might be an inferiour Church-officer or Deacon without a Call and Ordination from the Church then no man may be a Preacher a superiour Church-officer without a Call or Ordination The truth is granted though not by you understood there is a difference as I have already shewn and proved between the preaching of gifted brethren and Church-officers in relation to the manner of administring but not the matter the one waits upon it as his office the other as his gift You instance That if in the Common wealth none may intrude into anothers calling but must first serve an Apprentiship then much less may any intrude into the Ministry c. who do not first serve an Apprentiship That is the substance and the thing you drive at and indeed I knew before that you would turn Preaching into an Art and Trade that so you might be the true Merchants of Babylon And would Christ have the Scriptures to dwel in the Saints richly and abundantly and should they hide it there and not bring it forth for the good of others The tenth Argument If every man must study to be quiet do his own Work and keep the bounds of his proper calling then private men may not be Pulpit-men but the Apostle commands 1 Thes 4. 11. That every man study to be quiet c. Who are the unquiet men the gifted brethren or your selves who is it that casts out floods of contention and unquietness but your selves but you would have your brethren to be quiet and let you alone in your sin that so the blind leading the blind both might fall into the ditch this would be a sinfull quietness and silence But Sir may not a man follow his Calling preach and yet be quiet too May not the Nailer keep his Hammer the Husbandman his Plough c. and come into the Pulpit and yet be quiet too Is not preaching and prophesying one part of a Christians generall Calling if gifted unto it or may not a Christian come from his Hides his Shop his Arms his Blew Apron to the Pulpit without a Black Gown Is there so much vertue in that or doth all your office and divinity consist in it or rather doth not your colour manifest your nature Let every one abide in his calling 1 Cor. 7. 20. This I have answered already it relates to Servants not to leave their Masters after conversion c. and not to that end for which you learned Rhetoritians ignorantly apply it against the Lord and his Truth Your first and Second Query and Answer I wave as not material to my work in hand But the Objection you seem to Answer in it I shall a little touch If Paul had a double Calling why not We Your Answer is First There is a great difference between Paul and You He had much learning You no learning Stay Sir where is it said Paul had so much learning he had the gifts of the Spirit but what else This is Learning enough for Paul and mean Abilities yet according to the Ability let them minister Secondly He had an extraordinary measure of the Spirit had his Learning given him by Revelation Inspiration c. We by industry study c. Had Paul his by the Spirit and have You yours by another way No wonder if you make use of it to another End But have you indeed gotten another way to get the gifts of preaching have you Simon-like bought them for mony or have you Pharisee-like wrought hard for them oh the Lord will curse and blast all such gettings the Princes of Zoan and spiritual Egypt shall appear to be fools in the end I deny not reading of and meditation on the Scriptures But unless the Lord freely inspire and teach by his Spirit all your study and reading is nothing But your Art of studying and making Sermons I utterly protest against Thirdly you say The work of the Ministry is a distinct Calling c. Not so distinct but that they may make use of another as Paul Distinct Duties Not so distinct but that another may perform them but he is in a distinct manner to attend upon them and officiate in them The power of the Keys is not given to the Church but to Peter and his Successors c. To the Pope and his Ministers But the Keys of the Kingdom were not given to Peter more then to Paul but to Peters faith and to all that have obtained or shall obtain like precious faith Fourthly The Apostle labors 1. That he might not be burdensom to the Church which was poor 2. Thess 3. 8. But you will not labor but live upon the People though poor you will Lord it over them and have it from them if they have it without them 2. That he might stop the mouths of false Prophets Who would accuse him for making advantage of the Gospel But you will not labor let false and true Prophets say what they will of you but will make advantage of the Gospel you are so far from the Apostles temper that let what mouths will be open against you yet your mouths are still open for the gain 3. That he might be an Example of Industry But you are resolved notwithstanding to be Examples of Pride and Idleness you bind heavy burdens for others and cry out against their Idleness but will be sure not to touch them your selves with the least of your fingers But Fifthly you confess at last That a man may keep two Callings though your selves intend not to live lawfully in one but a Minister may teach School as Samuel had a School of yong Prophets Had a Lay Prophet as you call them said so much you would have been ready to cry out ignorance in tearing wresting and abusing Scripture to self Ends There is never a word of School or Colledge in the Text. But may a man a Minister have two Callings the one subordinate to the other and then why may he not bake and preach nayl and preach patch and preach and plow and preach too as well as fish and preach make tents and preach c. The eleventh Argument If the Calling of the Ministry be a distinct Calling have distinct offices and duties belonging to it c. then every private man though gifted may not intrude himself into it but so it is Mat. 16. 19. 18. 18. John 20. 21 23. The power of the keyes is not given to the whole body of the Church but to the Apostles and their Successors the Ministers of the Gospel to them belongs the power of remitting and retaining sins authoritatively in Christs name c. I answer 1. That I have already told you that there is difference between men ministring by office and by gift The Calling of the Minister is distinct yet not so distinct as to prevent the gifted brethren as you imagine and they may administer according to the measure they have received yet not intrude themselves into the office of the Ministry and the truth
is that its your selves who are the intruders pretending your selves Ministers of the Gospel when you know not what it is but are in deed and truth the Peoples Lords and Masters You say the power of the keys is given to you and the power of remitting and retaining sins and not to the body of the Church I answer The power of the keys is given neither to Church nor Minister to retain and remit that is proper only to God to Christ who have the keys of Hell and Death and open and no man shuts and shut and no man opens You would fain dethrone the Pope and take the power of pardoning out of his hand if you could But it is the power of the Gospel that remits sins where it comes in power it brings pardon and peace where the Gospel comes in power and is believed and received it remits sins but where it is not received there sin is retained So that it s not the word or authority of a Priest but the power and grace of Christ that remits sins The twelfth Argument If the work of the Ministry be an exceeding weighty and laborious work then every private man though he have some gifts is not fit for it but the work of the Ministry is an exceeding weighty and laborious work c. Hence the Apostle puts 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 on it 2 Cor. 2. 16. Who is sufficient c. and every man is not fit to be a Carver to a King I answer You are still harping upon one string you love reiterations and tautologies many of your Arguments being one and the same in substance you only alter the terms that so you may make up the number I have often answered that though every gifted brother is not fit to be a Minister in office yet every gifted brother is fit to communicate according to the gift he hath received and notwithstanding it is both a laborious and weighty Calling yet neither of them in those who are Ministers indeed shall prevent but rather encourage that which you so much oppose So in Paul and in Peter who excelling in the work of the Ministry excelled likewise in this the encouraging of the Saints in the performance of their duty in this particular 1 Cor. 14. 1 Pet. 4. And were you what you profess your self to be you durst not to have done what you have in opposing this truth of Christ The thirteenth Argument That way which was first invented by Socinians Anabaptists Arminians the enemies of Gods grace to destroy the truth may not be practised by Christians c. but this toleration of all gifted brethren to preach was first invented by Socinians Anabaptists Arminians to destory the truth c. Answ Dare you be so impudent and bold as to belye the Saints with so much venome as 1. To give them such reproachfull terms for their owning and professing truth 2. To call them enemies to Gods grace when they hold it forth in its purity 3. That they were the first Inventers of this practise and that to destroy the truth when it was the Lord Jesus in and by his servants the Apostles did command it therefore in your next lay your blame where it is Call Christ and his Apostles Socinians Anabaptists c. because they both practised and commanded that for which you would hang if you could your Brethren that practice the like Believe it Sir you had need be disburden'd of this Book and your pretended Ministry too before you meet the Lord Jesus when he comes to Judg the Earth He will say then As for mine enemies that would not that I should reign over them bring them hither and slay them before me Luke 19. For Sir I would have you know that in substance you call Christ and his Apostles Socinians Anabaptists Arminians c. and enemies to Truth for they were the first Inventers of this practice you so much oppose Rom. 12. 1 Cor. 14. 1 Pet. 4. The fourteenth Argument They which have no promise from God of Divine assistance cannot comfortably or succesfully undertake a work but private persons turning Preachers without a Call have no promise of Divine assistance Ergo They cannot comfortably and succesfully undertake the work The Major granted the Minor grounded on Mat. 28. 20. Lo I am with you to the end c. The Promise is made to the Apostles and their Successors And who are they your selves think you Say you not there are no Apostles now how are you their Successors then or do you their work which was to Disciple first then Baptize Nay how then why Baptize or sprinkle first and hate reproach persecute the true Disciples everafter yet are you the Apostles successors or rather are you not of the Bastard brood of Rome whose name is changed but not the nature But to your Minor 1. Where are the Saints called private persons in Scripture or Lay-men This is but a trick of your own to make your selves the more publick but if the Saints viz. Gifted brethren are commanded to and commended for exercising according to their gift then they have a promise and may expect a blessing and success in that work but they have a command 1 Pet. 4. 10 11. and commendation 1 Cor. 14. 6. for exercising in that gift Ergo they may with comfort expect success and a blessing in it The promise Mat. 28. 20. is for them I will be with you c. so long as you are doing what I command you and what I commend unto you And I will never fail you nor forsake you Heb. 13. 5. while you do that I command you and commend unto you c. The fifteenth Argument That way which breeds Disorder Errour and Confusion is not the way of God but toleration of private persons out of Office to Expound and Interpret Scripture in publike is away that breeds Errour and Confusion Ergo 'T is not of God Answ 1. The Major you say is clear therefore to your Minor The toleration of such uncalled Preachers breeds Errour It s granted but this doth not hinder the preaching of Gifted Brethren who are called to exercise their Gifts but indeed it s the uncall'd Preachers viz. your selves that have bred the Errour and Confusion in this Nation 't is proved by woful experience You it is that have stirred up the Nation to the zeal of Persecution and you it is in all Ages that have been the cause of War and Blood and you it is that at present if mercy prevent not endeavour to kindle a fire in it that will devour it and you it is that bring in such ignorance darkness and errours as that there is not any one truth that can appear in its purity but you cry out against it giving it some contemptible Nick name or other that so it may not take with the people but you will have but little thank of Christ one day for it And 2. If some do Preach and practice things tending to
most part enemies to the Power c. 2. Argument If Baptism of Ministers in times of Popery was true Baptism though corrupted c. the Ministers though corrupted were true Ministers therefore you must be true Ministers though corrupted I suppose this to be the intention of your Argument Answ You have now hit the nail upon the head and fastned it like a Master builder 1. Then I deny either their or your Baptism to be any Baptism at all for believe it theirs is as good as yours never a best but aninvented Antichristian Custome and Form for which there is no warrant either in Law or Gospel or President of any true Church of Christ 2. You do well to rank your selves with the Ministry of Rome for they are by Office your brethren from thence you come and thither you must return c. a grounded Argument to prove your Call If the Ministry of Rome be true then you are true but they are Ergo. this is the summ of your Argument 3. Argument If the Papists disclaim us as having no Call from them then our Calling cannot be Antichristian but they disclaim us c. Answ 1. Your jangling and differing each with other and reproaching one another argues not the truth of what you say for it s known and your selves know that by Succession your Ordination came from thence c. 2. They do not say That your Ordination in its rise came not from them but in the present its not approved of or executed by them by reason of some smal differences between you 3. Grant by way of concession that if what you say were truth is there but one Antichrist in the world you say it cannot be Antichristian Doth not the Apostle say there are many Antichrists in the world 4. Argument If your Ordination be Antichristian then cannot you with modesty accuse us But your Ordination is Antichristian Ergo. A goodly Argument Sir I for if it were truth that you say because ours is Antichristian therefore yours may be so by a Law learned Logick As to the Ordination you mention by the people I know none such in the formal way you pretend Election being the summ of all and that lieth in the people the power or gift of Ordination in the form being wanting it s but a form without a power yet I believe that the power both of Election and Ordination lieth in the Church and if Ordination be so administred as you say the Church appointing some of her Members unto it they are a lawful Presbytery to do it so far as the power accompanies it c. You conclude If this be lawful then a fortiori from the greater yours must needs be lawful learned Orthodox Divines Their learning and greatness mends the business well you think though ignorant of or enemies unto the Way Truth Churches and Ministers of Christ the case is altered now sir 5. Argument Those Ministers that are elected proved ordained c. according to the mind of Christ cannot be Antichristian but our Ministers are so Ergo. Answ Your Minor I deny you have no such Election I have told you already you have no Church of Christ but for the most part are ignorant rude deboist prophane yet professing Hypocrites yet secondly such as they are yet they never elected you before Ordination but you for love of the tythe pigs c. come and take them by violence and get their goods from them by a Law 2. You were never proved viz. of your knowledge of the Lord and his wayes but of your learning if you had the language of the Beast and the smoke of the pit it was enough and as for your Ordination I have told you already from whence it is I need say no more 6. Argument Those Ministers which are directly opposite to the Priests and Shavelings of Antichrist cannot be Antichristian but ours are so Ergo. Answ You are so in some Circumstantials not in the substance for you own their Ministry true their Ordinances true and indeed you are the Sectaries and Schismaticks in renting from them they being in your account a true Church and Ministry though corrupted This your self acknowledged in your second Argument and this Parson Tilly of Compton in Somersetshire no little one in the peoples account acknowledged in express terms that Rome is a true Church and her Ministry a true Ministry c. 2. There may be an opposition in some Circumstantials and yet a joyning in others Manasseh against Ephraim and Ephraim against Manasseh and both against Judah you are both against Christ and his Interst which is his people c. You say this will appear by the ensuing Parallel 1. They were ordained to sacrifice 2. You were ordained to do the same it s only the change of that word the second clears it 2. They teach the traditions of men 2. You do the same and your own inventions are ashamed of and enemies to the truth of the Scriptures 3. They mix the Sacraments and Altar 3. You destroy and annihilate them by your impure administration 4. They are for the Mass 4. You kept the body and substance of it viz. the Liturgy untill the Parliament took it from you 5. They are the Popes sworn Vassals 5. You are as deeply ingaged to your self-interest as they are to the Pope 6. These pervert souls and draw them from Christ 6. You delude souls with your Forms Customs Ordinances so keep them from Christ But you say That you convert souls and bring them to Christ that we received our conversion from sin to God in the publike Assemblies c. Answ 1. If conversion be a proof of a Minister in office then women may be Ministers in office or any man by whom God converts for I believe your selves dare not deny but that God is free in this thing and worketh by whom and how he pleaseth 1 Cor. 7. 16. Joh. 4. 28. You instance in Paul proving his Apostleship 1 Cor. 9. 2. that is but in particular to them not that conversion of souls proves the Office but the work I deny not but there might be some men of honesty and godly men though in darkness in part by whom God might work for conversion yet this justifies not the Office 2. If God did own his hidden ones and afford his presence in times of Ignorance yet now are times of Light and he admonisheth you to repent 3. Most of the conversion you so much boast of was but a conversion from sin to Duty not from sin to God as many can and have witnessed being with Paul made partakers of another Conversion both from sin and resting upon duty to God You seem to make much of our separating from you in time of Reformation that its a greater sin then many are aware of to separate from a Church that professeth so much readiness to conform to the Rule and that never was separation from the Chuch so unwarrantable as now it is c. Answ
1. You never were nor are a true Church of Christ upon your own account and confession you are but Schismaticks rent from your Mother-Church of Rome who is as you confess true therefore not to be departed from but neither you nor they are the Church of Christ if one then both 2. Your work if you would do the Lords work is not to reform the old but to begin anew upon the right foundation by a right rule to a right end then should we rejoyce in you and joyn with you c. 3. We see it clearly that for want of this all your Reformation is but Deformation and you are but like a man in a dream that dreams in his sleep of a goodly Palace but when he is awake he is in a stinking Prison So if ever the Lord awake you you shall then see the folly of your dream you may change the name as oft as you please but it s the change of the nature that doth the deed c. I have done only my six Arguments and I take my leave Argument 1. Those Ministers whose Ordination by succession came from the authority of the Pope are Antichristian but your Ordination by succession came from the authority of the Pope Ergo. That this is truth is visible to all understanding men and not denyed by you Argument 2. Those Ministers who do not the work of Christ according to the Scripture but the contrary are Antichristian but the Ministry of the Nation do not the work of Christ according to the Scripture but the contrary Ergo. First they do not his work according to the Scripture which is to preach for conversion baptize bring into fellowship c. Mat. 28. 18 19 20. Act. 2. 40. c. you do the contrary oppose reproach persecute the Lords rule in his people then see Rom 6. 16. Argument 3. Those Ministers who do or do desire to sit in the seat of Christ ruling in and over the Consciences of his people are Antichristian but the Ministry of the Nation hath done and doth desire to sit in the seat of Christ and there to rule over the Consciences of his people Ergo. That this is truth is undeniably clear that such are Antichristian see 2 Thes 2. 4. Argument 4. Those Ministers whose God is their belly and whose glory is their shame who minde earthly things whose call from one place to another is earthly augmentations are Antichristian but the Ministers of England are such Ergo. The truth of this I leave to him that reads to judge c. whether gain be not their godliness Argument 5. Those Ministers who are opposers of and enemies unto the fellowship of the Saints and the free operations of the Spirit of Christ in and amongst them for their mutuall good are Antichristian but the Ministry of the Nation is such witness the Pulpit-Guard Ergo. That such are Antichristian see Numb 11. 28. Luk. 9. 50. 1 Cor. 14. 31. 1 Pet. 4. 10 11. Act. 5. 40. Argument 6. Those Ministers who set up a Mystery of Iniquity viz Something like truth in the room of truth in opposition to truth are Antichristian Rev. 17. 10 13. 18. but the Ministry of the Nation are such Ergo. Something like truth in the room of truth yet opposite to truth viz. Acquired Arts Sciences Tongues in the room of the Spirit since the Apostasie yet opposite to the Spirit Rom. 8. 7. turn the world into Church make Churches by a humane power something like a Church yet no Church of Christ but enemies to it Ordinations like Christ's yet not Presbytery Ministry c. all like Christs yet none of his but enemies to him though professing they know God yet deny him c. a Mystery of Iniquity Here needs wisdom to discern let him that readeth consider These things I leave to your consideration wishing you no more hurt from my heart then that through the blessing of the Lord it might prove an effectuall Call unto you to bring you out of Babylon to Sion c. Rev. 18. 4. FINIS The Post-script Reader THou mayst be pleased to take notice that I had written this Answer before the third Edition of the Pulpit-Guard wherein are many Additions which were not formerly to which I have but briefly hinted some Answers to some of them yet I question not but that there is enough said for satisfaction in Answer to that Lawless Guard if the Lord give thee a heart to understand 2. In what I have here written I intend that onely Brethren who have gifts may Preach or exercise them in an orderly way it is one end why God gives gifts unto men and so it is their duty not that those who have no gifts but their own imaginations should be incouraged hereby 3. That its proper for the Saints to judge of those Gifts yet not to despise Prophesying and upon this account I am very sure that few if any of those who cry up themselves as the only Authoritative Potents would be found to have Gifts fit for so great a work c. There is another Book written by one Collins something sutable to the Pulpit-Guard tending to the same end I believe you shall find most of those particulars he urgeth in it for his own ends to be answered in this Book Read with patience and the Lord guide thy heart and give thee understanding c. Farewel Reader Some small Escapes thou mayst meet withal mend them with thy Pen for I finde that an Errata in the end of the Book is but of little use FINIS
THE Pulpit-Guard Routed IN ITS Twenty Strong-Holds OR A brief ANSWER To a large and lawless Discourse Written by one Tho. Hall of Kings-Norton Intituled The Pulpit-Guarded with Twenty Arguments Pretending to prove the unlawfulness and sinfulness of Private mens Preaching Wherein the Arguments being weighed in the Balance of the Sanctuary are found too light and the lawfulness of Private mens Preaching as Tho. Hall calls them viz. Gifted Brethren is cleared and confirmed in opposition to all Gain-sayers My work in this Treatise hath been and is 1. To Rout him in all his Guards 2. To discover the weakness and invalidity of all his Answers to those Objections and Allegations by him there produced for the Preaching of the Gifted Brethren His six Arguments to prove their Ministry free from Antichristianism rased and six more asserted proving them to be Antichristian Written by Tho. Collier Isai 28. 20. For the Bed is shorter then that a man can stretch himself on it and the Covering narrower then that he can wrap himself in it Verse 21. For the Lord shall rise up as in Mount Perasim and be wroth as in the vally of Gibeon that he may do his work his strange work and bring to pass his act his strange act strange because so to the dark minds of men Chap 29. 14. Therefore behold I proceed to do a marvellous work and a wonder for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish and the understanding of the prudent men shall be hid Chap. 28. 22. Now therefore be ye not moâ—kers lest your bands be made strong London Printed for the Author and are to be sold by Giles Calvert at the Black-Spred Eagle at the West end of Pauls near Ludgate 1651. The Epistle to the Readers DEar Country-men and Friends it s not my desire as I am a man to be medling with things of this nature but as I am a Christian and made partaker in a measure of the Heavenly Gift taking notice of this Pulpit-Guard it being so directly against the will of the Lord in the Gospel dispensation and the free operation of his Spirit in the hearts of his people for the good and comfort of the Church his Body 1 Cor. 14. 31. For Sions sake I could not hold my peace and for Jerusalems sake I could not rest without giving a check in the plain evidence and demonstration of the spirit and power unto this unrighteous Guard it is a very sad and dangerous thing when men under the pretence of Religion for self-ends and interests shall make use of their Wisdom Arts Parts against the Lord and his Truth What opinion or practice is there this day in the world that pretends for Christ but that men may and do put fair glosses and pretences of Scripture for the upholding of it though never so contrary unto it I have in that light God hath given me examined the particulars of that discourse and the Scripture grounds and found them too light not holding weight in the Ballance of the Scripture and have commended to thy view who art the Reader The substance of my apprehensions concerning them possibly thou mayst imagine that I have been too rugged in my expressions or sometimes too light or vain in my Answers I answer 1. Meeting with such a Spirit in that Book of Pride Reproach and Self conceitedness I was at some stand as to the manner of my Answer But when I considered the words of Solomon Prov. 26. 5. Answer a fool according to his folly lest he be wise in his own conceit And Chap. 15. 28. The heart of the righteous studyeth to answer but the mouth of the wicked poureth out evil things I was satisfied in giving an Answer sutable to the Spirit I found working in it 2. Being deeply sensible of the dangerousness of the way that thousands of souls are lead in by these kind of men and finding by experience their height and perversness in their way that they are without a miracle of mercy without the reach or bands of love I have therefore dealt the more plain and downright yet still in truth and love and it s no other then Christ and his Servants have done in the like case before me Mat. 23. throughout John 8 44. Act. 13. 10 1 King 18. 27. But you may say you look upon many of them to be honest and pretious men c. Answ The more need have they to be sharply reproved for their sins and miscarriages men may be honest the people of God and yet in Babylon I am not despairing in the truth of what you say yet their Office and Babylonish actions are never the honester for that Rev. 18. 4. And this I must minde you that God hath not left himself without witness of the truth by me declared and that by men of the same calling with them but when once inlightned they reject their callings administrations and all as Antichristian with shame to themselves for their ignorance I could instance in divers if it might add to the truth but I judge it needless at present What thou findest written contrary to thy mind try it by the Scripture waite upon the Lord to teach thee what weakness in expressions as to thy judgement thou meetest with let not the truth suffer rather impute it to him whose it is If thou finde any light shining forth in it through it to thy dark understanding give him the glory who is the Author of it so have I my desire Finally reade and judge and the Lord give you understanding in all things T. C. THE Pulpit-Guard Routed In his twenty strong Holds SIR I Meeting with your Book subscribed with this Title The Pulpit Guarded c. and perceiving the drift and end of the matter with the manner of it could not but judge my self bound as I tendred the honour of the Lord Jesus his Truth and Gospel his Saints and Servants especially seeing none else undertaking the work to rebuke this unclean spirit and to cast out this devil to enter the lists with and to rout this unrighteous Guard It possibly may seem strange that I should undertake this task especially because this Guard was occasioned as you say by a dispute at Henly in Warwick-shire But Sir finding your Discourse tending not only to reproach the Creature but the Creator likewise his Truth and powerfull free operation in his Saints all which I finde my self bound in conscience for to vindicate as far as light and truth in its power appeareth in me As for the manner of my proceeding 1. I shall not turn aside after every vain and unworthy passage and miscarriage in your Guard neither shall I meddle with your particular Epistles but I shall first give you some hints concerning the Title of your Book Secondly I shall discover your ignorance falshood and folly in your Looking-glass for Anabaptists as you call them Thirdly I shall encounter with you in all your twenty Guards and in the strength of the
Who told you they were three persons have you it in Scripture or by tradition from Rome if in Scripture produce it when you come forth in publick next for mine own part I know no such Scripture And this I shall with confidence affirm that neither Father Son or Spirit are at all called Person or Persons as God but it s a Title proper only to man in Scripture given to none else and therefore come from Rome Be instructed now therefore ye wise men of the Earth and do not judge so harshly of honest men because they cannot believe that which is not written in Scripture and be content to be fools that you may be wise and let these Traditions return to their first center 23. That Christ hath removed the Law and now the pure Gospel is the only Rule What yet more ignorance and malice Is this one of the wrinkles and deformities one of the delusions of that deluded Sect I wonder you have left out one this comes very near it that they expect salvation by the Free grace of God in Jesus Christ Is this such a strange wrinkle and delusion with you that Christ hath removed the Law I pray what was the end of his coming if not to remove the Law as a dispensation held forth in the hands of Moses The Law came by Moses but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ Joh 1. 17. First he came to fulfil the Law every jot and title of it Mat. 5. 17 18. He fulfilled all the righteousness of it for thus it becometh us to fulfill all righteousness Mat 3. 15. and so is the end of the Law for righteousness to all those who believe Rom. 10. 4. Secondly He hath removed the Curse and condemnation of it Gal. 3. 13. Rom. 8. 1. Thirdly He hath removed the Rule of it as in the hands of Moses for there it was the Rule that produced the Curse it was a ministration of death and now the pure Gospel is the only Rule of Saints And is this such a mystery and deformity to you a Minister of the Gospel and ignorant of this Truth Sir I must tell you that if you were a Christian in good earnest you should not you could not be ignorant that the Gospel the Law of Christ is the Rule of the Saints Mat. 28. 20. Act. 3. 22. They are marryed to him and subject to him Rom. 74. Christ takes all that old dispensation both Moral and Ceremonial into his own hands and is the substance of the Ceremonies and righteousnes of the Moral Law and now gives forth the substance of the Moral again to them in them not as a Rule of righteousness but as a law of love a law of Grace and pure Gospel if you will have it though you think the word pure Gospel is reproach enough although you cannot be litterally ignorant that the Gospel signifieth glad tydings and is not this glad tydings think you and pure Gospel when a soul comes to see all the wrath and enmity that was against him contained in Ordinances taken away Ephes 2. 13 14. and fulfilled and now there is no ministration of death against him the Law of God is in his heart within him without him a law of love and grace no death no wrath nothing but love and grace and the love of Christ constrains such souls to yield obedience to him and to follow him where ever he goes But to conclude the Thirtieth Tenent They give a Supream and Independent power in all Ecclesiasticall causes and censures to their single Congregations And can you produce any other rule in the Gospel then this must you needs have one Church to rule over another or rather your selves to rule over the whole will nothing content you unless you may be Lords over Gods heritage Sir we allow no Synodian nor Classical power but advice and counsell we own c. it s not an Independent power neither only independent as to man and creatures but depending upon Jesus Christ and if you can produce any other rule in the Gospel let us know it that we may be informed If you mention Acts 15. I say first they sent to Jerusalem for advice and counsell and secondly those to whom they sent were able infallibly to determine the case ver 28. They could say It seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us to lay upon you no greater burthens then these necessary things c. And truly were there such Apostles and Elders amongst us we should gladly acknowledge them and receive from them but as for your Classicall power we own it not we submit not to it c. Thus have I briefly run through your Looking-glass and truly it may be a Looking glass for your self if the Lord open your eyes to see into it wherein you may first see your ignorance and blindness in calling so many precious truths of Christ wrinkles and deformities and delusions of the deluded Sect. And secondly you may see your malice and envy in charging so many falshoods upon them when it s your selves that are guilty of those crimes you endeavour to fasten upon them Thus you say You have given a taste out of a full sea whereby it appears that the Anabaptists are no such harmless creatures as some imagine A full sea it is indeed of lyes and scandals on the one part and truth ignorantly or wilfully abused by you on the other part No such harmless creatures c. if you could by your lyes and scandals perswade people to it thus dealt the Scribes Pharisees and the hypocrites your brethren in iniquity with Christ and the Saints of old Mat. 12 24. Joh. 8. 48. 10. 36. Act. 14. 2. You commend those who desire to see more of their Errors to Mr. Edwards Gangraena and the rest of your brethren in the same iniquity with you but you do well to commend them to the Gangraena the vilest viper that ever appeared in the world against Christ and his truth and Saints herein justifying your brethren in their iniquity and so drawing upon your self all the righteous blood shed from Abel until now you build the Tombs of the Prophets Christ and his Apostles pretend high estimation of them Pharisee like Mat. 23. from the 29. to the end Well you draw your conclusion How needfull is it both for Church and Common-wealth to joyn the labour of the Vniversities for confutation of the Anabaptists Indeed Sir you had need joyn all your forces Church Common-wealth that is the Magistrate Universities and all for the suppression of truth I wonder you had not conjured the Prince of darkness to your assistance in this great work and undertaking it seems their errors are so great so dangerous in your eye as that you fear miserably some great disaster or change you cry out lamentably upon their doctrine as that it will bring destruction to Church State Souls all But what are their principles that are so full of danger Answ
you must do all and monopolize all to your selves when you have no more to do with the Office of a Minister nor have no more Calling to it then Korah and his Company or the Devil himself I prove it thus First Those who usurp the Office of the Ministery to themselves and have no more Call unto it either according the letter or the Spirit then Korah and his Company are guilty of Korah's sin but the Ministery of the Nation have no more Call unto it then Korah had Ergo They are guilty of Korah's sin 1. They have no Call according to the letter by a right Ordination for that they have lost in Rome long since and now have brought forth the carkass the form only and like children bless themselves with that as if they had found some great pearl Secondly There is no Call from the Spirit they then should live in the Spirits light and not in the darkness of the Devil and do the Spirits work build up the Saints encourage them in exercising their gifts for their mutual good and building up not hinder them and reproach them for so doing bear their weakness cover their infirmities reprove with meekness and love not belye them scandal them falsly accuse them like the Devil And whereas you say 'T is dangerous for men to preach without a Call and 't is dangerous for people to bear such I say its truth but gifted brethren do not preach without a Call their gift and opportunity is their Call But you it is that preach without a Call for the gift in most of you it is a stranger and you are strangers unto it and believe it the punishment will be great the earth will cleave and swallow you up in conclusion To what you have added in your third Edition I add this Answer You say Remember Hind c. Sir Are you so impudent as to reproach Saints and Truth with particular mens sins and faults Might you not upon the same account reproach Christ himself behold one of his own Disciples betray him and Peter denying him an old trick of the Devil to reproach truth withall If I should deal thus with you as justly I might I could tell you of a zealous Preacher of your tribe one Williams of Munton in Somersetshire got his servant with Child and was outed by the Committee of that County and another of Chard in the same County very zealous and like your self preached bitterly against Sectaries yet got one of his nearest friends daughter with Child and was outed likewise by the Committee another very near the same place did the like And upon this account it may easily be made manifest that there are not a filthyer Generation of Adulterers and Devils in the Nation then your own Coat You say That for it he hath been cast out of his gathered Church A discovery of their integrity they cannot bear them that do evil that say they are Jews and are not but you entertain drunkards whore-mongers prophane all sorts in you Congregation both of Priests and people and never cast them out a demonstration that you are no Church of Christ but the Synagogue of Satan a Cage of unclean and hateful birds Argument II. If none may Preach but such as are sent then every gifted brother may not preach but none may preach but such as are sent Ergo. Every gifted brother may not preach Your Argument in the Minor I grant but the Major I deny that although its true none can preach according to the intention of that Scripture Rom. 10. 15 viz. for the working of faith and converting of souls yet it doth not follow that every gifted brother may not preach for every gifted brother is sent to preach according to the measure of the gift received And your grand mistake in this Argument is in the word sent whereas that word sent relates to the internal power of the Spirit in the Saints by which they are enabled to speak a word in season to the very soul you understand it to be an outward mission or sending a poor and low interpretation The mission you say implyes three things Election by the Churches Probation and Examination by the Presbytery separation by Ordination of the Presbytery First Election by the Church But by what Church not your Parochial Provincial or National Church The New Testament never knew such a Church nor Christ in the New Testament never did never will own such a Church a company of ignorant prophane carnal creatures both Priest and people yet have gotten the name of a Church and Ministery blessing themselves in that name and yet are ignorant what it is for a Church of Christ to whom Election belongs are a company of Believers Saints gathered out of the world by the power of the Lord in the Ministry of the Gospel 1 Cor. 1. 2. Act. 2. 47. chap. 4. 32. But you are Enemies to this Church rail reproach persecute they are the object of your scorn and malice I grant that where such a Church is Election belongs to them yet I say a man may be sent to preach though not elected by the Church Act. 8. 1. 4. The whole Church being scattered preached and I suppose none dare say that all of them were Elected and Ordained for I said before there is a preaching by way of gift and office and preaching by gift only and it s the Churches joy to see her Members gifted and exercised in this way But as for your selves as your Church is no true Church nor your Ministry no true Ministry so you fail likewise in your Election by that Church for you are in your way first ordained and then you are sent to your Churches Parishes whether they will or no and you take them by violence if you have a minde to their Tythes you will be their Minister though never elected by them and afterward if you have a Call to another place for your advantage you will leave them again and imbrace the second and the third too it may be yet you dare be so bold as to tell of your electing by the Church where as first it is no Church but a Parish consisting for the most part of ignorant carnal souls and secondly you press your selves upon them whether they will or no for the most part where then is your Election by the Church of Christ thus you fail in the first part of your mission non-Election by a Church of Christ and then I pray who sent you Your second is Probation and Examination by the Presbytery the Scripture you produce is 1 Cor. 14 32. For the spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets c. A learned interpretation of this Scripture the spirits of those who are to be ordained to preach must be subject to the examination and probation of the Presbytery when there is not the least hint or intention of such a thing in the words for the Apostle saith Ye may all prophesie one
by one what all the Presbyters Nay all the Prophets but who are they All the gifted brethren See ver 34. none are prohibited but women Let your women keep silence for they are not permitted to speak but men are permitted Obj. The Lord intends Prophets only and it s said in another place 1 Cor. 12 29. Are all Apostles Are all Prophets c The interrogation implies a negation all are not Prophets Answ 1. All are not Prophets Secondly All that have the gift of Prophesie are Prophets and may speak and ought to speak for the edifying of the Church as in its place I shall let you see more at large Now if all that have the gift of Prophecy that is to speak to the edifying of the Church may Prophecy ver 3. then this may occasion confusion some may say and you say so too Nay saith the Apostle the spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets For God is not the author of confusion but of peace c. That is when one Prophet or gifted Brother hath spoken and another hath any thing revealed let the first hold his peace but how can he hold his peace the spirit of Prophecy is strong and violent and men cannot contain themselves its like fire within them Numb 11. 25. 1 Sam. 19 20. to the end But saith the Apostle there is no such thing in this prophesying For the spirits of the Prophets are subject to the Prophets that is they are able to contain themselves and be silent while another speaks c. else it would occasion confusion But God is not the author of confusion but of peace So that the sum of all is That he that is a Gospel-Prophet can contain himself and be content to hear another speak as well as himself c. By all which it appears that a man may be sent and may Preach or Prophesie without such an approbation or examination as you speak of else those Acts 8. acted unlawfully in preaching without any such Probation But to return to your selves you come short of any such probation by the Presbytery its true there was a Presbytery in the primitive times but what is that to you who know no true Church nor Ministry but are enemies unto it you have only Popish forms amongst you without the power the name of Church Ordinances Ministers but are indeed and in truth enemies to Church Ordinances Ministers reproach them persecute them and are for the most part a pack of cheaters and deluders of the people for your own advantages I own probation by such a Presbytery the Scripture speaks of before admission to office although still I say men may Preach as gifted Brethren without any relation to office but as for your Presbytery it was conceived in Hell brought forth in Rome and yet lives and pants for breath in England but its end is to be burned See Esai 65. from 11. to 16. Your Third in your mission is Separation by ordination of the Presbytery which thing I own as relating to persons in Office by a lawful Presbytery yet still I have two exceptions 1. Not that Ordination to office ever did or shall where its right prevent the gifts of the Brethren No Sir it was not the end for which it was appointed 2. You have no such Presbytery therefore no such ordination you have yours by succession from the Pope only you have of late altered the name from Bishop Priest and Jesuite to Presbyter but the nature is not changed as deeply ingaged and inraged against the truth as any Jesuite in Rome and I assure you I should as freely accept of the Prayers and the hands of a pack of Jesuits as of yours as relating to this of Ordination But to return to the word Sent where it seems the force of your Argument lieth wherein you are so much mistaken you judge it to be the outward mission consisting of Election Probation Ordination whereas indeed and truth it hath the least relation to it if any at all my grounds are these 1. From the nature of the word and work the word Sent in those high things of God relates to God and his sending immediate So Christ was the Sent of the Father to do the Fathers work thus was Paul an Apostle one sent not of men neither by man but by Jesus Christ Gal. 1. 1. and he was sent not to Baptize but to Preach the Gospel 1 Cor. 1. 17. so the word and work joyned together it being a heavenly work preaching of the Gospel it s a heavenly sending that is here intended 2. The manner of expression the interrogation which as you say and it s granted implies a strong negation how can he preach except he be sent He cannot preach c. that is he cannot preach in the Spirit and power of the Lord to the conversion and building up of souls except sent by Jesus Christ in the power of the spirit and if so sent he can preach and doth preach though all the world say him nay and you being so much mistaken in the truth no wonder you have such a company of Divines as you are pleased to call them all the Ministry of the Nation are sent by your account for you have all one manner of call and sending according to the outward form if one be sent then all are sent and think you did the Lord ever send forth such a company to preach his Gospel of idle drunken whoring proud covetous envious ignorant profane persons as the most part of them are nay and some too such dunces sots that all their wit cannot make a Sermon in your way of Sermon making yet these have the same sending with you And this I must tell you that if God inlighten any of your profession in the Truth they renounce this kind of sending trample it under feet return it from whence it came But to return men can preach by your mission but they cannot preach unless sent of God to convert Souls in the power of the internal sending But to proceed to the third Argument If this be such an outward mission or sending as you imagine then it makes all other preaching unlawful for its such a sending as that there is no preaching without it how can he preach then What the Apostle writ to the Church of Corinth 1 Cor. 14. You may all prophesie one by one was unlawful and the preaching of scattered brethren Acts 8. was unlawful the preaching of Paul Acts 9. 20. immediately after his conversion before he was separated to the work of Ministry Chap. 13. 2. was unlawful and he had cause to repent it if what you affirm were truth but he rejoices in it Gal. 1. 15 16 17. No sooner was Christ revealed in him but he preaches him he went not up to Jerusalem to them that were Apostles before him c. But to the great objection that lieth in the way against you That gifting is sending and all gifted persons are sent
or building that they might inform others in the same truth they themselves are informed or comfort others with the same comfort they themselves are comforted But you who boast so much of your sending you come indeed and are not sent for first you come not in at the door but in at the window the door is Christ and his Spirit and there is no other door that admits to preaching see 1 Cor. 12. there are many Gifts and Works and operations but still the same spirit who worketh all in all But you have found out another way your Popish Ordination and none must preach but such just as the Pope and the Prelates so your selves walk in the same steps you are the Theives and Robbers that climb in at the window or some other way a hole you have made for your selves to creep in at and secondly the end of your coming in is to steal rob and to carry away to enrich your selves with the worldly gain the fat Tythes of the peoples labors and encrease but those who come in by the door Christ they dare not do it nay they dare not but like honest and true men disery and discover the thief and the robber that so he may be known and avoided And as for Wolves who are they but such a devour the sheep I send you forth saith Christ as Lambs among Wolves it s the property of Wolves to devour the Lambs how have the Popish Wolves devoured let Queen Maries daies witness Episcopall Wolves let the Prelates daies witness Presbyterian Wolves let latter times if they could have prevailed they would have suckt the blood of almost all the Lambs of Jesus Christ in this Nation ere this Possibly you may account us Wolves because in word and writing we discover your baseness and unrighteous waies be not mistaken Sir Light cannot but discover Darkness but there is no spirit or principle of persecution in us we desire not the Magistrate to meddle with you or to hinder you from preaching if you turn not Traytors to the State the Wolves it is that bite and devour that make the Lambs their prey but the Lambs are meek patient suffering not biting and devouring c. But stay awhile go not off triumphing If what you say be truth That the gifted brother was silent at this Argument yet believe it it was not the light that shined in it that overcame him but your cunning sophistry in reasoning but believe it your own Argument will burn up all your sending in conclusion and then you shall consess that gifted brethren may preach the Gospel You say Goliah fled but you are mistaken I suppose rather it was little David and at present great Goliah gets the victory Goliah with his Armor of proof University stuff c. but Goliah must be routed in the end Now to your third Argument If all that have gifts may preach then all that have gifts may baptize but all that have gifts say you may preach ergo all that have gifts may baptize In my answer to this Argument I shall pass by what the gifted brethren answered as you make mention with so much reproach and scorn as if you had sate a long time in Scorners chair for mine own particular I grant the truth of your Argument That gifted brethren may preach and may baptize and give the Supper too and that I have to do is to make good this principle which I doubt not but I shall with much light and evidence of Truth and then this Argument is routed and blown away with the wind of truth as the morning dew before the Sun My Arguments are these First John the first preacher of Repentance and baptizer in the water to the washing away of sin by the blood of Christ yet had no speciall mission nor did any miracle John 10. 41. but by divine inspiration according to the measure he had received so he preached and so he baptized its true he was prophesied of before and sent in a speciall manner to prepare the way of the Lord c. yet he did his work in an ordinary way as a gifted brother if you will have it so not extraordinarily gifted and sent See John 1. 31. he preached Christ and baptized into his name and knew him not like many an honest soul that are speaking of Christ and preach of him too when they have but shattered and shallow apprehensions of him there being such a worth in him that a soul that hath had but a sight of him and an interest in him cannot but declare him as the woman of Samaria John 4. The second ground is from John 4. 1 2. The Disciples of Christ then were the ordinary Christians the alone Church of the Gospel Christ the Head Pastor and Shepherd yet it is said that Christ baptized not but his Disciples compare this Scripture with Act. 10. to the latter end Peter commanded them to be baptized not that he did it himself but commanded them and it s very probable that there were some gifted preaching brethren with him who did the work and the like assistance might he expect when the 3000 were converted and added to the Church Acts 2. and Acts 8. The scattered brethren went preaching the Gospel and Chap. 11. The hand of the Lord was with them and a great number believed and turned to the Lord and the same who converted them baptized them if they were at all baptized for they gathered them into Church-fellowship But the Apostles hearing of it sent Barnabas to confirm and strengthen them which he did ver 23. not baptize them Thus it appears that preaching Disciples may baptize not that they must Paul was sent not to baptize but to preach yet seeing he was sent to do the greater he might do the lesser and did it too Object This is that will breed confusion in the Church no need of Officers if any gifted brother may administer Ordinances Answ Which shall be my third Argument too That Officers Pastors and Teachers are not for the being of the Church and Ordinances they are both before them and without them but they are rather for the wel-being of the Church there is nothing to be done in the Church no Ordinance to be administred but a gifted brother may do it with the approbation of the Church but because of conveniency and order therefore some men are chosen forth to act in behalf of the whole for the good of the whole not that such men thus chosen should usurp such power and authority to themselves as to set up themselves above all and stifle the grace and workings of the Spirit in others its time then to dethrone them again and the work of a Pastor or Teacher doth not consist all in preaching and baptizing as Priests now adaies think but in knowing the state of the flock in watching in reproving in admonishing in rebuking with authority in the Spirit and power of the Lord There is no one thing
that I know belongs to a Pastor but a gifted brother may do it it is his duty when time opportunity and liberty cals for it only the brother doth it according to his gift as a member the other waiting on his office as one entrusted by the Church more then ordinary for that end It is with the Church in this case as with a body Politique that needs Magistrates and Officers not for its being but for its wel-being it s not Magistracy that gives a being to a People but a People gives a being to the Magistracy and the Magistracie is or should be for the Peoples good So it is in this case with the Church it s not the Pastor that gives being to the Church but the Church gives being to the Pastor the Church and Ordinances are before Pastors Object But there must be some one or other to preach for the gathering of the Church and such a one is before the Church and may be said to give being to the Church Answ True but we are not now speaking about preaching out of but in a constituted Church And secondly out of a constituted Church gifted brethren may preach for the gathering of a Church or Churches and if God give a blessing to them and manifest his presence with them as those Acts 8. with Acts 11. they may baptize them and gather them into fellowship as they did You pretend absurdities that will follow If men may preach without a call they may baptize deliver the Supper exercise Church censures without a Call I say it is not without a cal the Churches freedom or desire is cal enough for either if the party be gifted to it all lawful Cals to preach either wthin or without are sutable to the gift If no gift the cal is unlawfull and that Church which hath power to call an Officer hath power to call forth any gifted brother to do service for the Church if he have a freedom within himself to do it But you say then gifted boyes and gifted women and gifted Midwives may preach if all gifted persons may preach But by the way pray Sir what is the difference between women and midwives you might have done well to distinguish for I thought midwives had been women all this while but I have told you already that there is difference between gifted brethren and gifted women that is your own nonsensicall conclusion because gifted men may preach therefore gifted women Secondly Should I give by way of concession though not grant That it s not lawfull for men out of office to baptize yet they may preach and that 1. From the command for it s not the reasoning from the greater to the less will serve you but it s the command that makes things lawfull or unlawfull there is a command of preaching if not of baptizing Rom. 12. 3 6. 1 Pet. 4. 10 11. Examples Acts 8. 4. and 9. 20. and 18. 26. 2. Preaching and Baptism were not so united together as never to be separated as you pretend See 1 Cor. 1. 17. But to your fourth Argument If no Priest or Prophet might offer Sacrifice under the Law without a Call then none may preach the Word or deliver the Sacraments under the Gospel without a Call but no man might offer Sacrifice under the Law without a Call Ergo c. This Argument is one in substance with your first I thought your University Divinity had delivered you from such Tautologies and although I suppose there is enough said in mine Answer to the first for satisfaction to both yet I shall follow you in this likewise that so I may not leave one stone unturned nor any part of your warlike frame uncharged that so your Pulpit-Guard may be wholly and totally routed And to your Argument I give you a treble Answer First that there is no comparison to be made between the Jewish Priests and the Ministers of the Gospel although indeed your selves in many things run parallel with them but this I have answered to your first Therefore Secondly I answer that it s not the parity of Jewish Priests and Ministers of the Gospel that will hold in your Argument that is nonsensicall like most of the rest because the Jewish Priest or Prophet in time of the Law only might offer Sacrifice therefore none may preach or minister Ordinances under the Gospel without a Call you may as well make this Argument Because none were circumcised under the Law but men children therefore none under the Gospel but men children must be baptized But Sir the limiting of the Legal Sacrifice to the Legal Priesthood is no ground why none but Ministers in office should preach it was sufficient to them that none but them should offer Sacrifice So under the Gospel the command of Christ is the rule of Saints and that is it that makes things lawfull or unlawfull the Lord will have his servants not to hide their talents but that which they hear in secret they shall proclaim upon the house top that is publiquely not to hide as by stealth his goodness within them and this which you for base and self-ends so much cry out against was never forbidden but ever approved both in the old and new Testament any servant of the Lord might and did prophesie and preach forth the goodness of the Lord to others Moses wisheth that all the Lords people were Prophets And the Propet David Psal 145. 10 11 12. speaks once for all both for Law and Gospel All thy works shall praise thee O Lord and thy Saints shall bless thee they shall speak of the glory of thy Kingdom and talk of thy power to make known to the sons of men his mighty acts and the glorious majesty of his Kingdom Note man it s the Saints work and priviledge to declare the glorious majesty of the Kingdom of Christ And why Because they have been in the Kingdom and have seen it and can speak of it by experience 2 Pet. 1. 10 11. You are mistaken man it s not your University nor your Call that teacheth you knowledge in the Kingdom of the Lord and that is the reason of your so deep ignorance of and hatred against the Truth but it s the Saints work to preach the glad tydings of the Kingdom The Gospel is called The word of the Kingdom Mat. 13. 19. And who shall preach the word of the Kingdom Why the Saints shall declare the glorious word of thy Kingdom and talk of thy power and hence it is that the same Prophet David Psal 68. 11. saith The Lord gave the word and great was the company of those that published it or the army as the Margin notes it In the Hebrew A great Army of Saints publishing the Truth believe it Sir you are mistaken to imagine that God hath given a Patent to any Society or Generation of men under the Sun of what name or title soever they dignifie or distinguish themselves whether Pope Cardinal Jesuite
Bishop Priest or Presbyter that so they might monopolize Preaching to themselves so making that a trade cum Privilegio which is proper and in common to the Saints according as God shall reveal unto them where the Lord speaks the word there will be Preachers And truly Sir you endeavour what you can to make the Saints to come short of other Creatures the whole Creation in their spheres and places all set forth the praise of their Maker and shall not the Saints sutably to their sphears capacities and understandings do the like Thy works shall praise thee O God and thy Saints shall not be behind the whole Creation they shall bless thee they shall talk of thee they shall declare thee to the sons of men c. But 3. I answer that all the Saints are a spiritual and a holy Priesthood 1 Pet. 2. 5. and their Priestly Office under the Law had no relation at all to yours under the Gospel or any other officiating ministry for that Priesthood was 1. A Type of Christ and 2. Of the Church of Christ c. 4. I answer and conclude That Gifted Brethren do not preach without a Call as none might sacrifice without a Call c. And whereas you say and give it as your reason That Preaching is a greater work then offering sacrifice I say it s not the greatness of the work but the will of the Lord commanding the work that makes the thing either lawful or unlawful whereas you make so many reiterations of a Call and that many creep in at the window c. I have said enough to this already and proved it so that your selves are the men though you see it not and not the Gifted Brethren You say That a true Minister preacheth in Gods Name by vertue of a Call c. And to this purpose you mention Paul who often speaks of his Call I say first That he never mentions his Call to such a base and ungodly end as you so often mention yours viz. that you might stop and silence the workings and the gifts of the Spirit in all except in you selves where it is not neither but University Gifts instead of the Spirit a Mystery of Iniquity 2. If his Call had been no better then yours he might and would have been ashamed of it rather then to have boasted as you do but believe me your glorying is not good your glory will be your shame in the end But to your Reasons to convince men of the necessity of a Call to this Sacred Function yours is a sacred one in deed as sacred as the holy Chair of Rome 1. Reason Without it all Ordinances are null c. Answ I grant it for truth that is the reason that all your Ordinances are null your Preaching null for you preach people into an outward formality without power Hence it is that the work of the Sent-preaching Brethren is to undo what you have done And this I can assure you that it would be much easier in an ordinary way to convert Souls to Christ amongst Indians and Heathens then in England you their teachers have so rivited them in the ways of ignorance and formality the leaders of the people have caused them to Erre Your Baptism null because ye were not called nor sent of God but run before you were sent you have sprinkled Babes instead of baptizing Believers Your Supper and Communion null because you have prepared a Table for the Troop and furnished a drink offering for that number Isai 65. 11 12. Therefore shall you be numbred to the sword and shall all bow down to the slaughter 2 Reas He can expect no success c. Answ That is the reason you do not profit the People at all 3. Reas People cannot hear such with comfort c. Answ That is the reason so many honest Souls depart from you they are driven forth they cannot hear because they know the voice of Christ and must follow it 4. Reas God will have all things done according to that order and rule he himself hath prescribed Answ True that is that his Saints should Preach the Word of his Kingdom that office should not put out Gifts c. but all things should be done in order that is the reason the knowing and godly part leave you because Gods Order is not amongst you You prescribe two notes of those who have not the Spirit 1. Separatists dividing and separating from the true Church of Christ c. Answ I grant it but we separate not from the true but from the false Church of Babel and confusion both in Ministry and in Members in Doctrine and in Manners in Government and in Ordinances and from such we are commanded to separate and have no fellowship with them Your Church and Ministry are such as have a form of godliness but without denying the power therefore from such we are to turn away to separate as the Geneva reads it 2 Tim. 3. 5. And that is the reason why Souls when they are once informed in it they run from you as from an unclean and monstrous Babel and Antichrist obeying the Call of the Lord Rev. 18. 4. Come out of her my People partake not of her sins lest ye partake of her plagues And your selves it is who have separated from the true Church Ordinances Order and all that have forgotten Sion and forsaken the Lord in preparing a Table for the Troop c. 2. Sensualists following the Dictates of corrupt reason forsaking their Callings c. You are mistaken and that upon a double account 1. They do not follow the dictates of nature but of the Spirit of Truth in the written Word of God they do not leave their Callings and live idle they can work and preach too But 2. Your are the men who lie under this gilt you it is who are Sensualists following the dictates of corrupt reason Hence it is that you must live by sense and reason fetch in your maintenance by the force of civil power from the People whether they will or no cannot trust God with your maintenance no this is enough for the poor believing Anabaptists as you call them who are the Sensualists now your selves it is who I do not say forsake your Callings but live altogether idle without a Calling scorning to live in that lawful way God hath appointed men to live in Idlers you are and yet cry out against idleness out of your own mouths shall you be condemned Thus you make it appear that you have indeed the spirit of delusion The fifth Argument From the Absurdities that would follow c. Before I come to your first Absurdity I cannot but note your Story in your large Swallows of the man you say your read of that swallowed an Ox all except the Tail But Sir I pray you does your Story lye or do your self lye If it be your Story it argues Idleness Ignorance Vanity and Malice in you to read and repeat such a
beholding to the men of your coat for you are the greatest enemies to them in the world 2. But is God beholding unto men for the kindness shewed to his Ambassadors in good earnest I must confess I am now informed by you in that I knew not before for I was so ignorant in this mystery that I thought God had not been beholding to any man no not to Embassadors themselves because the Scripture saith when we have done all that we can yet we are unprofitable servants that we are in Christ Jesus created unto good works that we should walk in them But Sir I suppose you do in this as in divers other things but tell a lye in jest for you suppose your selves to be Embassadors and you would faine perswade the people to love you and honor you though with a lye but that Ministry which cannot uphold it self without a lye is not of Christ but of him who is the father of lyes You proceed And whereas they say our Ministry is Antichristian because we were ordained by Antichristian Bishops c. You answer 'T is easily said but not so easily proved for first you have your Ordination form Christ by Bishops and Presbyters Your selves have concluded the Bishops Antichristian in their Calling and is yours Christian a Riddle But you say immediately You have it not so much from them as Christ c. The outward you have from them and can they give you that they had not themselves a paradox You say That you adminster in Christs name and not in the Bishops c. And why not your preaching brethren minister in Christs name not having to do with the Bishops but if you did in good earnest minister in Christs name you would do his work c. The Presbytery you say is only ministerial whereby it testifies declares and approves of those whom God approves and calls Sir That is the reason I suppose there are so many approved called ones of that Generation in the Nation at present as there are if in some pride covetousness ignorance malice treachery blood-thirstiness c. In others loosness of life prophaness drunkenness whoring c. may declare men to be the called of God you have as much to say for your selves as any people in the world c. But secondly You say The Bishops were not Antichristian because by their life and Doctrine they have witnessed against Antichrist Answ That was not as Bishops I do not say because Bishops and Priests too are Antichristian that therefore there are no honest men amongst them for the Lords people are and have been in Babylon and the Lord cals them to come forth Rev. 18 4. I deny not but that Ridley Cranmer Latimer c. might be honest men yet not as Bishops their witnessing against particular errors of which they were enformed adds no whit to their Office it makes them Bishops never the more no more then the witness of all the rest against the same errors made them Bishops 3. You say They were Ministers and Ordained you not as Lord Bishops but as Presbyters Answ 1. You juggle with the business you anabaptise or rather rebaptise them it may be contrary to their minds who knows not that not long since the name of Presbyter was a stranger amongst us and to your selves too Therefore to say that they did it not as Bishops but as Presbyters is a juggling shift and savors of ignorance too else why in the second place is not Episcopos an Over-feer as good Scripture as ancient as honourable and as useful as Presbyteros an Elder but only change of names to delude people as if there must of necessity be some great reformation when the name is changed though the nature be the same if not worse this hath been alwayes and is the trick of the Devil at a dead lift when one Form can no longer please then to get into another and be sure he will not mend it 3. If they were Ministers and so ordained you you have done very ill to preach them down as Antichristian and so not only to unlord them but to unbishop and lay them aside as no Ministers as no Bishops where is your Call from them now c. 4. You say Many of them were able Ministers and painful Preachers your selves being Judges no man can affirm that they were wicked men I do not affirm that all the Presbyter persons are wicked men yet their Office is never the honester if any of you do know the Lord and be in good earnest founded upon the Rock Christ and yet build as you do wood hay stuble that shall suffer loss though your selves be saved yet so as by fire Therefore do not deceive your selves because you meet now and then with a man of some honest principles therefore the Calling is good no more then because the Lord hath some people in Babylon under Antichrist therefore Babylon and Antichrist is good Remember it was your own saying It s not one Swallow that makes a Summer 5. You say Admit some of them have been Popish c. yet we must not condemn all the Apostles for one Judas c. Answ We condemn not all although we justifie the Office of neither them nor you there is but little 'twixt you and I believe as few honest men of your Calling as any Trade in the Nation You conclude Suppose they be wicked Heretical Antichristian that ordain yet our Ministry is firm c. Well said for your self at last you have pleaded for outward Order Ordination c. all this while and now so it be done it matters not who doth it wicked Hereticks Antichrist and why not the Devil to I am very confident that the Devils Ordination is as good as Antichrists Well but something you must have it seems and why may not the Preaching Brethren now upon your own account preach as lawfully without any Ordination as your selves with Antichrists Ordination the one acting in the power of the Spirit of Christ the other of Antichrist c. But to your Arguments to prove your Call 1. Argument Those whose Ordination was right for substance though it fail in some circumstance yet is valid but our Ordination was right for substance c. we had the inward Call 1. Say little of that 2. That upon your own account is no part of Ordination and the outward Call by succession from Rome your Saint Austin the Monk being sent from Rome to establish the Romish Faith in this Nation he accordingly accomplishing the work you have your Ordination by succession from thence And for all the imposition of hands examination of life and learning prayer c. you so much seem to boast in it s nothing but an Antichristian form without power a dead carcass without a soul for neither they nor you know what the Gift Calling or Work of the Ministery of Christ is but glory in the fleshly form without being ignorant of and for the