A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux

Thirdly, We suppose this the most Schismatical Principle that ever was broached under the Sun, since there was a Church upon the earth: and that because, 1. It is the most groundless, 2. The most uncharitable that ever was; and 3. Of the most pernicious consequence, as having a principal influence into the present irreconcilableness of Differences among Christians in the world; which will one day be charged on the Authors and Abettors of it; For it will one day appear, that it is not the various Conceptions of the minds of peaceable men about the things of God, nor the various degrees of knowledge and faith that are found amongst them, but groundless impositions of things as necessary to be believed and practised, beyond Scripture warrant, that are the Springs and Causes of all, or at least the most blameable and sinful differences among Christians.

Thirdly, We suppose this the most Schismaticall Principle that ever was broached under the Sun, since there was a Church upon the earth: and that because, 1. It is the most groundless, 2. The most unchritable that ever was; and 3. Of the most pernicious consequence, as having a principal influence into the present irreconcileableness of Differences among Christians in the world; which will one day be charged on the Authors and Abettors of it; For it will one day appear, that it is not the various Conceptions of the minds of peaceable men about the things of God, nor the various degrees of knowledge and faith that are found amongst them, but groundless impositions of things as necessary to be believed and practised, beyond Scripture warrant, that are the Springs and Causes of all, or at least the most blameable and sinfull differences among Christians.

Fourthly, We know this pretence should it take place, would prove extremely hazardous unto the Truth of the Promises of Christ given unto the Catholic Church. For, suppose that to be one and the same with the Roman, and whatever mishap may befall the one must be thought to befall the other; for ⟨p. 198⟩on your Supposition, they are not only like Hippocrates twins, that being born together, wept and joyed together, and together died, but like Hippocrates himself, as the same individual Person or thing, being both the same; one Church, that hath two names, Catholic and Roman, that is Universal-Particular; no otherwise two, than as Julius Caesar was, when by his overawing his Colleague from the execution of his Office, they dated their Acts at Rome, Julio & Caesar Consulibus. For, as they said, Non Bibulo quiquam nuper sed Caesare factum est; Nani Bibulo fieri Consule nil memini. Now, besides the failings which we know your Church to have been subject unto in point of Faith, Manners, and Worship; it hath also been at least in danger of Destruction in the time of the prevalency of the Goths, Vandals, Huns, and Longobards; especially when Rome its self was left desolate and without Inhabitant by Totilas. And what yet farther may befall it before the End of the world, [Greek or Hebrew]. Only this I know that many are in expectation of a sad Catastrophe to be given unto it, and that on grounds not to be despised. Now God forbid, that the Church unto which the Promises are made, should be once thought to be subject unto all the dangers and hazards that you wilfully expose your selves unto. So that as this is a very groundless presumption in its self, so it is a very great aggravation of your miscarriages also, whilst you seek to entitle the Catholic Church of Christ unto them, which can neither contract any such guilt as you have done, nor be liable to any such misery or punishment as you are.