Synopsis papismi, that is, A generall viewe of papistry wherein the whole mysterie of iniquitie, and summe of antichristian doctrine is set downe, which is maintained this day by the Synagogue of Rome, against the Church of Christ, together with an antithesis of the true Christian faith, and an antidotum or counterpoyson out of the Scriptures, against the whore of Babylons filthy cuppe of abominations: deuided into three bookes or centuries, that is, so many hundreds of popish heresies and errors. Collected by Andrew Willet Bachelor of Diuinity.

The Protestants.

FIrst, wee vtterly denie any such merite of condignitie: For Saint Paul sayth, that the afflictions of this life are not condigne of the glory to come, Rom. 8.18. Condignitie then is wholly remoued and taken away.

Secondly, a rewarde of congruitie in some sorte we graunt, but neither for any thing done before fayth or iustification, for it is impossible without fayth to please God, or doe any thing acceptable vnto him, Hebr. 6.6. Nei∣ther is it of congruitie for the merite of our workes: but it is (congruum) it is agreeable to the mercie and iustice of God in respect of his promise graci∣ously made in Christ, to rewarde the faithfull obedience of his seruants: so then the congruitie is on Gods behalfe, not in respect of our workes.

We are iustified, sayth the Apostle, Gratis per gratiam, freely by grace, Rom. 3.24. Ergo, there is no merite either of congruitie or condignitie, seeing all is done freely.

Augustine sayth,

Quid ille latro attulerat de fauce ad iudicium, de iudicio ad crucem,* 1.1 de cruce in Paradisum? I pray you what merite did the theefe bring with him, from the prison to iudgemēt, from the iudgement place to the crosse, from the crosse to Paradise?

Here was neither merite of congruitie nor con∣dignitie.

Notes

• * 1.1

  In Psa. 55.