A53737:538
A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux
A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux wherein the principles of the Roman church, as to moderation, unity and truth are examined and sundry important controversies concerning the rule of faith, papal supremacy, the mass, images, &c. discussed / by John Owen.
London: printed for Ph. Stephens, 1664
A Vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat Lux. › Chapter 21
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
Besides if all that were granted you which you express, yet what you aim at would not ensue. For though it should be supposed that the violation of an Image would redound unto the injury of the Prototype upon a mere intention of reflecting upon him, without which it is a foolish conceit to apprehend any such thing, yet it doth not thence follow that the honour done to an Image redounds unto him that is represented by it, provided that the intention of them that give the honour be so to do: For besides our intention in the worship of God, we have a rule to attend unto, without the observation whereof the other will stand us in little stead. And if this might be admitted, the grossest Idolatry that ever was in the world might easily be excused. That for instance of the Israelites setting up a golden Calf, and worshipping it, must needs be esteemed excellent, seeing they thought to give honour to Jehovah ⟨p. 503⟩thereby. When the things mentioned then are wanting, Images may be dealt withal as false money, which his Majesty causeth every day to be broken, though it have his own Image and superscription upon it, because stamped without his warrant.
Besides if all that were granted you which you express, yet what you aime at would not ensue. For though it should be supposed that the violation of an Image would redound unto the injury of the Prototype upon a meer intention of reflecting upon him, without which it is a foolish conceit to apprehend any such thing, yet it doth not thence follow that the honour done to an Image redounds unto him that is represented by it, provided that the intention of them that give the honour be so to do: For besides our intention in the worship of God, we have a rule to attend unto, without the observation whereof the other will stand us in little stead. And if this might be admitted, the grossest Idolatry that ever was in the world might easily be excused. That for instance of the Israelites setting up a golden Calf, and worshipping it, must needs be esteemed excellent, seeing they thought to give honour to Jehovah ⟨p. 503⟩thereby. When the things mentioned then are wanting, Images may be dealt withal as false money, which his Majesty causeth every day to be broken, though it have his own Image and superscription upon it, because stamped without his warrant.