Exercitations CONCERNING The Pure and True AND The Impure and False RELIGION By CHARLES de BEAVVAIS Rector of the Parish of Witheham In the County of Sussex LONDON Printed by J. R. for Francis Eglesfield at the Signe of the Marygold in St. Paul's Church-Yard 1665. TO THE ORTHODOX AND TRULY Christian Church The Church of the KINGDOM of ENGLAND For the Advancement of the Glory of Almighty God And for Her Confirmation More and More IN THE Pure and True Doctrine of Faith And of Divine Worship CHARLES de BEAVVAIS One of Her most Faithfull And most Affectionate Ministers Doth in all Humility Offer And Dedicate This Present WORK An Humble Request Of the AUTHOR To the Reader THe Reader is Intreated Humbly to begin the Reading of this Book by the Methodical Representation following Because in It He shall clearly perceive all the Chapters or Heads thereof and all the Exercitations about the said Chapters or Heads Besides in It He shall find an Epitomy of the whole Work A Methodical Representation of all the Chapters or Heads and of all the Exercitations about the said Chapters or Heads that are contained in this Work Which is also an Epitomy of the whole Book SECTION I. Chap. 1. OF Religion in General 1 With this Exercitation 1. There is a Religion And that Necessarily 1 Chap. 2. Of the Distinction of Religion in True in Heretical in Schismatical and in False 2 Chap. 3. Of the True Religion in General 3 With these Exercitations 1. The True Religion can be but one 3 2. Of Antiquity concerning Religion 6 3. Nothing must be ordained concerning the Things belonging to Religion without the Word of God 4. The onely Ground and Rule of Faith and of Divine Worship is the Holy Scripture 12 5. The Holy Scripture ought to be among us the Supream Interpreter of Scriptures and the Judge of Controversies 13 6. Consequently this Power and Authority is not to be Attributed to any Creature 14 7. What force have in Religion Arguments taken from Reason 15 8. The Controversies concerning Religion in all Disputations must be decided onely by Holy Scriptures 16 Chap. 4. Concerning the Power and Authority of the Soveraign Prince in regard of Religion 18 With these Exercitations 1. The Supream Authority of Establishing Conserving and Reforming Religion doth belong to him 18 2. He must Order and Settle nothing concerning Religion without consulting the Book of Scriptures and assembling Learned and Godly Divines whose Charge is to Expound them 21 3. In what regard a Soveraign Prince is said to be the Head of the Church which is within his States and Dominions 23 Chap. 5. Of the Marks of the True Religion 24 Chap. 6. Of the True Religion in Particular 25 As such was the Religion of the Ancient Jews And the first Christian Religion Chap. 7. The Ancient Judaical Religion was a true Religion 25 Chap. 8. The first Christian Religion was Pure and True 26 Chap. 9. Of the Agreements and of the Differences between the Religion of the ancient Jews and the true Christian Religion 27 Chap. 10. So there hath been but one way to attain to the Fruition of Salvation since the first sin of Adam 28 Chap. 11. Of the Mutation which happened to the first Christian Religion in General 30 With these Exercitations 1. Vnder the Empire of Constantine the first Christian Religion suddenly changed 30 2. Of the Terms or Words and of the Ceremonies borrowed from the Jews and from the Pagans in the above said change SECT 2. Chap. 1. OF the Corruption which in Particular is happened to the First Religion of the Church of Rome 33 With these Exercitations 1. The Religion and Church of Rome is not Now what it was in the Beginning In the Beginning it was Pure and Orthodox But now it is Impure and Heretical 35 2. 1. Because the Greater part of Her Belief is contrary to Holy Scriptures 36 Art 5. 3. 2. Because besides a great part of the Ancient Heresies are received in Her and Approved by Her 38. Art 7. 4. Answer to four Objections against the above Assertion Of the First see Pag. 41 Of the Second see Pag. 42 Of the Third see Pag. 45 Of the Fourth see Pag. 48 5. Popery is not of the First and Primary Antiquity 49 Ch. 2. Of the Principles of the Roman Religion 51 With these Exercitations 1. Those Principles are Scriptures Traditions of the Apostles The Catholick Church General Councils The Ancient Fathers The Pope 51 2. These Principles are 1. Fraudulous 2. False 3. The Fraudes about the said Principles are 1. Either in regard of them all and Conjointly 2. Or in respect of each of them and separately Chap. 3. Of the Frauds about all the said Principles and conjointly 52 Which are the three following 1. The Church of Rome careth indeed for none of Her Principles but for the last which is the Determination of the Pope 52 2. Papists give the Churches Authority to the Pope and take all Authority quoad nos From the Scripture So that by the Church they understand the Pope 53 3. The Pope also is thought by the Papists to be the True and Lawfull Interpreter of the Scriptures And the supreame Judge of Controversies about Religion 54 55 Chap. 4. Of the Fraudes about the First Principle which is the Scriptures 57 Which are the two following 1. The Papists making shew to receive the Scriptures for Rule of Faith do disgrace them in joyning Traditions with them 57 2. The Church of Rome which Produceth Scriptures for one of Her principles and Rules hath indeed no sufficient Scriptures by reason of the Corruption of the Vulgar Latin Translation which is the Papists Scripture 57 § Of the Corruption of the said Vulgar Latin Translation more fully 58 § Refutation of the Excessive Praises which the Seminary Priests of Rhemes gives to the English Rhemish Translation 59 § Condemnation of the Annotations joyned with the said Rhemish Translation 62 Chap. 5. Of the Fraudes about the Second principle which is the Ancient Fathers 63 Which are these two following 1. That by an Expurgatory Index the Church of Rome causes to be blotted out of the Books of the said Fathers all that is displeasing unto Her Or else doth falsifie them and alter their sense and meaning 63 2. That although the Church of Rome acknowledgeth That there are many Faults and Errors in the Books of the Ancient Fathers which are not to be approved Yet the Roman Religion is as it were a Body consisting for the most part of Rottennesse and Corruption namely the Ancient and new Errors 64 § Again of this matter more briefly 66 § Again Papists suck Errors from the Fathers unsound speeches And of a small Error of the Fathers do occasionally procreate a great one 67 Chap. 6. Of the Frauds about the Third Principle which is concerning Councils 67 These Fraudes are the four following 1. The many Frauds and Slights committed in the last Councils of
the following Informations 1. Of the Engl sh Service Book and of the Change in it since the beginning of the Reformation in the Reign of King Edward the 6. 234 2. See also of this Matter 247 3. Of the mention of Saints made in the Liturgie of the Church of England and of their Feasts keeping yearly 230 4. In the Worship of God Prayer and Preaching of the Word of God must not be severed one from the other 236 Chap. 3. Consisting in the following Refutations of Accusations 1. Refutation of this Accusation That the divers English Translations of the Bible are full of Corruptions 248 2. Refutation of this Accusation of the Jesuites That in the State of England and also in the English Church great Corruption of Manners is to be seen 233 Chap. 4. Concerning the Jesuites and Seminary Priests in regard of England with the following Exercitations 1. From the time of the Reformation of the Religion of England both did never cease to Trouble assault the Church the State of it 231 2. Great is the evil and harm that they did cause to that State 251 3. What they did alledge for their Justification of coming in England against the Laws of that State 254 4. Refutation of this Accusation That in England great cruelty hath been exercised against them and that in regard of their Religion 250 5. They are not to be spared in England by the Magistrate being both seducing Hereticks and seditious and treacherous Persons 237 6. There is great reason to prohibite their Books in England by the Soveraign 255 7. By many of their Books they have gained nothing hitherto against the Truth of the Reformed Religion of England 232 Chap. 5. Concerning the Anabaptists in England There they are condemned utterly and publickly according to Justice and Reason 230 Chap. 6. Of the Contentions and Differences that happen in the Church about Religion With three Exercitations propounded before See of them pag. 240 242 243 Chap. 7. Concerning Separatists with the following Exercitations 1. It must be for corrupt Doctrines And not onely for corrupt Manners that we may separate one from another in regard of Publick Assemblies and Exercises of Religion 225 Joyning to it this other Exercitation 227 2. There is a necessity to have a certain Form of Liturgie for the publick Administration of all the parts of Divine Worship in the Christian Church 229 3. Concerning Episcopal Government in the Church of England we have writ of it and commended it not long since in a Latine Treatise De Ritibus Ceremoniis Ecclesiae pag. 20 Chap. 8. Consisting in the Representation of two notable Duties of the true Members of the Reformed Church of England 1. The first is not to frequent Hereticks Seducers nor keep Familiar Society with them 238 2. The second is to be careful to entertain Peace and Concord 245 SECT 5. Chap. 1. Of Heretical Churches and Religious 1. Conjoyntly 2. Separately Chap. 2. 1. Conjoyntly With these Exercitations 1. Of Heresies and Hereticks in a full Thesis 2. Heresie is a dangerous thing and spreads soon over the whole Body of the Church and produceth woful effects 258 3. It is a false Maxime of the Jesuites that for not to be an Heretick one must have Communion with the Church of Rome and must acknowledge the Pope for the Head and Monarch of the Church 186 187 4. Of the Impudency of Error and of Hereticks in these times 258 5. Hereticks and Deceivers grace themselves with high and strange Titles and glorious Names to blear the eyes of the simple 260 6. The Divel often maketh of Women strong Instruments to dispread the poison of Heresie 261 7. Of the different kinds of the Hereticks Books and whether some of them may be tolerated 259 8. The Reformed must avoid the familiar company of Gods Enemies and of the true Religion for fear of being infected by them 261 Chap. 3. Of Heretical Religions separately as of Socinians and of Anabaptists Chap. 4. Of Socinians with the following Exercitations 1. Their Errors are in great number and in regard of the principal Articles of Orthodox Faith represented fully pag. 262 c. 2. Which Errors or rather Furors are short wayes to Mahumetisme and to Hell 266 3. In regard of the said Errors the Socinians are not comprehended by the Reformed under the Appellation of Reformed and true Churches 273 Chap. 5. Of Anabaptists with these Exercitations 1. They were in the beginning of the last Reformation divided in many Sects in Germany 266 2. Some of them maintained more Errors and some less but all of them did profess such Doctrines that they could not be suffered 1. Neither in the Church 2. Neither in the State 3. Nor in the Families See of them all pag. 267 c. 3. Against the Anabaptistical Enthusiasts we maintain That the Spirit is not without the Word of God and that it must be examined by the said Word of God 270 4. In regard of these Errors and Heresies the said Anabaptists are not comprehended by the Reformed under the appellation of Reformed and true Churches 173 5. Also in regard of them they are utterly and publickly condemned in the State and Church of England 230 Chap. 6. Of Schismatical Religions and Assemblies With these Exercitations 1. Of Schisme and Schismaticks in a full Thesis 270 2. It is a false Maxime of the Jesuites That for not to be Schismatick as also an Heretick one must have Communion with the Now Church of Rome and must acknowledge the Pope for the Head and Monarch of the Church 186 187 Chap. 7. Of false Religions Namely 1. Of the Pagans 2. Of the Modern Jews 3. Of the Mahumetans Chap. 8. Of these three false Religions conjointly 272 Chap. 9. Of these three false Religions separately 1. Of the false Religion of the ancient Pagans with the following Heads 1. Of the falshhood of that Religion conjointly 273 2. Of the different Degrees of the falshood of that Religion there being among the divers Religions of Pagans some manifestly impious and wicked 279 3. A great multitude of Gods and also diversity was acknowledged and worshipped by the Pagans 275 4. Condemnation of such Gods 1. They were not true Gods but Men Women c. 276 5. 2. And they were Devils who were worshipped by the Pagans under such names of Men and Women 278 6. Of the Differences that are between the true God and those false Gods of the Pagans 274 7. Why did not the true God the God of the ancient Jews in Rome find place among the false Gods of all the Nations conquered by the Romans 277 8. Refutation of the Plurality of those false Gods by the Sybils 278 9. Condemnation of the Worship of those Pagans 279 2. Of the False Religion of the Modern Jews with the following Exercitations 1. Of the falshood of that Religion conjointly 280 2. In what respects this false Religion is opposite to Christ. 281 3. Demonstration that
the Things that are hurtful and contrary to Religion And to punish those that are Rebellious For the outward worship of God shall vanish away Heresies will rise and Increase as also Blasphemies unlesse there be one armed with the Sword who may by fear and by a coactive power restrain the perverse and wicked This cannot be done by Ecclesiastical Persons For their Office is to preach to exhort to rebuke and by Spiritual Censures to Correct But they bear not the Sword And they are deprived of that Supream Power which by the fear of punishment may contain the Impious and wicked in their Duty Therefore the very outward face of a Christian Commonwealth shall not be retained if we exclude the Civil Magistrate from the Supream Authority concerning Religion 1. The Prince And Soveraign Magistrate must order and settle nothing Concerning Religion without Consulting the Book of Holy Scriptures 2. And Assembling Learned and Godly Divines whose Charge is to expound them 1. 1. THe Grecians never undertook any matter of great consequence before they received Answer from their Oracles 2. Neither the Jews before they consulted with God by the Ephod 3. Nor the Romans before they had the Approbation of their Sooth-sayers 4. And therefore doubtlesse all Christian Princes and Estates are to expect either a Command Or at least a Warrant from Holy Scripture before they proceed in matter so nearly concerning God and his Service 5. Otherwise they goe about to set the Sun-Dial by their Watch and not their Watch by their Sun-Dial 6. Whether all wise Governours like good Pilates have Manum ad Clavum oculos ad Astra The eye upon the Starres And their hand upon the Helm Steering their Course below by direction from above 2. 1. THough Soveraigns are Supreame Commanders for the Truth yet they are not the Supream or sole directors unto Truth For in Scruples of Conscience And perplexed Controversies of Religion they are to require the Law from the mouth of the Priest That is they are to ask Counsel of the Prophets And generally in all matters appertaining to God to hear the Ministers of God declaring to them the will of God out of his Word 2. Symmachus was bold to tell Anastasius the Emperour that as Bishops owe Subjection to Gods Sword in Princes hands So Princes owe obedience to Gods Word in Bishops mouthes Defer Deo in nobis nos deferemus Deo in te O Emperour hear God speaking by us and we will fear God ruling by thee The same God who hath put a material Sword in thy hands to smite malefactors in their body hath put a Spiritual Sword in our mouth to slay sin in the Soul 3. The Magistrate is the hand of God but the Preacher is his mouth And for this cause all wise and Religious Kings have given them their ears And taken some of them in their bosome As David did Nathan to receive Instruction and direction from them how to sway the Royal Scepter within the walls of the Church In what regard a Soveraign Prince is said to be the Head of the Church which is within his States and Dominions 1. IT is not in the same sense that Christ is called the Head of the Church which is Mystically For this honour is proper onely unto him And cannot without an horrible blasphemy be attributed to any Creature 2. Neither also is it in the same sense that the Popes of Rome do call themselves Ministerial Heads of the Universal Church Pretending thereby to have an Universal and a Supreame Power in Spiritual things belonging to Religion and Conscience As also an Universal Jurisdiction over all Ecclesiastical Persons For this Title belongeth not unto them neither by Divine nor Humane Right But they assume it by a meer Antichristian Usurpation 3. The Soveraign then is called Head of the Church of his States and Countries in the same sense that in Gods Word King Saul is called the Head of the Nations That is to say not only as he is the first the Noblest member of the Church of his States and Countries but because he is her Defendor her Nursing Father and Supream Inspector and who is bound by the vertue of his Supream Authority to establish therein defend and maintain Religion and the Divine truth As also a good and a lawful Government Of the Marks of the True Religion By which it is distinguished from the False Religion of Pagans c. 1. THe First Mark of the True Religion is This That it direct us And all our Religious Service unto the true God Creator of Heaven and Earth The onely Searcher of Mens Hearts Of which chiefly he will be served By this first Mark true Religion is distinguished from all Idolatrous Religions which seek unto Wood to Stone to the Sun to the Moon to Men to Angels and to all the Creatures that are in Heaven and in Earth 2. The second Mark of the true Religion is That the Service of God which Religion is to teach us must be grounded upon his word And Revealed unto us by his own self This Second Mark will serve us to discern the True Religion from the Inventions of Men. And to reject as untruth whatsoever is not grounded upon Gods word 3. The Third Mark of the True Religion is That True Religion must put into our Hands a Mean to satisfie Gods Justice Without the which not only all other Religions but also even that which concerneth the true serving of the true God were utterly vain and unprofitable By this third Mark True Religion is distinguished from all False Religions Man's Reason hath well perceived that some such Mean was needful in Religion But to know what that Mean is was too high a Thing for man's Reason to attain unto 4. The True Religion then And which deserveth the Name of Religion is only that Which hath God for her Scope His Word for warrant of her worshipping And a Mean appointed by him to pacifie him towards us And in that Religion onely and in none other resteth Salvation The Ancient Judaical Religion hath been a True Religion The Jews having had the knowledge of the true God And having served and worshipped him alone 1. AMong the great Nations Of the Assyrians Of the Persians Of the Greeks Of the Aegyptians And of the Romans Whose Religions did not bear the Livery of one onely true God But of Many There was discovered a little Nation called the People of Israel Which worshipped the Creator of the World Acknowledged him for their Father Did call upon him alone in their need And for all the small Account that others made of them Did abhorre all the glistering gloriousnesse of the Great Monarchies and Kingdomes that were out of the way The first Christian Religion was Pure and True 1. FOr it was wholly According to the Will of God Declared by the Prophets by Jesus Christ And By his Apostles 2. It was a Pure and a True Religion Because It Had All the
THat a godly man cannot with an entire Conscience retain and enjoy that which belongeth unto him but that he is to make common whatsoever means he hath 2. That a Christian man without wronging his conscience cannot exercise Marchandise nor Cookerie neither make Armes 3. That it is lawful for Wives to divorce themselves for different Religion and to marry with another Person which shall not differ in Religion The Spirit is not without the Word and must be examined by the Word of God against Anabaptistical Enthusiasts TRy the Spirits whether they be of God or no by the Word of God 1 Joh. 4.1 To the Law and to the Testimony saith the Prophet Esaiah if they speak not according to this Word it is because there is no light in them Esa 8.20 And if we saith the Apostle or an Angel from Heaven preach unto you any other Gospel than what ye have received let him be accursed Gal. 1.8 That is saith S. Augustine than what is contained in the Prophetical and Apostolical writings August contr tit Petil. lib. 3. c. 6. Of Schism and Schismaticks 1. SChisme is a Dissention or Separation when one or more separate and rent themselves from the outward fellowship of the Faithful cutting asunder the Peace and Unity of the Church upon some dislike of some Rites and Orders therein lawfully received and observed or else upon different Opinions about their Teachers 2. As Heresie is a departing from the Communion of the Church in respect of Doctrine so Schism is a cutting off ones self for External things An example hereof we have 1 Cor. 1.10 c. In these words every one of you says I am Pauls I am Appollos I am Cephas and I am Christs 3. There are two kinds of Schism one is Simple and without any conjunction of Error in Doctrine The other is Mixt that is to say that it is conjoined with some Error in Doctrine 4. It is not the Separation that makes the Schism but the Cause of the said Separation as the Doctors of the Cannon Law do teach 5. This cause of Separation must not be the corrupt Life and Manners of some Members of a particular Church but onely Errors Heresies and Idolatry 6. In this regard the Reformed Churches are not Schismatical Because for such a cause they have separated themselves from the Roman Church 6. It is rather the Roman Church which is Heretical and the Pope Head of the same because they have given the cause of the Separation by their Heresies their Idolatry their Persecutions and their Tyrannie 8. Before this Separation of the Reformed from the Roman Church there hath been great Schismes in her by the plurality of Popes which she had at the same times 9. There hath been also many Schisms in the said Roman Church by the Division of her Doctors 10. The Reformed Church do wish the Convocation of a lawful Council to reform the Errors and Abuses of the Roman Church 11. Besides the Roman Church other Churches have been Schismatical as that of the Donatists and of the Novatians who for some Faults of some Members of the Church did separate themselves from the Communion of the Church 13. There is a great danger in Schisme although it be not as great an evil as Heresie and therefore the remedy must be applied unto it as soon as it doth appear Of the False Religions in general and conjointly 1. Of Pagans and Gentiles 2. Of the Modern Jewes 3. Of Turks and Mahumetans which are all Enemies of the Church of God 1. Of Pagans and Gentiles 1. THe Pagans and Gentiles are ignorant of the true God of the truth of his Word 2. And among them some are found who not by consequence and as if they did not mind and mean it but by expresse profession do worship the Devil builds Temples unto him and render unto him Religious Worship 2. Of the Modern Jewes THe Modern Jewes which are now scattered among the Nations of the Earth are virulent enemies of Christ and of his Church for having persecuted the Saviour during his Life they injure him and blaspheme against him after his Death 3. Of the Turks and Mahumetans THe Turks and Mahumetans do preferre their Mahumet to Christ and do follow the pernitious Doctrine which the Alcoran doth propound unto them Of the False Religion of the Ancient Pagans in particular 1. THe Principle and the Rule of the true Religion is the Word of God 2. The Marks of the true Religion are 1. The true knowledge of the true God 2. The true Worship of the true God 3. The true Mean of Mans Reconciliation with God 3. Let now every one consider well whether all that is to be found elsewhere than in the Ancient Judaical Religion and in the true Christian 4. Truely not among the ancient Pagans 1. For instead of a Word of God which enlightneth us to Salvation there were but Ambiguous Vain Frivolous Oracles which did not speak neither of the Glory of God nor of Mans Salvation 2. Instead of the true God among them onely were found Devils Men and Idols 3. Instead of a sufficient Mediatour they only had Washings which pass not further then the skin Slaughters of Men Sacrifices of poor wretched condemned for their Crimes 5. How could there have been a true Religion among the said Pagans since they did not know nor had the true God how could there have been among them an assured and certain Religion since the true God did not speak unto them and how could there have been a saving Religion among them since the true God did not intervene in it What differences there are between the true God and the false Gods of ancient Pagans and Gentiles THe true God is stiled the Living God in opposition to the Heathen Idols which were without Life Sense or Motion 1. They had eyes and saw not ears and heard not hands and handled not whereas the true God hath no eyes yet seeth no ears yet heareth no hands yet worketh all things 2. The Heathen Idols were carried upon mens shoulders or Camels backs as the Prophet Esay excellently describeth the manner of their Procession Esa 46.1 2 3. But contrariwise the true God beareth his Children and supporteth them from the womb even to their old age and gray hairs 3. The Heathen Gods as S. Augustine observeth in the Siege of Troy saved not them that worshipped them but were saved by them from Fire and Spoile whereupon he inferreth what folly was it to worship such Gods for the preservation of the City and Countrey which were not able to keep their own keepers but the true God preserveth them that serve him and hideth them under the shadow of his wings Of the great multitude and diversity of the Gods acknowledged and worshipped by the Pagans 1. THe Assyrians worshipped as many Gods as they had Towns 2. The Persians had as many Gods as there be Stars in the Heaven and Fires on Earth 3. The
161 3. In Respect of the Popes Court 162 4. Again of the great and scandalous Incontinency of the Roman Clergy by reason of their single Life 163 Chap. 35. In what regard the name of Catholicks is given to the Members of the Church of Rome by some of the Reformed 165 Chap. 36. God from Time to time hath raised Godly Men that have cried against the Errors of the Roman Church and have Discovered them 166 Chap. 37. Concerning the Greek Church with the following Exercitations 1. The Greek Church could never yet be brought to joyn Her self to the Church of Rome and it is as opposite to Her as ever the Reformed Church was 167 § The Turks are beholding to none more then to the Pope for their possession of Greece and of the Eastern Empire which hath caufed the Miserable slavery of the Greek Churches 168 § Thereupon a most humble Address to the Christian Princes and States 169. n. 2 Chap. 38. Concerning the Waldenses See of them briefly Page 179. Art 5. SECT 3. Chap. 1. Of the Reformation of the Church in general with a full Thesis 169 Chap. 2. Of the last Reformation in particular made by Luther Zuinglius Bucer Calvin c. Chap. 3. Of the Reformed Church and Religion with this Exercitation 1. Which Churches and Assemblies are comprehended properly under the Appellation of Reformed Churches Affirmatively and Negatively 173 Not those of the Socinians and Anabaptists 173 Chap. 4. Concerning the First Reformers of the said Reformed Churches with the Exercitations 1. What esteem the Reformed make of the said Reformers and how far it doth extend 171 Again of the same Matter in three several Exercitations The 1. is page 180 The 2. is page 181 The 3. is page 183 2. Concerning the Contention between Luther and Zuinglius about the Sacrament of the Lords Supper 183 3. Luther retained his Error concerning Consubstantiation of his old Leaven wherewith in time of Papistry his Judgment was corrupted 182 4. Refutation of this shift of the Jesuites that because Luther was in that Error â—â—erefore 〈◊〉 Refutation of their Opinions and Doctrinâ—â— is not â—â—â—siderable 〈…〉 Chap. 5. Concerning the Reformed Churches themselves 1. Conjoyntly 2. Separately Chap. 6. Of the Reformed Churches Conjoyntly with the following subordinate Heads Head 1. The Reformed Churches have had just Causes to separate themselves from the Church of Rome 198 2. And therefore they are not Schismatical 198 § It is not a sound Argument of the Jesuites to Convince the Reformed of Schisme That they have separated themselves from the Communion of the Church of Rome 188 3. By such a Separation of the Reformed Churches they did not separate themselves from the Communion of the Catholick Church but onely from the communion of a particular corrupted Church Art 11 12 13 4. And the said Reformed Churches do declare That they are the same in kind with all the good Churches which have been in the world before them Head 2. The Reformed Religion is true and Orthodox and their Faith is sound 174 Head 3. Also the Reformed Churches Truly and Properly so called are Pure and Orthodox having the true Notes and Marks of the true Church 196 Head 4. And therefore it is falfe that the Reformed Churches and Religion are Heretical 185 § It is a false Maxim of the Jesuites That for not to be an Heretick one must have Communion with the now Church of Rome and must acknowledge the Pope for the Head and Monarch of the Church See 186 187 Head 5. Concerning the Antiquity of the Reformed Religion 176 With two Exercitations The first is page 176 The second is page 178 Head 6. Refutation of a New Sleight and Device of a Seminary Priest of Rhemes against the Religion of the Reformed Churches 193 Head 7. Concerning the Acknowledgement of a Seminary Priest of Rhemes That 3. Articles of the Controversies propounded by Bishop Jewel were and are of weight 1. The Supremacy of the Pope 2. The Corporal Presence 3. The Sacrifice of the Mass 194 c. Head 8. Against the Reconcilement and Reunion of the two Religions the Reformed and the Roman 205 Head 9. Against Toleration of false Religions with the Pure and Reformed Religion when they differ in Fundamental Articles 206 Head 10. Refutation of this slander of the Popish Doctors That the Reformed are Enemies to Scriptures 207 Head 11. Answer to this Demand of the Popish Writers to the Reformed by what Authority They maim and rob the Corps of the Bible meaning their Rejection of the Apocryphal Books from the Canon of Faith 208 209 Head 12. Refutation of this Accusation of the Jesuites That in the Religion and Doctrine of the Reformed there is no Stay or Certainty 210 Again of this matter 211 Head 13. Of the Troubles and Differences which happens in the Church about Religion In a full Thesis Again of the same matter 242 Head 16. The Remedy to such Contentions is by a Synod or a Council 243 Head 17. There is Vnity in the Reformeds Faith and Concord among them and how 212 217 Head 18. A Refutation of this Accusation of the Popish Writers That in the Doctrine of the Reformed Churches many Paradoxes are to be found And that in General 213 § It is in the Doctrines of the Church of Rome that many Paradoxes are to be found 215 Head 19. The Doctrine of the Reformed Churches That the Ministers of God have Power to forgive sins if the sinners repent and believe the Gospel maketh not the said Minister into be Priests as they are called in the Church of Rome 209 Head 20. The Reformed Doctors of the Reformed Churches are impudently accused of Ignorance by the Popish Writers 216 Head 21. Rejection of the injurious Names given to the Reformed by the Popish Writers and what names the Reformed do approve and make use of 201 Head 22. A Representation of good Magistrates and truely Christians toward the Reformed Religion 220 Chap. 7. Of the Reformed Churches Separately in regard 1. Of the Protestants called by the vulgar Lutherans 2. In regard of the Reformed Religion and Church of the Kingdome of England See of both in the following Section SECT 4. 1. Of the Reformed called Protestants and Lutherans by the vulgar And what differences in Religion there is between them and the other Reformed called Evangelicks and Calvinists by the vulgar 190 Of the Religion and Church of the Kingdoms of England with many Chapters concerning them Chap. 1. Consisting in the following Narrations 1. What Augustine the Monk sent in England by Pope Gregory did after his coming in there 221 2. Of the shaking off of the Popes yoak by Henry the 8. King of England 221 3. Of the demolishing of Monasteries in England by the said King Henry 222 4. Of the Reformation of the Church and Religion of England begun by King Henry 224 5. In Queen Mary 's time extream was the Cruelty toward the Reformed 252 Chap. 2. Consisting in
Jesus Christ is the true Messiah 282 4. The Jews shall be converted to Christ before the end of the world 284 5. What Things from Christians do alienate and detain the Jews from Christianity 286 6. The Duties of Christians in Regard of the Jews are these 1. To have Compassion of their blindness 285 2. To help and set forward their Conversion and how 287 3. Of the false Religion of the Turks Mahumetans The falshood of that Religion is represented conjointly page 288 ERRATA PAge 16 in the Contents for Devided read Decided pag. 18 in the last line for Devoled read Devolved pag. 19 Art 5 for the Care of Things read of such Things pag. 20 in the very beginning line 1 this must be put in this manner Not onely in regard of that which belongeth to humane Society but also in that which belongeth to Divine Religion pag. 21 Art 6 for whether must be put whereas pag. 21 Art 6 for good Pilates must be read good Pilots pag. 26 for the Mercy of Iesus Christ must be read the Merit of Iesus Christ pag. 30 for under the Empire Constantine must be added of Constantine pag. 33. line 1 for Concerning must be read Conceiving pag. 55 Art 15 for the Day must be read the Dry. pag. 35. Art 3 Then must be taken away pag. 81 the first line must be taken away pag. 109 for priated read Appropriated EXERCITATIONS Concerning The Pure and True And the Impure and False Religion Of Religion in General There is a Religion And that necessarily 1. ALl the Ancient men agree fully That there ought to be a Religion among all Men. 2. As indeed there is not a Thing that doth more necessarily follow 1. Than a God a Man and a Religion 2. A Father a Son and an Obedience 3. A Master a Servant and a Service 4. A Giver a Receiver and a Reward 5. Or rather a Lender a Debter and a Bond. 3. And therefore full well doth one say The Philosophers ought to have been the first Divines For in as much as we make toward God with two wings That is to say With Wit And with Will Wit can no sooner conceive that God is our Father But by and by will inferre thereupon That therefore we ought to Obey him and to Serve him Yea and it proceedeth yet further That sith he is our Father and we his Children It is for our most behoof to return unto him 4. This thing even the Navigations of our Time doe shew to be imprinted in all the Climates of the World And in all the kinds of Men As which have discovered Nations that wander in Woods Without Law Without Magistrate Without King But none without some kind of Serving of God None without some shadow of Religion Of the Distinction of Religion REligion is distinguished in this Manner 1. There is the True Religion 2. There are Heretical Religions 3. There are Schismatical Assemblies and Religions 4. There are False Religions Concerning the True Religion In General THat is the true Religion which hath its Origine from God The true Religion can be but one That is to say sufficient to Salvation And there cannot be Divers true Religions 1. THat doth appear 1. By that which Religion requireth of us 2. And by that which Religion is to get for us 2. Concerning the First Religion as the Men of old time themselves have taught us requireth of us in effect That we should yield full obedience unto God Full obedience requireth that we dedicate unto the Glory of God Our Thoughts Our Words And our Deeds In such sort That our selves And All that ever is in us should be referred to his Honour If Religion requires this How can it be any other then one Or what Diversity can it admit And if any require lesse of us contented peradventure with the outward Man Which is all one as if they would rob God of one half of a Man What is their doing but Hypocrisie Or High Treason against God 3. Concerning the Second That which Religion is to get for us is Salvation For to speak properly what is Religion An Art or skill if I may so term it how to save Men And wherein consisteth this Art 1. It consists in shewing Men their Disease 2. In shewing them that it is Deadly 3. And finally in teaching the fit and convenient Remedy 4. Indeed the very Law of Nature leadeth us well to the first Point For who is he which even of Nature accuseth not himself And whose Conscience nippeth him not when he hath sinned 5. Reason also leadeth us to the Second Point For who is he that concludeth not with himself That the Creature which offendeth his Creator deserveth to be rooted out That is to say that Sin ingendreth Death 6. And thus far may all Religions come And all Ceremonies ordained by Man As Prayers Sacrifices Washings Cleansings And such others But what is all this but a bringing of us to Hell gate Or rather a shewing of Paradise unto us a far off But there is an horrible and infinite Gulph between us and it Which Man And all the whole World can neither fill up Nor Passe over 7. Yet must there needs be a Passage For the end of Man is to be united unto God And the end is not in vain 8. The Mean to be united Above Is to be reconciled here Beneath 9. And the Mean to be reconciled here Beneath is but onely one Which is that God himself acquit us of the Debt which we owe unto him 10. That Religion then and none other which leadeth us straight to the said Passage And by the Following whereof we find it Is the true Religion As that which alone attaineth to the end of Religion Which is the Saving of Man Of Antiquity concerning Religion 1. The Distinction thereof 2. The true Ground of true Antiquity or the true Rule thereof 1. IT is to be observed that there is a double Antiquity One is Primary And the other is Secondary 2. Primary Antiquity is that which was from the beginning though discontinued and interrupted by the corruption of Times 3. Secondary Antiquity is that which indeed is aged and gray-headed but yet reacheth not to the Spring-head Thus our Saviour Christ controlleth the Law of Divorce Matth. 19.8 Though it was aged and of long continuance Even two thousand years old Yet non sic fuit ab initio It was not so in the beginning 4. In regard of this it is truly said of Tertullian verum quod primum falsum quod posterius That which is first is alwayes true and that which cometh later is false 5. Concerning Antiquity it is to be observed that no Antiquity be it never so ancient and hoare-headed is to be reverenced or regarded if it be not grounded upon the truth of the Scriptures 6. And that which seemeth Novelty if it bring Scripture for its warrant is truly Ancient and hath true certain and unresistable Authority The
for it is thereby to poison People and to put them in the way which leadeth unto Death 3. Of this Seduction is spoken 2 Thess 9 10. in these words Even him namely the wicked mentioned before whose coming is after the working of Satan with all Power and Signes and lying Wonders and with all deceivablenesse of unrighteousnesse in them that perish because they received not the love of the Truth that they might be saved Of the same also is spoken Apoc. 13.12 where it is said of the Second Beast That he causeth the Earth and Them which dwell therein to worship the first Beast whose deadly wound was healed And a little after namely vers 14. That this Second Beast deceiveth them that dwell on the Earth by the means of those Miracles which he had Power to do in the sight of the Beast And that he causeth all both small and great rich and poor free and bond to receive a mark in their right hand or in their foreheads And that no man might buy or sell save he that had the mark or the name of the Beast or the number of his Name And Chap. 13.7 8. It is said That it was given unto him to make war with the Saints and to overcome them And power was given him over all kindreds and tongues and nations And all that dwell upon the Earth shall worship him whose names are not written in the Book of Life of the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world And Chapt. 17.2 It is said That with the great Whore the Kings of the Earth have committed Fornication and the Inhabiters of the Earth have been made drunk with the Wine of her Fornication 4. All That hath been seen before the last Reformation of the Church 2. NOw as Satan to the end he may tempt the better doth often transform himself in an Angel of Light So Antichrist and his Followers to seduce better the world and to spread with greater fruit and successe the venome of his False Doctrine in corrupting that of Christ and of his Apostles hath made use of four Means the fittest for the fulfilling of his designe 1. The first of these Means consisteth in Mysteries and Secrets 2. The second of these Means consisteth in Frauds and Impostures 3. The third of these Means consisteth in Signes and Miracles 4. And the Fourth of these Signs consisteth in Persecution and Crueltie 1. I have said That the First of the Means used by the Popes and the Church of Rome to seduce People consisteth in Mysteries and Secrets 1. FOr Poperie having not found convenient openly to propound her false Doctrines hath cloathed them with Mysteries that so they may be more easily received In this regard it is said of the great Whore Apoc. 17.5 That upon her forehead was a Name written Mysterie Babylon the Great the Mother of Harlots and Abominations of the Earth 2. Let the Rationals be read and the book of Ceremonies of the Church of Rome and no piece or part of the Divine Service thereof shall be found which containeth not some Mysteries even to the Priests Garments and to the Lamps alwaies burning 3. The Doctrine of an Oecumenical and Universal Bishop and Head was softly introduced under this Mysterie That thereby the Unitie of the Church was represented 4. Marriage hath been prohibited to the Roman Clergie permitting unto them under this colour to keep Concubines And under this Mystery That Virginity is far more excellent then Marriage 5. The Life and the Monastical Vowes have been introduced under this Mystery That the Contemplative Life is by much to be preferred to the Active And that thereby Grace and Glory are merited And moreover that thereby more is done then God commandeth in his Law 6. The use of Holy Scripture in an unknown Tongue hath been introduced under this Mystery To avoid and hinder the contempt of Her Mysteries And to entertain an Union in all the Churches 7. How many Mysteries are found out in the Masse to the end that it may be received 2. I have said That the Second of the Means used by the Popes and the Church of Rome to seduce People consisteth in Impostures 1. IN that they are like to False Coyners and to Jugglers Like again to the Serpent who by Imposture and Fraud did deceive our Mother Eve and by the same Means did indeavour to seduce Jesus Christ our Saviour but was not able to do it 2. Which Impostures and Frauds have been shewed and continue to be shewed by the Popes and by the Roman Clergie in divers manners 3. We will produce in particular those divers Manners after we have set down the other Means used by the Popes and the Church of Rome to seduce People 2. I have said That the Third of the Means used by the Popes and the Church of Rome to seduce People consisteth in Signs and Miracles 1. OF them doth Christ our Saviour speak Matth. 24.24 in these words For there shall arise false Christs and false Prophets and shall shew great signs and wonders insomuch that if it were possible they shall deceive the very Elect. Of them also doth S. Paul speak 2 Thess 2.9 in these words Even him namely Antichrist whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders Of them likewise doth S. John speak Apoc. 13.14 in these words And them that dwell on the earth meaning Antichrist by the means of those Miracles which he had power to do in the sight of the Beast 2. The Popes which are that Antichrist boasting of this Gift of Miracles hath noised more of them then any other Religion Either the True Or the False Religion More then Simon the Magician did More then Mahomet hath done More then Moses and the other Prophets have done Nay more then Christ hath done and his Apostles although they have made of them in great Number 3. Is it not the most ordinarie Subject of the Legends of the Saints by which in time past the Preachers of the Church of Rome did so beat the ears of their Auditors It is true That since the Reformation of the Christians those Legends are not so much esteemed but still Citations are made out of them although not so commonly 4. But these Miracles boasted by those of the Church of Rome were not true but lying Miracles And that in regard of all manners and kinds of Causer 1. False in regard of the efficient Cause Because they were wrought by Satan who is the father of Lyes 2. False in regard of the final Cause Because they were done to introduce a false Doctrine and full of Lyes 3. False in regard of the Material Cause Because most of them are but Illusions and Impostures Not true Resurrections of some Dead as they are pretended to be Neither also curing of some Diseases 4. False in regard of the Formal Cause For if some of these Miracles are true in respect of the Matter they shall
reason is given by Aquinas 2. part q. 97. Art 3. Because the Law of God proceedeth from the will of God and therefore may not be altered by Custome proceeding from the will of Man 7. In that regard very well doth S. Cyprian write lib. 2. Epist 3. ad Caecilium If only Christ is to be heard we ought not to regard what any before us hath thought fit to be done but what Christ who is before all hath first done For we must not follow the Custome of Man but the truth of God And in another place Custome without truth is nothing but Antiquity of Error Idem ad Pomp. cont Epist. Steph. Papae God alone is the Law-giver of his Church Nothing must be ordained concerning the Things which belong to Religion without the Word of God 1. THe Reason of that is because God alone is the Law-giver of his Church And the onely Author of the Doctrine Concerning Faith or Belief And Religious Worship That God is the onely Authour of the Doctrine concerning Faith or Belief we prove it by the following Arguments 1. THe 1. is taken from the Nature of Faith For all the Doctrines of Faith in regard of the matter which is to be believed must have a certain infallible and undoubted Truth Now it is the property of God alone to be infallibly true of his own nature Let God be true but every man a lyar saith S. Paul Rom. 3.4 And therefore God alone is the Author of the Doctrine of Faith 2. The 2. Argument is taken from the Quality of the Articles of Faith For the proper documents and Doctrines of Faith do exceed the capacity and apprehension of the Creature And therefore they could not be revealed but onely by the Creator Such is the Doctrine of the Trinity of the Persons in the unity of an Essence Such is the Doctrine of the Eternal Birth of the Son of God Such that of the Procession of the Holy Ghost And such that of the hypostaticall union of the two Natures of Christ Divine and Humane And such are all other Articles concerning Faith properly and strictly taken which in that they are above the naturall knowledge of the Creature cannot be known by us but by the supernaturall Revelation of the Creator Of all them this of Christ may be said Flesh and Bloud hath not revealed these things unto mankind but God the Father which is in Heaven Matth. 16.17 3. The 3. Argument is taken from the reward of Faith and the punishment propounded to unbelief and infidelity Which doe manifestly argue that it belongeth to God alone to frame and prescribe to Men Articles and dogmes concerning beliefe and Faith For the reward propounded to Faith is Eternall Life Iohn 3.36 And that is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 6.23 And the punishment denounced against infidelity is Eternall Death Which punishment God alone is able to inflict Christ teacheth it Matt. 10.28 in these words Fear not them which kill the body but are not able to kill the soul But rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell He teacheth it also John 3.36 when he sayes that he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him 2. That God is the onely Author of the Doctrine concerning Religious Worship We prove it by the following Arguments 1. THe 1. Argument is taken from the Relation which is between God And the Church God alone in the Spiritual Government of the Soul is Soveraign Monarch Is the Housholder Is the Husband In regard of his Church This Church in regard of her Relation to God Is Called The City of God The House of Cod The Spouse of God Now who should be so Impudent As to prescribe Laws to a Foreign City Concerning her Duties to her King Or to Another Mans Family Or to Another Mans Wife Concerning the Manner Of Obeying And Rendring Service To her Master Or to her Husband 2. The 2. Argument is taken From the Reward And Punishment Annexed to the Works of Divine Worship For the Works of Divine Worship Piously observed have from the Munificence of God a Promise of Eternal Reward But being Neglected or Contemned a Commination of Eternal Death From whence it may be Gathered That God Alone who is the Lord of Life and Death Hath the Power To Ordain such Works And to Injoin Them By the Empire of a Law-giver 3. The 3. Argument is drawn from the Prohibition of God For God himself by an Expresse Law hath attributed to Himself Alone The Authority to Ordain his Service Deut. 12.32 What thing soever I command you observe to do it Thou shalt not adde thereto nor diminish from it From whence also is that of our Saviour Matth. 15.9 But in vain they do worship me Teaching for Doctrines the Commandements of men 4. The 4. Argument is Because the Works of Worship depend from the Will of God who is to be Worshipped Therefore God is not Worshipped at all by those Works By which he did not declare whether he would be Worshipped or Not. But in This None can know the Will of God unlesse he doth reveal it and Injoines it For who hath known the Mind of the Lord Or who hath been his Counsellour That is Confirmed by This That all whosoever did think to Worship God with their own Invented Works Did provoke him to Anger rather than honour him Nay they are found To have worshipped the Devil Or the Idols of their own heart rather than God They went a whoring with their own Inventions Therefore was the wrath of God kindled against his People Psal 106.39 40. §. The onely Ground and Rule of Faith And Divine Worship Is the Holy Scripture 1. NO Mortal Creature can Teach Religion 2. Nor Carnal Man can attain true knowledge unlesse God Instructs Him And his Spirit lead Him to the Truth 3. The Phrophets Agree to the Truth of this Doctrine Esa 8.20 To the Law and to the Testimony 4. So doth Christ Joh. 5.39 Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal Life and they are they which testifie of me 5. And so do the Apostles calling the Scriptures a Rule As S. Paul doth Gal. 6.16 And as many as walk according to this Rule And Philip. 3.16 Let us walk by the same Rule 6. And so do the Ancient Fathers and Doctors Sequi Divinas Literas De fide ad Reginas c. To follow this Rule saith Cyrill is the Path unto Heaven And to be led by this Canon is the way to Salvation And S. Irene Non per alios Dispositionene Salutis cognovimus By the Scriptures we Learn to be saved §. Also The Holy Scripture ought to be among us the Supream Interpreter of Scriptures And the Judge of Controversies 1. FOr Confirmation of That this Language of the Reformed is to be noted and observed How better say They would it stand with
Concerning that All Sacrifices are Nothing But in as much as they are Referred to the only Sacrifices of the Son of God Accomplished in the Crosse Therefore to the End That Neither the one Nor the others should be Frighted The Christians used Themselves to Speak Of Altars And of Sacrifices And as much as the Apostles had taken Pains To Teach That All Sacrifices had Ended in Christ They did Delight to call their Sacrifices Immolations Oblations Sacrifices They call The Lords Table His Altar The Commemoration of his Death in the Sacrament The Sacrifice of the Altar A Holy Host They call the Bishops and Ministers Priests The Deacons Levites c. Manners of Speech among Them well understood Which in those Ages were not Hurtful But in the Following More Ignorant And farther off from the Light have notwithstanding been the Cause of great Abuses Because they are Passed from the Figure to the Thing And from an Improperty of Words in an Error of Doctrine 2. The Gentiles Also had a Multitude of Gods To them All They Had Builded Temples Founded Altars and Sacrifices Suddenly and at a clap To Restrain Them To the Service of one God which is all Spirit And his Service all Spiritual They who were Carnal Besotted after Pomps and Ceremonies And after the Wood And Stones Was found by Humane Prudence Both Scandalous and Impudent In Regard That these Gentiles were to be Edified And not Destroyed Fed said They with milk Before They were Fed with Solid Meat For Thus this Place of Scripture was Abused Whereas Then the First Antiquity had bluntly contested That to have Many Gods was to have None That to Serve Any Creature was to forsake the Creator It was found sweet by Succession of Times To Transform Their Gods into Saints Their Goddesses into She Saints To put our Apostles and our Martyrs in Their Place To Dedicate unto Them Their Temples And Their Altars To Give them some Priests And some High Priests To Appoint To Them Holy Dayes And Honours And Services 3. Now As Humane Wit is Blind in the Things of God It Happened That under the Shadow To Draw to Christ The Jewes and the Gentiles Those Good Folks by a Laps of some Ages did Introduce mildly in the Church Both The Judaisme And the Paganisme We understand Their Ceremonies And their Outward Pomps Their Superstitions And Vanities And which is worse Many of their Presumptions And Anticipated opinions in the Doctrine it self The Religion And Church of Rome Is not Now What it was in the Beginning 1. TO Judge aright of the Roman Church we say that there is great difference between that which is now And that which was in the time of the Apostles And some Ages after their Death 2. That which was in the Time of the Apostles was Pure and Orthodox So that her Faith was spoken of throughout the whole world Rom. 1.8 3. After the Death of the Apostles during some Ages she hath been also a true Church But not the onely True Church Not the Catholick or Universal Church But a Part of the same As was the Church of Greece of Syria of Egypt And of other Places She hath been a True Church but not so Pure as in the Apostles time Errors betimes having begun to creep in her 4. But the Roman Church which is now is an Impure and Heretical Church And more Heretical than any one that ever was before Since the Plague of Antichristianisme have sticked unto her it is no more the Chaste Spouse of Christ but an Harlot And an Adulteresse It is no more a sound and vigorous body but a body full of ulcers and soars In a word she is no more Pure and Orthodox as she was before but Impure and Heterodox 5. Which we prove by two strong and Irrefragable Arguments The 1. is because the greater part of her Faith and belief is contrary to holy Scriptures And consequently is meer Heresie The 2. is because a great part of the Ancient Heresies which have been condemned by the Ancient and Orthodox Church are received in her and approved by her 6. I have said 1. That the now Church of Rome is Impure Heretical because the greater part of her Faith and belief is contrary to holy Scriptures 1. Scriptures forbids the use of Images in matter of Religion and Divine Worship The Church of Rome receives and maintains them 2. The Scripture teacheth us that the bloud of Christ doth cleanse us from all sin The Church of Rome doth establish another Purgatory 3. The Scripture teacheth us that of our selves we are not able to think any good Thing but but that all our sufficiencie is from God The Church of Rome will that by the strength of our Free-will we may do good works And make the said strength to cooperate with the Grace of God 4. The Scripture will that we pray and speak in the Church in a known Tongue All the Service of the Church of Rome is in an unknown Language 5. The Scripture doth ordain that in the Sacrament of the Lords Supper all drink of the Cup The Church of Rome hath forbid it to the Laity 6. The Scripture presents us Jesus Christ as the only Mediator between God and Men The Church of Rome doth forge a great number of Mediatours who are to help us with their Merits and with their Suffrages 7. The Scripture doth warn us concerning Christ Acts 3.21 That the Heaven must receive him until the time of restitution of all things The Church of Rome will in some sort make him to come down every day from Heaven in a million of Places And moreover exposes him under the accidents of bread to divers ignominies 8. In a word there is no Proposition mentioned against us in the Church of Rome whereof we may not be able to find the Antithesis in the Word of God In that regard there are many to be found in the said Church of Rome which are asham'd of the abovesaid Errors And except the brainlesse Spirits and resolved to maintain even the grosest Abuses few Persons will there be found who entirely keep their Religion And in some Points thereof do not find something wanting 7. I have said 2. that the now Church of Rome is Impure and Heretical because a great part of the Ancient Heresies which have been condemned by the Ancient and Orthodox Church are received in her and approved by her Those Heresies meet in her and do compound a part of Popery As all the Waters of Rivers and Springs do meet in the Sea The Devil hath made them to rise up again upon the stage in the Roman Church with some small disguising Her so insolent contempt and debasing of Holy Scriptures she hath common with all kinds of Hereticks to whom such a thing is usual She doth borrow from the Pharisees the nonwritten Traditions And the Merit of Works She borroweth from the Basilidians and the Carpocratians the worshipping of Images She hath from
Truth thereof Refutation of the Excessive Praises that the Semiminarie Priests of Rhemes gives to the English Rhemish Translation 1. 1. LEt the Seminarie Priests of Rhemes give what Commendation they will to their English Translation 2. We Reformed say against it That that Translation is the worst of all the Translations that hath been set forth of the New Testament 3. And we prove our Assertion because that translation hath such examples of unaccustomed and monstrous novelties of words as the like in no other can be found 4. So as a man may justly call it a new fangled and ridiculous Translation Devised rather to amaze the Readers and make the word of God a laughing stock then to Edifie the Church of Christ 5. For who hath ever heard or read such words and Phrases as they have used and affected in their Translation 6. Whereas They might have retained as well the common and known manner of speaking That their Translation set forth in English might have been understood of English men 7. But they of purpose have so framed the same that the English is in many places as obscure in words as the Latin 8. Which thing is in all Translations a foul fault But in Translating of Holy Scripture Intolerable 9. And what Reason should be hereof but that Men either should contemn or not understand the Scripture which yet they will seem to Translate for the benefit of the Church 2. 10. If the Reader require Examples let him take but the Book and read a little and soon shall he see strange Affectation of Novelties in words and speeches throughout their whole Translation 11. There shall he find The Transmigration of Babylon Matth. 1. v. 17. The Enemie Man Matt. 13. v. 28. Vnlesse you have Penance Luk. 13. v. 3. Give us to day our supersubstantial Bread Matt. 6. v. 11. Whatsoever thou shalt supererogate Luk. 10. v. 36. Not in Chamberings and Impudicites Rom. 13.13 An Emulator of the Traditions of my Fathers Gal. 1.14.24 I Expugned the Faith They Emulate you not well Gal. 4.17 That you might Emulate Them 1 Pet. 2.5 Be ye also your selves superedified Ephe. 4. v. 10. Once at length you have reflorished to care for me denying the onely Dominator and our Lord Jud. 4. To the Redemption of Acquisition Ephes 1. v. 14. Against the Spirituals of wickedness in the Celestials Ephes 6. v. 12. The Archisynagogue Mark 6. v. 22. Ebrieties Commessations Gal. 5. v. 21. The Dominical day Apoc. 1. v. 10. But they are written to our Correption 1 Cor. 10. v. 11. That in the Name of Jesus every knee bow of the Celestials Terrestrials and Infernals Philip. 2. v. 10. But he Exinanited himself Philip. 2.7 For with such hostes God is promerited Hebr. 13. v. 16. Let the Charity of the Fraternity abide in you Heb. 13. v. 1. O Timothy keep the Depositum 1 Tim. 6.20 That he might repropriate the sins of the people Heb. 2.17 Wrapt it in Sindon and laid it in a Monument Matt. 27.59 All shall be docible of God John 6. v. 45. Vpon probatica a Pond John 5. v. 2. Which of you shall argue me of Sin John 8. v. 46. They hated me gratis John 15. v. 26. Beyond the Torrent Cedron John 18. v. 1. It was the â—arasceve of Pasche John 19.14 3. 1. These and such like are the goodly flowers of the Rhemists English Translation 4. 2. Besides the obscurity and ambiguity of Sentences by Reason of leaving out the Verbs and other words in the English Translation which may in Latine more easily be understood 5. Hereby the Reader may judge but better by Reading the Translation it self whether we have not Truely said of it That it is a strange Translation indeed And such an one as hard it were to find the Like 6. 1. But one of the Rhemist Priests doth Answer That we Reformed rather Delight in such Novelty then They seeing they Retain the Ancient words Mass Priests c. And we Reformed refuse them 2. Of these words shall be spoken in our particular handling of Controversies between the Reformed Churches and the Roman 3. And as for certain Names of persons and of places which some of our Interpreters do reduce to the Hebrew Sound They cannot much trouble the Reader And they are rather used in Books then in Speech EXERCITATION Condemnation of the Annotations joined with he Rhemist Translation of the New Testament By the Seminary Priests of Rhemes 1. VVHosoever shall consider with himself advisedly the Rhemists Manner of Collection Their Argument Their Application of Scripture And shall Examine a little how their Conclusion followeth upon their Proofs without all Coherence or consequence of Reason must needs greatly mislike their whole Religion that is founded upon so weak so tickle and so ruinous a Foundation 2. For unless it be granted That of every Thing may be concluded any Thing and that the Word of God may be made applicable to all purposes opinions and Doctrines it is impossible that these and such like arguments of Theirs as they have in their Annotations gathered upon the words of Scripture should have in them such strength and Truth as Divinity and Religion requireth These be the Frauds of the Church of Rome Concerning another of their Principles Which is the Ancient Fathers 1. Fraud The Church of Rome doth Discover an abominable Fraud in this That putting the Ancient Fathers to be one of the Principles of their Doctrine of Faith and Religious Worship by an Expurgatory Index they cause to be blotted out of the Books of the Ancient Fathers all that is displeasing unto them Or else they falsifie them and alter their Sense and Meaning 1. THis is true in Regard of the most Ancient Fathers and particularly of the Books of S. Cyprian S. Chrysostome S. Augustine S. Cyril of Alexandria and of others They make them say the contrary to that which they will and take out from them not onely some Clauses but also whole Leafes 2. We know well that to cover this Sacriledge Sixtus of Sienna doth adde That those Writings of the Fathers had been soiled and infected by the Malice and Venome of the Hereticks of our Age But it is a False Cover For if by Hereticks he doth understand those of the Reformed Religion we maintain that which they cause to be blotted out of the Writings of the Fathers was in Them before the Reformation And That it cannot be Justified that any of the Reformed have Corrupted or Altered any Writings of the Fathers 2. Fraud The Church of Rome acknowledgeth That there are many Faults and Errors in the Books of the Ancient Fathers which are not to be Approved And notwithstanding That The Popish Religion is as it were a Body consisting for the most part of Rottennesse and Corruption Namely of Ancient and New Errors 1. 1. THe Popish Writers can as soon prove out of the Scriptures the following Points of their false Doctrine As they can draw a Fountain
Nor Chrysostom Nor Ammianus Nor the Tripartite Historie Nor Dantasus Nor Bede Nor Orosius So Carerius The Charter or Edict of Constantines Donation is a base and improbable Fiction 1. ALL that which is proved by Reformed Writers of the supposed Leprosie Persecution and Baptism of Constantine by Pope Sylvester are undoubted Demonstrations of the Forgerie of this Edict of Donation 2. For in the Charter are all these Not onely related as certain truths but they are made the very ground and occasion why Constantine made this Charter 3. Seeing then there is neither truth nor reality in the foundation Certainly there is no truth at all in the Charter it self 4. But leaving these we will propose a few other Considerations in this Cause 1. In this Edict is mentioned the See of Constantinople as one of the Patriarchal Sees Whereas neither it had Patriarchal Dignitie before the Second General Council that is more then fiftie years after the Donation is supposed to be made Nor was there at that time so much as the name of Constantinople For this City was then called Byzantium And divers years after when Constantine had much enlarged it and made it as Socrates saith Parem aequalem Romae equal to Rome choosing it for the Imperial Seat It was then first called by his Name Constantinople And this was done as Baronius himself acknowledgeth a little after the Nicene Council was ended But as Sigonius more truely teacheth five years after that Nicene Council when Gallicanus and Symachus were Consuls So very stupid was the forgerer that to gain to the Pope to the See of Rome principality over Constantinople he makes Constantine write of that City which was not no nor the name of it so much as extant in the World at that time 2. Had Constantine given principality to the Roman See above all Churches in the World as the Charter saith he did What folly was it in John Bishop of Constantinople in Cyriacus and in others to strive for that Preheminence What meant Boniface the third that he would never shew this Charter and grant of principalitie made by Constantine Why did he use so much intreaty and means to Phocas a murtherer that the Church of Rome might be called the first of all Churches when the same was long almost 300. years before given by a fair Charter to the Roman See by Constantine so Worthy and Renowned an Emperour 3. In this Edict Constantine is made solemnly to give unto Pope Sylvester the Lateran Palace whereas not only Sigonius witnesseth that this was given long before to Pope Meltiades Augustale Palatium in Later ano impertiit Constantine gave to Meltiades the Lateran Palace but Baronius and Binnius avouch the same for a certainty and say that no wise body will doubt thereof Those Augustissimae Lateranenses Aedes say they That most princely Palace of the Lateran was given by the same Constantine to Pope Miltiades the Predecessor of Sylvester and to his Successors and that in the Seventh year of Constantine which was twelve years before he was either Baptized or made this Charter of Donation Is not this now a piece of great munificence in the Emperour to give that which it is not his own to give or to give that to Sylvester which many years before that gift was Sylvesters own and his Successours for ever 4. To the above said considerations let us add the Testimony of their great Cardinal Baronius to whom accords Gretser who hath written an Apologie for him in this very point He by many Reasons and at large proves the Edict to be Commentitium prorsusque falsum A meer Figment and Forgerie And as Gretser saith Commentis accensendum docuit He hath taught that it is a Counterfeit One Reason is That this Edict was not in the Ancient Acts of Sylvester but was by forgerie inserted into them The time when this was done he defines to have been after the 1000 year of Christ The Parties by whom this forged Edict was made and published he also declares It was fained by some Grecian under the name of Eusebius and set forth by Theodorus Balsamon whereas a nullo Graecorum hactenus in lucem editum until then no Grecian had published it And from the Grecians it came to the Latins and Western Church Leo the 9. being the first Pope who makes mention thereof Thus the Cardinal By whose acknowledgment it may be seen what truth there is in the Popes specially in Pope Leo who in his Decretal Epistle most solemnly commends this Edict for an Ancient and undoubted Evidence Such as he knew by sight and sense to be the true deed of Constantine Which yet their great Cardinal after long sifting of Monuments and Records testifieth to be a Forgerie and that of the Grecians First of all devised as he saith about 700. years and published 800. years after the Death of Constantine Fraud Of the Fraud and Imposture of the Popes and of the Church of Rome in regard of pretended Revelations both by Dreams and by Extraordinary Visions and Apparitions of the Dead 1. THe Pope and the Church of Rome make use of these pretended Revelations to lead the poor People by the Nose and to make him believe some Doctrines which the word of God doth condemn 2. So was it said that some were Appeared who had said That to come out of Purgatory such and such things were to be done so Sing Masses and by some certain kind of persons that by such forged Impostures the Fable of Purgatory should be established 3. Likewise was it said that some were Appeared who said That they had seen some Tormented in Hell Fire who told them That they were there for sundry Sinnes but particularly for having Stolne a Chalice from the Convent of the Benedictine Monks 4. Others who being Tormented did say That it was because they had Taken and Appropriated to themselves some Possessions belonging to the Church 5. Besides others said That some certain Priests godly persons singing Masse did see an Angel which did accompany them 6. In the Times of the deepest ignorance there was nothing more common then the speech of such Visions and Apparitions either Imaginaries and Phantastical or proceeding from the Devil to abuse the poor people and to establish his False Doctrine Fraud It is a Fraud and a meere Cavillation for the Refutation of the Falshood of a Religion and also for the Proofe of the Truth of a Religion to demand only Formal Places of Holy Scripture contained word by word in it Which Fraud and Cavillation is used by many Doctors of the Church of Rome disputing with the Reformed but wrongfully BEcause if all that which is not opposed by Formal Texts cannot be said to be grounded in the Word of God Then there are none so abominable Heresies nor any so monstrous opinion which may not boast although wrongfully to have the word of God for its Ground So for Example 1. The Heretick Arrians could say
That they were grounded upon the Word of God because there is no passage which formally saith That the Son is consubstantial to the Father and that it is not a Created God 2. The Nestoreans also could say That they were grounded upon the Word of God because there is no formal place which saies That in Jesus Christ there are not two Persons 3. So much could say the Eutichians For there are no places which formally saies That the two Natures of Christ be not confused and that the Human Nature hath not swallowed up by the Divine Nature 4. Likewise the Jews who reject Jesus Christ with a prodigious obstinacie could say That they were grounded upon the Word of God because that in Moses and in all the Prophets there is not any place which saith formally That Jesus the Son of Mary born in Bethlehem under the Empire of Caesar Augustus is the Messias 5. In a word the Religion of the Mahometans could be said to be grounded upon the Word of God For there is no Text in the Bible which saith that Mahomet is a false Prophet and that his Religion is impious and abominable and that the Paradise which God promiseth to his children is not a carnal Paradise § The necessarie consequences that are drawn out of the Scriptures are as valuable to prove the falshood of a Belief as the formal Texts are as also to prove the Truth of a Belief ANd so whensoever we are to confirm the Truth and to confute Errors and Untruths it is lawful to make use of two kind of Arguments drawn out of the Canonical Books of Scripture Namely 〈◊〉 of those who expressely and as in as many words are drawn out of the Holy Scriptures Secondly of those which are drawn out of them by good and lawfull Consequence 1. Certainly those that would reject Consequences drawn out of the Reason of Holy Scriptures should condemn Jesus Christ who made use of Consequences to prove the Resurrection against the Sadducees For after he had produced the place of Moses Exod. 3.6 where God calleth himself the God of Abraham the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. He inferres by a good Consequence for proofe of the Resurrection God is not the God of the Dead but of the Living 2. Truely whosoever is against the drawing out of any Consequence doth abolish all the common sense and all use of Reason which consists onely in that 3. We acknowledge That Faith proceeds another way then Humane Sciences do for Faith drawes all her Proofs from the Divine Authority but as the most famous School-men do observe the Sacred Divinity is Argumentative that is to say That it doth not abolish but on the contrary makes more Noble the use of Argumentation and Discourse We allow besides That the Rules of Logick are not Articles of Faith But notwithstanding we say that they are Tools and Instruments to handle all knowledge with order and certainty And Consequently the Theological Matters Fraud This is a Fraud of some Jesuites that in Disputations concerning Religion they will ever Question and never Answer 1. FOr it belongs to him that Affirmeth a Thing to prove it otherwise one might Affirm all things impudently 2. According to this Rule It belongeth then unto those who maintain That every day Christ is to be offered in a Propitiatory Sacrifice who maintain The Prayers unto the Dead to Justifie their Belief by the Word of God And to make us see That it hath been written and set down in clear and formal words or that it is drawn from it by a Necessary Consequence This is another of the Frauds of the Church of Rome 1. That the taking away of the Cup from the Sacrament of the Lords Supper 2. Forbidding Marriage to Priests 3. And Divine Service being in an unknown Tongue to the People are onely grounded upon worldly Interest 1. This is true in Regard of the taking away the Cup from the Communion COncerning the taking away the Cup from the Sacrament This is the language of the Doctors of the Church of Rome That if it were possible to grant to the people the use of the Cup without doing any wrong to the Faith it should be a thing of small importance but that could not be because by the grant of the said use of the Cup a gate should be opened to require that all the Ordinances which are of positive right should be broken And yet say they They are they by which alone the Prerogative given by Christ to the Curch of Rome is conserved 2. This is true in regard of the Prohibition of Marriage to Clergie Men. FOr say the said Doctors from the Marriage of Clergie men if it were granted it should happen that they having a Family Wives and Children should no more depend from the Pope but from their natural Prince and their affections towards their issue would make them agree to all things wrongful unto the Church that they should indeavour to render Livings Hereditarie And in a short time the Holy Seat should be Restraned in the onely City of Rome That before the Coeliba or Single Life had been decreed The Roman See drew no thing at all from other Towns and Countries but by it was become Master of such a great number of Benefits Of whom by the Marriage of Clergie men it should be deprived in a short time 3. This is true in regard of Divine Service in a Tongue unknown to the people FOr say the said Doctors from the use of the vulgar Tongue in the Celebration of Divine Service it should follow that every one should esteem themselves Divines That the Prelates Authoritie should be vilified and that Heresie should creep in All. Of a most considerable Contradiction of the Principal Doctors of the Church of Rome in regard of their Doctrine That the Kingdom of Heaven And Eternal Life is due as a Debt to our good works 1. VVE Reformed do Teach That he that sinneth hath deserved death worthily in respect of the sin committed which is a Transgression of Gods will and Commandement And for which without Remission there is no hope to Escape eternal Condemnation 2. But can he that worketh well for one or two or for more good Works claim unto himself as a due Debt the Kingdome of Heaven for the same 3. The Reformed Doctors do deny it for many strong Reasons 4. The Popish Doctors in the Schooles and in handling Controversies of Religion that are between the Reformed and the Church of Rome do openly affirm it maintaining that the Kingdome of Heaven and Eternal Life is due as a due Debt to our good works 5. 1. But howsoever it is now for a Fashion with great Countenance and vehement Disputation avouched by some Doctors of the Roman Church that we merit Heaven by our good works 2. Yet we are perswaded that no Adversary of Conscience can otherwise think or dare in peril of Death otherwise say but that he hath deserved for
Baruch v. 11. So are the Papists Images with the fume of the incense they burn to them 5. The Heathen spake to their Idols as if they were able to understand them Baruch v. 41. So do the Papists to the wood of the Cross saying Ave lignum spes unica 6. The Heathenish Priests beards and heads were shaven Baruch v. 31. And so are our Popish Priests Crownes 7. The Heathens about the Calends of February visited all their Temples with Lights A like Ceremony the Papists use at Candlemasse 8. The Heathen commended every City and Village to the protection of some god or goddesse Juno was Lady Guardian of Carthage Venus of Cyprus Diana of Ephesus Pallas of Athens c. And have not our Papists likewise multiplyed their Saints according to the number of their Cities And do they not share the Patronages of them between them Doth not Venice fall to S. Marks Lot Paris to S. Genouiefs Spain to S. James France to S. Dennis Scotland to Andrews Ireland to S. Patricks England to S. Georges 9. The Heathen assigned several offices to several Gods Calling upon Ceres for Corn Upon Bacchus for Wine Upon Aesculapius for Health Upon Mercury for Wealth Upon Apollo for Wisdome c. In like manner the Papists address themselves to particular Saints upon particular and special occasions To St. Genovief for Rain To St. Marceau for fair weather To St. Michael in Battle To St. Nicholas in a Sea Tempest To St. Eustace in Hunting To St. Roch and Sebastian for remedies against the Plague To St. Raphael against Catarrhs To St. Apollonia against the Tooth-ache To St. Anthony against Inflammations To St. Margaret for safe Delivery in Child-birth And to other Saints upon other occasions as if God had granted a kind of monopolie to the several Commodities of this Life to several Saints 10. Will you have yet more Hercules hath left his Club to St. Christopher Janus hath resigned up his Keyes to St. Peter Lucina hath resigned her Office of Midwife to St. Margaret The Muses have resigned their instruments of Musick to Cecilia And Jupiter Hamun hath resigned his Horns to Moses Concerning worshipping of Saints departed thereupon the Church of Rome doth commit a great Idolatry 1. VEneration and honour of Saints departed the Protestant Churches do maintain and practice 1. We worthily esteem of their persons and recognize their excellency and glory 2. We give them honour by commemoration and by imitation of their faith and vertues 3. When they depart this life we afford their bodies a decent Burial Psalm 112. v. 6. Jos 1. v. 2. Prov. 10. v. 7. John 8. v. 39. James 5. v. 10. Acts 8. v. 2. 4. And some of our learned Adversaries seem to require no other Veneration of Saints but this Peres de Tradit p. 3. 2. But the Jesuits maintain the adoration of Saints departed with sacred and Religious worship 1. Erecting Altars 2. Building Temples 3. Placing their Images in Churches to be adored 4. Inclosing their relicks in Caskets and proposing them to be worshipped 5. Offering up Masses in the honour of them 6. And worshipping them by Church service and by Canonical hours 3. And they teach that the adoration belonging to them is after a sort divine approaching so near to divine worship as that it is exercised by the same materials and sacred rites 4. We acknowledge then on both parts that Saints are to be honoured We differ in the manner To wit whether they be to be honoured with adoration or such a kind of worship as is in a manner divine or with sacred rites appertaining to Gods religion and above rehearsed 5. St. Hierom is so far from the practise hereof that he affirmeth we do not worship and adore the relicks of Saints nor the Sun Moon Archangels or any other name spoken of in this World or in the next but we honour the relicks of Martyrs and adore him whose Martyrs they be And against Vigilantius who at any time adored Martyrs 6. And with him consent the faithful Christians of the Primitive Church who being traduced of superstition for adoring Martyrs deceased affirm that they adored Christ Jesus onely and exhibited no more to martyrs but the honour of love Euseb Histor Eccles lib. 4. cap. 15. 7. Some of our Adversaries would patronise the Popish superstition of worshipping of Saints departed with the sentence of Hierom saying That he honoureth Paula deceased Cultoris tui that is to say that worshippeth thee But to them we answer That every honour and worship is not such as Papists require and therefore to reason from honour in general to a certain kind thereof is to mock the Readers Fraud This is a great Fraud and Imposture of the Church of Rome that the members of it do not onely worship Saints against the word of God but besides worship Imaginary Saints which never were in the World AS one St. Longis who pierced as it is said our Saviours side As one St. Martial St. Peters Cozen who as it is said did serve at the Table when Jesus Christ did administer the holy Sacrament And also that he had in the time of the Gotes driven Paganism out of the Gaules when there were no Gotes in the Gauls As likewise one Saint Vrsula which is said to have been daughter of a King of England Captain of an Army of twelve thousand Virgins when there was no King in England Item one St. Katherine which is said to have been the daughter of Castor King of Alexandria And in the time of the Emperour Maxentius to have converted the Queen Faustina and fifty Philosophers All the above-said Saints were here indeed in the World as easie it may be proved and whose life by Baronius confession in his Martyrologie is full of Fables Not one good ancient Author that hath lived five hundred years after the time in which these imaginary Saints are set up doth speak of these Saints and yet prayers are made unto them It is the same of St. Margarite of which it is said that the Devil did swallow her who also bursted by that which is a kind of Child-birth from whence is the custome to read her Legend to the women that are delivered The adoration of the Virgin Mary is unlawful Thereupon the Church of Rome doth commit a great Idolatry 1. WE say with Epiphanius Let Mary have honour and let the Lord our God be adored 2. But the Papists instead of honour exhibite errour to the blessed Virgin as the same Father speaketh and their manner of worshipping her according to the said Father is Heresie and dotage 3. For some part of that worship which Papists give to the Virgin Mary are the actions of Divine adoration Namely Invocation Rom. 10. v. 14. Vows Psalm 50. v. 14. Oaths Deut. 6. v. 13. And yet Tursellin the Jesuit commendeth Paul an Hermit and saith He adored God and his mother 4. Epiphanius had another Belief for by many of his Speeches he condemneth
their Dictates and Opinions as if they were Divine Oracles That Doctor who hath the command of our Conscience hath his Chair in Heaven we love and honour such persons as our Friends yet so that we honour Truth and love it above all Friendship Which Churches and Assemblies we comprehend Properly under the Appellation of Reformed Churches 1. THey are the Churches which are entirely Reformed of which by Gods Grace we are Members 2. That is to say those Churches who having the true Marks of the Church have them also with all the Purity which is required in regard of the Doctrine of Faith and in regard of the Worship of God 1. 1. The Socinians 2. The Anabaptists Are not comprehended by the Protestants under the Appellation of Reformed and True Churches Because in their Assemblies the very Notes of the True Church do not appear 1. FOr we do not comprehend under that Appellation those Assemblies who having forsaken Idolatry Superstitions and some Errors of the Roman Church are fallen into others very great and most pernicious Such are the Assemblies of the Socinians or the New Samosatenians And such also are the Assemblies of the Anabaptists In which Assemblies the very Notes and Marks of the true Church do not appear The Reformed Religion is True and Orthodox 1. 1. THe Reformed Churches Faith is found That appears in their Belief of God the Father Of his onely Son Jesus Christ Of the Holy Ghost Of the Church Of the Sacraments Of the Ministery Of the Scriptures Of Ceremonies And of every part of Christian Belief 2. They abandon and detest as plagues and poysons all those old Heresies which either the Sacred Scriptures or the Ancient Councils have utterly condemned 3. They call home again as much as in them lieth the right Discipline of the Church which our Adversaries have quite brought into a poor and weak case 4. They punish all licentiousness of Life and unruliness of Manners by the Old and long continued Laws And with as much sharpness as is convenient and lieth in their power They maintain still the state of Kingdomes in the same Condition and State of Honour wherein they have found them without any diminution or alteration Reserving unto their Princes their Majesty and Worldly Preheminence safe and without impairing to their possible power 6. They have so gotten themselves away from that Popish Church which the Popes had made a Den of Thieves and wherein nothing was in good frame or like to the Church of God as Lot in times past gat him out of Sodome or Abraham out of Chalde Not upon a desire of Contention but by the warning of God himself 7. They have searched out of the holy Bible which they are sure cannot deceive them their sure Form of Religion and have returned again unto the Primitive Church of the Apostles and of the Ancient Fathers that is to say to the ground and beginning of things unto the very foundations and head-springs of Christs Church The Reformed Churches are the same in kinde with all the good Churches which were before them 1. THe Reformed Churches are the same with all Good Churches that had been in the World before them and do succeed the found and firm Members of the General Visible Church in whom was the Life of true Religion in the substantial matter of Faith and Godliness 2. But they having shaken off their former Errors they differ from them in manner and quality As a man who was deceived in sundry things when he becomes wiser differs from himself as he was Ignorant 3. And as a sick body when it is healed and a Commonwealth after it hath reformed disorders are in substance the same but differ in in Quality and in Goodness so the Protestant Churches have purged sundry corruptions and perfected that which was defective But are the same in kinde with all the good Churches and Christians that were before them And succeeds them of the General Visible Church in whom was the Life of Faith and of Religion Concerning the Antiquity of the Reformed Religion Jesuites THe Jesuites say That the Reformed for fifteen hundred Years could not spy out one Town one Village one House seasoned with the Doctrine that they follow Now. Answer of the Reformed 1. THe Reformed do answer That such an Accusation is very false for in the Apostles time all Churches all Cities and Towns every Family embraced the same Faith and Religion which now they profess 2. Antichrist that Man of Sin could never prevail so much nor so far in corrupting the Christian Religion and Church but a great multitude of the Saints remained and those whose Names were written in the Book of Life did utterly abhor all those filthy and wicked Superstitions of Antichrist For in the Church of Rome it self even in the worst times of it many were ever found who worshipped the God of their Fathers and kept themselves unpolluted with that horrible Idolatry And this can Histories of all Times witness which we could now Recite Vide Catalog Testium veritatis if it were needful and reckon up to the Jesuites many Houses Villages Towns Cities and Countries where Christ had many and populous Churches 3. We add That the Greek Church could never yet be brought to joyn it self to the Roman Church and it is now as opposite to Her as ever the Reformed was and is 4. Furthermore we answer to this Question of the Jesuites Where was your Church for so many years before Luther That it did never lie so hid but it was discerned by their Pope unless for so many years he persecuted shaddows § Another Answer of the Reformed to the Question of the Jesuites Where was the Reformed Religion before the Reformation made by Luther and other Divines 1. THey answer That the Apostles and the Primitive Church for almost six hundred years after Christ taught as they do 2. They answer That ever since that time there have been some that have contended for the maintenance of the Faith which they profess For Example 1. In matter of Supremacy they taught as the Reformed do till after Gregories time which was six hundred years after Christ yea Gregory himself writing against them of Constantinople held this Language If any shall call himself Vniversal Bishop I say it confidently that he is Antichrist 3. In matter of the Sacrament for a thousand years together that the People received the Wine as vvell as the Bread Aquinas cannot deny 3. In the point of Images at first the Church admitted no Images at all as Erasmus and Gregory sheweth yea Polydore Virgil confesseth That the Fathers condemned Images for fear of Idolatry and this continued till the second Nicene Council But now of late the Trent Council and Bellarmine have given unto them Divine honour 4. Bristow a Popish Doctor confesseth this The Truth is saith he that some have been in all Ages of the Protestants Opinion 5. And Illiricus Flaccus doth remember one Reynerius who
only 3. Having begun first at the Diet of Ausbourg we are enforced to use it The Reformed are truely Christians and Catholicks 1. VVE Reformed tell the Papists notwithstanding their Opprobrious Names that if a Christian be he that believeth in Christ according to his word and if Catholicks be they that professe the universal Faith of Christ we are truely Christians and Catholicks believing so and professing so 2. And are content with these Names and desire no other §. Let the Papists be called as they will the Reformed who Reprove and Confute the multitude of their Namss will not be grieved at them 1. LEt the Papists be called Diversly Franciscanes Benedictines Dominicanes And whatsoever other Title they can take up the Reformed are not grieved at the multitude and variety of their Names 2 Who being in Truth almost any thing rather then Christians delight in any Name rather then in the Name of Christians Against the Reconcilement and Reunion of the two Religions the Reformed and the Roman 1. BEing true that the Roman Church is Heretikcal and Impure And on the contrary the Reformed Churches Orthodox and Pure It follows manifestly that there can be none well grounded hope to agree and reunite Popery with the Reformed Churches And therefore that the labour of those who would think upon such a thing were not a seasonable labour 1. Because that in the differences which are amongst us we are so contrary one to the other that the one do clearly maintain the Negative and the others the Affirmative Now it must necessarily be that one of the Propositions be true and the other false Because two contradictories cannot be together true And it is not possible to soulder them by the mastick of some distinctions having no ground in the Word of God 2. The Errors of the Church of Rome have been solemnly ratified and confirmed by the Council of Trent upon pain of Anathema And therefore since that Ratification and confirmation there is no way nor mean left of reconcilement and Agreement For if there were the said Church should be bound to acknowledge her Errors to the end that they may be reformed And to disanul and abrogate concerning them the Canons of the said Council of Trent which is not to be expected from her as long as she shall maintain this poin as she doth vehemently that she cannot Erre And that she layes down and propounds no other Principle of Faith than her belief Against Toleration of false Religions with the pure and Reformed when they differ in Fundamental grounds 1. IT is not onely evil to do but also to suffer evil when it is in our power to hinder it Therefore Religion differing in Fundamental Grounds are not to be Tolerated together 2. This is proved by many Arguments Drawn 1. From the Law forbidding to plow with an Ox and an Asse And punishing Idolaters with Death Deut. 22.10 11. and Deut. 19.6.8 9. 2. From the Gospel denying the service of two Masters Mat. 6.24 And interdicting all fellowship and communion of light with darkness or Christ with Belial 2 Cor. 6.14 15 16. 3. From the Spirits Bill of enditement framed against the Angels of Pergamos and Thyatira for tollerating the Nicolaitans Rev. 2.15 20. 4. From Gods threatning to cut off all such as swear by him and by Malcham Zeph. 1.5 5. From the Imputation which is laid by the Spirit upon many Kings of Israel and Judah for not taking away the High places 1 King 15.14 6. From the Examples of Asa Josiah Ezekiah Constantine Jovian Theodosius and other Religious Princes who by severe Laws restrained Heresie and Idolatry and constrained the true worship of God 7. From the great danger of Heresie which like a Canker soon spreads over the whole body of the Church and if it be not looked into killeth and that eternally thousands of souls breaketh the bands of Nature and cutteth in sunder all sinews of human Society Putteth enmity variance and implacable discords in families Soweth seeds of Sedition in the State and Rebellion against the Prince Refutation of this Slander of the Popish Doctors That the Reformed are Enemies to Scriptures 1. THe Reformed say that this is indeed a very impudent Slander 2. For who ever thought and spoke more Honourablie Reverently and with more due Regard of the Scriptures then they Who have received and imbraced all Scripture given by Inspiration as the very voice of God himself Holding it for the onely Ground and Rule of their Faith and Religion And so resting in it as that they desire no other help as necessary to Salvation Which if they had not with more diligence and devotion defended then the Romanists ever did long ere this the glory of it had perished and it had been counted as a dead Letter 3. For what have the Reformed done for these many years with more endeavour and diligence then to maintain the Majesty and Excellencie of the Scriptures 4. Which the Romanists have so unworthily violated 5. And yet they blush not to match the Reformed with the Manichees and Ebionites who have violently laid villanous hands upon those Sacred Books Of the Apocryphal Books excluded from the Canon by the Reformed Churches Jesuits THe Jesuites and other Papists do demand of the Reformed by what Authority they Maime and Rob the Corps of the Bible Answer of the Reformed to that Demand 1. WE offer no violence to this Body neither do we cut off any which do appertain to the substance and perfection of it we pull away no Member 2. For we do not cut out any true Canonical Scriptures but cull out such as are not Canonical but foisted in and Counterfeit 3. Herein we do the Canonical Scriptures no injury dividing them from such Books as are not of that absolute Authority That they which are in truth Canonical may remain intire and whole together no more then the Shepheard doth injury to the Sheep in sorting the Goats and orher Cattel from them The Doctrine of the Reformed Churches and particularly of the Church of England that the Ministers of God hath power to Forgive Sins if the Sinner repent and believe the Gospel maketh not the English Reformed Ministers to be Priests as they are called in the Church of Rome 1. VVE Reformed say that the Ministers of God hath power to forgive sins not in some Cases only but in all whatsoever if the sinner repent and believe the Gospel 2. This Authority is given unto him by Christ 3. This in the State and Church of England the Parliament and the Communion Book confesse 2. 1. NEvertheless a Popish Writer is far from his purpose to prove thereby the Popish Order of Priesthood 2. For this maketh not the English Reformed Ministers to be Priests as they are called in the Church of Rome but Preachers of Repentance which bring the glad Tidings of the Gospel to all those that be heavie laden and desire to be refreshed 3. 1. NEither have they power
Greeks had as many Gods as they had Fancies 4. The Aegyptians had as many Gods as they Sowed or planted Fruites or as the Earth brought forth Fruites of it self 5. To be short the Romans in conquering the World did conquer all those Vanities and they wanted not wit to devise others of their own brain Let us learne by this what the Gods of the Pagans and Gentiles were 1. 1. IT is written of Ewhemere of Tegea That the cause why he was called an Atheist was for that he wrote the true History and Genealogie of the heathen Gods 2. Shewing that they were Kings Princes and great Personages 3. Whose Images being kept for a Remembrance of them were turned into Idols 4. Their High and worthy Doings into yearly Gaming 's 5. And their Honourings into Worshippings 2. 1. ANd Seneca writes in his Book of Superstition that the Gods as he saith which were called inviolable and immortall were dumb and senceless Images disguised in the shapes of Men of Beasts and of Fishes and some in ugly and ill favoured Monsters 2. That the Daemones which were the Devils which possessed those Images did require worse things for their service then the horriblest Tyrants that ever were 3. As that men should Gash themselves Maime and Lame themselves Geld themselves and offer to them in Sacrifice Men Women and Children Seeing the Romans brought into Rome the Gods of all the Nations whom they had conquered It is demanded how it happened that the God of the Ancient Jewes which was the true and the onely God and none other did find no place there 1. CIcero in his Oration for Flaccus answereth That that beseemed not the Majestie of the Empire 2. But in his conscience did Bacchus Anubis Pryapus and their shameful Nightwakes and Mysteries celebrated in the Dark yeild Renown to the State of the Empire 3. Nay if he will say the Truth they know that the God of Israel and none other was the true God 4. And that for the harbouring of him it behoved them to drive away all the rest 5. And they had for so long a time fed the people in Idolatrie that they were afraid as many Princes also to be cast and driven away by their Subjects in receiving their rightful Lord. They were Devils who were worshipped by the Pagans under the Name of their false Gods 1. THe Gods of the Pagans were men 2. Under the Names of those men the Devils made themselves to be worshipped 3. The Devils to get credit and to authorize themselves did borrow the Name of men and very often the Names of most wicked men 4. And in their Oracles when they were asked what they were they said that they were those men 5. As for Example he that was worshipped at Delphos said he was the Son of Latona Esculapius said he was the Son of Apollo and Mercury said he was the Son of Jupiter and of Maja as we read in their Oracles rehearsed by Porphyrius 6. Now what honest man doth not make difficultie for never so great gain to make use of the Name of a wicked man Nay who doth not abhor the Name and the very remembrance of such an one 7. And who then will not conclude that those Devils were worse then those wicked men who would win credit clothed of the skins of such wicked men 1. The Sybils speak but of one onely God 2. And do cry also against the false Gods 1. IT is disputed among the Learned by what Spirit the Sybils did speak because it is not unconvenient that God should compel the very Devils to set forth his Praises 2. Howsoever it be they speak but of one onely God saying There is but onely one true God right great and everlasting Almighty and Invincible which seeth every thing but cannot be seen himself of any fleshly man Lactantius lib. 1. cap. 6. 3. Also they cry out against the false Gods and exhort men to beat down their Altars accounting them happy who shall dedicate themselves to the glorifying of onely one God Among the divers Religions of Pagans there were some manifestly impious and wicked 1. SOme worshipping the Creatures in Heaven yea and on Earth as the Aegyptians did in old time and as the Tartarians do at this day 2. Some offering up Men in Sacrifices as the Carthaginians did in old time and as the Western Isles do yet at this day 3. And other-some permitting things not onely contrary to all Laws but also even horrible and lothsome to nature 4. If all this was good I pray you what good doth remain or what evil is there in the World Of the False Worship of the Idolatrous Heathen 1. THe Idolatrous Heathen did render a Religious Worship 2. And were not content onely to offer Beasts to their Gods as the Jewes did to the true God but also they did offer men 3. For in some places they Sacrifice their Children as among the Moabites In others their Fathers as among the Triballi Elsewhere their Princes or Priests as among the Indians And in some Countries Themselves as among the Americans 4. Yet for all this their throwing themselves into or causing others to passe through the fire to their Moloch or Saturn or Abaddon they are not to be accounted true worshippers and such worship is not true but false 5. Because what they doe in this kind is not done by Gods Commandement nor intended to the honour of the true God but it is in obedience and to the honour of an Idol or Devil whom they worship instead of the true God Of the Falshood of the Modern Jews Religion in particular 1. THey serve and honour onely one God but they soyle with many Fables the Doctrine of the nature of God and of the Providence which they acknowledge as it clearly appears by the Fables which are related by Buxtorfius 2. The Modern Jewes seek the means of their reconciliation in some outward Ceremonies in Washings and Purifications and such other like things whose Conscience being awaked they are forced to acknowledge that by such things the Remorse of the Conscience and the Sting of Sin cannot be plucked out from the sinful Man 3. 1. The Modorn Jews although it seems that they keep the Bark of the Law yet they denie the Truth thereof 3. Besides they give false Interpretations to the said Law as it is to be seen in divers places of the New Testament 4. Moreover they forge and invent many absurd things concerning the Messias and the Kingdom thereof As also concerning Eternal Life all contrarie to the Doctrine of the Old Testament Of the Religion of the Modern Jews In what respects now the Judaical Religion is opposite to Christ 1. THe Jews Religion is opposite to Christ in two respects principally First In retaining the old Ceremonies of Moses Law which were shadows of things to come Rom. 10.4 Heb. 10.1 and had their accomplishment in Christ For that which S. Paul saith concerning Circumcision is to be
wisdome That as Augustine sometime wrote of Counsels August contra Maximian lib. 3. cap. 14. Neither the Papists should object Jerome against the Reformed Nor the Reformed Augustine against the Papists Thereby to Prejudice each Side But that Matter might be tried with Matter Cause with Cause And Reason with Reason By the Authority of Scriptures 2. For indeed as the same Augustine hath taught us Epist 111. Ad Fortunatum We must not have any Mens Disputations Howsoever They be Men of sound Judgement and worthy Praise In like Estimation as the Canonical Scriptures 3. Such an understander saith the same Augustine Am. 7. In Reading other Mens Writings Such would I have other Men to be of Mine §. Consequently This Power and Authority is not to be Attributed to any Creature 1. NOt to the Ancient Fathers And Their Writings 2. Not to the Church 3. Not to the Counsels 4. Not to The Pope A Part or Joined with a General Council 3. Because They have not the Conditions of a Supreame Interpreter of the Scriptures And Judge of Controversies 3. Which Conditions are the following 1. It is required of a Supreame Interpreter and Judge of Controversies That It sayes Infalliblie the Truth And Cannot Erre 2. It is Required that It be not Partial 3. It is Required That no Appeale or Provocation may be made from it 4. It is Required That it might produce a certain knowledge and Belief in the Minds of Men. And by a Certain Spiritual Power so bind in some manner the Dissenting Parties That They willingly obey unto the Truth And give Assent unto it §. What Force have in Matters of Religion Arguments taken from Reason 1. 1. THe Argument that is Grounded only upon Reason In Matters of Religion And Faith we Reformed grant most unfeignedly to be no lawful weapon to fight the Lords warfare 2. And therefore whatsoever any of the Christians have said against Philosophy and Reason when Philosophy and Reason did disagree and doth from the Faith Which in the Scripture we Learn All That we Reformed do Allow with all our Hearts 3. And never used thus any Argument taken from Natural Reason In Matters of Religion against Any Adversary 4. For Reason must submit it self to Faith we know Faith must not be Restrained or stitched according to Reason 2. But when Reason is not Controlled of Faith Then we think That no Adversary in Points of Belief will Deny but that an Argument Builded upon Reason Maketh a necessary Proofe The Controversies Concerning Religion In Disputations Either Publick Or Private Most be Devided only by the Holy Scriptures According to the Doctrine of the Reformed ANTITHESIS 1. THe Popish Doctors do Reject this Doctrine For They will not enter in Combate with the Reformed onely with the Scriptures They Account themselves Disarmed If they must fight with Them only with this weapon 2. For this is their Language to the Reformed Doctors You Boast much of your valour But whether think you is he valorous or Fearful who dare not otherwise buckle with his Adversary But upon Condition he may forbid Him what Weapons he List And choose for Himself what he List Now say They to Them Here is your valour You forbid us the Weapons Of the Church Of the Counsels And of the Fathers And you onely leave us the Weapons of the Scriptures Answer of the Reformed Doctors To this Language of the Popish 1. HE that will overcome in the Case of Religion must only use those Weapons which are Allowed in this kind of Fight For it is not lawful here As it is in War to take any weapon by which you can wound your Enemy But weapons must be fetched out of the Armory of the Scriptures And of the Spirit of God Or Else There will be no foiling of an Adversary 2. And This is That which the Scriptures do warrant 3. And the Emperour Constantine commanded the Fathers of the Nicene Council to use against the Arrians And to end Controversies The Books of the Evangelists And of the Apostles And of the Oracles of the old Prophets Theodoret. Lib. 1. Cap. 6. 4. And the like teacheth Hilarie De Trinit Lib. 7. And Augustine Epist 3. And Contra Liter Petil. Donat. Lib. 3. Cap. 6. And in Divers others Places The Supreame Authority of Establishing Conserving and Reforming Religion doth belong to the Prince and Soveraign Magistrate 1. VVHich we say and maintain against the Doctors of the Church of Rome who leaves to the Prince only to defend that Religion which hath been established and approved by the Clergy 2. But more belongeth to the Prince and all that which is propunded in the Head 3. Which we prove 1. By the Right of Pagan Princes For among all the Pagans and Gentiles although the solemn administration did belong to their Priests yet the Supream Authority of setling reforming and defending Religion did ever belong to the Magistrate 4. And that 2. we should not think that the Pagan Princes did erre in that we are to know That the Supream Magistrate among the Israelites and among the Christians did assume to themselves the same Right God himself would have the Ceremonies concerning Religion to be setled and established by Moses the Civil Magistrate And not by Aaron the High Priest And after the Death of Moses the Care concerning Religion was devoled to Joshua the Governour and Magistrate And not to the Priest During the Government of the said Joshua The Ark was removed The Idolls were pulled down And by him was renewed the Religious Covevant between God and the People It is manifest also that David and Solomon and Josiah And Hezekiah did exercise their Royal Power in establishing and Reforming Religion And in overthrowing and rooting out Superstition and Idolatry If any one doubts of the exercise of the Power of Christian Emperours about the matter of Religion let him read the Code And the Novell Constitutions And there he shall find Laws made by them Concerning the Catholick Faith Concerning Sacraments Concerning the Churches Concerning Synods Concerning the Pastors of the Church Concerning Hereticks And in a word concerning the whole matter of Religion 5. And it is an Errour to teach that the Care of things doth not belong to the Office of the Supream Magistrate For as sayes very well S. Augustine Princes do serve God in this August contra Crescon lib. 3. cap. 51. as they are Princes If they Injoin good things in their States and Dominions And forbid that which is Evil Not only in regard of that which belongeth to Divine Religion 6. To the two former Arguments let us join a third one to prove that the Supream Authority concerning Religion doth belong to the Prince and Soveraign Magistrate This Argument is taken from the necessity or at least from the convenience of the Thing It is a thing very necessary that there be one to whom the Supream authority doth belong to Injoin that which belongeth to Religion To forbid