The saints guide, or, Christ the rule, and ruler of saints manifested by way of positions, consectaries, and queries : wherein is contayned the efficacy of acquired knowledge, the rule of Christians, the mission and maintenance of ministers, and the power of magistrates in spiritual things / by Iohn Webster ...

The saints guide, or, Christ the rule, and ruler of saints manifested by way of positions, consectaries, and queries : wherein is contayned the efficacy of acquired knowledge, the rule of Christians, the mission and maintenance of ministers, and the power of magistrates in spiritual things / by Iohn Webster ...

Table of contents

Title page

To all that love the Lord IESUS CHRIST in Truth and Sincerity.

To all those that set up Forms, and external Worship instead of the spiritual, and those that call themselves the Ministers of the Nation.

Divers Positions and Quaeries propounded unto all those who being of different Judgments concerning the same, are willing in love and meekness to give or take satisfaction.

I. Of Humane Learning.

Consectaries.

Queries▪

2. Concerning the Law.

Of the calling, and enabling of 〈◊〉

Consectaryes.

Queryes.

Of the wages and maintenance of Ministers.

Consectaries.

Queries:

Concerning the power of Magistrates in spiritual things.

Consectaries.

Queries.

§

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The Saints Guide, OR, Christ the Rule, and Ruler OF SAINTS.

Manifested by way of Positions, Consectaries, and Queries.

Wherein is contayned

The Efficacy of acquired Knowledge.

The Rule of Christians.

The Mission and Maintenance of Ministers.

And the power of Magistrates in Spiritual things.

By IOHN WEBSTER late Chaplain in the Army.

LONDON, Printed for Giles Calvert at the Black-spread Eagle at the West End of Pauls, 1654.

To all that love the Lord IESUS CHRIST in Truth and Sincerity.

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Dear Souls,

BLessed be the God of mercies, who hath satisfied my spirit, that it is not the power of Argument, the force of Dispute or Eloquence, nor the efficacy of humane Reason that can more clearly make out the things that are freely given to us of God, than they are by that Spirit that searches all things, yea even the deep things that are of God, in the experience of his Saints, as they all witness, having the same spirit opening unto them that Record which God gave of his Son. Neither are these and poor weak things (though we should not despise the day of small things) made publick upon any such account,Zach. 4. 10. but onely as it pleased the Lord to draw forth my spirit, to give testimony with those Truths he had sealed in my breast, against all the prejudice, cenfures, and unrighteous judgments of men.

For that immortal Spirit which raised Ies [...]s up from the dead, [...] and quickeneth the bodies of his Saints, by its own light, life, power, wisdom, and strength, worketh all in all in his people, stands not in any need of the weak instrument of [...]infull mans carnal and devilish wisdom:Iohn 6. 63. For it is this Spirit that qu [...]ckeneth, the flesh profiteth nothing. Neither are the weapons of a believers warfare carnal,2 Cor. 1 [...]. 1.but mighty in Christ, not in us, to the pulling down of strong holds, and laying low of every imagination that stands up against Christ.

[Page]And also I have usually in experience observed, that in laboring to make out the Truth by the force of our wit, and arguments, one carnal weapon is but set against another, and so doth little else but engender strife, and stir up passion: so that Truth rather receives damage than profit by it. And therefore the Scripture witnesseth, [...] that Saints should avoid foolish questions, [...]endless Genealogies, and contentions, with perverse disputings, whereof cometh envy, strife, railyngs, and evil surmisings.

And as the Lord in mercy hath cleared my spirit from these mysts, so he hath led me forth to give my testimony with the rest of his Saints in behalf of his Cause and Truth, against all perversness, and unrighteousness of men. For after the Lord about eighteen years ago, had in his wonderfull mercy brought me to the sad experience of mine own dead, sinfull, lost, and damnable condition in nature, and fully shewed me the nothingness, and helplesness of creaturely power, either without or within me, and graciously led me forth to witness with the Prophet David, Psalm 40. 2. That he had drawn me forth of the horrible Pit, and set my feet upon a Rock, and established my goings: And then, and ever since carried me forth somtimes in much power, somtimes in weakness (according to the working of his own will) to declare unto the sons of men what he had done for my Soul.

This no sooner appeared in me and others whom it pleased the Lord to reveal his Son in, [...] but the power of Babel in the Ministers of Satan transforming themselves into Ministers of Righteousness, then in the Episcopal and Prelatical Form, poured forth all their malice and spite against the Truth, and against [Page] all those in whom it appeared: then throwing dirt upon us, and hotly raging in persecution against us, in and under the terms of Puritans, Seperatists, Grindletonians, and Antinomians: And also continued the same bitterness in malice in the tail of the Dragon (though then disguised under the name of Presbyterians, and a new Form of pretended godliness) by the former odious [...]itles, and addition of new, as Libertines, Blasphemers, Sectaries, and Hereticks: and since hath not ceased under the new devices of Independency, and Church-gathering, keeping still the same appellations, and super-adding of others, as Dippers, Quakers, and indeed what not? calling and accounting all others as Hereticks that were not of their Tribe, and Trade, Form and judgment: and so the hierling merchants of Demetrius his Craft do still vociferate and continu it: yet notwithstanding all their bloudy malice,2 Cor. 1. 10. and insaciable envy, the Lord hath delivered me,1 Pet. 1. 5. and those that were his, through his great mercy, from the paws of all these devouring Lions, and will still faithfully keep and preserve all his by his mighty power, through faith unto salvation.

And now the Lord hath strengthened my spirit and hand to bear out my witness against all these, and to manifest the same to you my dear brethren, pertakers of the same heavenly calling, and anointed with that spirit that teacheth all things, and leadeth into all truth; Gal 3. 28. where there is neither Iew nor Greek, bond nor free, male nor female, but are all one in Christ Iesus: to the unity of whose Spirit he commends you, who remains

April 28. 1653.

Yours in the Lord, though the lowest and least of all Saints, JO: WEBSTER.

To all those that set up Forms, and external Worship instead of the spiritual, and those that call themselves the Ministers of the Nation.

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Countrey-men,

IT is far from my purpose to asperse your persons, or to condemn any of the least appearances of the Lord Iesus in you: much less to oppose any thing that may tend to the building up of the spiritual and new Ierusalem. Nevertheless the Lord hath put a few things in my mouth to speak unto you, and some things in my spirit to inquire of you, which I beseech you to receive in meekness, as becometh th [...]se who have stiled themselves by the dear and precious name of Christians.

Hath the Spirit of Christ ever revealed in you, or the record of his truth taught you, that any Form of godliness (how exact soever) or any external worship, or discipline (though never so near the model, that you may imagine is layd down in the Lette [...] of the Scriptures) doth make a Saint, where the life and power is altogether absent? Or doth there appear in any of your gathered Congregations, or select Forms, the evident and pure power of spiritual self-denial, and divine love? Nay, is it not as the Apostle foretels,2 Tim. 3. 5. Having a Form of godliness, but having denyed the power thereof? Doth Pride, Covetousness, Censuring, Envying, Condemning, nay murthering of others that follow not your Forms, declare or evidence the power of godliness? Is not he a murtherer that hateth his brother, and therefore hath not eternal life abiding in him? [...] Iohn 3. 14, 15. Or is there none a Brother, but only he that is of your gathered Congregation? Is this to worship the Father in spirit and truth? Iohn 4. 21, 22, [...]3, 24. or rather to worship ye know not what, either at Jerusalem, or pon some other Mountain. The Lord open your eys, and give you spiri [...]s to discern in what Principle ye stand: Was ever the Spirit of Christ in his Saints in any Age, a spirit of persecution? Or were the Saints accusers of their Brethren, by casting upon [Page] them any odious Titles? Or did they complain of others to any secular Power, or labored to punish or imprison any that followed not them and their way? Nay, doth not Christ teach them not to forbid such? Mark 9. 38, 39, 40. And is it not the Rule, that Saints should not speak evil one of another? [...]mes 4. 11, 12.for in so doing they judg the Law, and fulfill it not? And did not God so lead out their spirits, that being reviled, they did bless, being persecuted, [...] Cor. 4. 12.they did suffer, and being defamed, they did intreat? Nay, is it fitting to bring a railing accusation against the Devil? Iude 9. No, but to refer it to the Lord, that he may rebuke him. Now whether it be so with you or not, let your Consciences and carriage speak.

Did ever the Spirit of Christ teach you, that any actions, dutyes, performances, or any holy exercises of yours, were well-pleasing unto God, that were not the fruits and effects of his Spirit inhabiting and working in you? No, although you should give your bodyes to be bu [...]ned, 1 Cor. 13. 3. and your goods to feed the poor, without the Principle of Divine Love (which is Christ) working the same in you, it would profit you nothing. Where is your Charity? Where is your Love? Doth all that you act in the way of his worship flow from this Spirit? Try your selves, Examine your selves, 2 Cor. 13. [...]. know you not that Christ Jesus is in you, except you be reprobates? Matth. 15. 13. Must not every Plant which the heavenly Father hath not planted be rooted out? And if your Religion and way of worship were of God, it would stand without any assistance of man, or worldly power, that the Gates of Hell could not prevail against it; Matth. 16. 18. for his Kingdom being not of this world, Iohn 18. 36. is not upholden by the power or principles of this world, but by the Almighty Word of his spiritual power.

But doth the house of your holiness stand founded upon this Rock of Ages, or upon the sandy foundation of mans power, and self-righteousness, and therefore when the rain descendeth, Matth. 7 24▪ 25, 26, 27. the windes blow, [...]nd the flouds beat, it falleth, and the fall of it is great?

And you that call your selves the Ministers of the Nation, did ever the Spirit of Christ teach you to derive your Calling and Mission from man, or the power of men? Is it not [Page] the Lord of the Harvest onely, Ma [...]t [...]. 9 36, 3 [...] ▪ 38. and none but he, by his own will and spirit, that sendeth forth Laborers into his Vineyard? Had you your Mission from him, or from Rome? from his spirit, or from the vain and fruitless imposition of the hands of Bishops or Presbyters who apishly imitated the Apostles action, without their spirit, gifts or power? Is not the calling of a Minister (as was Pauls) from God immediatly, and neither of man, hor by man? Gal. [...]. 1. 11, 12▪ Consider into what Places you have thrust your selves, even whither the Lord hath not put nor placed you: Nay, have you not run when he never sent you? Those that are his Disciples,John 15. 16. chuse not him, but he chuseth them, and ordaineth them to bring forth fruit. But do you not pretend to chuse him, to make a Trade of his service, when you go and are sent to Academyes to be fitted for that end, and to Bishops, Presbyters, gathered Churches, or the power of the Magistrat, to borrow authority, and thereby to procure a fat Porsonage or Augmentation? and then you set up shop to sell and vend your wares, as though now you had served a sufficient apprentiship, and were Masters of the Craft or Trade; when yet God hat [...] neither chosen, fitted, nor sent you forth in the power and demonstration of his Spirit. And this appears, by the fruits of your pretended Ministry, being empty, dull, dead, liveless, and onely like teaching of the Scribes and Pharises: for indeed men do not gather Grapes of Thorns, Matth. 7. 6. 10. 29. nor Figs of Thistles: and so by the fruits of their Doctrine, the tru Ministers are known from the false, and so are you.

Dare you presume to [...]ver that you are Christs Ambassadors, and know not the Message that you should deliver, but have it to frame, and hammer out by your study, cogitations, devices, and the working of your carnal wit, and corrupted Reason? or to scrape and gather up out of this and that Author, Father, Schoolmen,2 Cor. [...]. 6. Modern Writers, this and that Expositor, Commentator, and the like?I Iohn 2. 27. Is this to be made able Ministers of the New Testament, Heb. 8. 11. not of the Letter, Iohn 1 [...]. 13. but of the Spirit? Those that Christ sends forth,Matt [...]. 10. 19, 20. have that Unction that teacheth them all things, that they need not to ask or inquire of vain Idols that have eys and see not, Iohn 7. 8, 3 [...]. ears and hear not, mouths and speak not,Psalm 115. 5 [...], 7.neither have any spirit of understanding[Page]in them at all, but they are all taught of God, and have received in some measure of that spirit which leads into all truth, and need not take thought what they shall answer; for it shall be given them in that hour; for it is not they that speak, but the Spirit of the Father in them; and out of their bellies do flow fountains of living waters: While in the mean time your broken Cisterns of wit, learning, and carnal wisdom can contain no water.Jer. 2. 13. Can you be his souldiers, when y [...]u have no weapons but what are carnal, and not those spiritual ones of Christ, that are mighty in him to the pulling down of strong holds, 2 Cor. 10. 4. and the laying low of every imagination that stands up against him, and his power? The Lord in mercy open your eyes, to see your own emptiness, and want of furniture, to fight, conquer, and stand in this spiritual and great warfare:2 Cor. 3. 5. otherwise none are sufficient of themselves, to think any thing of themselves, but every Ministers sufficiency is of God.

Did ever Christ teach you to preach for hire, or to make Contracts how much you must have for exercising that Ministry, the necessity of which is laid upon you (if you be called of God) even to preach in season and out of season, 1 Cor. 9. 16. and woe be unto them that do it not? Mic. 3. 11. And yet it is your cry, No publike maintenance, no Ministry; Oh hypocrites, how can ye escape the damnation of hell! Or hath he taught you to remove from place to place, where you may have more mony or a greater benefit? This is only to preach for hire, not for the love of the truth, nor out of your sensibleness of the necessity incumbent upon you. With what faces can or dare you exact Tythes or pay from poor Labourers, by the compulsory power of a worldly Law, who (perhaps) never received any benefit from your Ministry? or cry out for a publike maintenance to be established by the Magistrate? Is there any other maintenance for a Gospel-Ministry, but what those freely give, that feel, and confess the benefit of the same, thinking it a small matter to give carnal things for spiritual: Did ever the Apostles compel (or declare it lawfull so to do) any to lay down the price of their sold possessions at their feet, but only received that which according to the motion of every ones spirit, was voluntarily brought in unto them? Or did they ever force any (or declare it lawfull so to do) to give [Page] them any carnal things, but such as declared that they had rec [...]ived spiritual things, and only somuch as their spirits were drawn out freely to give? But you, like Demetrius and the rest of the Silver-smiths of that Trade, have long shouted, and continue so still, that great is your Diana of Ephesus: and that if this truth I now hold [...]orth should pr [...]vail, your Shrine-making would be sp [...]iled, your trade overthrown, and your selves utterly undone, who have nothing else to live by, and therfore by your nois must needs provoke the multitude, and (if possible) draw them on your side, though you be never able to give an account of this your unlawful noise and tumultuous [...]lam [...]r. And I know you having so long time traded in this Merchandise, and found therein what your souls lusted after, cannot but weep and mourn to see it all destroyed and taken away: and yet the day is hastening, and the time is at hand.

The Lord therefore in the tenderness of his m [...]r [...]y give you to see that you are in Babylon, and call you out from thence, that you be not partakers of her sins, and receive not of her plagues; and that you may be brought into the Church of Christ, which is his body, to the eternal comfort of your souls, and the praise of his glorious name,

April. 28▪ 1653.

So prayeth the meanest of men, J. W.

Divers Positions and Quaeries propounded unto all those who being of different Judgments concerning the same, are willing in love and meekness to give or take satisfaction.

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I. Of Humane Learning.

BY Humane Learning I understand,Position. 1. all that Science or knowledg that is or may be acquired by Natural power, capacity and industry: To the attaining of which, the immediate concourse of Gods Spirit is necessary, and the common grace of the holy Ghost requisite, for the making men capable in divers measures to attain the said acquirements; and this concourse or common grace, I take with mans natural power and capacity, inclusively, and not dis-junctively. And thus is Science by the Schoolmen divided into that which is acquired, and that which is infused; and this humane acquired Science I understand in the manner of acquisition, stands divided and distinguished from that evidential and experimental knowledg, which men partake of, by the sending in, inflowing, and indwelling of the Spirit of Christ. And in this sense the most knowing [Page] men understand, and accept it.

That all this Humane Learning or acquired knowledg in its excellency and perfection cannot,Position. 2. per se, & ex propriâ naturâ understand, nor apprehend the mystery of the Gospel; nor any way of its own nature can be advantagious unto it; but is different from it, even hurtfull and destructive unto the said end, as may appear by these Arguments following.

The posse of it is clearly denyed; [...] The Natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God, [...]for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them because they are spiritually disc [...]rned. A natural man cannot know them by any natural power or acquisition. But the man of the most and greatest acquired knowledg in the World is no more then a natural man: [...] For that which is born of the flesh is but flesh, not spirit Therefore can he not understand the things of the Spirit of God; they are otherwise discovered, that is, spiritually, not carnally.

The esse of it, or matter of Fact is as clearly denied;Argum. 2. Which none of the Princes of this world knew; [...]for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of Life. [...] And again; for after that in the wisdom of God, the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching, to save those that believe. So that neither the Princes of Learning, either of the Jews or Gentiles, did ever in their wisdom or learning know the mind of God in the Gospel; nor we, or those that come after us, do, or shall in all our wisdom ever know or understand it.

That Humane or worldly wisdom cannot know the mystery of the Gospel,Argum. 3. is clear, because it is dissonant from, and contrary to the pleasure and decree of the Almighty, that it should effect any such end: At that time Iesus answered and said,Matth. 11 25, 20.I thank thee O Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because thou hast hidden these things from the wise and prudent, and hast revealed them unto babes; even so Father, for so it seemed good in thy sight. [...] Cor. 1. 19, 20 For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. Now that which is dissonant from, and contrary to the purpose of God, cannot effect that which he hath determined it shall not.

[Page]This would necessarily set up (as it doth too much already) a confidence in the flesh,Argum. 4▪ and a glorying in mans frail wisdom, and dark cognition; which is contrary to that end which God hath decreed in the saving of man. For he hath chosen foolish things to confound wise, and weak things to confound strong,1 Cor. 1. 27, 28, 29.and thing▪ that are not, to confound things that are; that no flesh should glory in his presence. Therefore the knowledg of the Divine mysteries of the Gospel, comes not by mans acquisition, lest it should be said, the Idol of his Learning had told him this.

And as it doth not, nor can understand the mysteries of the Gospel,Argum 5: but they seem foolishness unto it; so all the wisdom of the flesh is at enmity with, and destructive unto the way of knowing the truth, nay, even to the truth it self; Because the carnal mind,Rom. 7. 8.or the wisdom of the fiesh, is enmity against God, and is not subject to the Law of God, neither indeed can be. So that every mind naturally, though never so learned (for no humane learning sanctifieth the mind) is but a carnal mind, and so is enmity against God, and is not, nor can be subject to his Law; but is in truth and verity, earthly, sensual, and devilish Jam. 3. 15.

And if it be objected,Object. 1. that though Humane Learning be an enemy to the Law of God while it is in a natural and unsanctified heart: yet when the heart is once sanctified, and truly turned to God, then it becomes a sanctified instrument, and a good handmaid to Theologie.

To this I answer,Solution. that though the heart be truly sanctified, in which human learning doth inhere as in its subject; yet doth it not follow that learning it self is, no more then sin can be said to be sanctified, though the heart of a sinful man may be truly said to be sanctified: for acquired learning by it self, and of its own nature is nothing else but sin, and therefore remains so still, and cannot truly and properly be said to be sanctified no more then sin. But if by being sanctified, they mean that the providential wisdom of God doth order it, or make use of it for the good of his People, I opose it not, so that it be understood, that that good flows not from the nature of acquired knowledg it self; but from the Wisdom [Page] and goodness of the Spirit of God, [...] 8. 2 [...] who maketh all things work together for the benefit of those that love him, who are the called according to his purpose; And so no more can properly in this respect be predicated of it, then of sin it self, which in that case (though not as an entity; for Non entia, ad modum entium concipiuntur) is said also to work for the good of Gods Saints.

Again,Ob [...]ect▪ 2. if it be objected, That though Learning be not effectuall to the understanding of the mystery of the Gospel, yet it is prevalent to the compleating of the literal and historical knowledg thereof.

To this I answer,Soluti [...] ▪ Though it may conduce to the gaining of literal and historical knowledge, yet this is not ad idem, because it profiteth nothing, [...]ohn [...] 63. for Truth it self bears record, It is the Spirit that quickneth, [...]the flesh profiteth nothing; and men are made able Ministers of the New Testament, not of the letter, but of the spirit; for the letter killeth, but the spirit giveth life. So that all literall and historicall knowledge gained by mans power, is but like the principle from whence it Flowed, fleshly, earthly, deadly and destructive.

Consectaries.

Then all those that the world cryes up for learned,Consect. 1: from this principle of Humane Learning, are but with God called and accounted un-discipled, un-taught, as Peter witnesseth clearly, where speaking of the Epistles of Paul, he saith, in them some things were hard to be understood,2 Pet. [...] ▪ 16.which they that are untaught and unstable, wrest as they do also the other Scriptures, unto their own destruction. Whereby it is manifest that by the word [...] (which though usually rendred in the English Translation heedlesly, the unlearned, yet properly signifies, the undiscipled or untaught, and therefore commonly in the Latine is turned indocti, which points forth the same significantly; for the word that signifies unlearned, or unletter'd is [...], which is, Homines illiterati, & idiotae.) He intends those that were undiscipled,Acts 4. 13. and had not the Teaching of the Spirit, and yet in the strength of naturall reason and carnall wisdom, wrest the word to their [Page] own destruction. So that all that knowledge which flows from the naturall mans acquisition, which the world calls wisdom, is foolishness with God; and though the wisdom of God, which stands only in the teaching of [...] is Spirit, be accounted foolishness with men, yet this foolishness of God is wis [...]r then the wisdom of men. [...]

Then all those expositions and interpretations of Scripture that have been,Consect. 2 are, or shall be made by the force and power of human learning, and mans innate notions of wit and reason [...] are no more then earthly, sensual and divelish destroying all those that rely upon them, or trust in them. And all preaching or expounding from this principle, is damnable both to speaker and hearer: If the blind lead the blind,Ma [...]h. 15. 14.they fall both into the ditch. Then are not the most that pretend to preach, seeing they do it but from this principle, those that take away the key of knowledge, and enter not themselves, neither suffer those that would come in to enter? Mat. 23. 13. and therefore a most heavy wo belongs unto them, and will fall upon them.

Therefore when men teach and affirm, that without human learning, none can be able Ministers of the New Testament, and condemn those that speak only out of the teaching of the Spirit, and have little or no human learning at all, and make use of little or none, but lay it aside, do they not plainly shut up the Kingdom of Heaven from men, and neither enter themselves, nor suffer others that would?

Then if the quintessence of all humane learning were as a Magisterial extract, monopolized in one man,Consect. 3 yet were it no fit qualification for a Minister of the Gospel; for flesh and blood revealeth not these divine things unto men, M [...]t. 16. 17 but the Father which is in Heaven.

Queries▪

Whether of two men,Query 1 the one having a great measure of acquired learning, but not the infused and experimental▪ the other the infused and experimental. but no human learning, are fitter to be chosen to the Ministry?

Whether any be fit or able to judg of the Spirit in another,Query 2. [Page] that have it not themselves; or to give approbation, or witness to others of that which they have not experienced in themselves; and consequently whether a Nation or Commonwealth can justly set up persons to judge of the Spirit of God in others, and to give them licenses to exercise those gifts of the Spirit, that have not experienced the work of this Spirit in themselves, or not?

Whether or not, all that much magnified naturall Reason (which we think dignifieth us above,Query 3. and distinguisheth us from brutes) and all that human learning (which we conceive exalts and rectifieth Reason) be the fruit and effect of the forbidden tree, and is a spurious and adventitious faculty which man wanted in his innocency, and was instilled into him by Satan in the fall?

Whether all that knowledge that a naturall man hath by nature, and from the first Adam, Query 4. and all that which by the same power he can attain, be not the same hellish and serpentine wisdom by which the Divell ruleth his kingdom, or not? And whether all the horrible and strange tenets sprung up in all Ages, with the jars and disputes about the things of God, arise not from this smoak of the bottomless pit of Satans malice, stirred up in the Region of mans carnall wisdom and human learning?

2. Concerning the Law.

By this word Law I understand a Light discovering what should be done,Position 1. and what ought not to be done, commanding the one, and prohibiting the other; and this (according to the tenor of divine Truth) I find to be threefold.

1. Internal, and impressed upon the souls of all men naturally, and therefore commonly called the Law of Nature, which the Apostle makes clear in these words: [...] which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts, their consciences also bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing, or else excusing one another. And under this law were, and are all men, even as they are men.

2. Externall, [...] as that of the Decalogue, commonly called Moral, ingraven in the Tables of stone, given unto Moses, [Page] and obliga ory unto all the seed of Abraham according to the [...]lesh, [...] and all the Iews were under this Law, and it was their light and rule.

3. There is another Law which is internal, spiritual and eternal, The Law of the Spirit of Life, [...] as sayth the Text: For the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Iesus, [...]hath [...]reed me from the Law of sin and death: [...] and this is also cal [...]ed the Law of Faith, and the perfect Law of Liberty; and under this are all Sa [...]nts and [...] Believers: of the second and third we shall [...] somthing.

That the Mos [...]ical Law of the Decalogue, [...] commonly called the Moral Law, was onely binding to the Iews, not to the Gentiles unless as they became Proselytes, and imbraced the Iewish Religion, these Arguments confirm it.

A Law is always binding unto those to whom it is promulgated and made known, not to others: [...] Now the Law of Moses was promulgated to the Jews or seed of Abraham according to the flesh, not to the Amorites, Canaanites, Persians, or other Nations, who neither knew Moses, nor believed in, or worshipped the God of the Hebrews. For he sayth, You onely have I known of all the Nations of the earth; [...] there [...]ore I will punish you for all your iniquityes; [...] and therefore the Pro [...]het prays, [...] that God wou [...]d pour out his fury upon the [...] then that knew him not; [...]and he suffered all Nations to walk in their own ways! for, he did not deal so with other Nations, neither had the Heathen knowledg of his Law. Therefore was the Law obligatory to the Iews to whom it was given, not to the other Heathen Nations, that neither knew the Law nor the Law-giver.

That Law by which [...] to be judged is obligatory and binding, unto him; [...] but the Gentiles were to be judged by the internal Law in their own consciences, not by the external and written Law of Moses: Therefore it was that Law, not the other, that was obligatory and binding unto them. This appears clearly in that of the Apostle; [...] For as many as have sinned without Law, shall also perish without Law; and as many as have sinned in the Law shall be judged by the Law, For when the Gentiles which have not the Law, do by [...] [Page] [...].

[...] unto them (which [...] needs [...] was the [...]aw Moral of Moses; and therefore they were a Law unto themselves, and were [...] by the work of the [...]aw written in their hearts.

[...] practice of the Apostles in not declaring the whole [...] to the Gentiles that were conver [...]d to the Faith, [...] but onely enjoyning a branch thereof. [...] as the Text with [...]sseth; For it seemed good t [...] the Holy Ghost and to us, [...]to lay upon you no greater burden than thes [...] nec [...]ssary things: and there as a necessary thing he enjoy [...], avoiding of Fornication, which is a branch of the Mor [...]l Law; now if the whole had been obligatory by Divine Right (as is the Moral Law to all that are under it) they could not, not would have but enjoyned a part, and have suspended or omitted the rest.

It is undenyably true, that men are to be convinced by, and from those Principles that they allow, and not from those they allow not: Therefore if the Gentiles had been under the Law of Moses, or ought by divine Right to have been under [...]t, Paul and the other Apostles that preached [...] t [...]em would have laboured to convince them from those [...], and have urged against them the testimony of the La [...], and the Prophets, as they did against the Iews; or have pressed upon them the receiving and obeying of the Law o [...] Mos [...]s; but in their practi [...]e there is found no such thing, but ot [...]erwise; for when Pa [...]l came to Athens among [...] the Ethnick Philosophers, he told them not of the Law of Mos [...]s, but took an occa [...]ion from that inscription, [...] unknown God, [...] to preach Iesus Christ unto them, [...] and to reveal unto them, him whom they knew not.

This Law Mosa [...]cal or Moral, [...] was never given intentionally of God, that any should be justified or made righteous by it: but that sin and w [...]ath might [...]e rev [...]aled all mouths stopt, and all men made thereby guilty before God. Which is clear [...].

[Page] [...]

God, long before the Law was given, [...] had dec [...]eed and de [...]la [...]ed to justifie man by faith, and therefore the Law could [...] disannul the decree and promise of God made before, and [...] not justifie any: [...] years, [...]could not [...]

The Law in its tru and proper end justifies not, [...] but [...], reveal wrath, and discovers sin. For we know that what [...] the Law saith, [...]it sayth to them who are under the Law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may [...] guilty before God. Therefore by the deeds of the Law [...] shall no flesh be justified in his sight: for by the Law is th [...] knowledg of sin; and it is the Law that worketh wrath. [...] For the Law being spiritual doth condemn whatsoever is carnal and not of its own nature, that thereby sin might become [...]. And it is this M [...]ses that ou [...] Saviour told the Iews did accuse them to the Father, though they trusted [...]n him [...]

Though the Law Moral was, and is a Ministry of condem [...]nation to those that were or are under it, [...] and so is glorious: yet is there a Minist [...]y of condemnation of greater glory, which is the Gospel; by which men under a Gospel [...] are convinced of higher things than the Law could convict them of. Which appeareth thu [...];

The Law only condemned men [...] not doing whatsoever was written in it, [...] and did not condemn them for no [...] [...] in Iesus Christ, for the L [...]w is not [...], And therefore was there need of a greater and clearer light to make manifest that infidelity was sinfull and damnable, and so we [...]ee [...] convinced not only by the Ministry of the Law as he [...], I was alive without the [...] [...] [...] [Page] the Commandement came, [...]sin revived, and I died: but also by the Spirit of Christ in the Ministry of the Gospel; Saul, Saul why persecute [...]t thou me? And he said, who ar [...] thou Lord [...] And he answered, I am Iesus whom thou persecutest; wherein it is mani [...]e [...]t he was convinced of his infidelity and enmity against Christ.

The Go [...]pel therefore being that tru and pure light that convinceth men that not beleiving in the Lord Iesus is sinfull and [...],Argum. 2. which no light preceding did or could effect, [...] more glorious than all other lights that went [...]: [...] [...] that light is come into [...] rather than light, because [...]heir [...] [...] and therefore, the Father judgeth no man, but hath give [...] all judgment unto the Son: and he com [...] in flaming fier to render [...] to all those that know not God, [...]and obey not the Gos [...]el of Salvacion, So that men are condemned under t [...]e Gospel for not beleiving, as well as under the Law [...]or not doing; and [...]erein appeareth the Ministry of the Gospel more gl [...]ious then that of Moses.

That to a [...] Beleiver the Spirit of Christ is his Ruler and Conductor,Posicion 5 and the Go [...]pel is interpreted by that Spirit his Rule and Guide; and no Law besides whatsoever; which is evident from these grounds.

Because,Argu [...]. 1 if he be Christs, he is led by the Spirit of Christ, and if a m [...]n have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his;Rom. 8, 9, 1 [...]and it is this [...] that teacheth a Believer all things,1 Iohn 2▪ 27.and leads him into [...]ll truth, [...] [...] [...]for he is taught of God: And this is that Spirit that [...] all things, [...]yea even the deep things of God, which every Beleiver receiveth in some measure (and [...] the Spirit of th [...] world) that he may know the things that are freely gi [...]n to him of God. So that this Spirit both searcheth out, and teacheth those deep things that no Law could ever discover or finde out.

And it is as clear that the Gospel is his Rule, wherein his way is perfectly painted out:Argum. 2. The [...] shall liv [...] by Faith▪ and without faith it i [...] impossible to please God; [...]and whatso [...]ver is not of Faith is [...]in; and the life that a Believer now lives is [Page] [...]y t [...]e faith of the Son of God, who loved him, and gave himself for him. [...] Th [...]refore faith being the way [...]e should walk in, [...] and the Rule he should go by, it is mani [...]est the Law is not his Rule, because not of Faith.

That which teacheth a Believer to de [...]y all ung [...]dly [...] and not to be conformable to this present evil world,A [...]gum. 3. but to be perfect as his heavenly Father is perfect,Luke 1. 75.and holy as he is holy, [...] and to serve him in holiness and righteousness without fear all the days of his life: that same is his Rule and his Guide▪ but it [...] clear, that the Gospel and Grace of God [...]eacheth [...] things, and there [...]ore they are his Rule and Guide, for the Scripture sayth, Let every [...] that nameth the Name of Christ, [...]depart from iniquity; [...]for the grace of God that bringeth salvation unto all men, hath appeared, teaching us to deny ungodly lus [...]s, and to live soberly, righteously, and godly in this present world: and therefore is the grace of G [...]d in he Gospel that teach [...]th these things, the Rule and Guide of a Christian.

That which discovereth to a Believer the fruits of the flesh,Argum. 4▪ and likewise of the Spirit, is his Rule and Guide; but the Gospel [...] this clearly, and not the Law; as say [...]h the Apostle, now the works of the flesh are manifest, which are these; [...] adultery [...]ornication, uncleanness, lasciviousness, [...], witchcraft, hatred, variance, emulations, wrath, strife, seditions, he [...]sies, [...]vyings, murders, drunkenness, and such like. But the fruits of the Spirit are love, joy, peace, long [...]suffering gentlenes [...], goodn [...]ss, fa [...]h, meekness, temperance; against such there is no Law.

That which discovereth that to be sin and sinfull which the Law did nor,Argum. 5. is the Rule and Guide of a Believer but the Gospel teacheth that infidelity is sin and that he which beluveth [...] is condemned already▪ and this the Law neither did not could do; and therefore the Gospel, not the Law, is the Believers Rule and Guide. And [...]urther, that which [...] those things which the Law did and others, higher and deeper, is the Rule of a Believer, and this is the Gospel, not the [...]aw; for it sayth, Ye have board that it was sayd by them of old time, [...] thou shalt not commit adultery: [...] but I say unto you that whosoever looketh on a woman to lust after her, h [...]h committed adul [Page] [...] [Page] [...]

Whether [...]ught the Gospel to be preached as [...] ghest and chiefest Light for discovering the [...] of [...] or not, [...] seeing we now live under a [...]?

Whether are all holy and godly actions of Sain [...] dutye or privi [...]edges, [...] and do flow from an inward [...] of Divin [...] love, rather than from an external prec [...]pt of [...]ear, o [...] rewa [...]d, or not?

Whether Faith, Repentance▪ and all other Grace [...] mentioned in the Gospel (though in form of speaking layd down as requisite du [...]yes) be not free gifts and gracious mercyes? And if they be free gifts and graces, why do men press them legally, and not hold them out freely and Evangelically?

Whether do men that press Faith and Repentance as conditions or qualifications, build upon the principles of Calv [...] or Armini [...]?

Of the calling, and enabling of [...]

That Christ by his Spirit mani [...]esteth the mystery of the Gospel unto such as in his own purpose and decree he hath separated for the Ministry, [...] and sends them [...]orth in the power and evidence of the same Spirit; and all that men have done in appoin [...]ing and se [...]ing up of a Mi [...]istry, is of man and not of God: one [...]y those that have had experi [...]nce of the same truth, have somtime used to give their evi [...]ence, or wi [...]nels to the truth in others, which was not their calling, but a testimony from others that such were already called. And no humane power hath any legal right to forbid or hind [...]r that such may not speak what God hath revealed in them▪ and unto them.

It [...]s plain that God chuseth Instruments▪ and they not him: [...] [...] [Page] vea [...] his Son in me, [...] that I might preach him among the heathen, immediat [...]y I conferred not with fl [...]sh and blou [...]; Neither went I up to Ierusalem to them that were Apostles before me. [...] No, he was an Apostle, not of man, nor by man, but by Iesus Christ, neither was he taught it but by the revelation of his Spirit; and so are all those that are truly called of God; for there is nothing but Christ by his Spirit onely that maketh men able Ministers of the New [...], [...] not of the Letter, but of the Spirit; for men as men, are not sufficient to think any thing of themselves, but their sufficiency is of God. For though there be diversityes of gif [...]s yet it is the same spirit that gives them; [...] and though there be differences of administrations, yet it is but the same Lord that doth administer in them all; and though there be [...] of operations, yet it is the same [...] that worketh all in all, and one Spirit that giveth out all these as it pleaseth.

And as he calleth them, enableth them, and setteth them apart,Argum. 2. so he onely sendeth them forth and the authority they have is only from him, not from man For in the same manner that he was sent (which was in the power of the Father, and not in nor from the power of man) so sent he them; and therefore sayth, pray ye therefore the Lord of the Harvest, that he would send forth Labourers into his Vineyard. [...] It was not to pray Princes nor Magistrats, Bishops, nor Presbyters, [...] nor Congregated Churches, to send forth Labourers, but the Lord of the Harvest onely. Unless we should a fly imagine, that the Lord of the Harvest (that hath ordained the Wheat to be gathered into his own Barn, [...] and is that dear loving and provident Father that taketh care for all his, nay though a mother may forget her childe, yet will he not forget his) should take no care of besowing, planting, watering, nor increase o [...] his Spiritual and Immor [...]al seed, nor of the [...]eaping of that Harvest which was not pu [...]chased with corruptible things as Silver and Gold, 2 Pet. 1. 18, [...]. but with the precious bloud of his d [...]ar Son: bu [...] leave it to ignorant, careless, or malicious Husbandmen It is he that is the Begetter an [...] [...] of this Spiritual Seed, the Planter, Waterer and Increaser of it. For neither is he that planteth anything ne [...]ther he that watereth any thing, but God that [...] [...]

[Page]And as they are sent [...]orth by Him and his Spirit onely, so th [...] authority and weapons are spir [...]ual, not ca [...]nal or [...] they speak in the power,Argum. [...]. [...] evidence and demonstration of the [...], and with authority, not like Scribes and Pharisees; for the weapon [...] of their warfare are not carnal, [...] but mighty in God: [...]heir power ariseth not from Commissions and Licen [...] given or gran [...]ed from Magistrats, Parliaments, or numbers of person proudly and Lucifer like, stiled Divines, from Committees or Colledges Presbyteryes or Academye [...], nor from any such, but from the Lord of Hosts, the God of Heaven and Earth, from Iesus Christ the Iudg of quick and dead, and from that Spirit of his that searcheth all things, yea even the deep things of God. The strength and might of their weapons is not Academick and Scholastical Learning (the [...]otten rubbish of Ethnical and Babylonish ruines) nor Fathers, Modern Writers, Expositors, Commentators, (the ayery bubbles that ignorance, corrupt [...] and humane Tradition hath blown up, and gilded over with the unsuitable and Heterogeneous title of Orthodoxal Authours) nor their wit, reason, nor collected notes (the rotten Crutches to support lameness) no nor any of these, or whatsoever can arise from the flesh, but onely that Spirit of Truth, that lends into all truth.

And as their Calling and power is onely from God,Argum. 4. so man hath no power to obstruct or hinder it: for Peter and Iohn sayd unto the Council of the lews, [...] Whethe [...] [...] be right in the light of God, to hearken unto you more than unto God, judg ye; for we cannot but speak the things that we have seen and heard.

If it be objected,Object. 1 that though it be [...] that God called many of the Apostles by his own power and Spirit on [...]y; yet that Calling was immediate and extraordinary; and a [...]terwards those that were so called, did constitute and ordain others in an ordinary way, by Imposition or Extension of hands, as divers places of Scripture do affirm. For this cause left I thee in Cr [...], that thou shouldest set in order the things that are wanting▪ and ordain Elders in every City as I had appointed thee. [...]And neglect not the gift that is in thee, which [Page]was given thee by Prophecy, with the laying on of the hands of the Presbytery:1 Tim. 4. 14. Acts 13. 3.And when they had layd their hands on them, and fasted, and prayed, they sent them away. And when they had ordained them Elders in every Church, [...]and had prayed with Fasting they commended them to the Lord, on whom they beluved.

For those dist [...]nctions of Mediate and Immediate, Ordidinary and Extraordinary, [...] I finde no mention of them nor ground for them in the Gospel, and they are but the cunning and [...] devices of the Schools, and therefore need no further answer, than rejection and denyal, untill they be made good from a better ground than that fruitless and vain wisdom of man. And though in the calling of many of his Ministers in divers ages there were divers circumstances used at the calling of some, that were varyed, or omitted at the calling of others (which they have therefore made an Essential difference; not knowing that Circumstantials do not absolutely change the nature of Essentials) yet was it the same God that called and sent them, and the same Spirit that enabled them, and spoke in them, as sayth the Record of Truth; [...] God who at sundry times, and in divers manners, spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Prophets, hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son. So many of the Apostles were called by the External and audible voice of Christ in the flesh; yet that verbal Call had signified little, if the Spirit had not called them inwardly in their hearts▪ for herein consisted their calling that to them it was given to understand the Mystery of the Kingdom, [...]but to others it was not given: And yet were many others as truly called as they, that never saw nor heard Christ speak in the flesh: And Paul being called, had a great light shined, and a voice spake unto him, which those that journeyed with him, could hear, though they saw no man; and yet were Timothy, Titus, Barnabas, and others as truly called as he, in and by the power of the same Spirit, though not in the same manner, rela [...]ing to circumstances: and yet did, and do all the Ministers of Christ in all Ages speak from the same Principle, and are sent forth in the same Power, and Spirit; so that Circumstance makes nor substantial Difference, and [Page] so that part of the Objection is of no force: for the Truth [...]aith, [...] Knowing this first, that [...] Prophesie of the Scripture is of any private interpretacion. For the Prophesie came not in old time by the will of man: but Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost: and so do all his Ministers still untill the end of the World,

For the Imposicion of hands it is manifest,Argum. 2. that it was used in divers cases,Luke. 5. 13. as first by our Saviour in [...]ring of Disceases,Mark. 1. 41. and after by the Apostles in the like cases:Act. 3. 7. and likewise upon little children brought unto him.Act. 5. 12.

And lastly by the Apostles and Presbyteries,Mat. 19. 13, 14, 15. in laying on of their hands, with Fasting and Prayer: Bu [...] it is as manifest that by their layiug on of Hands, Fasting and Praying,Act. 1 [...], 3. gifts of Grace [...] were given,Act, [...] and those upon whom they laid their hands, and prayed with, did thereupon speak with Toungs, and Prophesie, and so thereby received the Holy ghost, and this was that gift that Timothy was exhorted not to neglect, and this was it that Simon Magus would have bought with money.Tim, 4, 14 Act, 8, 1 [...]. Now to imitate an Ordinance, or practise an Administracion without the same Power, Spirit, and [...]ifts is but hypocritical, and vain: therefore unless that they that pretend to ordain by Imposicions of hands, had the same Power, or thereby could confer the same gifts, they ought not to practise the same Administracion, because without the pr [...]sence of the same Power, and operacion of the same Gifts wherein the Essence of it stood, it cannot be sayd to be an Ordinance of God, but a Tradicion of men

Again the falling of the Holy Ghost, and the manifesting of its visible Power,Argum. 3. or Power visibly, by Prophecying, and speaking with Tounges; was not (as hath been commonly mistaken) a peculiar Ordinance for setting men apart for the Ministry; but was commonly used to Converts, as Converts, and belonged to Beleivers as they were such. Which is undeniably manifest: For when Philip came to Samaria, and had preached the Gospel,Act. 8, 2, 14, 15, 1 [...] 17,many there beleived, add were baptized, both men and women: And Peter and Iohn were sent down unto them, who prayed for them, that they might [...] the Holy Ghost (for as yet he was fallen upon [...] of them [...][Page] [...] they were baptized in the Name of the Lord Iesus.) Thou layd they their hands on them, and they received the Holy Ghost: and these were both men and women, and not all Ministers, unless every Believer be one.

And again, when Paul came to Ephesus, he found there certain Disciples that had been baptized with the Baptism of Iohn, but had not heard whether there were any Holy Ghost or not, [...] and these he baptized again in the Name of the Lord lesus. And when he had layd his hands upon them, the Holy Ghost came on them, and they spake with tongues, and prophesied. And all these were about twelve. But it is not apparent that this was done for Ordaining them for the Ministry, but as they were believers, unless where the Scripture is silent, we must give it a tongue, to speak out what we fansie, and suppose And therefore Timotheus stirring up the gift that he received by Pauls hands, and the hands of the Eldership, [...] Tim. 1. 6, 7. was but that gift of the Holy Gost which he received as a Conve [...]t, not as a Minister, unless (as I sayd) all Believer [...] be [...], as in some degree they are in truth and verity. For God hath not given his the spirit of fear, but of power, of love, and of a sound minde. And indeed there are two things concer [...]ing this very observable. 1. That the Holy Ghost often [...]ell upon those that were converted, while the Word was in speaking; somtimes before they were baptized with water, and somtimes before praying with them, or laying on of hands; and yet these they usually baptized with water afterwards;Acts 2. 4. as is manifest: that at Pentecost they were all filled with the Holy Ghost, and spoke with other tongues, as the Spirit gave them utterance. [...] And while Peter yet spake these word [...] the Holy Ghost fell on all them which heard the [...]. Acts 8. 12, 1 [...], [...]5, [...] Those upon whom the Holy Ghost was thus faln, we [...]in [...]e that they did baptize them, but not lay t [...]eir hand, on them; but those that had been bap [...]zed, and no received this gift, [...] upon such they put their hand [...], that they might receive it. By which it is clearly manifest, that imposition of hands was used to many that were baptized, who had not received the gift, and so was common to Believers, as Believers, as Peter [...] saying, As I began to speak, the Holy Ghost fell on [Page]them, as on us at the beginning. Then remembred I the word of the Lord,Acts 11. 15, [...]6, 17.how that he sayd. Iohn indeed baptized with water; But ye shall be baptized with the Holy Ghost. For asmuch then as God gave them the like gift as he did unto us, who believed on the Lord Iesus Christ; What was I that I could withstand God? So that heer it is clear, that this gift (and so the Type or Ordinance of Imposition of hands) [...]id belong to as many as believed on the Lord Iesus Christ, and so was not peculiar to the Ministry onely.

And as to that Scripture, Acts 13. where it is ayd,Argum. 4. and when they had [...]a [...]ted, and prayed, and layd their hands on them, they sent them away viz. and so urge that this Imposition of hands was then used for the setting of Barnabas and Saul apart for the Ministry, and so was their Calling or Ordination there unto [...] is manifest that these men were called before, and did exercise the Ministry before; and therefore in the same place they are called Prophets, and Teachers, [...]; which they could not truly have been sayd to be, unless they had been before called, and ordained of God. 2. When the Holy Ghost desired to have them separated▪ they were there to [...] unto the Lord,Acts 9. 2 [...], 29. and fasting: so that they were [...] to and exercised in the work before this their [...] for Pan [...] preached presently after his Conversion, at Damascus, and a [...]so at Terusalem; and it was three years after his Conversion before he came thither;Gal 1. 18, 2 [...], 23. so that this laying on of hands was not (a is commonly alleadged) his Calling or setting apart to the Ministry. 3. This separating or sending forth of Saul and Barnabas, was for the accomplishing of that work whereunto he had already called them; and so to imploy them in several places or Countreys: And when they were to take this journey, the [...] of the [...] did [...] and pray with them, and layd their hands on them, that the Lord might strengthen them, and prosper them in the work. Which thing ought to be done, and is usually practised by Saints, when God sends forth any Minister to other places or Regions to preach his Word.

And also as to that Scripture alleadged in Acts 14. v. 23. Where the words are [...] Argum. 5. [Page] Quu [...] (que) ipsis per suffragia creassent Presbyteros: and when they had ordained them Elders. Where say some is understood Ordinacion, and se [...]ting apart to the Ministry: Others, the choosing of Ministers for particular places, by consent of the people i [...] extending the hand, 1. The Apostles no where mencion any power or skill that they had to call,2 Cor. 3. 5. 6. or make men able Ministers of the New Testament, but do witness, that it is God that makes them, and others so, and he only sends them into his Vineyard, and not men: and therefore the Apostles practise cannot be understood to contradict their evidence in teaching;Mar 9. 38. and therefore this cannot be understood of Ordaining and Calling men to the Ministry; but of appoynting men to particular places, for order and conveniency sake that were already called and ordained of God. 2. Paul oftentimes gives out his witnesse, and commendacion of particular men, testifying that God had gifted, called, and made them faithful for that work of the Ministry, and so sends them to divers places to abide as Ministers:Rom. 56. 21. So he do [...]h of Timothy, Titus, 1 Cor. 16. 10 and many others: Now if Timotheus come, see that he may be with you without fear: for he worketh the work of the Lord,2 Cor. 8. 23.as I also do. Whether any do enquire of Titus, he is my partner and fellow helper concerning you; or our Brethren they are the Messengers of the Churches and the glory of Christ. [...] And so he gives his witness of Tychicus that he is a beloved Brother, [...]and a faithfull Minister in the Lord: and he testifies that he sent Timotheus to the Thessalonians as a Minister of God,Thes. 3. 2.and a fellow labourer in the Gospel, to establish them, and comfort them concerning their faith. So that what was done of the Apostles, Presbyteries, or Churches was but only a giving forth of their witness in behalf of such as God had called, that by their testimony others might more willingly receive them and their Doctrin. 3. When Timethy was left at Ephesus, and Titus in Greet to set things in order, and ordain Elders in particular places, this was but to to appoint such as God had alread [...] called and gifted to remain at such part [...]cular places, and to give their Testimony and witnes, that they were so called; which either they did by extending of the hand, when divers so called and [Page] gifted were present or nominated; or else that divers being proposed, the believers of that Church did by extending the hand, manifest which of them they desired to be over them in the Lord: and then these they confirmed in those places, and prayed that God might prosper them in that work,Acts 20. 28. To feed the flock of Christ, which he hath purchased with his own bloud: and these are the Pastors that should feed the flock,1 Pet. 5. 2, 3.not for filthy lucre, but of a ready minde: and not as being Lords over the heritages. Not but that they are called before this, and this but a witness from others that they are so called.

If it were in the power of Magistrats,Argum. 6. Academyes, Presbyteryes, or Churches to send forth Ministers, then this would be a continual, and standing power to propagate this Tribe, by a way of carnal generation, as that of the L [...]vites, who were born Priests, or to the right of the Priesthood; and so no age or generation need be without, as hath been and is practiced in the Kingdom of Babylon to this day, who all claim it by Succession, and a carnal way of propagation; Bishops from the Pope, Presbyters from them, and the Independent, and baptized Churches from the Presbyters: so that heer would be a perpetual Ministry set up by man, whether ever God sent any or not.Col. 1. 26. When the mystery of his Truth hath been hidden from ages and generations,Acts 1. 7.and is onely manifest to the Saints according to the times and seasons that the Father hath put in his own power. And so all along the time of the Apostasie these Locusts have swarmed out of the bottomless pit,Rev. 9. 3, [...]and covered the face of the Earth to devour the Fruits thereof, (and would continue so still) though the Father of light never sent them, but the Prince of darkness.

Consectaryes.

Then for a State or Common-wealth to set up,Consect. [...]. and appoint a National Ministry, from any judgment of men, Ministers, or Churches: is to take unto themselves the power, wisdom, and right of the Almighty, and to set themselves in his Throne, and so to be like the Scribes and Pharis [...]es,Iohn [...] 6, 10.thieves and robbers, stealing, and attributing that honour unto themseves, which is due to the Lord of the Harvest, who [Page] onely [...] Labourers into his Vineyard. This is but to set up a c [...]rnal Image of a Ministry, a Picture without [...] their trust in him. [...]

Then those that have entred into the Sheep-fold not by the [...],Consect. 2.but climbed up some other way, the same are thieves and robbers; and the Sheep neither know, nor hear their voice nor follow them: [...] And he that cannot evidence his Calling to be immediatly from and by the Spirit of Christ, both by the witness of the same Spirit in his own Breast, the power, and authority of the speakings of God in him, and by the Seal of his Ministry, the Conversion, and Confirmation of Souls; is nothing else but a thief and a robber, a deceiver, and an [...] and nev [...]r was sent of God, but came of himself, and had [...] but from the Devil, and Man.

Then are [...] and Commissions from men to authorize others [...] and r [...]ch, vain, corrupt, and abominable and men that pretend to derive their power from these, are [...] And if any thing be not of him, it will fall of it self; for that which is crooked cannot be made straight.

Queryes.

I desire to know from whence the National Ministers haveQ [...]ary 1. [Page] their Calling, or Ordination? If from Man, who gave him that Power, and wherein consists it? If from God, when, and how did they receive it, and wherein stands the Power of it?

Are not they Theeves and Robbers,Query 2. that steal and robb Christ of his honor? And do not these so, when they hold that being bred in an Academy, and furnishd with such Arts and Learning as are taught there, and to be Ordained by Bishops, Presbyters, or Churches, is the true Calling, and Ordination of Ministers? If this be not to rob God of his Honor, what is it then?

Do these that call themselves the Ministers of the Nation,Query 3. seek Authority, Counsel, Countenance, and Protection from God only, (that sends forth true Ministers, and bids them not be afraid of those that can kill the body, and can do no more; but of him that can throw both body and soul into hell fire) or from Men and Magistrates?

Why do these men if they be ordained of God, and sent out in the Power of his Spirit, persecute, condemn, and scandalize others for witnessing that there is no other Calling but what in the power of that Spirit? when it is certain, That no man speaking by the Spirit of God, calleth Iesus accursed. 1 Cor. 12. 3.

Of the wages and maintenance of Ministers.

That the Ministers of the Gospel have allotted and allowed them a maintenance by the Gospel Order,Position 1. is evident.

Because, Argum 1. The Labourer is worthy of his hire, and the Lord hath ordained that they which Preach the Gospel should Live of the Gospel:1 Cor. 9. 6, [...], 8 9, 14. And he that is taught in his Word, should communicate to him that teacheth in all good things, Gal. 6. 6.

But it is as evident that this maintenance ariseth not from Tythes and Oblations,Position 2. as to the Levites under the Jewish Ministry▪ Nor by the power of a compulsory Law made by a Commonwealth, or Nationall Power, in giving or setling a National Maintenance: But from the free Gift and Contribution of those individuall persons wrought upon by that mans Ministry, to whom they are to communicate their temporal things, and the proportion such, as God shall move their spirits to bestow.

[Page]Because the Jewish Ministery is now fulfilled,Argum. 1▪ and ended, which was but the pattern of the Spiritual,H [...]b. 4. 14. and now we have no other High Priest but Christ; and all his people being members of his mysticall Body, and stones in his spirituall Building, do not pay Tithes in him who received them of Abraham,H [...]b. [...] ▪ 6, 9, 12. in whose loyns (according to the flesh) Aaron and his sons were: And therefore the Priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the Law.

Secondly,Argum. 2. our Saviours command to his Disciples when he sent them into the World, was not that they should have Lands and Livings, Lordships and Dominion, Tythes and Augmentations, [...] but only food and rayment, and therewithall they were to be content. And they were to provide neither gold nor silver, nor brass in their purses, nor scrip for their journey, neither two coats, neither shooes, nor yet staves (for the workman is worthy of his meat▪ so that they were to bargain or contract for none, but only to receiv that thankfully of those whose hearts God stirred up to give it freely.

Thirdly,Argum. 3. when our Saviour was ascended, and the Spirit was descended upon the Apostles and other Believers, they did not force nor compel those that were converted to give them so much or so much out of their estates, but those that freely would sold them,Acts 4, 34, 35, 36, 39.and laid the money down at their feet, & then distribution was made according as every man had need; and while their goods were un [...]old, or not brought into the common pur [...] they might every one have don with their own as they listed, Acts 5. 4. as the Apostle told Ananias and Saphira; so that they witnessed that they had no other warant to receive wages by, but only what was freely given unto them.

Fourthly,Argum. 4. this Rule was not so strict neither that a Minister of necessity must receive it, or else offend against the Rule; but it was so indifferent that Paul did refuse it in the coasts of Achaia, and said, that none should rob him of that boasting in those quarters, and adds the Reasons why he did so, [...] which was not that it was not lawfull for him to have taken what they freely offered (as it seems he did in some other places) but that he might cut off occasion from those which desired occasion, that wherein they gloried, they might be found[Page]even as he;1 Cor. 9 15, 16 17, 18.and that he might make the Gospel of Christ without charge: for the necessity of preaching it was laid upon him, (as it is upon all those that are truly sent) and therefore whether he received any thing or nothing, a wo belonged unto him if he did not preach the Gospel.

If it be objected,Object. 1. That in those days the Magistrates were Heathen, and so took no care for those that were Christians▪ yet now in our Nation the Magistrates are Christians, and therefore ought, and may make a law and appoint wages and maintenance for their Ministers.

I answer,Solution. if suppositions were Apodictical proofs, then many would make ready conclusions,Argum. 1. and the way to knowledge would be very facile: for it is easie to suppose that all the Magistrates in a Commonwealth, inferior and superior, are all Christians, nay the whole body of the Nation it self, because they have a national worship, and are all promiscuously called by that glorious name: but there is a vast difference betwixt names & things being so, and being called so; It is one thing to suppose, and another to prove, and but weak from the denotation to argue to the thing, as though Iudas might truly be concluded one of the true Disciples of Christ, becaus he is called one of the twelve. No, external forms do not demonstratively prove the verity of internal principles: For he is not a Iew that is one outwardly, neither is that circumcision that is outward in the flesh;Rom. 2, 28, 29,but he is a Iew that is one inwardly, and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter, whose praise is not of men, but of God. Therfore when the supposition is proved, then it may be answered, in the mean time ex suppositis suppositio, sequitur.

Again, if some of the Magistrates were truly Christians,Argum. 2. yet Christs kingdom being not of this world, Joh. 18. 36. but a Spirituall one, they ought not to intermeddle with carnal constitutions in his spiritual things, which he makes good by his own Spirit, Wisdom and Providence, and not by the counsel or wisdom of the Princes of this world, which comes to nought; and his servants are to wait upon him by a simple believing,Matth. 6. 33. 2 Cor. 5. 7. and to walk by faith, and not by sight. Moreover, if they were Believers, they might every one of them in his single condition [Page] give to him that taught him what proportion of his own good things he had an heart to bestow, but not to set down a law to judge over the conscience of his brother, because these things ought to be done out of a principle of love, and not from the law of au externall command.

If they were all Christians,Argum. 3. it was never yet that I could see proved, that they had power to settle a maintenance for the Ministery of the Gospel; and the contrary to me appears an undeniable truth, and that from these grounds,

1. Because the Rule of Christ, and the practice of his Apostles were only for a free & voluntary contribution from the free will offering of those whose spirits were wrought upon by that particular Ministery to which they should contribute: now for Christians to pretend to have power to make a law for the maintenance of his Ministry, and the good of his cause, and walk contrary to the Rule of Christ himselfe, to me seems strange that it should be accounted lawfull.

2. There is no Magistrate hath any power to make a law of those things he perfectly understands not; for how can a right judgment be given where the intellect is not clearly formed? Now it no where appears that the Magistrates have the spirit of discerning to know the Ministers of Christ infallibly from the ministers of Satan; & therefore might as soon maintain & advantage the one as the other.

3. As was said before, it crosseth the way of providentiall confidence, and simple believing and waiting upon God, and so cannot be lawfull for them to do.

Consectaries.

Therfore for a Magistracy by a compulsory law to settle a maintenance for a National Ministery by Tiches,Conset. 1. Augmentations, or in any other way, is to act against the ordinance of Christ, and to make the Commandements of God of none effect by the traditions of men. [...] And therfore they should learn to give unto Caesar the things that are Caesars, [...]and to God the things that are Gods.

Then for Ministers to be bred at the Academies,Consect. 2. and get Orders, Licences, or Seals from human authority, thereby [Page] to get fat Benefices and rich Livings, is to make the Ministry a meer Trade, and to go contrary to the command of Christ, and the practice of the Apostles, To make bargains with the people to have so much, and so much, for exercising their Ministry, is to preach for pay, and not for Christ▪ To press the Magistracy to provide for them, is to distrust the promise & providence of God, and to flie to the arm of flesh, [...] and therefore they are doubly accursed both for making the arm of flesh their refuge, and withdrawing their hearts away from the living God; Hear ye this, I pray you, ye Heads of the house of Iacob, [...]and Princes of the house of Israel, that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity▪ They build up Zion with blood, and Ierusalem with iniquity. The Heads thereof judge for reward, and the Priests thereof teach for hire, and the Prophets thereof divine for mony; yet will they lean upon the Lord, and say, Is not the Lord among us? No evill can come upon us. And when the Ministers preach and cry out, If Tythes be taken away, and Augmentations cease, and there be no wages nor maintenance allowed by law, [...]how should we live? what shall maintain our families? who will then preach the Gospel? The people are hard-hearted, and will give us little or nothing; if no publick maintenance, no Gospel. Are not all these the complaints of an evill, adulterous, and unbelieving generation, that preach faith to others, even of things high and spirituall, and yet themselves dare not trust God for food and raiment?Matth. 6. 32. Do not the heathen seek after all these things, and have you no more faith then they?

Then those that are the true Ministers of Christ,Consect. 3. know that the necessity of preaching the Gospel is laid upon them, and will preach in season and out of season, whether they have any thing or nothing; nay, will not cannot in conscience take any thing carnall from any man, to whom they have not sown spiritual: and not that neither, but according to the free-will-offering of their minds, to whom they have ministred spirituall things▪ and in this point, by their fruits ye shall know them.

Queries:

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Didst thou,Query 1. who callest thy self one of Christs Ministers, when Christ called thee and sent thee forth (if ever he did so) make a bargain with him what thou shouldst have for thy labour, without which thou wouldst not do thy work, or but negligently and with murmuring?

Did ever Christ teach thee to clamour and cry to the Magistrate to settle thee some maintenance by a law? or to exact it from the poor labourer,Query 2. who never yet received a spiritual benefit from thy teaching, nor hath no heart to give thee any thing but against his will?

Canst thou ever make it appear to be a duty incumbent upon the Magistrate to settle thee wages by a law,Query 3. or it lawfull for thee to take it? If thou canst, it is high time to produce thy strong reasons, lest thy god Dagon fall to the ground & rise no more, and with the rest of thy brother Craftsmen to shout high, lest your shrine-making be mar'd for ever.

Will not thy Trade be as long-lived as the world,Query 4. if Academies can give thee qualifications, men an Ordination, and the Magistrates maintenance? But Babel must fall▪

Concerning the power of Magistrates in spiritual things.

That the Magistrate hath power both coercive and punitive,Position. against al evil either in words or works, whether it be against a privat or a publick interest, is manifest.

Because all men,Argum. 1. even as men, have this impressed in them by the light of Nature, principles suckt in by education, or a light from God upon their spirits, That the end of being is its own preservation; and as this is ingrafted in one, so it is in all individuals; and as they would not be willing that any other should hurt or destroy their being, nor hinder the meer necessaries of its conservation; so it is contrary to natural justice, & right reason, to hurt or destroy the being of another, or to hinder them of meer necessaries for their conservation. And all Laws were at first intended, and should be exercised, to preserve unto every Numerical person (as far as possible) these grand priviledges of Natures universall Charter; [Page] and therfore what acts or words soever may tend to the obstructing or frustrating of this end, is in the Magistrates power to restrain and punish. And for this purpose the Apostle bears witnes,Rom. 2, 14, 15. that the Gentiles who had no external Law given of God, were a Law unto themselves; which did shew the work of the Law written in their hearts, their conscience bearing witness, and their thoughts the mean while accusing or else excusing one another.

The Scriptures make this clear,Argum. 2. commanding every soul to be subject unto the Higher powers, because there is no power but of God.Rom. 13. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.The powers that be are ordained of God. And whosoever resisteth the powers, resisteth the Ordinance of God, and they that resist, shal receive to themselves damnation. And these are the Ministers of God for the defence and praise of those that do well, and for the punishment of those that doe evil, for they bear not the sword in vain. And therefore the Apostle concludes that the Christians should be subject unto these Ministers (though Heathens) not only for wrath, but also for conscience sake; and for this reason was Tribute to be paid unto them,1. Pet. 2. 13.because they were the Ministers of God attending upon that very thing continually. And thus were al the Saints commanded to obey every Ordinance of man for the Lords sake, 1 Tim. 2. 1, 2. whether of Kings or others; and that prayers and supplications should be made for Kings, and all that were in authority, that they might lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.

But now the grand scruple is,Position 2. what power the Magistrate hath in those things that are called spiritual: And by things spiritual I understand those things that the Apostles & other Saints taught and practised as Christians; for as men, they were in their words and actions (as is proved before) under the power of the Magistrate. And in all those things that they held, taught, or practised, I finde evidently these two. 1. They never required any thing of the Magistrates (as they were Christians) but only liberty to speak out the things that Christ had manifested unto them; and quietly to meet together to break bread, pray, baptize, edifie, or communicate to the wants of one another▪ 2. Nothing that they spoke o [...] [Page] did (as Christians) was any [...] contrary, hurtful, or obstructive to the Civil Laws, [...] Jews or Gentiles.

I never read that they desired of the Magistrate honour or riches,Argum. 1. Lordships or dominions, nor to be called Doctors, Masters, Rabbies, or to have the pre-eminence and chief seats one above another, as ours now-a-dayes that call themselves Christians, must have a Law to make them Masters, Doctors and Batchelors of Divinity (as they are pleased vainly to stile them) and that not had but with a vast expence to the Commonwealth (in allowing such large Revenues of Lands and Tithes to maintain an hive of Drones, Wasps and Hornets in their Monkish Cells) which might be better employed for enabling men in Arts and Sciences to fit them for Civil employments, and not to paint up a blader-blown Clergy (another fals title they have assumed to themselvs) with such idle Terms and vain Epithites. It is true that the Disciples being but earthly and carnal, had much ado among themselvs Who should be greatest, but our Saviour tels them, That the Kings or Rulers of the Nations did bear rule over their people,Mat. 20 [...] 20. 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28.aud were called gracious Lords, but it should not be so among them, but he that would be greatest should become least, and he that would be master, should become as a servant. And Zebedees children (being of the same carnall principle with the rest) could desire to sit the one at his right hand, and the other at his left in his Kingdom but he told them, they knew not what they asked. And the Scribes and Pharisees loved the uppermost seats in the Synagogues and at Feasts,Mat. 12 38. 3 [...].and greetings in the Marketplace, and to be called of men Rabbi, Rabbi, but the Disciples were forbidden these things.

I never read that the poor Disciples,Argum. [...]. or any other Saints desired of the Magistrates tithes, or augmentations, mony or maintenance for their pains taken about the things of Christ. They desired not of the Magistrates any Authority, Licenses Commissions or Orders for their preaching the Message that God had put into their mouths. But now our Sons of Belial will strike their fleshbook with three teeth into the pan and caldron, and if the people will not give them of the Sacrifices they[Page]they will take it by force, and so wage law against the poor people; but the judgement of Elies sons is hastening upon them, and if they make not a great uproar and noyse, their great Diana falls for ever.

I never read that the Disciples, or Christians in their days,Argum. 3. did desire the Magistrate to punish kill, accuse, condemn or imprison any that received not their doctrine: no, they were but to shake off the dust of their feet as witness against them. [...] Nor did they desire to have the Magistrate to punish any that fell away from their doctrine into other opinions, though never so gross; but all that they did was by spiritual power to deliver them to Satan, and that also for this end, even for the destruction of the flesh, [...]that the spirit might be saved in the day of the Lord Iesus.

All that I find that they declared the Magistrate had no power to hinder them of,Argum. 4. was the speaking the things of God, wherein they were bound to obey God rather then men, and in this case the counsel of Gamaliel was both good and pretious, That they should abstain from these men, and l [...]t them alone: [...]for if that counsel or work were of men, it would come to nought: But if it were of God, it cannot be overthrown, and so in opposing of it, men may be found fighters against the holy Ghost.

2. Neither did they act or speak (as Christians) any thing that was destructive,Argum. 1. or any way hurtfull to the power of the Civil Magistrate. For though they were accused of divers evils and misdemeanors, as of being enemies to Caesar, the Temple, and Laws, perverting of the people,Acts 1 [...] 26. [...]for speaking blasphemous words against the place of the Iewish worship, [...]against the Law, to trouble the Cities, to teach customs not lawful for them to observe that were Romans, and that they turned the world upside down: That they were seducers, hereticks, [...]and that their Sect (as they were pleased to call it) was spoken against every where, and that Paul was a pestilent fellow, [...]a mover of sedition among all the Iewes throughout all the world, and a ring-leader of the Sect of the Nazarens. Yet were all these accusations false and forged, and could not be proved against them: [...] For neither against the Law of the Iews, neither[Page]ther against the Temple, nor yet against Caesar, had they offended any thing at all.

Nay,Argum 2. they were so [...]ar from being disturbers of the peace, or injur [...]ous to any man, that their very Doctrine was to have, as much as in th [...]m laid, [...]peace with all men, [...] and not to suffer [...]or [...] doing, [...]but well: And it was their practice, [...] that being reviled, they did bless and being persecuted, they did suffer, and being de [...]amed they did intreat. Nay, they were so far from doing evil, or opposing the civil Power, that Paul being wrongfully accused by the Iews, had such confidence even in the justice of the Heathenish Magistrate, and his own innocency, with God [...] assistance, that he appealed unto Caesar. But it is not so with those that pretend to be Saints now; [...] for they will not be co [...]tent without maintenance from the Magistrate, or else they will resist and oppose.

The civill Magistrate hath not any positive power to punish any man,Position 3. or restrain any, for their l [...]ght, judgment, conscience, opinion, or way of worship, if so be they act or speak nothing that is distractive or destructive to the civill Power, or tending to the breach of the peace, or to injure one another; which is manifest from these grounds,

Nothing ought to be restrained,Argum. 1. condemned, or punished by the civill Magistrate, in relation to Judgment and Opinion, but as it is certainly and in [...]allibly known to be erroneous, false, blasphemous, or hereticall nor any thing [...]estrained or punished in respect o [...] worship, but what is infallibly known to be idolatrous, supe [...]st [...]ous, and contrary to the mind of God. But it is manifest, that man, [...]s he is natural, knoweth n [...]t these things, but they are fooli [...]ness unto him, [...] neither can he discern them; for men ar [...] altogether gone out of the way, [...] and there is none of them that understands these things, no not one. And then shall man be a judge of what he knows not, and give sentence where he understands not at all? And if it be thought that Magistrates are to judg & punish these things as they are Christians, because it is said, [...]hat the Saints shal judg the world. [...] 1. It cannot be proved that they are [...]hristians because they are called so, nor that they are Saints because they think and call themselves so; for, not he whom man [Page]approveth, but he whom God approv [...]th is justified. 1 Cor. 10. 18. 2. And though it be true that the Saints do & shall judg the world, yet it is not by using any of the Civill Power or Authority of the world: for Christs kingdom, of which they are members, is not of this world: [...] and thus Paul did not judge those th [...]t were without; and the Saints judging of the world was in spi [...]itual power, by a declarative witnessing against all unright [...]ousness of men, but no using of the civill sword; for their weapons were not carnal but spirituall. And ther [...]ore the Magistrate is not the competent judge of these things, and therefore hath no power but what is negative, and so ought not to forbid them.

But though the Magistrate had the spirit of discerning,Argum. 2 without error or mistake, of what was true or false, light or darkness, both in relation to opinion and outward worship, yet is not the right and judgement of these things given or granted unto him, though he be as a god upon earth, but it is the great & high priviledge and prerogative of Iesus Christ, by whom God will judge the world, [...]according to Pauls Gospel, and the very [...]entiles for walking contrary to their own light, were judged of God, and not by men, [...] and of him given up unto vile affections, as a just punishment for sinning against light; [...] and therefore the Father hath committed all judgment unto the Son, [...] and he it is that is appointed judge of quick and dead: for all power is given him both in heaven and earth [...] for it is God himself [...] in these cases, and not man, that is and will be Iudge.

Again,Argum. 3. what Tares soever the envious man hath sown in the field of the world, of lies, falsities, errors, blasphemies, heresies idolatrous and superstitious [...] worships are not to be weeded forth by every [...]ervant, [...] nor by the Magistrate, le [...] they pluck up the wheat also, but both must be let alone untill the harvest and then the Lord will send messengers that shall make a sepration: Therefore the Magistrate ought not to meddle with the plucking out of the Tares of errors, heresies & false worships; for therby usually the wheat is pluckt up, and the tares left; for the Saints of God have always been persecuted and slain under the pretence of rooting forth errors, [Page] and destroying false ways of worship, and under colour of doing God good service: For it is evident, that since the Magistrates have assumed to themselves the title of Christians, and pretended power, nay also will, & skil of promoting the cause of Christ, of setting up forms, professions, and making Creeds, Confession, and Articles of Religion by the power of civill authority; as also to eradicate errors, heresies and false worship, Antichrist hath by that means had his growth and increase; Apostasie hath entred and prevailed, Truth almost in all Ages hath been stissed and suppressed, and the Saints persecuted and butchered, as is too evident in Martyrologie and Church History. And this is all the advantage that the truth of Christ ever gained, or can have from the authority of men, and the power of the world.

Also the record of truth doth witness that God in his unsearchable wisdom and providence hath decreed,Argum. 4. 1 Cor 11. 19. Mat. 18 [...] that heresies must come, that those that are approved amongst his Saints may be made manifest, and that it is of necessity that offences must come, though there be a wo to those by whom they do come. And therefore the power of man or Magistrates cannot frustrate the purpose of God, but while they labour to do what belongs not unto them, they become fighters against God, and so are given up to blindness, and because they believed not the truth, are given over to believe lies.

Moreover, [...] this power hath been assumed by men & Magistrates from no better a ground then the rotten foundation of infidelity & pride; out of infidelity, in fearing and distrusting that God was not powerful and wise enough of himsef in his own spiritual strength to carry on and accomplish his own work without the wisdom and power of sinfull, weak, and vain man, [...] whose breath is in his nostrils, and his help vain: When the Kingdom and Cause of God is built onely upon himself, that everlasting Rock of Ages, and Christ is that Stone, [...]though refused of men, is chosen of God, and pretious, and is become the chief in the corner. Even that stone coming out of the Rock without hands, and crushing in pieces all the Images of brass,Dan 2. 34.Iron or clay, that ever the power of man erected or set up. And it Proceeds out of pride, man vainly thinking [Page] in his wisdom & power to make the work of God more effectual then the Lord hath determined, and by the rod of fear and terror to drive more into heaven then ever God hath decreed shall come there, or to force them in sooner then his appointed time, or by a door that he never opened; not considering that the weakness of God is stronger then the strength of men;1 Cor. 1. 25▪ Iohn 6. 44▪and the foolishnesse of God wiser then the wisdom of men, and that no man can come, nor be driven unto Christ,Argum. 6. except the Father draw him.

Lastly, the Magistrate pretending to be judge of the consciences of men, doth usurp the place of God; for God himself will immediatly reign there, and none can perswade nor change a heart but God only,Ezek. 18. 31. & 11. 19. for it is he that takes away stony hearts, and gives hearts of flesh, takes away the old & gives new ones, and no creaturely power is able to do it. And also thereby many are forced to become hyporites, and to sin against the light of their own conscience, or else to undergo loss of goods, or liberty, bodily hurt, or death, which is cruel and tyrannical, nay even against the law of Nature: for who would desire to be compell'd against the light of his own conscience? and therefore how unjust is it to compell anothers? This may make a man a Prosselyte, to say and profess with his mouth, that which is contrary to the intent and belief of his heart, and so to be twofold more the child of perdition then formerly. Object. 1,

Some obiect, That the Jewish Magistrates had power to punish idolatry and blasphemy; and why have not Magistrates amongst the Christians the like power?Solution.

1. Because we are not under the same administration,Heb. 7. 12. nor are their Laws obligatory to us: For the Priesthood being changed, there is made of necessity a change also of the Law.

2. Because we have not the same means to instruct and direct us in giving judgment in such abstruse & deep matters; for they had extraordinary direction by the Vrim & Thummim, & by their Prophets, both of which we want: we have none that can make fire come down from heaven, as Elija did, to confound Baals Prophets withall: and therefore where there are not like premises, there cannot be like conclusions. [Page] Others object,Object. 2. that there is a power that the Disciples had and exercised, to cen [...]ure & deliver to Satan, as in case of Incest; and of Hymeneus & Philetus denying the resurrection: and the Angel of the Church in Thyatira is threatned,Rev. 2. 20.beacuse he had suffered Iezebel to [...]each and seduce the servants of God; and theref [...]re that there remains a coercive and punitive power, if not in the Magistrates at least in the Ministers and Churches, and therefore it is lawfull to exercise that.

1. It is true,Solution. that the Apostles and primitive Churches had by their directions a power to retain sins, and to deliver to Satan; but this was not an externall power of man, or the sword, but was spirituall, and stood in the power of Christ; for the Apostle saith, In the name of our Lord Iesus Christ, when ye are gathered together,1 Cor. [...]. 4. 5.and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Iesus Christ, to deliver such an one to Satan for the d [...]struction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Iesus. Now this was done in the power of Christ, and so as no Church now can shew the like, though they seem to imitate it.

2. This was not done by inflicting any external punishment upon him, but that the rest of the saints were to forbear such an ones company,1 Cor. 5. 11. even to eat with him, and consisted not in some violent thrusting out such an one from their houses or company, but in withdrawing themselvs away from him: for the Apostle warns and commands the believing Thessalonians in the name of our Lord Iesus Christ,2 Thess. 3. 6. 14.that they should withdraw themselvs from every brother that walked disorderly; and if any did not obey his word in that Epistle, they should note such an one, & have no company with him, that he might be a shamed.

3. For that of the Angel of the Church in Thyatira, it contains a very high & great mystery, more then mans wit can conceive by the letter; yet it is clear that they should not have suffered her: but what was it they should have restrained or resisted her withall? not with carnall▪ weapons (for the Saints wear not such) but with spirituall, which were mighty and powerfull in Christ.

2. Those rebuked there were such as had her doctrine, Rev. 2. 22, 24, 25. and those threatned were such as had committed fornication with [Page]her, and therefore by suffering her, was to have embraced her doctrine; but those that had it not, nor had known the depths of Satan, they were not reproved not threatned at all, but exhorted only to hold fast untill Christ should come.

Consectaries.

There is nothing in the Gospel either in doctrine or practice,Consect. 1. that is distractive or destructive to the civil power, nor any way hurtful or injurious unto men. And therfore whatsoever doctrine or practice is destructive to Magistracy, or tends to break the peace, or injure any man, the same hath no ground in the Gospel, and is an evill that the Magistrate hath power to restrain and punish.

All the liberty that Christians have,Consect. 2. or can claim of or from the Magistrate, is onely negative and permissive, that they should not forbid & hinder them to declare the things that God hath revealed in them, and commanded them to utter, nor prohibite them the way of their worship and serving of God.

The Magistrate hath an unquestionable power to restrain and punish every word and action of man that tends to the disturbance of the civil State,Consect. 3. or to the prejudice of others, and is bound to uphold nothing of Christian Religion, either with the sword, or with mony or maintenance: and therefore those that require pay from the State to uphold their Religion, ought in that point so far to be restrained, as to be denied it, and none allowed them.

Then whatsoever a mans opinion or way of worship be (if he live peaceably amongst men both in word and work,Consect. 4. and faithfully and obediently toward the Civil power) the Magistrate (ought without respect to his judgment, or way of worship) to protect and defend him, and not at all to intermeddle with him in regard of either.

Queries.

If the Magistrate (not having infallibility of judgment) do by law establish one or more forms or Religion,Query 1: & compell men to conform therunto, may not one or all those be [Page] idolatrous and erroneous? and some way not allowed by law, be the onely way of truth in Christ?

Can a Magistrate drive more into heaven then the Father hath determined to draw thither?Query 2. or can he be wiser then the Spirit of Christ to teach and direct men the way to eternall life?

Doth any form of religion necessarily entail the grace of God upon those that walk in it?Query 3. Or can any form keep out the Spirit and Grace of God when it will enter?

Doth any power of the Magistrate really and truly change the heart,Query 4. though it make the tongue confess, and the person in external worship conform to the Form and Religion established?

Is it not against the law of Nature,Query 5. and the light imprinted in us, to do that to another we would not have done to our selves, to compell another when we would not be compelled?

If any out of tenderness of conscience,Request. 1▪ lowliness of mind, or love of the truth, desire further satisfaction in the particulars handled herein, I shall be willing (as far as the Lord in mercy shall enable me) either by conference or otherwise, to give them what content and assistance lies in my power.

If any one be unsatisfied with the truths herein contained,Request. 2. and judge them unsound or erroneous, and so have a desire to confute them, or argue against them, I only intreat them plainly and fully to make it manifest out of what principle they speak, whether from the Spirit of truth, or from the ground of Human learning and Reason, and according to the presence of the Lord with me, they shall receive a responsion.

FINIS.

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Information about this book

Title statement

The saints guide, or, Christ the rule, and ruler of saints manifested by way of positions, consectaries, and queries : wherein is contayned the efficacy of acquired knowledge, the rule of Christians, the mission and maintenance of ministers, and the power of magistrates in spiritual things / by Iohn Webster ...

Webster, John, 1610-1682.

Edition statement

1654

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Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2003-05 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

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A65358

ID [STC]

Wing W1213

ID [STC]

ESTC R17627

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

11862890

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ocm 11862890

ID [VID]

50047

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A65358)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 50047)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 44:6)

Source

— The saints guide, or, Christ the rule, and ruler of saints manifested by way of positions, consectaries, and queries : wherein is contayned the efficacy of acquired knowledge, the rule of Christians, the mission and maintenance of ministers, and the power of magistrates in spiritual things / by Iohn Webster ..., Webster, John, 1610-1682..

Extent

[10], 38 p.

Printed for Giles Calvert ...,. London :: 1654.. (Second ed. Cf. BM.) (Reproduction of original in Harvard University Libraries.)

Creation

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