A09453:248
A Reformed Catholic
A reformed Catholic: or, A declaration showing how near we may come to the present Church of Rome in sundry points of religion: and wherein we must for ever depart from them with an advertisement to all favourers of the Roman religion, showing that the said religion is against the Catholic principles and grounds of the catechism.A reformed Catholike: or, A declaration shewing how neere we may come to the present Church of Rome in sundrie points of religion: and vvherein we must for euer depart from them with an advertisment to all fauourers of the Romane religion, shewing that the said religion is against the Catholike principles and grounds of the catechisme.
Cambridge: printed by John Legat, 1598Cambridge: printed by Iohn Legat, 1598
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The dissent or difference.
The points of difference between us touching vows are especially three. I. The Church of Rome teacheth that in the new testament we are as much bound to make vows, as was the Church of the Jews, and that even in external exercises. We say no: considering the ceremonial law is now abolished: and we have only two ceremonies by commandment to be observed, baptism, and the supper of the Lord. Again we are not so much bound to make or keep vows as the Jews were; because they had a commandment so to do, and we have none at all. But they allege to the contrary the Prophet Isaiah, cap. 19. 20. who speaking of the time of the gospel, saith, the Egyptians shall know the Lord, and shall vow unto him and keep it. I answer two ways: first, that the Prophet in this place expresseth and signifieth the spiritual worship of the new ⟨p. 160⟩testament by ceremonial worship then used: as he doth also in the last chapter where he calleth the minsters of the new testament Priests and Levites. Secondly, we grant, the Church of the new testament makes vows unto God, but they are of moral and evangelical duties: which must not be left undone and if vowing will indeed further them, it is not to be neglected. And therefore so oft as we come to the Lords Table, we in heart renew the vow and promise of obedience. And though vows be made of things and actions indifferent, yet are they not any parts of Gods worships which is the point to be proved.
The points of difference betweene vs touching vowes are especially three. I. The Church of Rome teacheth that in the newe testament we are as much bound to make vowes, as was the Church of the Iewes, and that euen in externall exercises. We say no: considering the ceremoniall lawe is now abolished: and we haue onely two ceremonies by commaundement to be obserued, baptisme, and the supper of the Lord. Againe we are not so much bound to make or keepe vowes as the Iewes were; because they had a commaundement so to doe, and we haue none at all. But they alleadge to the contrarie the Prophet Esay, cap. 19. 20. who speaking of the time of the gospel, saith, the Egyptians shall knovv the Lord, and shall vowe vnto him and keepe it. I answer two waies: first, that the Prophet in this place expresseth and signifieth the spirituall worshippe of the newe