Testament John Baptist had schollers John 1.28 so the Pharises had their schollers Mat. 22.15 â—6 Paul was Gamaliels scholler Acts 22.3 There was a Synogogue of learned men disputing with Stephen Act. 6.9 So there was a schoole at Corinth A s 19.8 Timothy was Pauls scholler 2 Tim. 3.14 But the example of our Saviour Christ is above all that kept a school first of his twelve dâ—sciples then of the seaventy disciples Luke 10. that â—e also sent forth to preach the Gospel Yea there is a most cleer and express Commandement that Paul gives to Timothy 2 Tim 2.2 he saith the things that thou hast heard of me before many witnesses he same commit to faithfull men who shall be able to teach others also Where we see that Timothy had many school fellows that are called witnesses and also that Timothy is coÌ„manded to teach others so it concerns such as God enables to teach them that may be teachers of others to instruct them in the things of God But now it will be very needfull upon this occasion for uâ— to consider what weight there is in the objections that diverse in these days have printed against them Object 1â— Mr. Dell in his answer to Mr. S. Simpson allowes schooles of the prophets wherin Christian religion is taught but against schooles of humane learning this is that that makes them Antichrists seeing they are contrary to and do oppose Christ this makes the universityes stews of Antichrist houses of lyes and to stinke before God with most loathsome abomination c with a multitude of other reproachfull terms which Luther others have loaded Popish Universityes withall Answ 1. I do much desire that the opposers of schools universityes would speak â—lainly what they mean by humane learning then wee should easily come to some conclusion Therfore let this distinction be premised that humane learning may either be taken for all that learning that the heathen Authours or philosophers have delivered in their writings or else all other Arts besides Theology as they call physicks ethicks politicks c take in also the grounds of languages Latine Greek Hebrew Now in the former sense if Mr. D. do mean by humane learning all that learning that the heathen men have uttered out of the light of nature It will be a great oversight to pass such a sentence upon it 1. Because we find in Scriptures some testimonies out of humane writers as Tit 1.12 Acts 17.28 1 Cor 15.33 c which the Spirit of God would not have alledged if their writings had been utterly unlawfull to read 2. There are certain principles of trueth written even in corrupt nature which heathen authors have delivered unto us that doe not cross the holy writ 1 Cor 11.14 doth not nature it self teach you c and it cannot be denyed that all trueth whosoever it be that speakes it comes from the God of truth as he is called severall times And who can deny but that there are found many excellent divine morall truths in Plato Aristotle Plutarch Seneca c and to condemn all pel-mel will be an hard censure especially to call universities Antichrists for reading of them Besides they have treated of the works of God most excellently in many places and the works of God ought to be declared by parents to their children Psal 78 2-6 Besides they have delivered many excellent sayings of God and have attested many Scripture historyes as might be shewed by severall instances out of Justine Tacitus c and Mr. D. is not ignorant of them shall all these be thrown away as antichristian or as lyes Object But they have much profaness and filthiness in them and besides they are made idolls of in our universities when as ipse dixit and their authority goeth for currant as Scripture it self amongst them Answ But 1. All heathenish writers have not such profaness in them 2. Those that have let them be condemned abhored let not youth be poysoned by them 3. Let God be true every man a lyer and let not man especially any heathen be deified or his authority be accounted on or go cheek by jowle with the speaking in the Scriptures this is indeed to be abhored whersoever it is received but abusus non tollit usum II. But now if humane learning be taken in the second sense for all those Arts that are commonly taught in Universities as Physicks Ethâ—cks Politicks Oeconomicks Rhetorick Astronomy c or also for learned tongues of Latine Greek and Hebrew c 1. I will be bold to affirm that these in the true sense and right meaning therof are Theologicall Scripture learning and are not to be accounted of as humane learning For who can deny that the first second chapters of Genesis and many chapters in Job and the Psalms and diverse other places of holy Scripture do afford excellent and sure grounds for natural Philosophy and a just systeme thereof which Mr. Zanchy Daneus and diverse other eminent Divines have opened declared unto us And where are there to be found such Ethicall Politicall or Morall precepts as are to be found in holy Scriptures or such principles for the ordering of our lifes families or common weals let any man declare it unto us And where are there such high straines of all sorts of Rhetoricall Tropes figures to be found in any Author as there are in the writings of the Prophets Apostles and who can imagine but that the best surest Chronology in the world is to bee found in holy Scriptures upon which all the computation of tiâ—es in all ages in the world depends 2. Let all judicious men consider what Mr. Dell graunts though he speakes so much against humane learning I will relate his own words because his books are in few bands they that have them build much upon his judgment He speaks thus in his treatise of the reformation of learning 1. I conceive it meet that the Civill power or chief Magistrate should take great care of the education of youth as one of the greatest works that concerns them and one of the worthyest things they can do in the world insomuch that what the youth now is the whole Common wealth will shortly be 2. To this end it is meet that Schools if wanting be Erected through the whole nation and not only in Citties great Towns but also as much as may be in lesser villages and the Authority of the Nation take great care thaâ— godly men especially have the charge of greater schools And that the Magistrate â—fford to this work suitable incouragement 3. That in Cittyes greater Towns where are the greater schools and greater opportunities to send children to them they teach them also the Latine Gâ—eek tongues Hebrew also which ought to be had in gâ—eat account wâ—th us for the old Testament sake 4. It may be â—â—â—ment also that there be some Vnâ—â— sâ—â—s Colle â—es for
Answ 1. No Christian that I know of will say that heathenish Philosophy is necessary to teach or preserve him or others 2. What Philosophy means he explains and addeth to Philosophy vain deceit that is no better then sophistry 3. There are many false principles of heathenish Philosophy as the eternity of the world the freedom of the will to goodness the placing of the chiefest good in contemplation or in moral vertues such notions as these will spoil us and must bee shunned But there are many true principles even amongst the heathens which the Apostle calleth that which is known of God as his eternal power and Godhead these will not spoil us 4 There is nothing so good no not the Scriptures themselves but they may be abused and it is good counsel to warn men to take heed that they bee not spoyled by the Scriptures abused much more may we be warned that we be not spoiled by the Philosophy of the heathens 5. The word spoiled by an allegory hath respect to what he spake before about the treasures of Christ or the word verse 2. that which robbeth us of these treasures leaves us but poor creatures but all Philosophicall tenents do not this 6. I deny not but that as Ames saith and it is alledged by Mr. Cranaon the School-men Popish writers have made a very hodch-potcl mingle-mangle of heathenish Philosophy and Divinity together and so brought in many pernicious errours into Divinity and it is likely that the Apostle in this place forewarnes the faithfull to beware of such Philosophy which is called Rev. 2. the depths of Satan But what is this to the forbidding of sober Chrâ—stian Philosophy What is added more then thâ—s by Mâ— Horn hath been answered before Mr. Crandon hath objected another place against secular learning that is Acts 19.19 whâ—t is spoken of the Converts of Ephesus while the Apostle was yet resident among them and consequently consenting with them that they burnt their books of curious arts which though some would have to bee understood of conjuring books yet I cannot assent to them because this cursed rather then curious art was proper almost peculiar to the Eastern people Jewes Samaritans Egyptians Babylonians the Greeks very little or not at all studying it but placing all their wisdom in the arts and these were Greeks that burnt their books Answ 1. Who ever expounded this place of other then Magick books 2. If they were not Magick for the word is perierga that is curious superfluous could Mr. Câ— find none such but Philosophical books It is sure that as the Greeks some were Philosophers so there were some Poets tragoutans comedians lyricks as Aristophanes Pinaar Sophocles Euripides some Orators as Demosthenes Isocrates and some Physicians as Galen Hippocrates c they might as well be those curious books as the Philosophicall 3. If this exposition of Mr. Câ— is true then it is a Christian duty and a note of a true convert to burn all Philosophicall books yea and in a publick manner which were an hard saying and I may question whither Mr. Cr. did ever give this evidence of the trueth of his conversion 4. He seemes to be greatly deceived in that he restraines that cursed art to those eastern countryes as though that Greece were free from such Devilish practises For the contrary may appear plainly in Iulius Pollux who is both ancient and exact in setting forth the religion of the Grecians 〈◊〉 1. cap. 1. parag 18-19 where hee shewes that they had their Oracles and spirits that foretold things to come their debacchantes and numine afflatos inspired by the Devil their raptures enthusiasmes extasyes furyes their divinations where was the Delphick that is Apollo's Oracle but amongst them with which they consulted upon all occasions and for polytheisme they worshiped all the heathenish Devil-gods in the world and no God was unknown to them but the true which appears by that inscription upon the Altar Acts 17.23 To the unknown God besides Acts 16.16 c ye find mention of a spirit of divination which was called Python being like the Oracle of Apollo whither all the people came to aske questions and OBH or eggastrimythos because the Devil filled the bellyes of their Prophets Prophetesses and gave the people his answer in filthy manner from thence and this example is rather to be noted because when the Damosell was dispossessed by the Apostles her maisters were so enraged and made their complaint to the Magâ—strates they put the Apostles in prison for it whence it appears that all sorts both of Magistrates people among them favoured maintained such Devillish practises And also the lâ—ke may be noted Acts 17.22 where Paul saâ—th of the Athenians that they were in all th ngs acisidaimonesteroi fearing worsh ping â—â—mâ—ns or Devills and false Gods â—o that the Devill must needs have great power over them But thus much shall serve for answer to Mr. Crandon the rest that he brings is either answered before or toucheth not this controversy To the only Wise GOD bee all Glory for ever FINIS
measure some in all at this day for this great blessing of the Ministry the means of the continual success and succession therin 1. Many will not acknowledg the mercy but pass it by as a matter of litle or no worth the great blessing of a painfull Ministry is not regarded by coveteous earth-wormes neither do the schools of learning that afford oyl to the lamps come into their thoughts or language to prayse the Lord for them this is that sin reproved in Israel Jer. 2.6 Neither said they where is the Lord that brought 〈◊〉 out of the land of Egipt 2. There are others that do slight these mercys some litle good they apprehend in it to have a Minister to spend the Sabbath to baptize their children and schools to teach their children and keep them out of harmes way or teach them to write and read and cast accounts but these despise the Angels bread and account it but light stuff in comparisson of other things these are like Jeshurun Deut. 32.15 that are fatted with other contentments and do lightly esteem the rock of their salvation 3. There are others that deny this to be a mercy there be many in the country that account it their happiness to live in the wast howling wilderness without any ministry or schooles and means of education for their posterity they have much liberty they think by this want they are not troubled with strict sabbaths but they may follow their worldly bussiness at any time and their children may drudg for them at plough or hough or such like servil imployments that themselves may be eased wheras the scripture saith 2 Chron 15.3 that they that are without a teaching ministry are without the true God and without the law surely so they are that do voluntarily make choise of such a condition but thier practice about their children is litle better then the mercyless unnaturall and prophaness of the Israelites Psal 106 36. That sacrificed their sonns and their daughters unto Devils 4. Some goe so far as to account these blessings to be curses so as to say that our ministryes are antichristian and schools of learning popish and the seminaryes of wickedness loosness in the Country it is not my purpose to confute their scurrilous reproaches of the ministry which are sufficiently confuted both by the doctrine and holy conversation of Gods faithfull servants nor yet to plead for any dissolute courses or disorder that is found amongst schollers but I desire rather to mouâ—n for them and to pray that some salt may be cast into the fountain that the waters may be healed but let not whole societyes or professions be charged or blemished for the faylings or scandalous carriages of some if there be â—â—e or had been more Judases among the disciples of Christ yet let not all the rest be indighted or arraigned for the viciousness and disloyalty of others 5. Many do make wicked returns of these blessings and fearfully abuse them and seek what they can to weary out ministers to pull down schools of learning or which is all one to take away oyl from the lamps denying or withholding maintenance from them whereby they do as good as say let them tumble and fall rase them rase them to the foundations There be others that do foment and abett oppositions against Gods ministers raise factions in Churches Colledg to make havock and utter dissipation of all I might add also the poor and slender requital to speak no worse of such as have with most faithfullness and diligence served the Lord and his Churches in workes of so great importance But I will spare the inlargemeÌ„t of these things lest that I pass my bonds both of my strength and time But now how extreamly hateful to the Lord all this unthankfulness is I need not be long in shewing Deut 32.6 Do ye thus requite the Lord ye people foolish and unwise and Isay 1.2 3. Hear O heavens and give care O earth for the Lord hath spoken I have nourished brought up children and they have rebelled against me the Ox knows his owner c and Micah 6.2 3. Hear O ye mountains the Lords controversie with his people and he will plead with Israel O my people what have I done unto thee wherein have I wearied thee testifie against mee for I brought thee out of the land of Egipt and redeemed thee c this unthankfulness is that which causeth the Lord to take away his blessings from us Hosea 2.8 9. shee did not know that I gave her coin wine oyl therefore will I return and take away her corn in the time therof and wine in the season therof and will recover my wooll my flax given to cover her nakedness there is the same reason in other blessings as if the Lord should say in this case I will put out the light and take away the ministry pull down the schools of learning for this unthankfullness of yours which also the Lord hath allready done in some parts of this Country The Sâ—â—oâ—â— branch of this reproof 2. This serves to reprove whatsoever other sins Gods people do commit injoying these great mercyes look at this as an aggravation of all our sins that the Lord hath done these great things for us he hath subdued the 〈◊〉 all our enemyes Indians and others whose hight was like the hight of Cedars and they were strong as the Oaks he brought us out of the land of Egipt out of the iron furnace from many grieveous task masters from under the Prelates who set us to pick straws He lead us through this wilderness some near upon fourty years and hath strangely here provided for us now Lastly he hath raysed up of our sonns for Prophets and our young men for Nazarites surely then the Lord may justly take it unkindly at our hands that we have so exceedingly provoaked him by our many sins and as he saith for three transgressions of Judah Israel and for four I will not turn away the punishment thereof For many so he may say to us for three transgressions of New-England and for four I w ll not turn away the punishment therof And if God will not turn it away it is beyond all other power in the world to do it There be diverse sins in Israel Judah here reproved which it would not be hard to find in New England as the contempt of the Law â—n Judah that their lâ—es caused them to erre Suitably there is to be found in N-England the contempt of the word of God and his Ordinances and listening to lying books pamphlets that are brought over into the country whereby multitudes are poysoned amongst us In the Israelites he reproves these sins Their false woâ—ship ver 8. they set up false Gods and diverse Altars and turned Bethel the house of God into Bethaven the house of iniquity this sin of corrupting the worship of God is studyed by many even in