wrought in them life wrought in others Prov. 30.2,3 2 Cor. 4,5,12 III. They are not of one mind some more grosse as the Saduces and some more refined as the Pharisees in their conception of the way Secondly In the inclination of their mindes not to exilt Christ onely but themselves as Lords and Rabbyes liking it best that the People should rest on their Judgements for points of Faith and interpretation of Scripture and not to presume to know beyond contrary to the Vpright that were not content till they knew as themselves knew and had their evidence from God that they might not depend on them and would have them still be trying by Scripture and wait for that Knowledge and rejoyced when they had it 2 Cor. 4.5 Joh. 3.29,30 2 Pet. 1.18,19,20 besides the glary honour wealth and great places they Desire and seek for themselves Gal. 4.17 From which corrupt Mindes proceed their corrupt reasoning and Practice First Their corrupt reasoning and Arguments can it be that so many great Learned and Godly Devines Ministers and Professors Annas and Cayaphas The high Priests The Priests and Elders The Scribes and Pharisees that sit in Moses Chayre and all their Disciples whom the great Church so long Reverenced should be ignorant of the Truth and erre and that a Carpenter the Sonne of a Carpenter and a few Fishers a Publican a Tent-maker men that are Gallileans whom scarce any follow but the common Illiterate People that know not the Law should kâ—…w the mind of God and be in the Truth Joh. 7.47,52 As the Antichristian Brood reason Is it likely so many Godly Fathers Divines Bishops Counsells The great Church for so many Hundreth yeares should erre and a few despised upstarts should be in the Truth Secondly Their corrupt practise of worshipping Angels Messengers Adoring these great learned Officers as if they could not erre and so to be Depended on for all knowledge and certainty of the word of Truth not presuming to know but what they have declared nor looking for further light then in their sayings And so calling them the Church Thereby as their Fathers the Pharisees of old shaddowed Christ with two heads by having two High Priests making Christ two Bodies or Churches one Spirituall another Secular one of the Clergy another of the Laity one of Publike Officers and Members Another of private members without Office that the one may depend on the other and neither hold the head and both neglect the True Body Col. 2.18,20 Contrary to 1 Cor. 12. Chap. like that 1 Cor. 1.12 2. They are Reprobate and of no judgement concerning the Faith concerning Letters Tongues Etimology of words Philosophy Logick diversity of Bookes Histories Genealogies Morallities To move subtill Questions To answer knotty Questions To Dipute about Law c. They may be of great skill 1 Cor. 1.19,20 1 Tim. 1,2 But concerning the Faith in that they are of no judgement whether we respect the Doctrine and object of Faith or the Spirit Grace and opperation of Faith For How all men should be reconciled to God in Christ and yet most men in themselves and their own hearts enemies to Christ and so to God still 2 Cor. 5.19,20 How Christ should have paid the price for and bought all men into his dispose and yet justly Judge many of them to eternall Death Rom. 14.8,12 How enough should be done for All men by Christ that they might be saved and yet many not infallible atternarly saved Joh. 3.17,19 How man being dead in sinnes c. And having no Power or freedome of will to choose life and yet so much done by Christ to make his Will free That the fault of his not being â—…lly saved should be found in his owne will and not in the Will of God and Christ Joh. 3.17,19 1.9 Prov. 1.23,26 Ezek. 18.23.32 33.11 How there should be such a Will in God To have all men saved and then brought to acknowledge the truth And that Christ should Accomplish this his will and condemne any to Eternall Death 1 Tim. 2.4,5,6 2 Pet. 2.1 How God should Order all things in his Counsells and work all things according to the Counsell of his owne Will and yet not so necessitate any to destruction But that their destruction is of themselves They loose their owne souls and bring upon themselves Destruction Ephes 1.11 Hos 13.9 Mat. 16.26 2 Pet. 2.1,2 They cannot rightly conceive or declare Againe in the distinction the Spirit in the Scripture maketh between the Salvation Iesus Christ wrought in his owne body with God for men 1 Pet. 2.24 And the salvation which in Application of the former hee by his Spirit worketh in men to God Revel 5.9 2 Cor. 5.18 The Salvation he came down from heaven was abased to work that he might bring us to God Joh. 16.28 Heb. 10.1,10 1 Pet. 3.18 And the Salvation he ascended to heaven was glorifyed to Worke in making sonnes and bringing them to God Psal 68.18.20 Act. â—5 31.32 Between the divers ends of Christ in laying down his Life 1. To be a Ransome and Propitiation for sinnes Heb. 9.22 Rom. 3.24,25 2. To seale and confirme the New Testament of Precious Promises Heb. 9.15,16,17 3. To be an example to us of Sufferings 1 Pet. 2.23 And the different extent of these ends 1 Joh. 2.1,2,3 And between the mission of Christ To be the Saviour of the World in Dying and giving himselfâ— a Ransome for All. 1 Joh. 4.14 Joh. 1.29 and 3.17 and his Mission to Preach the Gospel and confirme it with Miracles which was to the Iewes and for the Circumcision Matt. 15.24 Rom. 18.8,9 Between his giving Himself to die and offer Sacrifice and his giving himself to Advocate and apply the vertue of his Sacrifice 1 Tim. 2.6 1 Joh. 2.1,2 Ephe. 5.25,26,27 Between his Purchasing of his Father by blood-shedding Rom. 14.9 2 Pet. â— 1 And the Purchasing from among men by his spirituall Application of his blood that was shed Rev. 5.9 Act. 20.28 Between that which is full compleat and true in Christ for All men That they may beleeve and in beleeving receive it Rom. 3.23,25 and 5.18 1 Joh. 5.10,11,12 And these high and peculiar Priviledges in Christ further to dispense to such as through grace are enabled to Beleeve Joh. 1.12,13 and 7.36.39 Yea between the extent and scope of the generall Affirmations of the Gospel as Propositions for Faith in the Third Person Joh. â— 19 â— Tim. 2.6 and Applicative Affirmations in First or Second Person Rom. 8 3â— Gal. 2.20 In all or most of these Distinctions they are ignorant and confound them in one as of like large extent whence issues their setting the Scriptures at vaviance to be reconciled by their prooflesse Glosses And their corrupt opinion that all Christ dyed for must of necessity be eternally saved and their false conjectures and Reports of those that beleeve CHRIST gave himself a Ransome for All Men as that they hold men by nature to have
Free-Will or that Men may live as they list c. And as they are thus void of Judgement about the Doctrine and object of Faith so also about the Spirit grace and opperation of Faith How by the very evidence of the Spirit in the appearance of Grace manifested in the Blood and Sacrifice of Christ and fulnesse in him A man should be overcome to beleeve and therein receive remission of sinnes Peace with God and hope without encouragement from any works frames or quallifications of his own or use of humane reasonings or thoughts to help to faith Tit. 3.4,5,7 Ephes 2.8 Rom. 4.25 5.1 2 Joh. 3.5 How through the Spirit in this very beleeving a man should be brought to depend on Christ for subduing lusts and Satan for Sanctification preservation in grace The precious Promises and eternall life without his owne humane reasonings workings and self application of Promises Rom. 5.11 1 Joh. 2.24,25 Zach. 4.6,7 Gal. 5.5 1 Thess 5.24 How in this confident Beleeving the Spirit writes the Law of grace in the heart and by Discoverie of glorious Grace in Christ Takes off from earthy Excellencies Melts Humbles Renewes and Conformes to the likenesse of Christ and fills with spirituall motions and fruits leading into all Truth and unto all Services of Charity without a mans own helpfulnesse of him by workings after the Law of workes and yet with no contrariety to it Phil. 3.3,9 2 Cor. 3.3.18 Gal. 5.16.18,22,23 and 6.8 Joh. 16.13,14 Rom. 8.2.14 How by abiding in this Faith love shall work out all righteousnesse that law requireth in a free bringing it forth and the Beleever grow in Sanctification and fruitfulnesse without being undered to the Law of Workes to bring it forth Yet having Commandements as Servants to Order the exercise of Charity Rom. 13.10 2 Cor. 5.14 Gal. 5.13,18 Joh. 15.1.10 Of these things they are ignorant and of no Judgement whence they make use of Arguments and Reasons from frames and quallifications to make up Faith 2 Cor. 10.7.12.18 And turne aside to be Teachers and imposers of the Law for Sanctification 1 Tim. 1.5.6,7 That nothing be said of those higher and more mysterious Communications of Spirit through Faith in which the Beleever is brought to see within the Vaile To receive the heavenly Oracles To see unexpressible beauty and receive unutterable entercourses of Love c. 1 Cor. 2.9 Phil. 3.20 Cant. 1,2 c. The very uttering of the experiments whereof These Seducers are such Strangers to them that they count them follyes call them Sattannicall Delusions and Enthusiasmes and Distempered Frenzies Joh. 7.20 Act. 26.24 1 Cor. 2.14 And thus are they marked out To be of corrupt mindes and of no Judgement concerning the Faith 7. But they shall proceed no further Here is their period or full stop The extent of their Worke Both in what they shall doe and with whom they shall prevaile to seduce and leade them captive 1. The utmost of their Worke is but to trouble and convince of sinne To presse to Duties and helpe to such hopes as are still under question and in the Issue gender to bondage and Captive to the Judgement of the Seducers This is the utmost of their worke That they may be still admiring and relying on them also Gal. 4.17.22,31 5.8,12 Rom. 7.9 Phil. 3.1,2,7 But receipt of Spirit and freedome in Christ and experiment of fellowship with Christ is not received in their Ministration Gal. 3.1,5 5.1,3 2. The utmost of their prevailing is onely with those that are yet unstable in the Faith and lusting after approbation of men whence as those that are stable and stedfast are likened to men and called men 1 Cor. 16.13 So these unstable Ones that are turned aside are compared to Women and called Women And so the Apostle Intimates the Gallatians turning aside to be for want of the forme of CHRIST in them Gal. 4.19 And preferre faith they are such as are unlearned not taught of God as Isai 34.13,17 And Unstable in the Faith That pervert the Scriptures to their Destruction And such they are that fall from the Doctrine In which their stedfastnesse is and might be attained and are so carryed away with the errour of the wicked 2 Pet. 3.16,17,18 With none but such shall they prevaile They shall proceed no further 8. But their folly shall be manifest to all men as theirs also was Here is the last Issue of their businesse And that is when they still attempt as the Magicians Did to proceed to doe the same things that God by his servants doth Their folly appears 1. In their Attempting so to preach Gospel as to bring their seduced and Imbondaged from their bondage and into the Kingdome and Liberty of CHRIST There they fall short and turne aside to vaine Janglings Fables Genealogyes and strive about Words saying and affirming that they understand not and are in many things ever and anon unsaying againe 1 Tim. 1.6 4,7 6.4,5,20 2 Tim. 2.14,15 Wherein their folly becomes manifest 2. In their deasings with those who experimentally know and are established in the Faith they both faile of their purpose and their folly appeares to them and may by them be made manifest to others and in due season shall be manifest to All Men. 1. Joh. 2.18,28 Isai 60.14 And thus as this place may be found opened by and agreeing with other places of Scripture are these Seducers discovered that they may be knowne Yet I know There is one exposition of the Word Houses here by which some would turne all aside Namely That by HOUSES are meant PRIVATE-HOUSES or mens Divelling Houses built of Timber and Clay Lime and stone c. Though I suppose they conceive these to have theire Denomination from the house houshold or Family Inhabiting in them else what meaneth that 1 Cor. 1.11 Them of the House of Cloe. And againe Though such Houses as they speake of have been are and may be Preached in yet consider I. What Divinity is in this Interpretation when the Apostle is treating of the House of GOD and the Doctrine and behaviour therein and of the evills of Seducers in the same to understand houses so grosly 1 Tim. 3.15 2 Tim. 2.3 II. What Christianity is in this Interpretation To lay down a sense so to condemne some as they therein condemne Christ Jesus and his Apostles and Disciples who as they Preached the Gospel in the Temple and Synagogue so they did Preach in mens houses also and from house to house Mat 9.10.17 12.46.48 Act. 5.42 20.20 Yea in their own houses Ioh. 1.39.43 Yea even hired houses III. Let this Interpretation be granted yet there is neither Wisedome nor Truth in their Application of it For first Reason would tell a man That these Seducers so carefull of their honour and safety would not commit Buglary in breaking into mens houses nor as Theeves creep in at the windows nor as silly ones come in secretly by the inletting of false
Anti-Christ 2 Thess 2.4,12 Colouring all this with confession of some part of Truth The more reddily to deceive and cast the aspercions of Hereticks and Seducers on true Beleevers even this deceitfull Serpent when he can no longer prevail in this way can then more secretly winde in himself into some under pretence of zealous Renouncing all these usurped Titles and Courts and grosse Superstitions Pressing on in the same pride To the same power and Lordlinesse in a more godly way Joh. 3.9,10 And so still cast the same aspertions on all that stoop not to acknowledge such Excellency and Authority in them as not to passe their limits * The name Bishops or Elders with their Office The Assemblies of Christians The Councells of Elders and Brethren and every godly Person of or among them are good and to be reverenced and no whit touched here Nor are Independants here countenanced God onely is Independant and in respect of Christ and submission among men I know none unlesse it be the Pope and such as hee and the Counsell of Trent and such as they As for true Churches whether wanting a Presbytry as those of Corinth or having a Congregationall Presbytry as those of Philippi or both that an Overseer over divers of them as in Ephesus and Creet I reverence them all but Satan to put any these names on wrong Persons is usuall Rev. 2.9 3.9 1 Cor. 11.3 c. So that wee still need to pray that prayer Tell me where thou feedest c. Cant. 1.7 And to observe that direction Matt. 7.15,16 Yee shall know them by their fruits c. Their Doctrine and the favor and end of their Doctrine 1 Cor. 12.1,12 And to keep that charge Beleeve not every Spirit but Try the Spirits c. 1 Joh. 4.1,2,6 And for that end To the Law To the Testimony c. Isa 8.19,20 Knowing that none can prove an Heresy by nor vent it in a plaine saying of Scripture but they must adde or diminish werest and Gloss to make a seeming Proof And wee having that help herein Joh. 10.4 1 Joh. 2.20,27,28 Let not mens easting an ill name on the Truth or any part thereof or on the Servants of it * This hath been an antient trick of the Devill and his servants Joh. 8.48 Act. 28.22 Nor their putting the name of Truth upon errour sway us But search the Scripture And this Scripture which hath been so often abused in your hearing some consideration whereof I have presented to you Try all things and keep that which is good And the Lord seasonably doscover who are Seducers and lead us into all Truth And Hee ever fill you with blessing according to the Prayer of his poor unworthy one and Yours in all Service of Love in CHRIST THO. MOORE A DISCOVERY OF SEDVCERS THAT CREEP INTO HOUSES A brief View of 2 Tim. 3.5,9 THe Apostle having forewarned that perillous Times would come and shewne a reason why they would be so perrillous Doth here discover one of the chiefest Perills that would ensue and that is of the Seducement of some from the faith and Love of Christ and Union and Fellowship with Beleevers And herein hee discovereth and setteth forth the Seducers By Shewing 1. Of what sort they are and to whom they belong Of this sort are they Which 2. Their way of Attempting their Businesse They Creep into Houses 3. Their worke which they doe they imbondage And lead Captive 4. In with whom their work prevailes Silly women laden with sinnes lead away with divers Lusts ever larning and never able to come to the Knowledge of the Truth 5. The manner of their working to Accomplish their businesse Now as James and Jambres withstood Moses So doe these also resist the Truth 6. The true Charracter of the Seducers Uncloaked Men of corrupt mindes Reprobate or of no judgement concerning the Faith 7. The extent of their work both in what and in whom They doe but trouble imbondage and captive they bring none to liberty and sound Peace and rest in Christ They lead captive none but such unstable ones They shall proceed no Further. 8. The Issue of their businesse when they come to Attempt delivery from bondage and Tender freedome in Christ And when they deale with established beleevers Their folly shall be made manifest to all men as theirs also was 1. Of this sort are they Compare Mat. 23.14,25 with 2 Pet. 2.1 Joh. 5.7,8,9 and it confirms the same That is Such as are branded with divers of the former evills Covered over with a forme of Godlinesse a show of Love and Zeal and Devetion accompanied with much Praying Fasting Preaching Strict in outward Observation of Sabbath's and severe prosecution of circumstantiall things Rom. 10.2 Matt. 23.14.27 Luk. 18.11 But have not the Word of Reconciliation in their heart and the Spirit of grace therein writing the Epistle of Christ in their heart and so leading them in a Christ-like minde To move others to be reconciled to Christ as the Servants of Christ have Joh. 15.4,7 Rom. 8.2,14 2 Cor. 3.3,18 and 8.14,19 Of these they seem to bee with these they sometime are from among these they come but of them they are not 1 Joh. 2.19 But of the former sort to whom they belong and with whom they are and ought to be numbred Which 2. Creep into Houses This is their way they subtilly and secretly and by degrees creep or wind themselves into houses Two things are here to be rightly Understood First What is here meant by houses and Secondly what is meant or intimated in this Word Creep into First by houses is here meant Churches or Societyes of such as doe beleeve and make Profession of the Gospel For the Apostle was before directing Timothy about the Doctrine suitable to be in and to build up the House of God Chap. 2.1,20,26 Warning him of some that had departed from the Faith and overthrowne the Faith of some Chap 3.18 and of some to be recovered Vers 25 26. And here fore-warning of such-like Perills He to admonish Timothy minds him of his owne example Chap. 3.10,11 in Doctrine and life Now then of what houses are here meant is easie to discerne So Wisedome hath built her house Prov. 9.1 And whose house wee are Heb. 3.3.6 A spirituall house 1 Pet. 2.5 Now as this great house is one and called the Church of Christ 1 Cor. 12.28 So the particular Congregations societyes or Famillies are called Churches and here houses Gal. 1.2 Secondly By this word Creep is meant and intimated three things about their incomming to be Teachers in such Societies or Houses 1. Their want of Authority and comming in at the doore They have not the word of Grace put into their hearts by the Spirit of Christ and so have not been in the Heavenly Call chosen out of the Condition and fellowship of the world into union and fellowship with Christ and his Chosen ones and so have not the Spirit
God had done so much for them And yet they were drawne away by vanity vers 13. How weake is thine heart saith the Lord seeing thou dost all these things The worke of an Imperious and Whorish woman yet were they both Male and Female And so when the mighty are taken away and babes and children rule the people Isai 19.16 Jer. 30,37 51.30 Isa 3.3,4 It is called Women ruling over you Vers 12. And so on the other side 1 Cor. 16.13 Watch yee stand fast in the Faith quit you like men be strong was spoken to all the Beleeving Corinthians Male and Female as heere for sillynesse and weaknesse in being turned from substance by others holding forth shaddows both Male and Female are called Women 2. They are laden with sinnes which cannot be understood of going on in divers open and known froms for that would not have stood with the forme of godlynesse in these Seducers who would scarce vovchsafe an open corverse with such especially in their Religious Discourse Nay they will fault others for such conversing with them Mat. 9.10,14 Joh. 7.48.49 But they are laden and oppressed and burthened with the risings and motions and Accusations of sinnes that by the strength they have from the Law Domineere in the Conscience That they are fearfull not able to look up beleevingly and take quiet in Christ 1 Cor. 15.56 Rom. 6.14 Though they have been lovingly envited thereto Matt. 11.28 And they have heard of the great love of God in the gift of his Sonne The salvation and Peace that he hath made and the life that is in him And that in beleeving they shall Receive Remission of sinnes and Eternall Life and been helped to beleeve and like this report yet to beleeve in him and quiet their hearts in him They dare not They cannot oh the secret thoughts of Worldlinesse uncleannesse wrath discontent yea Pride and Atheisme with some motions and Temptations thereunto Oh the hardnesse and Impenitence of heart The deadnesse too and wandrings in Prayer hearing the Word c. And till they be more humbled and purged and better quallifyed and enlarged They Dare not They cannot They will not beleeve in Christ And though in the Gospel it be testified to them That if they did so honour him in the word of grace or report of the Gospel They have heard and in some measure beleeved as to beleive and quiet their hearts in him and accept Christ for Remission of sinnes Righteousnesse Holinesse and life They should not only receive Remission of sinnes by the Spirits application of his blood but also purging and operations of Spirit that would humble renew sanctifie and confirme them to Christ Isa 28.12,16 30.15,16,18 Joh. 7.37,38,39 2 Cor. 3.3.18 Tit. 3.4,5 And that till they first beleeve in Him These things will never be rightly wrought in them Joh. 15.4,5 Yet they say They must have them first before they can beleeve And though in attention to the word of grace They have met with some sweet tastes and hints of ease and Refreshing encouraging to beleeve and divers examples of others as much laden as themselves in beleeving helped yet may they be complained of How long will it be ere they beleeve Numb 14.11 This their unbelief their great sinne that holds them under all their other sinnes is yet least complained of but the former is their burthen whence they are ever and anon in heavy Doubts and feares And these are apt for the Seducers with their forme of godlynesse and Precepts and law of works to work upon promising them great Freedome that waye and in meane season That their troubled condition is better then theirs that are so confident and that the Doubting faith is the best faith And so these so laden with sinne are most easily captived by them 3. Lead away with divers Lusts This is that which made them so weake and gives such an Advantage to the Seducers to captive them and that through which they are led away They have divers lusts They have a lust or desire that God would approve and speake Peace They would have Eternall Life though they doe not wholly submit to the way Mat. 19.16,27 Joh. 5.40 They also desire to be approved of such as have taught the Gospel to them And they desire to be approved of these Seducers because of their forme of godlinesse and zeal and pretence of strictnesse in duties whereby they fault all that are not as they Thus loving the praise of men and seeking Approbation from them and not singly that which comes from God alone This diversity of their Lusts stops them from beleeving in Christ And turnes them aside from those that speake only in his Name And apts them for Seducers that speak of themselves and so they are led away Joh. 5.4,44 7.46,53 12.42,43 4. They are ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth They are ever Learning oft hearing and questioning about the truth of the Gospel that sets forth Christ But they receive not the love of the Truth They accept it not that Christ in the Gospel offereth them That in letting goe other delights wayes and confidences casting themselves on him in beleeving they shall finde in him and receive through him pardon justification renewing sanctification c. which not Accepting they are in stead of beleeving still questioning and asking both of one and another of the Children of the Free-woman and of the Children of the Bond-woman And so abiding under the Accusation of sinne by the Law or if some ease yet lusting after Approbation on both sides They so entangle themselves That they are at no time able to come to the knowledge of the Truth and so fits themselves for delusions 2 Thess 2.10 1 Joh. 2.19,20,27,28 That in Jesus Christ there is a Redemption wrought and Life obtained and that onely through the freenesse of his grace in beleeving in Him Remission of sinnes and Justification is received and he righteousnesse to the Beleever some of them in some measure understand and rejoyce for Gal. 3.1.5 4.15 But that he is Sanctification to the Beleevers and hath taken on himself by Spirit to worke Salvation in them To purge renew sanctify and perfect all that concerneth them 1 Thess 5.24 Isai 26.12 Psal 138.8 And that in beleeving on him so as through the beliefe of his grace in the former They are united to him in Dependence on him for the latter They shall receive it and hee will effect it in due season Rom. 4.24,25 and 5.1,11 This full forme of CHRIST is not in them They are no whit experimented in this Knowledge nor so perswaded of the truth whence they are ready to receive the Doctrine of the Seducers to attaine this Sanctification by Workes and observances of the law of Workes Gal. 4.19 5.1,5,8 1.9 2 Cor. 11.15 And these weake unsetled ones are they with whom the Seducers prevaile 5. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood
A DISCOVERY OF SEDVCERS THAT CREEP INTO HOUSES Written by THO. MOORE Matth. 7.15 Beware of false Prophets that come to you in sheepes clothing but inwardly they are Ravening Wolves Printed in the Year 1646. THE EPISTLE Dear Christian and much esteemed Friend IT being the Will and Commandement of God concerning all Beleevers in respect of one another even all Beleevers where God affords them fellowship in the Gospel Phil. 1.5 To edifie themselves or one another in their must holy * Doth not the very Text of Scripture affirme all this Faith c. Jude 20,21 1 Thess 5.11 And this by Teaching Col. 3.16 Exhorting Heb. 3.13 Warning Comforting 1. Thess 5.11.14 Provoking c. Hebr. 10.24 And concerning unbeleevers That they hold forth the Word of life to them Phil. 2.15,16 And Jesus Christ having Ascended to his Fathers Right hand to give gifts * Saith not the Scripture all this Psal 68.18,20 to perfect his Saints for the work of the Ministery Eph. 4.12 And so given to every one of them some portion of his Spirit to Minister with Ephe. 4.7 1 Cor. 12.5.11 And avouched such whom Hee hath united to himself and endued with his Spirit To be spirituall * Is not this more plaine and full in the Scripture Priests The Priests of the Lord And that they shall build and repaire and men shall call them the Ministers of our God 1. Pet. 2.3,4,5 Isa 61.3,4,5,6 And the Holy Spirit Affirmed to be given to every Beleever To profit withall 1 Cor. 12.4,7 And that to this end That the Church of Beleevers or Body of Christ may be knit together and * Is not all this evident in the Scripture grow by that which every joynt supplyeth Eph. 4.15,16 And the Grace to Charity put in them moving that way 1 Cor. 5.11,14 Act. 26.29 And the word of Grace put in them having that in it that appertaines to all and makes them indebted to all 2. Cor. 5.19,20 Rom. 1.14,16 And the mercy shewne them a Patterne to be held forth for others incouragement 1 Tim. 1.15,16 For which causes They are also called Stewards in whom faithfulnesse is required 1 Pet. 4.10 1 Cor. 4.2 And the bounds of their ministration set forth Every man as he hath received the gift so Minister the some one to another If any man speake let him speak as the * Is not this also the language and Testimony of the Scripture Eccles 12.10 Oracles of God If any man minister let him doe it as of the Ability which God giveth 1 Pet. 4.10,11 According as God hath dealt to every man the measure of Faith Rom. 12.3 And this though they suffer for it 1 Pet. 4.12,13 with Act. 4.19,20 And the Doctrine also appointed them Even that which is written The Words and sayings of Christ in the Gospell Pro. 32,20,21 2 Joh. 9.10 Col. 3.16 1 Thes 4.18 In all which respects The whole Church on Earth is the light of the World Mat. 5.14 to hold forth the word of Life Phil. 3.16 Their Authority is from * Sure the Scripture shewes all this Heaven from God and Christ his Sonne and the holy Ghost by whom Christ hath put the word of Grace in their hearts 2 Cor. 5.18,19,20 6.1 1 Cor. 12. Jesus Christ having sent these into the World to minister the Gospel and prayed for them and sanctified them to that end Joh. 17.9.18,21 And borne witnesse of them by making knewne the Saviour of his knowledge And for all he ther to said many have writ as much Mr. Calvin lib. 4. of his Inst cap. 1 5.3 Vâ—…sin on Commun of Saints c. through them 2 Cor. 14. By which the Lord hath stamped his Authority for them in declare the Gospel as he gives occasion and â—ppartunity to them and by grace leades them Isa 61.3,6 Mr. Perkins on the Creed about our union with Christ and each other Mr. Bolton in his generall Directions for comfortable walking with God pag. 87 89. 25. 8. Joseph Bertham on Society of Saints p. 3. 4. 18. to 23. Doctor Scâ—ater 1 Thess 5.11 Bishop Jewell on the same Rich. Rogers 7. Treaties Tract 4. fol. 394 397. 398. Byfield on Coll. 1.4 3.16 4.2 Cooper Daily Sacrifice pag. 431. 432. Nicholaus bound Psal 119.13 Tindal Mat. 5.16 Erasmus Luk. 8.16 Wilson Dixionary pag 57. on 1 Pec. 2.17 and pag. 151. on 1 Thess 5.11 pages 280. 591. 858. 860. 612. Others might be named such as will may search and see this is no Novelty And this is that which gives and confirmes Authority to preach the Gospel Rom. 12.3 1 Cor. 12. Eph. 4.12,16 â—…t for an Office outward for oversight of * See in all this Docter Fulk in Ans to the Rhemists on Rom. 10.15 To say nothing of Mr. Robison and Mr. Ainsworth because they were Separatists The Scripture sheweth all this to be no Novelty but Antient Truth Brethren and leading them in order and Attention to Ministration in such an Office The Lord hath set some for helps in Government 1 Cor. 12.28 for which bee hath appointed the Election of the Church And approbation of such in the Church as are fitted thereto without which Call to assume such an office is not according to God But with it To enter such an Office for any so fitted as formerly Is Landable But this outward Gall gives them neither the ability nor the authority to Preach the Gospel for that they had before else they erred that choose and called them 1 Tim. 3.2 Much lesse doth it Authorize them to stop the mouthes of them that teach right things but it outhoriceth them to a more peculiar watch and to attendance to Preaching to such And to lead to Minister in such and such an approved Order with such authority as may be seen 1 Tim. 3.4,5 2 Tim. â—… Tit. 1. And this full for the furtherance even of there brethrens usefulnesse in gifts 1 Tim. 4.12 2 Tim. 2.3 And this being so plain in the Scripture and so suitable too and set forth in the Gospel of Christ 〈…〉 How any such as professe themselves before others in the knowledge of the Gospel and saith in Christ should be so ignorant hereof As that with pretence of Câ—nscience of an outward Call though such as on the turning the winde they can renounce also To quench the Spirit in Beleevers and prohibit their obedience to the Commandements of God and the grace and Spirit of Christ And as many as doe not obey them rather then yea against God To call them Seducers and Creepers into Houses But Satan that taught that Man of sinne to put the Name of Bishops upon Tyrannicall worldly Lords and Governours and to put the name of Church upon such an order and Assemblies of Court and Convocations as were worldly and yet neither Church nor Common Wealth and to put the name of Godlinesse and Religious Devotion upon Idolatry and Superstition and the Name of CHRIST upon
servants nor yet without the Invitation and Admittance of the Governours of those Houses And then they are false witnesse bearers which in such a sense say They creep in And Secondly The truth is The Apostle saith Houses Addeth neither mens Houses nor private Houses and what are they that adde or take away from the words of Scripture as the Divell did in his Allegation thereof Deut. 4. Matt. 4.6 And is not the publick place where People meet to Worship God called a house also Joh. 2.16 And are not such as have not not the Word of Grace in their hearts and so want Authority from heaven and secretly get outward Authority and come into these Houses without the foreknowledge and desire of those that maintaine the same and meet therein to be their Teachers Creepers into Houses And can they that have the Word of Grace in their hearts occasionally Declaring it not presuming to be Teachers in these Houses without a lawfull outward Gall Act. 13.15 Nor in private Houses without the Admittance of the Governours of those houses Act. 10.33 Be said to creep into Houses let either right Reason or Religion judge this and how contrary it is to 1 Pet. 2.2,3,4,5,9 And as for this Grosse Interpretation for a mis-application to condemne the use of Spirituall gifts in Beleevers fellowship in the Gospel in Declaration of the same and praying together in mens houses Is it not contrary to the Spirit of Christ 1 Cor. 12.7 The Practise of Christ and his Apostles The end of Christ his Assention and giving of Spirit Ephes 4.7,12 and the growth of the body vers 16. Doth it not sad the hearts of Beleevers and strengthen the hands of unbeleevers Ezek. 33.3,22 Who receiveth it doth not the World 1 Joh. 4.5 Doth it not occasion some that sit in the gate to speake and doe that they should not against Beleevers and the Drunkards to make songs and the Hypocrites to make Jeasts of them and the Abjects to rave against them Psal 69.7,12 and 35.15,16 And while they would by this meanes engrosse all to themselves and exalt themselves as the onely Teachers Is not that verifyed in their teaching that is Prophecyed Ezek. 34.1,6 And are not their common Approvers those Prophecyed of 2 Tim. 4.3,4 And let but this corrupt Interpretation and mis-application be rejected And then this sense of the Word Houses may be added in the second place to that at first mentioned and stands well for receiving all that is said about this businesse Let the Scripture be viewed and so the place considered And then let any that will not wilfully blind themselves consider and give Answer as in their owne Conscience and Judgement they conceive And say 1. Who or of what Number are these Seducers to be reckoned and of what sort will you count the Seducers whether of those That 1. Love their owne selves such as are their Freinds of their owne sect and opinion Matt. 5.43,44 Or that 1. Love all men till they become of the Serpentine seed though enemies to them yet pittying them and seeking their good 2 Cor. 5.13,15 2. Mind and count earthy Riches Honours and Preferments 1 Tim. 6,5 Phil. 3.19,20 Rom. 8.5,6 2. Mind and seeke the things that are above spirituall and heavenly Col. 3.1,2 3. Are Boasters of their Sect and of their Knowledge parts places holinesse and Authority 1 Cor. 11.18 Jer. 9.23 Isai 65.15 3. Are Abasers of themselves in respect of all such humane things Prov. 30.2,3 Act. 3.12 1 Tim. 1.13,15 4. Are proud conceiting themselves better wiser and holyer then others standing upon their parts and places Ioh. 7.48,49 Luk. 18.11 4. Are humble conceiving themselves no better then others standing on no strength but the free-Grace Spirit and Power of God Rom. 3.9 2. and 1.3,5 5. Are Blasphemers of the Free-Grace and Doctrine and plain sayings of Christ in the Gospel and those that beleeve and hold forth the same Joh. 14.24 Mat. 27.63 Act. 26.24 and 28.22 5. Are magnifyers of the grace and Gospel of Christ and the truth of his sayings and blessers even of them that Persecute them 1 Cor. 15.14 2 Cor. 13.8 Rom. 12.14 6. Neglect naturall duty to Parents under pretence of Religious Acts. Mat. 15.4,5,6 6. Are carefull by all well-doing to gain in even their unbeleeving Parents Rom. 9.1 1 Cor. 9.22 1 Tim. 6.1 1 Pet. 3.1 7. Are unthankfull to GOD for his Love to mankind and those that bring the tidings thereof among men and for those that receive the same Joh. 10.32 7.48,49 Psal 2.2,3 7. Are thankfull for the Gospel declaring this love to mankind and for those that so preach it And for those that doe receive it Rom. 1.16 6.17 Col. 1.4,5 8. Are unholy or profane Despising their birth-right in the Gospel and living to themselves Heb. 12.16 8. Are holy in high estimate of the Gospel and their birth-right therein and living to Christ and to God in Christ in the service of his grace and Gospel 2 Cor. 5.15 Phil. 1.20,21 9. Are without naturall Affection not tendring men of their owne flesh and blood forbidding the Preaching of the Gospel to them that they might be saved Act. 17.24,27 1 Thes 2.15,16 9. Are compassionate towards all men of the same flesh and blood declaring the Gospel to them that they might be saved Heb. 2.14 2 Cor. 5.13,14 Tit. 3.2,3,4,5 10. Are Truce-breakers Departing from their Promises and practises of Peace and withdrawing others from their Concord in the Gospel Rom. 16.17,18 10. Are Makers of Peace in seeking that men might have Peace with God and with those that call on him with a pure heart and Peaceable towards all men Mat. 5.9 2 Tim. 2.22 Heb. 12.14 11. Are false accusers of the Doctrines Sayings and lives of such as Preach the Gospel plainly Rom. 3.5,8 Act. 6.13,14 11. Are no Accusers nor forgers or receivers of false Accusation only sober discerners juagers of that which on proof appears and by the Gospel is judged Mat. 7.16 1 Tim. 5.12 That are 12. Incontinent in inordinate desires after satisfying some lusts of the flesh Mat. 23.6,7 Or that are 12. Subdued in having such Affections and lusts of the flesh crucified and to accept Denialls Gal. 5.24 2 Cor. 6.8 13. Feirce and full of bitternesse and wrath in their oppositions of the truth and the publishers thereof Act. 7. 9.1 13. Patient and suffering Reproaches and afflictions entreating when defamed 2 Cor. 6.4.8 14. Dispisers of those that are good if not of their faction and jumpe with him in every opinion and practise Ioh. 7.49 9,16 14. Lovers and esteemers of the good or goodnesse in any Though different in some things both in opinion and Practise Rom. 14.1,9 15. Traytors that under pretense of submission and love seek to ensnare and betray those they pretend to love and honour Matt. 22.15,18 15. Plainly Declare their minde though they suffer and seek the good and not the overthrow and ruine of every or any one 2 Cor. 4.2 and 13.6 2 Thess 5.15 16. Heady proceeding according to will without cause or respect to right reasoning or duty 2 Thes 2.3 Matt. 27.23 16. Advised not proceeding but with good ground and warrant and with respect to right reason and duty 1 Sam. 17.29 Gal. 2.11 Tit. 1.13 17. High minded seeking great things and great respect for themselves in truding into the things they have not seen Mat. 23.6 Col. 2.18 17. Not seeking or advancing themselves but Christ Iesus the Lord nor presuming above the proportion of Faith given them 2 Cor. 4.5 Rom. 12.3 18. Lovers of Pleasures their owne Peace fulnesse ease and freedom from the sufferings of Christ more then they love God and his truth Phil. 3.18,19 Gal. 6.12 18. Indurers of hardship and patient Sufferers for Christ his Truth and People Gal. 6.14 2 Cor. 6.4,8 19. Contenters of themselves with a forme of godlinesse without yea denying the Power of it 2 Cor. 11.15 Gal. 6.13 19. Regarders of no forme of Godlinesse but what issues through faith in Christ from the Word and Spirit of grace in the heart 2 Cor. 3.1,3 18. Rom. 8.2 9,11.14 Now whether the Seducers in respect of outward and Ecclesiasticall Authority get in more secretly as they were faine to doe in in the Apostles dayes or more openly as they doe in the dayes the Apostle Prophesied of 2 Tim. 3.6.1 and 4.3 To teach in private or Publick Houses if any be doubtfull of which of these two sorts they are let him reade 2 Tim. 3.2,6 2. Againe who are they that creep into houses Publike or Private Those That are 1. Beleeve not the plaine sayings of Gospel and are not spiritually enlightened and taught of God and so have no mission from heaven Col. 2.18 Ioh. 17.9,18,20 Or 1. That have the word of grace in their heart Spiritually taught and so having Faith and Charity speake according to the proportion of Faith and so with mission from heaven Rom. 12.3 1 Pet. 4.10,11 1 Cor. 2.13 2 Cor. 5.19 2. Hide the Gospel and deliver their minds in subtill Questions and entising words of mans wisdome 2. That Deliver the Gospel in plaine words and according to the plaine sayings of Christ with evidence of Spirit 1 Cor. 2.1,6 2 Cor. 4.1,2 3. Or who doth the work of these Seducers Those that entangle with bondage or those that endeavour to bring to liberty in Christ And so it may be Demanded according to what is fore-mentioned in this wrighting by which all that know Beleeve the Scripture may give Answer so both truly discerne and say who these Seducers bee which may also 1. Warne all that beleeve and professe the Gospel to beware of these Seducers and of being spotted with their spots and of Inward and intimate fellowship with them or receiving their Peachings but the more abundantly to Preach the Gospel and contend for the faith 1 Tim. 6.3,5 2 Tim. 3.5 4.2,3,4 Jude 1,2,3,4 2. Stirre up all not to rest till they be established in the Faith That so they may be out of the Danger of being overcome by these Seducers Gal. 4.17 2 Pet. 1.10,19 3. Comfort us all that are establish in CHRIST These Seducers shall not carry away the least established babe 1 Pet. 1.3,5 and 2.2,9 with Matth. 16.16.18 Now the LORD establish us in CHRIST and Vnite and make us fruitfull in Him To whom be Glory for ever AMEN FINIS