Christ foretold that Enemies should come in his Name, and own him to be the true Christ, with an Intent to deceive; that they should appear in Sheeps clothing, and under this Visor hide their devouring Teeth. And, Mat. 27.15. Beware of false Prophets, which come to you in Sheeps clothing, but inwardly are ravening Wolves; that is, have a design to destroy you. |
The Popes of Rome, in their Succession, have been clothed with Sheeps clothing, covered their Design with the Name of Christ, the true Christ, but with an intent to deceive; for all their Pretences of Jesus being the true Christ, have been but as a Visor to hide their devouring Teeth; whilst they hid themselves under the Notion of Christianity, they have carried on most pernicious and destructive Designs, showing their wolfish and devouring Nature in these three respects. (1.) If there have appeared any Kings in the Christian World, that have been piously disposed, they have forthwith endeavoured to pervert them by their Diabolical Doctrines, or destroy them by their Holy Poison. (2.) If any Ministers, or Men of Parts, have risen up, to set forth God's holy Truth, and bless the World with Gospel-Light, and saving Doctrine, they have either choked them with Preferments, affrighted them by dreadful Fears, or by a ravenous thirsting after their Blood, have most wickedly and treacherously destroyed their Lives. (3.) If collective Bodies of pious Congregations of Saints have sprung forth in the World, they have ⟨p. 330⟩followed them like Blood-hounds, and devouring Wolves, with Fire and Sword, fearful Massacres, Devastations, Murders and Slaughters, till they have spoiled them, torn in pieces, and devoured them: Completely fulfilling that Prediction of the Apostle, Acts 20.29, 30. For I know this, that after my departure shall grievous Wolves enter in amongst you, not sparing the Flock: Also of your own selves shall Men arise, speaking perverse Things, to draw away the Disciples after them. Who can this Prophecy so exactly agree to, as the bloody Popes, who at first arose out of the Church, and acted the •art of Wolves to purpose, (1.) By affrighting the Flock: (2.) By dispersing and scattering them ab•oad: (3.) By drinking or sucking the Blood of any of them they could fasten upon, in a most astonishing and prodigious manner?
As for those two eminent Gospel-Prophecies, viz. the beginning of 2 Thess. 2.
Christ foretold that Enemies should come in his Name, and own him to be the true Christ, with an Intent to deceive; that they should appear in Sheeps cloathing, and under this Vizard hide their devouring Teeth. And, Mat. 27.15. Beware of false Prophets, which come to you in Sheeps cloathing, but inwardly are ravening Wolves; that is, have a design to destroy you. |
The Popes of Rome, in their Succession, have been cloathed with Sheeps cloathing, covered their D•sign with the Name of Christ, the true Christ, but with an intent to deceive; for all their Pretences of Jesus being the true Christ, have been but as a Vizard to hide their devouring Teeth; whilst they hid themselves under the Notion of Christianity, they have carried on most pernicious and destructive Designs, shewing their wolfish and devouring Nature in these three respects. (1.) If there have appeared any Kings in the Christian World, that have been piously disposed, they have forthwith endeavoured to pervert them by their Diabolical Doctrines, or destroy them by their Holy Poyson. (2.) If any Ministers, or Men of Parts, have risen up, to set forth God's holy Truth, and bless the World with Gospel-Light, and saving Doctrine, they have either choaked them with Preferments, affrighted them by dreadful Fears, or by a ravenous thirsting after their Blood, have most wickedly and treacherously destroyed their Lives. (3.) If collective Bodies of pious Congregations of Saints have sprung forth in the World, they have ⟨p. 330⟩followed them like Blood-hounds, and devouring Wolves, with Fire and Sword, fearful Massacres, Devastations, Murthers and Slaughters, till they have spoiled them, torn in pieces, and devoured them: Compleatly fulfilling that Prediction of the Apostle, Acts 20.29, 30. For I know this, that after my departure shall grievous Wolves enter in amongst you, not sparing the Flock: Also of your own selves shall Men arise, speaking perverse Things, to draw away the Disciples after them. Who can this Prophecy so exactl• agree to, as the bloody Popes, who at first arose out of the Church, and acted the •art of Wolves to purpose, (1.) By affrighting the Flock: (2.) By dispersing and scattering them ab•oad: (3.) By drinking or sucking the Blood of any of them they could fasten upon, in a most astonishing and prodigious manner?
As for those two eminent Gospel-Prophecies, viz. the beginning of 2 Thess. 2
