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

SECT. 6.

Object. SO that Images be not adored, they may be used for mat∣ter of beautifying, and adorning of Churches.

Ans. It is a dishonour to God to have such places (set apart for his worship) stuffed with Monuments of Idolatry, such things as draweth the minde of man from a Divine worship; and it is evident, Exod. 34. 15. that the Lord would have the occasion of* 1.1 stumbling removed, and Images to be defaced, lest the people might be corrupted by them, and therefore he simply comman∣deth to break down their Images, Deut. 7. 5. and that because they were an holy people to God. As if he should have said, you Israelites are a people prone to Idolatry, and therefore I charge you ••o pull them down. The Apostle also reviveth the same pre∣cept, 1 Joh. 5. 21. where he saith, Babes, keep your selves from Idols; shewing that now under the Gospel there is danger to be feared from Images, and Idols.

Obj. The Commandement for abolishing and destroying of Ima∣ges was ceremoniall▪ and therefore concerneth not christians n••w.

Ans. To take away all occasion of Idolatry is not ceremoniall, because it tendeth to the maintenance of a Morall Comman∣dement.

Obj. A thing must not be taken away for the abuse.

Ans. If the thing be good in it selfe, and necessary, it ought not to be taken away for the abuse; but the case is divers where both the thing, and the abuse are unlawfull.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The occasion of evill ought to be removed.