Rome ruin'd by VVhite Hall, or, The papall crown demolisht

SECT. 4. Of their Monkes and Hermites.

IN the next place, may be brought in the profession of their Monkish, Anchorish, and Hermites lives, which they would maintaine from Lots living in a Cave, Gen. 12. 38. but it ap∣peares by the example of Lot, who in a solitary place committed sinne, that it is not the place that mendeth mens manners; for if the heart be wanting, the place helpeth not: Lot sinned in the Mountaine, Adam fell in Paradice, the Angels in Heaven; it is then but a meere fancy for them to think that a Monkes Coule, a Cloysters life, of a Hermites Weede, can make a man more holy, but it is to be seared, that as Drunkennesse, and Incense were com∣mitted in the Cav••, so the Cloysters, and Seles of Popish Votaries are not free from the like uncleanesse.

Obj. We read that holy men required often to desart 〈◊〉〈◊〉, as Moses, Elias, John Baptist, yea our Saviour himself, who often went apart to pray.

Ans. That is no warrant for these Popish Professions afore∣mentioned,

for these holy men did but for a time sequester▪ themselves, that thereby they might more seriously be given to Prayer and Meditation, not leaving and renouncing their cal∣lings, as the other superstitious people doe.. Againe, they also in time of persecution fled into desart places, therein shewing their humanity and infirmity, least they might have been forced by persecution to deny the faith; but these doe place the greatest perfection (in this life) in that solitary profession.

Like unto these, is their superstitious Washings; when they ad∣dresse* 1.1 themselves to consecrate the Heast, and to approach unto the Altar, muttering these words of the Prophet David, I will wash my hands in innocency, and so will I compasse thine Altar. But this superstitious washing doth not justifie their Idolatrous service, who whilst they wash their hands, doe prophane Christs Supper, and take away the fruitfull application and efficacy of his death, by instituting a new Sacrifice. Therefore as Pilate washed his hands, and yet delivered Christ, even to be Crucified, so they wash their hands, and yet doe crucifie Christ daily in the Masse, in offering him up still in Sacrifice.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Of their super∣stitious Wash∣ings.