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

4 The religion, or rather faction of Papism. It is most wonderful to read, how Fevardentius and others of them upon this Text, do challenge us for the principal men that deny CHRIST. But when we come to examine the weight, their very arguments against us do strengthen us, and we find our selves the more comforted in being so scandalized. Let indifferency be judge! we adore and trust upon CHRIST for our only Saviour, and ascribe to him the whole of our redemption: they join other Saviours, other mediators with him; now which of us do most deny CHRIST? do you look for more evidence? you shall have it that both the cold neuters who treat of a reconcilement between us; and the hot separatists that say we have not left them at all because we retain some ceremonies which they use; may be at once satisfied and ashamed. It is not matter of order, but matter of faith that hath divide us; nor ceremony, but substance: not a bush, but a wall of stone, that we can scarce imagine the separation greater which divided Abraham from the rich man in hell. 1 Joh. 2.2. Who is a liar, but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? he is Antichrist that denieth the Father and the Sonne. But they deny not the Father, albeit the Son: yea, in this they have denied the Father: where CHRIST is but half a Saviour, God is but half a Father. Verse 23. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father. They worship images, adore relics, invoke Angels; here they deny Jesus. They sacrifice for the sins of quick and dead with a wafer cake, hold a Purgatory for the scouring up of souls, as I CHRISTS blood was not able to do it; here they deny Jesus. They tread down the deputies of God from their Thrones, and set up an usurping Prelate, whom all ages have acknowledged a vassal to Prince; here they deny Jesus. They take away Scriptures, mangle Sacraments, license Stews, condemn marriage, wrap up the obsequies of our conscience in the strange livery of an unknown language; sell pardons for sixpence; open heaven where Christ shuts it, and shut heaven where Christ shuts it, and shut heaven where Christ opens it; here they deny Jesus. They ⟨p. 393⟩mingle the blood of Martyrs, yea of traitors, with the blood of the Lamb of God which is spotless;

4 The religion, or rather faction of Papisme. It is most wonderfull to read, how Feuardentius and others of them upon this Text, doe challenge us for the principall men that deny CHRIST. But when we come to examine the waight, their very arguments against us doe strengthen us, and we find our selves the more comforted in being so scandalized. Let indifferencie be judge! we adore and trust upon CHRIST for our only Saviour, and ascribe to him the whole of our redemption: they joyne other Saviours, other mediators with him; now which of us doe most deny CHRIST? doe you looke for more evidence? you shall have it that both the cold neuters who treate of a reconcilement betweene us; and the hot separatists that say we have not left them at all because we retaine some ceremonies which they use; may be at once satisfied and ashamed. It is not matter of order, but matter of faith that hath divide us; nor ceremonie, but substance: not a bush, but a wall of stone, that we can scarce imagine the separation greater which divided Abraham from the rich man in hell.