Gods arrow against atheists. By Henry SmithGods arrovve against atheists. By Henrie Smith

Wherefore the Papists do us great injury, and bewray their own ignorance, when they would have us to show our Church in all times & ages (which notwithstanding perhaps may be done) for our Church was always, though it were not seen or known to them, but lay bid and kept it self close from their fury and tyranny, as the first and primitive Churches did from their bloody persecutors. Our Church was then persecuted in those times when it could not be seen, & many then like constant Martyrs, endured the tyranny of that Romish religion, so that some were banished, others fled into other Nations, some endured Martyrdom at home, some other hid themselves, but the whole Church generally was vexed, and oppressed. And therefore when our Church was thus persecuted, it is a good argument (I think) to say, We had our Church then and always, though a persecuted Church, though a Church chased and pursued, though a Church scattered, though a Church not seen or visible to them, yea, though in it self it were enlightened from God many ages together. Namely, till the tyranny e• Antichrist were overpast.

Wherefore the Papists do vs great iniury, and bewray their owne ignorance, when they would haue vs to shewe our Church in all times & ages (which notwithstanding perhaps may bée done) for our Church was alwaies, though it were not seene or knowne to them, but lay bid and kept it selfe close from their fury and tyranny, as the first and primitiue Churches did from their bloody persecutors. Our Church was then persecuted in those times when it could not be séene, & many then like constant Martyrs, endured the tyranny of that Romish religion, so that some were banished, others fled into other Nations, some indured Martyrdome at home, some other hid themselues, but the whole Church generally was vexed, and oppressed. And therefore when our Church was thus persecuted, it is a good argument (I thinke) to say, Wée had our Church then and alwaies, though a persecuted Church, though a Church chased and pursued, though a Church scattered, though a Church not séene or visible to them, yea, though in it selfe it were inlightened from God many ages together. Namely, till the tyrranny e• Antichrist were ouerpast.