Animadversions on a treatise entitled Fiat lux, or, A guide in differences of religion,…Animadversions on a treatise intituled Fiat lux, or, A guide in differences of religion,…

3. Moreover, it is taken for granted, That the Roman-Church is every way what it was, when first planted. Indeed, if it were so, it would deserve as much particular respect as any Church of any City in the World, and, that would be all: As it is, the case is altered. But its unalteredness being added to the former Supposition of its Oneliness and Catholicism, it is easy to see what sweet work a witty man, as our Author is, may make with this Church among good company. Many and many a time have the Romanists attempted to prove these things; but failing in their attempt, they think it now reasonable to take them for granted. The Religion they now profess, must be that which first entered England; and there, saith our Author, it continued in peace for a thousand years; when the truth is, after the entrance of their Religion, that is, the corruption of Christianity by Papal usurpations, these Nations never passed one age without tumults, turmoils, contentions, disorders; nor many without wars, blood and devastations, and those arising from the Principles of their Religion.

3. Moreover, it is taken for granted, That the Roman-Church is every way what it was, when first planted. Indeed, if it were so, it would deserve as much particular respect as any Church of any City in the World, and, that would be all: As it is, the case is altered. But its unalteredness being added to the former Supposition of its Oneliness and Catholicism, it is easie to see what sweet work a witty man, as our Author is, may make with this Church among good company. Many and many a time have the Romanists attempted to prove these things; but failing in their attempt, they think it now reasonable to take them for granted. The Religion they now profess, must be that which first entered England; and there, saith our Author, it continued in peace for a thousand years; when the truth is, after the entrance of their Religion, that is, the corruption of Christianity by Papal usurpations, these Nations never passed one age without tumults, turmoils, contentions, disorders; nor many without wars, bloud and devastations, and those arising from the Principles of their Religion.

4. To this is added, That the Bible is the Pope's own Book, which none can lay claim to, but by and from him. This will be found to be a doubtful assertion, and it will be difficult to conclude aright concerning it. He that shall consider, what a worthy person the Pope is represented to be by our Author, especially, in his just dealing and mercifulness, so, That he never did any man wrong; and, shall take notice how many he hath caused to be burned to death, for having and using the Bible without his consent, must need suppose, that it is his Book. For surely, his heavenly mind, would not have admitted of a provocation to such severity; unless they had stolen his goods out of his Possession. But on the other side, he that shall weigh aright his vilifying & under-valuing of it, his preferring himself and Church before and above it; seeing we are all apt to set a high price upon that which is our own; may be ready to question whether indeed he have such a property in it as is pretended. Having somewhat else to do, I shall not interpose my self in this