1Abraham was of an excellent faith, and constancy, of singular meekness, and holiness, yet had he not this gift. Christ himself testifies that it is not given to all, even then when his Apostles so highly commended single life, Math. 19.6.10.11.12. and S. Paul saith the like, 1. Cor. 7.7.9. He then which hath not this gift of continency, and yet vows it, doth ill,2 and shall be justly punished for his presumption. Hence have come those infinite shameful examples, whereby God hath justly punished such pride in the Papacy. They vow poverty also;3 as if it were unlawful for them to enjoy any thing of their own; yet do they abound in wealth above all men: is not this a plain mocking of God?4 As touching the obedience which they vow, it is nothing else but mere rebellion: for they shake off Christs yoke, to subject themselves to men. Others vow pilgrimages,5 to eat no flesh, to keep certain days, and other things full of superstitions. Others vow unto God fond and doltish toys, as if they had to deal with a little child: for we are ashamed to make such promises unto men, amongst whom nothing is confirmed unless both parties be first agreed between themselves, and do allow of one another's fact.6 Surely we should much less enterprise ought in Gods service, unless we have good warrant for our deed out of his holy word. What service will you call that where the statutes of God are nothing accounted of, and where the will of man only takes place? Can this be acceptable unto God, think we? Nay, shall it not rather be termed superstition, which S. Paul so much detesteth? Coloss. 2.23. Those which make such vows then do brag in vain that they serve God therein, as if this place any thing at all favoured their conceit, because the Lord detesteth such worship.
1Abraham was of an excellent faith, and constancie, of singular meekenes, and holines, yet had he not this gift. Christ himselfe testifies that it is not giuen to all, euen then when his Apostles so highlie commended single life, Math. 19.6.10.11.12. and S. Paul saith the like, 1. Cor. 7.7.9. He then which hath not this gift of continencie, and yet vowes it, doth ill,2 and shal be iustlie punished for his presumption. Hence haue come those infinite shamefull examples, whereby God hath iustlie punished such pride in the Papacie. They vowe pouertie also;3 as if it were vnlawfull for them to inioy any thing of their owne; yet doe they abound in wealth aboue all men: is not this a plaine mocking of God?4 As touching the obedience which they vow, it is nothing else but meere rebellion: for they shake off Christes yoke, to subiect themselues to men. Others vow pilgrimages,5 to eate no flesh, to keepe certaine dayes, and other things full of superstitions. Others vow vnto God fond and doltish toyes, as if they had to deale with a little child: for we are ashamed to make such promises vnto men, amongst whom nothing is confirmed vnlesse both parties be first agreed betweene themselues, and doe allow of one anothers fact.6 Surely we should much lesse enterprise ought in Gods seruice, vnlesse wee haue good warrant for our deede out of his holie word. What seruice will you call that where the statutes of God are nothing accounted of, and where the will of man only takes place? Can this be acceptable vnto God, thinke we? Nay, shall it not rather be termed superstition, which S. Paul so much detesteth? Coloss. 2.23. Those which make such vowes then do brag in vaine that they serue God therein, as if this place any thing at all fauored their conceit, because the Lord detesteth such worship.
- 1Gen. 11.29. & 25.1.
- 2Presumption in any to vow single life.
- 3Wilful poverty.Wilfull pouertie.
- 4Papists vows of obedience mere rebellion.Papists vows of obedience meere rebellion.
- 5Pilgrimages.
- 6Note.
