A Proteſtants Reſolution: Shewing his REASONS Why He Will not be a PAPIST.
Digeſted into ſo plain a Method of Queſtion and Anſwer, that an ordinary Capacity may be able to defend the Proteſtant Religion, againſt the moſt Cunning Jeſuit, or Popiſh Prieſt.
Uſeful for theſe Times.
LONDON, Printed for D. Newman at the Kings Arms in the Poultrey, 1679.
HOw many Religions are there the World?
Anſ. Principally four.
Queſt. Which are they?
Anſ.
Queſt. Of which of theſe Religions are you?
Anſ. Of the Chriſtian Religion.
Queſt. How many parties lay claim to the Chriſtian Religion?
Anſ. Two principally.
2〈…〉Which be they, and how are they〈…〉
〈…〉The Papiſt and the Proteſtant.
〈…〉. Of which of theſe parties are〈◊〉
〈…〉Of the Proteſtant.
••eſt. What underſtand you by a Pro••••••t?
Anſ. One who takes part with thoſe•ho formerly proteſted againſt the Errors and Corruptions of the Church of Rome.
Queſt. What are thoſe Errors?
Anſ. They are very many: I am ready to give an account of ſome of their principal ones.
Queſt. What is the First Error?
Anſ. In that they forbid the Bible to be read in the vulgar Tongue.
Queſt. What is your opinion in this thing concerning the Scriptures?
Anſ. The Scriptures were written for the uſe of the common people, and therefore ſhould be tranſlated into known Tognues.
3Queſt. To what end?
Anſ. That they may be heard, read, and underſtood of all.
Queſt. How prove you that?
Anſ. Becauſe the Lord frequently commands the reading of the Scriptures by the people, and ſolemnly charges the reading of them to the people.
Queſt. Where is the Command?
Anſ. Deut. 31.11. Thou ſhalt read this law before all Iſrael in their hearing. Joh. 5.39. Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life. Act. 15.21, Moſes hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the Synagogue every Sabbath-day. Eph. 3.4, Whereby when ye read, ye may understand my knowledg in the myſtery of Chriſt. Col. 4.16, When this Epiſtle is read among you, cauſe it, that it be read alſo in the Church of the Laodiceans, and that ye alſo read the Epiſtle from Laodicea. 1 Theſ. 5.27, I charge you by the Lord that this Epiſtle be read unto all the holy brethren. Rev. 1.3, Bleſſed4 is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy.
Queſt. What is a Second Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Their receiving unwritten Traditions, with equal reſpect and reverence, as we receive the Holy Scriptures.
Queſt. Wherein lieth the evil of this opinion?
Anſ. In this, namely, in making Traditions of men equal in dignity and authority with the expreſs Revelation of God.
Queſt. What is your opinion in this matter?
Anſ. That the Scriptures in themſelves are a full, ſufficient, and perfect rule.
Queſt. How prove you that?
Anſ. Becauſe it containeth all things that are neceſſary for men to believe, and do in order to eternal life, Iſa. 8.20. To the law, and to the teſtimony; if they ſpeak not according to this world, it is becauſe there is no light in them. Joh. 20.31. 5Theſe are written, that ye may believe, that Jeſus is the Chriſt the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his Name. Gal. 1.8, Though we or an Angel from heaven preach any other Goſpel, than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accurſed. Eph. 2.20. Built upon the foundation of the Apoſtles and Prophets, Jeſus Chriſt himſelf, being the chief corner-ſtone. 2 Tim. 3.16, 17, From a child thou haſt known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wiſe unto ſalvation through faith, which is in Chriſt Jeſus: That the man of God may be perfect, thorowly furniſhed (marg. perfected) unto all good works.
Queſt. What is a Third Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. That we are to believe the Scriptures upon the ſole Authority of the Church.
Queſt. Wherein lieth the evil of this opinion?
Anſ. It lieth in this, namely, that men being liable to miſtakes, may lead me into6 to errors; ſo that I can never be ſure, that what I take as my rule, is indeed that right one of Gods preſcribing: therefore the teſtimony of the Church cannot be the only or chief reaſon of our believing the Scripture to be the Word of God. Eph. 2.20. Built upon the foundation of the prophets and apoſtles, Jeſus Christ himſelf being the chief corner-ſtone. 1 Theſ. 2.13. For this cauſe thank we God without ceaſing, becauſe when ye received the word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God, which effectually worketh alſo in you that believe.
Queſt. What then is the chief reaſon of our belief of the Scriptures?
Anſ. The teſtimony of the Spirit of God, in the word it ſelf, witneſſing it to be of God. Pſal. 119.105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Prov. 6.23. Commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Heb. 4.12. The word of God is quick and powerful, and7 ſharper than any two-edged ſword; piercing even to the dividing aſunder of ſoul and ſpirit, and of the Joynts and marrow, and is a diſcerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 2 Pet. 1.19, We have alſo a more ſure word of prophecy, whereunto you do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that ſhineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day-ſtar ariſe in your hearts.
Queſt. What is a fourth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. In aſſerting the infallibility of their Pope and Church, and that every man muſt ſubmit his faith and conſcience to them.
Queſt. Do the Papiſts any where aſſert this?
Anſ. Yes: and Bellarmine in particular layeth down this poſition, That if the Pope command the practice of vice, and forbid virtuous actions, the Church is bound to believe vices to be good, and virtues to be bad, Bell. de Pontif. Rom. li. 4. cap. 5.
8Queſt. What is the Proteſtant belief in this matter?
Anſ. That there is no human ſupreme infallible Judg in the Church of God, to whom all Chriſtians are obliged to ſubmit their faith and conſcience in all matters of Religion.
Queſt. How prove you that?
Anſ. From three Reaſons:
1. Becauſe it is a greater authority than the Apoſtles did ever claim. 2 Cor. 1.24, Not, for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy; for by faith ye stand.
2. Becauſe it is contrary to Chriſts command, concerning tryal of Doctrine, 1 Pet. 3.15, Be ready always to give an anſwer to every man that asketh you a reaſon of the hope that is in you, 1 Joh. 4.1, Believe not every ſpirit, but try the ſpirits whether they are of God.
3. Becauſe as to matter of fact, guides and teachers have cauſed the people to ſin in following them, Exod. 32.5, 31, When Aaron ſaw it, he built an Altar before9 it, and Aaron made proclamation and ſaid, To morrow is a feaſt to the Lord. v. 31. And Moſes returned unto the Lord, and ſaid, Oh, this people have ſinned a great ſin, and have made them gods of gold ▪ Iſa. 3.12. Oh my people, they which lead thee, cauſe thee to err, and deſtroy the way of thy paths. Mat. 23.3. Do not ye after their works, for they ſay and do not.
Queſt. What is a Fifth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. That the Pope is Univerſal Head of the Church.
Queſt. What is the Proteſtant belief in this matter?
Anſ. We deny that there is any ſuch viſible Head, therefore the Pope cannot be ſo.
Queſt. How prove you that?
Anſ. Becauſe neither our Creed, nor the ſacred Scriptures hath revealed any ſuch thing to us.
Queſt. Whom then do the Proteſtants affirm to be univerſal Head of the Church?
Anſ. Jeſus Chriſt and him only.
10Queſt. How prove you that?
Anſ. Becauſe the Scriptures reveal it. Pſal. 2.6, I have ſet my King upon my holy hill of Sion. Epheſ. 1.22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church.
Queſt. What is a ſixth Error of the Papists?
Anſ. That Kings and Emperors, with their reſpective ſubjects, are at the Popes diſpoſal in general, and particularly that the perſons and eſtates of the Clergy are not under the power of the Civil Magiſtrate.
Queſt. What is the Proteſtants belief?
Anſ. 1. That Kings and Emperors are not properly Subjects to the Pope, nor hath the Pope any power to abſolve any of their Subjects from their Allegiance.
2. That even the Clergy are ſubject to ſecular Princes, and their bodies and eſtates under their government.
Queſt. How prove you that?
Anſ. Becauſe they are in the number of thoſe on whom the Scripture chargeth11 ſubjection, Rom. 13.1. Let every ſoul be ſubject to the higher powers. Tit. 3.1. Put them in mind to be ſubject to principalities and powers, to obey magiſtrates. 1 Pet. 2.13, 14, 15. Submit your ſelves to every ordinance of man for the Lords ſake, whether it be to the King as ſupreme, or unto governours, as unto them that are ſent by him, for the puniſhment of evil-doers, and for the praiſe of them that do well: For ſo is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to ſilence the ignorance of fooliſh men.
Queſt. What is the ſeventh Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. That the Pope of Rome is next under Chriſt.
Queſt. What ſay the Proteſtants?
Anſ. That he is Antichriſt, becauſe none have more the marks of Antichriſt than he.
Queſt. How prove you that?
Anſ. Becauſe no Antichriſt can do worſe things than he, 2 Theſ. 2.3, 4, 9, 10. That day ſhall not come, except there come12 a falling away firſt, and that man of ſin be revealed, that ſon of perdition, who oppoſeth and exalteth himſelf above all that is called God, or is worſhipped; ſo that he, as God, ſitteth in the Temple of God, ſhewing himſelf that he is God: v. 9. Even him whoſe coming is after the working of Satan with all power, and ſigns, and lying wonders: v. 10. And with all deceivableneſs of unrighteouſneſs in them that periſh. Rev. 13. throughout.
Queſt. What is an Eighth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. That the Proteſtants are Hereticks for ſeparating from them.
Queſt. What ſay the Proteſtants to this?
Anſ. They ſay, that it being granted, that the Proteſtants did ſeparate from the Church of Rome, yet that they did it upon juſt grounds.
Queſt. How do you prove that?
Anſ. Becauſe they did it for the ſake of Chriſt, and the Purity of Religion, for which reaſon they are commanded13 ſo to do, 2 Cor. 6.15, 16, 17, 18. What concord hath Chriſt with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an Infidel? What agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols? ye are the Temple of the living God. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye ſeparate, ſaith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and will be a father unto you, and ye ſhall be my ſons and daughters, ſaith the Lord Almighty.
Queſt. What was there in the Romiſh Religion that occaſioned their ſeparation?
Anſ. In that it was a
Queſt. But why do yo you ſay their ſeparation being granted? Do they not grant their ſeparation?
14Anſ. They need not; for the Church of Rome more properly ſeparated from them, than they from the Church of Rome, in that they broke off from the foundation of the Apoſtles Doctrine, which the Proteſtants retain ſtill, holding the head, the Papiſts having ſeparated them from their company, and caſt them out for the ſon of mans ſake, Luk. 6.22.
Queſt. What is a Ninth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. That the Church of Rome is the only true Church.
Queſt. What ſay the Proteſtants to this?
Anſ. We deny it.
Queſt. Why?
Anſ. Becauſe the Roman Church agreeth not with the definition of a true Church.
Queſt. What is the true Church?
Anſ. The true Church is an Univerſal Congregation, or fellowſhip of Gods faithful elect people, built upon the foundation of the Apoſtles and Prophets, Jeſus Chriſt being the chief corner-ſtone.
15Queſt. What are the marks of a true Church?
Anſ. Such as theſe: Pure and ſound Doctrine preached, the Sacraments adminiſtred according to Chriſts inſtitution, the right uſe of Eccleſiaſtical Diſcipline. John 10.4, The ſheep follow him, for they know his voice. Eph. 5.26, — he might ſanctifie, and cleanſe it with the waſhing of water by the word.
Queſt. What is a Tenth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Their praying to Saints and Angels.
Queſt. What is the Proteſtants opinion in this matter?
Anſ. That praying to Saints and Angels, is a dangerous corrupting of holy Worſhip, and abominable in the ſight of God.
Queſt. How prove you that?
Anſ. 1. It is abſurd and ridiculous.
1. They being not〈…〉to hear our prayers:〈…〉••••rant of us, Iſ•〈…〉
162. In that they cannot be ſure they are all real Saints to whom they pray; nay, we know the Pope hath canonized many wicked men.
2. It hath no warrant from the Word of God, but forbidden. Mat. 4.10, Him only ſhalt thou ſerve.
3. It is Idolatrous.
4. It is injurious to the Mediatory-office of Chriſt. 1 Tim. 2.5, There is one God, and one Mediator between God and man, the man Chriſt Jeſus. 1 Joh. 2.1, If any man ſin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jeſus Chriſt the righteous.
5. Angels refuſe it. Rev. 22.9. See thou do it not, for I am thy fellow-ſervant.
Queſt. What is an Eleventh Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Their Doctrine of Purgatory.
Queſt. What do you underſtand by Purgatory?
Anſ. A place wherein Saints are purged after th••〈…〉were not fully purged〈…〉•hey may enter purer17 into Heaven. Bellarm. de Purgat. lib. 2. cap. 6.
Queſt. What is the Proteſtants belief concerning Purgatory?
Anſ. That as there is no ſuch place, ſo the belief of it is dangerous and groundleſs.
Queſt. How prove you that there is no ſuch place?
Anſ. From Rev. 14.13, Bleſſed are the dead, for they reſt from their labours, from henceforth, that dye in the Lord.
Queſt. Why is it dangerous and groundleſs?
Anſ. 1. Becauſe there is no ground for it in Scripture.
2. Becauſe they that belong to God can be no where afflicted, but he is afflicted with them, Iſa. 63.9, In all their affliction, he was afflicted.
3. Becauſe it denies the fulneſs of Chriſts ſatisfaction.
4. Becauſe hereby the horrid nature of ſin is leſſened.
5. Becauſe the Saints confidence and18 comfort is hereby impaired; the deſire that St. Paul hath to be diſſolved, is, that he may be with Chriſt, Phil. 1.23.
Queſt. What is a Twelfth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. That ſome ſins are venial.
Queſt. What is the Proteſtants belief in this point?
Anſ. That no ſin is in its own nature venial, but every ſin is deadly, and deſerves eternal damnation, Deut. 27.26, Curſed is every one that continueth not in all things written in this law to do them. Ezek. 18.4, The ſoul that ſinneth, it ſhall die. Rom. 6.23, The wages of ſin is death. Jam. 2.10, Whoſoever ſhall keep the whole law, and offend in one point, is guilty of all.
Queſt. What is a Thirteenth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Their Doctrine of Merit.
Queſt. What is the Proteſtants opinion in this thing?
Anſ. That the reward of good works is not deſerved by them that receive it.
19Queſt. How prove you that?
Anſ. 1. Becauſe good works are rewarded meerly out of mercy and grace. Pſal. 62.12, Ʋnto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy; for thou rendreſt to every man according to his work. Rom. 11.6, If by grace, then is it no more of works, otherwiſe grace is no more grace: but if it be of works, then is it no more grace, otherwiſe work is no more work. Tit. 3.5, Not by works of righteouſneſs which we have done, but according to his mercy he ſaved us. 1 Pet. 1.13, Hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jeſus Chriſt.
2. Becauſe eternal life is the gift of God. Luk. 12.32, It is your Fathers good pleaſure to give you the kingdom. Rom. 6.23, The gift of God is eternal life.
3. Becauſe Believers owe all to God, therefore can merit nothing from him. Luk. 17.10, VVhen ye have done all that you can, ſay that ye are unprofitable ſervants: we have done that which was our duty to do. 1 Cor. 4.7, VVhat haſt thou that thou didſt not receive? Now if thou didſt receive20 it, why doeſt thou glory as if thou hadſt not received it? 1 Cor. 6.19, Ye are not your own. Phil. 2.13, It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleaſure.
Queſt. What is a Fourteenth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Their works of Supererogation.
Queſt. What ſay the Proteſtants to this?
Anſ. That they who in their obedience attain the greateſt degree, fall ſhort of much which in duty they are bound to do, much leſs can they do more, or have any oyl to ſpare wherewith to help others. Mat. 25.9, The wiſe anſwered, Not ſo, leſt there be not enough for us and you.
Queſt. What is every man bound to do?
Anſ. To full conformity in the whole man to the righteous law of God.
Queſt. Is not this to be under the law, and not under grace?
Anſ. Believers are not under the law as a Covenant of works, but as a rule of21 life. Mat. 17. Think not that I am come to deſtroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to deſtroy, but to fulfil. Rom. 7.12, 22, The law is holy, and juſt, and good: v. 22. I delight in the law of God after the inward man.
Queſt. May not Saints do more good than they have need of for themſelves?
Anſ. No; when you have done all that is commanded, ſay you are unprofitable ſervants, Luk. 7.10.
Queſt. What is a Fifteenth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Their corrupting the Doctrine of Juſtification.
Queſt. Wherein do they corrupt it?
Anſ. They tell us we muſt be juſtified by our own righteouſneſs, and that a perfect righteouſneſs within us.
Queſt. What mean they by a perfect righteouſneſs within?
Anſ. Any degree of charity is their righteouſneſs in perfection.
Queſt. What is the Proteſtant Doctrine concerning Juſtification?
22Anſ. That Believers are juſtified freely by the grace of God, whereby he accepteth them as righteous only for the righteouſneſs of Chriſt imputed to them.
Queſt. How prove you that?
Anſ. By theſe Scriptures, Rom. 3.24, Being juſtified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jeſus Chriſt. Chap. 5.8, 9. God commendeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet ſinners, Chriſt died for us: Much more then now being juſtified by his blood, we ſhall be ſaved from wrath through him. Chap. 10.3, They being ignorant of Gods righteouſneſs, and going about to eſtabliſh their own righteouſneſs, have not ſubmitted themſelves unto the righteouſneſs of God. Epheſ. 1.6, 7, To the praiſe of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved: In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveneſs of ſins according to the riches of his grace.
Queſt. What is a Sixteenth Error of the Papiſts?
23Anſ. Their worſhipping of Images.
Queſt. What is the Proteſtants belief?
Anſ. That it is not lawful to make Images of God, nor to direct our worſhip to an Image, or by the help of an Image, or to give religious worſhip to any creature. Mat. 4.10, Thou ſhalt worſhip the Lord thy God, and him only ſhalt thou ſerve. Rev. 19.10, See thou do it not, I am thy fellow-ſervant, and of thy brethren.
Queſt. What is a Seventeenth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Their preaching and praying in an unknown tongue.
Queſt. What ſaith the Proteſtant?
Anſ. That publick prayer is not to be made in an unknown tongue, but in ſuch a language as is underſtood by the common people.
Queſt. What mean you by prayer?
Anſ. Confeſſion of ſin, Petition for grace, Interceſſion for others, and Giving of thanks.
24Queſt. Why muſt we not pray in an unknown tongue?
Anſ. Becauſe it cannot be to edification. 1 Cor. 14.26, Let all things be done to edifying. Ver. 16, How ſhall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned, ſay Amen at thy giving of thanks, ſeeing he underſtandeth not what thou ſayeſt?
Queſt. Why may we not preach in an unknown tongue?
Anſ. 1. For the ſame reaſon, viz. becauſe it is not to edification, and ſo plainly againſt the word of God, 1 Cor. 14. at the beginning.
2. Becauſe it is againſt the cuſtom of the Primitive Church, to have publick Prayer, or Preaching, or Adminiſtration of the Sacraments in a tongue not underſtood by the people.
3. Becauſe the Original Tongues are not known to all the people who have right unto, and intereſt in the Scriptures, and are commanded in the fear of God to read and ſearch them.
25Queſt. What is an Eighteenth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Their Doctrine of Indulgences.
Queſt. What do the Papiſts mean by their Indulgences?
Anſ. An abſolution from the guilt of puniſhment, by the ſatisfactions which are contained in the Church-treaſury.
Queſt. What is the Proteſtants belief in this matter?
Anſ. That Papal Indulgences are the worſt of cheats, and abominable injuries to Chriſt and Chriſtians.
Queſt. How prove you that?
Anſ. 1. Becauſe there is no pardon of ſin, but by the mercy of God, through the blood of Chriſt. Rom. 5.1, Being juſtified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jeſus Chriſt. Eph. 1.7, In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveneſs of ſins, according to the riches of his grace.
2. Becauſe there is no ſuch thing in Scripture, that the merits of one Saint26 ſhould be able to make ſatisfaction for the ſins of another.
3. It is moſt injurious to Chriſt, who needeth not any Merits of Saints to be added to his ſatisfaction; For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that be ſanctified, Heb. 10.14.
Queſt. What is a Nineteenth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Their forbidding Prieſts to Marry.
Queſt. VVhat do they ſpeak of marriage it ſelf?
Anſ. They do not forbid all marriage, but ſpeak diſgracefully and contemptuouſly of it.
Queſt. VVhat ſay the Proteſtants in this matter?
Anſ. That the Popiſh Doctrine forbidding to Marry, is devilliſh and wicked Doctrine.
Queſt. How prove you that?
Anſ. 1. Becauſe it is that which God not only alloweth, but in ſome caſes commandeth, making no exception of27 the Clergy from others. Mat. 19.11, All men cannot receive this ſaying, ſave they to whom it is given. 1 Cor. 7.2, To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife. Chap. 9.5. Have we not power to lead about a Siſter, a Wife, as well as other Apoſtles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 1 Tim. 3.2, A Biſhop muſt be blameleſs, the husband of one wife. Tit. 1.6, If any be blameleſs, the husband of one wife, having faithful children. Heb. 13.4, Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judg.
2. Becauſe it leads to much leudneſs and villany, as Fornication, Adultery, Inceſt, Sodomy, Murder, &c.
3. Becauſe this Doctrine is a badg of Antichriſt, 1 Tim. 4.1, 3, The ſpirit ſpeaketh expreſly, that in the latter times ſome ſhall depart from the faith, giving heed to ſeducing ſpirits, and doctrines of Devils. Ver. 3. Forbidding to marry.
28Queſt. What is a Twentieth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Denying the Doctrine of Aſſurance.
Queſt. What ſaith the Papiſts of it?
Anſ. That a Believers aſſurance of the pardon of his ſin is a vain and ungodly confidence.
Queſt. What is the Proteſtants belief in this matter?
Anſ. That it is not only our priviledg that we may, but our duty to labour after aſſurance that our ſins are pardoned. 2 Pet. 1.10, Give diligence to make your calling and election ſure; for if ye do theſe things, ye ſhall never fall.
Queſt. How doth it appear to be our duty?
Anſ. 1. From the nature, uſe, and end of the holy Scriptures, which are a good foundation of aſſurance. Rom. 15.4, Whatſoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we29 through patience and comfort of the Scr••tures might have hope.
2. From the nature of conſcien••and its power. 1 John 3.19, 20,••Hereby we know that we are of the trut•and ſhall aſſure our hearts before him: Fo•if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things: If our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God.
3. Becauſe it hath been attained by others, as Job, David, Paul, &c.
4. Becauſe God hath appointed Ordinances, that believers may have aſſurance.
Queſt. What is an One and Twentieth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Their Doctrine of Seven Sacraments.
Queſt. What is a Sacrament?
Anſ. A Sacrament is an Ordinance of Chriſt, conſiſting of viſible ſigns, repreſenting, ſealing, and applying Chriſt, and the benefits of the New Covenant to Believers.
30Queſt. How many Sacraments are there the New Teſtament?
Anſ. Only two, viz. Baptiſm and the••rds Supper.
Queſt. Which be thoſe other five which••e Papiſts have added.
Anſ. 1. Confirmation. 2. Extreme Unction. 3. Matrimony. 4. Holy Orders. 5. Penance.
Queſt. Why may not theſe five be Sacramental as well as the other two?
1. Becauſe there are not ſufficient parts in any of them to make a Sacrament. Prov. 30.6, Add thou not unto his words, leſt he reprove thee, and thou be found a lyar.
2. Becauſe there are no parts of a Sacrament in any of theſe, but what is included in Baptiſm and the Lords Supper.
Queſt. What is a Two and Twentieth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Their Doctrine of Tranſubſtantiation.
31Queſt. What do they underſtand by Tranſubſtantiation?
Anſ. That by the Conſecration of the Bread and Wine, there is made a Converſion of the whole ſubſtance of the bread into the ſubſtance of the body of Chriſt, and of the Wine into the ſubſtance of the blood of Chriſt.
Queſt. What Scripture do they alledg for this?
Anſ. Joh. 6.51, 53, 54, 55, 56.
Queſt. What ſay the Proteſtants to this aſſertion?
Anſ. 1. That Chriſt bleſſed Bread and Wine, therefore did not deſtroy them.
2. That it is bread and wine in the Sacrament, which Chriſt hath commanded his Miniſters to adminiſter, and his people to receive.
3. That the Apoſtle himſelf doth no leſs than three times call it bread and wine after Conſecration, 1 Cor. 11.26, 27, 28.
32Queſt. What other reaſons do the Proteſtants give againſt Tranſubſtantiation?
Anſ. 1. It takes away the great evidence of the firſt witneſſes to Chriſtianity. 1 Joh. 1, That which we have heard, which we have ſeen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, &c.
2. It makes void the whole inſtitution. 1 Cor. 11.23, 24, I have received of the Lord, that which alſo I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jeſus the ſame night in which he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he brake it, and ſaid, Take eat, this is my body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me.
3. It will not allow men the priviledg of beaſts; to judg by their ſenſes, as ſeeing, ſmelling, taſting, &c.
Queſt. What is a Twenty-third Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Their denying the uſe of the Cup to the people in the Sacrament.
Queſt. What is the Proteſtants belief in this matter?
33Anſ. That every Communicant hath an undeniable right to the bleſſed Cup in the Lords Supper.
Queſt. How prove you that?
Anſ. 1. From the inſtitution of this Sacrament, and our Saviours command annexed thereunto, Matth. 26.27, He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, ſaying, Drink ye all of it.
2. From the example and appointment of the Apoſtles. Mark 14.23, And they all drank of it.
3. Becauſe without the Cup a man cannot anſwer the end of this Sacrament: As oft as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do ſhew the Lords death till he come, 1 Cor. 11.26.
4. Becauſe the ſame right we have to Chriſts blood, we have to the Cup. Mat. 26.27, 28, He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, ſaying, drink ye all of it: For this is my blood of the New Teſtament, which is ſhed for many for the remiſſion of ſins. Luk. 22.20, This cup is the New Teſtament in my34 blood, which is ſhed for you. 1 Cor. 10.16, The cup of bleſſing which we bleſs, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ?
Queſt. What is the twenty-fourth Error of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Their Doctrine of the Maſs.
Queſt. What do they underſtand by the Maſs?
Anſ. That which the Proteſtants (according to the Scripture) call the Lords Supper, Papiſts call the Maſs, whereby the Sacrament is made a Sacrifice, and offered up to God, Bellar. lib. 1. de miſſa. cap. 1.
Queſt. What ſay the Protestants of the Maſs?
Anſ. That it is a vain and Idolatrous thing, as uſed by them.
Queſt. VVhy vain?
Anſ. Becauſe by Chriſts Sacrifice God is ſufficiently ſatisfied, and the repenting-ſinner fully ſecured. Heb. 10.12. This man after he had offered one ſacrifice for ſins for ever, ſate down on the right hand of God.
35Queſt. Why Idolatrous?
Anſ. Becauſe they make it a meer Idol, not only worſhipping it as God, but truſting therein for ſalvation, as in Chriſt himſelf.
Queſt. How prove you that the Maſs is not the very ſame ſacrifice with that of Chriſt crucified on the Croſs?
Anſ. 1. God appointed Chriſt for a Sacrifice, but never the Maſs.
2. The Maſs is not of the ſame ſort or kind with that of Chriſt crucified.
Queſt. Wherein lieth the difference?
Anſ. 1. It was the ſacrifice of the very body born of a Virgin, but the Maſs of a piece of bread.
2. There was ſhedding of blood, but the Maſs is an unbloody ſacrifice.
3. It had the due proportion of a man, but the Maſs is a wafer.
Queſt. Are there no more Errors of the Papiſts?
Anſ. Yes, many: but theſe are ſufficient to make the Proteſtant abhor their Church and Doctrine.
36Queſt. Where was the Proteſtants Religion before Luther?
Anſ. In the Bible Doctrinally, and in its fruits in the hearts and lives of all good men.
Queſt. Where were the Diſciples firſt called Chriſtians?
Anſ. At Antioch the Diſciples were firſt called Chriſtians. Act. 11.26.
Queſt. Then the name of Chriſtian had not its riſe from Rome?
Anſ. No.
Queſt. What doth the name Chriſtian put us in mind of?
Anſ. It putteth us in mind of what Chriſt hath done for us, and the many benefits we obtain from his life, death, reſurrection and interceſſion.
Queſt. What more?
Anſ. It is a remembrance unto us what we ſhould do for Chriſt, in gratitude of what he hath done for us.
Queſt. Do not Popiſh Prieſts, Jeſuits, and others that dye for Treaſons and Murthers, dye like Chriſtians?
37Anſ. No: True Chriſtians at their death will give Glory to God.
Queſt. Do not they give glory to God?
Anſ. No: if they did, they would confeſs their juſt deſerts that brings them to that puniſhment.
Queſt. Why do they not confeſs their Treaſons, Murder, &c. when they come to dye for them?
Anſ. Becauſe their Church forbids them to confeſs to Proteſtants, which they call Hereticks.
Queſt. How doth that appear?
Anſ. In that they receive their Abſolution, upon condition that they dye concealing the Crime for which they dye.
Queſt. Ʋpon what Principle do they proceed in this?
Anſ. Upon this principle, namely, That no man owes his ememy Truth.
Queſt. Why ſo?
Anſ. Becauſe then he owes him what may be a means for his preſervation.
38Queſt. What uſe do they make of this Principle?
Anſ. That the Proteſtants being Adverſaries to the Church of Rome, her Sons owe them nothing but ruin and deſtruction; and the vileſt of means they can uſe for that end, are meritorious and glorious.
I Have not inſerted the Quotations under the Five laſt Queſtions, in regard the Authors are ſo numerous; if the Papiſts ſhall deny it, let the Reader peruſe what the Proteſtant Authors have quoted out of the Romaniſts own books, and he will find that they do not only make this kind of Perjury blameleſs, but neceſſary; breach of Oaths is no leſs with them than a vertue, or a neceſſary duty in many caſes, eſpecially when any thing of moment is to be oppoſed, which is againſt the Laws of the Roman Church, againſt that particularly of the General Council of Lateran, under Pope Innocent the Third, which forbids all favour to be39 ſhewed to Hereticks under the ſoreſt penalties and decrees: That favourers of Hereticks are under Excommunication, if they will not break their Oaths made in favour of Hereticks; and that by the Sacred Decree of their Church, he muſt be forſworn if he will not be excommunicated, and thereby expoſed to the violence of every hand (as Sir Edmondbury Godfrey was) yea one that hath taken the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, according to their Doctrine, ſins mortally, and puts himſelf into the ſtate of damnation; not if he takes thoſe Oaths, (for that their Prieſts may diſpenſe with) but if he keeps them. So Pope Martin the Fifth declared in writing to Alexander Duke of Lithuania, Know (ſays he) that thou ſinneſt mortally, if thou keep thy Oaths with Hereticks, Apud. Cochlaeum, l. 5. Hiſt. Huſſitarium.
Hereby it appears, that no Papiſts can poſſibly give any ſecurity which may be truſted, that Proteſtants ſhall enjoy any thing which is in their power to deprive40 them of; for the greateſt ſecurities that can be given in this caſe, are engagements of Faith and Truth; God being invocated for Confirmation in ſolemn Oaths; but their Religion hath laid ſuch ſtrong bonds upon them, to break all bonds that may favour the Proteſtants, that it leaves no hope of ſalvation to them who will not at their deaths take it upon their ſalvation, the greateſt untruth, if the Catholick Cauſe may be holpen by it; for another General Council, that of Conſtance, hath determined, that no Faith is to be kept with Hereticks, in the 19th Seſſion of that Aſſembly: that no ſafe Conduct given by Emperor, King, or Secular Prince to Hereticks, or any defamed for Hereticks, though with a deſign to reduce them, by what engagements ſoever they have obliged themſelves, ſhall hinder thoſe Hereticks from being deſtroyed, though they come to the place of Judgment, relying upon ſuch ſecurity; as in John Huſſe's caſe by Pope John the 22d. Hereby41 Proteſtants may underſtand what reaſon they have to truſt to nothing among Papiſts, but what will keep them out of their power, ſeeing the principles of that Religion (not private mens opinions, but the determination of Councils) bind them to obſerve no Faith, or Truth, or common honeſty with thoſe whom they account Hereticks; no, not when life is concerned, rather than a Proteſtant ſhall be ſafe in any of his concerns where they can reach them: It is a virtue, a duty in their Religion, to ſnap aſunder all ſecurity (by which the world hath hitherto been preſerved) to ruin a Heretick.
They who would ſee more of this at large, may read the Jeſuits Morals, the Practical Divinity of the Papiſts, and Myſtery of Jeſuitiſm, beſides the late inſtances which they have given at their Deaths, who have been executed for Treaſon and Murders, denying the things for which they ſuffered, though proved upon them as clear as the Sun at noon-day; occaſioned by the awe their Prieſts have upon42 them; being ſo far led away with them, that the obedience of the dying Proſelyte is prevalent, even above his Conſiderations for a future eſtate.
This will be more apparent, if we conſider, that hundreds of Iriſh Papiſts are executed in the Kingdom of Ireland every year for Murthers, Thefts, &c. and though taken in the very fact, yet when they come to dye, uſually take it upon their Deaths, and as they muſt appear before the great Judg that knows all things, that they are as innocent from the fact for which they dye, as the Child unborn. For they having diſcharg'd their Conſciences, by confeſſing it to the Prieſts, and received his abſolution, it would bring an odium on their Religion, and would be a ſtrengthening the hands of the Proteſtants, if the Prieſts ſhould ſuffer it. Whereas on the other ſide, could they perſwade the ſimple people to believe they dyed innocent, they hope it may lay a ſtain upon that Religion which they call ſo often by the name of43 Hereſie. And though thoſe Prieſts have always that regard to their Church, as to impoſe upon the Priſoner, to let the world know he dyeth a Roman Catholick; yet he hath alſo much care of the Man, that he muſt not deſire the Prayers of any but Papiſts.
Theſe things being ſo uſual among them, any conſiderate man will eaſily judg, without breach of charity, upon what ground ſuch men are ſeduced to commit a ſin, and then out-face the truth of the matter of fact, even in the face of Death.
BEcauſe the Papiſts ſhall not ſay, the charge I give their Religion under the Eighth Error is groundleſs, I ſhall inſtance in particular; And,
1. I ſay 'tis a Superſtitious Religion.
It were innumerable to account the many vain fopperies in their Devotions, which they place Religion in: as the Tooth of St. Chriſtopher. The Hair of44 St. Peters Beard. The ſhift that came off the back of the Virgin Mary; and the Duſt and Vermine which they keep of ſome Saints. Valla a great perſon of Learning and Eminency among them, ſaith, There are ten thouſand ſuch things in Rome; if the Host fall to the ground, it muſt be licked up, the ground is to be ſcraped, and the ſcrapings reduced to aſhes, is to have place among their Reliques.
Add to this their Holy-water, their ſalt, their ſpittle, their Holy Oyl, their Beads, Whippings, Fiſh-days, Pilgrimages, Nunneries, Croſſing themſelves, Baptizing of Bells, Fonts, &c. So that the great Eraſmus in his Annotations, approved by Pope Leo the Tenth, ſaith, Their whole Religion is almoſt brought to their ſuperſtitious treatment of Reliques, through the covetouſneſs of Prieſts, and the Hypocriſie of Monks, fed by the fooliſhneſs of the people.
2. 'Tis an Idolatrous Religion.
In invocating Saints, adoring the Hoſt, and worſhipping Images: Their45 worſhipping of Reliques, giving Religious Worſhip to ſuch things as they do but fancy to be Reliques; and not only when they are whole and ſound, but when they are corrupted, and reduced to duſt, or nothing elſe left of them, but the Vermin bred in them. Henricus, one of the School Doctors concludes, That the Reliques in the form of duſt and aſhes, may and ought to be adored, but not under the form of Vermin, and gives ſome reaſon for it. But their great Vaſquez rejects this ſcruple, and the ground of it as vain and frivolous, and concludes they may be worſhipped, as well when they are Vermin, as when they are aſhes. Beſides their Angel-worſhip, Image-worſhip, and Saint-worſhip,
3. 'Tis a Damnable Religion.
In that it overthrows the very foundation of Chriſtianity; their Doctrine of Tranſubſtantiation overthrows the Truth of Chriſts humane Nature; their proper Sacrifice, his only Sacrifice for ſin offered once for all; their Doctrine of46 Merits, for his Merits; the multitude of Mediators among them, deny that only Mediator betwixt God and Man, the man Jeſus Chriſt: Their Sacrificing-Prieſts overthrow Chriſts Prieſtly office; Their villifying the Scriptures, and ſetting up their unwritten Traditions to be received with equal reverence with them, overthrows Chriſts Prophetical office.
The great Article of forgiveneſs of ſins and free juſtification through the Grace of God in Jeſus Chriſt, is overthrown by their Doctrine of Merit, Pardons, Indulgences, &c.
4. 'Tis a Bloody Religion, wherein Papal-Rome exceeds Heathen-Rome.
Witneſs the horrid Murthers and Maſſacres of the poor Waldenſes, who have been perſecuted with Fire and Sword, Armies and Inquiſitions, and very many Thouſands (nay infinite numbers) of them have been inhumanely murdered.
That Barbarous and prodigious Villany, and great Maſſacre of Proteſtants47 in France, Anno 1572, where about 30 or 40000 innocent Proteſtants in Paris, and other parts of France, were ſuddenly and inhumanely murdered by Papists.
Witneſs Spains Invincible Armada, in Anno 1588, when Romes force threatned to ſwallow us up. Witneſs the Gun-powder Treaſon, a black and unparallel'd villany, worthy Rome and a Jeſuit; the blowing up of a whole Parliament, King, Lords and Commons, the murdering a Kingdom in its Repreſentatives, and this in a moment!
After that, their bloody Rebellion in Ireland, where they murdered a Hundred thouſand Proteſtants in cold blood, without any provocation given, but to kill Hereticks.
Add to this their bloody Traiterous deſign of late againſt His Majeſty Perſon, the Government, and the Proteſtant Religion; a Conſpiracy, had it taken, might have turned England into an Aceldama, a Field of Blood, or Shambles48 of Popiſh Butchers. — Theſe things conſidered, I hope no man will be ſo mad to kiſs the Popes Toe, until his Nails be pared, ſo as he will not ſcratch, and make the blood run about the mouths of Chriſtendom.
5. 'Tis a Traiterous Religion.
For they teach, that the Pope may depoſe the Emperor, or a King not ſubject to the Emperor; that the Pope may lawfully abſolve ſubjects from their Oath of Allegiance.
That ſubjects, if they have the Popes conſent (which they are ſure to have, if it makes for his intereſt), may depoſe their Kings. That if the King be a manifeſt Heretick, (as all Proteſtants are, with them) then the Church may depoſe him.
Nor have they been wanting to put this their principle into practiſe, ſo often as they could find occaſion: as their attempts on Queen Elizabeth, by poyſon, Piſtol, Dagger: on King James, by Powder-Treaſon: on King Charles the Firſt;49 and on our King, to whom God grant a long and happy Reign.
Nor have we only inſtances at home, but abroad; the Murder of Henry the 4th of France, and many others; but above all, the unparallel'd Murder of that Emperor, whom they poyſoned with the Sacrament; I call it unparallel'd, having never met with a Religion before that would poyſon their God to kill their Emperor.
6. 'Tis a Blind Religion.
It leads men out of the way of ſalvation; it hides the danger of damnation (to all who have not their hearts thorowly changed from the love of ſin, to the love of God and Holineſs), from their eyes; it covers the pit (whoſe deſcent is into that which is bottomleſs,) with Spiders webs, and perſwades them 'tis firm-ground; it leaves them no ſenſe no•notice of many ſins, no conſcience of the moſt, no fear of any, no, not of the worſt, ſuch as themſelves call deadly crimes; it gives as much ſecurity to ſuch50 wickedneſs, as a heart that hath ſold it ſelf to it, need wiſh for: it keeps the Bible, the Law of the Lord, which good men make a light to their feet, a lanthorn to their paths, away from them; it will not ſuffer men to believe their ſenſes, or act their reaſon, nor bottom their faith upon the Scriptures. That, as that General firſt blinded the men, then led them into the Enemies quarters, ſo do they; and all the anſwer you ſhall have from the common ſort among them, is this, They believe as the Prieſt bids them; and if he deceive them, the Devil take him.
And as their faith is, ſuch is their Devotion; the matter of their Prayers is lock't up from them, and they as little concerned to know what becomes of them; ſure, if the blind lead the blind, they must both fall into the ditch.
Laſtly, 'Tis a Blaſphemous Religion.
51In aſcribing the peculiar Excellencies of the Divine Majeſty, and the Prerogatives of our Lord Jeſus Chriſt, to the bleſſed Virgin, and other creatures, and to their Popes (though divers of them, as themſelves acknowledg, were Monſters and Incarnate Devils.)
When one Phocas took the Emperor Maurice and his family, Priſoners, who was his lawful Soveraign, and having ſlain his Wife and Children before his eyes, not ſparing the little Innocent which hung at the Breaſts, did afterward cauſe his Maſter's Throat to be cut likewiſe; a Proceduce ſo black and barbarous, that Historians cannot mention it without horror.
Yet Pope Gregory congratulates this bloody Treaſon with abominable Blaſphemies, and begins his Addreſs to this Phocas in his 36 Epiſtle, with Gloria in Excelſis, the Song of the Angels at the Nativity of our Saviour, Glory be to God on high; and then proceeds, Let the Heavens52 ſend forth acclamations, the Earth leap for joy, and let all the people be glad thereof.
The Jeſuits frequently teach, that Jeſus Chriſt might have ſinned, might have been ſubject unto vices, might have fallen into error and folly; and that it is no more repugnant to him to err, or to ſpeak a thing falſe in it ſelf by the nature he hath aſſumed, than to be tormented and dye in the ſame nature: ſo Amicus, ſo Vaſquez, and many more of them.
No other ſort of Hereticks, (not excepting Turk, Jew, nor Pagan, no, not thoſe of Calcute, who adore the Devil), did ever maintain by the Grounds of their Religion, that it was lawful, or rather meritorious (as the Romiſh Catholicks calls it) to murther Princes or people for the quarrel of Religion; and although particular men of all profeſſions of Religion have been, ſome Thieves, ſome Murtherers, ſome Traitors; yet ever when they came to their end and juſt puniſhment, they confeſſed their53 fault to be in their nature, and not in their profeſſion. But theſe perſons cleave to it at their deaths as zealouſly, as if all they had been doing were the immediate guidance of the bleſſed Spirit. Such is their blaſphemy!
BY a Letter laſt Week from your Uncle, I am to my grief inform'd, that you have lately fallen into the unhappy Acquaintance of ſome Popiſh Emiſſaries, and are in danger of being inveigled by them, to revolt from the Proteſtant Church, to that of Rome. I confeſs the news much ſurpriz'd me, and I cannot but eſteem it an eſſential part of my Fatherly care to admoniſh and warn you, both of the unreaſonableneſs and danger of ſuch56 a change. I do not much admire, that thoſe that have been always converſant in darkneſs, ſhould find their eyes offended with the Light; which makes me extend very charitable thoughts to poor Souls train'd up in Papal ignorance, labouring under the almoſt invincible prejudices of corrupted Education and Erroneous Principles; but that you, born and brought up in a Goſpel-Meridian, and (as I well hop'd) underſtandingly grounded in the Proteſtant Doctrine, ſhould now ſtagger in thoſe important Truths, and be gull'd and cheated out of the Religion ſealed with the Blood of your Martyr'd Anceſtors, and hazard your Soul by a Relaps to that long ſince exploded Faction, and their ſlaviſh as well as ridiculous ſuperſtitions, is matter of no leſs wonder than trouble to me; the rather, for that I am ſatisfied, your circumſtances admit not of any temptations of profit or honour to engage you to their party; and without thoſe allurements,57 I profeſs you are the firſt that my experience can remember in danger of ſuch a ſhameful Apoſtacy.
I ſhall not ſwell this Paper with a particular Examen of all the Romiſh Errors; that task has been ſufficiently and unanſwerably performed by multitudes of our Learned Writers, to whom I refer you, and charge you to weigh their Arguments ſeriouſly, before you ſuffer your Judgment to be debauch'd to a contrary perſwaſion; but becauſe I have ſome hopes your duty and filial reſpect may oblige you to a more near and ſenſible regard of what is ſaid (though briefly and weakly) by my ſelf, (that can have no deſign but the good of your Soul) than to the abler reaſonings of others more remote; I ſhall offer ſome general Conſiderations, which methinks ſhould deter you from caſting away your ſelf in their communion.
Firſt then, I do affirm to you, That to body of the Popiſh Religion (ſo58 far as it differs from the Proteſtant) is compoſed (notwithſtanding all their pretences to Antiquity) of ſtrange Doctrines, Innovations and Abuſes, never inſtituted by Chriſt, nor warrantable by Holy Scripture, nor known nor practic'd in the Primitive Church, but introduced at ſeveral times in latter Ages, meerly to ſerve the pride, or the vanity, the covetouſneſs, or the ſenſuality of the Inventors.
2. That their Doctrines interfere with, and infringe the Greatneſs and Soveraignty of God, and tend to the diminiſhing the honour and ſervice due to him; witneſs their dividing adoration betwixt him and Images, Invocation betwixt him and Saints, and abſolute obedience betwixt him and the Church, &c. Now what groſs and horrible ſacriledge is this? What is it leſs than to diveſt him of his Royalty, and give his glory to another?
3. Their Doctrines tend to the dethroning of Chriſt, the diſparaging his59 performances, and leſſening the Glory and Praiſe belonging to him; witneſs their dividing the Soveraignty and Headſhip betwixt him and the Pope; Satisfaction betwixt his Sufferings and their own Merits; and Interceſſion betwixt him and Saints.
4. Their Doctrines are againſt the power of Godlineſs, and rob God of his prime Sacrifice, the Heart; witneſs their Tenets, that the Opus operatum is enough, their prayers in an unknown tongue, and their aſſigning to God chiefly external ſuperficial Service, conſiſting in a rabble of empty childiſh Rites, and gaudy Ceremonies, thereby taking from him the nobler part of his Creature, without which the Services or Emaſſerations of the body, how ſplendid or ſevere ſoever, are no more pleaſing to him than the noiſom evaporations of a Putrid Carcaſs to us.
5. Their Doctrines tend not only thus to formality and lukewarmneſs, but to open profaneneſs and diſſolute living;60 witneſs their notion of Venial ſins, their Pardons, Abſolutions, Indulgences, Diſpenſations, &c. It being obſervable, that the moſt ignorant and careleſs, or the moſt wicked and debauch'd, make up the greateſt part of their Proſelytes; nor is it ſtrange, ſince falſe Principles and bad Lives (like Ice and Water) mutually begat each other.
6. Their Doctrines are abſurd.
1. Witneſs their fancy of the Popes Infallibility; you can ſcarce caſt your eye on any ſtory where the Villany of Popes is not at large diſcovered; and who can believe that the pure Spirit of God ſhould endow with Infallibility of judgment, Monſters ſo viſibly fulſome and abominable! We find that the Holy Ghoſt did under the Law hate and forbid all Impurities, though in meer outward Circumſtances; how then ſhould he under the brighter light of the Goſpel ſuffer himſelf to be poured out of one unclean veſſel into another, beginning again with a Conjurer, where he left with a Sodomite.
612. Witneſs likewiſe the Prayer for the dead; a practiſe (if I may uſe ſo light a compariſon) altogether as vain and impertinent as that of Bowlers, ſtrenuouſly crying out rub or fly, after they have delivered their Caſt.
3. Witneſs too their Darling whimſie of the corporal Preſence, attended with a numerous train of contradictions and incongruities; they ſay it is a Sacrament (or ſign), and can it be at once both the ſign and thing ſignified? If it be Chriſts body really, how is it ſacramentally? If ſacramentally, how really and corporally? They ſay there is no real and corporal Preſence till the Prieſt repeat the words; and if ſo, then the creature (and oftentimes a ſad one) makes his Creator; and in receiving the Creator is comprehended by the Creature; abſurdities nothing ſhort of Blaſphemy; when our Saviour inſtituted the Supper, and ſaid, Take eat, &c. was the Bread and Wine, both the giver and the gift, the body bleſſing, and the body bleſt? did the ſame body hold the62 ſame body in its own Fingers? Was it eaten in pieces by every one of the Diſciples, and yet then all whole without them all? Myſteries of Religion may be above, but never ſo directly againſt reaſon; and ſeriouſly I admire any man of ſenſe can be a Papiſt, when the chief demonſtration of his Religion muſt be his not underſtanding it.
4. Their Doctrines are dangerous to the Temporal eſtate and juſt rights of Princes; witneſs their Uſurpations over (not to ſay Aſſaſſinations of) Kings, diſpoſing of Crowns, abſolving ſubjects from their Allegiance, &c. For in ſhort, the whole Romiſh Hierarchy is ſo far from being ſuited within the order of the Goſpel, that the main deſign of their Popes, Cardinals, Jeſuits and Fryers of many ſorts (eſteemed of the Religious Tribe) is but to advance themſelves above all that is called God, and to gratify their baſe luſts, inſtead of pleaſing of him.
1. STudy to have right notions and due apprehenſions of the matter, import, and chief deſign of the Goſpel: be not a ſtranger to the knowledg of God in Jeſus Chriſt, and the bleſſed Spirit. Acquaint your ſelf with the myſtery of the Goſpel, as it lyes in the Perſon, Natures, Offices, Life and Death of the Lord Redeemer. Let the Scriptures be your conſtant Counſellor; without knowledg the heart cannot be good; and a bad heart is prepared to ſuck in bad Principles: 'Tis not for nothing the Papiſts make Ignorance the Mother of their Devotion; they that have truly learnt64 Chriſt and the Goſpel, will hardly be taught by Romes School-Maſters.
2. Study a ſound and thorow Converſion: I never yet knew any man bleſt with a broken and contrite heart (that is, a heart broken for ſin, and a heart broken off from ſin) that ever was taken with their Relligion.
3. Get a faithful and a tender conſcience; I ſay faithful, for then it will not be ſatisfied with droſs inſtead of Gold, with paint inſtead of true and ſound Piety. A faithful conſcience will inform you, that God is a Spirit; and the more ſpiritual we are in our Devotions, the more we pleaſe him: that 'tis not a pompous, but a pure worſhip that he is delighted in: And as to expiation of our guilt, nothing but the blood of Chriſt can take away ſin; that 'tis not their blind penances, pilgrimages, croſſings, cringings, will anſwer the great end of our65 Redemption; but a heart devoted to his fear and love, and a mind fully ſet upon him.
4. Be well acquainted with the plague of your own heart, the nature of Original ſin, how it hath defiled and weakned all the powers of the ſoul. This will let you ſee the neceſſity there is for the bleſſed Spirit to heal and help thoſe ſpiritual diſtempers; that without him ye can do nothing; that 'tis he that works in you both to will and to do.
5. Look upon Superſtition as a fruit of the fleſh; and that nothing is more grateful to fleſh and blood, than Idolatry and formality; they that know what proneneſs there is in the nature of man to a carnal, ſenſual, vain Religion, will not think it ſtrange that the Papiſts have foiſted in ſo many fulſome things into66 their Worſhip, to comply with the carnal humours of men.
6. Be much in the duty of Mortification, and that will acquaint you with the way, means, and manner of it; 'tis through the Spirit Believers come to mortify the deeds of the Fleſh; at beſt the Popiſh Penances, can but pen up ſin, but the next temptation will break the hedg: Whereas the bleſſed Spirit lays his ſtrong hand upon the irritating power of indwelling ſin, and thereby ſubjects the heart unto himſelf; he heals the pollution of our nature, renews us in the ſpirit of our minds, cleanſes our affections, and thereby cauſes us who formerly delighted in fleſh pleaſing vanities, to delight our ſelves in him, his word, will, way, &c.
7. Know the miſchief of Idolatry. The ſetting your ſelf againſt heart-Idols, will keep you from Idol-worſhip; you67 know who tells us expreſly, I will not give my praiſe to graven Images. Remember how ſmartly the Jews ſuffered for this ſin, and yet had not ſuch a ſpiritual diſpenſation as we that are under the Goſpel; if it be ſo dangerous to ſhape Idea's of God in our Fancies and Imaginations, though never ſo much raiſed in our invention, how dangerous muſt it be to be in a place where ſuch Images are found in Wood and Cloth.
Laſtly, Allow your ſelf in no known ſin. 'Tis the conſcience being made deceitful through ſuch deceitful works, that makes people forward to cover themſelves with thoſe figments of Popery; whereas the man that makes it his due care and conſcience to keep himſelf unſpotted from allowed evil, is the likelieſt man to ſave himſelf from ſuch an untoward generation of68 men, as would put ſuch a yoke on us, as we nor our Fathers were not able to bear.
LIfe in Gods favour: A〈◊〉diſcourſe in Death-Th•••〈◊〉times: being the ſubſtance〈◊◊〉Sermons upon Pſalm 30.5. In〈◊◊〉is Life. By O. Heywood, Miniſ•••〈◊◊〉Goſpel.
Twenty Sermons Preached〈◊〉••veral Texts, by that late Reve••••〈◊〉••ous and painful Preacher, Mr. 〈◊〉Nalton, Miniſter of St. Leonard〈◊〉lane, in the City of London.
Publiſhed for publick good.
(EEBO-TCP ; phase 2, no. A82050)
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