Two sermons preached by Master Henry SmithTvvo sermons preached by Master Henry Smith

If the Papists would have men to depart in peace, they would never say, that those which depart go to Purgatory: for so by their own saying, the worst part is behind. For they affirm, that the pain thereof is far grievouser then any that in this life may be sustained. But again, some say, this Purgatory is in the earth near to hell, and so it is too far from heaven to be saved. Some do say, they are punished there by fire; and some say, by water; and some say, by fire and water. Some lastly do say, that the good Angels torment; and others say that the evil spirits do it. In this variety of most uncomfortable opinions, how is it possible hence to depart in peace? But we must understand it is a painted Sepulchre, made for the pampering of the living, not for the punishing or purifying of them that be dead. For the locust of Rome do live altogether by such Trentals, and by such traditions, and this is the profitablest dream that ever any of them dreamed: but it is manifest by the ¹word of God, that where the tree falleth there is lieth & ⟨image 30⟩shall lie for ever. Dives and Lazarus are dead; and where they are, thither shall we all go. Satan hath many sleights ²to deceive us, of which this is one of the greatest, to bring us from the word of God, to dreams and traditions, and things invented by the brains of mortal men, which have not the spirit of God in them.

If the Papists would haue men to depart in peace, they would neuer say, that those which depart goe to Purgatory: for so by their owne saying, the worst part is behind. For they affirme, that the paine thereof is farre grieuouser then any that in this life may be sustained. But againe, some say, this Purgatory is in the earth neere to hell, and so it is too farre from heauen to be saued. Some doe say, they are punished there by fire; and some say, by water; and some say, by fire and water. Some lastly doe say, that the good Angels torment; and others say that the euil spirits doe it. Jn this variety of most vncomfortable opinions, how is it possible hence to depart in peace? But wee must vnderstand it is a painted Sepulcher, made for the pampering of the liuing, not for the punishing or purifying of them that be dead. For the locust of Rome doe liue altogether by such Trentalles, and by such traditions, and this is the profitablest dream that euer any of them dreamed: but it is manifest by the