all manner of opprobri- ous Flanders agsinfl her, and ufed the greateft violence that poffibly they could, yet the faithfull could not be ftirred a haires breadth from their holy profeflion ; whereby it came to paffe, that thofe times were made famous, almoft with an infinite number ofmoft couragious Martyrs. 12. Therefore rejoycéyee heavens. The fruit of this benefit is the joy of the Saints, and the mournfull elate of the Wicked. For why fhould not they triumph when they had obtained fafety and delive- rance, and when they faw the glory ofGod thus notably amplified ? But there weremany calamities as yet remaining for them to fuffer; It is true indeed, but thefe fhould not hurt the Saints, whomGod Would hide in his Tabernacle. And therefore he feemeth to fay, yec that pitch your tents therein, becaufe this heaven is that Temple or Tabernacle, wherein the Church lyethhid; from which it fhali at length be removed unto an everla{ffing habitation ; ofwhich before, Chap.ii. I, &c. 2 Cor. 5. I,2, &C. Woe be to the inhabitants of the earth. This is the effect in refpe& of the Wicked ; namely,a mighty mourning. For thefe are the inhabi- tants of the Earth, and of the Sea. And hence may this metaphorical) fignificationofthefe words be confirmed.For ifearth fhould be taken properly : The Devil fhould be alike troublefome to all the Saints, who dwell in common together with the wicked. Betides, who are the inhabitantsof the Sea, but"men ? For the Devil) Bothnot fpit out his fpighcfull poyfon uponWhales, and great Sea-fiches.: Good men alto and bad dwell together in common in the Ifles, as well as in the firme Land : Thus then diftinguit them, that the inhabitants Ggg z of
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