The church of Rome, no safe guide, or, Reasons to prove that no rational…

This being our present case, there being such differences in, and divisions about Religion among us; the management ⟨p. 6⟩of them, being grown incurably scandalous and perilous; our enquiry is, what Guide or Conduct a man that takes care of his own Salvation, that would know the Truth, and have the benefit of it, that would please God here, and come unto the eternal Enjoyment of him hereafter, ought to betake himself, and firmly adhere unto, as that which will safely lead and direct him unto all these ends. For if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch.

This being our present case, there being such differences in, and divisions about Religion among us; the mannagement ⟨p. 6⟩of them, being grown incurably scandalous and perilous; our enquiry is, what Guide or Conduct a man that takes care of his own Salvation, that would know the Truth, and have the benefit of it, that would please God here, and come unto the eternal Enjoyment of him hereafter, ought to betake himself, and firmly adhere unto, as that which will safely lead and direct him unto all these ends. For if the blind lead the blind, both will fall into the ditch.

Two things are pleaded to be this safe and infallible Guide; to have that conduct committed unto them, which every one who takes care of his Salvation is obliged to betake himself unto.

The first is the Church of Rome. She it is who at this time, lays a most vehement claim to be the only Authoritative infallible Guide of all Christians, as unto their Faith, Worship and Obedience. We enquire not after a ministerial Guide and the benefit which we may receive thereby. This they regard not, as that which leaves men the exercise of their own understandings, and use of all Divine Aids and Assistances, as unto the Information, Direction and Determination of their Minds in all that they are to believe and practise in Religion. But such a Guidance as whereunto, by virtue of its Authority and Infallibility we are entirely and absolutely to resign our understandings and consciences, what ever it leads us unto, is that which this Church claimeth, and without which she is nothing, nor can stand one moment. This is that which those who plead the cause of that Church at present, do wholly betake themselves unto the promotion of, declining what lies in them, all other Differences and Controversies between them and us. Such a Guide, they say, there must be of all Christians, and this Guide is their Church. And they do wisely consult their own Interest therein. For if they can once gain this point, all other