Hagio-mimesis The imitation of the saints

The Apotheosis in R•me Ethnic▪ and Canonization of Saints in Rome Catholic, ⟨p. 32⟩hath sprung principally from this Fountain;¹ whilst in both, the fond opinion, and overlavish Commendation, which the present generation gave to their Worthies and Be efactors, have ensnared the Ignorance of succeeding generations, to judge them not unworthy of Divine honour and adoration; while they thought that their translation into those Celestial habitations, could not but improve their benignity and Power, for the help of poor mortals here below, even to Infinitude, who were of such Heroic Influence, whilst yet amongst the Sons of men. Hence the Original of worshipping the dead, and praying to them. Save only, that the Pride, and Avarice of the latter Pontificians, hath prevailed with them to Canonize for Saints, such as they knew to be the worst of men; and to create them little D•ities, who by the justest Character which could be collected out of their Doctrine and lives, are now amongst Reprobate Spirits, suffering the vengeance of Eternal fire.

The Apotheosis in R•me Ethnic▪ and Canonization of Saints in Rome Catholique, ⟨p. 32⟩hath sprung principally from this Fountain;¹ whilest in both, the fond oppinion, and overlavish Commendation, which the present generation gave to their Worthies and Be efactors, have ensnared the Ignorance of succeeeding generations, to judge them not unworthy of Divine honou• and ador•tion; while they thought that their translation into those Coelestial habitations, could not but improve their benignity and Power, for the help of poor mortals here below, even to Infinitude, who were of such Heroick Influence, whilest yet amongst the Sons of men. Hence the Original of worshiping the dead, and praying to them. Save only, that the Pride, and Aaice of the latter Pontificians, hath prevailed with them to Canonize for Saints, such as they knew to be the worst of men; and to create them little Dities, who by the justest Character which could be collected out of their Doctrine and lives, are now amongst Reprobate Spirits, suffering the vengeance of Eternal fire.