Christianismus primitivus, or, The ancient Christian religion, in its nature, certainty, excellency, and beauty, (internal and external) particularly considered, asserted, and vindicated from the many abuses which have invaded that sacred profession, by humane innovation, or pretended revelation comprehending likewise the general duties of mankind, in their respective relations : and particularly the obedience of all Christians to magistrates, and the necessity of Christian-moderation about things dispensible in matters of religion : with divers cases of conscience discussed and resolved / by Thomas Grantham ...

SECT. III. Against SUPERSTITION.

As Atheism and Idolatry, even so Superstition, hath been a very great hinderance to true Religion, as some have observed, but have not been so happy as to remove such a pernicious Stumbling-block, as * 1.1 Mr. Calvin, and many other Protestant Writers; for seeing it is granted by the Learned, that Will-Worship and Superstition are of the same import; and that the latter does signifie, (of supra statutum) more than is appointed by God in his Word; voluntary Religion, such as Man's Wit deviseth to himself, without any Precept of God * 1.2. We are sufficiently admonished thereby, against the manifold Innovations in the Papal Worship, and the too too many yet remaining unpurged in many of those Churches, who have contended for Reformation. I shall do little in this case, but call to mind the Te∣stimonies of our Reformers, which may be worthy the consideration of those that succeed them. Luther teacheth expresly, * 1.3 That no Man can avoid Idolatry, if God himself doth not shew — the manner how he will be wor∣shipped. And speaking of the Sacraments, particularly he saith, That the Pastors are then cloathed with Righteousness, when they execute a Righteous Office; that is, when they teach the Word sincerely; also when they minister the Sacraments purely without corruption; so that whatsoever they do, or speak, be either the Word or Work of God.

And Wicklif before him is very positive against supra Statutum, Super∣stition, or adding any Ceremony in the Worship of God, which is not appointed by the Word of God: His words are, * 1.4 That we must receive no∣thing but what is in the Scripture, — That no Rite or Ceremony ought to be re∣ceived in the Church, but that which is plainly confirmed by the Word of God. That wise Men leave that as impertinent which is not plainly exprest. That we are to admit of no Science or Conclusion that is not proved by Scripture-Te∣stimony. And that whosoever holds the contrary Opinion, cannot be a Christian, but slatly the Devil's Companion.

Calvin makes little difference between Superstition and Idolatry, * 1.5 but seems to make the terms convertable. So oft (saith he) as the Scripture affirmeth that there is but one God, it striveth not for the bare Name of God, but withal commandeth this, That whatsoever belongeth to the Godhead, be not given to any other. Whereby also appeareth that pure Religion doth differ from Superstition, — because always even the Blind themselves have found that this Rule ought to be holden, that God be not worshipped but as he hath ordered. EUSEBIA, in Greek, signifying as much as true Worship. — And that it is a fond colour which the Superstitious do pretend, when with indiscreet Zeal they give themselves leave to do all things, — but herein shameful igno∣rance bewrayeth it self, that neither they cleave to the one God, nor have any regard to Order in the worshipping of him; who will be a severe revenger, if he be mingled with any fained God. And then he setteth forth the lawful

manner of worshipping, to hold Mankind in Obedience, containing both these Points in his Law.

* 1.6 To these we shall add the Testimony of Dr. Fulk, upon Colos. 2. 18. What Religion of Angels soever it be, such as the Heathen used, such as Si∣mon Magus invented; such as some Jews observed, or such as Papists use: All Religion of Angels is forbidden; yea all Superstition or Will-Worship which is not after the prescript of God's Word. And indeed who can imagin that any thing devised by Men, (though never so specious) can add any ad∣vantage to the Way and Worship of God; and if not, to what end are such additions made? And who seeth not, to add one Ceremony, is the same as to add one thousand; if therefore we desire God's Worship to be kept in purity; Let all that love Christ beware of Superstition altoge∣ther; because, as a Learned Protestant observes, * 1.7 That as the Atheist is like hard Ground where no Corn groweth, so the Superstitious exceeds in his Worship, and runs as far into the other Extremity: Christ suffered between two Thieves, so Christ suffereth between Atheism and Superstition.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Instit. l. 1. c. 12.
• * 1.2

  Leigh. Crit. Sac.
• * 1.3

  In Psal. 132. vers. 5, 9.
• * 1.4

  As quoted by Mr. Danvers, Treat. of Bapt. p. 286. second Edition.
• * 1.5

  Instit. l. 1. c. 12.
• * 1.6

  Dr. Fulk.
• * 1.7

  Wils. Christ. Dict. p. 629.