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

And besides how will the Bishop of Rome that now is, avoid himself to be Antichrist, Sith by the express determination of Gregory Bishop of Rome his predecessor, he is condemned for Antichrist, in as much as he hath this Title, and is not ashamed thereof. For what is this else, but to come in the place of Christ, and consequently to be Antichrist, usurping the prerogative Title of Christ Jesus? But the Pope saith, that though he claim thus to be the head of the Church, yet he doth not name himself to be otherwise than a Ministerial head, & to be Christs Vicar on earth. But why will he be so arrogant as to challenge this Title without •••full conveyance made unto him from Christ, which he cannot show. For who dare take upon him to be a lieutenant to an earthly Prince without S•st•rs Patents first had from the Prince. Again, the Church of Christ on earth, being as a chaste Spouse to her Husband and head Christ Jesus: neither can or ought to acknowledge any other for her head, than that her husband to whom she hath plighted her troth. Lastly, there can be no successor but when the Predecessor is gone and absent, but Christ is always present with his Church according to his own words, Behold I am with you to the end of the world, Matthew, 28.20. And therefore he can have neither Successor nor Vicar to represent his person, or to guide his Church: For his spirit (since his bodily ascension) is the guide and governess of the Church in his room, John, 14. & 15. & 16. For no man mortal is appointed thereunto.

And besides how will the Bishop of Rome that now is, avoid himselfe to be Antichrist, Sith by the expresse determination of Gregorie Bishoppe of Rome his predecessour, hée is condemned for Antichrist, in as much as hée hath this Title, and is not ashamed thereof. For what is this else, but to come in the place of Christ, and consequently to bee Antichrist, vsurping the prerogatiue Title of Christ Jesus? But the Pope saith, that though hée claime thus to bee the heade of the Church, yet hee doth not name hims•lfe to bee otherwise than a Ministeriall head, & to bée Christs Vicar on earth. But why will he be so arrogant as to challenge this Title without •••full onueyance made vnto him from Christ, which hee cannot show. For who dare take vppon him to bée a iuetenant to an earthly Prince without Sstrs Pattents first had from the Prince. Againe, the Church of Christ on earth, being as a chast Spowse to her Husband and head Christ Iesus: neither can or ought to acknowledge any other for her head, than that her husband to whom shée hath plighted her troth. Lastly, there can bee no successour but when the Predecessour is gone and absent, but Christ is alwaies presente with his Church according to his owne words, Beholde I am with you to the ende of the world,