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

SECT. 3.

Object. IMages may be tollerated in Churches, because they are an ornament unto it.

Ans. 1. Churches (as you terme them) are for the living I∣mages* 1.1 of God, and not for dead Images. 2. The adorning of Churches must not be otherwise then God hath appointed, and so to his dishonour, nor to the offence of the members of Christ. 3. As a man would not have his wife decked in Harlots apparell, so is it not fit such places should borrow ornaments for Idolaters.

Obj. Moses caused Ch••rubins to be made over the Arke, and a brazen Serpent to look upon, and Solomon made Images of Oxen in the Temple, for the brazen Laver to stand upon; ergo it is lawfull to have Images in such places now.

Ans. 1. These Images had Gods speciall command. 2. They were not in the view of the people which were in the Temple, or Tabernacle, but there where the High Priest had only accesse; neither were they set up aloft as Images are, to be worshipped, but only set forth the work of the Tabernacle, and Temple. 3. The brazen Serpent was used as a figure of Christ, which figures doe now cease the body being come, which is Christ, Col. 2. 17.

Obj. Images are Lay-mens Books, that they which cannot read, may learn by the History what was done.

Ans. This was the very reason which the Gentiles used in vin∣dication* 1.2 of their Idols, but if Images were a means to instruct the rude and ignorant, certainly God would have commanded it in the Old Testament, which he did not, but contrariwise strict∣ly forbiddeth it. And if they be for instruction, they must have an Interpreter, for they are dumbe of themselves, and an Inter∣preter can better instruct without them. Again▪ the Scriptures* 1.3 saith, that Images are teachers of lyes, Hab. 2. 18. and that Idols speak vanity, Za••. 10. 2. If they serve then for Lay-mens Books, they only teach them lies, and vanities. Again, Images set up in Churches to be gazed upon, doe draw the mindes of men from celestiall cogitations, and therefore according to the Prophet Da∣vids exhortation, we ought to turn our eyes from beholding vani∣ties (especially in such a place) all vain objects therefore ought

to be removed from peoples sight: and it is reported of the an∣cient* 1.4 Romans, that they would suffer no Images in their Chur∣ches, that the worship of God might be more pure, the sight of them therefore (in such publick places) are very dangerous, and that for these reasons, viz. 1. In regard that mens hearts being naturally corrupted, and prone to Idolatry, by such objects are nourished to error, and therefore when Hezekiah saw the brazen Serpent abused to Idolatry, brake it, 2 King. 18. 4. and thereby took away the cause of stumbling. 2. Those resemblan∣ces come so neare the nature of things living, and so doth the more easily deceive.

Obj. The Image of Christ may be made as he was man.

Ans. The Picture of Christ ought not to be made at all, for in* 1.5 regard Christ is both God, and Man, therefore▪ all such Images as are made of Christ must needs be lying Images, in respect they cannot expresse his God-head.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Deut. 16 22. Against Ima∣ges in Chur∣ches.
• * 1.2

  Papists use the Gentiles plea, &c.
• * 1.3

  Images and Idols teachers of lyes.
• * 1.4

  The danger of Images and Idols in pub∣lick places.
• * 1.5

  The Image of Christ a lying Image.