A true and perfect Copie OF THE PROTESTATION OF THE Archbishops & Bishops OF IRELAND Against the Toleration of Poperie. As it was agreed upon, and subscribed by them at DUBLIN, the 26. of November.

MDCXXVI.

London, Printed, 1641.

The Protestation of the Archbi­shops and Bishops of IRELAND a­gainst the toleration of POPERY.

THe Religion of the Papists is Super­stitious & Idolatrous, their faith and Doctrine erroneous and Hereticall; their Church, in respect of both, Apostaticall. To give them there­fore a toleration, or to consent that they may freely exercise their Religion, and con­fesse their Faith and Doctrine, is a grievous sinne: and that in two respects.

First It is to make our selves accessarie, not onely to their Superstitions, Idolatries, Heresies, and in a word, to all the abominations of Poperie; but also (which is a consequence of the former) to the per­dition of the seduced people, which perish in the deluge of their Catholique Apostasie.

Secondly, To grant them a toleration in respect of any mony to be given, or contribution to be made by them, is to set Religion to sale, and withall, the soules of the people, whom Christ our Saviour hath redeemed with his most precious blood.

And as it is a great Sin, it is a matter of most dan­gerous consequence. The consideration whereof [Page] wee leave to the wise and judicious: beseeching the jealous God of truth to make all those who are in Authority zealous of Gods glory, and the advance­ment of true Religion, and resolute and couragious against all Popery, Superstition and Idolatry. AMEN.

To the READER.

THis Declaration of the Bishops of Ireland against Poperie, howsoever fifteene yeares agoe, is now thought sit to be further published. If thou shalt hear the whole order taxed with a continual complying with the times, here thou shalt find them labouring against the streame; nay like such Prophets as God once sought for standing in the gap. Ezek. 22.30. If accused of Court pleasing; here thou seest them hazarding the contrary. If Lao­dicean like, of Lukewarmnesse in Religion; here thou findest their zeal burning. Art thou hot against Idola­trie? these are enflamed, Art thou pulling it down? these are razing the foundation thereof. Doest thou account it erroneous? these Heresie. Thou supersti­tion? these Abomination. Thou abhorrest the pra­ctice: they the Toleration. Popery and Episcopacie thou maist see were here farre asunder. Let not the ornament therefore be wholly cast by, for a few spots that may be washed out. Separate the Religious from the vile, and thou shalt be as Gods mouth. Jer. 15.19.

FINIS.

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