The practical divinity of the papists discovered to be destructive of Christianity and mens…

Good works not necessary by the Roman Doctrine. This showed in Fasting, Prayer, Alms-deeds, to which they reduce all good works. They do not, they need not fast on their fasting days. Their Church requires the observance of none of those things, which they say are necessary to the being of a fast. They may eat a Dinner, a full meal at noon, may be excessive therein, so as to transgress the laws of Sobriety, and to excite and cherish lust, instead of repressing the flesh; and yet fulfil the precept. They may break their fast in the morning (and yet keep it) with Ale, Wine, Bread, or other things. They may eat a Supper too, and that excessive great, as big as custom will have it, when they tell us, it is their custom to sup with notorious excess. They may sup out of sensuality. And may take their supper in the morning. And drink and eat every hour. The quality of their fasting meat most delicious. They may drink at any time and Wine too (though that is confessed to be more contrary to a fast than flesh). They may drink it till they be drunk, and yet not break their fast. Nothing Religious in their fast. Neither Religious ends nor employments. And so it can be no good work nor necessary in their account. Those that have tired themselves with Gaming or Whoring are excused. Yet this piece of mockery passes with them as satisfactory and meritorious, Sect. 1. to page 397.

GOod works not necessary by the Roman Doctrine. This shewed in Fasting, Prayer, Alms-deeds, to which they reduce all good works. They do not, they need not fast on their fasting days. Their Church requires the observance of none of those things, which they say are necessary to the being of a fast. They may eat a Dinner, a full meal at noon, may be excessive therein, so as to transgress the laws of Sobriety, and to excite and cherish lust, instead of repressing the flesh; and yet fulfil the precept. They may break their fast in the morning (and yet keep it) with Ale, Wine, Bread, or other things. They may eat a Supper too, and that excessive great, as big as custome will have it, when they tell us, it is their custome to sup with notorious excess. They may sup out of sensuality. And may take their supper in the morning. And drink and eat every hour. The quality of their fasting meat most delicious. They may drink at any time and Wine too (though that is confessed to be more contrary to a fast than flesh). They may drink it till they be drunk, and yet not break their fast. Nothing Religious in their fast. Neither Religious ends nor imployments. And so it can be no good work nor necessary in their account. Those that have tyred themselves with Gaming or Whoring are excused. Yet this piece of mockery passes with them as satisfactory and meritorious, Sect. 1. to page 397.