worth, that we can satisfy the law: and do more
than is required at our hands, by performing those evangelical counsels,
and such works of supererogation, merit for others, which Bellarmine,
Gregory de Valentia, all their Jesuits and champions defend, that if God
should deal in rigour with them, some of their Franciscans and Dominicans
are so pure, that nothing could be objected to them. Some of us again are
too dear, as we think, more divine and sanctified than others, of a better
mettle, greater gifts, and with that proud Pharisee, contemn others in
respect of ourselves, we are better Christians, better learned, choice
spirits, inspired, know more, have special revelation, perceive God's
secrets, and thereupon presume, say and do that many times which is not
befitting to be said or done. Of this number are all superstitious
idolaters, ethnics, Mahometans, Jews, heretics, [6340]enthusiasts,
divinators, prophets, sectaries, and schismatics. Zanchius reduceth such
infidels to four chief sects; but I will insist and follow mine own
intended method: all which with many other curious persons, monks, hermits,
&c., may be ranged in this extreme, and fight under this superstitious
banner, with those rude idiots, and infinite swarms of people that are
seduced by them. In the other extreme or in defect, march those impious
epicures, libertines, atheists, hypocrites, infidels, worldly, secure,
impenitent, unthankful, and carnal-minded men, that attribute all to
natural causes, that will acknowledge no supreme power; that have
cauterised consciences, or live in a reprobate sense; or such desperate
persons as are too distrustful of his mercies. Of these there be many
subdivisions, diverse degrees of madness and folly, some more than other,
as shall be shown in the symptoms: and yet all miserably out, perplexed,
doting, and beside themselves for religion's sake. For as [6341]Zanchy well
distinguished, and all the world knows religion is twofold, true or false;
false is that vain superstition of idolaters, such as were of old, Greeks,
Romans, present Mahometans, &c. _Timorem deorum inanem_, [6342]Tully could
term it; or as Zanchy defines it, _Ubi falsi dii, aut falso cullu colitur
Deus_, when false gods, or that God is falsely worshipped. And 'tis a
miserable plague, a torture of the soul, a mere madness, _Religiosa
insania_, [6343]Meteran calls it, or _insanus error_, as [6344]Seneca, a
frantic error; or as Austin, _Insanus animi morbu