England's faithful monitor being the works of that suffering Protestant Mr. Stephen Husnance when under exile and confinement in the years 1685 and 1686 : wherein popery is briefly demonstrated to be a wicked religion ...

THE INTRODUCTION, AND PRODUCTION.

I Falling lately under that Cloud of Providence, Did draw this conclusion from hence, I must Dye; my thoughts being full of horror, Knowing Death in'ts self to be King of Terror. Being in my thoughts mounted on the Stage, Where I did count must dye by the rage Of wicked and ungodly Men, no doubt Who declare their sin as Sodom, belch out Swearing, Damning, and such Blasphemies, As if Hell to them will be a Paradise: Well, they call and ball for a Dray or Sled, On which I must be drawn or ride, Before would my Soul and Body divide. But the while a Halter was their scope, That I should be hang'd with, or a Rope. These things, Friends, being rightly understood, Are not pleasing unto flesh and blood. My thoughts thus musing, and in a hurry, I heard a Voice, Why art sad and sorry? Where's thy Faith which once hadst in me? Is not my Grace sufficient to support thee? Did I not hang on the Cursed Tree; Yet free from sin, yet made a Curse for thee? Why did I take Man's Nature, was Tempted, But to succour those are? wouldst be exempted? Hast thou not known and read my Word? Must the Servant be above his Lord? Where's dependance on Word of my Patience? Hold that, fear not in hour of temptation.

Stir up thy Faith, thy despondency I hate, See how Death and thou wilt expostulate. Death thy gastly face I do not fear; Nor do I dread thy dreadful Spear! Thou art overcome, and conquer'd unto me, By Christ my Captain, he hath set me free From thy Sting, which is Sin, so that I Through Christs Blood, am not afraid to dye. That peace-making blood, my only Reconciler, Made an Atonement for me, a Sinner none viler: He's Propitiation for my sins, on Christ alone Do poor I depend for my Salvation. He is my Saviour, and calls, Stephen, Stephen, Believe in me; thy sins are forgiven. Therefore Death, prethee Death, come near! Do as art commanded, let fall thy Spear! Do thy Office, since I thee so entertain, For I know when dead, shall live again, To praise my God, and my Redeemer dear, Which now bids me not thee to fear. Thou his Usher, Christ did thee send To fetch me, that sin may have an end. Happy then, my Soul do thou adore Free-Grace, that thou shalt sin no more. Sing, O my Soul, let thy Eccho rise, With praise to God, who is above the Skies. Come on bold Death, thy Spear carry steady, Strike when thou wilt, I am ready! By this I conclude 'tis nothing to dy, When God's Spirit comforts, and stands by.

SECT. II.

BY this time the whole Rabble rout, Begin to stare and look about. How long shall we stand wait all day, Hang the Rebel Rogue out of the way! Another comes, cryes as he did run, O Rogue! art not sorry for what hast done?

For answer I was provided, had intent To express it, but this I wave at present. A third comes, as if he were a Reherser, Calls, Thou Rebel, wilt have a Confessor? In my thoughts told him, 'twas not my desire, I hate Bald-pate Crown of Monk or Fryer. Said some, what this Fellow, talks so smart, Why hearken ye to him, drive the Cart: But Sirs, if you please to give liberty, I have a few words to speak before I dye. Protestant Religion I own, and of it vant; By what follows, Know, I am a Protestant, In defence of it brought to this pass, Yet whilst life, I will disown the Mass. Purgatory, Popish pardons abominate, Praying to Angels, worshipping Images I hate. Popish Pennance, contrary to Gods Word, As I am able, I'le use my spiritual Sword: If I can't throw down that Bashan Bull, I will to my utmost strength give a pull. From the damning Doctrines they have, I'le pass, And first draw my bow against the Mass: My first Arrow flies at Transubstantiation: Hoc est Corpus meum, their words of Con••ecration. After these words, the Host, the Water, they say, Is turn'd into Christs Body without delay. This is an Error clear against Philosophy, As well as Reason, Scripture, and Divinity: Against Philosophy, if's Body be in Heaven, It can't be in bread, this is worse leaven Than of the Pharisees, leaveneth the whole lump, Christs Body from Heaven into bread Jump, Is ridiculous to Reason, and Scripture clear, Which by Arguments may be made appear. If Christs Body be in Heaven, as is plain In Scripture, whom the heavens contain Till restitution of all things, by this I make Good, that Christ is not in the wafer Cake. Scripture tells us of no such leaven, But Christ is ascended into Heaven.

To remain at the right hand of God, Not conjur'd down by a Mass-Priests Nod. 'Tis call'd Bread and Wine, in Commemoration Of Christs Death, and Paul in his Station Calls it bread several times after Consecration, Can't be a real Body by Mass Conjuration: 'Tis call'd breaking Bread, in vain If after Thanksgiving no Bread remain: If Christs Body to bread could be involv'd, Then Paul needed not desire to be dissolv'd, And to be with Christ, when Paul he Might every day with Christ at Altar be. But Paul tho he had God's Spirit, yet alas He practic'd nothing of this wicked Mass: No, no such wicked Mass in his days, This made since by Popes several ways. With Additions several Popes did move, Which I could, if need, resist and prove: And wicked too, in their lives so odd, Both Popes and Mass abominable to God. For Henry the 6^th Emperour, eating the Host Was poysoned, yet of Mass they will boast. Also one of the Popes poyson'd in the Challice; O brave Mass, what a poyson'd God of Malice! Here's the real presence in the whole, If poysons Bodies, poysons more the Soul: Yet call it Bread, came down from Heaven, 'Tis a great untruth, and very bad leaven. No Friends, I can tell you its pedigree, Forty four of Isaiah, 15.17. Verse will describe it t'e. To make's believe real presence, Popes strive, That Christs Body is in the Wafer alive: Yet the Wafer still a dead thing 'tis plain, Can't move, but as the Priest doth fain. For Christs Body, consider as we go, Is a living Substance, and must be so; Eternally being raised from the dead, saith Scripture, which is the only Rule of Faith: Christ dyes no more, being rais'd from the Dead, But lives for evermore the Churches Head.

Waser can't be Christs Body by a Priests Nod, Being a dead substance, Christ the living God: Angels, Authorities, all Powers are under, Made subject unto Christ; then I wonder How a Mass-Priest came by such Power, To command Christ into a Wafer any hour: No, don't so believe, 'tis sinful evil, Power Mass-Priests have, is only from the Devil: Tho Popes did this wicked Mass devise, Yet originally from the Father of Lies: This power can't command Christ, for they Fear and tremble, and do Christ obey: So then, their power is a delusion great, That Christ is in the Wafer a meer Cheat: If the real presence were true, what groans Christ endures to eat his body and bones! Consider Friends, good Counsel don't refuse; Those Mass-mongers are worse than Jews: They once crucified Christ in the Flesh; But those Mass-Priests crucifie Him afresh: If bread could be substantiated by such Noddies As real, then so many Wafers so many bodies. Then Christs Body is divided into many parts; Consider this, you that have enlightned Hearts: What saith the Scripture, Is Christ divided? No, he is not, by Scripture 'tis plain decided: One Body, one Spirit, one Hope, one Lord, One Faith, one Baptism, as saith the Word: If every Wafer, consecrated by a Mass-Noddy, Be metamophis'd substantial Christs Body, Then so many Wafers, by Papist Debators, So many Christs, yea Christs Mediators; Which is against Scriptures standing Rod, Which say to us, there is but one God; And one onely Jesus Christ our Lord, One God, and Mediator, saith the Word: Between God and Man, the Man Christ Jesus; Therefore, let Mens inventions not please us. Christ took bread, gave thanks, brake it, Said, This is my Body, living when spake it:

Signifies Christs Body, do it in remembrance of me; Christ living did not eat his Body you see. Should bread incorporate become Christs Body, Christ in Heaven, he believes this, is a Noddy: If bread's turn'd to Christs Body, then when eat The Wafer, they eat Christ, O horrid cheat! The wicked don't receive Christ, none of them Understand, things spiritual are foolishness to 'em.

SECT. III.

MY first Arrow being gone thorow clear, I will draw a second to make good the rear: A second Error in Mass, by which I can't pass, Say, they daily offer up Christ in the Mass! The Gospel allows Ministers, and Sacrifices too, But not superstitious Ceremonies to do: Sacrifice of prayer, praise, a Heart Contrite, Broken for sin, praying in Faith, Gods Delight: Not in your gross superstitious Idolatries, God will have mercy, obedience, not Sacrifice. That there's need offering Christ in the Mass, By way of sacrifice, is an error very gross In Scripture, 'tis full of Blasphemies Against Christs priestly Offices, and implies An imperfection in Christs dying Sacrifice; Contrary to Scriptures, which do us call, Remember Christs Offering his Body once for all In sacrifice, to perfect them are sanctifi'd, Here's compleatness of Christs sufferings, who dy'd To satisfie Gods Justice without delay, Which could not be by any other way. Christs one sacrifice without Exemption, Hath compleated for ever Mans Redemption: Search Scriptures, once, once, once for all Christ suffered for us, whom God doth call An All-sufficient Sacrifice, I am well-pleased In my Son, hear him, ye that are diseased:

Hear him, believe in him, as you pass, Take heed of this wicked Idolatrous Mass! For to reiterate a thing once done, mind, For the attaining or accomplishing the end For which it's begun, declares an imperfection; By Mass Christs Sacrifice, cast by rejection As imperfect, therefore they offer sacrifice, To perfect what Christ begun, O Blasphemies! Making Christ himself a meer Cypher, His sacrifice not valued as Ashes of an Hifer: Yet in Christ alone God's well-pleased, and Hath committed all power into his hand: Yet see, these Mass-Priests how they vant Of Mass, and render Christs Death insignificant: So the glory of Christs priestly Office vail'd, The Gospel Truth's perverted, and conceal'd; Here's Mass-worship, an Idol-god for a Saviour, As appears-by their Monkish lives behaviour; Trampling under foot Christs precious blood, Glory of Christs priestly Office, long withstood The Patience of Christ, but 'tis not long Christ will suffer them to usurp this wrong: How many Protestants lives, hath this stood, That the Wafer is not Christs body and blood. But the wicked shall do wickedly, and None of the wicked shall understand. The wicked shall wax worse and worse, Deceivers, deceiving, and deceived is a Curse: 'Tis just with God such should be deceiv'd, When Truth with them can't be believ'd. When truth comes into the World in sight, They love darkness still, rather than light: Will not believe, their Conscience so deprav'd, Can't receive truth, that they may be sav'd: They with malice Protestants inviron, Having their Conscience sear'd with a hot Iron: Their Consciences hardened, in sin bold, False wicked Doctrines they do unfold: And affirm those things for real truth, So falsely corrupt both Age and Youth.

Which they know to be false, yet deluded By Satan, who on Adam and Eve intruded; Because they did not believe the Truth, 'Tis just with God on Age or Youth, To send them very strong delusions, To believe the Devils wicked infusions; That they should believe the Devils lyes, Because they delight in Blasphemies. God's righteous in condemning Age or Youth, Whose pleasure is in Unrighteousness, not in Truth: How they adore wickedness in their Station, And corrupt Scriptures by false Translation, And false glosses thereon, and among All, to serve God in an unknown Tongue: Denying Scriptures, by their command, To be read by the Laity at no hand; This their diabolical way to advance Superstition, keeping People in ignorance. Yet God in all Ages preserv'd by his Grace Some that never wicked Mass did embrace; But still did oppose Popery to it's face, Yet by Popes cruelly suffer'd in their race: Popes being for Cruelty, wicked and base To Protestants, God change their Hearts by Grace! I must tell you the Truth, I can't spare ye, They worship Images, and Virgin Mary; An express Badge of Antichrist they carry, Against Scripture, prohibiting times to marry. Another Beast mark, which like a Cheat, Against Scripture, command to abstain meat; Humane Tradition, Holy-days, which is a plain Mark of the Beast, yet how few refrain: Yet Scripture forbids them, saith Paul again, I am afraid of you, lest labour'd in vain. What's tell of Scripture, that's not in their Eye, They plead Tradition, Custom, and Antiquity. Scriptures they lay aside, like a thing dead, Hold the Pope to be the Churches Head! A brave Head he is, if you will him see, Thirteen of the Revelations will describe him to'e.

Here's that Monster that long hath bin In the World, and for money forgives sin, If you will believe him, but my lines cry, He is the Beast that speaks Blasphemy, And is guilty of that sin of Simony; He is the Great Beast of all Iniquity, This proud, insulting, domineering Priest, Enemy to godliness, and is Antichrist: Who forceth all abomination with's Rod, Exalts himself above all that's call'd God: He is the Abomination that's void of Grace, Still opposeth Christ, and his Image deface, Which is Holiness, not a Picture so base. The Counsel which an ancient Author gave, Let every one with special care receive; He that would holy live, from Rome be packing, There's all things else, but Holiness is lacking.

SECT. IV.

BY Mass see, breaking bread is misapply'd, The Ordinance they also do divide, Wine to the Laity is by Mass-Priests deny'd; Yet Christ, when his Ordinance set up, Christ took bread, and also the Cup: But the Wine from the Laity is put, Priest alone receives it into his Gut. Here's your Mass-priest, he drinks Wine alone, But the poor Laity they have never none. Yet Christ did institute one as the other, But Christs Institution is as younger Brother, Cast out by Mass-priests, as you may see, What the Popes reckon Christ to be, Or Gospel Institution in the least degree. Many Crosses and Monkey-faces they make, Before their Idol god they will take. Yet no crosses us'd in the Apostles days, Nor Scripture pattern for such Idle plays.

No Crosses were us'd by Christ his hand, Nor by any example or Scripture Command;

Of Crosses there is made no mention At the Institution, nor Scripture-intention, These Crosses then are the Pope's Invention.

For Pagans did not use Crosses, in History see, In their Idolatrous Worship: Crosses must be By Pope Gregory the seventh in his station Made, who was much given to Conjuration:

A meer Conjurer, here's the Infallible Head Of Crossing the Challice, and also the Bread: Reader, observe, and consider what's said.

They never say Mass without Wax-tapers Or Candles, with many crossing Capers; 'Tis spiritual darkness, as doth appear, What need Candles when Sun shines clear? How corrupt are Mass-priests; understand, Are Crosses and Candles God's Command? Paul glory'd in Christ's Cross in his Heart, Not use Crosses in Worship, that's Papists Art. In Scripture no such Custom understand, Who hath required this at their hand? Must they not say our Master the Pope? For no Command in Scripture scope For such Practices; so Christ's Sovereignty deny, And with inventions of Men comply.

'Tis great dishonour to Christ and Indignity, To use that in Worship is meer Idolatry Which Christ never instituted, is Popery: As tho Christ was not the only Law-giver, Being Wisdoms Fountain, God blessed for ever. Thus I have shot at the Mass, by his hand Who gives Grace those things to understand. No such Custom in Scripture, or Church of Christ, To the Testimony, or go where they list. If any Preach not according to Scripture bold, Let'm be accursed that against Scripture hold: See what's this Mass, can any thing be worse, To receve the Beast-mark, a dreadful Curse?

They that are filthy, will be so still, Wickedness doth now the Ephah fill. Away with your Mass, you god-eaters, Make a Cake a god, then eat him, Cheaters; That after many Crosses all in an hour, Make a Waser a god, and presently him devour; May be call'd belly-gods, for you advance Your wickedness, keeping People in Ignorance: Away then with your linsey-woolsey garments, God accepts you no more than Verments. So Christ calls you a generation of Vipers, Who think Worship consists in Organ-pipers. You are for Bowings, Crosses, hat and knee, Yet live in sin, sure bad Men are ye; What will ye do, that think to please The Lord with such vain things as these? Think all well, if your Pater-noster can Say over, call your Neighbour heretick-man; If not joyn with you in your Mass Of Idolatry, then for a Heretick must pass, With flouts and scoffs, if once any fly From superstitious Ceremonies of Popery. To whom do you your Cruelties lay? Who are term'd Hereticks so much as they That fear God most? Papists in sin persist, As if could please God with what they list. He that will not own the Mass, must dye, And if Commanded by the Pope's Authority; Commit Murder or cruel Massacry On Protestants, poor Children pass not by, Cruelly destroy all without Humanity. To Christs Kingly Office the Pope doth fly; Under pretence of ruling for Christ, doth hate His Servants, every where them Excommunicate: Pretend have Peter's Key, if believe what they say, If not, Paul's Sword will make you obey. Without the Beast-mark none must buy or sell, That don't Conform to ways lead to Hell. They make show of Wisdom in their station, Of Will-worship as a shew of Humiliation.

So cunning is Satan, and deceitful Man's heart, Doth think himself godly, Satan's art To deceive, when from sin they never depart.

SECT. V.

FRom the Mass I will now a little advance, And write briefly of Christ's Ordinance, Or last Supper, which is abus'd by Ignorance. To institute this Ordinance nothing did move Christ so to do, but his Grace and Love; As a Memorial of his dying Passion free, Do this in remembrance of me. Breaking Bread was an Ordinance, says my rhimes, Which Saints did use in Primitive times; By Jesus Christ was first instituted, Though by many since it hath been polluted, By Mens inventions, contrary to Christs Command, As by Mass, and otherways too in England. Breaking Bread hath a twofold signification, That we should remember in our station, Christ's Body broken for our Salvation: Thereby to consider all the benefits we Have received by Christ's sufferings free. Also to be mindful of our Communion One with another, as Believers in Union With Jesus Christ, who is their head, Presented unto them in and by the Bread; Which consists and made of many grains, Not like Mass, where no bread remains After Thanksgiving, as Mass-priest fains. A double signification hath the Wine likewise, Not like wicked Mass used in our days. But puts Believers in mind of Christ's Blood, Which he shed for their everlasting good. Also Christ's Death is very significant In ratifying unto us the New Covenant Or Testament, and all things therein contain'd, Saith Scripture, therefore Mass to be refrain'd.

It signifies Believers Communion in station, And fellowship with Christ their Salvation. Likewise to remember in our generation, To be sincere to Christ under Temptation, Then shall reign with Christ in glorification. Therefore all they who use this Ordinance Should have no fellowship, but should advance From Idolaters and superstitious evils, Who in the Scriptures are called Devils. From unfruitful works of darkness move, If break Bread, let it be in real Love. Primitive Believers were of one mind And heart, let all malice be declin'd. 'Tis a dangerous thing to partake or accord Of this Ordinance unworthily, saith the Word, Are guilty of the Body and Blood of the Lord: They eat and drink their own Damnation, Not discerning Christ's Body in their station: Want the eye of Faith, which doth advance The Soul to see the end of this Ordinance: So are damn'd for Unbelief and Hypocrisie, Which is the Cause of many, I fear and cry: Therefore try, by a heart real Examination, Whether fit for such Communication; And not like the Priests of the Nation, Who admit Drunkards or any in their station, Whoremasters, Prophane Men in Conversation. Woe unto the Bishops and Priests of the land, When God shall say, Is this my Command? Who hath required this at your hand? How Prophane are Priests in the Nation, To all wicked men officiate Administration; How corrupt with the Pope's pollution, Few of them keep to Christ's Institution; But Administer unto all, none exempt, So bring the Ordinance into contempt. How carelesly and promiscuously admit, Before they are by Examination fit: Contrary to Scriptures, which you may see, If you please to search the Scriptures free.

The Ordinance refresheth the soul of Faith, But to the wicked Damnation Scripture saith. According to Christ's Institution 'tis good, Yet Bread and Wine are not Christ's blood: Nor is Christ in or under them, as Papist list, 'Tis by Faith alone we receive Christ.

Christ's Death by Believers is highly priz'd, Christ our Passover for us is sacrific'd: Hate Mass, that by wicked Men was devis'd. Purge the old leaven, sin, and keep the feast, Not with wicked Mass, as doth the Beast And her followers all, both age and youth; Let us with unleavened Bread, sincere truth, Purge therefore the old leaven, be you new, That Christ by Faith may dwell in you. Christ as the only Mediator was crucify'd To reconcile us in him, Justice is fully satisfi'd: No need Mass, Christ the alone Propitiation, On Christ alone will I depend for Salvation: 'Tis by his Blood my Soul is cleans'd, is eas'd, Because God said, In him I am well pleas'd.

SECT. VI. Concerning Purgatory.

POpery once again I here call to mind, In opposition to Popery I have more behind. Papists hold a middle and infernal place, Where Souls suffer, without Money, a sad Case!

And 'tis a cunning Artifice to get Money by, For if you are rich, and like to dye, Then to a Mass-priest your selves apply:

He will Pray you out of Purgatory, If you have Faith to believe his story, But his Prayer never brings thee to glory.

For consider what Scriptures unto us tell, At Death the Souls of wicked go to Hell

Immediately; the rich Man, mind it well, In Hell lift up his eyes, he did not dwell In Purgatory, his Condition sad, for alas! In those days were no Priests to say Mass. Though Satans subtilty in wickedness was great, Yet then to get Money had not this feat. His Sons, the Popes, did since this compleat, So Money get, and many Souls they cheat. See then, and understand these things plain, Their feigned Purgatory is only for gain; For without Money there the Poor may lye, Not a Prayer for them, see their Charity, For want of Money they in Purgatory frye, But for their Comfort a Purgatory is none say I. 'Tis true, there is in this life a Purgation; That is, Jesus Christ's blood, by renovation Must purge our Souls, by Regeneration. Christ's Blood must be apply'd by Faith's desire Whilst we live, or never after by fire. When the wicked dye, no place of Purgation Do they go into, but Hells Damnation. Don't be deluded with Purgatory in station, Must be Converted if ever enjoy glorification. All Believers at Death, when they dye, Are carried into Heaven immediately; By Christ's Mediation, that Pearl of great price, This day shalt be with me in Paradise. Purgatory you see then is Mens device, For 'tis clear, Scriptures they don't tell Of a Purgatory, between Heaven and Hell. No Reader, don't deceive thy Soul, For a Purgatory there is none at all: Here's a twofold Cheat, what can be worse? To deceive thy Soul, and also thy Purse. Here's another thing which doth harden Men in sin, Indulgences and Pope's Pardon: Which frees Men from sin in God's sight, This also a Cheat for Money, makes Purse light. Can Man forgive sin? a blasphemous story; Here's a Cheat for Money, as is Purgatory.

This is that brings grist to the Pope's Mill, 'Tis diametrically opposite to Scripture still, Which tells us Truth, that there is none Can forgive sin but God in Christ alone. By Indulgences wickedly invented by the Pope, Men live in wickedness, yet have false hope: Live in all kind of sensuality, Hell's road, Swearing, Whoring, Drunken sins, are all-a-mode: Why? because they believe a Mass-Priest Can pardon them, so live as they list. As if Mass, Holy Water, by a Priest's Conjuration Did purge sin, so live a wicked Conversation. What need I care how I live, if with a fee To a Mass-priest he can make me free. I have read of one Martyr, whom I honour In the Faith, being brought before bloody Bonner, Said, Sir, at first I was of your Faith, But now I believe what Scripture saith, Not a Priest, which did in sin me harden, Car'd not how I liv'd, because had a Pardon Of a Mass-priest for Money, but now I cry None can forgive sin but the holy Deity.

SECT. VII. Popish Pennance.

HEre I will joyn Popish Satisfaction By Pennance, which is also a wicked detraction From Christ's Merits, if by Whipping, Fasting, we Satisfie God's Justice in our own Persons, see What Papists count Jesus Christ to be. Christ's Merits by Papists excommunicated, Yet Christ's alone Satisfaction in Scripture stated: By the travel of his Soul God is satisfy'd, Which by Popish Pennance is wickedly deny'd. Christ made an end of sin, by Faith apply'd By one Sacrifice perfected them are sanctify'd, For Believers obtain'd an eternal Redemption, Are Pardoned, Justified, without exemption.

By Christ alone we have Favour with God, Sin made us Enemies, wicked, vile, and odd. Alas, Confession of sin is not Satisfaction, Our best Duties are tainted with putrefaction Of sin, our Repentance, Confession, Humiliation, Are tainted with Hypocrisie and Dissimulation. Sin can't satisfie, for 'tis clear in reason, No more than a Traytor if Confess his Treason. Our mourning for sin, Praying for Pardon And strength against sin, should not harden In sin, our striving for mortification, Are quite other things than Satisfaction. Whatever we offer to God for acceptation, 'Tis through Christ's Intercession and Mediation. This is a sure Rule and Foundation-stone, That God's Justice is satisfy'd by Christ alone, For all Believers then like Christ there's none. For Man's sin God's Justice would admit No other satisfaction, this Point don't forget. And this must be apply'd by Faith alone, And this the Papist can't abide to own. They to the Virgin Mary themselves apply For Intercession, and on Saints also rely, As Mediators with Christ; Oh Blasphemy! As if Christ, blessed for ever, needed Coadjutors, Which is a Blasphemy my Soul abhorrs; 'Tis lifting up the Creature, and doth deface Christ's Merits, undervaluing God's Free-grace: For if Christs sufficient Sacrifice be deny'd, To what end was Christ incarnate and dy'd. What greater Indignity, dishonour can be To Christ, than is given by Papists you see? What's worse than undermine the Foundation Of all Happiness? by Christ alone is Salvation, Not by Virgin Mary, nor Saints in station. They cast their Crowns at Christ, and fall Before his Feet, Christ being all in all.

SECT. VIII.

Obj. SOme may move this Objection so bold, Why against Papists do you so hold? Sol. Because receive their worship from old, Pagan Heathens, which I could unfold, From ancient Authors, and Scripture bold; There was the Dragon worship at least, From which derives worship of the Beast: On which the generality of men doth run; 'Tis the grossest Idolatry under the Sun: Because fairest pretence of worshipping Jesus, So with Superstitions think to please us. So turn Christ into an Idol 'tis plain, What else doth bowing to Images mean, Their Wafer-god, and other things as vain? Crosses, Crucifixes, and Beads such Idle Toys, Fit to please Children and foolish Boys. Being ignorant of Christs Righteousness all one, Men invent a righteousness of their own, Not living by Faith, into Hell are thrown. God is a Spirit, and requireth of Age or Youth, To worship him in Spirit and in Truth. Tho by what's written, Papists may be inrag'd Against me, yet my Soul is here ingag'd, 'Tis a wicked Religion, for there is none Other way to Salvation, but by Christ alone. Must be sav'd by Christ alone, if at all, None can be sav'd, whether great or small, But in and through Christ, who is all in all. Tho Christ don't save without Sanctification; Yet Sanctification don't merit Salvation. I bear Papists no malice, I wish them well, Oh would they turn from the way of Hell! Therefore let none mistake me herein, I hate not their Persons, but only their Sin. Christs Excellency I will endeavour to advance, Whiles I am in the World, Husnance.

To do them good I would in love accord, My utmost strength in a spiritual way afford, If would dispute according to the Word. But that they deny with a stunning blow, Cry old Fathers, Tradition, and then you know, Deny the Statute, to what end pleads Law? They can't defend their Religion by the Word, Therefore, often use they Fire and Sword: If can't defend it by their magical Charms, Then they use Pauls Sword, force of Arms. When any false worship would introduce, They put by the Scriptures, by a sinful abuse. By false glosses on Scripture, in their Station, And by their corrupt and false Translation; Then their wicked Doctrines to advance Is by keeping People in their ignorance. 'Tis Will-worship clear, in Scripture still, So may receive twenty worships if you will: Lay aside Scripture, what Rule for Faith, A meer Chaos, if follow what Tradition saith. Then what Jews, Turks, and Pagans devise, And what's invented by the Father of lies: Therefore keep to Scripture in thy Station, They were given by Divine Inspiration: And Scriptures are by the Spirits Operation, Able to make us wise unto Salvation. Papists have many Blasphemies, should follow 'em, More Fopperies, than would contain a Volume: But those I have written without dispute, Strike at Jesus Christ, the Foundation Root. Of all happiness therefore could not be mute To extenuate Christs Excellency as bad fruit: Yea diabolical wicked without dispute, Consider these hints, and thy self recruit, With Scripture light those Errors confute; Don't see thy Saviour slighted, yet be mute. Own Christ here, don't believe Papists Story, And fear not, Christ will own thee in Glory.

SECT. IX.

Obj. BUt some may say, in all your scope, Can't you tell us the Rise of the Pope? Sol. At first they were Bishops understand, Placed and advanced by the Emperours hand; As Bishops are by the King of England, And supported in dignity by his hand; And did live in very much Tranquility, Under the Emperours power and Eye, Until Pope Hildebrand, he did it deny, Who was a Sorcerer, and by his wicked pride, The Emperours power he did divide, Both Ecclesiastical and Civil power apply'd To the Pope, by whose Example and Ambition, Fill'd Europe with most wicked Superstition: Under pretence of Chastity, destroyed Marriage, So base and wicked in their Carriage. Under the Title of Liberty, did break peace With Emperors, so Popes did increase In wickedness, and abominable Idolatry, And so resisted the Emperors Authority: So at length they brought it to pass, By the Popes Command to say wicked Mass. And that a few Cardinals wickedly bent, Should chuse a pope without the consent Of the Emperour, contrary to Law, and The Emperours just right, and command: To advance Bishops, the right his own, This by Popes hath been long overthrown. Have extorted all into their own hands, That under the Popes are, or commands: And not content with that, have so prevail'd By usurpation, the Emperours have quail'd. All power to Pope himself being wicked affected, For whereas no Pope might be elected Without the Emperour, that is now rejected

By the Pope, and no Emperour to stand Without the popes consent and hand: Who take upon them so in their Station, No Emperour shall be in their Generation, Without the popes holy Confirmation; Yea, at pleasure the pope by Excommunication Depose Kings, and Emperours by his pride, See on Frederick the First, who was spied To hold popes Stirrup on the wrong side, For which the pope could not him abide. Thus popes take on them imperial power Over Kings and Princes unto this Hour. For Henry the fourth, Emperour, did stand At pope Gregorys Gate, by his Command, Three days to beg pardon at popes hand; The pope caus'd Henry second, King of England For some difference with a Bishop, understand, To go bare-foot, by the popes command, To Canterbury with his bleeding feet, That he might a Bishops Tomb there meet: Which for a King to do, was a wicked thing Of the Pope, also John once Englands King, The Pope caus'd to bow, and kneel down At the feet of the popes Legate's frown, And also to offen unto him his Crown; And to kiss the Bishop of Canterburys Feet, Which for a King to do, is very unmeet, But England's King now hath more Wit. He is not Henry or John by Name, But the prudent Understanding King William, Will not suffer the Pope Supream to be, To Reign over him in such a degree: I hope power of the pope in his days VVill be abrogated, the King being wise. Tho some Bishops were loth he should stand As King-supream, all Bishops to command, But now will know him King of England. I can't but pray for his Majesties success, Also his Royal Consort Jehovah bless.

Make them King and Queen of high renown, To throw Will-worship and Popery down: But not to inlarge here, consider Popes pride, How over Kings and Emperours ride. See Popes and Bishops Ambition wicked and odd, Exalt themselves above all that's call'd God. Hence it appears that Popes vain Tradition, Brought in all their wicked Superstition: Superstition, by degrees brought Idolatry; Idolatry increas'd Ignorance and Blasphemy: Ignorance embrac'd that delusions Story, And fain'd great lye of Purgatory: Purgatory brought the Doctrine of praying For Souls departed, for Money playing. Praying for the Dead, this wicked Cheat, Did cause men to give Estates very great Unto the Church of Rome, who did aspire To Covetousness, to maintain Monk and Fryer: Then large revenues brought their Avarice, So prompt them to all Sin and Vice: Ambition brought their insulting pride Over Emperours, and many Kings beside. Their pride sought for an Arm of Flesh, Man's power to support wickedness afresh: Power brought in Cruelty in possession, The Popes Cruelty brought Oppression: Oppression brought on cruel Persecution, Which brought many to their dissolution. In which many Saints have suffer'd at least Cruel oppression by power of the Beast. The Pope and's adherents, which Scripture call A Star from Heaven, the Church, did fall From the Faith, full of Wormwood and Gall. In respect of corrupt Doctrines in profession; Gall, in respect of their cruel Oppression: Which hath been manifest in all Lands, Within jurisdiction of Popes commands. Scripture the Pope lays aside as dead, Popes commands and decretals are head Above Scripture, of Blasphemy Papist not afraid.

You see, yea opposeth God himself, understand, Shalt not bow to Images, is Gods Command: The Pope expungeth this Precept, and Setteth up Images in Churches by his hand Or Authority; God saith shall not bow down To Idols, the Pope saith with his Crown, Worship these, or I on you will frown. Here's the Popes command, and threatning Rod, As Antichrist blasphemously opposeth God. What thinkest Reader, who shall we obey, God or the Pope? consider it in thy way: Instead of Purgatory, Hell is Popes pay, Therefore God obey in this thy day. The Pope hath many Errors great and small, For some sins Papists hold to be venial; But Scripture doth not at all say so, The least sin is a Transgression of Gods Law: Yea, the least sin which is much worse, Exposeth all Men to a dreadful Curse. But not to inlarge here, yet mind well, For little sins, without Repentance I tell, And Faith in Christ, God hath a great Hell Instead of Purgatory, with false hope don't swell. Therefore take heed, who can in's fury dwell? What's to lye under Gods wrath, none can tell. Thus I have given you so brief's I can, The Popes Rise, and their Actions scan, Consider it, as art an honest Man. Now Reader, in love, to help thy Memory, To summ up all, I will my self apply: Consider it without a partial Eye, Understand what's said, as passest by.

SECT. X.

MAny hundred years the Man of Sin His Errors concealed, in the World bin: All his wickedness, which he hath done, Hath been admir'd by most as they run:

And receiv'd all Errors as they concluded, By which most Men have been deluded. The Errors which Papists have broach'd plain, Are received for sound Doctrines, so vain Are Men in Superstitious forms and ways, To use them for true worship in our days: The Man of Sin doth stile himself Head Of the Church, and Christs Vicar; tis said That Jesuits, Priests, Monks, Fryers are Christs Ministers, then of them take care: The Laws and Canons of those deem'd Before Scriptures, are by many esteem'd. The power of the Pope unto this hour Hath been executed as Christs power: The Roman Episcopal Sea, Court without, Hath, and is counted Christs Church no doubt. By many their foolish Pennance doth pass, For Repentance, also their abominable Mass Hath been received as the real presence, alas! Many Protestants lives hath this stood, That the Wafer is not Christs body and blood: Their fained delusions, and wicked Story, For a Money-cheat, is their Purgatory: Their outward shew of wisdom inclin'd, As voluntary Religion, humbleness of Mind, Not sparing the body, makes them esteem'd Religious and holy, their Ceremonies deem'd As necessary; their rich adorning Images, see Their Altars and Temples, how rich they be Set forth, their Wax-candles in degree, And gawdy Copes by their light may see: Their bowings, crossings, and Antick Tricks, With this, Faith not keep with Hereticks: By which Errors most of Age and Youth, Who are ignorant of spiritual Truth, Do look upon the Man of sin as Head Of the Church, so Christs Institutions dead With most, thus Satan doth cunningly work In the World, such baseness in men lurk.

Pope will tread on the Neck of Kings, Yet be call'd a Servant of Servants sings: He pretends to save Souls, yet with Idolatry, Ways of false-worship and Blasphemy: All ways of deceiveableness are found, In Popery all unrighteousness doth abound. Put all ways of Unrighteousness together, They may be found in Popery as Brother. They scruple not to do any wicked act, If they their wicked purpose can effect: Witness that Murder of Sir Edmondbury Godfrey, And others, with many a bloody Massacre: Their inhumane Cruelty in Ireland, Many poor Innocents suffer'd by Papists hand. What bloody designs had against England Now, had not God disappointed Papist, understand, Protestants might in blood have been involv'd, Had not God Papists wicked Inventions dissolv'd: And in other places many Cruelties I find Acted by Papist, Jehovah change their mind, To love mercy and truth, may be inclin'd; To love Scripture Truths, and to Protestants kind. And not hold it lawful to break Faith, And promise with Hereticks, as Pope saith: And disingage Subjects from Allegiance due, Then raise Wars in England, 'tis too true. What wickedness was acted by a Papist Crew, Such as before, England never knew. Papists tell Men they merit Heaven further, If Men perpetrate or commit Murther Or any Villany, to advance wicked Baal, The Church of Rome, as I may her call. Oh that England now may loath her all, That before our King and Queen may fall Babylon, Rome, that false Prophet and Whore Of Abominations, let's imbrace her no more: Let's loath Popery with the greatest detestation, Because from Pagans had it's derivation, And too much practis'd in our Nation, Had I time, I could give a Demonstration.

But all Popery to declare and unmask Particularly, were for me an infinite task. Thus I have briefly gone through Popery; I could say something also of Episcopacy, But at present I shall pass it by, And write briefly, as my lines imply Of Gospel-worship, by Scripture-warranty: How Christ's Kingly and Priestly office is invaded, Under pretence for Christ, yet by Papist degraded, Is taken notice of, you see in my walk, Next of Gospel-worship I'le a little talk: And consider it well as you pass by, Gospel-truths by Faith rightly apply.

Notes

• Job 30.26.
• Job 18.14.
• Jam. 1.3.
• Job 5.15.
• Job 16.10.
• Isa. 3.9.
• Mat. 23.32, 33.
• 1 Cor. 10.13.
• Heb. 4.15.
• Heb. 12.4.
• Mat. 26.38.
• 1 Pet. 2.22.
• Isa. 44.8.
• 2 Cor. 12.9:
• Gal. 3.18.
• Heb. 2.16.18.
• Mar. 10.24.
• Joh. 15.20.
• Rev. 3.10.
• Mat. 14.31.
• Rom. 7.25.
• Rom. 8.34.
• Isa. 25.8, 9.
• 2 Tim. 1.10.
• Heb. 2.10.
• Hos. 13.9, 14.
• Rev. 1.5.
• 2 Cor. 5.18.
• 1 John 2.5.
• Mar. 9.23.
• Heb. 7.25.
• Job 14.14.
• Heb. 6.19.
• Job 19.25.
• Isa. 44.22.
• 1 Cor. 15.56, 57. Verses.
• Eph. 2.8.
• Rev. 7, 15.16.
• Rev. 22.20.
• John 15.26.
• John 19.6.
• Mat. 27.13, 14. 23. vers.
• Acts 22.22.
• 1 Pet. 3.15.
• 1 Cor. 16.13.
• 1 Cor. 10.14.
• Jer. 50.38.
• 2 Cor. 10.4,
• Rom. 14.23.
• Mat. 26.26.
• Mat. 16.6.
• Heb. 7.26, 27.
• Luke 12.1.
• Act. 3.21.
• Mark 16.19.
• Luke 22.19.
• 1 Cor. 11.26, 28
• Mar. 14.22.
• Phil. 1.23.
• Jer. 44.4, 5.
• Tit. 1.16.
• 1 Pet. 3.4.
• Isa. 44.15, 17.
• Rom. 6.9.
• Rev. 1.18.
• Luke 20.36.
• 1 Pet. 3.22.
• Mat. 28.18.
• 1 Cor. 1.24.
• John 8.44.
• Jam. 2.19.
• 2 Thes. 2.11.
• Luke 23.23.
• 1 Cor. 1.13
• Eph. 4.4, 5.
• 1 Cor. 8.6.
• 1 Tim. 2 5.
• Luke 22.19.
• 1 Cor. 11.24.25
• Psal. 94.8.
• Rom. 1.22, 23.
• 1 Cor. 2.14.
• Dan. 12.10.
• Psal. 51.17.
• Hos. 6.6.
• Mic. 6.8.
• Mat. 12.7.
• Psa. 116.17.
• Heb. 13.10.
• 1 Sam. 15.22.
• Heb. 9.26.
• Heb. 10.10.
• Acts 4.12.
• Mat. 3.17.
• Heb. 7.27.
• Heb. 9.28.
• 1 Pet. 3.18.
• Heb. 10.10, ••••.
• Mat. 17.5.
• Mat. 23.28.33. vers.
• Mat. 3.17.
• Mat. 28.18.
• 2 Cor. 6.14. to the 18. vers. Ezek. 14.3, 6.
• John 5.21.
• Heb. 10.29.
• Psa. 11.6.
• Dan. 12.10.
• 2 Tim. 3.13.
• John 3.19.
• 2 Thes. 2.10.
• 1 Tim 4.2.
• Gen. 3.4.
• 2 Thes. 2., 11 12. vers.
• 1 Cor. 14.14
• 1 Kings 19.18
• Prov. 12.10.
• Col. 2.18.
• 1 Tim. 4.3.
• Deut. 18.10. 12. vers.
• Gal. 4.3, 4.
• Col 1.18.
• Rev. 13.1.
• Col. 2.8.
• 2 Thes. 2.4,
• Rev. 13.16.
• Josh. 24.19.20. verse.
• 2 Cor. 6.14. to the 18. vers.
• Luke 22.19.20. vers.
• 1 Cor. 11.24, 25
• Gal. 6.14.
• 1 Cor. 11.16. Isa. 1.12.
• Mat. 15.9.
• Rom. 9.5.
• Isa. 8.20.
• Gal. 1.8.
• Rev. 13.16.
• Rev. 22.11.
• Phil. 3.19.
• Lev. 19.19.
• Mat. 23.33.
• Tit. 1.13, 14, 16. verses.
• Acts 21.28.
• Acts 24.14.
• Act. 28.22.
• Psal. 74.20.
• Mat. 16.19.
• Rev. 13.17.
• Col. 2.23.
• Act. 5.3.
• Rev. 12.9.
• Luke 22.15.
• Luke 22.19.
• Act. 2.42, 46.
• Act. 20.7.
• Isa. 53.5.
• Joh. 15.12, 13.
• Mar. 14.24.
• Ezek. 36.25, to the 35. vers
• Luke 22.20.
• 1 Cor. 1.9.
• Luk. 22.28, 29, 30. vers.
• 1 Cor. 6.2.
• 1 Cor. 10.21.
• Eph. 5.11.
• Act. 4.32.
• 1 Cor. 11.27, 28, 29. vers.
• Isa. 1.9.
• Rev. 2.2.
• Rom. 14.23.
• Eph. 3.17.
• 1 Cor. 5.7, 8.
• 1 Joh. 2.1, 2.
• Col 1.14.
• Mat. 17.5.
• Luke 16.23.
• Mar. 11.22.
• 1 Joh. 1.7.
• Heb. 9.14. & 11.6.
• Mat. 18.3.
• Luk. 23.43.
• Luk. 7.49.
• Gal. 5.19, 20, 21. vers.
• Isa. 6.16.
• Isa. 53.11.
• Heb. 10.14.
• Heb. 9.12.
• Col. 1.21.
• 1 John 1.8.
• Heb. 7.25.
• Mat. 17.5.
• Act. 4.12.
• 1 Tim 2.5.
• Col. 3.11.
• Col. 1.19.
• Rev. 4.10.
• Rev. 13.2, 3▪4. Verses. & 14 15.
• Rom. 10.2, 3.
• John 4.24.
• Acts 4.12.
• Luk. 17.12.
• John 4.20.
• 2 Pet. 3.16, 17.
• Eph. 4.18, 19. verse.
• Col. 2.8.
• 1 Tim. 3.15.16. verses. Col. 2.12.
• Luk. 22.28, 29. vers..
• 1 Tim 4.3.
• Prov. 26.25.
• 2 Thes. 2.4.
• Psa. 73.6.
• Prov. 29.4.
• Eccl. 8.2, 4.
• 2 Thes. 2.4,
• Luke 16.22, 23. verses.
• Psal. 10.3, 4.
• Heb. 11.36.37, 38. verses.
• Rev. 9.1 to the 12 verse.
• Rev. 8.10.11.
• Exod. 20.5, 5.
• Act. 5.29.
• Gal. 3.10.
• Psal. 90.11.
• 2 Pet. 3.1, 2.
• 2 Cor. 2.11.
• Rom. 3.18.
• Micah 6.8.
• Rev. 17.1. to the 6. verse.