A commentary or, exposition upon the divine second epistle general, writtenA commentary or, exposition vpon the diuine second epistle generall, written

Here may be questioned, whether it is lawful to be present at a Mass, so long as we reserve our own faith; and whether this be to deny Christ in any sort. The Apostle clears it, 1 Cor. 10.14. Flee from idolatry. This exhortation he strengthens with two special reasons; the one vers. 20. They that partake of things offered to Idols, have fellowship with the devils. The other, vers. 21. Ye cannot be partakers of the Lords Table, and of the table of devils. Besides offending of the weak Christian, and confirming the strong Papist. A Protestant cannot possibly communicate with the Papists, without sin: yet they may communicate with us, without sin. Our Service is without all fear of idolatry, even themselves being judges: so that a Papist remaining a Papist, may communicate with us: and it is rather out of pride, than conscience, that they refuse it. Yet it sticks upon the stomach of some toy-headed Professors, that they may lawfully see a Mass, going with their kindred, for sport; and rather than want excuses, that they might more detest it. But Paul cuts off all these reasons, 1 Cor. 10.22. Do we provoke the Lord to anger? are we stronger than be? God shall condemn all colourable shifts, and expose thee to his wrath. To exhort this allowance, nothing is more commonly cited than the example of Naaman, 2 King. 5.18. When my Master goeth into the house of Rimmon to worship there, and he leaneth on my hand, and I bow in the house of Rimmon; the Lord pardon thy servant in this thing. To which Elisha doth seem to give approbation; Go in peace. This place is their opinion doth prove it, when indeed this place makes most strongly against it. First, Naaman speaks of a civill worship to his Master, not a superstitious one to the Idol: the King leaning on his hand; either Majestatis or infirmitatis gratiâ; whether for weakness or for State. Secondly, He professed the resolution of his heart to worship only the God of Israel, that had healed him. Begging earth to make an ⟨p. 391⟩Altar, erecting an Altar for sacrifice, and sacrificing that he might be thankful. Thirdly, He puts the doubt of his own weakness, that notwithstanding his resolved sincerity; yet being with his Master in that cursed place, he did not know how temptation might work upon him; therefore he says, God be merciful to me in this;