doctrines of devils how that men should speak lies through hypocrisie c. as Zachary also foretold that the x Zach. 13.3 Father and Mother of the Prophet should say that he told them lies in the name of the Lord If thou put the Brethren in remembrance of these things because they are subject to forget them and thou shouldest be their Remembrancer which if thou do thou shalt be a good Minister of Jesus Christ which hast been nourished up in the words of Faith and good Doctrine then mark these things are not error nor lies nor he a false Teacher that speaketh of them out a good Minister that hath been nourisht up in faith and good doctrine which was continually taught of Paul and heard of Timothy And to this is to be added what the Apostle y 1 Tim. 6.3.4 saith further in this matter declaring that he that consenteth not to wholesome doctrine that is according to godlinesse is puft up and knows nothing but dotes about words and as such a one as is so far corrupted by the flâ—sh as that he is to be separated from therefore Gods good Ministers as we see should be carefull of these things as knowing of whom they shall receive their reward and what shall also be their portion from men of the world in that which is z Rev. 11.7 death in the world but a Rev. 14.13 life with the Lord Be faithful therefore to the death and you shall have a b Rev. 2.10 Crown of Life declaring the power of the Spirit of the Lord in you Vse 5 Now in the last place I will conclude with the exhortation of the c 2 Pet. 3.16.18 Apostle in the words following Yea therefore beloved seeing ye knew these things before What things among others those that worldly learned men are Gods unlearned men being destitute of his Spirit beware and take heed lest ye also as well as others you being subject to it be plucked away before you be aware into the error of the wicked to think that Gods Mysteries can be attained to by mans learning and so you fall from your own stedfastnesse which is d Rom. 11. through Faith for by Faith ye stand and by the Spirit for by it ye are also e Psal 51. establisht and for a preservative against this error as opposite to it grow and encrease in the grace of God and the knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ which is that that will preserve you from error Now to him be glory not to us nor to man but to him our Lord Jesus Christ both now and for evermore Amen ESAY 64.25 The Lord frustrateth the tokens of the Lyars and maketh Diviners mad turneth wise men backward and maketh their knowledge foolishnesse FINIS POSTSCRIPT HAving before the death of this Author been well acquainted with him and tasted that Spirit of Light and Truth which God in his day did more then ordinary powre out upon him by which he was inabled to minister seasonable words to the refreshing of many weary souls and also to contend against those corruptions and inventions which men brought into the Worship of God raging like the mighty waters against all the Servants of God which opposed them in the same I mean the power of Prelacy which ruled them in that day the weight of whose persecuting hand this Author while he lived had his share and when he died not suffered by them to have that which they called Christian Buriall but his friends were forced to lay his body in the high way as one which was numbred amongst the Transgressors of whom I may say the world was not worthy But my intent in writing this 〈◊〉 word is not to commend the Author but to tender to thy review the matter of this foregoing Book the bent thereof is to advance the Teachings of the Spirit of Christ in the unfolding of the mystery of the Gospel to the hearts of men as the choice Revealer of that glory of truth to the soul which will change from glory to glory into its own likeness a truth much opposed by men of corrupt minds in this day and therefore it becomes all that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity to stand upon their watch and be earnestly beging of the Father of Lights that Spirit which may help them to judg of things that differ and may lead into strait paths trying all things and holding fast that which is good Thou wilt find in this Tract the Spirit of the Author strongly and zealously contending for the advancement of the Spirit of Christ which if therein thou meet'st with any words that may seem harsh against that which men advance let it not be an offence to thee but try whether it be agreeable to the form of found words or no. I shall detain thee no longer but my desires to the Lord is that all his Israâ— may more and more know the truth as it is in Jesus shining as the Sun more to their perfect clearnesse knowing the night is far past and the day neer approaching that so we may walk as the Children of the Light waiting for the glorious appearing of him that will come and not tarry Yours in the love of Christ William Kyffen
SUFFICIENCY OF THE SPIRITS TEACHING WITHOUT Humane Learning Or a Treatise tending to prove Humane Learning to be no help to the Spirituall Understanding of the Word of God Written if it may be for the silencing of such false and scandalous Reports as have been rumoured about concerning this matter and also for the information of all such as desire to know the Truth By SAMUEL HOVV Prov. 14.5 A faithful Witness will not lie but a false Record will speak lies Esay 57.14 Cast ye up cast ye up prepare the way take up the stumbling block out of the way of my people Mal. 2.1 2. And now ô ye Priests this Commandment is for you if ye will not hear it nor consider it in your heart to give glory to my Name saith the Lord of Hoasts I will even send a curse upon you and will curse your blessings yea I have cursed them already because ye do not consider it in your heart Mat. 11.25 26. At that time Jesus answered and said I thank thee ô Father Lord of heaven and earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and men of understanding and bast revealed them unto Babes even so Father because thy good pleasure is such Luke 16.15 Then he said unto them ye are they that justifie your selves before men but God knows your hearts for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God Seen allowed and first printed by some friends of the Author 1639. Newly printed and are to-be sold by William Larnar at the Blackmore neer FLEET-BRIDGE 1655. To all such as love the truth in Sincericerity Light and Understanding be multiplied through JESUS CHRIST GOds Gracions Promise it is Christian Reader that by the a 2 Thes 2.8 breath of his mouth and the brightness of his coming he will reveal the Man of Sin and Son of Perdition Yet thus witnesseth the Spirit that when it shall so come to pass That the Vial of Gods wrath shall be b Rev. 16.10 11. poured upon the Throne of the Beast to the darkning of his Kingdome and discovering of those strong Delusions whereby he hath long deluded the World that then the men of that throne shall gnaw their tongues for sorrow and shall blaspheme the God of Heaven All which to me appears to be fulfilled and made good concerning this following Treatise 1. That when as the Lord by his Word the breath of his month hath blown out some smoak of the Bottomless Pit which I conceive to be Humane Learning which is so much magnified as being a help whereby to understand the mind of God This matter hath so vexed and tormented the men of that Throne that even * J. G. He himself at whose request I was moved to open this portion of Scripture 2 Pet. 3.16 hath as I am credibly informed reported about this City that I made a Calf meaning a false and unsound exposition and when I had done danced about it herein exposing not only me but the very Truth it self which I in this point delivered to the derision and contempt and Table-talk of such as had rather be deceived and believe their learned Teachers as men call them on their bare word having the Faith of our Lord Jesus Christ the Lord of Glory with respect of Person then to receive and justifie the Truth of God if the Messenger be weak and contemptible and his message in power much plainness and demonstration of the Spirit and not beautified with the excellency of speech and swelling words of mans wisdom which is enmity to God it crosseth and opposeth the simplicity of his way in the dispensation of the glorious Mystery of the Gospel And therefore God hath said of it as Simon Peter said to Simon Magus c Act. 8.21 1 Cor. 1.19 Thou hast neither part nor lot in this matter But yet methinks such men d Ephes â— 4 as would carry the shew of godlinesse should remember the counsel of the Apostle That such carriages are things not seemly though for my own part I blesse the Lord for it being to me a more strong confirmation that I have the Truth on my side For thus was e Luâ—â—â— 14. Iesus Christ our Lord served by the wise and learned Pharisees when as he taught them such a Doctrine as pleased them not And thus was Paul the Preacher of Righteousness dealt by of the learned f Act. 17.18 Athenians even for preaching Iesus and the Resurrection Likewise I read in Heb. 11. that this in former times was part of the Tryal that the Lord exercised his Witnesses withall even mockings verse 36. And therefore as our Saviour teacheth me I have in this case great cause to be glad and rejoyce for they having so served Iesus Christ my Lord and his faithful followers then what am I that I should be one of that number that have so large g â—â—t 5.12 incouragement and reward promised I shall therefore quietly passe by all such things and onely h Job 21.3 with Iob in his distressed condition crâ—ve that he and all you that have done this thing will suffer me to speak and when I have spoken mock on seeing as the i Job 12.2 Servant of God said Indeed because ye are the people only Wisdome must die with you so will I make bold to say to you also Yet for all his understanding and such others as heard me they failed of their zeal for God and his glory in that they sought not to suppress and throw down that Calf of dishonor which must needs being an Idol be a very high provocation in the eyes of his Glory which he that put me upon this Exercise having excepted against it when it was finisht and with much passion manifested his great dislike thereof before many witnesses ought especially and was obliged to have done being then lovingly requested by a friend that was there present for the satisfaction of all that Assembly to instance if not in all yet at least in some particular Scripture wherein I had perverted it seeing he had openly cast an aspersion on all that I had said but neither he nor any of his Profession though many were then present did undertake this task nor yet to this day hath he or any of them endeavoured it So it may appear my Error was not so great or none at all that they could prove or else their zeal to God and his Truth and their charity to me and others very small And if there were a Calfe it was their Humane Learning and Wisdome which the men of this Throne set up and themselves danced about it whilest I to their great grief and discontent was labouring with all the power and might that God assisted me with utterly to cast down grind it to ponder and to blow it away with the Word of God with the breath of his mouth Whether it be thus or no I commend now to the
David without Sauls Arm or only with a Sling and a stone through the Name of the Lord may so wound great Goliah of Gath the enemy of God and his people as that he may receive his deadly wound and lye groveling on the ground to the dismayment of all the Host of the Philistins and great rejoycing of the Israel of God and this the Stone that is he wen out of the Mountain without hands is only able to do Therefore let all that fear the Lord take heed that they lean not to their own wisdome but so much the more that any â—f us have wisdome and Understanding Memory and such â—ike naturall parts above other so much the more let us be watchfull and carefull over our selves as knowing that the h Rom. 8.7 Wisdome of the flesh is enmity against God and is ready to butt against the Spirit And now to draw to a conclusion of all in the words of the Prophet i Esay 44.25 The Lord frustrateth the tokens of the lyars and maketh the Diviners mad turneth wise men backward and maketh their knowledge foolishness If any shall except against the matter for the rudeness of it as that it is without form or learning all such are to know that it is but suitable to the whole argument and that if it should be otherwise I should condemn that in practise which I justifie in words and so make my self a Trespasser Thus I commit this my labour with all those that out of love to the truth shall seek information in this matter to the blessing of the most High and remain an unfaigned well-willer of all them that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity The 25. day of the first moneth 1639. WHat How how now hath How such learning found To throw Arts curious Image to the ground Cambridge and Oxford may their glory now Vail to a Cobler if they know but Hâ—w Though big with Art they cannot over-top The Spirits teaching in a Coblers shop Reader if thou an humane Artist be Let Humane Learning be no Judge for thee Lay down thine Arts then try this Coblers end And see if it be by the Spirit pen'd Mean time adue ye Arts and Artists all The Spirits teaching may attend the Aul And thou brave Cobler blow another blast Upon their learning though thou blow thy LAST R. O. THE SVFFICIENCY OF THE SPIRITS TEACHING WITHOUT HVMANE LEARING The Text 2 PETER 3.16 As one that in all his Epistles speaks of these things in which ar some things hard to be understood which they that are unlearned and unstable wrest as they do also the other Scriptures unto their own destruction THese words that I am * By J.G. and S.B. Ministers of London allotted to speak from at this time have respect as it should seem to such things as the Apostle had spoken of before which things seem to me to be those that are contained from the beginning of the second Chapter to the end of the 13. verse of this third Chapter and the 14. verse contains Peters exhortation strengthened in the 15. verse by his Brother Pauls writings who in all his Epistles speaks of these things as of the †Christ second coming mentioned in all Pauls Epistles coming of the Lord Jesus and other things such as are herein contained among the which that is Pauls writings in his Epistles some things were hard to be understood and so indeed was the coming of Christ Iesus which it should seem was hard of them to be undersood and that appears by his earnest wâ—iting to the a 2 Thes 2. at the beginning Thessalonians where he exhorts them That they should not suddenly be moved neither by Word nor Epistle as it were from him as if the day of Christ were at hand for there were many things to be fulfilled first as a departure from the Faith the rising up the perfection and the consumption of the Man of Sin and this it should seem though he had told them of it before yet to them it was hard to be understood which had the true learning here meant which things they that were unlearned and unstalbe perverted as they did other Scriptures to their own destruction therefore the great thing here to be minded is to find out what this learning is that Peter here intends And secondly who they be that are the unlearned ones and by that we shall easily find who they be that are the perverters of the Scriptures to their own destruction For this end therefore I will consider what this learning is not and then what it is What learning it is not It is not Humane Learning That I may not be misconceived about it I will here lay down my understanding in it and by Humane Learning I do not mind the knowledg and understanding of our own language which every man of what Tongue soever he be might in some measure be taught of another as the Parents teach their Children and they learn of them of this there is a natural necessity as the Apostle saith How shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard Now the hearing there mentioned Rom. 10.14 must needs be a natural hearing seeing it is set before Faith and this hearing must needs be the understanding of the sound of words spoken Now thus Peter and John and all the rest learned the foolish things spoken of 1 Cor. 1.21 And thus I acknowledge that there is none but in some measure have this learning and must of necessity have it to understand Gods mind in an ordinary way But by Humane Learning all along in this matter which I oppose it is the knowledge of Arts and Sciences divers Tongues and much reading and a persisting in these things so as thereby to be made able to understand the mind of God in his Word this is it that I condemn from the Word of Truth for being that by which any is made able spiritually to understand the mind of God which the Apostle saith cannot be attained to by the words which mans wisdome teacheth all which these excellencies are said to be â—or 2.13 So that by Humane Learning I do here understand that whereby certain men do excell and are far above and beyond other ordinary men and in this sense do I understand that the Councel judged Peter and John to be no such learned men Act. 4.13 For we in common speech do oppose a learned man to one that otherwise can read and write in his own Tongue though he do not understand the grounds of his own speech as the other man that is learned doth as may appear by the Book called the English Schoolmaster and so such learning do I not conceive to be here meant which I conclude for these reasons 1. Because that then Peter must of necessity condemn himself 1 Reason for he was a man that in the b Act. 4.13 Councels knowledge was such an unlearned
judgment of all such as love and know the Truth not doubting but there will be some found that out of love will reprove what is amisse and so turn the sinner out of the errour of his way though some others as k Job â— Job saith forge lies as I could name divers who are Physitians of no value For God who knows the hearts of all men knows that it was not my intent at all at that time to have medled in this Argument nor with this Scripture not till the night before I spake of it and all because I knew if I did it would be offensive as it hath proved and what I did herein it was by the advice of Friends But now I see that Gods hand was in it and I doubt not but for good though it is and may be my portion deeply to suffer for it and for men to be offended at the truth and such as declare it is no new thing even for the l Psa Acts 4.1 Esay 8.14 â— builders themselves to stumble at the stumbling stone But leaving all such to stand or fall to their own Lord. Something remains to be spoken concerning the matter following for the preventing of such things as may further be objected against it 1. Though the matter be the same in substance that it was at the first delivery yet somewhat may be wanting and is which was then said and more is added in other respects then at that time was spoken which I thought fit to give notice of 2. Another exception and that of great moment is that I have blasphemed against Jesus Christ in saying that he was without Humane Learning Now besides what is answered hereunto in the first Objection belonging to the first Doctrine if any yet remain unsatisfied and will affirm the contrary let them declare as the m Rom. 11.34 35. Apostle saith who was his Councellor and who taught him and he shall be recompenced The Scripture cells us that he grew in wisdome and stature and so couples them alike together Now none will affirm that he learned his Stature then from the like will I affirm that he learned not his Wisdome no more then he did his Stature and so if none taught him then must it needs follow that he was without Humane Learning for we in common speech call them unlearned which were never taught as did the n John 7.15 Act 4.13 Jews and Learning presupposeth one to Teach so that methinks it is but requisite if any did so affirm that they should declare his Teacher which if they cannot do why then should they affirm him to have Humane Learning And methinks the matter being rightly considered it will be found blasphemy for any to affirm that He had Humane Learning seeing that in so doing they call in question the perfection of His Manhood as if there were others that could adde unto Him Seeing all grant that the Master is above the Scholar and the Scripture witnesseth for me that at o Luk. 2.46.47 twelve years old such was His Wisdome observed amongst the Doctors as that they were astonished at his understanding and answers and doubtless this was a part of their grear wonder seeing that He never Learned as it was the Councels wonder also concerning p Act. 4.13 Peter and John Therefore for any to affirm him to be by men taught is to take that glory from him which he had of His own and so they are most like to be them that blaspheme 3. It is also very likely that Pride and Vain-glory will be imputed to me as it hath been already that I being as I am should undertake to maintain that which all godly and learned men are contrary to me in Answer I answer that it is no strange thing for the Servants of God to meet with such hard measure even for declaring of the truth for so was Joseph q Gen. 37.8.11 dealt by even of his Father and Brethren and so was r Sam. 17.28 David used for speaking for the Lord And Paul you shall sind was Å¿ Act. 17.18 coffed at by the learned Athenians And seeing that it hath alwayes been so with Gods Servants why should not I affirm with the t Cor. 4.3 Apostle not to pass to be judged of men whatsoever they be though godly wise learned seeing that as the Apostle saith it makes no matter to me God is no u Gal. 2.6 accepter of persons And therefore I hold it a defence sufficient with David to say x 1 Sam. 17.29 Is there not a cause seeing that there is none that I know of that will stand up for the Lord against those that defie the Hoast of Israel because that they be not Goliah like Men of stature having Bowes of brass and such like furniture as that the flâ—shly hearts of men dare not lock such in the face and all because that they be so strongly furnished with Mans strength Though that the Souldiers of the Lord of Hoasts may with one blast of a Rams horn through the might of God y Josh 6.20 blow down the strong Wall of this spirituall Jericho seeing that the Lord hath said That by the z Mat. 21.16 mouth of Babes and Sucklings he will perfect his praise and this if Babes should neglect to do the stones would cry Whence it is to be observed our Saviour descends from Babes to Stones and not from Babes to Learned men for he hath chosen such to bring forth His Righteousness as the light for He himself doth not despise the day of a Zach. 4.10 small things Now these things considered why should any with the proud b Mat. 21.15 Pharisees disdain at what the Lord will do but lay their hands upon their mouths and say nothing because He c Psal 39. doth it And seeing it is the Lords d Psal 118.23 doing why should it not be marvellous in our eyes Though I doubt not but the Lord will in his good time bring forth one learned Moses and another as excellent that ways as was Paul and cause them disclaiming that Humane excellency to magnifie the foolishness of God c 1 Cor. 1. to be wiser then the wisdome of men and so every way convince them of their folly this way to his praise And in the mean while let them that can receive this for truth receive it and let none be so conceited of Learned men as if the Word of God came only to them and from them as Paul said to f 1 Cor. 14.36 37. some that were puffed up But let such as are Spirituall know that the Lord reveals his Mysteries to whom he pleaseth and where he will and therefore the eye of none should be evil because he is good But we should learn as the wise in an saith That g Eccles 9.11 the race is not alway to the swift nor the battel to the strong but it may so prove that little
and all this Science or knowledge is falsly said to be of use in the Gospell prophane and vain bablings are far better names for them and oppositions according to Pauls teaching and he saith of himself I think I have the Spirit of God and so indeed he had without doubt and so our ground remains good that we are compleat in Christ Jesus Reason 4 Another consideration confirming this conclusion is from the Apostles i 1 Cor. 3.18 advise Let no man deceive himself and that in the true way of attaining wisdome he declares what it is in these words That such a one is to become a fool that he may be wise and how is that but by knowing that indeed there is nothing in all mans wisdome to be any whit helpfull but hurtfull to him in attaining and comprehending the wisdome of God in Christ Now what is more foolish to a man then to know that there is nothing that all the wits of man can reach unto that can benefit him and if nothing then not the thing in question but that it must needs be that we must be fools to it and what is the true mark of a fool but to be ignorant and without knowledge therefore we call them fools in the world and so is it here The best way for a man to deceive himself is to know nothing of this Learning nor any other fleshly excellency that so he may learn true wisdome and the Apostle doth methinks sufficiently confirme this advice of his against all exceptions The Lord knows saith he that the thoughts of mâ—â— be vain Men think highly of their own conceits this way yeâ— if no man will take this his counsell for wisdome in this kinde yet the Lord concludes the truth of it and he knows the thoughts of men to be vaine that thinke Humane Learning some help but let them thinke what they will the Lord is against them in it for hee knows that it is sure that they are deceived for his thoughts be not as mans thoughts Reason 5 Now another cause that confirmes mee in this Conclusion is because that wheresoever the Apostle honours the Spirits teaching and preferres it usually he at the same time casts contempt upon this learning as is to be seen in many places k 1 Cor. 1.17.18 Christ saith he sent me to preach the Gospell not with the wisdome of words lest I should make the crosse of Christ or the Gospel of Christ of none effect where we see that for good reason he rejects the very wisdome of words in preaching of the Gospel and that is lest if he should have done otherwise he should have made it of no effect because he was to declare the sincere word without the least mingling as if he should say such manner of preaching is a foolish preaching but it is so onely to them that perish but to such as are saved it is the power of God without what man expects and therefore he l 2 Cor. 11. â— 2 3. saith againe he was jealous over them with a godly jealousie for he had prepared them a pure Virgin for Christ but saith he I fear that as the Serpent beguiled Eve but how through his subtiltie so your minâ—s should be corrupt that is putrified and infected from the sinceritie that is in Christ This we see was Pauls feare that while he was absent their minds should be withdrawn from the foolishness of the Gospel and the simplicitie sinceritie and truth thereof and this they should be withdrawn from by the subtiltie of Satan that old Serpent in his instruments the false Teachers this he feares because of their fleshlinesse that was in them which was ready to yeeld to their wiles by reason of their subtiltie that way for by faire words and flatteries they deceived the m Ro. 16.18 hearts of the simple and with this their craftinesse they lie in wait to n Eph. 4.14 deceive thus contemptuously doth Paul speake of those things in opposition to the true learning as is further to be seen in many places of which I will name one more and that from the Apostle Peter in his second Epistle Chap. 1. Verse 16. For we saith he followed not deceiveable Fables when we opened unto you the power and coming of our Lord Iesus Now such names as these are doth the Apostle chuse to cast on mans excellencies as in divers other o 1 Tim. 1.4 and 4.7 Tit. 3.9 places which declare what contempt is cast on such learning in opposition to the Spirit of God Reason 6 Now one thing more which I conceive observeable for the proof of this point in hand is drawn from the 2 Cor. 2.10 The spirit searches the deep things of God and verse 14. The spiritual man discerns all things if then the spirit searcheth the deep things of God and that discerns all things what need we more And with this agrees the Apostle John saying And ye need not that any man teach you save as that Anointing teacheth you p 1 Iohn 2.27 Then I conclude That we need not that any man teach us not the Master nor any of his followers for the Disciples of Jesus Christ do learn as the truth is in him and of him and they have received the Spirit of God that they might know the things of God therefore we may well be without any mans learning and have no need of it and so the point is clear and plain That such as are taught by Gods Spirit without that learning do truly understand the Word I judge it necessary also to be understood of the Reader what I do understand by Humane Wisdome as well as Humane Learning by Humane Wisdome I do understand whatsoever appears excellent in mans understanding as he is left without Gods Spirits teaching this the more excellent it is to him that is carnall so much the worse it is therefore it is said of such by the Apostle That when as they professed themselves to be wise then they became fools Rom. 1.21 Mat. 6.23 And saith our Saviour If the light which is in this which I mind to be meant of mens understanding and wisdome be darknesse how great is that darknesse So that by mans wisdome I understand whatsoever seems excellent to him with which he would honour God withall that he is not the Author of as eloquence and fair speeches and any thing in thaâ— way such as the Greeks sought after as men do now adays this I do the rather differ from Humane Learning 1 Cor. 1.22 because iâ— seems to me that the Scripture differenceth them Acts 22. and the difference rightly understood may prevent just exceptionâ— and give light to the right understanding of the whole matterâ— for this wisdome is made by the Apostle Rom. 6.7 and that rightly to be enmity to the Spirit of God and impossible to submit to it it iâ— so contrary Now follows to be answered such Objections as are
Therefore seeing the Gospel is t 1 Cor. 1.25 foolishnesse therefore it is meet he should have * Foolish in the worlds account was the Lords choice foolish Ministers in the wise worlds account yea and in his servants too when as they see as man sees and not as doth the Lord. For thus was it of old subject to Samuel the Lords Prophet when as the Lord sent him to the House of Isâ—ay to anoint him a King he seeing as a man doth he said u 1 Sam. 16.6 7. Surely the Lords Anointed is before me but we finde that the Lord corrects that and tells him It was not so the more unlikely man and the unthought of one was he that God had chosen to himself and so is it here we are not to see as man sees but as the Lord directs us Thirdly God chuseth these things in opposition to others to astonish the wisdome of man When the x Acts 4.13 Council perceived Peter and John were unlearned men and without knowledge they marvelled and were amazed And so saith the Apostle He y 1 Cor. 3.19 catcheth the wise in their own craft they think that all knowledge lies in their breasts now the Lord he comes and makâ—s fools wise and so catcheth them manifesting that their thoughts be but vain in thinking that the wise are them that God hâ—â—â—â—hosen for it is not so for he hath chosen the foolish to confound the wise and therefore such as are godly wise should chuâ—e Gods wise but the worlds foolish things for his serve before the worlds wise ones and so I come to another exception which is Object 5 If it be sanctified it must needs be a good help to the right understanding of the truth Answ It is true if it be sanctified so it is But how or where doth that appear that ever it was sanctified Hath not the Lord long agone told us by his z Isa 29.14 Prophet and wished his to behold it That he would do a marvellous work and then he doubles it again even a marvellous work and a wonder and then all comes to this that he would cause to perish and destroy the wisdome of the wise and cast away the understanding of the prudent * A curse threatened because the people were led by the precâ—pis of men verse 13. and here if we could see we might all of us stay our wondering at this strange thing and consider the Lord tells us it is a marvellous work and a wonder and so our wondering and marvelling how these things come so to be is but a fulfilling of Gods Word and men might rest in it and see in the next words that it is a woe to them for the former abuse of the same and so now as a Mal. 2.2 Malachy saith that he would curse their blessings and that he had done it already to both which b 1 Cor. 1.19 Rom. 8.7 agrees the Apostle from Isay and concludes also that God hath distroyed it and in another place tells us that it is enmitie with God How shall any dare say then * The worlds learning not sanctified in a spiritual way it is sanctified when as so plain a curse is on it as that we are wished to beware of being c Co. 2.8 spoiled by it Now are we wished any where to beware of being spoiled by that which is sanctified to us in a spirituall way Now these things can be sanctified no further then they are of use and that is but in a worldly way for a spirituall use they be accursed from it Object 6 Now another exception from these things thus minded is That by this all Humane Learning seems utterly to be condemned Answ I Answer that it follows not because it is not to be allowed in this way that therefore it is not of any use for I doe acknowledge it in it selfe to be a good thing * Humane and good in its proper place Learning is good in its proper place which is for the repairing of that d Gen. 11. from 6. to 10. decay which camâ— upon man for sin so I say it is of good use for the repairing of that losse and so fit for Statesmen Physitians Lawyers and Gentlemen yea all men so far as they can attain to it are as men beyond and above others that are without it yea and beyond all other excellencies that this world can afford but bring it once to be a help to understand the minde of God in the holy Scriptures and there it is detestable filth drosse and dung in that respect and so good for nothing but e 1 Tim. 6.21 destroy and cause men to erre as we have seen before It fares with it as I perceive * But out of its place is like fire out of the Chimney and in the roof of the house it doth with fire keep it in the chimney and it serves as a good blessing of God for good and necessary uses but let it once come into the roofe of the house and it destroys all because it is not in its proper place so it is here for this thing among men for humane and worldly imployments it is good but bring it once to the perfecting of the Gospel and it will be found to be the spoiling of the right understanding thereof And yet further so far doe I acknowleg †Tongues a help in Translation Tongues to be â—â—â—se as to yeeld us the translation of the Scriptures our of one language into another without which we that are unlearned could not come to have the letter of the Word and so far there is a necessity of it for that use but that man which can so do is ever the more able to understand the spirituall meaning of the word thereby that I deny and withall do affirm that an understanding man may through the teaching of the Spirit know the mind of God which the other may never reach unto according to that f Mat. 13.11 saying of our Saviour To you it is given to know the mysteries the secrets of the Kingdome of heaven to you his simple Disciples it is given but to others the learned Scribes and Pharisees it was not given But in this case it may fare as it did with those that built Noahs Ark they made a place of safeguard for others but were drowned themselves So these men may prepare a good help for others but themselves be altogether without the benefit of it A Lanthorn you know is of good use to contain the candle but let one carry it in a dark night and it will do him no pleasure without a candle lighted in it of the same use is the letteâ— of the Word it is but as a Lanthorn or candle without light * Learning Now the Spirit is the light of the letter and so is the Apostleâ— g 2 Cor. 3. opposition without the Spirit is
like a candle without light or a Lanthorn without a candle such men then in that respect may be a help to others and yet when all is done be but castawayes themselves seeing as we have before seen the Aegyptians and Babylonian in this kind of learning to excell and it is none other blessinâ— then what the Pope Cardinals and other professed enemies 〈◊〉 the truth as all for the generall confesse them to be have 〈◊〉 as great a measure and beyond many others that professe tâ— know the truth and stand stifly for this as a speciall help to uâ—derstand the true meaning of the Lord in the Word which if 〈◊〉 be so then by their own grants they have the advantage 〈◊〉 them and so are to be reverenced of themselves to have moâ—â— knowledge in it then they so then they are to acknowledâ—â— their errour in counting themselves wise above what is meeâ— or else must be forced to confesse that that learning is inavailâ—ble for finding out of the mind of God Neither for all thâ— would I have any to conclude of me as some affirm that I hoâ— all learned men to be excluded from the spirituall meaning the Word God forbid for Though the Apostle h 1 Cor. 1.26 say not many of severall ranks 〈◊〉 he saith not there is none but yet not many There was 〈◊〉 Joseph of i Mar. 15.34 Arimathea one k John 3.1 Act. 13.7 Nicodemus one Deputy l Act. 6.7 Sergius Paulus a prudent man and divers of m 1 Cor. 1.27 â—8 the Priests But this was not usual for it is hard for such men to entertain the truth Gods ordinary way is among the foolish 2 Jam. 2.5 weak and vile so that when as the wise rich noble and learned come to receive the Gospel they then come to make themselves equal with them of the o â—â—h Mat. 11.5 Rom. 12.26 lower sort the foolish vils and unlearned for those be the true p Isa 61.1 heirs of it and therefore it was not in vain that Iames said q Jam. 2.5 Harken my beloved brethren hath not God chosen the poor he well saw that the rich and carnall were dull of hearing of this matter but yet he tells them God hath chosen the poor of this world to be rich in faith and upon this consideration it is that he wisheth the r Brother of high degree to rejoyce in that he was made low that is Jam. 1.9 10. brought in his mind and account equal with the poor accounting himself never the higher for any such excellencies and so the Brother of low degree to rejoyce in that he is exalted that is that he was made a Å¿ Revel 1.6 King and Priest unto God and was set in heavenly places with Iesus Christ so as the one is made low in respect of any fleshly confidence he hath in such things the other is exalted being outwardly poor by being in Christ Iesus and so they both meet in one but now by reason of the smoak that is risen out of the bottomlesse Pit and that the Devil is t Ephes 2.6 cast out of heaven and all his Angels with him to the earth which Angels were the faln u Rev. 2.61 Stars that he drew after his tail that now he hath by reason of them * Pride and haughtinesse is a Religion of the devils hatching hatched since a Religion in the world as that he would have the wise the rich the noble the learned the onely ones and the poor must be beholden to them when as this is like himself directly to oppose Iesus Christ so as that we may truly say with the Prophet Lord who hath believed our report or to whom is the arm of the Lord revealed Object 7 But it is yet further objected to be the manner of such as cannot themselves attain to that excellency that is in another to disparage that in them that so they might advance themselves Answ This I confesse is a carnal course that such as are themselves fleshly are subject to take and it may as well be my fault as anothers but yet I professe in the presence of the Lord that I do not allow my self in any such course neither doth such an exception as this beseem a man that is led by the Spirit of Truth for to make against any servant of God that professeth opposition to such things as professing to be led thereto by the Word and Spirit of Truth * Carnall advancement is got by disparaging others for it savours strongly of the flesh and is too suitable to the practise of reprobates whose practise is to take things in the evill pâ—rt whereas love by which all the Saints should judge judgâ—s the best of things till such time it can espie any cause so to do And for the lifting up of my selfe to be sure if I so doe Gods word it is that he will pluck the mighty from his seat and then you may be sure that according to his word my fall will be far greater then my exaltation can possibly be and therefore it were best for all such as so conceive to commit the judgment to the Lord and themselves judge nothing before the time nor speake no more presumptuously let not arrogancie come out of your mouth for the Lord is a God of knowledge and by him enterprisâ—s are established But yet after this manner of reasoning carnall men may overthrow the whole Gospel For whereas the Scripture shews that Jesus Christ was without form or beauty or any such thing wherefore he should be desired the carnall man will soon say no other but such a one would be so foolish as to part from honours riches credit and such like to endure so much sorrow and need not and whereas the Apostle x Phil. 2. saith That he took on him the form of a servant they would soon answer and good reason why because he could not be a Master and whereas it is said He chose the poor that will they say he must needs do and the foolish for none of the rich and wise would be so simple as to follow him and whereas he saith Love not the world nor the things in it good cause why will they say for such fools as you know not how to get it or else to be sure you would love it as well as others And thus have I given you a glimpse how that by this manner of carnall arguing we might overthrow our own Salvation and sit down in the very vale and shadow of death as full of darknesse as this argument is destitute of truth And thus having answered to such exceptions as I know of made against this truth I come now to such Uses as it shall afford us The first is To discover to us the depth of the great Woe that the world lyes under Vse 1 set forth and y Rev. 9. from 1.10 11. revealed to us in which the
can they be rooted and established in the Faith according to the Apostles c Col. 2.7 saying seeing they be not founded on the Rock Christ Jesus but on the Sands of Humane Learning arising from a sleshly mind destitute of the Spirit of Truth for they have not learned as the truth is in Jesus Reason 4 Again it must needs be so that such must pervert the Scriptures because it is impossible for them to go beyond their principle Now their principle is error as the following words declare and by it they be guided †They that heaped Teachers to themselves were led to fables and led even the whole heap of them as big as it is and these shall satisfie mens lusts and turn them from the Faith unto Fables as the d 2 Tim. 4 4.5 Apostle long ago hath foretold for such as are themselves of the flesh turn all things to fleshlinesse for that is it which they savour for to the unclean all things are unclean their consciences being defiled as e Tit. 1.15 witnesseth the Apostle Hence was it that when as our Saviour f Joh. 2.29 bad the Jewes to destroy this Temple meaning his g Ver. 29. body they themselves being carnall understood him to speak of the Temple of Jerusalem And so the Capernaits when as Jesus Christ tells them He will give them h Joh. 6. of his flesh to eat they being carnal cannot bear it Verse 53.60.63 and all because they be destitute of the Spirit for it was in a spirituall sense that he intended it And the like is to be seen in Nicodemus a Pharisee Joh. 5.1 3 4. and so a learned man being a Teacher and a Ruler of the Jews this man for all this when as Jesus Christ tells him That he must be born again otherwise he cannot enter into the Kingdome of God he seeing no further then into the natural birth demands how that could be That a man when he is old should enter into his mothers womb and be born again so destitute was he of the spirituall meaning of the minde of Jesus Christ in his Word Reason 5 Another Reason methinks included in the words is Because such persons are usually vessels of wrath prepared to destruction * Those to whom the Gospel is a savour of death would have it go in their way therefore they drive all to the same end to which themselves belong The Gospel is the savour of life to life in them that are saved but is the savour of death to them that perish Yet would I not from hence have any to conclude that I deny salvation to learned men as some in effect have affirmed as I hear of me for the Scripture is against it as is already before declared from the i 1 Cor. 1.26 Apostle though there be not many But yet this for certain is the worst work that a carnall man can undertake to meddle with the Scriptures seeing that he abuseth them and that to his own destruction for the Word is a Sword with two edges which whosoever that is carnall meddles with it will run into his heart to k Rom. 2.5 harden it against the day of wrath And so I conceive the point is clear and plain That men without Gods Spirit though furnisht with Humane Learning do wrest the Scriptures to their own destruction Object 1 But here it will then be demanded how shall we know whether we have the Spirit of God or the Spirit of Error Answ I answer that the Spirit of God is a sufficient witnesse to it self seeing that the Spirit is Truth Now this agreeing as it doth with the Word needs not any other testimony of it self because it is the witnesse of God and that is the greatest as saith John the l 1 Joh. 5.6 Spirit beareth witnesse for the Spirit is Truth And againe m 1 Joh. 3. Hereby we know that he abideth in us even by the Spirit that he hath given us Next it is to be knowne by its operations and works as first it savours spirituall things They that are after the flesh saith the Apostle n Rom. 8.5 Gods Spirit is known by his mighty works savour the things of the flesh and they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit And again the o Verse 10. spirit is life for righteousnesse sake and is said to be of a p Verse 11. quickning and an enlivening nature for righteousnesse The fruits of it arc further manifested in q Gal. 5 22 23 other places Now these things being found in us do witnesse for God against Error though it set it self up with never so high a hand Object 2 And yet here methinks I hear the wordly learned men saying to me as did r 1 Kin. 22.24 Zedekiah When went the Spirit of God from them to such as I speak of To this I answer that with Zedekiah such persons do but beg the question Answ and take for granted like him that which they never had for that could never depart from him which was never with him therefore though he were great and his companions many as is Å¿ Verse 6. shewed and that Micajah was but one poor Prophet alone and hated of the King yet he had the Spirit of God when as all the other were led and ruled by the lying Spirit and though Jesus Christ and his learned ones cannot be believed of the great and honourable Prophets of the world but by Zedekiahs shall be smitten on the Cheek when by them this question is demanded of the Lords Prophets yet this answer may be given them that when as they come to hide themselves in secret and to be ashamed of their Vision and that the t Rev. 15.1 seven last plagues come to be fulfill'd spoken of in the Revelations then they shall find the truth of the testimony that is born against them though in the mean time the servants of the Lord be committed to prison there to eat the bread of affliction and the water of affliction for their testimony Object 3 But though it be granted that Humane Learning is no help to understand the mind of God yet is not usefull to furnish us with words to expresse our selves in the delivery of the Cospel Answ I answer with Paul that the †The whole Scripture is given of God whole Scripture is given of God and is profitable to make the man of God absolute and throughly u 2 Tim. 3.16 furnished to every good work Whence I conclude that if the Scripture be perfect and absâ—lute for every good work then it is so for that so that then there is no need of mans wisdome to help the Ministers of God And so yet further saith the Apostle that he x 1 Cor. 1.17 preached the Gospel not with wisdome of words if not with wisdome of words then I conclude they were needlesse and so much the next