A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux

CHAP. 22.

Of Latin Service.

Of Latine Service.

The 18. Chapter of the Animadversions about Tongues and Latin Service, is your next task. Of this you say, that it hath some colour of Plausibility, but because I neither do nor will understand the Customs of that Church which I am so eager to oppose, all my words are but wind. Answ. No such thing as plausibility was aimed at in any part of that Discourse. It was the Promotion or defence of Truth which was designed throughout the whole, and nothing else. For that, are all things to be done, and nothing against it. What you are able to except against in that discourse, will speedily appear. In the mean time pray take notice, that I have no eagerness to oppose either you or your Church; so you will ⟨p. 527⟩let the Truth alone, I shall for ever let you alone, without opposition. It was the defence of that, and not an opposition to you that I was engaged in. In the same design do I still persist, in the vindication of what I had formerly written, and shall assure you that you shall never be opposed by me, but only so far, and wherein I am fully convinced that you oppose the Truth. Manifest that to be on your side, and I shall be ready to embrace both you and it. For I am absolutely free from all respects unto things in this world, that should or might retard me in so doing. But that I may hereafter speak somewhat more to the purpose in opposition unto you, or else give my consent with understanding unto what you teach, pray inform me how I may come to the knowledge of the customs of your Church, which you say, I neither do, nor will understand. I have read your Councils, those that are properly yours; your Mass Book, and Rituals, many of your Annalists or Historians, with your writers of Controversies, and Casuists, all of the best note same and reputation amongst you. Can none of them inform us what the Customs of your Church are? If you have such Egyptian or Elusinian mysteries as no man can understand before he be initiated amongst you. I must despair of coming unto any acquaintance with them. For I shall never engage into the belief of I know not what. For the present, I shall declare you my apprehension as to that Custom of your Church as you call it, which we have now under consideration, and desire your charity in my direction, if I understand it […] aright. It is your Custom to keep the Scriptures from the people in an unknown tongue;