and humane inventions thus Fredrick the third King of Suily a religious Prince in such dark times was staggered about the Christian faith and made to question if the Gospel was not some humane device as is published at length in his conference with Arnoldus de Villanova a learned man upon these grounds 1. That the whole Clergy great and small conformed their lives no wise to the Scripture had no regard to the souls of the people and discharged sacred offices for a forme only or else in scorne and mockery which then was so noture as it could not be hid 2. That those of the more severe order of Monks did obviously evidence hypocrisy impiety wantonness rapine yea incredulity about the Gospel it self 3. That in a Doctrine so weighty and of such consequence as the Christian faith the Romish Church seemed so little concerned were intangled in worldly affaires and no course set on foot for propagation of the Gospel to satisfy whom Arnoldus shewed how expresly such defection and these corruptions were foretold under the New Testament as that conference published by him self shewes And besides it is known what advantage the visible grosness of Popery gave to Mahumidanisme and for many's falling off from the visible Profession of Christianity which caused Averroes the Philosopher to cry out Cum Christiani Deum suum manducent sit anima mea cum Philosophis Yea enforced such who gave any serious look to the Scripture to say that either the Scripture was not the Word of God or such as professed the same were not Christians And when thus Atheisme may be seene to follow Popery as its native effect and mutually concurre together Oh! what might be feared from such an obvious conjunction of both in this time if the truth and faithfulness of God were not his Churches security CONSID. V. FIfthly Sould it not seeme strange and such as no reason can truely answere why in these times Kings great men of the earth hath given their power to support the Romish interest when this so visibly is destructive to the just right and interest of all Magistrats but that we see it is of God in giving than so far up in his secret judgment until the Scripture be fulfilled as is clear Rev. 17 17. for Its sure otherwise these things can not be hid from their eyes 1. That as the grandour of the Romish Church grew up how the Kings of the earth by giving their power thereto lost their own and by their concurrace in this designe were no less evidently depressed than the other raised so as all who look in on the history of such times may clearly see the several steps of the Popes advance in coming to his height and of the Empir's declining and fall both in the Easterne and westerne parts most visibly meet in one and the same history yea thus how quickly Magistracy and the power thereof was turned to an Image and shadow that it could not further live and act but as it was enlivened with the Romish breath yea how quickly in a few ages after Phocas the greatest of the westerne Emperors were forced to bow at the Popes feet so as Henry the fourth was put to stand three dayes in the cold winter barefooted at the Pop's gates ere he could be reconciled upon some pretended quarrel he had against him yea the Popish writers accounts it their honour to tell the world how Fredrick Barbarossa the first Emperor of that name was made to lay his neck under Pope Alexanders feet until he trampled thereon blasphemously making use of that Scripture Ps 91. that thus he would tread upon the Lyon and the Dragon before he could obtain his son's liberty then in prison in Venice and at the Pop's disposing And here we may have a conspicuous Commentar on that Scripture 2 Thes 2 3. that this let which was to be taken out of the way of the man of sin's being revealed as is there foretold was not the heathen Empire of Rome only but the Roman Empire in its integrity and strength even after it was Christian 2. It is undeniable from the Romish Doctrine and Principles that power the Pope and Rulers of their Church owns to dethrone Kings and tranferre their Kingdomes to others and by there Interdiction to loose subjects from any tye or alledgeance to their Prince to bind or loose mens consciences as they find their own interest stand and by that plenitude of their Churches power to exempt Ecclesiastick Persons from the Lawes of Magistrats so as they may not be judged by these for the most horride and notorious Crimes which the Civil Power ought to punish whilst their Church immunities are a City of refuge for retreat 3. And as the Romish Religion stricks at the very roo◠of Piety and Godliness when by the Popes Power yea of ordinary Priests it can dispense with the most horride Acts of wickedneis murther adultery rapts incest sodomy and hath their rates stated at what price they can purchass a full absolution for the same so doth it thus no less visibly strick at the greatest security of Government and that which foundeth the strongest Obligations to all Civil and Moral Duties which is to have the aw and regard of Religion kept up in a nation 4. It is clear also how the Romish Doctrine subverts truth and righteousness amongst men which is the greatest security of all Personal interests when it avowedly warrants equivocation both in Oaths and Words and in such doubtful tearmes to sweare as may be directly contrair to the intention of the judge requiring the same so as an Oath in judgment cannot be the end of controversy yea by their Doctrine expresly teaches also that a man is not bound to repent presently for the most hainous sins but is only necessar in the last extreame of Life 5. Are not the Principles of the Romish Religion such as are visibly destructive even to humane society in so professed owning under a pretended zeal against heresy for such is the Doctrine of Christ unto them those Prodigies of cruelty which we should think humane nature though corrupt could not but tremble at without being transformed into the very image of the Devil Such as the French and Irish Massacres the Netherland persecution under the Duke of Alva the Spanish Inquisition and those bloody years under Queene Mary's reigne in England do before all the world witness yea it s obvious how no cruelty even of the Heathens in the first times of the Church can almost be found to parallel with Popish cruelty where they can have a doore opened for this Oh! That it should be so little seen and laid to heart at this day how the common interest and concerne of all Princes and Magistrats even upon their own civil rights is to contend against this greatest adversary that ever Jesus Christ had upon the earth and if now be not believed saddest experience may yet make this clear that in those parts where the truth hath been received and embraced and by the good hand of the Lord rescued from the yoke and dominion of Antichrist that its sure the security of the Church and Commonwealth is there necessarily conjoyned so that if the Protestant interest should weare out and the truth decline the land cannot possibly be safe where once this had been received The Romish interest now seemes to gain ground yea a strange and unusual conjūction to promote that way but it s well we know a more blessed and infallible security than outward appearances to rest upon and with that assurance as we can be perswaded of an eternal salvation by Jesus Christ It is sure also 1. That the victory and decision of this warre shall be on the Lambs side and those that are with him must overcome when the living God hath past his word thereupon to his Church and though we may set no bounds as to any particular time we have solide ground to believe that a more remarkeable stroke above all that hath been hitherto hasteneth upon the Kingdome of Antichrist 2. That who soever withdraw and think it their interest now to keep a distance in any adventuring for the truth yet light and deliverance shall arise to the Church from another airth but this shall not be their escape and outgate Yea though it seeme a strange contradiction to sense and reason it is to be the matter of our faith that assuredly now the rise and advance of the reformed Church is on foot and her sharpest conflicts and wrestlings must tend thereunto 3. Though the Spirit of intercession and prayer may be too discernably found under a sad restraint as to what hath been in former times in the Church yet this sure that many prayers and groans once put up by an innumerable company who now are in heaven in behalf of the Church and for that solemne day of Babylons fall yet waits and still cryes before the throne such prayers wherein they had greatest access and liberty by the help of the Spirit for powring out their souls thus before the Lord. 4. It 's sure we are to believe that instruments shall be yet raised and called for that end with a mervelous appearance of God upon them to execute the judgment written against this Adversary and O what a blessed and honourable service shall it be 5. Should this not otherwise be made out but through a sea of blood and wounding the heads over many Countries yea in a way as we have clearest ground to judge which humane reason could never reach It is sure this cannot be wanting and when the God of truth hath said such an enemy shall be brought down his Counsel must stand though all the Kingdomes of the earth stood in the way thereof Oh! at what a rate does these now run themselves in the way of his wrath and vengeance and to be partakers of the same plagues with Antichrist who yet will not cease for giving their power to support that accursed and falling interest FINIS
this we appeal our adversaries to produce one essential difference betwixt the one and the other from the Records of these times or any Writings of the Fathers 3. That no evidence can be given in contending for the Christian Faith against Heathens and to hold forth the certainty thereof which doth not undeniably answer to confirm the Protestant Religion 4. That in the writings of the greatest Adversaries their bitter invectives against Christianity who in the first times did oppose themselves to the same Doctrine the Protestant Church now owns and professeth such as Câ—â—sus Tryphon Porphyrie Lucian c. There is not the least mention of Popery in any of these Articles against which the Protestant Church contends nor of the Romish Supremacy and Infallibility where they could have had so great advantage to object against the Christian Cause and call its Truth in question Nor did the Jews who objected all they could against the Christian Faith in the least once mention any such points as are now controverted betwixt them and us 5. It is clear from unquestionable Historie and confession of our Adversaries that a continued succession of Orthodox Doctors who did confesse and teach the same Doctrine for the substance that we own have in no times been wanting to the Church nor some visible partie to withstand Poperie and keep up a witnesse to the Truth even in the greatest darknesse as the Romish Writers are forced to confesse That the Protestants now are the same which the Waldenses were of old and the Berengarians before them Qu. Doth not the Popish Religion found on such grounds and Principles as can bring a sufficient certainty therewith of its Truth when it hath the Decrâ—es Canons and infallible Decisions of their Church to warrant the same and of the Pope as Supreme Head Ans According to their Doctrine Principles they can have no possible certaintie of their Religion nor of that they pretend to found on When 1. They are not agreed nor ever like to be who that infallible Judge is or in whom such an Infallibilitie as they claim is seated whether in a General Council or the Pope alone So as they are in greatest contradiction to other about the very foundation of their Faith nor is this a controversie amongst a few but one part of their Church with greatest heat is opposing the other therein 2. They can have no assurance if they have any Church at all and whether most of their Popes Bishops and Priests be not without Baptism and still laicks without Ordination when their Doctrine and the Council of Trent so expreslie hold the efficacie of all Sacraments of which they reckon Ordination as well as Baptism to be one to depend on the Intention of the Priest who officiates of which none possiblie can be sure 3. Such have no rational certaintie of what they professe to believe who are with their own consent shut out from all proper knowledge of the Scripture and on the testimonie of men must resolve their Faith 4. Is it not on a matter of fact and most doubtful Relation they ground their Faith and adventure their immortal soul where scarce a Shadow or School-problem is to bear up the whole Fabrick of Poperie which is an alledged Presidence of Peter amongst the Apostles while no demonstration can ever be given that Peter was at Rome or that he was Bishop there or if the same priviledges be intailed to his Successours and how these should be chosen in after-times 5. According to their Principles they have no Bible nor any such Authentick Record to prove Religion but what is a Masâ—e of dead unsensed Characters that hath no articulate voice or intelligible sound until the Romish Clergie put a sense thereon So that the verie Letter of the Scripture is most evidentlie past from For my self I dare say before him who knoweth all things that I would tremble and stand in a we of any deceit or mistake in the matter of Religion and have in greatest earnest sought to be perswaded of the Truth without respect to interest party or education as that wherein I know an eternal salvation is concerned but can see no way to embrace Poperie except men turn Atheists yea quit all Religion and Reason at once Qu Is not Rome the Catholick and Apostolick Church out of which there is no Salvation Ans We know there is a Catholick Church under the Gospel that consists of all who imbrace the Christian Faith whether bond or free Jewes or Gentiles and is to no particular Nation People or language restricted as under the Law But that the Romish Church can have no possible claim here is unanswerable 〈◊〉 Because no Institution is in the Scripture of such a Church as consisteth of all Christians subjected to one humane Head and Supreme Governour under Jesus Christ on the Earth or where subjection to the Pope is made a condition to Salvation 2. It is clear that in the Apostles time and for many Ages after the Christian Catholick Church had a being when it had no dependence on the See of Rome nor was known by any such Test as to own the Pope and his Supreme Jurisdiction except it be averred that there was one Catholick Church before the setting up of Papacy and the other since essentially different from the former 3. There is no accesse to deny that they are more and of greater extent in the world who embrace the Christian Faith and have no communion with the See of Rome or their Doctrine than such who are subjected thereto 4. As there is on Faith and one Lord Jesus Christ so is there but one body which is his Church united to him as her Head Eph. 4 3. 4. Which is the prorogative of the Son of God alone and incommunicable to any to be the Head thereof but he who for this end died and rose that he might be the Lord of the dead and of the living Rom. 14 9. Qu. Yet is not still the same Christian Religion at least for substance held forth in the Popisâ— Doctrine which the Protestant Church owns Ans Whatever in words such pretend their Principles and the known Doctrine of the Council of Trent can too visibly resolve this that these do not retain the Christian Faith in the essentials thereof but have razed the very foudation who resolve not their Faith on the Scripture and its Divine Authority but on a humane testimony and deny religious worship to be due to the true God alone but give it unto Angels and Men also who lay another foundation to build on than Jesus Christ another Purgatorie than his blood to purifie us from all sin another Propitiatorie Sacrifice to expiate sin than his Death who was once offered to bear the sins of many Heb. 9 28 another merite than his obedience by which we are made righteous and thus make void the great intent of the Gospel laying down a way of Life and Salvation on the same
Churches witnesse be of greater credit and weight then the Word of God 4 There is no Authority even the Romish Church can pretend to but what they plead from the Scripture therefore it cannot be dependent upon the Church 5. Should this be admitted the Christian cause were lost in contending against Atheists and Infidels nor any possible access to convince these for what could that Argument of the Church's Authority be to them who own no such thing 6. If on this the Scripture be admitted our Faith should then resolve on the Testimony of men and be but a human Faith Qu. But must every private Man be his own Judge and not the Church to put what sense he pleaseth on the Scripture Ans It is clear 1. That there is a private judgement of discretion the meanest Christian hath to know and discern the Truth that his service may be Reasonable service Rom. 12 1. And his Faith a rational act For every man must prove his own work Gal. 6 4. 2. We deny not a publick and ministerial judgement to the Church which in greater and lesset Synods may be passed where Pastors Elders are assembled by the ordinance of Christ though here no blind obedience is imposed since this only can be according to the Law and in pursuance of it not above it But to the Holy Ghost alone can a Supremacy and a Soveraignty of judgement in matters of Faih belong Since There is but one Lawgiver who is able to save and destroy Jam. 4 12. And no power against the truth but for it 2 Cor. 13 8. Qu. Are we not called to hear the Church Mat. 18 17. and implicitely rely on its sentence Ans That command hath respect to Church-censure and against contumacie but to impose no implicite obedience or subject the Scripture Authority to Men When it is so clear 1. That the furthest observance of the Apostle was to be such as might not go without these bounds Be ye followers of me as I am of Christ 2. This were to divide Faith and Knowledge from one another and an express contradicting of that 1 Pet. 3 15. To be ready to give a reason of faith within us to every who demands 3. Thus Men might be saved without believing there is a Christ and the Gospel 4. Thus many were under a necessity to live and die Infidels if they must only hear what the Romish Church sayes not read the Scripture themselves who in some remote parts of earth or by a close imprisonment may be shut up so as they can have no possible converse with that Church SECT VI. Qu. IS there no Supreme Visible and Infallible Judge placed in the Church upon whose decision we may securely rest in all matters of Faith and Conscience Ans This Article is indeed of great weight to the Romish Church so as their whole interest seems to stand or fall accordingly But it is clear 1. They must bring another Bible than the Old and New Testament to prove this or let us see the least Commission and Warrant for any such Judge there as they plead for 2. It is contrary to the command 1 Thes 5 21. Prove all things and hold fast that which is good 3. None can deny the Apostles were fallible though not in their Doctrine being therein immediatly inspired by the holy Ghost when so ignorant of the Death Sufferings and Resurrection of Christ and it is sure Peter was far from this Infallibility when he denied his Master and after he was confirmed and had that assurance given that his Faith should not fail which is one great foundation of the pretended Romish Infallibility when Paul withstood him to the face Gal. 2 11. 4. This power doth the Pope challeng over the Gentiles as being Peter's successor when it is clear that Paul was the Apostle of the Gentiles by the appointment of the Holy Ghost and Peters own consent Rom. 11 17. Acts 13 2. Gal. 2 9. 5. And do not all know what decrees of Councils have been against Councils and Popes against Popes Qu. Is not Peter that Rock on which Christ promised to build the Church Mat. 16 18. Ans It is manifest that by this was expresly meant the Doctrine and Profession then made of Christ's being the Son of God yea that the same power given to Peter was in as expresse termes given to the rest of the Apostles Mat. 18 18. Ioh. 20 22. And where it is said Ye are built upon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles Eph. 2 20. no difference is in the least put betwixt Peter and the rest yet here is the great foundation of their Church Qu. Does not this prove such an Infallibility that the Church is the Pillar and ground of Truth 1 Tim 3 1â—â— Ans This was not said of the Church of Rome or evince her peculiar claim thereto beyond other Churches But here clearlie is shewed the stability and fixednesse of the Christian Church unto which the Oracles of God were committed and no possible reasoning thence for an Infallibility to any Church on Earth Qu. Is there nothing from the Scripture to shew a difference betwixt Peter and the rest of the Apostles as to his Presidence and that the Monarchie of the Church was established in his person Ans We find this was expresly prohibited by Jesus Christ to the whole Apostles without exception that no such absolute Authority should be by any of them claimed Mat. 23 10 Be ye not called masters for one is your master even Christ But if any shadow were for this It might seem more applicable to Paul when he saith Besides these the care of all the Churches came upon me 2 Cor. 11 v. 28. If this had been said of Peter the Romish writers would have made a strange noise as if they had found one demonstration for all to secure that interest SECT VII Qu. CAn the Scripture be a sufficient Rule of Faith and sufficient to decide controversies in the Church without the help of unwritten Traditions Ans It is 1. Because the alone way for being saved is in following what is written there Ioh. 20 31. These things are written that you may believe that Iesus is the Christ and that believing you might have life through his name 2. It is a full and sufficient Rule containing all things necessary both to believe do 2 Tim. 3. 15. From a Child thou hast known the holy Scriptures which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Iesus Yea it is there shewed to be Profitable for Doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousnesse that the man of God may be perfect throughly furnished unto all good works 3. It is expresly against the Scriptures to impose any humane Traditions on the Church for subjecting our Faith thereto Deut 4 2. Thou shalt not add to the words which I command thee Qu. But doth not the Apostle command to hold fast the
terms that it stood in the Covenant of works certainly we must either quite the Scriptures or acknowledge that nothing can be more destructive to the Christian Faith revealed there than such Doctrine Qu. Is there no infallible Rule and Judge to determine herein on whose decisive sentence we may securely rest in the greatest controversies Ans If we own ourselves Christians this can be no debate that the Scriptures contained in the Old and New-testament are the supreme Judge The Oracles of God committed to the Church Rom. 3 2. to give Answers in every dark case The Type and forme of sound Doctrine Rom. 6 17. Unto whose sentence we are in all matters both of Faith and Practice expresly referred by the Lord Isaiah 8 20. To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no light in them SECT II. Qu. SInce the Rule of Faith must be plain and intelligible can the Scripture be such which according to the Popish Doctrine is a Masse of dead and dark Characters untill their Church put a sense thereon Ans It s own witnesse is clear 1. That it Is such as maketh the simple wise Psal 19 7. And a Light shining in a dark place to which we are called to take heed 2 Pet 1 v. 19. A Lamp to our feet Psal 119 105. 2. We see what is written there was for our learning Rom. 15 4. and given us for that end that it might be understood 3. It is clear the promise of the Spirit to lead us into all Truth Joh. 16 13. doth belong to every Believer as well as to the greatest Doctors of the Church who can pretend no extraordinary Revelation for leading of them 4. We know the Fathers and Ancient Church did still prove their Doctrine from the Scripture as not only of more authority but more clear than their Comments 5. Though some Scriptures be not so plain as others and several Prophecies sealed up until their taking place in the event yet nothing can be more plain than the fundamentals of Christianity and those Scripture Truths necessary to Salvation But the World may see it is not obscurity against which their true quarrel is but a too clear evidence before which their interest cannot stand Qu. Yet is this a sufficient ground for the Scriptures being translated into our own Language so as every Man may read and have access thereto which the Romish Church so expresly forbids as the cause of Error and Heresie Ans We know 1. The command is express for all to read and teach their children Deut. 6 11. 2. That under the Law the Jewish Church had no restraint and should the Church now be in a worse case and live in more darknesse 3. Upon this account were the Bereans so highly commended for examining the Apostles Doctrine by the written Word which they could never have done if any such restraint to read the same had been upon them 4. It is a strange cure to keep from the Light for fear of going wrong and when Christ saith You erre not knowing the Scriptures Maâ—t 22 22. That ignorance thereof should be the way to keep us right Qu. Is it not evident 2 Pet. 3 v 16. How there are things hard to be understood in Paul's Epistles which the unlearned and unstable wrest to their own destruction Ans It is there shewed 1. Some things are more dark in the Scripture which none do deny 2. We see those who thus stumble are such as wrest the Word and not of a humble sober and serious Spirit by whom none will judge the Apostle here means the whole of Believers within the Church except the Doctors thereof Nor hath it more weight to forbid Christians use of the Scriptures and to read the same than the necessary use of meat because some unsober abuse the same to their hurt Qu. Whâ—t inducement should the Romish Church have to restrain Christians in this if it be so visibly cross to the Rule Ans They have I confess this plea for necessity since their case so stands they must either ruine their interest and be discovered in the greatest imposture that ever was known in the World or have the Bible shut up though to ruine the Souls of many Millions of the poor People nor is it strange such hate the light whose deeds are evil lest they be reproved SECT III. Qu. IS it not to the Church and to no private person That the supreme Authority and power of interpreting the Scripture and to be judge of the true sense thereof doth belong Ans The Scriptures is the alone infallible Rule for interpreting it self And to none but to the Holy Ghost speaking to us there can such Authority be ascribed 1. Because Scripture is the supreme standard by which we are called to prove all things 1 Thes 5 21. and to know the Spirits whether they be of God or not 1 Joh. 4 1. Yea thus must the Doctrine of the Church be known 2. The sense of the Scripture is the Scripture it self which thence only can be sought and understood by the same Spirit that indited it 3. We see by innumerable instances that where in one place it speaks more darkly it doth explain it self in another and thus refers us to its own interpretation yea how with a greater light and plainnesse Truths are opened up in the New Testament which more darkly and as under a Vail were held forth in the Old Qu. But the Scripture is of no private interpretation therefore to the Church only it must belong Ans This only shews the Scriptures Interpretation can be subjected to no humane Comments nor hath its Authority of men and from their private judgements whatever place they bear in the Church but must be sought from the Scripture it self and according to the Analogie of Faith but no ground in the least to deny accesse to private persons to know and seek after the true sense of the Scripture Qu. What assurance can any have that such is the true sense of the Scripture without some authoritative decision of the Church Ans We know 1. That the promise Joh. 7 17. stands good to every one of the Saints If any man do my will he shall know my Doctrine whether it be of God or not And such who object this dare not I am sure restrict the giving of the Spirit for that end to their Church-Doctors onlie 2. If the sense of any thing written can be understood then it is sure the most weighty and necessarie truths of the Scripture are so obviouslie plain as they can bear no other sense and meaning except men quit the very use of Reason and Judgement 3. Where the Scripturâ— is more dark there want not peculiar helps and means for a Christians attaining the true sense thereof such as serious prayer the knowledg of the original languages and repairing to these fountains themselves advertency to the scope and intent of
to put a handsome shape on this device or how the World can know upon any sure gronud 1. How Peter was at Rome or that he was setled in a peculiar manner Bishop in that See which neither Scripture nor the most ancient records of the Church gives the least shadow of ground for 2 How the Pope becometh his Successor or upon what warrant yea that this should be an Article of mens faith where the Scripture is wholly silent 3. How that pretended succession to Peter in that particular Diocess of Rome should have a Catholick Power and Headship over the whole Church annexed thereto so as all who succeed in in the one must also in the other 4. How a warrantable Succession of each particular Pope can be made sure to the Apostle upon this pretended right and that he hath lawfully succeeded since if this be nul and the election be unlawful they have then with their own consent no promise of Assistance nor obedience in this case due 5. When it is so clear that the Power of the Keyes were given no less to the rest of the Apostles then to Peter as is express Matth. 18 18 19. yea that Peter claimed no such presidence amongst the rest of the Apostles as may be seen Act. 15. upon what ground can they thus refound so great a claime as this Oh what an amazing infatuation are those in who should take this upon trust the very recital whereof is so obvious a refutation of it self And that on such a pretended Power and Supremacy of Peter the whole weight and superstructure of the Romish Hierarchy must leane yea which is of a higher concerne that on this by undeniable consequence must be rolled over a weight no less than the eternal interest and perishing of many millions of souls who upon this Plenary Power and Infallibility of the Pope thus founded upon such a ground do adventure with such an Acquittance and Absolution as their security into another World 5. That notable device of Purgatory may be a convincing witness to the horrid imposture of Popery than which nothing could have been more subservient to that great designe of a lucrative interest and to keep the people under a continued aw and terror yea what improvement for so many ages they have made of this for their own private gain that it may be seen the Romish Church should lose one of the greatest revenues it hath if purgatory were not kept up amongst them is beyond reckoning by themselves what continued income this hath had quantum haec fabula profuit Romanae Ecclesiae But Oh! such as will thus adventure hereon may have saddest cause to feare that this Purgatory on their immediat parting with time be found a real hell whence no release or Possibility thereof can be though all the treasures of the earth could be given for the same and then shall know this sad verification of this truth 2 Thes 2 11 12. Which so expresly points at Antichristian Popery for this cause God shall send them strong delusion to believe a lye because they received not the Love of the Truth that they might be saved that they all may be damned who believe not the Truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness 6. What strange account do their legends give of their pretended Miracles as the most effectual way to gain câ—edit to these Doctrines which they see can have no possible founding 〈◊〉 the Scripture such as that we may judge those who are but in the least knowing amongst them wonder how Credit could be expected from any thereto such as they tell us of S. Francis how he was greater then John the Baptist and better then all the Apostles who in Vision received the Wounds of Christ suffered the same griefs in whom all vertues of the Saints as well under the Old as under the New Testament ar put unitivè conjunctivè and after most blasphemously puts him in the same roome with our most blessed Lord by reason of a scedule which they say Leo the Friar saw descend from Heaven and fell on the Head of Francis whereon was write this man is the grace of God and example of all perfection c. This Book wherein these yea where more horride blasphemies are written called liber conformitatum impressis Bononiae Fol. 3 250. is called by them their golden book with this express clause underneath by a general consent of the Chapter of that Order â—ye have searched this book and found nothing worthy of correction Such an instance also is he whom they call St Dominick of whom they shew that Christ raised three only from the dead but S. Dominick three in one City that he had the Angels at his Service but it may be easy to judge what Angels they were how the Elements did obey him and the Devils trembled at him how he had a star in his forehead when he was Baptized and restored fourty strangers to life that where over whelmed in a ship and long under the water with much more of this kind published to the World by Anthony an Archbishop of his Order Anthon. Arch. Pag. 3 23. but with these famous instances may be sitly joined two Nunes no less known and publick who if they had lived in one time and their order could have allowed it might have been suteably matcht with other the one is Magdalena de Cruce Abbess of a Monastery of Franciscan Nunnes who by the Power of the Devil appeared to Mariners in a storme at sea when invocate and the storme calmed was sometimes lift up into the air and the Sacrament went up visibly out of the Priests hand that said Mass through the air before all that look on unto her was of such repute that not only many ladies in Spain but the Queen also when she was near to be brought to bed sent the mantles wherein the Child was to be wrapt for her to bless yet at length upon clearest discovery and her own confession found to be a witch in express compact with the Devil since she was nine Years old so as the Spanish Inquisitors could not get shifted some forme of Sentence against her Anno 1540. A passage the truth whereof the Romish Church will not offer to disown the relation being so publick and known by their own writers And indeed she was well suted to be an Abbess of S Francis Order The other Instance is that relation set forth by one Stephen de Lusignan dedicated to the French Queen of the great Miracles in the Year 1586 which hapned to the Prioress de le Annonciado of Lisbon in Portugal approved by the greatest Church men there whose names are set down how usually Christ appeared to her and talked with her and had the impress of his five wounds put upon her with many such strange things so as severals were incited through the fame of her to become Nunnes yet at last was by a mervellous providence from the Lord