Of free justification

Let us look into the Life and Works of the Roman Popes, Cardinals and Bishops, and the whole Crew of the Monks and Jesuits; Where can you find more of the flesh, or less of true holiness, than in those false-hearted and painted Hypocrites, whose whole profession of ⟨p. 499⟩Religion consists, in Purple Gowns, high topped Mitres, Purple Caps, Rings adorned with Jewels, solemn Vows, Ceremonies, which in reality are rather Stage-plays than Exercises of Piety. This appears to be too true by the unhappy Tumults raised in the World, the Wars and Persecutions that are stirred up by none more, than by those very men, that call themselves Spiritual and Catholic; whom it should become to be the chiefest encouragers of Concord, and Messengers of Peace.

Let us look into the Life and Works of the Roman Popes, Cardinals and Bishops, and the whole Crew of the Monks and Iesuits; Where can you find more of the flesh, or less of true holiness, than in those false-hearted and painted Hypocrites, whose whole profession of ⟨p. 499⟩Religion consists, in Purple Gowns, high topped Mitres, Purple Caps, Rings adorned with Iewels, solemn Vows, Ceremonies, which in reality are rather Stage-playes than Exercises of Piety. This appears to be too true by the unhappy Tumults raised in the World, the Wars and Persecutions that are stirred up by none more, than by those very men, that call themselves Spiritual and Catholick; whom it should become to be the chiefest encouragers of Concord, and Messengers of Peace.

But having so much enlarged upon this sort of men, with their Works and Merits, let us return to the Examples of those of whom we spake before, who were freely admitted unto Baptism, and received into favour by Faith without any commendation of Merits at all, yea without mention of any Works, except such perhaps as were evil: Amongst which number those Jews may be reckoned, of whom three thousand at one time were Baptized by Peter.