A briefe resolution of a right religion Touching the controuersies, that are nowe in England. Written by C.S.

A BRIEFE RESOLVTION OF a right Religion .

GReat controuersie hath long bin betweene the Papists and Protestantes ( as they are commonly tearmed ) whether of them be the true church , for it is agreed of both sides , that Extra Ecclesiam non est salus . but surely me thinks it is a question , scarse questionable : for , the papistical Romishe Church arrogateth , that they are the true church : and our Religion , grounded out of the worde of God , perswadeth vs to be of the true church , for we are builded vpon the sacred writinges of the Prophetes and Apostles Christ Iesus himselfe being the a a Ephes. 2.20 . corner stone : their church , or rather synagogue of Sathan is builded vpon vnwritten verities and depraued sacred trueth , the pope of Rome , a man , nay b b Reue. 13.1 a beast , with seuen heades and tenne hornes , and vpon his hornes tenne crownes , and vppon his heades the names of blasphemie , being the head thereof . We imbrace Paule , we imbrace Peter , and yet we renounce the Pope , who vainly boasteth himselfe to be Peters successour , in asmuch as the Pope is neither like to Peter , in doctrine , maners , nor religion , and in vaine shall the pope boast to haue his place , when he commeth nothing neere vnto , in the qualities of his person , nor in the doctrine of the Apostles , for in this respect there is as much difference betweene them , as betwixt blacke and white , light and darkenesse , heauen and hell , as afterward shal be manifested , Christ hath forewarned vs that there shall arise c c Mat. 24.24 . false Christes , and false Prophets , and shall shew great signes , and wonders to deceiue ( if it were possible ) the verie elect . Paule hath giuen vs a good caueat , let no man ( saith he ) deceiue himselfe : & againe , let euery man take heede howe he buildeth : And he addeth this rule , to know d d 1. Cor. 3.18 . assuredly the true and right foundation : for ( saith he ) other foundation can no man lay , but that which is layd alreadie , which ( saith hee ) is Iesus Christ . The same Paule in his Epistle to the Galathians , saith , e e Gal. 1.8 . if we , or an Angell from heauen , preach vnto you anie other Gospell then that we haue preached , Anathema esto , let him be accursed : And this sentence he iterateth , a second time . If we are bidden not to beleue Angels from heauen , if they teache doctrine contrary to Paules , will aine man then be so foolish as to beleeue the pope vpon his word and vnwritten verities , teaching matters contrarie , not onely to Paule , but to Peter and to all the whole body of the sacred scriptures ? When f f Luke 16. Diues was in hell , and cast vp his eyes and saw Lazarus in Abrahams bosome , and being in torments could not obtaine of Abraham , that Lazarus might dip hys finger in water and coole his toonge , because hee was tormented in that flame , He did then beseeche Abraham , that he would send Lazarus to his fathers house ( for he had fiue brethren ) that he might testifie to them , least they also came in that place of torment : But whether did he referre them ? They haue ( saith Abraham ) Moses , and the Prophets , let them heare them ? for if they will not heare them , neither will they beleeue , though one rise from the dead .

Thus we are referred to build our beliefe vpon Moses , and the prophets . Christ himselfe saith , and commandeth vs g g Iohn . 5 39 to search the scriptures : for ( saith he ) they are they that testifie of me . So that the people are bolde to heare Christ , Moses , and the prophets and apostles , with this clause also added , that if any , though an Angell from heauen , teach doctrine contrarie vnto them , Anathema sit , wee must holde him accursed : so that we are not to beleeue the Pope , nor his vnwritten verities , nor generall Counsels , nor yet ancient Fathers , no not Angels themselues , though comming from heauen , if they teach matter contrarie to the sacred scriptures : & as the people are to hear such kind of Teachers so are also all that take vpon them the office of teaching , or of Apostleship , not to teach doctrines of men , or their owne fantasies , or blind dreames , but onely such stuffe as they receiue from God . Moses , he gaue the lawe to the Israelits , but he did it by commandement from the Lord , and spake as from his mouth . What maner power the prophetes generally had , is very well described in Ezechiell . Thou h h Ezek. 3.18 sonne of man ( saith the Lord ) I haue geuen thee to be a Watchman to the house of Israell , therefore thou shalt heare the worde out of my mouth , and thou shalt declare it to them from me .

Look to the Apostles , and see what commission they had : Goe ( saith Christ ) h h Mat. 27.19 and teach all nations , baptizing them in the name of the father , the sonne , and the holy Ghost , teaching them to keepe all thinges whatsoeuer I haue commanded you : so the apostles commission was to teach that , which they had receiued from Christ . Christ himselfe the sonne of the euerliuing God , in respect that hee was an apostle or messenger sent from God his Father , answereth the Iewes in the seuenth of Iohn , saying : My i i Iohn . 16. doctrine is not mine , but his that sent me : So Christ himselfe taught no other doctrine , but that which he had from his father . And S. Paule , as a faithfull Apostle affyrmeth to the Corinhians , that he k k 1 Cor. 11 receiued that of the Lord , which he deliuered vnto them . Thus wee see that the apostles spake from the mouth of Christ , Christ from the mouth of his Father , and all both Christ and the Apostles , Moses and the prophetes , spake as from the mouth of God , which is also verified by that one saying of the Authour to the Hebrues : God l l Heb. 1 , 1 in times past diuers waies spake vnto the Fathers by the Prophetes , but in these last daies he hath spoken to vs by his sonne . And Paule telleth Timothy , that all scripture m m 2 Tim. 3 , 16 is giuen by diuine inspiration , and written as with the finger of God , who is all trueth , and therefor it is impossible , should either lie or erre .

Therefore touching matters of religion , let God alone be heard , and the sacred Scriptures produced for the establishing of that religion which shall be acceptable in his eies . For a mans faith is to bee builded vppon the surest anchor and m m 2 Tim. 3 , 16 rocke , and in such sort that neither windes nor waues be able to remooue it : and that must be as Christ teacheth , vpon his woord , which is infallible and neuer fayleth . And all , both reason and diuinitie so perswadeth : for that saying of Paule is true : Let n n Mat. 7.14 God be true , and euerie man a lier . It is well knowne , and dayly experience can tel vs , that men may erre and goe awrie , but he o o 1 Ioh , 5.10 that beleeueth not God , maketh him a lier , as S. Iohn saith , which cannot be without horrible blasphemie .

Let vs therefore not build our faith and religion vpon any man , be he Augustine , Cyprian , Ambrose , Hierome or whosoeuer , nor vpon generall Councels , for they were also compounded of men , and Humanum est errare , Men may erre : therefore no question but they might erre . And if in any any thing they doo not erre , it is because they haue the word of trueth , and of sacred Scripture for their confirmation , or els they must needs erre . So that all those ancient Fathers and generall Counsels , they must all drawe water from the pure fountaine , the sacred word of trueth , or els they doo nothing els but preach the puddle of their owne inuentions : which if they should doo , though they were Angels from heauen , we must not beleeue them , nay , Anathema sit , we must hold him accursed , by the rule of Paule aforesaid .

The woorde of God deliuered as from the mouth and hand of God , being laide as a foundation , wee are not to doubt but that our religion builded thereupon is most sure and certaine , neuer able vtterly to bee ouerthrowne with all the power and pollicie of Antichrist and his adherents , bee they neuer so subtil in the one , or ful of fortitude in the other : For why ? Christ the head of his Church is the defender thereof , and the confounder of Antichrist .

The Papistes and enemies of the true Church of God , they call vs Heretikes by a metaphoricall speach borrowed from themselues , and giue railing sentence vpon bs , when they are no longer able to conuince our reasons , shewing therein their malignant tongues and malicious hearts : but we answere with Paule , that with that which they call heresie , we serue the liuing God . They call our religion a condemned doctrine , attainted long ago by general , Councels : If they shew me the reuealed counsell from God , I wil beleeue them : and of generall Counsels , some are meere repugnant and contrarie one to another , so that they are of litle credite But what if it be condemned by men , if it be allowed of God , what neede we care ? We knowe that at Ierusalem they held a councel together to put p p Math. 26.4 Christ to death as a malefactor , yea , and condemned him . Was therfore his doctrine euer the worse , or was it therefore so , because they condemned him ? Did they not hold a councell against Stephen , and stone him to death ? and yet Stephen is recorded to be a man full of q q Act. 6.12 faith , and of power .

What will the deceitfull Papistes say of Peter , their Popes predecessour ? ( as they vainely boast ) There was a generall councell held against him also , and condemning his doctrine , scourged him and the rest of the Apostles , with an inhibition that they should not teach any more in the name of Iesus .

If their general councels be of force to condemne vs and our religion , I see no reason , but that their religion should be also condemned by the former councell against Peter : but Peters doctrine was true , notwithstanding the Counsell : and so may ours , notwithstanding their Councels against vs : For we ( as I haue oft said ) builde our religion vppon Christ , vpon Peter , the apostles , and prophets .

The Papistes therefore do both foolishlie and ignorantly paint out the beautie of their Church , by the tytle of vniuersalitie , and thereupon ( as I suppose ) they glorie to call themselues Catholikes .

The Pope ( say they ) holdeth the Apostolicall Sea , and the Byshops that be annointed and consecrated by him ( so that they be trimmed with fillets and Myters ) doo represent the Church , and ought to be taken for the Church , and therfore they cannot er , because they are consecrated to the Lord : which consequent also followeth not . For Aaron and other rulers of Israell also were consecrate to the Lord : but Aaron and his sonnes after they were made Priestes , did yet erre when they Exo. 31.4 made the calfe .

But let vs examine the premises . Wilt thou ( simple papist ) haue vniuersalitie a contiuall badge of the church ? wilt thou haue the true Church to consist in such outward glorious shew ? Then was the chiefe Priests , the Scribes and Pharises , who were assembled to kil Christ the true church : and then shal Christ and his apostles , ( few in number , and dispearsed abroad ) be the false church . For the glorie of the outward Church remained in the chiefe priestes , Scribes , and Pharises , & yet who be so blasphemous as to dare say , that they were the true Church , who crucified the Lord of life ? So that ( silly papists ) neuer deceiue the world with this glose : for your outward pomp of your church is rather ( you see ) an argument of a false church , than of a true Church .

By this reason of the papistes , the foure t t 1. King 22 . 1● . hundreth Prophets which lied to Achab , should haue represented the true Churche : but the Churche was indeed on Micheas side , being indeede but one man alone , and vnregarded , but out of whose mouth came trueth . Did not the false prophets in resemblance beare both the face and name of the Church , when they did with one violent assault rise vp against Ieremie , and with threatning boasted , that it was not possible that the v v Iere. 18.18 . law , should perish from the priest , counsell from the wise , and the word from the Prophet ? Ieremie alone was sent against the whole companie of the Prophets , to declare from the Lord , that it shoulde come to passe that the lawe should perish from the priest , counsell from the wise man , and the worde from the Proophet : and yet all men knowe that Ieremie was in the right and of the true Church , and all the rest against him , in a maruellous errour .

Thus you see , that trueth is not tyed to the multitude of men , or to the title of vniuersalitie , nor to the outward glistring pompe , but rather contrà .

In the olde world , did not Noah and his family ( being verie few in number in respect of all the worlde beside ) did not they ( I say ) represent the Church of God at that time ? Doth not Christ often call his , a little flocke ? Doth not Christ say that x x Math. 7.13 . wide is the gate and broad is the way that leadeth to destruction , and many there be that enter that way ? Doth hee not also adde that straight is the gate , and narrowe is the way that leadeth vnto life , and fewe there be that finde it ? What doth all this proue , but that the fewest vsually are the Church of God , and vniuersalities and multitudes , they are so farre from beeing markes of the true Church , that they rather euidently bewray the synagogue of Sathan ?

The Papists are still busie with vs , and they thinke they driue vs to a hard straight , when they demand of vs where our church was manie hundred yeres agoe ; for they say that the Church must consist of an alwaies appearing forme , visible to the eye and that it may be alwaies poynted out with the finger in apparent shewe . Truely this answere is easie to dissolue this which they make so knotted an argument : for though papistes like carnall and sensuall men can iudge of noth●ng but that which they see with outward eyes , yet Protestantes ( as they tearme them ) God hath endued them with better vnderstanding . Let them aunswere me what forme of the Church shined in outward shewe , when Helias complained and bewayled that he z z 1. King . 19.11 . alone was left . No question there was then , and hath bene since , and euer will be a Church of God , so long as Christ shall raigne at the right hand of the father , and yet it was not then seene in outward visible pompe , but rather seemed as desolate , ( as the Prophet Helias himselfe supposed , ) and as no Churche indeede : but it was saide to Helias that there were reserued seuen thousand men that had not bowed their knees to Baall . So that there was euen then a church , which yet was not seene with outward shining pompe , and when the Prophet himselfe began therewith also to be dismayed .

Where was the Church in the time of Christ and hys Apostles , when the shepheard was taken , and the sheepe was scattered and dispersed ? When the glistring outward shewe was in the high Priestes , Scribes , and Pharisees ? And yet the Church obscured , was the true Churche , and not the synagoue of the Scribes , Pharisees , & high priests that excelled in outward gorgeous shew .

Thus there is no question but that the true Church may be , and yet not appeare in outward pompe of shew and glorious to the eye . For where was our church in Quene Maries dayes , as in all other times of persecutions in all places of the worlde besides : Is there not a Church though it be not seene , nor shewed in outward and eminent brightnesse , but lyeth as it were hid , darkened , & scattered abroad ? The Church was then persecuted , and many then like constant Martirs of the true Church indeede induced the tyrannie of that romish religion , so that some were bannished , and other fled into other nations for succour , and some indured martyrdome at home , some other hid themselues , but the whole Church generallie was vexed and oppressed . And therefore when our Church was persecuted it is a good argument I thinke to say there was a Church ouerwhelmed with tyrannicall malice . Is anie man so buzzard like , or so blockishly blind , that will say there is no sinne at al , because it is sometime couered with a cloud ? or that there is no fire at all because it is sometime raked vp in imbers ? our Church may be , and yet not seene , not knowne to be , by reason of darkenesse , and palpable blindnesse , and ignorance that ouer shadowed the light thereof : so that by reason of clowdie darkenesse that grewe , the Church could not shine to the viewe of others , though in it selfe it were inlightened from God with a secret hidden and vnapparent light many ages togither .

Thus by expresse testimonie of scripture thou seest that a Church may be , yea a true Church may be , though it be not eminent in apparent shew : for God doth shew the bright beames thereof in time , and causeth it to shine in perfect bewtie : for , it is neither deuill nor pope , nor prelate , nor potentate , no power , nor pollicie that is able vtterly to roote it out from the earth , for the God of heauen is the strong defender and moste puissant preseruer thereof against all the diuelish braynes , that doe nothing els but deuise the vtter ruine and destruction thereof , if they could tell which way . To these men therefore me thinkes Gameliel , a doctor of the lawe , should satisfie answering in the like case to the rulers , who tooke counsell to put Peter and the rest of the Apostles to death , for their preaching in the name of Iesus . Let them alone saith he , for if this a a Act. 5 , 28 worke be of men , it will surely come to naught , if of God , you cannot dissolue it least you be found to fight against God . As long therefore as our religion is builded , not vpon men , but vpon God , in vayne doe papistes looke for the ouerthrow of that whereof God himselfe purposeth to vphold .

They obiect as contrarie vnto vs the antient fathers by whose consenting voyce , if the debate were to be ended , the better part of the victorie to speake moste modestly , would bend to our side : but whereas manie thinges haue bin well and wisely written of those fathers , and something hath happened to them which is woont to happen to men , these kinde natured children according to the rightnesse they haue both of wit and iudgement , doe worship onely their faultes and errours , and those thinges which are well spoken , they eyther vtterly reiect , or els mischieuousle corrupt with their bastard glozes and interpretations . And no maruell though they thus deale with the fathers who were but men , when they dare be bolde to adde to , to take from , to curtoll & corrupt in like sort the sacred scriptures of God himselfe , as afterward shal be declared . But the papistes are so drowned in their owne sensuall blindnesse , they are so addicted onely to the outward eye that they can see no true token of the true church : they shew themselues to be men in that rather then they will haue no Church they will build it vpon men when they want the word of God for their foundation : whervpon in trueth the true Church is builded : but of the same fountain of ignorance is it that they call our religion newe because it appeared not in outward shewe along time together as their painted Church hath done , to whome we answere that it is , new to them to whome the Gospel is new : And wheras it hath long lien hid vnknown , and as it were buried , that was the fault of the vngodlinesse of the world , but nowe sith it is by the bountifulnesse of God restored againe , it ought by right of full restitution to receiue againe the due title of antiquitie : And herein the papistes do manifest iniurie vnto vs : who conuey our religion ( farre before theirs ) namely from the mouth of God , and the prophets , of Christ , and his apostles by a lawfull conueyance written with the finger of God , sealed with the blood of his sonne , and deliuered vnto vs by the handes of the prophetes , and apostles , so that we haue the writinges of God , lawfully sealed and deliuered , to giue in euidence for the trueth of that faith that we professe , the truth whereof is confirmed by the myracles that are extant in scriptures , wrought by Christ and his apostles , for the establishing of his doctrine foreuer . So that I trust the Papistes will not driue vs to other myracles : for all the myracles that euer were done before , either in the time of Moses and the Prophetes , or Christ and his apostles , for confirming of the doctrine that they should teach , vpon which doctrine already confirmed by innumerable myracles , signes , and wonders , Wee rest and stay our selues as vpon a most sure anchor and infallible foundation , which can neuer faile nor fall .

They haue charged our doctrine , as the welspring of troubles , vprores , and contentions , and tearmed it most slaunderously , a Doctrine of Libertines , and licentious libertie . But who knoweth not that these are euident and apparant badges of their Romish religion ? Dooth not daylie experience teach vs that the Romaine Iesuits , and Seminaries of Rome , doo disquiet not onely England , but all Europe , with erecting vprores , and monstrous treacheries and treasons in peaceable common-weales , with seeking to shead innocent blood , to pull crownes from lawfull annointed Princes , and setting subiectes ( if they could ) in rebellious troupes to bid battaile against their lawful Soueraignes ?

But it is an hard matter to take Hercules club out of his hand : and to wreath from Princes their crownes is more impossible : but in raising warre against God , the annointer of Princes , and preseruer of their regal Scepters , is far lesse hope to get a victorie .

Therefore to the turbulent spirited Papistes Elias hath taught vs to answere , that it is not we that haue c c 1. King 18 troubled Israell , but themselues that wrastle against the power of God . And whereas they vrge vpon vs a doctrine of liberties , and licentiousnesse , they throwe that vppon vs which is appropriated and peculier vnto themselues onely : For our religion teacheth a true faith towards God , and good and godly conuersation among men : but all the Romishe Catholikes if they bee once reconciled to the Sea of Rome , there is no trueth in their mouthes , nor faithfulnesse in their heartes , they may sweare and forsweare : for Fides non est seruanda cum haereticis , as they with as much rage , as litle reason tearme vs : yea , what villanie may they not commit ? They may sinne all monstrous sinnes of the world , and iustifie it when they haue done : so that they may sinne , and that with authoritie . They may haue a pardon from the pope , and a dispensation also for money , to commit all filthinesse and kindes of naughtinesse , adulterie , robberie , murther , treasons , rebellions : And what villanie is there that they may not commit with boldnesse , by vertue of their vitious and most pestilent religion . For a popes pardon will salue all .

Doo wee not see it euident that the pope sendeth his Legates hither to perswade the people to a wrong faith , to whisper in their eares treachery and treason against a most naturall prince and Soueraigne . And to such fellowes as like hereof , they graunt pardons , and take it a matter meritorious in heauen : But who is so blind that dooth not see the peruersnes , and sensuall beastinesse of their Romish religion : who , when they are able no longer to stand vpright , and to maintaine the pompe of the Pope , but that his kingdom beginneth to fall , being already shaken , when by the power of the word of God , the glory of their church beginneth to decay and fade away : then they are driuen to deuise newe subtilties , and because their doctrine cannot please God , they endeuour another while to see if they can please men withall ,

Wherein ( good reader ) I beseech thee consider with me , vpon what good foundation the Church of Rome is builded , and how well the pope ( that vainely bosteth himselfe to be Peters successour , dischargeth the office of a true apostle . The papistes and Romanistes they contend with stretched out voice , and fight with all the violence they can , to erect and vphold the vanishing , and all tottering glorie of the pope . This they cannot doo ( they thinke ) vnlesse they haue the peoples heartes : and they perswade themselues , that the people of the other side will neuer be reconciled to their Romish Church , vnlesse their religion be easie , plausible , and pleasant to the outward sight , and delight of the flesh .

Hereupon haue they graunted their Bulles , their dispensations , and all other their licentious doctrines , which geue free leaue and authoritie to commit any sinne or sinnes , for as long or as short a time as they listed , so that they might take their choise of pleasant sinnes , to sport themselues at their pleasure and conuenient leisure : which to atchieue , notwithstanding they must pay good currant coyne for .

Behold gentle Reader , the two pillers of the church of Rome : viz. The glorie and riches of their proude Pope , and prelates was one : and the libertie preached to the people , was the other . So that the pope ( I thinke ) went about to builde a kingdome for himselfe on earth , rather then to build a church for God in heauen .

Hereupon is he magnified with so many titles : Hereupon , after he began to growe in ambition , he vsurped the tytle of Supremacie ouer all kinges , princes , and Emperours of the world . And when the pope had all this iurisdiction and preheminence , what was it els but to say with the Whore of Babylon d d Reue. 18.8 Sit as Queene . I wonder that all the Papistes of the world are not ashamed of their vnholye father , whose kingdome , whose Church , whose religion is onely to preach libertie and licentious kinde of liuing to the people , seeking his owne onlie glorie and renowne , and not the glorie of God .

This is that the Iesuits fight for , that the Seminaries perswade and contend for , that the papistes boast of , that they dare challenge al the world in disputation for the defence thereof , namely the erecting of the downfalling pride of the Pope , in their subtill perswasions to reconcile sillie & vnstable soules vnto their Romish Sea . They can paint out the honour of Rome with most princelie building , in the authoritie of their Pope , with more then kinglie tytles , and the glory of their splendant Church with no lesse eloquence : insomuch as they haue made their tongues as sweete as musicke to enchant , and their reason nothing but sophistry to deceiue : of whom I wish all men to take heede , as of rauening wolues , and to flie them as venemous serpents . For the true Church of God dooth not stande in such outward glystering pompe , as these men would make beleeue , but in trueth of the word of God deliuered in sacred scriptures , as heretofore hath bene declared . But all the pomp wherewith the Romaine Iesuits , Seminaries and papistes doo so aduance their proude Pope withall , and calling their Church the mother Church , What dooth it els represent vnto vs , but the glorious state of the Whore of Babylon , which was clothed with e e Reue. 17.4 purple , and decked with golde , with pretious stones , and pearles , hauing a cuppe of golde in her hand full of th' abhominations and vncleannesse of filthinesse , and in her forhead was written , not the mother Church , but great Babylon , the mother of fornications , and of abhominations of the earth ?

O , but I doo the Pope great iniury : for , he calleth himselfe Seruus seruorum , the seruant of seruants : but what matter is it to cal himself so in name , when in deed he sheweth himself Rex regum , a king of kings , and a Lord aboue all nations , as his title of supremacie , his vsurped authoritie of-excommunication of princes , his putting downe of kinges , and giuing their kingdoms away to whome he list doth manifestly bewray . So that this is but a mist cast ouer mens eies , to blind fold men from beholding the vsurped princelinesse of the Pope .

In trueth the Church of Rome sauoureth of too much earthly pompe to haue any part in the true church of God , though it boast neuer so much and trust in lying words , saying , the temple of the Lord , the temple of the Lord , the temple of the Lord , The papistes can say that concerning Rome they haue the testimonie of Paule , who in his Epistle to the Romanes writeth to al that be in Rome & calleth them f f Rom. 1.7 . beloued of God , called saints : but what profiteth it then that in times past there was a true spouse of Christ in Rome , sith now and manie yeares since it is become an adultresse and hath forsaken her first loue & her first faith ? But al this is outcountenanced with the authority of the pope being Peters successor as he glorieth . And the pope he chalengeth the Apostolike Sea , so that hee will be Peters successour : and yet vicarius dei : what is this els but to assure vs that Antichrist shall sit in the Temple g g Thess 24. of God , as God , boasting himselfe to be God . The Pharisees in Christes dayes could say who can forgiue sinnes but God : and yet the Pope , hee will arrogate vnto himselfe that authoritie to wreath from kinges their crownes and scepters : what is this but to sit in the temple of God as God , and boasting himself to be God . Now how well he dischargeth the office of an Apostle , I think al men vnderstand he braggeth to be Peters successour : but what glory is it to be Peters successour in place and not to retaine the doctrine and performe the office of the Apostle Peter . It is the maner of papistes altogether to glorie of names , persons and places , and such outward titles , & they neuer looke to the trueth of inward puritie , so that al there religion is nothing els , but a painted schulchre , fayre to the eye , but within full of rotten bones : because the pope was successour to a good Apostle : It followeth not no more then an vsurper of a kingdome shal be said a lawful king , because he is a successour to a lawfull king : Though Peter were a true apostle , yet the pope may be a false Apostle , and that the Pope is a false Apostle appeareth by the notes of a true and false Apostle : Peter had his calling from Christ to be an Apostle , and so entred Peter into the Apostleship : For Christ is the h h Ioh. 10.1 dore , & whosoeuer entereth not in by the doore , but climeth vp some other way , the same is a theefe and a robber : therefore let the Pope shew that he entred in by the dore , or els hee is not like Peter , a lawful Apostle : In doctrine , how the Pope and Peter agree is soone seene .

Peter saith if i i 1. Pet. 4 . 1● anie man speake , let him speake as the words of God : the pope hee blotteerth out his owne traditions , his vnwritten verities , and vomiteth out the puddle of his owne brayne : yea he , wil preache matter contrarie to the word of God , and peruert the worde of God : as when Paule sayth , and the whole Scripture agreeing with hym , that by the k k Rom. 3.20 workes of the lawe no flesh shal be iustified before God , the Pope and Papistes holde and teache , that good woorkes are meritorious : yea , and that there bee woorkes of superogation able to saue both themselues and others also they may so abound with such superfluitie of good workes . Yea worse then all this , they holde and teache , and teach other to practise ( which is most horrible blasphemie ) that bad workes are also meritorious , namely that treason in subiects , and murthering of their lawfull Christian Soueraigne , is not onely lawful but alowable : yea , commendable : nay , more than so , meritorious in heauen , which doctrine as it is moste blasphemous , so the practise thereof is moste damnable and dangerous , abhorring from nature , which teacheth euerie subiect to feare and honour his prince , as nature bindeth the sonne to feare and honour his father , for princeps est patriae parens : degenerating from the law of all nations for it is lawfull and meritorious for a papisticall Romanist treacherously to murder his holy father the pope : yea rather more , if of euils the least be to be chosen , then it is for a sworne subiect to be false and traiterous to so christian a prince , Meere repugnant to all Scripture , yea contrary to the doctrine of Peter himselfe , whose doctrine the pope must obey and teach , if in succession hee will be accompted a lawfull Apostle of Christ . harken O ye Papists , and listen what Peter teacheth you , follow his doctrine & let not the popes bare name of holy father deceiue you any more , nor the name of the Apostolicke Sea , for they are but lying wordes to deceiue you : Compare the Apostleship of Peter with the Apostleship of the Pope , and then if you find him contrarie , though he be Peters successour , reiect him and tread hys doctrine vnder feete .

The wordes of Peter are thus : be m m 1. Pet. 2 13. subiect therefore , ( saith he ) to euery humain creature whether it be to the king as to the chiefe : or to relers , as to them that be set in authoritie , for the punishment of them that doe ill , and the praise of them that doe good : againe in the same chapter he saith , honour all men , loue brotherly charitie , feare God , honour the king : againe , he commandeth seruantes to submit themselues in all feare vnto their masters , not onely ( saith he ) if they be good , but also though they be froward .

If a froward maister be to be honoured and feared of his seruaunt , much more ought the person of a kinde and vertuous Soueraigne be had in most reuerent estimation of all subiectes : considering that the person of a Prince on earth is the image of God in heauen : that she is a person of mightie maiestie , of puissant magnificence , and of most glistring princely royaltie , who being placed in her throne by God , by whome Reges regnant , & principes dominantur , is impossible to be thrust out by the power or pollicie of men , no not of the deuill himselfe , nor all his adherentes : for that must needes stand , which God hath stablished , but that may easily fall which men onely haue erected : heauen and earth may passe , but not one iote of the word of God shall perishe but shal be fulfilled : They therefore may aswell thinke it as possible to pul God out of heauen , as it is to remoue a lawful annoynted prince from beside the seat , wherein God himself stablified her : The vaine hope of the papists therefore dismayed , and the false Apostleship of the pope confuted by the faithfull Apostle Peter , let vs proceede further to compare them together . n n 1. Pet. 2.11 Beloued saith Peter , I exhort you as strangers and pilgrimes abstaine from fleshly lustes which fight against the soule : And againe he saith , o o 1. Pet. 1.15 As he which called you is holy , so be ye also sanctified in all conuersation , because sayth he , it is written p p Leuit. 11 4 4 be ye holy as I am holy : So that Peter admitteth no vncleannesse , nor dispenseth with anie sinne , but reproueth all and onely alloweth sanctimonie of life and conuersation , and hee bringeth in scriptum est also for the warrant of his doctrine , I would all that pretend themselues to be his successours would doe the like : and giue the like wholesome sound admonitions and preceptes then should not men eyther for loue , or money haue pardons , dispensations , commissions , with authoritie to commit most diuelish murder : accompting that for meritorious , which is most monstrous , and meriteth in trueth a moste bloudie reuenge for the body , and eternall tormentes for the soule , if it should be but so much as conceaued in the imagination : What the office of a true Apostle is , Peter describeth in his fift Chapter . q q 1. Pet. 5.1 . The elders that be amongest you , I which am also an elder exhorte , feede , as muche as in yours , the flocke of Christ , not compelledly but willingly , not couetous of filthy gaine , but of a readie minde , not as exercising lordship ouer the clergie , but that yee may be r r 2. Cor , 4 , 24 examples of the flocke : If Peter shewing himselfe that he is an elder , doe clayme no Lordship in hys Apostleship , how commeth it to passe then that the pope his pretended successour , claymeth not onely a lordship and dominion in Rome , but a litle of supremacie ouer all nations . The Papistes answereth at christ said vnto Peter , Thou s. s. Mat , i6 , 18 art Peter , and vpon this Rocke I will build my Church , and the gates of hel shal not preuaile against it : and I wil geue to thee the keies of the kingdom of heauen . And whatsoeuer thou bindest on earth , shal be bound in heauen , and whatsoeuer thou loosest on earth , shall be loosed in heauen . But can these words of binding & loosing giue a supremacie and kingdome vnto the Pope , and not to Peter , whose successour he is ? For we heard before from Peters own mouth , that he claymeth nor alloweth , but disclaimeth and disswadeth such exercised lordship ouer the Cleargie . So that neither did , he affect such proud titles of honour Lordship , and superioritie , but sought rather , as he wished all other , to be examples of mildnesse and good conuersation .

How can wee thinke that Christ should giue such Lord-like authoritie , when Christ telleth his disciples contending among themselues who should seeme to bee the greatest : The t t Luke , 22 , 25 Mat , 20.25 Marke , 15.24 Kinges of nations ( saith he ) beare Lordship , but it shall not be so with you : but he that will be the greatest among you , let him be as the least , or as a seruant .

Now if neither Peter had the superiority but forbiddeth it , as teaching al humilitie , being taught by Christ his maister , the kings of nations are to beare the lordship : & his apostles should be so far from contending for primacy on earth , that they should rather be as seruants appointed to minister to the Church of Christ , to build a kingdom for God in heauen : If neither Peter had it , and if Christ also forbad it : shewing , the kingdomes belong to the kinges of the nations : how can any man gather , that Christs meaning was to giue that to Peter , which he forbiddeth Peter & al the rest of the apostles ? If Peter neuer had this authority , I maruel much how the papists can possibly conueigh that to the pope which his predecessour neuer had : for they affirm the popes authority to be aboue al kings of the earth , supreame head of the Church , and vniuersall bishop of the whole world ; but how far these vsurped tytles were from the affection of the true apostle Peter , the humilitie of Peter , the deuine exhortation of Peter . And the former commandement of Christ to al the Apostles dooth sufficiently declare : for neither coulde Christ giue that authoritie of Primacie which himselfe forbad , nor Peter take that which was not giuen him , and which he neither vsed , nor so much as desired in affection : neither consequently can the Pope , his pretended successour deriue that vnto him , which neuer belonged to his Ancestor .

It cannot therefore be , that the power of binding and loosing , should signifie the supremacie of earthly kingdomes , to set vp and pull downe whom he list : for ( as hath bene already prooued ) Peter is so far from that arrogance , that himselfe giueth a double charge to the contrarie : namely to feare God , and to honour the king , as one that is woorthy to haue the chiefest roome : for Christ had taught Peter , and Peter no doubt learned it , that Lordship and dominion belonged vnto the kinges of Nations .

The power therefore of binding and loosing is not committed to Peter alone , but to all the Apostles , and seemeth to be expounded in the xx . of Iohn , where Christ , after hee had breathed vpon his apostles , and said , Receiue v v Iohn . 20.22 ye the holie Ghost , he had said before , As my Father sent me , so send I you . He addeth furthermore , that Whose sinnes yee remit , they are remitted : and whose sinnes yee retaine , they are retained . And this power of binding and loosing , of remitting and retaining , was not appropriate vnto their persons or vnto their places , but vnto the office of their Apostleship , and vnto their preaching of the Gospell . For Saint Paule saith that the x x Rom. 1 16 1. Cor. 1.21 . Gospel of Iesus Christ is the power of God vnto saluation to euery on that beleeueth .

The Gaoler demanded of Paule and Silas , what he should doo , that hee might be saued , they answered , y y Act. 16.31 , Beleeue in the Lord Iesus Christ , and thou shalt be saued and thy houshold . When Peter had preached vnto the people , they began to be pricked in their hearts , they demanded of him , and of the other Apostles : Men and brethren , what shall we doo ? Peter answered , a a Act 2 38 Repent , and be baptised euery man in the name of Iesus Christ for the remission of sins , and receiue ye the gift of holy Ghost . Be it known vnto you b men and brethren ( saith Paule ) that thorow this man ( speaking of Christ ) is preached vnto you the remission of sinnes , and that euery one that beleeueth , shall thorow him be iustified from all thinges , from which he could not be iustified by the lawe of Moses .

So that we see , that remission of sins is by the preaching of the Gospell to the faithfull : and that contra , Their c sinnes are retained and bound with chaines thereof , that are Infidels , obstinate , and vnrepentant , that haue no faith to take hold of saluation preached by the Apostles and pastors of the Church .

But ( say they ) When Christ gaue vnto Peter by speciall name , the keies of binding and loosing , hee thereby made Peter the Prince of the whole church . The answere is easie sie , for it is proued before , that Christ gaue the power of binding & loosing to al the Apostles , and why at this time Christ said vnto Peter that he would giue to him the keies by special name , the reason was , as appeareth by the circumstance of the text , because when Christe demaunded of his Apostles , Whom say ye that I am , Simon Peter answered , thou art Christ the sonne of the liuing God : For Peter answered in the name of all the apostles , and Christ likewise gaue him the keies in the name of all . And so Cyprian and Augustine , two of the Fathers expound it , that Christ did it not for this purpose , to preferre one man before an other , but so to set foorth the vnitie of the Church : for so saith Cyprian , that God in the person of one , gaue the keyes to all , to signifie the vnitie of the Church . Augustine saith , When the Apostles were all asked , onely Peter answered , Thou art Christ : and it is said to him , I will giue thee the keies , as though hee alone had receiued the power of binding and loosing , whereas he being one standeth one , for all , And he receiued the other with all , as bearing the person of vnitie : therefore one for all , because there is vnitie in all .

I trust these Fathers will satisfie the Papistes , if they be not obstinately malitious , and froward children that in the power of the keies of Peter gayned no superioritie ouer the rest of the Apostles .

Act , 15 , 5 1 , pe● , 5 , 1 Act , 11 , 3 Actes , 8 , 24 Gal , 1 & 2 , cap , Run ouer all that remaineth written , and you shall finde nothing els but that hee was one of the twelue , equall with the rest , and their fellowe , but not their Lorde . I woonder therefore that the Pope and Papistes will force that vpon Peter , which Peter neuer had , nor meant to take vppon himselfe , which Christ neuer meant to giue him , nor to any other , viz. to be the Prince and head of the Church : for he hath left this tytle to no other but himselfe .

This that Christ saith , Thou art Peter , and vpon this rocke I wil build my Church , imprehendeth no other thing of Peter , but that which Paule , and Peter himselfe speaketh to al Christians : for Paule maketh Christ the chiefe & d d Ephes , c , 20 corner stone , vpon which they are builded together , that grow into an holy temple to the Lord . And Peter biddeth vs to be liuely e e 1 , Pet , 2.3 stones , builded vpon that liuely , chosen and precious stone , Christ Iesus . So when Peter had answered to the demand , that hee was Christ the sonne of the liuing God : then said Christ , Blessed art thou f f Mat , 16 , 7 Simon Bar-Iona , for flesh and blood hath reualed this to thee , but my father which is in heauen . And I say vnto thee that thou art Peter , and vpon this rocke will I build my Church , and the gates of hell shall not preuaile against it . So that still the Church is builded vpon that confession and answer that Peter made : viz. Vpon Christ the son of the liuing God : also the g rocke is said to be Christ by especiall wordes in the epistle to the Corinthians .

And Christ himselfe sayth by speciall wordes also , that he that heareth hys wordes and doth them , hath like a wise man builded his house vppon a rocke , so that Christ and hys word be Mat , 7 , 24 , 25 the rock wherevpon the Churche of Christ is builded : For the Church is not builded super Petrum , but super petram : that is Iesus Christ the sonne of the liuing God , whome Peter confessed .

If Peter then be not the head of the Church , downe must fall the title of the vniuersall Bishop of all the Church , which title the pope proudly hath vsurped , as deriued from Peter , who was content to be a member of the Churche , and not the head thereof , but the swelling ambition of the Pope is so monstrous , that hee neither careth to commit treason against christian princes , but most proudly hee will intrude himselfe into the seate and throne of God himselfe , and he will be head of the Churche to dye for it : but I beleeue in the end he will scarse be so much as the foot , or one of the toes of the Churche , his blasphemie is so monstrous and so intollerable .

If then ( sillie Pope ) thou wilt be head of the whole Churche , shewe which way thou makest title , for Peter from whome thou claymest was content to be a member of the Church : And thou because thou canst not be a member of the church , most proudly claymest to be the head : & because thou canst not be the head , thou wilt be no part of the church at all . I beleeue the consequent : darest thou proud pope without all authoritie derogate so much from the glory and maiestie of Christ , as to take from Christ his crown , & to set it vpon thy head most traiterously , and thinkest thou that he will not trample thee vnder his feete ? doth not Paule to the Ephesians speake in plaine t●armes that God raised Christ from the dead , and set him at his right hand in heauenvly places aboue all principalities , & powers , and lordships , and euery name that is named not onely in this world , but in the world to come , and hath submitted all thinges vnder his feete , and hath made him head aboue all thinges to the Churche , which is his body , the fulnesse of him that filleth all in all . If Christ be the head of the Church , as this text doth most plainly proue , then cannot the pope be the head of the church in earth , as hee proudly vsurpeth : for there can be but one head of the Church , and that head is Christ : so that it is the sole appropriated title of Christ to be the head of his church on earth , and euerie where , for God hath giuen this title to neither man nor angell , nor archangell , but to Christ onely , whom he raysed from the dead . Looke through the whole life of Peter , looke through all his Epistles and doctrine , and thou shalt finde in him all the markes of a true and worthie Apostle : his minde humble , not eleuated with pride : his doctrine sound , which he had receiued from Christ : his counsell good : his admonitions wholesome : his Epistles most deuine .

The pope his boasting successor cannot abide the charge of preaching sincerely the word of God : but yet will hee be an Apostle , as touching the place , and retaine the name of an Apostle , and when a man is no more an Apostle , and reuera wanteth both the doctrine and sincere minde of an Apostle , what is this else but to be a false Apostle , and an intruder into the Church of God ? What his doctrine is perticularly , to recite al were to tedious , and almost infinit : their idolatrous masse , their inuented purgatorie deuised onely to purge mens pursses , not their soules , their bowing to idols , their intercession of saintes , their freewill , their iustification by workes , nay their workes of superogation and infinite more : what doe all these but make voyd the crosse of Christ , and disanull the grace of God , repugnant plainely against the law of Moses and the sacred scriptures ? But who may speake against him in anie thing ? who may tell him that God commandeth we should not k k Exod. 20. bow down nor worship carued Images , and if he leaue out this second commaundement cleane out of the booke because it maketh agaynst him , who can reproue him ? In his absurd doctrne of transubstantion after the wordes of consecration vttered who can perswade him but that the bread is the verie body of Christ ? and the wine is the verie bloud , though Christ call it plainly the l fruite of the vine in plaine tearmes ? Who may tell him that he should onely teach the godly doctrine of Christ as a faithful Apostle , and not his vnwritten verities nor curtoll the scriptures of God , nor yet dispence with any thing therein contained ? who may tell him of his charters of pardons , his dispensations to commit cruell and vnnaturall murders against Christian Princes , rebellions , robberies , adulteries and all the villanies of the world , and all this vnder a pretensed colour of the supremacie ( which Peter neuer had ) ouer the Church of God ouer all Princes and Emperours , yea and I thinke aboue God , himselfe ? for what is this els , but to chop and chaunge , and to vse at his pleasure the sacred word of God , and to abuse it to all vngodlinesse and wickednesse .

Their answere is short , that the Scriptures are to be expounded by generall counsels , and they and the pope make the Church , and the Church cannot erre . And whatsoeuer therefore they shall say or decree , that is the worde of God , and to be reuerenced as an oracle from heauen whatsoeuer it be : And hereupon is builded the implicita fides of the Roman papistes , to beleeue as the Church beleeueth , is fayth good inough for a papist : This argument is verie pithagorium , Ipse dixit : ergo verum est : O subtill papistes , O simple and deceiued people , O moste diuelishe and pestilent religion , thus to bewitch mens heartes , and to cast a mist before their eyes , to blindfolde them in such polluted doctrine : And the more to colour this their fraud and apparent deceite they haue established ignorance , for the mother of deuotion , and images they haue made lay mens bookes , and as for the Bible , that shal be read to the people in an vnknowne toong , as in Latine : O diuelish deuise of Sathan , O hellish darkenes : Not the deuill himselfe could haue inuented a more subtil & yet a most pernitious religion .

Is ignoraunce the mother of deuotion , when Christ calleth it the mother of error , saying , to the Saduces , you Mat. 22 29. erre not knowing the scriptures ? Can an vnlearned man sayth Paule , say Amen to thy seruice vttered in an vnknown toonge , when he knoweth not what thou saiest ? and he sayth plainly that there is no Rom. 14. edification in such vnknowne language , howe can these men boast that they edifie the people then when the people say Amen they know not to what , and their implicita fides beleeueth they knowe not what : they tell them the church cannot erre , and this is sufficient for them , if you will goe anie further the Church must answere . O silly Romanistes , so much seduced by that deluding Antichrist , wherevpon is your Church builded ? vpon the pope as the head of the church , and the generall counselles . Peter neuer claymed to be the head of the Church , hee neuer had that authority giuen him , nay it was denied him to seeke after it : And Christ onely is the head of the church as hath bin proued before , Ergo the pope hath no such preheminence . As touching their generall counsels wherewith they binde mens consciences , as with cordes , how can they proue those counsels to be autentically true ? for whatsoeuer it be , that is decreed by them , they make them as oracles and necessarie conclusions of the trueth , though they disagree neuer so muche from the Scriptures : for suche matters must not be called into question , for they hold it as a principle , that from the determination of a counsell there can be no appellation : but what if they erre ? They say they cannot erre : whie ? Because they be the Church : who alloweth it ? Will they prooue themselues to bee the Church , who in their blinde and deuelishe doctrine and conuersation , shewe themselues to be the Synagogue of Sathan ? I knowe not , and I am sure themselues will neuer be able to prooue : For the word of God is that which must trie out the trueth of the religion , and Church of God . For as for building faith vpon general Councels , it is a verie feeble foundation , and ( no question ) they might erre , and did erre : yea , they are somtimes contrarie one to an other : as the Synod of Constantinople gathered together vnder Leo the Emperour , iudged , that images set vp in Churches should bee ouerthrowen and broken in peeces . A litle afterward the Councel of Nyce which the Empresse assembled in spite of him , decreed that they should be restored : both these Councels could not c true : and whether of these should a man take to be true , or how can he tell which is true , but by that Scripture which is geuen by diuine inspiration , which is the rule of the Church , and the square of trueth , whereupon the church must be builded ? els we shall neuer knowe what , or which is the trueth .

Augustine saith , that the latter Councell can not stande without present perrill of idolatrie . Epiphanius saith , it is a wickednesse and abhomination to haue Images seene in the Church of Christians . The Councell of Constance forbad the Sacrament of the Lordes Supper to be geuen to the lay people , but willed that the Priest onely should drinke thereof , which I thinke the Romanistes themselues will not agree vnto .

Thus because Councels may easily erre , ther is no faith to be built vpon them : but all faith , all religion , and the true Church is onely to be built vpon the o o Ephe. 2.20 Prophetes and Apostles , Christ Iesus being the head corner stone , the rocke that neuer falleth nor fadeth : For this is a marke incident to the Church , My p p Iohn , 10.3 sheepe ( saith Christ ) will heare my voyce Againe , Christ saith , He that is of q q Iohn 3.47 God heareth Gods wordes , you therefore heare them not ( saith he ) because you are not of God . The sheepe will followe their good shepheard , for they knowe his r r iohn . 10.3 voice : A stranger they will not follow . Therfore the church and true spouse of Christ must be subiect to her head and husband , enclining to his wil , and gouerned by his word : For the Church which is not builded vpon the word of Christ is built vpon the s s Mat. 7.26 . Sand , and so subiect to a continuall ruine and ouerthrow , as Christ himselfe preached in his sermon : But that which standeth vpon Christ the rock , the t t Math 16 , 18 , gates of hell shall neuer preuaile a-against it , as Christ tolde Peter . Trie the spirites ( saith S. Iohn ) whether they be of v God or no : f f Iohn . 4 , 1 , for many false prophetes are come into the world . Againe , he that knoweth God heareth vs ( saith S. Iohn ) hee that is not of God , heareth not vs : by this we know the spirite of trueth , and the spirit of errour . The false prophetes ( saith hee ) speake of the world , and the world heareth them , because they are of the world : but wee are of God ( saith he ) So that both Iohn and Christ shew this to be a marke to knowe the spirite of errour , if they heare not the wordes of Christes apostles .

Let not the pope therefore deceiue thee ( gentle Reader ) as though he could not erre : neyther let his generall counsell so bind thy conscience , without appellation , but that thou be free to trie the spirits by the worde of trueth : For many false prophetes are come into the world . Trie the gold by the touch stone : For be he Pope , be they generall councels : yea , be they Angels from heauen , if they preach matter contrarie to the doctrin of Christ , beleeue him not : nay , Anathema esto , hold him accursed , as Paule commandeth thee .

The Scribes and Pharises demaunded of Christ , why his disciples transgressed the traditions of the elders . Christ answered them , Why doo yee Math , 15 , 2 transgresse the precepts of God thorough your tradition , for God commanded , saying , Honour father and mother . &c. Hypocrits ( saith he ) wel prophecied Esayas of you : saying , This people commeth neere vnto me with their mouthes , and honoureth me with their lips , but their heartes are farre from me : but in vaine doo they worship me , teaching for doctrine , the preceptes of men .

And is not the religion of Rome as vain a worship , when they teach for doctrine , the preceptes of men , viz. of generall Councels , and that we must hold them as vndoubted oracles of the holy Ghost : and that none must mutter against them , or gainsay them , vpon paine of a condemned heretik . Yea , they hold , that the word of God is subiect to the censure of the Church , which ( say they ) is their Pope & generall councels , and whatsoeuer sense they set vpon the scriptures , is to be receiued for true , without questioning against it : what is this els but to make the head subiect to the foote ? the sheepe to rule their shephearde ? and the Spouse which should be subiect , to beare authoritie ouer her husband that shoulde be soueraigne , her Lord and maister to gouerne her after his wil ? But herein the Church of Rome sheweth her self to play the harlot plainly , when she renounceth her head : when she forsaketh her husband , and runneth a whoring after her owne ymagmations . Iudge then ( gentle reader ) whether thou think to be the true church , ours that is builded vpon the foundation of Christ , the prophetes , and apostles , or the church of Rome , that is builded vpon the Pope , his Cardinals , and his generall councels : Ours that acknowledgeth Christ to be the onely head thereof , or theirs , who ( most dishonourably to christ ) acknowledge the Pope the head therof : Ours that is builded vpon God , ortheirs that is builded vpon slippery men : Ours that admitteth no impuritie , or theirs , who for money , and to serue their turne , will dispence with most monstrous and haynous cruelties : Their religion which seeketh and thirsteth after blood , beeing therein like to the Deuill their father , who was a z z Iohn . 8 , 44 murtherer from the beginning , or ours which seeketh peace of conscience in a godly conuersation : Ours seeketh the glory of God : theirs seeketh their own pomp , and the glory of the world : Ours giueth free liberty to all to try the truth therof out of the sacred scriptures : they bind mens consciences with the decrees of their own councels without apellation

We say with the Prophet Esay , That all our righteousnes is like a defiled cloath : and with Paule , that Christ is made vnto vs a a 1. Co. 1.3 ct righteousnesse by the bountifulnes of God , and wisedome , and redemption , that as it is written , He that b b Iere 9 , 23 reioiceth , should reioice in the Lord . We say with Christ , that no man can come vnto him , vnlesse it bee c c Iohn . 6 , 65 giuen him from his father . We say also with Paule in plaine tearms , that it is d d Phil. z 3 God that worketh both the will , and thee deede . They say they haue free will of themselues to good , acceptable to God , by I knowe not what blinde light of nature : they haue good woorkes , yea workes of superogation , meritorious for themselues and others also : wherein they may boast and bragge , but not before e e Rom. 4 2 God : So we ascribe all all glorie to God , and they robbe God of his glory and take it to themselues .

Peter was commanded to feed the f f ohn 21 , flock of Christ , and he did according : The Pope he starueth the flocke of Christ without any foode , and yet he taketh the fleece : for ignorance ( saith he ) is the mother of deuotion : and heathen Idols be the bookes that Lay-men must looke on , and this is the foode he ministreth , and the knowledge and trueth .

Christ biddeth the people , Search the g g Iohn , 5.39 Scriptures : the papisticall church saith no : It breedeth sectes and schismes , as though they wer wiser then christ . The religion of God is sincere , holy and pure : for money a man may haue a pardon and dispensation of the Pope for all kindes of beastlie vilanies , what dooth this shew but that their bellye is theyr God , their kitchin is their roligion ? yea , they are not ashamed to publish murther of christian princes to be a matter meritorious : and wherfore contend they for this ? but that they may raigne themselues in earthly pompe , and sit aboue kings , adorned with large extended authority . This last point is such a blur to their religion , that he is wilfully blind that seeth not the falshood thereof : yea it is such a spot to their religion , to giue a commission to commit murder & that by the name of meritorious : that it bewraieth al the rest of their religion to be ful of fraud & deceit & open trecherie . For what man of sound wit can be perswaded that he that is a true & faithful apostle indeed , can dispence in anie sort with such open & grosse faults which are euen odious to the law of nature , & readie footpath to bring the bodie into bondage , & the soule to hellish torments ? I would wish therfore no mans im plicita fides to be so intangled with his open sleightes as to beleue him in anie thing , for he sheweth himself reuera to be verie Antichrist in such perspicuous maner , that no man can doubt thereof , for what doth he els but sit in the h h 2. Thess. 2. temple of God and boast himselfe to be God , when claiming the Apostolike sea , he calleth himself the vicar of Christ in earth ? the head of the church ? that he cannot erre ? that he can forgiue sinnes ? matters that belong peculiarly to God alone : and yet that proud Antichrist will be extolled with those titles : what is this but to sit in the seate of God as God ? Also that he claimeth to be Dux ducum , Rex regum , imperator imperatorum , that hee hath authoritie to depose and set vp princes at his pleasure , to build and ouerthrow kingdomes , what is this but malepertly and moste blasphemously to thrust himselfe into the seat of God boasting himselfe to be God ? for it is God per quem Reges regnant ac principes dominantur . But let all the Romanistes knowe this , that is also written in the same Chapter concerning their Antichrist the pope , that for the decite wherewith hee hath deceaued the inhabitantes of the earth , and for his treasons and blasphemies against the mighty God , the Lord from heauen shall consume him with the i i 2. Thess. 28. spirite of his mouth , and confound him in the brightnesse of his comming : Babilon must k k Reul , 18 , 2 fall , yea great Babilon must fall , and must become an habitation of deuils & a prison of alvnclean spirits . Now let him boast that he is Peters successor ? that maketh him neuer a iote the more lawful apostle vnlesse he perform the office of a sincere Apostle as Peter did : l l Iohn , 10 , 1 for otherwise he is a l theefe , a robber and a Woolfe that appeareth in sheepes clothing , of whome Christ bad vs beware . And therein he doth nothing els but like the deuils impe transform himself into an angel of light to deceiue simple soules . Let them glory in the name of the church , crying that Rome is the mother church , the mother church , what benefite is it to haue the name and to want the thing ? for in trueth all their preheminence is onely in names of the church , of Peters place in the statelinesse of their Hierarchie of goodly order , of their carnal cardinals and in such outward pompe and glorie . But ( alas ) these painted clothes bewray the raggednesse of their religion : for the churche of God is not builded vpon such outward shewes , but vppon sinceritie of doctrine and conuersation . Therefore leauing the Lion to be knowne by his clawes , whome times and seasons haue so manifestly disclosed , I counsell thee to forsake the pope and to learne of Peter : build thy faith not vpon the pope who of himselfe wanteth a foundation , but vpon Paule and Peter and the rest of the Apostles Christ Iesus himselfe being the corner stone . Take heed of implicita fides , & learne thy selfe out of the worde of God what thou beleeuest and wherevpon thy faith is builded : for if it be builded generallie vpon men , thy faith is wauering and doubtfull , but if vpon God , then is it built vpon a rocke , against which the gates of hell shall neuer preuaile . Followe the aduise of Christ , n n Iohn , 5 , 39 Searche the scriptures diligently , read them with reuerence in all humilitie , and pray to God earnestly , so shall his word be a light vnto thy feete , o o Psal , i19 , 105 and a lanterne to thy pathes to direct thee in the way of trueth to keepe thy minde sincere and thy eye cleere to see and discerne the trueth from falshoode , a shepheard from a woolfe , a true Apostle from a false , and Christ from Antichrist .

FINIS .