Did I say
before that religion was their pretence? Doth not the whole course
of their way declare it to their face? Every one of them, from the
least even to the greatest, is given to covetousness; from the
prophet even to the priest, every one dealeth falsely. Money, money,
[Footnote: Similar is the testimony of an eminent historian. "In
every misapplication which the popes now (thirteenth century) made
of their power, money was the object. Every new operation which they
performed, was one of extortion; and every new act of oppression was
on their part, a financial speculation." Planck. V. 574.
Says Luther, in his address to the German nobility, speaking of the
pope, "He is a shepherd: yes, so far as you have money, and no
farther." The above passage from Bunyan is altogether in the manner
of Luther when describing the rapacity and avarice of Rome. hath
removed them. And these seeds has antichrist sown where the kingdom
of Christ should stand.] as the pedlar cries, "broken or whole," is
the sinews of their religion; and it is for that they set kingdoms,
crowns, principalities, places, preferments, sacraments, pardons,
prayers, indulgences, liberty, yea, and souls and bodies of men,
women, and children, to sale; yea, it is for this that they have
invented so many places, offices, names, titles, orders, vows, etc.
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