him of his Royalty and give his glory to another 3. Their Doctrines tend to the dethroning of Christ the disparaging his performances and lessening the Glory and Praise belonging to him witness their dividing the Soveraignty and Headship betwixt him and the Pope Satisfaction betwixt his Sufferings and their own Merits and Intercession betwixt him and Saints 4. Their Doctrines are against the power of Godliness and rob God of his prime Sacrifice the Heart witness their Tenets that the Opus operatum is enough their prayers in an unknown tongue and their assigning to God chiefly external superficial Service consisting in a rabble of empty childish Rites and gaudy Ceremonies thereby taking from him the nobler part of his Creature without which the Services or Emasserations of the body how splendid or severe soever are no more pleasing to him than the noisom evaporations of a Putrid Carcass to us 5. Their Doctrines tend not only thus to formality and lukewarmness but to open profaneness and dissolute living witness their notion of Venial sins their Pardons Absolutions Indulgences Dispensations c. It being observable that the most ignorant and careless or the most wicked and debauch'd make up the greatest part of their Proselytes nor is it strange since false Principles and bad Lives like Ice and Water mutually begat each other 6. Their Doctrines are absurd 1. Witness their fancy of the Popes Infallibility you can scarce cast your eye on any story where the Villany of Popes is not at large discovered and who can believe that the pure Spirit of God should endow with Infallibility of judgment Monsters so visibly fulsome and abominable We find that the Holy Ghost did under the Law hate and forbid all Impurities though in meer outward Circumstances how then should he under the brighter light of the Gospel suffer himself to be poured out of one unclean vessel into another beginning again with a Conjurer where he left with a Sodomite 2. Witness likewise the Prayer for the dead a practise if I may use so light a comparison altogether as vain and impertinent as that of Bowlers strenuously crying out rub or fly after they have delivered their Cast 3. Witness too their Darling whimsie of the corporal Presence attended with a numerous train of contradictions and incongruities they say it is a Sacrament or sign and can it be at once both the sign and thing signified If it be Christs body really how is it sacramentally If sacramentally how really and corporally They say there is no real and corporal Presence till the Priest repeat the words and if so then the creature and oftentimes a sad one makes his Creator and in receiving the Creator is comprehended by the Creature absurdities nothing short of Blasphemy when our Saviour instituted the Supper and said Take eat c. was the Bread and Wine both the giver and the gift the body blessing and the body blest did the same body hold the same body in its own Fingers Was it eaten in pieces by every one of the Disciples and yet then all whole without them all Mysteries of Religion may be above but never so directly against reason and seriously I admire any man of sense can be a Papist when the chief demonstration of his Religion must be his not understanding it 4. Their Doctrines are dangerous to the Temporal estate and just rights of Princes witness their Usurpations over not to say Assassinations of Kings disposing of Crowns absolving subjects from their Allegiance c. For in short the whole Romish Hierarchy is so far from being suited within the order of the Gospel that the main design of their Popes Cardinals Jesuits and Fryers of many sorts esteemed of the Religious Tribe is but to advance themselves above all that is called God and to gratify their base lusts instead of pleasing of him Directions how you may keep your self from being a Papist 1. STudy to have right notions and due apprehensions of the matter import and chief design of the Gospel be not a stranger to the knowledg of God in Jesus Christ and the blessed Spirit Acquaint your self with the mystery of the Gospel as it lyes in the Person Natures Offices Life and Death of the Lord Redeemer Let the Scriptures be your constant Counsellor without knowledg the heart cannot be good and a bad heart is prepared to suck in bad Principles 'T is not for nothing the Papists make Ignorance the Mother of their Devotion they that have truly learnt Christ and the Gospel will hardly be taught by Romes School-Masters 2. Study a sound and thorow Conversion I never yet knew any man blest with a broken and contrite heart that is a heart broken for sin and a heart broken off from sin that ever was taken with their Relligion 3. Get a faithful and a tender conscience I say faithful for then it will not be satisfied with dross instead of Gold with paint instead of true and sound Piety A faithful conscience will inform you that God is a Spirit and the more spiritual we are in our Devotions the more we please him that 't is not a pompous but a pure worship that he is delighted in And as to expiation of our guilt nothing but the blood of Christ can take away sin that 't is not their blind penances pilgrimages crossings cringings will answer the great end of our Redemption but a heart devoted to his fear and love and a mind fully set upon him 4. Be well acquainted with the plague of your own heart the nature of Original sin how it hath defiled and weakned all the powers of the soul This will let you see the necessity there is for the blessed Spirit to heal and help those spiritual distempers that without him ye can do nothing that 't is he that works in you both to will and to do 5. Look upon Superstition as a fruit of the flesh and that nothing is more grateful to flesh and blood than Idolatry and formality they that know what proneness there is in the nature of man to a carnal sensual vain Religion will not think it strange that the Papists have foisted in so many fulsome things into their Worship to comply with the carnal humours of men 6. Be much in the duty of Mortification and that will acquaint you with the way means and manner of it 't is through the Spirit Believers come to mortify the deeds of the Flesh at best the Popish Penances can but pen up sin but the next temptation will break the hedg Whereas the blessed Spirit lays his strong hand upon the irritating power of indwelling sin and thereby subjects the heart unto himself he heals the pollution of our nature renews us in the spirit of our minds cleanses our affections and thereby causes us who formerly delighted in flesh pleasing vanities to delight our selves in him his word will way c. 7. Know the mischief of Idolatry The setting your self against heart-Idols will keep you from Idol-worship you know who tells us expresly I will not give my praise to graven Images Remember how smartly the Jews suffered for this sin and yet had not such a spiritual dispensation as we that are under the Gospel if it be so dangerous to shape Idea's of God in our Fancies and Imaginations though never so much raised in our invention how dangerous must it be to be in a place where such Images are found in Wood and Cloth Lastly Allow your self in no known sin 'T is the conscience being made deceitful through such deceitful works that makes people forward to cover themselves with those figments of Popery whereas the man that makes it his due care and conscience to keep himself unspotted from allowed evil is the likeliest man to save himself from such an untoward generation of men as would put such a yoke on us as we nor our Fathers were not able to bear Your careful Father L. D. FINIS The two following Books are neâ—â—â— Printed for and Sold by Doâ—â—â—â—â— Newman at the Kings Aâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 the Poultrey LIfe in Gods favour A 〈◊〉 discourse in Death-Thâ—â—◠〈◊〉 times being the substance 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sermons upon Psalm 30.5 In 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is Life By O. Heywood Minisâ—â—◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gospel Twenty Sermons Preached 〈◊〉 â—â—veral Texts by that late Reveâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 â—â—ous and painful Preacher Mr. 〈◊〉 Nalton Minister of St. Leonard 〈◊〉 lane in the City of London Published for publick good
A Protestants Resolution Shewing his REASONS Why He Will not be a PAPIST Digested into so plain a Method of Question and Answer that an ordinary Capacity may be able to defend the Protestant Religion against the most Cunning Jesuit or Popish Priest Useful for these Times Be ready to render a reason of the hope that is in you c. 1 Pet. 3.15 LONDON Printed for D. Newman at the Kings Arms in the Poultrey 1679. A Protestants Resolutioâ— Question HOw many Religions are there the World Ans Principally four Quest Which are they Ans Pagan Jewish Mahometan Christian Quest Of which of these Religions are you Ans Of the Christian Religion Quest How many parties lay claim to the Christian Religion Ans Two principally 〈…〉 Which be they and how are they 〈…〉 〈…〉 The Papist and the Protestant 〈…〉 Of which of these parties are 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Of the Protestant â—â—est What understand you by a Proâ—â—â—â—â—â—t Ans One who takes part with those â—ho formerly protested against the Errors and Corruptions of the Church of Rome Quest What are those Errors Ans They are very many I am ready to give an account of some of their principal ones Quest What is the First Error Ans In that they forbid the Bible to be read in the vulgar Tongue Quest What is your opinion in this thing concerning the Scriptures Ans The Scriptures were written for the use of the common people and therefore should be translated into known Tognues Quest To what end Ans That they may be heard read and understood of all Quest How prove you that Ans Because the Lord frequently commands the reading of the Scriptures by the people and solemnly charges the reading of them to the people Quest Where is the Command Ans Deut. 31.11 Thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing Joh. 5.39 Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal life Act. 15.21 Moses hath in every city them that preach him being read in the Synagogue every Sabbath-day Eph. 3.4 Whereby when ye read ye may understand my knowledg in the mystery of Christ Col. 4.16 When this Epistle is read among you cause it that it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans and that ye also read the Epistle from Laodicea 1 Thes 5.27 I charge you by the Lord that this Epistle be read unto all the holy brethren Rev. 1.3 Blessed is he that readeth and they that hear the words of this prophecy Quest What is a Second Error of the Papists Ans Their receiving unwritten Traditions with equal respect and reverence as we receive the Holy Scriptures Quest Wherein lieth the evil of this opinion Ans In this namely in making Traditions of men equal in dignity and authority with the express Revelation of God Quest What is your opinion in this matter Ans That the Scriptures in themselves are a full sufficient and perfect rule Quest How prove you that Ans Because it containeth all things that are necessary for men to believe and do in order to eternal life Isa 8.20 To the law and to the testimony if they speak not according to this world it is because there is no light in them Joh. 20.31 These are written that ye may believe that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God and that believing ye might have life through his Name Gal. 1.8 Though we or an Angel from heaven preach any other Gospel than that which we have preached unto you let him be accursed Eph. 2.20 Built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone 2 Tim. 3.16 17 From a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus That the man of God may be perfect thorowly furnished marg perfected unto all good works Quest What is a Third Error of the Papists Ans That we are to believe the Scriptures upon the sole Authority of the Church Quest Wherein lieth the evil of this opinion Ans It lieth in this namely that men being liable to mistakes may lead me into to errors so that I can never be sure that what I take as my rule is indeed that right one of Gods prescribing therefore the testimony of the Church cannot be the only or chief reason of our believing the Scripture to be the Word of God Eph. 2.20 Built upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner-stone 1 Thes 2.13 For this cause thank we God without ceasing because when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us ye received it not as the word of men but as it is in truth the word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe Quest What then is the chief reason of our belief of the Scriptures Ans The testimony of the Spirit of God in the word it self witnessing it to be of God Psal 119.105 Thy word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path Prov. 6.23 Commandment is a lamp and the law is light Heb. 4.12 The word of God is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit and of the Joynts and marrow and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart 2 Pet. 1.19 We have also a more sure word of prophecy whereunto you do well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the day-star arise in your hearts Quest What is a fourth Error of the Papists Ans In asserting the infallibility of their Pope and Church and that every man must submit his faith and conscience to them Quest Do the Papists any where assert this Ans Yes and Bellarmine in particular layeth down this position That if the Pope command the practice of vice and forbid virtuous actions the Church is bound to believe vices to be good and virtues to be bad Bell. de Pontif. Rom. li. 4. cap. 5. Quest What is the Protestant belief in this matter Ans That there is no human supreme infallible Judg in the Church of God to whom all Christians are obliged to submit their faith and conscience in all matters of Religion Quest How prove you that Ans From three Reasons 1. Because it is a greater authority than the Apostles did ever claim 2 Cor. 1.24 Not for that we have dominion over your faith but are helpers of your joy for by faith ye stand 2. Because it is contrary to Christs command concerning tryal of Doctrine 1 Pet. 3.15 Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you 1 Joh. 4.1 Believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God 3. Because as to matter of fact guides and teachers have caused the people to sin in following them Exod. 32.5 31 When
when life is concerned rather than a Protestant shall be safe in any of his concerns where they can reach them It is a virtue a duty in their Religion to snap asunder all security by which the world hath hitherto been preserved to ruin a Heretick They who would see more of this at large may read the Jesuits Morals the Practical Divinity of the Papists and Mystery of Jesuitism besides the late instances which they have given at their Deaths who have been executed for Treason and Murders denying the things for which they suffered though proved upon them as clear as the Sun at noon-day occasioned by the awe their Priests have upon them being so far led away with them that the obedience of the dying Proselyte is prevalent even above his Considerations for a future estate This will be more apparent if we consider that hundreds of Irish Papists are executed in the Kingdom of Ireland every year for Murthers Thefts c. and though taken in the very fact yet when they come to dye usually take it upon their Deaths and as they must appear before the great Judg that knows all things that they are as innocent from the fact for which they dye as the Child unborn For they having discharg'd their Consciences by confessing it to the Priests and received his absolution it would bring an odium on their Religion and would be a strengthening the hands of the Protestants if the Priests should suffer it Whereas on the other side could they perswade the simple people to believe they dyed innocent they hope it may lay a stain upon that Religion which they call so often by the name of Heresie And though those Priests have always that regard to their Church as to impose upon the Prisoner to let the world know he dyeth a Roman Catholick yet he hath also much care of the Man that he must not desire the Prayers of any but Papists These things being so usual among them any considerate man will easily judg without breach of charity upon what ground such men are seduced to commit a sin and then out-face the truth of the matter of fact even in the face of Death BEcause the Papists shall not say the charge I give their Religion under the Eighth Error is groundless I shall instance in particular And 1. I say 't is a Superstitious Religion It were innumerable to account the many vain fopperies in their Devotions which they place Religion in as the Tooth of St. Christopher The Hair of St. Peters Beard The shift that came off the back of the Virgin Mary and the Dust and Vermine which they keep of some Saints Valla a great person of Learning and Eminency among them saith There are ten thousand such things in Rome if the Host fall to the ground it must be licked up the ground is to be scraped and the scrapings reduced to ashes is to have place among their Reliques Add to this their Holy-water their salt their spittle their Holy Oyl their Beads Whippings Fish-days Pilgrimages Nunneries Crossing themselves Baptizing of Bells Fonts c. So that the great Erasmus in his Annotations approved by Pope Leo the Tenth saith Their whole Religion is almost brought to their superstitious treatment of Reliques through the covetousness of Priests and the Hypocrisie of Monks fed by the foolishness of the people 2. 'T is an Idolatrous Religion In invocating Saints adoring the Host and worshipping Images Their worshipping of Reliques giving Religious Worship to such things as they do but fancy to be Reliques and not only when they are whole and sound but when they are corrupted and reduced to dust or nothing else left of them but the Vermin bred in them Henricus one of the School Doctors concludes That the Reliques in the form of dust and ashes may and ought to be adored but not under the form of Vermin and gives some reason for it But their great Vasquez rejects this scruple and the ground of it as vain and frivolous and concludes they may be worshipped as well when they are Vermin as when they are ashes Besides their Angel-worship Image-worship and Saint-worship 3. 'T is a Damnable Religion In that it overthrows the very foundation of Christianity their Doctrine of Transubstantiation overthrows the Truth of Christs humane Nature their proper Sacrifice his only Sacrifice for sin offered once for all their Doctrine of Merits for his Merits the multitude of Mediators among them deny that only Mediator betwixt God and Man the man Jesus Christ Their Sacrificing-Priests overthrow Christs Priestly office Their villifying the Scriptures and setting up their unwritten Traditions to be received with equal reverence with them overthrows Christs Prophetical office The great Article of forgiveness of sins and free justification through the Grace of God in Jesus Christ is overthrown by their Doctrine of Merit Pardons Indulgences c. 4. 'T is a Bloody Religion wherein Papal Rome exceeds Heathen Rome Witness the horrid Murthers and Massacres of the poor Waldenses who have been persecuted with Fire and Sword Armies and Inquisitions and very many Thousands nay infinite numbers of them have been inhumanely murdered That Barbarous and prodigious Villany and great Massacre of Protestants in France Anno 1572 where about 30 or 40000 innocent Protestants in Paris and other parts of France were suddenly and inhumanely murdered by Papists Witness Spains Invincible Armada in Anno 1588 when Romes force threatned to swallow us up Witness the Gun-powder Treason a black and unparallel'd villany worthy Rome and a Jesuit the blowing up of a whole Parliament King Lords and Commons the murdering a Kingdom in its Representatives and this in a moment After that their bloody Rebellion in Ireland where they murdered a Hundred thousand Protestants in cold blood without any provocation given but to kill Hereticks Add to this their bloody Traiterous design of late against His Majesty Person the Government and the Protestant Religion a Conspiracy had it taken might have turned England into an Aceldama a Field of Blood or Shambles of Popish Butchers These things considered I hope no man will be so mad to kiss the Popes Toe until his Nails be pared so as he will not scratch and make the blood run about the mouths of Christendom 5. 'T is a Traiterous Religion For they teach that the Pope may depose the Emperor or a King not subject to the Emperor that the Pope may lawfully absolve subjects from their Oath of Allegiance That subjects if they have the Popes consent which they are sure to have if it makes for his interest may depose their Kings That if the King be a manifest Heretick as all Protestants are with them then the Church may depose him Nor have they been wanting to put this their principle into practise so often as they could find occasion as their attempts on Queen Elizabeth by poyson Pistol Dagger on King James by Powder-Treason on King Charles the First and on our King to