A Key To The Apocalypse

That we may discover what the sun is in the world of the beast, we must first see what the heaven is in that world, lest otherwise, destitute of the clew of analogy, we wander too much from the mark. For the sun is not to be placed, or conceived to exist, but in a heaven suitable to it. The heaven, then, of the antichristian world is the supreme and universal pontifical power itself, or, in short, whatever exists of more sublime and regal authority in any part of the bestial world; that is, in the whole community of provinces acknowledging the Roman pontiff as their head. For so, in the natural world, all that is on high, and above the earth and waters, is called heaven, in the acceptation of the Hebrews, and of the Holy Spirit.

Now in this antichristian heaven (according to the type of the natural heaven) there are many stars, and of different magnitudes, -- princes, governors, presidents, rulers, kings. There are likewise great luminaries like the sun and moon, which all appear to move round with the motion of heaven itself, and undergo their vicissitudes, from the law which governs it. Of this, indeed, the most splendid, and by far the greatest luminary which shines in the Papal firmament, is the German empire, which has been the possession of the house of Austria for about two hundred years. Is not this the sun of that heaven [64] ? Now on this sun is the fourth phial forthwith to be poured out; so that he, driven out of his usual course in the heaven of the beast, and shining in a different manner, may scorch and torment with heat and fervour, even to blasphemy, the inhabitants of the antichristian world, whom he was formerly accustomed greatly to cheer with his warmth and radiance. And lo! while I am publishing these remarks, on which I had long ago written a Commentary, a report has filled the whole Christian world, while the pious are offering up their gratulations, that an avenger from God has come from. the North, to succour afflicted and depressed Germany -- a king pious and fortunate, and a conqueror wherever he has come, whose successes surpass the flight of the eagle. Is not this he whom the Lord of Hosts has destined, to execute the work of this phial? So I hope and pray from my soul, -- "Gird thee then with thy sword, O great King I proceed prosperously and reign, for the sake of truth, of meekness, and of righteousness; for thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things [65] ."