that have received the marke of the Beast, or belong to Antichrist. (Apoc. 14. 1.)

SECT. XVIII.

PROOVING (ACCORDING TO THE TITLE OF THE BOOKE) BY THE CONFESSION OF ALL SIDES, THAT THE PROTESTANTS' RELIGION IS SAFER,

BECAUSE IN ALL POSITIVE POYNTS OF OUR DOCTRINE, THE ROMANISTS THEMSELVES AGREE WITH US, BUT IN THEIR ADDITIONS THEY STAND SINGLE BY THEMSELVES.

BUT admit, the Protestants should allow a possibility of salvation to all beleeving Christians in the bosome of the Roman Church (which never yet was granted) what doe our adversaries inferre from hence? Therefore (say they) It is the safer. way to persist in that Church, where both sides agree, then where one part stands single in opinion by themselves. Now surely, if that bee the safer way, wherein differing parties agree both in one, I will joyne issue with them in this very poynt. And if in this I make not good (The Title of

* Viz. Quæten, a Jesuit or Papist, holding the doctrine of the modern Church of Rome.

my

my Booke) That we are therefore in the safer way, because they agree in the principall points of controversie with our doctrine, I will reconcile myselfe to the Romane Church, and creepe upon all foure to his Holinesse for a pardon.

First then, we say, There is a Heaven and a Hell. It is true, say they; but there is a Purgatory, there is a Limbus Infantum also. In the first part they joyne with us, in the latter hey stand single by themselves: And that is the safer way, where both sides agree.

We say, We shall be saved by the merits and satisfaction of Christ Jesus. It is true, say they; but there are likewise merites of Saints, and satisfactions of our owne, helpfull and necessary to salvation. In the first part they joyne with us, in the latter they stand single by themselves: And that is the safer way, where both sides agree.

We say, The Sacrament of Baptisme, and the Eucharist, are two proper Sacraments instituted by Christ. It is true, say they; but there are five more to be received, as true and proper Sacraments, de fide, for an article of beliefe, The first two they confesse with us, in the latter five they stand single by themselves: And that is the safer way, where both sides agree.

We say, That the Images of Christ and his Saints are ornaments and memorialls of the absent, and may in some cases serve for History. It is true, say they; but there is also worship and

veneration

veneration due unto them. In the first part they agree with us, in the latter they stand single by themselves: And that is the safer way, where both sides agree.

We say with the Evangelist: Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him onely shalt thou serve. (Matth. iv.) It is true, say they; but there be Saints and Angels also, that are to be invocated and adored. In the first part they joyne with us, in the latter they stand single by themselves: And that is the safer way, where both sides agree.

We say, that Christ is the Mediatour and Intercessor betwixt God and man. It is true, say they; but the Saints and Angels are our Intercessors and Mediators also. In the first part they joyne with us, in the latter they stand single by themselves: And that is the safer way, where both sides agree.

We say, that Christ is the Head and Monarch of the Church. It is true, say they; but there is likewise another visible Head of the Church, which is the Pope. In the first part they joyne with us, in the latter they stand single by themselves: And that is, &c.

We say, that Peter had a Primacy of Order, that is, a First-ship among the Apostles. It is true, say they; but withall he had a supremacy of power and jurisdiction. In the first place they joyne with us, in the latter they stand single by themselves: And that is, &c.

We

We say, there are two and twenty Bookes of Canonicall Scripture. It is true, say they; but there are other books also; as namely, Tobit, Judith, the Maccabees, &c. that are Canonicall. In the first part they approove all that wee hold, in the latter they stand single by themselves: And that is, &c.

It

We say, the Scripture is the Rule of Faith. is true, say they; but there are Traditions likewise, and unwritten verities, that must be added to the Scriptures. In the first they joyne with us, in the latter they stand single by themselves. And that is, &c.

Lastly, we say there are 12 Articles of the Creed, and this is the Tenet and confession of all Christian Churches. It is true, say they; but there are 12 Articles more, published by Pope Pius the Fourth, to bee received of Catholiques. In the first place they confesse all that wee hold, in the latter they stand single by themselves: And that is the safer way by our Adversaries' confession, where both sides agree.

Thus by the ample testimonies of the best learned in the Roman Chureh, there is nothing taught by the Protestants, de fide, for matter of Faith, which the Church of God hath not alwayes held necessary to be beleeved; nothing but that which alone is sufficient for every Christian man to know concerning his salvation; nothing but that which is confessed by our adversaries to be safe and profitable for all beleevers; nothing but that where

unto

unto the writings of all antiquitie are consonant, and all Christian confessions agreeable.

in

Now since I have brought you into Viam tutam, the Safe Way*; I will briefly commend unto you Christ and his Apostles for your Leaders; the ancient Fathers for your Associates and Assistants; and the blessed Spirit for your Guide and Conduct your safe Way. There are other passengers likewise, (viz.) Cardinalls, Bishops, and Schoolemen, which doe accompany you part of your way. But they are strangers, and therefore bee warie of them. And by way of prevention, Stand in the waies, and see, and aske for the old paths, where is the good way? and ye shall finde rest for your soules, (Jer, vi, 16.)

* Christus est Via, Veritas, et Vita,

Δόξα τῷ Θεῷ.

END OF THE SAFE WAY,