This is such a Scheme of Religion, and System of Divinity, to come from an Apostle, a Shepherd, a Vicar and Successor of Christ, from a Church, Sheep, Saints, and the pretended Followers of the meek, peaceable, and innocent Jesus, who taught altogether otherwise by his Doctrine and Example, that it might well be wondered at, and is the strangest Mystery that ever appeared, of which we challenge the whole World to show the like in the Turks and Saracens. For Men to swear, lie, and forswear themselves, and yet be true Men: to contrive Rebellion, Murder, and Treason; and yet be as innocent as the Child unborn: to be elevated to the highest Pinnacle of Pride, even above Emperors and Kings, above Jesus Christ, and God his Father; and yet be humble and lowly: To commit gross Idolatry; and yet be the Servants of the Living God: To be filled with, and make a Trade of Excess and Drunkenness; and yet be the Patterns and Standards of Sobriety and Temperance: To cast down the Truth to the Ground, deface the Laws of God, and burn the Scriptures; and yet be the true Witnesses to it: To forgive Sins, and yet be the greatest of Sinners themselves: To commit Fornication and Adultery; and yet be spotless and pure in Heart; To foment Wars and Broils in every Kingdom and Country where they have Power; to contrive the Ruin of Towns and Places, Cities, Countries, and Kingdoms, by Fire, Sword, and cruel Devastations; and yet be as harmless as Doves to all Mankind, the only Sons of Peace and Quietness: To slaughter, kill, and barbarously murder Men, Women, and Children, that dare not be so wicked as themselves; and yet to be full of Mercy, tender Pity, and Compassion; an Apostle, Shepherd, Vicar, and Successor of the meek and Lamb-like Saviour. And for the dear Consort of this impious Head, or Man of Sin, to be not only confederate with him, but a Principal in all these unparalleled Villainies, and most butcherly and rapacious Murders; and yet be the Holy Catholic Church of God, the pure and spotless Spouse of Jesus Christ, the true Sheep, the harmless Lambs, the best of Saints, and close Followers of the Lord Jesus, who always taught the contrary by his holy Doctrine, and meek Example. We say, these Things not being found by secret Search, but are written in Capital Letters upon her Forehead, appear in open view, to be read by every one that is not wilfully blind:
This is such a Scheme of Religion, and Systeme of Divinity, to come from an Apostle, a Shepherd, a Vicar and Successor of Christ, from a Church, Sheep, Saints, and the pretended Followers of the meek, peaceable, and innocent Jesus, who taught altogether otherwise by his Doctrine and Example, that it might well be wondred at, and is the strangest Mystery that ever appeared, of which we challenge the whole World to shew the like in the Turks and Saracens. For Men to swear, lie, and forswear themselves, and yet be true Men: to contrive Rebellion, Murther, and Treason; and yet be as innocent as the Child unborn: to be elevated to the highest Pinacle of Pride, even above Emperors and Kings, above Jesus Christ, and God his Father; and yet be humble and lowly: To commit gross Idolatry; and yet be the Servants of the Living God: To be filled with, and make a Trade of Excess and Drunkenness; and yet be the Paterns and Standards of Sobriety and Temperance: To cast down the Truth to the Ground, deface the Laws of God, and burn the Scriptures; and yet be the true Witnesses to it: To forgive Sins, and yet be the greatest of Sinners themselves: To commit Fornication and Adultery; and yet be spotless and pure in Heart; To foment Wars and Broils in every Kingdom and Country where they have Power; to contrive the Ruine of Towns and Places, Cities, Countries, and Kingdoms, by Fire, Sword, and cruel Devastations; and yet be as harmless as Doves to all Mankind, the only Sons of Peace and Quietness: To slaughter, kill, and barbarously murther Men, Women, and Children, that dare not be so wicked as themselves; and yet to be full of Mercy, tender Pity, and Compassion; an Apostle, Shepherd, Vicar, and Successor of the meek and Lamb-like Saviour. And for the dear Consort of this impious Head, or Man of Sin, to be not only confederate with him, but a Principal in all these unparallel'd Villanies, and most butcherly and rapacious Murthers; and yet be the Holy Catholick Church of God, the pure and spotless Spouse of Jesus Christ, the true Sheep, the harmless Lambs, the best of Saints, and close Followers of the Lord Jesus, who always taught the contrary by his holy Doctrine, and meek Example. We say, these Things not being found by secret Search, but are written in Capital Letters upon her Forehead, appear in open view, to be read by every one that is not wilfully blind:
