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A27219 Exercitations concerning the pure, and true, and the impure, and false religion. By Charles de Beauvais rector of the parish of Witheham, in the county of Sussex Beauvais, Charles de. 1665 (1665) Wing B1640B; ESTC R218158 122,145 318

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Truth thereof Refutation of the Excessive Praises that the Semiminarie Priests of Rhemes gives to the English Rhemish Translation 1. 1. LEt the Seminarie Priests of Rhemes give what Commendation they will to their English Translation 2. We Reformed say against it That that Translation is the worst of all the Translations that hath been set forth of the New Testament 3. And we prove our Assertion because that translation hath such examples of unaccustomed and monstrous novelties of words as the like in no other can be found 4. So as a man may justly call it a new fangled and ridiculous Translation Devised rather to amaze the Readers and make the word of God a laughing stock then to Edifie the Church of Christ 5. For who hath ever heard or read such words and Phrases as they have used and affected in their Translation 6. Whereas They might have retained as well the common and known manner of speaking That their Translation set forth in English might have been understood of English men 7. But they of purpose have so framed the same that the English is in many places as obscure in words as the Latin 8. Which thing is in all Translations a foul fault But in Translating of Holy Scripture Intolerable 9. And what Reason should be hereof but that Men either should contemn or not understand the Scripture which yet they will seem to Translate for the benefit of the Church 2. 10. If the Reader require Examples let him take but the Book and read a little and soon shall he see strange Affectation of Novelties in words and speeches throughout their whole Translation 11. There shall he find The Transmigration of Babylon Matth. 1. v. 17. The Enemie Man Matt. 13. v. 28. Vnlesse you have Penance Luk. 13. v. 3. Give us to day our supersubstantial Bread Matt. 6. v. 11. Whatsoever thou shalt supererogate Luk. 10. v. 36. Not in Chamberings and Impudicites Rom. 13.13 An Emulator of the Traditions of my Fathers Gal. 1.14.24 I Expugned the Faith They Emulate you not well Gal. 4.17 That you might Emulate Them 1 Pet. 2.5 Be ye also your selves superedified Ephe. 4. v. 10. Once at length you have reflorished to care for me denying the onely Dominator and our Lord Jud. 4. To the Redemption of Acquisition Ephes 1. v. 14. Against the Spirituals of wickedness in the Celestials Ephes 6. v. 12. The Archisynagogue Mark 6. v. 22. Ebrieties Commessations Gal. 5. v. 21. The Dominical day Apoc. 1. v. 10. But they are written to our Correption 1 Cor. 10. v. 11. That in the Name of Jesus every knee bow of the Celestials Terrestrials and Infernals Philip. 2. v. 10. But he Exinanited himself Philip. 2.7 For with such hostes God is promerited Hebr. 13. v. 16. Let the Charity of the Fraternity abide in you Heb. 13. v. 1. O Timothy keep the Depositum 1 Tim. 6.20 That he might repropriate the sins of the people Heb. 2.17 Wrapt it in Sindon and laid it in a Monument Matt. 27.59 All shall be docible of God John 6. v. 45. Vpon probatica a Pond John 5. v. 2. Which of you shall argue me of Sin John 8. v. 46. They hated me gratis John 15. v. 26. Beyond the Torrent Cedron John 18. v. 1. It was the ●arasceve of Pasche John 19.14 3. 1. These and such like are the goodly flowers of the Rhemists English Translation 4. 2. Besides the obscurity and ambiguity of Sentences by Reason of leaving out the Verbs and other words in the English Translation which may in Latine more easily be understood 5. Hereby the Reader may judge but better by Reading the Translation it self whether we have not Truely said of it That it is a strange Translation indeed And such an one as hard it were to find the Like 6. 1. But one of the Rhemist Priests doth Answer That we Reformed rather Delight in such Novelty then They seeing they Retain the Ancient words Mass Priests c. And we Reformed refuse them 2. Of these words shall be spoken in our particular handling of Controversies between the Reformed Churches and the Roman 3. And as for certain Names of persons and of places which some of our Interpreters do reduce to the Hebrew Sound They cannot much trouble the Reader And they are rather used in Books then in Speech EXERCITATION Condemnation of the Annotations joined with he Rhemist Translation of the New Testament By the Seminary Priests of Rhemes 1. VVHosoever shall consider with himself advisedly the Rhemists Manner of Collection Their Argument Their Application of Scripture And shall Examine a little how their Conclusion followeth upon their Proofs without all Coherence or consequence of Reason must needs greatly mislike their whole Religion that is founded upon so weak so tickle and so ruinous a Foundation 2. For unless it be granted That of every Thing may be concluded any Thing and that the Word of God may be made applicable to all purposes opinions and Doctrines it is impossible that these and such like arguments of Theirs as they have in their Annotations gathered upon the words of Scripture should have in them such strength and Truth as Divinity and Religion requireth These be the Frauds of the Church of Rome Concerning another of their Principles Which is the Ancient Fathers 1. Fraud The Church of Rome doth Discover an abominable Fraud in this That putting the Ancient Fathers to be one of the Principles of their Doctrine of Faith and Religious Worship by an Expurgatory Index they cause to be blotted out of the Books of the Ancient Fathers all that is displeasing unto them Or else they falsifie them and alter their Sense and Meaning 1. THis is true in Regard of the most Ancient Fathers and particularly of the Books of S. Cyprian S. Chrysostome S. Augustine S. Cyril of Alexandria and of others They make them say the contrary to that which they will and take out from them not onely some Clauses but also whole Leafes 2. We know well that to cover this Sacriledge Sixtus of Sienna doth adde That those Writings of the Fathers had been soiled and infected by the Malice and Venome of the Hereticks of our Age But it is a False Cover For if by Hereticks he doth understand those of the Reformed Religion we maintain that which they cause to be blotted out of the Writings of the Fathers was in Them before the Reformation And That it cannot be Justified that any of the Reformed have Corrupted or Altered any Writings of the Fathers 2. Fraud The Church of Rome acknowledgeth That there are many Faults and Errors in the Books of the Ancient Fathers which are not to be Approved And notwithstanding That The Popish Religion is as it were a Body consisting for the most part of Rottennesse and Corruption Namely of Ancient and New Errors 1. 1. THe Popish Writers can as soon prove out of the Scriptures the following Points of their false Doctrine As they can draw a Fountain
Roman Faith 2. Yea and at this day they dissent from us in few things as Jeremy the Patriarch of Constantinople hath plainly written Answer of the Reformed to that Exception THe Reformed do answer to this Exception 1. That if that be true why are they then of the Papists accounted Schismaticks Or why do they not Obey the Pope Why came they not to the Council of Trent The Pope by all means hath sought to have them subject to Him but they still contemn him to his no small grief 2. It is true the Emperour the Patriarch and a multitude of Bishops came to the Florentine Council they agreed with them in many Things in others they dissented the Popish Transubstantiation they utterly renounced 3. At that time Josephus their Patriarch suddenly died Eugenius the Pope instantly urged a new Election they denied to make any till they came to Constantinople 4. Do not the Papists see how well they agree We have a Book of Cyril Patriarch of Constantinople in which is set down the Confession of their present Faith whereby it appeareth manifestly that they are farre nearer to the Reformed Churches in Beleif then they are to the Roman 1. The Turks are beholding to none more then to the Pope for their Possession of Greece and the Eastern Empire which hath caused the Miserable Slavery of the Greek Churches 1. IF As our Saviour Christ saith A Kingdome divided against it self cannot stand then the breaking of the strength of the Empire and weakning the power of the Christians and consequently strengthning the Turks must all be inputed to him which did rent and divide the Roman Christian Empires and of one Empire made two 2. As long as the Province and Dominions of the Empire were united We were strong enough against the Turks 3. But After Pope Leo the 10. divided the Empire the Empire of Constantinople which before had much adoe to resist the Turk was now no longer able to sustain the Burthen wanting the greatest part of the Empire 2. O Christian Princes and States unite your selves and consequently join your Forces together to pluck off from that Infidell the Turk the Empire of Greece and to join it with that of the West that so both as in Times past make but one Empire THESIS Of the Reformation of the Church in general 1. WHen the Church is infected with Errors in the Doctrine or loaded with unlawful Ceremonies or Governed by an evil Ecclesiastical Policie the Reformation thereof is not permitted to the People without the consent of the Prince and Soveraign Magistrate 2. But such a Reformation is to be made by the Prince and Soveraign as being a Right which belongeth unto him and which belongeth unto him by Divine and Humane Right 3. Neither also is it lawful to a Minister of a particular Church to change at his will the Ceremonies of his Church but if they are not to be tolerated he must with his Church make his Addresses to the Supream Magistrate to obtain from him the necessary Reformation of the same 4. The Prince being to imploy himself about the Reformation of the Church when she hath need of a Reformation ought to that effect to consult the Divines of his Countrey the most Learned the most Prudent and the most Godly and to convoke a National Synod composed of such Men. 5. It will be well done also by him to join unto his own Divines the Divines of other Reformed Churches that by that Means greater weight may be given to the Reformation which he will effect 6. The Divines assembled must carefully seek out the Truth and when they have found it the Prince ought to ordain and injoin the observation thereof 7. The said National Synod or Assembly of Divines ought to extend the Reformation of the Church to four Heads namely 1. To the Doctrine concerning Faith 2. To the Divine Worship and Service 3. To Ceremonies and outward things 4. To the Ecclesiastical Policy and Government of the Church 8. And in regard of the abovesaid four Heads the said Synod or Assembly of Divines ought to Reform the Church according to the best Form of all 9. Now a better Form of the Church cannot be conceived nor found than that according to which Jesus Christ by himself and by his Apostles did in the beginning establish and confirm the Church 10. Which hath been the Form of the Church in the Times of Christ and of his Apostles we learn it clearly out of the Books of the Evangelists and of the Acts of the Apostles and probably out of the Writings of the Doctors of the Church who lived immediately after the death of the Apostles 11. According to this Form the Church ought to be Reformed in regard of the above named four Heads bringing them back to the first beginning and to the first Springs Thas is to say to the first Antiquity 12 If it happens that between some National Reformed Churches there be a difference in regard of Ceremonies and outward things agreeing well together in regard of the Doctrine for such a difference in Ceremonies the said Churches must not be enemies one to the others But they ought to bear one another Charitably and profitably Of the 1. Reformators Luther Calvin c. What Esteem the Protestants make of the last Reformers Luther Calvin and their Associates And how far it doth extend 1. THe Protestants especially we of the Church of England acknowledge not any factious names of Lutherans Zwinglians or Calvinists with which we are injuriously nick-named by our Adversaries As of old good Orthodox Christians were called Cornelians and Cyrillians by the seditious followers of Novatus and Nestorius Phot. Cod. 280. in Excerptis Eulogii ad finem Libri Act. Conciliab Ephes in Epist Legat. Schism ad sues in Epheso pag. 281. Edit Bin. 1618. 2. With Pacianus we professe Christian is our Name and Catholick our Sur-name 3. We esteem of Luther Zwinglius and Calvin as worthy men but we esteem them not worthy to be Lords or Authours of our Faith or to lead our understanding captive both themselves were far from affecting such Divine Honour and we far from bestowing it We remember who said of Christ Hear him not hear them 4. And therefore though these mens reasons may gain our Assent their Testimony is at the best but probable we believe not what they say but what the prove 5. Much lesse can we endure being once baptized in the name of Christ to be marked with the name of any man as with a note of our servitude We disclaim the name of Calvinists we owe no service we have no dependance upon Calvin nor upon any other man as Doctor or Master of our Faith 6. We owe him and the rest of the first Reformers many thanks for their painful labours which shall remain of honourable account in all posterity We cannot bless God sufficiently for such Instruments of his glory Yet we do not Idolize their persons or adore
discoursing of the Waldenses a People for substance of the Protestants Religion saith in these termes They are in all the Cities of Lombardy and of Provence No Sect hath continued so long Some say it hath been since Pope Sylvesters time Some since the Apostles These Waldenses believe all Articles concerning God but they hate the Church of Rome 3. So that the Reformed have had a Church and their Religion before Luther A Refutation of this shift of the Jesuites That because Luther was in Error in Regard of his doctrine of Consubstantiation Therefore his Refutations of their Opinions and Doctrines is not to be considerable 1. THis is a strange shift indeed for is it not a miserable perverseness in the Jesuites and others Popish Doctors and Writers that being not able to maintain their own Heresies against Luther they will think to escape in the Judgement of Men from being condemned because Luther himself in one point of Doctrine erred 2. May no man convince Error but such an one as is free from Error at all Himself 3. The Scriptures are left unto us to be our Rule of Truth by them must all Doctrine be squared and directed they sit in the highest Seat of Judgement to give Sentence in every Cause 4. With Them did Luther cut down the Popish Errors 5. But one Error of Luther cannot serve to excuse infinite Errors in the Popish Church The Reformed of England France Holland c. do not Believe whatsoever the late Writers have said 1. VVE are not so addicted in these Reformed Churches as to Believe whatsoever the late Writers have said 2. We are no more partial unto them in this behalf then we are unto the Ancient Fathers 3. Our Religion and Faith hangeth not upon the sayings of Men be they old or young but onely upon the Canonical Scriptures of God 4. And if they be against us so long as Scripture is for us our Cause is good and we will not be ashamed thereof 5. From hence it followeth That therefore most false is it that the Papists say That our Divity resteth upon these late Writers and young Fathers whom the Jesuites and other Popish Doctors do so scornfully compare with the Old Fathers 6. We use not to alledge for proofs authentical of any Doctrine and as the Rule of our Faith Calvin Bucer or others 7. But our Traditive and Use is this Thus saith the Lord Thus say the Prophets Thus say the Apostles Thus the Evangelists Thus it is written in the Scriptures Thus we read in some Book of the Old or of the New Testament Again If Luther or any other Learned Man among the Protestants or of the Reformed in the Churches above mentioned have either Interpreted the Scripture in somthing amiss or have doubted of some one Book of Scripture whereof doubt also hath been made of old in the Church of Christ we are not to defend their Expositions or to approve their Judgement Again The particular Opinions of Luther and Lutherans are not to be objected by the Papists against the Reformation of England France the United Provinces c. 1. FOr these Reformed Churches are not bound to justifie all Luthers sayings and the Lutherans and their private Opinions no more then the Papists will be content to avouch whatsoever hath been spoken or published by any one or other famous man of their Sect. 2. Which thing if they will take upon them to perform then let them profess it or else they offer us the more injury that object still against us a saying which was never either uttered or allowed by us 3. This might suffice men of indifferent Reason § Of Luthers Error concerning the Bodily Presence in the Sacrament LVther retained this Error of his old leaven wherewith in time of Papistry his Judgement was corrupted § Another Answer of the Reformed to the Objection made by the Jesuites against Luther in regard of his Error of Consubstantiation That therefore his Refutation of their Doctrine is not to be considerable THe Reformed again return this answer to that Objection 1. That although Luther therein somthing swarved from the Truth yet that he might bring in other Causes assured thereof out of the Word of God reject the Opinions of such as dissent from the same word 2. Otherwise no Man in Defence of Gods Truth may challenge or bid Defiance to the Adversaries thereof seeing they have no Priviledge or Charter granted to them but that themselves also may be deceived § Again Concerning Luther 1. LVther say the Reformed was an excellent Man and a worthy servant of Christ 2. Whose Ministery especially it pleased God to use in revealing to these Times the Son of Perdition who fitteth in the Temple of God and advanceth himself above God 3. Yet Luther was a Man 4. And therefore no marvel if he were not exempted altogether as from Ignorance so also from Infirmities § Concerning the Contention between Luther and Zuinglius about the Sacrament of the Lords Supper 1. 1. THis Contention and Dissention was a very hard one hotly debated in many Books 2. And the same hath continued since to the great hinderance of the Gospel and offence of many 3. In which contrary Writings and Discourses are found oftentimes harder speeches of either against other then were to be wished 4. Now do come in the Popish Writers like crafty enemies and gathering a heap of such speeches out of sundry of their Books do insert the same in their Books to make their Readers acquainted therewith that seeing such earnest contention among the chiefest Professors of the Gospel they may be further withdrawn in alienation of mind from the love and liking thereof 2. Examination of that matter 1. THose speeches of either against other which are harder oftentimes then were to be wished are yet such as the godly Servants of the Lord in contention about the Truth somtimes are moved to utter against their Brethren 1. S. Paul openly and sharply reprehended S. Peter to his face whereat wicked Porphyrie catched a like occasion to rail at Christian Religion long since as our Adversaries do at these dayes 2. What a violent and troublesome contention was there between Theophilus of Alexandria and good Chrysostome of Constantinople 3. Who knoweth not how sharply Cyrillus a learned and wise Bishop of Alexandria hath written against Theodoretus a good and Catholick Bishop in a Controversie touching the Catholique Faith both Bishops both Catholiques both Learned both Godly both Excellent Pillars of the Church And yet he that readeth both their Writings would think that both were dangerous Enemies of the Church and of the Faith of Christ and to be avoided of all Christians 2. So in the Books of Luther and of Zuinglius and of those that maintain either part appeareth we grant great sharpness and bitterness of Dissention who all notwithstanding if we set the heat of Dissention aside were as godly as learned as zealous Christians as the World had any The Reformed
only 3. Having begun first at the Diet of Ausbourg we are enforced to use it The Reformed are truely Christians and Catholicks 1. VVE Reformed tell the Papists notwithstanding their Opprobrious Names that if a Christian be he that believeth in Christ according to his word and if Catholicks be they that professe the universal Faith of Christ we are truely Christians and Catholicks believing so and professing so 2. And are content with these Names and desire no other §. Let the Papists be called as they will the Reformed who Reprove and Confute the multitude of their Namss will not be grieved at them 1. LEt the Papists be called Diversly Franciscanes Benedictines Dominicanes And whatsoever other Title they can take up the Reformed are not grieved at the multitude and variety of their Names 2 Who being in Truth almost any thing rather then Christians delight in any Name rather then in the Name of Christians Against the Reconcilement and Reunion of the two Religions the Reformed and the Roman 1. BEing true that the Roman Church is Heretikcal and Impure And on the contrary the Reformed Churches Orthodox and Pure It follows manifestly that there can be none well grounded hope to agree and reunite Popery with the Reformed Churches And therefore that the labour of those who would think upon such a thing were not a seasonable labour 1. Because that in the differences which are amongst us we are so contrary one to the other that the one do clearly maintain the Negative and the others the Affirmative Now it must necessarily be that one of the Propositions be true and the other false Because two contradictories cannot be together true And it is not possible to soulder them by the mastick of some distinctions having no ground in the Word of God 2. The Errors of the Church of Rome have been solemnly ratified and confirmed by the Council of Trent upon pain of Anathema And therefore since that Ratification and confirmation there is no way nor mean left of reconcilement and Agreement For if there were the said Church should be bound to acknowledge her Errors to the end that they may be reformed And to disanul and abrogate concerning them the Canons of the said Council of Trent which is not to be expected from her as long as she shall maintain this poin as she doth vehemently that she cannot Erre And that she layes down and propounds no other Principle of Faith than her belief Against Toleration of false Religions with the pure and Reformed when they differ in Fundamental grounds 1. IT is not onely evil to do but also to suffer evil when it is in our power to hinder it Therefore Religion differing in Fundamental Grounds are not to be Tolerated together 2. This is proved by many Arguments Drawn 1. From the Law forbidding to plow with an Ox and an Asse And punishing Idolaters with Death Deut. 22.10 11. and Deut. 19.6.8 9. 2. From the Gospel denying the service of two Masters Mat. 6.24 And interdicting all fellowship and communion of light with darkness or Christ with Belial 2 Cor. 6.14 15 16. 3. From the Spirits Bill of enditement framed against the Angels of Pergamos and Thyatira for tollerating the Nicolaitans Rev. 2.15 20. 4. From Gods threatning to cut off all such as swear by him and by Malcham Zeph. 1.5 5. From the Imputation which is laid by the Spirit upon many Kings of Israel and Judah for not taking away the High places 1 King 15.14 6. From the Examples of Asa Josiah Ezekiah Constantine Jovian Theodosius and other Religious Princes who by severe Laws restrained Heresie and Idolatry and constrained the true worship of God 7. From the great danger of Heresie which like a Canker soon spreads over the whole body of the Church and if it be not looked into killeth and that eternally thousands of souls breaketh the bands of Nature and cutteth in sunder all sinews of human Society Putteth enmity variance and implacable discords in families Soweth seeds of Sedition in the State and Rebellion against the Prince Refutation of this Slander of the Popish Doctors That the Reformed are Enemies to Scriptures 1. THe Reformed say that this is indeed a very impudent Slander 2. For who ever thought and spoke more Honourablie Reverently and with more due Regard of the Scriptures then they Who have received and imbraced all Scripture given by Inspiration as the very voice of God himself Holding it for the onely Ground and Rule of their Faith and Religion And so resting in it as that they desire no other help as necessary to Salvation Which if they had not with more diligence and devotion defended then the Romanists ever did long ere this the glory of it had perished and it had been counted as a dead Letter 3. For what have the Reformed done for these many years with more endeavour and diligence then to maintain the Majesty and Excellencie of the Scriptures 4. Which the Romanists have so unworthily violated 5. And yet they blush not to match the Reformed with the Manichees and Ebionites who have violently laid villanous hands upon those Sacred Books Of the Apocryphal Books excluded from the Canon by the Reformed Churches Jesuits THe Jesuites and other Papists do demand of the Reformed by what Authority they Maime and Rob the Corps of the Bible Answer of the Reformed to that Demand 1. WE offer no violence to this Body neither do we cut off any which do appertain to the substance and perfection of it we pull away no Member 2. For we do not cut out any true Canonical Scriptures but cull out such as are not Canonical but foisted in and Counterfeit 3. Herein we do the Canonical Scriptures no injury dividing them from such Books as are not of that absolute Authority That they which are in truth Canonical may remain intire and whole together no more then the Shepheard doth injury to the Sheep in sorting the Goats and orher Cattel from them The Doctrine of the Reformed Churches and particularly of the Church of England that the Ministers of God hath power to Forgive Sins if the Sinner repent and believe the Gospel maketh not the English Reformed Ministers to be Priests as they are called in the Church of Rome 1. VVE Reformed say that the Ministers of God hath power to forgive sins not in some Cases only but in all whatsoever if the sinner repent and believe the Gospel 2. This Authority is given unto him by Christ 3. This in the State and Church of England the Parliament and the Communion Book confesse 2. 1. NEvertheless a Popish Writer is far from his purpose to prove thereby the Popish Order of Priesthood 2. For this maketh not the English Reformed Ministers to be Priests as they are called in the Church of Rome but Preachers of Repentance which bring the glad Tidings of the Gospel to all those that be heavie laden and desire to be refreshed 3. 1. NEither have they power
Jesus Christ is the true Messiah 282 4. The Jews shall be converted to Christ before the end of the world 284 5. What Things from Christians do alienate and detain the Jews from Christianity 286 6. The Duties of Christians in Regard of the Jews are these 1. To have Compassion of their blindness 285 2. To help and set forward their Conversion and how 287 3. Of the false Religion of the Turks Mahumetans The falshood of that Religion is represented conjointly page 288 ERRATA PAge 16 in the Contents for Devided read Decided pag. 18 in the last line for Devoled read Devolved pag. 19 Art 5 for the Care of Things read of such Things pag. 20 in the very beginning line 1 this must be put in this manner Not onely in regard of that which belongeth to humane Society but also in that which belongeth to Divine Religion pag. 21 Art 6 for whether must be put whereas pag. 21 Art 6 for good Pilates must be read good Pilots pag. 26 for the Mercy of Iesus Christ must be read the Merit of Iesus Christ pag. 30 for under the Empire Constantine must be added of Constantine pag. 33. line 1 for Concerning must be read Conceiving pag. 55 Art 15 for the Day must be read the Dry. pag. 35. Art 3 Then must be taken away pag. 81 the first line must be taken away pag. 109 for priated read Appropriated EXERCITATIONS Concerning The Pure and True And the Impure and False Religion Of Religion in General There is a Religion And that necessarily 1. ALl the Ancient men agree fully That there ought to be a Religion among all Men. 2. As indeed there is not a Thing that doth more necessarily follow 1. Than a God a Man and a Religion 2. A Father a Son and an Obedience 3. A Master a Servant and a Service 4. A Giver a Receiver and a Reward 5. Or rather a Lender a Debter and a Bond. 3. And therefore full well doth one say The Philosophers ought to have been the first Divines For in as much as we make toward God with two wings That is to say With Wit And with Will Wit can no sooner conceive that God is our Father But by and by will inferre thereupon That therefore we ought to Obey him and to Serve him Yea and it proceedeth yet further That sith he is our Father and we his Children It is for our most behoof to return unto him 4. This thing even the Navigations of our Time doe shew to be imprinted in all the Climates of the World And in all the kinds of Men As which have discovered Nations that wander in Woods Without Law Without Magistrate Without King But none without some kind of Serving of God None without some shadow of Religion Of the Distinction of Religion REligion is distinguished in this Manner 1. There is the True Religion 2. There are Heretical Religions 3. There are Schismatical Assemblies and Religions 4. There are False Religions Concerning the True Religion In General THat is the true Religion which hath its Origine from God The true Religion can be but one That is to say sufficient to Salvation And there cannot be Divers true Religions 1. THat doth appear 1. By that which Religion requireth of us 2. And by that which Religion is to get for us 2. Concerning the First Religion as the Men of old time themselves have taught us requireth of us in effect That we should yield full obedience unto God Full obedience requireth that we dedicate unto the Glory of God Our Thoughts Our Words And our Deeds In such sort That our selves And All that ever is in us should be referred to his Honour If Religion requires this How can it be any other then one Or what Diversity can it admit And if any require lesse of us contented peradventure with the outward Man Which is all one as if they would rob God of one half of a Man What is their doing but Hypocrisie Or High Treason against God 3. Concerning the Second That which Religion is to get for us is Salvation For to speak properly what is Religion An Art or skill if I may so term it how to save Men And wherein consisteth this Art 1. It consists in shewing Men their Disease 2. In shewing them that it is Deadly 3. And finally in teaching the fit and convenient Remedy 4. Indeed the very Law of Nature leadeth us well to the first Point For who is he which even of Nature accuseth not himself And whose Conscience nippeth him not when he hath sinned 5. Reason also leadeth us to the Second Point For who is he that concludeth not with himself That the Creature which offendeth his Creator deserveth to be rooted out That is to say that Sin ingendreth Death 6. And thus far may all Religions come And all Ceremonies ordained by Man As Prayers Sacrifices Washings Cleansings And such others But what is all this but a bringing of us to Hell gate Or rather a shewing of Paradise unto us a far off But there is an horrible and infinite Gulph between us and it Which Man And all the whole World can neither fill up Nor Passe over 7. Yet must there needs be a Passage For the end of Man is to be united unto God And the end is not in vain 8. The Mean to be united Above Is to be reconciled here Beneath 9. And the Mean to be reconciled here Beneath is but onely one Which is that God himself acquit us of the Debt which we owe unto him 10. That Religion then and none other which leadeth us straight to the said Passage And by the Following whereof we find it Is the true Religion As that which alone attaineth to the end of Religion Which is the Saving of Man Of Antiquity concerning Religion 1. The Distinction thereof 2. The true Ground of true Antiquity or the true Rule thereof 1. IT is to be observed that there is a double Antiquity One is Primary And the other is Secondary 2. Primary Antiquity is that which was from the beginning though discontinued and interrupted by the corruption of Times 3. Secondary Antiquity is that which indeed is aged and gray-headed but yet reacheth not to the Spring-head Thus our Saviour Christ controlleth the Law of Divorce Matth. 19.8 Though it was aged and of long continuance Even two thousand years old Yet non sic fuit ab initio It was not so in the beginning 4. In regard of this it is truly said of Tertullian verum quod primum falsum quod posterius That which is first is alwayes true and that which cometh later is false 5. Concerning Antiquity it is to be observed that no Antiquity be it never so ancient and hoare-headed is to be reverenced or regarded if it be not grounded upon the truth of the Scriptures 6. And that which seemeth Novelty if it bring Scripture for its warrant is truly Ancient and hath true certain and unresistable Authority The
reason is given by Aquinas 2. part q. 97. Art 3. Because the Law of God proceedeth from the will of God and therefore may not be altered by Custome proceeding from the will of Man 7. In that regard very well doth S. Cyprian write lib. 2. Epist 3. ad Caecilium If only Christ is to be heard we ought not to regard what any before us hath thought fit to be done but what Christ who is before all hath first done For we must not follow the Custome of Man but the truth of God And in another place Custome without truth is nothing but Antiquity of Error Idem ad Pomp. cont Epist. Steph. Papae God alone is the Law-giver of his Church Nothing must be ordained concerning the Things which belong to Religion without the Word of God 1. THe Reason of that is because God alone is the Law-giver of his Church And the onely Author of the Doctrine Concerning Faith or Belief And Religious Worship That God is the onely Authour of the Doctrine concerning Faith or Belief we prove it by the following Arguments 1. THe 1. is taken from the Nature of Faith For all the Doctrines of Faith in regard of the matter which is to be believed must have a certain infallible and undoubted Truth Now it is the property of God alone to be infallibly true of his own nature Let God be true but every man a lyar saith S. Paul Rom. 3.4 And therefore God alone is the Author of the Doctrine of Faith 2. The 2. Argument is taken from the Quality of the Articles of Faith For the proper documents and Doctrines of Faith do exceed the capacity and apprehension of the Creature And therefore they could not be revealed but onely by the Creator Such is the Doctrine of the Trinity of the Persons in the unity of an Essence Such is the Doctrine of the Eternal Birth of the Son of God Such that of the Procession of the Holy Ghost And such that of the hypostaticall union of the two Natures of Christ Divine and Humane And such are all other Articles concerning Faith properly and strictly taken which in that they are above the naturall knowledge of the Creature cannot be known by us but by the supernaturall Revelation of the Creator Of all them this of Christ may be said Flesh and Bloud hath not revealed these things unto mankind but God the Father which is in Heaven Matth. 16.17 3. The 3. Argument is taken from the reward of Faith and the punishment propounded to unbelief and infidelity Which doe manifestly argue that it belongeth to God alone to frame and prescribe to Men Articles and dogmes concerning beliefe and Faith For the reward propounded to Faith is Eternall Life Iohn 3.36 And that is the gift of God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Rom. 6.23 And the punishment denounced against infidelity is Eternall Death Which punishment God alone is able to inflict Christ teacheth it Matt. 10.28 in these words Fear not them which kill the body but are not able to kill the soul But rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell He teacheth it also John 3.36 when he sayes that he that believeth not the Son shall not see life but the wrath of God abideth on him 2. That God is the onely Author of the Doctrine concerning Religious Worship We prove it by the following Arguments 1. THe 1. Argument is taken from the Relation which is between God And the Church God alone in the Spiritual Government of the Soul is Soveraign Monarch Is the Housholder Is the Husband In regard of his Church This Church in regard of her Relation to God Is Called The City of God The House of Cod The Spouse of God Now who should be so Impudent As to prescribe Laws to a Foreign City Concerning her Duties to her King Or to Another Mans Family Or to Another Mans Wife Concerning the Manner Of Obeying And Rendring Service To her Master Or to her Husband 2. The 2. Argument is taken From the Reward And Punishment Annexed to the Works of Divine Worship For the Works of Divine Worship Piously observed have from the Munificence of God a Promise of Eternal Reward But being Neglected or Contemned a Commination of Eternal Death From whence it may be Gathered That God Alone who is the Lord of Life and Death Hath the Power To Ordain such Works And to Injoin Them By the Empire of a Law-giver 3. The 3. Argument is drawn from the Prohibition of God For God himself by an Expresse Law hath attributed to Himself Alone The Authority to Ordain his Service Deut. 12.32 What thing soever I command you observe to do it Thou shalt not adde thereto nor diminish from it From whence also is that of our Saviour Matth. 15.9 But in vain they do worship me Teaching for Doctrines the Commandements of men 4. The 4. Argument is Because the Works of Worship depend from the Will of God who is to be Worshipped Therefore God is not Worshipped at all by those Works By which he did not declare whether he would be Worshipped or Not. But in This None can know the Will of God unlesse he doth reveal it and Injoines it For who hath known the Mind of the Lord Or who hath been his Counsellour That is Confirmed by This That all whosoever did think to Worship God with their own Invented Works Did provoke him to Anger rather than honour him Nay they are found To have worshipped the Devil Or the Idols of their own heart rather than God They went a whoring with their own Inventions Therefore was the wrath of God kindled against his People Psal 106.39 40. §. The onely Ground and Rule of Faith And Divine Worship Is the Holy Scripture 1. NO Mortal Creature can Teach Religion 2. Nor Carnal Man can attain true knowledge unlesse God Instructs Him And his Spirit lead Him to the Truth 3. The Phrophets Agree to the Truth of this Doctrine Esa 8.20 To the Law and to the Testimony 4. So doth Christ Joh. 5.39 Search the Scriptures for in them ye think ye have eternal Life and they are they which testifie of me 5. And so do the Apostles calling the Scriptures a Rule As S. Paul doth Gal. 6.16 And as many as walk according to this Rule And Philip. 3.16 Let us walk by the same Rule 6. And so do the Ancient Fathers and Doctors Sequi Divinas Literas De fide ad Reginas c. To follow this Rule saith Cyrill is the Path unto Heaven And to be led by this Canon is the way to Salvation And S. Irene Non per alios Dispositionene Salutis cognovimus By the Scriptures we Learn to be saved §. Also The Holy Scripture ought to be among us the Supream Interpreter of Scriptures And the Judge of Controversies 1. FOr Confirmation of That this Language of the Reformed is to be noted and observed How better say They would it stand with
was the first in Order and the Rector of the Parish as hath been said was called the principal or Cardinal Priest For that comes to one as Pandulphus Pisanus doth teach and after him Onuphrius 4. And at this time all Cardinals are Priests or Deacons of some of the parishes of Rome 5. In that regard they sate at the last in Councils As namely in the sixth Council of Carthage And in the Council of Gregory the first And the Gallicane Church in her Remonstrances to the Council of Canstance saies these words Cardinals are the Rectors or Parsons of the Parochial Churches at Rome They have their Dignities in their parishes and their First and principal Office is To hear Confessions To preach and to Baptize c. 6. But Onuphrius saith in Libro de Cardinalibus That when Pope Clement the 2. about the year 1046. had strengthened the Papal Majesty Leo the 9. about the year 1049. did begin to raise up the State of Cardinals at Rome 7. Unto whom afterwards Innocent the 4. about the year 1244. gave the priviledge of the Red Hat Of the Scarlet Gown And to go on Horseback through the Citie 8. And in the year 1470. Paul the 2. did confirm it 9. And since Clement the 5. went so far in his Clementines as to make them march before all the Princes of the earth 10. But that the beginning of Cardinals had been such as hath been represented Besides the consent of the whole History it doth appear by the following things 1. It doth appear by this That Antiently there were onely 28 of them That is to say as many as of Titles and of the parishes at Rome 2. That doth appear by this That as the Popes were willing to make a great number of Cardinals they did also increase the number of the Parishes of Rome 3. That doth appear by this That above a thousand years lasting the least Bishop had the precedence of a Cardinal how Ancient soever he might be And even the Dean likewise 4. That doth appear by this That the Cardinalat was a Degree to become Bishop And that he who of a Cardinal was made Bishop did cease to be Cardinal which was not altered but about the year 1190 by Pope Clement the third 5. That doth appear by this That among the Cardinal Bishops the Precedence was taken from the Promotion to the Bishoprick and not to the Cardinalship The Cardinals being esteemed inferiours to Bishops and onely more then simple Priests Alexander the 3. did change that after he had troden under feet the Emperor Frederick about the year 1180. making thenceforth the Cardinals Bishops and the Cardinals not Bishops to have the precedence of Bishops Archbishops Primates Patriarchs c. 6. That doth appear by this That the Church of Ravenna in Italy had her Cardinals and kept them a long time which also in the time of Charles the Great did maintain That she held nothing of Rome 11. Concerning Cardinal Deacons the books of the Church of Rome do teach us That there was but one there in the beginning which was called so because he was the Principal Deacon called by us Arch-Deacon of the seven Deacons that were in that City that is to say one for two Regions which were called Regionarie Deacons having the care of the Alms. Since they were 14 one for a Region and afterwards 18. To give 4 of them to Latran and at last they were all Cardinals and that without Number 12. It must not be wondred at Then if the Canonists do Dispute that the Cardinals have no Rank in the Church and that they are neither Instituted by Christ nor by his Apostles c. 13. Neither also must we wonder if even the Cardinal of Alliaco Libr. de Reform among the Articles which he presented to the Council of Constance at the Request of the Emperour Sigismond did give counsel to extinguish them as superfluous and added without cause This is an Observation greatly to be considered namely That the Arguments used in the Church of Rome for Defence of their Erroneous Doctrines before the coming in of the Jesuites are declared by the Jesuites themselves to have been but sleight and weak Arguments Jesuites OUr Ancestors saies one of the Jesuites otherwise most wise men having not alwaies to Debate with wilful Spirits did not strictly stand upon exact Form of Teaching Answer to that by the Reformed 1. THe cause is the more desperate when such wise men could find no better Arguments to maintain it but such as even the Jesuites themselves confesse to be but weak 2. And both their Heresies were then too credulous to believe And the Jesuites are now ridiculous to defend such loose Arguments as they do § By the above observation it doth manifestly appear That the Jesuites that now have taken upon them to defend the Doctrine Erroneous of the Church of Rome of all the Sophisters of that Church are the greatest 1. THe Jesuites puts now down all the Ancient Sophisters of the Church of Rome for deceipt and fraud themselves being yet but upstarts 2. For if there were ever any kingdom of poor blind men over the stark blind questionless it is now wholy descended unto the Jesuites 3. To whom the former Popish Doctors as also the Ancienter Orders of Monks and Friars do willingly yeild the Garland because they think that they see something Of all the Sophisters Jesuites Bellarmine a Jesuite is the greatest and most Vniversal as appears by the Representation and Observation of his Faults 1. REading the Controversies of Cardinal Bellarmine concerning Religion we find two kinds of Faults in them Some are General And the others are Particular 2. These be some of his General Faults 1. To make shew and parade of his Learning he propounds and moves Questions too curious as also unprofitable 2. He refutes the Antient Errors with too great prolixitie and labour which were not to be drawn out of Hell wherein in times past truth had made them fall 3. He unjustly reproves the Reformed Doctors and slanders them being beholding unto them for many matters that he hath taken from them though he doth not vouchsafe to acknowledg it 4. When he loses all hope to be helped by holy Scriptures he doth strengthen himself by the Authority of the Fathers and of the Councils and of Miracles 5. Against all right and reason to maintain and uphold his Capitolin god which is the Pope he alleadges unto us the Popes in their own Cause as Judges or witnesses 6. Also to prove his Assertions he alleadges and produce that which hath been done by the Pope Whereas it was to be known in regard of Right whether they ought to do such things 7. To procure glory and fame unto himself and being stirred by Ambition he blames and rebukes every kind of persons even his own Doctors and moreover the holy Scriptures 8. Having undertaken to uphold an Error he hoth sink in the mud the more
demand to know of them what Learning is wherein it consisteth and how it may be gotten 2. Unlesse they have some special means and as it were some secret way to attain unto it which others have not The said Reformed see not why the Jesuites and others such like Popish Doctors should think that they have gotten a greater Measure of Learning and Wisdome then others who have used as great indeavour as themselves 3. And therefore the said Reformed Doctors may think that it is some spice of Pride in the Jesuites and their fellows to object Ignorance unto them 4. Who for any thing that appeareth have no cause to bragge of such knowledge or to challenge more to themselves then they may safely grant to another 5. Besides there are none of the Reformed Doctors how unlearned soever the Jesuites and others their fellows think they are but by the grace of God and the Light of his Word can easily discover the Falshood and Corruption of the Religion of the Church of Rome There is an unity in the Protestants Faith and Concord among the Protestants And how Considerable against the Slanders of Papists 1. VVE acknowledge that there be differences and jarres among the Protestants 2. But we deny that there is any such discord or difference among them as dissolveth the unity of Faith Essential to the true Church 3. The difference among the Protestants is no other then such as hath formerly been in the true Church of Christ since the Apostles age which is represented in the end of this Thesis 4. It is not in point of Faith or Primitive Articles of Faith or about things Essential in the object of Faith 1. But the difference is either in accidental probable and secondary points 2. Or touching things difficult in Religion for the searching out of the verity whereof it is profitable that Learned men proceeding modestly do dispute pro and contra 3. Or else the disagreement is personal either among private men or raised by private men Schismatically and Factiously against the Church 5. Now if our Adversaries who object Division unto the Protestant Churches dispute the question of Unity in it self the Scripture and the Fathers and the History of the Church will convince them That Unity in the substance of Faith and of Religion observed by the firmest Members of the Church is simply necessary and an essential property of the Church And other Unity is of the perfection and well being of the Church and yet contingent and variable sometimes greater sometimes less and at no time absolute in all the parts And the same many times is greatly wanting by reason of the Malice of wicked Imps. 6. In the dayes of Constantine wherein it is acknowledged by all men that the visible society of Christians was a true Church There hapned so grievous and unseemly contentions among the Bishops and Pastours that the discord of Christians was brought upon the Stage And Religion was derided and traduced by Infidels 7. Saint Augustine acknowledgeth that the concord of Godly men in this Life wherein they are not perfect but proficient is sometimes interrupted with discord and dissention ariseth even among Brethren and Saints And there be divers things saith he wherein the best learned and most worthy defender of the Catholick rule without prejudice to the Body of Faith do not accord And one of them speaketh more truly then another of the same thing 8. If it be objected that Luther saith that the differences between him and Zuinglius and Calvin are not in small points of Government and Ceremonie c. The Answer to that is that Luthers personal and fretful speech proceeding from passion against such as were contrary minded to him prove that godly men have infirmities and are sometimes over-bitter one against another Like as Cyprian was against Pope Stephen calling him proud ignorant and of a blind and wicked mind and as Epiphanius was against Chrysostome But they are not sufficient to demonstrate that Protestant Churches want the Note of Unity neither doth condemning and Anathematising one another imply dissension in profound points of Religion but may proceed from affection and from want of charity This appeareth by Pope Victor proclaiming Anathema against the East Churches about an Adiaphorous Ceremony It appeareth also by Pope Stephen and by Sergius condemning their predecessor Formosus and raking him being defunct out of his Grave c. 2. 1. IF our Adversaries of the Church of Rome will proceed substantially and prove that there is discord of Faith and of Doctrine among the Protestants they must perform these two things 1. They must produce the principal part of Doctrine belonging to the main object of Faith and demonstate that the Protestant Churches which are reputed Orthodox are divided in these For we have nothing to do with Anabaptists Arians c. 2. They must also give instance in such persons as are reputed sound Members and what parts of the several Churches wherein they live Not of Novellists Incendiaries and Extravagants which are condemned and resisted by the sound and best parts of the Church Rom. 16.17 A Representation of good Magistrates and truly Christians towards the Reformed Religion 1. SUch Magistrates are those who have been alwayes zealous lovers of Christs Gospel and who by their godly Wisdom have done their endeavour to advance greatly the Lords cause from time to time And to hinder the practices of the Adversaries 2. True Religious men ought to beseech the Lord to increase in those Godly Magistrates all those Christian vertues to the benefit of Christs Church and of the Common-wealth of all the Estates where the Reformed Churches are gathered and tollerated Concerning the Church and Religion of England touching the Conversion of England by Augustine the Monk 1. GAlfridus Monumetensis writeth that before Augustine the Monk came in England in the time of Gregory the Great Truth was preached there and sincere Doctrine delivered Vide Godofri Mon. de Orig. gest Britan Libr. 8. cap. 4. 2. Augustines pretended conversion of England was onely the planting of some trifling Ceremonies Of the shaking off of the Ropes yoak by Henry the Eight King of England 1. IT is a thing much to be admired that Henry the Eight King of England having written against Luther in the Popes behalf and for a reward of his affection and pains having received the glorious Title of Defendor of the Faith yet shortly after withdrew himself from the Popes Jurisdiction and became his open and profest Enemy 2. Which Act did seem to many to have proceeded from a cause very little commendable as if it had been onely in revenge that the Pope crossed him in the fruition of his pleasures 3. But it is most certain that the exquisite consideration both of the Kings and of the Popes proceedings thereupon doth cause us to lift up our minds to an higher cause and obliges us to confess that Gods providence hath been manifested therein in a particular
Greeks had as many Gods as they had Fancies 4. The Aegyptians had as many Gods as they Sowed or planted Fruites or as the Earth brought forth Fruites of it self 5. To be short the Romans in conquering the World did conquer all those Vanities and they wanted not wit to devise others of their own brain Let us learne by this what the Gods of the Pagans and Gentiles were 1. 1. IT is written of Ewhemere of Tegea That the cause why he was called an Atheist was for that he wrote the true History and Genealogie of the heathen Gods 2. Shewing that they were Kings Princes and great Personages 3. Whose Images being kept for a Remembrance of them were turned into Idols 4. Their High and worthy Doings into yearly Gaming 's 5. And their Honourings into Worshippings 2. 1. ANd Seneca writes in his Book of Superstition that the Gods as he saith which were called inviolable and immortall were dumb and senceless Images disguised in the shapes of Men of Beasts and of Fishes and some in ugly and ill favoured Monsters 2. That the Daemones which were the Devils which possessed those Images did require worse things for their service then the horriblest Tyrants that ever were 3. As that men should Gash themselves Maime and Lame themselves Geld themselves and offer to them in Sacrifice Men Women and Children Seeing the Romans brought into Rome the Gods of all the Nations whom they had conquered It is demanded how it happened that the God of the Ancient Jewes which was the true and the onely God and none other did find no place there 1. CIcero in his Oration for Flaccus answereth That that beseemed not the Majestie of the Empire 2. But in his conscience did Bacchus Anubis Pryapus and their shameful Nightwakes and Mysteries celebrated in the Dark yeild Renown to the State of the Empire 3. Nay if he will say the Truth they know that the God of Israel and none other was the true God 4. And that for the harbouring of him it behoved them to drive away all the rest 5. And they had for so long a time fed the people in Idolatrie that they were afraid as many Princes also to be cast and driven away by their Subjects in receiving their rightful Lord. They were Devils who were worshipped by the Pagans under the Name of their false Gods 1. THe Gods of the Pagans were men 2. Under the Names of those men the Devils made themselves to be worshipped 3. The Devils to get credit and to authorize themselves did borrow the Name of men and very often the Names of most wicked men 4. And in their Oracles when they were asked what they were they said that they were those men 5. As for Example he that was worshipped at Delphos said he was the Son of Latona Esculapius said he was the Son of Apollo and Mercury said he was the Son of Jupiter and of Maja as we read in their Oracles rehearsed by Porphyrius 6. Now what honest man doth not make difficultie for never so great gain to make use of the Name of a wicked man Nay who doth not abhor the Name and the very remembrance of such an one 7. And who then will not conclude that those Devils were worse then those wicked men who would win credit clothed of the skins of such wicked men 1. The Sybils speak but of one onely God 2. And do cry also against the false Gods 1. IT is disputed among the Learned by what Spirit the Sybils did speak because it is not unconvenient that God should compel the very Devils to set forth his Praises 2. Howsoever it be they speak but of one onely God saying There is but onely one true God right great and everlasting Almighty and Invincible which seeth every thing but cannot be seen himself of any fleshly man Lactantius lib. 1. cap. 6. 3. Also they cry out against the false Gods and exhort men to beat down their Altars accounting them happy who shall dedicate themselves to the glorifying of onely one God Among the divers Religions of Pagans there were some manifestly impious and wicked 1. SOme worshipping the Creatures in Heaven yea and on Earth as the Aegyptians did in old time and as the Tartarians do at this day 2. Some offering up Men in Sacrifices as the Carthaginians did in old time and as the Western Isles do yet at this day 3. And other-some permitting things not onely contrary to all Laws but also even horrible and lothsome to nature 4. If all this was good I pray you what good doth remain or what evil is there in the World Of the False Worship of the Idolatrous Heathen 1. THe Idolatrous Heathen did render a Religious Worship 2. And were not content onely to offer Beasts to their Gods as the Jewes did to the true God but also they did offer men 3. For in some places they Sacrifice their Children as among the Moabites In others their Fathers as among the Triballi Elsewhere their Princes or Priests as among the Indians And in some Countries Themselves as among the Americans 4. Yet for all this their throwing themselves into or causing others to passe through the fire to their Moloch or Saturn or Abaddon they are not to be accounted true worshippers and such worship is not true but false 5. Because what they doe in this kind is not done by Gods Commandement nor intended to the honour of the true God but it is in obedience and to the honour of an Idol or Devil whom they worship instead of the true God Of the Falshood of the Modern Jews Religion in particular 1. THey serve and honour onely one God but they soyle with many Fables the Doctrine of the nature of God and of the Providence which they acknowledge as it clearly appears by the Fables which are related by Buxtorfius 2. The Modern Jewes seek the means of their reconciliation in some outward Ceremonies in Washings and Purifications and such other like things whose Conscience being awaked they are forced to acknowledge that by such things the Remorse of the Conscience and the Sting of Sin cannot be plucked out from the sinful Man 3. 1. The Modorn Jews although it seems that they keep the Bark of the Law yet they denie the Truth thereof 3. Besides they give false Interpretations to the said Law as it is to be seen in divers places of the New Testament 4. Moreover they forge and invent many absurd things concerning the Messias and the Kingdom thereof As also concerning Eternal Life all contrarie to the Doctrine of the Old Testament Of the Religion of the Modern Jews In what respects now the Judaical Religion is opposite to Christ 1. THe Jews Religion is opposite to Christ in two respects principally First In retaining the old Ceremonies of Moses Law which were shadows of things to come Rom. 10.4 Heb. 10.1 and had their accomplishment in Christ For that which S. Paul saith concerning Circumcision is to be