The Seven Vials, Explication 2 · Part 2

The Seven Vials · Explication 2 · Part 2

p. 19The second Viall powred out out. And the second Angell poured out his Viall vponupon …he Sea, and it became as the blood of a dead man, and …uery living soule died in the Sea.

As in the former Viall we hauehave seene Romes spirituall …ores; so here we are to search for spirituall seas. It is v…all in Scripture, (to which for interpretation this Pro…hecy all along sends vsus) to shadow out the doctrins of … word of God by waters. As Eze ▪ 47.3, 4, 5. The waters … the Sanctuary by degrees became a huge Oceā. Esay applies p. 20and expounds it, Chapter 11.9. speaking of the light of the Gospell in Christs time, he sayth, The earth shall be… full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters couer the Sea. So Abac: 2.14. And Esay 55.1. In Exod. 15. Yee hauehave 12. fountaines, typing the doctrine of the 12. Patriarchs, and 12. Apostles. Now as seas are in the good part taken for the doctrines of Christ in the forecited places; so here, in the evill part, for the corrupt doctrines of Antichrist. At the blast of the second Trumpet, the third part of the sea is turned into blood: here the whole Sea. Which notes the difference betweene the state of Romes doctrines before the Councell of Trent, while as yet they were in their growing, and as now they became, in, and after the Councell of Trent. Before the Councell of Trent there was some fresh water to be found in the doctrines of that Church, some truth, some meanes of …alvation left, for those that could search and find it out, and follow it, seperating the fresh and cleare water of truth from the blood of her abominable idolatries, and other impious doctrines, while as yet the rule of faith, to wit, the Scriptures, remained intire: but in and after the Councell of Trent, wherein the Rule of faith is altered, humane Traditions and inventions comming in for an equall share with the Scriptures, and shouldering them for the wall, and driving them into the very Kennell, now the Sea is turned altogether into blood. In this Councell the whole doctrine of the Gospell is turned vpside downe. The iustifying and saving faith is vtterly excluded, abandoned, and accursed. Iustification by workes takes place. The Masse, a new, propitiatory, vnbloody sacrifice for all sinnes, for quicke and dead, foysted in for Christs onelyonly sacrifice once made, yea humane satisfactions in stead thereof. All Idolatries are ratified. The Sacramentall Cup, the liuely resemblance of Christs blood shed for our sinnes, (without which is no redemption, no lif… in vsus) is for ever most sacrilegiously cut off from Christs p. 21sacred institution. No man must read the Scriptures, but the sworne vassalls, and that according to the sense of the Church of Rome, whose Oracle is the Popes brest, and that variable, as may best sute to the present occasion, and commodity of that Church. The vulgar Latine Translation, though in comparison but a blundered streame, is preferred before the pure originall fountains the Hebrew and Greeke; though it containe many absurdities and falsities, which may not be corrected. The Index Expurgatorius, established in that Councell, is to quench all truth. Therein mans free will is established, and Gods free grace abolished: Predestination and Election vndermined, and overthrowne. And the …ike. Thus is that Sea altogether blood, yea as the blood of a dead man, corrupt, filthy gore, whereof every living soule in that Sea dieth. So that vponupon the powring out of the second Viall vponupon the Sea of Romes doctrines, …oncluded vponupon in the Councell of Trent, they are be…ome altogether mortall and deadly, bainefull to the …oule, yea whereof every living soule in that Church di…th. This began euidently to appeare by the Learned Chemnitius his Examen, and other learned Ministers of …he Gospell since that time; by whose preaching and writings, and opening of the word of God, that Church … convinced to be now altogether Apostaticall, as King …ames calls her. For in that Councell she hath altoge…her denied the faith, and that with Anathema, so as she … become worse then an Infidell, vtterly excluded from …ll communion with Christ; for without the true and …ving faith in Christ, no vnion with him, and so no …ommunion. No salvation then henceforth, (I still …eane (and note it well) from the Councel of Trent, and …ownward hitherto) no salvation in the Church of …ome; every living soule therein dieth. The Sea of hir …ctrines is become like the Asphaltite, or Mare m…rtu…, or dead Sea, wherein every living creature dieth. …his is then another of the spirituall Aegypts plagues. p. 22So that this second Viall was not powred ou…, …ill the Councell of Trent, not before. The Councell of Trent putting a maine bounder and odde, betweene the state of the Church of Rome before and after it.

Before the Councell of Trent, there was some fresh-water for our fore-fathers, to refresh their leane and languishing soules, and to waft them to heaven, while as yet the rule of faith remained intire, and the faith of Christ was not vtterly destroyed and cashered: but after that Councell, all is turned into blood, yea as the blood of a dead man, not a drop of fresh-water to be looked for, but a dead lake of most abominable corruption, and stinking putrifaction.

Let them therefore no more obiect to vsus our forefathers, what became of them before the Reformation. Surely if any thing but good befell them, they might thanke the Church of Rome for it; if they perished, it was through the blood they sucked from that Strumpetts breasts. Nor are we answerable or accountable for the salvation of our fore-fathers. If they were led by dumb idolls, If they perished in the Religion of Popery, therefore must we? Doth not the iealous God visit the iniquities of the idolatrous fathers vponupon the children, to the third and fourth generation of them that hate him? But blessed be God, who hath long agoe pulled vsus out of that bloody Sea, wherein they were plunged. Yea blessed be God, who before the Councell of Trent, before that Sea was altogether turned into bainfull blood, God provided a remedy for them and vsus; one Vial was powred out by the preaching of the Gospell, to giuegive men warning to fly from Romes plague… sores. And fifteene yeares before the conclusion of that wicked Councell was the pure fountaine of the Gospell restored in England in King Edward the sixt his dayes▪ and foure or fiue yeares before the end of it, the Gospell was reestablished in the blessed reigne of the … p. 23renowned Queene Elizabeth. Never … vsus then with our fore-fathers; we hope, that before the Councell of Trent God provided for them some freshwater, as he did for the Israelites in Aegypt, while the cursed Aegyptians had nothing but bloody waters to drinke.

But in the meane time, O all yee Papists, weepe not, take not care so much for our forefathers, as for your owne soules. You are as poore fishes inclosed in the dead Sea, in the Sea of Romes doctrines, where you drinke in nothing, but as the blood of a dead man, whereof every living soule that drinketh th…eof, dyeth. Your case now is desperate, infinitely worse then that of our fore-fathers before the Councell of Trent. Oh that you had so much life left, yea some dropp of humane sense and reason, as to perceiue your ruefull condition. That you perceiue it not, is it not a cleare proofe of this Prophecy, that every living soule in that Sea dieth? Are not those dead fishes, that discerne not betweene stinking blood and fresh water, yea betweene the brackish Sea, and the sweet Rivers? But I wonder most, how you, living in this Church of England, where the fresh Rivers of life doe flow, that ever you would preferre the bloody Sea of Rome before them. But I reade of the Mare mortuum, or dead Sea of Sodom, that if a Lanterne,Isidor. li. 13. c…. 3. de Lacis & Stagnis. Barthol. de Proprirets. lib. 13. cap. 13. without a light in it, be cast vponupon it, it by and by sinketh downe, and is seene no more: but a Lanterne with a light in it, fleeteth aboue, and sinketh not. How true this is▪ I dispute not: But I am sure it is the liuely Embleme of a Papist, who hath put out the light of his reason and vnderstanding, or of the foolish Virgin, who hath a Lampe without Oyle, much more without light: You reiecting the Gospell, there is no light in you, and so it is no marvaile, if cast vponupon the Asphaltite of Romes corrupt and bloody doctrines, (which Citty is called spiritually Sodome, Chapter 11.8.) you sinke ever head and eares, and drinke your bane. p. 24Whereas if you did but nourish the light of reason and of Gods word in your soules, you should never sinke into the dead lake, being sustained by the heavenly light. This is that light, which preserveth Gods elect fishes from the mortall and mortiferous Sea of Rome; whereon though perforce they be cast, yet are they not swallowed vp of it?

But you will object, or some for you, Is there no salvation, no spirituall life to be found in the Sea of Romes doctrines? No salvation within the verge and bosome of that Church?

For answere, ye may beeliue the Scripture here. It plainly saith, that that Sea is become as the blood of a dead man; so that every living soule therein dieth. And what is more plaine, then that the Church of Rome according to the conclusions and Canons of Trent, is this bloody corrupt sea… They hauehave expressely denied the faith, they hauehave excluded the word of God as the onelyonly rule of faith, (as we hauehave shewed:) and what salvation then is left in that Church? God forbid, you will say… God forbid? But that will not serue the turne. You must come out of Babylon (as the Scripture exhorts you) that ye be not partakers of hir sinnes and punishments. The Iesuites indeed are clamarous in your eares, No salvation out of the Church. And herewith they dazle your eyes, while you want iudgment to put a difference betweene the Church of Christ, and the now Church of Rome. Out of the Church of Christ there is no salvation. That is most true. But the Church of Rome is now no true Church of Christ. Why so? She denieth the faith of Christ: she denieth salvation and iustification by the faith of Christ.

Now that Church, which denieth the only meanes of salvation by Christ, is no true Church of Christ, but such, as wherein salvation is not to be expected.

But the Church of Rome denieth the only meanes of salvation by Christ, yea accurse…h it, to wit, the iustifying & and saving faith of Christ.

p. 25Therefore the Church of Rome is no true Church of Christ, but such as wherein no salvation is to bee expected.

But you obiect againe; As for vsus, we doe not know, or are acquainted with the particular doctrines of the Councell of Trent, we are not learned to define, or disstinguish betweene Faith & Faith, it suffiseth vsus to beleeue, as the Church beleiveth: and if we erre through ignorance, we hope that will not altogether preiudice or hinder our salvation. And some of the Church of England, and those no small ones, hauehave said, that they doe not deny salvation at least, to some ignorant silly soules, whose humble, peaceable obedience makes them safe among any part of men, that professe the foundation, Christ.

Answ. You belieue you wot not what, & yet you hope, that will not hinder your salvation. But you belieue as the Church belieueth. You meane, as the Church of Rome believeth. Well. And the Church of Rome tells you in her Councell of Trent, that she belieueth no otherwise, she admitteth of no other faith, then that which the Deuils and damned in Hell hauehave. If any dare deny this, he will but bewray his shamelesse ignorance in this point. But being ignorant, silly soules, whose humble peaceable condition makes them safe among any part of men, that professe the foundation Christ, are they not in the state of salvation? This indeed may seeme a good indulgent Doctrine to nuzzle silly Papists in their ignorance, and blind religion, while they cary themselues like humble and peaceable men. But they professe the foundation Christ. What is it generally to professe Christ and particularly to hauehave no interest in him? What is it to professe the foundation, and not to be built vponupon it? And who can be built vponupon Christ, but he that hath a liuely faith in Christ? To belieue as the Church of Rome belieueth, is only to hauehave a generall historicall faith, that Christ is the Redeemer of mankind, the Saviour of p. 26the world. Thus farre the very Devils belieue. But that Church forbiddeth any man to believe in particular, that Christ is his Redeemer, his Saviour; that hee is iustified from his sinnes by Christ alone, and that his sins are forgiven onelyonly for his name sake. This no Devill can belieue, no Papists may belieue vponupon paine of Anathema, and damnation. Therefore though they professe the foundation Christ, in the generall, yet wanting a speciall faith in Christ to apply his merits for the remission of their owne sinnes in particular, how are they safe in any part of men professing the foundation, Christ? May a man then bee saved, nay is he safe, to witt actually saved, living in any part of men professing the foundation, Christ? No matter then, what religion a man be off, so in generall it professe the foundation, Christ, and a man be humble and peaceable, though a silly ignorant. Thus all Hereticks are in the state of salvation, if humble and peaceable men; for they hold commonly and generally the foundation, Christ. But know, O all ye silly ignorant Papists, that living here, where the Gospell, the only meanes of saving knowledge, and of saving faith is preached, all your silly ignorance, all your pretended humble peaceablenesse sh…ll never saue your soules, but shall aggravate your condemnation so much the more, by how much you contemne the living fountaines of salvation, and chuse to your selues to drinke in the bainfull Doctrines of that bloody Sea of Rome. Indeed those silly ignorants that liue in Spayne, Italy, and so forth, where the Inquision restraines them from the meanes of better knowledge, may hauehave some plea for their ignorance; and God may shew mercy vponupon their silly soules; but for you that are English Papists, and pretend ignorance, the more you goe about to excuse your ignorance, the more you accuse and condemne your pride and arrogance, that can so scorne and villifie the pretious word of God, which while you doe, it makes your damnation p. 27out of measure damnable. And while you contemne the Gospell, how can you be either humble, or peaceable … for it is the Gospell of grace and peace, which who so reiecteth, is a proud and factious heretick.

But another of you objecteth: What doe you tell vsus of the Councell of Trent? What though it be like such a Sea, as ye tell of, all like the blood of a dead man, in which every living soule dyeth? But wee here in England do not come to drinke in that blood; we hauehave our Ghostly Fathers, who broach and bring to vsus, no such drinke, as you talke of, but such as carrieth good reason with it to be wholesome for the soule.

Answ. It is indeed an observation of Dr. Sheldon, once a …eminary Priest, but now a worthy Convert,Dr. Sheldon in his Miracles of Antichrist. ch 8. toward the end. and lear…ed Minister of the Church of England, that the subtle Priests and Iesuits in England, having to deale with peo…le, not so ignorant, as in forraine parts, where the Gos…ell is wanting, but such as hauehave heard at least in some measure of the grosnesse of Popery, as of their Image …orship, the robbing of the cup from the people in the …ucharist, and the like: doe therefore tenderly and wa…ly attemper their Doctrines to their Disciples among …; vntill such time, as they be growne to have more …rong stomack…, to be able …o take downe and digest … grossest meate, without any curious dressing. As a …entlewoman, obiecting to a Iesuite their taking away … the Cup in the Sacrament, as a grievous Sacriledge, … told her plainely, that their Church was belyed, …hey did it not, for proofe at the Sacrament, he ministers … her the Cup. She tells her Minister of it; who per…eiving the Iesuits iugling, told her, it was certainely … Cup vnconsecrated, that hee gaue her. Whereupon …ee pressing the Priest about it, he was forced to con…sse the truth, that indeed it was so. Thus can these …hostly fathers play fast and loose with their credulous …sciples, that must take all their sayings vponupon trust. …hus Romes Fishers show the silly fish at first, nothing p. 28but the baite, till they hauehave gotten her fast vponupon the hooke. But what kind of holy water all Papists may expect from their Ghostly Fathers▪ the pouring out of th… Third and 4. Viall will plainely declare.

But before we proceed to the third Viall, for the fuller confirmation of what hath beene said of the state of the Church of Rome, whose Sea of doctrines is all turned into mortall blood, in this second Viall: it will be very requisite here to discusse one question. Whether the Church of Rome be either a true Church, or a true visible Church. A Question of so much the greater moment, by how much some by their no small authority▪ and no lesse renowned opinion in the Church, doe so sway the ballance on that side, that many ill affected, and of the adverse party, taking the advantage, are … to catch the word out of their mouth▪ and to say▪ … they, Thy Brother Ben…ad…d, Thy Mother Church of Rom… ▪ Which advantage how perilous it is in these luke warme▪ indifferent, neutralizing dayes, is not hard to determine. And Popery hath learned to get over the stile againe … enough, without our helpe. And though it were true▪ that the Church of Rome were a true Church, yet the countenancing or pressing of it in these times might very well to be spared. Bu… why then (say they) do othe… cry down the Church of Rome for no true Church at all▪ Surely this were a fault, if it were an vntruth. For, giu… the Divell his due as wee say. It is good therefore th… all men be well advised in this point, …n speaking … the Church of Rome Pro or Contra, as a true Church, o… no; it being a matter not to be maintained by … wit, or quaint rhetoricall discourse, but vponupon sound ground, and substantiall demonstration.

Now for the more cleare and full, yet briefe discussio… of the point, it shall suffice onelyonly to answer such Argu…ments as are vsed for it; whereupon the positiue trut… will easily be concluded: wherein I must crave pardo… having to deale in so waighty a cause, and with … p. 29mighty Authors, as hauehave already tanquam … Cathedra defined it. But God forbid, that the Triall of Truth should depend vponupon the opinion of any mans person, though never so great, or esteemed in the opinion of the learned. My brethren, (saith Saint Iames) hauehave not the faith of our Lord Iesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. And, as Saint Augustine against Maximinus an Arrian Bishop ▪ said, Nec tu mihi Ariminense, nec ego tibi Nicenum Concilium obijc…am▪ …um ego illi, tu que isti non detinearis: sed Scripturis testibus communibus agamus, res cum re, causa cum causa, ratio cum ratione concertet. Neither doe thou obiect to me the Councell of Ariminum, nor will I obiect the Nicene vntounto thee, seeing neither I am bound to the one, nor thou to the other: but let the Scriptures be common witnesses or vmpires to vsus both; let thing with thing▪ cause with cause, reason with reason plead. Nor let any man here impute presumption to the weaknesse or vnworthinesse of my person, as though I tooke a pride to bee meddling with such high matters, and wherein great ones are interessed. Alas, God knowes I take so little pride herein, that my heart is even torne in sunder, to …ee the ruefull rents of the Church of God, and the Truth so opposed, so oppressed. And when Gods glory suffers, pardon me, if I professe my selfe a poore Defendant. Yea my Profession, not onelyonly as a Christian, but much more as a Minister of the Gospell binds mee to it. And I know, that God regardeth no mans person. And as the Proverbe is, Cucullus non facit Monachum. And were it not a matter so nearely concerning the Glory of God, and the salvation of mens soules, I had farre rather sit me downe in safe and sweet silence, wherein I should hauehave the more opportunity to pray for the peace of Ierusalem, then any way stand vp to contend. But it is Gods quarrell, and that, against Babylon. Peace is beautifull indeede, but there is a, What peace? In which regard, Christ the Prince of Peace said, I came not to send peace into the earth, but a sword. As faire as p. 30Peace is; wee must not make an Idoll of it. Wee must keepe Christs Peace. And in these perillous dayes, it being almost as dangerous to bee ignorant of the Mystery of Iniquity, (sith it is the next way to be led into it) as of the Mystery of Godlinesse: (and hee that is ignorant in the former, may well suspect his knowledge in the latter:) let no man thinke it labour superfluous, or presumptuous, to search out the true Mystery of Popery. But (I say) in this place a kind of Necessity hath imposed this taske vponupon me.

Now the first maine Argument, which would conclude the Church of Rome to be a true Church, is, because (say they) A man in that Church may bee saved. For, Out of the Church no salvation: Therefore the Church of Rome must bee a true Church. But who are they that may be saved in the Church of Rome? My Author expresseth, An honest ignorant Papist; or, some ignorant silly soules, &c. Yea and this is delivered in the name of our Church, or at least, of all those, that being affected to the Church of Rome in some good measure, would seeme to be the Church of England. Take we the Authors words: We acknowledge, an honest ignorant Papist may be saved. And, we hauehave not so learned Christ, as to deny salvation to some ignorant silly soules, whose humble peaceable obedience makes them safe among any part of men, that professe the foundation Christ.

Answere. This makes well for Popish Ignorance when all failes. This also giues liberty to any religion, so it professe the foundation Christ, that therein a man may be saved. And surely if a silly, ignorant, idolatrous Papist may in this his religion bee saved, in what religion may not any silly, ignorant soule find salvation?

But here two Questions would be resolved. 1. Whether any Papist, by his religion may be saved.

For resolution, the Author rankes all Papists into two sorts, either Learned, or silly Ignorants: for the p. 31Learned he confesseth, it is very hard for them to bee saved: but if ignorant, more eas…e. So then if a Papist be saved, he may thanke his ignorance. And indeede the Doctrine of Popery, conferring nothing to a mans salvation, but altogether against it, it is safest to be ignorant of that religion. But Christ the Foundation is there professed. Well. But how will Popish ignorance teach a man to bee saved by Christ? Faith comes by hearing. And without faith, no salvation by Christ. But all Papists, though never so silly, yet are taught this lesson at their fingers ends, even to hate and abhorre the Preaching of the word of God, whereby they should belieue in Christ. They call it Heresie. How then is it possible for such to bee saved, bee they never so humble and peaceable men? Or as if a Papist, though never so simple, could be humble. There can be no greater pride, then that which hee takes in his ignorance: (as his Ghostly Fathers teach him,) preferring it before all the knowledge of Christ. And can he be peaceable, whose chiefe Article of his Creed is, to belieue and hold the Pope to bee supreme over all Kings and Princes, whom he must rather obey, then them? This is the Beasts marke, Revel. 14: 9.Rev 14:9which who so receiveth, (saith the Holy Ghost) shall drinke of the wine of the wrath of God. No Papist then, as a Papist, can be saved. And of Babylon, (saith God) Come out of her my people, least yee be partakers of her sinnes. Revel. 18.Rev 18Babylon is the Dominion and Religion of the Beast, of Antichrist. Nothing then therein to bee expected, but the punishment of Babells sinnes.

The second Question: May not a simple Papist,In the same booke. pag. 72. It is the saying of another Author, like to the former, in the same booke. misled by education, or long custome, or over-valuing the soverainty of the Roman Church, and so in the simplicity of his heart imbracing them, finde mercy at Gods hand, by a generall repentance, and faith in the merit of Christ, attended with charity and other vertues?

p. 32Answ. Here the state of the former question is quite altered. By faith and repentance, no doubt, not onelyonly an ignorant, silly idolatrous Papist, professing the foundation Christ; but even an Infidell, Turke, or Iew, opposing Christ, (though no such Idolaters, as Papists be) may find mercy at Gods hand, and so be saved. But withall, this ignorant silly Papist believing and repenting, must necessarily thereupon repent him of all his Idolatries, as well as of all his other sinnes. Yes, (saith the Author) by a generall repentance and faith. VVhat a strange doctrine is this for a learned Doctor (and more then so) of the Church of England to teach? Doth he not deserve to be the Popes white sonne for it? Surely Bellarmine himselfe with the whole rabble of Pontificians could say no more, but when they hauehave done all, shuffle salvation i… the pack of a generall repentance and faith; as **Bellar. de Iustificatione, li. 5. ca 7. Propter incertitudinē propria iustitiae, & periculum inaenis gloriae, tutissimū est fidutiam totā in sola Dei Misericordia, & benignitate rep… nere. By reason of the incertainty of our owne righteousnes, & the pe…ill of vain glory, it is most safe to put a mās whole confidence in the sole mercy & favour of God. Yet hee quallifies this sentence, saying Not as though wee were not to trust to our good works, as if they were not our tru righteousnesse, or were not able to sustaine & vndergo the iudgement of God, &c.Bellarmins, Tutissimum est &c. But doth this generall repentance include Idolatry, with all Popish Trumpery, as things to be repented of? If nor, such Repentance shall never bring him to salvation. But if it do include them, then by faith in Christs meritts he comes to bee saved, not as a Papist, but as a true believer, renouncing Popery. And then no Godamercy to his Popery, or to his silly ignorance.

My conclusion is (to be briefe) No Papist, as a Papist▪ whether learned or ignorant, can be saued. My reason is, because Popery denyeth the sauing Faith of Christ, as in the Councell of Trent. Againe, they want the meanes of Faith, as the Preaching of the Gospell. Therefore Ordinarily they are not within the compasse or verge of salvation· If they bee saved then, while they abide in the midst of Babilon, it must be extraordinarliy, by Gods speciall mercy, and worke of his spirit, which indeed is not tyed necessarily to the meanes, though ordinarily it be· This Spirit then working saving Faith in the soule (without which faith no salvation) this … such a Faith, as the Church of Rome disclaimeth, abandoneth, p. 33accurseth. Therefore such a one is saved, not as a Papist, but one so beleiving, as he is accursed, and by Anathama shut out of the Church of Rome, and that by the solemne and definitiue sentence of the Councell of Trent. If then, by the peremptory doctrine of Trent, or of the Church of Rome, no Papist, as a Papist, can be saved: If the Church of Rome cannot yeld salvation to any in it, but altogether denyeth, yea accurseth the very meanes: it followeth as a conclusion vndeniable, that, the Church of Rome is no true visible Church of Christ. For only in the Church of Christ is salvation to bee found.

But sayes some, this is a hard sentence. Yea and our first Authour for one, It is malicious and rash. Is it malicious and rash, or vncharitable to speake the truth? Why should any learned man be so wedded to his charitie, as to divorce himselfe from sound judgement, and right reason in any thing? Or, as though that could be right charity, which is not guided by true iudgement. Yea such charitie, as calleth evill good, hath but a wofull reward.

But others, would not hauehave it denyed, that the Church of Rome is a true visible Church, though not a true beleeuing Chruch. What if we should deny this, that the Church of Rome is a true visible Church? Must we at the first dash be censured as men transported with zeale, out of a d…testation of the Church of Rome, as if it were all error, no Church, as affecting nothing more, then an vtter opposition to their doctrine and Ceremony, because theirs? Because theirs? That's not it: but because wholly Antichristian, therefore wee detest the Whore. And for my part, I had rather some fire-sparkling zeale, yet, guided with right iudgement, should even transport me with a detestation of the Church of Rome, as a false Church… then that I wot not what charity without zeale, without sound judg…ment, should so farre possesse me, as to acknowledge the Church of Rome for a true Church, yea or yet for a true, or truely visible p. 34Church. And yet, vnderunder correction, I see no such difference betweene these two, but that if we yeeld the Church of Rome to be a true, or truely visible Church▪ we may as well call it a true Church. For how can wee call that a true Church, which is not truely visible? And if a Church be truely visible, what letts, that it should not be a true Church of God, at least in mans iudgement? For that which demonstrates it a true or truely visible Church, must also evince it to be a true Church. As also the same author calls the Church of Rome a true Church, as well as, a true visible Church.

But let it be tryed, whether zeale in denying, or charitie in affirming the Church of Rome to bee a true Church, or a true, or truely visible Church, hauehave more reason on their side. First, I proue the Church of Rome to bee no true, or truely visible Church. A true visible Church hath the true markes of a true visible Church▪ But the Church of Rome hath not the true markes of a true visible Church: Therefore the Church of Rome is no true visible Church. The maior is vndeniable, for a visible Church is not possibly knowne, but by the proper markes of visibilitie. The Minor I proue from Romes owne confession, and the doctrine of the Church of England compared together. For the doctrine of our Church (if the Homilies containe any part of it) in the second part of the Homily for Whit s…nday, after the definition of the true Church of Christ, these words are added: The true Church of Christ hath alwayes three notes or markes, whereby it is knowne Pure and sound Doctrine: the Sacraments ministred according to Christs holy Institution: and the right vse of Ecclesiasticall Discipline. And it is inferred thereupon. Now if you will compare this with the Church of Rome, not as it was in the beginning, but as it is presently, and hath ben for the space of nine hundred yeares & odd: you shall well perceiue the state thereof to b… so farre wide from the nature of the true Church, that nothing can be more▪ &c. But now these three markes or notes of … p. 35true visible Church, Bellarmine the mouth of the Church of Rome, expressely disclaimeth as proper markes of the Church (improper indeed for the Church of Rome) and therefore he allowes them not so much as the place of a cypher among all his 15 Markes or Notes of the Church. Therefore, seeing the Church of Rome disclaimes those notes of a true visible Church, which our Church acknowledgeth as necessary and proper to know the tru Church by: why should any, much lesse an Antistes of the Church of England, affirme the Church of Rome to be a true visible Church. But can Bellarmine shew it to be a true visible Church, by all his 15 notes? Surely when he hath done all, hee is faine to confesse, that all these markes cannot yet demonstrate, or make it evidently true, that it is the true Church of God, but only evidently credible. If the Church of Rome then cannot demonstrate it selfe to be a true Church (and no maruell, sith it wants the right demonstratiue markes) why should we take the paines, or be so …fficious, as to pin a true visible Church upon her sleeue? Nay if we go to their Baptisme, the only Relique, esteemed of some sufficient to marke Rome for a true Church: yet even that, by Romes owne Doctrine and confession, will not proue so. For, the efficacy of Baptisme (as of all their Sacraments,) they hang vponupon the Priests Intention at the words of Consecration. Now because no man can be certain of the Priests Intention, **Andreas Vega li. 9. de Intertitudine Gratiae, cap. 41.Vega (who was a great stickler in the Councell of Trent) therevpon inferreth that no man can be certain of his salvation, because he is not certain whither he was rightly Baptised or no, in regard of the vncertainty of the Priests Intentiō. From whence I conclude thus. That which no one Papist can demonstrate, not all Papists together can demonstrate: But not …ny Papist can demonstrate himselfe to be a true member of …he Church, because he cannot demonstrate, whether he be …uely Baptised or no, or whether the Sacrament of Baptis…e was a mere nulliti… vntounto him for want of the Priests Intention: p. 36therefore, not all Papists together can demonstrate themselues to be of the true Church; and consequently, the Church of Rome, consisting of so many particular members, cannot demonstrate her selfe to bee a true Church. Yea, it may come to passe also, that in one age the Church of Rome may quite loose the Essence of a Church, for asmuch as her Sacrament of Ordination, depends vponupon the Ordainers Intention, which if wanting, the whole Ordination is frustrate, and so his whole Ministry; and so downward. And that which may befall one, may befall all. So that to helpe all, there is need of a great deale of charity, to hope well of the Priests Intention, and so the best yet of the Church of Rome.

But passe we to the rest. It is alledged: Neither for the chaffe doe we leaue the floore of God, neither for the bad fishes doe we breake his Netts.

Answer. But if the floore be not now Gods floore, but Antichrists floore, wherein nothing is to be found, but chaffe: and if the Netts be no other, but such as catch onelyonly the bad fishes, which is not the propertie of Gods Netts: then such a floore, such netts are altogether to be abandoned. And whither that floore, or those netts be Antichrists only, and not Gods, shall appeare more fully anone…

Againe, it is alledged: All truth, wheresoeuer it is found is Gods, not ours, as the Kings coine is currant, though it be found in any impure chanell.

Answer. All truth is Gods. True. But when the trut… of God is turned into a lye, and this lye put for Gods truth, the case is altered. Againe, if a man take the Kings coyne, and beate it into a thinne leafe, vsing it only to guild over brasse, or some other base mett…l, which he stamps with the Kings counterfetted Image or superscription o… the one side, and with the Image and superscription on the Kings emulous enemy on the other side: what good subiect of the King will take it for curr…nt, and not rather appeach him for a Traytor, that shall wittingly tender, p. 37or much more obtrude & avouch it for the Kings coyne, And only such coyne is currant in the Church of Rome. We know that Gods coyne, his pure silver and gold hauehave they taken and melted in the Popes Test, and hauehave beaten it into thinne leaues, for no other vse, nor purpose, but only to overlay their drosse, or base metall, to make it the more currant with the world, one side being stampt with Christs Image, and superscription, and with Antichrists on the other: yet so, as the Pope is the only King, by whose authority such coyne is made currant. Who knows not, that the Pope denyeth authority to the Scripture in all things, saving in the matter of Christs Vicarship, or Peters supremacy? This vsurpation he can be content to father vponupon the authority of Scripture, though the Scripture vtterly disclaimes it. And what is all this, but to guild over all those his base metals of false Doctrines, that so they may passe for the more currant catholicke coyne? Thus Gods truth is vsed but as a bare pretence, to colour over the Popes lyes.

They alledge againe another comparison. Fundamentall truth is like that Maronaean wine, which if it be mixed with twenty times so much water, holds his strength.

Answ. The comparison is pretty▪ if it did hold water. But what if into the Maronaean wine, twentie times so much poyson be put? What strength then will be foūd in it, but that the drinker shall find it a potion of strong poyson? Again: Take the Maronaean wine, and extract the spirits out of it, and what is it then, but a dead vappa? Such is that truth which is now in the Church of Romes keeping, the nature, force and strength of it is quite abolished, by their mixing of twenty times so much of poysoned humaine, or rather diabolicall Inventions with it; yea, they hauehave in their Romish Limbeck, so extracted all the life-spirits out of the pure wine of Gods word, as they hauehave left it a meere dead Vappa full of their dreggs and Lees. For hauehave they not guelt the Scriptures of their divine authority, & natiue sense of y^e spirit p. 38of God, no other spirit breathing in them, but such as blowes from Roman E…lus his breast?

Another comparison: The Sepulchre of Christ was overwhelmed by the Pagans, with earth and r…bbish, and more then so, over it they built a Temple to their impure Venus; yet still in spight of malice, there was the Sepulchre of Christ; and it is a ruled case of Papinian, that a sacred place looseth not the holinesse with the demolished walls, no more doth the Roman loose the claime of a true visible Church, by her m… nifold and deplorable corruptions.

Answere. Indeed at Rome was once the true spirituall Temple of Christ, as once the materiall in Ierusalem: but how the Church of Rome may be proved to be a true visible Church, because once it was so, by this comparison, I see not. As for Papinians ruled case, of a place once sacred, but now ruined; yet, because once, still sacred: it may serue a simple Papist to feed his superstition withall, to whom all sacred Reliques are so relishable; but how a sound Christian may edifie his faith vponupon such a comparison, I cannot savour. True it is, Ierusalem and Iudaea is still called the Holy Land; but is it therefore still sacred, because so called, or because so adored of superstitious Pilgrimes? Bethel was once a Holy place, when Iacob erected there his Altar for Gods worship: was it therefore holy still, when Ierob…ams golden Calfe was erected there? Do not all sound Divines know, that places are not further, nor longer sacred, then the vse remaineth, whereupon at first they began to be sacred? Put off thy shooes from thy feet, (said the Lord to Moses:) for the place whereon thou standest is holy ground. Now what made it holy ground? Was it not the Lords presence shadowed in the burning Bush? But after that the Lord disappeared, and Moses was sent away, I never read any more of that place, called sacred. Peter speakes indeed of the Holy Mount, wherein the Lord was transfigured: but the holinesse is referred to the Lords presence, for whose sake it was said to be holy; p. 39and not for any holinesse infused into it, or affixed to it by any solemne Act of Consecration. And who will say, that Ierusalem, once called the holy Citty, because there was the true Church of God, is still the true Church of God; or that the place is still as sacred, as ever it was, notwithstanding of the Lord accursed? But yee will say, the case is otherwise now with Ierusalem; then with Rome.

For it followeth: If the Church of Rome were once the spowse of Christ, and her adulteries are knowne, yet the divorce is not sued one.

Answer. Is not the Divorce sued out? Perhaps not in a legall formality. But what if this once spowse of Christ, not only play the open whore, but professeth her selfe to be the married wife of another man; what shall we say in this case? Is this woman still the spowse of her former husband, notwithstanding she is become another mans both whore and wife, though she hath not sued out a Legall Divorce? Thus stands the case with the Church of Rome. Once she was Christs spowse… but now she is Antichrists spowse and strumpet. But Antichrist, the Pope, is only **AEnaea… Sylvius 7. Cōme…. de Concil. Basil.Christs Vicar-bridegroome to his spowse on earth. What man going into a strange Countrey leaues a Deputy husband with his wife, till his re…rne, giving him …ee power to performe vntounto her all the offi…es of a husband? As Thomas de Corsellis spake in the Councell of Basil, about the Popes vsurped Vicarship over Christs spowse: No body substitutes a Vicar in such …nt, as that he will submit his spowse vntounto him. But what …f Christ, the first husband, come and challenge his …powse again, seeing though he find her play the whore, …nd married to another; yet this second marriage was before ever a Divorce was sued out, and so a Nullity? …ndeed the Lord is very mercifull, even to receiue that …powse, who hath gone a whoring from him. As Ierem. ….1. They say, if a man put away his wife, and she become a…other mans▪ shall he returne vntounto her againe? Shall not that p. 40Land be greatly polluted? But thou hast plaid the Harlo… with many lovers; yet returne againe to mee saith the Lord. But if the Divorce be sued out, then you will say, shee ceasseth to bee a spowse to he… former husband. Well. And is not the divorce betweene the Church of Rome and Christ yet sued out? Yes certainly, and that on both parties. First, on the Church of Romes part. Hath she not openly in the face of the Court of men and Angell… taken out a writ of Divorce from Christ, and a licence to be married to another husband? When, say you▪ In the Councell of Trent, say we. It is the duty and property of Christs spowse to hearken to her husbands voice only, and to honour him. For (Psal. 45.11.) He is thy Lord, (speaking to his spowse, the Church,) and worship thou him. And in the Transfiguration on the Mount, which was a type of Christ in the state of glory in heaven, this voice came, This is my beloved Son, heare him: Luke 9.35. Christ then in heaven must onelyonly be heard of his spowse here on earth. But the Church of Rome, once Christs spowse, in the Councell of Trent hath taken out a bill of divorce, and hath emancipated her selfe wholly to the Pope as her husband, to heare him in all things, from that time forwards. And this Divorce is ratified by the Bull of Pope Pius 4. super forma iuramenti professionis Fidei, in the end of the Councell: The words of the Bull are: First, Apostolica… et Ecclesiastic… Traditiones, reliquas que Ecclesiae observationes et constitutìones, firmissimè admitto et amplector. Apostolick and Ecclesiastick Traditions, and other observations and constitutions of the Church, I do most firmely admit and imbrace. That's for Traditions. Then it is added: Item sacram Scripturam, i…xta eum sensum, quem tenuit et tenet sancta Mater Ecclesia, cuius est iudicare de vero sensu, et interpretatione sacr… rum Scripturarum admitto, &c. Item, I admit of the sacr… Scripture, according to that sense, which the Holy Mother Church hath and doth hold, to whom it perteineth to iudge … the true sense and interpretation of the sacred Scriptures, &c▪ p. 41But what Church is this, that takes vponupon her to be the Iudge and interpreter, to allow what sense she pleaseth to the Scriptures? A little before▪ Credo v…m Sanctā, Catholicam et Apostolicam Ecclesiam: I belieue one Holy, Catholick, and Apostolick Church. This is Mater Ecclesiae: th… Church our Mother. But which is she? Look a little after. Affirmo Sanct…m, Catholicam et Apostolicam Romanam omnium Ecclesiarum Matrem, et Magistram agnosco: I, affirme and acknowledge the Holy, Catholick and Apostolick Roman Church to be the Mother, and Mistresse of all Churches. Well, we hauehave found out who is the Mother and spowse; namely, the holy, Catholicke Apostolicke Roman Church: But where is the Father, the Husband? Not farre off; in the very next words hee stands. …oupled and hand-fast with his wife: Romano que Pontifici, …eati Petri, Apostolorum Principi… Successori, ac Iesu Chri…ti Vicario verum obedientiam spondeo, ac iuro: And I … and sweare true obedience to the Bishop of Rome, the Successour of blessed Peter, and Prince of the Apostles, and Vicar of Iesus Christ. Here is then the second marriage made vp▪ And is there any reservation of obedience or▪ …ubiection left for Christ the former husband? No …urely… all is betrothed absolutely to his Vicar, the se…ond Husband. But yet we see not the Divorce quite …ewed out, no publicke, expresse, formall abr…nuncia…ion and abjuration of the former Husband. But read a …ittle further: Caetera item omnia à sacris Canonibus, Oe…umenicis Concilijs, ac precipué à sacrosancta Tridentina Sy…odo tradita, definita, et declarata indubitanter recipio, at…ue profiteor, simul que contraria omnia atque haereses quas…unque ab Ecclesia damnatas et reiectas, et anathematiza…as, ego pariter damno, reiicio, et anathematizo: hanc …eram Catholicam fidem, extra quam nemo salvus esse …otest, quam in presenti sponte profiteor, et veraciter tene…, …dem integram et inviolatam vsque ad extremum vitae spitum constantissimê (Deo adiuvante) retinere et confiteri, …que à meis subditis, vel illis, quorum cura ad me i… munere p. 42… spectabit, teneri, deceri, et praedicari, quantum in me erit, curaturum ego idem N. spendeo, …, … iuro, sic me Deus adiuvet, et haec sancta eius Evangelia▪ Item, all other things by the sacred Canons, and generall Councels, and chiefely by the sacro-sanct Councel of Trent, deliuered, defined, and declared, I doe vndoubtedly receiue and professe: and together with all things contrary thereunto, and whatsoeuer Heresies condemned, and reiected, and Anathematized of the Church, I in like manner condemne, reiect, and accurse: This true Catholick faith, without which none can be saued, which here I freely professe, and truely hold, the same I will be carefull most constantly (by God… helpe) to retaine and confesse intire, and inviolate vntill my very last breath, and that also, as much is in me lyeth, it may be kept, taught, and preached of my subiects, or those, whose Cure shall in that behalfe to me appertaine, I the same N… doe promise, vow, and sweare: so help me God, and these … holy Evangels. Lo here: is not this a …olemne Divorce sued out, and as solemnly sworne to? Is not Christ here as solemnly renounced, as we in our Baptisme renounce the Devill and all his workes? But not expressely. No… Expressely all those doctrines are pronounced as Heresies, which are condemned by Canons and Councells, but chiefely by the sacrosanct Councell of Trent. And what are those Heresies? Are they not the very Doctrines o… the Scriptures, which we professe and maintaine? These the Church of Rome renounceth, not admitting or interpreting the Scriptures, but onelyonly according to the limited sense of the Church of Rome, the maine Oracle whereof is the Pope. Why then shall any man say, that the Divorce betweene the Church of Rome and Christ ▪ is not yet sued out?

Obiection. But it is sued out but on the one side, who, without iust cause on Christs part, hath taken out an absolute and peremptory Divorce, chusing the Pope for her only husband, whose only voyce she will hearken vntounto. And the Divorce being vponupon no iust p. 43cause, and vponupon a false ground, it is of no …orce, and so …etteth not, why the Church of Rome may not yet be Christs spowse, if he will claime her.

Answer. No? is it not of force, when publikely and …olemnly sworne to in open Court, inviolably to bee …ept? but yet if any will needs require a proofe on Christs part, that he hath also publikely given the Church of Rome a bill of Divorce: let him but search … Gods Records. In the booke of the Revelation, doth …ot Christ openly d…clare the Church of Rome to bee a …eat Whore, that Whore of Babylon, Rev. 17. And in the …. chapter, the bill of Divorce, and that by a voice …inly heard from heaven, saying, Come out of her my peo…, that ye be not partakers of her sinnes, and that ye receiue … of her plagues? Is not here a plaine bill of Divorce, …ven by Christ to the Church of Rome, that wh…re, that …rituall Babylon, (she that saith, I am no widow: being …rried to another man) sith Christ now separates his …ne people, his owne Spowse out of Babylon, Come out … my people? And this divorce on Christs part came … of force, vponupon the Councell of Trent, when now the …hurch of Rome having long played the Wh…re, yet … her second marriage to another husband was so…nely concluded, and Christ excluded. Now therefore …rist giues her the bill of divorce also, in pronounc…g her a strumpet, and separating his spowse from her, … hence forth to hauehave no communion with Her. …hat need be said more to proue this Divorce, and that … both sides? Is there any Minister of the Church, of …ngland, that while he affirmes the Church of Rome, to … a true Church, or a true visible Church, or the Spowse of …rist: yet will or dare say, that the Church of Rome is … that Whore, that Babylon, mentioned in the Revela…n? I dare say, there is none, if together with lear…ng, he hauehave more louelove of the truth, then of the world … his heart. Yea, even he that saith, The Church of Rome … true visible Church; will confesse withall, that She is p. 44Babylon, and the Antichristian Church. Now if she be Babylon, Christ ownes her no longer for his Spouse: … out of her my people.

But here followes a distinction: As it is a … Church, we hauehave not detrected to …old communi… with a … Babylon, we can hauehave nothing to doe with it.

Answ. I must here craue pardon, that this distinct…on tooke not place, till a day after the faire: for we ha… newly packt away Babylon for a naughty pack (here confessed by those, who yet affirme she is a true visib… Church;) and Christ hath disclaimed her for his spo… bidding his Spowse to come from her. And so, I say this distinction, comes too late, after the sentence of … divorce is given on both sides. Therefore, as whom … doth ioyne together, let no man separate: so, whom God …parateth, let no man ioyne together. When Christ …aith Come out of Babylon my people: Let not vsus say, we … not to hold communion with the Church of Rome. Ye… … this case, no distinction will serue to ioyne vsus together againe in one communion. Herein we must not … to the voyce of any man, be he never to Reverend, … fore and against the voyce of Christ: But Christ … peremptorily, Come out of her my people, and that vpo… a severe penaltie, or perill, least ye be partakers of … sinnes, and that ye receiue not of her plagues: Let vsus there…fore in this case follow Pythagoras his lesson to his scholars, not to looke our face in the glasse by the … light, but by the Sun-shine: Thus if we be of Chr… spowse, we will heare his voyce alone, saying, Come of Babylon my people; and no voyce of man, saying to … contrary. By what distinction (I pray you) can an … & chast Matron sa…ue her credit, by keeping company, having communion with a notorious strumpet? Will say, As she is a woman, a creat…, of the same flesh, and … as bearing the Image of God, I detre… not to hold com… with her: but as she is a whore, I can hauehave nothing to do … her? What a confused distinction were this? Woul… p. 45….

… in the next place, that charitable profession of … Luther is alledged, who saith **Luther in Epist. ad 2. Pl…b. de Anabapt. cit. a Cremer… defalsa relig. I…theran.…. **Reade Doct. Field of the Church, book. 3. chap. 47. Let but him in that place bee the vmpire.… p. 44duplicate page p. 45duplicate page p. 46page missing p. 47breast is the spirit, sense, authority, summe, and all. And allowing no other Scripture but the vulgar Latine, a language vnknowne to the vulgar; what is it, but a meere shell? They hauehave the Creeds, but the shell only, while they deny the faith. Yea they professe the Catholick faith, but they hauehave only the shell of it, to witt, the historicall faith, common to them with the very Divell…: the kernell they hauehave not, to wit, the true affiance in Gods mercies apprehended, and Christs merits imputed to justification. This faith the Councell of Trent accurseth. So that in that whole Councell yee shall nor find in the Councells owne word once, Credere in Deum, to belieue in God: least they should admit of the saving faith, whereby only a man can say, Credo in Deum, I belieue in God: wherea… the historicall faith can lay only, Cred… De…, or Deum, I belieue God; as the Divel…s belieue and trembl… … Thus hauehave they no more but the shell of faith, and so the shell of the Creed. They hauehave the Sacraments. What say I? The Sacraments? No surely▪ among all their seven Sacraments hauehave they any more, but the bare broken shell of Baptisme onelyonly? For the sole efficacy and … of it they …ang vponupon the Priests Intention, and not vponupon the spirit of God, and his word, and true faith in the baptized. As for the Sacrament of the Lords Supper, they hauehave vtterly abolished it, and turned it into m…ere Accidents without substance, joyned with an imaginary Idol, wrought by vertue of the Priests Intention. Thus we see, that there is no more left of the Church of Rome, but an empty crackt shell; and therfore it is now no more either a true Church, or a true, or truly visible Church.

But to conclude this discourse, to the aforesaid allegations, a vouching the Church of Rome for a true, or true visible Church, is added an Apologeticall advertisement to the Reader; beginning, Nothing can be so said, or done, but may be ill taken. Now God forbid▪ But is it well said or done, to affirme that the Church of p. 48Rome is yet a true, or a true visible Church … the Reverend Author iudge indifferently, having well weighed the former reasons, whether we doe ill or no, in taking this his saying ill; or whether we had not reason to hauehave expected an ingenious Palinody, … Augustin… like Retractation, rather then such an Apology; which whether it be rather to be pittied, then any vncharitablenes in the Reader, in taking such a saying ill, let judicious charity it selfe judge. Nor need we stretch the saying, to imply, that the Church of Rome is a true believing Church. Suffice it we except against any being, yea or visibility of a true Church in the Synagogue of Rome. But the Reverend Author referres Visible, … outward Profession; to some essentiall Principles of Christianity, neither of them to sound… …. Grant the Romanists to be …, and we cannot deny them the name of … Church.

Answer. Now, vnderunder … Profession a sufficient marke of visibility for a Church? This is none of those markes, which the Church of England takes notice of a Church by …, shewe… ▪ Againe, the Scripture calleth … Synagogue of Satan, who call themselves Iewes▪ … The Samaritan…s sometimes professed themselues to be of the Iewes Religion,… Antiq. 11. c… 8. having their Temple n…are the Mount Garisim. They had their Priests also, who … how they should feare the Lord… … Lord:…. 17.28. but withall … the manner of the Nations. 33.Did they not then … the worship of the Lord? Surely they did … were they therefore a visible Church? Nay, saith the Scripture there▪ They neither feare God, &c. So the Church of Rome professeth to feare the Lord,34. but … like to the Nations; so that it will follow, she neither feareth God, nor doth after his lawes, &c.

Obiect. But she holdeth some essentiall Principles of Christianity. Answ. So do the … this day, they p. 49hold the Old Testament. Obiect▪ But withall they deny Christ expressely. Answ. So doe the Papists implicitly, and by their owne expresse doctrines of Trent hauehave no more communion with Christ, then the Iewes hauehave. Nay Papists doe expresly abiure the doctrine of Christ, as we shewed before in the Popes owne Bull: how doe they then any more hold Christ, then the Iewes.? But, Grant the Romanists to be but Christians, how corrupt soeuer, and we cannot deny them the name of the Church. But why should we grant them that, which never a Papist is able to demonstrate to vsus, or yet vndoubtedly to perswade himselfe of? He is not certaine of the Priests Intention in his Baptisme, no nor yet of the Bishops Intention, by whom that Priest was ordeined; no nor of that other Bishops Intention, by whom the Bishop was ordained Priest. Therefore no Papist can be sure, whether he be a Christian, or no. And why then should we grant them to be Christians? Although for the bare name of Christians, and of a Church, we will not much stand with them, so they doe not hereupon, nor any for them▪ incroach and challenge the being and reality, yea or the very visibility of a true Church. No no… to say, That we are all the same Church by vertue of our outward vocation, whosoeuer all the world ouer worship Iesus Christ the only Son of God, the Sauiour of the world, and professe the same common Creed: Nor, That which Rome holds with vsus, makes it a Church: Nor, That Rome holds the foundation directly: Nor, That because those things were affirmed twenty yeares ago, therefore now they must be true: nor, that if any be otherwise minded, he shall doe more wrong to his cause, then to his Aduersary: nor, that sundry of our i…dicious Diuines were of this mind: nor, In that she holds the founda…i…n directly, she is a true Church.

For first, doth the Church of Rome worshipp Iesus Christ, who for Christ worship the Beast, and his Image, bearing his marke? Secondly, doe they hold the same Creed, that deny the Faith without which they cannot p. 50say, the first word of the Creed, I beleeue in God ▪ Thirdly, what foundation do they hold directly with vsus For other foundation can no man lay, then that which is layd Iesus Christ. Wee shewed before, that they hauehave nothing of Christ, but the shell, the shadow, the Pope is the kernel if any. Nay doe they hold more of Christ directly, then the very society of Devils doe: Yea, or so much as they? The Devils hold that Iesus Christ is God and man; they beleiue, and tremble. They Devils belieue not, that Christs body can be made of a peece of bread, hee knowes it well enough to be but one of his owne iuggling tricks, which his Romish Disciples learned of him? The Devils dare not deny, that Iesus Christ is come in the flesh. Yea, he openly confesseth him to be the Son of God: I know thee who thou art, even the Holy one of God Doe the Romanists so much? No, they are of that Spirit of Antichrist, that denyeth that Iesus Christ is come in the fl…sh. How? He that maketh Christ of a Peece of bread, denyeth him to be come of the Virgine Mary. If Christ hauehave a body made of bread, and yet this body the same, that was borne of the Virgine Mary, then it followeth directly, that with the Manichees they allow Christ no other, but a meere imaginary fantasticall body, sliding downe from heaven, as Dianae… Image that came from Iupiter. For is not that a meere phantasme, which they worship in the bread? A body naturall it is not, which wants both substance, quantity, dimensions, flesh, blood, and bone, and all other properties, which a mans naturall body ought to hauehave. Therefore in directly saying, This is Christs body, they deny Christs true naturall body, which he received from the blessed Virgine, and so deny directly, that Iesus Christ is come in the flesh. How doe they then directly hold the foundation? And yet this is not simply to hold the foundation, … professe that God is man: for then the society of Devils might claime to be a Church: but directly to hold Iesus Christ so to be come in the flesh, as therein to suffer and satisfie for our p. 51Salvation, becoming our Christ, our Iesus, Redeeming vsus from our sinnes, by imputing his merits to vsus▪ that our sinnes might not be imputed to vsus, which were imputed to him, by whose stripes we are healed, by whose Righteousnes imputed we are perfectly iustified in the sight of God. Doth the Church of Rome directly hold this foundation? Nothing lesse. Yea she directly, not by consequence only, directly (I say) she denyeth and destroyeth this foundation. How, or where? In the Councell of Trent, Sess. 6. Canon. 10. Si quis dix…rit homines per ipsam Christi iustitiam form…liter▪ iust…s esse: anathema sit. If any shall say, that men are formerly iust by the righteousnes of Christ; let him be accursed. Is not this a direct and flatt expresse deniall of the foundation? And in the 11 Canon, If any shall say, that men are iustified by the sol… imputation of Christs Righteousnes▪ or by sole …emission of sinnes, otherwise then **See the 7. chapter of the same Session.by inhere…t righteousnesse in vsus obtained thereby; or also, that the grace whereby we are iustified, is only the favor of God: let him be aco…rsed. What more direct denyall of the foundation? Is not this the foundation, That Iesus Christ came into the world to saue sinners? And how? Who his owne selfe bare our sinnes in his owne body on the tree, that we being dead to sinnes, 1 Pet. 2.24.1 Pet 2:24should liue vntounto righteousnes, by whose stripes we are healed. Nay, saith the Councell of Trent, directly, We are iustified by our inherent righteousnes, and so our stripes are healed, Sess. 6. cap. 7. Can 10.11.and not by the righteousnes of Christ simply imputed. Therefore come out of her my people, least ye be partakers of her sinnes.

Fourthly, Let not antiquity in the holding of an opinion, prescribe against Truth, Opinions ancient, O that Saint Ambrose words alledged by our Reverend Author▪ might here take place: Nullus pudor est ad meliora transire: then I hope he will be otherwise minded, then to say He that demeth the Church of Rome to be a true Church, or a true visible Church, shall … to his cause, then to his adversary. Then he will no longer … the iudgement of Consuetudo sine veritate …etustas err…ris est. Quod verissimū illud antiquissimum. Tertull.particular person … p. 52wherin our Reverend Mother Church of England ▪ hath in her publicke doctrine resolved the contrary,**Among whō there are, who say more to proue the Church of Rome no Church, then any true Church as the Reverend Bishop of Chichester in his direction to know the tru Church, the Deane of Glocester once, Doctor F…ld Of the Church, book. 3 c. 47. Dr: Whitakers & others, famous and learned of …ur Church. while she denyes to the Church of Rome, the true markes of a visible Church, those very markes which the Church of Rome her selfe disclaimeth. So shall our Divine Seneca partake also of great S. Augustines prayse, while by an humble and ingenuous Retractation, he shall both purge away the st…ine, and put a more glorious luster to his most sweet, pious, and, for their kind, vnparalleld workes.

And for me, a poore, vnworthy Minister, I hope his meek and sweet spirit, having well waighed my reasons, and pitied my weaknesses, will be pleased to excuse me of any transportation of zeale, vnlesse herein I hauehave exceeded the bounds, in presuming so farre vponupon the patience of such a Reverend Antistes of our Church. But I trust he will not impute this to any arrogancy of spirit, when it shall appeare, it is to vindicate Christs truth and glory, against the Synagogue of the proud Antichrist ▪

Thus having shewed the Church of Rome, or rather the Synagogue of Antichrist to be no true Church, nor a true or truely visible Church, nor a Church, but a Sea ▪ whose doctrines, as waters, are turned all into the blood of a dead man, so that every living creature therein dye…h, no Salvation, no life to be found in Babylon: proceed we to the next Viall.