Now 'tis most evident that the Popes of Rome, and their long Succession have thus (especially at first appeared) i e. in Sheeps clothing, covering their hellish designs under the name of Christ, Vicar of Christ, an Apostolical Bishop, &c. the true Church, holy ⟨p. 129⟩Church, and Christian Religion, but with an intent hereby to deceive, for all their pretences of Jesus Christ's being the truth, Christ hath been but as a Visor to hide their wolvish nature and devouring teeth, for whilst they under the notion of Christianity hide themselves, they have carried on most pernicious and destructive designs, and that in these three respects following; viz. (1.) If there have appeared any Kings or Queens in the Christian World, that have been piously inclined, they have forth with endeavoured to pervert them by their Diabolical Doctrine, oft destroying them with their holy Poison. (2.) If any Ministers, or Men of Parts and Piety have risen up to set forth Gods holy truth, and so bless the dark World with Gospel Light and Saving Doctrine, they have either choked them with Gifts and Preferments, or affrighted them by dreadful fears, or by a ravenous thirsting after their Blood, and have most wickedly and treacherously destroyed their lives by cruel torments. (3.) If collective Bodies of pious Congregations of Saints or good Men, have sprung forth in the World, they have followed them like Bloodhounds, and devouring Wolves, with Fire and Sword, fearful Massacres, Devastations, Murders and Slaughters, till they have spoiled them, torn in pieces, and devoured them: ⟨p. 130⟩Completely fulfilling the Prediction of Christ and that 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 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 part of Wolves to purpose, as hath been hinted.
Now 'tis most evident that the Popes of Rome, and their long Succession have thus (especially at first appeared) i e. in Sheeps clothing, covering their hellish designs under the name of Christ, Vicar of Christ, an Apostolical Bishop, &c. the true Church, holy ⟨p. 129⟩Church, and Christian Religion, but with an intent hereby to deceive, for all their pretences of Jesus Christ's being the truth, Christ hath been but as a Vizard to hide their wolvish nature and devouring teeth, for whilst they under the notion of Christianity hide themselves, they have carried on most pernicious and destructive designs, and that in these three respects following; viz. (1.) If there have appeared any Kings or Queens in the Christian World, that have been piously inclined, they have forth with endeavoured to pervert them by their Diabolical Doctrine, oft destroying them with their holy Poyson. (2.) If any Ministers, or Men of Parts and Piety have risen up to set forth Gods holy truth, and so bless the dark World with Gospel Light and Saving Doctrine, they have either choaked them with Gifts and Preferments, or affrighted them by dreadful fears, or by a ravenous thirsting after their Blood, and have most wickedly and treacherously destroyed their lives by cruel torments. (3.) If collective Bodies of pious Congregations of Saints or good Men, have sprung forth in the World, they have followed them like Bloodhounds, and devouring Wolves, with Fire and Sword, fearful Massacres, Devastations, Murthers and Slaughters, till they have spoiled them, torn in pieces, and devoured them: ⟨p. 130⟩Compleatly fulfilling the Prediction of Christ and that 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 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 part of Wolves to purpose, as hath been hinted.
