sometimes did to write Books of Recantation and have as little credit as comfort in what they have done this way 6. If the truth were knowne and men would speak out all is in their hearts it is not to be doubted but a chiefe ground of many mens crying downe this way of the Lord and those that walke in it is no other but their envy at those especially young ones to whom the Lord hath in these last dayes imparted and communicated greater measures of his Spirit and larger discoveries of the mysterie of the Gospel according to the promise Joel 2.28 Act. 2.17 wherein young men shall have the priority of old Because the Lord is good therefore their eye is evill as Christ said to them Mat. 20.15 that took offence at his kindnesse to those that came into the vineyard after them and wrought but an houre But this is an evill frame of heart and cleane contrary to that of Moses that wisht that all the Lords people were Prophets Num. 11.29 7. But lastly doth not this generality of opposition against this way alledged conclude and evidence the truth and goodnes of it especially when such opposition tends to the increase and furtherance of it and that also amongst the most pious and spirituallest Beleevers What though the Authors in the * D. Bastwick the Captain of the Presbyterian Army as he styles himselfe M. Prinne M. Edwards M. Baily M. Vicars Marg. as men not having yet learned or else not regarding what Christ in the Scriptures requires of them Rom. 12.16 17 18 19 20 21. James 1.19 20 21. 1 Pet. 2.1 have cryed it downe as the most pernicious way yet all the dirt they have throwne in the face of it cannot make the Saints out of love with it In the dayes of the Apostles those that embraced the doctrine of the Gospel and right way of worshipping God were generally condemned and spoken against as Sectaries and Heretiques Act. 14.5 14. Act. 28 22. yet that could not hinder the prevailing of it being it was of God So neither shall the worst that men can doe hinder it now but maugre all the powers of hell and the world that oppose it it shall take place for Christ must reigne Impediment 2 2. The second impediment that lies in the way of divers godly persons is this That salvation may be had in that present church-state they for the present are and therefore judge it a nee lesse thing to come into any other Church-state To such I shall commend these few considerations 1. That though it be granted as a truth which cannot be denyed that its possible for men to be saved though they never come into a right visible Church-state and order because faith and salvation is not so tyed to the visible church as that there is no partaking thereof out of it And though it be true also that conversion may be obtained and is in many of the Parish Assemblies as we know by experience yet how unkindly do such Christians deale with Jesus Christ that shall as the Head and King of his church appoint ordaine a holy order for his Saints to observe in their serving and worshipping of God and yet they shall refuse to submit thereunto is it not a disparagement to the wisdome of the Lord Jesus that hath thus ordained a church order for his Saints to walke in and yet they shall count it a needlesse thing 2. Such should consider whether the truth of grace doth not teach them to have respect to the whole revealed will of God and not to dispense with themselves in the neglect of obedience to any the least part of it and if so then how dangerous is it for them to sit downe and content themselves in their present disordered station without comming out of it to Sion as Christ commandeth Esay 52.11 with Rev. 18.4 3. Is not this an argument of a low Spirit exceeding earthly câ—rnall like those Potters that remained of the children of Israel in Babylon when the rest were returned to Jerusalem 1 Chron. 4 23. that preferred their carnall ease in Babylon before the enjoyment of the true and pure worship of God in Sion do not such men exceedingly degenerate from the servants of God of old spoken of in the Scriptures â—hat have greatly longed after and mourned with much bitternes when they have been deprived of the enjoyment of God in his ordinances as David and others Esay 56.3 4. Psal 84. 4. Doth not this plainly discover to the world that such men are to this day marvellous ignorant of this great mystery of the Gospel they see not the lustre and beauty that shines forth in the visible Churches of the Saints a right and true communion of Saints having fellowship with Christ in his own ordinances is a meere riddle a paradox to them the comly order and sweet harmony of Jacobs Tents and Israels Tabernacles is not discerned by them though a Balaam himselfe was greatly affected therewith Oh when shall this darkenes be removed 5. I would faine know whether such poore soules are not great enemies to their own happines and hinderers of their own welfare For first have they not many precious Talents Gifts and Graces bestowed upon them for which they shall be accountable to Christ one day which now are as it were put under a Bushel lye asleep and of no use or benefit to themselves or others all which if they were once come into a society of faithfull and zealous Saints would be occasioned frequently to be brought forth and improved to the glory of God the benefit of others and their own great encrease and advantage Secondly are they not subject to many wanderings and out-goings from God and so have need of some to watch over their precious soules to prevent as it is possible such swervings from Christ by their wholsome and gentle admonitions exhortations and reproofes which priviledge they might enjoy if they were in this order of the Gospell but now are deprived of Thirdly are they not many times so overtaken through the subtilty of Sathan deceitfullnes of sin that they not only fall into sinne but there lye and continue in their back-sliding and have none to looke after them to restore them againe to set their broken bones in joynt again whereas if they were in this way of the Lord the Gospell requires how sweetly might they be recovered according to the injunction of the Apostle to the Church of the Galatians Gal. 6.1 And therefore doubtlesse those men that thus reason as before that it s no great matter to come into any other church-state then they are are no small enemies to their own good 6. Lastly may it not be just with God to leave men to themselves in this thing and for their slighting of his wayes sweare in his wrath that they shall never enter into this rest of his that he gives his Saints that he brings to Sion Let us feare
But in Christ there are none for in him there is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all fulnes and in him are hid 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 all treasures of wisdome Col. 2.3 which cannot be said of the creature what they have is but a drop to his Ocean and that little they have is from him also 7. Lastly in râ—spect of the duration and perpetuity of it All other power is perishable uncertaine and fading The Monarchs of the world cannot say of their power and authority that it is everlastâ—ng as Jesus Châ—ist can 〈◊〉 Dan. 4.34 35. and Esay 9 6 7. Of the encrease of his government there is no end Now if Christ be so â—â—inently qualifyed for this worke no wonder if it be put altogether into his hands 3. Fâ—om Christ uâ—dertaking and perfoâ—ming it as in Mat. 16. and â—8 17 18. Mat. 28 19 20. Ioh. 20.21 Ephes 4.10 1â— 12. 1 Cor. 11.23 and 12.28 In whâ—câ— placâ—s we find a Church state appointed by Christ with offices officers gifts ordinances and government correspondent 4. From the Apostles their disclayming this power and authority professing their work was meerely a * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ministery not a Lordship Act. 17. and that they were the servants not only of Christ but of the Churches also 2 Cor. 4 5. Rom. 15.31 and that they had no power or dominion over the faith or consciences of the people but helpers of their joy 2 Cor. 1. ult 5. From the insufficiency of all humane abilities to accomplish this worke which I shall make out three wayes 1. From want of wit and skill to do it 2. From want of a mind and will to do it 3. From want of power nd strength to do it 1. Men have no wit nor skill for this worke all the abilities of the creature are too low to reach such Mysteries as these what could Moses or David or Solomon do towards the building the visible Tabernacle and Temple of old with the ordinances of worship thereunto appertaining if God had not first made them acquainted with it by his Spirit So what could the Prophets and Apostles have done towards the building the living Temple of Chrâ—sts Church under the New Testament if Jesus Christ had not acquainted them with the order and manner of it from his owne mouth Who hath known the mind of the Lord 1 Cor. 2. ult Doubtlesse if Christ had left this work to the wit and discretion of men we should have had sorry Church worke Whence is it that there are so many divisions and differences amongst men in the world in the matters of Gods house and worship but this that men are darke and ignorant and not acquainted with the mind of Christ revealed in the word 2. As men have no wit nor skill for this busines so neither have they a mind and will to do it Looke we narrowly into the dispositions of men and we shall find how backward they are this wâ—y As the Apostle spake in his Epistle to the Church at Philippi Phil. 2.21 All seeke their owne but few the things of Iesus Christ men are so taken up with the building their owne houses that they care not what becomes of Gods house as those in the Prophet Haggaiâ—s Hag. â— 2 dayes every man said The time is not yet come to build the house of the Lord. And doubtlesse if Jesus Christ did not carry on the building of his temple further then men are disposed thereunto he might stay long enough for it We are all of us even the best of the Saints of Cranzius dispâ—sition and temper who answered Luther it were to be wishâ—d that such a work were done he spake to him about We could wish that Antichrist were down and Jâ—sus Christ exalted on his throne but where is the man that is of Luthers spirit in the things of God Christ and his Cause may sink for ought that men doe to put themselves forward in preserving and forwarding of it And if at any time men doe begin to set upon this worke doe we not see how soone they are discouraged and draw back and are ready to cease and give over as it was with those Jewes that God brought out of Babylon to Jerusalem after they had begun to build how long was it before they finished neere as many yeeres by computation in building the Temple as they had been in Babylon from the Temple There was little heart little stomach in them to this worke Yea though many of them were good men as well as great men every small threat of their adversaries was enough to make them cease building so that the Lord was faine to send Prophet after Prophet to them to spurre and excite them forward to their worke they were called unto And is it not so now in these dayes how long have we beene building Gods house what murmuring what repining what objections what excuses what carnall reasonings Every man is ready to say The time is not yet come and so sad consequences come of it and sadder yet are like to come I feare and all this I say for want of a will of a heart in Gods owne people to this worke And therefore without controversie this is a truth that further then Jesus Christ acts in us by his Spirit men have no mind to the work 3. From want of power and strength to doe it If men had skill and wit for the work yet so long as they want power how should they bring it to passe Now that men want power and strength for this worke is evident from hence 1. In that there are many and mighty enemies to be throwne downe when this Church-state is to be set up great and high Mountaines that must be made Plaines What a great mountaine was there of a Samaritan faction joyned with the power of the Persian Monarchy before Zerubbabel when he câ—me in the name of the Lord to build his house that had been laid waste And what a great mountaine is the Romane Empire and that Antichristian State which now opposeth and who shall be able to dry up th great river Euphrates Rev. 16.12 that the way of the Kings of the East may be prepared By which River some understand the Monarchy on which it borders which is the Turkish Empire Now this men cannot doe the stilling the rage of adversaries is beyond the power of men He that shakes the Nations when he comes to this worke Hag. 2.7 he onely can build this house amidst all those commotions and tumults that are made in the world against it This work is the work of a God and not a poore silly worme as Man is And therefore saith the Lord to Zerubbabel Zech. 4.6 Not by might nor by power but by my spirit And againe in Psal 2 6. Yet have I set my King upon my holy hill of Sion It is the work therefore of God and not of men If the Lord should leave this woâ—k to the
his Throne and openly proclaime before heaven and earth that they will not give rest to their eyes nor slumber to their eye-lids till they have brought him low Ah poore wretches what shall I say to you or do for you would God my soule could weepe for yee in secret and mourne over your sad condition Give me leave to administer one word of counsel to you if it be not too late Lay downe your Armes and come in and submit your selves to him that hath the Keyes of hell and death in his hands Rev. 1.18 and the sooner the better the easier it will be for you why will you provoke the Lord to jealousie are you stronger then he 1 Cor. 10.22 was there ever any that hardned himselfe against the Lord and prospered Job 9.4 Jesus Christ hath rececived gifts for the very rebellious Psal 68.18 Gifts of grace gifts of love and mercy he will forgive your past and present rebellion against him and remember them no more if you will submit unto him and why should you despise his Love Is it not better to fall down before him and accept of the golden Scepter of his grace and mercy that he freely holds forth to you then to stand out in a wilful obstinate way of opposition against him ere long be made feele the unsupportable weight of the iron Scepter of his wrath Oh be wise betime certainly Jesus Christ will be too strong for all the powers of darknes prevaile he will over all the opposition of men devils of hell and Rome and the Kingdomes of the world that rise up against him he will build his Temple and his Father will set him upon his holy Hill of Syon do you and all the powers of darknes your worst God doth but laugh you to scorne in all you do Psal 2.4.5 6. Antichrist must downe the Jewes shall be called and the fulnes of the Gentiles brought in then the Kingdomes of the earth shall become the Lords and his Christs and he shall raign forever Rev. 11.15 And what will you do then then you will crye to the mountaines and hils to fall upon you and hide you from the wrath of the Lambe because the great day of his wrath is come but all in vaine for who can stand Rev 6. ult then Mountains hils themselves shal be made plain before him they shall be so farre from succouring others that they shall not be able to succour themselves Now happy is the man that believes and repents and comes in to Christ before that day appeares 3. Lastly I have one word to all such as God hath honoured in bringing to Syon and whose feet have begunne to walke in those pathes of Paradise which I shall as the close of all referre to 3. Heads 1. To Peace 2. To purity 3. To Perseverance 1. Labour after peace Though others make war against you yet doe you study to be quiet Commit your Name and Cause to him who is your King and Husband and hath all power in heaven and earth given unto him to defend you and offend and subdue those that rise up against you Beleeve it there is not a weapon that is formed against you shall prosper nor a word that is spoken in judgement against you but you shall condemne Wherefore goe on in the work you are called to Esay 54 and feare not them whose breath is in their nostrils those that onely can kil the body Mat. 10. but fear him that hath power to destroy both body and soul in hell fire Wher-fore if they curse you blesse them and if they persecute you pray for them and then happy shall you be and great will be your reward in heaven Mat. 5.44 Rom. 12.17 18. 2. Strive after purity Heb. 1â— T is not enough for you to follow peace with all men but holinesse also You are called unto holinesse unto sanctification this is the beauty of Sion the honour of Religion 1 Thes the excellency of the Gospel This commends the wayes of Sion to those that passe by and invites them to come walk in them Yea it stops the mouthes of those that beare evill will to Sion and set themselves against her Oh that the Churches of the Saints were more holy that they were more like to their Head and Husband the Lord Jesus Christ that they could live more in the Spirit and after the Spirit and that they might not give occasion to the adversary to blaspheme What makes many not onely to speak evill of but to avoid and stand off from the waies of Sion but only the scandalous walking of many that have submitted themselves outwardly to the order of the Gospell And therefore let me be the Lords Remembrancer to all such that they follow after holinesse and labour to adorne the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ by walking up to the light of that truth he hath made known to them and convinced them of and in so doing how shall they glorifie God and win or at least leave without excuse such that oppose themselves 3. Lastly persevere and hold fast to the end in the practice of what Christ hath made known to you to be his very minde and will in the right way of his worship take heed of drawing backe Heb. 10.38 39. remember that counsell of the Apostle to the Church of the Colos Col. 2.6 7 8. As yee have therefore received Jesus Christ the Lord so walke in him rooâ—ed and built up in him and established in the faith as you have beene taught abounding therein with thanksgiving Beware lest any man spoile you through Philosophy and vaine deceite after the tradition of men after the rudiments of the world and not after Christ As we have been espoused to Christ as chaste virgins and not defiled with the pollutions of Antichrist so let us take heed we be not as Evah beguiled by the subtilty of the serpent and corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ 〈◊〉 11.23 The promise is to those that overcome and are faithfull to the death 〈◊〉 2.10 Persecutions should not discourage but rather encourage us in regâ—rd that our sufferings for Christ shall turne to us for a testimony as Christ himselfe saith Luk. 21.13 Our Lord and Master himselfe is gone before us and given us an example to follow and he hath promised that if we suffer with him we shall reigne with him 2 Tim 2.12 but if we deny him he will deny us and what are all our sorrowes and sufferings to that Crowne of glory he hath purchased and is gone before to prepare for us especially considering that there are no sufferings we are called unto for his sake but we shall have strength from him to go through them 〈◊〉 8.37 and to be more then conquerours in and over them all I end with that of the Apostle Heb. 13.20.21 Now the God of Peace that brought againe from the dead our Lord Iesus that great Shepheard of the Sheep through the bloud of the everlasting covenant make you perfect in every good worke to do his will working in you that which is well pleasing in his sight through Iesus Christ to whom be glory forever and ever Amen FINIS
creature when would his great name be hallowed when would his kingdome come or when would his will be done this way 2. In that there is much rubbish to be cast out that stands in the way of building and setting up this work of the Lord as there was at the building of the wall of Jerusalem Neh. 4.10 a kingdome within us as well as without us to be subdued befâ—re this worke of the Lord can take place What 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 what strange holds of carnall imaginations and reasonings are there in the hearts of men against this worke of the Lord 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 places of defence of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 safe as the Apostle calls them 2 Cor. 10.4 5. How doe men love the reliques of Baal long after the flesh-pots of Egypt their old superstitious wayes of worship they have been accustomed unto how doe they to this day mourne for Tammuz T is no easie matter to prepare the hearts of the people to meet the God of their Fathers and before this be done it will be hard to build this house and Church of God and to doe this the arme of the eternall God must appeare or else all is in vaine as the Psalmist hath it Psal 127.1 Except the Lord build the house they labour in vaine that build it So here especially this house of God that cannot be set up before the hearts of men be prepared Doe not we see by sad experience to this day that people look upon the right order of the Gospel as a light vaine novell thing those too that pretend to great knowledge Now this very opinion of novelty that men have touching this way of Christ is such a hindrance to this work that unlesse the Lord put forth his power on the spirits of men t is not all the men in the world are able to bring them to embrace Reformation and therefore doubtlesse this is Christs work and not the creatures Gods and not mans 6. Lastly to adde no more to what hath been laid down for the clearing of this truth take this onely That the Scriptures do wholly exclude and shut out the Creature from having a hand in this businesse and attribute all to the Lord and this I shall make out I hâ—pe very plainly and to abundant satisfaction 1. It is evident that the Scriptures never speake in the plurall number of Heads over the Church primary and secundary but only in the singular number of one Head viz. Christ who hath absolute and sole power juâ—isdiction and authority in the matters of Râ—ligion and Worship as Ephes 1.22.5.23 Col. 1.18 2.10 19. and therefore they speak onely of one Law-giver James 4.12 and the government on his shoulders onely and not on any other with him Esay 9 6. 22.21 22 23. 2. It is evident that the Scriptures deny all headship and Lordship to any other besides Christ in the Church 1 Pet. 5.3 Psal 45.11 3. Our Saviour himselfe forbids it to his Disciples and Apostles that were to follow him Mar. 10.42 Luk. 22.25 Mat. 23.8 to 13. Mat. 28.20 4. The Apostles themselves after his departure who had most right of all other to this power altogether disclaim it 2 Cor. 1. ult professing their work was meerly a service and ministery Act. 1.17 not a Lordship as we have noted before And therefore when you meet in reading the Scriptures with such places as these as I ordaine and as I give order in the Churches you are not to understand it of any absolute but onely a derived power from Christ to establish in the Churches what Christ commanded and gave them in commission nothing of their owne but as 1 Cor. 11.23 that they received from the Lord that they delivered to the Saints 5. The Scriptures in an expresse manner forbid Beleevers to be the servants of men in this point as to bow our consciences to their injunctions in the matters of Worship 1 Cor. 7.23 in Civil things we may and ought but not in divine and spirituall things there Christ alone must have active obedience Psal 45.11 and hence it is that the Scriptures doe charge us not to serve God after the traditions doctrines and commandements of men let them pretend never so much holines and zeale for the glory of God Mat. 15.9 Col. 2.7 8 20 21. the reason is because God will be worshipâ—d after his own mind and will revealed to us in the Scriptures and not after the wisdome of men 6. The Scriptures reprove and sharply rebuke such as stoop and bowe their consciences to the precepâ—s and commands of men in serving and worshipping of God as Hos 5.11 Esay 29.13 Gal. 4.9 10. 7. The Scriptures hold it forth as matter of commendation to the Saints when they have withstood the authority of men in the matters of Gods worship and rather suffered their bodies to die then their consciences to be defiled by yeâ—lding to their humane injunctions as the three Children Dan. 3. Revel 3.4 14.4 8. The Scrâ—ptures hold it forth as a property and character of Antichrist to make Lawes and impose them on the consciences of mâ—n 2 Thes 2.4 and so Rev. 13.16 17. 9. The Scriptures take away whatsoever may be thought to be a warrant for us from men to worship God by besides which Jesus Christ hath left us a rule to walk by in his written Word 1. They take away the wisdome of men as a warrant for us in the worship of God as 1 Cor. 3.20 Coloss 2.20 21 22 23. 2. They take away whatsoever seemeth good in our own eyes Deut. 12.8 Esay 66 3. 3. T ey take away mens traditions and customes Mar. 7.9 Colos 2.8 Act. 21.21 Deut. 18.9 Levit. 18. ult Jerem. 10.3 and whatsoever inventions of men as Psal 1â—6 29 39. Ps 99.8 Deut. 4.2 12.32 Prov. 30.6 4. T ey take away the very will and commands of men as Hos 5.11 Amos 4.4 Mat. 15.9 Mar. 7.7 Col. 2.22 Tit. 1.14 Esay 29.13 5. They take away whatsoever word or doctrine comes from Ministers or any other which cannot be resolved into the written word of Christ as in Ezek. 13.3 7. Esay 8.20 Gal. 1.8 9. 1 Cor. 4.6 6. They take away all good intentions of men in this businesse as â—o 2 Sam. 6.7 1 Sam. 13.9 10 13. 1 Chro. 15.13 2 Chro. 26.16 7. It takes away all examples of men though never so eminent Ezek. 20 18. 1 Cor. 11.1 8. It rebukes the counsels of States for their boldnesse this way and layes it as a blot on tâ—em shewing that by this means people have been brought to Idolatry as 1 King 12.26 27 28 29 30. 2 Chron. 25.16 Jer. 19.5 7. Mich. 6. ult 9. It takes away from men all power to make Lawes to binde the Consciâ—nces of Beleevers so much as in things that are indifferent * Vid. M. Burr Heart-Divisions p. 159 160 161. where he discourseth excellently to this point For
the Scriptures as the only Umpire and Iudge in matters controversall and dubious Or Lastly scorne to accept from men what they bring to them with the Image and Superscription of Christ upon it the Lord helping them by his Spirit with the eyes of their own understanding to see it I say if these things could be fairly made out against those of the Congregationall way it were something then I confesse our brethren as in words they professe themselves might justly accuse us before heaven and earth of Pride and Arrogancy of presumption Blasphemy and impudency as they are pleased many of them in the heate of their wrath and indignation to do but for ever blessed be the Lord this they cannot do Wherefore is it then that the furnace of their displeasure is seven times more heated against those of the Congregationall way then formerly and this title of Independency so abusively given them For my own part all unavoidable infirmities incident to man excepted I know no other reasons then these either because they wil not subject themselves to their high Presbytery to their Classicall provinciall and National Churches and their absolute power of government over single Congregations of Saints or secondly because they will not say God speed to all such as bring the doctrines of blind obedience and teach the fear of God by the precepts of men to them For as for those foule aspersions which are cast on the prime assertors of the Congregationall way by the sonnes of the high and lofty Presbytery vâ—z of error heresie blasphemy c. are they not well known to truly ingenuous and sober minded men to be no other then the fruit that comes from the wombe of envy hatred and discontent Do not they themselves know what ever they beare the world in hand to the contrary that neither Antipaedobaptisme Rebaptisme Antinomianisme Arminianisme Arianisme c. that are made the common evils of the times can justly be laid to the charge of the former persons in old England or New no not all this while they have appeared in this cause of Christ Let the records of the Assembly be searcht or any other places and see whether any thing of this nature can be found against the dissenting bretheren living or dead or those that are of the same judgement with them touching the right order of the Gospell and point of visible Church-fellowship and government What though divers that are erroneous and hold such Tenets as are destructive to Church and State do shelter themselves under the name of Congregationalists shall the way therefore and those that are the chiefe assertors and practisers of it suffer for it Is this faire and honest dealing there are many now possibly among the multitude that are for the Classicall way that are abominable livers Drunkards Swearers Extortioners Oppressors Persecutors Scoffers if not exact malignants and some of them it may be also hold as grosse errors as any of the former if not grosser shall we therefore presently condemne those that are the great Champions for it to be such Would not the world cry shame of us as of men wanting both Reason and Religion And yet thus the precious servants of Jesus Christ must be dealt with that are asserters of the Congregational way by those that are Presbyterians It seems those Presbyterians that are now so hot and violent against those that are not of their own tribe have forgotten the Prelats practice to themselves of late and yet men will not see the unreasonablenes and irreligiousnesse of their proceding in this manner But certainly if they belong to Christ he will bring them to see it and make them ashamed of all their hard Speeches they have uttered this way Wherefore to close this Chapter however wee shall be dealt withall by the Tongues and Pennes or any other wayes of our opposers wee shall not be discouraged but sit down with our aflictions as with our Crown blessing Jehovah that he will count us worthy to suffer for his Name and Sonnes sake Being assured that those that suffer with him shall also raign with him but those that deny him shall be denyed of him at the last day 2 Tim. 2.12 CHAP II. That this visible Church-state Order and Politie which Jesus Christ onely hath instituted and ordained under the New Testament to the observation of which c. is a f ee society or communion of visible Saints embodyed and knit together by a voluntary consent to worship God according to his Word making up one ordinary congregation with power of Government within it selfe onely HEre lyes the stresse of our businesse and therefore I shall endeavour to steere my course the more exactly Chrâ—sto duce auspice Christo Two things I shall in the strength of Christ undertake 1. To cleere and confirme this Proposition 2. To draw some inferences from it Touching the first of these There are six things to be opened and cleared up to us 1. The matter 2. The forme 3. The end 4. The rule 5. The quantity and extent 6. The priviledge and prerogative of this Church-state All which particular Heads hold forth to us a Summary of the Congregationall way in the right understanding of which Christians may abundantly satisfie themselves and their friends about this way of the Lord 〈◊〉 Materia â—oetas fideliuÌ„ so generally cryed down and opposed I shall open the particulars in order 1. I call this Church-state a society or fellowship of visible Saints to note the matter or persons that are both to enjoy and exercise it For we are not to imagine that the Kingdom of Christ is of this world but chosen out of the world t is in the world but not of the world That is as the world is taken in a morall evill sense for the wicked of the world but for those that are called from amongst them to a A visible â—â—â—gregation â—â—om the world â—â—d a visible â—â—â—gregation to â—hrist is necesâ—â—ry to Church â—ion comâ—union Vide â—oyes Temple â—easured in p. â—6 visible profession of and subjection to the Gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ And this is no more then is evident in the Scripture For we find that the members of visible Churches according to their first constitution were all Saints by calling as appeares Rom. 1.7 1 Cor. 1.2 Philip. 1.1 7. Col. 3.12 and 1 Thes 5.27 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which was a calling separatim conjunctim as Junius observes a * And this is agreeable to the signification of the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in English Church 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ab â—vocando Leigh Critic Sac. calling of those Saints to fellowship in a visible Church externally as well as to Christ invisibly and internally And hence it is that those Churches which were planted and gathered by the Apostles in the first and Primitive dayes of the Gospel are styled The Churches of the Saints 1 Cor. 14
17. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. If any man defile the Temple of God and that of 2 Cor. 6.16 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. For ye are the Temple of the living God In all which places with diverse other that word Temple is used for the visible Church because the Apostle there speakes to and of the whole Church of Corinth conjunctim Ye are the Temple of God c. So that by Temple here where Antichrist sits is to be understood the Church of God Obj. You will say by Temple is meant the consciences of Gods people in that place of the Thessalonians Ans 1. Grant it yet that doth not make void the other but rather confirmes it 2. We never read in all the Scriptures that the conscience is so called but the church of Christ is frequently so styled as wee have shewed before and therefore either its the Church of God Antichrist sits in or it is not if not then that Scripture is not true but if true as cannot be denyed then there is a church-state remaining under Antichrist Obj. But how can this church-state remaine where there is such a generall defection as there is under Antichrist Rev. 13. Ans We must distinguish between the corruption of things and the things themselves between the essentials of a church-state and the accidentals now it cannot be denyed but in respect of the accidentalls of a church-state so all is lost under this defection of Antichrist that is in respect of the right order and administration of Ministery Ordinances and government but not the essentials of these and so long as these remaine the Church-state is not lost for we cannot reason from the corruption of a thing to the nullity and non-being of it as for example the children of Israel and vessels of Gods House that were carried captive into Babylon and prophaned by their being there yet so long as they were not destroyed and broken in pieces they were brought back again to Jerusalem and sanctifyed from their pollution and set againe in the Temple as before and the Lord owned and accepted them notwithstanding their being in Babylon so here the Saints and ordinances the Ministery Seales and Censures of this instituted Church of Christ though they have been under Antichrist yet so long as the essence of them remaines they may be brought back from Rome and reduced to their former purity and first order of the Gospell not that they have a new being but rather they are brought to their wonted wel-being and primitive institution Obj. But doth not this then make the Church of Rome a true Church having the essentials of a true Church-state in it Ans No not a jot no more then a Theeves having the goods of an honest man in his house which he hath stollen makes him to be true he is a thiefe still So here Rome is still Rome the mother of Harlots stil notwithstanding her possessing of the essentials of Christs holy things we may see it clearely in Babylon of old the type of Rome when the Jewes were carried away captive with the holy vessels of the Temple t was not the being of these in Babylon that made her the church of God but she was Babylon still full of abominations there was Bel and Merodach her great Idols and Images still worshiped Ier. 50.2 and as God once overthrew the Type as he overthrew Sodome and Gomorah so that not so much as a son of man should dwell there ver 40. So shall be it with the Antitype Rome the mother of fornications the habitation of devils and the hold of every foule spirit Rev. 18.22 23. and the good Lord for his Son and Syons sake hasten it 4. If Church-state and Ministery and Ordinances be all lost under the defection of Antichrist then the Scriptures also are lost which are the churches treasure and as a Depositum were once delivered to the church to keepe Iud. 3. but we find that the Scriptures are not lost but by the power of Christ they have been preserved yea recovered out of Babylon and freed from those horrible corruptions they were exposed unto while they were in the hands of Antichrist and why may not the Ordinances as well as the Scriptures the church as well as her treasure 5. If this Church-state and Ordinances should not continue but were all lost and ceased then it would follow that there were no meanes left ordinarily for the conversion and salvation of poore lost soules but the contrary to this appeares as wee find by experience for 1. We have the word of life in the sacred Scriptures to be our Cynosura or rule and guide to direct us in the way to life 2. We have the holy Ghost accompanying the Ministery and preaching of this word in an effectuall manner to the calling and conversion of multitudes and bringing those that are called out of their Antichristian-church-state to Sion and to worship God according to his own revealed will 3. We have Pastors and teachers lawfully called and set apart to the worke of the Ministery and faithfull dispensing of this word of life and other ordinances that concern a true visible Church-state according to the practise of the Primitive Churches as we before shewed now where there are the same word and ordinances the same Officers for kind with those in the Apostles dayes to dispense and administer them and the precious presence of Christ in his Spirit accompanying them to make them effectuall though perhaps not in such an ample large measure as in those Primitive times there we may conclude the ordinary meanes for salvation are not lost but still remaine and continue Ob. But it is objected that those that are called now in these dayes to administer the holy things of Gods house are not so qualified as these were in the Primitive times they have not those extraordinary gifts of working miracles as they had Ans 1. I would faine know whether all those that were in office in the churches of Christ in those times had those extraordinary gifts as the Officers of the Church of Ephesus 1 Cor. 12.29.30 Philippi Corinth c. doth not the Scripture shew the contrary 2. I would faine know whether the gifts of working Miracles be so essentiall to the Ministery as that there can be no true Ministery where these are wanting If so then many in the Primitive times were not true Ministers of Christ as Iohn the Baptist Apollos and those Pastors and Teachers that were in the severall Churches of the Saints mentioned in the Scripture For we cannot find in the least of their working miracles and yet they had a true Ministerie If not why then do men refuse the Ministery that hath no miracles 3. I desire to know where it appeares or how it can be made out that the Primitive Saints Ministers or People were given to succeeding ages as patternes for extraordinary gifts of Miracles that they were left as patternes of
Because in so doing they shall doe no more then what the Saints have done before them in the Primitive times for we find in those daies that Beleevers did not live loosely and casually or as we say at randome but were gathered and brought into distinct bodies or church-societies to live under that discipline and church order or government which Jesus Christ had commanded and left to his Apostles to settle For it is worth our observation that Jesus Christ did not onely send forth his Apostles and Disciples to convert sinners to him ☞ but he appointed an order of government to be established by them to which those that were converted should subject unto as we may see in many places 1 Cor. 12.28 Ephes 4.12 13. Rom. 12.6 7 8. and therefore we read so much of churches tha were planted and gathered into the order of the Gospell Act. 14.23 as Corinth Ephes Phil. Coloss and so the churches of Judea Galatia Asia Macedonia as we have noted before which were no other then so many distinct bodies or societyes of believers which the Apostles after they were converted to Christ did unite together in those Cities and Countryes So much is evident from the Epistles that the Apostle Paul wrote to those Churches For he doth not write to all in Corinth to all in Rome to all in Philippi but to the Saints in those Cities that were called and become a Church to Christ 't was not every Towne and City and Country that made a Church as t is now in England but so many as were called and united together now people become members of a church by vertue of being born in those Townes and places and parishes where they live but ab initio non fuit sic i. e. from the beginning it was not so 3. Because till the godly do fall upon this worke 3. Motive Necessity of yeelding obedience to Christs commands cals for it there are many holy and sacred dutyes that Jesus Christ hath laid down to them in his word which they will be found to live in the neglect and omission of viz. 1. That of Mat. 18.17 Tell the church but how can those tell the Church that are not joyned to a Church that is such a Church or Congregation of Saints as we have in the former Chapter set downe 2. That of 1 Cor. 5.4 5 13. In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to deliver such a one to Sathan c. but how can they cast out of the Church such as are scandalous by that authority Christ hath given to it that are not joyned to any church 3. That of 1 Cor. 14.12 Seeke that ye may excell to the edifying of the Church but how can such seeke to excel in spirituall gifts for this end that they may edify the church when they are of no church 4. That of 1 Cor. 14.34 Let your women keep silence in your churches that is church-meetings as Beza and Piscator reade it Mulieres vestrae in conventibus sileant not that there were severall distinct particular churches standing under one common classicall government as the Presbyterians would have it but how can godly women keepe silence in the churches when they are members of no churches 5. That of Heb. 13.17 Obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves but how can they obey their Rulers if they have none to rule and watch over them in the Lord 6. That of Rom. 12.6 7 8. But how can believers keepe up the administâ—ation and execution of those offices and ordinances in the churches of Christ so long as they are not in such churches where those offices are to be executed 7. That of Gal. 5.1 13. Stand fast in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made you free be not c. but how can believers stand fast in that liberty which Jesus Christ hath purchased for them and bequeathed unto them while they are not in any Church-state to which this liberty referres â— Motive Christ hath orâ—ained no other â—ondition for â—elievers to aâ—ide in here 4. Another reason is because there is no other state and condition that Jesus Christ hath appointed for his Saints in this life in relation to the enjoyment and performance of his publique worship then this to wit to bâ— joyned to a particular church and therefore as Head and King of Saints he ordained not only a word to call convert them but holy offices and officers holy lawes and ordinances to rule and govern them and build them up in grace to glory as Ephes 4.10 11 12. 1 Cor. 12.28 Mat. 16.19 compared with Mat. 18.18 but of this we spake sufficiently before upon the second argument â— Motive The Word and Spirit of Christ â—re more especially entailed â—o this church-state 5. Because the Lord Jesus Christ hath in a more especiall manner tyed his Word and Spirit and all his precious Promises to believers in such a church-state as Exod. 20.24 1 Kings 9.3 Esay 4.5 6. and 25.6 7 8. Esay 56.7 Psal 132.13 14 15. Mat. 6.33 Mat. 18.19 20. Here the Saints may in a more full and excellent manner expect the presence of Jesus Christ by way of assisting quickning comforting sanctifying and strengthening of them and therefore this should greatly prevaile with them to come into this church-state 6. Motive Christ takes most delâ—ght to be with the Saints in this church-state 6. Because the Lord Jesus Christ doth own such particular churches of Saints as the places of his greatest delight as appeares 1. In that he walkes in the middest of them as Revel 2.1 2 Cor. 6.16 2. In that he not only walkes in them but lodgeth and dwels in them they are his resting place where he takes sweet repose Psal 132.13 14. and 72.2 and 26.8 3. In that here he feedes Cant. 1.7 and 6.2 3. every particular church of Saints is as a Bed of Spices full of sweetnes pleasantnes to Jesus Christ here he eates his pleasant fruits Cant. 4.16 4. In that here he imparts his loves Cant. 7.12 Christ and the Saints do mutually impart their inward bosome delights to each other a man will not let out his heart to others as he will and doth to his wife nor the wife to any as to her husband Now Christ and the Saints in church-fellowship are as husband and wife 2. Cor. 11.2 5. In that here Jesus Christ doth more then ordinarily hold forth and manifest his glory as God did of old in the Tabernacle Psal 63.2 which was a type of particular churches now under the Gospell and Christs appearing in his glory to them by his word and Spirit Indeed it cannot be denyed but Jesus Christ doth hold forth the glory of his wisdome and power and goodnes and holines and truth in every place but no where as in the Assemblies of the Sainte here the Spirit reveales the glory of Christ in all these to and upon the hearts of the
seales of the Covenant of Grace given to the Saints viz. Baptisme and the Lords Supper Mat. 28.19 1 Cor. 11.23 24. 3. The gift of conceived Prayer from the assistance of the Spirit Act. 6.4 Rom. 8.26 27. 4. Singing of Psalmes Mat. 26.30 1 Cor. 14.15 Col. 3.16 5. The administration of the Censures opening and shutting the Kingdome of heaven Mat. 16. 18. 1 Cor. 5.4 6. A right Ministery to dispense all these viz. those offices and officers Christ hath ordained and given to this end Eph. 4.11 7. Lastly a Church or congregation of Saints in which all these are to be dispensed observed and performed as 1 Cor. 12.28 These I take to be the true and right meanes of worship 2. To right meanes of worship there must be right persons to make use of these meanes Now these must of necessity be such as can make use of those spirituall meanes in a spirituall manner and they can be none but such as are spirituall i. e. that are sanctified in Christ Jesus and called to be Saints 1 Cor. 1.2 such as are acted by the Spirit and indeed such onely doth the Lord seeke to worship him Joh. 4.23 for they onely can worship him in spirit But as for others that are yet dead in their sinnes and trespasses and slaves to Satan and their owne lusts as all naturall persons are he seeketh not after them to worship him for they cannot make use of those instituted meanes of worship though the fault be not the Lords but their owne and they shall one day answer for it they cannot pray nor fast spiritually nor performe any duty of Gods worship acceptably for they are destitute of the Spirit destitute of faith strangers to the covenant of promise without God and Christ Ephes 2.1 and hope in the world Yea they pollute these holy ordinances of Gods worship when ever they make use of them and thereby provoke the Lord to wrath as Psal 50. â—6 17 Esay 1.13 14. Jer. 77.8 they are a burthen to the Lord and his people as the Sodomites were to Lot and the wicked were to David and Iudas was to Christ Ioh. 13.21 31. and therefore as they were not suffered to come neere to the Lord of old under the Law â—zek 44.7 8 9 â— Cor. 5.13 so they are to be rejected under the Gospel and not suffered to remaine in fellowship with Christ and his Saints and as the Lord found fault with the Church of the Jewes for suffering the uncircumcised in heart and life and such as polluted and prophaned his great name in drawing neere to him and put no difference betweene the cleane and the uncleane Ezek. 22.26 So he blamed the Churches in the time of the New Testament for their indulgence towards such 1 Cor. 5. and Rev. 2. and therefore Christ of purpose ordained Laws and Ordinances both for the keeping out and casting out of the Assemblies of the Saints such as were open and knowne vicious and scandalous persons By all which it is most cleare and certaine that none but such as are holy and sanctified persons at the least â—hat is such a â—fession of â—linesse as â—h no appaâ— contradiâ—n thereunto men and woâ—â—ns conversaâ— and walkâ— professedly so are in a capacity to use those holy ordinances and means of worship that Christ hath instituted and appointed to be observed and used in his Church Indeed those that are yet in their naturall estates uncalled and unconverted unsanctified and altogether destitute of the spirit of Christ are to enjoy the liberty of the Word preached because that is an ordinance which Jesus Christ hath ordained to convert sinners from the evill of their wayes and to put them into a capacity for communion with Christ and his Saints in all the rest of his ordinances but till they are called and brought home to Christ by yeelding a professed subjection to the Gospell as those were in the Primitive times 2 Cor. 9.13 they are not to be admitted to speciall ordinances and enjoyment of those spirituall priviledges which Christ hath appointed onely for the Saints Obj. Are not those that we judge godly and in a capacity to make use of all the holy ordinances of Worship to be baptized againe before they be admitted into Church-fellowship and to the use of those ordinances as is the judgement and practice of many in these dayes Answ Negatively they are not and my reasons are these three that follow 1. Because t is supposed they have been though corruptly baptized already and therefore not to be baptized againe Now the corruption of an administration doth not wholly make it void and null If they had the essentials of that ordinance when it was first administred to them that is sufficient without taking of it up againe de novo though there was an error in the câ—rcumstantials Now the essentials of Baptisme the learned conclude to be true matter and forme the matter water the forme baptizing them in or into the Name of the Father of the Sonne and of the holy Ghost And both these cannot be denyed but that the godly in this Kingdome have had though a right administration or manner and way of administration might be and doubtlesse was to the most wanting 2. Because it cannot be denyed but such godly persons we speak of that were baptized in their infancy have received the effect and fruit of that ordinance in a lively manner on their soules the Lord having added to the outward washing with water the inward grace and baptisme of the Spirit by causing them to put on Christ which is sufficient to cover or make up all the failings that were in the first administration 3. Because if the essentials of their first Baptisme were all destroyed and lost in their Antichristian administration as Re-Sap hold but I deny and have shewed to the contrary in the 4. Chap. then it must of necessity follow that the godly must altogether remaine without any Church-state because there must be the same power to erect this ordinance anew that first ordained it and the same or the like officers to administer it as were before it was lost but neither Christ nor any such extraordinary officers are now on earth And hence it is that this doctrine and practice of the Re-baptizers hath made so many to turne Seekers and Waiters denying all Churches Ministery and Ordinances expecting when Christ or his Apostles will come to restore them to their primitive purity and rectitude 3. There must be a right manner of performing those ordinances and meanes of worship by those that are qualified and called hereunto by Christ and this must carefully be lookt unto because the best ordinances may be spoiled by the evill handling and managing of them Now the right manner of worshipping God by those that are to enter upon this Gospel-order and Church-state instituted by Christ consists in these five things 1. There must be a * Owens Country Essay for Church
such men against this way of the Lord whether Ministers or others are no slander but are rather to be lookt upon as the discovery of the rottennes of their own hearts and the fruit of those the Apostle Iude speaks of that walk in the way of Cain and run greedily after the error of Balaam for reward and shall perish in the gain-saying of Korah Iude 11. 2. But secondly grant they are such Ministers and Christians that is truly godly holding forth the power of godlinesse in their walking that speak against this order of the Gospel and way of the Lord. Yet I hope t is not an impossible thing even for such men to erre and be drawne aside some times in some things to doe that which is unworthy their high and holy calling Is it any new thing to heare of the godly themselves making opposition against Christ even in the greatest matters that concerne his glory let us looke upon that place of the Prophet Mal. 3.2 3. where we may see that when Christ shall come to purge and reforme his Temple he shall meet with opposition from a generation of people which are not of the vilest and basest sort but of the precious such as are like to gold and silver The sonnes of Levi Preachers as well as private Christians and these shall scarce endure his comming but shall make some kind of resistance And are there not abundant instances for this did not Peter oppose Christ himselfe in the worke of Redemption insomuch that Christ called him Sathan for his labour as Mat. 16.22 23. and told him to his face that he did not savour the things of God and yet Peter I hope will not be denyed to be truly godly 2. Did not the devout women many times rise up by the instigation of the Jewes against the Apostles and brethren where they came to preach and practice contrary to the Iewish customes in setting up and planting this Gospel Church-state 3. Have we not experience of many godly men Conformists in the late times of the Prelates that did side with the Bishops against their godly brethren the Non-conformists that wrote against the Ceremonies Service-book and Hierarchicall Government and prest those very things at that time that now these men practice which speak evill of what we now stir up the godly unto Now if it be so then it is not so much to be wondred that godly men have their hands and tongues and pens against this way of the Gospel which we conceive to be a step or two higher for purity and nearer to the will and mind of Christ and practice of the Primitive times then what is now on foot The best men are men so have their weaknesses as well as others Thirdly it is to be considered that not all men no not godly men are enlightned equally alike in the mysteries of the Gospel But as the wind blows when and where it listeth so the Lord by his Spirit gives light when and where he pleaseth Gifts of wisdome and understanding in the mysteries of godlinesse are Gods peculiar goods as one saith well and he may give his owne where hee listeth neither must our eye be evill because his is good Sometimes as the proverb is the greatest clarks are not the wisest men no not in lesser and petty things of this life Now if they are to seek in these things many times then much more may they be to seeke in the great things of Christs Kingdome and therefore our Saviour gives thankes to his Father that he had hid these mysteries from the wise and learned and revealed them to babes Matth. 11.26 27. Fourthly though there are many godly both Preachers and others that are against it Yet it cannot be denyed but there are also multitudes of godly of all sorts and callings in the Magistracy Ministery practice of Law Physick in Counsels and Armies both in City and Country that are for it And not onely in this City and Country but forraigne countries and the number increaseth daily and is like more and more to increase till it have prevailed against all other as Dan. 2 44. intimates Fiftly We must know that the godly are in a way of learning still more and more both Ministers and others they are not come to that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and top of knowledge as to proceed no farther for we all know but in part 1 Cor. 13.9 So that though they are darke in this point this yeere yet t is possible the next yeere they may be inlightned Seven yeeres since many godly Preachers and Professors were for Episcopacie for the Ceremonies for the use of the Service-book what Sermons were preached what books printed in the defence of them and against those that opposed them how were the Bishops honoured and reverenced bowed to vindicated and stood for and that with great eagernesse and violence so that those that were against them were deeply censured by their brethren but now it is otherwise and why so but because their judgement is changed and men say that God hath opened their eyes and convinced them of the evill of those things which before they saw not and t is well if it be so and not simply a disclaiming of these evils from the Parliaments removing of them and enjoyning the contrary which is much to be feared and as some manifest without blushing saying what they now doe in renouncing Episcopall Government leaving the Service-book and Ceremonies and proceeding according to the order and forme of the Directory and Government established they doe by Law in obedience and subjection to the Parliament that requires it in their Ordinance affixed to the Directory not out of any judgement of the evill they have formerly lived in whilst they used that way of false worship or out of any more love to this new government and order of worship according to the Directory But suppose the best that what men now doe is from the Lords mercifull enlightning of them to see into the evill of their old and former abominations they yeelded to and so became guilty of before the Lord will it not therefore follow that there is a possibility before seven yeeres come about againe they may see further into this mysterie of the Gospel and so discover the unsoundnesse of their present standing in the Parish Churches as they are constituted and receive their life and being from the Civill Lawes of the Land The Aire is enlightned by degrees not all at once and so are the Saints So that I say so long as the godly themselves are in a way of learning and going from one step to another in wisdome and knowledge as Pro. 4.18 men should take heed how they make peremptory conclusions against this way of the Lord and speak evill of the things they know not lest the Lord Jesus Christ the justifier of his wayes and people make them to eate the words they have spoken and then they be forc'd as Austin
and tremble Impediment 3. Another impediment is this That they have as learned and godly a Ministery over them as any to this day in the world Now for the removing of this let these few things be seriously considered 1. That it cannot be denyed but divers of those Parish churche have those over them that are both learned and godly though withall it must also be granted that there are in the Kingdome a farre greater number of such as have neither learning nor godlines that go for Ministers of the Church of England and are setled in those Parish Churches such as are not only the shame and blot of this â— Whites â—tury of â—isters Nation but have already endangered the welfare of it and are like to do it the second time if the Lord from heaven prevent it not 2. For many of those that have learning it s much to be feared if it were brought to the Test it would prove rather to be from beneath then from above not that of the Spirit by which men are taught of God and enabled to speake a word in due season to the weary soule as Christ and his servants were Esay 50.4 but only that which is naturall and from men and they have attained in Natures Schoole which naturall parts and acquired learning not meeting with a sanctifyed heart and a true principle of grace doth oftentimes through the corruption of pride and selfe-coâ—ceite that attends it render men blind in the things of God and leade them aside from the truth and commonly as we see by experience such men trust chiefly to other mens workes and judgements looking no further for the Sence and meaning of what Scriptures they preach upon and produce then what this or that Father this or that Commentator speaks of it not daring to swerve from their interpretation and the common received opinion of the Church though oftentimes quite besides the purpose and mind of Christ and the holy Ghost 3. As learned and godly as the most and best of the Ministers are in the Church of England yet with griefe of heart let it be spoken very few of them have learned to this very day to disclaime and renounce the evill and errour of the way of their comming into the Ministery I meane their Antichristian ordination which they received from the Prelates but allow of it to this day which cannot but much provoke the Lord and hinder his blessing of their endeavours for the future to the People the charge of whose soules they take upon them For if the allowing of our selves in the least sinne may justly put a stop in the way of Gods prospering his people cause him to withdraw his presence from them then much more doubtlesse such an evill as this for those that beare the vessels of the Lord are to be cleane Jer. 52.11 and that cleannesse respects freedome from Babylonish and Antichristian pollution And doubtlesse the Lord lookes much to his vessel-bearers that they be clean and holy and not contaminated with these or any other kind of pollutions as we may see in his exemplary punishment on Nadah and Abihu that perished in their wil-worship and false zeale the great Idol of the world to this day Obj. But you will say what need this renouncing our Antichristian ordination by the Prelates seeing the Parliament hath removed and disclaimed the whole Episcopall government root and branch Ans There is great need as may appeare in these foure things 1. Because personall sinnes must have personall repentance and humiliation the Parliaments Act is Nationall and doth not exclude but rather intimates and leads to the practise of the other Now each Ministers sinne being particular and personall so ought their Repentance also 2. Because such Ministers especially here about London have lately covenanted to cast off whatsoâ—ver belonged to and was an appurtenance of that Antichristian Hierarchy they were formerly under Now their ordination was not the least but a chiefe part of that power of the Prelates wherein they so much gloryed 3. Because the Lords detestation of Antichrist is so great that he will not endure his people should touch with the least of her abominations as I shewed before and as he would not of old so much as take a stone for a corner nor for a foundation of his Church from heathen Babylon Jer. 51.26 So neither will he now make use of any thing of Antichristian Babylon in his Church of the New Testament 4. Lastly because God hath required that his people should be humbled and ashamed of all their old sinnes in this way before he will shew them the right and true pattern of his Gospell worship Ezek. 43.10 11. And who knowes but for want of this amongst those that go for Ministers in the church of England it is that God suffers them to be so darke as they are even to this day in the midst of so much glorious light in the matters of his house and worship A man may come into 40. places where they are preaching and praying even upon dayes of humiliation and yet never heare them bewaile among multitude of other sinnes they confesse this particular evill of their Antichristian ordination Obj. But some are so farre from seeing a necessity of this that they rather plead for what they have done and justify themselves in their condition saying that though they received their ordination so the office of their Ministery from the hands of Antichristian Bishops as they are now acknowledged since the Parliaments voting them so yet they lookt on them as Elders and Presbyters and no otherwise Ans To this I answer 1. That it may be some did though I suppose it will be graneed that thousands did not not so much as enquiring or making scruple out of conscience but as the blind man swallowes all so have they done and their sinne may be lesser then those that have had more light 2. But secondly it s well known to those that have their eyes but halfe open that the Bishops did not act in their ordaining of Priests as they were Presbyters but as they were a degree above them to wit Bishops which was allowed them in those dayes by the Ministers of the church of England and what preaching Elder was there by himselfe or with a few other of his bretheren and Colleagues that could then as now without a Bishop make a Minister Now then those Bishops being Antichristian their ordination also must needs be so according to that known Philosophicall maxime Quicquid est agit secundum quod est the effect must needs have resemblance with the cause vid. Whites Answer to Prynne pag. 20. read the Queries about the ordination of Ministers lately published 4. I Answer in the last place that t is not meere learning no nor learning with godlines that makes any man a true Minister of the Church of Christ in these dayes of the Gospell though neither of these is to be excluded