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

The Church of Rome lays claim to the very same Authority over, and conduct of the consciences of men in Religion, as were committed unto Jesus Christ and his Apostles. It is as safe, as they pretend, for a man to cast off the Authority ⟨p. 22⟩and Institutions of Christ himself, as to dissent from those of the Pope. But what in the mean time meaneth this bleating of the Sheep and lowing of the Oxen; whence is it that they have managed the pretence hereof, to the gaining of Power, Dominion, Wealth and Revenues unto themselves, beyond that of the greatest Kings and Princes in this World? Let others do as they shall think fit, I shall never commit the conduct of my soul unto them, who for ought I know would never look after me, nor any other, were it not for the advantage they make by it unto the service of their earthly desires.

The Church of Rome laies claim to the very same Authority over, and conduct of the consciences of men in Religion, as were committed unto Jesus Christ and his Apostles. It is as safe, as they pretend, for a man to cast off the Authority ⟨p. 22⟩and Institutions of Christ himself, as to dissent from those of the Pope. But what in the mean time meaneth this bleating of the Sheep and lowing of the Oxen; whence is it that they have mannaged the pretence hereof, to the gaining of Power, Dominion, Wealth and Revenues unto themselves, beyond that of the greatest Kings and Princes in this World? Let others do as they shall think fit, I shall never commit the conduct of my soul unto them, who for ought I know would never look after me, nor any other, were it not for the advantage they make by it unto the service of their earthly desires.

It may be said, that other Churches and Persons do make advantages unto themselves by that conduct of the souls of men which they lay claim unto. And if this be sufficient to render such Guides suspected, we shall scatter the Churches, and leave none to guide them. I answer, it doth no way follow. For the Rules, Measures, and outward Allowances for and in the name of their Labour and Guidance unto the Ministers of the Gospel, are in general so stated in the Scripture, as that men cannot mistake therein unto their prejudice. But we are not at all concerned in what Advantages men make unto themselves hereby; provided that the conduct they pretend unto, be such as is accompanied with no dominion over our Faith, but is proposed only as an help thereunto. Whilst men require not an absolute Resignment of our souls and consciences unto them, but leave us unto the perfect libert of our own minds, to judge upon and receive what they propose unto us; to examine and try all that they instruct us in, which we may reject or refuse, according as it evidenceth it self to be good or evil unto us; there is no great danger in our conduct.