Gods Mercy Showed to His People, Sermon

Gods Mercy Showed to His People · Sermon

GODS MERCY, SHEWED TO HIS PEOPLE IN GIVING THEM A FAITHFUL MINISTRY AND SCHOOLES OF LEARNING FOR THE CONTINUAL SUPPLYES THEROF.

Delivered in a Sermon preached at Cambridg, the day after the Commencement, by Charles Chauncy, B. D, Preſident of HARVARD Colledg in New-England.

Publiſhed with ſome additions therunto at the requeſt of diverſe Honoured, and much Reſpected friends, For publick benefit, as they judged.

1 Theſ. 5.12. We beſeech you brethren to know them that labour amongſt you, & are over you in the Lord, and eſteem them very highly in Love for their works ſake.

Printed by Samuel Green, at CAMBRIDG in New-England 1655.

TO THE HONOURED GOVERNOƲR OF THE MASSACHUSETS JOHN ENDICOTT Eſq, TOGETHER WITH THE DEPUTY GOVERNOUR RICH. BELLINGHAM Eſq, AND THE REST OF THE HONOURED BENCH.

AS ALSO TO ALL THE BOƲNTIFƲL BENEFACTORS OF THE COLLEDG SERVIVING.

AND TO ALL THE FAVOƲRERS, AND TRUE WELL-WISHERS TO THE FAITHFULL MINISTRY, AND SCHOOLS OF LEARNING.

CH. CH. Wiſheth increaſe of Grace, and proſperity, as their Soules proſper.

p. 1Amos. 2.11.

And I rayſed up of your Sonns for Prophets, and of your Young men for Nazarits, is it …ot ſo O ye children of Iſrael, ſaith the LORD?

THE Spirit of GOD by the Prophet Amos ſeemes to agravate the ſins of Judah and Iſrael mentioned from verſ. 4 — 9. by calling to remembrance the mercyes beſtowed upon them. And four mercyes eſpecially are here mentioned. 1. The deſtruction of the Amorite before them. (under whom …re comprehended all the Canaanites,) which mercy is amplyfied two wayes 1. by the mighty ſtature and ſtrength of this people [that their height was like the height of Cedar, and he was ſtrong as the Oaks,]

2. by their utter deſtruction [yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath,] we gather the fruit of trees many times yet the tree ſtands many a year and bears new fruits, ſo the Lord doth impoveriſh a people, and ſuffer all their p. 2cattle and ſubſtance to be taken away, or plundred by their enemies, which doe afterwards recover themſelves and flouriſh again, but when a tree is rooted up, there is no more hope of it: thus did the Lord pluck up the Amorites by the roots, notwithſtanding their cedar-like talneſs, & ſtrength as heart of Oak, this is the firſt mercy mentioned.

2. The Lord telleth them of their deliverance out of Egypt, verſe. 10. which the Lord often inſiſts upon. 3. Of their ſafe conduct through the wilderneſs fourty years together, and theſe were three great bleſſings, yet they were but temporall. but the next and laſt paſſeth all the reſt, and is ſpirituall. 4. I rayſed up of your S…ns &c. this is that bleſſing that is now to be ſpoken of.

There be two generall parts of the text

1. A deſcription of the ſpirituall benefit beſtowed, in the firſt word… [I rayſed up of your Sons &c:]

2. A teſtificatiō that ſuch a benefit was beſtowed in the laſt words […s it not ſo O ye children of Iſrael ſaith the Lord?]

In the deſcription we may note 1. The cauſe and author of this benefit, […he Lord] 2. The manner of working [… up] 3. The benefit and eff…ct it ſ…lf, [Prophets and Naza…ts] amplified by the perſons that were ſo raiſed up [… Sons a… … …men.

2. For the teſt fic…on it is ſet down in the form of a q…eſtion wherin note 1. who makes the p. 3queſtion 1. the Lord. 2. the perſons to whom the queſtion is made [the people of Iſrael] 3 the intent and meaning of the queſtion, which is a ſtrong & vehement aſſeveration. for the meaning of [is it not ſo] is, that it is certainly ſo.

Now to open the meaning of the words.

And I] that deſtroyed the Amorites &c: it was the ſelf ſame perſon and power that raiſed up theſe Prophets among you.

Raiſed up] word for word, I made them to ariſe, I made Prophets to ariſe from among your Sonns, or I made them to be ſuch, in this ſence the word is uſed. Deut: 34.10. there aroſe not a Prophet ſince in Iſrael like unto Moſes: and among them that were of Women, there aroſe not a greater then John the Baptiſt. ſo then here I raiſed up viz I made them to be Prophets. I raiſed them out of low conditiō as if I had raiſed them out of the duſt. I have raiſed up of your Sonns] or from among your Sonns, that is ſome of your Sons (ſaith Mercer) if they were Prophets, though ſtrangers, it were no ſmall mercy, but to ra…ſe them up from among your ſonns, ſuch as came forth out of your own loynes. (as Samuel and Jeremiah were) this far… exceeds the other. For Prophets] not onelyonly to foretel things to come, but faithfully teach & inſtruct you, for there were two ſorts of the Prophets in theſe times of the old Teſtament: p. 41. ſuch as were taught in ſchooles (as Samuel) under the Diſcipline of other Prophets, ſuch were uſually called the ſonns of the Prophets, 2 Kings. 4.1. & 6.1. this may appear by comparing together 2 Kings. 2.12. & vers. 3. of the ſame chapter vers. 12. Eliſhah ſaid my father my father, the chariots of Iſraell and the horſemen therof, Elijah was not Eliſhahs naturall father for it is ſaid verſe. 3. Elijah was Eliſhahs maiſter and ſo he was indeed, he taught him & inſtructed him, therefore the ſons of Prophets were ſuch as were trained up under the Prophets in good literature, and ſo fit…d for the office of a Prophet afterwards, 2. Others had their calling immediatly from God, and were by him extraordinarily inſpired with gifts from above, as Amos. 7.14, 15. Amos ſa…th I was not a Prophet nor the ſon of a Prophet, but I was an heardſman, and a gatherer of ſycamore fruit: that is I was not trayned up in any of the ſchooles of the Prophets, but I had ano…her calling, untill the Lord was pleaſed to advance me to the office and dignity of a Prophet, & verſ. 15. He took me as I followed the flock and ſaid Prophecy to my people Iſrael, both theſe ſorts of Prophets may be underſtord heere, both ſuch as had there education in the ſchooles of the Prophets, and ſuch as were called immediatly, and extraordinarily inſpired, God was the rayſer p. 5up of them both, for humane inſtruction is not ſufficient to make any man to be a Prophet: yes and no leſs power of God and grace is requiſite to raiſe up your Sonns to be Prophets whatſoever their educatiō is, thē where he doth inſpire others immediately & extraordinarily, there…ore where extraordianry meanes is wanting, the goodneſs of God in bleſſing ordinary means muſt not be forgotten. [Of your young men] it is ſpoken of young men emphatically, for it is a mighty change that young men that are addicted to their pleaſures & luſts, that now they ſhould be ſo changed as to preach Chriſt, & to ſavour heavenly things, and to be ſet apart to God, [To be Nazarites] the Nazarites were ſeparati…i (ſaith Mercer) men ſeparated from vulgar delights, that they mi…ht apply themſelves and their ſtudy to the word of God and his worſhip. Some apply that which is ſpoken of our Saviour Chriſt Math. 2. Hee ſhall be called a Nazarene, to have ſome reference to this vow of a Nazarite, but no doubt that place hath reſpect meerly to the c…tty Nazareth, which is derived of Natzar that ſign…fies to keep, and not of Nazar that ſignifies to ſeparate, ſo the Nazarites were ſeparated from the vulgar ſort of men to a ſtrict courſe of life, the Law of them is ſet down Num: 6. which ye may read at your leiſure, now there were two ſorts of Nazarites p. 6ſome limited to a certain time, others were perpetuall, and theſe latter were conſecrated to the ſtudy of the word of God, and trayned up thereunto from their childhood, under a ſevere diſcipline and auſteer courſe of life, that at length they might be able to goe before the people of God, as well by ſoundnes of doctrine, as by the example of an holy life. So that now the meaning of the text is that although Allmighty God had done great things for Judah, and Iſrael, yet this benefit exceeded all the reſt, that the Lord had provided a faithfull miniſtry, not onelyonly extrord…nary, but ſuch as were rayſed from the poſterity of his people by his bleſſing upon the ſchooles of learning and meanes of education, to be ſeparated unto God and ſet apart for the work of God in the ſalvation of mens ſouls.

Doct. It is a ſpecial bleſſing of God to his people, when he affords and bleſſes the means of inſtruction for the education of youth, to raiſe up ſome from our Children, and young men and to fit them for the work of the Miniſtry.

It is a bleſſing of God, for he ſaith [I raiſed up] no creature alone can do it, it is a ſpecial bleſſing, more then deliverance from any outward enemyes, as t…e Amorites and the C…nanites were, for they had but an … of fleſh, but here are ſpiritual p. 7wickedneſſes that be vanquiſhed, it is greater then the deliverance out of Egipt, for many that were delivered from thence afterwards periſhed …ude. 5. It is a greater mercy then the Lord ſhewed to his people in leading them through the wilderneſs forty yeares, though herein there was the angel of Gods preſence that went before them in the pillar of cloud and fire, that directed them and kept them in all their way, yet neither was that mercy comparable to that in the text, for that was mainly an outward help, for notwithſtanding that there were ſix hundred thouſand of them, whoſe carcaſſes fell in the wilderneſs, but in this ſpirituall mercy Eternall deſtruction is prevented, this therfore exceeds all the reſt, and there is an other kind of the Lords preſence walking in the midſt of the golden candleſticks, which brings us to ſpirituall & everlaſting peace, and mercy in the miniſtry of Gods ſervuants.

For the further proof of this ye may obſerve that the Lord much ſtands upon this, on all occations as the greateſt ſavour in ſending of his prophets and miniſters and meſſingers unto his people as 2 Chron: 36.15. The Lord God of your fathers ſent unto you by his meſſingers, riſing-up early & ſending them, (when as Gods miniſters riſe up betimes then God himſelfe is ſaid to riſe up betimes, God will not ſ…eep when his miniſters wake… … why did the Lord thus ariſe and ſend, becauſe he had compaſſion p. 8on his people and on his habitation, becauſe of the bowels of his pitty and compaſſion on the poor ſouls of his people, ſo Jer: 3.15. when he promiſes to give pastours after his own heart to feed them with knowledg, and underſtanding, upon their unfe…ned repentance, yea this is ſuch a mercy that it may comfort the hearts of Gods people whatſoever their afflictions bee, as the Lord ſaith Iſai. 30.20. though I feed them with the bread of affliction and give them the water of affliction to drink, yet their eyes ſhall ſee their teachers, and their teachers ſhall not be removed into a corner any more, as if he had ſaid though your aflictions are heavy yet this ſhall be a mitigation of them, that you ſhall have faithfull teachers to inſtruct you ſtill, this will ſurely mitigate and lighten all other afflictions: yea this will lift up Gods people above all their afflictions, will lift them up to heaven as it is ſpoken of Capernaum Mat. 11. and obſervable is that of Paul Rom. 15.29. I know that when I come unto you I ſhall come in the fulneſs of the …l…ſſings of the G sp…ll, ye ſee that there is a fulneſs of bleſſings in the preaching of the Goſpell, they are but ſhallow bleſſings in compariſſon that we have in outward thing.

But now when the Lord raiſed up our ſonns & young men to be our prophets, and miniſters the bleſſing is greatly increaſed, ye may remember how mervell…ly Za…harias was affected Luke. 1 …7. p. 9when it was revealed to him by the angel that he ſhould have a ſonn that ſhould turn many of the children of Iſraell to the Lord their God, that is that he ſhould ſerve him in the work of the miniſtry, and ſhould come in the ſpirit and power of Elias, what joy and gladnes he was filled with all? and brake forth into that heauenly ſong of prayſes unto the Lord, and next unto the mercy of God in Chriſt; he prayſes him for John Baptiſt and ſaith verſe. 76. Thou child ſhalt be called the Prophet of the higheſt, for thou ſhalt goe before the face of the Lord to prepare his wayes, to give knowledg of ſalvation to his people by the remiſſion of their ſinns, this was the great argument of his prayſes not only that John Baptiſt ſhould be a Prophet, and ſhould give knowledg of ſalvation to Gods people, but that his child ſhould ſerve God in ſo high and heavenly a calling, & ſo great an imploiment, ſo it was granted for a great bleſſing that the Lord promiſed to Phinehas Numb: 25.13. he ſhall have he & his ſeed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting prieſthood, becauſe he was zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Iſrael: if the Lord had not accounted this a great mercy he would never have given it as a reward to his faithfull ſervant, neither on the contrary would the Lord have laid this as an heavy judgment on Elies houſe, that he cut them off from his altar, that is, be deprived them utterly from the office of the p. 10Prieſthood, which afterwards the Lord did, when he cut off by the hands of Saul Nob the Citty of the Prieſts. Thus the Point is ſufficiently cleered by ſcripture.

Reaſon 1. This must needs be a great bleſſing, Becauſe the miniſtry is purchaſed at ſo high a rate, and the buſineſs was ſo great to ſet it up, now the providing of an able, and faithfull miniſtry coſt much, and it was a mighty buſynes to ſet it up. Ephe. 4.8. Chriſt aſcended up on high and led captivity captive, & gave gifts unto men: firſt that Chriſt muſt not only deſcend into the lower parts of the earth, but he muſt aſcend into heaven farr above all principallityes and powers 2. He muſt lead captivity captive, that is over ſin, ſathan, and what ſoever had led us away captive, to do this▪ if all the powers of darknes could binder it, there ſhould never hauehave been a faithfull miniſtry ſet up, therfore Chriſt muſt captivate all theſe for this end, this ſheweth the bleſſing to be exceeding great, that ſo great a means was requiſite for the procuring of it.

Reaſon 2. There is in the ſame place annexed an other reaſon to prove the greatneſs of this bleſſing; taken from the excellency of the end of it, ver: 11.12. He gave ſome Apostles, and ſome Prophets, & ſome Evangeliſts, and ſome Paſtours and Teachers, for the perfecting of the ſaints, for the work of the miniſtry, …nd for the …fying of the body of Chr…ſ…, as if he had ſaid, that this …fit is of ſo great a neceſſity, p. 11that it concerns both the gathering and building up and the eternall ſalvation of the elect:

Object: it will be ſaid, that this was but for … ſhort …ime, that the Apoſtles and Prophets and Evangeliſts did continue,

Anſw: But we have the writings of the Apoſtles Prophets and Evangeliſts to the end, and we muſt have Ordinary miniſters, Paſtours and Teachers, till we all come into the unity of the faith, and the knowledg of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the meaſure of the ſtature of the fuineſs of Chriſt, that is, to the end of the world, and the conſūmation of all things, and therefore it is an helliſh deluſion to conceive that the miniſtry ſhould be loſt quite and diſſanulled, by Antichriſtian ſuperſtition, for this aſſertion doth plainly annihilate both the Church and ſaints, and any farther ſalvation of any ſouls, which were impious to conceive.

Reaſ. 3. I may reaſon from the difficulty of the work, & the calling of the Prophets & Nazerites, it is a very high dignity, for our ſons & young men to be advanced unto, it is ſuch a dignity as God only can beſtow, and ſuch as they be raiſed up by God himſelf unto it, the Prophet is the name of Seers, 1 Sam: 9.9. they have better eyes then other men, they are the men of God, (as the mountains of God, and Cedars of God are ſo called) by way of excellency, the perſons that have more of God in them then other men, they are nee…ſt unto God. p. 12…vit: 10.3. and they bring others alſo neerer unto God. Yea the calling of a Prophet is ſuch an honour, as that title was given to the Lord Jeſus Chriſt himſelf, Deut: 18.18. So the Galathians received Paul as Jeſus Chriſt himſelf Gal. 4.14.

Likewiſe to be a Nazarite is a mighty dignity, for our ſonns and young men to be ſeparated to the Lord, & ſanctified for his ſervice, is no ſmall preferment, (they are called, foreign by the Septuagents) Lam: 4.7. her Nazarites were whiter then ſnow, purer then milke, more ruddy in body then Rubyes, their poll…ſhing was of Saphire: that is they were the moſt beautifull perſons in the ſight of God of all others; this is a mighty excellency therefore the bleſſing muſt needs be great.

Reaſon 4. It is an invaluable mercy, for Parents and old men, that their children & young men are thus qualified & dignified, it is a ſingular bleſſing to have a gracious child, 3 John 4. J have no greater joy then to hear that my children walk in the Truth, greateſt joyes are fruits of the greateſt bleſſings poſſeſſed by us. It is the firſt of Solomons Proverbs, Chap: 10.1. A wiſe Son maketh a glad Father, but to have a child, that will make others wiſe, is a farr greater joy to a parent. Dan: 12.3. They that make others wiſe ſhall ſhine as the brightneſs of the firmament, and they that turn many to righteouſneſs, as the Starrs for ever and ever: So p. 13what a joy is it for the aged to ſee godly young ones growing up, that the Lord gives us hope of future generations, Jſay 58.12. They that ſhall be of thee ſhall build up the old waſt places, and thou ſhalt rayſe up the foundations of many generations &c: It is more when they do theſe great things that ſhall be of us: viz of our own poſterity, but next it is comfortable, when as the younger ſort, are hopefull and promiſing, that the Lord gives us to conclude that the future harveſt is great, when he ſends forth already ſo many labourers.

Ʋſe 1. It is a ground of juſt double reproof,

1. Of our great unthankfulneſs unto God, that hath beſtowed this great mercy upon N-England and let it be conſidered how it hath been generally entertained by the Country: I may ſpeak unto you, Men, Brethren, and Fathers, in the language of Samuel, 1 Sam: 12.7. stand ſtill that I may reaſon with you before the Lord, of all the righteous acts of the Lord, which he did to you & to your fathers, and then he telleth them of the Lords ſending of Moſes & Aaron, and bringing them out of the land of Egipt, by the hand of theſe his ſervants: So I might relate unto you, what the Lord hath done for this Country, in providing, and ſending hither a faithfull, ſound and able Miniſtry to them, that he hath alſo in great part graciouſly preſerved and continued unto them, and as if this had been too p. 14little, he hath added this in rayſing up of our ſons to be Prophets &c: he hath wonderfully erected Schools of learning, and meanes of education for our children, that there might be continually ſome comfortable ſupply & ſucceſſion in the Miniſtry, Is it not ſo O ye people of God in New-England? If it hath been ſo, and be ſo ſtill in a good meaſure then let me teſtifie againſt you in the Lords name for great unthankfulnes to the Lord for ſo great a mercy. Now there be ſeveral degrees of this unthankfulnes. As 1. To paſs by a mercy without any ſerious acknowledgment thereof, as the Lord complaines, Hoſea 2.8. thou haſt not known, (or acknowledged) that I gave thee thy corn & thy wine, and oyl &c: 2. To ſlight any mercy of the Lord, as the Iſraelites did alſo, Num. 11.6 Our ſoul (ſaid they) is even dryed up, there is nothing but this Manna before our eyes &c: 3. To deny any mercy of God, as they did Numb: 14.3. they did not account it a mercy that the Lord brought them out of Egypt. 4. To account bleſſings for curſes, as they at another time, Deut: 1.27. Becauſ… the Lord hated us, he hath brought us (into the wilderneſs) to deſtroy us. 5. When as we abuſe Gods bleſſings to ſin ſo much the more againſt the Lord, as the ſame people did Hoſea 10.1. according to the multitude of his fruit he hath increaſed the Alta…s: according to the goodneſs of his land, they p. 15have made goodly images.

Now all this unthankfulnes is found in many, and in ſome meaſure ſome in all at this day, for this great bleſſing of the Miniſtry & the means of the continual ſucceſs and ſucceſſion therin.

1. Many will not acknowledg the mercy, but paſs it by as a matter of litle or no worth: the great bleſſing of a painfull Miniſtry is not regarded by coveteous earth-wormes, neither do the ſchools of learning, that afford oyl to the lamps, come into their thoughts or language to prayſe the Lord for them, this is that ſin reproved in Iſrael Jer. 2.6. Neither ſaid they where is the Lord that brought … out of the land of Egipt?

2. There are others that do ſlight theſe mercys ſome litle good they apprehend in it, to have a Miniſter to ſpend the Sabbath, to baptize their children, and ſchools to teach their children, and keep them out of harmes way, or teach them to write and read, and caſt accounts, but theſe deſpiſe the Angels bread, and account it but light ſtuff in compariſſon of other things, theſe are like Jeſhurun, Deut. 32.15. that are fatted with other contentments, and do lightly eſteem the rock of their ſalvation.

3. There are others that deny this to be a mercy there be many in the country, that account it their happineſs to live in the waſt howling wilderneſs, without any miniſtry, or ſchooles, and means of p. 16education for their poſterity, they have much liberty (they think) by this want, they are not troubled with ſtrict ſabbaths, but they may follow their worldly buſſineſs at any time, and their children may drudg for them at plough, or hough, or ſuch like ſervil imployments, that themſelves may be eaſed, wheras the ſcripture ſaith 2 Chron: 15.3 that they that are without a teaching miniſtry are without the true God and without the law, ſurely ſo they are that do voluntarily make choiſe of ſuch a condition, but thier practice about their children is litle better then the mercyleſs unnaturall and prophaneſs of the Iſraelites Pſal. 106 36. That ſacrificed their ſonns and their daughters unto Devils.

4. Some goe ſo far as to account theſe bleſſings to be curſes, ſo as to ſay that our miniſtryes are antichriſtian, and ſchools of learning popiſh, and the ſeminaryes of wickedneſs, & looſneſs in the Country: it is not my purpoſe to confute their ſcurrilous reproaches of the miniſtry, (which are ſufficiently confuted both by the doctrine and holy converſation of Gods faithfull ſervants,) nor yet to plead for any diſſolute courſes, or diſorder that is found amongſt ſchollers, but I deſire rather to mou…n for them, and to pray that ſome ſalt may be caſt into the fountain that the waters may be healed, but let not whole ſocietyes or profeſſions be charged or blemiſhed for the faylings or ſcandalous carriages of ſome: if there be …e, or had been more Judaſes p. 17among the diſciples of Chriſt, yet let not all the reſt be indighted or arraigned for the viciouſneſs, and diſloyalty of others.

5. Many do make wicked returns of theſe bleſſings, and fearfully abuſe them, and ſeek what they can to weary out miniſters, & to pull down ſchools of learning, or which is all one to take away oyl from the lamps, denying or withholding maintenance from them, whereby they do as good as ſay let them tumble and fall, raſe them raſe them to the foundations: There be others that do foment and abett oppoſitions againſt Gods miniſters raiſe factions in Churches, & Colledg, to make havock and utter diſſipation of all; I might add alſo the poor and ſlender requital (to ſpeak no worſe) of ſuch as have with moſt faithfullneſs and diligence ſerved the Lord and his Churches in workes of ſo great importance: But I will ſpare the inlargemēt of theſe things, leſt that I paſs my bonds both of my ſtrength and time.

But now how extreamly hateful to the Lord all this unthankfulneſs is, I need not be long in ſhewing; Deut: 32.6. Do ye thus requite the Lord ye people fooliſh and unwiſe? and Iſay 1.2, 3. Hear O heavens and give care O earth, for the Lord hath ſpoken; I have nouriſhed & brought up children, and they have rebelled againſt me, the Ox knows his owner &c: and Micah 6.2, 3. Hear O ye mountains, the Lords controverſie with his people, and he will plead with Iſrael p. 18O my people what have I done unto thee? wherein have I wearied thee? teſtifie againſt mee, for I brought thee out of the land of Egipt, and redeemed thee &c: this unthankfulneſs is that which cauſeth the Lord to take away his bleſſings from us: Hoſea 2.8, 9. ſhee did not know that I gave her coin & wine & oyl, therefore will I return and take away her corn in the time therof, and wine in the ſeaſon therof, and will recover my wooll & my flax, given to cover her nakedneſs: there is the ſame reaſon in other bleſſings, as if the Lord ſhould ſay in this caſe, I will put out the light, and take away the miniſtry, pull down the ſchools of learning, for this unthankfullneſs of yours which alſo the Lord hath allready done in ſome parts of this Country.

The S…o… branch of this reproof,

2. This ſerves to reprove whatſoever other ſins Gods people do commit injoying theſe great mercyes, look at this as an aggravation of all our ſins that the Lord hath done theſe great things for us, he hath ſubdued the … all our enemyes, Indians and others, whoſe hight was like the hight of Cedars, and they were ſtrong as the Oaks, he brought us out of the land of Egipt, out of the iron furnace, from many grieveous taſk maſters, from under the Prelates▪ who ſet us to pick ſtraws: He lead us through this wilderneſs, ſome near upon fourty years▪ and hath ſtrangely here provided for us: now Laſtly he hath rayſed up of our ſonns for p. 19Prophets, and our young men for Nazarites: ſurely then the Lord may juſtly take it unkindly at our hands, that we have ſo exceedingly provoaked him by our many ſins, and as he ſaith for three tranſgreſſions of Judah & Iſrael and for four, I will not turn away the puniſhment thereof. For many, ſo he may ſay to us, for three tranſgreſſions of New-England and for four I w ll not turn away the puniſhment therof. And if God will not turn it away it is beyond all other power in the world to do it. There be diverſe ſins in Iſrael & Judah here reproved, which it would not be hard to find in New England, as the contempt of the Law …n Judah, & that their l…es cauſed them to erre. Suitably there is to be found in N-England the contempt of the word of God and his Ordinances, and liſtening to lying books & pamphlets, that are brought over into the country, whereby multitudes are poyſoned amongſt us: In the Iſraelites he reproves theſe ſins Their falſe wo…ſhip, ver. 8. they ſet up falſe Gods, and diverſe Altars, and turned Bethel the houſe of God, into Bethaven, the houſe of iniquity: this ſin of corrupting the worſhip of God, is ſtudyed by many even in churches, though not in ſuch a groſs manner as Iſrael did, we have not ſuch Idols as they, but ſpiritual we have, in the fields and in our houſes The Apoſtle calls coveteouſneſs idolatry. Another ſin of theirs was oppreſſion, which no doubt abounds exceedingly in this country, and p. 20mark what he ſaith, they ſell the righteous for ſilver and he poor for a pair of ſhoos, ſcarcely any commoditie can be had but for ſilver, but ſuppoſe a poor man wants a pair of ſhoos, or other clothes to cover his nakedneſs, that hath no ſilver: truely he muſt be fain almoſt to ſell himſelf, to get ſome mean commodities. Another of their ſins was that, they gave th…r Nazarites wine to drink▪ but here I ſhould rather ſay, ye give the Salvages and Indians wine & ſtrong waters, & truck with them for that which ye know they will …buſe to drunkenneſs, if not to murther. Laſtly is is ſaid, they commanded the Prophets ſaying prophiſie not, I will not ſo apply it, as if there amongſt us any command of Authority to that purpoſe, (yea we have cauſe to bleſs God for the contrary commands & endeavours alſo of Government amongſt us,) but there is in too many places ſuch cariag… towards the Lords Prophets, and the Proph…ts ſons, that the miniſtry & ſchool…s of learning (as was ſaid) are reproached, deſpiſed, impoveriſhed, if not undone. Oh (ſaith the Lord) vers 13. Behold I am preſſed under you as a cart is pr ſſed that is full of ſheaves: So the Lord is preſſed under ſuch carnal Goſpellours, He is cruſhed (as farr as they can) by ſuch falſe-hearted profeſſours, they lay all the load upon the Lord himſelf, and no doubt but that the Lord will alſo d … …urthen himſelf of them: and it is no mervaile p. 21if the Lord by his miniſters cryes out againſt ſuch wickedneſs in profeſſours, and ſaith as Iſ…y. 22.1. The burthen of the valley of …ſion that is, it is but equall if they that ſee more and know more then others, and enjoy more means do burthen the Lord by their ſins, the Lord in like manner ſhould lay upon them the heavy burthen of the threatnings of his word, and the execution therof.

vſe 2. This may ſerve for inſtruction to ſchollers and ſtudents, 1. Firſt to ſhew them what they ſhould mainly intend, ſtudy, and labour for, viz. that they may be Prophets and Nazarites,

1. Prophets, 1 Cor 12. laſt. Covet earneſtly the beſt gifts▪ as goodneſs is the object of the will, ſo the beſt things of the will rectified, and what are the beſt things? 1 Cor. 14.1. deſire ſpirituall gif s, but rather that ye may Prophecy amongſt all gifts the gift of propheſying is the beſt, and what is prophecying? but 1 Cor. 14.4. ſpeaking to edificatiō, exhortation, & the comfort of others, this is a publick & a ſpirituall good, & therefore of an higher nature, and moſt of all to be attended by you, and aimed at in all your ſtudyes, It is a great matter alſo that the Lord takes the Prophets to be neer unto him, as in the placing of the tribes in the camp of Iſrael Num: 1.50, 53. the Levites were to pitch round about the Tabernacle of Teſtimony where the ſpeciall preſence of the Lord was) and the reſt of the tribes without the Levites further off, ſo the p. 22Prophets & Levites are neereſt ūto the Lord, which is a matter of comfort, aſſuring them of the Lords preſence, aſſiſtance & protection in their calling, of d…gnity, as being next unto God, and imployed by him about greateſt ſervice; and alſo of duty, in ſtrict keeping of the Lords charge, and holy walking before him: for which purpoſe remember often the Lords hand upon Hophm & Phinehas, the ſons of E…, upon Nadab & Abihu, the ſons of Aaron, whom the Lord ſlew for their prophaneſs, and ſaid Levit. 10.3. that he would be ſanctified in all thoſe that draw neer unto him, and before all the people would be glorified, that is, that he would puniſh in ſome remarkable manner to the view of all, the ſcandalous and wicked carriage of any that were neer unto him in that function.

2. Conſider further it i… that ye may be Nazarites, that is, ſet apart in a peculiar manner unto the Lord, or ſeparated unto him; Now there are Three things in this ſeparation unto the Lord.

1. A Sequeſtratio… from wicked courſes & companys, and from common things. From wicked wayes & companyes, 2 Cor. 6.16. Be ye ſeperate and tou…h n… unclean thing &c: to uſe the veſſells of the Temple to quaff & carrouſe in, was a Babyloniſh practiſe: yea there muſt be a ſequeſtration from common things, as the Nazari… were from creatures & worldly delights & diſtra & ions, my meaning i, that you that are add cted this way p. 23ſhould have leſs to do with the world & worldly delights, and be leſs cumbred then others with the affaires of this life 2. In ſeparation, there is imployed a dedication unto the Lord, things that were o… old ſeparated, were dedicated & devoted to an holy uſe, as the Lord ſpeaks of the Levites, Numb: 16.9. The God of Iſrael hath ſeparated you from the Congregation of Iſrael to bring you neer unto himſelf: thus Hannah dedicated her firſt born unto the Lord 1. Sam: 1.18. So are ye to be as perſons devoted to the Lord. 3. There muſt be qualification with Holyneſs, other things ſeperated unto the Lord as the veſſels of the Sanctuary, and ministry, had a kind of relative holyneſs but in perſons ſeperated there ſhould be inherent holyneſs, ſtudents & eſpecially miniſters ſhould have holyneſs upon their foreheads, that is, profeſſed & practiſed and viſible unto all. Thus you may ſee what it is to be a Nazarite, and what ye ſhould ayme at in your ſtudyes.

2. Hence ſtudents ſhould be inſtructed how they may attain to theſe excellencyes, & how they may be had: for here we ſee that it was the Lord himſelf that raiſed up theſe young ones to be Prop…e s, and Nazarites. & it is not either your own ſtudy or parts, nor the teaching and inſtruction of others, that can poſſibly rayſe you up out of that dunghill wherin you ly, to this degree to be true Prophets of the Lord, but it is the Lord himſelf that p. 24muſt put …derneath you his everlaſting armes to rayſe you up: therefore it concernes ſtudents to be much in prayer unto the Lord: dayly and duely to draw neer unto the Lord, to beg of him the ſpirit of wiſdom, and revelation, and a bleſſing upon, and aſſiſtance in your ſtudyes, prayer was one of Luthers maiſters, and it was but reaſon that the prieſt ſhould firſt offer up ſacrifice for his own ſins, and then for the ſinns of the people, Hebbr: 7.27. firſt ſeek God for themſelves, and then make interceſſion for others.

But now by the way, ſome may object, here the Example of the Nazarites that they nouriſhed their hair, they were not to ſuffer any raiſor to come upon their heads, dureng the time of their ſeparation, Numb: 6, 5. here is a fair plea for ſtudents, and miniſters to wear long hair.

Anſw, Becauſe that this objection comes fair and full in my way give me leave to anſwer this objection, there is ſome need of it, and take it thus.

1. The Nazarites had a special Commandement from God to nouriſh their hair, they were not to ſuffer any raſor to come upon their heads, untill their vow was accompliſhed, and then they were to cut it off. Numb. 6.18. But now all chriſtians have a contrary Commandement 1 Cor: 11.14. Doth not … ſelf teach you &c: it is againſt the law & dark princples of nature, much more againſt grace & the word of grace, yea it is a ſ…ame p. 25(if perſons be not quite past ſhame) for men to weare long hair: here is a wide difference between the old Nazarites and ſtudents now.

2. The Nazarites did nouriſh their hair out of obedience unto God and holy devotion, wheras perſons in theſe dayes do it out of pride, vain-glory effeminacy, and the like ſinfull motives, and for ſiniſter ends.

3. They only amongſt the people of God did nouriſh it, & none elſe therefore this example doth evidently prove that all the reſt of Gods people in the old Teſtament yea the Prieſts and Levites did not nouriſh their haire, ſo Chriſtians are now to cut their hair unleſs they can find any where (which was never yet found) that the Commandement of the Lord hath allowed it.

4. The Nazarites were to nouriſh all their hair alike, they were not to cut off ſome part, and to leave long locks hanging down, as is practiſed by ſome now a dayes.

5. The Nazarites were to nouriſh their hair to burn it, Numb: 6.18. But ſtudents & miniſters & profeſſours in theſe dayes nouriſh their hair to keep them from all deminution, it were much better they were burnt.

6. The Nazarites nouriſhing of their hair was to difference them from the common ſort: but now the nouriſhing of the hair, is to hold correſpondency with ruffains & ſwaggerers & ca…l…er…, yea the vileſt perſons in the country, yea Indians & pagans whoſe abominable cuſtoms the Lord hath forbidden his people to follow, Levit. 18.30.

Object. It is true that the Lord hath forbidden unto men long hair, but what is long hair? can any man preſcribe out of the word of God any ſet ſize for mens hair? if this cannot be done, why ſhould any be offēded at our hair as if it were long This objection hath been made by ſome, and generally ſtood upon, therefore it is a fit ſeaſon to give ſome anſwer to it

Anſw: 1. This is moſt cleer that long hair (if menkind do wear it) is contrary to the word of God, & to nature, & ſhamefull as was ſaid before.

2. It is no ſmall reproach to the Lord aad his word, to find fault with long hair, and yet that he ſhould not give us to underſtand which is long hair but that every man ſtill is left to his liberty, to wear his hair as long as he liſts; this makes the Trumpet to give an ūcertain ſound which the Lord approves not.

3. That he that would keep a good conſcience in ſuch caſes & controverſies, wherin there appears any doubt, will make choiſe of the ſurer part, that is that part wherin he may be ſure not to ſin againſt the Lord: ſo will be do in this caſe about the length of hair, ſhort hair we may be ſure will neither offend God nor good men, but long hair may and doth offend be the therefore be ſure that God do p. 27not account thy hair long.

4. Chriſtians are bound to abſtain from all appearance of evill. 1 Theſ. 5.22.

5. Chriſtians are to do whatſoever is of good report Phil. 4.8. But long hair in menkind hath great appearance of evill, and is of evill report.

6. All occaſions of ſin, as luſt, pride, enſnaring our ſelves & others, ſhould be avoided by chriſtiās Jude 23. But ſuch is wearing of looks &c:

7. Chriſtians ſhould give no offence to others, 1 Cor. 10. But this long hair gives offence, 1. As giving an ill example to others, who are often induced by their ill preſident & example to imitate & ſecond them in their guiſe. Hence it is that many even children will not indure their hair to bee cut ſhort, becauſe that ſuch & ſuch profeſſours do wear it long. 2. It anima…es & confirms others, eſpecially profane ones, in their fantaſtick dreſs, and nouriſhing of their hair. 3. It offends and grieves the ſoules of many devout, religious and grac…ous Chriſtians, who do utterly diſaprove it & condemn it in their judgments, as well as p…ctiſes.

8. The Scripture ſeems plainly to preſcribe unto men the length of their hair, Ezek 44.20. compared with Lev. 19.27. & 21.5. They ſhall neither ſhare their heads, nor ſuffer t…n looks … grow long, …hey only ſhall poll their hea…, now every one underſtād… what is meant by polling of the head, it ſignifies the cutting of the h… ſhort & …, and to n… riſh p. 28any part therof is contrary therunto and to the word of God. But leſt I ſhould digreſs too farr, thus I finiſh this uſe. Take heed of that fearfull threatning Pſal. 68.21. God ſhall wound the hairy ſcalp o… ſuch a one as goes on ſtill in his wickedneſs. It is likely that there were ſome ſuch hairy wicked ſcalps & pates in thoſe dayes, as there are in theſe dayes. But conſider that God in his due time will wound them.

Ʋſe 3. This may ſerve to work thankefulneſs in parents, and in all ſorts of people▪ eſpecially in New England, ſeeing that the Lord hath beſtowed or offered theſe mercyes to us all: he hath rayſed up of our ſonns for Prophets, that concerns parents, ſome parents more neerly; and he hath rayſed up of our young men for Nazarites, that concerns all and all have or may have the benefit of it: For beſides the Lords former mercyes, in ſending in to us the old ſtock of faithfull miniſters, and thruſting out of his labourers into this vineyard, (by the bleſſing of God upon whoſe laboures, the Goſpel of Chriſt, and the powerful diſpenſation of Gods Ordinances hath flouriſhed many yeares, to the admiration of all the chriſtian world) I ſay beſides thoſe former mercyes never to be forgotten, the Lord hath graciouſly ſuper-added this, in rayſing …p not only …ns for this end (viz. ſchools of learning) but alſo from thence ſome of our …ons & young m…n to … l… p… ▪ & Nazarites. Is it not ſo O ye p. 29people of God in N-England? And if it be ſo, ſee what the Lord expects at our hands in anſwerable returns of thankfulnes unto him, and let us weigh ſeriouſly theſe motives to ſuch thankfulneſs.

1. Let us conſider what benefit and comfort all ſorts have by …, when as our ſonns & young men are not only indued with the ſeed of knowledg & grace, but ſuch as are ſent forth as ſeedsmen to ſow the Lords good ſeed in the hearts of others, it was the Lords bleſſing of Rachel, & Leah, that they two built up the houſe of Iſrael, that is the Church of God by their poſterity, for ſons to build up our own houſes to be Banim & Builders thus according to their name is a great bleſſing, but farr greater, that they are builders up of Gods Church & houſe, Pſal. 144.12, 15. It is an happineſs for Gods people when they are in ſuch a caſe that their ſonns are as plants grown up in their youth. But much rather to have the Lord for their God, and means to procure & continue ſo Is it not ſo O ye people of God in N-England?

2. Conſider the state of the Country where wee live, which is ſuch, that now the old ſtock of the country is well nigh worn out, and there is no likelyhood of further ſupply that way: now ye know how Gods people are faſtned here, that if there ſhould not be ſome ſupply by ſchools of learning, Gods people would ſoon be left without a teaching miniſtry &c… as 2 Chron. 15.2. Is it not ſo O ye people of N-England?

p. 30Object: But may we not be ſufficiently ſupplyed from among our ſelves by the gifts and indowments of gifted brethren?

Anſw. I could wiſh as Moſes, that all Gods people were Prophets: But you ſhall find it here, as in other trades, that there is a great difference between thoſe that have been bound apprentices to a trade and others that are handy, & have gotten a litle ſkill by the obſervation of others, this latter will ſerve to patch or bungle, but wiſe men will rather chooſe to deal with thoſe that have been trained up in ſuch a courſe: Thus from perſons educated in good literature we may rather expect that they ſhould be w…rkmen …at need not to be aſhamed &c: as Paul ſpeaks to Tim: Iſay 50.4 they that have had an ear to hear as the learned, and the Lord hath given them the tongue of the learned, are moſt likely a ſpeak a word in due ſeaſon to him that is weary &c:

3. Conſider what helps diverſe particular Churches have … from theſe ſchools, in greivous breaches that have been made in them, when any of the precious ſervants of God have been taken away, from hence others have ſtood up in their ſteads & have made up the breaches comfortably, as it was ſomet…mes ſaid in the like caſe, that the Sunn hath ſet and y… no n… h… followed. Is it not ſo O ye children of my people?

4. Conſider that this makes for the continuance p. 31of the Church & propagation of religion, to after ages, for this was alwayes found true, that where the viſion failes, there t…e pe…ple w…ll be made naked Pro. 29.18. they will be naked Congregations, and naked ſouls, and naked familyes, and naked poſterities; naked of what? naked of the righteouſneſs of Chriſt w…ich is put on by faith, and comes by hearing, and the ſhame of this nakedneſs will appear to God & man: naked of the Chriſtian armour to defend themſelves from spirituall enemyes; and where ſchools have been put down or ceaſed, there churches have been unprovided, and religion hath decayed and great ignorance & errours have ſucceeded in after a…es: but on the contrary this courſe of the inſtruction of youth, is the meanes to provide for preſent & future times: and why do men plant orchards, or preſerve the breed of the beſt cattle? but to provide for future times: but is not the pure religion of more weight, and the providing for the ſoules of poſterityes to the worlds end? this is an other benefit of worth: is it not ſo beloved &c:

4. Let the Seperation conſider this, ſome of whom are averſe to ſchools of learning: that ſchools are available to rayſe up Nazarites & to further an holy ſeperation: which is commanded unto chriſtians, 2 Cor 6.16. is it not ſo beloved &c:

Conſider how the ſons of Behal, papiſts and hereticks, they compaſs ſea and land to ſupport and ſpread & fortifie the Synogogues of Satan, the p. 32dens of devils, & ſuburbs of hell? ſhould not the glory of God and the ſalvation of ſouls be deerer unto us, then their deſtruction & condemnation is to them? all theſe things ſhould forward our thankfulneſs to God for theſe mercys.

But now it is not a verball thankfulneſs that will ſerve our turn, (that would be groſs hypocriſie) but it muſt be really expreſſed, towards the education of youth, & the incouragement of the miniſtry, and the propagatiō of the Goſpel.

The reality of your thankfulneſs let it be expreſſed in your future care.

1. To do (if it be in your power) as Hezekiah did 2 Chron: 30.22. that ſpake to the heart of all the Levites, that taught the good knowledg of the Lord Yea do as Nehemiah did chap: 13.11. See that ſufficient portions be allotted & contributed unto them.

2. Do as Jehoſhaphat did 2 Chron. 19.8. reach forth thine hand to ſend Levites into the blind and dark places of the country.

3. Be at the coſt to trayn up thy towardly children in good literature: parents are commanded to trayn up their children Epheſ. 6.4. in putting underſtanding & inſtruction into them: as if children were like bruit beaſts without it.

4. In relieving the ſons of the Pr p…ets. and the Colledg, as Fl…ſh…h did 1 Kings 4.34. In ſetting up of free ſchools, as the Lord inables you.

5. If ye be poor, yet pray for poſterity and p. 33means of education, and pray for the peace of Jeruſalem; and that Bethel, the houſe of God may not be turned into Bethaven the houſe of iniquity, that ſchools of learning be not poyſoned, or the fountains corrupted.

Ʋſe 4. This point may ſerve for Information. To teach us, that Schools of learning are approved and appointed of God, and of great importance for the benefit of Gods people: Seeing that the Lord works with, & bleſſeth this means, for the laying up of proviſion, & making of ſupplys for the work of the miniſtry; and the Lord here reckons it up as the chiefeſt of all the bleſſings mentioned: and this was always one way (even when there were extraordinary Prophets of raiſing up of Prophets &c: And there is much more need of ſchools now, when thoſe extrardinary Prophets are wanting.

Queſt: What ground is there in the Scriptures, for Schools of learning?

Anſw: Give me leave to ſhew this as a matter called by many into queſtion in theſe dayes.

Now the Text, and the explication thereof before ſhewes that the Lord did approve of them in the dayes of the old Teſtament, that is the intent of the frequent mentioning of the ſonns of the Prophets, that is their ſchollers that were trained up under them: beſides 2 K…ngs 22.14. T…ere is mention of a Colledg (where … the Propheteſs, and no doubt many others nurtured in a way of learning p. 34lived,) and the Hebrews have an uſuall word where by they call their ſchools (ieſhibah) a company of ſchollers that ſit together to be taught: & Mal. 2.12. the …aſter & ſcholler is made mention of; Now in the New Teſtament John Baptiſt had ſchollers John 1.28. ſo the Phariſes had their ſchollers Mat. 22.15, …6. Paul was Gamaliels ſcholler Acts 22.3 There was a Synogogue of learned men diſputing with Stephen Act. 6.9. So there was a ſchoole at Corinth A&s 19.8. Timothy was Pauls ſcholler, 2 Tim. 3.14. But the example of our Saviour Chriſt is above all, that kept a ſchool, firſt of his twelve d…ſciples, then of the ſeaventy diſciples Luke 10. that …e alſo ſent forth to preach the Goſpel. Yea there is a moſt cleer and expreſs Commandement, that Paul gives to Timothy 2 Tim: 2.2. he ſaith the things that thou hast heard of me before many witneſſes, he ſame commit to faithfull men, who ſhall be able to teach others alſo. Where we ſee that Timothy had many ſchool fellows that are called witneſses, and alſo that Timothy is cōmanded to teach others, ſo it concerns ſuch as God enables to teach them that may be teachers of others, to inſtruct them in the things of God.

But now it will be very needfull upon this occaſion for u… to conſider what weight there is in the objections that diverſe in theſe days have printed againſt them.

Object. 1… Mr. Dell in his anſwer to Mr. p. 35S. Simpſon allowes ſchooles of the prophets wherin Chriſtian religion is taught, but againſt ſchooles of humane learning this is that that makes them Antichriſts, ſeeing they are contrary to, and do oppoſe Chriſt, this makes the univerſityes stews of Antichriſt, houſes of lyes, and to ſtinke before God with moſt loathſome abomination &c: with a multitude of other reproachfull terms which Luther & others have loaded Popiſh Univerſityes withall.

Anſw. 1. I do much deſire that the oppoſers of ſchools & univerſityes would ſpeak …lainly what they mean by humane learning, then wee ſhould eaſily come to ſome concluſion. Therfore let this diſtinction be premiſed, that humane learning may either be taken for all that learning that the heathen Authours or philoſophers have delivered in their writings: or elſe all other Arts beſides Theology, as they call phyſicks, ethicks, politicks &c: take in alſo the grounds of languages, Latine Greek & Hebrew. Now in the former ſenſe, if Mr. D. do mean by humane learning, all that learning that the heathen men have uttered out of the light of nature: It will be a great overſight to paſs ſuch a ſentence upon it. 1. Becauſe we find in Scriptures, ſome teſtimonies out of humane writers, as Tit: 1.12. Acts 17.28. 1 Cor: 15.33. &c: which the Spirit of God would not have alledged, if their writings had been utterly unlawfull to read. 2. There are certain principles of p. 36trueth written, even in corrupt nature, which heathen authors have delivered unto us, that doe not croſs the holy writ, 1 Cor: 11.14. doth not nature it ſelf teach you &c: and it cannot be denyed that all trueth, whoſoever it be that ſpeakes it, comes from the God of truth, as he is called ſeverall times And who can deny but that there are found many excellent & divine morall truths in Plato, Ariſtotle Plutarch, Seneca &c: and to condemn all pel-mel, will be an hard cenſure, eſpecially to call univerſities Antichriſts for reading of them. Beſides they have treated of the works of God, moſt excellently in many places, and the works of God ought to be declared by parents to their children, Pſal. 78.2-6. Beſides they have delivered many excellent ſayings of God, and have atteſted many Scripture hiſtoryes, as might be ſhewed by ſeverall inſtances, out of Juſtine, Tacitus &c: and Mr. D. is not ignorant of them, ſhall all theſe be thrown away as antichriſtian, or as lyes?

Object. But they have much profaneſs and filthineſs in them, and beſides they are made idolls of in our univerſities, when as ipſe dixit, and their authority goeth for currant, as Scripture it ſelf amongſt them.

Anſw. But 1. All heatheniſh writers, have not ſuch profaneſs in them. 2. Thoſe that have, let them be condemned & abhored, & let not youth be poyſoned by them. 3. Let God be true & p. 37every man a lyer, and let not man, eſpecially any heathen be deified, or his authority be accounted on, or go cheek by jowle with the ſpeaking in the Scriptures: this is indeed to be abhored wherſoever it is received, but abuſus non tollit uſum.

II. But now if humane learning be taken in the ſecond ſenſe, for all thoſe Arts that are commonly taught in Univerſities, as Phyſicks, Eth…cks, Politicks Oeconomicks, Rhetorick, Aſtronomy &c: or alſo for learned tongues of Latine, Greek, and Hebrew &c:

1. I will be bold to affirm, that theſe in the true ſenſe and right meaning therof are Theologicall & Scripture learning, and are not to be accounted of as humane learning. For who can deny, that the firſt & ſecond chapters of Geneſis, and many chapters in Job, and the Pſalms, and diverſe other places of holy Scripture, do afford excellent and ſure grounds for natural Philoſophy, and a juſt ſyſteme thereof: which Mr. Zanchy, Daneus, and diverſe other eminent Divines have opened & declared unto us? And where are there to be found ſuch Ethicall, Politicall, or Morall precepts, as are to be found in holy Scriptures? or ſuch principles for the ordering of our lifes, families, or common weals? let any man declare it unto us. And where are there ſuch high ſtraines of all ſorts of Rhetoricall Tropes, & figures, to be found in any Author, as there are in the writings of the Prophets & Apoſtles: and who can imagine, but that the p. 38beſt & ſureſt Chronology in the world, is to bee found in holy Scriptures, upon which all the computation of ti…es in all ages in the world depends?

2. Let all judicious men conſider, what Mr. Dell graunts, though he ſpeakes ſo much againſt humane learning: I will relate his own words, becauſe his books are in few bands, & they that have them build much upon his judgment. He ſpeaks thus in his treatiſe of the reformation of learning.

1. I conceive it meet, that the Civill power, or chief Magiſtrate, ſhould take great care of the education of youth, as one of the greateſt works that concerns them, and one of the worthyeſt things they can do in the world, inſomuch, that what the youth now is the whole Common wealth will ſhortly be.

2. To this end it is meet, that Schools (if wanting) be Erected through the whole nation, and not only in Citties & great Towns, but alſo (as much as may be) in leſser villages: and the Authority of the Nation take great care, tha… godly men especially have the charge of greater ſchools, And that the Magiſtrate …fford to this work ſuitable incouragement.

3. That in Cittyes & greater Towns, where are the greater ſchools, and greater opportunities to ſend children to them, they teach them alſo, the Latine & G…eek tongues, & Hebrew alſo which ought to be had in g…eat account w…th us, for the old Teſtament ſake.

4. It may be …ment alſo, that there be ſome Ʋn… ſ…s & Colle …es, for instruc…ing in the knowledg p. 39of the liberall Arts, beyond Grammer & Rhetorick; as in Logick, which may be of good uſe in humane things, if reaſon manage that art of reaſon But the Mathematicks eſpecially are to be had in good esteem in Ʋniverſities, as Arithmetick, Geometry, Geography and the like, which as they carry no wickedneſs in them; ſo are they beſides very uſefull in humane Societies, and the affaires of this preſent life: There may be alſo in theſe Ʋniverſities & Colledges, allowed the studyes of Phyſick, & the Law &c:

5. Why the Ʋniverſities & Colledges ſhould bee only at Cambridg & Oxeford, I know no reaſon: and we judg it moſt prejudiciall to the common good of the Common-wealth, that theſe two Ʋniverſities ſhould make a monopoly of humane learning to themſelves. Doubtleſs it would be more ſuitable to a Commonwealth, and more advantagious to the good of all the people, to have Ʋniverſities or Colledges, one at the least in every great Town, or Citty in the Nation, as in London, York, Bristow, Exceter, Norwich & the like: And for the State to allow to theſe Colledges an honeſt & competent maintenance, for ſome godly and learned men to teach the Tongues & Arts under a due reformation. Thus much Mr. Dell.

By all which it appears, that multitudes are deceived concerning this, as if Mr. D. did utterly condemn Univerſities or ſchools of learning, or that which is called humane learning, ſeeing that there is no art or tongue ſtudyed or taught in Colledges, p. 40but he allowes (though with caution) and alſo he deſires there were more ſchools, Colledges & Univerſities then there are. Briefly Mr. Dells project is th…s, and ſo farr to be allowed, to put down heatheniſh ſchools (where there be any ſuch) and to erect chriſtian, as himſelf ſpeaks page 19. in his anſwer to Mr. S mpſon.

Object: But there is no neceſſity of Schools or Ʋniverſityes, or any humane learning to teach men Divinity, or to make able preachers of the Gospell: the teaching of the Spirit of God alone is ſufficient: which Mr. Dell proves by the examples of our Saviour Christ & his Apoſtles, ſeeing Christ himſelf had only the unction of the Spirit. Iſay 61.1-4. Luke 4. Mat: 13.54, 55. Beſides when he would ſend forth pre…chers i… to all the world, he choſe Fiſhermen, Publican, Tent makers, plain men, and of ordinary imployment in the world, and only put his Spirit upon them Acts 2.17. Th…s argument is much stood upon by Mr. Horne, & Mr. Crandon against M. B…xter.

Anſw. 1. It is a mervellous miſtake to reaſon from our Saviour Chriſt & his Apoſtles to theſe times: For our Saviour received the Spirit not by meaſure John 3.24. and the Apoſtles had the miraculous & viſible & extraordinary gifts of the Spirit beſtowed on them Acts 2. So the reaſon will ſtand thus. If our Saviour Chriſt and his Apoſtles, without other learning, by the miraculous p. 41and extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, were enabled and furniſhed ſufficiently for the miniſtry; Then other miniſters in after times (that have no ſuch extraordinary gi ts) need no other learning, but the unction of the Spirit, as if he ſhould ſay, if Aholiab & Bezaleel were filled with the Spirit of God in wiſdom, and in knowledg, and all manner of workmanſhip, to deviſe cunning works, (as they were Exod. 31.3, 4.) then no man need to be an apprentice to learn any Mechanicall trade, ſeeing the teaching of the Spir t is ſufficient for any cunning work, w…o is there that would not account this reaſoning ridiculous? Surely if Mr. D. had not excluded Logick & reaſon out of Divinity he would neuer have made ſuch collections: It is much like his reaſoning in an other Sermon of his, the Scripture ſaith that Chriſt ſhall Baptiſe with the holy Ghoſt, & with fire, therfore there is no baptiſm with water to be uſed, or to be in force. But forſooth what ever he ſaith, ye muſt expect no reaſon from him, ye muſt take all from him as dictates of the Spirit, and ſo all Ordinances in the Church that the Spirit hath appointed, the Spirit ſhall alſo overthrow, yea I know no reaſon why Mr. Dell, or any other believer, upon this ground, may not make an other Scripture, for if the ſame Spirit that indighted or penned the Scripture, be in the ſame or the like meaſure in M. Dell or other believers, as it was in the holy men of God p. 42and penmen of the Scripture, then what Mr. D. and any other believers write or ſay, is of equall authority with the Canonicall Scriptures. So M. Dell and every believer is made a Pope, that can not erre &c: but here I will ſtop & ſpare.

2. I affirm, that the Lord Jeſus and his Apoſtles were learned, and beyond that which is attainable by ordinary teaching: For our Saviour it is ſaid Mat: 13.54, 55. Jeſus came into his own country & taught them in the Synagogue, inſomuch that they were aſtoniſhed, and ſaid, whence hath this man this wiſdom? and John 7.15. The Iewes marvielled at the teaching of our Saviour, ſaying, how knoweth this man letters (or learning,) having never learned them? therfore it is certain that our Saviour had learning, though never trained up therin: and alſo that learning or teaching, is the ordinary way to attain to learning, yea ſuch learning as our Saviour manifeſted in his miniſtry, (as the Jewes conceived) So I may ſay of the Apoſtles, though in a farr inferiour degree: For with that effuſion of the Spirit at Penticoſt, they had the gifts of tongus the gifts of miracles, of diſcerning of Spirits, yea the gifts of wiſdom & knowledg, (the Paſtours and Teachers gifts) mentioned 1 Cor: 12, and alſo 1 Cor: 14 But w…ll any man ſay that believers now have any ſuch gifts of the Spirit, or any promi…e therof? Mr. D in his anſwer to Mr. S mpſon page 3. te…e… us of many promiſes of the Spirit to p. 43believers 1 Cor: 12.13. Gal. 4.6, 7. whence hee gathers, that the whole Church of believers, and every true member therof, do receive the Spirit of God. And who will deny that they do receive it, to cry Abba father, to change, ſanctifie & comfort their hearts: but there is more then theſe required to make an able miniſter, Gods miniſters muſt rightly divide the word of trueth 2 Tim: 2.15. muſt be apt to teach. 1 Tim: 3.2. muſt be able by ſound doctrine▪ both to exhort, to convince the gainſayers: They must have the tongue of the learned, that they may not be as thoſe unlearned ones that wreſt the Scriptures to their own & others perdition. 2 Pet. 3.16. Now let any prudent man be judg in this caſe, whither he think that every chriſtian that hath received the ſanctifying Spirit of God, is gifted therby & qualified for the confutation of gainſayers, and the whole work of the miniſtry.

Mr. Dell in his anſwer to Mr. Simpſon.

Object: Humane learning is rather an hinderance then an help to the miniſtry of the Gospel, and doth rather unfit, then fit men for it: and the grace and teaching of God only prepares & enables men to this divine work: learning is ſo far from f…tting men for this Gospell, and the ministry therof, that indeed there is nothing in greater enmity to Chriſt crucified nor more contrary to the WORD of the CROSS then that: Yea nothing in all the world hath been ſuch … introducer, favourer, ſupporter & indanger of An ichrists p. 44kingdom, as humane learning & Philoſophy: This hath brought in all the hypocriſie, ſuperſtition, falſe worſhip, ſects & ſchiſmes &c:

Anſw. It is to be feared that Mr. D. hath been tainted with humane learning, as in ſome other of his opinions, ſo in writing of theſe things Let the reader remember what approbation hee gave to humane learning before, that he would have it taught, not only in Univerſities, but in all Citties & v…llages: and yet he hath now ſo forgot himſelf, that though for humane & civill ends, he did allow it, yet now he ſaith, that it is enmity to Chriſt crucified, and contrary to the word of the croſs &c: wherin let the ind…fferent reader obſerve with me a few particulars.

1. If Mr. Dell had allowed the uſe of Logick in Divinity, how ſhould he have dared to have allowed any of theſe humane arts, or languages for any end whatſoever? Paul abhors that charge Rom: 3.8. Let us do evill that good may come of it, and their damnation is juſt that ſo reaſon. But M…. D. ſaith that for humane ends (as for the Commonwealths …ake) Schools, Ʋniverſities, Colledges, Grammer, Logick, Phyſick, Law, Rhetorick, Arithmetick Geometry ſhould be ſet up in every Town & Citty in the whole nation: which yet are no better then enmity to Chriſt crucified, and contrary to the word of the croſs, the greatest introdu…ers, favourers, ſuppo…, and …gers, of an…chriſts k ngdom, which p. 45have brought in all the hypocriſie, ſuperstition, falſe doctrine, falſe worſhip, ſects & ſchiſmes, is not this to do evill, that good (ſome outward good to civil ſociety) may come of it? It is no matter how it fares in the mean time, with Chriſt, or Antichriſt, chriſtian or antichriſtian religion, it is no matter how much hypocriſie, or falſe doctrine, falſe worſhip &c: be ſet up therby, in every Citty or village in the whole nation, ſo that their humane ends be provided for: Is not this man think you, a good friend to Chriſt & Antichriſt, to the Church and Common wealth? doth this doctrine come from the Spirit of God, or another ſpirit?

2. Antichriſt himſelf & his adherents, take in all the rabble of locuſts crawling out of the ſmoak of the bottomleſs pit, take in all the popiſh tyrants and all the devills in hell, (for theſe are all ſuch as are in the world) yet according to M…. Dells Divinity, were never ſuch introducers, or favourers &c: of antichriſts kingdom, were never ſuch enemies to Christ crucified, or the word of his croſs, never brought in ſo much hypocriſie, ſuperſtition, falſe doctr…ne, falſe worſhip &c: as humane learning, & yet how can he in any ſenſe, allow of any humane learning, or deſire more Univerſities or Colledges, would he have more Antichriſts, more Devills &c: hath not that man laid aſide naturall Logick, and common ſenſe & honeſty, and put off his forehead that writes thus?

p. 463. Wheras he ſaith that humane learning is rather a hinderance, then an help to the miniſtry of the Goſpel, and to all chriſtianity; Let us conſider a little what truth there is in this aſſertion, to let paſs what I ſaid before.

1. I will premiſe what Mr. Crandon, & M. Horn do graunt, that were no friends to humane learning. Mr. H. graunts, ſome leſſer uſe fullneſs ſome ſciences may afford (to Divinity) as the Mathematicks to find out the bigneſs of the Ark, the meaſures of the Temple &c: Aſtronomy to tell us what arcturus & Orion, and Pleiades are; History and Chronology may ſeem to help to underſtand the paſſages of the Monorchyes & viſions in Daniel &c: Thus Horn, but I ſhould have thought that ſo ſtrict a Divine would rather have ſcrupled the very name of arcturtus & Orion, which to find out, he muſt find worſe humane learning, that is, that is heatheniſh fables, which will tell of a beare and a beares tayl in heaven, where arctu…us ſtands, and the conſtellation of Orion brings in Iupiter, Neptune & Mercury, how they did ex urina illum procreare. and that Diana for his valour in hunting, carried him up to heaven. To have theſe & ſuch things brought into the tranſlatiōs of the Scripture, w uld ſtumble a godly heart that knows the meaning therof, as the raweſt piece of humane learning put in for Scripture, which Mr. H. ſwallowes.

Now let me add what Mr. Crandons judgment p. 47is, he ſpeaks thus in his writings againſt Mr. Baxter. That Logicall, Phyloſophicall, and Metaphyſicall argumentations (mark he puts in Metaphyſicks too, which many will not own for a diſtinct ſcience) in naturall, morall & oeconomicall queſtions (and theſe do ſpread farr in Divinity, as hath been ſaid before) may be uſefull: yea Logick in its ſober and moderate uſe applyed as an inſtrument to aſſiſt … the contexture & retexture of Scriptures, to find out the ſenſe & meaning therof: and farther as by joyning of Goſpel poſitions together, it helpeth to elicite ſure & ſound concluſions, may be profitably uſed in Evangelicall queſtions. Thus Mr. Cr. which croſſeth Mr. Dells judgment. Let me add farther

1. How ſhall a miniſter without the knowledg of the Original tongues, either tranſlate the Scriptures, or when they are tranſlated, maintain them againſt the popiſh vulgar, or other diverſe falſe tranſlations, to be the infallible trueth of God? how ſhall he comfort a poor ſoul that ſaith he is a reprobate, and proves it out of 2 Cor: 13.5. Becauſe he knows not that Ieſus Chriſt is in him, if he knows not what adokimos means. I might make innumerable ſuch inſtances, but I ſpare.

2. For Logick, let them tell me what a parologiſme is, Iam: 1.22. without ſome knowledg in Logick. what logicon gala means 1 Pet. 2.2. For log…con is no where uſed as it is tranſl…ted of the word) but Rom: 12.1. It is tranſlated reaſonable, p. 48and if there be Logical & reaſonable milk in the Scripture, take away logick & reaſon, and the milk will be turned, neither will it be adolon with out deceit. Yea how ſhall a man know when a Scripture is wreſted, or falſly applyed, or a falſe uſe is made of it, or a falſe conſequence is drawn out of it, or a true, without ſome principles of logick, eſpecially to hold forth theſe things to others he muſt needs be a ſhamefull workman, and many times ridiculous, neither rightly apprehending, not dividing the word of trueth, that hath no knowledg how to interpret the Scr…pture.

3. For Rhetorick, I would fain have the unlearned miniſter, or him that underſtands not rhetorick, to give any tolerable ſenſe of theſe places of Scripture, and many the like (farther then they have been opened to them by the learned) Iohn 15 1. I am the true Vine &c. John 1.29. Behold the Lamb of God. 1 Cor: 10.4. The Rock was Chriſt John 6.41. I am the bread that came down from heaven. John 10.7. I am the dore of the ſheep &c: add theſe places. John 3.13. No man aſcends in to heaven, but he that came down from heaven &c: 1 Iohn 3.16. Hereby perceive we the love of God, becauſe he laid down his life for us. Iohn 21 laſt. There be many things that Ieſus did, the which if they ſhould be written every one, I ſuppoſe that even the world it ſelfe could not containe the books that ſhould be written. and that Mat. 12.20. as Ionas p. 49was three dayes & three nights in the belly of the whale ſo ſhall the ſon of man be three dayes & three nights in the heart of of the earth. I ſhould be endleſs if I ſhould enumerate, what might be gathered in this caſe. But I ſhall here have done with Mr. Dells arguments.

There is ſomewhat more in Horn, & Crandon, which I ſhall be brief in, becauſe as they ſtate the queſtion I ſhould not contend with them.

Mr. Horn thus, That the ſtudy of Philoſophy (though lawfull to be known, and in ſome points uſefull yet) is not neceſſary to the preachers or preaching of the Gospel, nor the key of knowledg, without which men cannot underſtand, or profitably hold forth the Trueths of Christ to others.

It is not denyed, but what is neceſſary to ſalvation, may be both underſtood & preached, without the help of Philoſophy, it is enough if it bee lawfull & uſefull, (ad bene ormelius eſſe) which is graunted by him.

Now Mr. Cr. in his preface againſt Baxter, ſtates the queſtion thus. That humane learning is of no force to decide, judg, and conclude any thing in queſtions meerly evangelicall, ſuch as justification, and all other Gospel-graces, and priviledges. I ſuppoſe that Mr. Cr. ſhall neither have Mr. Baxter, nor any proteſtant writer his adverſary in that aſſertion. He that ſhall ſay otherwiſe, ſhall make a Pope of humane learning, and an Idoll, or ſet up p. 50man above God, But for all this, theſe Reverēd men bring arguments that goe as farr in overthrowing all humane learning, as Mr. Dell hath done. Let mee breifly ſee the ſtrength of them.

Horn. If Ph…loſophy, Phyſicks &c: had ocen needfull for furniſhing of men to the Gospel, then Chriſt our Saviour, who came to teach us the mind of God, and to ſet on foot the preaching of the Go…pel, would have delivered thoſe ſciences unto us▪ at leaſt a more perfect form of them then the Philoſophers did or could: But he did not ſo &c: therefore they are not needfull &c:

Anſw. 1. Take the force of this reaſon a pari, thus if the knowledg of the Greek & Latine languages, had been needfull for furniſhing men to the Goſpel in all ages, then Chriſt would have taught thoſe languages, and made Grammers for the learning of them, at leaſt in a more perfect f…rm then any G…ammarians did or could &c: but he hath not done ſo, therefore &c: would any wiſe man think this to be a good conſequence: yet the caſe is much alike; for both the Original tongues, and the arts & ſciences are like preparatives fiting perſons to the preaching of the Goſpel, (for that is meant by furniſhing men to the Goſpel) But God is pleaſed to give to the ſons of men to be exerciſed with labour & ſtudy, in this and other kinds Ecc…: 1.13.

2. Chriſt hath delivered to us thoſe ſciences (as p. 51farr as is needfull) in a more perfect form, then any Philoſophe of old hath done, there was never ſuch a method of Phyſicks or naturall Philoſophy, as is ſet down in the order of the works of Creation, nor ever ſuch a form of Ethicks, Politicks or Oeconomicks, as he hath delivered in the Decalogue, and his own interpretation therof &c:

Horn. The Arts & Sciences are of a diverſe nature from the Goſpel: that being a revelation of Redemption, and way to Salvation for fallen man; Philoſophy but a purblind speculation about the nature of the creatures, and of God as he stands in relation of a Creatour & governour of them &c:

Anſw. 1. Not only Arts & Sciences, but the Law, both Ceremonial, and Moral, & Judicial are of diverſe nature from the Goſpel, as it is the revelation of Redemption &c, Is all therefore ſuperfluous &c: 2. Whatſoever is contained in holy Scripture, tends ſome way or other to the way of ſalvation for faln man, and to make the man of God perfect, 2 Tim: 3.16, 17. So doth the knowledg of Gods works, which are ſought out of all …hem that have pleaſure therin Pſal. 111.2. yea they all make for the glory of God Pſal. 145.10 and the knowledg of Gods works is laid down in holy writt, not in a purblind ſpeculation about the creatures, but in a way infallible.

3. Though the Goſpel in a ſtrict ſenſe, ſignifies the glad tidings of Redemption by Jeſus Chriſt; p. 52yet it hath a larger ſignification ſometimes, as Rom. 2.16. wherin the Apoſtle tells us of the day of judgment, in which God ſhall judg the ſecrets of men according to the Goſpel: there the rule of the laſt judgment ſhall be not only the Goſpel in a ſtrict ſenſe, but as the Law may be alſo comprehended under it: and whatſoever is contained in the ſcriptures of the works of God, and as farr as it concerns a miniſter to preach all profitable and Scripture trueths, the knowledg of Arts & Sciences is uſefull and expedient to him to hold them forth to his hearers.

Horn. The Law, or doctrine of the Lord is perfect, for converſion & edification Pſal. 19.7.

Anſw. But this perfect doctrine, comprehends the doctrine of Gods works, which is called Philoſophy. Beſides that perfection doth not exclude, but preſuppoſe that ſame to gnoſton tou theou, Rom: 1.19. ſome common notions concerning God & his works are left in every man ſtill, that muſt not be extinguiſhed.

Horn. If the ſaid heatheniſh ſciences are neceſſary to ſalvation, then we are not compleat in Chriſt but the contrary is affirmed Col. 2.2, 3, 10.

Anſw. Heatheniſh ſciences are not neceſſary to ſalvation, nor ſimply to make an able miniſter, chriſtian may be compleat in Chriſt, & a miniſter, an able miniſter without them, as the Apoſtles and many others have been. We graunt that all the p. 53treaſures of ſoul-ſaving knowledg are in Chriſt, yet this doth not exclude the expedience of the knowledge of the Law ceremoniall or morall (which are metinoned in the ſame place Col. 2.14.) though we may be compleat in Chriſt without ſeeking our ſalvation by them.

Horn. If we are to beware of Philoſophy leaſt we be spoyled by it, then it is not neceſſary to teach & preſerve us: but the former is true Col: 2.8. and by Philoſophy the Apoſtle means not only Sophistry, but that which the wiſeſt Philoſophers accounted Philoſophy.

Anſw. 1. No Chriſtian (that I know of) will ſay that heatheniſh Philoſophy is neceſſary to teach or preſerve him or others. 2. What Philoſophy means, he explains, and addeth to Philoſophy, vain deceit, & that is no better then ſophiſtry.

3. There are many falſe principles of heatheniſh Philoſophy, as the eternity of the world, the freedom of the will to goodneſs, the placing of the chiefeſt good in contemplation, or in moral vertues ſuch notions as theſe will ſpoil us, and muſt bee ſhunned. But there are many true principles, even amongſt the heathens, (which the Apoſtle calleth, that which is known of God, as his eternal power and Godhead,) theſe will not ſpoil us.

4; There is nothing ſo good, no not the Scriptures themſelves, but they may be abuſed, and it is good counſel to warn men to take heed that they p. 54bee not ſpoyled by the Scriptures abuſed: much more may we be warned that we be not ſpoiled by the Philoſophy of the heathens.

5. The word (ſpoiled) by an allegory, hath reſpect to what he ſpake before, about the treaſures of Chriſt or the word, verſe 2. that which robbeth us of theſe treaſures, leaves us but poor creatures, but all Philoſophicall tenents do not this.

6. I deny not but that (as Ames ſaith, and it is alledged by Mr. Cranaon) the School-men & Popiſh writers have made a very hodch-potcl. & mingle-mangle of heatheniſh Philoſophy and Divinity together, and ſo brought in many pernicious errours into Divinity, and it is likely that the Apoſtle in this place forewarnes the faithfull to beware of ſuch Philoſophy, which is called Rev. 2. the depths of Satan, But what is this to the forbidding of ſober & Chr…ſtian Philoſophy? What is added more then th…s by M…. Horn hath been anſwered before.

Mr. Crandon hath objected another place againſt ſecular learning, that is Acts 19.19. wh…t is ſpoken of the Converts of Epheſus, while the Apoſtle was yet reſident among them, and conſequently conſenting with them, that they burnt their books of curious arts: which though ſome would have to bee underſtood of conjuring books, yet I cannot aſſent to them, becauſe this curſed, rather then curious art, was proper & almoſt peculiar to the Eaſtern people, p. 55Jewes, Samaritans, Egyptians & Babylonians, the Greeks very little or not at all studying it but placing all their wiſdom in the arts, and theſe were Greeks that burnt their books.

Anſw. 1. Who ever expounded this place of other then Magick books? 2. If they were not Magick (for the word is perierga, that is, curious, & ſuperfluous) could Mr. C…. find none ſuch but Philoſophical books? It is ſure that as the Greeks, ſome were Philoſophers, ſo there were ſome Poets, tragoutans & comedians, lyricks, as Aristophanes, Pinaar, Sophocles, Euripides ſome Orators, as Demosthenes, Iſocrates, and ſome Phyſicians, as Galen, Hippocrates &c: they might as well be thoſe curious books, as the Philoſophicall. 3. If this expoſition of Mr. C… is true, then it is a Chriſtian duty and a note of a true convert, to burn all Philoſophicall books, yea and in a publick manner: which were an hard ſaying, and I may queſtion whither Mr. Cr. did ever give this evidence of the trueth of his converſion.

4. He ſeemes to be greatly deceived, in that he reſtraines that curſed art to thoſe eaſtern countryes, as though that Greece were free from ſuch Deviliſh practiſes: For the contrary may appear plainly in Iulius Pollux, who is both ancient and exact in ſetting forth the religion of the Grecians, …. 1. cap. 1. parag. 18-19. where hee ſhewes that they had their Oracles, and spirits. p. 56that foretold things to come, their debacchantes, and numine afflatos, inſpired by the Devil, their raptures & enthuſiaſmes, extaſyes, furyes, their divinations, & where was the Delphick, that is Apollo's Oracle, but amongſt them, with which they conſulted upon all occaſions, and for polytheiſme, they worſhiped all the heatheniſh & Devil-gods in the world, and no God was unknown to them but the true, which appears by that inſcription upon the Altar Acts 17.23. To the unknown God, beſides Acts 16.16. &c: ye find mention of a spirit of divination which was called Python, (being like the Oracle of Apollo, whither all the people came to aſke queſtions) and OBH or eggaſtrimythos, becauſe the Devil filled the bellyes of their Prophets & Propheteſſes, and gave the people his anſwer in filthy manner from thence, and this example is rather to be noted, becauſe when the Damoſell was diſpoſſeſſed by the Apoſtles, her maiſters were ſo enraged, and made their complaint to the Mag…ſtrates, they put the Apoſtles in priſon for it, whence it appears that all ſorts both of Magiſtrates & people among them favoured & maintained, ſuch Devilliſh practiſes. And alſo the l…ke may be noted Acts 17.22. where Paul ſa…th of the Athenians, that they were in all th ngs aciſidaimonesteroi, fearing & worſh ping …m…ns, or Devills, and falſe Gods: …o that the Devill muſt needs have great power p. 57over them. But thus much ſhall ſerve for anſwer to Mr. Crandon, the reſt that he brings is either anſwered before, or toucheth not this controverſy.

To the only Wiſe GOD bee all Glory for ever.

FINIS.

End of the text · Charles Chauncey, Gods Mercy Showed to His People (1655)