A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux

The very Epistle of Eleutherius manifests it abundantly so to be. If there be any thing of ⟨p. 324⟩Truth in that rescript, it doth not appear that Lucius wrote any thing unto him about Christian Religion, but about the Imperial Laws to govern his Kingdom by; and Eleutherius in his answer plainly intimates that the Scripture was received amongst the Britons, and the Gospel much dispersed over the whole Nation. And yet this figment of your own you make the Bottom of a most strange contemplation; namely that God in his Providence would have all that Christianity fail which came not from Rome. That is the meaning of those expressions, be would have nothing stand firm or lasting, but what was immediately fixed by, and seated on that Rock, for all other Conversions have vanished. Really Sir, I am sorry for you, to see what woeful shelves your prejudicate Opinions do cast you upon, who in your self seem to be a well meaning good-natured man. Do you think indeed that those Conversions that were wrought in the world by the means of any Persons not coming from Rome, which were Christ himself and all his Apostles, were not fixed on the Rock? Can such a blasphemous thought enter into your heart? If those primitive Converts that were called unto the faith by Persons coming out of the East, were not built on the Rock, they all perished everlastingly every soul of them; and if the other Churches planted by them, were not immediately fixed and seated on the Rock, they went all to Hell, the Gates of it prevailed against them. Do you think indeed that God suffered all the Churches in the world to come to nothing, that all Christians might be brought into subjection to your Pope, which you call cementing in an Unity of one Head? If you do so, you think wickedly, that he is altogether like unto your self; but be will reprove you, and set your ⟨p. 325⟩faults in order before your eyes. Such horrible dismal thoughts do men allow themselves to be conversant withal, who are resolved to sacrifice Truth, Reason and Charity unto their prejudices and interests. Take heed Sir, least the Rock that you boast of, prove not seven hills and deceive you. In the pursuit of the same Consideration, you tell me.

The very Epistle of Eleutherius manifests it abundantly so to be. If there be any thing of ⟨p. 324⟩