Babylons downfall a sermon lately preached at Westminster before sundry of the honourable House…

If so,¹ what ill office have they done to the Churches, and people of God, that obtrude this position upon us. That the Church of Rome is a true Church. But was Babylon a true Church? was Sodom a true Church? was Egypt a true Church? Rome is Sodom, Egypt, and truly Babylon. Oh what abundance of hurt, and mischief hath this dangerous position done, that the Church of Rome is a true Church! I my self have known some that had relinquished the Church of Rome, and written against her, who again staggered in their faith, I wish (I might not say they were revolted) when they saw this opinion countenanced, and published by great authority. And what say the Papists? ⟨p. 9⟩Your own men, say they, hold that the Church of Rome is a true Church, and that salvation is to be had in her, as for the Church of England it is a Schismatical, heretical Church, wherein no salvation is to be had. The safest way therefore is to join with us, where, according to all men, both ours and yours you may be sure of your salvation. And indeed the argument were very strong, and home, if the premises were true. But when it shall appear by Scripture, that Zion is called Babylon, and Babylon called Zion, then, and not till then will I believe that Rome is a true Church. I know what some urge, namely, that Antichrist, that man of sin, is to sit in the house of God, and therefore that the Church of Rome is the house, and Church of God. But if we consult with the original, we shall find that the words are not [Greek or Hebrew], in the house, but [Greek or Hebrew], upon, or against the house of God; so Austen, and others turn it. Upon; noting his tyranny and usurped government, so the coherent words also give it, He shall sit exalting himself above all that is called God. The whole words being nothing else, but a description of his proud government and vile tyranny.

If so,¹ what ill office have they done to the Churches, and people of God, that obtrude this position upon us. That the Church of Rome is a true Church. But was Babylon a true Church? was Sodome a true Church? was Egypt a true Church? Rome is Sodome, Egypt, and truly Babylon. Oh what abundance of hurt, and mischiefe hath this dangerous position done, that the Church of Rome is a true Church! I my selfe have knowne some that had relinquisht the Church of Rome, and written against her, who againe stagger'd in their faith, I wish (I might not say they were revolted) when they saw this opinion countenanced, and published by great authority. And what say the Papists?