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,…

A triple Conversion he assigns to this Nation. The first by Joseph of Arimathea; about which, as to matter of fact, we have no contest with him. That the Gospel was preached here in the Apostles days either by him, or some other Evangelist, is certain, and taken for granted on all hands; nor can our Author pretend that it came hither from Rome; but grants it to have come immediately from Palestine. Whether this doth not overthrow the main of his plea in his whole Discourse, concerning our dependence upon Rome for our Religion, I leave to prudent men to judge. Thus far then we are equal. As the Gospel came to Rome, so it came to England; to both from the same place, and by the same ⟨p. 249⟩Authority, the same Ministry. All the question is, Whether Religion they brought with them? that now professed in England, or that of Rome? If this be determined, the business is at an issue; We are persuaded Joseph brought no other Religion with him, then what was taught by Peter and Paul, and the rest of the Apostles and Evangelists in other parts of the World. What Religion men taught vivâ voce in any age, is best known by their Writings, if they left any behind them. No other way have the Romanists themselves, nor other do they use, in judging what was the Doctrine of the Fathers in the following ages. The writings of the Apostles are still extant; by them alone can we judge of the Doctrine that they preached. That Doctrine then unquestionably taught Joseph in Britain; and that Doctrine (blessed be God) is still owned and professed amongst us. All, and only what is contained in their Writings is received with us, as necessary to Salvation. This Conversion was wholly ours. Quod antiquissimum id verissimum. Being the first, it was certainly the best. Our Author ⟨p. 250⟩indeed tells us of Crosses, Shrines, Oratories, Altars, Monasteries, Vigils, Ember•, honouring of Saints, (you must suppose all in the Roman-mode) making Oblations and Orisons for the dead, and that this was the Religion in those days planted amongst us. If this be so, I wonder what we do to keep the Bible, which speaks not one word of that Religion, which the Apostles and Apostolical men preached. Strange! that in all their writings they should not once mention the main parts and duties, of the Doctrines and Worship which they taught and propagated;