The Works of Mr. George Gillespie (Vol. 1 of 2)Gillespie, George
Religion
The Works of Mr. George Gillespie (Vol. 1 of 2)
Gillespie, George
Church of Scotland -- History; Gillespie, George, 1613-1648
_Sect._ 2. How far conformity to the ceremonies of the church of Rome hath
drawn Conformists, of greatest note, to conform to her faith also, I may
give instance in the Archbishop of Spalato.(292) He holds, that many rites
of the Roman church are ancient and approvable, that others, though
neither ancient nor universal, yet, because of custom, should be
tolerated, and that few only are either to be abolished, or, by some
prudent and easy way, purged and refined. Now, will we know how far this
unity in ceremonies drew him to unity in substance, then let us hear what
is his verdict of Protestants as well as of Papists, who suffer for their
religion.(293) _Certe potius martyres mundi, quam Dei sunt, qui ex utraque
parte sub titulo conscientiae sanguinem frustra fundunt: quasi vero fides
et religio Romana, et fides ac religio protestantium sunt duae fides et
duae religiones_, &c. He tells us,(294) moreover, that if the Protestants
will not have peace with those whom they call Papists, and communicate
with them, then are they schismatics, and are not in the true church. And
in the declaration of the motives whereupon he undertook his departure out
of the territory of Venice, he expresseth his judgment of such books as
are framed against the doctrine of the church of Rome, that he held them
above measure detestable. Neither doth he stand alone in this pitch, for
among the sect of Formalists, is swarming a sect of Reconcilers, who
preach and profess unity with the church of Rome in matters of faith. For
example, they say, that that which the learned Papists hold concerning
justification, is orthodox, and therefore they will not contend against
them, except it be for their contending with us, who do agree with
them.(295)
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