Certain Observations, Section 21
SECTION. XXI.
BY the former grounds I doubt not, but men deſirous to hauehave the Lords name ſanctified, his Kingdom flouriſh, and his will done, will eaſily condiſcend to hauehave theſe things removed, which ſo trouble the ſervants of God, being meerly unprofitable, as all humane inventions are. OnelyOnly now for the time, till they be removed, men muſt know how farre they may joyn in the worſhip of God where theſe things are in uſe; which part is needfull for all to learn, ſince the ſervant of God muſt hauehave no fellowſhip with the unfruitfull workes of darkneſſe, but reproue them rather.
Therfore firſt conſider theſe grounds following.
1 That theſe Ceremonies in controverſie are impoſed upon the people, as well as Miniſter, as may appear in the Preface to the Ceremonies in the Service book, and that in the name of the people, the Miniſter pronounceth, We receiue this child, &c.
2 That the Church of Rome is an Idolatrous Church full of Idols.
3 To eat of things offred unto Idolls, and partake in Idolatrous Ceremonies is ſinne.
4 It is the property of ſuperſtitious and idolatrous things to infect and pollute the places where they are.
1 Our Saviour Chriſt caſt out all thoſe mony-changers that had ſeated themſelues in the houſe of the Lord before hee taught in the Temple, and Ioſiah cleanſed the Temple before he offred in it: This therefore ſhews men ſhould not offer their ſacrifices where there are abominations and filthines.
2 Men muſt ſhew an utter diſlike and hatred of the garment ſpotted by the fleſh, Deut. 7, they muſt not take it into their houſe; 2 Cor. 6, it muſt not be touched.
3 Men muſt flee from all Idols and Idolothits, and muſt not look upon them.
Though men may cavill at the former places, as being meant of the innner man, yet the latter are plaine. This toucheth men in that it is impoſed upon all.
2 Men doe not flee from it, but draw neer unto it.
3 The worſhip there performed is not pure but mixt, for men are commanded to break the ſecond commandement.
4 Though the perſonall ſins of the Miniſter doe not hurt the people, yet his Miniſteriall and publique ſins doe hurt, which he performs from the people to God.
5 What example can be brought where the holy men of God hauehave communicated with ſuch things.
6 Men are bound to proteſt againſt all theſe corruptions.
Obj. Men hate them in heart.
Anſw. The Lord in each commandement, in the ſecond eſpecially, forbids the leaſt inward reſpect from the body.
2 It it an appearance of evill by which many may be offended, weak ones eſpecially.
Obj. 2. Preſence is not approbation, ſince men are not preſent for that purpoſe: and ſecondly men may be preſent to hear corrupt doctrine taught, therfore where corrupt ceremonies are uſed.
Anſw. Preſence onelyonly is not approbation, if men hauehave a calling thither.
2 If they proteſt openly againſt the ſame.
3 Conſider, that the Lords bids thee come thither, but man bids thee ſin, if thou come to worſhip God after the order of the Congregation wherin this is injoyned, it is not onelyonly thy bare preſence that argues thine approbation, but this thy yeelding in ſhew to Ceremonies.
4 All mens preſence together doth uphold and continue them.
Obj. Men may be preſent at falſe doctrine Math. 23, why not at theſe then?
Anſw. 1 Men are not certain that then, and there he will preach falſe doctrine.
2 Men in that caſe are bound, if it bee poſſible to hear ſound Teachers; and ordinarily to frequent where falſe doctrine is taught, is dangerous and a tempting of God, if men be not very ſtrong, and forced by neceſſity therunto.
3 Preaching is Gods ordinance, but the other is not, but mans invention.
4 We hauehave warrant for our preſence at the one, not at the other.
Obj. Men may communicate with them that kneel, why not with other Ceremonies?
Anſw. This ſeems to be commanded each one in ſpeciall, who not kneeling, doe proteſt againſt it.
Queſt. Whether parents may bring their children to be Croſſed?
Anſw. No: for firſt men may doe nothing to their children but what themſelues would hauehave done to themſelues, if they were to be baptized now: And what good heart could endure this Idolatry?
2 It is a ſpeciall diſhonour to the Lord, which men ſhould avoide, both by themſelues, and in and by others.
3 This, as all human inventions, hinders from the child, when it is wittingly done by the Parents, the power of Baptiſm, as much as is poſſible.
Obj. Mens not bringing their ſacrifices to the Lord was a ſinne, though the Prieſts were evill, 1 Sam. 2, why then is not our not beinging our children to bee baptized our ſinne in like manner?
Anſw. 1 That it was the peoples ſin, it doth not appear in the text.
2 That was properly their perſonall ſin; wheras the Miniſter makes the croſſe in the name of the people.
3 They inverted the order, and that which they did was out of the ſervice of God: th…ſe doe adde of their own in the ſervice of God.
Lev. 15.8, Whomſoever the leprous perſon ſpitteth on, on toucheth, v. 11, having not waſhed his hands in water, he ſhall be unclean. This ſign fies uncleanneſſe by ſin, who is ſo touched by anothers ſinne, is defiled by it; this holds firmely.
Deut. 22.10, Plow not with an Oxe and an Aſſe at once. It is plain the Lord abhorrs all mixture of religion and ſuperſtition.
Deut. 23.14. The Lord forbids any uncleanneſſe, leſt he depart, a little uncleaneneſſe, wittingly and willingly ſuff…ed makes the Lord depart
Ex. 20. The ſecond commandement forbids any human device to be reſpected and reverenced in his worſhip.
H…ſ. 4. Men muſt not goe up to Gilgall and Bethaven, and ſwear the Lord liveth; for hee will not hauehave his worſhip mixed.
Zephan. 1.5. The Lord will viſit ſuch as ſwear by the Lord and Malcham: That is, ſuch as joyn any thing to the Lords true worſhip.
Col. 2.20. Why as though yee lived in the world, are yee burthened with Traditions? This place proues that it is the property of the men of the world to receiu Traditions.
Math. 15, to joyn human Traditions in the worſhip of God, is to worſhip God in vain, if men be convinced of the unlawfulneſſe of theſe traditions, or if they place their principall ſerving of God in them.
2 Cor. 6. Bee not unequally yoked with infidels, exponente Beza, in any action, either per ſe, or foreign, illicitâ.
Theſe places proue the commanding of ſuperſtitions unlawfull. Secondly, the uſing of ſuch by the Miniſters. Thirdly, the people joyning with them.
1 The Miniſter ſtands in the room and perſon of the people, and doth offer for them.
2 Chriſt is after a ſort expelled out of his place when human deviſes are brought in.
3 The places ſpeak to the people moſt of them, or all, directly binding ech particular.
Obj. Chriſt is there preſent; therfore we may be there.
Anſw. The conſequence is not good, becauſe Chriſt may bee, and is there as God.
2 Chriſt is there in his Ordinances to convict the wicked, and build up his weak children that doe not diſcern the evill of theſe Ceremonies.
3 It is requiſite that Chriſt calls us thither, as well as that he be there.
Obj. 2. Anothers ſin cannot defile us: but this is an others ſin.
Anſ. 1 It is an others ſin, and mine too, not onelyonly by my preſence, for that is not ſufficient to make one guilty; but firſt he is appointed to doe it for me, and ſo doth it not for himſelfe onelyonly.
2 The worſhip is mixt.
3 In Chriſts priviledges it is neceſſary we giuegive no ſubjection to any ſtranger, but plainly ſtand for Chriſt.
Obj. Anothers wickedneſſe at the Sacraments doth not hurt the worthy receiver; no more doth the Ceremony uſed by the Miniſter hurt him that hates it.
Anſw. The caſe is not like: Becauſe here each one doth receiue for himſelfe; but there the Miniſter is the publique perſon that ſtands in the roome of the people.
Obj. Proteſtation againſt ſin is not ever neceſſary.
Anſw. If wee neither doe it, nor ſeem to doe it: But if they ſeem to doe evill, and proteſt not, doe they not giuegive offence to others and indanger themſelues.
Obj. This will driue men to ſeparate.
Anſw. It will keep them from Separation, for being taught that in ſome Aſſemblies, they may partake in Gods Ordinances without mixture, they cannot deny to bee preſent.
Obj. All the alleaged Arguments proue it unlawfull for the Miniſter, but not to the people.
Anſw. 1 We muſt remember what any Miniſter doth of his own head, beſides the common rites appointed by the Church, that is a perſonall ſinne; but when a preſcript Liturgie is appointed for Miniſters and people, and rytes with all, then it ſeems not to be the Miniſters ſinne onelyonly, but the peoples too, who joyn in that worſhip: For it is appointed to all to worſhip God thus.
2 It is performed by all, at leaſt in ſhew.
Now the places are plain for the people as well as the Miniſter.
Having treated of the true diſcipline, and corrupt Ceremonies: Now in the next place we may ſee whether Miniſters be juſtly deprived of their Miniſtry. Him that doubts and will conſider wiſely, I doubt not but theſe grounds will ſatisfie.
1 No Scripture binds to the obedience of ſuch things: Why ſhould men be more wiſe then the Lord, or more holy, or put men out of Gods ſervice for things hee requires not at their hands? I would fayn learn of one of the oppoſites how they will clear themſelues before God for this? is it not hipocriſie to goe beyond the Lord?
2 The Lord frees all men directly from human inventions, Col. 2, are not men put out of their living and fee-ſimple which Chriſt hath purchaſed and beſtowed upon them?
3 Theſe things are toyes and trifles in the oppoſites judgment, and matters of conſcience to the other ſide; yet for theſe they depriue the Church of God of their Paſtors. What? Is not a good Miniſter worth a chip? Doe you nothing reſpect your brethren, nor mens conſciences?
4 This practiſe is quite contrary to the practice of our Saviour Chriſt: he whipt out all that brought any thing into the Temple, beſides that was inſtituted; and theſe whip out men for not bringing in mens dev…es.
5 It is againſt all ſenſe and reaſon, that workmen appointed by the Lord, that doe his work faithfully, even in the Stewards judgment, ſhould be put out from their work, becauſe they pleaſe not the ſtewards eye for their apparel? As though men ſhould put out a labourer, becauſe his waſtcoat is not white.
6 Our Saviour did not reſtrain him that caſt out devils though he followed not him: and why doe you hinder ſuch as caſt down the ſtrong holds of Sa…an, becauſe they doe not follow you? Surely a good ſervant prefers his Maſters work and credit, more then his own pomp.
7 They are ſpecially called that are virgins not defiled with women, Rom. 14, theſe follow the Lamb whither hee goes, even theſe that are redeemed from amongſt men, now counted factious? How dare any preſume to think them unfit whom he holds in his right hand? Are you grown ſo proud, that you will fight with the Lamb, and wart againſt heaven?
8 There is no example of the like practiſe in Scripture or Writers, ſaue amongſt Papiſts; but many of the contrary, ſome put to death, ſome reſtrained from their Miniſtery, becauſe they went to idolatry.
9 It was his Majeſties pleaſure they ſhould be convinced firſt, and then cenſured, which how it hath been performed all the world is witneſſe of, which ſees what offers of diſputation hauehave been made, what ample and learned books come forth, which yet could never be anſwered.
10 Theſe men are greateſt enemies to Papiſts, the danger of our State, which daily increaſe and ſpring up, as the lights in any place are removed. It is againſt all policy therfore to ſtop theſe; which if their Miniſtery were profitable for nothing elſe, yet they may be kept as ſtones to weigh the ballance even.
11 Doe but indifferently conſider them and us ſeverally: their Religion, is it not lip-labour, and meer formality like theirs? Eſa. 29.13. May not naturall men goe as far as they require?
2 They doe not teach ſoundly the doctrine of repentance, giving warning of judgements, or of the particular ſins which bring the ſame, which good Watch-men ſhould doe.
3 They take away preaching out of the land, both by extolling reading, and preaching ſo as the people can gather nothing by it. And under colour of long prayers, pr…ſ…e men by their Canons more ſtrictly to their divince ſervice, then to the Word preached.
4 They cannot endure men ſhould examine, doubt, and ſearch into things; they would perſwade the people theſe things belongs not to Tradeſmen, but to Schollers and Miniſters; of a contrary mind was our Saviour.
5 They puniſh more ſeverely the breach of a Tradition of their own appointing, then the breach of Gods commandement. Is not this Phariſaicall hypocrifie?
6 They are glad to uſe Papiſts Arguments againſt us, and ours againſt them; as it hath been proved in experience, that they hauehave held their grounds.
7 They ſet up vile, profane and ignorant Miniſters over Congregations: is not this to let in Wolues? far contrary was Pauls practiſe and counſell, Act. 20.
8 Ambition, covetouſneſſe and pride, where dwelleth it but amongſt them? Is not their Kingdom of this world? Such was not Paul, nor our Saviour Chriſt.
9 Theſe men build upon human Ceremonies, holding this poſition: no Ceremony no Biſhop: a …it prop for their Calling to reſt upon.
10 They juſtifie many things, becauſe the Church cannot be perfect; as though the leaſt corruption ſhould be born withall in the Spouſe of Chriſt, that is known and pointed at.
11 They grow in nothing, ſaue in carnall wiſedom and cunning to defend their own traditions.
12 Things openly evill in their own judgment, are not red…eſſed amongſt them; as unpreaching Miniſters, Non reſidents, Pluraliſts, taking Gods name in vain, and notorious profaneneſſe.
13 They hate and forbid the very ſubſtance of Religion in practiſe, as Chriſtian Meetings, and the like.
14 M…n that are under their Miniſterie, how naked, poor and miſerable are they?
I beſeech you that mind the good of your ſoules, be not overcarried with an externall pomp and how of learning, but examine and thy all things.
2 Conſider all men are lyers, that no man ought to be credited further then they hauehave ſound teſtimony of the Scripture, which is the rule and ground of faith, and the light of the Church.
3 That all men are bound to try the ſpirits whether they be of God or no.
4 That men muſt not be your Doctors and Maſters, but you muſt try all things, and hold that which is good.
5 Hath not every man the ſpirit by meaſure? though therfore they are learned that oppoſe; yet in many things they may be ignorant.
6 That the Higheſt Callings hauehave been corrupted and counterfeited, as Prophets, Apoſtles, high Prieſts: who therfore grounds upon men, builds not upon Chriſt, and the Scriptures are onelyonly judge of all opinions and practiſes, to this the Apoſtles ſubjected themſelues, and our Saviour. The contrary is the gap to all errour and ſuperſtition; witneſſe the Popiſh Church, who giving all to the Clergy, and ſuffering themſelues to be led by theſe, into what monſtrous and fundamentall errours are they fallen? Chriſt is the onelyonly Prophet of his Church; Every man muſt ſpeak that which he hath received from Chriſt, and the ground of a mans judgment that would not be carried about with every blaſt of new doctrine muſt be infallible.
Vouchſafe on the other hand to conſider the way ſo much ſpoken againſt.
1 It holdeth the doctrine of the Scriptures, according to the practiſe of our Saviour, and the pureſt times of the Church, and nothing elſe, Act. 20.
2 This cleaus to the whole truth of God, and to every part of it, Math. 5.19.
3 This way moſt oppoſeth the whore of Babilon, and overthrows her grounds, is moſt zealous againſt all her inventions; theſe are the virgins, Rev. 14.
4 Theſe are taught of God, ſo as they doe not depend upon man, but diſcern the voice of Chriſt, Ioh. 10.
5 The Majeſty, graue ſimplicity, and power of Gods Ordinances doth moſt appear, in the wiſe, free, holy, bold, fervent and conſtant uſe of the ſame, changing men hereby into the image of God.
6 This prayeth according to occaſions, and feeling of our inward wants, by the motion of Gods ſpirit, Rom. 8.
7 Men in this way ſeek the glory of God in the ſpreading of his truth, and the good of mens ſoules, Ioh. 7, not ſpeaking evill of the moſt forward, nor by the ſhew of learning ſeeking to raiſe themſelues.
8 In this way men take up their croſſes and follow Chriſt, Math, 16: they ſuffer much hardſhip for the Goſpell, wheras the other ready for every winde, avoide the Croſſe.
9 In this way is the true communion of the Saints, both for communicating of the graces of the ſpirit, and of outward bleſſings, Act. 2.
10 Naturall men moſt hate it, and the more wicked any is, the more evill they ſpeak of it, and of them that teach and practiſe it, Rom. 8.
11 This crucifieth the fleſh onelyonly, wheras others uſe their liberty as an occaſion of the fleſh; this therfore is a ſtraight way.
12 This brings peace to the ſoules of men, both while they doe theſe things, and ſuffer for them.
13 Men falling from this way, ſpirituall judgments hauehave followed them ſenſibly, they hauehave grown farre more licentious and vain &c.
14 What are theſe men zealous againſt, but plain ſin, and ſuch things as zealous men in Scriptures hauehave been adverſe unto, as ceremonies deviſed by man, and abuſed to Idolatry?
15 This way teacheth, that men ought freely of louelove, to giuegive all reſpect, obedience, ſubjection, and life too, for the good of the Prince, Rom. 13.
16 This teacheth that it is onelyonly in the power of the Civill Magiſtrate to puniſh offenders.
17 Where this way hath been ſoundly and faithfully taught, there men are moſt eaſily held in ſubjection to the Magiſtrate.
18 What painfull and conſcionable Miniſter but juſtifies this way.
This way is ſchiſm in many mens account, and termed damnable and many things which they cannot proue are objected againſt this in the cares of his Majeſty: But truth will overcome, and Chriſt muſt prevail, though they hauehave brought us to 300, yet theſe are enough to vanquiſh the great army of the Aramites. Nay, if there were but two men they ſhould overcome: All that hauehave fought for it hauehave overcome, and Chriſt hath gotten victory for us; bee wiſe therfore, and kick not againſt the pricks: The Lord is with us, fight no more againſt the Lord, but let there be peace amongſt us, onelyonly hinder us not in our Miniſtery, and ſaving mens ſoules.
And for you brethren, whoſe eares are filled with bitter invectiues, daily thrown out againſt you, judg righteous judgment; Paul may ſtriue with Peter, though his ancient much in the ſervice of the Lord: neither let our miſeries and croſſes cauſe you to think our ſtanding not to be ſound. Conſider Chriſts own ſervants, the Prophets, how they hauehave been dealt with all. Hath not the viſible Church, that had the Keyes then under ſhew of zeal for God, and lo…e to the Church caſt them out? Eſa. 66. And muſt not times come, that he ſhall think he doth God good ſervice that kils you, which is not meant of the heathens, that alwaies were ſo minded, but of the viſible Church? And is not Chriſt a rock of offence, and a ſtumbling block? Are not many offended at him? Think of this each that reads, that you hauehave no underſtanding naturally of the things of God to diſcern, but rather yee are prone to misjudge both of the perſons and things.