A Plain and Rational Account of the Catholick Faith (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1721. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... His Fourth Reason is, because the Doctrine of Purgatory Jeffins the horrid Nature of Sin. I Answer, 'If Purgatory could expiate the Guilt of Mortal Sin, or if Men were naturally fond of Suffering bitterly even for lesser Offences, I should be of the Catechisst's Opinion. But it is above my Comprehension, that Punishments and Sufferings should lessen the Horror of Sin. Hi* last Reason against Purgatory, is, That the Desire St. Paul had of being dijsolv'd ivas, that he might bevtith Christ, Phil. 1. v. 21. Very right: And it is the Desire of all pious Souls. But they leave it to God to Judge, whether at their Dissolution they shall be worthy to be knmed DEGREEStely admitted to his blessed Sight; and resign themselves entirely to hi- holy Will and Pleasure. As to what he fays, That the Doctrine of Purgatory impairs the Confidence and Comforts of the Saints, I can easily guess what fort of Saints he means. But if the Fear of Purgatory lessens any Man's Confidence in God, surely the Fear of Hell will lessen it much more; and yet we are all exhorted in the Gospel to] fear him, who can cast both Soul and Body into Hell, Matth. 10. v. i8. A R T. XIII. Of Believing the Scriptures upon the sole Authority of the Church. The thirteenth pretended Error of Papists is, That they believe the Serif tures upon the sole Authority of the Church, pag. 5.' ANSWER. WE believe the Scriptures, because they contain the pure Wordof God, and were written by Divine Inspiration. But setting aside the Authority of the F 3 Catholick Catholick Church, Men cannot without a Miracle have a certain Knowledge that all the Books of Scripture were written in that manner. If this be an Error, the learned St. Austin was deeply concern'd in it- For he de clared positively to the Mamchees, That he ...