SOme occasions of business forcing my stay in London for awhile, I did (as opportunity would give leave) hear some teachers of Gods Word, at present reputed, and adjuged famous Divines; but certain it is, that fame and common report over­values them, for even in their pulpits they could not forbear to set forth their spleen and envy, even against such persons as deserve a better [Page 2]esteem, if it be but for their rare and excellent gifts and spiritual abilities, with which it hath pleased God to entrust and enrich them; and what is more;

In a great Congregation. (viz.) Sepulchers, upon a Lords day in the Afternoon; it was publickly preached, that gifts were not to be regarded; that they puffed men up, that it was a sure sign of an Hypocrite, and of a withering pro­fessor to shew his gifts, and to stand upon his abi­lity of gifts, (and yet himself was then exercising his gifts, and as 'tis known well) he did strive to set forth his able gift of preaching to the full, and would be very angry, if any should tell him that he wants gifts and parts, and yet to undervalue men of gifts; he made an opposition betwixt Graces and gifts, which though they may sometime in some persons be separated, yet usually they go together, and may very well be both in one and the same person at once; as he conceivs they are in himself, but thinks not possible to be in others.

Upon hearing this, I enquired of a friend upon what occasion the Presbyterian Rabbies did so violently express their spleen and indignation, and against whom it was; He told me that there were divers Tradesmen and Artists, in and about Lon­don who Preach'd and Teached the word, and yet never were in any Ʋniversity, nor were ever made Ministers by the Assembly of Divines, [Page 3]and such men they could not abide, nor endure that they should have liberty to preach, and that of late they were more countenanced by some great Personages, to the great scandal (as they say) of the publike Ministery, and to the ruine and destruction of many that hear them, and their Pernicious Doctrines, and to the venting of sects and damnable Heresies, and (as they would make men believe) to the destruction and Confusion of the Church and Common-Wealth.

Being thus informed by a friend, I did resolve with my self, to set forth my own judgment, and satisfie others in this particular, &hereupon set pen to paper, to cleer and vindicate such gifted men in their actions of Preaching Gods Word, from these too virulent and violent Spirits of the Presbyte­rian Classis, who vainly think, that none have any Talents but themselves, or that none (having any Talents) may imploy them publikely to the Ex­changers, without leave and Authority from their Elderships first had and obtained: though the texts sayes plainly; Thou oughtest to have put my mony to the Exchangers; Mat. 25.27. Thou, 'tis not onely thou (O Presbyterian alone) but I, and others too, and ought to have done it; urget singulos ab officio: from every mans duty: to put out his or their talent to the greatest augmen­tation of Gods glory, and to the generall bene­fit and edification of mens souls.

To uphold this truth therefore, which is so vio­lently opposed, but not possible to be ever­thrown, no, not by all the Company of those learned Rabbies; whose Anger would not be so extream against spiritual gifted men, but that they fear, if these be followed or set up, that they them­selves and their places of profit will in short time be slighted and dissallowed off, thinking as those wicked Priests did of our Saviour Christ, if we let him alone, all men will follow him. To con­firm this point therefore, and to make it good to the world, I lay down these following Arguments; which I desire all that read them seriously, to con­sider with themselves concerning them; and let the Presbyterian benefic'd Rabbies, as soon as they can, answer them; or else if their proud Spirits will permit it, to embrace them, and submit to them.

First, That the publike preaching, or teaching of Gods word is not restrained or confin'd, nor com­mitted to any one sort or condition of men onely; but that any one, of any calling (if a Member of the Church of Christ) though of the meanest sort, if he or they be endowed with gifts proportio­nable, by the Spirit of God, to execute and un­dergoe the work, may Preach or teach publickly, as well as our great Schollers, who stand so much upon their corrupted Ordination. Thus proved.

First, From the manner of Gods bestowing and giving his spiritual gifts; Jam. 1.5. He doth not bestow all upon one servant, and nothing upon another; but he distributes to all as he pleaseth; So that if any man; the holy Apostle doth not say this man onely, or that (as the Presbyterian or Dr. in the Schools) but if any man, poor or rich, learned or unlearned, lack Wisdom, Let him ask it of God, who giveth to all men liberally, and upbr aid­eth not: as to say, you are not in holy Orders; the Bishops, nor Presbyters have laid no hands upon you, you are not fit or worthy, or the like; No, be upbraideth not, (and said the text) It (i.e.) Wis­dom shall be given to him, to any; James 1.5. Now to summ up what is for our purpose, we see, that if any man, Tradesman, Artificer, though ne­ver so mean, if he or they pray to God in faith, for wisdom, which is the onely Ornament and necessa­ry gift for a Preacher; and it is not expressed what wisdom, it may be Wisdom not onely to search, but to expound and interpret the Scriptures; why, that shall be given, and liberally too, and to any one; Here's no confining or limiting, or excepting, or preferring of persons, For God is no re­specter of persons. Nay further, he many times fills the poor and hungry with good things, with graces and gifts of his holy Spirit, to enable them to con­found the wise in their own conceit, and learn­ed too, but sends the rich (in Schollership, in Parts, [Page 6]in Arts, in Preferments, by outward Ordination and calling to the supposed Ministry of the Gos­pel) empty away; and shall such great Presbyters, who yet may be empty of these good things, be the onely Teachers and Preachers allowed to be a­mongst us, and despise, (and as much as in them lies) hinder and exclude the poor in worldly e­steem, (though end owed with Wisdom from Hea­ven) from Preaching Gods word Freely; What, is their eye evil, because Gods eye is good? or shall God give to any without upbraiding, and shall these Presbyters Rail, Accuse, Revile and Con­demn such for Sectaries, whom God enables and approves off? Shall God of his Royal Munifi­cence give to any, and shall these grudge or repine at it? since he hath made his graces and gifts free, shall these onely perswade men, that all are empty but themselves? away with such ridiculous Im­postures and delusions; for since any other man may have wisdom from God, as well as themselves, nay many sooner and plentifuller than themselves, why may they not teach and preach as well, if not better than themselves? Every Preacher should be Endowed with wisdom from above; If Trades­men, and Mechanicks (as they are called in scorn) be full of wisdom, let them, any of them preach, and preach freely.

Secondly, To proceed to a second Argument; for in so doing they do but what God would [Page 7]have them do; for to this end and intent God bestows his gifts; as he gives them to any that ask, so he gives them to be Imployed, and mana­ged and Improved; they will not be the lighter but the brighter for being used; this shall be made plain, as we may see it by our Saviours own words, Mat. 5.15. Neither do men light a Candle and put it under a Bushel, but on a Candlestick, and it giveth light to all that are in the house: and so Mark. 4.21. Is a candle brought to be put under a Bushel, or under a Bed? and not to be set on a Candlestick? and Luk 8.16. No man when he hath lighted a Candle, covereth it with a vessel, or put­teth it under a Bed, but setteth it on a Candlestick, that all that enter in may see the light; and so Paul to Timothy, Stir up the gift that is in thee. 1 Tim. 4.13. Ʋp and be doing, and the Lord be with thee. Thou oughtest to have put my mony to the Ex­changers. Mat. 25.27. Now to Collect for our purpose out of these places; three of the Evange­lists agree that a Candle is not to be hid or obscu­red; Men use not so to do, says Matthew, there is no such order; nay, its against Common practice, is a Candle brought, says Mark; No sure, there's none hath so little reason, or judgment to do so; No man (says Luke) when he hath lighted a Candle; For 'tis against all common benefic, tis to give light, and to be set up, it guides all, and lightens all that enter in, or that are in the house.

To come closer yet to our intendment; whats resembled by the Candle, but Illumination, En­lightning grace of God in the Soul, or Gods word is the Candle in the soul, the cleer understanding the Scriptures, knowledge of them; when God doth lighten this Candle in any man, of what de­gree or calling soever, for there's no man (but some gross Malefactors are debarred from a Candle from light,) the poorest man that is, will endeavour to have a Candle set up in his house; We say, when it doth please God to do so, (as he useth) why, such men that are so inlightned them­selves, they are to give light to others, by pure and clear preaching and living; Nay, they are to be set up, why not in Publick Congregations? they are not to be supprest or kept under by any censures of the pretending Presbyters but let them be as 'tis fitting and seemly advanced, set up, that they may teach, give light to them that sit in darkness, &c.

Now seeing that God lights these Candles, who dare snuff at him, or them? or strive to blow them out, or pull them down? will our Rabbies per­swade men that none can have Candles lighted but they, or that no Candles must shine and burn but in their houses or studies? or that none knows how to light a Candle but they? will they be so uncharitable (as 'tis to be feared they would, had they but the power in their hands, which they have long gaped after) as to blow out all other [Page 9]mens Candles, that theirs may burn alone.

Did God say, Gen. 1. Let there be light, and for all equally to enjoy, and will yet these men envy and grudge that other men have light as well and as freely as themselves? Or yet further, will they, or dare they be angry that other mens Cand­les give light, better light, purer light, more light, freer light then theirs do, or can do? or do they vex themselves that there is so many lights, new and true lights set up every where, or almost in every Corner? Do they not grudge to see how their Candles burn dimmer and dimmer, and tis to be feared will go shortly and suddenly out in a stinking, noysome smell? Oh my friends, look well to it; Shall not others work while they have the light, as well and better than you have done, since God Commands all to work, and hath lent them light, and set up their Candle? then hinder them not, do not longer strive to extinguish the light in any man; I wish you in this matter, to accept of that good and Christian Counsel of Ga­maliel, Take heed what ye intend to do as touch­ing these men, refrain I say from these men, Act 5. ver. 35.36.37.38. and let them alone; for if this Counsel, or this work be of men, it will come to nought; but if it be of God, (as it was then, and is indeed now) ye cannot overthrow it, lest haply ye be found even to fight against God. Thats our second argument, God gives his gifts to all, to edifie with­all, [Page 10] not to be idle; whosoever then hath the gift of Prophesying or Preaching, let him or them use it to the utmost; desire spiritual gifts (says the A­postle) by prayer, but rather that ye may Prophesie, 1 Cor. 14.1, 2, 3, 4. And yet he writ that to all the Corinthians, not onely to the Presbyters; but to the whole Church at Corinth, yes, and to all that in every place call upon the name of the Lord Jesus. 1 Cor. 1.2. And yet all these are to desire that they may be able to Preach and Teach the Word; for certain the Apostle would never have wished to pray to God, that they might all Prophesie, or Preach, if it had been unlawfull; and to stir up them more earnestly to it, he shews them the Excellent benefit and profit of Preaching: 1 Cor. 14.3, 4. He (says the Apostle) any one, or every one that Prophesieth, speaketh to Edification, exhortation and comfort, but I had rather (says he) that ye could all Prophesie: Mark there, he says All. Also to the Romans, having then gifts, that is, as soon as God hath bestowed gifts upon any, differing according to the Grace that is given to us, whether Prophesie, let us Prophesie according to the proportion of faith: Rom. 12.6. Whatsoever the gift be, it ought not to be concealed, but Imployed, there's the End of it; if it pleaseth God to give the gift of Prophesie, presently to the work, Preach in season and out of season; 1 Tim. 4.2, 3. And yet the Apostle doth not tye this Preaching to any [Page 11]one particular calling, sect or person, but to All that be in Rome, beloved of God. Rom. 1.7. and by consequence, why may not All in London, as well as All in Rome, if gifted with Prophesie, Preach the word of God? and yet this done by Apostolical exhortation. Away then with all such Sophisticated Presbyterian Maximes, that would fain tye up the Dispensation of Christs Ordi­nances to their libits and as they did for gains pull the Bishops out of their chairs, so for Envy and Lucre they would have none excercise the preach­ing of God Word, but who should pass the censure of their Approbation, as if Gods word was to be No where, nor by any persons taught, but where and by whom their ignorant zeal shall think fit. Oh stupid ignorance!

Thirdly, 'Tis lawfull for any that is gifted, to Preach; from the Approbation, consent, and good liking of the best and holiest men that ever were: We'l begin with that story recorded by Moses's pen: Num. 11.28, 29, 30. Moses found the stub­bornness of the Children of Israel, and he com­plained unto God, that he was not able to bear the burthen of them any longer; and God bids him gather seventy of the Elders of Israel together, and he would take of the Spirit from Moses, and put it upon the Elders: Observe how God gives the Spirit to whom and when he pleaseth; 'tis not tyed more to a Presbyterian Elder, or Rabbi, [Page 12]than 'tis to a Porter or a Carman: But when these seventy Elders did come up, there were two that staid behind, Eldad and Medad by name; and whereas it might be thought a sin that they came not up; and might have been suspected not fit­ting for to receive the Spirit, yet God gave it not onely to the Elders who came up; For they all prophesied ver. 25. and ceased not; but also to those two who came not up, for they also did Prophesie in the Camp, among the Soldiers; and indeed their Practice was thought strange, for there ran a yong man, and told Moses that these two did Preach among the Soldiers, and Jofhua out of his zeal presently did (as out Presbyters would have done now) fobid them, by all means (my Lord Moses) says Joshua, forbid them, never suffer such a thing as this is; they came not up at your summons, and what this may come to, if suffered, cannot be imagined, it cannot be good, for sure they preach without the Spirit of God, the other Elders we know have it, but how these should have it, I know not, and to let such as they are prophesie and Preach in the Camp, it may be very dangerous, for they may perswade men to neglect coming up to the Publike Ordinances, and so the Priests will be slighted, and the Sacrifices not regarded, and men will do as they please; forbid them (Oh my Lord) as you tender the glory of the Priesthood and the Sacrisices, and Oblations; [Page 13]should be upheld, for the maintenance of the Priests and Levites? I pray forbid them forth­with; and as Joshua, so our Priests and others cry out against such as Preach in the Armies, or without their Ordination and Imposition of hands; Oh! would our Magistrates forbid them, 'tis a dis­honor to Religion, and in short time will make men not regard to come to Churches, or to the Sacra­ment; and Tythes hereupon will be denyed, and we the Ministers, The true, Orthodox, Godly, able, and onely Ministers, shall be of no worth or esteem, 'tis not fitting they should Prophesie, they have no such power from us. Oh! Good Parliament of England, forbid them, or else our calling goes down; Well, but as Moses did answer Joshua, so will I do our men; enviest thou for this? (says Moses) Num. 1.29. Would to God that al the Lords people were Prophets, and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them.

To gather from hence: Moses we see was so far from hindering that good work (though be had power, and Authority to have done it, and though he was deeply and earnestly sollicited by Joshua to to put it in execution, and though it had not been used before, or practised in the Camp) that he seems rather to check Joshua, for his desiring to hinder them, than any ways to molest them him­self, Enviest thou for this? ver. 28.29. What is this to you, you should rather uphold and encourage the Preaching of Gods words, than be against [Page 14]such as are willing to take pains to instruct others, you or thou! I had not thought you would ever have envied against a good work; It doth not be­come thee to Envy at other mens good labours; It is so far from being evil or nought, as I wish heartily that all the people had the like gift, I would to God that they all could Prophesie; assure your self (as you are my Servant) you ought not to grudge or envy at them, but rather to Counte­nance and encourage them, for they do the Lords work, and therefore let them alone, Envy not at it. Let them alone, 'tis Gods pleasure and his will, and therefore let them alone; and thus may it be said to all our Rigid Presbyters, why do ye Envy that others as well as your selves preach? is it fit for such as you profess to be, should be envious, angry men, and for this? that great are the company of of the Preachers? Psal. 68.5. Shake off such envy, you should rather praise God for it, there will be the less work for you to undergo; are you stronger than Moses? he was weary and not able to bear the burthen of all that people alone; are not many, too many of your Congregations too great for you? though you think not the means too much, nor yet enough; yet 'tis to be feard the people are too great and many for you to provide spiritual food for; how contrary are you to the mind of Christ; pray (says he) to my father, that he would send forth Labourers into his Harvest, the Har­vest [Page 15]is great and the Labourers but few, Mat. 9.37.38. Many hands make like work, and therefore be thank full for it, that God is pleased in the latter dayes to poure out his spirit upon all flesh, and that the Spirit rests with others, though mean and base in your opinion: Shall Moses wish that all the Lords people were Prophets and Preachers, and will you speak against it?

To the Confirmation of this, yet a step or two further: 'Tis recorded in the Gospel written by Mark 9.38.39. of John, that he told our Saviour that they saw one casting out Divels in his Name, and because he did not follow them, they forbad him. But Jesus said, forbid him not, for he that is not a­gainst us, is on our part; Luk. 9.49. the A­postles did then, as many would do now, though they see that Gods work is done, and that the power of the Devil is daily weakned, yet because there are some gifted by Gods blessed Spirit who Preach down sin, and follow not the Presbyterian Way, they are presently offended at them, and in all hast they do what they can to hinder and forbid them in that great work of preaching: the Apostles might say, when they saw him casting out Divels; Why do you exercise this Aughority? where is your power given you from Christ, shew your Orders, where did ever you receive such commission? We are the onely true Preachers, we are sent by our [Page 16]Master Jesus Christ, 'tis not fitting you should Preach or Practice such things, except you had a Warrant, or Calling from Christ, and therefore we forbid you: and so say our Presbyters too, even to such men who are gifted with the Spirit, Why take you upon you to Teach and Preach? where were you ordained, how came you into the holy Ministry? what Classis, or Synodal Convention authorized you? What degrees in Schools or Ʋni­versities have you taken? and if not allowed by us who are the successors of the Apostles, and can (but not as yet have, nor ever will be able to) prove our Ordination Divine; Why dare you, not being in holy Orders, undertake to Preach at all? but what reply made our Saviour; Forbid him not, for he that is not against us, is for us. Luke 9.49, 50. So it may be replied to our Apostolical conceited Rabbies, who judge none Able or fit but them­selves for the Ministry; forbid not these men, they do Christs work, they are for Christ, and over­throw the works of the Devil; rather help such men forward, but by no means forbid them; Take heed you Quench not the Spirit in these men, 1 Thes. 5. though perhaps but tradesmen, and the meanest too; Despise not Prophesying, not any, and resist not the Holy Ghost. Act. 7. Can you be justly angry that Christs Gospel is propagated? What is it to you what Instruments God pleaseth to use or Imploy? What if it please God to send these [Page 17]out to the Hedges, Highwaies and Lanes (whi­ther your stateliness will not vouchsafe to go) to call in the Halt, the Lame and the Blinde (to whom you will scorn to Preach, or with whom you do disdain to converse) if by this means Gods house be filled, and so the Saints ga­thered up together, have you any cause of Anger for their Compassion, Pains and Charity? And to shut up this Argument; What reason have you to disable them, whom God hath enabled; or to debar them, whom God hath set up? or did the Gospel come onely from you? or is it onely reside­ing in your Classes? or are you angry that the Sun of Righteousness shines into these mens shops more then into your Pulpits or Studies? or are you offended that the sweet dew of the Spirit of Grace is shed abroad, and Communicated to poor Tradesmen as wel as to others? He hath given gifts unto men, Psal. 68. not onely to your selves, but to other men also; since therefore all are allowed by Moses to Preach, and none for­bidden by Christ, who do his work, Cease any longer to cry up your selves for the onely men; and let others have liberty to hold out Christ in his word as well as your selves. Freely ye have received, freely give. How can these men give freely, when you do all you can to stop their mouths? beware this Envy mines you not. There were four sins that cast our the Bishops, the [Page 18]first was their Secular Offices, and intermedling in State Affairs. The second was, their Pride of life and Ambition. The third was their Covetous­ness. The fourth was their suppressing Godly men, and as much as in them lay, the very Power of Godliness. Look to it, if these be your sins, they will cast you down, and out of Moses Chair ere long; make not your Pulpits Chairs of State, and your selves Councellors of State.

Fourthly, It is a great sin for any man to hide his Talent; Mat. 25.28, 29. and a heavy punish­ment will they suffer that do not imploy Gods Gifts and Graces in the highest degree and measure; and a great reward is promised by Christ to any, and all such, who are faithfull and carefull to do the Lords work. We know how weak his excuse was that pleaded he was afraid to put out his Masters mony; I was afraid, and went and hid it, here is thine own; his fear of loosing it, or having it stole, or diminished, made him hide it; yet none of these, nor all these, were a satisfactory answer to his Master. Thou oughest to put it out, Mat. 25.27. You should not have feared loss, God will so bless, and guide, and prosper his own work, that however, if his word should return empty (which is impossible) yet the labourer shall not lose his reward or recompence: And see how God com­plains of this Servant that did not imploy his Talent, Thou wicked and sloathfull Servant, [Page 19]Mat. 25.26. and take therefore the Talent from him. v. 28. and Cast ye that unprofitable Servant into utter darkness, v. 29. Blessed is that Servant whom when his Master shall come, he shall finde so doing. Why not Preaching?

The Apostles indeed, according to our Saviour Christs Promise made to them, staid at Jerusa­lem till they were endued with power from above, till they were filled with the Holy Ghost; but presently after they went about all places, Preach­ing and Teaching Jesus Christ to Jews and Gen­tiles; According as ye have received the gift, says the Apostle; and therefore all men, when once they have received the hidden Manna, that com­fortable tincture of Gods Spirit, they cannot but speak, as the Apostle Peter, Acts 2.5, 6. For the love of Christ constraineth them. Now God, as he knows what number to imploy, so he gives divers gifts to divers men; but there is none can prove that he does not enable any with the Spirit of Prophesie but Schollers; For the Apostle Paul says plainly, writing to the Corinthians, What, came the word of God out from you, or came it onely unto you? 1 Cor. 14.38. Unto you only O Rab­bies and Presbyters! surely not so: and he wishes them, wherefore Brethren covet to Prophesie; and yet these were not of the Presbyterie, but of the Believers, and if they might Prophesie, why not ours now? Why that debarred to believers now, [Page 20]more then it was in the Apostles times? Nay, why enjoyned as an excellent thing to Christians, to learn to Preach then; and why prohibited, or thought unfitting to believers and gifted men in our days? They cannot say but that God doth now enable with gifts and graces as he did then, his arm is not shortned, nor his love decayed; and our Presbyters cannot but acknowledge that they pray for God gracious assistance and for his gifts to be bestowed upon them; and if so, others may have them as wel as themselves, by Prayer; and then why not Preach as well as they? Or would they make the world believe that God hath tyed himself to bestow those peculiar gifts and graces to men of their Coat onely, and not to others, though in strength of faith they shall petition the throne of Grace for them more than themselves? and therefore there being such punishments threatned to any, who do not imploy Gods gifts, whether Preaching, or any other; and such rewards to them that shall put out their gifts; for the Pro­phet Daniel saith, that they (whosoever they be) that turn many unto Righteousness, shall shine as the stars for ever and ever, Dan. 12.3. the reward is great, and indeed able to incite any that is able to follow that work, but the Prophet hath not tyed the reward onely to such as conceive them­selves Ministers ordained by men; But to any sort of men whatsoever: though our Ministers apply [Page 21]that reward to themselves alone, as though none ever converted any souls to righteousness but they: and the Apostle James says also of this reward; If any of your brethren do err from the truth, and one convert him, let him know that he hath saved a soul from death, and shall bide a Multitude of sins, Jam. 5.19, 20. But the Apostle says here, if one (i.e.) any one of the brethren; for thus he writes, James 1.1. any one of all the twelve Tribes scattered abroad shall convert, &c. and therefore any one that God hath given Ability of gifts and graces to; Let them set themselves to work, and follow this spiritual plough; For their reward or punishment is upon following or failing, certain and sure.

Fifthly, It was allowed of, and approved by the Apostle Paul; nay says he, I do rejoyce therein, and will rejoyce, Phi. 1.18. at what good soul! That many of the brethren in the Lord waxing confident by my bonds, are much more bold to speak the word without fear, Phil. 1.14. What's more plain? Many, and many of the brethren waxed bold to Preach, and at ver. 4,5. making request with joy, for your fellowship in the Gospel; in helping him in the Preaching of it; not onely the Bishops and Deacons, but all the Saints also. Nay sayes the Apostle, Phil. 1.1. Some preach Christ of envy and strife, and in contention, not sincerely, what then? Nowithstanding every way, whether in pretence, or [Page 22]in truth, Christ is preached, and therein do I rejoyce, Phil. 1.16, 18. says he, and will rejoyce; here was a freedom for any of the believing brethren to speak and Preach the word of God.

And again, speaking of the people of God. Phil. 2.15, 16. Ye shine (says the Apostle) as lights in the world holding forth the word of life; was it good and commendable then, for any that could Preach, to do it, and is it to be thought unseemly now? It is a happiness to hear such men, (let their profession be never so mean) if they hold out the word of life; for Gods word is the savor of life unto life to them that believe. 1 Cor. 2. but mark seriously the words, and all men may see what good souls these were; though of several trades & divers callings, they did not, would not hide the word, nor yet withold the word, but these held it out liberally, generally, to all, publickly, meekly, kindly, sincerely, that all might see it, and understand it, that all might lay hold upon it, and have a share in it, they held it our, so that the meanest capacity might apprehend it; and this a voluntary Act of theirs, and none blamed them for so doing; and as for the Apostle, he was glad at heart (good man) to see their boldness and excellent gifts in Preach­ing, and yet we may say, they were no Pres­byters; nor ever were ordained by the Pres­byterie, nor set apart to the Ministry, and yet they held out the word for any to receive; What [Page 23]can our Pulpit men, and such as would have none to hold out the word but themselves, say against this? they will not we hope (and vet they are bold enough) blame the Apostle, as suffering any thing that was disorderly, or unfitting, neither can they justly blame the men, of what trade soever they were, for their Christian Courage and sincere Preaching; for they held out the word of life: a lawfull, justifiable and commendable Act; and therefore, what should hinder, but that such Trads­men, being so gifted and enabled with strength of faith and spiritual knowledge, even in our days, may do the like; And lastly, 'tis said too, that the Apostle was so far from forbidding them, that he prayed in every Prayer, for their good success; 'tis to be wished that our Presbyterians were of the same mind too; but we hast to a con­clusion.

Sixthly, The Ark, the Tabernacle, and the Temple of Solomon, were all Types of the Spiri­tual Temple of Christ; We know that there were men of sundry Trades and Professions; and indeed none other but Tradesmen and Artificers did build any of those three. For first, for the Ark, there were Carpenters, Sawyers, Smiths, Joyners, and many other Trades to make it up compleat and compact. So for the Tabernacle, there were al­most all Trades imployed to finish it; both these were made by Tradesmen gifted and qualified [Page 24]with wisdom and skill; and no man; none of the Priests found fault with them for their labour. And so for the building of the Temple, there were hewers of wood 80000. in the mountains, and 60000. that bore burthens, and many thousands that digged, cut and squared Stones; there were Brasiers, yes, and Gooldsmiths, and Silver­smiths, and Carvers, and Founders, with divers other Artificers yet by these that Temple was builded; nay, without these it had not been build­ed at all; yet in this great work, none was idle, all imployed, and their work was so exactly done, that it was renowned over the whole world; Now to say what's truth. In the building the Spiritual Temple, the Mystical body of Christ, shall there be none allowed to work but the Presbyters and Classical Elders? Alas, alas! If so, when will the work be done? It will go but slowly on if these onely are to be imployed.

And further we do observe, that all the curious works of the Tabernacle and Temple were ac­complished by gifted Tradesmen, not a Priest or Levite gave any Instructions; Nor had they in­deed skill or Ability of knowledge in those curious works, but God, (says the Text) put an excellent spirit of wisdom into the hearts of the workmen, and so the work prospered in their hands.

And it is wished that no Tobiah's, and Sanbal­lats, would by false suggestions, or untrue Infor­mations [Page 25]oppose these spiritual builders; If they shall, as God then raised up Cyrus, so will he now set up and advance pious Magistrates to defend and incourage these spiritual Artificers: The work must be compleated, and 'tis high time to set to it; We hope none will grudge at it, for 'tis the Lords doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes; Shame and disgrace will cover their faces, who do any ways retard it. Now why onely the Scribe, Doctor of the Law, and the wise men of this world imployed here? Nay, why not rather they debar'd? For Christs Temple is spiritual, and so they not able builders; and God, says the Apostle Paul, hath chosen the poor, and the weak, and the despised in the world to confound the great and the mighty; and we know the work is difficult, they that are put into this must have patience to bear great burthens, and heat, and cold, which many of our Presbyters are too nice to undergo; and they must work in the quarries of stone, upon men whose Consciences are as hard as stone, they must temper Lime and morter, be in the dirt; behold here I pray, can we imagine that our neat and smooth Divines, so called, will sub­mit to such Offices and Services accounted so sor­did and mean? and yet by such must the Spiritual Temple of Christ be accomplished and built; they must be such as will be content to live hard, and lie hard, and have small or no wages here perhaps, [Page 26]except ill reports, and to be accounted the of scou­ring of the world; and yet these hath God in his infinite wisdom designed for the work; and there­fore I will pray as Moses, Prosper thou the work of our hands upon us, oh prosper thou our handy work. Psal. 90. v ult. To conclude, the Church of Christ is by Solomon compared unto an Army: Now tis known that the Captains and Leaders of an Army were in the Jews wars, not onely of the Tribe of Levi, of Aarons loyns, but of all the other Tribes, and yet they instructed the Army, guided the Army, and made the Army compleat; and why not so now in our Spiritual war, shall there be none to Lead, Instruct, Guide and Ma­nage it but our Presbyters onely?

And in the height of harvest, any wise man wil be glad to see others willing to come to help him to reap and gather in his Corn into his Barn; and their work is the more commendable, because 'tis freely offered and undergone, and prevents the danger of stormy weather; glad and thank­full husband men will be to see their Corn safe at home: surely 't would be an Act of ingratitude to rail at, or revile those who help'd in the heat of the day: And is it not so in this spiritual harvest? Our Presbyters should rather rejoyce to see others so willing to help on the reaping and ga­thering of the Saints, especially seeing now the harvest of the earth is ripe, as 'tis Revel. 14. If [Page 27]others to help forward the work, do put in their Sicles, and help to bring home, for fear of the raging storm of persecution, surely they deserve thanks and commendation for their willing labours offered, and undertaken in this kind.

To help forward a good work, in a time of need, is worth double thanks, and the more, when 'tis performed with willingness of minde; and how­ever if men should prove ingratefull to such for their voluntary labors, yet their reward is reserv­ed for them by Christ himself. I know (says the Apostle) whom I have trusted, and 2 Tim. 4.8. He says resolutely: Henceforth there is a Crown of righteousness laid up for me, &c. And for all such as do the Lords work willingly.

The Application is easie. Know O Presbyterians, that God hath Curious, wise workmen, even Tradesmen in these days, whom he daily does enable with gifts, to help on the gathering of the Saints, and to finish up the Spiritual Temple of Christ the Lord of life, to whose labors is wished all good succeess and happiness, and for whose encouragement this defence is set out, to the worlds veiw and censure; hope­ing that none will be angry at it, for as much as it is intentively written, to uphold truth, and to propagate the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.