Revelation 13

Revelation 13:1

This beast rising out of the sea denotes its origin to be from hell, and from the tumultuous state of the nations, once subject to the Roman power. Its having seven heads and ten crowned horns denotes its possessing the power of the Roman state, and ruling over the ten kingdoms formed out of that ruined empire

Revelation 13:2

Its likeness to a leopard, bear, and lion, imports that all the cruelty, activity, subtility, and furious power, of the Greek, Persian, and Chaldean, empire would meet in the Papal jurisdiction. Its receiving the power, seat, and authority, of the dragon signifies that, being seated at Rome, the power of Heathen emperors, and of the devil, would be devolved on the Pope and his assistants

Revelation 13:3

The healing of the wounded head may denote the Pope’s restoring jurisdiction to Rome, by his becoming a civil prince; the erection of the German empire instead of the Roman, or the apostasy of the Protestants to 3 Povery

Revelation 13:4

In their obedience to the arbitrary, idolatrous, and other wicked decrees of Popes and their councils, men practically worship the devil and the old Heathen idols. 5, 6. Its speaking great things and blasphemies includes all the Papal boasts of power, holiness, merits; all their usurpation of power over magistrates, angels, and saints departed; over the laws and ordinances of God; and over the person and offices of Christ. 7, 8. While Satan stirred up the Popes and their agents to persecute, rob, and murder, the followers of Christ, almost all the inhabitants of Europe submitted to their authority

Revelation 13:10

But, after they have persecuted and murdered the saints for many ages, till their faith is fully tried, and almost worn out, the judgments of God, answerable to their crimes, shall overtake them

Revelation 13:11

The earth, out of which this beast arose, denotes a carnal and worldly temper, or the bottomless pit. Its likeness to a lamb, but speaking as a dragon, imports that, notwithstanding the Pope’s and Papalines’ high pretences to the likeness of Christ in holiness and meekness, their injunctions and curses are cruel, bloody, and ruinous

Revelation 13:12

By excommunications and persecutions, and through the assistance of secular powers, Popes and their clergy make their subjects do what they please. 13, 14. By pretended and devilish miracles they terrify men into an implicit obedience to the clergy, and a ready compliance with their errors, idolatries, and superstitions

Revelation 13:15-17

They denied not only their pardons and indulgencies, but even the natural or civil rights of lodging, dwelling, or trade, to all that did not, in practice or profession, plainly manifest themselves devoted to their power and delusions

Revelation 13:18

The number of the beast being 666, may hint that the Romish doctrines, laws, and offices, have apparently a marvellous connection, but are no way founded on the doctrine of the twelve apostles. It is found in the Greek LATRINOS, and the Hebrew ROMITH; and points to the Latin or Romish church, and the place of its peculiar residence. About A. D. 666, it is said, Pope Vitalian marked the Papal subjects with the use of the Latin or Romish tongue. From the time when John had his vision to the Pope’s becoming a civil, as well as an ecclesiastical, head, and so a complete Antichrist, A. D. 756, or some years after, when he began to exercise his temporal jurisdiction, might be precisely 666 years

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. XIII.—Satan and his instruments will turn themselves into very different forms, that their abominable projects may the more easily succeed. The meekness of the lamb, and fury of a leopard, lion, bear, and dragon, are united, to pervert and ruin the church. By the most horrid blasphemics, pretended or magical wonders, uncontrolled authority, and dreadful severity, they promote their unrighteous cause. And marvellous is their success, and extensive their power. By allurements or terrors multitudes are deluded into the grossest absurdities and most damnable doctrines and practices. None, but those chosen by God and redeemed by Christ, are secured from it. These, indeed, are often distressed by wars, persecutions, and martyrdom; but cannot be fully perverted or finally ruined. And it is the great support of their faith and patience that God has fixed a time for their deliverance and the downfall of their enemies, in which every injury done them shall be fully repaid.—Though I cannot fix the times, which the Father has put in his own power, let my faith and patience have their perfect work! Patient waiting and earnest watching are far better than presumptuous curiosity