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

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.

This I say is sufficient to render this pretended Guide which with so much vehement importunity would impose it self upon us, to be so justly suspected, unto all men not forsaken as well ⟨p. 23⟩of common Reason, as of all due Reverence unto the Word of God, as that they will not readily embrace it.

2. As what hath been spoken is sufficient to render this pretended Guide suspected with all sober and considerate Persons; so there are cogent reasons, why it ought to be absolutely rejected, by all who take care of their own eternal Salvation. The cause peculiarly under consideration is stated on a double supposition.