Fair-Play on both sides: OR, The surest way to HEAVEN.  
DISCOVERED IN A DISPUTE BETWEEN A Roman-Catholick, AND A PROTESTANT.  
LONDON, Printed for Richard Head, at the Heart and Bible in Little-Brittain, 1666.   

To my much esteemed Friend, Mr. J. L.  
YOU will wonder, I am sure (considering my profession) to see me become a Poet. And indeed I do almost marvel at myself, knowing myself to want the two principal furtherances of Poetry; the one is Natures instinct, 
(a) They say, Poeta noscitur If a man be not as it were a Poet born, he shall never prove excellent in that faculty.  which God in his holy providence hath denied me: the other is, A certain retired freedom from all such businesses which may breed distraction; 
(b) Carmina secessum scribentis & otia quae unt. Ovid. de. Trist.  which my public calling, besides private encomberances, will not afford me. Yet notwithstanding, upon this present occasion, I have even forced myself to this straighter course of verse-making; though I know, that for my own ease (having to deal in such a distempered and unruly subject) that less limited, and freer kind of discourse, which Prose alloweth, had been more convenient, because the Rules of Cadence & number (to which our English Poetry specially is confined) do many times so straighten an unaccustomed Practitioner, that he is in hazard, either of obscuring the sense (which in a matter of this nature were something dangerous) or of marring the Verse (which to the apprehension of every common conceit, were very ridiculous.) But howsoever I have erred in the carriage of this Verse, I hope, to you and to others, whose favour, either because of their judgement, or their honesty, I desire, this shall excuse me; that meeting with our common Adversary (who appeareth sometime in shape of a Statesman, debating of Titles, and commonwealth affairs, 
(c) Witness the Quodlibets, etc.  sometime as a Petitioner to the King and Parliament, 
(d) At the King's first coming, and now since the Parliament.  sometime as a plausible Persuader, 
(e) B●istows Motives, and Books of that nature.  sometime as a restorer of the holy Text, to the native purity thereof 
(f) Rhem. Test. & Grego. Martin.  sometime as a man of a very tender conscience, giving reasons why he cannot come to our Assemblies, 
(g) Owlet.  sometime as a Railer at our Government, and an approver of our open enemies 
(h) The ward-word. Quo teneam vultus mutantem, Proted nodo?  that I say, meeting with this time-serving Proteus, in the fashion of a Rhymer or Balladins, and crept in (as the manner of false Brethren 1 is) 
(i) Galat. 2.4. Similes habet labra lactucas.  into ●oth the ha●… and 〈…〉 simple seduced; I have endeavoured to make 〈…〉 like the Lips (as the Proverb is) 〈…〉 sing, to 〈◊〉 I am sure (without wilful forsaking the plain truth of God, 〈…〉 I shall 〈…〉  
The service it 〈…〉 here 〈…〉 by 〈…〉, 
(k) He confeseth he 〈…〉 Protestant.  is 〈…〉 though 〈◊〉 say the truth it 〈…〉 through 〈…〉 yet set forth after any good or 〈…〉 but it is even 〈…〉 of certain 〈…〉 egations (as to there the ●avings and scraps of 〈◊〉 other 〈…〉 order or proof 〈…〉 word of 〈…〉 than Or●. Belike, the 〈…〉 rough for those for whom it was provided, as 〈◊〉 it is for those which turn their ears from the Truth, and are given unto fables: 
(l) 2 Tim. 4.4  and by some, upon my knowledge (to whom 〈◊〉 me, God hath sent strong delusions, that they should believe 〈◊〉) 
(m) ●. The●. 2.11.  it is highly magnified, as a special preservative against supposed Heresy, and as a well-framed Sconce, which none of us all is able to overthrow.  
In regard whereof, knowing myself 〈…〉 others, to contend earnestly for the maintenance 〈…〉; 
(n) jude. 3. ●2 1●  I have undertaken this which you here see, For my desire and true intent therein, it is best known to him which seethe in 〈◊〉, 
(o) Ma●. ●  and in his due time will make the counsels of all hearts manifest. 
(p) 1 Cor. 4. ●   
Touching the thing itself, how it is, and how well it is, I submit it to the censure of the godly-wise, praying them, that with their favourable (if not allowance, yet at least) connivance, it may pass to the use of those, to whom it is intended: And among others, I have directed it especially to you, in part of recompense for a great deal of kindness entreating you to entertain 〈◊〉 with the like measure of Love; wherein it is offered. And so ●…ching God to fill you with the fruits of Righteousness 
(q) Phil. 1.11. , I command you to his grace in Christ Jesus.  
Your loving Friend, SAM. HIERON. Modbury, Aug. 20. 1604.   

FAIR PLAY: Or a Dispute between a PROTESTANT and a ROMAN-CATHOLIC. Wherein the true Religion is made clear to the meanest capacity.  

Roman Catholick's Preface.  
I Pray thee, Protestant, bear with me, 
(a) Indeed a man had need to be very patiented that meaneth to hear thee.   
To ask thee Questions two or three:  
And if an answer thou canst make,  
More of thy counsel I will take. 
(b) Yet I fear, that though thou wert brayed in a Mortar with a , among Wheat, thy foolishness will not departed from thee, Prov. 27.22.   
Many sundry Sects appear,  
Now in the world far and near,  
The Calvinist, the Protestant,  
The Zwinglian, the Puritan,  
The Brownest, and the Family of Love,  
And many more which I can prove,  
And the Roman Faith truly,  
Which you call Papistry.  
And every one confess Jesus,  
Saying that their Faith is true:  
But amongst these, tell me how  
The Truth from feigned lies to know.  
All these in very deed,  
Rehearse all Articles in the Creed;  
And every one of them saith,  
That theirs is the Catholic Faith:  
But this it is that I do seek, 
(c) I believe, thou art one of those, which are ever learning, and never come to the knowledge of the Truth, 2 Tim. 3.7. Take the Lantern which David used, and thou shalt soon find the true Church, Psal. 119.105.   
To know the Church Catholic,  
The Communion or Company  
Of holy men in Unity.   

Protestants Answer.  
His Preface.  
I May not (Papist) suffer thee,  
Because thy Questions idle be:  
And if my Counsel thou wilt take,  
Then hear the answer I will make.  
Thou tell'st of Sects that do appear,  
And seem'st the truth glad to inquire:  
But even in this I malice smell,  
And see thy spiteful meaning well.  
When thou these divers Sects dost name,  
Thou wouldst thereby our Church defame 
(d) I have reason so to think, because the multitude of supposed Sects amongst us, is a common imputation. See Brist. Motives, pag. 10.   
And make fools think that we them loved,  
When as with us th' are not approved.  
We do not hang on Clavins' sleeve,  
Nor yet on Zwinglius we believe:  
And Puritan we do defy,  
If right the name you do apply. 
(e) Viz. If either by that name, are understood those ancient Heretics, called Cathari, who dreamt of a state of perfection in this life, (so as Papists also do) or else such factious ones among us, which have sought the spoil and havoc of the Church.   
All giddy Sects among us crept,  
We wish out of our Church were swept:  
No name do we delight in more,  
Then that at Antioch given of yore. 
(f) Christians. Acts 11.26.   
But now what Sects you Papists have,  
I do but thy own witness crave:  
Some Capucines, some Franciscans,  
And some be called Dominicans:  
Some Jesuits, some Seculars, 
(b) The emulation and difference betwixt these two their Quodlibets do show.   
Some grey, some black, some white Friars:  
And that your store may not be spent,  
New Locusts still from Hell are sent. 
(c) Rev. 9.3. Those Locusts do well represent the Pope's Clergy: they were bred of the smoke of the pit, so are these of Heresy, Ignorance and Superstition: they destroy the fruits of the earth; so these spoil the Church.   
Thou sayest, thou would the Church find out:  
So that I see thou art in doubt:  
And so indeed Uncertainty  
Is still the fruit of Popery.   

Popish Rhyme.  
Catholic.  
IN your Bible I have read,  
The Church must through the world be spread:  
For Christ he his Apostles sent,  
With Power and Commandment,  
That to all Nations they should go,  
To Preach, and to Baptise also.  
Who hath done this? to know I wish:  
For that is sure the Church of Christ. 
(d) I hope thou wilt not say that Rome hath done this: the charge was given and undertaken before Rome was converted.   
And for example, let me know,  
And if thou canst, I pray thee show,  
What Church did take in hand  
The first conversion of this Land. 
(e) The Apostles Church, for ought you can prove to the contrary.   
And all other Countries every where,  
Throughout the world far and near; 
(f) Who but a Papist would dare to say this?   
If this were not the Church of Rome,  
Then will I be converted soon. 
(g) You build your faith upon a very sure ground.   
Saint Paul in his Epistle saith, 
(h) Did Paul say that Rome shall never deny the Faith?   
The Romans had the Catholic Faith,  
Saying it was renowned,  
Spoken of, or published,  
Through the world over all,  
Catholic, Universal:  
And if your Churches were even so 
(i) Our Church is a part of the Catholic Church: disprove it if you can.   
Then to your Churches I would go. 
(k) You may come to our Churches; the Pope giveth you leave, so that you keep your hearts to him.    

Protestants Answer.  
Catholic.  
IN our Bible thou hast read:  
'Tis well in ours, for yours is fled,  
And lurketh in a tongue unused,  
Whereby poor people are abused.  
The Church is Catholic, as you say,  
And so say we: but why 
† The reason why the Church is called Catholic.  I pray?  
Because to it, it were disgrace,  
To limit it to time or place.  
It ever was, and so shall be,  
Since Christ, excluding no degree: 
(l) Col. 3.11. Acts 10.34, 35.   
It once was tied unto the Jews,  
But now no place 
(m) Austin saith it is Catholic, because spread over the world, Ep. 170. and thereto agreeth the Scripture, Acts 1.8.  it doth refuse.  
It is a very fond surmise,  
Which you the Papist do devise,  
To shut the Church within Rome's wall,  
And yet to call it general. 
(n) Catholic and general are all one; and therefore one of their own Counsels saith, The Roman Church is not the Universal Church, but of the Universal Church, Basil. Con. sy. 3.   
The very name which you pretend,  
Whereby your Church you would defend,  
To all which do the meaning know,  
Doth quite your fancy overthrow.  
You say, the charge, which Christ once gave,  
The Romists well performed have:  
But mark how thou thyself dost hurt,  
And lay Rome's honour in the dirt.  
That charge 
(i) Viz. of preaching through the world.  was given first to them,  
Which lived at Jerusalem, 
(k) The Apostles, Mat. 28. Acts 1.   
And thence the Gospel issued out, 
(l) Acts 8.1.   
As Esay told 
(m) Isa. 2.3.  the world throughout.  
By them the Nations turned were, 
(n) We read in Histories, as in Eusebius and others, how the Apostles divided themselves into all the quarters of the world.   
And thence of Christ Rome first did hear:  
Yet now the place 
(o) Jerusalem.  which others called,  
To Turkish Empire is enthralled.  
So thought were true, which is not so,  
And never shall be proved I know,  
That Rome to Christ the Nations brought,  
Yet this your reason were stark nought.  
But now (perhaps) Rome doth, you'll say,  
Bring home the wanderers to the way.  
Indeed the Spaniards loving Gold,  
Have brought the Indians to your fold.  
The Frogs from Euphrates came out, 
(p) Euphrates was a great river running near the old Babylon in Chaldea, and was the defence of the City. Cyrus and Darius could never take the City, until by policy they dried up the River. Now in a spiritual sense, it doth signify the honour, wealth and authority of Rome, which hath of latter years decayed exceedingly, and doth daily; and the frogs, mentioned in Apoc. 16.13. do well resemble the Jesuits, who feeling Euphrates to dry up, bestir themselves, and are croaking like Frogs in every corner, labouring to maintain the Pope's Authority.   
I mean, the Jesuited Rout,  
Do spread themselves in each country,  
To draw men to disloyalty.  
They counsel Subjects kill their Kings,  
Stabbing they use, and poison. 
(q) Our Country and times afford store of examples to prove this.   
Christ gave no such commandment,  
When first he his Disciples sent.  
Of this conversion if you boast,  
Whereby poor souls, Hell hath engrossed,  
I yield it you full willingly,  
It well agrees with Popery.  
To draw Disciples is no mark,  
For so doth many a feigned Clark. 
(r) 2 Pet. 2.1, 2. Acts 20.30.   
The Church to truth which doth convert,  
We do embrace with all our heart.  
Thou sayest, Rome's Faith once over all  
The world was famous (so saith Paul) 
(s) Rom. 1.8.   
And Rome did first convert our Land,  
And hereupon you greatly stand.  
Rome's faith indeed once bare the bell,  
And so it did deserve it well:  
But Rome's not now as heretofore;  
That faithful city's made a Whore. 
(t) Isa. 1.21. So it was said of Jerusalem, which had more excellent particular promises, than Rome can allege any.   
If new Rome now, were as the old,  
Then we with Romanists would hold.  
If Rome become Christ's enemy,  
Then we from Babylon must fly. 
(t) Apoc. 18.4.   
To say that Rome is therefore sound,  
Because of old it was renowned,  
It may a Papist satisfy:  
But men of judgement it deny.  
Paul never Rome did magnify,  
As he did those of Thessaly: 
† See 1 Thess. 1.3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8.   
Yet now that Church is clean defaced,  
And there the Turk himself hath placed.  
The Asian Churches, 
(x) Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamus, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, Laodicea, Apoc. 1.11.  famous once,  
Are turned to a heap of stones.  
The golden lights 
(y) Those seven Churches were represented by seven golden Candlesticks, Apoc. 1.20.  of Saint John's age,  
Are now become even Satan's cage.  
Prove thou, that Rome hath not declind  
From th' ancient Church by Paul's resind:  
And then I'll say, thou hast done more  
Then ever Papist did before.  
But for first turning of our Nation,  
I trow thou namest it but for fashion:  
For they that look in History,  
Thereof can find no certainty.  
Simon Zelotes, as some say 
(z) Niceph. lib. 2. cap. 40.   
Did first Christ's Gospel here display,  
Even whilst that Emperor did reign,  
By whom our Saviour Christ was slain. 
(a) Gildas Lib. de victoria Aurelii. Ambrosii.   
Some say, that he of Arimathy 
(b) Joseph who buried Christ.   
In the year of grace sixty three,  
From France by Philip 
(c) Philip the Apostle.  was sent over,  
To us the faith for to discover. 
(d) So saith Gildas also.   
Hereto agreeth a learned man,  
That ancient Clerk Tertullian,  
That by th' Apostles, Britain  
Was turned to Christianity. 
(e) Tertul. in his book against the Jews, amongst other places converted by the Apostles, reckoneth divers parts of France and Britain: So doth Origen, Hom. 4. upon Ezechiel.   
Pope Elutherius long ago 
(f) About the year of Christ, 180.   
As his Epistle plain did show 
(g) This Epistle hath been found, out of the ancient Records of the Kings of England.   
Unto King Lucius hither sent,  
Ere Ethelbert was king of Kent. 
(h) Which was about 600. years after Christ.   
We hold the faith that then was taught,  
But you the same do set at naught: 
(i) Eleutherius referred King Lucius to the Scriptures, clean against the Papists course now, and called him God's Vicar in his kingdom: which title the Pope alone doth now challenge.   
When Rome the Truth doth once forsake,  
Then we of Rome our leaves must take.  
If that our Church were Catholic,  
To come to Church thou wouldst not stick.  
If of the word thou knewst the sense,  
Thou soon wouldst leave that fond pretence.  
Our Church that truth doth firm embrace,  
Which all those hold in every place,  
Who leaving men's traditions clean,  
Upon the Scriptures only lean. 
(k) That is truly Catholic which every where, always, and by all (viz. true Christians) is believed, Vincen. cont. Haer. c. 3. Let Papists prove, that the word Catholic being taken in that sense, ours is not a Catholic Church.    

Popish Rhyme.  
Prophets.  
SO saith the Prophet Malachy,  
There should be offered far and nigh,  
A clean Oblation or Sacrifice 
(l) When you read Altar and Sacrifice, you think straight that makes for Mass, not knowing, or not seeming to know the language of the Scripture.   
From place where now the Sun doth rise,  
To the going down of the same:  
And what is that, I pray thee name?  
If it be not the holy Mass,  
I will be a Protestant as I was. 
(m) If thou hadst been of us, thou wouldst have continued with us, 1 John 2.19.   
In the eighteenth Psalm I found,  
The whole world should hear their sound: 
(n) Namely, of the Apostles, and their Doctrine: prove our Doctrine to disagree with theirs.   
And if this mark you do not want,  
Presently I will recant.   

Protestants Answer.  
Prophets.  
THou cit'st a text of Malachy, 
(o) Mal. 1.11.   
Hoping to prove thy Mass thereby,  
Alas, the reason is but small,  
And helps that Idol not at all.  
In it God threatneth the Jews, 
† The opening of the place of Malachy.   
Who their great privilege did abuse,  
And thought the Lord was tied to them,  
And unto their Jerusalem.  
The Prophet tells, that God elsewhere  
Will find out those, which shall him fear,  
And in an order without blame,  
Shall call upon his holy Name.  
Speaking to their capacity,  
The Legal terms he doth apply: 
(p) So Joel 2.28. The holy Ghost foretelling the Spiritual enlightening which the people shall have under Christ, doth deliver it under the names of Visions and Dreams: which notwithstanding were not ordinary in the times of the Gospel.   
And calls our Gospel like Service,  
A pure and spotless 
(q) Pure in Christ, being accepted of God through him, 1 Pet. 2.5.  Sacrifice.  
What ground is here then for the Mass?  
It still remaineth, as it was,  
A gross device, defaming Christ,  
Who is our true and only Priest. 
(r) See more of this hereafter, in speaking more directly of the Mass.   
The speech of David of the Skies, 
(s) Psal. 19.3. But according to their account, Psal. 18.   
Into the Apostles, Paul applies, 
(t) Rom. 10.18.   
And saith, their sound went far and near,  
As in the stories doth appear.  
Tell me, I pray, what good to you,  
This place you have alleged can do?  
It maketh nought for Popery,  
Or for your idle trumpery.  
Indeed the infamous Fame is spread,  
Of Antichrist your hideous head,  
And all God's Children him do see,  
The man of sin 
(r) 2 Thes. 2.3.  alone to be.  
Th' Apostles Faith was far dispersed,  
And here in England was rehearsed.  
●ith than our Doctrine is the same,  
●o it belongs part of their fame.   

Popish Rhyme.  
Continuance.  
THis is another mark most sure,  
The Faith of Christ must still endure, 
† Christ's Faith must endure, therefore Rome is the true Church. A hot argument; as though the Christian Faith could endure no no where but at Rome.   
According as our Saviour said,  
When for Saint Peter he had prayed;  
Simon, thy faith shall never fail,  
The gates of Hell shall not prevail, 
† True, the gates of Hell shall not prevail against the Church of Christ: but Christ in despite of the Devil will have a Church upon earth: what makes this for Rome?   
The holy Ghost your comforter,  
Shall remain with you for ever.  
And I myself, your surest friend,  
Will be with you unto the end.  
Saint Paul hath the like speech,  
There shall be always men to preach:  
Apostles 
(p) Some say they are Apostles, and are not, Rev. 2.2.  Doctors, and the like,  
In the Church Catholic:  
If this be not the Church of Rome 
(q) Because you say it, we are bound to believe it.   
Then will I be converted soon.   

Protestants Answer.  
Continuance.  
YOu say, Christ's faith must still endure,  
I yield that nothing is more sure:  
And always God a Church will have,  
Though thereat Satan rage and rave, 
(s) Mat. 16.18. And that is the uttermost which can be collected out of that place.   
It glads my heart, that Christ hath prayed;  
Thereby I know my Faith is stayed: 
(t) Luke 22.32. Christ's prayer there belongs to all believers as well as to Saint Peter, John 17.20.   
The comfort of God's holy Spirit,  
Is each good Christians sole delight.  
This proves, there still a Church shall be,  
And herein thou and I agree:  
To prove the Church tied to one Sea,  
Requireth yet a better Plea.  
The Faith of Christ may still abide,  
Though Rome should into Tibur slide:  
God's Spirit is free, and is not bound 
(u) John 3.8.   
Within the lists of Romish ground.  
When thou canst prove by holy writ,  
Christ's Faith to Rome by charter knit,  
Then shall thy tale some credit find,  
Where now it turneth all to wind.  
But yet continuance is a Note  
Of God's true Church: and Paul hath wro●…  

Ephes. 4.11, etc.  That there should still some teachers be:  
In some we this fulfilled see.  
I say, continuance is no sign,  
To prove a Church to be divine;  
We may not think each Doctrine sure,  
Which doth for many years endure. 
(x) It is true, that the truth shall continue; but yet it holds not backward, that whatsoever continueth is Truth. The Devil is a liar from the beginning   
Must not the tares be let to grow,  
Till it be time the corn to mow? 
(y) Mat. 13.10.   
And Antichrist shall long time stay,  
Even till the very Judgement day. 
(z) 2 Thes. 2.8.   
The Arrian heresy years did stand,  
Two hundred more than one thousand: 
(a) Yea, and it was so generally received, that it was said, the whole world was become an Arrian. Hierom. dialog. contra Luciferianos.   
And so since Mahomet first was seen,  
A thousand years have numbered been.  
Rome's name endures, but Rome is changed,  
And hath from Christ itself estranged:  
Quit thou Rome from Apostasy,  
Or name not Perpetuity.  
Paul's words do prove, 
(b) Ephes. 4.11, etc.  that certainly  
The Church shall have a Ministry:  
And that there shall be some to feed  
The Flock of Christ at every need:  
But that these Pastors here or there,  
Shall always fit in beauty clear,  
This fond conceit, not one more word,  
The holy Scripture doth afford.  
Indeed in Rome there divers be,  
That bear the name of Prelacy:  
Better we pilate's may them call,  
Seeking the Church's Funeral.  
You call your Pope a Shepherd great;  
But where is his Spiritual meat?  
I do not hear that he doth preach:  
That would his greatness much impeach.  
Such are his carnal Cardinals,  
Or rather bloody Cannibals. 
(c) The People that live upon man's flesh.   
They eat the fat, and skin the Flock,  
And live upon the Church's stock.  
An idle sign, a Shepherd's Crook  
In hand they bear 
(d) The Pastoral staff, made in fashion of a Shepherd's crook.  but cannot brook  
To preach the Word (a Pastor's grace)  
That duty fits not their high place.  
The key of knowledge they withdraw, 
(e) Luke 11.52.   
And from God's people steal 
(f) Jerem. 23.30.  God's Law,  
And men's devices 
(g) They teach Traditions to be equally reverenced as the Scriptures, Conc. Trid. ses. 4. dec. and Lidanus calleth them the foundation of Faith, Panopl. lib. 5. cap. 2.  on them thrust,  
Making them unto fancies trust.  
These are Rome's Pastors: woeful sheep,  
Which left are to the Wolves to keep.  
Thou Shepherd great and Bishop chief, 
(h) 1 Pet. 2.25. & 4.5.   
Come quickly 
(i) Rev. 22.20.  quell this Romish thief.   

Papists Rhyme.  
Visible.  
ANother mark there is most clear,  
The Church of God must still appear,  
As a City on a hill, 
(k) Some wrist the Scriptures to their own destruction, 2 Pet. 3.16. Take heed.   
Seen and continue still,  
As a light on a Candlestick,  
So is the Church Catholic:  
Our Saviour saith, if one offend,  
And will not be ruled by his friend,  
Tell all the Church without delay: 
(l) Would you have us go to Rome with every complaint? It seemeth so; for you tie the Church to that Sea.   
And if he will not then obey,  
Do thou esteem such a man,  
An Heathen or a Publican.  
Is not that the Church, wherein we see  
Two hundred Bishops thirty three,  
To have succeeded each other,  
Since the time of Saint Peter. 
(m) You must first prove that Saint Peter was Bishop of Rome.   
Show me this mark in you, 
(n) Thou thyself sayest, there have been successively 63. Bishops in England since Peter: then either ours is the true Church, or else succession of Bishops is no sure mark.   
And I will say your faith is true:  
If this be not in the faith of Rome,  
Then will I be converted soon.   

Protestants Answer.  
Visible.  
THou tell'st a tale incredible,  
How that God's Church is visible:  
And by the Bishop's Catalogue,  
Wouldst prove the Romish Synagogue.  
The errors here together leapt,  
By which the simple are entrapped,  
All which your feigned Church doth hold,  
I mean in order to unfold.  
The Catholic Church defined aright,  
Cannot be subject to our sight:  
It is th' Elected company, 
(o) 1 Pet. 2.9.   
And Christ his chosen Family. 
(p) Ephes. 3.15.   
Of this, one part in Heaven lives, 
(q) Called the Church Triumphant.   
The other here with Satan strives, 
(r) Termed the Church Militant.   
The part above (you'll not deny)  
With mortal eyes none can descry.  
The same is true of that below,  
It is unseen by us also:  
How with mine eyes I might discern.  
And see th' Elect fain would I learn.  
Upon their persons we may look,  
Whose names are written in God's Book: 
(s) The Book of Life, Phil. 4.3.   
But as for their Spiritual being,  
It is a thing doth pass our seeing.  
Parts of Christ's Church, you Papists make  
Even those whom God will quite forsake: 
(p) So doth Bellarmine, lib. 3. de Eccles. cap. 7. and the Rhemists in their Annotations upon John 15.1.   
Which if the matter be well scanned,  
Cannot with any Scripture stand.  
Of the true Church Christ is the head, 
(q) Ephes. 1.22.   
In him can be no member dead: 
(r) They are called living stones, 1 Pet. 2.3.   
His Church a Garden, 
(s) Cant. 4.12.  closed well,  
In which no Reprobates can dwell, 
(t) So August. applieth the place. Contra Cres. Gram. lib. 2. cap. 26. and Gregory the great, who was a Bishop of Rome, in his Commentary upon that place. Charitatis vallo circumquaque munitur, ne intra numerum electorum reprobus aliquis ingreciatur.   
So that, if fitly we will speak,  
The ground you lay is very weak:  
In calling it a mark most clear,  
That God's true Church must still appear.  
Of Churches named in several,  
In Cities, or else National,  
We yield sometime they may be seen,  
Though sometime they are darkened clean.  
Sometime the Moon with cheerful light,  
Shines in the height of Heaven bright: 
(u) Aug. useth that similitude. Epist. 48 and Epist. 80. and Ambrose Hex. 4. C. 8. Ecclesia sicut luna defectus habet & ortus frequentes.   
Sometimes with clouds 'tis overspred,  
And in the Wane clean vanished.  
So is the Church in safety still,  
Although not always visible:  
Sometimes it sits in glory great,  
Sometime it hath no certain seat.  
The Woman, which to Desert fled,  
From Satan's rage to hid her head, 
* Apoc. 12.6. So much also the Rhemists upon that place do acknowledge.   
By all the learnedst full consent,  
The Church on earth doth represent.  
The famous Church of Israel,  
Where God did promise still to dwell, 
(x) Psal. 132.14.   
Was drowned so in Idolatry,  
And superstitious slavery,  
That all true worship being gone,  
Elias thought himself alone: 
(y) 1 Kings 19.10.   
And when Christ comes to judge us all,  
Then faith on earth shall be but small. 
(z) Luke 18.8.   
How is the Church a City then, 
(a) Mat. 5.14.   
Raised on a mount, and seen of men?  
And how a light set up on high,  
That all that will may it espy?  
How shall we to the Church complain, 
(b) Mat. 18.17.   
If of the Church no show remain?  
This is thy Popish reasoning,  
And Scriptures plain misconstruing.  

The true meaning of those places.  Christ doth th' Apostles counsel give,  
Sound to preach, and well to live,  
Because their places were in sight,  
And 'twas their Office to give light.  
They erring many might misled,  
Which in their steps might hap to tread:  
If that their Doctrine were unsound,  
In falsehood many might be drowned.  
It was in vain for them to ween,  
In doing ill not to be seen:  
You are (saith Christ) upon a Mount,  
To be well marked make full account. 
(c) Thus Chry. and Theophilact. expounded this place, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉.   
This shows wherein our duty stands,  
And what God looks for at our hands,  
Who called are to the Ministry,  
To labour in God's Husbandry. 
(d) 1 Cor. 3.9.   
But from hence how may proved be  
The Church's visibility?  
This place affords a slender proof,  
And little for the Pope's behoof.  
Yet you perhaps will urge it still,  
The Pastors are set on a hill,  
And called Light: even so say I,  
But all men can them not descry.  
For those which want spiritual eyes, 
(e) Ephes. 1.13.   
Nor are by searching 
(f) John 5.39.  Scripture-wise 
(g) Ephes. 5.15, 17.   
This mounted City cannot see,  
Nor where these lightsome Pastors be. 
(h) This was the Answer of Aug. to the Donatists. Tract. 1. in Epi. Johan.   
Christ bids us we the Church should tell,  
If things be not reform well:  
By Church, he means all such as be  
Endued with Authority. 
(i) The same which Paul calleth Presbyterian, 1 Tim. 4.14. The Eldership.   
These Office-bearers all men see,  
In times of settled Sovereignty:  
Yea, and among themselves th' are known, 
† This answer the Papists cannot mislike: for they make use of it for themselves. Rhem. in Apoc. 12.6. The error of this Popish Argument.   
When th' outward state is overthrown.  
When that was said in special,  
You turn to Church in general:  
Thereby you may deceive some fools;  
But soon it will be seen in Schools.  
This argument of outward state,  
Which for a mark you intimate,  
Against that thing doth strongly make,  
Which you to prove do undertake.  
Rome's state hath sometimes been obscured,  
And hath disgraces foul endured:  
Burnt 
(k) By the Goths, 547.  sacked 
(l) By Charles Duke of Bourbon, in the days of Pope Clement the seventh, whereupon was made t●… clause in the Litany, Sancta Maria, etc. O holy Mary, pray for Pope Clement, etc.  some Popes imprisoned, 
(m) John 14. Boniface 8. about the year 1304.   
Some glad to fly 
(n) John 17. fled to Hetruria.  some banished; 
(o) Vigilius 18. and Gregory the ninth, about the year 1227.   
Where did your glorious Church abide,  
When Popes were glad themselves to hid?  
Peace, peace, no more of this for shame:  
Rome saith you will her clean defame.  

† Succession.  Succession cometh next in place,  
Whereby thou seekest thy Church to grace:  
Your turn Succession cannot serve,  
If from the Truth Succession swerve.  
The Jewish Church from Aaron,  
A just descent might stand upon,  
Even when they crucified our Lord:  
And hated all that loved his Word.  
If we shall say, that Church was true,  
Consisting of so vile a crew,  
We cast Christ and the Apostles out,  
Among the base and damned rout.  
The Grecian Churches at this day,  
For their defence as much can say: 
(p) At Constantinople there hath been a perpetual succession from Saint Andrew. Nicep. At Alexandria from Saint Mark.   
Yet you of them do give this doom,  
That in God's Church they have no room.  
Yet if Succession were a sign,  
Which your grand Captain Bellarmine  
Dares not avouch, 
(q) Bellarmine saith, it followeth negatively, that where there is no succession, there is no Church: but not affirmatively, that where there is succession, there is a Church. Lib. 4. de Eccl. cap. 8.  I fain would see,  
How Rome can prove her pedigree.  
You call your Church Saint Peter's Chair,  
As though the Pope were Peter's Heir:  
But if that ground we once deny,  
What Papist can it verify?  
You cannot prove by holy Writ,  
Peter at Rome did Bishop sit:  
The only place which you do name, 
(r) 1 Pet. 4.13. The Rhemists say, that thereby Babylon is meaned Rome, and so they confess Rome to be Babylon.   
Returneth to your greatest shame.  
The things you fetch from History,  
Touching this point, do not agree, 
(s) Orosius saith, Peter came to Rome in the beginning of Claudius' reign; Hierom in the 2d. year, others in the 4th. year, other the 13. year. Damasus saith, he came thither in Nero's reign; so that there is no certainty in that which they make an undoubted principle.   
And what our part hath herein said,  
By Papists stands unanswered.  
But if he Bishop were indeed,  
Tell me who next did him succeed:  
Some Clement 
(t) The Pope's decrees hold so.  and some, Linus hold. 
(u) Dorotheus, Euseb. lib. 3. cap. 4.   
Thus your succession is controlled.  
Once was a Pope supposed a man, 
† John 8. Platina, The woman's name was Gilbertia, a Dutch woman of Burguntium.   
But proved in time a Courtesan.  
Then either your Succession shrank,  
Or you must put her in the rank.  
When Popes there were, some 2. 
(x) Two Popes together, Anno 1083. Anno 1058. and 1062.  or 3. 
(y) Bened. 9 Silvest. 3. Greg. 6. all at one time; and at another time. Ben. 1. a Spanish Pope. Greg. 12. a French Pope, and John 23. an Italian Pope.   
Where then might your succession be?  
One Schism held almost forty year, 
(z) 39 years.   
Pope against Pope, as doth appear. 
(a) Let their own Authors speak.   
One Council 
(b) The Council of Constance.  did these Popes put down,  
And to another gave the Crown:  
When these false Popes the place possessed,  
I think you'll say Succession ceased.   

Popish Rhyme.  
Unity.  
ANother mark there is truly,  
The Church must have Unity,  
As our Saviour hath foretold,  
One Shepherd and one fold:  
One is my Spouse, one is my Love,  
One is my Darling and my Dove.  
This is his Spouse, and at some time,  
He doth resemble it to a Vine:  
His Father is the Husbandman,  
A Branch is every Christian.  
This is his Body Mystical,  
The which he doth his Kingdom call:  
Whereof Saint Peter had the Keys, 
(c) What became of the Keys, when Pope Julius the second threw them into Tiber?   
And his Successors have always: 
(d) As though no body did succeed Peter, but the Pope, who is rather the successor of Romulus then Peter; as Pope Hadrian the fourth said when he died.   
And likewise Saint Paul saith,  
One Baptism, and one Faith.  
And one Lord Jesus:  
Have no dissension among you.  
If this be not the Church of Rome,  
Then will I be converted soon.   

Protestants Answer.  
Unity.  
'tIs true, Christ's Church is always one,  
Tied unto him as head alone:  
The parts thereof do well agree, 
(e) Acts 4.23.   
Like Children of one Family.  
But yet not every company,  
Together linked in Unity,  
Must by and by be called good,  
If truth by them shall be withstood.  
To make a Calf they all agreed, 
(d) Exod. 32.1,   
All cried, Let Christ be Crucifi'd: 
(e) Mat. 27.22.   
Great is Diana, with a shout,  
At once the people all cried out. 
(f) Acts 19.34.   
John said, they should yield to the Beast,  
Even from the greatest to the least. 
(g) Apoc. 13.16.   
As Christ his City is but one,  
So is the Devils Babylon, 
(h) Ut est Dei una Ecclesia, sic est Diaboli una Babylon. Aug. de Civit. Dei.   
The best sometimes do disagree, 
(i) Peter and Paul, Gal. 2.11. Paul and Barnabas, Acts 15.39. Chrysost. Theophilact, and Epiphanius, Augustine and Hierom, Cyril and Theodoret.   
Each man hath his infirmity:  
Better the discord bringing light,  
Then is agreement without right. 
(k) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Nazienz. Oratione prima de pace.   
Yet by this mark, if Rome be tried,  
It will fall hard upon your side:  
Your joint-consent, we cannot find,  
Nor that you all are of one mind.  
If we shall credit History,  
You cannot brag of Unity:  
Where twenty several Schisms have been 
(l) Genebrardus in Chro.   
What harmony may there be seen?  
The laws which one determineth,  
The Pope that follows cancelleth: 
(m) Stephen 6. abrogated all his predecessors decrees. Formosius took up his body, cut two fingers of his right hand off, and buried him again.   
Yet things by him abolished,  
By next Popes are established. 
(n) The following Popes, Theodor. 2. Romanus, John 10. confirmed all Formosus his Acts.   
And yet another 
(o) After all, Pope Sergius disannulled their Acts, took up Formosius his body, and cast it into Tiber, Ex Polychron.  comes behind,  
Who with the former fault doth find,  
And all which they did quite displace,  
Reduceth to the former grace.  
Thus one sage Council doth decree,  
Another saith it may not be: 
(p) The first Nicene Council allowed Priests marriage, and the Communion in both kinds. The Councils of Constance and Basil, forbade the Laity the use of the Cup. The Council of Trent forbiddeth both the Cup to the Laity, and marriage to the Clergy. The third Council of Cartharge pronounced him accursed; and called him the forerunner of Antichrist, whosoever should rearm himself Universal Bishop: but now the Council of Trent curseth him who shall deny the Pope of Rome to be the head Bishop of the world. The general Council of Constantinople overthrew Images: The second Nicene Council decreed them to be worshipped. Again, the Council of Frankfort, under Charles the Great, determineth it to be Idolatry, and accurseth the Nicene Council. Many the like differences might be alleged.   
That which one Sect 
(q) In Anno 1476. there was a great controversy betwixt the Franciscanes and Dominicanes, touching the conception of the Virgin Mary, whether she were conceived in sin or not; the Dominicanes held she was, the Franciscanes the contrary: but Pope Xystus the 4. joining with the Franciscanes, four of the other were condemned and burned at Rome.  or Author likes, 
(r) Alph. de Castro. lib. 1. cap. 6. holds the Pope inferior to the Council. The opinion of all the Jesuits at this day is, that he is above the Council. About the Eucharist, they have a world of differences amongst themselves; as whether Christ did consecrate when he blessed the bread and wine: or when he said, This is my Body, whether so much bread as is taken only be consecrated: whether the substance of the bread be turned to nothing, or changed into the substance of Christ: whether there be a bodily motion in the Sacrament: whether the body of Christ in the Sacrament can be touched: how the accidents in the Sacraments are without a subject: whether the accidents can be broken: whether they can nourish: whether the water mingled with the wine, be turned into Christ's blood: Whence come worms in the Host?   
The same another clean out-strikes.  
I know you Papists do agree  
To work the Church's misery:  
So Herod was made 
(s) He that would know the differences betwixt the Thomists, Scotists, and Occamists, let him read Eras. L contra Latomum, Luke 23.12.  pilate's friend,  
To bring our Saviour to his end.  
Some yield, as fearing to resist,  
(Such is the power of Antichrist)  
You may not call this Unity,  
But rather public Tyranny.  
Some join, because they do not see  
The very depth of Popery:  
To build upon the Church Belief,  
Of Lay Religion is the brief.  
Some for their ease and Bellies sake,  
Do to your Church themselves betake:  
As Monks, and such as loitering love,  
Whom none but Romists can approve.  
This is your Romish Concordance,  
Among yourselves at variance:  
Though all for some respects are led,  
To meet together in one Head.  
In one point more, I needs must stay,  
Though named of you but by the way;  
Lest with a phrase of Peter's Keys,  
You dazzle should the People's eyes.  
By Keys, is meant the power to preach,  
And in God's truth the Church to teach: 
(t) Luke 11.52.   
By it 
(u) Viz. Preaching.  Heaven's opened to receive  
All those which truly do believe.  
It is the power to lose and tie,  
Which Christ gave to the Ministry; 
(w) Therefore Ministers are said both to have the Ministry of Reconciliation, 2 Cor. 5.8. and the Ministry of Vengeance against disobedience, 2 Cor. 10.6.   
It was intended unto all, 
(x) Our Lord, in the person of one, gave the Keys to all, to show the unity of all, Cyp. de simp. Prelatorum: and Leo a Bishop of Rome, is of the same judgement, In Sermone de Nativitate.   
Though spoke to one in several.  
When to Believers we give Hope,  
Then is the Gate of Heaven set :  
When Mercies Promise is repealed,  
Then by the Keys that Gate is sealed. 
(y) To bind and lose, is no other thing, but to declare God's sentence, Hieror. in Mat. 16.   
When Peter did his Faith confess,  
Th' Apostles (by) did mean no less:  
And that which Christ to Peter spoke, 
(z) Austin saith, he answered for all, Hom. in Joh. 66.9. & elsewhere often: unus pro multis respondit, one made answer for all: and Lyranus, Confessio Petri, erat confessio aliorum.   
We may not from the other take. 
† Cuncti claves Regni, etc. All receive the Keys of Heaven. Hier. lib. 1. adversus Jovi.   
Each true and faithful Minister,  
Is Peter's rightful Successor:  
Then speak no more of Peter's Keys,  
Except th' art sworn the Pope to please.   

Popish Rhyme.  
Holy.  
THis you say in very deed,  
When you rehearse the Holy Creed, 
* So you say in the Creed, that Christ sitteth at the right hand of God: and yet you say also, he is in body present at the Mass.   
One Church Catholic,  
Holy and Apostolic.  
This is another mark truly,  
The Church of God must be holy:  
Holy Men, Holy Service,  
Ceremonies, Sacrifice:  
Sacraments and holy Days,  
Are observed in her always:  
As for the Saints and Martyrs all,  
And Virgins, which you Saints do call,  
I ask you when they lived, and where,  
Whose names are in your Calendar?  
In what Religion they died,  
By whom they were Canonised? 
† Who made the Pope a Saint-maker?   
Prove that these agree with you;  
And I will say your Faith is true:  
If they were not your Company, 
(a) You stand so much upon company, that you will rather go to the Devil, then want company.   
Then is your Faith an Heresy.   

Protestants Answer.  
Holy.  
THou sayest the Church we Holy call,  
And so we do acknowledge all:  
What in the Creed our Mouths confess,  
Our Hearts within believe no less.  
The Purity, decayed before, 
(b) By Adam's fall.   
Unto his Church Christ doth restore.  
That which is here in less degree,  
The same in Heaven shall perfect be.  
If thou knewest Rome's Impurity,  
Thou wouldst nor brag of Sanctity:  
A sink of Sin, a Sea of Evil,  
A place possessed of the Devil. 
(c) Gallus Senonensis, wrote above 400. years ago, that Satan was let lose at Rome to destroy the Church. Tho. Becket a Romish Saint, acknowledged the common proverb to be true, That there is no right at Rome. The Bishop of Worster, a Papist, told Philpot, That he thought, the wickedness he saw in Rome made him an Heretic.   
Your Popes bear Names of Holiness,  
But none more full of Wickedness:  
Let Stories speak, inquire of them,  
What Popes have worn the Diadem:  
Some Heretics, 
(d) Marcellinus, Pope, sacrificed to the Idols of the Panims: Platin. and Volater. Liberius Pope, an Arian. Plat. & Hiero. in Catal. scrip. Eccl. & in Chro. Anact. 2. Pope, an Acatian. Plat. Vigilius an Eutychian. Liber in breviatio: Honorius, a Monothelite, condemned by the Roman Council under Adrian 2.  some Murderers, 
(e) Pope Alexander 6. poisoned Gemes the Great Turk's brother, committed to his custody, Hiero. Maurius, Munst. lib. 4. Cosm. Pope Hildebrand hired one to kill the Emperor: Benno Cardinalis.   
Incestuous some, 
(f) John 13. Pope committed incest with his two sisters: Luithbrand, lib. 6 He was wounded in adultery, Platina. Alexander 6. lay with his own daughter. Vol.  some Sorcerers: 
(g) Hildebrand: so saith Benno the Card. Pope Silvester 2. gave himself to the Devil to be Pope. Pla. Joannes Stella: many others were Magicians, as John 21. Benedict. 9 etc.   
Some noted for their cruelty, 
(h) Pope Alexander 6. cut off the hands and feet of one Mancinellus, because he wrote against his filthiness: Joh. 13 cut off the hands and noses of divers Cardinals, Plat.   
Some for their monstrous Blasphemy. 
(i) Pope Hildebrand threw the Sacrament into the fire. Benno. Card. Joh. 22. derided the Gospel; held the souls to be mortal, and was therefore by the Council of Constance, 1. 2. ses. 11. called a Devil Incarnate. Leo 10. writing to Cardinal Bembus, calleth the story of Christ, a Fable, Joh. 13. called the Devil to help him at Dice, and drank to him, Luithp. lib 6.   
One Pope 
(k) Pope Sergius 3.  a famous Leman kept,  
Whose Bastard to the Popedom crept: 
(m) Joh. 11. or as some count, Joh. 12. see Plat. and Luithprand.   
Another granted liberty  
To practise beastly Sodomy. 
(n) Sixtus 4. Granted liberty to the whole family of the Cardinal of St. Lucy in the three hot months, June, July, August, to use Sodomitry. Wesellus Groningensis, in a Treatise, de Indulg. Papalibus, at the foot of the Licence was written, Fiat ut petitur, Be it as it is requested.   
Who but the Pope receiveth Rend,  
Which from the Stews to him is sent? 
(o) Every common Harlot in Rome paid a Fee to Pope Sixtus 4. Agrippa in his declam. ad Lovan.   
Let Rome and Venice make Report,  
And all that thither do resort.  
Who hath in Metre vile expressed  
The sin which Nature doth detest?  
Let Beneventum name the man: 
(p) The Archbishop of Beneventum, Johannes a Casa, Dean of the Pope's Chamber, used Sodomy, and commended it in Italian Metre: the book was printed in Venice, by Trojanus Naws: see the writing of Paulus Vergerius against this Archbishop.   
Do thou disprove it, if thou can.  
If this among your Heads be found,  
How shall we think the Members sound?  
Lord, bless us from such holy Popes;  
And, Lord, make void all Popish Hopes. 
(l) Marozia, Wife to Guido.   
Like to your Popes your Service is, 
Holy Service.   
Wanting no store of blasphemies:  
Which, lest the People should espy,  
You hid in Latin secrecy.  
I need no better Witnesses  
Then your allowed Portesses,  
Your Missals, and your Litanies,  
And all your forged Psalteries.  
What we to God alone must give,  
That to the Saints you do derive:  
God will not from his Glory part, 
(q) Isa 48.11.   
Yet you to Creatures it convert:  
Unto the Saints you prayers make, 
(r) There is neither commandment in the Scripture, that we should pray to Saint, nor promise that if we do pray to them we shall be heard: upon which 2. every lawful prayer must be built.   
And beg Salvation for their sake: 
(s) In their prayers upon the Sts. days, still those words come in, that by their merits we may have profit, by their requests we may be delivered, etc. And Lombard saith, the Saints do juvare nos merito, lib. 4. dist. 45. d. 10.   
You do adore a piece of Bread, 
(t) When it is carried in procession: for though it were true, that the bread in the Sacrament is turned into the Body of Christ, yet the Sacrament being ended, it must needs return to the former nature   
And make fond 
(u) They are fond, because touching the estate of the dead, there is no certainty.  prayers for the dead.  
You kneel down to a Cross of Wood, 
† All hail, O Cross, our only hope, etc. increase righteousness to the godly, and give pardon to the guilty, In breviario infra, Heb. 4. Quad.   
Thinking thereby to purchase good:  
And for some things you would have done,  
You pray the Virgin charge her Son. 
(x) Roga patrem, jube natum; jure matris impera, Pray the Father, charge thy Son, command by the right of a Mother; In officio beatae Mariae.   
With Christ you do Saint Francis join, 
(y) They say, that St. Francis could save all that shall live after him to the end of the world, through his merits, from everlasting death Flos. beati Francis. Conformit, s. Fram Tho. lib. 4 dist. 4. art. 3.   
And so his Glory do purloyn:  
One Mediator we do know, 
(z) 1 Tim. 2.5. That place proveth, that there is but one Mediator, as well as that there is but one God.   
You have joined with him many more: 
(a) The form of Absolution to Penitentiaries runneth thus: The passion of Christ, and the merits of the blessed Virgin, of Saint Peter, and Saint Paul, and of other he and she Saints, be unto thee in remission of sins.   
We do the Virgin Blessed call, 
(b) Luke 1.48.   
And say she passed Women all:  
But when you call her Gate of Grace, 
(c) Coeli fenestra: Regis alti janua, etc.   
We say Christ's honour you deface.  
The thing that made her Spirit glad,  
Was, that she such a Saviour had: 
(d) Luke 1.47:   
Can she on him commandment have,  
Whose help she needed her to save?  

* What honour is due to the Saints.  This honour to the Saints we give,  
We crave God's grace like them to live: 
(e) 1 Cor. 11.1.   
We care to keep their memory, 
(f) Heb. 13.7.   
And God in them we glorify. 
(g) Gal. 1.23.   

† Holy Ceremonies. Whoso readeth the Canon of the Mass, shall there see a world of idle and ridiculous ceremonies.  Your Ceremonies idle be,  
And favour most of vanity:  
You stand so much on outward show,  
That you the substance overthrow.  
With Images and Pictures gay,  
You steal the People's hearts away:  
Well may you please the outward eye,  
The spirit you do not edify.  
A pretty play, to see a Priest  
Tossing his God between his fist:  
Such gestures, and such apish mows,  
Such warbling, and such antic shows;  
Now bends, now ducks, now stands upright,  
Then turns him to the People's sight:  
Now sighs, now twenty Crosses makes,  
And o'er his head the Wafer shakes:  
Then washeth, than the Chalice licks,  
And shuts his Idol in the Pix:  
But still the man is much afeard,  
Lest aught should hang upon his Beard.  
Mean while the Vulgar in a maze,  
Upon the Caky Idol gaze,  
And knock and kneel, and think them well,  
That they have heard the sacring Bell.  
Tell me, I pray thee, doth God will,  
With such fond Rites his Church to fill?  
They never came into his thought; 
(i) Jerem. 19.5.   
Tradition only hath them brought. 
(k) They say indeed, that they have the form of the Mass, by the Tradition of the Apostles. Rhem. 1 Cor. 11. s. 22 but the truth is, that it was now a piece and then a piece, patched up by their own Popes. Sixtus 2. brought in the Sanctus. Innocentius 1. the Pax. Leo 1. added this clause (A holy Sacrifice and unbloody Host:) Gelasius, the Prefaces, Collects, Gradualls. Symmachus the Gloria in excelsis. Agapetus 1. Processions. Pelagius 2. nine Prefaces before the Canon. Sergius 1. Agnus Dei: and Gregory 1. confesseth, that one Scolasticus made most part of the Canon; Holy Mass or Sacrifice.   
Your Rites and Mass do well agree,  
Both full of gross Idolatry:  
Both are unholy and unsound,  
Both wanting holy Scripture-ground.  
You say that in the Eucharist,  
To God is offered by the Priest,  
A Sacrifice in Wine and Bread, 
(l) Rhem. Heb. 7. sect. 8. Concil. Trident. ses. 22. cap. 1.   
Both for the living and the dead. 
(m) Conc. Trid. ses. 22. cap. 2.   
Look first what Christ did institute, 
(n) Mat. 26.26. Mark 14.22. Luke 22.19. 1 Cor. 11.24.   
And that one place shall you refute:  
What he did, we must do likewise; 
(o) This do ye, 1 Cor. 11.25.   
There's no word of a Sacrifice.  
By this (said Christ) Remember me:  
That shows he would not present be: 
(p) Bodily.   
We keep such things in memory,  
Which we behold not really.  
The Priests of old did every day  
Some Offering on the Altar lay. 
(q) Heb. 10.11.   
Christ's holy Offering is but one,  
Performed by himself alone. 
(r) Heb. 10.12.   
If Christ shall often offered be,  
We shall his sufferings multiply:  
As on the Cross he died not twice,  
So there's no second Sacrifice: 
(s) Heb. 9.25. to 28.   
There's now not sacrificing, Priest,  
That Office rested upon Christ: 
(t) Heb. 7.23, 24   
It comes to none successively,  
'Tis his for all Eternity. 
(u) The office of a Priest, so far forth as we understand thereby a Sacrificer, whom the Grecians call Hiereus, belongs only to Christ, and cannot pass from him to another, neither the name of Priest in that sense, but as the name of Priest cometh from the Greek word Presbyteros, which signifieth an Elder, it cannot simply be misliked.   
How can a Mass a pardon bring,  
Sith 'tis a bloodless Offering? 
† Heb. 9.22.   
Christ hath procured Remission: 
(x) Heb. 9.12.   
What needs a new Oblation? 
(y) Heb. 10.18.   
See then your holy Sacrifice,  
A thing without all warrantise:  
Of Scriptures, or of Writers sage,  
Which lived in the purest Age. 
(z) The Mass, as it is now, was not in use in the Church, 1200. years after Christ: It never came to the full perfection (though it was in hatching before) until the Council of Lateran, under Inno. 3.   
The Sacraments 
† Holy Sacraments.  in number twain,  
You eeked have with a longer train:  
The seven-headed Romish Beast, 
(a) Revel. 17.7.   
The two to seven hath increased.  
Both Baptism, 
(b) Mat. 28.19.  and that holy feast, 
(c) 1 Col. 11.24. etc.   
Commanded are by Christ's behest:  
Show me but one commandment  
To prove another Sacrament. 
(d) No Father within an 100 year after Christ, acknowledged seven Sacraments of the New Testament: And Augustine saith, The Sacraments are, Numero paucissima, fewest in number, Ep. 118. Now, two is the least number.   
Two in the Old, 
(e) Viz. Ordinary.  two in the New,  
So shall we have proportion true:  
Name what in th' ancient 
(f) Viz. The form of God's worship under the Law.  Liturgy,  
Your five false Symbols do supply. 
(g) The Sacraments of the New Testament. succeed the Sacraments of the Old: if then they can name no Sacraments of the Old Testament, in the place whereof their five supposed Sacraments should come, than they cannot justify them to be Sacraments.   
Those Sacraments which holy be,  
You stained have with your Pedlary:  
In Baptism, Oil, Lights, Spittle, Cream,  
Your Exorcism, and conjured Stream;  
Were these invented by God's Spirit?  
Or found you them in holy Writ?  
Whence had you all that rituous store  
Used in the Mass, and named before?  
You speak next of 
† Holy days.  Festivities,  
And holiday Solemnities:  
Thou thinkest by this, with easiness  
To prove thy Church's holiness.  
Truth is, men's Conscience you enthral, 
(h) Bellarmine saith, men are bound in Conscience to keep the Festivities of the Church, lib. 3. cap. 10. prop: 3. and so do the Rhemists, Gal. 4. s. 5.   
To many an idle Festival: 
(i) very near 200. if we put these together which were determined of, Council Oxon. sub. Steph. and which we read in the marginal Notes upon the Rhemists' Testament.   
You'll have them be as strictly kept,  
As Gods own day by his precept.  
Of feasts, some low, some higher be,  
Some great, some lesser in degree:  
Some double more, some double less,  
A triple fault some to transgress.  
So with your doubling and redoubling stile,  
The simple People you beguile:  
The Lord is weary of your feasts, 
(k) Isa. 1.14.   
And likes not your devised rests:  
All days are like in holiness,  
None holy more, none holy less. 
(l) The difference betwixt days, is in observation and use, and not in the nature of the day; if one day had been in nature holier than another, the Sabbath might not have been altered.   
Paul thought his labour was in vain,  
Where days distinctions did remain. 
(m) Gal. 4.10, 11.   
Thou hop'st to put us in some fear,  
With speaking of the Calendar: 
(n) Saints Canonised.   
Thou ask'st what Faith all those did hold,  
Whose Names are found therein enroled?  
I tell thee plain, 'tis nought to me  
What many a one there named, might be:  
My faith's not so set on the rack,  
To seek strength from the Almanac.  
Yet sure I am, what we profess,  
Some that are there, believed no less: 
(o) As Peter, Paul, Mary, etc. and some there named which suffered persecution in the ten first Persecutions of the Church.   
Our Faith and theirs doth well agree,  
And you with them at variance be.  
You Churches make, and holy days  
Unto the Saints and Martyrs praise:  
But us which do believe the same,  
You seek to kill, and to defame.  
Thou ask'st who them canonised,  
Whose names are there enregistered?  
You say the Pope: I ask again,  
Wilt thou that sainting power maintain? 
(p) The custom of Canonising Saints, was not heard of, till one thousand years after Christ, in the days of Alexander 3. and Gregory 7.   
Can any mortal Creature tell,  
Who goes to Heaven, and who to Hell?  
All judgement Paul bids us forbear,  
Until the Lord himself appear. 
(q) 1 Cor. 4.5.   
In Heaven to sit, or high or low,  
Is it in man's power to bestow? 
(r) Mat. 20.23.   
What Bishops can, or Saints invest,  
Or shut men from eternal rest?  
Someone Pope doth a Saint install,  
His grant another doth recall: 
(s) Bonifance 8. caused Hermanus ferrarians. who had been Canonised for a Saint 30. years before, to be taken out of his Grave and burned, ann. 1300.   
'Tis but a silly dignity,  
That's subject to uncertainty.  
Among your Saints even those are seen,  
Which to their Prince have Traitors been. 
As Thomas Becket, and Elizabeth Barton, called the holy Maid of Kent, and others.   
Though that our Church such Saints despise,  
To it, it is no prejudice.   

Popish Rhyme.  
Heretics.  
OUr Saviour warns us to have care,  
Of false Prophets to beware; 
(b) That makes us take heed of you.   
Which in his name shall come,  
Not sent, yet they shall run: 
(c) There be many of your Church come amongst us to work mischief, before you be sent for.   
Thiefs; not entering by the Door, 
(d) A lively description of the Pope's Clergy.   
That kill and steal, and keep a stoor;  
Wolves in Shepherd's clothing,  
That kill the Soul, and steal the Tything.  
Dogs, Foxes, and Masters of lies,  
That new Sects will devise;  
Bringing in dissension,  
And heap thousands to perdition.  
Where have you been this many a year,  
That none of you durst once appear.  
Ever since our Saviour's time,  
To whom did your light shine? 
(e) To those which had eyes to see it.   
Where did your principal Pastor sit? 
(f) In Heaven.   
Who kept your keys? who fed your sheep? 
(g) You have butchered a good sort of them.   
Show some Churches you have built:  
I can show many you have spilt.  
How might a man have found you out,  
To have trial in a matter of doubt; 
(h) You be too proud to learn: it is the first lesson you teach your Disciples, to admit no conference.   
Where for so many a year,  
No such Company did appear?  
Until Luther, a lying Friar, 
(i) If Luther had continued a true Friar, he had never been good.   
Upon whom the Devil had desire,  
Br●ke his Vow, 
(k) Herod's vow is better broken then kept.  and married a Nun,  
And there your Sect 
(l) Our Sect is the same that Paul's was, Acts 28.22.  first begun. 
(m) Either thou knowest this to be a lie, or thou know'st nothing.   
And favoured in Saxony,  
By a Duke that loved liberty:  
And in King Edward's time truly, 
(n) There were English men in England who bare witness to this truth, by suffering death for it long afore King Edward's time.   
It first infected our Country.  
For a thousand years you say,  
That Papistry did bear the sway:  
And during all that space,  
No Protestant durst show his face. 
(o) The more they lay hid, the greater was your tyranny; yet many then both showed their faces, and lost their lives.   
Who kept 
(p) Indeed you keep them so fast, that the people could have no comfort by them.  the holy Scriptures then  
From the hands of wicked men?  
Who had authority to ordain  
Our Priests and Bishops again?  
For he that entereth without Order,  
As a Thief doth kill and murder.  
And one thing maketh me to muse,  
That no Priest you do refuse. 
(q) A very tale.   
Being ordered by the Church of Rome,  
But he was accepted soon:  
If he would say the New Service,  
He should have a Benefice  
Without any further Order,  
And accounted for the better. 
(r) He that hath once been an eager Papist, and is converted truly, is to be the better thought of; because having known the abomination of Popery, he must needs detest it more.   
How can she make a lawful Priest,  
If she be not the Church of Christ?  
Answer this, O Protestant;  
If thou canst, I will recant: 
(s) I believe you will not be so good as your word.   
But while an answer you devise, 
(t) A man need not be long in making you an answer.   
I counsel all men that are wise,  
To hold the faith maintained here  
The space of a thousand year,  
Brought unto us English men,  
By our Apostle 
(u) Who made him an Apostle?  Saint Austen.  
Who from Rome was hither sent,  
When Ethelbert was King of Kent,  
Who learned his Faith of Gregory: 
† This Gregory accounteth him the forerunner of Antichrist, who so should seek to be called Universal Bishop; from this Faith you are gone.   
His Faith was kept successively,  
By threescore Bishops and three,  
Since Saint Peter's time truly,  
Who learned his Faith of Christ Jesus,  
Who is the Son of God most true.   

Protestants Answer.  
Heretics.  
THe Caveat touching Heretics,  
Doth make against false Catholics:  
We know full well that Popery  
Is but a Mass of Heresy.  
Those Errors which of old were hatched,  
Your Church together hath them patched: 
(u) It maintaineth free will, and merit of works, with the Pelagians. Augustine. The Pelagians held Children to be without sin. Aug. contra Jul. lib. 3. cap. 5. So the Church of Rome saith, Concupiscence is no sin. It holds Imagery with the Simonians, Basilidians, and Carpocratians; and with the two latter they secret their Religion, Iren. lib. 1. cap. 23. Epiph. Haeres. 24. It alloweth praying in an unknown tongue with the Osteni, Epiph. Haeres. 19 It accounteth marriage unclean, with Tatianus, Hae. 46. and condemneth wedlock in their Priests, as the Manichees did in their chosen ones, Aug. Ep. 74. With the same Heretics it useth bread only in the Communion, Leo Ser. 4. de Quad. and placeth fasting in the distinction of meats, Aug. de Morib. Eccl. & Manich. l. 2. cap. 23. It thinks that all necessary doctrine is not contained in the Scripture, with Montanus, Ep. Haer. 48. It brageth of inherent righteousness, with the Cathari, Isid. Etym. lib. 8. cap. de Haer. Christ: It worshippeth Angels with the Angelici, Aug. ad Quodvult. cap. 39 It denyeth the preaching of the Word to be a note of the Church, with the Donatists, Aug. in variis locis: and with them tieth the Church to one set place, Cass. in Psal. 60. It worshippeth the Cross with the Armenians, Euthimius in Panoplia. Thus in many other points it partaketh with the ancient Heretics.   
On them she puts a fairer Name,  
But in effect they are the same.  
You razed have the foundation  
Of all Truth and Religion:  
You changed have the sincerity  
Of all the Grounds of Piety. 
† As for example, first the Article of Justification, the efficient cause of our Salvation and Righteousness, by the Scripture, is God's Love and Grace only, 2 Tim. 1.9. Tit. 2.11. Ephes. 1.5. John 3.16. The Papists say, God is moved by our preparing works. So held Malvend in his Disputation with Bucer at Ratisbone: so Bonaventure lib. 1. sen. dist. 41. Quaest. 1. Touching the matter of our Justification, the Scripture propoundeth nothing but Christ's obedience, Rom. 5.19. & 10.4. The Papists place our Righteousness before God, in our own works and merits, Con. Trid. s. 6. c. 7. For the form (as Scholars call it) of Justification, it is by the Scriptures, the imputation of Christ's Righteousness, 2 Cor. 5.21. The Papists place it in our merits, Rhemist, 2 Tim. 4. s. 4. Secondly, It is a ground of Christian Religion, that the Law cannot be fulfilled by us, and that no man is to expect Righteousness or Salvation by it, Rom. 8.3. Acts 15.10. Gal. 2.15, 16. & 3.10. The Papists maintain, that men may keep the Law, Con. Trid. s. 6. c. 11. Yea, and that they may perform more than the Law binds unto; whence are sprung the works of Supererogation, and Indulgences, which that Council so highly prizeth, Sess. 21. c. 9 A third ground of Religion overthrown by them, is, that eternal death is due to every sin. This the Scripture avoucheth, Rom. 5.12. & 6.23. Ezek. 18.14. The Papists teach, some sins to be in their own nature pardonable, not deserving death, Con. Trid. ses. 6. c. 11. From which opinion arose Purgatory. A fourth ground of Religion is, the certainty of Salvation; that Believers may be certain of Salvation, is the Doctrine of the Scripture, Rom. 8.38. Heb. 11.1. Luke 10.20. The Papists deny and say, We can but have hope only, Con. Trid. s. 6. c. 9 And yet therein they confound themselves, for true hope cannot be deceived, Rom. 5.5. It is the Anchor of the Soul, Heb. 6.19. A fifth ground is, that we cannot satisfy God for our least sins: The Scripture ascribeth all satisfaction to Christ, Heb. 1.3. 1 Pet. 2.24. Rev. 1.5. The Papists maintain, that we may and must satisfy, making satisfaction a part of Penance, Con. Trid. s. 14. c. 13. A sixth ground is, That the Scripture contains all Doctrine necessary for our Salvation; so saith the Scripture, 2 Tim. 3.16. & the ancient Church, Aug. lib. 3. cont. lit. Petil. c. 6. and others. The Papists equal Traditions to the Scripture, Con. Trid. s. 4. A seventh ground is, that the knowledge of the Scripture is needful to people unto Salvation, and aught to be read of them; thereto accords the holy Text, John 5.39. Col. 3.16. The Ignorance therein is the cause of all error, Mark 12.24. The Papists forbidden the people the use of the Scripture, Rhemists' Preface; and do all in the Church Service in an unknown Tongue. Eighthly, the Scripture teacheth us to worship God alone, Mat. 4.10. The Papists Worship Angels and Saints, yea their Images and Relics: their distinction of Latria, and Dulia, will not serve them; for they pray to Creatures, and that is Latria; and they acknowledge that which they call Latria, to be due to the Cross, Tho. p. 3. sum. Quaest. 25. art. 4. and Andrad. lib. 9 Orth. expl. Ninthly, It is the Doctrine of the Scripture, that Christ, ●…ding to his humane Nature, is only in Heaven, Acts 3.21. Papists say, He is bodily present in the Eucharist, Con. Trid. s. 13. c. 6. Tenthly, Christ ordained the Communion in both kinds, commanding to do as he did, 1 Cor. 11.24. Papists take the Cup from the Laity, Con. Trid. s. 21. c. 1. Thus, as in these particulars, so in many other, it were easy to show how the Church of Rome hath overthrown the main points of Holy Droctrine, and have nothing left but the name of the Church, and a title and show of Religion.   
Thou fallest now to a railing vain,  
And wouldst by this thy Pope maintain:  
Leave idle terms, and show some reason,  
Else all these words come out of season.  
Show thou what Sects we do devise,  
And wherein we deliver lies;  
And prove it so, that all may see,  
Lest thou thyself the Liar be.  
Foxes, and Dogs, and Wolves thou namest,  
And Thiefs, wherein thyself thou sham'st:  
Or prove all this in us is true,  
Else we return it back to you.  
They called Saint Paul an Heretic, 
(x) Acts 24.14.   
A Blabler, 
(y) Acts 17.18.  and a Schismatic: 
(z) Acts 24.5. & 28.22.   
They said our Saviour was possessed, 
(a) John 8.24.   
And of his preaching made a Jest. 
(b) Luke 16.14.   
Yet Paul no Heresy did teach,  
Nor in the Church made any breach:  
Nor yet our Saviour had a Devil,  
He never did or preached evil.  
Let Scripture try wherein we err,  
We crave no other Arbiter:  
Convict us once by such a Judge,  
We will not at your rail grudge:  
Now that thy store is almost spent,  
Thou comest t'an old worn Argument:  
Where was your Church some years ago,  
Before the World did Luther know?  
If briefly now I should deny  
The Church's Visibility;  
It were a word sufficient  
To overthrow this prattlement;  
Yet this I say, and will maintain,  
That even when blindness most did reign,  
Our Church a certain being had,  
Though not with outward Beauty clad:  
Like to that holy portion, 
(c) 1 Kings 19.18.   
In that great superstition,  
Which over whelmed all Israel,  
After the Tribes from David 
(d) David's Line.  fell.  
Or as some Ears of purer seed,  
Amidst a field of noisome weed;  
So God had some even at that time,  
When Antichrist was in his prime.  
And now and then oat broke the Light,  
Even in that long and irksome night:  
Like as the Sun in lowering days,  
Sometime sends forth his glittering Rays.  
Long time ere Luther yet was born,  
Whom you our Founder name in scorn,  
There were which showed their enmity  
Against your vile Idolatry. 
(e) Bertram wrote against Transubstantiation, ann. 812. a Bishop of Florence was condemned for teaching that Antichrist was come, ann. 1114. Arnulph. was murdered in Rome, for preaching against the Pope and his Clergy, anno 1128. Henry, a Monk, of Tolose, was against prayer for the dead, Pilgrimage, Cream, Oil, etc. anno 1137. Jo. of Salisbury, called the Clergy Pharisees, the Pope, Antichrist, and Rome, Babylon, 1151. Gerard and Dulcimus, which taught the Pope to be Antichrist, were burnt, with 30. more, about the years, 1164, 1165, 1166. The Waldenses, which held in many points against the Pope, were in anno 1167. and after increasing in divers places. Almaris a Bishop burnt in Paris, for holding against Transubstantiation, Images, Altars, and praying to Saints, 1206. Many in Suevia did preach the Pope to be an Heretic in the years 1236, 1237, 38. Grosted, Bishop of Lincoln, wrote against the Pope, anno 1246. Arnold de Nova Villa, against Masses and Sacrifices for the dead taught, that the Pope's belief was the Devil's belief, ann. 1259. All Histories are full of the like examples: these few may serve for a taste, to satisfy an indifferent reader, and to stop their mouths, who say, none were heard of, of our Religion and Church till Luther.   
But now the Lord hath let us see  
Your Antichrists deformity:  
That all men might him fully know,  
Before his final Overthrow.  
Our Pastor chief 
(f) 1 Pet. 5.4.  in Heaven did sit,  
And so doth still, saith holy Writ: 
(g) Acts 4.21.   
On earth, Universal Priest,  
None dare be called but Antichrist. 
(h) Gregory the Great, a Bishop of Rome, said, that whoso calleth himself, or desireth to be called Universal Bishop, is the forerunner of Antichrist, Epist. ad Eulogium. lib. 7.   
He that our Church and Keys had sought,  
By tokens in the Scripture taught,  
Our Church and Keys he might have found,  
Even when the World was most unsound.  
Building of Churches nothing makes  
For that which here thou undertakes:  
For then commend Demetrius,  
Who builded Shrines at Ephesus. 
(i) Acts 19.24.   
Well may the heathen People boast  
Of Piramees and Churches cost:  
In Houses made, God doth not dwell,  
As holy Scripture doth us tell. 
(k) Acts 7.48.   
Yet neither all the Churches here,  
Erected by the Papists were:  
Nor are by us abolished  
Places where God is worshipped.  
If private men have evil done,  
For it blame not Religion?  
Those men that do Church-spoyling love,  
Our Faith and Church doth not approve.  
Those Cells and Dens of Idleness,  
And Nurseries of Wickedness,  
Upon good causes were displaced,  
As Baal's Temples were defaced. 
(l) 2 Kings 10.   

† Touching Luther's Marriage.  A lawless Vow 
(m) It is well called a lawless Vow, because it is of a thing which is not in man's power. If it be said that by fasting and prayer it may be performed, and continency obtained; I answer, the gifts of God are twofold: Some common to all Believers, as Faith, etc. Some peculiar to some only, as this of Continency: Now, if by fasting and prayer we labour for the first sort, we shall in some measure receive them: but we have not the like assurance for the gifts of the latter sort, because (it may be) the Lord is pleased otherwise to dispose. Now to make such a Vow, is a sin, but to persist in it, is a double evil.  of single life,  
Luther well broke, and took a wife.  
Better the pure and spotless Bed, 
(n) 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Heb. 13.4.   
Then by unclean lusts to be led. 
(o) 1 Cor. 7.9.   
Better the married Chastity, 
(p) Papists do oppose marriage and chastity; but Paul bids young women to be chaste, and subject to their Husbands, Tit. 2.4, 5.   
Then violent Virginity:  
They ought not single to remain,  
Who are not gifted to contain. 
(q) 1 Cor. 7.9.   
Wedlock itself cannot defile,  
It hath an honourable stile: 
(r) Heb. 13.4.   
God doth it not to each man give,  
Without the Marriage Bonds to live. 
(s) Mat. 19.11. And it is allowed to a Bishop to be the Husband of one Wife, 1 Tim. 3.2.   
The forced vows of singleness,  
Have brought forth beastly filthiness:  
Thou mayst behold in History,  
The fruits of Monkish Lechery. 
(t) There were 6000. Infant's heads found in Pope Gregory's Mote, as appears by the letter of Volutianus, Bishop of Carthage, or as some think, of Huldericus (Bishop of Augusta) to Pope Nicholas: against the forbidding of Priest's marriage.   
Thy poisoned Tongue doth further reach,  
The noble Saxon to impeach:  
Because to truth he did incline,  
Thou callest him a Libertine.  
When God was pleased to let him see  
How Christ his death hath made us free,  
Then did he deem it slavery  
To bear the Romish Tyranny.  
Though Antichrist did Rome possess,  

† Who kept the Scriptures.  You kept the Scriptures I confess:  
And in that long Apostasy,  
Those Books were in your custody.  
So I a Pirate false have known,  
To keep the Goods were not his own;  
And in the Ship to rule and reign,  
When the right Owner hath been slain.  
So did the Jewish Synagogue,  
Safely keep Moses Decalogue,  
And th' other Books, 
(u) Viz. The Prophets and Psalms, for so is the old Testament divided, Moses the Prophets, and Psalms, Luk. 24.44.  when cruelly  
They did Christ Jesus crucify.  

† Touching the calling of Ministers.  The Pastors which did first restore  
The truth which long lay hid before,  
Thereto were called lawfully,  
And even by your Authority:  
You did them Priests and Doctors make,  
And they from you this charge did take, 
* In their admittance.   
That they the Truth should sound preach,  
And in the same the People teach.  
Hereto you caused them to swear,  
That to the Faith they should adhere,  
And never should Errors endure,  
That were against the Doctrine pure.  
That whereunto you did them call,  
Full well they have performed all:  
Truth they have sought to propagate,  
And Heresies to ruinated.  
As we account your Baptism true,  
And never do the same renew: 
† Yet it followeth not hereupon that Rome is a true Church: There is in the Papacy a certain hidden Church, and to it that Sacrament appertains. Circumcision was used of old, even among the Samaritans.   
So may you make a lawful Priest,  
Yet be not the pure Church of Christ:  
We know that now you wiser be,  
And swear your Priests to Popery, 
(x) In their Oaths and Admissions, they put in this clause, (The Catholic and Apostolic Church of Rome) which in elder times was not used.   
And bind them to maintain the state  
Of your three-crowned Potentate.  
See now (O Papist) thou recant,  
The art answered by a Protestant.  
I counsel thee, if thou be wise,  
No new evasions to devise.  
Thy tale of Ethelbert of Kent,  
Is but a slender Argument: 
(y) It is also answered before.   
It skills not whence the Faith was brought,  
Or who it first amongst us taught.  
Let us into the Scriptures look, 
(z) Esay 8.20.   
And duly search 
(a) John 5.39. Acts 17.11.  that holy Book:  
Thence shall we know which Church to leave,  
And unto which alone to cleave. 
(b) We have found Christ in the Scriptures, there we must also find the Church, Aug. de Pastoribus.   
Those swelling words 
(c) 2 Pet. 2.18.  of Unity,  
Succession, and Antiquity,  
Are but poor groundless fantasies,  
To blind the simple people's eyes,  
Though that an Angel thou shouldst see,  
Let him (saith Paul) accursed be, 
(d) Gal. 1.8.   
If from the Scripture he doth err,  
Account him not God's Minister.  
If one arise, and wonders show,  
Seeking the truth to overthrow,  
Though that might seem a motive strong,  
Yet unto him death doth belong. 
(e) Deut. 13.1, 2, 5.   
If threescore Bishops here, and three,  
Have been with us successively,  
It either proves our Church is true,  
Or else that mark makes nought for you.  
That Faith for which Peter was slain,  
Our English Church doth still retain:  
We hear the Voice of CHRIST JESUS, 
(f) John 10.27.   
Who is the SON of GOD most true.   
FINIS.