The Catholic scripturist, or, The plea of the Roman Catholics. Shewing the scriptures to hold the Roman faith in above forty of the chief controversies now under debate. No. 14

Abstract

It is Laudable to Worship the Relics of Saints.

... Therefore in Christ's Church there can not be found the use of suclh images as were unlawful, that is, of such as should be made to be adored as gods ; whence the next words are: "And thou shalt no more worship the work of thine hands." Now all these words are evidently spoken of what should happen after the coming of thy Messias ; for in the beginning of this chapter is the famous text prophesying that Christ should be born in Bethlehem: and then he prophesieth the ensuing benefits of his birth. Zacharias also speaking (chap; xiii. 1) of this time, saith; " In that day shall be a fountain lying open to the house of David; and it shall be in that day, saith the Lord of Hosts, I will cut off the names of idols out of the earth, and they shall be remembered no more." And yet what a remembrance of idols would it be, to see all churches in the whole visible Church filled full of statues, images; and pictures, exposed, all to be worshipped, if the worship used in these churches be idolatrous ? A most urgent argument, and clear demonstration. Yea; among the Jews, prone as they were to idolatry, there was, by God's appointment, a religious use of images.

3. Thus God to Moses, "Thou shalt make a mercy-seat of pure gold. Two cherubim also thou shalt make of beaten gold, on the two ends of the mercy-seat. Let one cherub be on the one end, and the other on the other end...[Excerpt]