(from A Dissertation on the Dragon, Beast, and False Prophet of the Apocalypse, 1814)

Several interpretations of the number of the Beast have from time to time been given in the Hebrew tongue. Vitringa affords us two guesses, “A multitude of Gentiles,” and “High and Magnificent.” Matthew Hiller finds the number in “An Edomite;” Hasaeus in, “things on sale;” Portzigius in “apostasy;” and Jo. Gothofredeus Lakemacherus in “Rabbi Simon.” “Mystery” is mentioned by Dr. H. More, and has been much esteemed by several writers. The number has also been found in “Our holy father the pope.” It has also been found in Luther’s name by ridiculously writing it “Lulther.” To these we may add, “The kingdom of the people,” considered in opposition to the kingdom of Christ; and the Latin word Romanus, “Roman,” written by Fox and Fleming in the following Hebrew characters, [..]. Vitringa also produces ‘Adonikam,’ of whom mention is made is Ezra ii. 13, not because his name contains 666, but from the circumstance of his family and posterity which returned from the Babylonish captivity consisting of precisely 666 persons. But the most approved of all Hebrew interpretations is [..], a word mentioned by Piscator, and asserted by many to the feminine of [..], said to mean ‘Roman,’ and therefore supposed to agree either ‘kingdom,’ ‘beast,’ or ‘church.’