CHAP. XXV.
A Comparison between the Heathen and the Papists, touching their excuses for Ido∣latry.
ANd because I know, that the Papists will say, that their Idols are Saints, and no such Devils as the gods of the Gentiles were: you may tell them, that not only their Saints, but the very Images of them were called Di∣vi. Which though it signifie gods, and so by consequence Idols or Fiends: yet put but an (l) thereunto, and it is Divil in English. But they will say also that I do them wrong to gibe at them; because they were holy men and holy wo∣men. I grant some of them were so, and further from allowance of the Popish Idolatry imployed upon them, than grieved with the derision used against that abuse. Yea even as Silver and Gold are made Idols unto them that love them too well, and seek too much for them: so are these holy men and women made I∣dols by them that worship them, and attribute unto them such honour as to God only appertaineth.
The Heathen gods were for the most part good men, and profitable mem∣bers to the Common-wealth wherein they lived, and deserved fame, &c. in which respect they made gods of them when they were dead; as they made Devils of such Emperours and Philosophers as they hated, or as had deserved ill a∣mong them. And is it not even so, and worse, in the Common-wealth and Church of Popery? Doth not the Pope excommunicate, curse, and condemn for Here∣ticks, and drive to the bottomless pit of Hell, proclaiming to the very Devils, all those that either write, speak, or think, contrary to his idolatrous doctrin? Cicero, when he derided the Heathen gods, and inveighed against them that yielded such servile honour unto them, knew the persons, unto whom such abuse was committed, had well deserved as civil Citizens; and that good fame was due unto them, and not divine estimation. Yea the Infidels that honoured those gods, as hoping to receive benefits for their devotion imployed that way, knew and conceived that tke Statues and Images, before whom with such reverence they poured forth their Prayers, were stocks and stones, and only pictures of those persons whom they resembled: yea they also knew, that the parties them∣selves were creatures, and could not do so much as the Papists and Witchmongers think the Rood of Grace, or mother Bungie could do. And yet the Papists can see the abuse of the Gentiles, and may not hear of their own idolatry more gross and damnable than the others.