Prophecies concerning the return of popery into England, Scotland and IrelandProphecys concerning the return of popery into England, Scotland and Ireland

Mr. Selden.

Mirum quidem, &c. It is a wonderful thing that Azuarrus 400 years ago should say that indeed about the year 1500 the Catholic Religion should fall much in lustre, extent and authority (If I translate his words aright) only I must confess the pride, vanity, and security of the Catholic Clergy seem to make way to it: yet (which is more strange) the same Religion shall cover it's self towards the years 1700, only I must needs say that I think the late divisions arising no doubt from Roman Insinuations, seem to threaten the Late Reformation; weakening the Interest of Religion on the one hand, and opening advantages to the adversaries of it on the other; while the Jewish way was one and entire within it self, it was secure from foreign attempts upon its being or purity; as soon as it was crumbled into those minute parts and factions of Esseans, Pharisees, Sadducees, Herodians, Zealots, &c. It yielded to the adversary, and at last was resolved to nothing: But that I think there is a providence in all ages remarkable, which doth at once bear testimony to, and secure Religion, I shall much fear that our most excellent Religion, so miserably confounded by its distracted followers, would one day give place to the two grand mischiefs of the world Popery and Profaneness; against which there are no other remedies below the merciful assistance of heaven, than found Doctrine settled, severe discipline established, a decent and holy Worship secured, and a grand establishment enjoined, which may fence in truth and virtue, and keep out error and sin; whereby the Orthodox and the good part of the Nation may be known and encouraged, as the Heterodox may be discovered and awed.

MIrum quidem, &c. It is a wounderfull thing that Azuarrus 400 years ago should say that indeed about the year 1500 the Catholick Religion should fall much in lustre, extent and authority (If I translate his words aright) onely I must confess the pride, vanity, and security of the Catholick Clergy seem to make way to it: yet (which is more strange) the same Religion shall cover it's self towards the years 1700, onely I must needs say that I think the late divisions arising no doubt from Roman Insinuations, seem to threaten the Late Reformation; weakening the Interest of Religion on the one hand, and opening advantages to the adversaries of it on the other; while the Jewish way was one and entire within it self, it was secure from forreign attempts upon its being or purity; as soon as it was crumbled into those minute parts and factions of Esseans, Pharisees, Sadducess, Herodians, Zelots, &c. It yielded to the adversary, and at last was resolved to nothing: But that I think there is a providence in all ages remarkable, which doth at once bear testimony to, and secure Religion, I shall much fear that our most excellent Religion, so miserably confounded by its distracted followers, would one day give place to the two grand mischiefs of the world Popery and Profaneness; against which there are no other remedies below the mercifull assistance of heaven, than found Doctrine setled, severe discipline established, a decent and holy Worship secured, and a grand establishment enjoyned, which may fence in truth and virtue, and keep out errour and sin; whereby the Orthodox and the good part of the Nation may be known and encouraged, as the Heterodox may be discovered and awed.