A NET FOR THE Fishers of MEN And the same which Christ gave to his Apostles. Wherein the Points controverted betwixt Catholics and Sectaries, are briefly vindicated by way of Dilemma. By two Gentlemen Late CONVERTS. Mark. 1.17. And Jesus said unto them, come ye after me, and I will make ye to become Fishers of Men. Printed Anno, 1686. To Her Most Excellent Majesty, Marry, Queen of Great Britan. May it please your Sacred Majesty; WHat in this little Book is contained, being the Motives of of our Conversions to the amient Apostolical, Catholic, Roman, Church; we have made bold to Didicate it to Your Serene Majesty, and also our Heart's Blood and Life, to the Service of your Royal Spouse Great James the Second. We humbly beg Pardon for presuming to put the Products of so weak Brains under so Princely and Gracious a Patronage; acknowledging a Matter of so great Moment, not only far above our unlearned Capacities, but that rather it required the Learning of St. Hierome, the Eloquence of St. Chrisostome, the Quick Wit of St. Augustine, the Sobriety of St. Ambrose, and sweet Style of St. Barnard. But Madam, if favourably received by your Great Majesty, our Adversaries who will undergo to answer it, shall find that Children set upon the shoulders of so High Giants, as the forementioned Pious Fathers were; shall see farther into Heavenly Religion, than he that proudly will not follow Scripture Councils, nor Fathers, but his own human Inventions, and private Spirits, after the crevel Example of the Tyrant Proclus, who made Men of all Proportions, fit the length of his Bed, by cutting off him what was too long, or by drawing him longer who was too short. Most Sacred Madam, what is promised, if received into Your Majesty's Protection, which we most humbly beg, may be the easier performed, because the chaste Spouse of the most High; wanteth not a thousand Bucklers of Defence: Again humbly beging Pardon for this Ambition, of avowing ourselves, Your Majesties. Most Humble, Most Obedient, and Most Loyal Subjects. C. J. J. M'C. TO THE READER. SAcred Writ informs us that in the primitive Times, our Blessed Saviour beginning to lay the Foundation of his holy Church; called Fishermen to the Apostleship, and to those he gave a Net which was the Wisdom and Knowledge of the Eternal Father, suitable for taking such Fish, as swim in the Ocean of Apostasy, Heresy and Schism: The Apostles after Experiencing the great good that did ●●●own'd to the World, by the special benefit of this Net; and the many Souls that were caught therein, would not prejudice the Church, 〈◊〉 robbing her of so magnificent a Gift; ●ut buried the same in the Bowels of holy Scripture; where we illuminated by the Father of Light, finding so precious a Treasure, though ●it to present it unto you Courteous Reader, as a pledge of our affectionate Respects; it being the only Motive of our Conversions, hoping if perused with no more Passion, prejudice, or Interest, than we did, who had as great Aversion against the Catholic Church, as you, or any other can have, that it may produce the same effects in your heart, that it hath in ours. If you acknowledge to be convinced in all Points, saving these which we omitted for brevities sake, Viz. the unbloody Sacrifice of the Mass, Communion under one kind, the Works of Supererogation etc. We hope to go Victorious out of the Field. But if any will undertake to answer this little Treatise? he shall not be the Instrument only of our Recantation, but o● many more. We with all Christian sincerity, desire that if you can resolve the following Queries for to annex your Answer thereunto; if not, we Pray the divine Majesty; of his infinite Mercy, to iluminate you with the Beams of his holy and saving Grace, which shall ever be the Prayers of your well Wishers in Christ. Farewell. C. I. J. M'C. TO The Holy Wisdom of of the Glorious Trinity. BLessed Everliving Wisdom: Excellent and Supreme Intelligence; behold us prostrate before the Majesty of your Great and Divine Light, to offer up the Homage of our Persons and Book; humbly acknowledging the Nothing, both of the one and the other; and with all the Powers of our Souls, protesting to have neither Spirit nor Pen, which is not of Yond, and from You, who are the Scource of all good Thoughts, and Accomplishment of all Honourable and Praiseworthy Discourses. A NET For the FISHERS of MEN. First. GOD hath a true Church, in the World, or not? if not, than Christ left Man without a Medium to Salvation? if he hath, yours is that true Church, or not? if not, than yours is not the true Christian Church; if it be? than your Church must have these following marks, viz. Visibility, Unity, Universality, and Sanctity; which the Scriptures teacheth to be the Signs of Christ's Immaculate Spouse. VISIBILITY Demonstrated to be a Mark of the true Church. 2. THe House of our Lord shall be prepared on the top of Mountains, or not? if it be, why then do you deny that the Church may be always visible, if not? why do you deny that of Isa. 2.2. The Mountain of the house of our Lord shall be prepared on the top of Mountains. 3. A City seated on a Hill can be hid, or not? if it can, why do you deny that of St. Mat. 5 14. A City seated upon a Hill cannot be hid, if not? than the Church cannot be invisible. 4. Christ founded a Church on Earth that all Nations may be edified therein, or not? if not, why do you deny that of Isa. 2.2. All Nations shall flow unto her, 〈◊〉 again, Psal. 85.9. All Nations whatsoever thou hast made, shall com● and adore before thee. if he did, why then do you say the Church may be invisible? since all Nations cannot be edified in a Church unseen. 5. A Man for not hearing the Church is termed in Scripture a Heathen, and Publican, or not? if not, why the● do you deny the wor●● of St. Mt. 18.18. He th●● will not hear thee Church, let him be to the as an Heathen and Publican. if he be, how than shall a Man be termed an Heathen for not hearing a Church that was not visible or yet extant in the World. UNITY Demonstrated to be a mark of the True Church. 6. A Natural Unity and conection or the parts among themselves and to the head, is necessary for the conservation of the natural body or not? if not, how can a natural body subsist, if the parts be divided and torn from one another from the head? If it be, why is that natural conection proper to a natural body; and not a spiritual conection proper to a spritual body. 7. Christ promised that there should be unity in his Church, or not? if not, why do you deny that of St. John 10.16. there shall be made one fol● and one Pas●o●▪ if he did▪ why do you deny unity. 8. Unity is requisite in God's Church or not? if not, why do you deny that of St. John 17.11. Christ prayed that his Disciples should be one, and again 1. Cor. 1.10. I beseech you that you all speak one and the same thing, and that there be no Schisms among you; but that you be perfect in one sense and in one Judgement, if she be why do you deny the necessity of unity. 9 Christ when he prayed, his prayer took effect or not? if not, than he in vain prayed that his Disciples should be one, if it did then Christ● people is one. UNIVERSALITY Demonstrated to be a mark of the True Church. 10. TO be Universal or Coexistant with time and place, is a mark of the true Church or not? 〈◊〉 if not, why doth the Scriptures say in St. Ma● 28.20. go ye teaching all Natons, etc. and behold I am with you even to the Consummation of the World, and again Eph. 4.12 13 He gave some Apostles, etc. to the Consummation of the Sts. if it be, why do you reject so evedent a mark of the true Church? 11. The Church of God is Universal or Coexistant with all time or not? if not, why do you deny that of St. John 14.15.16. the Paracleet shall abide with you for ever, and again that of St. Lu. 1.33. he (Christ) shall reign in the house of Jacob for ever, and of his Kingdom there shall be no end; if it be, why do you deny Universality? 12. Christ's Church is Universal or Coexistant with all place, or not? if not, how can that of the prophet be true, their sound went over all the Earth, o● how can all Nations be taught; if it be, why do you deny Universality. 13. The Church of Christ is Universal and Catholic or not? if not, why do you deny the Apostles Creed, if it be, why do you renounce Universality? SANCTITY Demonstrated to be a mark of the true Church. 14. THe Church of Christ is eminent for Sanctity of discipline and doctrine, or not? if not, why do you deny the Apostles Creed, which says, I believe in the Holy Catholic Church, and again that of the Ephe. 5.17. Christ gave himself for his Church, cleansing her by the laver of water in the Word, that he might present her to himself a Glorious Church not having spot nor wrinkle; but that she might be Holy and unspoted; if she be, why do you deny Sanctity in the Church? 15. The Church of Christ is Sanctified or not? if not, why do you contradict St. Paul's words saying 1. Cor. 6.10. these things ye were, but ye are washed, but ye are Sanctified, but ye are Justified in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God; if she be, why do you deny Sanctity in the Church? 16. The Church of Christ is manifested to be Holy by the Grace of Miracle or not? if not, why did Christ say in St. Jo. 14.10. he that Beleiveth in me, the works that I do he shall do, and greater, if it be, why do you Sacriligeously rob the Church of Sanctity, seeing Christ granted her the Grace of Miracle which we prove thus. 17. Christ granted true beleivers the grace of casting out Devils, and by the imposition of hands to cure the suck, or not? if not, why do you belie the Scriptures. Mark. 16.17. Those that believe in me, these Signs shall follow them, in my Name they shall cast out Devils, they shall lay hands on the Sick and they shall be whole. If he did, you cannot deny the grace of Miracles in the Church. 18. Your Church hath the above mentioned Marks; or not? if not, than she is falls, if she hath, answer to the following Queries. 19 Your Church hath been apparent and visible since Christ, or not? if not, than she is false; if she has, prove your lawful and uninterrupted Succession of Pastors, from the time of the Apostles, till Mart. Luther, and Jo. Calvin. 20. Your Church did appear before Luther and Calvin, or not? if not, than she is false; if she did, in what Kingdom or Nation was your Doctrine preached, or by whom. 21. Martin Luther, and Jo. Calvin was the first founders of your Church, or not? if not, produce any that ever professed the same Articles with you before them; if they were, than your Church is false. 22. Luther and Calvin separated themselves from the world, or not? if not, who joined with them, or to whom did they adhere; if they did, than they departed from the visible Christian Religion. 23. Your Church hath Unity, or not? if not, than she is not the Church of Christ? if she hath, why is there so many Schisms and Sects among you. 24. All your Reformers did agree in matters of Faith, or not? if not, than your pretended Reformation had no Unity; if they did, why did they so much differ in most essential Points, as we prove thus? 25. Luther an● Calvin were true Ref●●●ers, or not? if not the●● you follow false Ref●●●ers; if they were, why 〈◊〉 they differ in the most ●●●ntial Point of the hol●●●●crament? and agaist 〈◊〉 the Government 〈◊〉 the Church. 26. All your Reformations doth agree, of not? if not, than they are false, and void of the essential Point of Unity; if they do, produce any two that agree in all points. 27. Your Church is universal, or not? if not, the ●●●he is not the Catholic Church; if she be, ●●hew one of your Prea●●ers in Japonia nay or i●●he Kingdom of Spa●●● 28. Your Church hath converted Nations, or not? if not, how can she be universal; if she hath, show one Nation that she hath ever converted. 29. Your Church hath been universal with all time, or not? if not, than she cannot be the true Church, if she hath, with what time hath she been coexistant before Luther and Calvin. 30. Your Church hath been Universal in place or not? if not, than she is not the true Church; if she hath, in what place or nation did she appear before Luther and Calvin. 31. Your Church hath Sanctity or not? if not, than she is not the holy Catholic Church; if she hath, show one of your Sect that ever was Canonised. 32. Luther Calvin and the rest of your Reformers confirmed their Doctrine with Miracle or not? if not, than they were not true Apostles? if they did show one of their Meracles. 33. The signs which Christ said in Scripture, followed your pretended Reformers, or not? if not, than they were not true Beleivers; if they did, show one Man they dispossesed, or one sick that they restored to health. 34. Your Reformers were famous for their virtuous Lives, or not? if not, than they had not Sanctity; if they were, why did they break their Vows made to God, and teach men so to do. 35. The Catholic Roman Church, and no other stands firm, and infalliable as a Rock against all the tempests of Apostasy, Heresy and Schism, which we prove thus. 36. The Romans had once the true Church, or not? if not, than you deny the words of Scripture; Rom. 1.8. First I thank my Lord through Jesus Christ, that your Faith is spoken of throughout the whole World: and again ver. 7. To all that be in Rome beloved of God called to be Saints, grace to you and Peace. &c, if they had, they retain the same Faith still infalliably, or not? if they do, than we agree; if not, than they must have their fall, either by Apostasy, Heresy, or Schism. to the contrary, 37. The Ancient Apostolic Catholic Roman Church fell by Apostasy, or not? if not, than she is free from Apostasy; if she did, what prudent Man will say that she ever renounced the sweet Name of Jesus, which she ever hath in so great Veneration. 38. The Ancient Catholic Roman Church fell by Heresy, or not? if not, than she is free from all Heresy; if she did, by what general Council was she ever condemned, which of the Fathers ever wrote against her, or by what Authority was she otherwise reproved? 39 The Ancient Catholic Roman Church fell by Schism and by deviding herself from some other Church, or not? if not then she is not guilty of Schism; if she did whose company did she leave, from what body did she go forth, where was the true Church she forsook. 40. The true holy Apostolic Catholic Church, is fallible and can oer or not? if not, why do you falsely condemn her? if she be, how can that of Scripture be true 1. Tim. 3.15. the House of God, which is the Church of the living God, is the pillar and firmament of truth. 41. The Church of God is infallible in all her proposals and definitions of Faith, or not? if not, why should a Man be esteemed a heathen and a publican for not hearing afals and eronious Church Mat. 11.18. if she be, why do you deny Infalibiltiy. 42. Christ being the head of the Church, and the holy Ghost the soul of the Church, guiding and directing the Church in all truth, she can er or not? if not, than she is not fallible, if she can then Jesus Christ and the holy Ghost is her directors into errors Jo. 16.13. 43. Christ is a true Prophet, or not? if not, than you are Blasfemers, if he be, how then can the Gates of Hell prevail against the Church, seeing that he prophesied in St. Mat. 16.18. the gates of Hell shall not prevail against her. 44. The holy Ghost suggesteth all truth to the Church, or not? if not, why do you deny that of St. Jo. 14.16. he shall teach you all things, and suggest unto you all things, whatsoever I shall say unto you, if he doth then he'll suggest no errors, etc. 45. Christ is a wise Man, or a fool? if a wise, why did he build his house upon the sand, and make it subject to the Infernal Tempests; if a fool than you are Blasfemers. 46. A Congregation of people in dispiseing Christ, is guilty of Apostasy, or not? if not, than you deny the true definition of Apostasy; if they be, how can you clear yourselves of Apostasy in dispiseing his Church, seeing it is said in Scripture Luke 10.16. he that heareth you heareth me, and he that despiseth you despiseth me, and he that despiseth me despiseth him that sent me. 47. Your Church is guilty of Heresy or not▪ if she be, etc. if not, how doth the definition of Heresy agree with you, in adhering to so many private and singular Opinions and errors of Faith, contrary to the general approved Doctrine, of the Catholic Church. 48. Your Church is guilty of Schism, or not? if she be, etc. if not, how then doth the definition of Schism agree with you, in dividing yourselves from the body of Faithful Christians and in breaking comunion with the Ancient Apostolic Catholic Roman Church, 49. That Church, to which the above mentioned marks doth agree, (to wit) Apostasy, Heresy, and Schism, is a false Church, or not? if not, than you do not esteem Apostasy, Heresy, and Schism, to be marks of a false Church; if they be, than your Church is false erroneous and no Church, seeing they so aptly agree with you. 50. All that which the, Ancient, Holy, Catholic, Roman, Church, holds as articles of Faith, is Pious, Good and Lawful, which we prove thus out of Holy Writ, and by common Sense and reason. The Pope 's SUPREMACY Vindicated by the most solid Texts of Scripture. 51. The Foundation of the Church of God next after Christ, was builded on St. Peter, or not? if not, why doth the Scriptures say, St. Mat. 16.18. Thou art Peter, and upon this Rock will I build my Church; if it was, why do you deny Peter's Supremacy? 52. Christ bid prefer Peter before the other Apostles, or not? if not, why did he say to Peter only, Joh. 21.16, 17, 18. Feed my Lambs, feed my Lambs, feed my Sheep? if he did, why do you deny Peter's Supremacy. 53. The Apostles were of like Authority, or not? if not; why do you deny Peter's Supremacy? if they were, why have you Primates, Arch-Bishops, Bishops, and no equal Authority as they had? 54. To whom the chief charge of feeding Christ 's Sheep was given; was chief of the Apostles, or not? if not, why was the chief charge given to him? if he was, why do you deny Peter's Supremacy to whom the chief charge was committed. Oral and Apostolical TRADITION Vindicated by the most solid Texts of Scripture. 55. ORal and Apostolical Traditions without written Books, was the means of planting and conserving the Christian Religion, or not? if not; how did the Apostles propagate the Faith of Christ without written Books? if it was, why do you deny Oral and Apostolical Tradition. 56. The number of the Canonical Books is mentioned in Scripture, or not? if not, how do you know the Canonical Books, but by Oral Tradition? if they be, in what Book, Chapter or Verse doth it appear. 57 The Christians of the Primitive Age, on pain of Damnation, held nothing for Faith, but what they received from Christ and his Apostles for such, or not? if not, why do you condemn that of Scripture, Gal. 1.8. Although we, or an Angel from heaven, preach to you besides that which we have preached to you, be he Anathema: And again, 2. Thes. 15. Therefore Brethren stand ye fast, and hold ye the traditions which ye have learned, whether by word or byour Epistle; if they did, why do you deny Tradition? 58. Apostolical Tradition is the Rule by which we may infalliably be assured, both what Doctrine Christ and his Apostles taught, and what Books they wrote, or not? if not, how otherwise can we be assured; if it be, Why do you deny Apostolical Tradition? The Blessed EUCHARIST Vindicated to be the most Precious Body and Blood of our Saviour, by the most solid Texts of Scripture. 59 THat natural Body and Blood which Christ offered for the remission of Sins on the Cross, was the same that Christ gave to his Apostles at his last Supper, or not? if not, why do you deny that Scripture of St. Luke. 22.19. This is my Body which shall be given for you, and again, Matthew, the 26.28. This is my Blood of the new Testament. which shall be shed for many, for the Remission of Sins. If it be, why do you deny the real presence in the Eucharist? 60. Christ gave his Body and Blood to his Apostles at his last Supper, or not? if not, than you make Christ a liar, and the Scriptures false; if he did, why do you deny the real Presence? 61. When Christ said, this is my Body, did he speak Metaphorically, or not? if not, why do you deny the real Presence? if he did, prove the Metaphor out of Scripture. 62. The blessed Body of Christ, not being contained in the Bread, can be eaten, or not? if not, why do you maintain that you eat the Body that is not contained in the Bread; if it can, doth i● not imply a great contradiction, seeing you hold the Body is eaten in the Eucharist, and not eaten in the Eucharist. LITURGY In an unknown Tongue, Vindicated by most solid Texts in Scripture. 63. THat which the Apostles practised, is lawful for us to practice, or not? if not, than you accuse the Apostles of doing that which was not lawful, if it be, why do you deny the lawfulness of the Liturgy in an unknown Tongue, seeing the Apostles had their public Liturgies in Hebrew, Greek, Syriack, and Latin, as is manifest in History. 64. Seeing God hath commanded nothing concerning the Language of the public Liturgy, we ought to follow the Commands of the Church, or not? if not why do you deny that of St. Mat. 18.18. If he will not hear the Church, let him be to the as an Heathen and Publican; if it be, why then do you deny the Liturgy in an unknown Tongue, being the Church commands the same. 65. The Man that Prays and gives Thanks in an unknown Tongue, doth well, or not? if not, why do you condemn that of Scripture, 1 Cor. 14.17? Thou indeed givest thanks well, but the other is not edified: If he doth, why do you condemn the Liturgy in an unknowu Tongue. 66. That which is praised in Scripture and proved to be pleasing to God, is lawful and expedient for us to practise, or not? if not, than the Scriptures contain unlawful and unnecessary things; if it be, why do you deny Liturgy in an unknown Tongue? seeing the Apostle says, 1 Cor. 1.14.2. He that speaketh with Tongues speaketh not to Men but to God; and again, ver. 14. If I pray with Tongues my Spirit prayeth, but my Understanding is without fruit; and finally, ver. 30. To speak with Tongues forbidden 〈◊〉 not. Sacramental CONFESSION AND ABSOLUTION, Vindicated to be Pious, Good, and Lawful, by the most solid Texts of Scripture. 67. THe Apostles being made Spiritual Judges by Christ our Lord, had power from him, to bind and lose from sin, or not? if not, why do you deny that of St. Mat. 18.18? Whatsoever ye shall bind on Earth, shall be bound also in Heaven, and whatsoever ye shall lose on Earth, shall be loosed also in Heaven; if they had, why do you reject Absolution. 68 The Laity is obliged to disclose their faults to their Judges, or not? if not, how can they absolve them from what they know not? if they be, why then do you deny confession of Sins. 69. Christ in speaking these Words, (Joh. 20. 24, Whose Sins ye shall forgive, they are forgiven▪ and whose Sins ye shall retain, they are retained) spoke true, or false? if false, than you condemn the Author of Truth in Lies; if true, why do you deny the Power of Absolution? 70. That which the Scripture commands is necessary, or no? if not, than the Scriptures command unnecessary things if it be, why do you deny that of St. Jam. 5.16? Confess your faults to one another. PURGATORY Vindicated by the most solid Texts of Scripture. 71. THere is a penal Prison or place of temporal Punishment and Payment after this Life, or not? if not, why then do you falsify that of Scripture, Zach. 4.11. Thou also in the Blood of thy Testament, hast let forth thy Prisoners out of the Lake wherein there is no Water: And again, Ma●. 3. He shall sit as purging Fire, and shall purge the Sons of Levy: And again, 1 Cor. 3.14, 15. The work of every Man shall be manifest, for the day of our Lord will declare it, because 〈◊〉 will be revealed in Fire, and the work of every one of what sort it is, the Fire shall try; if any man's work abide he shall receive a reward, if any one's works burn, he shall suffer loss, but himself shall be saved, yet so as by Fire: And finally Mat. 5.27. Be at agreement with thy Adversary betimes, whiles thou art on the way with him, lest thy Adversary deliver thee to the Judge, and the Judge to the Gaoler, and thou be cast into Prison, Amen. I say to thee thou shalt not go out from thence till thou repay the last farthing; if there be, why do you deny Purgatory. 72. Those Souls which our Blessed Saviour and his Apostles raised from death, they were in Heaven, or Hell, or not? if not, why then do you deny a third place? if they were, how could they return to mortality? 74. Christ's descension was into the Hell of the Damned or not? if not, than it was into the third place; if it was, than you Blaspheme. 74. When Christ preached to the Souls in prison, 1 Pet. 3.13. it was to the Damned o● not? if not, than it was to the Souls in Purgatory; If it was to the Damned, than you would have Christ to preach in vain, seeing out of Hell there is no redemption. Mortal and Venial SINS Vindicated by most solid Texts of Scripture. 75. ALL kind of sins robs the Soul of Justice, and makes her guilty of Damnation or not? if not, than some sins are only Venial; if they do, why then doth Christ make three different sorts of sins, of which the last only renders a man guilty of Demnation, Mat. 5.23. Whoever shall be angry with his brother shall be in danger of judgement, whosoever shall say to his brother Racha shall be in danger of council, and whoever shall say thou fool shall be in danger of hell fire. 76. All Sins are mortal and sufficient to break Charity betwixt God and Man, or not? if not, then there must be some venial, and not sufficient to break Charity betwixt, God and Man; if they be, than the Apostles themselves were not in the Charity of God, seeing it is said in St. Jam. 3.2. We all offend in many things. 77. All Idle Words are mortal Sins, or not? if not, then there must be some venial; if they be, how then can any hope for Salvation, seeing no man (morally speaking) can avoid idle Words. 78. All Sins are unto Death, or not? if not, then there are some venial; if there be, than you make Christ a Liar: who said, There is a Sin unto Death, and a Sin not unto Death, Joh. 5.16. The Invocation OF ANGELS AND SAINTS, Vindidated by solid Texts of Scripture. 79. THe enjoyment of God, Angels, Saints, and the Glory of Heaven, rob men of their Knowledge, or not? if it doth, you make our Celestial Life to be far inferior to our Teresterial in matters of Knowledge; if not, why do you deny that Prophets now in Heaven can know things at a distance, as well as they did on Earth? 1. Kings 4.6. Eliseus by the special Light of Grace only, saw what was done in the King of Syriah's Privy Chamber: And again, 2. Kings 5. And what passed betwixt his servant Geezi and Naaman, when he was absent. St. Peter likewise knew the sacrilegious Act of Ananias and Saphira, though acted privately betwixt themselves. 80. The damned Spirits of Hell, know more than the blessed Souls in the glory of the Father or not? if not, why do you acknowledge the Devils to understand our most secret Thoughts and Prayers, and not the Saints and Angels also? if they do, than you attribute more knowledge to them in Perdition, than to the Immaculate Saints in the Eternal Bliss? 81. The Angels of God have ever prayed for those on Earth, or not? if not, why do you deny that of Zach. 1.12. The Angel of our Lord, answered and said, O Lord of Hosts, how long will thou not have Mercy on Jerusasalem, and the Cities of Juda? if they have, why do you not agree with us, that the Angels pray for us. 12. It is Lawful to pray to the Angels, or not? if it be, than the invocation of Angels, is not vain; if not, why do you accuse Jacob of an Error, in invocating the Angel to bless his Children? Gen. 48.16. and again, Job. 5.1. Call therefore (saith Eliza's to Job) and turn thee to some of the Saints, and again Hos. 12.4. Jacob prevailed against the Angel, and wept and prayed to him. The worshipping of ANGELS and holy IMAGES, Vindicated by the most solid Text of Scripture. 83. WHen St. John in the Apoc. 22.8. fell down to adore before the feet of the Angel, he knew it to be lawful, or not? if not, than you condemn the most wise and excellent Prophet, Apostle, and Evangelist of gross Ignorance, and wilful Idolatry; if he did, why was it lawful to him, and not to us? and again, Gen. 19.1. when Lot adored the Angels, with his Face bowed towards the Earth; he committed Idolatry, or not? if not, than the worship of Angels is lawful; if he did, than you accuse him of more than the Scriptures doth? 84. All that which is recorded in holy Writ to have been done by the known Saints of God, without Reproof, is lawful, or not? if not, why did the great Precursor of Christ St. John the Baptist, worship the very Latchets of our Saviour's Shoes? and again, why did Jacob worship the top of Joseph's Rod? Heb 11.21. if it be why do you call the worship of Images Idolatry? 85. The Holy Veneration and worship of Images have profitted the Jews and Christians, or not? if not, how then was the Israelites healed of the biting of the Serpents in the Desert: And again, how then did the Primitive Christians, receive special Benefit by venerating the Shadow and Garments of St. Peter and Paul, Acts 5.15. and 19.11. if it did then, why not now also? 86. Is it lawful to bow the Knee to Images, or not? if not, why doth the Apostle say, At the Name of Jesus every Knee shall bow, Phil. 2.8. which Name is nothing but an Image of the hearing; if it be, why do you reject the Veneration of Sacred Images. The Veneration of RELICS, Vindicated by the most solid Texts of Scripture. 87. THat Honour & Veneration of the Relics of Saints, which God himself hath approved by many famous Miracles, is good, or not? if not, why doth God set his Seal of Miracles to confirm a Lie? if it be, why do you condemn the Veneration of Relics? 88 That Woman which was miraculously cured of her bloody Flux by only touching the Him of Christ's Garment, was cured either for venerating the Relics, or not? if not, but by Faith only; why was not she cured at a distance, without touching the Garment, Matth. 19.21, 22. If she was, why do you slight the veneration of sacred Relics. 89. The Virtue of casting out Devils, and curing the Diseased, consisted in the Napkins and Handkerchiefs, that had but touched the Body of St. Paul, Acts 29.12. or not? if not, why did they not cure them without touching the Apostle? if it did, why do you deny the veneration of Relics? 90. The Bones of Dead Saints have restored Men to Life, or not? if not, why do you deny the Miracle of Eleseus' Bones, Kings 4.14, 21. if they did, than the Relics and Bones of Saints are worthy of veneration. , Vindicated by the most solid Texts of Scripture. 91. GOd left Man to his own freewill, or not? if not, why do you falsify the Scripture, Eccles. 15. God from the beginning made Man, and left him in the hand of his own Council, if he did, why do you deny . 92. The choice of good and evil is left in Man's Free-wll, or not? if not, why do you deny that of Joshua 24. Choice is given you, choose this day that which pleaseth you; and again, Acts 7.15. You always resist the Holy Ghost: and again, John 1.12. But as many as received him, (Christ) he gave them power to be made the Sons of God. If it be, why do you deny ? 93. Man hath power to keep his Virgin, or not? if not, why doth the Scriptures say, 1 Cor. 7.37. He that hath determined in his heart, not having necessity, but having power of his own will to keep his Virgin, doth well. If he hath, why do you deny-Free-will? 94. All that God commands is in Man's Free-power, or not? if not, why do you condemn God with Tyranny, in commanding that which is not in Man's free-power to do? as if I should threaten my Servant with a horrible Death, for not bringing me the Man of the Moon; if it be, why do you deny . FAITH without WORKS, Vindicated to be of no effect, by the most sold Texts of Holy Writ. 96. FAith Working by Charity justifies, or not? if not, why do you condemn that of Gall. 5.6. For in Christ Jesus, neither Circumcision availeth nought, nor prepuce, but Faith working by Charity: If it doth, than your justifying Faith flies without Wings. 97. A Man saying Lord, Lord, may be saved, or not? if not, then where is your Justifying Faith? if he may, once more you confound the Scriptures, Mat. 7.21. Not every one that says Lord, Lord, but he th●● doth the will of my Father shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven. 98 You hope to be saved by believing in God only without Works, or not? if not, than your justifying Faith is vain? if you do, why, but the damned Spirits may expect Salvation, seeing they believe in God, and tremble also. The MERIT Of WORKS, Vindicated by the most so-Texts of Scripture. 92. EVery Man will be rewarded at the last Day according to his Works, or not? if not, than you accuse God of Injustice, in not to each Man according to his Works? if he will, why but good Works will be Meritorious and receive a good Reward? 100 Christ encouraged his Apostles to suffer Afflictions patiently in expectation of a Reward, or not? if not, why did he say in St. Mat. 15.12. Blessed are ye when they shall revile and persecute you, for my sake, rejoice and be glad, for very great is your Reward in Heaven. If he did, why was not there Persecutions Meritorious, and consequently our good Works? 101. That Crown of Justice which Paul said was laid up for himself, was the Reward of his good Fight, or no? if not, why do you deny that of 2. Tim. 4.7, 8. I have fought a good Fight, there is a Crown of justice laid up for me, which our Lord will render to me at that Day a just Judge, etc. if it was, how can you deny the Merit of good Works? 102. A Cup of cold water given in the Name of a Disciple, it's Meritorious, or not? if not, why is it said in St. Mat. 10.48. Whosoever shall give to one of these little Ones a Cup of cold water only in the Name of a Disciple, Amen: I say unto you he shall not lose his reward. If it be, why do you arrogantly deny the Merit of good Works? Holy and Religious VOWS Vindicated by the most solid Texts of holy Writ. 103. THe Vows which are taught us in the Holy Scripture are lawful, or not? if not, why do you condemn Isa. 19.21. They shall Vow Vows unto our Lord and pay them. and Psal. 75.2. Vow ye and Render ye to the Lord your God; and again Psal. David Vowed a Vow to the God of Jacob: Hear David voved lawfully, or not? if not, than ye convince the Prophet of the most High in a wilful Error; if he did, why was a Vow lawful to him and not to us? 104. The greatest perfection of a Christian Life consists in Evangelical Poverty, or not? if not, why did our Saviour in St. Mat. 19.21. Say unto the young Man, if thou will be perfect, go and sell all that thou hast and give to the Poor, and follow me, and thou shalt have treasure in Heeven. if it be, why do you reject the Vow of poverty as a human Invention? 105. It was a Virtue in Eunuches, who gelded themselves for the Kingdom of Heaven, or not? if not, you condemn that of St. Mat. 19.12. There be Eunuches who have gelded themselves for the Kingdom of Heaven, which pious Action our Saviour himself did not reprove: We yet insist, he who resolves in his heart to keep his Virgin doth well, or not? if not, you deny that in the 1. Cor. 7. He that hath resolved in his heart &c. to keep his Virgin doth well. And if he doth, why do you condemn the holy Vow of Chastity? 106. We ought to obey our Prelates and Superiors or not? if not, than you deny that of. Heb. 13.17. Obey your Prelates and be subject to them: If we ought, why do you reject the Vow of Obedience as a Popish Fiction: And again in St. Luke 2.51. our Saviour in obedience to the Blessed Virgin and St. Joseph, gave us an Example of Obedience, or not? if not, why did he subject himself unto them by a mere volentary subjection? if he did, than the Vow of Obedience is evident to be a Pious Action, by the Example of Christ himself? The possibility of keeping THE COMMANDMENTS Vindicated by most solid Texts of Holy Scripture. 107. A Man being assiisted by the special Grace of God, can keep the Commandments of God, or not? if not, why do you make God a Tyrant, in commanding us that which he himself cannot enable us to perform? if he can, why do you deny the possibility of keeping the Commandments. 108. It is impossible with man to keep the Commandments, or not? if not, why did John say, he who saith he knoweth God and keepeth not his Commandments is a Liar, and the Truth is not in him; if it be, why do you falsely accuse God of commanding impossibilities; we insist further, hearers of the Law only are justified, or not? if not, than the fulfiling of the Law is necessary to our Justification; if they be, than you falsify that of Rom. 2 13. Not hearers of the Law are just with God, but doers of the Law are justisyed. 109. God according to his promise enabled Men by his Holy Spirit, to keep his Commandments, or not? if not, why do you deny that promise made in Ezek. 36.27. I will put my Spirit in the middle of you, and I will make that you walk in my precepts, and keep my judgements, and do them. Again Ezek. 37.24. They shall be my People, etc. They shall walk in my Judgements, and keeo my Commandments. If he did, why do you deny in Man the possibility of keeping the Commandments? 110. It is evident in Holy Writ, that some keep the Commandments, de facto, or not? if not, why do you belie that of St. 1.6. Zacbaria and Elizabeth were both just before God, walking in all the Commandments, Justifications without blame: If it be, why do you deny possibility of keeping the commandments? The IFSTITUTION of the seven SACRAMENT in Christ's Church, Vindicated by the most solid Texts of holy Scripture. 111. CHrist for the Sanctification of Mankind, instituted seven Visible Signs of Invisible Graces, or not? if he did, then there is seven Sacraments; if not, then let our learned Adversaries satisfy us to the following Propositions. viz. Baptism is a Sacrament, or not? if it be, than we agree; if not, why then hath it the Visible Signs (to wit) the Words and Water of an Invisible Grace, according to St. John 3.5 Unless a Man be born of the Water and Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God and again Gal. 3.27. As many of you as are baptised in Christ have-put on Christ. 112. Confirmation is a Sacrament, or not? if it be, than we agree, if not why hath it the Visible Sign (to wit) the Oil and Balm of an Invisible Grace? according to the Acts. 19.5.6. Hearing these things they, etc. and when Paul had imposed his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came upon them: Again Acts. 8.14.15.16. St. Peter and St. John did impose their hands upon them, and they received the Holy Ghost. 113. The Eucharist is a Sacrament, or not? if it be, the Controversy is ended; if not why hath it the Visible Signs? (to wit) the accidents of Bread and Wine, of an In visible Grace, according to that of Mat. 26 27. This is my Blood of the New Testament, which hall be shed for many, to the Remission of Sins. And St. John 6.52. Unless ye eat the Flesh of the Son of man, and drink his Bood, ye have no Life in you. Pennance is a Sacrament, or not? if it be then we agree; if not, why hath it the Visibe Sign? (to wit) the Penitents Confession, and the Priest's Absolution of an Invisible Grace, which is the Remission of Sins according to St. John 20.23. Whose Sins ye shall ●●tain, they are retained, a●● whose Sins you shall forgi●● they are fotven. 115. Extreme Vunc●●on is a Sacrament, or no● if it be, than there a●● more than two Sacraments; if not, why then hath it the Visible Sign (to wit) the Priest's Prayer, and the anointing with Oil of an invisible Grace; whereof St. J●● speaks in the 5.13, 14, 15. Is any Man sick among you● let him bring in the Priests of the Church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with Oil in the Name of ●●●cur Lord, and the Pray●●● of Faith shall shall save 〈◊〉 Sick Man, and our Lord ●●●ll lift him up, and if he 〈◊〉 in Sins, his Sins shall be ●●●given him. 117. Holy Order is a●●crament, or not? if it be, than it is no vacuant ●●rimony; if not, why ●●en hath it the Visible ●igne (to wit) the words of the Bishop, and ●he things given to him ●●at it ordained; of an ●●visible Grace according 1 Tim. 4.14. Neglect ●or the Grace which is in 〈◊〉 very Prophecy with the imposition of the hands of the Priesthood. 117. Matrimony is a-Sacrament, or not? if it be, than it is not a naked Ceremony of the Popish Church; if not, why then hath it a Visible Sign? (to wit) the mutual consent of both Parties of an Invisible Grace, and Supernatural Conjunction made by Almighty God; St. Mat. 19.6. That therefore which God hath joined, let not man separate. And again Ephes. 5. 31.3●. There shall be two in one Flesh, this is agreat Sacrament, but I say in Christ and the Church. 118. A Visible Sign of an Invisible Grace, divinely instituted by Christ is the true Definition of a Sacrament; or not? if not, than you deny the definition which yourselves attributes to a Sacrament; if it be, how can you deny the above mentioned seven Visible Signs of Invisible Graces, divinely instituted by Christ to be Sacraments. 119. Baptism and the Lord's Supper is more evidently said in Scripture then any of the other 5 to be Sacraments, or not? if not, why then do you hold those two only and none of the other five to be Sacrament? if they be, then shows us in what Book, Chapter, or Verse is Baptism and the Lord's Supper said to be Sacraments, and none of the other five which you so obstinately deny. THE APENDIX. 120. THat the Sectaries of our Times, have no lawful or continued Succession, which we prove thus. Your Church hath its Succession from the undernamed Sects, or not? if not, than you cannot have your Succession from any other visible in the World, since Gregory the Great; about whoss Time you hold the Romish Church fell from her Purity; if she hath, why do you not profess the sam● Articles with the undernamed Sects, viz. with the Waldenses, that Lay-Men and Women may Consecrate and Preach, that Clergy Men ought to have no Possessions or Porperties; and that Oaths was unlawful in all cases, etc. which absurdities were condemned by the third Lateran Council, in the twelveth Century; with Abbot Joachim, who denied the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost, to be one highest Thing, Essence, or Nature, though three distinct Person● Can. 3, which Heresy was condemned by the fourth Lateran Council, in the thirteenth Century; wi●● Bergardes and Beg●●ines, who held Car●●a Lust to be done out of Temptation to be ●o Sin, etc. which adsurdity was condemned by the Council of Vienna; ●n the fourteenth Cen●●ry with John Husse. 〈◊〉 Wicklif, Hierome o● Prague; that all Priests and Majistrates ●●ll from their Dignity by any Mortal Sin, and ought no longer 〈◊〉 be obeyed; that God must obey the Devil, and that temporal Lords might t●ke away Church livings at their pleasure, etc. which absurdities, were totally condemned by the the Council of Constance, in the fifteenth Century; your Church had her Succession from the above mentioned Sects, or not? if you have then you must maintain the same, most ridiculous Tenets, with the above mentioned Sectaries; if not, than you must have no Succession unless it be from the Ancient Roman Catholic Church? (to the contrary) 121. Luther and Calvin, had their Mission from the Roman Church, or not? if not, than they had no Mission, if they had, the Roman Church had the Spirit of God, when she gave them the● mission, or not? if no● how could she give them lawful Mission not having the Spir●●● of God? if she had how could she fall into Errors, and why did they departed from the Spirit of God? W●● insist further, they ha●● their Mission from God, or not? if no● than it was from the Devil; if they ha● why did they not confirm their Doctrine with Miracles? ●s God did the unwriten Law, Moses the written Law, and Christ Jesus the new Law. 122. Luther and Calvin's Doctrine, was manifested to be true by Miracles, or not? if it was, by what Miracles did they ever confirm that which they preached? if not, then seeing you cannot allege any Texts of sacred Writ to vindicate their Tenets, you must of necessity run to your private Spirit for arefuge (to the Contrary) 123. The Apostles had the private Spirit, or not? if not, than it is not Apostolical, but rather Diabolical; if they had, why then did they call a Council Acts the 15. 124. Your private Spirit is of God, or not? if not then it is of the Devil; if it be of God, why then are there so many disagreeing Sects amongst you. 125. A Man endowed with your private Spirit, can interpret Scriptures, or not? if not, why then doth rude and unlitarated Mechanics, the meanest of Peasants, and in fine, all the Plebeian Sort presume to interpret the most difficult parts of Holy Scripture, and distinguish the Canonical Books from Apocr. if they can, what need have you of Preachers, or Teachers, seeing no Man will believe any thing, but what his private Spirit suggests unto him. forged by those w●●● never could learn 〈◊〉 speak or write Truth; 〈◊〉 if he doth, we Faithfully promise by the Gra●● of God, to paint, and also rip up all the Sores of Protestancy; not by Imaginary Fancies, or rather wilful Falcities, as they obtrude against u● but even from Protestant approved History graphers, and the present times, which all the Impartial and clear sighted Eyes are witnesses of. We of the Society of Jesus, in obedience to the command of our superiors, have perused this Book, and finding nothing in it contradicting the Catholic Church, are in hopes, that it may be the Instrument of great good, FINIS.