THE PEOPLES PLEA FOR THE EXERCISE of Prophesie. Against Master JOHN YATES his MONOPOLIE
By IOHN ROBINSON.
RICHT RIGHT
Printed in the year, 1641.
COR VNVM VIA VNA
TO MY CHRISTIAN FRINDS IN NORWICH, and thereabouts, Grace, and salvation from the God and giver thereof.
THat loving and thankfull remembrance, in which I alwaies have you (my Christian friends) provoketh me as continually to commend unto God your welfare, so to reioyce greatly when I vnderstand thereof, and specially that your soules doe prosper. And as the prosperity of the soule is principally furthered by the zealous preaching of the Gospell, so hath it been matter of vnfained reioycing vnto me, to heare [...]ow God hath of late stirred up amongst you, divers [...]nstruments, whose zealous indeauours he hath vsed [...]hat way, and covering in mercy what is euill (of [Page] [Page] ignorance and infirmity on their parts (I hope) i [...] their enterance and ministrations, doth blesse what [...] of himselfe▪ to the good of his chosen. But as it fal [...] leth out in nature, that the pure waters draw of th [...] tainture of the soyl through which they run; s [...] with you it seemes, the pure truths of the Gospel have suffered by some, too great mixture with sundr [...] Popish errours about the Church and ministerie, i [...] and by which they are Propounded▪ and this mor [...] especially by M. Yát [...]s, a man of good gifts i [...] himselfe, and note amongst you, pleading the caus [...] of the whore of Babylon, the Church of Rome, a Christs wife, and of Antichrists clergie, as of Christ ministery. And as this clergies exaltation is not little furthered by usurpation on the peoples liberty which it swalloweth vp, and thereby swelleth above proportion: so in all his pleading for the one, he dot [...] necessarily implead the other; and as in other thing [...] so specially in the exercise of Prophesie, or teachin [...] in the Church by an ordinary gift, in which every on [...] that is able bringeth his shot in due time and orde [...] for a joynt feast of that heavenly repast, the word o [...] God. The argument in his writing (sent unt [...] mee by W. E. with his consent, and that before th [...] Majestrate) I haue set downe word for word and answered: and therewith confirmed what I have In t [...] Iustification of Separation published, in justification of this exercise against his exceptions and answers [Page] which being scattered here and there in his large discourse, and divers of them divers times repeated, I haue collected, contracted, and set in orderly opposition to their contrary Arguments: and that without any the least wrong (to my knowledg) unto him or his cause: as hauing left out nothing in his writing, which might seeme to bring aduantage to his purpose.
Now if any shall aske me, why I haue not rather answered M. Hall his large and learned volume against me, and the generall cause which I professe. My reasons are, first, because it is a large volume so full farced by him, as it seemes he might prevent further answer. Secondly his Treatise is as much (and more imediatly) against the Reformists, and their cause in the maine, as against us and ours. Thirdly, the truth requireth not that persons, but things be answered in my defence against Master Bernard. Lastly, I doe put as great difference between him and M. Yates, as between a word-wise Orator, both laboring more, and being better able to feed his Reader with the leaues of words, and flowers of Rhetorick, then with the fruits of knowledge, as also striuing rather to oppresse the person of his adversary with false and proud reproches, then to convince his Tenet by sound Arguments: and between a man sincerely zelous for the truth, and by his simple and solid dealing by the Scriptures, as M. Yates doth [Page] giving testimony of his vnfained loue thereof, which truth, my prayer to God is, that he with my selfe, and all other so seeking it, may find and therein accord in all things.
And for you (my Christian frends) towards whome for your persons, I am minded even as when I lived with you, be you admonished by me (which I also intreat at the hands of the Lord on your behalf) that you carefully beware, lest in any thing you fall from your stedfastnesse: but, on the contrary, grow in grace, and in the knowledge and obedience of the Lord Iesus in his whole revealed will. And let me the more earnestly exhort you herevnto, by how much the contrary evill is the more dangerous and common. A man may fall forward, and in so doing endanger his hands and face: but in falling backward the danger is farre greater, as wee see in old Eli, of whom wee read, that he fell backward, and his necke brake and he died, 1 Sam. 4. 18. And how common a thing is it for men amongst you, and the whole land thorow, in their declining age, to decline in grace, wofull experience teacheth: there being few old disciples to be found, who in their age do hold the same temper of zeale and goodnesse which they had vpon them in their younger times: this being one maine reason thereof that the meanes amongst you are farre more for convertion then preservation: and for birth, then nourishment: Whereas they (by the Lords [Page] gracious dispensation in the orderly state of things) who are Planted in the house of the Lord, in the Courte of our God, shall flourish, yea shall sprout in old age▪ [...]d are fat and greene, to shew that the Lord is just, and with him is none vnrighteousnesse. Psalm. 92. Of this grace he who is the Authour and finisher of our faith, make both you and vs partakers alwayes.
Amen.
[Page] [Page 1]AN ANSWER TO THE Arguments Laid downe by M. Iohn Yates, Preacher in Norwich, to proue ordinary Prophesie in publick, out of office vnlawfull: Answered by Iohn Robinson.
ARG. I. M. I. Yates.
FROM the Commission of Christ Ioh. 20. v. 22. 23. all Prophesie in publick is to remitt, and retain sins: and Christ grants this power to none but such as he sends, v. 21. and ordains there vnto, v. 22. But men out of office are neither sent nor ordained thereunto, therefore in publick ought not to meddle with the power of the keyes. I know the exception will be this, that many out of office haue prophesied, the Scripture approving it. I answer, An ordinary rule is neuer infringed by an extraordinary example, but ever by an ordinary. To marry my sister is incest; yet in Cain it was no incest, because the example was extrordinary, I may not steale, and yet it was lawfull for the Iews to rob the Egiptians, because that was Gods extraordinary permission▪ extraordinary exsamples, as they make no rules; so they breake none: [Page 2] but ordinary examples, must euer follow the rule: and if they doe not, they breake it, Christ therefore laying down a perpetuall rule of binding and losing to all such as are sent and ordained either by himselfe immediatly, or by such as he shall point thereonto, it must necessarily follow, that any ordinary example will breake this rule if it be not framed accordingly: therfore I constantly affirme, that no ordinary prophesie ought to be out of office. As for extraordinary, that can not oppose this rule, because it is o [...] an other nature, and therefore is not to be limited within the compasse of an ordinary rule. Secondly, I answer, That all the prophesies out of office▪ were by the secret motion of the spirit, which was warrant for all such a [...] had no calling by office thereunto.
ANSW. I. Robinson.
THat all prophesie in publick (and in priuate also) is for the remitting and retaning of sinnes. I acknowledge▪ but that Christ grants this power to none but to such as he sends and ordaines by the Commission given Iohn 20. 21, &c. I plainly deny, and require his proofe. He should then grant it to none but to Apostles: for the commission there given, is peculiar conveyed to them immediatly from Christ, confirmed by the miraculous in breathing of the H. Ghost and by them to be exercised and dispensed principally towards unbeleevers; of all which nothing i [...] common to ordinary officers, As Christ then gives power of binding and loosing sins to the Apostle [...] [Page 3] there, so else where, to ordinary Pastors. Ephe. 4▪ Else where to the whole Church gathered together in one, Mat, 15. 17. 18. 1. Cor, 5. 2, Cor. 6. 6. 7, 8 9. 10. And Lastly in other places to every faithfull brother confessing Iesus Christ, Mat, 16. 18. 19. &c. and Cap. 18. 15. Luk. 17. 3. And since the power of binding and loosing sinnes is onely by way of manifestation, and declaration of the word of God, the Law, and the Gospell. Look unto whom the word of God is given, vnto him the power of binding and loosing sins is giuen, though to be vsed by divers states of persons, after a diverse order, which order doth in no sort abolish the being of the thing, but only preserues it from confusion.
And where he takes it for granted that the examples for Prophesying out of office in the Scriptures were extraordinary, as Cains marryng of his Sister and the Iewes (the Isralites, he should say (stealing from the Egiptians▪ his comparisons are without compasse, and his affirmations without truth. These their practices were against the light of nature, and morall law (then written in the tables of mens hearts, and afterwards written in the tables of stone) s [...]ue as there was an extraordinary dispensation by the Lord of the Law, and God of nature. But what like is there in this, that a man (out of office) hauing receiued a gift of God, whither extraordinary, or ordinary, by [Page 4] which he is enabled to prophesie, that is to speake to edification, exhortation and comfort of the Church should so use the same good gift of God, in his time and order? What Eclipse is here of the light of nature or violation of naturall honesty? if M. Yates had remembred the Law which forbad men to Plough with an oxe and asse together, Deu. 22. 10. he Would not thus haue yoked together things of so vnlike kinde▪
And for the secret motion of the spirit by which in his second answer he affirmeth that all prophesies out of office were, he speaketh both that which is true, and against himselfe. For what were these secret motions of the spirit, but the Prophets zeal for Gods glory, and mans good, which also were sufficient on their part, for the use of the gift whither ordinary or extraordinary; whither in men in office or out, it was not material. So that, for the vse even of an extraordinary gift there was required (at least at all times) no extraordinary motion of the Spirit. But onely that which was, and is ordinary to them, and us. God therfore, for his own glory, and the good of his people giuing the gift, whither extraordinary or ordinarily unto a man he hath a warrant sufficient from his zeale to Gods glory; and mans saluation, to use the same gift in his time, place and order. Of which hereafter.
M. Yates. A. R G. [...] ▪
FROM the execution of a publick function in the Church Prophecy ordinary is by preaching to bring the glad tidyngs of peace and good things to Gods people: and this the Apostle sayes is not warrantable without sending. Rom. 10. 15. We must feed the flock because we are set ouer it Acts. 20. 20 to prophesy to Gods people is an honourable calling, and none ought to take it upon him, but he that is called of God as was Aron. Heb. 5. 4. The place of Iudas is called a Charge. Act. 1. 20. the ministers are the light of the world. Mat. 5. 14. Stars in the right hand of Christ. Rev. 1. 20. Iohn was a man sent from God. Ioh. 1. 6. Christ sent his Apostles in the midst of wolues. Mat. 10. 16. I haue not sent these Prophets, sayt [...] the Lord, and yet they ran. Ier. 23. 2. as many as found not their Genealogie to be from Levi (from Aaron he should say) were put from the priesthood. Neh. 7. 64. All these places keep us to an ordinary rule▪ and for all ordinary prophecying there can be no exception from it, without an open breach thereof, as for all your places of prophecying out of office, they are all of them to be vnderstood of the extraordinary: which cannot be tyed to ordinary rules. For so we should abridge God of his liberty: but we must beware of imitation, least we become licentious.
ANSWER.
HERE is a long harvest for a small croppe, All that can be gathered hence either by reaping or [Page 6] gleaning is no more then that no man may exercise a publick function, or office of ministry in the Church without a lawfull sending or calling from the Lord, by the meanes which he hath sanctified. Which as it concerneth M. Yates well to consider of, especially, reckoning (as he professedly doth) his Genealogy from the Pope of Rome: so doth it not impeach our prophets at all, who haue a lawfull calling for the use of their gift, though not so solemne (neither need they) as they who are to exercise and fulfill a constant ministery and charge. But for the word Sending, which he so much urgeth, it must be known, that as all that teach lawfully, whither in office or not, are sent by Christ in respect of their personall gifts and graces: so ordinary officers are not sent by those, who appoint them to minister, as were the extraordinary. Apostles sent by Christ, who appointed them. Sending importeth a passing of the sent from the sender to an other, and so the Apostles were sent by Christ to preach the Gospell to the Iewes and Gentiles: but so are not Pastors sent by the Church (which calleth them) vnto others, but by her appoynted to minister to her selfe. They who were in their time Apostles, afterwards they might be sent to minister: they who are Pastors, are sent by Christ, first as members, or in their persons or personal gifts, that as pastors they may afterwards be called to minister. [Page 7] And that M. Yates may haue for the cal [...]ng of our prophets, whereon to insist, thus we pra [...]se. After the exercise of the publick ministery ended, [...] Rulers in the Church, do publickly exhort, and re [...]ire that such of their own or other Church, as haue gift to speak, to the edification of the hearers▪ should [...] the same, and this according to that which is writ [...], Act. 13. 14. &c. where Paul and Barnabas coming into the Sinagogue, the Rulers, after the work of the [...]dinary ministery was ended (considering them not [...] Apostles which they acknowledged not, but one [...] as men hauing gifts) sent unto them, that if they had a [...] word of exhortation to the People, they should say
M. Yates. ARG. 3.
[...]Rom the true causes of prophesy in the new testament, [...] which are two, either immediate revelation, or imposition [...]ands: the first is Act. 2. 17. & 10. 44. the second. Act▪ [...]7. & 19. 6. A third cause of publick prophecy connot be [...]n: therefore ordinary prophecy in publick out of office being [...]her by immediat revelation, or imposition of handes, is [...]wfull, You may say the contrary, But it will be without [...]arrant of the word.
ANSWER,
[...] ▪ this Arg. are sundry errors Logicall and Theo [...]ogicall. And first, why doth he not make Christs a thing upon the Apostles Iohn. 20. and the descending [Page 8] and sitting of the cloven [...]iery▪ tongu [...] vpon them, Act. 1. causes of prophesy as well as imposition of hands; Secondly imposition of hands is [...] cause at all of prophesy, to speake properly, as M▪ Yates should doe. (affecting the name of a Logitian▪ It is no naturall cause, for to imagine that men took the holy Ghost in their hands, and reached it to [...] thers, were ridiculous: neyther is it a morall cause, [...] in which there are propounded no Arguments, a [...] motiues of perswasion. It is indeed no more then signe denoting the person; not a cause effecting t [...] thing. Thirdly, if it were a cause, yet should it n [...] be made the member of a diuision opposed to rev [...] lation, but a cause or meanes subordinate unto it [...] vnto the end: since it serued to the conveing of t [...] spirit, by which spirit all reuelation is, and by reue [...] tion all prophesy: extraordinary by immediat reue [...] tion, ordinary by mediate: both which they were [...] the Church, as is the latter now euen in men out [...] office, by meanes of their study, and Gods bless [...] upon the same: else could there neuer be lawfull [...] fice, Pastor or Teacher chosen in the Church to [...] worlds end. The gift of prophesy comes not by [...] office, But being found in persons before, ma [...] them capable of the office by due meanes.
ARG. 4. M. Yates.
FROM distinction of spirituall gifts, 1. Cor. 1 [...]. 4. [...]. verse gifts, administrations and operations. All these [Page 9] be referred to that general vers. 1. Gifts therefore in this [...]ce must be but one kinde of spirituall gifts, and be distin [...]ished from the other two. The first then are meerly gifts: [...] second, gifts and offices together, the third, rather the [...]ect of a gift then the gift it selfe: and therefore the Holy [...]ost knowing how to speake aptly, giues more to the effect, [...]en the cause: the worke then the worker for in truth mi [...]ulous workes exceede all the vertue that possibly can be [...]agined to be in a mere creature: and therefore it is only a [...]e beliefe, or faith whereby man is rather a patient, [...]n an agent in the worke. These 3. generall heads are de [...]ed againe, or rather exemplified by many perticulars: first, [...]se 8. 9. 10. all lay downe a kinde of spirituall gifts, first a [...]rd of wisdom, 2. a word of knowledge, 3. of miraculous [...]th, 4. of healing. 5. operations of great workes 6. pro [...]ying, 7. descerning of spirits, 8. of tongues, 9. of inter [...]tation. That some of these gifts are extraordinary no wise [...]n will deny, yet that I may proue them all extraordinary, [...]sider 3 things, First, the cause: secondly the effect: thirdly, [...] subject. The cause without all doubt is the spirit▪ yet que [...]n may be of the maner, and measure. For maner, whether [...] spirit alone or the spirit assisting our industry, and pains I [...] alone, because all these effects depend equally vpon the same [...]se: and I haue no reason to say, that prophesy should be [...]re by my paines and industery, then strange tongues, or any [...]er gift: for then I should magnifie▪ the Holy Ghost in one [...] more then an other. That which is giuen by the sole op [...] [...]ion of the spirit is more then that which is come by, through [...]nary paines. I blesse God [...]or his ordinary providence [...]ere my hand goes with the Lord in my ordinary affayres: [...]t wherein I finde the Lord doe for me where I had no hand [...]re I ought to magnifie him much more: so in these gifts, if [Page 10] some were ordinary, some extraordinary, then the spirit sho [...] not haue equal praise in them all▪ The orator prouing C [...] to deserue more prayse for his clemency towards Marcellus t [...] all his famous victories, vseth the maner of the cause to shew [...] In thy warrs, O Emperour, thou hadst Captains, and so [...] diers, vertue and valour: weapons and munition, &c, But s [...] ring Marcellus thou alone didst it, to thee alone it belongs [...] all the glory of it: so if prophesy in this place aboue all the [...] must come in for an ordinary gift, then may I say, O bles [...] spirit, Prophesy is thy gift: yet doe I acknowledge thy ordi [...] blessing upon my labours in this: but as for strange tongu [...] and the rest, I acknowledge they are thy meere gift, with all paine, and labor of mine, therefore the greater praise I g [...] thee, Were not this to deminish prophesy in regard of the [...] which the H. Ghost prefers before them all; and therefore [...] shew as great power in that gift as in any other▪ The man [...] then being all one in giuing, the second question is whit [...] they were giuen in the same measure. I answer, No, Ro [...] 12. 6. and hereupon the Apostle commanded▪ that one p [...] phet should be subject to an other, and willingly yeeld place [...] him, that had the greater measure. I leaue the cause, [...] come to the effects, which learned men cannot distinguis [...] will shew you my judgment and follow it as you please, To [...] two first gifts is giuen a word: by words wee expresse our m [...] nings, therefore the spirit must not onely giue a gift, but a [...] bility and power [...]o vtter that gift for the greatest good of [...] hearers. Brother it is the part of a divine, to study for [...] and fit words; and indeed when God hath giuen us learn [...] by exceeding great paines, yet wee finde great imperfection [...]ant of words. Now here I learn that the spirit of God did [...] traordinarily supply this want, by giuing unto men excellent [...] terance of heauenly things. The first two gifts are wisdome [...] knowledge, wisdom is a holy understanding of heauenly th [...] [Page 11] [...]ith aprudent application of them to their seuerall vses▪ Knowledge, or science is an insight into divers heauenly truth [...] [...]t wanting that prudent application: these two gifts with a [...]uitfull vtterance of them could be no ordinary gifts studied [...]t by their own pains, but such as the H. Ghost doth imme [...]iately inspire into them. I shovld [...]e very glad to heare that [...]ur Congregations were full of these wise and understanding [...]en, then I doubt not but you would the sooner recall your [...]l [...]es. The three next gifts, of faith▪ healing, and great [...]orkes are undoubtedly extraordinary, and were never to bee [...]tained, by any study of ours. For the foure last I doubt not [...]t you will grant three of them extraordinary. Discerning of [...]irits was not by ordinary meanes but extraordinary, as you [...]ay see in Ananias and Saphira, Simon Magus, and others, [...]hich were seene by an extraordinary Spirit. For strange [...]ngues. I hope you will not stand in granting it, if you consi [...]r but the first originall of them Act. 2. and for interpreta [...]on of these tongues that was as difficult as the other: why [...]ould you now stick at prophesy, which I will plainely shew [...]as more difficult then both the rest. For how should either [...] or I come to▪ be able to prophesy, except there were som [...] [...]ilfull in the originall tongues as likewise the helps of com [...]entaries. and interpretations; You see God appointed these [...] meanes to helpe us to prophesie: and where they are wan [...]ng, it is simply impossible for any man to become an ordinary [...]rophet: Indeed the H. Ghost can supply the want of both [...]ese: & therefore will you, [...]ll you, it must be granted that [...]is prophesy was extraordinarie For take away the ordinary [...]eanes of prophesie and then the thing it selfe will cease. now [...] may plainly understand that the Primitiue Church had [...]t these means of prophesie, that you see wee haue: they had [...]t the originall tongues translated, and therefore God gaue [...]en extraordinary gifts in speaking, and interpreting them▪ [Page 12] see then I entreate you how these two meanes beeing extraordinary inforce you to yeeld the other of the same nature. Were i [...] possible for you to become a Prophet wanting the translation o [...] the, new and old Testament as likewise all interpretation; [...] with which now through Gods blessing the whole world is r [...]pl [...]mshed; I know you will answer, and say no: then Prophesie in the Prunitive Church was extraordinary because the Gentiles had not ordinary translations and interpretations of them.
ANSWER.
IF I should follow M. Yates in his course I should rather write one Sermon against another then bring an Answer to an Argument, briefly then, as I can, omitting other things to that which concerns directly our present purpose. His affirmation that the gifts mentioned 1 Cor. 12. are onely extraordinary, I do [...] deny: and answer his reasons as followeth. And first that (contrary to his unreasonable reason) we both may & ought to magnifie the H. Ghost more in one gift then another: since the same Holy Ghost worketh more excellently and for our good in one gift, then in another: And secondly (as a further truth and more contrary to his strange assertion) that in some workes of the Spirit, though not here expressed, in which the Lord useth our industry and care, he is infinitly more to [...]e magnified, then in any whatsoever the immediate and miraculou [...] worke of the same spirit, wherein [...]e useth it not. For example, in [...]ng saith and repentance: [Page 13] for the working of which by his spirit, God useth our careful hearing and meditation of his word, the Law and Gospell, Thirdly, compare wee even extraordinary gifts with extraordinary: wee see, that God used the industry, and pains of the extraordiry Prophets for the reading and meditating in, and of the Law, Dan. 9. [...]3 v. 2. and of the latter Prophets, of the former Prophets writings, As also of the Apostles in the reading, knowledge, and memory of them both, Rom. 4. 10. & 4. 3. &c. [...]ea even of the very heathen authors▪ whose sayings they somtime quote in their prophe [...]es or sermons, Act. 17. 28. 1 Cor▪ 15. 33. T [...]. 1. [...]2. 2. [...]m. 4. 13. [...]he like industry, or care not being required for the [...]ift? or use of strange tongues: and yet did the Holy Ghost much more excellently utter it self in their Prophesies, and sermons then in ther tongues a [...] M. Yates oft. and truly assumeth.
Vpon verse. 8 be rightly describeth wisdom a holy [...]nderstanding of heavenly things with a prudent appli [...]ation of them to their severall vses: and knowledge, [...] [...]sight into divers heavenly things, yet wanting that pru [...] [...]ent applycation, with the fruitfull utterance of them▪ [...]ut that these could be no ordinary gifts studyed out by [...]eir owne paines, but such [...] the Holy Ghost did immediately conspire into them, he barely affirmeth; and thinke, singularly; but am sure vntruly I marveiled [...]hat he would say to these two gifts of wisdom and [Page 14] knowledge to proue that they could not be ord [...] nary: and did expect some speciall reasons for his [...] singular interpretation: but behold a bare bone [...] [...]ffirmation brought by him with out marrow, fles [...] skin, or coulour of proofe. Wherein he is also t [...] more blame-worthy, considering that be cannot b [...] ignorant, how the most iudicious both at home, an [...] abroad, doe vnderstand th [...]se two gifts as meant [...] the two speaciall qualifications of the Pastor, an [...] Teachers; ordinary gifts of ordinary offices: of whi [...] ministeries amongst th [...] r [...]st ordained by Christ t [...] one Lord of his Church▪ the Apostle speaketh ver [...] 5. as verse. 4. of their gifts, by that one spiri [...] Which ordinary gifts all lawfull pastors and Teachers (ordinary offices) then had, and beside them, many others not in office; and by the gra [...] of God, some amongst vs: and that by the help [...] nature study and prayer, and the blessing of God [...] spirit therevpon. Which blessing of God I wil n [...] deny to haue then been for degree extraordina [...] upon mens weaker indevours, for their furnishi [...] with these ordinary gifts: which makes nothing against our purpose. That the gife of faith is undoubte [...] extraordinary is said by him but Doctors haue doub [...] ed of it. See for one, Beza in his great Annotati [...] upon the words, both affirming, and proueing th [...] by faith is meant an assent vnto the doctrine propou [...] [...]d which is an ordinary gift of the spirit.
[Page 15]Where he makes no doubt but we will grant, that [...]hree of the four last were extraordinary, he but threaps [...]indnesse vpon us, as we use to say. That Peters gif [...] [...]f discerning was extraordinary in the cause of Anna [...]ias Act. 5. we confesse: but not so in the case of Simon Magus Acts. 8. of whome he iudgeth by his wordes (as of the tree by the fruit) in which he did [...]otoriously bewray himselfe to be in the gall of bit [...]ernesse, to the discerning of any ordinary Christian. The gift of discerning both of doctrine and manners [...]s in a measure required of every Christian. Phil. [...]. 9. 10. 1. Ioh. 4. 1. Heh. 5. 14. but is bestowed by [...]he giver thereof upon some more liberally: some [...]imes extraordinarily, as then upon some in some [...]ases, sometimes ordinarily, as both then and now [...]n all such as had, and haue more Christian discreti [...]n then other men.
That interpretation of tongues was as difficult as [...]trange tongues immediately inspired, is not true. They [...]ho Acts 2. heard the Apostles speake in their own [...]ongue, and were able to speak the Iewes language [...]hen in use, might interpret these strange tongues [...]nto the Iews, without any extraordinary gift: as M. [...]ates hearing a glorious Formalist speake much La [...]ine in his Sermon, can interpret that strange tongue of his unto the People, without any ex-traordinary gift of interpretation: and so might it well be in the Church of Corinth with' some, though the tongue were given extraordinarily.
[Page 16]Lastly, it doth not shew plainly, that prophesie w [...] more difficult then strange tongues, though all we [...] true which he speakes of the difficulty thereof. F [...] by all reason and experience a man then might. a [...] now may, become an ordinary Prophet for abilit [...] by ordinary helpes; but so neither could, nor can [...] speake a strange tongue, as there meant, but by e [...] traordinarie inspiration, That simple necessitie [...] Commentaries and Interpretations which he require [...] for a mans becōming an ordinary Prophet, I da [...]e n [...] acknowledge: of great use they are, but not of simp [...] necessity: that prerogatiue Royall of simply necessity I would challenge as peculiar to the Holy Scripturs; which are able to make the man of God perfec [...] fully furnished to every good work. 2. Tim. 3. 16. 17▪ But where he ads, that the Primitive church had not [...] originall tongues translated, it is something for his, ye [...] and for the Popes purpose also, if it be true, and th [...] the Church, espetially some good space, after [...] constitution, might be without the Scriptures in knowne tongue. But how unadvised, and unskilf [...] is he in so saying; how detracting frō Gods gracio [...] providence towardes his Church: and how partia [...] on the Clergies part, and against the Commonal [...] of Gods inheritance; For the thing then. The o [...] Testament was wholly translated by the 70 Interpreters, at the instance of Ptolemy Philadelphus Ki [...] of Egipt into Greeke the mother tongue of the Corinthians; [Page 17] Ioseph Ant. l. 12. 2. Iren. l, 3. 24. 25: Corenth beeing in Achaia and Acha [...]a in Greece: In which the same tongue they had also every part [...]f the new Testament then writen, as the most was. Which language was also so universally knowne [...]roughout the whole world, by reason partly of the [...]reeke Monarchy under Alexander, and partly of [...]e Greeke learning at Athens, as that the Apostle [...]ould write his Epistle in Greeke to the Romans, [...]ough in Europe, as understanding the tongue suf [...]ciently. B [...]sides, the Corinthians had had Paules and [...]ther Apostolicall mens preachings, and conferen [...]s amongst them along time, which were uncom [...]arible better then all the commentaries in the world. And for the Corinthians abilitie for this work [...] is but reason we respect this Apostles Testamony [...]f them, which is, that they were enriched in all [...]tterance, and in all knowledge, 1. Corinth. 1. 4. In which two gifts as the abilitie for ordinary prophe [...] doth properly consist, so to appropriate them [...]nto extraordinary Prophets, considering the gene [...]ality of the Apostles speech, and drift, with o [...]her circumstances else where obserued, were to fer [...]er them in uniust bondes of restraint.
And having thus wiped off his colours of reason▪ [...]hat the Apostle, 1. Cor. 12. speakes onely of ex [...]raordinary gifts, I will (by the grace of God) plainly [...]hew the contrary, & that he speaks of ordinary also
[Page 18]And first, in teaching, ver. 3. that no man can c [...] Iesus the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost, he points out gift and grace of the spirit, ordinary and common t [...] all Christians.
Secondly, ver. 5. he speakes of diversities that i [...] of all the divers and severall ministeries ordinary and extraordinary in the Church under Christ th [...] Lord, and ver. 4. of severall gifts for the same; an [...] so necessarily of the ordinarie gifts for the ordinari [...] ministeries, then and now.
Thirdly, from ver. 8. where mention is made o [...] the word of wisdom, and the word of knowledge, ordinary gifts of ordinary persons, both in and out of office, now, and then
Fourthly, ver. 12. he compares the Church of Corinth to a body, hauing Christ the head▪ and each [...] them members for their parts, of whome one had th [...] gift, another that, given of God, for their mutual [...] good, but by them abused otherwise: whereupon I conclude, except there were in [...]orenth no ordinary gifts in Pastors, Teachers, or others of God given and by them abused, that he speaks not of extraordinarie gifts onely.
Fiftly, ver. 28. after Apostles, and Prophets, h [...] mentioneth Teachers, which were ordinary officers and therefore speakes of ordinarie gifts and teaching▪ as also Helpers and Governours, who what were they [...]u [...] D [...]ns and Elders? or take the words as they [Page 19] are Helps and Governments: then which, what is [...]ow, or was then more ordinary, both in respect of [...]inistery and gift? Whereupon I conclude with good assurance, that the Apostle 1. Cor. 12. treats of [...]he gifts of the spirit, both extraordinary and ordi [...]nry.
ARG. 5.
FRom comparison of prophesie & strange tongues which ar [...] laid through all the 1. Cor. 14. Vers. 1. prephesie is prefered before all other spirituall gifts, which cannot be ordinary: for no ordinary and common gift is to be preferred before all extraordinary and spirituall gifts. D [...] you will say, though it be not more excellent, yet it is more profitable: I answer it is both more excellent and more profitable: for the Apostle intends both extolling it for the end, which sh [...]s how good and excellent it is, as likewise for the use, making knowe the profit & benefit of it, That which is the best [...] of our desire, must needs be the best: but of spirituall gifts, prophesie is the best obiect of our desire, 1, Cor. 12. 31. Desire the best gifs, chap. 14. 1. Co vet spirituall gifts, but rather that yee may prophesie, Secondly, as it is best to our selues, so is it the best to others as may appeare by the whole chapter. Thirdly, all other gifts are given for the good of prophesie, and not prophesy for them. As it is the best gift, so it is the most profitable, as being especially for edification, exhortation, and comfort. But it may be you will obiect; Is not an ordinary gift of prophesie better then the extraordinarie gift of tongues, or at least more profitable? I answer No: for the tongue, Acts 2. 3. 4. were more profitable to the Church then ever was the ordinary gift of any man: but compare ordinary [Page 20] with ardinarie, and extraordinary with extraordiny and wee grant prophesie the priveledge.
I. Rob, ANSWER.
TO this Argument he himself giues a sufficie [...] answer in our name; onely he sets it down [...] thing lam [...]ly; where if it came in all full strength, would easily with stand the force of his Argument For where he should say for us, if he speake out th [...] ordinary prophesie is more excellent then, tongu [...] because more profitable; he makes us to st [...] thus, though it be no [...] more excellent, yet [...] is more profitable: it being most plaine, that the Apostle prefer prophesie before tongues because it tends more t [...] edification of the, Church according to which respect alone wee are to measure the excellency o [...] Church ordinances, and so to frame the obiect o [...] our desire unto them. But what speake I of more excellent, and more to edification? since the strange tongues as there used without an interpreter, were so far from being comparible to ordinary prophesie for any good end or used as they were on the contrary most vaine and rediculous, as appeares, ver. 11▪ 22. 23. That then which he brings for the commendation of tongues from Actes 2. is nothing for tongues as used in Corenth. The former were as of simple necessity in themselues unto the Apostles, for [Page 21] spreading of the Gospell unto all nations, so then [...] there profitably used: but in Corinth ambiti [...]ly and profanely abused, which M. Yates should [...]e observed but hath not in his comparison, Last [...] [...] add as aiust answer to whatsoever he hath ob [...]ted, That tongues considered in themselves, how [...]htly soever used▪ are not comparible for use and [...]or excellency vnto ordinary prophesying or prea [...]ng considered in it self: seing that by it as well by extraordinary saying faith is wrought Rom. 10 [...]ich none can say of strange Tongues in them [...]ves, without a strange Tongue both from truth [...]d sence: no nor of any other spirituall gift.
And as it doth not appeare by the Apostles pre [...]ring of prophesie before tong [...]es, that therefore [...] prophesie was extraordinary; so it appeare un [...] mee by the Corinthians preferring of tongues [...]for [...] it that it was but ordinary: & therefore dis [...]arded by them in comparison of the extraordina [...] ▪ and miraculous gift of tongues: whereas, had it [...]o been extraordinary, immediate and miraculous [...]ost like it would have caried with it the like with [...] other, or greater regard, in their eyes.
M. Yates. ARGVM. 6.
[...]ROM exemplification, ver. 6. if I come unto [...]ou [...] & [...]. I hope you will grant that the Apostle Paul had [Page 22] all those spirituall gifts, and therefore speaking of s [...] prophesie as he had himselfe, he must needs speak of [...] traordinary: likewise he had the knowledge of tong [...] and yet prefers prophesie before all his languages, thou [...] hee speake more then they [...]. Now the example in [...] own person must needs se [...] for [...] he generall: and therfore if in the generall [...] s [...]l [...] speak of ordinary proph [...] sying, and in the particul [...]r of extraordinary, it wo [...] prove idle; for an example is of the s [...]me kinde w [...] the generall. Again in bringing foure particulers he p [...] revelation first, as the caus [...] of all the rest; which show [...] plainly he speaks of such prophes [...]e, [...] c [...]me by revelati [...] for revelation brings [...] [...]n to knowledge, and knowled [...] teacheth wholsome [...], and prophesie serveth to [...] ter it.
I. ROB. ANSWER.
I Do plainely deny the ground upon which [...] builds the whole weight of his argument which [...] that the example, and the thing exemplified must [...] of the same kind, How oft doth Christ exemplif [...] the sufferings of his disciples by his owne suff [...] rings, and the sending of his Apostles by his fathe [...] sending of him? were they therfore of the same kin [...] their sufferings meritorious, and their sendin [...] mediatorious, because his was such? But amongst other evidences against him (wherewith all writing [...] divine, and humane are stored) see one, fitly paring [...] with this in hand. The Apostle provoking the Gal [...] thians [Page 23] [...]. 1 unto iust detestation of such as preached a [...]ther Gospel amongst them, takes an example from [...]s owne preaching, ves. 8. But though wee or an [...]ngell, from heaven preach, another Gospell unto yov, [...]n that which we have preached vnto yov, let him be ac [...]rsed. As if he should say, I have preached vnto you [...]rmerly iustification by faith without the works of [...]e Law of Moses: they now preach vnto you iustifi [...]ation by the works of the law ioyned with Christ, [...]c. He exemplifieth their preaching by his▪ were [...]ey therefore of one kind both Apostolica [...] becavse [...]auls was such? It is sufficient for an example if it [...]gree with the thing, which it is brought to exem [...]lifie in that for which it is brought. And so the [...]omming of Christ to iudgement, is by the Apostle [...]xemplified by the comming of a thief in the night. [...]. Thess. 5. Are therefore their commings of the [...]me kind? or is it not sufficient that being most [...]ontrary in their kinds, they do yet agree in the ad [...]nct of suddenesse? So is it sufficient, if Pauls ex [...]aordinary Prophesying, and the Corinthians or [...]inary, agree in the adiunct or effect of profitable [...]esse or edification, which thing alone the Apostle [...] his exemplification hath respect unto. His obser [...]ation about Revelation seems true, and good in it [...]elfe: but shews not plainely that for which he brings [...], no nor hath so much as a plaine shew for it. For [...]hat shew hath it of proof that he speaks of extraordinary [Page 24] prophesie, because it comes from revelation except he takes it for granted, that there is in th [...] Church no revelation of the spirit for teaching bu [...] extraordinary, or miraculous: which how can I gra [...] or he assirme? Of this more Argum. 8.
M. Yates. ARG. 7.
FROM the fruition of spirituall gifts. 1, Cor. 14▪ 2. 6. hath a Psalme, that is some admirable praise o [...] God, or doctrine, that is some worthy point of instruction; or a tongue, that is, can speak misteries with admiration, or revelations of some secrets either for doctri [...] or prediction; lastly, or interpretation whether of ton [...]ues [...] doctrines, or Scripture: all these must needs bee had either by the ordinary païnes of the Church, or by the extraordinary gift of the spirit, you say by the one, and [...] by the other: and that I agree more with the scriptu [...] then your selfe, consider but the distinction [...] the gifts, and their admirable matter. A Psalme must needs consist of meeter, which required art to compose [...] ▪ Secondly it could not for the matter of it, but sound forth some worthy praise of God. Do you think the corinthian [...] did study the art of musick, or likewise read some admirable divine books to find out sweete matter to make their songs of? Alas, brother, give God the glory, it was no doubt some sudden motion of the spirit, that did inflame the hearts of beleevers with some worthy matter of praising [Page 25] God. Doctrine, that is laid downe by our ordinary paines, is that we usualy give vnto Doctors▪ which after long study, and reading the Scriptures is drawne unto some profitable heads pithily proved, and contrary errours refuted by it. I thinke in Corinth there were none of these Doctors, and yet I doubt not but they were as excellent: for such Doctors as delivered these Doctrines had them after [...] more easie manner▪ even the immediate worke of the spirit. I hope with out any further dispute you will yeeld [...]hat the having of a strange tongue was extraordinary, a [...] [...]ikewise the revelation and interpretation.
I. Rob. ANSW.
NOt to meddle with his description of a Psalm▪ Doctrine, &c. further then concernes our pre [...]ent occasion: The first, a Psalme was not so undoubt [...]dly, as he maketh it some sudden to wit, extraordi [...]ary motion of the spirit &c. The scriptures rather in [...]inuate the contrary▪ and that these Psalmes and spirituall songues were also (besides Psalmes of David) [...]nd those then made by extraordinary motion (which will not deny) even ordinary and coneaved by or [...]inary men and motions. Ephe. 5. 18. 19. Col. 3. [...]6. Jam. 5. 13. The scriptures are to be extended [...] largly, and to as common use, as may be, neither▪ [...] any thing in them to be accounted extraodinary, [Page 26] saue that which cannot possibly be ordinary which these might be For the finding out of sweet ma [...] ter they had admirable divine books to read, even th [...] wonderfull divine scriptures; For musicke, as witho [...] doubt many in that most rich and delicate City we [...] expert in it, so what reason he hath to require for t [...] Church singing then in use, such study, and art, I see no [...] except it be because he dwels too neere a cathedra [...] Church. Hee may see for the plainenesse of singing used in former times (and before the spouse of Chri [...] the Church in all her ordinances was by Antichri [...] stripped of her homely but comely attire, and trick [...] up with his whorish ornaments) that which Aus [...] hath of this matter, Confess. l. 10. c. 13.
For the second which is Doctrine, he but thinks th [...] were no Doctors in Corenth. But he may well change [...] thoughts, if he both consider how that Church abou [...] ded (in the body of it) even to excesse, in all knowled [...] and utterance, the Doctors two speciall faculties as [...] so how this Apostle in his Epistle: c, 12. v. 28. affirme [...] expresly that God had set in the Church, amongst oth [...] officers, Doctors, or Teachers, Besides that it is enoug [...] for my purpose if there were any in Corinth, thoug [...] not officer able by ordinary gift to deliuer Doctri [...] which (considering the fore-signified state of th [...] church both in respect of Pauls ministry amongst th [...] and testimony of them, being in that Citty, which [...] the chief of all Greece for gouerment, Greece also [...] ing [Page 27] the fountaine of learning, and eloquence) ca [...] [...]ot, I thinke, be reasonably denyed.
To yeeld you without further dispute that Revelation [...]d interpretation were (viz. onely the immediate work [...]f the spirit, were in us more courtesie then wisdom. [...]or Interpretation, I see not but, that either he him, [...]elfe who speak the tongue by an extraordinary gift [...]r any other man that understood it, having ordina [...] ability to interpret the matter delivered) both [...]awfully might and in conscience ought so to doe [...]xcept he would quench the spirit both in respect of [...]e extraordinary gift of the tongue, and ordinary [...]ift of interpretation: but that the Pastor or Tea [...]her might not doe this by his ordinary gift (which [...] yet a fort strong enough to keep us from yeeld [...]g) were strange to imagine. Besides let it be no [...]d how the Apostle v. 13. exhorts to pray for the [...]ift of Interpretation: Now how a man might pray [...]r an extraordinary and miraculous gift, which hee wholy wanted, without an extraordinary motion, [...]r promise, and meerly upon the Apostles exhor [...]ation generall, I see not, but would learne of him [...]at can teach me.
M. Yates. ARG. 8.
FROM present Revelation v. 30 In the vers going before is laid downe in what order they shall prophesie [Page 28] even as it was before for strange tongues: yet here is further injunction and that is of silence, if any thing [...] more weight shall be reveiled unto another: why sho [...] the other keep silence if it were knowne before, that th [...] man should speake after him; if it were ordinary prop [...] sying and such as our paines, and study brought us un [...] then were it fit that we should have our liberty to goe [...] and not be interrupted by another, but the Apostle up [...] the Revelation to another even siting by injoynes silence [...] the present speaker, which if his Revelation had been s [...] died before could not be any motive, or perswasion why [...] should yeeld to the other, that is now upon the sudden [...] take his place: this were for one Prophet to disgrace an [...] ther: but the cleare sence is to any man that will not wr [...] gle, that because it pleaseth the spirit to inspire one sittin [...] by with some more excellent matter, either in regard [...] the same subiect or some other, the Apostle enioynes [...] [...]ence.
[...]. Rob. ANSW.
TO his question why the former speaker should k [...] silence if it were knowne before that a second shou [...] speak after him it is easily answered: that ev [...] therefore he was to keep silence, that is, to take [...] himselfe i [...] [...] time, as being to thinke in modest [...] that the cond [...]its of the spirit of God did not run i [...] to his vessell alone, but that others also might recei [...] [Page 29] [...] the fulnes of the same spirit to speake [...] some [...]ing further to the edification of the Church; especially sitting down in some appoynted place which it should seeme vers. 36. and Act. 13. 14. he [...]at purposed to prophesie vsed to take: and which [...]der I thinke the Iewes yet observe in their syna [...]ogues. And where he addes, that if it were ordinary [...]ophesie and such as our study brought us vnto, then we [...] [...] fit we should have our liberty to goe on and not to be in [...]upted by another, which he also accounts a disgrac [...]g of the former; I would know of him whether [...]ere not as fit, & much more, that the extraordinary [...]rophets immediately inspired by the Holy Ghost [...]d who could not erre, should have their liberty [...] go on uninterrupted? Is not this without all com [...]sse of reason, that the extraordinary Prophet in [...]i [...]ed, should not have as much liberty to goe on [...]ithout being interrupted, as the ordinary, who [...]ight Worthily deserve to be interrupted for spea [...]ng untruly or impertinently? although I doe not [...]ink that the Apostle requires any interruption of [...]e former by the latter (which were rude) if not [...]orse) but onely a convenient cessation, or place gi [...]ng to a second by the first speaker, as hath been [...]d. Now the exception of disgrace to the former [...] the latters speaking is well to be minded, that it [...]y appear [...]ow evill customes do infect the minde [...] godly men, so as they think it a disgrace that on [Page 30] one should giue place to another to speake aft [...] him further, or otherwise then he hath done. But [...] was not so from the beginning: but since they, wh [...] under Christ should be servants of the Church, hav [...] been her masters, and have exercised this magist [...] riall teaching now in vse, Where ordinarily one a [...] lone in a Church (divers others in divers places better able then he, sitting at his feet continually t [...] learne) must be heard all his life long; thinking it [...] disgrace to have another to speake any thing furthe [...] then he hath done: Which was the very di [...]ease i [...] the Church of Corenth: wherein he that speake fir [...] would take up all the time himselfe; whereas [...] should in modesty haue conceived, that a second o [...] third (especially seeming provided to speake by seating themselues in the same place with him) mig [...] have something revealed further, or otherwise the [...] he had.
Which Revelation the Apostle doth not oppo [...] to fore-going study (as M. Yates thinketh) but unto emulation and study of contradiction: teaching tha [...] the spirit alone must be heard in the Church, speaking by whose mouth soever. And, that there is i [...] the Church an ordinary spirit of revelation; beside [...] comfortable experience, these places amongst many other, do clearly prove, Mat. 11. 28. & 16. 17▪ Eph. 1. 17. P [...]il. 3. 17.
M. Yates ARG. 9.
FRom vocation, ver. 29. 32. 37. these spirituall men are called Prophets, and to imagine a Prophet without a calling that which the Scripture will not endure: therefore all these [...]rophets either had immediate calling from God, or mediate [...]om men; or else they took it up themselves: the two first we [...] [...]ant lawfull callings, but this intollerable. Numb, 11. 28. [...]he servant of Moses say [...]s, Forbid Eldad and Medad to pr [...] [...]esie: his reason was, because he thought they had no calling [...]hich had bin true, if they had taken it up without immediate [...]piration: But Moses knowing that it was from God, wish [...] that the like gift might be upon all Gods people: so that [...]ose were true Prophets for the instant by an immediate call [...]m God: and the text sayes, They added no further▪ [...]wing [...]at as the gift ceased, so did they,
I. Rob. ASWER.
[...]T is true, that spirituall men are called Prophets, [...] or rather Prophets, Spirituall men: what is it the [...] [...] that makes a spirituall man, but the gift of the [...]irit? and what a prophet ordinary or extraordina [...], but the gift of prophesie ordinary or extraordi [...]ry? Whereupon it followeth undeniable, that so [...]any with us, or elsewhere, as haue the ordinary gift [...] ability to prophesie, are Prophets, though out of [...]fice. In this Argument he hath made a snare wherwith [Page 32] himselfe i [...] taken unavoidably. Secondly, [...] affirme that our Prophets haue a calling which ha [...]e declared formerly not to make them Proph [...] by condition or estate, for that they are by th [...] gifts, but for the use or exercise of the same gift b [...] fore bestowed upon them by the Lord, through th [...] labour and industry. Of Eldads and Medads pr [...] phesying we shall speak hereafter, onely note w [...] in the meane While, how M, Yates, and rightly, proportioneth their prophesying to their gift as w [...] doe also ours: according to that of the Apostle, Ha [...] ing then gifts differing, according to the grace that is [...] ven to us, whether prophesie, let us prophesie according [...] the proportion of faith, or a ministery, let us waite on [...] ministery, Rom. 12. 6. 7. They then that haue a gif [...] must prophesie according to their proportion▪
M. Yates. ARG. 10.
FRom distinction, v. 37. the Apostle from the whole Ch [...] turnes himself to their Prophets, and spirituall men, she [...] ing plainely, that these had some particular place abo [...] the rest: and he gives them speciall charge to obserue the thing he writes to the Church: therefore those were in some call [...] aboue others: and to imagine the contrary, is to run wide of t [...] current of the whole Scripture: to set men in publick place wi [...] out calling, is the same with confusion and disorder,
I. Rob. ANSW.
THis Argument is founded upon the groundlesse presumption with the former: viz. that there is in the Church no lawfull calling for men able to [...]rophesie, but by officing them. And for Pauls tur [...]ing his speach to the Prophets. ver 37. it shewes in [...]eed, that they were aboue the rest, after a sort: and so [...]hey are with us rightly preferred before others which want that endowment of the spirit, by which [...]hey are enabled to speake to the edification of the Church.
The Confirmation of the Scriptvres and reasons brought in my booke to proue publick prophesying out of office by an ordinary gift.
AND before wee come to examine M. Yates his Answers to the Scriptures by me produced, I [...]esire the Reader to obserue with mee these two [...]hinges▪ first, that I doe not affirme in my book [...]hat al the there alledged Scriptures are meant of or [...]inary but prophesie: that the same is proued by them Neither will he (I persume) deny, but that many [...]hinges are sufficiently proued from a scripture by [...]ecessary consiquence, and iust proportion, besides [...]he particular properly intended in it. 2. That M. [...]ates so puts the questian, as that it is hard to say▪ [Page 34] say whether he doe mee or himsefe the mo [...] iniury: namely whether the places prove an ord [...] nary gift of prophesie out of office. For, as I do not sa [...] that they proue the gift, but the vse, and excerci [...] of the gift bestowed by God whether ordinary, [...] extraordinary, so neither would he haue dinied (ha [...] he not leaped, before he had lookt) but that othe [...] besides ministers, haue an ordinary gift of prophesy [...] Where the Apostle requires of him that desires an office of a Bishop, that he be apt to teach, 1. Tim. 3. 1. 2 [...] and able to exhort with sound doctrine Tit. 1. 9. dot [...] he not therein most evidently teach, that the gift and ability to teach, preach and prophesie, not onely may, but must, both be and appeare to be in the person to be called to the office of ministery? He [...] that is not a prophet, or hath not the gift of prophesying or preaching (for by his gift he is a prophet, and by the use of it he occupies the place of a prophet) before he be apointed a Pastor, is an Idol shepherd set up in the temple of God: neither doth the office giue on [...]o much indeed as encrease the gift, but onely giues solemn commission and charge to use it.
The first Scripture by me brought, is Numb. 11 [...] 29. Where Moses the man of God wisheth that the whole people of the Lord were Prophets, the Lord putting his spirit upon them.
This place, saith M. Yates in his Answer speakes; of the powring of the Spirit in an extraordinary manner [Page 35] may appeare by the occasion of the speach, verse [...]4. &c. Where he also in a tedious manner (as his [...]nner is) he proueth the gift of prophesying gi [...]n to the 70. Elders to haue been extraordinary: [...]hich as I deny not, so neither needed he to haue [...]oved. But this I affirme, that hence is proued the [...]wfullnesse of ordinary prophesying out of office [...] men inabled thereunto. And first, as Moyses wi [...]ed that all the Lords people were Prophets, the Lord [...]ving his spirit unto them; so the minister may and [...]ght to wish that the Lord would so blesse the or [...]nary endeauours of his people now, by his spirit, as [...]at they all might be Prophets, that is, able for gifts [...] speak to edification. The minister which desireth [...]t this, enuieth for his owne, and the Clergies sake [...]hich Moses would not that Ioshua should doe for [...]s. Secondly Moses makes it all one to bee a [...]rophet, and to have the Lord putting his spirit vp [...] a man. Now if the Lord so giving his spirit un [...] a man, as that he thereby be inabled extraordina [...]ly to prophesie, make him an extraordinary pro [...]het, why should not by due proportion, such a [...]ift of the Spirit given by the Lord to a man as by which he is inabled to prophesie ordinarily, serue al [...] to make him an ordinary Prophet? and so by con [...]quence, if there be amongst us any though out of [...]ffice so enabled to prophesie, or preach what hin [...]reth them from being Prophets euen of the Lords [Page 36] own making by his spirits gift, and worke upo [...] their study, and [...]ndeauours? And if they be Pr [...] phets then may they Prophesie: which Moses also [...] that place insinuates: for in wishing that they we [...] all Prophets, he wisheth as wel the use as the posse [...] sion of the gift. M. Yates may see a very learned▪ ma [...] Io. Wolphius in his comment▪ upon 2. Kin. 23. shewing by this place the libertie of priuate Christian [...] that are able to speak and teach not onely in ordinary congregations, but even in most solemn Councel [...]
The next place is 2▪ Chron. 17. 7. where Kin [...] [...]hosaphat sent his Princes to teach in the Cities of I [...]d [...] and with them the Levites, &c.
M. Yates accounts it a monstrous conceite that th [...] princes should be publique teachers, which saith he wer [...] onely by theyr presence and authority to back the Leuites [...] adding that the traslation is mended by Iunius an [...] Tremelius &c. but if the Iewes heard him (professing the knowledge of Moses and the Prophets to speak, so they would marvaile at his ignorance [...] of a thing so frequent and evident in their writings with whom it is and euer hath been a receaued truth that any of their wise men as they after the Scriptures math. 23. 34. 1. Cor. 1. 20. I [...]. 18-18▪ call them, may and ought to teach in theyr synagogues without respect had to office: neither doth the translation of Iunius and Tremelius by any necessity make for him: neither can it be set against me without [Page 37] violence to the originall: from the simplicity [...]here of they do (with due reverence unto them be spoken) seeme vnto mee some thing to turne a [...]e in the 8 ver. Pagnine, the 70 Interpreters, Ierom [...]d all our English Bibles carry it directly to our [...]se. And if the conceit be monstrous that these princes [...]eached publikely, it is not bred onely in my braine: [...]e uery same scripture having been alledged very [...]ely by the publick Professour in the Vniversitie [...] Leyden in a solemne assembly, as expresly proving [...] lawfull for others then ministers to teach publick [...]. And because much weight lieth upon this ground [...]hich yet hee thinketh very sandy [...] and light, I will [...]ake it cleare to all indifferent mens indgments, that [...]ese Princes, and so others in Israell, and Iudah▪ [...]ough no Levites, nor Church officers) might law [...]lly teach and preach publickly in the Temple, [...]ynagogues, and Cities.
First then, all Princes, Magistrates, Indges, [...]d Governours were bound to open expound, and [...]ply the Laws by which they governed, according [...] the severall occasions offred? otherwise they ruled [...] tyranny, & appetite: which laws for al administra [...]ons even of the common wealth were onely the written word of God: wherupon I conclude, that if [...] open, expound, and apply the word of God, be to [...]reach, and teach, they then had not onely power▪ [...]ut charge so to doo.
[Page 38]2 It may appeare what these Princes of Iekosap [...] (partaking of his power) were to do in this cause, which he himselfe, and other godly kings haue do [...] the sum of his most pithy sermon we haue record [...] 2 Chron. 19. unto the Iudges. vers. 6. 7. and unto [...] Levites vers. 9. 10. 11. as also his divine prayer [...] to God in the publike Congregation. chap 20. 5. &c. Likewise the excellent sermon of King He [...] kiah unto the Priestes, and Levites, in the very Te [...] ple, 2. Chron. 29. 4. 5. &c. also of N [...]h [...]mia [...] with [...] thers, teaching the people the Law of the Lord. Neh. 10: the Kings, and Princes being as shepherds feed the people, as by Goverment, so by instructi [...] in the Law of their God Defend wee downe low [...] to the time of Christ, and we shall see this mat [...] put out of al question. Do we not read every whe [...] how that the Scribs, Pharisees, and Lawers did tea [...] publickly amongst the Iewes; of whom yet ma [...] were no Levites or Church officers, but indifferen [...] of any tribe, Phil. 3. 5. And if it were not the rece [...] ved order in Israel of old, for men out of office [...] speake, and teach in publick, how was Iesus the [...] of Mary admited to dispute in the Temple with [...] Doctors; Luk. 2. 46. and to teach, [...]nd preach in the Synagogues so commonly as he did; Mat. 9, 35. Luk. 16. 17. and how were Paul, and Barnabas, sitting dow [...] in the Sinagogues, sent unto, after the lecture of the L [...] [...]y the ruler, that if they had any word of exhortation [...] [Page 39] people, they should say on? Act. 13. 14. 15.
But if any man shall answer, that these were ex [...]ordinary persons and so taught by an extraordina [...] gift, he speakes the truth, but to no purpose, For [...]at was that to the order receiued in the Temple, [...]d Synagogues, and to the Rulers thereof, who did [...]t beleeve in Christ, nor acknowledge either his, his Apostles authority; but onely admitted them to the use of their gift, as they would haue done, [...]d did ordinarily, any other men able to teach: as also [...] rulers of the Synagogues of the Iews do at this [...]y.
The third place is mistaken by the printer, in o [...]itting onely one prick, which was corrected in any Coppies, and might easily haue been obserued [...] the Reader, For Ier, 50. 45. it should be Ier., 50 [...] 5. M. Yates. therefore upon this Scripture refutes [...]s owe guesse, and not my proofe.
The fourth place is Math. 10. 1. 5. 6. where [...]hrist calling unto him his 12 Disciples sends them to [...]each the Kingdom of heauen to the lost sheep of Israel. His answer is, that the 12 Apostles were called into of [...]ce, and had their calling from the first election of Christ [...]ut had a further confirmation after, & greater measure [...] Gods Spirit to lead them into al truth, as a Iustice of [...]ace may be put into office, and yet receiue a further [...]on [...]rmation, yea and greater meanes to performe his pl [...]. [...] affirme on the other side, (and shal, evidently [...] [Page 40] it God assisting mee) that these 12 were not act [...] possessed of their Apostleship, till after Christs surrection but were onely Apostles elect, as you him the Major elect, who hath not the office of [...] jor committed to him of a good space after. Nei [...] am I herein of the mind with the Papists (to put Yates out of feare) that Peter was not in office [...] Christ gave him charge to feed his sheep Joh. 21, (wh [...] yet I am pe [...]swaded never Papist held of his Apo [...] ship, but of his primicy, and universall headsh [...] or Bishoprick) but of the same mind, whereof h [...] selfe is in his first argument, to wit, that his com [...] sion Apostolick was actually conferred upon [...] ioyntly with the rest. Iohn. 20. 22 23.
1 Now if the commission Apostolike were but t [...] giuen, they were but then, & not before actually [...] postles, except he will say they were Apostles, be [...] they had commission, that is calling from Christ to bee. I would now see how hee can salue [...] wound, which he hath given himselfe.
2 After that the Lord Iesus had Mat. 11. 11. p [...] ferred Iohn Baptist aboue all the Prophets whi [...] were before him, he yet adds in the same place th [...] the least in the Kingdom of heauen is greater then [...] The least▪ that is the least Minister; In the kingdom [...] heauen that is in the church of the new testamēt pr [...] porly called, which began not till after the death [...] Christ who liu [...]d and dyed a member of the Iewi [...] [Page 41] [...]urch. the Apostles then being officers of the [...]urch of the new testament, and Kingdom of hea [...], and not of the old or Iewish Church, it cannot [...] that they were Apostles in act, before Christ [...]ath: except an adiunct can be before the subject, [...]d an officer before the corporation in & of which is an officer.
[...]. Considering the ignorance of these disciples at [...] time in the maine misteries of Christ: of the na [...]e of his kingdom, his death and [...]e [...]ur [...]ection, [...]at. 20. 21. Luk. 24. 20. 21. &c. [...]oh [...]. 20. 9. Mar. [...]. 14. as also, how utterly [...] they were gifts befitting Apost [...]l [...]cal teaching (for which) [...]eing an extraord [...]nary dispensotion, and that in [...] highest degree) extraord [...]nary, & infallible revela & direction of the spirit was [...]equisit, wher with [...]y were but first, ( [...]s it seemet [...]) [...]p [...]inckled John. [...]. and afterwards more plentifully filled at the day Pentecost) they were as fit for an Apostleship as [...]vid was for Sauls armour which he could not [...]eild nor goe wi [...]h.
4. Besides, if they had the office of Apostleship [...]mmitted to them Mat. 10. how was it that they [...]ntinued not their ministration in that office; but [...]rning after a few dayes to their master, continu [...] with him as his disciples till his death. Christ Ie [...] did not keepe a company of none-residents about [...]m for his Chaplins, as M. Yates insinuates against [...].
[Page 42]Lastly, we are expresly taught, Eph. 4. 8. 11. [...] Christ [...]s [...]ended on high, he gaue gifts unto men▪ Apo [...] Prophets, &c. The Apostles then were first giuen [...] tually at the Lords ascension, and Were before o [...] designed to become Apostles, or Apostles [...]lect, [...] not ordained▪ nor possessed of any office: and therfore preached, and that with warrant from Chr [...] without office.
The next Scripture is, Luk. 8. 39. by M. Y [...] thus opened: Christ hauing deliuered the man possess [...] [...]ids him go, and shew what great things God had [...] for him: and it is sayd he went and Preached (that is [...] be to their purpose) by ordinary paines and study, he pr [...] ched the Gosple. And with pitty upon us poore so [...] that cannot distinguish the publishing of amiracle, [...] the gift (he should say the work, if he distinguish as he ought) of preaching; he addeth that if [...] had minded to haue made him a publike preacher, he [...] first have taken him with him, and instructed him, [...] then haue sent him abroad.
1. Let it be obserued, that the word used by M [...] for his preaching, [...] is the same word which commonly used for the most solemne preachi [...] that is, by the Apostles and Euangelists, Second [...] Christ bids him, Mar. 5. 19. Go home and declare [...] great things the Lord had done for him, and had had c [...] passion on him, and ver. 20. he is sayd to haue publish [...] in Decapolis (Luke hath it, [...] [Page 43] [...] great things Iesus had done for him. Which he do [...], what else did hee, but preach, publish and de [...]e the great loue and mercy of God, in and by Ie [...] Christ towards miserable sinners for the curing of [...]ir bodily and spirituall maladies? 3. Where he [...]es the pyblishing of this miracle and the preaching of [...] Gospel diuers things, and pitties us poo [...]e soules that cannot distinguish between them: as Christ bade the [...]en of Jerusalem, not to weep for him, but for them [...]s; so surely had he need t [...] pitty not us herein, [...] himselfe in his so great mistaking. Are not the [...]acles of Christ storied in the Scripture a maine [...] of the Gospel? and the publishing of them a [...] of the preaching of the Gospel? And when M. [...]s opens & publisheth a miracle of Christs (as this [...] did) doth he not as well and as truly preach the [...]spel as at any other time? Let the wise iudge, [...] is to be pittied. To shut up this point, it is sayd [...] 20. 30. that Iesus did many other signes, &c. and [...]. 21. But these are writen that yee might beleeue that [...]s is the Christ, the sonne of God, and that beleeuing [...] might haue lefe through his name. The publishing [...] of the signes & miracles which Christ did, is the [...]ching of faith in his name, to salvation: which [...] man therefore did, espetially amongst them [...]ch were not ignorant of the Law of Moses, and [...]mise of the Messiah to come: which, by his glorious [Page 44] miracles done by his owne power, and in his o [...] name, he both declared and proued himselfe to [...] Joh. 5, 36 & 10. 37. 38. And where he adds, that C [...] gaue this man commission to do that which he di [...], but [...] mirs who gaue ours such authority, I answer euen [...] same Christ, as then immediately, so now media [...] by those unto whome he hath giuen authority u [...] himselfe for the ordering of the gifts of his spirit his Church. And sufficient it is for the question [...] tween him and me, if it appeare (as in this pe [...] that Christ hath giuen commission to men o [...] office by an ordinary gift, to publish and preac [...] publick the Gospel of saluation.
I doe quote next in my booke, Luk. 10. [...] which for that W. E. omitteth, and leaues out, [...] Yates thanketh God; but in truth he hath more [...] to [...]anke him, for sparing him a place which so p [...] nantly proueth the preaching of the kingdom of [...] by men out of office: except he can assigne some [...] found office, and the same but of two or three [...] lasting, as ver. 17. to those 70 there sent.
We are in the next place to come unto Joh. 4 [...] 29. 39. which he openeth and answereth with a [...] ration, as the fo [...]me [...] place, wit [...] pitty and com [...] sion on this manner, [...] simplicitie, with contr [...] tion to his owne writing simplicity that cannot see b [...] preaching of the Gospel, and carrying tydings of a [...] that told her (to wit▪ the woman of Samaria) [...] [Page 45] th [...]ngs that euer she did, is not this (saith she) the Christ? [...]t besides simplicity, here is contradiction: for sayes M▪ [...]binson, and that truly, a woman is not suffered to ex [...]ise an ordinary gift of prophesie in the Church; and▪ [...]ll the women of samaria serue your turne that it is law [...]ll for men to exercise such a gift?
It is indeed my simplicity to thinke that the Gos [...] (as the word importeth) is nothing else But glad [...]dings: and that to preach the Gospel is nothing else [...]t to carry or bring glad tydings of Christ before [...]omised, then come into the world. It is also my [...]plici [...]y to thinke, since by the tydings which this [...]man brought, many of the Samaritans beleeued on [...]ist in a measure, ver. 39 and that without preaching [...] word of God none can beleeve, Rom. 10. 14. 17. that [...]refore she preached unto the Samaritans the same [...]rd of God in a measure also, and that as truely & [...]ectually as euer M. Yates▪ did to his parishionners [...]ugh she went not up into a pulpit as he doth. And [...]t he may iudge aright of this matter, let him call minde, that those Samaritans receiued the bookes Moses as did the Iewes: and as they looked for the [...]essias, or Christ promised to, and of Abraham: [...]ing themselues for the children of the Patriarks▪ [...] true worshippers of God, as they had been, ver. [...] 28. and being so prepared, were easily made as [...]ions, or corne feilds white unto the Haruest, ver. 35. [...]d so this woman, by declaring unto them that, by [Page 46] which this Iesus, the sonne of Mary, proued himsel [...] to be the Christ, or Messias promised, preached fai [...] unto them most properly and effectually, euen t [...] [...]aine point of [...]aith then in controuersie both in [...] dea and Samaria and Galil [...], and the countries the unto ad [...]oyning; which was, that Jesus was the Ch [...] I suppose M. [...]tes▪ hath not suffuciently thought these things, and do hope, that in godly modes [...]y [...] will suffer himselfe to be better informed.
And for co [...]radict [...]o [...], between these 2. proposition A woma [...] may not teach in the Church, and A wom [...] may teach out of the Church, or where no Church (as it was in Samaria) it must be by other Logi [...] then I haue learned. But he will then demand as [...] doth, how this Womans preaching can serue [...]y [...] I answer, uery well, by good consiquence of reas [...] thus: If a woman may lawfully teach out of [...] Church to the begetting of faith as this women d [...] but not in the Church, because she is a woman [...] sex: then a man against whom that reason of restr [...] of Sex lieth not, may lawfully teach both without within the Church. Of which consiquence m [...] hereafter.
Another Scripture is, Act. 8. 1. 4. with cha. 11. [...] 20 21. where it is recorded how all the Church at [...] rusalem was scattered abroad except the Apostles, [...] that they which were scattered abroad, went euery w [...] preaching the word, &c.
[Page 47]M. Yates answereth, that besides the Apostles which [...]ere in office, there were seventy disciples, which Christ [...]efore his death had made laborers in his haruest: & ther [...]re these might preach, or any other that had an extraordi [...]ary gift of prophesie: the one by vertue of his office & gift [...]gether, the other by commission from the Holy Ghost to [...]xercise that gift which they had receaued in the day of [...]ticost, or any other, But sayes your authur, compare this [...]ace with Acts 11. 19. 20. 21. and the truth, will ful [...] appeare. I answer [...] will fully appeare against yov: for [...]hrist charged both his Apostles, and likewise the 70. [...]isciples, that they should preach to none but the Jewes: [...]nd therefore it is sufficient that they had so many prea [...]ers in office already by the commission of Christ▪ to go [...] [...]orow all those places: neither w [...]l [...] I d [...]ny, that [...]ere might be others whom the Holy Ghost immediately [...]ised up to manifest the excellent gifts that were to be [...]wred downe upon the Church in the primatiue times.
His answer is uery darke and ambiguous, but in which are contained sundry errors evident enough. [...] He makes those of the dispersio [...] which went about [...]eaching the word, to be of the 70 disciples. Luk. 10. [...]d others the like furnished with an [...]x [...]r [...]ordinary gift [...] prophesie: but seemes to allow them for no officers [...] the beginning of his answer, when he thus spea [...]eth, Besides the Apostles which were in office there were [...]0. Disciples &c. yet afterwards in these words, and [...]refore it is sufficient, that they had so many preachers [...] office already by the commission of Christ to go thorow [Page 48] all thes [...] places, &c, [...]e bes [...] w [...]s some office or oth [...] upon them. Secondry, [...]e misseth in two Scripture which in his answere, [...]e pointeth at: the former [...] Act. 2▪ where he gathereth, that others besides th [...] twelve, rece [...]ued the gift of prophesie extraordina [...] at the day of pent [...]cost: the [...]ec [...]nd [...]if I mistake no [...] is Math. 10. 5. 6. where he [...]aks the edict or proh [...] b [...]t [...]on of Christ [...]aid upon the Apostles, and (as h [...] sa [...]th) upon the▪ 70. Disciples of preaching to [...]ny [...] Je [...]s, [...]rr aboue the reach thereof, euen unto this ti [...] of the dispertion, whereas it reached only to the dea [...] of Christ, when the wall of partition between Ie [...] and Gentiles was broken downe: [...]fter which the were by the expresse w [...]rds of their Commission [...] preach to all people, beginning indeed at Ierusalem [...] [...]arrying there, till they were indued with power from [...] high, and so proceeding to all nations. Luk. 24. 47. 4 [...] as it is also recorded Act. 11. 20. that some of th [...] dispersion, preached the Lord Iesus to the Grecians [...] A [...]tioch. 3ly, it is plaine by that which I haue fo [...] merly said, that neither these 70 disciples (no nor t [...] [...]2,) were by Christ possessed of any office before h [...] death; no nor yet furnished with any extraordina [...] gifts of prophesie: the Euangelist (who knew we [...] and is worthy to be beleeued) bearing also witnes [...] with mee, that the Holy Ghost was not yet giuen beca [...] that Iesus was not yet glorified, John. 7. 39.
Lastly it is altogether unreasonable to imagine th [...] [Page 49] they who were scatered and preached abroad, being the body of the Church at Ierusalem (excepting the Apostles▪ were all officers: and little more reasonable to thinke that they were all extraordinarily [...]nd [...]ed with the spirit▪ of prophesy. For first, there is no circumstance in the text [...]eading that way: and to imagine extraordinary, and mi [...]culous things without good euidence, is extraordinary [...] and p [...]esumption. 2. the onely [...] giuen unto them a [...] ▪ [...]ll he Church which [...]ey that were scat [...]e [...]ed ab [...]o [...]: a [...]d againe [...] 1 [...]. [...]ey which were sc [...]ttered abro [...] ▪ [...] th [...] Cypru [...] & Cyrene, &c. nothing [...] any [...]ce of ministry. 3. Their preaching he [...] and [...]e [...]e is [...] noted to be by reason of their catering hither and [...] ther through persecution, and not of any e [...]t [...]rdinary gift, and dispensation committed unto the [...]. Fourthly, if they had been extraordinary Prophet [...] immediately, and extraordinarily inspired, there had been no need of so speedy sending of Bar [...]abas from Ierusalem to Antioch with supply, though he were a man full of the Holy Ghost, for so were such Prophets as well as he Ephe. 2. 20. & 3. 5. I conclude therefore as before that these mens preaching was by a gift▪ [...]nd liberty, common unto them and us.
The next Scripture is 1. Pet. 4, 10. 11. As euery man hath receiued the gift so minister the same one to another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God; if any man [Page 50] speake, let him speake as the oracles of God, if any ma [...] minister let him doe it as of the ability which God giueth▪ that God in all things may be glorified, &c.
This (saith M. Yates) is little to the purpose, onely thus much: would the Apostle perswade, that wee ought to be harberous one of another, and that without grudging, because all that we haue is giuen us of God, who hath left us not as ingrossers of his benifits, but as good disposers to his glory and our brothers good.
He that veiweth the place with out prejudice, cannot but see, that the Apostle would perswade more then so much: and that M. Yates doth injuriously enclose the Apostles words, ver. 10. to verse 9. which though they lie in common to both, yet belong much more to the verse following, v. 9. He exhorteth to hospitality, and v. 10. riseth from that particular to the more general use of al gifts or graces, & so v. 11. brings for example, two specialties. 1. the gift of prophesie in speaking. 2. the ministering of the ability which God giueth bodily or otherwise in the Church. neither can the Apostles meaning without extream violence bee restrained to ver. 9. which speakes onely of hospitality: which is but the use or ministering of that one gift or grace of liberality. He saith in the tenth verse. As euery man hath receiued the gift: that is as one hath receiued this gift, another that, and every one some: so minister the same one to another: that is, so let every such person mutually in the bond of [Page 51] [...]ove as ver. 8. communicate his gift: as good disposers [...]f the manifold grace of God: that is knowing that [...]very one what gift soever, he hath received, [...]s but as the Lords Steward therein. Is Liberality [...]lone a manifold grace? and Hospi [...]ali [...]y alone the mi [...]stering of a manifold grace of God? To the ministe [...]ing of a manifold grace, the Apostle perswades, and therefore not onely that wee ought to be harborous one to another, which is but the ministering of one grace.
Two other Scriptures from the Reu [...]la [...]ion follow. The former is cha. 11. v. 3. I will giue to my two witnesses, and they shal prophesie a thousand two hundred sixty dayes, clothed in sackcloth.
Th [...]s is meant saith M. Y [...]tes) of the 2 Testaments, and the instruments that God should raise up to use as faithfull witnesses against Antichris: but what is this for an ordinary gift of prophesie? Surely in this there is some extraordinary thing, because it is said God will giue power, that is giue them life againe: for Antichrist [...] k [...]ll these witnesses when he stopped the current of the Holy word of God, and shut the mouthes of the ministers, &c.
His exposition I will not deny (nor need to feare) saue as with great partiallity on the clergies part, he make the ministers of the word of God, that i [...], men in office, the only faithful witnesses against ancichrist. wheras the contrary is most true; and that in Antichrists reign no church officer, as an officer witnessed against him, but all for him: as both hauing their authority by him, and binding themselues to submit their [...] [Page 52] trine to his censure. The persons indeed, that were also officers, euen Masse-preist, Monkes and Friers, witnessed some of them against him, but so did not their offices, or they in respect of them, (which is all one) but rather with him, as aduantaging his state and Hierarchy. Something extraordinary I doe with him acknowledg to haue been in them, in respect of the order then preuailing, and of the bondage spirituall under which all both things and persons were: as also of the degree of theire ordinary both gifts and graces to put them forth in seruice of the truth: but that these witnesses against Antichrist had any extra ordinary, or miraculous gift of prophesie (which he insinuateth, and must affirme if he will draw them from our part) is meerly imagined both against experience & their own plea. But for the opēing of this place, I referre the reader to our learned Countryman M. Brightman, where he shall find affirmed, and proued, that these two prophets were the holy Scriptures and Assemblies of the faithfull.
The other scripture is Reu. 14. 6, where the Angell flieth in the midst of heaven hauing the euerlasting Gospell to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to euery nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people.
By heauen (saith M. Yates) is to be understood the uisible Church, and by the Angell the learned men that God hath euer raised up in the midst of popery to carry the blessed word of God in the midst of heauen that is raised from [Page 53] the earthly curruption of Antichrist, but not as yet a [...] the height of purity, &c.
As I doe not conceive of any such mistery in these words. (flying in the midest of heauen) but onely that these Angells should roundly and clearly, specially in respect of former times, publish the Gospell farr, and neer, as is the flying of a bird in the airy heauen or firmament speedy and euident; so, that signified, I assent to his exposition, as being also no way preindiciall, but much aduantageable to my purpose. For if those learned, and Angell-like men were to publish the gospell in the midest of popery; and that neither by an extraordinary, or miraculous gift, nor by uertue of their office, then is publick prophesying out of office by an ordinary gift approuable. The first part I hope he will easily grant; if not, let him name the man miraculously inspired in the midst of popery. For the latter, the office it self or function was no ministery of Christs appointment, as being the office of a Frier, Monke, or Masse-priest, so their power to administer it was from or by the pop [...] as vniuersall Bishop: that is, as Antichrist. in respect then of the Gospell which they had preached▪ and of their gifts & graces personal, by which they wer both enabled & prouoked there n̄to, they were Angels of God; but in regard of there office, and power Ecclesiasticall▪ and Hierarchicall, Angels of Antichrist. Besides that when they gaue their clearest testamony [Page 54] against Antichrist, they were, for the most part, all excommunicated out of the Church of Rome, and so being no members could not be officers of any Church. Whereupon I conclude, that the witnesse which they ga [...]e to the truth, was but personall and not ministeriall so far forth as it was of God or by him approued. And thus it appeareth how in the quoting of those scriptures, we haue not offred abuse to Gods word, as he abuseth vs, but haue with good conscience, as in the sight of God, noted them as seruing to proue lawfull, publique prophesie by an ordinary gift out of office.
Lastly 1. Cor. 14. comes into handling, with the proofs thence taken: which what weight they haue shall appeare after rehersall of some more generall considerations promised in my booke, in the same place, for the better understanding of the point, as, 1. that the Church of Corinth aboue all other Churches, did abound with spirituall gifts both ordinary and extraordinary. 2. that they abused these gifts too much unto faction and ambition. 3. that there upon the Apostle takes occasion in the beginning of the 12. Chap. and so forward, to draw them to the right use of the gifts of God, which was the imploiment of them to the edifying of the body in loue 4. and Lastly, that hauing layd down chap. 13. a full discription and large commendation of that grace of loue, cha. 14, and the beginning of it, he exhorts to, [Page 55] prophesying, and to the study and use of that gift which though it were not so strange a thing as was the sudden gift of tongues. nor which drew with it such wonder and admiration, yet was it more profitable for the Church: and though a matter of lesse note, yet of greater charity, which must beare sway [...]n all our actions, Whereupon I lay downe the first reason for brethrens, though no officers, liberty in these words Because the Apostle speakes of the manifestation of [...] gift or grace common to all persons, as well bre [...]heren as ministers, ordinary as extraordinary, and [...]hat at all times which is loue: as also of such fruites [...]nd effects of that grace, as are no lesse common to [...]ll, then the grace it self, nor of lesse continuance in [...]he Churches of Christ, to wit, of edification, exhor [...]ation, and comfort, verse. 3. compared with 1. Thess. 5. 11, 14.
In answering the former part of the Reason he is [...]ery large but more negligent, as it appeares in his [...]enying that the Apostles speaks of a gift common [...]o all persons, and in more then denying, for his rude [...]erme I will conceale for his credits sake, that it was [...]ōmon to all persons at al times admiring how I dare [...]ffirme any such thing: adding: that loue was enioy [...]ed to all but this gift onely of such, as did excell a [...]ongst them: whereas the uery gift, which I speake [...]f in that place, or grace rather, as I there call it, was one other▪ but the grace of loue; as any that will [Page 56] may see in the reason: which generall grace ough [...] to man [...]fest, and expresse it selfe in the ed [...]fying use of all [...]e special gifts of the spirit, which by it are set [...] wo [...]ke and m [...]ed, as the lesser wheels of a clock by the greater. & from which grace the▪ Apostle provoketh the Church to the stirring up of the gift of prophesie, unto [...]d [...]fication, as well now as then. and whereas, to my ground, as he puts it, and as after a sort I intended from ver. 3. compared with 1 Thess [...] 5, 11. 14. viz. that since the end which is ed [...]fication▪ exhortation, and comfort continueth, therfore the gift of prophesie also continueth, he answreth; that there are many, means to effect one end, & yet some of them may cease yea all of them, & others come i [...] their roomes, [...]s for extraordinary gifts, ordianry: & so for Apostles, ordinary Ministers: instancing furthe [...] in tōgues, which ver. 26. are for ed [...]fication; he neither speakes so properly, as is meet, nor all admitte [...] which he saith, takes away the force of the Argum [...] Strange tongues, to speake properly, and expresly as in disputing, are no meanes of edifying the Church but the interpretation, and applycation of the matter of the tongues: neither doth the office of the ministerie in it selfe edify. but the use and exercise of it in teaching, and exhorting? no nor yet the gift of prophesying, but as it is used in speaking, as ver. 3. hee that prophesieth, that is useth the gift of prophesy, speaketh unto men, to exhortation edefication & [Page 57] [...]mfort. There being then no other means to edifie [...]hort & comfort in the Church but prophesying; the [...]postle, as appeareth by the two places set together [...]ying these duetyes from the common grace of loue [...]s well upon bretheren, as officers, ordinary as ex [...]aordinary, and at all times, in the Church, therein [...]iues warrant to an ordinary exercise of prophesy in [...]e Church by men out of office, to wit hauing [...]ifts and abilityes answerable, to the end of the [...]orld.
The second Argument is from ver. 21. where the Apostle saith, ye may all prophesie one by one, that [...]ll may learne, and all may be comforted, he speaks [...]f all prophesying as largly as of all learning.
This, saith he, is absurd: are all the Church Prophets [...] all may prophesie who shall learne? the Holy Gh. [...]yes all but that is to be understood of such as haue [...]ifts: all ought to haue the gift of hearing, but the [...]ke is not of prophesying: and I say this gift was ex [...]aordinary for how could all men study the Scrip [...]ures when they had them not in their natiue [...]ongues?
It were absurd indeed, if I thought, that euery per [...]on in the church were to prophesie: but why should [...]e chalenge me, or I purge my self of this absurdity? [...]hereas the contrary is most evident, both in the [...]ords of the question, which are that others hauing [...]eceiued a gift thereunto, may ought to stir up the [Page 58] same, and to use it in the Church; and every when in the handling of it. By all then I mean all that ha [...] gifts: and so take all for prophesying as largly, y [...] in the subiect, according to the receiued rule of o [...] pounding the notes of vniversality, as the other a [...] for learning. His question, if all may prophesie w [...] shall learne; is easily answered. For they who prophesie at one time may learne at another: It is th [...] disease of the exalted Clergie to scorn to learne any thing of others then themselves, and almost o [...] of another. Where he further sayth, that all oug [...] to haue the gift of hearing, but the like is not p [...] phesying, It is true and that euery particular pers [...] in the Church is not bound to haue the gift; but if [...] speake any thing to the purpose in hand, he must [...] further and say that no ordinary brethren out of off [...] ought to haue the gift of prophesie: which if it w [...] true, then ought none to striue for fitnesse to beco [...] officers: neither were the reproofe iust which the Apostle layes, not onely, nor so much, if at all, up [...] the officers, as upon the brethren, H [...]b. 5. 11. that f [...] the time they ought to be teachers. Of his unwort [...] mistaken about the Scriptures not being in the Corinths natiue tongue, which he makes the only grou [...] of his Answer, elsewhere. To conclude this argumen [...] The Apostle writing to the Church of Corinth, y [...] may al prophesie one by one, cannot be understood [...] extraordinary Prophets, except wee conceiue that t [...] [Page 59] [...]ody of that Church was or might be prophets ex [...]raordinary, and miraculously inspired: which, cōside [...]ing the super-excellency of that State by me elsewhere laid downe, is a presumption aboue my reach and least of all agreeing with M. Yates his iudgment in his answer to the next Argument, which is, that extraordinary prophesie did then begin to cease [...]n the Church.
The third Argument is from ver. 34. where the Apostle restrains women from prophesying, or other [...]peaking in the Church with authority as also 1. Tim [...]. 11. 12. and in forbidding women, giues liberty to [...]ll men gifted accordingly, opposing women to mē [...]ex to sex, and not women to officers: and againe, in [...]estraining women shewes his meaning to be of ordinary not extraordinary prophesying: for women [...]mmediately extraordinarily, and miraculously inspi [...]ed might speake without restraint, Exod. 15. 20. [...]udg▪ 4. 24. Luk. 2 36. Acts 2. 17, 19.
It is a pitteous thing to see how M. Yates intaggles himselfe about this Argument, straining all the [...]eyns of his wit, if not of a more tender part, his consciene, to draw some face of answer upon it: That which hath any shew of answer either in that place, or any other throughout his tedious and perplexed discourse, I will relat and refute: confirming the Argument clearly, as I am perswaded, to any indifferent [...]udgment.
[Page 60]His first answer, or exception is, that it is most absurd to imagine that the Corinth. women did follo [...] their study, and tooke ordinary paines to make sermons. Secondly that extraordinary prophesie d [...] cease, and that not all at once, but first in women & that the Apostle therefore especially aimes at them, [...] though, to wit in their own iudgment the same measu [...] were still upon them, as well as in former time [...] when Christ that saues both man and women woul [...] extraordinarily manifest himselfe in both, yet first a [...] ter a sufficent manifestation of his grace & goodnes [...] he withdrew those extraordinay gifts from that s [...] then afterward from the other: His third answ [...] upon which he doth most insist, is, that the Apos [...] forbids two generall faults in the women; the one that th [...] would pray, and prophesie uncouered, 1. Cor. 11. [...] imitating the Pythonisses and Sibelles of the Genti [...] in laying aside their vaile, and spreading their haire [...] gainst▪ decency, and comlinesse: the second that in th [...] husbands presence, they would be as ready to speake [...] they: and therefore the Apostle finding the women to [...] buse this gift, prohibits the use of it, whether simply or [...] he cannot iudge. Fourthly, he admires by what Log [...] this will follow; women are forbiden to prophesie, therfore men haue liberty: which, sayes hee, is an ill cons [...] quence.
In his first Answer or rather exception, he m [...] takes both the state of the question, and also the [...] ture [Page 61] of the ordinance. The question is not of the study, or ability of these women, which yet I thinke was greater then he maketh account of, but of their forwardnes to teach which was certainly too great. And what consequence is this? The Corinthian women were not sufficiently furnished to teach by an ordinary gift therefore they needed not to be restrained from teaching. Nay therfore they needed much more such a bridle of restraint to be cast upon them; especially considering their mannish bouldnesse, and immodesty insinuated against them here by the Apostle, in part, but much more chap. 11.
Neither for the second poynt, are they that speak in the exercise of prophesie, to make a sermon by an houreglasse, as M. Yates gathers; that were to abuse the time and wrong the gifts of others (but briefly to speak a word of exhortation, as God enableth, & that after the ministeriall teaching be ended, as Act. 13. questions also about things deliuered, and with them euen disputations, as there is occasion, being part or apurtenances of that exercise, 1. Cor. 14. 35. Act. 17. 2. and 18. 4,
For the Prophets gifts and abilities then, as under the law a bullock or lamb, that had any thing superfluous, or lacking in his parts might yet be offered for a freewill offering, but for a vow it was not to be accepted. Lev. 22. 23. so in this exercise of Prophesie, as in a free will offering, according to the gift of God, that [Page 62] which is lesse perfit, and exact, may farr better be accepted, then if the same were presented in the Pastors vowed seruice, and ministration.
For his second Answer: As it is true, that extraordinary prophesie did ce [...]se by degrees, so is it not certaine, but a meere presumption, that it ce [...]sed first in women, but most untrue it is, that the Apostle there aims at all [...] the ceasing of that gift in women, Ecclesiasticall Histories worthy of credit in this kind, doe certifie, that the streame of the spirit was so far from being neare dry at this time, as that it ranne a strong current wel nigh a hundred yeares after, for all the extraordinary gifts thereof, as for the casting out of Deuils, foreseing and foretelling of things to c [...]e, healing the sicke, & raising of the dead, of wh [...]n d [...]uers so raised liued many yeares after, witnesse amongst others Iraenaeus, adv. Her. lib. 2. c. 57. whom also for the same purpose Eus. Hist. Eccl. l. 5. c. 7. alledgeth: And euer or women, Euident it is by the Scriptures that extraordinary Prophesie in a very plenteous manner by them, & that in the presents of men continued in the Church many years after Pauls writing of this Episte. Philip the Evangelist had four daughters vergins which did prophesie, Act. 2. 1. 9 and that in the presence of the Apostle. Lo, four extraordinary Prophetesses in one house. and the daughters of one man: so that [...]itherto the conduit of the spirit of prophesie kept [...]is course as well upon their daughters as sons. Ioel, 2. Act. 2. So Rev. 2. 20. we read how the woman Jesabel [Page 63] [...]alling her selfe a prophetesse, taught and by teaching [...]duced the Lords servants in the Church of Thya [...]yra, [...]n which place, as the errors and evils of the person. [...]s condemned, so is the former order of the Church manifested to be, that women, prophetesses extraordinary, might teach. Lastly, the prohibition of women by the Apostle is perpetuall, and not with respect to this, or that time as it appeares by the reasons there of, both in this place, and in the Epistle to Timothy, and such as equally belong to former times and latter: and no more to the latter end then to the beginning or meddle time of the manifestation of the grace and goodnesse of Christ.
What can be more absurd then to say that these reasons, The women must be under obedience, 1. Cor, 14. 34. & not usurpe authority ouer the man, but be in silence, because Adam was first formed, then Eve. An [...] Adam was not sedused, but the women, &c. 1. Tim. 2. 12. 13 14. were not morrall and perpetuall? Were not those reasons and grounds for womens silence in the Church, without extraordinary dispensation by miraculous inspiration, of as great force seuen yeares before, as when Paul wrote this Epistle? It is therefore most cleare that the Apostle aimes not at all, at any ceasing of the gift of extraordinary prophesie now growing on, but at the uniuersall, and absolute restraint and prohibition of womens prophesying, not extraordinary, but ordinary.
[Page 64]In his third answer he dealeth worse then in any of the other, in labouring to smother one truth under another. For albeit the women of Corin [...]th were become so mannish, as that they would prophesi [...] uncovered, and withovt their veile, the ensigne o [...] their subiection, yet doth not the Apostle meddle at all with that malady in this place, but in the 11. cha. of the Epistle, as himselfe noteth, Here and in Tim. he simply forbids the thing: there the manner of doing it. Likewise for their being as forward to speake as their husbands, and in their pre [...]ence, it may be true in part, and in some. But what then? Doth the Apostle in these places onely forbid their speaking uncouered and permit them to teach so it be veiled? or forbids he onely their being as forward as their husbands, but gives them leaue to speake in the Church, so it be with good manners &, after their husbōds which his answer insinuates? Or is it not evidēt to all that will not shut their eyes, that he simply, & that severely, inhibits them all speaking whatsoever in this exercise, Are not the words plain enough? Let the women keep silence in the Church, for it is not permitted to them to speake, but to be under obedience, as the Law sayth. And againe, It is a shame for them to speak in the Church. And in 1. Tim, Let the women learne in silence with all subiection. And, I suffer not a woman to teach, nor to usurpe authority ouer the man, but to be in subjection. For Adam was first formed, &c. Do not [Page 65] and every one of the Reasons binde women to all [...]eace and deepe silence in the Church, yea to such [...]d so absolute, as that they may not so much as aske question for learning any thing themselues, ver. 35. [...]uch lesse teach others any thing? I therefore con [...]ude this as a most certain and undeniable truth, [...]at the Apostle speakes here of such a gift and ex [...]rcise as women are simply forbidden to use in the [...]hurch, and therefore not of an extraordinary gift [...]r exercise, which they might use lawfully and did [...]oth before, and a long time after the writing of this [...]pistle.
His last answer now comes in consideration, which [...]s, that the consiquence is ill, women are forbidden, and [...]herefore men are permitted to prophesie in the Church by [...]n ordinary gift.
If the consiquence seem not good, why doth he so strugle as before otherwise to make an escape frō [...]he Argument? let us cōsider of the force of it, which appeareth to me irresistable in these 3. things. First, the Apostle in, and for this worke opposeth the men to the women, sex to sex and so in prohibiting women, he permits men. When the H. Ghost opposing faith and works in the cause of iustification, denies that we are iustified by works is not then the consequence good, that therefore we are iustified by faith where he opposeth beleevers and vnbeleevers in the [...]se of Saluation and teacheth that beleevers shall [Page 66] be saued doth he not teach consequently, that vnbeleevers shall perish? if consequences be not good [...] must confesse my selfe farre to seeke both in Logi [...] and Divinity.
Secondly, the reasons of the prohibition of wom [...] proue the consiquence which are all such as prefe [...] the men, before the women, and subiect the women to the men in the Church, and in this very work of prophesie, of which he treateth. But now if in prohibiting women, he gaue not liberty unto men▪ where were the prerogatiue of men aboue women which is the onely ground, upon which he buildeth his prohibition?
Thirdly, where verse 34. 35. It is not permitted for women to speak but if they will learn any thing to ask then husbands at home, if their husbands might not speake neither nor any more then they, what reason can be rendred of the Apostle so speaking?
Lastly M. Yates in denying this consequence, sheweth that so he might deny something, he tooke no great heed what it were. The Apostle in this whole Chap, takes order for some to prophesie? and debarring women therefrom; either admits men to the use of that liberty, or els we must haue some third kinde of persons thought of, which are neither male nor female.
My fourth Argument is from verse 29 and 32. L [...] the prophets speake [...]wo or three, and let the rest iudg [...] [Page 67] [...]nd the spirit of the prophets are subiect to the prophets. [...]hence I affirm, that the Apostle speaks not of ex [...]raordinary prophets or prophesying, since they in [...]heir Doctrine could not erre, and so were not sub [...]ect to any such iudgment, or censure of others. He [...]nswereth roundly, though briefly in this place, that [...]hese prophets were not infallibly assisted▪ and more larg [...]y in another place, that such prophets as haue an in [...]allible assistance are no [...] subiect to this Rule: but others [...]hat had but as the Apostle sayd, Rom. 12. 6. meaner [...]ifts were to be examined according to the p [...]oportion of [...]aith, so that extraordinary prophets might mix some of [...]heir own wi [...]h the extraordinary gifts of Gods spirit, [...]hich was to be censured by such as had a greater mea [...]ure: for none are to thinke that all that ha [...] th [...]se extraordinary gifts were free from errour in their ve [...]y doctrine. We see the strange gift of tongues was abused, and so [...]ight the rest be.
That one extraordinary Prophet had a greater mea [...]ure, and proportion of gifts then another, I acknow [...]edge; but that any one of them could erre in doctrin or was not infallibly assisted therein by the spirit [...] deny, as a most pernicious errour, weaking the foundation of faith, and truth of the word of God: neither hath Master Yates so much as enterprised an answer unto the Scriptures brought by me to proue the contrary: which were Ephesians 2. 20. where the Ephesians as the houshold, or Church of God, are said to be built upon the foundation of the Apostles and [Page 68] Prophets, &c. & chap. 3. 5. where he speaks of [...] mistery of Christ, which in other ages was not m [...] known unto the sonnes of men, as it is now revealed u [...] his holy Apostles and Prophets by the spirit. When it apeares, that the Church is as well built upon t [...] foundation of the prophets, to wit extraordinar [...] which then were, for of them he speaketh, as up [...] the doctrine of the Apostles, and they as infallibl [...] euen for the very foundation, inspired by the Hol [...] Ghost, as the other. So that, if the Prophets co [...] erre in doctrine, then the Apostles, & if in doctrin [...] taught why not written, and if one alone, why n [...] more, or all? and if they might erre how know [...] that they did not erre? If he say the meaner in gift might erre, but not the greater; first the same follo [...] eth also touching the Apostles, how much more touching the Prophets before Christ. not comparible t [...] those after him, why then may there not be errors in the writings especially of those meaner gifts as without doubt some were in comparison of the rest? what whether this wind will bring who seeth not? Moreover, whereas wee propound such interpretations and doctrines, as we gather from the Scriptures, by discourse of reason, and so may erre; they, on the contrary every one of them d [...]livered doctrine by immediate inspiration of the spirit, in which by reason of the divine impression which it made in their hearts, differencing it from all both humain collection [Page 69] and Diabolicall suggestion, they could not erre, or mistaken; but know infallibly when. and wherein, they [...]ere moued by the holy Ghost. Besides there is not alike [...]ason of strange tongues, and prophesie, for the conside [...]tion in hand, since the Church is not built upon the [...]undation of strange tongues, as upon the foundation of [...]ophesie; neither was the matter of the speach inspired [...]t the language onely, except the same persons were [...]rophets also▪
Lastly, if there were the like reason of tongues. and [...]ophesie, yet except men might erre in a tongue, and [...]e [...]m themselues inspired extraordinarily when they [...]ere not, which were absurd to affirme; it could not e [...]nce any posibility of erring in doctrine by extraordi [...]ary Prophets.
The last Argument in my booke I take from ver. .37 [...]8. If any man think himselfe to be a prophet, or spirituall let [...]im acknowledge that the things that I write unto you are the [...]ommandements of the Lord: But if any be ignorant let him be [...]gnorant.
M. Yates taxeth mee for making a Prophet, and spiritu [...]ll man all one, since by a spirituall man is meant such as excel [...]ed in any spirituall gift, prophesie, or other, But without cause: since I neither mean more nor need more for my purpose, then that a Prophet bee included in the general of a spirituall man. But wherefore doth he not answer the Argument or minde where the force thereof lieth? which is in the▪ words following; let him acknowledge that the things that I write are the commandements of the Lord. But if any man be ignorant, let him be ignorant. The extraordinary Prophets, were guided as immediately and infallibly by the reuelation of Gods spirit. as Paul himself, and might as▪ wel haue required of him to acknowlede [Page 70] that the things which they speake were the commandemen [...] the Lord, as hee of them: neither was it possible that th [...] or any of them should bee ignorant, that the thi [...] which he spake were the commandements of the Lo [...] Which Argument is also much strengthned, and mad [...] in my iudgment, unanswerable; by that which we fin [...] ver. 36 Came the word of God out from you, or came it unto [...] onely? which words the Apostle doth not direct unto [...] women, as M, Yates misconceaueth with great erro [...] and contrary both unto reason, and to the expresse Gre [...] text which will not beare it, but to the Prophets; w [...] whome hee dealeth, and that by way of comparison w [...] himself, from whome, to wit, by immediate revelatio [...] the word of God came after a sort to the Corinthia [...] Which plainly proues that they could not be extraord [...] nary prophets, from whom the word of God came u [...] the Church as well as from himselfe: they being inspir [...] immediately by the Holy Ghost as well as he.
The Christian Reader may finde, besides these, othe [...] reasons from this Scripture laid-downe by our worth [...] countryman M. Cartwright in his Confutation of the Rh [...] mists, Sect. 5. for the iustification of this exercise as ordinary and continuall.
The other Arguments in the same place of my book [...] to the same purpose, though M. Yates could no [...] but take knowledge of, yet he not thought good to meddle with, One of them onely I will annex in this place word for word, as there I haue set it down.
It is the commandement of the Lord by the Apostle that a Bishop be apt to teach, and that such Elders or Bishops he called as are able to exhort with sound doctrine & to conuin [...] the gain-sayers, 1. Tim, 3. 2. Tit. 1. 9. now except men, before they be in office may be permitted to manifest [Page 71] [...]eir gifts in d [...]ctrine so in prayer, which are the two main [...]rks requiring speciall qualifications in the teaching [...]ders, Acts. 6, 4. how shal the Church, which is to choose [...]em. take knowledge of their sufficiency, that with [...]th and good conscience they may call them, and sub [...]it unto them for their guides? If it be sayd, that upon [...]ch occasion, triall may be taken of mens gifts: he that so [...]ith, grants the question, but must know besides, first that [...]ens gifts & abilities should be known in Some measure, [...]efore they be once thought on for officers: and secondly, [...]at there is none other use or triall of gifts, to wit in and [...]y the Church, but in prophesying▪ for every thing in the [...]ords house is to be performed in some ordinance there [...] nothing thrown about the house, or out of order in it [...]nd other ordinance in the Church saue this of prophesie [...] there none, where in men out of office are to pray and [...]each, &c, Lastly, M. Yates in denying this liberty, be [...]des other euils, reproueth the practise of all reformed [...]hurches, and of the the Church of England with them. [...] is not onely permitted as lawfull, but required as ne [...]essary where I line that such as haue bent their thoughts [...]owards the ministery, should before hand use their gifts [...]ublickly in the Church: and intollerable bondage it [...]ould bee thought by them to have pastors ordained for [...]hem as all there are vnto the places in which they are to minister, of whose ability in teaching they had not taken former experience. And not onely so, but it hath been further decreed in a solemne Synod, that in all Churches [...]he [...]her springing up, or growing to perfection, the order of prophe [...]ie should be obserued according to Pauls institution, and that [...]nto that fellowship, to wit of Prophets, should be admitted [...]ot onely the ministers. but also the Teachers, and of the Elder [...] and Deacons and euen of the uery common people, ex ipsa [Page 72] plebe. if there were any which would confer their gift [...] [...]eived of the Lord to the common benifit of the Church, [...] Harmon. Synod. Belg: de pro [...]hetica, Ex Synodo Embd [...] Can, 1. 2. And for England it selfe; what will M. Yates [...] to the Common places, as they are called; or Sermons, as [...] deed they are in the Colledges, not onely permitted u [...] but imposed upon diuers, who neuer receiued order priesthood? What to such as preach by the Bishops [...] cence, without any such order? yea to all such as are [...] dained and called ministers, but haue not actuall char [...] & so are theas Popish accidents in the Sacrament, wi [...] out a subiect? Lastly, it might be shewed, if need we that greater liberty then he alloweth, is used by diuers the Romish Church, the Spirituall Egipt, and house bondage for Gods people: so as the bondage of the v [...] Hager of Rome is not so great in this case, as he wo [...] bring upon Sarah her selfe.
The Lord giue unto his people courage to stand [...] this liberty amongst the rest, wherewith Christ ha [...] made them free; and unto us who enioy it. grace to [...] the same unto his glory, in our mutuall edification [...] men.
Reader, be pleased to take notice, [...]ow that, in the [...] page of the preface and in the 18. line after the word answered, there must follow this: and thing in it know I non [...] not Answered