Church History of the Government of Bishops and Their Councils, Chapter 14

Church History of the Government of Bishops and Their Councils · Chapter 14

p. 460CHAP. XIV.

LEst this treatise be mistaken & abused to the dishonour of the Christian Religion, Church or Ministry I adde two papers which I long agoe published for the Ministry 1. Against profane Malignants, 2. Against Sectarians, especially those called Seekers, as also Papists & others that for interest or faction, deny or vilifie the Pastors.

One sheet for the Ministry; Against the Malignants of all sorts.

AS mans first felicity was attended with the malice of the Serpent, so is the wonderful work of his Restauration. The promise of Reconciliation by the seed of the woman, is joyned with a proclamation of open war with the Serpent and his seed. The enmity was hottest in the Devil and his seed against Christ himself, who bare and overcame it; and is become the Captain of our salvation, that his Church may overcome by his Cross and Strength, and Conduct; The next degree of malice is against his officers: the most eminent, the General Officers had the hottest assault; and his ordinary Officers bear the next: That we shall be hated of all men for the name of Christ, (Mat. 10. 22.) is still verified to our experience. Not only the openly prophane abhor us for our work sake, but false-hearted professors that turn from the truth, do presently turn Malignants against the Ministry; and many weak ones that are better minded, are dangerously seduced into a guilt of the sedition. To all these I here proclaim in the name and word of the Lord, Numb. 16. 26. [Depart I pray you from the tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their sins.] Which I shall now open to you.

1. The office of the Ministry is an undoubted Ordinance of God, to continue in the Church to the end of the world. No man can pretend that they ceased with the Apostles, for it is Gods will that ordinary fixed Presbyters shall be ordained in every Church, Acts. 14. 23. Tit. 1. 5. 1 Tim. 3. 1. 2 Tim. 2. 2. And Pastors and Teachers are appointed for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, and edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come to a perfect man, Ephes. 4. 11, 12, 13. A Ministry authorized to Disciple the Nations, baptize and teach them, is instituted by Christ as King and Saviour, and have his Promise to be with them alway to the end of the world, Mat. 28. 18, 19, 20. The same necessity and work continueth; still souls are born and bred in darkness, and how shall they be saved without believing, or believe without hearing, or hear without preaching, or we preach without sending? Rom. 10. 13. p. 46114, 15. There is a clearer word in the Gospel for the Ministry then the Magistracy; though enough for both. Our own call I shall sp…ak of anon.

2. These Malignants set themselves against the Principal members of the body of Christ, that are in it as the eyes and hands to the natural body, 1 Cor. 12. 16, 19, 27, 29. Ephes. 4. 11, 15. The Ministers of Christ, and Stewards of the Mysteries of God, 1 Cor. 4. 1. The Over-seers of the flock that is purchased with Christs blood, Acts. 20. 28. They are the chief members, 1. in office, 2. ordinarily in gifts for edification of the body: 3. and in grace. Now a wound in the stomack or liver is more mortal to the body, then in the hand: and the loss of an eye or hand is worse then the loss of an ear.

3. These Malignants are therefore principally enemies to the Church it self. They take on them to be only against the Ministers, but it will prove most against the people and whole Church. If they smite the Shepherds, the sheep will be scattered. How can they more surely ruine Christs family, then by casting out the Stewards, that must rule, and give the children their meat in due season, even milk to the babes, and stronger meat to them of full age, Heb. 5. 12, 13, 14. Luke. 12. 42. Mat. 24. 45. What readyer way to ruine the Schools of Christ, then by casting out the Teachers that he hath appointed under him? Or to ruine his Kingdome, then to reject his officers? Or to wrong the body, then to cut off the hand, and pull out the eyes, or to destroy the principal parts? Was it not Ministers that planted the Churches, and converted the world and have ever born off the assaults of enemies? Where was there ever Church on earth that continued without a Ministry? The great Kingdom of Nubi… fell from Christianity for want of Preachers. The Nations that have the weakest and fewest Ministers, have the least of Christianity; and those that have the most and ablest Ministers, have the most flourishing state of Religion. All over the world the Church doth rise or fall with the Ministry: Cut down the Pillers, and the building falls. He is blind that sees not what would become of the Church, were it not for the Ministry? Who should teach the ignorant, or rebuke the obstinate, explain the word of truth, and stop the mouths of proud gain sayers? What work would heresies, and division, and prophaneness make, if these banks were cut down; when all that can be done is still too little. It must needs therefore be meer enmity against the Church, that makes men malignant against the Ministry.

4. The design of the maligners of the Ministry is plainly against the Gospel and Christianity it self. They take the readyest way in the world to bring in Heathenism, Infidelity and Atheism, which Christianity hath so far banished, For it is the Ministry that Christ useth to bring in light, and drive and keep out this damnable darkness, Acts 26: 17, 18. [I send thee to open their eyes, and turn them from darkness to light, &c.] Why are so many Nations Infidels, Mahometans, and Idolaters, b…t for want of p. 462Ministers to preach the Gospel to them? These Malignants therefore would take down the Sun, and banish Christianity out of the world.

5. And they hinder the Conversion of particular souls, and so are the cruellest wretches on earth. Though an Angel must be sent to Cornelius, it is not to be instead of a Preacher, but to send him to a Preacher, Acts 10. Though Christ would wonderfully appear to Saul, it is to send him to Ananias for instruction, Acts 9. Though the Jaylor must feel an Earth-quake, and see Miracles, it is but to prepare him for the Ministers words, Acts 16. Philip must be carried by an Angel to expound to an Eunuch the Word that must convert him. The Ministry is Gods instituted settled way, by which he will convert and save the world, as truly as the light is the natural way by which he will corporally enlighten them Acts 2. 18. 1 Tim. 4. 16. Mat. 5. 14. Rom. 10. 14. Do you think so many souls would be converted if the Ministry were down? Do you not see that the very contempt of them, that the scorns of the ungodly, and opposition of Malignant Apostates have occasioned, doth hinder most of the ignorant and prophane from receiving the saving benefit of the Gospel? How many millions of souls would these wretches sweep away to Hell, if they had their will? While thousands are in damnation for want of the light, they would take it from you, that you might go there also. Do you not understand the meaning of these words, against Christs Ministers? Why the meaning is this: They make a motion to the people of the Land, to go to Hell with one consent, and to hate those that are appointed to keep them out of it. They would take the bread of life from your mouthes. They are attempting an hundred times more cruelty on you, than Herod on the Jews when he killed the Children, or the Irish that murdered the Protestants by thousands; as the soul is of greater worth then the body.

6. These Malignants against the Ministry are the flat enemies of Christ himself, and so he will take them and use them. He that would root out the inferiour Magistrates, is an enemy to the Soveraign; and he that is against the officers of the Army, is an enemy to the General; Christ never intended to stay visibly on earth, and to Teach and Rule the world immediately in person; but he that is the King will Rule by his Officers; and he that is Prophet will Teach us by his Officers; and therefore he hath plainly told us, [He that heareth you, heareth me; and he that dispiseth you, despiseth me; and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me, Luke 10. 16.] O fearful case of miserable Malignants! Durst thou despise the Lord thy Maker and Redeemer, if he appeared to thee in his glory! to whom the Sun it self is as darkness, and all the world as dust and nothing? Remember when thou next speakest against his Officers, or hearest others speak against them, that their words are spoken against the face of Christ, and of the Father. I would not be sound in the case of one of these Malignants, when Christ shall come to judge his enemies, for a thousand worlds. p. 463He that hath said, [Touch not mine annointed, and do my Prophets no harm; and hath rebuked Kings for their sakes, Psal. 105. 15. will deride all those that would break his bands, and will break them as with a rod of iron, and dash them in pieces as a potters vessel, Psal. 2. 3, 4, 9. And as he hath told them plainly, [Who so despiseth the Word shall be destroyed, Prov. 13. 13.] And [he that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, 1 Thes. 4. 8. So he hath told us that it shall be easier for Sodom and Gomorrah in the day of Iudgement, then for such, Mat. 10. 15. Many a thousand prouder enemies then you hath Christ broken; and look to your selves, for your day is coming. If you had but stumbled on this stone, it would have broken you in pieces; but seeing you will strive against it, it will fall on you, and gri…d you to pouder, Mat. 21. 44. And then you shall see that he that made them his Embassadors, will bear them out and say, [In as much as you did it to these, you did it to me.] And you shall then say, Blessed are they that trust in him.

7. It is apparent that these enemies of the Ministers are playing the Papists game. Because the just disgrace of their Ministry, was the ruine of their Kingdom; therefore they hope to win of us at the same game. They know that if the people were brought into a hatred or suspition of their guides, they might the easier be won to them. They tell us in their writings, that not one of ten of our people but taketh his faith on trust from their Teachers, and therefore take them o…f from them and they will fa…l: but they delude themselves in this: For though the ungodly among us have no true faith of their own, and the Godly must lean on the hand of their supporters, yet there is in them a living principle; and we do not as the Papists priests, teach our people to see with our eyes, and no matter for their own: but we help to clear their own eye-sight. Doubt not but the most of the sects in the Land that fall against the Ministry, are knowingly or ignorantly the agents of the Papists. For the principal work of a Papist is to cry down the Ministry and the Scripture, and to set all they can on the same work.

8. These sects that are against the Ministry do all the same work as the Drunkards, Whore-mongers, Covetous, and all ungodly persons in our Parishes do: And therefore it seems they are guided by the same spirit. It is the work of Drunkards and all these wicked wretches to hate, and despise, and revile the Ministers, and to teach others to say as they. And just so do Quakers, Seekers, Papists and all other Malignants reproach the same Ministers: And yet the blind wretches will not see that the same Spirit moveth them.

9. It is apparent that it is the Devils game they play, and his interest and Kingdom which they promote. Who fights against Christs Officers and Army, but the General of the contrary Army? What greater service could all the world do for the Devils, then to cast out the Ministers of Christ? and what more would the Devil himself desire, to set up his Kingdom and suppress the Church? Wretches! you shall … p. 464see your Master, and he will pay you your wages contrary to your expectation. Read Gods word to a Malignant, Acts 13. 10.

10. These Enemies do reproach as faithful a Ministry as the world enjoyeth, and their malice hath so little footing, as that the result must be their own shame. Among the Papists indeed there are Mass-Priests that can but read a Mass, whose Office is to turn a piece of Bread into a God: And yet these the Malignants either let alone, or liken us to them. The Greeks, and Ethiopians, and most of the Christian World, have a Ministry that seldome or never preach to them, but read Common-prayer, and Homilies. The most of the Protestant Churches have a learned Ministry that is so taken up with Controversies, that they are much less in the powerful preaching and practise of godliness: Above all Nations under Heaven, the English are set upon Practical Divinity and Holiness, and yet even they are by Malignity chosen out for reproach. Alas, scandals in the Ministry, (as drunkenness, swearing, &c.) among other Nations are but too common: but in England Magistrates and Ministers combine against them. Ministers are still spurring on the Magistrates to cast out the insufficient, negligent and scandalous; and desire and use more severity with men of their own profession, than with Magistrates, or any others in the Land. In nothing are they more zealous, than to sweep out all the remnant of the scandalous: And for themselves, they are devoted to the work of the Lord, and think nothing too much that they are able to perform, but preach in season and out of season, with all long-suffering and Doctrine; and yet Malignants make them their reproach.

11. It is abundance of pride and impudency, that these Malignant Enemies are guilty of. They are most of them persons of lamentable ignorance; and yet they dare revile at the Teachers, and think themselves wise enough to rebuke and teach them: Many of them are men of wicked lives; and yet they can tell the world how bad the Ministers are. A Railer, a Drunkard, a covetous Worldling, an ignorant Sot, is the likest person to fall upon the Minister; and the Owl will call the Lark a Night-bird. Alas, when we come to try them, what dark wretches do we find them! and should be glad if they were but teachable: And yet they have learnt the Devils first Lesson, to despise their Teachers.

12. And O what barbarous ingratitude are these Malignant Enemies of the Ministry guilty of! For whom do we watch, but for them and others? Can they be so blind as to think a painful Minister doth make it his design to seek himself, or to look after great matters in the world? Would not the time, and labour, and cost that they are at in the Schools and Universities, have fitted them for a more gainful trade? Do not Lawyers, Physitians, &c. live a far easier, and in the world a more honourable plentiful life? Have not the Ministers themselves been the principal Instruments of taking down Bishops, Deans and Chapters, Arch-deacons, Prebends, and all means of preferment? And what have they got by it, or ever endeavoured? Speak malice, and spare not. Is it any thing but what they had before? Even the p. 465maintenance due to their particular charge. Unthankful wretches! It is for your sakes and souls that they study, and pray, and watch, and fast, and exhort, and labour, to the consuming of their strength; and when they have done, are made the Drunkards Song, and the scorn of all the wicked of the Country; and when they spend, and are spent, the more they love, the less they are beloved. In the times of this greatest prosperity of the Church, they live under constant hatred and scorn, from those that they would save, and will not let alone in sin. And what do they endure all this for but Gods honour, and your salvation? Would we be Ministers for any lower ends? Let shame from God and man be on the face of such a Minister! I profess, were it not for the belief of the greatness, and necessity, and excellency of the Truths that I am to preach, and for the will of God, and the good of Souls, I would be a Plow-man, or the meanest Trade, if not a Sweep Chimney, rather than a Minister. Must we break our health, and lay by all our worldly interest for you, even for you, and think not our lives and labours too good or too dear to further your Salvation; and must we by you, even by you, be reproached after all? God will be Judge between you and us, whether this be not inhumane ingratitude; and whether we deserve it at your hands?

13. Yea, it is Injustice also that you are guilty of. The labourer, saith Christ, is worthy of his hire, Luke 10. 7. (Mark that, you that call them Hirelings) The Elders that rule well are worthy of double honour, 1 Tim. 5. 17. Especially they that labour in the Word and Doctrine. And will you throw stones at their heads for endeavouring to save your souls? Will you spit in their faces for seeking with all their might to keep you from Hell? Is that their wages that you owe them? But blessed be the Lord, with whom is our reward, though you be not gathered, Isa. 49. 5. But as you love your selves, take heed of that Curse, Ier. 18. 20. [Shall evil be recompenced for good? for they have digged a pit for my soul: Remember that I stood before thee to speak good for them, and to turn away thy wrath from them, &c.] O how many a time have we besought the Lord for you! that he would convert you, and forgive you, and turn away the evil that was over you: And when all these our prayers, and groans, and tears shall be remembred against you, O miserable souls, how dear will you pay for all!

14. And is it not a wonder that these Malignants do not see what evident light of Scripture they contradict; and how many great express Commands they violate? They break the fifth Commandment, which requireth honour as well to spiritual Ecclesiastical Parents, as to Civil and Natural. And he that curseth Father and Mother, his Lamp shall be put out in darkness, Prov. 20. 20. The eye that mocketh at his Father, and despiseth to obey his Mother, the Ravens of the Valley shall pick it out, and the young Eagles shall eat it, Prov. 30. 17. Did these wretches never read, 1 Thes. 5. 12. We beseech you brethren, to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work sake, and to be at peace among your selves.] And Heb. 13▪ 17. p. 466[Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit your selves, for they watch for your souls as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief; for that is unprofitable for you.] And Heb. 13. 7. Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken to you the Word of God.] And so ver. 24. And 1 Tim. 5. 17. The Elders that rule well are worthy of double honour, &c.] with abundance more such passages as these? Do not you feel these fly in your faces when you oppose the Ministers of Christ? Doth a Thief or Murderer sin against plainer light than you?

15. These Malignants sin against the consent and experience of the Universal Church of Christ till this day. The whole Church hath been for the Ministry, and instructed by them; and as the Child doth seek the Breast, so did new-born Christians, in all Ages, seek the Word from the Ministers, that they might live and grow thereby. And all the Nations of the Christian World are for the Ministry to this day! Or else they could not be for Christ, and for the Church, and Gospel. Is it not plain therefore that these Malignants are dead branches, cut off from the Church, that are so set against the Spiri… and interest of the Church?

16. Moreover they sin against the experience of all, or almost all the true Christians in the world. For they have all experience, that Ministers are either their Fathers, or Nurses in the Lord: And that by their means they have had their life, and strength, and comforts; their sins killed, their graces quickned, their doubts resolved; the taste of the good Word of God, and of the powers of the world to come? May we not challenge you as Paul oft doth his Flock, Whether you did not receive the illuminating sanctifying Spirit by the Ministry, if ever you received it? I tell you, it is as much against the new and holy nature of the Saints to despise the Ministers of Christ, as it is unnatural for a Child to spit in the face of his Father or Mother. And the experience of sound Christians will keep them closer, and help them much against this inhumanity, what ever Hypocrites may do.

17. And if these Malignants had not Pharaohs heart, they would sure have considered, that the experience of all Ages tells them, that still the most wicked have been the Enemies of the Ministry, and the most godly have most obeyed and honoured them in the Lord; and that this Enmity hath been the common Brand of the rebellious, and the fore-runner of the heavy wrath of God; and that it hath gone worst with the Enemies, and best with the Friends of a godly Ministry. Do I need to prove this, which is so much of the substance of the Old Testament, and the New? Was it the Friends or Enemies of all the Prophets, Apostles and Ministers of Christ, that Scripture and all good Writers do commend? Do not the names of all Malignants against the godly Ministry stink above ground, as the shame of mankind, except those that are buried out of hearing, or those that were converted?

18. Nay such as are noted for the highest sort of the wicked upon Earth; worse than Drunkards, Whorem…ngers, and such filthy Beasts! The Persecutors p. 467of Gods Ministers have been ever taken as walking Devils: And the hottest of Gods wrath hath faln upon them. Take two instances; 1. When the Iews went into Captivity, this was the very cause, 2 Chron. 36. 15, 16. [But they mocked the Messengers of God, and despised his words, and misused his Prophets, till the wrath of the Lord arose against his people, till there was no remedy. 2. And when the Iews were cut quite off from the Church, and made Vagabonds on the Earth, this was the very cause, Acts 28. 28. Be it known therefore to you, that the salvation of God is sent to the Gentiles, and that they will hear it.] 1 Thes. 2. 15, 16. These Jews [both killed the Lord Iesus, and their own Prophets, and have persecuted us: and they please not God, and are contrary to all men, forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles, that they might be saved to fill up their sin alway; for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.]

19. It is the Devils own part that these Malignants act: For it is he that is the great Enemy of Christ, and the Saints, and he that is the Accuser of the Brethren, which accuseth them before God day and night: And is not this the work of Quakers, Drunkards, Papists, and all Malignants? But the Lord will rebuke them, and be the glory of his servants, Zach. 3. 1, 2. [He shewed me Joshua the High-Priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. And the Lord said unto Satan; The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan, even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem.]

20. These Malignants do most of them condemn themselves; for they honour the Ancient Ministers of Christ that are dead, even while they oppose and hate the present that are living, who are the nearest Imitators of their Doctrine and life that are on Earth! The name of Peter, and Paul, and Iohn they honour, and some of them keep Holy-days for them; and at the same time hate and reproach those that preach the same Doctrine, and that because they tread in their steps. They honour the names of Austin, and Chrysostom and Hierom, and other Ancients; and hate those that preach and live as they did. They speak honourably of the Martyrs that were burned to death for the Doctrine of Christ; and at the same time they hate us for doing as they did. What difference between the Calling, Doctrine and lives of those Martyred Ministers, and these that are now alive? O wretched Hypocrites! do you not know that these Apostles, Fathers, and other Ministers did suffer in their time from such as you, as we now do, and more? Hear what Christ saith to such as you, Mat. 23. 29, 30, 31. [Woe to you Scribes, Pharisees, Hypocrites; because ye build the Tombs of the Prophets, and garnish the Sepulchres of the Righteous, and say, If we had been in the days of our Fathers, we would not have been partakers with them in the blood of the Prophets: Ye are witnesses to your selves, that ye are the children of them which killed the Prophets: fill ye up then the measure of your Fathers: Ye Serpents, ye Generation of Vipers, how can ye escape the damnation of Hell?]

21. Moreover, these Malignants do harden themselves against the fresh…st of the Judgments of God, which some of their own hands have executed; and justifie the Presecutors, and succeed them in their fury. Have you forgotten what God hath done here against the Papal Enemies of the Gospel p. 468and Ministry, in 88. and the Powder-plot, and many other times? Have you already forgotten how the persecutors of a godly Ministry have sped within these sixteen years in England and Ireland? And dare you now stand up in their room and make your selves the heirs of their sin, and punishment, and justifie them in all their Malignity? What do you but justifie them, when you rave against and revile the same sort of Ministers, and many of the same persons, whom the former Malignants persecuted? and oppose the same sort of Ministers that the Papists burned? And would not you do the like by them if you had Power in your hands? Can any wise man doubt of it, Whether Papists, and Quakers, and Drunkards, that now make it their work to make the Ministry odious, would not soon dispatch them if they could? Blessed be the great Protector of the Church, for were it not for him, our lives would soon be a prey to your cruelty.

22. And indeed if these Malignants had their wills, they would undo themselves, and cut down the bough they stand upon, and destroy the little hope and help that is yet le…t for their miserable souls: It is for the sake of Gods servants among them that judgements are so long kept off them. And as long as the Gospel and Ministers remains, salvation is offered them: the voice of mercy is calling after them, Repent and live. They have the light shining in their eyes, which may at last convince them, as Paul was convinced of his persecution: the voice which they despise may possibly awake them. Though they have less hope then others; yet there is some, But if they had their will, and were rid of the Ministry, alas what would the forlorn wretches do? Then they might damn themselves without disturbance, and go quietly to hell, and no body stop them, and say, [Why do you so?

23. And I pray you consider what it is that these men would have? What if the Ministers were all cast out? would they have any to do Gods work in their stead, or none? If none, you may see what they are doing: If any, Who, and where are they? Is it not horrible Pride if all these silly souls do think that they can do it better themselves? And what else do Quakers and all these sects that are the enemies of the Ministry? Do they not go up and down the Land, and say to the wisest holyest Teachers, as if they took them by the sleeve, [Come down and let me preach that can do it better: Come down thou deceiver and ignorant man, and let me come up that am wiser, and better, and known more: Out with these proud Lordly Preachers, and let us be your Teachers, that are m…re holy, and humble, and self-denying then they.] Is not this the loud language of their actions? And can you not hear the Devil in these words of highest Pride and Arrogancy? But really Sirs, do you think that these men would teach you better? And is there enow that are wiser and better then we to fill up our rooms, if we were out? Do but prove that, and you shall have my consent to banish all the Ministers in England, to some place that hath greater need of their labour, that they may no more trouble you that have no need of them, and keep out better.

p. 46924. Lastly, consider on what sensless pretences all this enmity against the Ministry doth vent it self. You shall hear the worst that they have to say against us, (though but briefly) and then judge.

1. The Quakers say, We are idle drones that labour not, and therefore should not eat. Answ. The worst I wish you, is, that you had but my ease instead of your labour. I have reason to take my self for the least of Saints, and yet I fear not to tell the accuser, that I take the labour of most Tradesmen in the Town to be a pleasure to the body in comparison of mine; (though for the ends and the pleasure of my mind, I would not change it with the greatest Prince) Their labour preserveth health, and mine consumeth it: They work in ease, and I in continual pain: They have hours and dayes of recreation: I have scarce time to eat and drink: No body molesteth them for their labour; but the more I do, the more hatred and trouble I draw upon me. If a Quaker ask me, what all this labour is, let him come and see, or do as I do, and he shall know.

2. They accuse us of covetousness and oppression, because we take tithes or hire, (as they call it.) Answ. 1. Is it not malice or sacrilegious covetousness that frameth this accusation? Whose are the Tithes? are they ours or theirs? The same Law of the Land that makes the nine parts theirs, doth make the tenth ours. If we have no title to the tenth, they have none to the rest. We ask none of our people for a farthing. They give it not to us: It was never theirs. When they buy or take leases of their Land, it is only the nine parts that they pay for, and if the tenths were sold them, they should pay themselves a tenth part more. And would these men make all the people thieves and covetous, to take or desire that which never was their own? Nay would they have them rob God, to whom for his service the Tithes were devoted? Read, Mal. 3 8, 9, 10. Rom. 2. 22. Gen. 14. 20. Heb. 7. 6, 9. And whether Tithe it self be of Divine institution still, is more then they are able to disprove. Sure I am, when Christ told them of tithing mint and cummin, he saith, These ought you to have done, and not to leave the other undone, Mat. 23. 23. 2. But most certain I am that God hath made it our duty to meditate on his word, and give our selves wholly thereto, 1 Tim. 4. 15. and that we may [Forbear working, and not go on warfare at our own charge; and sowing to men spiritual things, should reap their carnal things: Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things, live of the things of the Temple; and they which wait at the Altar, are partakers with the Alter? Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the Gospel should live of the Gospel.] 1 Cor. 9. 6, 7, 13▪ 14. 3. And know you not that the primitive Christians gave not only the tenths, but all that they had, and laid it at the Apostoles feet? to shew that the Gospel teacheth more clearly then the Law, the necessity of Dedicating our selves and all that we have to God. 4. And yet I must say, that we are content with food and rayment. Most Minist in England would be glad to give you all their tithes, if you will▪ but allow them food and raim…t p. 470for themselves and families, and such education for their children as is fittest to make them serviceable to God. And I hope it is no sin to have mouths that must be fed, or backs that must be cloathed. What! must Gods Ministers above all others be grudged food and rayment, and that of the Lords portion, which none of you pay for? I fear not to imitate Paul stopping the mouths of malicious accusers, and to tell you, that the Ministers, whose expences I am acquainted with, do give 500. pence, for 50. that they receive by gift from their people: and that they take all that they have as Christs, and not their own, and if they have never so much they devote it wholly to him, and know he's not beholden to them for it: and some of them lay out in charitable uses, much more then all the tithes that they receive for their Ministerial maintenance. And if the Quakers that accuse them of covetousness, would cast up accounts with them, I doubt not but it will be found that they receive more by gift then Preachers, and give not the fourth part so much when they have done.

3. Another accusation is, that we preach false Doctrine, and deceive the people. Answ. It's easie to say so of any man in the world: But when they come to prove it, you will see who are the deceivers.

4. Another is, that we are persecutors, and like the Priests of old, and so all the reproofs of them and the Pharisees belong to us. Answ. This is soon said too: but where's the proof? For themselves we have no mind to be troubled with them. Let them let us alone, as long as we will let them alone. But yet they shall be taught one day to know, that if the Magistrate stop the mouths of such railers and abusers of God and men, he doth no more persecute them, then he persecuteth a thief when he hangeth him; or then Paul persecuted Hymenaeus and Philetus when he delivered them up to Satan; or Elymas, Acts 13. 11. or then Peter persecuted Ananias and Sapphira, Acts 5. or then God would have had the Churches be persecutors against the woman Iezebel that was suffered to teach and seduce the people, or against the Doctrine of the Nicolaitans which God hated, Rev. 2. 15, 20. If hindering sin, be persecuting, the calling of a Magistrate is to be a persecutor, Rom. 13. 4. and all parents m…st pesecute their own children.

5. Another accusation is, that we are against the preaching of any but our selves. Answ. Who doth not desire that all the Lords people were Prophets? But yet we know all are not Prophets, 1 Cor. 12 29. nor Teachers. We would have none of Gods gifts in our people buried, but all improved to the uttermost for his glory. But we would not have men turn Ordinary Teachers, that are neither sound, nor able, nor sent; nor every self-conceited ignorant man, have leave to abuse the name and word of God, and the souls of men. What would you have more then is granted you? When any unordained man that is judged competent by the Commissioners of Approbation (of whom some are Souldiers) may be a constant preacher, and have fullest maintenance, as well as Presbyters?

p. 4716. Another Charge is, that we are some weak, and some scandalous. Answ. We do all that we are able to cast out such; and I think never more was done. The Magistrate sets his Guard at the door, and lets in none but whom he please: and sure if he knew where to have better than those that are in, he would put them in, or else he is too blame: If he do not know, will you blame him for using the best that he can get? But if you will come and help us to cast out any that are vicious and unworthy, we will give you thanks.

7. Another Accusation is, that we differ among our selves, and one saith one thing, and another another thing. Answ. 1. And are all these Sects that oppose us better agreed among themselves? Enquire and judge. 2. Do not all preach one Gospel, and the same Essentials of the Christian Faith? And we expect not perfect Unity, till we have perfect Knowledge and Holiness; which we dare not boast of, whatever Quakers do.

8. Another Accusation is, that we are not true Ministers. And why so? Because we have not an uninterrupted succession of lawful Ordination. Answ. This Objection is the Papists, who have little reason to use it, while it is so easie a matter to prove so many interruptions of their Papal succession. At large and often have we answered them, and are still ready to deal with any of them herein, and to prove; 1. That an uninterrupted succession of right Ordination, is not of necessity to the being of the Ministry. 2. And if it were, we have more to shew for it than they. If others stick on this, let me tell them, that Magistracy is as truly from God as the Ministry: And let ever a King on Earth shew me an uninterrupted succession giving him Title to his Crown, and I will shew him a more undoubted succession or Title to my Ministry. But here's no room to discuss this Question.

9. Object. But you are Parish Priests, and no true Ministers, because you have not true Churches. Answ. All the Christians in our Parishes that consent are our Flock: And we undertake to prove the truth of such Churches, not only against scorn, but against all the Arguments that can be brought.

10. Object. But you have not the Spirit, and therefore are no true Ministers. Answ: And how prove you that we have not the Spirit? The approvers admit none but such as they think have the Spirit. He that is sanctified hath the Spirit: Prove us unsanctified, and we will resign our Office. Object. You read your Sermons out of a Paper; therefore you have not the Spirit. Answ. A strong Argument! I pray you take seven years time to prove the consequence. As wisely do the Quakers argue, that because we use Spectacles, or Hour-glasses, and Pulpits, we have not the Spirit. It is not want of your abilities that makes Ministers use Notes; but it's a regard to the work, and the good of the Hearers. I use Notes as much as any man, when I take pains; and as little as any man when I am lazy, or busie, and have not leisure to prepare. It's easier to us to preach three Sermons without Notes, than one with them. He is a simple Preacher that is not able to preach all day without preparation, if his strength would serve; especially if he preach at your …ates.

p. 47211. Object. But the true Ministry is persecuted; but so are not you, but are Persecutors of others. Answ. 1. For our persecuting others, be so merciful as to prove it to us, that we may lament it. If punishing wicked men and Seducers be persecuting, not only Paul was such, that wished they were cut off that troubled the Galatians; but God himself would be the greatest of all persecutors, that will lay you in Hell without repentance, and then you will wish your old persecution again. And if we be not persecuted, what means the reproaches of you and all the Drunkards and Malignants about us? But I pray you envy us not our lives and liberties, and a little breathing time. Do you not read that [The Churches had rest throughout all Judea, and Galilee, and Samaria, and were edified, and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied? Acts 9. 31.] Envy not a little prosperity to the Church. Doth not Paul pray that the Gospel may run and be glorified, and that we may be delivered from unreasonable wicked men, 2 Thes. 3. 1. Sometimes you can say that more glorious days are promised, and that the Saints shall rule the world. Unmerciful men! It is but a while ago since we had our share of sufferings! Since that the Sword hath hunted after us! Many of our Brethren are yet in America, that were driven thither: at this time in Spain, and Italy, and Germany, and Savoy: Alas, what do our Brethren suffer in the same Cause and Calling that we are in! And do you reproach us with our mercies, if we be out of the Furnace but a little while, in one corner of the world?

Object. 12. You work no Miracles to confirm your Doctrine. Answ. It is true; nor do we need: It is confirmed by Miracles long ago. If we brought a new Gospel, or as the Papists, gave you not our Doctrine on the credit of Scripture, but Scripture and all on our own credit, then you might justly call for Miracles to prove it: But not when we have nothing to do but expound and apply a Doctrine sealed by Miracles already.

Again, I say, Let any Prince on Earth that questions our Calling, shew his Title to his Crown, or any Iudge or Magistrate to his Office; and if I shew not as good a Title to mine, l…t me be taken for a Deceiver, and not a Minister.

Christian Reader, as ever thou wouldest be sanctified, confirmed, and saved, hold fast to Christ, Scripture, Ministry, and Spirit, and that in the Church and Communion of Saints, and abhor the thoughts of separating them from each other.

p. 465A second Sheet for the MINISTRY; Iustifying our Calling against Quakers, Seekers, and Papists, and all that deny us to be the Ministers of Christ.

THe corruption of the Romish Church being most in the Errours and Vices of the Priests, which made men abhor the offering of the Lord (1 Sam. 2. 17.) the reproach which they brought upon themselves, did much prepare men to hearken to the Reformers: The observing of this, and of the necessary dependance of the people on their Pastors, hath caused the Papists to bend their force against the Ministers of the Reformed Churches, and to use all their wit to defame their Persons and Callings, and make them seem ignorant, unworthy, or no Ministers to the people. On this Errand they send abroad their Agents; this is the saving Gospel that the Seekers, Quakers, and their Brethren preach; that the Scripture is not the Gospel, or Word of God, and that we are no true Ministers. Whatever Doctrine we are preaching, the Opposers work is to call us Deceivers, and ask, How we prove our selves true Ministers? My work therefore at this time, for the sake of the ignorant in our Assemblies, shall be, to acquaint them with our answer to this demand. And I shall give it you in order, in certain Propositions.

Prop. 1. Both in the Old and New Testament there is mention of two distinct sort of Ministers of Gods appointment. First, such as received some new Revelation… (either a Law, or a particular Message) immediately from God; so that the people could not be sure that their Doctrine was true, till they were sure that the men were sent of God. These were called Prophets in the Old Testament, and Apostles, Prophets, &c. in the New. So Moses received the Law from God; and the following Prophets their particular Messages. So the Apostles received the Gospel from Christ; and so did the Seventy, and other Disciples that conversed with him; and other Prophets and Evangelists had it by immediate inspiration. All these were necessarily by Miracles, or some Infallible Evidence to prove their own Call, before the Hearers could receive their Doctrine: for this was their Message; [The Lord hath commanded me to say thus or thus to you] or [The word which the Lord spake to me is thus or thus] This sort of Ministers the Papists and Seekers do confess.

But besides these, there is a second sort of true Ministers, whose Office is not to receive from God any new Doctrine, Law, or Message; but to proclaim the Laws already delivered, and teach men the Doctrine already revealed, and to oversee and govern the Churches of Christ according to his Laws, and to go before the people in the worship of God: The Prophets and Apostles did both these; both reveal the Doctrine which they received from Christ, and teach and guide the Church by it when they had done; but the latter sort of Ministers do but the latter sort of the work. The Papists and Seekers p. 474cheat men by jumbling all together, as if there were no Ministers of Gods appointment, but those of the former sort; and therefore they call for Miracles to prove our Ministry. Here therefore I shall first prove, that the second sort of Ministers are of Gods Institution. 2. That such need not prove their Calling by Miracles, though yet God may work Miracles by them if he please. 3. That we are true Ministers of Christ, of this sort.

1. Christ found such Ministers under the Law, that were to teach and rule by the Law before received, and not to receive new Laws or Massages, I mean the ordinary Priests and Levites, as distinguished from Prophets. These Priests were to keep the Law, and teach it the people, and the people were to seek it at their mouth, and by it they were to judge mens Causes: and also they were to stand between the people and God in publick worship, as is exprest, Deut: 31. 26. Iosh. 23. 6. Neh. 8. 1, 2, 3, 8, 18. & 9. 3. Levit. 1. & 2. & 4. & 5. & 7. & 13. & 14. throughout, Num. 5. & 6. Deut. 17. 12. Mal. 2. 7. Ier. 18 18. The Prophet had Visions; but the Priest had the Law, Ezek 7. 26. Isa. 8. 16, 20. Hag. 2. 11, 12. Num. 1. 50 1 Chron. 9. 26. & 16. 4. 2 Chron 19. 11. & 20. 19. & 30. 17, 22. He was called, A Teaching Priest, 2 Chron. 15. 3. Lev. 10. 10, 11. Deut. 24. 8. 2 Chron 17. 7▪ 9. Ezek. 44. 23. 2 Chron. 35. 3. And Christ himself sends the cleansed to the Priest, and commandeth them to hear the Pharises that sat in Moses Chair, though they were no Prophets: so that besides the Prophets that had their message immediately from God, there were Priests that were called the Ministers of the Lord, Joel 1. 9. 2. 17. and Levites that were not to bring new Revelations, but to teach, and rule, and worship him according to the old. For Moses of old time hath in every City them that preach him, being read in the Synagogues every Sabbath day, Acts 15. 21. The Iews rejected Christ because they knew him not; nor the voice of the Prophets which are read every Sabbath day, Acts 13. 27. And even unto this day, when Moses is read, the Vail is on their heart, 2 Cor. 3. 15. And they that would not believe Moses, and the Prophets (thus read and preached) neither will they be perswaded, though one rose from the dead, Luke 16. 29, 31.

2. And as Priests and Levites were distinct from Prophets before Christ, so Christ appointed besides the Apostles and Prophetical Revealers of his Gospel, a standing sort of Ministers, to 1. Teach, 2. Rule, 3. And worship according to the Gospel which the former had revealed, and attested, and proved to the world. These were called Overseers, or Bishops, Presbyters, or Elders, Pastors and Teachers; and also the Deacons were joyned to assist them, Acts 14 23. They ordained them Elders (not Prophets or Apostles) in every Church, Tit. 1. 5 Titus was to ordain Elders in every City: Timothy hath full direction for the ordaining of Bishops, or Elders and Deacons, 1 Tim 3.

That their work was not to bring new Doctrine, but to teach, rule, and worship according to that received, I now prove, 2 Tim. 2. 2. The things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also] Mark, that its the same, and not a new Doctrine; and that as heard from Paul among many witnesses, and not p. 475as received immediately from God: and others were thus to receive it down from Timothy. And v. 15. Study to shew thy self approved unto God, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.] It is not to bring new Truths, but rightly to divide the old. And 2 Tim. 1. 13. Hold fast the form of words which thou hast heard of me (not which thou hadst immediately from God) in faith and love which is in Christ Iesus; that good thing which was committed unto thee, keep, by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. The Holy Ghost is to help us in keeping that which is committed to us, and not to reveal more, 2 Tim 6. 13, 14. [I give thee charge in the sight of God, that thou keep this Commandment without spot, unrebukable, till the appearing of our Lord Iesus Christ. There was a form of Doctrine delivered to the Church of Rome, Rom. 6. 17. And 1 Tim. 5. 17. The Elders that rule well are worthy of double honour, especially they that labour in the Word and Doctrine. You see their work was to rule and labour in the Word and Doctrine, 1 Tim. 4. 13, 14, 15, 16. Till I come, give attendance to Reading, to Exhortation, to Doctrine; meditate upon these things: give thy self wholly to them, that thy profiting may appear to all: Take heed unto thy self, and unto the Doctrine: continue in them; for in doing this, thou shalt both save thy self and them that hear thee.] 1 Tim. 5. 6. [If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good Minister of Iesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith, and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained.] Mark here the description of a good Minister of Christ; one that's nourished up in the words of faith, and good doctrine, (which is the use of Schools and Universities) and having attained it, makes it his work to teach it, and put others in remembrance of it, Tit. 1. 7, 9, 10, 11. For a Bishop must be blameless, as the Steward of God—holding f…ast the faithful word as he hath been taught, (mark that) that he may be able by sound doctrine, both to exhort and convince the gainsayers: For there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers, whose mouths must be stopped, who subvert whole houses, teaching things which they ought not, &c.] So 1 Tim. 3. 1, 5. The Office of a Bishop is to rule and take care of the Church of God:] To take heed to themselves, and to all the Flock, and feed the Church of God; and to watch hereunto, according to the word of Gods grace, which is fully and wholly delivered by his Apostles, and is able to build us up, and give us an inheritance among the sanctified: as Act. 20. 28, 20, 27, 35, 32. 1 Thes. 5. 12, 13. We beseech you brethren to know them which labour among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you (this is their Office) and to esteem them very highly in love for their works sake (and not revile them as the servants of Satan do) and be at peace among your selves, Heb. 13. 7, 17, 24. Remember them which have the rule over you, which have spoken to you the word of God: Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit your selves, for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you. Salute all them that have the Rule over you: The Elders of the Church are to pray with, and for the sick Jam. 5. 14. They must feed the Flock of God among them, taking the oversight of it, 1 Pet. 5. 1, 2. Thus you see their Office and work.

p. 4682. And that they were not to bring any new Doctrine, further appears, in that they have a charge to Preach no other doctrine, 1 Tim. 1. 3. Nor to be tossed as children with every wind of doctrine, Eph. 4. 14. Nor carried about with divers and strange doctrines, Heb. 13. 9.

3. Yea, if any man bring not the doctrine of Christ, we must not receive him into our houses, or bid him God speed, lest we be partakers of his evil deeds, for he that abideth not in this doctrine hath not God, 2 John 9. 10, 11. Gal. 1. 8. 9. [Though we or an Angel from heaven, preach any other Gospel to you, then that which we have preached unto you, let him be accursed. As we said before, so say I now again: If any man preach any other Gospel to you then that ye have received, let him be accursed.] And Rom. 16. 17, 18. Now I beseech you Brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences, contrary to the Doctrine which ye have learned, and avoid them] 1 Tim. 6. 3. If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholsome words, the words of our Lord Iesus Christ, and to the Doctrine which is according to Godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but doating.—]

4. And if all Ministers must be receivers of new Doctrines, the Church would never know when it hath all, but would be still obeying an imperfect Law. 5. And it would be an oppression to the Church instead of a Direction, to be so overwhelmed with new Doctrines and Precepts. 6. And it would accuse Christ, the Lawgiver, of such mutability, as wise Princes are not guilty of; to be still changing or adding to his Laws. 7. There was great occasion for the New Testament or Gospel, upon the great work of our Redemption: but there is no such cause for alterations since. 8. The Priests before Christ were not to receive new Laws, as is said. 9. The Companions of the Apostles that wrought Miracles, had not all new Revelations; but did it to seal up this Gospel. 10. What need we more then actual experience, that God doth not give New Revelations to the world, and none since the Scripture times, have sealed any other by Miracles.

And thus I have proved to you the two sorts of Ministers: as Paul plainly distinguisheth them, 1 Cor. 3. 10, 11, 12. Eph 2. 20. There are Planters and Waterers, Master builders that lay the foundation, and others that build thereon: Other foundation can no man lay then that which is laid: but every man that buildeth hay or stuble and loseth his work, doth not nullifie the Ministry. We are built on the foundation of the Apostles and Prophets, Iesus Christ being the head corner-stone: but we are not built on the foundation of every Pastor, Teacher, Elder, Bishop or Deacon: Though both in their places (Apostles, Prophets, Evangelists, Pastors and Teachers) are given for the perfecting of the Saints, for the work of the Ministry, for the Edifying of the body of Christ, Eph. 4. 11, 12. That we might be one united Body, having one fixed standing doctrine, ver. 14, 15, 16. And how shall we escape if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him: (mark whence the Church receiveth it) God also bearing them witness (but not every Elder or Teacher) both with signs and wonders, and with divers Miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost according to his own will, Heb. 2. 3, 4.

p. 469Prop. 2. And now that these later Ministers need not prove their calling by Miracles, I prove thus: 1. God never imposed such a task upon them, nor commanded the people to require such a proof, and not to believe any but worker of Miracles. 2. God gave not all the gift of Miracles, that were employed in his work even in the Apostles daies: Are all workers of Miracles? saith Paul; some had by the Spirit, the word of wisedom, and of knowledge, and others Tongues, and others Interpretation, and others Miracles, 1 Cor. 12 29, 7, 8, 9, 10. 3. They that have the Holy Ghost are owned by Christ; and so have many without working Miracles. See Rom. 8. 9. 1 Cor. 12. 3. Gal. 5. 18, 22, 23, 24. 1 Cor. 6. 11. Eph. 3. 16. & 5. 9, 18. 1 Pet. 1. 2, 22. Rom. 15. 13, 16. Tit. 3. 5. 4. The Law of Moses was kept and taught by Priests and Levites that wrought not Miracles. 5. If the Laws of all Nations may be kept without Miracles, so may the Laws of Christ. 6. If humane writings are kept without Miracles, (as Homer, Virgil, Ovid, Cicero, Livy, &c.) so may the Laws of God much more, as being the daily subject of the belief, meditation, conference, preaching, controversies, devotions of Christians through the world, and translated into so many Tongues. 7. There is nothing in the Nature of the thing that requireth ordinary Miracles. Cannot men sufficiently prove without Miracles, that there have been such men as Caesar, Pompey, Aristotle, or which be Calvins or Bellarmines writings, &c. Much more evidently may they prove what doctrine is essential to Christianity, and the Scripture that contains the whole. 8. Else Parents could not teach their children, nor bring them up in the Nurture and admonition of the Lord, Eph. 6. 4. Nor teach them with Timothy, from a child to know the Scriptures, which are able to make men wise to salvation through faith in Christ, 2. Tim. 3. 15. Must no Parents teach their Children to know Christ, but such as can work Miracles? 9. The Doctrine which we preach is fully confirmed by Miracles already, by Christ and his Apostles: There needs no greater then Christs own Resurrection, nor more then were done; which Universal unquestionable History and Tradition hath brought down to our hands. 10. It is a ridiculous expectation, that every person should see the Miracles before they do believe. Then if Christ had done Miracles before all Ierusalem, save one man, that one man should not be bound to believe: Or if I could do miracles in this Town or Country, none must believe me ever the more but those that see it. And so you may as well say, I should not believe that there is any Sea or Land, City or Kingdom, France, Spain, Rome, &c. but what I see. Are these men worthy to be talkt with? that believe no body, and confess themselves such Lyars that they would have no body believe them. It was not all that saw Christs Miracles or Resurrection, or the Apostles miracles! It seems the rest were not bound to be Christians? Even as Clem: Writer told me, that no man is bound to believe that Christ did Rise again, or the rest of Christianity, that seeth not Miracles himself to prove it: adding withall, that indeed Antichrist may do Miracles; and so it seems for all the talk, miracles themselves would not serve if they saw them. 11. Is it not to put a scorn on God Almighty, to lay that the Glory of all his most miraculous p. 478works should be buried to all that saw them not; and that Parents should not tell them to their Children, or Children should not believe them if they do? 12. Its injurious to Posterity, that the knowledge of the most wonderful works of God shall be only for the good of them that see them, and that all ages after shall be never the better. 13. It tends to make men mad and as Ideots, that must know and believe no more then they see: what kind of folks must these be, that know not that there is either Prince or Parliament, City or Countrey, or any folks in the world but those they have seen? This will stand with trading, converse, Subjection, Societies; and its doubtful whether such are capable of managing estates; or should not be put under others as Ideots? 14. Children cannot learn to read nor speak without some kind of belief of them that teach them: nor can they obey their parents nor learn any trade, nor obey Physitians: so that this conceit of incredulity is against the Nature, livelihood, and life of man. 15. And they would tie God to be at the beck of every unreasonable Infidel; that shall say, [Though all the Town have seen thy Miracles, yet I will see my self, or else I will not believe.] 16. They expect that God should overturn the course of Nature: for if Miracles be as ordinary as the operations of Nature, they are confounded. 17. And by this they would cross themselves, and make Miracles uneffectual: For if they were ordinary; few would be moved by them as any proof of a Divine Testimony: were it as ordinary for the Sun to go backward as forward, who would take it for a Miracle? To this Clem: Writer answers me, that [Miracles were convincing in the first Age when they were common] Answ. How common? Not as natural operations: Nor so as for all Countreys or persons to see them; 500 saw Christ at once after his Resurrection: 5000. were once miraculously fed: but as this was not every days work, so what was this to others? And in that it was but for an age, and rarely in after ages, shews that they were not for every mans eyes. 18. What need we more proof then actual experience, that God doth not often now work miracles! And he that saith the Gospel, and Christian faith, and Church, and Ministry are therefore ceased, its like will not take it ill to be taken himself for an Heathen or Infidel. 19. And we have experience of millions that still do actually and stedfastly believe in Christ without Miracles: and many have laid down their lives on that belief: therefore without miracles men may believe. But to this Clem: Writer saith to me, [These believers of all sorts condemn each other as Hereticks.] Answ. But not as Infidels. None but the ignorant or passionate condemn all other sorts as Hereticks. The sober do not. And it is not enough to prove you a bastard, if an angry Brother call you so. 20. Because this sheet alloweth me not room, I intreat the Reader to peruse these Texts, which tell him aloud that the word and works of God must be believed by Tradition, though without Miracles, Exod. 10. 1, 2. & 12. 14, 17, 26, 27, 42. Deut. 11. 2. to the 22. & 29. 22. to 28. Iosh. 4. 6, 7. & 22. 24. to 32. Psalm. 48. 13. & 78. 1. to 9. & 102. 18. & 145. 4. & 89. 1. Ioel. 1. 2, 3, 4. Acts 1. 8. & 2. 32. & 5. 30, 31, 32. & 10. 38. to 42. & 13. p. 47930, 31. & 1. 22. & 4. 33. & 22. 15. & 26. 16. & 23. 11. 2 Tim. 2. 2. Iohn 20. 29. & 19. 35. & 15. 27. & 12. 17. & 5. 33. & 1. 15, 32, 34 Luke 4. 22. 1 Pet. 5. 1. And that you would read my Determination of this very Question in my Book against Infidelity: I proceed to the next.

Proposition 3. This ordinary Ministry for teaching, ruling, and publick worship, was ordained by Christ to continue till his coming, and doth yet continue, and did not cease when the extraordinary Ministry ceased. I prove it, Matth. 16. 18. VponUpon this Rock will I build my Church, and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.] The Church never did nor can subsist without its Officers, who are an Essential part of it, as it is a Political Body, and the first and most eminent part, as it is a Community. And therefore if the Ministry be extinct, the Gates of Hell have prevailed against the Church: And then Christ is overcome, or hath broke his promise; and then he were not Christ: So that if Christ be Christ, the Church and Ministry continue. So Luke 1. 33. He shall reign over the House of Jacob for ever, and of his Kingdome there shall be no end, Isa. 9. 6, 7. Of the encrease of his government and peace there shall be no end, Psalm 145. 13. Thy Kingdome is an everlasting Kingdome, and thy Dominion endureth throughout all Generations. Christ ruleth by his Officers in his Church; if Church or Ministry had an end, his Kingdome had an end, and he reigned not for ever, Matth. 28 20. Loe, I am with you alway, even to the end of the world. To this express promise, Clem. Writer hath no wiser an answer, but that, [it is conditional. If they teach men to observe all things that Christ hath commanded, then he will be with them, else not.] Repl. This is your forgery: here is no such words, but an absolute promise. His being with them, is to support and help them in his work: And will you feign Christ to promise them help on condition they do it without? The further Cavils against this Text and others, the London Ministers in their Vindication have answered at large, Eph. 4. 11, 12, 13. The Past…rs and Teachers are given to the Church for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ, till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God to a perfect man, &c.] Extraordinary and ordinary Officers are here conjoyned, who between them are to perfect the building, the first laying the foundation, and the others building thereon, 1 Tim. 6. 13, 14. I give thee charge in the sight of God— that thou keep this Commandment without spot, unrebukable, unto the appearing of our Lord Iesus Christ] which must needs extend to his Successors. The faithful and wise Stewards that give the children their meat in due season, will be found so doing by the Lord at his coming, Luke 12. 42, 43. And it is not till the last day that Christ will give up the Kingdome to the Father, 1 Cor. 15. 25. 2. The Apostles actually setled an ordinary Ministry in their time, as is proved. 3. There are Commands for setling Successors of these, as 2 Tim. 2. 2. Tit. 1. 5. as is proved. 4. These Ministers are described, and the way of their Ordination setled by Canons, 1 Tim. 3. Tit. 1. 5. We had the several Angels of the Churches in their places, Revel. 2. & 3. and promises to some of them for the future, with a Command [Hold fast till I come, 2. 23.] and p. 4723. 10. [I will keep thee from the hour of temptation which shall come on all the world: Behold, I come quickly.] 6. Christ hath commanded the Ministerial work to continue to the end: As the Preaching of the Word must be to all Nations, and every Creature, Matth. 28. 19. Mark 16. 15. And these most cruel men would have all the Preachers give over their work, and leave the world to perish in Infidelity. So for the assembling of our selves together, and exhorting one another, we are commanded not to forsake it, as is the manner of some; and so much the more, as we see the day approaching, Heb. 10. 23, 24, 25. So that the nearer we are to Christs coming, the closer must we stick to Church-Communion, and holy Assemblies; considering, that its but a little while, and he that comes will come, and shall not tarry, ver. 37. God doth on purpose forbear his coming, because he is long-suffering, and will continue the means to call men to repentance, and then the day of the Lord will come suddenly, 2 Pet. 3. 9, 10. [The Word of the Lord endureth for ever: and this is the word which by the Gospel is preached to you, 1 Pet. 1. 25. The Lords Supper is Instituted to be used to shew the Lords death till he come, 1 Cor. 11. 26. Church-government or Discipline is a fixed Ordinance, Mat. 18. 15, 16, 17. And if the work continue, the workmen must continue. 7. The mercy of God, and the Efficacy of Christs Blood, and the necessities of the Church continue: we still need a Teaching Ministry, Heb. 5. 11. and for our need it is Instituted till the Church be perfect, that we be not as children toss'd up and down, Eph. 4. 13, 14. What enemies to us, and to the love and mercy of God are they that would perswade men, that he so quickly withdrew so great a mercy, when the gifts and calling of God are without repentance? 8. The Law and its Priesthood was not removed but by the glory of a better Law and Ministry: And Christ is the Mediator of a better Covenant and Promises, Heb. 7. 22. & 8. 7, 8. Therefore he will not deal so much worse. 9. Christ telleth us that a wise man will consider whether he can go through with it, before he build or make War: Therefore he would not himself begin to build his Church, and enter himself the Captain of our Salvation, and presently let his Enterprize fall. 10. If the Ministry continue not, then the Church continueth not; for as the Head, Liver, and Stomack, or Lungs are to the Body, so is the Ministry to the Church, 1 Cor. 12. 13, 19, 20, 28, 29. They plant and water it, 1 Cor. 3. 6. and build it, ver. 10. For how shall we believe on him of whom we have not heard? and how shall we hear without a Preacher? and hew shall they preach unless they be sent? Rom. 10. 14. But the Church doth continue: for first, else Christ were no longer the Head of it, the King, Prophet, or Priest, and so not Christ: But he is a Priest for ever, abiding continually: he continueth ever, and hath an unchangeable Priesthood; he ever liveth to make intercession for those that come to God by him, Heb. 7. 3. 22, 24, 25. 2. Those that deny the Church, must needs deny themselves Christians and Members of that Church. 3. There is no Salvation promised but to the Church, Eph. 5. 23, 25, 26, 27. Mark 16. 16. 4. Blindness is on the Jews but till the fulness of the Gentiles be come in, and so all Israel shall be saved: Therefore it is most evident that the Gentile Church shall not cease p. 481till the fulness have prepared for the re-ingraffing of the Iews, Rom. 11. 25, 26. 5. It is an everlasting Kingdome, which cannot be moved, and the City of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, whereof even the Angels and perfected Spirits of the Iust are a part, to which we come by Faith: therefore it ceaseth not, Heb. 12. 22, 23, 28. 6. When that which is perfect is come, then that which is in part shall be done away, 1 Cor. 13. 10. but not before. 7. If nothing can separate us from the love of God, no not any distress or tribulation, then are not all the Ministers and Church cut off, Rom. 8. 34. to 39. Yea, those that in all Ages suffer for his sake, are not cut off from him; but so many faithful Ministers do. 8. But what should I say any more against that Assertion which carrieth stark Heathenism or Infidelity in its Forehead, reproaching Christ as no Christ, and teaching men that they are not bound to be Christians, and believe the Gospel, and perswading the world to despise Christs Messengers and Ordinances; and Ministers to cast off their Masters work; which in two words is, to turn Infidels, or Apostates. I must refer you for my fuller answer to such men, to my Book against Infidelity.

Prop. 4. God hath in his Law appointed a standing way for the calling of these ordinary Teaching, Ruling, worshipping Ministers, in all Ages; and doth himself call them in this way. 1. He instituteth the Office. 2. He commandeth that fit persons be ordained to this Office. 3. He describeth them by their necessary Qualifications. All this is at large, 1 Tim. 3. Tit. 1. Act. 20. 1 Pet. 5. &c. This is his work by his standing Law: By which also he commandeth the people to chuse, consent to, or accept the fit, and to hear and obey them, Act. 14. 23. 2 Thes. 5. 12. Act. 6. 3, 5. Heb. 13. 7, 17. And then by Providence, 1. He giveth them those gifts of the Spirit that may competently qualifie them for their Office. 2. He assisteth the Chusers and Ordainers to discern those Qualifications, and do their duties. 3. He causeth some special fitness of a Minister to the special Province or Charge which he is to undertake, and special inviting occasions and opportunities, and ofttimes causeth Necessity to make the choice. 4. He boweth the heart of the person called to consent, and usually to desire the work (for the right ends.) 5. And if he be called to be the Pastor of a particular Church, he moveth the people to consent or accept him. And thus God according to his appointed Order doth call his Ministers: Besides which, he afterward 1. Helps them in his work: 2. And procureth them liberty, and often furtherance from Christian Magistrates. 3. And giveth them success.

Proposition 5. The faithful Pastors of the Reformed Churches, are these ordinary Ministers of Christ, approved by him, and given in great mercy to his people, who are bound to know▪ honour, and obey them in the Lord.

I exclude not all others, but I now prove that these are true Ministers. Argument 1. They that have all that is essential to true Ministers are true Ministers: But such are these Pastors of the Reformed Churches; as I prove thus: If the Office it self be of Gods Institution, and their Qualifications competent, and their entrance right in every point of flat Necessity, then they p. 482have all that is essential to true Ministers: But the former is true, as I shall prove in the three several parts. 1. That the Office it self is of Gods appointment, is proved fully before, and confessed by all Christians that ever I knew, Acts 14. 23. 1 Tim. 3. Tit. 1. 1 Pet. 5. 1, 2. 1 Thes. 5. 12. Heb. 13. 7, 17, 24. Acts 20. 28. 2. For Qualifications, they have 1. competent Knowledge, 2. and Vtterance, 3. and Godliness: and these are the Qualifications that God accepteth. 1 Cor. 12. 8. 1 Tim. 2. 15. 1 Tim. 5. 17. Mark the Canons of the Holy Ghost, 2 Tim. 2. 2. They must be 1. Faithful men, 2. Able to teach others: But such are those in question, 1 Tim. 3. A Bishop must be blameless (that is, not scandalous) the husband of one Wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach, not given to Wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre, but patient, not a brawler, not covetous, one that ruleth well his own house having his children in subjection, with all gravity.] To which is added, Tit. 1. 8, 9. A lover of good men, sober, just, holy temperate, holding fast the faithful word as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound Doctrine both to exhort, and to convince the gain-sayers.] Let all here note: 1. That here is not only the mention of the Vertues necessary to the Being, but to the well-being also of a Minister: 2. And yet through the great mercy of God, all these are the qualifications of multitudes of the Pastors of the Reformed Churches, as malice it self must be forced to confess: But if any deny it of any particular men, as that is nothing to the rest; so an unproved accusation is not by honest men to be believed. The world knows that the Act for rejecting scandalous, insufficient, negligent Ministers is very strict, and Commissioners in each County forward to execute it, and Ministers have enemies enough to search out their faults, and yet none are more forward than Ministers themselves to have the Act put in execution; so that their standing justifies them before the world: Or, if any will yet deny them the necessary Qualifications, I here challenge and provoke them to accuse all that are guilty, and cast them out; or else to confess themselves meer slanderers, and back-biters, and learn more truth and modesty hereafter. 3. And for the third point, their entrance into the Office: They have all that God hath made necessary to a just entrance, as I prove: They that have a true Ordination, and the Peoples consent, and the Magistrates allowance, have all that God hath made necessary to a just entrance, and more than all: But the said Pastors of the Reformed Churches have true Ordination, and the Peoples consent, and the Magistrates allowance: That they have true Ordination, I shall shew anone in answering all that can be said against it. The Peoples consent, by Electing, or Accepting, is known by the fact; and so is the Magistrates by Law and fact: I put in all this, though more than necessary, that all Objections may be satisfied at once: So that the Enumerations being unquestionable, the Conclusion is so to. In short; All those are true Ministers, that are in an Office of Gods own Institution, and are competently fitted for that Office by Knowledge, Godliness, and Vtterance, and have all, and more than all that God hath made necessary to a right entrance or admission, even true Ordination, consent of the Flock, and the Magistrates allowance. But such are the said Pastors of the Reformed Churches, therefore they are true Ministers of Christ.

p. 483Argument 2. Those that have not only the Essentials, but excel all other Ministers on Earth (that are known to the world) are certainly the true Ministers of Christ. But such are the Ministers before-mentioned of the Reformed Churches; Ergo. This will be proved at once with the next, which is,

Argument 3. Either these Pastors of the Reformed Churches are the true Ministers of Christ, or else there are none such visible in the world: But there are such visibly and certainly in the world, as was proved; else there is no Church, no Ordinances, no Christianity, no Christ: For he can be no King without Subjects and Laws; no Master without a School and Scholars; no Physitian without Patients; no Husband without his Spouse; no Head without a Body; no Intercessor without a Church to intercede for. And to believe the holy Catholick Church, and the Communion of Saints, is part of our Belief; and therefore the Christian Faith is gone, if these be gone: And that either we, or None are Christs true Ministers, I prove thus: 1. We challenge the Adversary to name us the true Church and Ministry; if these be none of them, where be they, and who are they? speak out, or give up your wicked Cause. If you know not who they be, or where, then how know you that there are any such? True Ministers are like a light that shineth to all the house, even the lights of the world, and like a City on a Hill that cannot be hid, Mat. 5. 14, 15, 16. 2. But let us try the particulars: 1. The Seekers have no Church or Ministry. 2. The Quakers have no Ordination, that we know of, and are every way so unworthy, and had no being in the world till a few years ago, that he is either no Christian, or of a crazed brain, that thinks Christ hath no Church or Ministry but them. 3. The Anabaptists, Socinians, Swenlfeldians, Familists, Paracelsians, Weigelians, and such like, have no more to shew for their Ministry and Churches than we, but their Errours; and are so few, and so lately sprung up, that of them also I may say, that he that takes them for the only Church, or Ministers, is either out of the Faith, or much out of his wits. 4. The Eastern and Southern Churches have no more to shew for their Ministry and Churches than we; but are incomparably more ignorant, and erroneous: few of them doing more than read their Liturgies and Homilies, and so administer the Sacraments. 5. All the Controversie therefore lieth between us and the Papists; either they are true Ministers, and a Church, or not; if not, then its left to us: if they are, then we are so much more; for we have much more unquestionable Evidence of our Title. 1. The Office of a Teaching, Guiding, worshipping Presbyter which we are in, is beyond all question, and yielded by themselves to be of Divine Institution. But the office of a Mass-Priest, to make a God of a piece of Bread, and turn Bread into Flesh, so that there shall be quantity, colour, taste, &c. without bread, or any subject; and a mans eyes, taste, or feeling, shall not know that its bread or wine, when we see, taste, and feel it; as also to celebrate publick worship in an unknown tongue; this office is more questionable than ours. 2. It remaineth a great doubt, whether the Pope be not the Antichrist: but of our Ministry there's no such doubt. 3. For Knowledge, Godliness and Utterance, and all true Ministerial abilities, p. 484as its well known what an ignorant Rabble their common secular Mass Priests are; so those Military Fryars and Jesuites that are chosen of purpose to play their Game among us, and credit their Cause, if they have any relicks of truth or modesty, will confess, that the generality of our Ministers are much beyond theirs for Parts and Piety; or at least, that we cannot be denied to be true Ministers for want of necessary abilities: We should rejoyce if their Ministers, Priests or Jesuites were near of such Piety as those of the Reformed Churches. Some of their Jesuites and Fryars are learned men; in which also we have those that equal the best of them: but for the learning, ability, or Piety of the common Ministers on both sides, there is no comparison to be made. 4. All the question then is of the way of entrance: And there 1. The Papists seek not the Peoples consent so much as we do. 2. They despise the Magistrates consent, in comparison of us. 3. And for Ordination, which is it that all the stress must be laid on, we have it, and nearer the Rule of God than they. Are they ordained with Fasting, Prayer, and Imposition of Hands? so are we. Must it be by one of a Superiour Order? Who then shall Ordain or Consecrate the Pope? And yet a multitude of our Ministers are ordained by Bishops, if that be necessary: But the great Objection is, that we have not an uninterrupted succession from the Apostles, and so those that ordained us had no power; and therefore could not give it to us.

Proposition 6. The want of an uninterrupted succession; and so of Power in the Ordainers, doth not disable our Title to the Ministry, or set us in a worse condition than the Papists. For if it be only the succession of possession of the Office, there is no man of brains can deny, but we have an uninterrupted succession down from the Apostles. But if it be a succession of Right Ordination that is questioned, 1. The Papists have none such themselves. 2. We have more of it than they. 3. It is not necessary that this be uninterrupted. All these I prove: 1. The Popes themselves, from whom their power flows, have been Hereticks, denied the Immortality of the Soul, Whoremongers, Sodomites, Simonists, Murderers; so that for many of them successively, the Papists confess they were Apostatical, and not Apostolical. See in their own Writers the Lives of Sylvest. 2. Alexand, 3. & 6. Iohn 13. & 22. & 23. Greg. 7. Vrban 7. and abundance more, Ioh. 13. was proved in Council to have ravished Maids and Wives at the Apostolick doors, murdered many, drunk to the Devil, askt help at Dice of Iupiter and Venus, and was kill'd in the act of Adultery. Read the proofs in my Book against Popery, pag. 269, 270, 255, 101. The Council at Pisa deposed two Popes at once, called them Hereticks departed from the Faith. The Council at Constance deposed Ioh. 23. as holding that there was no Eternal Life, Immortality of the Soul▪ or Resurrection: The Council at Basil deposed Eugenius 4. as a Simonist and perjured wretch, a Schismatick, and obstinate Heretick. Now these men are uncapable of the Ministry, as an Infidel is, for want of Essential Qualifications: As Copper is no currant Coyn, though the stamp of the Prince against his will be put upon it: Undisposed matter cannot receive the form: A fit p. 485man unordained is nearer the Ministry, than such a man ordained: So that here was a Nullity. 2. And all the following Popes were the Successors of Eugenius that was deposed, and thus judged by a General Council; but by force brought them to submit, and held the place. 3. Either the Election, Ordination, or both, is it that giveth them the Essence of their Papacy: If Election, then there hath been a long interruption: for some-while the People chose, and in other Ages the Emperours chose, and in these times the Cardinals; and therefore some of them had no lawful choice: And for Ordination, or Consecration; 1. There have been three or four Popes at once, and all were Consecrated, that yet are now confessed to have been no true Popes. 2. Inferiours only Consecrated. 3. And such as had no power themselves. Besides that, the See hath been very many years vacant, and some score years the Pope hath been at Avignion, and had but the name of P. of Rome. And when three or four have been Pope at once, Bellarmine confesseth, learned men knew not which was the Right, yea, General Councils knew not. The Council at Basil thought Faelix the fifth was the right Pope, but it proved otherwise; so that many palpable Intercisions have been made at Rome.

2. Our Ordination hath been less interrupted than theirs.

Object. But you are not ordained by Bishops. Answ. 1. Almost all in England are till of late, if that will serve. 2. Presbyters may ordain in case of necessity, as the generality of the Old Episcopal men grant, and their Ordination is not null. 3. Presbyters have power to Ordain, and were restrained only from the exercise by humane Laws, as many of the Schoolmen confess. 4. Presbyters have still ordained with the Bishop; therefore they had Authority to it, and the work is not Alien to their Function. 5. Our Parish Presbyters are Bishops, having some of them Assistants, and Deacons under them; or as Grotius notes, at least they are so, as being the chief Guides of that Church: Their own Rule is, that every City should have a Bishop; and every Corporation is truly a City, foreign, and therefore must have a Bishop. 6. The Ius Divinum of Prelacy is lis subjudice. 7. Bishop Vsher maintaining to me the validity of the Ordination of the Presbyters without a Bishop, told me how he answered King C. who askt him for an instance in Church-History, viz. That Hierom ad Evag. tells us of more; that the Presbyters of Alexandria, till the days of Heroclas and Dionysius, took one from among themselves, and made him Bishop; therefore they may make a Presbyter, which is less. 8. Its at last confessed, that in Scripture-times there were no Presbyters under Bishops, but the single Churches had single Pastors. 9. No man can prove Ordination by fixed Bishops over many Churches (now called Diocesan) in the first Age: The fixed Bishops had no more at first but single Churches. Object. But you never received power from the Bishop to ordain; and therefore cannot have that which was never given your Answ. If they put men into that Office, to which God hath affixed the power of Ordination, then they do their part to convey the power. As if you marry a couple, and express not the mans authority over the woman, yet he hath it p. 486nevertheless by being made her Husband. So he that is made a Pastor in City or Country, may do the work of a Pastor, though each particular was not named.

Proposition 7. Ordination is ordinarily necessary as a means of our right entrance, but not absolutely necessary to the Being of our Office or Power. For 1. God having already setled the Office, Duty, and Power, and what Qualifications shall be necessary, and giving these Qualifications to men, he hath left nothing to man but mutual consent, and to judge of the person qualified, and solemnly introduce him. 2. God hath not tyed himself or us absolutely to the judgment of Ordainers. If a Bishop ordain a Heathen, or any man void of Essential Qualifications, its null, as being against a flat Command of God: And if Bishops refuse to ordain us Pastors, the people must take them without; because the Command of Preaching, Hearing, Sacraments, &c. is greater than that of Ordination, and before it. Positives yield to Natural Morals, and matters of Order to the substance and end of the Duty ordered. See my Christian Concord, pag. 82, 83, 84. 3. Ordination is no more necessary to the Ministry, than Baptism to Christianity: As those that are first Princes by Title must be Crowned, and those that are Souldiers by Contract, must be listed, and take Colours, and those that are Husband and Wife by Contract, must be solemnly Married, which are celebrating, perfecting actions; so they that are first heart-Christians by believing, or by Parents dedicating them to God, must be solemnly entred under the hand of the Minister: And those that are by approbation and consent initially Ministers, must by solemnization have the Office publickly delivered them by the Ministers of Christ. So that as a man is a Christian indeed before Baptism initially, and is justified initially before, and in case of necessity may be saved without it (the Papists confessing that the Vow will serve) so is it in the case of Ordination to the Ministry.

Proposition 8. It is only Christ, and not the Ordainers, People or Magistrates, that give us our Office and Power: Only the people and approvers design the person which shall receive it from Christ; and our own consent, and the peoples, is of necessity thereto (and our own as much as theirs) and the Ordainers do instrumentally invest us in it; but the Power and Duty arise directly from Gods Institution, when the person is designed. Now I proceed to prove our Calling.

Argument 4. We have a far clearer Call than the Priests before Christ had to the Priesthood: For they were not of the true Line; they bought the Priesthood; they corrupted Doctrine and worship, and were of wicked lives. And yet Christ commanded submission to their Ministry: Ergo.

Argument 5. If we have as clear a Call to our Office as any Magistrates on Earth have to theirs, then we are true Ministers of Christ: For they are true Magistrates; and God is the Fountain of their Power too; and its impossible they should have any but from him: Or from him but by his means: Officers have no power but from the Soveraign. The Prince was at first chosen by God immediately, as well as the Apostles were by Christ, yet no p. 487Prince can plead an uninterrupted succession thence; and if they may Reign without it, we may be Pastors without it: and yet I cannot say that we are without it, though Princes be. Kings were formerly anointed by inspired Prophets, and were Prophets themselves: And as the continuance of this is not necessary to them, so neither to us. The differences between their power and ours, makes nothing against this Argument: If Conquest, or the peoples consent, or Birth, or directing Providences can prove their Title, then Consent, Ordination, Providence, with due Qualifications, will sure prove ours: were it not for fear, they should soon hear the Arguments more set home against themselves, that are now bent against the Ministers.

Argument 6. If besides all this God own us by such a blessing on our labours, that he maketh us the means of propagating and continuing his Gospel and Church, and brings most of his chosen to Vnion with Christ, Reconciliation, Holiness, and to Heaven by our Ministry, then certainly we are his true Ministers: But experience assureth us of the former: therefore—so much for Argument.

Proposition 9. If a Minister be in quiet possession of the place, and fit for it, the people are bound to obey him as a Minister, without knowing that he was justly ordained or called. Argum. 1. We must obey a Magistrate without assurance of his Call and Title, Rom. 13. therefore a Minister. 2. Christ commanded hearing and obeying them that were not called as God appointed, because they were Priests, or sat in Moses Chair, and taught the truth, Luke 16. 29. Matth. 23. 2. Luke 5. 14. Matth. 8. 4. Mark 1. 44. 3. Else the people are put upon impossibilities: Can all the poor people tell before they submit to a Minister, what is Essential to his Call, and whether he have all that is so, and whether his Orders be true or forged, and whether they that ordained him were truly ordained, or chosen themselves: Not one of twenty thousand knows all this by their Pastors.

Proposition 10. The Ordinances are valid to the people when the Minister is uncalled and unordained, if they know it not: He that hath no just Call, shall answer for what he doth as an Intruder; but the people shall have for all that the fruit of his Ministration; and Preaching, and Baptism, and other acts, shall not be null to them. 1. The Papists themselves confess this. 2. Else scarce a man could tell whether he be baptized, or may use any Ordinance, because he cannot have an exact account of the Ministers Call, no nor know that he is indeed a Christian. I knew divers in the Bishops days that forged themselves Orders, and acted long before it was discovered. 3. It is the Office which is Gods Ordinance that is blest, and valid to the people, and not his Call only. 4. It is he that sinneth that must suffer, and not the Innocent; therefore his sin depriveth them not of their due. 5. As an usurping Magistrate oweth us protection, though he shall answer for his Usurpation; so an usurping Minister oweth us his labour; so that the people are bound to hear and obey men, when they are uncertain of their due Call, if they possess the place; and shall have the blessing of such Administrations: For we are sure the Office and work is of God.

Proposition 11. The truth of our Doctrine depends not on our Calling. Were p. 488we no Ministers, we can prove the Gospel true which we deliver. And any man must be believed, that brings a truth that concerneth our peace. Therefore let Quakers, and Seekers, and Papists first disprove our Doctrine if they can; and not cheat the people, by perswading them, that our Calling must first be proved; as a Prophets must be.

Object. But you have your learning only from Books, and Vniversities, and so have not true Ministers. Answ. We have it from God in the use of his means, even by prayer, reading, study and learning his works and word of our Teachers, whether at Universities, or elsewhere. And we are commanded to study and meditate on these things, and give our selves wholly to them, and to meditate on Gods Law day and night, Psal. 1. 2. 2 Tim. 2. 15. 1 Tim. 4. 13, 15. Christs Ministers must be Teachers or Tutors to others, and commit the things which they have heard to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also, 2 Tim. 2. …. Good Ministers of Christ are nourished up in the words of faith and good Doctrine, and so attain to it, 1▪ Tim. 4. 6. All should learn according to their time of teaching, Heb. 5. 11, 12, 14. We study nothing but the Word, and works of God: And is not that a Wretch, and not a man, that will reproach us as no Ministers, for doing that which we have our Reason for, and which must be the work of our lives: Poor Christians, as you love God and your Souls, and would not cast off Christ and Heaven, let not Deceivers draw you to cast off the Ministry, Scripture, or the Ordinances of God.

FINIS.

End of the text · Richard Baxter, Church History of the Government of Bishops and Their Councils (1680)