Charity commended, or, A catholick Christian soberly instructed by J.C. Collop, John. 1667 Approx. 212 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 81 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A34014 Wing C5391 ESTC R16883 12394692 ocm 12394692 61094 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A34014) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 61094) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 958:24) Charity commended, or, A catholick Christian soberly instructed by J.C. Collop, John. [22], 134 p. [s.n.], London : 1667. Reproduction of original in the University of Illinois (Urbana-Champaign Campus). Library. Attributed to John Collop by Wing. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Catholic Church -- Controversial literature. Charity -- Early works to 1800. 2003-04 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-05 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2005-03 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2005-03 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-04 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion CHARITY Commended , OR , A Catholick Christian Soberly Instructed . By J. C. M. D. Quicquid deficiunt alia unica supplet charitatis gratia quae in aeternum non deficiet . St. Ber. LONDON Printed , and are to be sold at most Book-Sellers Shops , 1667. TO THE READER . PAper Kites on all sides fly high , born up with the air of popular applause , and wind off phancy to the admiration of plebeian heads ; tho●gh the prayer-toyes of idle children while they misuse paper , and mispend time , are of as great value as the elaborate pieces of most polemicks : whose books are the disguises of faction and diseases of Charity , by irreligious disputes of what they miscall religion , drawing that blood which should quicken the heart of Religion from mens hearts into their heads , leaving their hearts destitute of zeal to God and mutuall dilection ; and filling their hearts with choler , which produces that phrantick zeal which discomposes the world ; or stuffing them with ph●egm which lulls them into a Lethargy of indifferency in religion ; or raising those melancholy vapors which cause these Epileptick paroxisms in quaking enthusiasts : Hence comes this morris dance of religions , & the glorious body of Christianity , minced into factions makes but an Olio , distastefull to Jew or Gentile ▪ and it would be a wonder to have a Iew converted to Christianity , to what sect soever he was converted , the other would condemn him : and this might not seem a way to come to God , but a path to Belial , & even amougst Christians I have known not a few whose too forward zeal to find out religion hath carried them out of all religion : when their fiery zeal had made a blaze , it went out in the stench of Atheism . The specious name of Catholick hath biassed no lesser numbers to Rome , but the spiders web of papall infallibility spun fine by school wits not strong enough to hold them , finding the lines drawn from bowels poysoned with self-interest : breaking this Cobweb net , they disdain all religions as religations to insnare : and believe religion not above a state trick ; or a vizard to fright Children , and cheat the world : since the world varies dssguises as frequently as it changes interests . A giddy minorage instructed me to make prodigious sallies , & joyn with these Babell builders , to try if I could elix truth out of so great a confusion of Languages : but the fruits of my curiosity prov'd not above the Apples of Sodom , I was discompos'd by the noise rather then edify'd by the tongues , and taught with Octavian to cry out , utinam nescissem literas : to wish often that I had been ignorant of letters , since they could not furnish me with the knowledge of Christs Cross , I retir'd within to seek that at home which I could not find abroad : and having anatomized others in vain , I now dissect my self rather then be inexperienced : here I find not those antipathies which I meet in others : I seem constellated for all Countries , and could live peaceably under any national Church , though I would not joyn with any schism which is made to colour over a rebellion , while a monstrous zeal , player-like takes a vizard which hee rejects his part once acted : for this indifferency , though Erasmus-like , I am hung up betwixt Heaven and Hell , & renounced of all Communions , yet Conscientiae satisfeci , nihil in famam laborati , sequatur vel mala dum bene mereor . By being charitable to all , I cannot deserve evill of any ; and I hope no national Church so ill but may deserve my charity : the first sally of my pen intended nothing beside an Apologeticall Epistle , and by an autops●e , or self-unravelling to satifie my self ; and a Romanist of him , of whom he had talk'd much , and knew little ( proposing neither order , or method , it being my Province to unravel the mysteries of riddling nature , rather then the disguises of Antick Polemicks , but my glib penne found it easier to ingage then to retreat , and while the multitude of my own thoughts oppress'd me , the fear of my own disability would not suffer me to betray the succours which reason offer'd , even the whole militant Church , lending the weapons of Antagonists , and offering the Canons of the Church against them ; which I shall bring in with the flag of defiance to no Christian Communion : neitheir make use of the forces to gratifie any faction , for all carry the Angels motro , glory be to God on high , and goodwil towards men . I introduce Charity , neither maim'd nor mutilated ; Since she is inrich'd with a plenteous offspring which she holds within the arms of Christian Communion : I would not deprive herof any of her Children , whom none can truly expresse , it they do not describe her with her arms full ; and although the Papist terme ; it , it is mistaken , yet mistaken charity is to bee preferr'd before none , and should heady and shallow Enthusiasts misconstrue it , yet the learn'd and more refin'd spirit , who is more blear-ey'd with prejudice , or squints to self-interest will afford me that charity which I afford all ; to whom as Vespasian to A●ollonius , I conclude with an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . To a Learnd Romanist . APologies serve onely to multiply Discourses , and the itch of dispute becomes the Scab of the Church : Controversies being either the Ebullitions of indigested Idleness , symptomes of distemper'd zeale , or inebriations of Passion , while men in distractions ly idle , seriously foolish , or drunke with dispute , forget the Holy Ghost to talke of an holy Church ; and by relinquishing their Charity lose the Communion of Saints : most Polemick Divines being no more to be beleev'd then Lawyers , who have least right to that they pleade for , and doe it onely for the fees of promotion , while the people are wrung by the eares , they easily remitt their ear-rings , to reare a golden Calfe to worship , or forge one out of silver , each Country being as able as Ephesus from a silver forge to produce a Diana . Who phancy profit raise Idols of their Phancy : gaine profits by maintaining , & Prophets to maintain them . And no coyne can be so adulterate as not to passe currant , if it bee but stamp'd with the face of Religion . I would not act high treason against heav'n by adulterating my Kings Coyne , or by an uncharitable clipping of it take away the Crowne , and obscure the Image of my Redeemer ; or by a pruriginous affectation of scribling increase the Scab of Church or State ; or that the Luxury of my phancy should like the ranknes of other's wanton out into weeds in the garden of the Spouse . If errour would not triumph over tacit truth ; silence argues no assent , and introduces no supposition of guilt ; though all may accuse the sallies of a prodigious curiosity , none should the excursions of a rasher pen ; the spitle cast on me from inane and jejune noddles should only mortifie my quick silver , and it heale the itch of my curiosity , the inke which I have tooke from the pens of all ages be appli'd to cure the tetters of my own dilating vanity and not profus'd on others . Male de te loquuntur sed mali , men speake evill of thee , but evill men , was the comfort of a wise man , which I must not be intituled to whom you can discommend ; you for whom ever silenc'd enmity studies commendations , they who cannot approve your judgement , admire your knowledge ; say you have a greater Library in you , then you have lost , yet have you lost a greater Library then the County which you inrich with your selfe a Panoply of knowledge can glory in . I could not bewa●le but rather congratulate such a losse : For should the hot zeale of some Iack Straw of Reformation raise a combustion might fire halfe of our Anglican Libraries , ( nay was ev'n your Roman Vatican in a flame with halfe of the worlds Libraries , which by kindling the flames of contention by disordering the Vniverse seem to antidate its combustion ) if a teare could quench the fire , I should number it among my sinnes at the expense of so much water to redeeme them . Error is of a teeming Constitution , this Hydra's heads multiply by amputation , there is no end of writing of Bookes the wisest of men dead said , and the wisest of men living lament . Study is a wearinesss to the flesh , I wish most mens studies were not onely a wearines to their own but all flesh the effect of few mens wit & most mens idlenesse , while there is nothing new under the Sun , not onely bookes but men are transcribed , men are liv'd ore againe : the Pythagorean Metempsychy is verified : the revolution of planets reduce the same constitutions , same errors : hence Learning is in the circle and not in the Progresse : error hath alter'd her modes and garbs with times , someties more gaudy , better painted , trim'd and drest to become more tempting , but still hath carried her old rotten body through all her veils and disguises d●scoverable to a curious inquirie . That which sends occasion to opinion to proclaim most men knowing , administers to me no infrequent suspition of their ignorance , multitude of bookes , variety of notions like to Cadmus Souldiers by mutuall quarrells destroy each other . Light and darkenesse both met in the Chaos , but it was a worke of omnipotency to separate them . I cannot bee induc'd to beleeve either the greatest reader or writer , the best Clerk-men write much of little , because they know not how to comprehend much in little : a fly buzzes more about nothing , then a Bee with all her honey ; most write much to instruct the world , they know little , the Iliads of their labours may be compris'd within a nutshell , and that nutshell crackt found without a kernel . Uoluminous Tostati dilude the mountains of our hopes with a ridiculous mouse , who plac'd in competition with a single sheeted Mercury may be orevalued , while in floods of words scarce occurs a drop of reason , and these by malice onely impostum'd Authors betray their owne corruption , or their tumid bodies of controversies are onely symptoms of a drscracy , and show an Hydropsick constitution in Religion . But while these scrap-gatherers pick reversions from common places , and poore truth imprisoned for her plaine dealing , fed at the Almes basket of vncharitable times is scarce kept from famishing , for you a reputed treasurie of knowldge to cast no mite into her treasury ; while these standing pools retaine corruption , you who are an ambulatory Library , not to stream with excellence , & like the Philosophers Elixir have as some say the price of al things in Epitome ; yet you your selfe know no value , this is a miracle which may refute yours and their adversaries who can beleeve miracles have a cessation : But lest you Sir should be lost in your Laborynth of your own praises as the world in admiration of your intricate excellence , be pleas'd to know Sir , that the opinion of what you know cannot make you speake wisely of what you know not , and the Prerogative of greatnesse is no priviledge for unworthinesse ; he may be evill himselfe who speaks good of another upon knowledge , but he can never be good himselfe who speakes evill upon suspition of any one : though you are pleas'd to say I make a jest of Religion , yet produce one jest which did not give an earnest of truth . I must confess I have not lov'd a solemnity in folly , or serious Ildenesse , like children to contend with a passions vehemency for cock pins and hobbyhorses ; if I have admitted that no●i bonum ludere cum sanctis , it was onely when they were dress'd like unto Bartholmew Faire babies in a garbe onely to be made sport with ; ( honour their ashes which have been temples of the Holy Ghost , treasuries of knowledge , & Cundit pipes of salvation , and neither my pen nor tongue shal bedrible their ashes , which to speake Philosophically may retaine some perfume of their sanctities . I am not ignorant of the stories of Gervase Montanus , Babylas , nor all the names which sanctifie your year , or with their owne bloods are writ in the Rubrick of the Church : But yet I must beleeve , Honorandi sunt Charitate non servitute , and that best honour we can do them is to imitate their vertues and not bely their ashes , and make banquets for the serpent the father of lies , which thus may be said to have food out of the dust , which not to administer cannot intitle me to your livery , viz. A Heretick in Divinity , a Heretick in Philosophy , and in Physick , but not to a Physitians religion which you can please your selfe by calling Atheism , but if you were acquainted with much felicity as to be intituled to the knowledge of Dr Brownes Religio Medici , you might bee induced to beleeve a Physitian still may prove an Evangelist , and I hope I shall not prove besse by bringing you the good tydings of the Religion you have lost ; and though it be true as you say , I am none of the young men who see visions , yet I am content to give you the honour of an old man who dreameth dreams ; not that you have truth reveal'd to you sleeping , but are content to snore in your errours ; and please your self with th● imaginations of truth , Chymera's of your owne distracted phancy , or the dreame of melancholy Monks : if I recede from any , it shall be by their receding from themselves , and as Apostacy is but a recession , and Heresie which you inculcate an election , I am content with S. Paul after the way you call here sie to worship God by , election of truth without supposing it taken 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Thyestiles expugnatio civitatis , but more especially the holy city of God , his holy Catholique and Apostolik Church militant on earth and triumphant in Heaven , yet I may that which is patient in the purgatory of your errors . And though you are suppos'd a Golia●h able to defy a whole host of Israels , ye a poore contemptible boy whose best company hath been sheepe , silly creatures in a wildernesse of errour , if when a Lyon roar'd on him , one of yours E. S. I. who like a Lyon goeth about seeking whom he may devoure , he tooke him and rent with his owne arguments , shall he not dare to encounter you out of the slender scrip of his owne reason ; and with pebbles drawn from a brooke of clearer testimonies aime at your forehead that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 pontificiall infallibility in the head of your Church , and then amputate it by the two edg'd sword of verity , and the whole host of delusion your Catholique body of error , cui fumus pro fundamento shall evaporate , yet by wrinkling and shrinking truth , I shall not bring the Church in that narrow compasse to give private spirits leave to ruffle her , or make her lesse Catholick or not infallible , which could she be , she might cease to be holy ; nor could I be perswaded that the pontificiall robes carried holiness to the Lord , that Vrim and Thuminim perfection and light were relative to the Miter , and the lips of that high Priest onely carried knowledge , I could fly the bosom of the common mother , but since from distemper'd parents we exuge poyson , not nutriment , you must give leave to decline those breasts which flow not with the sincere milk of the word , and believe the body distemper'd , and of a richetty constitution : whose head so exceeds the proportion ; had infallibilitie a tie above the , intention of a Priest in Collation of orders ; to the proof of which , though I cannot expresse the exactnesse of pedantism in quotation , yet I shall not be warp'd from that may expresse ingenuity , and satisfie a pretender to it in a rural retirement , having no book but one of an imperfect edition , forc'd to read my self , ubi multa desiderantur & à desunt nonnulla , but nothing that may inform of truth , though I can make use onely of some confus'd notes for the engraphical part of memory , yet in the agraphical part I shall not show so great a deficiency in the Mnenon●cal Art as may render truth suspected ; truth shal be my aim , I may fly high , rove , yet never farre from the mark , and perhaps escape the fa●lts of most Polemicks , who resemble a piece of Arras , where there is much in representation , and nothing in reality : or Plutarchs heartlesse fish with a sword assimilating body , want both vigor and acutenesse : the discourses of umbraticall Doctors on all sides like bodies bred in the shade , cannot endure the Sun , or a shower : in their more serious retirements affecting nothing beyond Domitians humour of catching of flies : which I shall without torture inforce them to confesse : Could you but dispossesse your self of prejudicacy ; truth is a garment that time can wear ; who pretend to grey-headed error , rather d●scredit it then patronize it . Lay aside those great names of Seraphick and Angelick Doctors ; look not on any Religion through the opticks of blear-ey'd prejudice , as I am confident you make not yours squint to self-interest . I have neither giv'n up my name to regall or papall supremacy , neither protested , covenanted , or ingag'd to any faction ; hee who aims at truth by the Roman , or any other bias , wi●l never come nere the mark : the fire of self-love , as it is kindled by the breath of the Father of lies so it partaketh of the quality of his flames , to be without light : since it keepeth us in darknesse to our selves , & an imperception of the true dimensions of others . This liking or disliking of others , is but the spurious issue of philautie which undervalues al , meets not in a compliance with the humour : some natures as Seneca observes , are so shady , as they think every thing turbulent and stormy , that is even , in a meridian l●ght . Some like to old rusticks are content to meet in the Church porch of tradition to talk of mundan a affairs , which care not to enter into the Church to serve God in his Ordinances : others resemble young Novices which creep into the Church by holes to angle and ring the bells backward , neglecting the key of trad●tion : others by curious inquiries are put into a whee● , and are circled so long betwixt proving the Scripture by tradition and tradition by Scripture , till the Devill find a means to dispute them into infidelity ; and make them believe neither . Most mens lips and pens open wide like to a monilesse purse ; nothing comes out of this ▪ and what is worth nothing out of them : yet this nothing must be plac'd in competition with nothing lesse then salvation : the tradition of the Church must be a satisfactory proof to believe by Divine faith , ( if we may believe a Papist ) Scripture , Gods word . If wee ask why we must believe ? it is replied : because the Church is infallibly govern'd by the holy Ghost : if we inquire how ? they run to revelation guilty of enthusiasm which they object to others : or if they offer to prove it by Scripture , as most do , it is an acknowledgement that the Scripture is of higher proof then the Churches tradition : thus these impertinents touch ne●ther Heaven nor Earth , in their discourses they open an entry into a room , but shut it presently . Some elate tradition above Divinity : the principles of any conclusion must be of more cred●● then the conclusion it self : the Articles of Faith , the Trinity , Resurrection and Communion , if the conclusions by which they are proveable is Ecclesiastical trad●tion ; it must follow that the Churches tradition is of more credit , when the Faith of the Articles must be finally resolv'd into the veracity of the Churches testimony . Others depresse tradition even below humanity ; are so far from equalizing it with rational d●scourses , as they prefer the dreams of phanaticks before the Churches tradition : without which a rayling Song thrust upon an evil air , is not worse musick then the confused notes which some intitle the harmony of Scriptures ; and if they know Gods Law by heart , they have no heart to his Law , and after all these pretences of Knowledge and illumination , like to the Egyptian sages can produce nothing but frogs and blood : Nor doe the Exotique Seminaries furnish us better then the weeds which the ranknesse of our own soil hath cast up : Apostolicall pruging-hookes are exchang'd for Sanguinary instruments , involving the world in blood , and staining their own lives ▪ at the●r deaths leaving nothing behind but a memorial of some hideous impietie : while with styles solemnly religious , and even Seraphical devotions we find more principl'd in Caesar Borgia , and Nicholas the Florentine then Elemented in Religion , not erecting a Spiritual Kingdome for Christ , but a temporal for the Pope ; which he honest good man , solemnly vows and protests against ; for all the Bishops of Rome at their Creation , make a solemn vow and confess to observe inviolably all Ordinances made in the first eight generall Councells , in which is provided that all Causes be determined by the Bishop of the same Province where they are begun . This might check the exorbitancy of the Roman See , and confine Tibur within her own limits , if sober men having neither the inebriations of passion or self-interest might be judges : Neither might that impertinent question of triflers trouble the world : Where was your Religion before Luther ? ( retorted ingeniously by S. H. Wotton to a pragmatical Monk ) where yours is not to be found now , in the word of God : But I may modestly and charitably averre , where yours was if you have any , and where much of what you call fundamentall in yours , now is not to be found in the word of God. Ecclesia non in parietitibus Consistit sed in dogmatum veritate : Ecclesia est ibi ubi fides vera : one impertinent question is not ill required with another , when a Romanist is ask'd where the Churches visibility and their judges infallibility was , Cum ingemuit totus orbis & Arrianum se esse miratus est ; and even the infallible Guide , Liberius even a Pope decoy'd into Arr●an●sm : or while he was intainted , if a Pope was what you would have him , an infall●ble Iudge , is he not to be believed , when he answers the Emperor with an esto quod solus sum , non tamen fidei causa periclitatur : olim tres soli sunt reperti qui regis mandata resisterent . If a particular Nation doe what the whole world did , sigh , and wonder at her self so soon turn'd Leper , it need not be the wonder of a wise man ? they who sacrifice their Religion to successes must set up Fortune for a deity ; which I believe is the World Idol , who Persian-like adore the rising Sun ; and not like Israelites ; they will not believe God as much in the Cloud as in the Pillar , though the one is the more glorious object . Can an intelligent man suppose religion dead in the Primitive persecutions , because buried alive in the Caves ? or ours lost because some of ours are necessitated to imitate them , and you , if you have any Religion in this Kingdom ? yet this meeting with weak judgements , and strong passions against the time , hath gain'd not a few Proselytes to Rome , and some seemingly learn'd , whose error like that of Origen , & Tertullian magna suit in ecclesiâ dei tentatios While the Priest which should bee the lungs of the Church to receive in the influences of Heaven , and temper the heart of Religion , sucking in the contagious air of popular phancies are tainted ; and have brought an hectick fever in the body Ecclesiastick , subjecting it to continuall heats by the exasperation of malignant humours , through the obstructions of self-interest , ignorance and the grosse matter of ambition : but I shall endeavour to trie these lungs , and let out the purulent matter which occasions the heat of disputes and cold fits of Charitie , infallible Symptoms of a Consumpti●n in the body of Religion : and though there may be Physitians more experienc'd ; yet the Domestick Doctor is alwaies call'd into Consultation , as best acquainted with the Constitution : there may be perfumes which may deceive those who converse with putrid lungs at usuall distances ; yet I , who have been intimately Conversant with Priest and Parson , and even protostickler of Schisms , which have attriv'd florent an Age with Civil Warrs , dissected men living as well as dead , having read both men and books , may prescribe opposite remedies , having those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 mollifying praeparations which Hippocrates requires his Phisitian to have upon all occasions : And though I have arriv'd at Knowledge by prodigious curiosities ; yet if we believe Alchymists , he who can fix quick-silver may make gold : and I doubt not God of his mercy will fix me volatile as Mercury , and produce that Elixir , which by its fluxion may convert the most obdurate metall into Gold ; and having wandred long out of the Ark , not knowing where ' to rest my foot for the deluge of errors , I may from the tops of the Mountains , the holy Fahers , return with the Olive branch of peace to the Ark , Gods holy , Catholicke , and Apostolick Church ; from which onely Ravens fly , those birds of prey , whose delight is in ruine , and 〈◊〉 devour mankind ; which is far from him , who is a friend to all , and yours by an inviscerate dilection , J. C. Medici Catholicon . Sect. 1. MOst Polemick Divines Comet-like rise out of indigested matter , from the vapour of History , tenter'd Scripture , and fragments of Fathers , these exhalations blaze and become portentous to Common-wealths by their apparitions : it is the art of Scripture , which every one challenges to himself ; and the body of Religion which every Mountebank dares dissect ; and those nobler parts whose discovery should be to the melioration of mankind , are slash'd and Cauteriz'd by cruell ignorance ; and similar parts , which should exact a gentle and well experienc'd hand anatomiz'd by the hand of self-conceit , and blinded passion , are so mangled and disproportioned , that there is nothing opened above their own follies , who pretend to anatomize others . An Anatomist must be able to discover the order , situation , substance , temper , relations , and confederate entercourses of parts contained , and continent , the different Cells , and different bowels , how roof'd , and how partitioned , know all the wheels and Clockworks of the heart , the mystique causes , what pullies close , and what dilate , what secret engines tune the pulse , when by a well order'd chiming , it showes what time health keeps in the body : Can demonstrate all the Maeanders and by-paths of sporting nature , where obstructions have lodg'd , where maladies bred ; and by such patterns instruct how to remove the accretion of malign humours , by prescribing opposite remedies for prevention of such ensuing inconveniences , and rectifying the present purging those impurer humors which convert the food of life into poyson : restoring those windy constitutions which are inflated with their own emptinesse ●ccasion'd by weaknesse , and the obstructions of ignorance , vent nothing above noise and stench , curing the Hydrophodia in those who fear to look in the waters of life , by teaching to delight in the Scriptures , and healing the sting of the old Serpent , which Tarantula-like produces giddinesse , onely curable by harmony of Fathers , Councels , Scriptures in the Church . And not having glean'd up a few simples in the garden of times , where weeds and flowers spring up together , poyson as well as physick , observing neither quantity , nor quality , suppose he is inrich'd with Panaces , and Catholicons can cure the distemperatures of constitutions that he understands not : having weigh'd his compositions in the deceitfull ballance of his own lighter phancy , where there is no grain of wit , though some unnecessary scruples may intermix with the composition of folly , which may make it seemingly oreballance truth , and passe currant with the multitude , and weigh all by their owne lead ; and easily are induc'd to swallow the most bitter pill , when gilded ore with profit and seeming complacencies . The people like the Planet Mercury , are good in conjunction with the good , and bad with bad , but to nothing resembling better then to wheels , who by turning round continually , are fit to carry on all designes , if an H●●resiarch , whose head hath some gingling phancies , lead the way forehorse-like ; others as brainlesse as horses follow , the wheels are drawn glibly on while they are well greas'd , when they want the grease of maintenance , onely creak , make a noise , and disquiet the world . Sect. 2. Most Polemicks , while they have too rashly charg'd the body of error , have made themselves her Captives ; and lent Antagonists Trophies of their rashnesse : Though truth is a strong fort inconsideration may become a traytor , and expose it to the mercy of an enemy . Most men are so drunk with dispute and inebriated by their passions , that they cast at Antagonists heads all they can lay hold on , not fearing a rebound , or what weapons they administer to their own ruine : show the weakness of their adversaries with so much of their own , that they lend opportunities to error : they permit the wild bore in their Vineyards , would keep out the Foxes ; and open a gap for the Foxes would expell the Wild bore : they whose malice nam'd the Bishop of Rome Antichrist , their weaknesse opened a door to the Brownist , to bring in their own orders as rivolets from that See into the premunire of Antichristian . While Rome would prevent dissentious , they are forc'd to dissent from themselves ; admit that overgrown monster , tyrannons infallibility , like the Wild Bore of the Forrest to lay wast Gods Vineyard , grown cruelly subtle by age and confidence in his tuskes , gores all that stand in opposition , ●oming with mali●e , ambition , and Avarice , and wallowing in impurities : they who dissent from these , have not learn'd to agree with themselves : each one hath his distinct Idol , different Concubine , various glosse , on which their phancies set produces a brood of sects . While they adulterate the Scripture , and seem to approve that which they so much decry , while they wed themselves to the Idols of their own phancy , become the greatest Idolaters : or confirm Copernicism with their whimzies , the Earths motion by a continuity of giddinesse . Sect. 3. With the Lyrck , Nullius addictus jurare in verba magistri , me quocunque rapit tempestas deferor . Neither shall I put gall in the ink I write of Religion because others sowre their language ▪ If I open sores , the launching shall be onely to let out their corruption , or take away the proud flesh that keeps the wounds of the Church from healing . And though I may confess with S. Bernard , Non sit major superbia , quam ut unus homo toti congregattoni judicium suum praeferat tanquam ipse solus spiritum Dei habeat : yet 't is a different thing for a man modestly in some points dis-satisfied to propose quaeres , not to a Congregation onely , but the Catholick Church : and a sober man may without trenching on irreligion , or the least touch of madness or insolency , dispute a matter of Religion with the Roman , or Church , or Prelate , as Irenaeus with Victor , modesty accompanying , and a desire to fist out truth free from vanity and purpos'd opposition , even against a particular Church , though to dispute an ● Article of Faith , what the Catholick Church hath alwayes believ'd , is what S. Austine calls insolent madness . But in other things , Consent of Nations , Authority confirm'd by Miracles , and Antiquity of S. Peters chair , and succession from it , motives to keep in the Catholick Church must not hold against demonstration of truth ; quae quidem si tam manifesta monstratur ut in in dubium venire non possit , proponenda est omnibus illis quibus in Catholicâ teneor : ita si ali quid apertissimum Evangelio● they have opened the gates and made the way that went before us : non Domini nostri sed duces fuere : truth lies open to all ; it is no mans severall : patet omnibus veritas ; nondum est occupata : multum exilia etiam futur is relicta : dissentire licet , sed cum ratione : non mihi credendum sed veritati . Sect. 4. Though I cannot look upon the Pope with that dreadfull apparition , which some affrighted with the horror of their own imaginations , who character him by a Virgils Polyphemus , monstrum horrendum , informe , ingens , cuilumen ademptum . Or some sad and distorted phancies flutering betwixt the twilight of ignorance and self-conceit bandy against the name with prejudice , as it nothing could result from thence might not taint the odour of virtue and innocence ; yet could I but believe infallibility to bee the Prerogative of the the pontificial chair ; I might believe with the Schoolmen , sin a non-entity , that Pontificial impurities passing for nothing , the chair might be secur'd from rasher imputations , St. Irenaeus might not accuse a Victor , S. Cyprian a Stephen ; S. Athanasius a Pope Liberius for Arrianism ; all that pretend to goodnesse , Heresie in an Anastatius , Honorius , John 22. Necromancy in a Silvester ; Magick in a third Paul ; a John the 8th 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17. as if the name which implies gratious , could import a concatenation of mischiefe , they being link'd together in with the 7th . Boniface , for the most part entring like Foxes , living like Lyons , and dying like Dogs : & non montes parturient ridiculum murem , sed secundum ridiculum morem , in the eight John , and Bened●ct the 9th . supposed to appeare in the shape of a Monster after death , because in all his life hee appeared not lesse then a Monste● in all his Actions : a 6th . Vrban could drown five Candinalls for revenge , andas if this had been too little , let loose a deluge of impiety , the 5. Cardinal virtues suffering for name sake . But these are modest , vey'd with witchcrafts incests , cruelties , of a sixth Alexander ; Idolatrous sacrifices in a Marcelln ; Diabolicall applications in a Celestine ; inhumations and such ridiculous peeces of cruelties in others , that even Paganism is charitable , and Mahometism it self comparatively virtuous : Should I omit a 10th . Leo's ( that Father of Christendom in long Coats , who before the times , others do arrive at age , had attain'd to be Father of all the Aged , a Pope at twenty ) quantum peperit nobishaec fabula Christi , and after a dispure , de animâ & redit in nihilum quod fu●t ante nihil : but I would sally no further , shrowds best befiit the dead , and by a candid retrogradation , to draw a white veil of innocence over those who should have been nursing Fathers to the Church ; yet let mee tell you Sir , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 how assents he to Christ in his words , who dissents from him in his works ? Three blazing Comets conspicuous in the Roman Horizon at the same time , it would be strange if they should produce no alteration in the Ecclesiastick body , three Popes cohabiting at Rome , three in diverse Countries , a schism for forty years , Popes at the French and German devotion , Ambition and Corruption to the attaining the Papall dignity ( as Platina ) being more prevalent then a Christian life it would be a miracle above any Legends pretend to , that Contrariety should r●concile , mutuall Contradictions render infallible , while the Church musick must bee onely set out of such discord . Antipopes not onely in competition for , but opposition to the pontificial dignity ; of the Popes infallibility , see your own Gerson , Occham , Almain , Echius , Hosius Pigh●us , Waldensis at quarrell : about Originall of Spirituall power , Abulensis , Turrecremata , Franciscus de victoria , Alphonsus de Castro : men whose very names speak battell aud writings not much unity . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 will scarce prove a Rock of defence which implies a stone as well as Rock , and the twelve Apostles were all stones which went to the foundation of Christianity . No man , not warp'd by prejudicate ignorance , but may admit a primacy as great as those Princes , his Holinesse dignifies with the titles of the most Catholique , or most Christian. Peruse the Spanish Edicts , and you shall find Cardinall Baronius book asserting Papall jurisdiction by King Ph●l●p , lest it might raise the flames of contention in his Subjects , made it self a Subject of the flames . Peruse the Constitutions of the Gallican Churches ; nay even now see them menacing to ordain Bishops for Portugal , the Pope refusing . Reslect upon this darling Flanders , and find Bruxels lately tearing his bull for a defamatory scroll , by one rent to prevent many . Take a view ●of Germany , her Henries , Fredericks , 1. 2. here you shall find the story of the Eagle and Fox verifyi'd if the Eaglé touches but a Popeling , the Fox fires his nest . See the Eastern Empire , whose substance was lost , fighting about shadows nay , the substance of Religion and Christs Image , charity for a wooden one . Finally , let us look home and sweep our own doors from the ●irt which would cleave to them : the first appellant here in England was Wilfrid , Archbishop of York in the reign of Egbert and his Son Alf●ede ; the Popes Nuntio's in his behalfe were return'd with a Complement of honouring for grave lives , and honorable aspects , but they would not ' sent to their Legation . See Anselms Contest about appeales to Rome , answer'd with a Consuetudo regni mei est à Patre meo instituta ut null●us praeter licentiam Regis papa appelletur : qu● Consuetud●nem regni toll●t potestatem quoque & Coronam Regis violat : Siquis inven●us fuer●t litter as vel mandatum ferens Domini papae , &c. Capiatur & deo eo ●●cut de● Regis traditore & Regn● , &c. if it was treason then , reason will ●carce expect thee Reward of loyalty now should atte●d his missaries . These you will not deny , such as you call Catholick , and cannot wonder if in those times they menac'd ponere murum pro Domino rege , they now place one pro republicá , and better learn'd by time : Now with the Grec : an Church they answer , we know your pride ; cannot satisfie your A●arice ; and therefore leave you to your selves . For his Patriarchate , by Gods Law he hath none in this Land ; for 600 years after Christ he had none , for the subsequent 600. intent to greater matters , hee would have none , above or against the Princes sword he can have none ; to subvert faith , or oppresse his brethren , 't is fit he should have none ; you must seek further for subjection to his tribunall , this Land oweth him none . Finally to bring you home , and truth home to you ; reflect upon your own Rome in the time of budding Christianity , Polycarp in Anicetus time comes to Rome , yet makes no appeal . Justin Martyr lives at Rome , & lends no suspition of such power : hee names a prefect of the brethren ; calls all Christians High-Priests ; and so he being one , may attain a pontificall dignity . Iren●us calls Soter , Anicetus , Hyginus , Pius , Telesphorus , Xistus Presbyters . Dionysins Corinthius calls Soter a Bishop . Apollinaris tells of Asiatick Churches excomunicating without the Roman . The Gallican Churches in a dissention of Alcibiades and Theodotus not onely appeal'd to , but the Roman Victor was oppos'd by Polycrates , an Ephesian Bishop . Nay , even the name of Universall Bishop was so great a stranger to Rome , that a Pope though it designd the comming of Antichrist , was a name of blasphemy , and to admit it , was to lose the Faith ; and no Sciolist in History but may discern if the Foxes taile had not been peeld to the Lyons skin , his Holiness might have now been but a petty Chaplain , and squar'd his Religion to some magnifico's trencher ▪ and he may thank Saint Pauls sword , which hath more advantag'd him then the Crosse keles of St. Peter . Sect 5. Who would be ty'd to that infallibility , which instead of adorning , hath so dawb'd the Gospell , that Christianity may be suspected for a Fable , & al relig●on pass for state policy , while quatenus Cathed●a doceat , this Nymph Egeria must inform the Roman Numa , and to resist it be no lesse treason , quam tentare arcana imperi ? and yet his Holinesse silence such prodigious pieces of masking foolery , golden Legend , Bridgets Revelations , Metaphrastes Saints , Monkish Chymaera's , and pious frauds , which for excellence and probability may parallel Lucian's true History , render Pantagruel Orthodox , make Don Quixot for the transportations of his phancy passe in opinion for a S. and a Gusman may be canoniz'd for a knave by revelation ; as well as a Ronsard tenter our Saviours miracles to an analogy with Hercules labours , and your Divine Ar●sto make Saint John a groom to feed an Hippogriph with Celestiall Oates . Indulgence to vice shames virtue out of countenance : and the threed of falshood interwoven with the gold of verity makes even truth passe in the supposition of counterfeit . Who would believe the treasurie of Pontificiall merits exceeds his Peters pence , since no penny , no Pater noster , no our Father , the Pope , with Peter sure will scarce hold currant at Heaven gate ? Or believe a Purgatory above unnecessary injunctions , and a fire in it above a Culinary one , which he maintains by it in his Kitchin , since he seems an adversary in the way , and who agrees not with him quickly , is cast into Prison , and scarce gets out till hee paies the uttermost farthing . Or the Priests , when they cry edite & bibite de hoc omnes , and devour all themselves , lie not ? Or mumming may not seem Religion , where Religion may seem but a mask of Anticks ? That lies and phancies bee necessary for salvation , since who believes them not , Trent Councell salutes with an Anathema ? Or the Popes have not been the greatest Schismatiques , since they have made more Schisms , then others Churches have Articles of Faith. That two Popes when they both do contradict each the other , are both of them infallible ? Or injoyning severall Bibles , I must peruse neither ? That the people was not mock'd by subtile divisors , who instead of milk to instruct their souls , milked their purses with the fictitious milk of the Virgin Mary , visible in twelve places in the time of Henry the 8. That Saint Wilfrid's needle which opened to the penitent , and clos'd to the guilty , was not the needle , the Camel , Cable might passe through , the rich man to Heav'n since , who gave most was alwaies the most innocent . Or a rood moving like to a Puppet by wyre , and weeping the tears of a bleeding Vine , gain'd not the Priests the blood of the grape , by inebriating the people with folly ? In stead of shewing of our Saviours blood the price of Mankinde , while they took a price for blood , shut up in Chrystal , a darker veil might not better befit their impiety , belying the value of humanity with Ducks blood of no value . That John the Baptist , the voice and way to heaven , may not be mistook for a po●●er of hell , since what they feign of their Ceroerus , seem verifi'd of him , three heads shown at three severall places . While a piece of Bechets shirt must impregnate sterile women the mortifications of the flesh may not seem seminal pollutions , which like to Ave●rhoes Bath could procreate at di●tance , or nocturnal effluxions sanctifi'd by inherency in his vestment , like the unguentum armarium by the effluviums of atoms may do miracles . Finally , nails , Bechets penknife , boots , dirt , S. Laurence coals , and trash fit onely to be found in Kites nests , must necessarily shew a green-sickness-like Constitution , and obstructions in Religion . Sect 6. These though venial to vulgar constitutions , who cannot go above the capacity of instill'd notions , cannot be pardonable to K. P. W. M. L. B. your self ; men who seem constellated for learning , who do nothing if they out-do not others . God expects no splendor from the lesser stars , but if the Sun should not irradiate , it would seem a conspiracy in Nature : it is not sufficient for such to be carried in the stream of every idler fancy , byass'd by lead , but eminent in vertue , fortune and knowledge , propose Excellency for a Mistris , and Perfection for an aim . Amuze not your selves for splendid nothings to gather cockles on the shore , but lanch into the deep , and fetch home treasures above the In●●es , the everlasting Mines of Knowledge : Place your tabernacle in the Sun , and not in the shadow ; in the substance of Religion and not form , lest you lose the essence of Religion , Charity to others in opinion , and the substance of Charity in your fortune ; as the shadow of Religion , so gain the shadow of an estate , broken as your knowledge . The people whose credulities illimitable may promiscuously swallow any thing , have Diana's out of every silver forge , are spunges ready to suck in all the lees of fancy and dregs of ages ; may believe in a stock , garlick , onyons , a God for no God , all the absurdities of an Alcoran , a Moon descending into Mahomets sleeve , the Angel Adriels death and Gabriels bridge , Celestial generations by the smell of a Citron , an act of coition prolong'd to a Jubilee of fifty yeares , or any thing while they are tools to a Machiavell and he the Devils instrument may not lend occasion to wonder . But that a Auicenne , a Geber , and the learned Arabians should prostrates their beliefs so tamely to every fardle of foolish impossibilities and you have a vote for those Legends , which make a Ta●mud and an Alcoran seem modest , when you have a clew within your self , which may extricate you from this Maze of folly , this is an inexcusable piece of ignorance in you , which might be veniall in me , since the disfigurements on the face of truth , Junior indoctrinations , and minority of years , instructed by the ill complexion'd zeal of most professors , might suffer me to toil in a Labyrinth of error , truth not attained to but by exantlation , having onely time to peep into the Well , and not è puteo latentem eruere veritatem , view truth onely by the glass of vain imagination , measuring truths image by my own : Finally consider what needed the Fathers Cautions against Haeresie , and hard Conflicts with Hereticks ; Christendom torn by distemper'd Councells , as that of Ariminum , and the two of Ephesus , the whole world Arrian to the amazement of it self , and all this time the either envious or ignorant , never call for the necessary assistance of the Pope , and teach the ignorant world how the Bishop of Rome was infallible . I shall not deny with some Sciolists of ours , Peters residence at Rome , a Bishop of the Jewes , as Paul of the Gentiles ; and believe them as little in this as in the two witnesses of the Revelation , the two Jewish Bishops , which some please to phancy themselves ; some the Albigenses and Waldenses , as truly as the fraternity of New England is the woman in the Wildernesse : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , in Ep●phanius , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 see● in Eusebius time , Petrus & Paulus Apostoli in Roma , in Prosper : Peters concertation whith Simon Magus at Rome ; his Constitution of Clemens , confessed by such a cloud of witnesses , not easily to be blown away with every wind of phancy . Our Fencers in Religion , need not make falsifying stroaks to hit the Roman head , since by rasher overtures their Antagonists by their own play lay their head open to have the infallible brains knock'd out ; if they fence not with Saint Pauls sword as well as ward with Saint Peters Keies : Truth is like the Lake in Africk ▪ which one time or other discovers all that is cast into it . Sect. 7. I cannot bee induc'd to believe the Pope , Antichrist with some , who believe nothing but what is writ in the stories of their own ignorance , and calculate all Religion by their own vertiginous pates ▪ weighing not the consequences of bringing their own orders into a premunire of Antichristian : the Enthusiasms of the Lady Elianor Davis , and the prophetique accomplishments of Rice Evans , who makes a Parliament Antichrist , sitting in the Temple of God , viz. the house was once a Chapp●ll , are as probable and rationall discourses as most in Brightman , Mede , Napier , Gresner , Witta●her , Cotton , &c. or should any one make a Iack daw Antichrist , perking on the Pinacle of a Temple like Belial , and exalting himself above all that is called God. viz. Gods worship in the Church : A Romish Priest some years since inform'd me for a secret that Antichrist was born and now liv'd in Babylon about twelve years old , disputed Christ-like with learned men to admiration , could speak as soon as he was born , having Daemon●ack-like learn'd to speak in the belly . Another show'd the time of his comming , his firing of Rome ▪ and the Popes name that should oppose him : some believe him with us now , and is a sending forces against Rome the year 1655. fatall to Italy . Sect. 8. If Antichrist shall come , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 according to the working of Satan , in all power , signs , and lying wonders , Simon Magus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Satans first born , as Saint Peter , and as Euseb●us 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . may resemble him , i● to command fire to come down bee any property of his ? Arnobius will inform v●derant currum Simonis , & quadrigas igneas Petri●re difflatas & nomin●to Christ● Evanuisse , &c. if to exalt himself above all that is called God belongs to him ? hee said all Nations worshipped him as God , though they gave him various names , do●uit seipsum esse qui apud Judaeos quasi filius apparuerit ; in Samara auter● quasi pater descenderat , & in reliquis Gentibus quasi spiritus Sanctus adventaver●t ; The God of the Jewes , one of the Angells , and Simon himself , the Father who made the Angells : if to sit in the Temple of God as God denotes him ? the Samaritans call'd Simon 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 worship'd 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with incense and sacrifice : who can doubt him , by the Samaritans worship'd in places set apart for Gods service , and so 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . If the man of sin be an opposite tearm for him : hee call'd his wench Helena his lost sheep ; having left her in a Brothel , ad hanc descendit pater summus ▪ and carrying her back to his Palace , ad hominem salutem respexit , had respect to humane health , & salutem hominis dixit esse liber ationem ab Angelorum imperio , qui-ipsos ad bonas actiones urgerent , nec promitterent agere quae vellent ▪ the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or mystery of iniquity may quadrate with the impiety of his followers the Gnosticks as well as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 man of sin or adversary with Magus , if to deny Christ to have come in the flesh , may be appropriated to Antichrist ; the Gnosticks deny'd Christ to have been born , liv'd , or dy'd , but in apparition . Apostacy may bee applicable to their relinquishing Christianity , to comply with persecuting Jewes , that which impeded the mystery of i●iquity , the Apostles compliance in some judaical observances ; the swift destruction , see perform'd , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in a moment they were utterly destroy'd by the breath of Christs mouth , brightnesse of his coming ; one denoting the Evangelicall power in the mouth of Peter and Paul personally opposing him , and Christs comming to take judgement on the Iews , and his favorites the Gnosticks , who adher'd to them in the persecution of Christianity . Sect 9. This with our incomparable Doctor Hammond doth carry more probability then the whimzies of Brightman , who wil have the Martyr Antipas antipapas ; though he suffered in Domitians time , must be an Antipope , or some mens phantastick humour of Anagrams where Doctor Chatterton may come as near the number of the Beast as Calixtus , whose name the Parsons torture in revenge of their depriv'd lechery : or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 where they serve the phancy of Irenaeus , to that hee did not apprehend : or Saint Hierom , Tertullian and Chrysostom about the Apostacy : it would be well , if with those Fathers they would ingenuously confesse their ignorance of Antichrist , and not byasse them to their phancies to call what they phancy not Antichristian : Nor is the whimzey of the Romanists and some Fathers more rationall , who would have him of the Tribe of Dan ; and the text of Dan , a Serpent in the way lies like a Serpent in the way to seduce them out of the waies of truth ; as if there were any Jew expected a Messiah from that Tribe when there was never any that expected him not from the Tribe of Judah : the ten Asiatick Kings which Daniel saw must be the same with * the ten horns in the Apocalyps , and Antiochus Epiphanes must bee the Pope , heaping up gold and silver ( id est ) adorning the Temples with gold and silver : extolling himself above God , viz. more zealous to have his own constitutions perform'd then Gods : the same arguments being applicatory to all Magistracy as well as the Pope Phanaticks have took notice of them to name them Antichristian , and the Churches have been rob'd out of zeal , while sacriledge hath been incourag'd , the unhappy companion of rash reformation ; and if they are usher'd in by rebellion , and attended by sacriledge a wise man need not wonder at either : while all think they are nearer to God by being further from each other : he that deserts the Romanists seldom stops till he hath orerun all Church-fences by renouncing discipline ; and our Precisian Proselytes ( as I have known not a few ) rarely prove not Jesuited Papists , and out of the phrantick zeal call'd Conscience , brand their brethren with the names of Antichristian , &c. when men should hate corruption which depraves Religion , run from it , and not from Religion : Atheism and irreligion gather strength while the ship of the Church tost with blasts of error indangers splitting in the waves of contention : there is in all national Churches truth enough to save men , but I fear malice enough to damn envn Angels : who resists any of their phancies , hath the spirit of Antichrist , though Antichrist in Divinity resembles the Elixir in Philosophy , many rules are prescrib'd , but few , if any have attain'd the Philosophers stone ; and though the Pope in hew and cry for him , might be taken on suspition by the marks a Pope hath set on a him , yet suspition entring the actions-plea , there wants proof to maintain the Plea. Sect 10. The motions of these superior bodies was in excellent order and perfection , til exhalations from the gross and putrid matter of ambition produc'd horrid trepidations , and became precursors of prodigious calamities , while they grovel'd here for truth , and traded away the stock of Christian Charity for fictitious coyn , minted by passion , mutable affection , or seduc'd reason to preferre the pageantry of the world before the simplicity of the Gospell : and to blaze like Meteors with the vapor of an empty name , rather then shine like stars in an Orb of Sanctity , irradiating by their benigner influence , the horizon of Christianity : yet some good patriarches maugre envy , triumph in innocence , the beams of their Sanctity too glorious to be orecast with the mantle of blind malice , though clouded and interwoven with specious pretences . Sect 11. I can find Lillies and roses , Popes candid with innocence , and purpl'd with Martyrdom , whose blood became the seed of the Church : while Christian Rome as well as Pagan had her foundation in red ruines , the foundation of Christianity laid with the blood of Martyrs . Amongst those , some please themselves by naming Nimrods , Abaddons , and incurable Babylonians ; I can find one die for the losse of a terrene Jerusalem , as well as others neglect a celestial . A Peter Marron alias Celestine the 5. so busied about his prayers , that he can neglect to bee called O holy Father in Earth , to cry our Father in Heaven ; bee perswaded out of a triple Crown here to ascertain one hereafter . A third Benedict , who can weep to bee chosen . A Deodate a Sicilian Monk which being chosen , gave none ever occasion to weep . Agathon and Theodate reported to cure Leprosies by kissing , as wel as others by their ill breath cause the Leprosie of Schism orespread the face of the Church . A John giving sight to the blind , as well as others of the name blinding . A fourth Adrian , an English man , converting Norway , as well as others perverting Nations . A Gregory so charitable , as to call Anglos Angelos & de ir a liberandos who call'd us Angels , I have no cause to believe him an evill one ▪ since an Angel of darknesse would not have sent Angels of light to deliver us from the wrath to come , which he himself might expect in utter darknesse : who sent Ministers to give us light , and both his name and acts speak him to invigilate for the good of souls . A Stephen whom the Earth was scarce thought worthy to bear , carried on mens shoulders , because he supported the Church on his own . A Paul visiting Widowes , and Orphans , by night lending light in darknesse . A ninth Leo entertaining Christ , as wel as a tenth casheering with a quantum nob●s peperit haec fabula . Finally , a good as well as a bad Silvester , Constantine , Honorius , Severinus , a 1 Leo 2. 3. Martin Agapitus . 2. whose religions cannot be named , nor pure , nor not undefiled , since the Apostle names it so to visit the widow and Orphans : conclude , fuit Sergius vir sanctissimae vitae grataeque conversation●s , ante pontificatum & in pontificatu , in pauperes liberalis ; in amicos & familiares jncundus , in delinquentes Clemens ; in Contumaces modestus , cantae praeterea prudentiae fuit , ut in toto pontificatu nihil reprehenal gubernantis negligentiâ possit ; in deum enim omnem mentem Convertens quod facere pontifices omnes deberent juste atque integrè omnia , ex animisui sententia bene natur a & mo●●bus inst●tuti gubernabat : extant & ejusdem apud Scriptores praeclara encom●a : and this by the Confession of the now quoted Pope : Antichrist making Centur●ators . Sect 11. In Tertullians time , heathens us'd to say , see how these Christians love one the other ? now even Turks exprobate us with a See how these Christian dogs are divided ! while most resemble the envious man in the Fable , who would put out one of his own eyes that his enemy might be depriv'd of both ; rather deny themselves part of that light , then their Antagonists should have any ; like men who have the yellow Jaundise in their eyes , wil apprehend no colour beside ; their own superelevated devotion must be Antichristian in the holy Sequestrations of Monachism ; and even the Apostles themselves Antichrists , while Episcopacy is the mystery of iniquity : all sides hear either Antichristian or Heretick , manifest truth and reason may be Heresie as to maintain an Antipodes , or the souls traduction , or such an imper●inent trifle , as whether the Lord had brethren ; in vain Christians may pray that the partition wall betwixt Jew and Gentile may bee taken away , if they take not away these uncharitable partitions between themselves . Sect 13. I am so far from hating the Pope , that I would kisse his foot if his nails were but so par'd , that he would not make blood run about all the mouths in Christendom : though I can please my self with their phancie , who tenter Pa●a to confesse in Capitall letters like his off●nces : a Presbyterorum Ambitiopepe●it Ant●chr●stum , and believe they have made many Antichrists ; not onely men of sin , but adversaries to Christianity : while they have toyld in mysterious iniquity , made titular holinesse band to impiety ; or serve onely to obstetricate degenerate actions : producing ill shapen Monsters , whose prodigious births trouble and discompose the world , while instead of the desir'd honor Juno , Ixion-like he grasps a cloud , and begets Centaurs . Yet some grains of lightnesse must bee allowed , gold having greater occasion of tryall . Ambition is apt to creep into the most refin'd devotions , and persons consecrated to the Altars are not free : while there are men , there will be vices ▪ and one common place will serve to declaim against all times : though we may discern cracks in the purest metalls by the lustre that streams from them ; yet if our eyes turn inward , wee shall encounter with so much humane fragility , pitty will shame pride , and wee shall rather lament our own then glory in aliene miscarriages : if the Church of Rome like the woman in the Gospel be taken in adultery , and every one hath a stone to cast at her , should wee observe our Saviours rule , and the guiltlesse cast the first , we might all retire into our own dark souls to hide us ; and leave her alone to Christ , who of his mercy may release her with a sin no more . Sect 14. Though I am perswaded I may believe in God , and yet not introduce that Egyptian piece of darknesse , by mantling the the Creator as they their Eneph , an old man in blew circumscribing ubiquity and painting invisibility , and so drawing under line the incomprehensible , and sin against his effence ; yet I could as easily bee induc'd to assent to this , as to a fiduciarie Solifidian , have a Creed for servile will , irrespective election and reprobation , which might suggest irreverent thoughts of Divinity ; while we affix tyranny to the most just , and partiality to him who is no respecter of persons , and sin against his attributes . Faith , Hope , Charity , Fear , Confidence , Honor and Worship , Prayer , and praise must be the affairs of that Iacobs Ladder which ascends to Heaven , and learns us to commerce with the attributes and essence of God. I believe all my beliefe will be irrite , my heart unpossess'd with the sincerity of his power ; or my life warp'd with a non-Conformity with it in the practise of Celestial virtues ; he who gives God not all , gives him nothing at all ; to bepiece for God , and a piece for the world , is to be all for the world : he excludes him from all , who concludes him at all : or can he detest sin , makes God the Author of it ? or dread the appearance of evill , who intails a necessity on it ? or who believes a parity of sin , can he admit a conscience in any ? fear to strain at a gnat or swallow a Camell , who perceives no difference in either ? Sect. 15. I can believe in Jesus Christ , yet not daily make one with the Pontifician ; or think that my phancy can make him mine with the fiduciary . May wee show him our King while no disloyall sin or rebell lusts holds out against him ; but every thought and action paies him the tribute of obedience ; and vows good life and repentance , like so many oaths of supremacy , acknowledge our allegiance . May we every day to our high Priest bring the incense of prayer , and odours of good works , think no daily sacrifice Masse , or Popish oblation , no Church sup●rogations ; nay , not even Christs sufferings or his satisfyings for us , satisfactory , if we abuse his grace into wantonnesse : this will by a clew of piety and humility teach us to extricate our selves from the Labyrinths of impiety , and approach our reward , the Crown not of our works but of his graces . While wee acknowledge him a Prophet , bow down and worship , bringing our reason into Captivity to Faith ; and since a Prophet like Moses bring him the Jewells of Egyptians riches of nature , give God our strength for buls , sacrifice the Calves of ourlips , and bring the innocence of Doves and Turtles to his service . May we passe over Jordan in Baptism ▪ feed on the Manna of Gods words , and not languish after the fleshpots of Agypt , be seduc'd by fleshly lust ? but if the fiery serpent of our sins sting us , look up upon him who was lifted up with healing under his wings ; and have respect to the fruits of the land of promise , that blessed Canaan , not being discourag'd by the Gyants of our sins ; but lift up our hands with Moses , strengthned by the two Tables , the Commandements of God till we overcome them ; and having the Corner stone , Christ Jesus to support us in our weaknesse ( who will not fail them who rely on him in all their conflicts with the world , the flesh and the Devill ) we may subdue the enemies of our peace , who hinder us in our progresse to the promis'd Land. Sect. 16. I may believe him conceiv'd of the Holy Ghost , yet may safely neither believe the Popes and some Pontificians , nor the conceptions of our Enthusiasticks of the holy spirit . I can believe Christ born of a Virgin Mary ▪ yet need not believe a Virgin Maries Temple born by Angels to Loretto ; nor doubting the truth of the Virgins milk , with which the Popish Priests impose on the vulgar , may impose the stigma of infidel on me , and deprive me of the milk of the word of truth . He who had respect unto her humility , will not have respect unto them who too much humble her ; since the glory of Heaven overshadow'd , and the Bridegroom of our souls shined forth from the closet of her womb . Nor exalt them , who her that was humbled in her own eyes , exalt in theirs above their Creator ; Casheer his name to admit hers in the Psalter , while an Ave Mary can bring a Te deum Laudamus out of fashion , and Christ himself must stil be in pupillage . May we all provide innocent , spotlesse , and Virgin hearts for a Saviour to be born in ; so that we all may have by the overshadowing of the holy spirit a right Conception of him , whose Conception could not be without it , and be accounted for the mother and brethren of the Lord , while wee do the will of his Heavenly Father . Sect 17. I could wish that Christ still suffer'd not under a Roman Governor , but instead of a Pilate , he would be a good Pilot , no longer steer by the gales of profit , or the Whirlewind of ambition , which may ingulph the bark of the Church into an Abysse of misery ; but calming the troubled Sea of his own lusts into moderation , the winds of error , and waves of false Doctrine may cease ; and the leaky vessell of the Roman Church by the pump of Faith , and sincere repentance , may arrive at the Haven of eternall security : in vain like Pilat he may seek to wash his hands from the guilt of Christs blood , while he can embrue them in the blood of Christians , and suffer his Polemicks to plant thorns on Christs brow , spinous questions ; and with the mock pageantry of state make Christian Religion ridiculous to Jew and Gentile . Neither the Clergy though their name implies lot , should as relative to their name and Christian warfare , Souldier-like cast lots for Christs Coat ; neglecting internall purity , quarrell about the supervesture , externall ceremonies of Religion , while their tongues sharp as spears pierce Christs sides through their brethren : who is still crucified by Jews , and betwixt theeves who rob Gods word , while we apprehend , examine , accuse , condemn , shame and crucifie one another ; when we should rather crucifie the flesh with the affections and lusts thereof ; as pride , envy , malice and contention ; conforming our selves to the Image of a crucified Saviour , and not to the crucifyers of a Saviour by our vices : since some truths , though seemingly precious , are not so plac'd in competition with Christian-charity , peace , and communion with all , who are fellow-members of Christs body . Wee must relinquish that which is valuable , rather then him who is above all value : while dissention can renew his wounds in his members . Dull , phlegmatick and Plebeian constitutions are not only subject to paralytique , but even apoplectick distemperatures : sometimes they tremble and discompose Religion in their jealous furies ; and sometimes are superstitious and supine , and stupid in trivial and ridiculous fooleries . Resembling Apes and Dotterells more apt to imitate mops , mows , and gesticulations then vertues : while others are madder then those who are asham'd of humanity , because Apes have some resemblance with humane nature . Sect 18. Cannot any one be perswaded Christ descended not into Hell ( since a S. Cyprian averrs this Article neither in the Roman or orientall Symbole , and Tertullian takes no notice of it , and Sh●ol and his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 implies the grave , ) without descending thither ? May I leave the works of Hell , pride , malice , and uncharitablenesse , by works of light treat with God , where he is in Heaven , by believing Christ was in Hell will not much advantage me in the way to Heaven , though my uncharitablenesse to a misconceiving brother may warp me toward Hell : Hell is described by the valley of Hinnom , where sacrific'd children , weak ones in Christ while their tongues are kindled at Hell fire , who with trifling differences make schisms in the Kingdom of Gods Church and Communion , which Saints should have for the service of Christ their King the Lords anointed against the powers of darknesse . Sect. 19. May not any one believe in the Holy Ghost , though hee should not phancy the picture or the sencelesse story of the Doves want of gall , or the holy spirits non-appearance in that shape , but onely hovering like a descending Dove ? Oh doubt the infallible pontificiall , and enthustiasticks spirit , one being repraesentative of the other , where murder , revenge , Adultery , and treasons are Cohabitants , and by a necessary illation must passe for the fruits of that all-disposing spirit , consecrate impiety , and make villany precious , while God himself must be introduc'd witnesse to a lie . May we have the innocency of Doves in our Conversation ; the mourning of Turtles in the sorrow for our sins , and a delight in the streams of life , the holy Scriptures as the Dove in the waters ; finally all the resemblances with the Dove which imitate the gifts of the holy Ghost , that the holy spirit may dwell in us which is pictur'd in the shape of a Dove . Sect. 20. Wil it not suffice to believe a holy Church , and not to believe in it ? since a Saint Cyprian informs me , God is onely to be believ'd in : or believe not a Church or Christian can be out of the Catholick Church , since all men and Churches make up but one Catholick : and the notion of Catholick introduc'd in opposition to the Jewish Church , may not as oppositely be oppos'd to the Roman , who like Jews presume a monopoly of Gods mercy ? the light of ages , light of nature , supernaturall light of Scripture must onely shine in their dark lanthorns ; and all blind who believe things not onely above reason but against it ; while a part must be greater then the whole , a particular Church , the Catholick ; resembling the mad-man , who lived in a Sea-port town , called all ships his own which arived at the haven : All Bishops , who have either writ , appealed , or communicated with theirs , must have sworn vassalage to the Papacy . Sect. 20. Or that communion of Saints was an article of levelling , taken up pro necessitate temporum , since Saint Cyprian takes no notice of it in his time , and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; Praising God , and having all things common was the Saints communion . May we all be members of one body , while we show a mutuall sympathy ; partake of the same head , by obeying Christs directions , cemented together with his blood , and knit by the unity of his spirit : though every part may conduce to the good of the other , none can so supererogate , as the other may be uselesse : similar nor dissimilar breeds no contrarietie , but all parts comply to the service of the whole ; no dissimilitude of site , motion , ceremony , divide , but the gangreen of sin only enforces an amputation : ne pars sincera trahatur . The eyes are not incensed against the feet for not seeeng ; nor doth the ear commence a quarrell with the hands for not hearing ; or the back parts about the faces uncovering , since decency of one part is the indecency of another ; every part not made for it self but for others , & all to the captivity of the head , in compliance of whose dictates , we must expect an unity in the body : But an uniformity would prove a monster above a sober expectation , above the chymaera's or phantasms of Enthusiasts , who damn all the world , that , weather-cock-like , turns not round with their own vertiginous heads . Scimus quosdam quod semelimbiberint nolle deponere , nec propositū ; suum facile mutare sed salvo inter collegas pacis & concordiae vinculo quaedam propria apud se semel usurpata retinere ; nec nos vim cuique facimus , nec legem damus ▪ was the opinion of Saint Cyprian . I could wish those , who pretend most to be of his opinion , would challenge a little of his charity . Sect 22. For forgivenesse of sins , I as little believe a Solifidian , as a Romish Priest , that attrition by absolution becomes contrition ; the one while he deceives himselfe by a lie , or the other , while he imposeth upon others , secure neither from being deceived : they may send to the father of lies , but lying will scarce bring to the God of truth , since none can be implanted in the death of Christ , who bring not forth the fruit of this tree of life , nor partake of the resurrection to life everlasting . He that will be saved must keep the faith , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , sound in faith and free from reproach in conversation , holy as well as whole ; and so his holinesse himselfe may be prov'd the most fallible ; and though they violate the sense of the word while they render it inviolate , yet God grant that they may keep it inviolate , no more writh and wrench it to rivet in their own ambitious designes ; and we may keep it so undefiled , that Momus himselfe may not carp at our lives : since Christs death is mention'd for our regeneration , birth for mortification , resurrection , for our rising in newnesse of life , that we may enjoy the communion of Saints , remission of sinnes , and resurrection of our bodies to eternall life . Sect. 23. There are but a few credenda , petenda , and agenda , where I cannot avoid an Anathema , non credendo , non opponendo : I will seek security , embrace verities , all hold , if I cannot those wherein they differ ▪ though sometimes enterlacing discords graces the best Musick , yet a quiet error is rarely not to be preferred before an unruly truth , and crochets and quavers prove unseasonable , when they disturb the plain songs of peace ; and it is better a son of the Church should be unknown , then , what they report of the viper , he should make his way through the bowells of his Mother ; or a Milstone hung about his neck , and he buried in the depth of his imaginations , rather then they soar in the narrow way , and keep weak brethren from heaven . It shall not trouble me with Delrio , whether the old Serpent was a Viper ; with Bonaventure and Comestor , a Dragon ; or with Eugubinus , a Basilisk : or with others , a common Snake : it shall trouble me rather to continue the delusion of the Serpent , by endeavours of propagating error : that Adam tasted forbidden fruit may trouble me , what fruit , shall not ; I shall number it among the fo●bidden fruits of knowledge , which so many wiser heads have made disquisitions after , and would have truth satisfied by the relish of their palats . Sect 25. Whether our Saviours Crown was made of Paliurus , or a piece of it visited Glassenburie , and the precursor of his death , turns an Angel of his Nativity , blooming every Christmas day , is not worth a disquisition : I could make a Rose by moistning dilate , and by rendring again insuc●ous close : may I rather avoid those thorns , the curse of my sins , which may render me incapable of both . Whether Durantes distick of the Crosse be true , need be no part of my creed . Pes Cedrus est , truncus Cupressus , oliva supremum Palmaque transversum Christi sunt in cruce signum . May I partake of no corruption like the Cedar , in mourning for sin resemble the Cypresse , by fertility in goodnesse , assimilate the Olive : so shall I flourish like a Palm , even in the storms and pressures of this world , mount upward , by taking up the Crosse , and following , be partaker of him who was crucified . Prudent symbols , and pious applications , may have an influence upon ingenious conceivers , which may elevate devotion : but on the mad rabble , melancholy Monks , and ignorant Priests , they have no other efficacy , beside warping to Magicall applications , and miraculous expectancies : It shall not trouble me whether the soul of Christ , in triduo mortis , went into Hell really , as Thomas Aquinas believes ; or virtually , and by effects only , as Durand ; or whether the soul of Christ did descend really and in essence into the lowest pit of hell , and place of the damned , or really only into the place or region of hell , called limbum Patrum , and then but vertually from thence into the lower hell . The Father , to him who ask'd what God did before he made the world , ( answe'rd ) Provide hell for such curious scrutinists as you are . Non per difficiles Deus ad be atam vitam quaestiones vocat , &c. in absoluto nobis & facili est aeternitas Jesum suscitatum à mortuis credere ; & ipsum esse Dominum confiteri . I will not procure a certain purgatory to my selfe here to make stranger guesses of an incertain one hereafter : or whether the inventor of it , Origens purgatory , which could even purifie Devills , & reform them to Angels of light : or the differing purgatory of S. Gregory Nissen ▪ St. Cyprian , or St. Austin carry a greater probability , or the Roman purgatory , which took a platform from neither . I can believe , I may find a way to heaven without taking purgatory in my way : or else the Fathers before Gregory the great might mistake , never any one was directed that way with above an ut puto verisimile arbitramur , till he came in with a scio : And though I know not as much as Gregory , this I may presume to know , the place in Saint Paul , wracked so often to confesse a purgatory , may be applyable to it , being a building of hay and stubble ; and have the charity to believe the foundation laid in Christ , faith in him , and love of him , the ground-work , though in the superstructure may be some light aery phantasms , stubble and straw , which in the day of tryall shall vanish , yet he shall be saved , so as by fire , through , or out of fire , drosse vanishes , but gold shall abide the fiery tryall in the day of the Lord. Sect. 27. Rogula fidei una omnino est sola illa immobilis , & irreformabilis , according to Tertullian ; and if your Occham is to be credited , nec tota Ecclesia , nec concilium generale , nec summus Pont●fex potest facere articulūqui non fuit articulus , &c. Therefore if any thing be fundamentall after the Church defines , it must be fundamentall before : for deductions are not prime and native principles , nor superstructures foundations : that which is a foundation to all , cannot vary to different Christians , in regard of it selfe , for then it could not be a common rule to any nor could the souls of men acquiesce on a tottering foundation , a trice foundation , as common to all , must be firm unto all ; in which sense the articles of Christian Faith are fundamentall , and not what men please to define ; for as Irenaeus , quum enim una & eadem fides sit , neque is qui multum de ipsà dicere potest , plus quam oportet dicit , nec qui parum ipsam minuit : if every thing defin'd by the Church be fundamentall in the faith , the Churches definition would be the Church-foundation , and so by consequence the the Church could lay her own foundation , and the Church have an absolute and perfect being before her foundation laid . If the too preposterous zeal of the Roman Church since she grew to her in controlable greatnesse , had not rashly determined those things to be matter of belief , which for many centuries pass'd onely for pious opinions : Christendom might have serv'd God in an holy fire of zeal and spirituall fervency , which now sacrifices myriads of souls to Belial in the flames of contention : what a sight is it to see writers committed together by the ears for trifling ceremonies , and beggarly distinctions , tanquam pro aris & focis , incens'd , none are affrighted at their noises , and loud brayings , under Asses skins ; scioli and smatterers , in Divinity onely busie in the skirts and outsides of learning , and yet will admit no salvation but by a compliance with their vertiginous pates : wise men should know , as the body hath certain diseases , that are with lesse evill tolerated then remov'd ( as to cure a Leprosie with the blood of a child ) so it is better a triviall error should dilate it self , then children of the Church should perish , while some error may be disseminated with lesse inconvenience then discover'd : the use which wise men should make of other mens lapses , is to avoid a precipice : and the advantage pious men should make of these great flaws in Christianity , is not to joyn with them that make them : nor to help to dislocate these main bones in the body , which disjoynted cannot be set . Sect 28. The uncharitable dealings of Christians with Christians , cannot induce me to bee uncharitable to any ; I must believe with St. Hierom , Haeretici fiunt , non quod Scripturas contemnunt sed quod non intelligunt ; it is ignorance and not the contempt is the cause of most , if not all of our separations : The Sheba's of separation , all the Trumpeters of sedition may alarm the rabble , that brainless horse , to battel , to trample down order , and break the rankes discipline with a separate your selves from Idols ; curse you Meroz , curse you bitterly : What society hath light with darknesse : Come out of Babylon my people : with a hundred such places of Scripture rack'd , and by an invention , witty in cruelty , tortur'd to confesse , something may patronize their black designes , wringing blood even out of the Gospell of peace . Which have as little relation to Christian societies as a Lo here is Christ ! Lo there , go not out after them ! rack'd so frequently to confesse them Antichrists , who correspond not to the whimzies of every phanatique : denoting such as Judas , Theudas , Arthronges , and Barchosba , Impostors , who pretended to be Messiasses sent for the delivery of the Jews out of the hands of the Romans : and if it was possible , would deceive the Elect , the Jewish Christians , which are forewarn'd , but as the Calvinists , it is impossible for them to be deceived , who are the Elect : and as the Romanist who are in their Church , the treasury of all truth , cannot be deceived . But if the Elect can scarce be saved , what shall become of the ungodly ? if the Christian Jew , who washed with Christs blood , speaks better things then that of Abels , what will become of them against whom it cries worse then that did against Cain ? while they themselves could cry , Let it be upon us and ours : if the Elect ( as the Papist ) the Catholick with all his indulgengencies , masses , rosaries , and abstinences can scarce be saved , what will become of those who are out of the Communicative line of Gods mercy , his Ark , City , our holy Apostolick and Catholick Church ? If the Elect ( as Fiduciaries ) they that can believe they shall bee saved , can scarce believe it so strongly , but that an intervening scruple of an obstreperous Conscience may damn them , what will become of a Papist , who believes in a God of wood , a God of bread , who saies , wee can have no assurance , since by faith we are saved ? thus the stream of life is made the puddle of phanatick interpretations ; while all like the Tyrant , who fitted wretches to his bed , hack , maim , and mutilate , or stretch and tenter the Scripture to adequate them to inhumane purposes : and Heaven it selfe must admit no room beyond the capacities of their empty noddles . Vain fuellers fit onely to feed the flames of contention , out of whose embers are even rais'd combusti - Sect. 29 ▪ Though Heaven gates be narrow , I cannot believe them so strait as most sects would make them , should I not believe one lie with the Fiduciary , or many with the Pontifician , not easily induc'd to believe heaven the purchase of fonder imaginations . Charity would perswade me it is even a receptacle to those , whose uncharitable opinions have mutually condemned and secluded each the other , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . The practice of our lives , not tongues must make us Christians : wee must be rather so by entring into imitation of Celestiall virtues then curious inquiries . May we flourish in verity , which is the root ; in humility , which is the flower ; and well doing , which is the fruit of the tree of life . Sect. 30. Those aëry mysteries which have unhinged so many Cardinall heads , shall not extend my Pericranium . God grant I may for futurity learn to doe something , rather then hear others talk about nothing ; which if they bring not into the premunire with the fool in the Psalmist , who said in his heart there was no God ; yet I have said in my heart with the Psalmist , all men are lyars , and every one deceiveth his neighbour : I must believe as in Epiphanius time , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Pietie or impiety must onely distinguish Orthodox or Pseudodox : we glory and are inflated with the names of Churches , while we lose the power of godlinesse , soul of Religion , and prerogative of Christians , Christs Legacy , Charity . Sect 31. Faith may lay a Foundation , but wee may hope in vain , for that building which is made without hands , if charity here laies not her hand to make a superstruction : those Babel-builders who think to reach Heaven by another way , produce nothing but confusion of languages ; impenitent confidence will shipwrack in an Ocean of infirmity ; when penitent despair which expected to bee ingulph'd into an Abysse of miseries , wasted with gales of sighes , and Seas of tears , may arrive at a Port of everlasting security : the Scripture saies , Heaven is taken by violence , but 't is a strange phancy the world takes up , that it may be taken with impudence : fronti nulla ●ides , may admit a double sence : though a Judas may veil impiety with kisses , yet if a timely repentance prevents not he may break in two , and discover his black soul naked . I cannot believe that Faith justifies , works justifie , or both : yet we are justified by faith , by works , by both : the conditions , not causes of our justification : and the conditions not perform'd , it is impossible without this righteousnesse to see God. I will not say Christ cannot save , though the Scripture saies , Christ could do no miracles in his own Country ; not because hee was less potent , but they were more incapable : where impenitence keeps the door ; mercy cannot enter : it is not materiall whose Communion they boast of , or disclaim , who have fellowship with the unfruitf●ll works of darknesse : since Idolaters , drunkards , liers , Adulterers ; no dogs and unclean person shall enter into the City of God ; or be partaker of the benefits of his holy Church . Sect 33. Of all graces the Apostle makes the greatest of charity , and the world least ; of that charity which antidates Christs presence here in his members : and outdates the other graces in futurity , when faith and hope shall bee swallowed up in an abysse of ravishing realties , that which was but a Lamp here , will be then a star inlightned by the Sun of righteousnesse : a Lamp here with the oyl of faith and light of good works , converting sinners from the darker waies of iniquity , shall shine like the stars in glory hereafter , and not such who compass Sea and Land to make a Proselyte , and make him worse then themselves : who tith mint and annise , boggle at trifling formalities , and forget the greater mysteries of salvation . Sect 34. Self-interest opens the floodgates of dissention to drown the humble vallies of peace : men esteem opinions because their own : all adore the Chimaera's of their own private brains ; call light darknesse , and darknesse light ; presume they have the most glorious stars for their Conductors , when they are onely ignes fatui , which misguide to a precipice of flames . Gods fire gave light and burned ▪ Hells fire burns without light ; who leave the light of truth , & heat of charity to live in flames of contention , deserve that fire without light : even the best Apostles dissented ; knowledge nor piety can amputate all differences ; but wisdom and charity must prevent their prejudices . Sect 35. Not every light and aery error in disputable Doctrine , and points of curious speculation , can be a just cause of separation in that admirable body of Christ his Church , or of one member from another : He gave his naturall body to be torn on the crosse , that his mysticall should be one : and as Saint Austin , he is no partaker of divine charitie , that is enemy to this unity . All these divisions are disguises of charity , and vizards of factions , a pageantry of pompous folly , or preposterously inflated knowledg● : and though they mask in the names of Papists , Protestants , Reformists , sub-Reformists , A●omist , Familist , Brownist , &c. the Church of God can have no musick to set out such discords . My name is Christian , and my sirname is Catholick ; by the one I am known from Infidells , by the other from hereticks and schismatick● : the name of Catholick congregates what is homogeneous , and dissipates what is heterogeneous , both in the Court of heaven , and in the Court of the Church . He cannot put on the garments of Christ , who rends and divides his Church . Catholick is every where the same ; that which is trusted to thee , not that● which invented by thee ; which thou hast received , not imagined ; a matter not of wit but doctrine : in which thou art not to be Author but a retainer : not to lead , but follow : that which the whole Church holds not instituted by Councells , but retained , is rightly believ'd Apostolicall tradition , such as the Creed , Sacraments , &c. The antient consent of holy Fathers is not in all questions of Divine Law , but onely in the rule of Faith by us with exact study to be sifted out and followed : there are some things in which the best defenders of the rule ( Salva fidei compage ) agree not , but one thinks better and truer then another . Every error denies not Christ the foundation , or makes Christ deny it , and thrust it from the foundation : not every error in those things which are of faith , is either infidelity or heresie ; if men differ ; it is no more then they have done ever : pious men even in differences may preserve charity intire : ●concord which is the effect of charity , est un●o voluntatum non opinionum . Some Churches build after the Italian fashion with a flat top ; others with wide windowes to let in the air , and catch the applause of the world ; some build Babel-like and will have their head reach Heaven , and if their confusion of languages impeded not might be near allyed : others of the Synagogue fashion will admit nothing but round , and limit Heaven in their narrow conventicles : it could bee wish'd that all would bee what the Apostle exhores , of one mind ; but it is not to be hoped wh●ile the Church is triumphant over humane ▪ fragilities , which here hang thick and close about her ; the want of peace , and unity even where Religion is pretended , proceeds from men and humours , rather then things and errors to be found in them ▪ Episcopacy squares with Monarchy : Presbyterie with Aristocracy , independency with Democracy ; men made Religion lackey to self-interest , and State policy ; the great Turk walking in his Garden with a Bashaw , who wonder'd hee would suffer the Christians distracted in Sects to orespread his Empire ▪ asked how he liked his Garden ? answering , it was admirable for the variety , reply'd : wouldst thou deny me that in my Empire , thou admirest in a Garden ? am not I Emperor of them all ? Sect. 36. I can joyn prayers with a Papist , if his be offensive to God , mine may bee pleasing ; can hear a French Hugonot with his hat on , uncover'd ; receive with a Dutchman kneeling , while he uses the irreverence of his breech ; yet separated in my charity from neither : nor would I be in my mode rather then scandalize any : it is no lesse then phrensey for the misposition of a trencher to refuse a banquet , or be ingrateful to an Host. Nay , I could take an Host with a Romanist , as well as a Wafer with a Calvinist . If he believes a reall body , I believe not lesse in energy , a Communion of the body and blood of Christ , a participation by every reception of his merits and passion , and the virtues really communicated to a worthy receiver . Sect. 2. It hath been ever thought convenient saith Saint Gregory , that there should bee in unitate fideid versa Consuetudo , that eating of mea●s offer'd to Idols , totally restrained the Churches of Syria and Cilicia , seem'd permitted to the Church of Corinth if no man challeng'd it ; and that which was urg'd upon the Cor●nthians , was not impos'd upon the Galatians ; to show every one is oblig'd to observe the rites of his own Church , lest they come under the Anathema of contentious and turbulent : yet this inhibited not that Saint Paul might become all to all , that he might gain some ; and who will gain any to Christianity , must not play at petty games in Religion , adhere to Bonatus his humor , confine truth to places , as if she loved corners : or as if the Church which resembles the Moon , could like Mahomets Moon be brought down to show tricks in a sleeve : the good Monica , Saint Austines Mother , who bath'd the Leprosie of her Son in a Jordan of tears ( ut non potuit perire tantarum lachrymarum filius ) was content to relinquish her African customes at Milan : They who have gigg'd to Geneva for platforms , and Rome for Trinchets , have brought home matter to fewel-contention , none to kindle zeal : May none follow exotick forms here : a Spanish garb is ridiculous with us , and the English mode reputed an affront in Spain : No wise man will be angry if in his travells he meets modes not corresponding with his humour , and he is mad , who returning , will keep none company without they pluck down their house , and rebuild them to the modell of his phancy , who taylor-like travells to dresse Apes . Sect 38. The Religion of our Souls must imitate the reason of our bodies ; which in the processe of years , may evolve and explicate their numbers ; but the bodies are one and the same : there is nothing produc'd in the maturity of age which did not latitate in the minority of children : yet who would endeavour to fit the clothes and shooes of puerility to a gygantick foot , or body . The apparell of Christs Spouse is her rites ; time and place may produce as great a variety in her fashions as in the worlds garb of clothes , and modes of the world ; though some may adorn more , none alters the constitution of the body : it would be a mad humour in the Spaniard to commence a quarrell , because the shorter wiskers of another Nation upbraided his mustachio's : Or the French with the Spanish , 'cause the constancy of their habits might seem in derision of their levity : or both with a Nation which was servile to the phancy of neither . Those great Calciners of Religion , and reducers to the Primitive patterns need nothing above their own examples to condemn them . They must joyn with the Levellers in a Communion baptize in Rivers with the Anabaptist ; make life a pennilesse pererration with the Franciscan ; may spend both oyl and labour , dawb but not cure bodies like the Apostles ; have regard to washing of feet , yet continually be defiled in their waies ; Confine themselves to Sandals , say , who use shooes are shod with iniquity , and walk in the footsteps of the ungodly ; since they recede from the primitive pattern ▪ and call this recession Apostacy : or lean upon one the other at the Lords Supper , and lie down at the Table , and take it after Supper . The same things are not decent at all times : babes milk is unfit for ripe●age , and the nurses Gibrish an undecent cialect for a Tutor ; the stones of the foundation unfit for roof or walls : Our Master builder Christ , employed tongues , Prophets , Prophetesses , Evangelists his not still employing bids us acquiesce , while his silence exacts ours , which not assented to , introduces nothing but a profitlesse clamour , causelesse malice , and endlesse contention . The Apostles which were forbid to carry mony in their girdles , had afterward a Judas with a bag and the prohibition of clubs and staves was not so strict a rule , but that a Peter was found with a sword . Howsoever the Novati an Bishops ●rr'd , they could not erre in the Canon of indifferency : for if Anselm is to be believ'd the multitude of ceremonies is so farre from infringing , as they commend the unity of the Church , while all believe in one Christ. In the Primitive Church , somefasted one day , some two , some more , other forty howers , computing day and night . In Italy some abstain'd forty daies , others us'd abstinence twenty , others seven daies , in relation to the creation , and some forty houres , in relation to the forty daies our Saviour fasted : And if Socrates is to be believed , nor Gospels nor Apostles impos'd observation of daies , but the liberty was referred to the Church . The Church of Rome and the African distributed Sacramentall bread the Alexandrian Church permitted the people to take it : Africk and Rome mixt wine with water , and colder Regions drank it pure . See the contentions about Easter , till the Roman victor overcame all ; but never could subdue the opinion of a proud Prelate , and a disturber of the Churches tranquillity . Some lifted up their hands to heaven , as if they intended a pious violence ; some their feet , quast in coelum podibus ire , others threw themselves prostrate , as if they intended a rebound : some cast their eyes up , as if through those windowes , they would let our their souls unto their Redeemer ; some fix'd their eyes upon the ground , by contemplation of earth , to have an introspection into their own unworthinesse : some beat their breasts , as if they would dislodge sin , and open a dore to their hearts for the King of glory to enter . Since the love of God is linked with our neighbour , he who uncharitably condemns him , may lose the link of his own salvation . May none that pretend to the name of Christians , through the faintnesse of the constitution of their Religion , moulder into sects , or through the brittlenesse of their phancies , crumble into division , and then like a heard of silly animals , make a noise , and please themselves with the noise they make , yet know no reason why they make it . But defisting from fruitlesse and hellfuelling clamors , may we all with the good Polycarpus day and night , with a still voice , like the breathing of Gods Spirit , humbly invoke Gods mercy for the peace of all Churches , spread over the face of the universe . And in our sehismes , neminem judicantes aut a jure communionis si diversum senser it amoventes : entertaining the charity of holy S. Cyprian , nor judging , nor excommunicating our brethren , because they will not permit their reason to be overweigh'd , perhaps with some unnecessary scruples , in the fallacious ballances of lighter imaginations : calling our Brother Racha , witlesse , or vain for dissenting , and thou fool belch'd out so often in virulency , may endanger judgment and hell : In vain we may repair to the Altar , use outward forms and ceremonies , and neglect love , which is the perfection of the Law. Sect. 39. Christs spouse is an Army with Banners : as order to an Army , so is discipline to a Church . Though Troops do not move according to the discipline of Warre , it is not lesse an Army . Confusion may prejudice the successe , it cannot the name . Though discipline is as an hedge to a Vinyard , or resembles the wall to a City , or proportion to a body ; yet a Vinyard is not lesse a Vinyard for the defect of an hedge , nor the wall makes a City , or some misproportion or dislocation of parts , bring the body under the notion of incorporeall . I shall not cavill at what we want to the complement of my desires , but praise God for what we have , that may conduce to his glory . Sect. 40 ▪ I love to see Lent , the spring-time of sanctified resolutions , and times houre-glasse fil'd with the dust of mortified concupiscence , flow in lectures of mortality and repentance ; while every good Christian verifies what 's feigned of the Phoenix , in a bed of spices , in odours of devotion , kindled by the declining beams of the true Sun of Righteousnesse , can quicken out of ashes , an acceptable sacrifice to the Father of all lights . Yet if my absteining from flesh will raise an evill spirit in my brother , I will abstain even from that abstinence may starve his soule , and not neglect that devotion which may feed my own . Sect. 41. Church musick would elevate my devotion , and make my ravish'd soul in an extasie , treat with the God of harmony ; and in my opinion , Religion , like a modest Matron , may make use of those ornaments , which vice misuses ; and their zeal is strangely out of tune this can distemper , which if the stories of Hippocrates , Terpander , and Timotheus are to be credited , in the extremities of phranticks could once do miracles : but if that musick which can appease an evill spirit in a Saul , can raise it in another , we must be content without the Kingly Prophets Harp , Lute , and Organ , relinquish that musick which can un●une a Brother , and think no harmony good , enterlac'd with such dilcords , as the ill disposing of him for whom Christ dyed . Sect. 42. I have no prejudice by Surplice , Cope , Hood , all the Priests garment , may be enterwoven with holinesse to the Lord , putting on of these , may consist with the putting on of the new man , and the Breast-plate of righteousnesse , externall glory , with internall holinesse . A Surplice to me can emblematize innocence , and the keeping the supervesture of my flesh unspotted , that cloathed with virgin purity here , I may keep those virgins company , which in long white robes of innocence follow the Lamb. Yet I think of these ceremonies , as Augustus of the Roman Senator's Glasses , who condemned a slave to his fish-ponds for breaking one of them , whom Cesar rescued , and broke the rest , saying , They are fine things , yet not worth a man. Yet I have observed , none are so ready to take offence , as they who are most proclive to give it ; imperious , petulant , and envious sciolists , and to fear to offend them , is not to have respect to the weak in faith , but strong in passions . Sect. 43. At the glories of the Church , I am apt with Bonaventure , astonish'd at the sight of the French Queen , to cry out , If an earthly Queen be so glorious , how glorious is the Queen of heaven ? Or with the Father at Rome , If an earthly Cities glories be such , how great are the glories of the celestiall Jerusalem ? The splendor of these instructing my thoughts to think of him , who is inter'd into the holy of holies : and could not easily believe him to be of any Religion , who could spoyl the glory of houses consecrated to Gods service , to inrich his own : and could wish , they who seem so much to abhor Idols , would not commit sacriledge ; and fear , that Eagle-like , snatching coales from the Altar , they will fire their own nests . Yet golden Priests , with wooden Chalices , are to be preferr'd before wooden Priests with golden . All who cannot have the convenience of outward Ordinances , may they have regard to inward holynesse , adorn themselves with graces , fitting the Temples of the Holy Ghost , from the Altars of their hearts , send up the Incense of their Prayers to him , that dwells in a house not made with hands . And we who agree not about a Terrestriall meeting , may meet in a Celestiall ; while all worship him whose dwelling is in the heavens : And yet , where two or three meet together in his name , he will not fail ( who cannot fail of his promise ) to be with them on earth . Yet I could wish , that those , who even appear before men with fear and trembling , would not appear before their Maker like mountains : nor any would rush into Churches , like to swine into a sty , there gruntle , and make a noise and run out again , to wallow in a puddle of impurities ; nor any like idle boyes , when they should be learning a lesson in Christs school , get books they understand not , and look on gayes , make devotion by pictures . The people on both sides may be bells of good mettall , but are so miserably rung out of tune , that they give notice of nothing but combustion : some oreburden Gods service , and others leave it naked , as if , because one man had swelter'd himselfe to death by too many cloths , another was priviledged to starve himself to death with nakedness . God of his mercy grant the rabble may no more ring changes , but all chime in to his worship . Sect. 44. I know Episcopacy , the primitive pattern , even the Antagonists by contradicting affirme it , what by their own concessions dilated it selfe over the universall face of Religion , envy not mussitating , or calumny daring to detract , in the beginning or about the middle of the second centurie must necessarily imply it , then no innovation , without we will imagine all the world sopite in error ; and those holyer flames of zeal , which could transport the Martyrs with fervent desires of being carried in fiery chariots of persecuting adversaries to Heaven , and administer no light to guide them upon Earth ; and truth had wanted Champions , if some , like the Fox , who had lost his tail should not have perswaded beasts to a conformity to that which might deform them . Weak calumny , nor proud ignorance draws so black a veil , as we cannot discern the Lawn sleeves ; if their own impious ambition have sullyed them , I have tears to wash , rather then dirt to cast with others ; and by going backward , would willingly draw a sheet of Lawn candid with innocence over the nakednesse of these Fathers : and not with cursed Sons expose their shame . Those Foxes which call'd these grapes in Gods Vineyard ●owr , were they who could not reach them . Dog-like in the night of clouded reason bark at the Moon , who could not come near its height and lustre : no rich man turns Leveller , who introduc'd a parity in the Church , were those whose deficiencies lent no possibilities of their office● ▪ they call'd to the hills with Mahomet to come down to them ; but finding their labours irrite , they would not like him take the pains to go up by degrees of perfection , but set the rabble to Levell : Episcopacy was made for a remedy to Schism , if we will believe Saint Hierom : the remedy taken away , it can be no wonder if Paroxisms of Schism do concusse and discompose the tranquillity of the body of Religion : yet though I venerate Episcopacy as much as I hate a disease , I could not love idlenesse in pompous Pageantrie ; solemn ignorance blazon'd with power ; ambition and vanity dress'd up with formalities ; should I believe a St. Ambrose in a non aliunde haereses abortae ●ut nata schismata quam inde , quod sacerdotes non veneranur . Yet a devont Saint Gregory , a holy Polycarp , an indefatigable Saint Austine , a learned Nazianzen , eloquent Chrysostom , a meek Cyprian , and a resolute Saint Ambrose , &c. Such Bishops as these shining in sanctity of life , and doctrine , in the might of the Bridegrooms absence , would irradiate Christs Spouse ; and not in their diocesses like to prodigious Meteors , show more of distance and terror , then of light and Celestiall virtues : if the Primitive Copy be so blotted that it cannot bee taken out , I should be sorry ; and those Lawn sleeves I could love whited with innocence , I could not approve purpled with blood : we● bogle at names , neglect poor truth naked ; and yet may entertain her in a disguise : superintendent may imply as much overseer as Bishop , and Presbyter , the Elder of the Church was a Bishop ; I shall not be troubled by what name wee are instructed to serve God , or what stile we reject : so we reject not him who is the high Bishop of our souls . Sect. 45. Men of eminent parts are for Episcopacy , and take away the golden ball of honor and preference , and few will attain to the mark , or any eminency of knowledge . Men of indifferent call for parity , conscious of their own defects , of attaining any degree of excellence . The inferior , whom nature hudled up in hast , and neither Art nor Knowledge rectifi'd are for the huddle : that by violating the well link'd chain of Government , disorder and confusion making inrodes , they themselves indistinguish'd , may passe in the croud ; and with these it is no wonder if How the Cobler or pragmaticall Iack the Sopeboyler have more friends , and would find more Suffrages then Bishop Laud. The people by the Prerogative of nature act simply , lose their judgements , and dislike all but that which is but naught ; and there was not such varietie of beasts in the Ark , as there is of beastiall natures in the rout ; but more especially when the beast turns censorious ; and even among the gentry there are some scarce a degree above them a company of Plebeian heads , whose difference is in their cloths ; not understandings : and therefore it is no wonder , if in a multitude of such Councellors there may not be safety : while folly hath more votaries then wisdom , and voices , not judgements are weigh'd , knowledge may be easily outvoted ▪ and had not a Lord Protector interpos'd , we by a fatall experience might have seen Church and State reform'd into nothing , or a strange spirituall Government Hence the wiser Polititian hath made it tentare arcana Imperii treason ; and not unpolitick Princes have rather tollerated the Tyranny of Rome , then lent occasion to their subiects to take a platform by Geneva ; for these popular reformations are so exact , that if one stone be defective , they seldom leave till they have pluck'd down the whole building , in plebe nec veritas nec judicium inter faedam potentiū a ●ulationem , & praeceps prostratorum odium manibus , stud●is & incond●tis motibus omnia miscent . Most are governed by Crude opinion , and as they are inform'd like or dislike , they know not what and do all in aemulation . An Aristides , Phocion , Themistocles , Camillus ' Coriolanus , Scipio ; with whom merit is treason , and virtue is guilt , it is no wonder if they must be sacrific'd to the rabble , as if it was even sin enough to have preserv'd the ingratefull . He who silenc'd Rome , and check'd the exorbitancy of Popery , our incomparable Primate , by polishing and filling up the Sciagraphy or rude draught of reformation to a lively resemblance of Primitive excellence , falls by those he had preserv'd : hee fenc'd the Church with discipline ; wall'd the City of God with Ceremonies against the incursions of irreligion and prophanesse and made the Church militant move in order like an Army with banners terrible to her enemies : while by decent rites hee gave proportion and comlinesse to the Spouse , presenting her to her King in a garment of divers colours . If in Horace's justum & tenacem propositi virum , nor ardor c●vium prava jubentium , mente quatit solidâ , best Characters . Hee staid till the times grew up to him , ( as no friend of his confess'd ) and would not be lur'd to the phancies of the times : natus è q●er●n non èsalice ; and so not complying with every wind of error , like a bending willow , but a sturdy Oak of reformation , giving shelter to the Sons of the Church against Roman tempests and phanaticks blasts , though he was at length forc'd to yield to the Ax , yet not to be cast into the fire : for though he was numbred with the transgressors , like him whom hee followed in the high-way of the Crosse , his red evening I doubt not was the praecursor of a glorious day , illuminated by the beams of the Sun of righteousnesse : and howsoever that excellent , though ▪ unfortunate Primate fell , Saint Pauls will be a monument of his Charity ; which should the preposterous zeal of time deface his book against Fisher will be an Epitaph to expresse his constancy to Religion , which maugre the iron teeth of time ; and black mouth'd Calamy or Calumny will continue : and though many with weak jugdements and strong passions against these times , have stoop'd to the Roman lure , supposing conformity introduc'd here as a Phosphor , or praecurfor of that glorious light call'd Popery : yet I could never meet with any learn'd Romish Priest , though acquainted with not a few , that would not confesse that Rome had lost her greatest enemy ; and the English Church within her head in Laud : too crabbed a piece to be ever brought to square with the Romish building . Sect. 46. Preaching brought Religion in , and hath carried it out of the world ; some think all Religion in the ears , and none in the hands ; to see Christ in the flesh , Jerusalem in her glory , and an Augustine in a Pulpet , was esteem'd a wish of a pious transc●ndency : may we feel Christ in the spirit ; see Jerusalem the holy City of his Church in her glory ; whose walls are of precious stones , piety , chastity , meeknesse , and temperancy , &c. adorn'd with all the glories of Celestiall virtues , and I could be content without satisfying the itch of my ear , though with a Saint Austine : A Boniface could be a traytor to his Prince ; a coal of Hell ; an incendiary of mischief , by blowing the flames of contention , and raising a combustion in his Country ; yet neither the beams of light , effluxions of piety , streaming from this great luminary ; nor the living water issuing from this great Fountain in Gods Church could quench the flames of ambition , or kindle zeal in his so pass●onate an Auditor . A master would think that servant distracted , who would desire to hear his will often , and alwaies do his own : yet such is the madnesse of the world , if they hear an Embassador from Heaven patiently , though they list themselves to serve the world , flesh , and devill , they oblige God , and unserviceable to these , Heaven must entertain them , when perhaps instead of a Celestiall Embassador , they have onely heard schisms , trumpeter . Sect. 47. Yet such an Orator as a Saint Austin , or Saint Chrysostome migh represent vice so formidable , that frighted at the horror of her own shape , the Camelion vanity which changes into all shapes , but white , may renounce all for the Candor of innocene , the lust-scorch'd Amorist may feel an Icy chilnesse steal through all the veins ; a Magdalens legion may depart with all Hell flames ; though shee keep her passion , may change her object , and Heaven have a Temple where Hell had a brothel : the wind and Waves may still obey Christs voice , while ebullitions of rage and storms of passions , hearing Gods word in his Ministers are calm'd into obedience : Avarice may scatter her Idol-Gold to entertain the Image of her Saviour ; Cast her bread upon the waters , not that they may return ; but bring him who is the bread and water of life : Good resolutions might be thus confirm'd ; vice eradicated , devotion elevated , and zeal infus'd by the ear , may give it a durable consistence in the Soul : make it so enamor'd with the Manna of Gods word , that it might not languish after the flesh-pots of Aegypt , and carnall concupiscences . This was the custome of the Jewish Church : in the Christian intimated by a word of exhortation in the Acts to meeknesse , continence , and all the virtues which bracelet-like must adorn Christianity , which the defects of the Auditory , the times or propriety of Text suggested ; and not to raise doctrinall points according to the whimzies of every Cockbrain Sciolist , who 's seven year at an Academy , hath like Pharoahs dream produc'd nothing but seven years famine : or having sented Doway , St. Thomas , or some Romish fair , where having purchas'd a few trinkets , and a little gibrish may by order tu●● Hocus Pocus , juggle or make a Puppit-show in Religion ; introducing superfluous definitions which fewell contention ; excite rebellions , hatred , animosities , calumnies , contempt of superiors , disseminating error , and infusing prejudice ; tantum religio potuit suadere● Preachers like winds have influence on the people , compar'd to waters . May none think salvi●icall preaching consists in state-invectives , but in teaching their auditors , decline the Islands of sin , and thrust into the fair havens of grace and glory . Sect. 49. Prayer is that sacred negotiation man hath with God , the art of imparadising our souls , the Iacobs Ladder , by which we may bring down Angells , and wrestle till they blesse us : We may hear God speak in a Preacher , we speak to him in our Prayers . It cannot be obedience to hear our Masters command , but do his will. Thus with Enoch , we may walk in Paradise , and if we cast aside the mantle of mundan employments with Elias , mount up in a fiery chariot to heaven . Gods house should be called a house of prayer , but most make it a den of theeves : Not taking heaven by violence in prayer , but offer violence on earth . Gods word is rob'd of its efficacy , and the Priests by that advantage turn'd mony-changers , and expose Doves to sale , Gods innocent children in the Temple , as if these Doves could not mount up towards heaven , unlesse they were sealed ; they are blinded in an unknown tongue , or intitle Gods spirit to blasphemy , or battologie , or ready to offer the sacrifice of fooles , or make fooles a sacrifice . Sect. 50. I have no prejudice to publick Liturgy because the name may import sacrifice and Nature have some affinities with the Letanies in Masse : I could wish they might not challenge a greater affinity by an ite missa est , a period ; and the Roman by an ite missá est ignorantiae pars , might challenge a greater affinity to what was ours ; while Physicians have their Catholicons , Panchymagogy , and Panaces Souldiers their Magazines , and Panoplies : that spirituall Physicians should be unprovided , and Christs souldiers unarmed to resist the wounds of sin , or wounded , want balm in Gilead : Could it be inconsistent with faith , it could not with reason : this might cement the body of the Church , preserve the communion of Saints , obstruct vanity , by sealing up the fountains of impurities , taking away the leisure which may administer occasions to sin : But if we cannot all agree in uniformity in Gods service , yet God grant we may introduce no deformity into his worship ; but agree all with one minde to serve him : none make long prayers to devour Widdowes houses , or Gods house a Widow , while with zeal , unlike Davids , the zeal of Gods houses ●ats , them not up , but their zeal eats up Gods houses . Sect. 51. I shall not deny , a confession may be sometimes necessary to man as well as God. If some sores have fester'd by rash exposures , others have wrankled by unhappy concealments . There may be good Samaritans , who ▪ when we fall among theeves , sins which rob us of Gods mercies , may comfort us with the wine of Gods Word , and powre the oyle of his Holy Spirit into our wounds ▪ which they cannot , if they be not opened . But these traders in indulgencies , and picklocks of state , instead of curing us of our wounds , have rob'd us of our clothes , the garment of Christs righteousnesse , by teaching us relinquish our own , and then have expos'd our nakednesse to the cold air of an uncharitable world . Though we have Priests that passe by carelesly , Levites which only shake their heads , may we rely on that good Samaritan , who , when we had fallen among theeves , powred the oyle of his precious blood into our wounds , and left us two pence , his two Testaments , for our security , in the Inne of this world . Sect. 52. I cannot be so much an Iconomachist , as to think all image making Idolatry , it 's eminently true of graven and molten , which after the c●remonies of consecration , was by the Gentiles conceived bodies of inspir'd Deities . Pictures by Gods own appointment lawfull , as the cherubims ; or if unlawfull to the Jewes , the commandment is as little relative to Christians , as the Sabbath ; as little understood , as the taking Gods name in vain , meant by forswearing : Yet he who keeps the seventh day to praise God for the Creation as the first , in memoriall of the Redemption ; or he who is so farre from using Gods name in vain , by forswearing it , as he will not misuse it in vain conversation , or hates so much an Idol , as his eyes will not treat with a picture . I honour him for his zeal , I wish I could as well commend him for his charity , and not misapprove him for his ignorance . We should not offend weak ones , yet some are so weak , that all things offend them : madder then he who perswaded himselfe he was made of butter , the sunshine of the Gospell terrifies them , and the least scintillation of charity seems dangerous . Others have the weaknesse of children , whom nothing but rattles and pictures will please ; take away these , they grow querulous , baul and disquiet the whole houshold of faith . Sect. 53. The bra●en Serpent , the emblem of our Saviour , curing the sting● of the fiery Serpents , our sins , while we wander in this wildernesse of error , may be erected . But if the old Serpent creeps into the body , and tempts to Idolatry , a Monk , like an Idols Priest , can give responses from a rood , and make it move by a wire to induce a puppet-play in religion : a prestò be gone befits both the Jugler and his Hocus : had not foure Councels condemned them , and a jury of Fathers , Basils and Eus●bius testimonies on their side mistook : Athanasius , Chrysostoms , and Damasus suffrages for them suspected : therefore with Saint Hierom , nos unam tantum veneramur imaginem , Jesum nempe Christum , qui est imago patris . Though Basil saies , the honour due to the abstract , is due to the pattern ; if any one can show such an image of Christ , as Christ is of the Father , we will worship , else we may believe with the Father , Errare omnino meruerunt , qui Christum non in divinis codicibus , sed in parietibus quaerunt : Or as Irenaeus saith , where Pastors became dumb , there Images became their Pastors . These books of the unlearned , though made use of by Paulinus Bishop of Nola , since wooden Priests leave the rabble as unlearned as their books , it is better the images of Christ be defac'd in Churches , then the image of Christ should be defac'd in the people , which should be the Temples of the holy Spirit . But if any be lawfull , sure the picture of the Father cannot , being a piece of intollerable folly , which in our fecunditie of sects , may tempt a weak brother to reimbibe the humour of an Anthropomorphite . God who loves decency in his spouse , is so jealous of his honour in her , that he cannot approve that fucated face of Religion , which may shame honesty out of countenance : This Italian wash , and Spanish die , disfigures the face of Religion , whose grace is simplicitie . What Caesar of his wife , can we believe Christ should expect lesse of his spouse , to be free not only from crime , but even suspicion . Sect. 54. Superstition which makes such a noise , the worshiping of Daemons , or Superstitum Cultus , the worship of the survivor to dead mens souls , as little as Idolatory , an Image inspir'd by a Devill , hath relation to Christians , the part of that commandment which forbids adoration , bowing down , or corporall worship to an Idol seems to intimate a tribute due to God : the worshipping God in spirit and truth , plac'd in opposition only to that in the Mountain and Jerusalem , impugns not this , who redeem'd both body and spirit , expects reverence from both : Our spirits not lesse , such by corporeall allegation , even corporall worship is in spirit and in truth . Henry Burtons Jesu-worship Idolatry , prov'd the ridiculous non-conformist an Idolater , who could Idolize his own fancy . Most of our Polemick Divines more Andab●tarum pugnant , their valour proceeds from their ignorance , hacking and hewing fellowes which play prizes with the two e●g'd sword of Scripture , and care not how they maim and mutilate Christian communion , rather then not retain the aery name of Masters in the science of defence . Yet the decryers of Idolatry are the greatest Idolaters , covetous persons , who would be gilded o're with promotion ▪ and made worshipfull , like petty theeves , they care not what hedges they break , so they may warm their own fingers : take away the fences of the Church , to fence their own broken fortunes . Ceremonies are the hedge that fences the substance of Relgion , from the indignities which prophanes , and sacriledge too frequently put on it . While the divines of England have preached down ceremonies , they have pulled up the hedge , and not only let in Foxes into their Vinyards , but opened a gap for the sheep to wander out of pasture of the Church , and become a prey to Romish wolves seducing th●m in sheeps cloathing . It is true , that inter●all worship of the heart is the greatest service of God ; but externall worship of God , in his service , is the great witnesse to the world , that our hearts stands right in the service of God : take away this , and what light is there left to shine before men , that they may see our Devotion like a day-spring from above , or a starre guiding wise men to Jesus , and glorifie our Father which is in heaven ? The Kingdome of heaven , his Church , without civill order and comlinesse , religious exercises will be disorderly and confused , like the first Chaos , God made in the beginning void , and without form , and whose face darknesse covered . Sect. 55. That Romanists deny Christs humanity by transubstantiation , make irrite his death by merits and satisfaction , Credat Judaeus Apella , non ego . Christian charity will lend me no such deductions . A Chrysostom , Theodoret , Isych●us , Euche●●us , and some Primitive Fathers , with a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , if not a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 transfiguratiō , conversion , mutation , translation , transelementation , transition , if not a transubstantiation , generally believed a mysterie , a matter of faith , not sense , to be believ'd , not grosly phancy'd if they have lent sōe an occasion of error , shall administer to me an occasio● Charity ; though both within and without the pale of the Church , it may afford opportunity to scandall , not to be redeemed by a fictitious miracle of an Hoasts conversion into flesh , when Christs body is no longer present then the form of bread remains , how is Christs body in the miracle , when the Species being gone , it is no longer a Sacrament ? I love not such acute disputing about Christs body as the killing of 1000. in a battell , and at Beziers 60000. how can we not dread Christs appearance , who singe his Livery , Charity ? who spilt his own blood to prevent the effusion of ours . Neither was a hudler of reformations tongue lesse cruell to his brethren , then the Papists sword with an Ego Sacramentarios haereticos omnes & aeterna paenà afficiendos duco . That which was given to unite into Christs body should not divide from it : we must not dispute about Seals , while we lose the Covenant : it shall content mee it is an Eucharist , not Axapist . May Christs body bee present to all by a worthy communication : and none forget him who commands it to be done in commemoration , he dyed for them ; and so crucifie him again by crucifying one the other . Whatsoever the consequences be of subtile brains , the consequences of worthy receiving will be salvation : may wee all have sursum corda , since a Saint Austine believes nemo d●gne manducat nisi ●prius adoraverit ; and a Saint Ambrose , wee must worship Christ in the mysteries , as the Apostles him in the flesh . He who injoins a worthy Communion under penalty of damnation , will not damn me sure for believing too worthily of what I receive : Transubstantiation nor Consubstantiation monopolize the reall presence which no worthy communicant can be without . May all show he is really present , and communicated , while we receiving , praise God , and have charity with all ; do become one with him , though not uniform with all : if we agree not in the way of serving him , yet all agree that serving is the way to him : I may be troubled that a brother shall refuse to put on the rob● of Christs righteousnesse , but never be angry with him for not putting it on after my fashion : but could wish all would use that which is least offensive to them without a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , & quando Christiani adorant quod edunt , fit an●ma cum Philosophis , may be opinion of not a single Averroes . Sect. 56. Most inflated with the opinion of their own knowledge , swell into controversies ; others with the impostumations of their own malice are tumid and angry ; open the one , and you shall find nothing but flatulency ; and launch the other , and there will issue forth corruption : justification , whether by faith or works , or both ? hath len● such occasion to contention , as men have renounc'd him who can onely justifie , Christ , who is Love : when justification is an acception of our persons , and a remission of our sins , it is an Enigma deserves an Oed pus to unmask , how we accept our own persons , and remit our offences . May wee all like the wise Virgins provide our selves with the light of Faith , and oyl of good works : being call'd into Gods Vineyard , consider wee are to work , not talk : none suppose the finer threads spun from the Cobwebs of subtiler imaginations can hold Salvation , but all provide that triple cord twisted by faith , hope , and charity , which cannot be easily broken . Sect. 57. It hath been the phancy of not a few , that Christ came to fulfill the Law , and nothing hath been reserv'd for Christian duty but a Crede , and in via salutis ambulas , a magicall Faith may oblige Heaven , and produce no lesse then miracles . Christs Law is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if we may believe the Fathers a new discipline , a spiritual Law accomplishing , extending & painting to the life the sciagraphy , or imperfect draught of Mosaical perfection , that forbids the fires of illegall concupiscences , this to fly even the very smoak by avoiding the occasion : that inhibits the ablation of our brothers blood , this the commotions of our own : the strictest of judaical observance or phylacter'd Romanists , who fringe Christian Religion with ceremonies , may be silenc'd with an except your righteousnes exceed that of the Pha●●sees , You cannot , enter into the Kingdom of Heaven . Those which who say , Christ hath fulfilled the Law , and think that the crying a Lord , Lord , may intitle them to Heaven ; may be dismis'd with I know you not ; if they will not cover their brothers nakednesse , cloth their imperfections ▪ give an Alms as well of their knowledge as fortunes , can break a commandement , or teach others to break ; though they give up their names to factions : May misse their names in the book of life . Christ hath not done so much that wee need do nothing : There is a treasury in the Church to de●ray humble and penitent sinners ; but not to cast away upon Prodigalls : whatsoever the Keys of the Church are of , this I am confident ; every man hath the power of binding and loofing , sins bind , and repentance looses ; yet though every Christian is intrusted with the keies Christ must be the Door , through which they must enter into salvation : they must unload themselves of iniquity , and knock by a spirituall fervency before they enter the narrow gate , ( Peters Keyes without this ) and the confidence of a Lord , Lord , encounter with a discedite , nescio vos : and meet with the punishment of the idle servant while they hide their Talent and accuse their master of hardnesse ; weak and unstable souls , who wrest the Scriptures to their own damnation , that I do not speak in the person of a Carnall man by Saint Paul , must be tentred to a Saint Paul ; could not that they have Saint Patro● to impiety , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 if to live according to nature is the part of one that hath not believ'd not to arive so high is below a Pagan . Sect. 58. The poverty of Franciscans , abstinence of Carthusians , zeal of some Recollects , chastity of Nuns , devotion of Pilgrims , Anchorets ▪ &c. Support the papall dignity beyond Jesuiticall Sc●omachies , Homonyma's , Logomachies , and circulations , and while these ignès fatuì seduce , and are seduc'd into precipices by the Phanatick fires of ther own imaginations , these seal'd Doves may take occasion by their blindnesse to mount toward Heaven : for I cannot be so uncharitable as not to think these empty instruments may make a pleasing sound in the ears of the Almighty . I cannot look on them so , with blear-ey'd prejudice , as I can not discern an Hilar●on , Antonius , Paulus , Eustochium , Marcella , Paula , exercis'd with watchings , cloth'd with Sackcloth ▪ and fed by fastings with the bread of life : a Sain Hieron , Saint Basil , Saint Chrysostom , Saint Austin sounding an Alarm to the battail , and encouraging to take up these arms of Christian warfare , Emperors Kings , Princes , and Potentates casting down Crowns and honors at the feet of the Lamb , following Christ in the high way of the Cross , Myriads concomitating , who preferring Christian humility before mundan complacencies , in Gales of sighes , and Seas of tears have been transported to an Haven of eternall security : the partial phancy of the prejudice byass'd centuriators that Monachisms antichristian , or the petticoat zeal of some rash reformers , who intitle the Locusts of the infernall pit , shall not teach my pen a sally out into scurrility , or dash in strains of pollutions ; marriage fills the Earth , and if virginity fills not Heaven , I may boldly affirme it prejudices not the way thither . I am neither of Vigilantius , or Jovinians mind , that either riches are to be preferr'd before poverty , or marriage before Virginity : and though I think marriage both honorable , and lawfull in the Clergy , yet I am of the L. Bacons opinion , Charity can hardly water the ground where it must first fill a Pond ; a●d that many men believe not themselves w●at they would perswade others ; lesse do the things they would impose ; least know what they most confidently boast ; they onely set the sign of the Cross over their outer doors , and sacrifice to the gut and grain in their inner closets , and I must suspect the Sun of righteousness declining among these once not impious orders , wher the shadows so far exceed the substāce . Sect. 59. Monachism prevails not so much in the sustentation of Popery : as what is call'd Arminianism might against it . I cannot think Bernevelt lesse the tongue and Genius of Holland , because they could separate both from the body Politick : nor that they inlarg'd not ignorance while they confin'd Grotius , and learning , and excellence suffer'd no lesse then by an Ostracism in this admirable Hugo . Men born to raise the Low-Countries , a pitch of excellence above their neighbours , had not the envy of their neighbours conspiring with headstrong ignorance , cast them below themselves ; but that which rais'd a tumult there , and gilded a war here , hath subdued even the Conquerors : There is scarce a souldier but defends it ; and by it repels , not introduces Popery into the Land. Sect. 60. Calvin lends more occasion to mak Romish Proselytes then Ignatius Loyola : and the Gomarists of Holland expell'd not Popery with Arminanism , but opened a gap for the wild bore to lay wast their Vineyard , whose entrance is by servile will , irrespective Election , and irreprobation paritie of sins , the consequences of which to some more refin'd wits may seem to exceed the absurdities of a Talmud , Alcoran , and Popish Legends : asperse the deiety with Tyranny , jugling , and partiality ; intitle goodnesse it self to sin ; while God is made Author of iniquity , take away virtues essence by absuming will ; the Gospell promises , and force of Laws , confound the rationall faculties of the soul , adequate humane nature to bestiall , leave us to obey our fate , and follow the duct of stars : and teach such a trumpeter as the Jesuit Campian , who could only sound to battail , set others gether with noise , and have himself no weapon , or Trumpeter-like without a point , not come to the purpose , or can at most but scratch the face of Charity , and disfigure Christian communion with quorsum corruptio & haeretica contagio ? ni●i ut qui sol● side gloriam rapturi sunt , in omnium tur pitudinum caeno volutati , noturam accusent ; virtutem desperent ; praecepta deonerent : as if these phancies were onely broched to vent irreligion and impiety , by accusing nature despairing virtue , and deonerating precepts , ot wallow in the mud of impurities : yet these may be deducible from a Saint Augustine ; their own Dominicans ; and a stream of interpreters ; while the Camells are forc'd to swim by the reason of the depth of the Enigmaticall Apostle ; and even the Roman Oracle himselfe dares not bee more confident then the Delphian , gives onely dubious responses , etripode . Nay , 't is affirm'd in their Angelick Doctor Aquinas , who if the Elogies of three Popes carry credit quot articulos edidit , tot miracula ; in jungimus ut ejus doctrinam tanquam veridicam & Catholicam sectem ●ni & ecce plus quam Solomon hic : who with trifling arguments concludes , for that the envy of which they would fix on the reformation . In some distempers , who feed the body , feed the diseases : if the too indulgent hand of some too officious Parent , instead of help , hath reach'd death to her beloved children , while zealous ignorance in a supposed antidote , administers poyson ( we know what a discracy the Roman Mother by rasher indulgences , hath reduc'd the body Ecclesiastick , if the preposterous zeal of other Churches , hath begot an atrophy in some constitutions , while ignorantly they take away Laws , terror , perswasions , make us loath food , or think our selves incapable ) it would be a strange Law would punish with death the rash zeal of a mistaking parent , in the ruine of a child , with the same medicine she cur'd others . Quos praedestinavit ad finem praedestinavit ad med●a . Endeavour to make your Calling and Election sure , may counterprise the poyson in some , and strength of nature work it out in others . God of his mercy send the oyle of his holy Spirit , that by the holy annointing , the tumors of venemous malice , may subside in all . Sect. 61. The Satyr in the Fable , seeing his Host blow his fingers to heat them , and his broth that he might cool it , renounc'd his society . We are all too Satyricall , have too much of a Satyrs nature in us , the beastiall part so farre exceeds humanity , that we renounce communion , for that which might be rectified by reason . That which can infrigidate an Italians zeal , may inflame a frozen Islanders devotion . Urban the eight , demanded by a Cardinall , why he preferr'd one for Nuntio , whose capacities had arrived to no higher eminencies , then the trash and refuse of mankind , before a quick and refined piece , in whom nature , as in an Elixir , had plac'd all that might inrich in the mysterious excellencies of state , replyed : This Eagle would not be lur'd to flies , and those higher elevations of phancy , would only render him incapable of himselfe and others ; who measure other mens thoughts by their own , will prove ill Judges both of themselves and others . Sect. 62. From those whom I am divided in opinion , I will not prove a Separatist in my charity ; I shall contend in nothing , but not to approve my selfe contentious . As I am an English man , I will use the liberty which God hath permitted me : was I a Spaniard , or Italian , I would think with Erasmus ▪ si quid tyrannidis quod tamen non cogat ad impietatem , satius est f●rre qu●m seditiose reluctare , nec esse pium , nec esse rutum , de potestate , publicâ sinistram concipere aut serere opinionem , &c. Singularity not so precious as to cost the quiet of a Mother , neither should I be troubled with those squibs and erackers , the noise and fire that flies up and down , the stories of hell , for not confessing God before men : to confesse the God of peace , the best way is to bepeaceable . I am not of the Gnosticks humour , to deny God in the time of persecution , and worship Idolls , which the mistaken places of these Scripture wire-drawers import . I should suppose I denyed God a common Father , and persecuted the truth , should I so wed my selfe to the Idoll of my own phancy , as not to worship the true God after any form . Sect. 63. Errors are more worthy of pitty then hate . Reformations have been so tumultuous and refractory , that quiet error to sober Christian might seem to be preferr'd before unruly truths . All Churches betwixt invitation and menace , would perswade resignation of faith to a simple obedience ; to believe our own without enquiring into others , cannot satisfie conscience . Damnation by all visible Hierarchies ( every mouth smutcht with hells fire-brands ) is thundred against them , which believe any Doctrine but theirs . It cannot be fit to believe God inspir'd this Church and no other , since mankind is come from the same carnall Ancestors , and God the common Father . Must we believe our Priests call their Doctrine faith , or argue controversies ? if argue , how much time and wealth must we expend ? by learning languages , reading Authors , unravelling ages , examining Fathers , conferring expositions , and reconciling contradictions , travailing over countries , pilgrims on earth , and at last we may be strangers to heaven ; come as short of it , as life of examining all . To embrace all opinions , is as impossible , as to learn or number , since they are as numerous as the sand , which hath an analogy with their foundations . To reject all must relish of a stranger impiety , when one way all other serve God ; though it would be a folly to leave a Meridian light to follow the ignis fatuus of every phanatick brain . We then that are Layicks must build upon such infallible grounds , that whatsoever superstructures of faith be raised , these may support them . All conclude vertues so eminent , that it includes the rest , ceremonies , rites , volumes tend to it , and no Sacrament but finally resolves into it ; all essentialls of Religion close in our faith , and love of God , by a pious life , and mutuall charity , by fraternall dilection amongst Christians ; among the propitiations for sin ▪ contrition for it , repenting to God , and satisfaction to our neighbours , all believe necessary , heaven or hell , recompence or castigation , attendants of good or evill life : with these the Lamb may wade to an haven of perpetuall felicities , while the swimming Elephant cramp'd with difficulties , drowns , or meeting with the quicksands of controversy , is swallowed up in an Abysse . These indubitable verities may not only prevent the inroads of impiety and Atheism , usher in repentance , and reduce men from aery controversy to solid vertue ; and dispose to concord , since we agree in eternall causes , why should we disagree in triviall ? these common truths being firmer bonds of amity , then any thing emergent out of traditions should dissolve in any , who uses not Religion for a cloak , while profit is as the body , for whose ease he changes it at pleasure : or as the thiefe , whose quotidian prayer was , that God would prosper him in his theevery , which he called the work of his vocation ; and having inrich'd himselfe with spoile , praised God for the blessing his endeavours : Or seek their own , and not Christs , while religion so zealously pretended , is made but a stalking horse to shoot at other foul , upon which their aim is set . While men change Religions more licentiously , then a sober man would his clothes , and put them on , alike asham'd , to seem naked , and in some times perilous , to be found without any . Sect. 64. I have not been much troubled with the toy of the worlds Religion , Weather-cock like , to turn round with every gale of profits toties quoties vertitur annulus Politicus , have not sought Religion for ends , but made it the end of my curiosity . I should not think Christ the lesse Christ for being sprinkled o're with blood , or suffering not the scarfe of Christian warfare : but I believe the Jesuites Martyrologie , like our Foxes , where weaknesse and ignorance hath many Martyrs , but God few Saints . Christ is still crucified between theeves ; I wish a timous repentance may not only make one , but both good , and poor truth may be rescued from the pillory of phanatick interpreters , nor have her ears bor'd through with a Roman Ecclesia , and a Pontifex maxmimus in Theology , like the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Philosophy , one bafling Religion , the other cashiering Reason with a contra negantem princip●a , take a view of those bulwarks of human knowledge , which have past impregnable in the esteem of ages , elated even above divinity , while divinity by the Schoolmen hath been brought to the touchstone of Philosophy : and when you find these mountains have travelled with a ridiculous mouse , having scarce left an infallible maxime , beside an Humanum est errare , think what 't is to be infallible . Sect. 65. Reflect upon the great Hagarite , who conquered more of the world , then his Master Alexande● , by his reason subdued ages ; yet see this praecurs●r Christi in naturalibus sicut Johannes in gratuitis , as some have tearm'd him , discompos'd by Telesius , degraded by Campanella , bills of accusation brought in against him by B. Chartes , Bacon , Digby , Hobs ; nay by all pregnant wits , and teeming constitutions , who have deserved to be a secretioribus naturae consiliis , by the nobility of extracts in Chymistry , or arriv'd to the exquisitenesse of parts , by anatomicall inspections , found guilty , and exploded after so great a revolution of ages . In medicine , see Hippocrates alter the Antients , Galen him , Paracelsus both , Van Helmont dissenting from all ; lacteall veins found out by Asellius , inlarg'd by Pecquer in dogs , by Bartholine in men , and the knowledge of them arrived to the Zenith in the elaborate pieces of that great Master of generation and circulation , Doctor Harvey : the Liver hath lost his office , the Senses their seat , and the use of the Nerves now only found out by Doctor Glisson . View the decay of nature against the opinion of all ages , contradicted by Doctor Hackwell , whose arguments are so irrefragable , that nature must seem to admit a stranger decay in him assents not to it . Let us contemplate Heaven , Earth , and Sea , and all of them will instruct us of human fallibility . The Jewes calculated by the Lunar account , Pythagoras by the Solar , and Copernicus rectify'd both . Divert towards Astrology , Astronomy , and Geometry , and see how the Professors by a stranger improvement have verified what they call themselves Mathematicks , see the Sea rul'd by compasse , which the land makes no use of , and the Land prov'd as giddy as her inhabitants , since Copernic●sm is aprov'd by all . Unravell Lycostenes Apothegms● , Erasmus Adages , Cicero's jests , all the wisdome of Roman , and Grecian , and if you find nothing among Flores Poetarum , Wits Commonwealth , and the Elixir of the Sages , which may outvie the Urbanities of a common wit ▪ Cease to be so passionate an admirer of Antiquity . See the Antipodes confess'd by all , which the poor Bishop Vergilius asserting , by the fiery zeal of Pope Zachary was committed to the flames , to instruct how infallible the Roman Oracle is , in condemning that which all do maintain ; and he himselfe maintained an Antipodes in his life , his footsteps being opposite to those of meek and pious Ancestors . If these be dissatisfactory , unspread what elapsed times have rolled up : and as in a piece of Tapestry , you shall see Snakes lasciviating among Roses , and this Linsey-Wolsey interweaving truth with falsity , the fashion of all ages . There hath never wanted some , who blinder then Moles , have perswaded Moles have wanted eyes , Lampreys have many , Snakes at each horn ; Cameleons living by air ▪ Ostriges by Iron , Salamanders in fire , Corall obdurate by aire , Chrystal congeal'd Ice , Mandrakes resembling men , with two headed Serpents ▪ Centaurs ▪ Gryphins ▪ and a Phoenix , which Noah took no notice of , while he took all into his Ark by pairs , Pigeons and Horses without gall , Elephants without joynts , Swans entertaining death with melody , and all the masks of ridling nature in sympathies , and antipathies , Oake and Olive , Walnut and Oake , Cock , Lyon , Spider , Toad , Panther , Hyena , , and the stork , an enemy to Kingdomes ▪ and sympathizing with free states , to which by her presence she testifies an approbation . To these , falling of Salt , crossing Hares croaking Ravens , tinckling ears , and burning chins , ridiculous and petty observances , which call for agonies and cold sweats , the glorious sunshine of the Gospell having not dispell'd these darker clouds of benighted ignorance , or lighter mists of aery phancy . Our Saviour with long hair is mistaken for a Nazarite : Saint Hierom is pictured with a Cardinals Hat , as if his head had Prophecied of the invention which should succeed in the time of Innocent the fourth : the story of Goats blood dissolving Diamonds , resembled so often to our Saviours ; the figment of the Phoenix , inferr'd to quadrate to his death & resurrection , Hercules labours his miracles : Nay , even the Mythologies of Paganism are induc'd for comments on Christianity , that it is no wonder if Religion should be suspected for fabulous ; Antesignanes of schism and faction , buffet , revile and wound Christ in their brethren ; or Hell may have a Factor , neither Turk , Jew nor Christian , who may write of three impostors . Not onely an Agamemnon sacrifices an Iphigenia , but a Jeptha , by Translators is introduc'd sacrificing a daughter , shewing obedience by disobeying him ▪ who abhors the bloody sacrifices of Gentilism . Who could believe the stories of Saint George , Saint Patrick , Saint David , &c. & might not have a Creed for Homers Rodomontado's ? who Saint Benedicts , Saint Frances , and Saint Dominicks Lives , Gregories Dialogues , Saint Bridgets uncouth dreams , like the Apocalyptick accomplishments of Rice Evans , Iacob Israel , Sedgwick , and Hannah &c. and wonder at Ovids Metamorphosis . To omit the diseases in opinion of Christians , which have brought so strange a distemperature upon Charity it can bee no wonder , if that Charity which Christ left to perfume the world , and those odours of Christian virtues , which should embalm and preserve untainted the body of Religion vanish : and neither the Haggard of reason , nor lure of Religion keep men upright from reeling into Atheism . Some are cry'd up for miracles , that hee who would correct , must make but one blot whose chiefest art is to apparell lyes handsomly , that though their nakednesse might seem deform'd , their dressing might attract readers : and these men of eminency by the Prerogative of their parts , seem onely to deserve the highest degree in Bethlem . Colledge , having arrived to the aim of madnesse , though hear nothing lesse then then Angelick and Seraphick , and think with extatick Paul , they have attain'd the third Heaven . Sure this obnubilation of verities , and darknesse of humane nature , was the penalty for the tast of the forbidden fruit ; which deprives of Paradise the pleasures of knowledge ; that man who desired what was prohibited , should be depriv'd of that knowledge which was granted : and so having introduc'd a multiplication and confusion of Sciences , he should bee punish'd with the amission of true knowledge , which was the same of all things . This is that Cherub , guarding Parad●se with a flaming sword , which obcaecating the conscious minds of men with the splendor of his light deterrs them from the secrets of nature and verity of the universe : true knowledge even in humane things having no more a being , then the Philosophers mater●a prima , which is only in Terms . Sect. 66. Now let us retreat from humanity , whose Motto is humanum est errare and review Divinity , ubi verum non variat , yet we shall find variantes de vero : and when Gods word is not a Lanthorn to their feet , and the Church the guide , goe out of the way , stumble and are benighted with error . See Saint Cyprian a Rebaptist ; Origen an Anthropomorphite ; Tertullian a Montanist ; Saint Na●●anzen an Angelist ▪ Eusebius an Arrian ; Papias , Justin ▪ Millenaries ; Saint Hierom a Mongamist a Saint Augustine need a book of recantations ; Concilium Ariminense conclude with Arrius , Ephesinum with Eutyches ; a Tyrian condemn an Athanasius : a third Stephen in a Councell rescinding the Acts of Pope Formosus ; a tenth John in a Synod at Ravenna , the decrees of Stephen ; A Pope Pelagius , and the first Gregory , an Innocent the third , and a third Celestine , so much contradicting each the other about divorces , that no rationall man would believe infallibility wedded to the Pontificiall chair , should no bill of divorce be issued forth by the Councels of Constance and Basil , both generall , both allowed ; the first by Pope Martin the fifth ; the second by Eugenius the fourth , their bills be at them , one say , the Councell can erre , not the Pope ; the other , the Pope and not the Councell ; the Canon of the Council of Ferrara , contrary to the Councill of Florence ; the one , the Council was above the Pope ; the other , the Pope above the Council . Pope Alexander condemn'd Peter Lombard in a Councel of 300. Bishops , Innocent the third acquitted him : Pope Pelagius ▪ and Gregory thought the name of Universall Bishop n●men Blasphemiae , and to admit it , nihil al●ud quam fidem perdere ; Boniface and their successors have assum'd the title : if none of these have err'd , error is something , which the World hath not learn'd to define . Stapleton confesses , vix ullum peccatum ( haeresi exceptâ ) cogitari potest quo illa sedes turpiter maculata non fuerit : but if it can't be tainted with Haeresie , in vain their Polemicks have broach'd those trifling questions , whether a Pope may be depos'd for Haeresie : but Biel grants they may fall into it : Stella and Almain , that they have fall'n , and ceas'd to be heads of the Church & in the time of his Vicars defection left Christ to look to his cure himself : that Christ promis'd the keyes to Saint Peter is true : but as true that he did it to the rest of the Apostles : so to their successors as wel as his ; so t is to thee and them , and not to thee to exclude them : unlesse some will phancy Heaven-gate so easy , as they might open and shut without the ke●es , si hoc tantum Petro d'ctum , non fuit hoe Ecclesia , if a Saint Austine may credited : Christ prai'd that Peters faith might not fail , viz. in application to his personall perseverance ; if the Fathers are worthy of belief , for papall infallibility had no appearance hence in any except in Popes , whose eyes squinted toward self-interest for a 1000 years . The Pope infallible , the unnecessary trouble of calling Councells might be spar'd : neither have they wash'd the Aethiop fairer , who have trifled about the infallibility of Councels : it is one of their maxims , a generall Councell cannot erre , if it be confirmed by the Pope , it cannot be confirm'd till finish'd , if finish'd , it hath err'd , or not err'd ; if err'd , the Pope ought not to confirm falshood ; if not err'd , it was truth before he confirm'd it ; and at best his assent is but signum pro causa : or a Councell must be either infallible by the means , or the prophetick part , the conclusion ; the means , humane learning , fallible meanes may have fallible effects , or if by the conclusion , the spirit makes no use of meanes : they must either make means uselesse , or open a gap for Enthusiasts to ruffle the Church . Where two or three are conven'd , Christ is in the midst of them to concede what he shall think fit for them , not they fit for themselves : a generall Councell may bee supposed not to erre , led by the spirit of truth in Scripture , and not presuming to lead both spirit and Scripture : no Father having to deal with Hereticks , intitled Councels infallible . The letters of Bishops according to Saint Austine may bee disputed by more learn'd Bishops , nationall Councells by plenary ; and even plenary may be amended , the former by the later : that onely which is found in Scripture , may be neither doubted nor disputed . The comforter shall abide with them , and lead them into all truth , viz. the Holy Ghost that lead the Catholick Church not into all curious truths , in or about the faith , but all truth necessary to salvation , in which the Catholike Church can't erre ; for if it could erre , it could not bee holy . Sect. 67. Now let us peruse a little of the Elixir of the Fathers , which some Pontificians sure rightly understood , would turn al into Catholike Gold , in which we may believe them , but never that it is able to convert one intelligent man to be a Papist . Illa Ecclesia quae fuit omnium gentium jam non est periit , apostavit ? hoc dicunt qui in illa non sunt : O impudentem vocem ! illa non est , quia tu in illa non es ? vide ne tu ideo non sis , nam illa erit , etiamsi tu non sis . O vocem abominabilem & detestabilem , &c. hanc praevidit spiritus Dei , ecce ego vobiscum sum usque ad Consuminationem seculi . Sed forte ista civitas quae mundum tenuit universum aliquando evertetur ? absit . Deus enim fundavit in aeternum ; si Deus fundavit in aeternum , quid times , ne cadat ? Portae inferorum non praevalebunt contra eam : quod si non cred●s verbo , ipsis operibus crede . Multo facil●us m●hi persuaderem Christo non esse credendum , quam de illo quidquam , nisi ab his per quos credidissem esse credendum ▪ Deus posu●t in sole tabernaculum suum , qui contra Lucernam in candelabro positam oculos claudunt , quid amplius dicturus sum quam caecos esse : Quomodo impur●ss●me Diabole Ecclesiam te posse putas de●jcere ? adulterari non potest● sponsa Christi ; incorrupta est , Pudica est ; domum unam novit ; unius cubiculi Sanctitatem casto pudore custodit : Hoc Ecclesiae proprium est , ut tum vincat cum laeditur , tum intelligatur cum arguitur , tum obtineat cum de seritur . Haec ergo navis Ecclesia est , quae si quotidie saeculum istud tanquam aliquod pelagus fortiter infestum , nunquam elid●tur ad saxum , nunquam mergitur ad profundum ; super petram fundata Ecclesia nullâ tempestate Concutitur ; nullo turbine ventisque subruitur ? Quorsum haec ! what a flood of Fathers is here without a drop of reason ? who ever deny'd God would have a Church spread ore the face of the Earth ; yet this implies that the Roman is only Catholick , a Monopoly of heaven , and mercy by usurpation of the name : or because the Rivers of life shall not cease ( while time flowes ) to stream in the Citty of God , his holy Catholick Church , they lose their current , if they stream not in the channells of Romish phancies . Who would not with Saint Austin , rather believe nothing of Christ , then the Gospell of Peter , Bartholomew , Nicodemus , the Acts of Paul and Tecla , &c. ridiculous figments of giddy heresie , where the Devill in an Angell of lights shape , would have brought darknesse in fashion ; this implies not sure , we must not believe the true Gospell , without it is ma●gin'd with Pontifician notes , and fenc'd with profit-angling baits of phanatick interpreters . Gods Tabernacle is in the Sun , and he hath a Church like the Sun , shining with light , and eminent in vertues : who see not this light in a candlestick , or so great a mountain as Gods Church , Christianity more eminent then all other Religions , with the Father I could call them no lesse then blind . I should think them hallucinate , could not see through the disfigurements of truth , and veils of ceremonies ; a face of Religion in the Romish Church , but desperately blind , could see no other , and after he had received the phantasticall garb , would shut his eyes , and think it immodesty to view poor truth naked . I may believe with Saint Cyprian , the Devill cann't deject the spouse , who leaves not Christs bed to lie with Adonis , or exchanges Christianity for Paganism , the joyes of his Spirit , for the salt waters of Mundan complacencies , or the pure stream● of life , for polluted puddles of phanatick interpretations . I can assent to Saint Hilary , Persecution is the Churches seed : to Saint Ambrose , the Church is a Ship secure in storms : to Saint Hierom , a Rock ▪ which windes nor waves move . Yet believe these sayings have no other relation to the Roman Church , then the Roman hath relation to the Catholick Church , by being part of the whole body of Christianity , of which Christ is the head . Sect. 68. Papists , while they bring in the Fathers in vizards , may terrifie some weak ones ; but the vizards once pluckt off from the faces of the Fathers , the children whom they have afrighted dare play with them , and wise men conclude the cause not honest , which needs a disguise , since the confines of truth is to be naked . Ignatius called the Roman Church 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , most chast and Metropolis of the Region of the Romans , and wishes those things may be firm which they teach . May the Roman Church be firme to what it then taught , and then may all firmly believe what she teaches ; and though not in a power 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which Ignatius was ignorant of , but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which he mentions , be President . Polycarp communicated with the Roman Church , though disagreed about Easter , was content to passe over rather a trifling formality , then renounce his charity : who instructs us nothing of their Roman power may instruct us in the power of Godlinesse , not to relinquish Christian communion , for triviall observances . Irenaeus praises the Roman faith , succeeding with Episcopacy : yet oppugns Victor : sure he dream'd not of Pontificiall infallibility . Saint Cyprian saies , the Romans are such , to whom perfidia cannot have successe , which scarce will imply error in faith or misbeliefe ; but malitious falsitie in matter of trust and action , such as Faelicissimus and his complices hasted to Rome with against Saint Cyprian . Saint Hieroms orbis Major urbe may dismisse him , and his zeal to Presbyterie , confirm no friend to Papal glory . For Saint Austin , he is quoted to call himselfe rash , detestable , and strangely imprudent in a Councell to resist them , with whom Christ could only be to the consummation of the age . Saint Cyprian in a schism is pack'd to hell se judice , macula istanec sanguine abluitur , nec pas●ione purgatur , inexp●abilis culpa non erit fidei corona sed perfidiae poena . He oppos'd Pope Stephen , and Saint Austin , and he , being both of the African Church , dyed excommunicate from the Roman ; and if a Saint Greoories prayers brought them not from hell with Trajan , to bear him company , we may misdoubt a bene esse to those Romanists invoke as Grandees in the Court of heaven ; if extra Ecclesia parietes Romanae non sit salus : But God be praised a Saint Hierom comes to their rescue with a non altera Romanae urb●s Ecclesia alteratotius orbis aestimanda est . Gallia & Bithynia &c. unum Christum adorant : unam observant regulam veritatis , si authoritas quaeritur , orbis major est urbe ? ubicunque fuerit Episcopus sive Regio , ejusdem meriti est , ejusdem sacerdotii , potentiae , divitiarum , & potestatis gradus & paupertatis hum●litas , sublimiorem vel inferiorem Episcopum non faciunt ; omnes Apostolorum successores sunt . Sect. 69. If the Roman Church be a branch , she cannot be the Root , though an elder sister , she can be but a co-heir : we need not cry out with Esau , Hast thou but one bles●●ng , O my father ? Nor is it the essence of the Church , nor the representative part in a synod , but the vertuall power in the Pope and his Cardinalls , which are the Elixir , by whose vertue the name of Catholick is derivative . To be blanch'd with Innocence , or gul'd with Martyrdome , to carry the Enfigns of the Lamb , are nothing worth , without the crosse keyes of Saint Peter ; the Purple of Christ invaluable should we deny the Cardinals scarlet Robe : Who mock'd Christ more then the Jewes , who cloth'd him in it with a hail King , while the exorbitancy of their power takes away his , plants Thorns in Christianity , and buffets him in his members ; who by uncharitable censures have not only separated Protestants from their communion , but Russian , African , Asiatick , Graecian Churches , where some praise God in the flames , while these lasciviating in the sunshine of Gods mercies , have kick'd against Divinity , and retiring into the shade , bellowing like mad beasts , have preferred forms and shadowes before the light and glory of Religion : yet if we will believe what their Bulls roar , ten times their number is damned for not being Catholicks for sooth , since every Christian under pain of damnation must be subject to the Roman Bishop . Who taught us , Our Father which art in heaven , forbids us an inclosure , and he who intends a Monopoly , will leave out Christ with his brother . The name of Catholick in the Creed plac'd in opposition to the Jewish inclosure of mercy , it will be strange if universall should now turn particular , and by not retaining the phancy of a particular Church , a man could not be of the universall ; and yet every Church hath a particular phancy : and it is probable , all generally phancy by an audi Ecclesiam , and in the Commission , dic Ecclesiae , what Christ never intended . If thy brother trespasse against thee , tell the Church , viz. a company of Christians ; and if he will not hear the Church , let him be to thee as an heathen or a publican ; cite him before the Gentiles tribunall , as thou wouldst an heathen or a publican . It is true , there is but one true Faith , one true Church , but both Faith and Church is the Cathol●ck Christian , not the particular Roman ; and this Catholick Christian Church , he who will not both hear and obey , the particular Church where he lives , so far as it dissents not with the universall in my opinion , is worse then pagan or publican . Sect. 70. The Catholick Church is Gods house ; all Nationall Churches are in this universall house as so many daughters , to whom ▪ as Christs Vicegerents , the care of the houshold is commited by God the Father , and the Catholick Church the mother of all Christians . If sisters disagree in a family , will the Father and the Mother , God and the Church , eject one child , because that an other is petulant & waspish : or hath Christ given power to Rome , because she is an elder sister , that she , or her steward the Bishop should cast out of the family which she pleaseth of the children of the family , for telling stories of an elder sisters , or stewards enormities . Romana Ecclesia particularis , according to Bellarmine ; and without there be two Roman Churches , there cannot be both a particular Roman Church , and a Catholick . No sense will admit the Roman Catholick ▪ she is not universall , so not Catholick in extent ; not entire in Doctrine , in things belonging to the foundation , so not Catholick in beliefe , nor the prime Mother Church : Jerusalem was that , so not Catholick as fountain , head or root of the Catholick . Sect. 71. Catholica autem quae diffusaper universum orbem . That Catholick Church which all Nations shall flow unto , Kings and Queens shall be nursing Fathers and Mothers , shall suck the milk of Gentiles ; this is the way which the fool cannot erre , when the wisest may mistake ; there 's universality , antiquity , succession , and unity here are unquestionable , while all agree , if not in manner , yet matter of beliefe , have the same limbs of Christian warfare that Constantines 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . This is the Arke of the Covenant , holy City , fructiferous Vine , direct way , sole Dove , excelse mountain , celestiall Kingdome , spouse and body of Chirst , the house of God , gate of Heaven , a pillar and firmament of verity , a light in a Candlestick , a Tabernacle in the Sun , a ship secure in storms , a rock , which though the winds of schism arise , and waves of heresy beat , cannot be moved : here the sayings of Fathers , , writhed by Papists to rivet Saint Peters tattering chair are all verified : that which was the Church of all ages is apostated , perish'd this they say who are not in her , see lest thou may not be , she will be though thou art not : in vain he sayes ▪ he hath God for his Father , who will not acknowledge the holy Catholick Church for his Mother since in the expans'd arms of her charity , she entertains the whole body of Christi●nity . Be wise my soul , lay thee a foundation here : so though storms arise , and waves beat , thou shalt not be moved ; the quicksand● of heresie shall no more swallow thee up , the waves of schism warp ●hee to irre●l●gion , or byasse thee toward Atheisme . Sect. 72. There can be no cause , to make a schisme or separation from the whole Church , for the whole Church cannot universally erre in faith , for if it could , it would cease to be holy : neither can all the members of the militant Church erre , either in the whole , or an Article of faith ; if they could , there could be no union betwixt the head and members , and so no body , no Church : The Church of the Elect , is in the Church of them that are called , and the invisible Church in the visible ; or else the invisible Church is tyed to no duty of Christianity ; for all such duties are required of the Church , and performed as 't is visible : and consequently , if the whole Church of the Elect cannot erre in fundamentalls , the whole visible Church cannot erre in which the Elect is . 'T is manifest out of Saint Austin , ipsa est Ecclesia quae intra sagenam dominicam cum malis piscibus natat , grana sunt inter illam paleam quand● area cum videretur tota palea putabatur . There are bad fish in the net of the Lord , from which there must be ever a separation in heart and manners ▪ but a corporall separation must be expected at the sea-shore , in the end of the world . And as the spirit of a man doth not quicken any member of the body , but as it is united to it ; so neither doth the Spirit of God any member of the Church , but being united in the bond of peace . Sect. 73. I have weakened the lights of my body to introduce knowledge by by these windowes of my soule ; lost my selfe to finde others , to magnifie my age . I will not boast I have outlived Emperours , Popes : * If he lives only long who lives well , I am the shortest liver . I have served twice Jacobs time to a more deceitfull Master then Laban , an impious world : young in years , old in folly , a Labyrinth , riddle , bubble , nothing . The reward of Jacobs servitude was blessed , mine cursed : could produce only spotted actions , checquer'd with the guilt of my own black imaginations , who have been carried about with the air of my own phancy , that I might not be transported with the wind of every phanaticks error ; discompos'd my fortune to settle my mind . Amicus Plato , amicus Socrates , sed Magis am●ca veritas . If truth be not more my friend then any one my memory can challenge a familiar acquaintance with , I may modestly presume my selfe destitute of any : while I have moved upon quick-silver , and whe●l'd upon the incertainties of giddy chance , a Polypire , Ephorine , and Philaetic become all with all , not that I might gain others with the Apostle , or gain of others wi●h the world , but gain my selfe : And though this itch of my curiosity may produce bad blood , by exasperating malignant humours ; yet I shall skin my own sores over by so good a conversation , and by no rash exposures of aliene sores to the ayre , I shall endanger the wranckling of any into male-content . I shall not relinquish my part in our elder Brothers legacy , the love that Christ bequeath'd us , for the greatest of Mundan inheritances : for if my barns were full , my soul could not take her ease , should I disease my brother . I might fear with a Thou fool , hac nocte , in the night of error , illuminated by no beam of Gods grace and mercy , from a darker action , to be cast into a darker dungeon , for having no mercy on him for whom the light in darknesse rose . I would snatch a Brother out of the fire with fear and trembling , and not commit to flames with rigour and malice . The Spanish devotion shall prescribe no rule to mine , who hang'd up thirteen Indians to the honour of Christ and his twelve Apostles . Sect. 74. I am not of the Tyrants minde , oderint dum metuant : as I would incurre no mans hate , so I would lend an occasion to no mans fear , since invention witty in cruelty should not wrack a confession , that may prejudice another . I would not endanger a Priests life to save mine own . Bellum cum vitiis , Pax cum hominibus is my motto . I hate no Sect , but pray for all , that like Sampsons Foxes divided by the heads , they may not be tyed together by the tails in the country they reside , to raise a combustion ; or Snake-like , return a sting for entertainment : and can wonder , that the twilight of nature , and noctiluce of reason in Heathens , should out-shine the Sun-beams of the Gospell in Christians : while History presents us with an Aristodes , a Phocion , and Themistcoles , who though their bodies suffered by an Ostracism , would not exile out of their minds that piety , which was due even to an ingratefull Country . One asked , What he would wish to his country for their ingratitude , answered , Never to want an Aristides . The second commanded his sons to forget their Fathers injuries ; and the third dyed rather then he would revenge his own : and could wish the Athenian Legislator , might even prescribe a Law to Christians , who for blindnesse returned light , who instead of retaliating the losse of an eye , administred light to the Author , by opening the eyes of his understanding . Sect. 75. I would convince by reason , make no conviction by Law , make a confiscation of error , not goods , though I seek not their goods , but the good of their souls . Persecution is a seeds-time of error , as well as of truth . The Norfolk Arian could laugh at the stake ; and though none can dye well who live not so ; no one can live so ill as cannot dye desperately . The old Roman humour of braving death , sleeps not with Paganisme : Rome hath still her Scaevola's , dare court the flames , and have a hand in every combustion : no part of the earth can make a breach , for which they can want a Curtius , who to make it up , will not ingulph himselfe in misery . Some with Augustus can die in a complement , more with Tiberius in dissimilation : No Priest , but Galba-like , will offer his neck with a feri si ere sit populi Romani ; while with Vespasian they can smile with an ut puto Deus fio . A Garnet may be Sainted even for a powder plot . And some resembling Otho's friends , wil die for society , while they , like him , murder themselves , under pretence of being publick victims . Sect. 76. I would bring tears to quench , rather then fewell to the flames ; not cause others to be disembowelled , but could even disbowell my selfe by an inviscerate dilection . Show excrementatam liquidiora tam crassiora non solùm pectoris sed religionis anatomiam . To reclaim these Traitors to reason , who believe heaven can side with factions , and omniscience cannot discover these disguises of charity . He who commands us . to let our light so shine before men , that they may glorifie our heavenly Father , commands us not to light men for his glory . And though he , whom we must pattern , was a light in darknesse , in usum nocturni luminis : Nero like , non proponit cremandos Christianos : These fires may show hell flames , but to show a way by their light to heaven they cannot , to mortifie the flesh thus , is not the way to quicken the spirit . We must rather inform Eliah like , in fiery chariots of zeal , to mount up to heaven . Lend them examples to live well , not precepts to contend . Christ would not own those spirits who would have fire come down from heaven to destroy adversaries : He sent down fire from heaven to save , not destroy his enemies ; in cloven tongues to divide truth , not divide by falshood ; who are divided in their waies , show whose footsteps they follow , the Devill , whose feet are cloven . He whose fiery zeal for the least dissention calls his brother to do penance in ashes , it must needs be so far from the spirit of God , as it is manifest his alliance is with the old Serpent , whose food is in the dust . The holy Father told the revenge-meditating Catholicks , against their blood-thirsty enemies , the Arians , in the reign of the good Theodosius , that Christians are not to recompence evill for evill , but blesse them that curse , pray for them that despitefully use ; yet if they cannot arrive to this perfection , yet must at least leave revenge to God , who in his time will repay it . God fan is in his hand , I will not snatch it out : where God hath an Harvest , Belial will have a seeds-time : the wicked one will sow tares by night : men benighted in black , and wicked waies are dispos'd to imbibe the seeds of error : God grant the light of Heaven may so shine in us , that men may be converted from the darknesse of their waies , and we may pluck up error , not them ; we must not question his wil , who permits them to grow till harvest : he that knows his own , it shall be my onely endeavo●r he may own me for his : and not for raising flames of contention here , be cast into unquenchable fire hereafter . I will not renounce Christ because a Judas bears him company : nor any Christian communion , because a Judas may have his hand in the dish : but rather strive I my self prove no Traitor , draw near with my lips , my heart remote from him & cry hail Master , when I think to recrucifie him in his members : Alasse poor souls , though a Judas may veil impiety with kisses , the irrepentant wretch will dissipate and discover his black soul naked . I will note them that make contentions and avoid the contentions , not the men till three or four times admonition : if Physitians were to fly from the sick , wee should gain little skill , and have a poor profession . Sect. 77. I can converse with a Jew with no passion beside a sorrow ; lend tears to mollifie him , and not fire to obdurate ; and should he encounter my ear with a buffet , and bid me turn the other to express Christianity , I should not with that Christian , with a do as you would be done by , requite : but by my Saviours example ▪ for my sake buffeted , pray for him who knew not what he did : it is a strange humour in some Christians , to pray for the conversion of those Jewes they will not admit into their society to effect it by a peaceable cohabitation . Wee might teach them by their Chàldean Paraphrast their Messiah ; and by R. Jonathan , or R. Shimeony Son of Ishas , or R. Moses the Son of Nicar ; or R. Haccodesh , shew how R. Shahadiahs 1200. years , R. Solomon and R. Jehudas 1390. R. Elias 4230. years are expir'd , and no Messias come . Judas the Son of Marbaeus ; Theudas Arthronges , Barchosba , the Senior and Junior imposing even upon their Rabbies : the Bethlem which they confesse to be the place of their Messiahs birth , having now no being , their groundlesse phancies may vanish like it , while we show him who had a being with it : who dy'd for his people ; whose hands and feet they pierced ; and for whose Vesture they cast lots ; who was humble and sat on an Asse ; after 62. weeks slain ; shewing the cause of their miseries , because they sold the innocent for silver , and the poor for shooes . The same day Christ was taken , their City taken , entred at the Brook Cedron , on the same feast day , same time of the year , thirty Jews sold for the price they sold him . We might show their Rabbines their letter , and learn their grave Fathers Christs Crosse row , we could lend them light out of darknesse , while even a Pagan could confesse aut Deus Naturae patitur aut machina mundi dissolvitur , we could inform them by the rending of their Temple , not to divide from the Church ; which open'd wide to instruct them of him , who was ordain'd to enter into the holiest of holies , even Christ Jesus the High Priest , though they trifle about Nazarite and Nazareth , wee could dilucidate who was Natsar , the branch of the root of Jesse : but oh in vain we may tell them of him who is love , when we want it towards one another : how can they believe us to be heirs , when wee have lost his Legacy . Defective not onely in dilection he bequeath'd his , but even that love he commanded to enemies : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or ill savor in Jews so often inculcated , as if lies could sweeten them ; and make not Christianity stink in their nostrills worse then they in ours : for crucifying Christ. May all Christian Churches sweep their own doors from pride and malice , and uncharitablenesse which are ingendred by trifling questions , and unnecessary disputes , the dirt and trash which clings to them ; and keeps them from entrance , who are without . Lo the Jews who look for a sign , and Gentiles who inquire after wisdom , may find both : and all Christians by reforming themselves , may act no lesse then miracles for the conversion of others . Si ex avaritiae in liberalitatem transieris , s●ccam & mancam manum recuperasti : si theatralibus ludis spretis relictisque caetos Ecclesiasticos petieris claudicanti pedi incolumitatem : si oculos tuos ab alienâ forma , & meretricum aspectu revocaveris caecum te illuminasti : si diabolicos cantus despexeris , & eorum loco spirituales Psalmos dediceris tum loqueris qui antea mutus esses haec maxima miracula signa eximia : such signes and miracles as these might call home the Jews : and bring in the plenitude of the Gentiles : so may their souls desire to enter into our secrets , and their glory be joyn'd to our assemblies ; while all Churches having their Lamps trimm'd with the oyl of good works , by the light of faith may lead to the Bridegroom , who biddeth the Bride come ; and if she hath not the soundnesse of interior charity , all the gummes and spices of alms and prayers do not sweeten her breath to her divine Lover : Odours after which the Bridegroom runneth & smelleth them when he kisses her with the kisses of his mouth . Sect. 78. It was the saying of the Doctor of the Gentiles , If any man be contentious , wee have no such custom ; nor the Churches of God. I could wish those who call themselves the Churches of God , had no such custom as being contentious : fighting about shadows , forms of Religion , while we lose the essence of it , which is Charity : May every one abound in his own sense , and God of his mercy give every one sense to abound to his glory : May blindnesse bee the mother of devotion in the Papists ; and though pious frauds are us'd to induce zeal , may they be zealous without fraud : May light occasion no darknesse in the Reformists , and peeping into the Ark , not strike them with the Leprosie of evill works . May the Motto of both be non loquimur sed vivimus : contend in nothing but who shall most glorifie God : and our light may so shine before men , that they who are without , may be brought to glorifie our Father in Heaven , by being brought into his Church , the Kingdom of Heaven here on Earth ; May all hunger and th●●st after righteousnesse : and even Enemies by administring thy blessings one to the other , heap coals on each others head , till they melt into mutuall affection , and obsequiousnesse to thy Law. May none without think worse of Christ because his Coat is divided , embrace those truths all hold ; and all hold nothing to differ one from another : may all within seek rather grounds of aquiescence , then excuses of dissatisfaction : truth in differences like Gold in oar , wheat with chaffe ; none may neglect Gold because ther 's drosse ; or grain for the intermixture of off●ll : but all united into the same body may become one with thee , who art the bread of life ; and refin'd from the drosse of mundan corruption by the fire of this holy spirit bear the Image of our King : May he who boasts of the Church remember , no unclean th●ng can enter into the K●ngdom of Heaven : and he that b●eaketh the least of the Commandements shal be the least in the K●ngdom of Heaven , of little repute in his Church . May they who cry , who shall lay any thing to the cha●ge of Gods Elect , live , so that no body may have any thing to lay to their charge : and while they boast , they are above all law , by sin come not under the premun●re of any : while they are Kings ( as they pretēd ) whose hearts are in Gods hands , may they not be slaves to their own lusts , & the Devils servants : may the Cōmonalty be no more an Oglio of knaves and fools , and tools to the Polititian ; nor he the Devils quilted Anvile on which he frames all sin ; but both may be instruments of Gods glory ; finally may the Gentry have an use for estates above gilding their imperfections : and Papists abov an annuall Composition for their follies● and not love to their purses make their Antagonists irreconcilable with their persons : and may I have no emnity with any thing but my self : who though I have not found what I may define friend , I know not what I may truely cal Enemy beside my self : by the rules of Christian warfare , I am oblig'd to fight aga●nst the World , the flesh and the Devill : I find a world in my self : and a Devill in my flesh ; which if I could but conquer , I could look down on those petty acquisitions of the nicknam'd worthies which were kneaded up with dirt and blood , as something below my self . Legion is not onely renew'd in me , but Legions of Devils , as if they had not a lesser world to conquer and colonize , are entred into me : I find a Lapland , Finland , Gothland , and the storms they raise there in my passions : the various shapes in which they familiarise with their votaries , do but resemble the disguises of my curiosities , vy'd with which the Mythologies of Paganism , in an Achelous , Proteus ; Polypus , Cameleon may seem sober verities . Nor could I bee lesse then a world in whom all the Monsters of Africa have conven'd , and all the African tincture in my blacker impieties . I have had the blindnesse of America to sacrifice to the Devill ne noceat , by complying with aberrances : having with Asia lost a reall Paradise by Euthymy : could challenge affinity with Mahometism , and dream of a Paradise in carnall concupiscencies . Nor hath any part of Europe been defective to the complement of this Microcosm : Papist , Reformist , Subreformist , Familist , Atomist ; all the phancies which crumble into factions , and mince into divisions , while old time is forc'd to chew the cud , and raise up the stubble and chaffe of whimzies , swallowed fourteen ages past have concentred in me : and met in this Masse of antipathies I carry about me . Lord teach me to know my self , so I shall not d●sire to exchange wisdom with a Solomon : lend me the auxiliaries of thy holy spirit , to subdue my self ; and I shall be more a Conqueror then Alexander : by hating my self , instruct me how I shall love thee , and by loving thee , I shall be sure not to hate my brother . FINIS . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A34014-e250 S. Hie● in Psal. 133. S. Hier. ad Lucif . post med . tom . 2. Th●od . l. 2. Hist. Eccl. dialog . inter Constant Imper . & Lib. pap . 16. Vin● . Lir. Cont. Haer. c. 23. & 24. Notes for div A34014-e920 S. Be● . Ser. de resurr . Euseb. l. 5. Hist. Eccl. c. 26. & Socrat. l. 5. Hist. c. 22. S. Aug. Cont. Bon. de Bapt. e. 4. Contr. Fund . c. 4. Ibid. c. 4. Notes for div A34014-e1080 Papal infallibility sifted . Alphonsus contra hae . lib. 1. c. 4. A Martin in Chron. cen 17. H. Blond . dec . 1. lib. 9 Bergomensis Martin in Chron. Sabel . Naucl. Marian Scot. stella , Palmerio ; Platina , Blondus , Vincentius , Henricus de Erfordia . impurities , Blondus lib. 3. dec . 2. Anto●ius 1. 16. c. 1. ex Iohanne de Col●a mina Sabellicus Na●clerus Platina . Ranulphus l. 5. c. 3● . Baleus Cent. 2. c. 30. c. 3. 10. Volateranus . Martinus in Chronico , Marianus Scotus Sigeb . Platina Bergomensis , &c. Martinus Polorues in Chronico , Platina & Petrus Demi●nus . Benedict 9. Silveste● 3. Gregorius 6. Cent. 11. Spelman Conc. an . 705. Malin lib. 1. de gest Paul A●glor . Math. Paris An. 1246. B. Bilson . In Apol. 2. Cont. Triphon . E●seb . lib. 5. c , 26. Euseb. lib. 4. c. 23. lib. 5. c. 16. Lib. 5. c. 3. Lib. 5. c. 23. S. Greg. lib. 4. Ep. 76. 83. Ep. 78. Notes for div A34014-e2170 L. Her. Hist. H. 8. Notes for div A34014-e2680 Ter. de praej . vincen . Lir. de Haer. Eiph . l. 1. adv . Carpar . l. 4. c. 6. pros . de prom . & produe . impren . c. 5. Sab. Ennead . lib. 72. Euseb. in Chr. pr. 10. Nicronis 14. Ignat. epist. ad Tract . Notes for div A34014-e3180 Gaffar● mon. curios● 152. Notes for div A34014-e3330 Euseb. l. 2. cap. 12. Arnob. adver . Gent. lib. 2. Iust. mart . Ap. 1. Irenaeus , Philaster , Epiphanius , Theodoret . Thes. 1. 5. 2. Euseb. lib. 3. c. 18. Notes for div A34014-e3710 * Seleucus , Nicanor , Antiochus , Soter , Anto. Theos . Seleucus . Callinicus , Ptolomaeus Evergetes , Seleucus Ceraunus , Antiochus Magnus , Ptolomaeus Philopator , Antiochus E●piphanes . Whit. in thesi pro posit . & defens . in Cant. die Comitiorum . Notes for div A34014-e3980 D. in vit Pontif. 33. Stella & Platina . Test. Blon● . dec . 1. lib. 9 Martinus in Chronic● Platina & Liber pontificalis Cent. 78. 480. Sigebert Marianus Scotus . Guliel Nubrigensis l. 2. c. 6. Cent. xij . Cambdens remains . Vid. Iohn Stella Diaconus Plat. Onuphrius Platina , dec . Platina . C●nt . Ma. Cent. xi . p. 5. 20. Notes for div A34014-e4580 Of the Creed . Notes for div A34014-e4800 Mat. 12. v. 50. Notes for div A34014-e5220 S. Cypr. 1. 2. Ep. ● Notes for div A34014-e5520 Tho. p. 345. ar . 2. c. persuam essentiam . Durand in 3 dij . 22. ques . 3. Bella● . l. 4. de Christo. c. 16. Sect. 25. Orig. lib. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , cap. 6. S. Greg. Nis. Orat . demortuis . p. 1066. Cypr. l. 4. Ep. 2. emendari igne . S. Aug. lib. 21. civ . dei . c. 17. Greg. Naz. Orat. ●in . th . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . S. Hier. on 66. Psal. credimus . Boetius lib. 4. pros . 4. puro . S. Greg. in Psal. 3. paenitent . Prin● . 1 Cor. 3. 12. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Notes for div A34014-e6490 Fa●san . on Ep. ad Sempr. quare ab haeretico homine noster hac appellatione dividit , cum Catholicus nuncupatur Christianus , mihi nomen Catholicus vero , Cognomen illud me nuncupat , istud ostendit , hoc probor , illo signi●●cor . Appellatio Catholici congregat homogena &c. S. Aug. in t . Cont. F●nd . c. 16. S. Cyp. de unit . Eccl. Vi●cent Lirinens●s libr ▪ adv . Haer. c. 27. S. Aug. lib. 4. de bapt . Cont. Donat. c. 24. Vincent Lirinen . c. 3. Liban . Haeres . S. Aug. Cont. Iul. Pet , c. ● . Holkot in 1 Sent. q. ad . 4. K. Thom. 2. 24. 37. A● . 1. c. 1 Cor. 1. 11. B. ● . Cont. Fisher s. 58. Notes for div A34014-e6720 Hoc totum pendet ex principiis Metaphysicis & Philosophicis & ad fidei doctrinam non esse necessarium Suarez in 3. Theoph. dis . 50. Notes for div A34014-e6760 1 Cor. 10 17. Gal. 1. 9. Col. 5. 2. 1 Cor. 11. 4. Aug. Conf. Notes for div A34014-e7010 Vinc. Lir. Cyp. lib. 1. Epis. 2. lib. 4. Ep. 8. in Ep. ad Caecilium . Test. Eusehex Iren●o . In Epist. Theoph. cent . 2. 120. Socrat. Hist. Eccles. lib. 5. c. 22. Tertul. lib. de Cor. militis . Dionysius Alexand. ad Christum Euseb. 1. 7. c. 9. Cypr. lib. 2. Ep. 3. Euseb. Iraene . Tertul. in Apolog. Clemens in ult . stromat . Epis. Smyrn . Euseb. lib. ● . c. 15. Notes for div A34014-e7570 Quis ferat populum in Templum irruente● 〈◊〉 in haram sues ? certe non obsunt populo ceremoniae , sed prosunt , ● modus in eis servetur , & caveamus ne 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 loco ●abeanture , hoc est , ne praecipuam pietatem in ill is collocemus . Rhen●●us annot . in Tertul. de Cor. militis . Notes for div A34014-e7680 Salmas . B. Blondel . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . lgn. ad 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Epist. ad Sempr. sic in Epist. ad Trall . philad & passim in omnibus ep . Vnum scire debes , siquis cum Episcopo non ●it , in Ecclesiâ non esse S. Cypr. Ep. 69. Filius impius qui contemptis Episcopis & Dei Sacerdotibus relictis constituere audet aliud altare . S. Cypr. de unit . Eccles. & Epist. 76. Ep. 40. &c. Hieron ad Evag. In Schismatis remedium factum est quod postea unus Electus qui caeteris praeponeretur unusuquisque ad se trahens Ecclesiae tumcam r●mperet . Notes for div A34014-e7900 Tacit●● . S. Edward Deering . M Pullein the same at Rome . Mr. Fullam of C. C. in Italy . Mr. Arthu● Wilson in Flanders . Notes for div A34014-e8560 Tertullian urget in lib. depoenitent . ex aliquot Cyprianis locis apparet ut Ser. 5. ae lapsis & lib. 3. Epis. 14. & frequenter fieri jubet lib. 1. Ep. 3. Notes for div A34014-e8630 2 Ephes. Con. 2 Canstan . Eleboris Canon 26. Concil . Carth. Canon 14. Euseb. lib. 10. cap. 4. Hieron . in Ezek. 4. & 16. Epiph. haer . 79. A. 34. de moribus Eccl. lib. 1. cap. 10. de Consen ▪ Eccles . Notes for div A34014-e8870 Ge● . I. Notes for div A34014-e8960 Vide Cent. Magdebur . Cent. 5 pag. 517. Chrysoft . ●0 15. Euch. lib. 2. in Genes . St. Ambros de Sp. San. lib. 3. c. 12. ●spencaeus lib. 4. de Euchar adoratione . c. 3. Notes for div A34014-e9250 Loz . lib. 2. Macar . l. 37. p. 442. Iustin. Notes for div A34014-e9680 Jo. 22. in Literis Canonizat . Vrban 6. Innocent 5. in Serm●ne Notes for div A34014-e10110 Vid. D. Brown. Pseud. Epid. Notes for div A34014-e10740 In cap. quarto . Extr. de divortiis in cap. 1. dist . 31. Decretum de 4. Conclusionibus . Io. de Turre crem . lib. 4. par . 2. e. 20. Bellar l. 2. de Rom. Pon. c. 30. Cui . tract . de auth . pap . & Conc. c. 20. Mat. 16. 18. Mat. 18. 18. Ioh. 20. 22. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Theophyl . in Mat. 18. S. Chrys. St. Aust. tract . 50. in St. Io. S. Prosper l. de vo● . ●ent . c. 24. S. Aust. lib. 1. Bap. Cont. Denat . Jo. 14. 16 , 17. Isid. on Jo. 12. Notes for div A34014-e11460 S. Aug. in Psal. 101. S. Aug. in Ps. 47. S. Chrys. in Ps. 148. S. August . ad Honoratum . S. Aug. in Epist. Ioh. & Cont. Petilium in unit . Eccles. S. cyp . de unit Ecclesiae . S. Hilari . us . S. Ambrosius . S. Hieron . Notes for div A34014-e11750 Ignatius on p. 100 : 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Polycarp . Anno Dom. 120. Euseb. lib. 5. cap. 24. Irenaeus Eus. Anno Dom. 150. lib. 3. cap. 3. Navigare audent ad Petri Cathedram & Ecclesiam principalem &c. nec cogitare ●os esse Romanos , ad quos persidia habere non potest accessum . Cyp. lib. 1. Epist. 3. Baronius Anno 419. Binius in notis ad Epistol . Bonifacii 2. ad Eulalium . Hier. ad Evargium Presbyt . Notes for div A34014-e12290 Omnis Ecclesia virgo Appellata est . S. Aug. tr . 13. in S. Iohn . Bell. lib. 4. de Rom. Pont. c. 9. Notes for div A34014-e12390 S. Cyril . Hieros . catech c. 18. Cant , 6. Mar. 3. Eph. 5. Cor. 12. 1 Tim. 3. Iohn 4. S. Aug. de unit Ecc. St. Cyp. de unit Eccl. S. Ambros. S. Aug. St. Aug. Notes for div A34014-e12520 St. Aug. Ep. 48. A malis piscibus corde semper & moribus separantur & corporalem separationem in li●tore maris in fine saeculi expectant . S. Aug. Notes for div A34014-e12590 * Having lived above five times over the time which dispatched five Emperors , and five Emperors , and five Popes , viz. Galba . Otho , Vitellius , Aescus , Pertinax : Anno Do. 1275. 1276. Gregory 10. Innocent 5. Hadrian 5. Iohn 20. vel 21. Nicholas 3. Notes for div A34014-e12700 Ly●urgus . Notes for div A34014-e13120 Dionysius Areop . S. Chrys. Mat. 13.