A14227:463
An answer to a challenge madeAn ansvver to a challenge made
An answer to a challenge made by a Jesuit in Ireland Wherein the judgement of antiquity in the points questioned is truly delivered, and the novelty of the now romish doctrine plainly discovered. By James Usher Bishop of Meath.An ansvver to a challenge made by a Iesuite in Ireland Wherein the iudgement of antiquity in the points questioned is truely delivered, and the noveltie of the now romish doctrine plainly discovered. By Iames Vssher Bishop of Meath.
Dublin: printed by the Society of Stationers and Eliot's Court Press, 1624Dublin: printed by the Societie of Stationers and Eliot's Court Press, 1624
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.
Fourth difference betwixt the Popish prayers and the Interpellations used in the ancient time. for by the doctrine and practise of the Church of Rome, the Saints in heaven are not only made joint petitioners with us (as the Saints are upon earth) but also our Attorneys and Advocates: who carry the suit for us, not by the pleading of Christs merits alone, but by bringing in their own merits likewise; upon the consideration of the dignity or condignitie whereof it is believed, that God yieldeth to the motions they make unto him in our behalf. mWe pray unto the Saints (saith the Master of the Sentences) that they may intercede ⟨p. 409⟩for us, that is to say, that their merits may help us, and that they may will our good: for they willing it God doth will it, and so it will be effected. nWe ought to entreat the Apostles and all the Saints (saith Hugo Pratensis) in all our necessities: because they are our advocates, and the means betwixt us and God, by whom God hath ordained to bestow all things upon us. oBecause it is a thing fitting (saith Scotus) that he that is in bliss should be a coadjutor of God in procuring the salvation of the elect, according to such manner as this may agree unto him; and to this it is requisite, that our prayers which are offered unto him should specially be revealed unto him, because they lean specially upon the merits of him as of a mediator bringing us to the salvation which is sought for: therefore it is probable that God doth specially reveal unto him that is in bliss such of our prayers as are offered unto him, or unto God in his name. But this is an open derogation to the high prerogative of our Saviours meritorious Intercession, and a manifest encroachment upon the great office of Mediation, which the most religious and learned among those Fathers, who desired to be recommended unto the prayers of the Saints, were so careful to preserve entire unto him. pFor what is so proper to Christ, saith S. Ambrose, as to stand by God the Father for an advocate of the people? q