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.

TO vs it is no matter, which way Churches are builded, we may turne our selues in praier as well toward any one parte of the heauens, as an other: Neither doe we refuse to pray in Churches builded toward the East. But that our Oratories and places of praier ought rather to be builded that way, then a∣ny other; out of the Scripture it cannot be proued, and we holde it as a meere su∣perstitious opinion.

Argu. 1. S. Paul exhorteth men euery where to lift vp pure handes. 1. Tim. 2.8. He saith, In euery place, without exception, whether toward the East or the West, or wheresoeuer.

2. If any place were more daungerous then other to pray in, it is not so safe, and perhaps more perilous to pray toward the East for Idolaters were wont to turne them toward the East, and to worship the Sunne rising. Ezech. 8.17. And for this cause the holy place in the Tabernacle was toward the West. Exod. 26.27. And it was the custome of the Iewes to pray Westward, least they should be entised to worship the Sunne rising in his strength. And therfore the Iesuite maketh but a bad argument: The Iewes praied toward the West, Ergo. christi∣ans must pray toward the East: nay rather contrary, because they turned their backe to the East, for feare of Idolatry; Christians, if any place were to be re∣garded more then other, ought vpon the same ground also to follow the same custome, for as much as all men by nature are prone to Idolatrie: and the rea∣son

of their so praying, seemeth rather to be morall, then ceremoniall: This I say not, as though I commended the Iewes superstitious praying toward the West, but onely to shew that they haue better reason for their custome, then our aduersaries haue for their superstitious turning toward the East. But to chri∣stians all places are alike.

Augustine saith, cum quis quaritorationem, c••llocet membra, sicut ei occurrit. If any man be desirous to pray, let him place his body, as occasion serueth: he saith not, toward the East, or toward the West. ad Simplician. lib. 2. quaest. 4.