[ 1362] Books of Piety and Religion, testimoniall at the great day of Iudgment.
IT is usual in Scripture to ascribe a testimony to the more notable circumstan∣ces and accidents of humane life,* 1.1 as to the rust of hoarded money, to the solemn publications of the Gospel,* 1.2 the dust of the Apostles feet. And so downward in the Primitive times,* 1.3 when grown persons were baptized, they were wont to leave a stole or white garment in the vestry for a Testimony and witnesse of their Baptism: Wherefore when one Elpidophorus had revolted from the Faith, the Deacon of the Church came and told him,* 1.4 O Elpidophorus, I will keep this stole as a Monument against thee to all Eternity. And thus it is, that Books of Piety and devotion, being publique Monuments, are much of this Nature, a testimony likely to be produced in the day of Iudgment, not only against the Authors, but the Persons, into whose hands they shall happen to be perused, in case on either side there be any defection in Iudgment, or manners, from the Truths therein expres∣sed.