A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux

So Sir you may not with your bodily eyes look on him that was crucified because you cannot; and as looking on the picture of him, which you mean, is nothing of that which we contend about: so I fear it is unto you only a means of taking you from looking after his Person in a way of believing which he so earnestly calls us unto.

Your next progress is to some words of mine about the end of preaching, which you set down: Nor is the sole end of preaching as Fiat Lux would have it, only to move the mind of hearers unto corresponding affections; whereas indeed they are; he is mistaken if he think the sole end of preaching the Cross and death of Christ, is to work out such representations to the mind, as Oratory may affect for the ⟨p. 507⟩moving of Corresponding affections: which if you know not to differ very much from what you have expressed, I wish you would let these matters alone, and talk of what you understand. However, your reply unto what you are pleased to express, is such a piece of ridiculous Scurrility, as I shall not stain paper with a recital of. In sum, you deny there is any other end of preaching, and excuse your self that you thought not of those other ends, which you suppose I might have in my heart, but yet conceal; and then instance in such a rabblement of foolish wicked fancies, as I wonder how your thoughts came to be conversant about. As to the thing its self I must tell you Sir, whither you are willing to hear it or no, that if you know no other end of preaching the Cross and death of Christ, but merely to work upon the minds of men, so as to stir up their Affections, that you are a Person better skilled in the Mass book then the Gospel, and much fitter to be employed in sacrificing according to the Order of that, then in preaching of the Mystery and Doctrine of this. Did never any man inform you, that one end of preaching the word was to regenerate the whole souls of men, and to beget them anew unto God? that it was also to open their eyes, and to illuminate them with the saving knowledge of God in Christ, that it was to beget and increase faith in them; that it was to be a means of their growth in Grace, and in the knowledge of God; that the Word preached is profitable for reproof, Correction, Doctrine and instruction in righteousness; that it is appointed as the great means of working the souls of men into a likeness and conformity unto the Lord Jesus, or the changing of them into his Image; that it is appointed for the