One Sheet for the Ministry Against Malignants of All Sorts, Text
One Sheet for the MINISTRY, Againſt the MALIGNANTS Of all ſorts.
By Richard Baxter.
LONDON, Printed by Robert White, for Nevil Simmons, Book-ſeller in Kederminſter, Anno Dom. 1657.
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 ab…o… for our work-ſake, but falſ-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, Matth. 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, 14, 15. There is a clearer word in the Goſpel for the Miniſtry then the Magiſtracy; though enough for both. Our own call I ſhall ſpeak 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 ſinite the Shepherds, the ſheep will be ſcattered. How can they more ſurely ruin 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 readier way to ruine the Schools of Chriſt, then by caſting out the Teachers that he hath appointed under him? Or to ruine his Kingdom, then to reject his Officers? Or to wrong the body, then to cut off the hands, 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 Miniſter? The great Kingdom of Nubia 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 Pillars, 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 mouthes of proud gain-ſayers? What work would hereſies, and diviſion, and prophanneſs make, if theſe banks were cut down? when all that can be done is ſtill too little. It muſt needs therefore be meet 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 readieſt 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, but for want of Miniſters 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 ſetled 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. Matth. 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, then 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 h…areth you, heareth me; and he that deſpiſeth 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 found in the cafe of one of theſe Malignants, when Chriſt ſhall come to judge his enemies, for a thouſand worlds. He that hath ſaid, [Touch not mine annointed, and do my Prophets no harm; and hath rebuked Kings for their ſakes, Pſalm 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, Pſalm 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 Judgement, 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 grinde you to pouder, Matth. 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 ruin 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 off from them, and they will fall: 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 Papiſt 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 rail 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 Devil 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 ſhortly ſee 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 ſeldom 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 practice 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, then with Magiſtrates or any others in the Land. In nothing are they more zealous then 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 Sott, 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 maintenance 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 labor, 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 Countrey; 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 then 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. 1. 7. Especially they that labour in the Word and Doctrine. And will you throw ſtones at their head 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, Jer. 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. [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 wor…hy of double honour, &c.] with abundance more ſuch paſſages as theſe? Do not you feel theſe flie in your faces when you oppoſe the Miniſters of Chriſt? Doth a thief or murderer ſin againſt plainer light then 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 may 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 Spirit 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 quickened, 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 are noted for the higheſt ſort of the wicked upon earth: worſe then Drunkards, Whore-mongers and ſuch filthy beaſts: The perſecutors of 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 Jews 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 Jews 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 Jeſus, 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 antient Miniſters of Chriſt that are dead, even while they oppoſe and hate the preſent that are living, who are the neareſt imitaters of their Doctrine and life that are on earth! The name of Peter, and Paul, and John they honour, and ſome of them keep holy-dayes 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, Matth. 23. 29, 30, 31. [Wo to your Scribes, Phariſees, Hypocrites: becauſe ye build the tombes of the Prophets, and garniſh the Sepulchres of the righteous, and ſay, If we had been in the dayes 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 freſheſt of the Judgements of God, which ſome of their own hands have executed: and juſtifie the perſecutors, and ſucceed them in their fury. Have you forgotten what God hath done here againſt the Papal enemies of the Goſpel and Miniſtry, in 88. and the Powder-plot, and many other times? Have you already forgotten how the perſecutots 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 left 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 Miniſtry remains, ſalvation is offered them: the Voyce 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 voyce 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 ſectst 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 know more: Out with theſe proud Lordly Preachers, and let us be your Teachers, that are more 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.
24. 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 ye 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 Altar? 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 Apoſtles 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 Miniſters in England would be glad to give you all their tithes, if you will but allow them food and rayment for 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 I muſt Gods Miniſters above all others be grudged food and raiment, 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 Jezebel 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 muſt perſecute 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 huried, 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 ſou…s 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?
6. 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 then 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 vitious 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, what ever 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 then 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 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, then 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 rates.
11. Object. But the true Miniſtry is perſecuted: but ſo are not you, but are perſecutors of others. Anſw. 1. For our peſecuring 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 Judaea 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? Act. 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 dayes 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, ſh…w his Title to his Crown, or any Judge or Magiſtrate to his Office; and if I ſhew not as good a Title to mine, let 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.
Auguſt 15. 1657.
FINIS.
End of the text · Richard Baxter, One Sheet for the Ministry Against Malignants of All Sorts (1657)