A vindication of the Animadversions on Fiat lux

For why must that needs be the notion of these terms in the division you made, that you now express? Is it from the strict sense and importance of the words themselves, or from the Scriptural or Ecclesiastical use of them, or whence is it, that it must be so, and that it is so? None of these will give you any relief, or the least countenance unto your fancy. Both [Greek or Hebrew] and [Greek or Hebrew], are words [Greek or Hebrew], in themselves of an indifferent signification, denoting things or acts, good or evil, according to their accidental limitations and applications. It is said of some [Greek or Hebrew], they will depart from the faith, 1 Tim. 4. 1. And the same Apostle speaking of them that name the name of Christ, says, let every one of them depart from iniquity, [Greek or Hebrew], 2 Tim. 2. 19. so that the word it self signifies no more but a single and bare departure from anything, way, rule, or practice be it good or bad, wherein a man hath been engaged, or which he ought to avoid and fly from. And this is the use of it in the best Greek Authors: [Greek or Hebrew] ⟨p. 62⟩are such in Homer who are far distant or remote on any account from any thing or place. And [Greek or Hebrew] in Aristotle things very remote. To leave any place, company, thing, Society, or Rule, on any cause, is the common use of the word in Thucydides, Plutarch, Lucian, and the rest of their companions in the propriety of that language. Apostasia by Ecclesiastical writers, is restrained unto either a back sliding in Faith subjective and manners, or a causeless relinquishment of any Truth before professed. So the Jews charge Paul, Acts 21. 21. [Greek or Hebrew], thou teachest Apostasy from Moses Law. Such also is the nature of [Greek or Hebrew], a special option, choice, or way in profession of any Truth or Error. So Paul calls Pharisaism [Greek or Hebrew], Act. 26. 5. the most exact heresy or way of Religion among the Jews. And Clemens Alexandrinus, Strom, lib. 8. calls Christian Religion [Greek or Hebrew], the best Heresy. And the great Constantine in one of his Edicts calls it [Greek or Hebrew], the Catholic or general Heresy; and [Greek or Hebrew], the most holy Heresy. The Latins also constantly used that word in a sense indifferent. Cato, faith Cicero, est in ea heresi quae nullum orationis florem sequitur.