A Protestants Resolution: Showing his REASONS Why He Will not be a PAPIST. Digested into so plain a Method of Question and Answer, that an ordinary Capacity may be able to defend the Protestant Religion, against the most Cunning Jesuit, or Popish Priest. Useful for these Times. — Be ready to render a reason of the hope that is in you, etc. 1 Pet. 3.15. LONDON, Printed for D. Newman at the King's Arms in the Poultry, 1679. A Protestants Resolution Question. HOw many Religions are there the World? Ans. Principally four. Quest. Which are they? Ans. Pagan, Jewish, Mahometan, Christian. Quest. Of which of these Religions are you? Ans. Of the Christian Religion. Quest. How many parties lay claim to the Christian Religion? Ans. Two principally. 〈…〉 Which be they, and how are they 〈…〉 〈…〉 The Papist and the Protestant. 〈…〉. Of which of these parties are 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Of the Protestant. ●●est. What understand you by a Pro●●●●●●t? Ans. One who takes part with those ●ho formerly protested against the Errors and Corruptions of the Church of Rome. Quest. What are those Errors? Ans. They are very many: I am ready to give an account of some of their principal ones. Quest. What is the First Error? Ans. In that they forbidden the Bible to be read in the vulgar Tongue. Quest. What is your opinion in this thing concerning the Scriptures? Ans. The Scriptures were written for the use of the common people, and therefore should be translated into known Tognues. Quest. To what end? Ans. That they may be heard, read, and understood of all. Quest. How prove you that? Ans. Because the Lord frequently commands the reading of the Scriptures by the people, and solemnly charges the reading of them to the people. Quest. Where is the Command? Ans. Deut. 31.11. Thou shalt read this law before all Israel in their hearing. Joh. 5.39. Search the Scriptures, for in them ye think ye have eternal life. Act. 15.21, Moses hath in every city them that preach him, being read in the Synagogue every Sabbath-day. Eph. 3.4, Whereby when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ. Col. 4.16, When this Epistle is read among you, cause it, that it be read also in the Church of the Laodiceans, and that ye also read the Epistle from Laodicea. 1 Thes. 5.27, I charge you by the Lord that this Epistle be read unto all the holy brethren. Rev. 1.3, Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy. Quest. What is a Second Error of the Papists? Ans. Their receiving unwritten Traditions, with equal respect and reverence, as we receive the Holy Scriptures. Quest. Wherein lieth the evil of this opinion? Ans. In this, namely, in making Traditions of men equal in dignity and authority with the express Revelation of God. Quest. What is your opinion in this matter? Ans. That the Scriptures in themselves are a full, sufficient, and perfect rule. Quest. How prove you that? Ans. Because it containeth all things that are necessary for men to believe, and do in order to eternal life, Isa. 8.20. To the law, and to the testimony; if they speak not according to this world, it is because there is no light in them. Joh. 20.31. These are written, that ye may believe, that Jesus is the Christ the Son of God, and that believing ye might have life through his Name. Gal. 1.8, Though we or an Angel from heaven preach any other Gospel, than that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. Eph. 2.20. Built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ himself, being the chief cornerstone. 2 Tim. 3.16, 17, From a child thou hast known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith, which is in Christ Jesus: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished (marg. perfected) unto all good works. Quest. What is a Third Error of the Papists? Ans. That we are to believe the Scriptures upon the sole Authority of the Church. Quest. Wherein lieth the evil of this opinion? Ans. It lieth in this, namely, that men being liable to mistakes, may lead me into to errors; so that I can never be sure, that what I take as my rule, is indeed that right one of Gods prescribing: therefore the testimony of the Church cannot be the only or chief reason of our believing the Scripture to be the Word of God. Eph. 2.20. Built upon the foundation of the prophets and apostles, Jesus Christ himself being the chief cornerstone. 1 Thes. 2.13. For this cause thank we God without ceasing, because when ye received the word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe. Quest. What then is the chief reason of our belief of the Scriptures? Ans. The testimony of the Spirit of God, in the word itself, witnessing it to be of God. Psal. 119.105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Prov. 6.23. Commandment is a lamp, and the law is light. Heb. 4.12. The word of God is quick and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword; piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the Joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 2 Pet. 1.19, We have also a more sure word of prophecy, whereunto you do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the daystar arise in your hearts. Quest. What is a fourth Error of the Papists? Ans. In asserting the infallibility of their Pope and Church, and that every man must submit his faith and conscience to them. Quest. Do the Papists any where assert this? Ans. Yes: and Bellarmine in particular layeth down this position, That if the Pope command the practice of vice, and forbidden virtuous actions, the Church is bound to believe vices to be good, and virtues to be bad, Bell. de Pontif. Rom. li. 4. cap. 5. Quest. What is the Protestant belief in this matter? Ans. That there is no human supreme infallible Judge in the Church of God, to whom all Christians are obliged to submit their faith and conscience in all matters of Religion. Quest. How prove you that? Ans. From three Reasons: 1. Because it is a greater authority than the Apostles did ever claim. 2 Cor. 1.24, Not, for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy; for by faith ye stand. 2. Because it is contrary to Christ's command, concerning trial of Doctrine, 1 Pet. 3.15, Be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you, 1 Joh. 4.1, Believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God. 3. Because as to matter of fact, guides and teachers have caused the people to sin in following them, Exod. 32.5, 31, When Aaron saw it, he built an Altar before it, and Aaron made proclamation and said, To morrow is a feast to the Lord. v. 31. And Moses returned unto the Lord, and said, Oh, this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold▪ Isa. 3.12. Oh my people, they which lead thee, cause thee to err, and destroy the way of thy paths. Mat. 23.3. Do not ye after their works, for they say and do not. Quest. What is a Fifth Error of the Papists? Ans. That the Pope is Universal Head of the Church. Quest. What is the Protestant belief in this matter? Ans. We deny that there is any such visible Head, therefore the Pope cannot be so. Quest. How prove you that? Ans. Because neither our Creed, nor the sacred Scriptures hath revealed any such thing to us. Quest. Whom then do the Protestants affirm to be universal Head of the Church? Ans. Jesus Christ and him only. Quest. How prove you that? Ans. Because the Scriptures reveal it. Psal. 2.6, I have set my King upon my holy hill of Zion. Ephes. 1.22. And hath put all things under his feet, and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church. Quest. What is a sixth Error of the Papists? Ans. That Kings and Emperors, with their respective subjects, are at the Pope's disposal in general, and particularly that the persons and estates of the Clergy are not under the power of the Civil Magistrate. Quest. What is the Protestants belief? Ans. 1. That Kings and Emperors are not properly Subjects to the Pope, nor hath the Pope any power to absolve any of their Subjects from their Allegiance. 2. That even the Clergy are subject to secular Princes, and their bodies and estates under their government. Quest. How prove you that? Ans. Because they are in the number of those on whom the Scripture chargeth subjection, Rom. 13.1. Let every soul be subject to the higher powers. Tit. 3.1. Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates. 1 Pet. 2.13, 14, 15. Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lords sake, whether it be to the King as supreme, or unto governor's, as unto them that are sent by him, for the punishment of evil-doers, and for the praise of them that do well: For so is the will of God, that with well-doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men. Quest. What is the seventh Error of the Papists? Ans. That the Pope of Rome is next under Christ. Quest. What say the Protestants? Ans. That he is Antichrist, because none have more the marks of Antichrist than he. Quest. How prove you that? Ans. Because no Antichrist can do worse things than he, 2 Thes. 2.3, 4, 9, 10. That day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, that son of perdition, who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or is worshipped; so that he, as God, sitteth in the Temple of God, showing himself that he is God: v. 9 Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power, and signs, and lying wonders: v. 10. And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish. Rev. 13. throughout. Quest. What is an Eighth Error of the Papists? Ans. That the Protestants are Heretics for separating from them. Quest. What say the Protestants to this? Ans. They say, that it being granted, that the Protestants did separate from the Church of Rome, yet that they did it upon just grounds. Quest. How do you prove that? Ans. Because they did it for the sake of Christ, and the Purity of Religion, for which reason they are commanded so to do, 2 Cor. 6.15, 16, 17, 18. What concord hath Christ with Belial? or what part hath he that believeth with an Infidel? What agreement hath the Temple of God with Idols? ye are the Temple of the living God. Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean thing, and I will receive you, and will be a father unto you, and ye shall be my sons and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty. Quest. What was there in the Romish Religion that occasioned their separation? Ans. In that it was a Superstitious Religion. Idolatrous Religion. Damnable Religion. Bloody Religion. Traitorous Religion. Blind Religion. Blasphemous Religion. Quest. But why do you you say their separation being granted? Do they not grant their separation? Ans. They need not; for the Church of Rome more properly separated from them, than they from the Church of Rome, in that they broke off from the foundation of the Apostles Doctrine, which the Protestants retain still, holding the head, the Papists having separated them from their company, and cast them out for the son of man's sake, Luk. 6.22. Quest. What is a Ninth Error of the Papists? Ans. That the Church of Rome is the only true Church. Quest. What say the Protestants to this? Ans. We deny it. Quest. Why? Ans. Because the Roman Church agreeth not with the definition of a true Church. Quest. What is the true Church? Ans. The true Church is an Universal Congregation, or fellowship of God's faithful elect people, built upon the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Jesus Christ being the chief cornerstone. Quest. What are the marks of a true Church? Ans. Such as these: Pure and sound Doctrine preached, the Sacraments administered according to Christ's institution, the right use of Ecclesiastical Discipline. John 10.4, The sheep follow him, for they know his voice. Eph. 5.26,— he might sanctify, and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word. Quest. What is a Tenth Error of the Papists? Ans. Their praying to Saints and Angels. Quest. What is the Protestants opinion in this matter? Ans. That praying to Saints and Angels, is a dangerous corrupting of holy Worship, and abominable in the sight of God. Quest. How prove you that? Ans. 1. It is absurd and ridiculous. 1. They being not 〈…〉 to hear our prayers: 〈…〉 ●●●●rant of us, Is● 〈…〉 2. In that they cannot be sure they are all real Saints to whom they pray; nay, we know the Pope hath canonised many wicked men. 2. It hath no warrant from the Word of God, but forbidden. Mat. 4.10, Him only shalt thou serve. 3. It is Idolatrous. 4. It is injurious to the Mediatory-office of Christ. 1 Tim. 2.5, There is one God, and one Mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus. 1 Joh. 2.1, If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. 5. Angels refuse it. Rev. 22.9. See thou do it not, for I am thy fellow-servant. Quest. What is an Eleventh Error of the Papists? Ans. Their Doctrine of Purgatory. Quest. What do you understand by Purgatory? Ans. A place wherein Saints are purged after th●● 〈…〉 were not fully purged 〈…〉 ●hey may enter purer into Heaven. Bellarm. de Purgat. lib. 2. cap. 6. Quest. What is the Protestants belief concerning Purgatory? Ans. That as there is no such place, so the belief of it is dangerous and groundless. Quest. How prove you that there is no such place? Ans. From Rev. 14.13, Blessed are the dead, for they rest from their labours, from henceforth, that die in the Lord. Quest. Why is it dangerous and groundless? Ans. 1. Because there is no ground for it in Scripture. 2. Because they that belong to God can be no where afflicted, but he is afflicted with them, Isa. 63.9, In all their affliction, he was afflicted. 3. Because it denies the fullness of Christ's satisfaction. 4. Because hereby the horrid nature of sin is lessened. 5. Because the Saint's confidence and comfort is hereby impaired; the desire that St. Paul hath to be dissolved, is, that he may be with Christ, Phil. 1.23. Quest. What is a Twelfth Error of the Papists? Ans. That some sins are venial. Quest. What is the Protestants belief in this point? Ans. That no sin is in its own nature venial, but every sin is deadly, and deserves eternal damnation, Deut. 27.26, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things written in this law to do them. Ezek. 18.4, The soul that sinneth, it shall die. Rom. 6.23, The wages of sin is death. Jam. 2.10, Whosoever shall keep the whole law, and offend in one point, is guilty of all. Quest. What is a Thirteenth Error of the Papists? Ans. Their Doctrine of Merit. Quest. What is the Protestants opinion in this thing? Ans. That the reward of good works is not deserved by them that receive it. Quest. How prove you that? Ans. 1. Because good works are rewarded merely out of mercy and grace. Psal. 62.12, Unto thee, O Lord, belongeth mercy; for thou rendrest to every man according to his work. Rom. 11.6, If by grace, then is it no more of works, otherwise grace is no more grace: but if it be of works, then is it no more grace, otherwise work is no more work. Tit. 3.5, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us. 1 Pet. 1.13, Hope to the end for the grace that is to be brought unto you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 2. Because eternal life is the gift of God. Luk. 12.32, It is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Rom. 6.23, The gift of God is eternal life. 3. Because Believers own all to God, therefore can merit nothing from him. Luk. 17.10, When ye have done all that you can, say that ye are unprofitable servants: we have done that which was our duty to do. 1 Cor. 4.7, What hast thou that thou didst not receive? Now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory as if thou hadst not received it? 1 Cor. 6.19, Ye are not your own. Phil. 2.13, It is God that worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure. Quest. What is a Fourteenth Error of the Papists? Ans. Their works of Supererogation. Quest. What say the Protestants to this? Ans. That they who in their obedience attain the greatest degree, fall short of much which in duty they are bound to do, much less can they do more, or have any oil to spare wherewith to help others. Mat. 25.9, The wise answered, Not so, lest there be not enough for us and you. Quest. What is every man bound to do? Ans. To full conformity in the whole man to the righteous law of God. Quest. Is not this to be under the law, and not under grace? Ans. Believers are not under the law as a Covenant of works, but as a rule of life. Mat. 17. Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. Rom. 7.12, 22, The law is holy, and just, and good: v. 22. I delight in the law of God after the inward man. Quest. May not Saints do more good than they have need of for themselves? Ans. No; when you have done all that is commanded, say you are unprofitable servants, Luk. 7.10. Quest. What is a Fifteenth Error of the Papists? Ans. Their corrupting the Doctrine of Justification. Quest. Wherein do they corrupt it? Ans. They tell us we must be justified by our own righteousness, and that a perfect righteousness within us. Quest. What mean they by a perfect righteousness within? Ans. Any degree of charity is their righteousness in perfection. Quest. What is the Protestant Doctrine concerning Justification? Ans. That Believers are justified freely by the grace of God, whereby he accepteth them as righteous only for the righteousness of Christ imputed to them. Quest. How prove you that? Ans. By these Scriptures, Rom. 3.24, Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ. Chap. 5.8, 9 God commendeth his love towards us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us: Much more than now being justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him. Chap. 10.3, They being ignorant of God's righteousness, and going about to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves unto the righteousness of God. Ephes. 1.6, 7, To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved: In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins according to the riches of his grace. Quest. What is a Sixteenth Error of the Papists? Ans. Their worshipping of Images. Quest. What is the Protestants belief? Ans. That it is not lawful to make Images of God, nor to direct our worship to an Image, or by the help of an Image, or to give religious worship to any creature. Mat. 4.10, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve. Rev. 19.10, See thou do it not, I am thy fellow-servant, and of thy brethren. Quest. What is a Seventeenth Error of the Papists? Ans. Their preaching and praying in an unknown tongue. Quest. What saith the Protestant? Ans. That public prayer is not to be made in an unknown tongue, but in such a language as is understood by the common people. Quest. What mean you by prayer? Ans. Confession of sin, Petition for grace, Intercession for others, and Giving of thanks. Quest. Why must we not pray in an unknown tongue? Ans. Because it cannot be to edification. 1 Cor. 14.26, Let all things be done to edifying. Ver. 16, How shall he that occupieth the room of the unlearned, say Amen at thy giving of thanks, seeing he understandeth not what thou sayest? Quest. Why may we not preach in an unknown tongue? Ans. 1. For the same reason, viz. because it is not to edification, and so plainly against the word of God, 1 Cor. 14. at the beginning. 2. Because it is against the custom of the Primitive Church, to have public Prayer, or Preaching, or Administration of the Sacraments in a tongue not understood by the people. 3. Because the Original Tongues are not known to all the people who have right unto, and interest in the Scriptures, and are commanded in the fear of God to read and search them. Quest. What is an Eighteenth Error of the Papists? Ans. Their Doctrine of Indulgences. Quest. What do the Papists mean by their Indulgences? Ans. An absolution from the guilt of punishment, by the satisfactions which are contained in the Church-treasury. Quest. What is the Protestants belief in this matter? Ans. That Papal Indulgences are the worst of cheats, and abominable injuries to Christ and Christians. Quest. How prove you that? Ans. 1. Because there is no pardon of sin, but by the mercy of God, through the blood of Christ. Rom. 5.1, Being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Eph. 1.7, In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace. 2. Because there is no such thing in Scripture, that the merits of one Saint should be able to make satisfaction for the sins of another. 3. It is most injurious to Christ, who needeth not any Merits of Saints to be added to his satisfaction; For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that be sanctified, Heb. 10.14. Quest. What is a Nineteenth Error of the Papists? Ans. Their forbidding Priests to Marry. Quest. What do they speak of marriage itself? Ans. They do not forbid all marriage, but speak disgracefully and contemptuously of it. Quest. What say the Protestants in this matter? Ans. That the Popish Doctrine forbidding to Marry, is devilish and wicked Doctrine. Quest. How prove you that? Ans. 1. Because it is that which God not only alloweth, but in some cases commandeth, making no exception of the Clergy from others. Mat. 19.11, All men cannot receive this saying, save they to whom it is given. 1 Cor. 7.2, To avoid fornication, let every man have his own wife. Chap. 9.5. Have we not power to lead about a Sister, a Wife, as well as other Apostles, and as the brethren of the Lord, and Cephas? 1 Tim. 3.2, A Bishop must be blameless, the husband of one wife. Tit. 1.6, If any be blameless, the husband of one wife, having faithful children. Heb. 13.4, Marriage is honourable in all, and the bed undefiled: but whoremongers and adulterers God will judge. 2. Because it leads to much lewdness and villainy, as Fornication, Adultery, Incest, Sodomy, Murder, etc. 3. Because this Doctrine is a badge of Antichrist, 1 Tim. 4.1, 3, The spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall departed from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of Devils. Ver. 3. Forbidding to marry. Quest. What is a Twentieth Error of the Papists? Ans. Denying the Doctrine of Assurance. Quest. What saith the Papists of it? Ans. That a Believers assurance of the pardon of his sin is a vain and ungodly confidence. Quest. What is the Protestants belief in this matter? Ans. That it is not only our privilege that we may, but our duty to labour after assurance that our sins are pardoned. 2 Pet. 1.10, Give diligence to make your calling and election sure; for if ye do these things, ye shall never fall. Quest. How doth it appear to be our duty? Ans. 1. From the nature, use, and end of the holy Scriptures, which are a good foundation of assurance. Rom. 15.4, Whatsoever things were written aforetime, were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope. 2. From the nature of conscience and its power. 1 John 3.19, 20, ●● Hereby we know that we are of the trut● and shall assure our hearts before him: Fo● if our heart condemn us, God is greater than our heart, and knoweth all things: If our heart condemn us not, then have we confidence towards God. 3. Because it hath been attained by others, as Job, David, Paul, etc. 4. Because God hath appointed Ordinances, that believers may have assurance. Quest. What is an One and Twentieth Error of the Papists? Ans. Their Doctrine of Seven Sacraments. Quest. What is a Sacrament? Ans. A Sacrament is an Ordinance of Christ, consisting of visible signs, representing, sealing, and applying Christ, and the benefits of the New Covenant to Believers. Quest. How many Sacraments are there the New Testament? Ans. Only two, viz. Baptism and the ●●rds Supper. Quest. Which be those other five which ●●e Papists have added. Ans. 1. Confirmation. 2. Extreme Unction. 3. Matrimony. 4. Holy Orders. 5. Penance. Quest. Why may not these five be Sacramental as well as the other two? 1. Because there are not sufficient parts in any of them to make a Sacrament. Prov. 30.6, Add thou not unto his words, lest he reprove thee, and thou be found a liar. 2. Because there are no parts of a Sacrament in any of these, but what is included in Baptism and the Lords Supper. Quest. What is a Two and Twentieth Error of the Papists? Ans. Their Doctrine of Transubstantiation. Quest. What do they understand by Transubstantiation? Ans. That by the Consecration of the Bread and Wine, there is made a Conversion of the whole substance of the bread into the substance of the body of Christ, and of the Wine into the substance of the blood of Christ. Quest. What Scripture do they allege for this? Ans. Joh. 6.51, 53, 54, 55, 56. Quest. What say the Protestants to this assertion? Ans. 1. That Christ blessed Bread and Wine, therefore did not destroy them. 2. That it is bread and wine in the Sacrament, which Christ hath commanded his Ministers to administer, and his people to receive. 3. That the Apostle himself doth no less than three times call it bread and wine after Consecration, 1 Cor. 11.26, 27, 28. Quest. What other reasons do the Protestants give against Transubstantiation? Ans. 1. It takes away the great evidence of the first witnesses to Christianity. 1 Joh. 1, That which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, etc. 2. It makes void the whole institution. 1 Cor. 11.23, 24, I have received of the Lord, that which also I delivered unto you, that the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed, took bread; and when he had given thanks, he broke it, and said, Take eat, this is my body which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. 3. It will not allow men the privilege of beasts; to judge by their senses, as seeing, smelling, tasting, etc. Quest. What is a Twenty-third Error of the Papists? Ans. Their denying the use of the Cup to the people in the Sacrament. Quest. What is the Protestants belief in this matter? Ans. That every Communicant hath an undeniable right to the blessed Cup in the Lord's Supper. Quest. How prove you that? Ans. 1. From the institution of this Sacrament, and our Saviour's command annexed thereunto, Matth. 26.27, He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it. 2. From the example and appointment of the Apostles. Mark 14.23, And they all drank of it. 3. Because without the Cup a man cannot answer the end of this Sacrament: As oft as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lords death till he come, 1 Cor. 11.26. 4. Because the same right we have to Christ's blood, we have to the Cup. Mat. 26.27, 28, He took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, drink ye all of it: For this is my blood of the New Testament, which is shed for many for the remission of sins. Luk. 22.20, This cup is the New Testament in my blood, which is shed for you. 1 Cor. 10.16, The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? Quest. What is the twenty-fourth Error of the Papists? Ans. Their Doctrine of the Mass. Quest. What do they understand by the Mass? Ans. That which the Protestants (according to the Scripture) call the Lord's Supper, Papists call the Mass, whereby the Sacrament is made a Sacrifice, and offered up to God, Bellar. lib. 1. de missa. cap. 1. Quest. What say the Protestants of the Mass? Ans. That it is a vain and Idolatrous thing, as used by them. Quest. Why vain? Ans. Because by Christ's Sacrifice God is sufficiently satisfied, and the repenting-sinner fully secured. Heb. 10.12. This man after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God. Quest. Why Idolatrous? Ans. Because they make it a mere Idol, not only worshipping it as God, but trusting therein for salvation, as in Christ himself. Quest. How prove you that the Mass is not the very same sacrifice with that of Christ crucified on the Cross? Ans. 1. God appointed Christ for a Sacrifice, but never the Mass. 2. The Mass is not of the same sort or kind with that of Christ crucified. Quest. Wherein lieth the difference? Ans. 1. It was the sacrifice of the very body born of a Virgin, but the Mass of a piece of bread. 2. There was shedding of blood, but the Mass is an unbloody sacrifice. 3. It had the due proportion of a man, but the Mass is a wafer. Quest. Are there no more Errors of the Papists? Ans. Yes, many: but these are sufficient to make the Protestant abhor their Church and Doctrine. Quest. Where was the Protestants Religion before Luther? Ans. In the Bible Doctrinally, and in its fruits in the hearts and lives of all good men. Quest. Where were the Disciples first called Christians? Ans. At Antioch the Disciples were first called Christians. Act. 11.26. Quest. Then the name of Christian had not its rise from Rome? Ans. No. Quest. What doth the name Christian put us in mind of? Ans. It putteth us in mind of what Christ hath done for us, and the many benefits we obtain from his life, death, resurrection and intercession. Quest. What more? Ans. It is a remembrance unto us what we should do for Christ, in gratitude of what he hath done for us. Quest. Do not Popish Priests, Jesuits, and others that die for Treasons and Murders, die like Christians? Ans. No: True Christians at their death will give Glory to God. Quest. Do not they give glory to God? Ans. No: if they did, they would confess their just deserts that brings them to that punishment. Quest. Why do they not confess their Treasons, Murder, etc. when they come to die for them? Ans. Because their Church forbids them to confess to Protestants, which they call Heretics. Quest. How doth that appear? Ans. In that they receive their Absolution, upon condition that they die concealing the Crime for which they die. Quest. Upon what Principle do they proceed in this? Ans. Upon this principle, namely, That no man owes his enemy Truth. Quest. Why so? Ans. Because than he owes him what may be a means for his preservation. Quest. What use do they make of this Principle? Ans. That the Protestants being Adversaries to the Church of Rome, her Sons own them nothing but ruin and destruction; and the vilest of means they can use for that end, are meritorious and glorious. I Have not inserted the Quotations under the Five last Questions, in regard the Authors are so numerous; if the Papists shall deny it, let the Reader peruse what the Protestant Authors have quoted out of the Romanists own books, and he will find that they do not only make this kind of Perjury blameless, but necessary; breach of Oaths is no less with them than a virtue, or a necessary duty in many cases, especially when any thing of moment is to be opposed, which is against the Laws of the Roman Church, against that particularly of the General Council of Lateran, under Pope Innocent the Third, which forbids all favour to be showed to Heretics under the sorest penalties and decrees: That favourers of Heretics are under Excommunication, if they will not break their Oaths made in favour of Heretics; and that by the Sacred Decree of their Church, he must be forsworn if he will not be excommunicated, and thereby exposed to the violence of every hand (as Sir Edmondbury Godfrey was) yea one that hath taken the Oaths of Allegiance and Supremacy, according to their Doctrine, sins mortally, and puts himself into the state of damnation; not if he takes those Oaths, (for that their Priests may dispense with) but if he keeps them. So Pope Martin the Fifth declared in writing to Alexander Duke of Lithuania, Know (says he) that thou sinnest mortally, if thou keep thy Oaths with Heretics, Apud. Cochlaeum, l. 5. Hist. Hussitarium. Hereby it appears, that no Papists can possibly give any security which may be trusted, that Protestants shall enjoy any thing which is in their power to deprive them of; for the greatest securities that can be given in this case, are engagements of Faith and Truth; God being invocated for Confirmation in solemn Oaths; but their Religion hath laid such strong bonds upon them, to break all bonds that may favour the Protestants, that it leaves no hope of salvation to them who will not at their deaths take it upon their salvation, the greatest untruth, if the Catholic Cause may be helped by it; for another General Council, that of Constance, hath determined, that no Faith is to be kept with Heretics, in the 19th Session of that Assembly: that no safe Conduct given by Emperor, King, or Secular Prince to Heretics, or any defamed for Heretics, though with a design to reduce them, by what engagements soever they have obliged themselves, shall hinder those Heretics from being destroyed, though they come to the place of Judgement, relying upon such security; as in John Husse's case by Pope John the 22d. Hereby Protestant's may understand what reason they have to trust to nothing among Papists, but what will keep them out of their power, seeing the principles of that Religion (not private men's opinions, but the determination of Councils) bind them to observe no Faith, or Truth, or common honesty with those whom they account Heretics; no, not when life is concerned, rather than a Protestant shall be safe in any of his concerns where they can reach them: It is a virtue, a duty in their Religion, to snap asunder all security (by which the world hath hitherto been preserved) to ruin a Heretic. They who would see more of this at large, may read the Jesuits Morals, the Practical Divinity of the Papists, and Mystery of Jesuitism, besides the late instances which they have given at their Deaths, who have been executed for Treason and Murders, denying the things for which they suffered, though proved upon them as clear as the Sun at noonday; occasioned by the awe their Priests have upon them; being so far led away with them, that the obedience of the dying Proselyte is prevalent, even above his Considerations for a future estate. This will be more apparent, if we consider, that hundreds of Irish Papists are executed in the Kingdom of Ireland every year for Murders, Thefts, etc. and though taken in the very fact, yet when they come to die, usually take it upon their Deaths, and as they must appear before the great Judge that knows all things, that they are as innocent from the fact for which they die, as the Child unborn. For they having discharged their Consciences, by confessing it to the Priests, and received his absolution, it would bring an odium on their Religion, and would be a strengthening the hands of the Protestants, if the Priests should suffer it. Whereas on the other side, could they persuade the simple people to believe they died innocent, they hope it may lay a stain upon that Religion which they call so often by the name of Heresy. And though those Priests have always that regard to their Church, as to impose upon the Prisoner, to let the world know he dyeth a Roman Catholic; yet he hath also much care of the Man, that he must not desire the Prayers of any but Papists. These things being so usual among them, any considerate man will easily judge, without breach of charity, upon what ground such men are seduced to commit a sin, and then outface the truth of the matter of fact, even in the face of Death. BEcause the Papists shall not say, the charge I give their Religion under the Eighth Error is groundless, I shall instance in particular; And, 1. I say 'tis a Superstitious Religion. It were innumerable to account the many vain fopperies in their Devotions, which they place Religion in: as the Tooth of St. Christopher. The Hair of St. Peter's Beard. The shift that came off the back of the Virgin Mary; and the Dust and Vermin which they keep of some Saints. Valla a great person of Learning and Eminency among them, saith, There are ten thousand such things in Rome; if the Host fall to the ground, it must be licked up, the ground is to be scraped, and the scrape reduced to ashes, is to have place among their Relics. Add to this their Holy-water, their salt, their spittle, their Holy Oil, their Beads, Whip, Fish-days, Pilgrimages, Nunneries, Crossing themselves, Baptising of Bells, Fonts, etc. So that the great Erasmus in his Annotations, approved by Pope Leo the Tenth, saith, Their whole Religion is almost brought to their superstitious treatment of Relics, through the covetousness of Priests, and the Hypocrisy of Monks, fed by the foolishness of the people. 2. 'Tis an Idolatrous Religion. In invocating Saints, adoring the Host, and worshipping Images: Their worshipping of Relics, giving Religious Worship to such things as they do but fancy to be Relics; and not only when they are whole and sound, but when they are corrupted, and reduced to dust, or nothing else left of them, but the Vermin bred in them. Henricus, one of the School Doctors concludes, That the Relics in the form of dust and ashes, may and aught to be adored, but not under the form of Vermin, and gives some reason for it. But their great Vasquez rejects this scruple, and the ground of it as vain and frivolous, and concludes they may be worshipped, as well when they are Vermin, as when they are ashes. Besides their Angel-worship, Image-worship, and Saint-worship, 3. 'Tis a Damnable Religion. In that it overthrows the very foundation of Christianity; their Doctrine of Transubstantiation overthrows the Truth of Christ's humane Nature; their proper Sacrifice, his only Sacrifice for sin offered once for all; their Doctrine of Merits, for his Merits; the multitude of Mediators among them, deny that only Mediator betwixt God and Man, the man Jesus Christ: Their Sacrificing-Priests overthrow Christ's Priestly office; Their vilifying the Scriptures, and setting up their unwritten Traditions to be received with equal reverence with them, overthrows Christ's Prophetical office. The great Article of forgiveness of sins and free justification through the Grace of God in Jesus Christ, is overthrown by their Doctrine of Merit, Pardons, Indulgences, etc. 4. 'Tis a Bloody Religion, wherein Papal- Rome exceeds Heathen- Rome. Witness the horrid Murders and Massacres of the poor Waldenses, who have been persecuted with Fire and Sword, Armies and Inquisitions, and very many Thousands (nay infinite numbers) of them have been inhumanely murdered. That Barbarous and prodigious Villainy, and great Massacre of Protestants in France, Anno 1572, where about 30 or 40000 innocent Protestants in Paris, and other parts of France, were suddenly and inhumanely murdered by Papists. Witness Spain's Invincible Armada, in Anno 1588., when Rome's force threatened to swallow us up. Witness the Gunpowder Treason, a black and unparallelled villainy, worthy Rome and a Jesuit; the blowing up of a whole Parliament, King, Lords and Commons, the murdering a Kingdom in its Representatives, and this in a moment! After that, their bloody Rebellion in Ireland, where they murdered a Hundred thousand Protestants in cold blood, without any provocation given, but to kill Heretics. Add to this their bloody Traitorous design of late against His Majesty Person, the Government, and the Protestant Religion; a Conspiracy, had it taken, might have turned England into an Aceldama, a Field of Blood, or Shambles of Popish Butchers.— These things considered, I hope no man will be so mad to kiss the Pope's Toe, until his Nails be pared, so as he will not scratch, and make the blood run about the mouths of Christendom. 5. 'Tis a Traitorous Religion. For they teach, that the Pope may depose the Emperor, or a King not subject to the Emperor; that the Pope may lawfully absolve subjects from their Oath of Allegiance. That subjects, if they have the Pope's consent (which they are sure to have, if it makes for his interest), may depose their Kings. That if the King be a manifest Heretic, (as all Protestants are, with them) than the Church may depose him. Nor have they been wanting to put this their principle into practice, so often as they could find occasion: as their attempts on Queen Elizabeth, by poison, Pistol, Dagger: on King James, by Powder-Treason: on King Charles the First; and on our King, to whom God grant a long and happy Reign. Nor have we only instances at home, but abroad; the Murder of Henry the 4th of France, and many others; but above all, the unparallelled Murder of that Emperor, whom they poisoned with the Sacrament; I call it unparallelled, having never met with a Religion before that would poison their God to kill their Emperor. 6. 'Tis a Blind Religion. It leads men out of the way of salvation; it hides the danger of damnation (to all who have not their hearts thoroughly changed from the love of sin, to the love of God and Holiness), from their eyes; it covers the pit (whose descent is into that which is bottomless,) with Spider's webs, and persuades them 'tis firm-ground; it leaves them no sense no● notice of many sins, no conscience of the most, no fear of any, no, not of the worst, such as themselves call deadly crimes; it gives as much security to such wickedness, as a heart that hath sold itself to it, need wish for: it keeps the Bible, the Law of the Lord, which good men make a light to their feet, a lantern to their paths, away from them; it will not suffer men to believe their senses, or act their reason, nor bottom their faith upon the Scriptures. That, as that General first blinded the men, than led them into the Enemy's quarters, so do they; and all the answer you shall have from the common sort among them, is this, They believe as the Priest bids them; and if he deceive them, the Devil take him. And as their faith is, such is their Devotion; the matter of their Prayers is locked up from them, and they as little concerned to know what becomes of them; sure, if the blind lead the blind, they must both fall into the ditch. Lastly, 'Tis a Blasphemous Religion. In ascribing the peculiar Excellencies of the Divine Majesty, and the Prerogatives of our Lord Jesus Christ, to the blessed Virgin, and other creatures, and to their Popes (though divers of them, as themselves acknowledge, were Monsters and Incarnate Devils.) When one Phocas took the Emperor Maurice and his family, Prisoners, who was his lawful Sovereign, and having slain his Wife and Children before his eyes, not sparing the little Innocent which hung at the Breasts, did afterward cause his Master's Throat to be cut likewise; a Proceduce so black and barbarous, that Historians cannot mention it without horror. Yet Pope Gregory congratulates this bloody Treason with abominable Blasphemies, and gins his Address to this Phocas in his 36 Epistle, with Gloria in Excelsis, the Song of the Angels at the Nativity of our Saviour, Glory be to God on high; and then proceeds, Let the Heavens send forth acclamations, the Earth leap for joy, and let all the people be glad thereof. The Jesuits frequently teach, that Jesus Christ might have sinned, might have been subject unto vices, might have fallen into error and folly; and that it is no more repugnant to him to err, or to speak a thing false in itself by the nature he hath assumed, than to be tormented and die in the same nature: so Amicus, so Vasquez, and many more of them. No other sort of Heretics, (not excepting Turk, Jew, nor Pagan, no, not those of Calcute, who adore the Devil), did ever maintain by the Grounds of their Religion, that it was lawful, or rather meritorious (as the Romish Catholics calls it) to murder Princes or people for the quarrel of Religion; and although particular men of all professions of Religion have been, some Thiefs, some Murderers, some Traitors; yet ever when they came to their end and just punishment, they confessed their fault to be in their nature, and not in their profession. But these persons cleave to it at their deaths as zealously, as if all they had been doing were the immediate guidance of the blessed Spirit. Such is their blasphemy! A Protestant Father's Letter of Advice to his Son, in danger of being seduced to Popery. SON, BY a Letter last Week from your Uncle, I am to my grief informed, that you have lately fallen into the unhappy Acquaintance of some Popish Emissaries, and are in danger of being inveigled by them, to revolt from the Protestant Church, to that of Rome. I confess the news much surprised me, and I cannot but esteem it an essential part of my Fatherly care to admonish and warn you, both of the unreasonableness and danger of such a change. I do not much admire, that those that have been always conversant in darkness, should find their eyes offended with the Light; which makes me extend very charitable thoughts to poor Souls trained up in Papal ignorance, labouring under the almost invincible prejudices of corrupted Education and Erroneous Principles; but that you, born and brought up in a Gospel- Meridian, and (as I well hoped) understandingly grounded in the Protestant Doctrine, should now stagger in those important Truths, and be gulled and cheated out of the Religion sealed with the Blood of your Martyred Ancestors, and hazard your Soul by a Relapse to that long since exploded Faction, and their slavish as well as ridiculous superstitions, is matter of no less wonder than trouble to me; the rather, for that I am satisfied, your circumstances admit not of any temptations of profit or honour to engage you to their party; and without those allurements, I profess you are the first that my experience can remember in danger of such a shameful Apostasy. I shall not swell this Paper with a particular Examen of all the Romish Errors; that task has been sufficiently and unanswerably performed by multitudes of our Learned Writers, to whom I refer you, and charge you to weigh their Arguments seriously, before you suffer your Judgement to be debauched to a contrary persuasion; but because I have some hopes your duty and filial respect may oblige you to a more near and sensible regard of what is said (though briefly and weakly) by myself, (that can have no design but the good of your Soul) than to the abler reasonings of others more remote; I shall offer some general Considerations, which methinks should deter you from casting away yourself in their communion. First then, I do affirm to you, That to body of the Popish Religion (so far as it differs from the Protestant) is composed (notwithstanding all their pretences to Antiquity) of strange Doctrines, Innovations and Abuses, never instituted by Christ, nor warrantable by Holy Scripture, nor known nor practised in the Primitive Church, but introduced at several times in latter Ages, merely to serve the pride, or the vanity, the covetousness, or the sensuality of the Inventors. 2. That their Doctrines interfere with, and infringe the Greatness and Sovereignty of God, and tend to the diminishing the honour and service due to him; witness their dividing adoration betwixt him and Images, Invocation betwixt him and Saints, and absolute obedience betwixt him and the Church, etc. Now what gross and horrible sacrilege is this? What is it less than to divest him of his Royalty, and give his glory to another? 3. Their Doctrines tend to the dethroning of Christ, the disparaging his performances, and lessening the Glory and Praise belonging to him; witness their dividing the Sovereignty and Headship betwixt him and the Pope; Satisfaction betwixt his Sufferings and their own Merits; and Intercession betwixt him and Saints. 4. Their Doctrines are against the power of Godliness, and rob God of his prime Sacrifice, the Heart; witness their Tenets, that the Opus operatum is enough, their prayers in an unknown tongue, and their assigning to God chief external superficial Service, consisting in a rabble of empty childish Rites, and gaudy Ceremonies, thereby taking from him the nobler part of his Creature, without which the Services or Emasserations of the body, how splendid or severe soever, are no more pleasing to him than the noisome evaporations of a Putrid Carcase to us. 5. Their Doctrines tend not only thus to formality and lukewarmness, but to open profaneness and dissolute living; witness their notion of Venial sins, their Pardons, Absolutions, Indulgences, Dispensations, etc. It being observable, that the most ignorant and careless, or the most wicked and debauched, make up the greatest part of their Proselytes; nor is it strange, since false Principles and bad Lives (like Ice and Water) mutually begat each other. 6. Their Doctrines are absurd. 1. Witness their fancy of the Pope's Infallibility; you can scarce cast your eye on any story where the Villainy of Popes is not at large discovered; and who can believe that the pure Spirit of God should endow with Infallibility of judgement, Monsters so visibly fulsome and abominable! We find that the Holy Ghost did under the Law hate and forbid all Impurities, though in mere outward Circumstances; how then should he under the brighter light of the Gospel suffer himself to be poured out of one unclean vessel into another, beginning again with a Conjurer, where he left with a Sodomite. 2. Witness likewise the Prayer for the dead; a practice (if I may use so light a comparison) altogether as vain and impertinent as that of Bowlers, strenuously crying out rub or fly, after they have delivered their Cast. 3. Witness too their Darling whimsy of the corporal Presence, attended with a numerous train of contradictions and incongruities; they say it is a Sacrament (or sign), and can it be at once both the sign and thing signified? If it be Christ's body really, how is it sacramentally? If sacramentally, how really and corporally? They say there is no real and corporal Presence till the Priest repeat the words; and if so, than the creature (and oftentimes a sad one) makes his Creator; and in receiving the Creator is comprehended by the Creature; absurdities nothing short of Blasphemy; when our Saviour instituted the Supper, and said, Take eat, etc. was the Bread and Wine, both the giver and the gift, the body blessing, and the body blest? did the same body hold the same body in its own Fingers? Was it eaten in pieces by every one of the Disciples, and yet then all whole without them all? Mysteries of Religion may be above, but never so directly against reason; and seriously I admire any man of sense can be a Papist, when the chief demonstration of his Religion must be his not understanding it. 4. Their Doctrines are dangerous to the Temporal estate and just rights of Princes; witness their Usurpations over (not to say Assassinations of) Kings, disposing of Crowns, absolving subjects from their Allegiance, etc. For in short, the whole Romish Hierarchy is so far from being suited within the order of the Gospel, that the main design of their Popes, Cardinals, Jesuits and Friars of many sorts (esteemed of the Religious Tribe) is but to advance themselves above all that is called God, and to gratify their base lusts, instead of pleasing of him. Directions how you may keep yourself from being a Papist. 1. STudy to have right notions and due apprehensions of the matter, import, and chief design of the Gospel: be not a stranger to the knowledge of God in Jesus Christ, and the blessed Spirit. Acquaint yourself with the mystery of the Gospel, as it lies in the Person, Natures, Offices, Life and Death of the Lord Redeemer. Let the Scriptures be your constant Counsellor; without knowledge the heart cannot be good; and a bad heart is prepared to suck in bad Principles: 'Tis not for nothing the Papists make Ignorance the Mother of their Devotion; they that have truly learned Christ and the Gospel, will hardly be taught by Rome's Schoolmasters. 2. Study a sound and thorough Conversion: I never yet knew any man blest with a broken and contrite heart (that is, a heart broken for sin, and a heart broken off from sin) that ever was taken with their Religion. 3. Get a faithful and a tender conscience; I say faithful, for than it will not be satisfied with dross instead of Gold, with paint instead of true and sound Piety. A faithful conscience will inform you, that God is a Spirit; and the more spiritual we are in our Devotions, the more we please him: that 'tis not a pompous, but a pure worship that he is delighted in: And as to expiation of our guilt, nothing but the blood of Christ can take away sin; that 'tis not their blind penances, pilgrimages, cross, cringings, will answer the great end of our Redemption; but a heart devoted to his fear and love, and a mind fully set upon him. 4. Be well acquainted with the plague of your own heart, the nature of Original sin, how it hath defiled and weakened all the powers of the soul. This will let you see the necessity there is for the blessed Spirit to heal and help those spiritual distempers; that without him ye can do nothing; that 'tis he that works in you both to will and to do. 5. Look upon Superstition as a fruit of the flesh; and that nothing is more grateful to flesh and blood, than Idolatry and formality; they that know what proneness there is in the nature of man to a carnal, sensual, vain Religion, will not think it strange that the Papists have foisted in so many fulsome things into their Worship, to comply with the carnal humours of men. 6. Be much in the duty of Mortification, and that will acquaint you with the way, means, and manner of it; 'tis through the Spirit Believers come to mortify the deeds of the Flesh; at best the Popish Penances, can but pen up sin, but the next temptation will break the hedge: Whereas the blessed Spirit lays his strong hand upon the irritating power of indwelling sin, and thereby subjects the heart unto himself; he heals the pollution of our nature, renews us in the spirit of our minds, cleanses our affections, and thereby causes us who formerly delighted in flesh pleasing vanities, to delight ourselves in him, his word, will, way, etc. 7. Know the mischief of Idolatry. The setting yourself against heart-Idols, will keep you from Idolworship; you know who tells us expressly, I will not give my praise to graven Images. Remember how smartly the Jews suffered for this sin, and yet had not such a spiritual dispensation as we that are under the Gospel; if it be so dangerous to shape Ideas of God in our Fancies and Imaginations, though never so much raised in our invention, how dangerous must it be to be in a place where such Images are found in Wood and Cloth. Lastly, Allow yourself in no known sin. 'Tis the conscience being made deceitful through such deceitful works, that makes people forward to cover themselves with those figments of Popery; whereas the man that makes it his due care and conscience to keep himself unspotted from allowed evil, is the likeliest man to save himself from such an untoward generation of men, as would put such a yoke on us, as we nor our Fathers were not able to bear. Your careful Father L. D. FINIS. The two following Books are ne●●● Printed for, and Sold by Do●●●●● Newman at the Kings A●●●● 〈◊〉 the Poultry. LIfe in God's favour: A 〈◊〉 discourse in Death-Th●●● 〈◊〉 times: being the substance 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Sermons upon Psalm 30.5. In 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is Life. By O. Heywood, Minis●●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Gospel. Twenty Sermons Preached 〈◊〉 ●●veral Texts, by that late Reve●●●● 〈◊〉 ●●ous and painful Preacher, Mr. 〈◊〉 Nalton, Minister of St. Leonard 〈◊〉 lane, in the City of London. Published for public good.