One sheet for the ministry against the malignants of all sorts by Richard Baxter.
         Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691.
      
       
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             One sheet for the ministry against the malignants of all sorts by Richard Baxter.
             Baxter, Richard, 1615-1691.
          
           [2], 14 p.
           
             Printed by Robert White for Nevil Simmons ...,
             London :
             1657.
          
           
             Reproduction of original in British Library.
          
        
      
    
     
       
         eng
      
       
         
           Clergy -- Office.
        
      
    
       A26980  R13471  (Wing B1335).  civilwar no One sheet for the ministry, against the malignants of all sorts. By Richard Baxter. Baxter, Richard 1657    8546 7 0 0 0 0 0 8 B  The  rate of 8 defects per 10,000 words puts this text in the B category of texts with fewer than 10 defects per 10,000 words. 
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           One
           Sheet
           for
           the
           MINISTRY
           ,
           Against
           the
           MALIGNANTS
           Of
           all
           sorts
           .
        
         
           
             By
          
           Richard
           Baxter
           .
        
         
           
             LONDON
             ,
          
           Printed
           by
           
             Robert
             White
             ,
          
           for
           
             Nevil
             Simmons
             ,
          
           Book-seller
           in
           
             Kederminster
             ,
             Anno
             Dom.
          
           1657.
           
        
      
    
     
       
       
       
         
           One
           Sheet
           for
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           Against
           the
           Malignants
           of
           all
           sorts
           .
        
         
           AS
           mans
           first
           felicity
           was
           attended
           with
           the
           malice
           of
           the
           Serpent
           ,
           so
           is
           the
           wonderful
           work
           of
           his
           Restauration
           .
           The
           promise
           of
           Reconciliation
           by
           the
           seed
           of
           the
           woman
           ,
           is
           joyned
           with
           a
           proclamation
           of
           open
           war
           with
           the
           Serpent
           and
           his
           seed
           .
           The
           enmity
           was
           hottest
           in
           the
           Devil
           and
           his
           seed
           against
           Christ
           himself
           ,
           who
           bare
           and
           overcame
           it
           ,
           and
           is
           become
           the
           Captain
           of
           our
           salvation
           ,
           that
           his
           Church
           may
           overcome
           by
           his
           Cross
           ,
           and
           Strength
           ,
           and
           Conduct
           ;
           The
           next
           degree
           of
           malice
           is
           against
           his
           Officers
           :
           the
           most
           eminent
           ,
           the
           General
           Officers
           had
           the
           hottest
           assault
           :
           and
           his
           ordinary
           Officers
           bear
           the
           next
           :
           That
           we
           shall
           be
           hated
           of
           all
           men
           for
           the
           Name
           of
           Christ
           ,
           (
           
             Mat.
          
           10.
           22.
           
           )
           is
           still
           verified
           to
           our
           experience
           .
           Not
           only
           the
           openly
           prophane
           ab●o●●●
           for
           our
           work-sake
           ,
           but
           fals-hearted
           professors
           that
           turn
           from
           the
           truth
           ,
           do
           presently
           turn
           Malignants
           against
           the
           Ministry
           ;
           and
           many
           weak
           ones
           that
           are
           better
           minded
           ,
           are
           dangerously
           seduced
           into
           a
           guilt
           of
           the
           sedition
           .
           To
           all
           these
           I
           here
           proclaim
           in
           the
           name
           and
           word
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           
             Numb.
          
           16.
           26.
           
           [
           
             Depart
             I
             pray
             you
             from
             the
             tents
             of
             these
             wicked
             men
             ,
             and
             touch
             nothing
             of
             theirs
             ,
             lest
             ye
             be
             consumed
             in
             all
             their
             sins
             .
          
           ]
           Which
           I
           shall
           now
           open
           to
           you
           .
        
         
           1.
           
           The
           office
           of
           the
           Ministry
           is
           an
           undoubted
           Ordinance
           of
           God
           ,
           to
           continue
           in
           the
           Church
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           world
           .
           No
           man
           can
           pretend
           that
           they
           ceased
           with
           the
           Apostles
           ;
           for
           it
           is
           Gods
           will
           that
           ordinary
           fixed
           Presbyters
           shall
           be
           ordained
           in
           every
           Church
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           14.
           23.
           
           
             Tit.
          
           1.
           5.
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           3.
           1.
           2
           
             Tim.
          
           2.
           2.
           
           And
           Pastors
           and
           Teachers
           are
           appointed
           for
           the
           perfecting
           of
           the
           Saints
           ,
           for
           the
           work
           of
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           and
           edifying
           of
           the
           body
           of
           Christ
           ;
           till
           we
           all
           come
           to
           a
           perfect
           man
           ,
           
             Ephes.
          
           4.
           11
           ,
           12
           ,
           13.
           
           A
           Ministry
           authorized
           
           to
           Disciple
           the
           Nations
           ,
           baptize
           and
           teach
           them
           ,
           is
           instituted
           by
           Christ
           as
           King
           and
           Saviour
           ,
           and
           have
           his
           Promise
           to
           be
           with
           them
           alway
           to
           the
           end
           of
           the
           world
           ,
           
             Matth.
          
           28.
           18
           ,
           19
           ,
           20.
           
           The
           same
           necessity
           and
           work
           continueth
           ;
           still
           souls
           are
           born
           and
           bred
           in
           darkness
           ;
           and
           how
           shall
           they
           be
           saved
           without
           believing
           ,
           or
           believe
           without
           hearing
           ,
           or
           hear
           without
           preaching
           ,
           or
           we
           preach
           without
           sending
           ?
           
             Rom.
          
           10.
           13
           ,
           14
           ,
           15.
           
           There
           is
           a
           clearer
           word
           in
           the
           Gospel
           for
           the
           Ministry
           then
           the
           Magistracy
           ;
           though
           enough
           for
           both
           .
           Our
           own
           call
           I
           shall
           speak
           of
           anon
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           These
           Malignants
           set
           themselves
           against
           the
           Principal
           members
           of
           the
           Body
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           are
           in
           it
           as
           the
           eyes
           and
           hands
           to
           the
           natural
           body
           ,
           1.
           
             Cor.
          
           12.
           16
           ,
           19
           ,
           27
           ,
           29.
           
           
             Ephes.
          
           4.
           11
           ,
           15.
           
           The
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           Stewards
           of
           the
           mysteries
           of
           God
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           4.
           1.
           
           The
           Over
           seers
           of
           the
           flock
           that
           is
           purchased
           with
           Christs
           blood
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           20.
           28.
           
           They
           are
           the
           chief
           members
           ,
           1.
           in
           Office
           ;
           2.
           
           Ordinarily
           in
           gifts
           for
           edification
           of
           the
           body
           :
           3.
           
           And
           in
           Grace
           .
           Now
           a
           wound
           in
           the
           stomack
           or
           liver
           is
           more
           mortal
           to
           the
           body
           ,
           then
           in
           the
           hand
           :
           and
           the
           loss
           of
           an
           eye
           or
           hand
           is
           worse
           then
           the
           loss
           of
           an
           ear
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           These
           Malignants
           are
           therefore
           principally
           enemies
           to
           the
           Church
           it self
           .
           They
           take
           on
           them
           to
           be
           only
           against
           the
           Ministers
           ,
           but
           it
           will
           prove
           most
           against
           the
           people
           and
           whole
           Church
           .
           If
           they
           sinite
           the
           Shepherds
           ,
           the
           sheep
           will
           be
           scattered
           .
           How
           can
           they
           more
           surely
           ruin
           Christs
           Family
           ,
           then
           by
           casting
           out
           the
           Stewards
           that
           must
           Rule
           ,
           and
           give
           the
           children
           their
           meat
           in
           due
           season
           ,
           even
           milk
           to
           the
           babes
           ,
           and
           stronger
           meat
           to
           them
           of
           full
           age
           ,
           
             Heb.
          
           5.
           12
           ,
           13
           ,
           14.
           
           
             Luke
          
           12.
           42.
           
           
             Mat.
          
           24.
           45.
           
           What
           readier
           way
           to
           ruine
           the
           Schools
           of
           Christ
           ,
           then
           by
           casting
           out
           the
           Teachers
           that
           he
           hath
           appointed
           under
           him
           ?
           Or
           to
           ruine
           his
           Kingdom
           ,
           then
           to
           reject
           his
           Officers
           ?
           Or
           to
           wrong
           the
           body
           ,
           then
           to
           cut
           off
           the
           hands
           ,
           and
           pull
           out
           the
           eyes
           ,
           or
           to
           destroy
           the
           principal
           parts
           :
           Was
           it
           not
           Ministers
           that
           planted
           the
           Churches
           ,
           and
           converted
           the
           world
           ,
           and
           have
           ever
           born
           off
           the
           assaults
           of
           enemies
           ?
           where
           was
           there
           ever
           Church
           on
           earth
           that
           continued
           without
           a
           Minister
           ?
           The
           great
           Kingdom
           of
           
             Nubia
          
           fell
           from
           Christianity
           for
           want
           of
           Preachers
           .
           The
           Nations
           that
           have
           the
           weakest
           and
           fewest
           Ministers
           ,
           have
           the
           least
           of
           Christianity
           :
           and
           those
           that
           have
           the
           most
           and
           ablest
           Ministers
           ,
           have
           the
           most
           flourishing
           state
           of
           Religion
           .
           All
           over
           the
           world
           the
           Church
           doth
           rise
           or
           fall
           with
           the
           Ministry
           :
           Cut
           down
           the
           Pillars
           ,
           and
           the
           building
           falls
           .
           He
           is
           blind
           that
           sees
           not
           what
           would
           become
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           were
           it
           not
           for
           the
           Ministry
           .
           Who
           should
           teach
           the
           ignorant
           ,
           or
           rebuke
           the
           obstinate
           ,
           explain
           the
           word
           of
           truth
           ,
           and
           stop
           the
           mouthes
           of
           proud
           gain-sayers
           ?
           What
           work
           would
           heresies
           ,
           and
           division
           ,
           and
           prophanness
           make
           ,
           if
           these
           banks
           were
           cut
           down
           ?
           when
           all
           that
           can
           be
           done
           is
           still
           too
           little
           .
           It
           
           must
           needs
           therefore
           be
           meet
           enmity
           against
           the
           Church
           that
           makes
           men
           malignant
           against
           the
           Ministry
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           The
           design
           of
           the
           maligners
           of
           the
           Ministry
           is
           plainly
           against
           the
           Gospel
           and
           Christianity
           it self
           .
           They
           take
           the
           readiest
           way
           in
           the
           world
           to
           bring
           in
           Heathenism
           ,
           Infidelity
           and
           Atheism
           ,
           which
           Christianity
           hath
           so
           far
           banished
           .
           For
           it
           is
           the
           Ministry
           that
           Christ
           useth
           to
           bring
           in
           light
           ,
           and
           drive
           and
           keep
           out
           this
           damnable
           darkness
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           26.
           17
           ,
           18.
           
           [
           
             I
             send
             thee
             to
             open
             their
             eyes
             ,
             and
             turn
             them
             from
             darkness
             to
             light
             ,
          
           &c.
           ]
           Why
           are
           so
           many
           Nations
           Infidels
           ,
           Mahometans
           and
           Idolaters
           ,
           but
           for
           want
           of
           Ministers
           to
           preach
           the
           Gospel
           to
           them
           ?
           These
           Malignants
           therefore
           would
           take
           down
           the
           Sun
           ,
           and
           banish
           Christianity
           out
           of
           the
           world
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           And
           they
           hinder
           the
           conversion
           of
           particular
           souls
           ,
           and
           so
           are
           the
           cruellest
           wretches
           on
           earth
           .
           Though
           an
           Angel
           must
           be
           sent
           to
           
             Cornelius
             ,
          
           it
           is
           not
           to
           be
           instead
           of
           a
           Preacher
           ,
           but
           to
           send
           him
           to
           a
           Preacher
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           10.
           
           Though
           Christ
           would
           wonderfully
           appear
           to
           
             Saul
             ,
          
           it
           is
           to
           send
           him
           to
           
             Ananias
          
           for
           instruction
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           9.
           
           Though
           the
           Jaylor
           must
           feel
           an
           Earth-quake
           ,
           and
           see
           miracles
           ,
           it
           is
           but
           to
           prepare
           him
           for
           the
           Ministers
           words
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           16.
           
           
             Philip
          
           must
           be
           carried
           by
           an
           Angel
           to
           expound
           to
           an
           Eunuch
           the
           word
           that
           must
           convert
           him
           .
           The
           Ministry
           is
           Gods
           instituted
           setled
           way
           ,
           by
           which
           he
           will
           convert
           and
           save
           the
           world
           ,
           as
           truly
           as
           the
           light
           is
           the
           natural
           way
           by
           which
           he
           will
           corporally
           enlighten
           them
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           2.
           18.
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           4.
           16.
           
           
             Matth.
          
           5.
           14.
           
           
             Rom
          
           10.
           14.
           
           Do
           you
           think
           so
           many
           souls
           would
           be
           converted
           if
           the
           Ministry
           were
           down
           ?
           Do
           you
           not
           see
           that
           the
           very
           contempt
           of
           them
           ,
           that
           the
           scorns
           of
           the
           ungodly
           ,
           and
           opposition
           of
           Malignant
           Apostates
           have
           occasioned
           ,
           doth
           hinder
           most
           of
           the
           ignorant
           and
           prophane
           from
           receiving
           the
           saving
           benefit
           of
           the
           Gospel
           ?
           How
           many
           millions
           of
           souls
           would
           these
           wretches
           sweep
           away
           to
           hell
           ,
           if
           they
           had
           their
           will
           ?
           while
           thousands
           are
           in
           damnation
           for
           want
           of
           the
           light
           ,
           they
           would
           take
           it
           from
           you
           ,
           that
           you
           might
           go
           there
           also
           .
           Do
           you
           not
           understand
           the
           meaning
           of
           these
           words
           against
           Christs
           Ministers
           ?
           Why
           the
           meaning
           is
           this
           :
           They
           make
           a
           motion
           to
           the
           people
           of
           the
           Land
           ,
           to
           go
           to
           Hell
           with
           one
           consent
           ,
           and
           to
           hate
           those
           that
           are
           appointed
           to
           keep
           them
           out
           of
           it
           .
           They
           would
           take
           the
           bread
           of
           life
           from
           your
           mouthes
           .
           They
           are
           attempting
           an
           hundred
           times
           more
           cruelty
           on
           you
           ,
           then
           
             Herod
          
           on
           the
           Jews
           when
           he
           killed
           the
           children
           ,
           or
           the
           Irish
           that
           murdered
           the
           Protestants
           by
           thousands
           ;
           as
           the
           soul
           is
           of
           greater
           worth
           then
           the
           body
           .
        
         
           6.
           
           These
           Malignants
           against
           the
           Ministry
           are
           the
           flat
           enemies
           of
           Christ
           himself
           ,
           and
           so
           he
           will
           take
           them
           and
           use
           them
           .
           He
           that
           would
           root
           out
           the
           inferiour
           Magistrates
           ,
           is
           an
           enemy
           to
           the
           Soveraign
           ;
           and
           he
           that
           is
           against
           the
           Officers
           of
           the
           Army
           ,
           is
           an
           enemy
           to
           the
           General
           :
           Christ
           never
           intended
           to
           stay
           visibly
           on
           earth
           ,
           and
           
           to
           Teach
           and
           Rule
           the
           world
           immediately
           in
           person
           ;
           but
           he
           that
           is
           the
           King
           will
           Rule
           by
           his
           Officers
           ;
           and
           he
           that
           is
           Prophet
           will
           Teach
           us
           by
           his
           Officers
           ;
           and
           therefore
           he
           hath
           plainly
           told
           us
           [
           
             He
             that
             h●areth
             you
             ,
             heareth
             me
             ;
             and
             he
             that
             despiseth
             you
             ,
             despiseth
             me
             ;
             and
             he
             that
             despiseth
             me
             ,
             despiseth
             him
             that
             sent
             me
             ,
          
           Luke
           10.
           16.
           ]
           O
           fearful
           case
           of
           miserable
           Malignants
           !
           Durst
           thou
           despise
           the
           Lord
           thy
           Maker
           and
           Redeemer
           ,
           if
           he
           appeared
           to
           thee
           in
           his
           glory
           !
           to
           whom
           the
           Sun
           it self
           is
           as
           darkness
           ,
           and
           all
           the
           world
           as
           dust
           and
           nothing
           .
           Remember
           when
           thou
           next
           speakest
           against
           his
           Officers
           ,
           or
           hearest
           others
           speak
           against
           them
           ,
           that
           their
           words
           are
           spoken
           against
           the
           face
           of
           Christ
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           Father
           .
           I
           would
           not
           be
           found
           in
           the
           cafe
           of
           one
           of
           these
           Malignants
           ,
           when
           Christ
           shall
           come
           to
           judge
           his
           enemies
           ,
           for
           a
           thousand
           worlds
           .
           He
           that
           hath
           said
           ,
           [
           
             Touch
             not
             mine
             annointed
             ,
             and
             do
             my
             Prophets
             no
             harm
             ;
             and
             hath
             rebuked
             Kings
             for
             their
             sakes
             ,
          
           Psalm
           105.
           15.
           will
           
             deride
          
           all
           those
           that
           would
           
             break
             his
             bands
             ,
          
           and
           will
           
             break
             them
             as
             with
             a
             rod
             of
             iron
             ,
             and
             dash
             them
             in
             pieces
             as
             a
             potters
             vessel
             ,
          
           Psalm
           2.
           3
           ,
           4
           ,
           9.
           
           And
           as
           he
           hath
           told
           them
           plainly
           ,
           [
           
             Who
             so
             despiseth
             the
             Word
             shall
             be
             destroyed
             ,
          
           Prov.
           13.
           13.
           ]
           And
           [
           
             He
             that
             despiseth
             ,
             despiseth
             not
             man
             but
             God
             ,
          
           1
           Thes.
           4.
           8.
           ]
           So
           he
           hath
           told
           us
           that
           
             it
             shall
             be
             easier
             for
          
           Sodom
           
             and
          
           Gomorrah
           
             in
             the
             day
             of
             Judgement
             ,
             then
             for
             such
             ,
          
           Mat.
           10.
           15.
           
           Many
           a
           thousand
           prouder
           enemies
           then
           you
           hath
           Christ
           broken
           ;
           and
           look
           to
           your selves
           ,
           for
           your
           day
           is
           coming
           .
           If
           you
           had
           but
           
             stumbled
             on
             this
             stone
             ,
             it
             would
             have
             broken
             you
             in
             pieces
             ;
          
           but
           seeing
           you
           will
           strive
           against
           it
           ,
           it
           will
           
             fall
             on
             you
             ,
             and
             grinde
             you
             to
             pouder
             ,
          
           Matth.
           21.
           44.
           
           And
           then
           you
           shall
           see
           that
           he
           that
           made
           them
           his
           Embassadors
           ,
           will
           bear
           them
           out
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           [
           
             In
             as
             much
             as
             you
             did
             it
             to
             these
             ,
             you
             did
             it
             to
             me
             .
          
           ]
           And
           you
           shall
           then
           say
           ,
           
             Blessed
             are
             they
             that
             trust
             in
             him
             .
          
        
         
           7.
           
           It
           is
           apparent
           that
           these
           enemies
           of
           the
           Ministers
           ,
           are
           playing
           the
           Papists
           game
           .
           Because
           the
           just
           disgrace
           of
           
             their
          
           Ministry
           ,
           was
           the
           ruin
           of
           
             their
          
           Kingdom
           ;
           therefore
           they
           hope
           to
           win
           of
           
             us
          
           at
           the
           same
           game
           .
           They
           know
           that
           if
           the
           people
           were
           brought
           into
           a
           hatred
           or
           suspition
           of
           their
           guides
           ,
           they
           might
           the
           easier
           be
           won
           to
           them
           .
           They
           tell
           us
           in
           their
           writings
           ,
           that
           not
           one
           of
           ten
           of
           our
           people
           but
           taketh
           his
           faith
           on
           trust
           from
           their
           Teachers
           ;
           and
           therefore
           take
           them
           off
           from
           them
           ,
           and
           they
           will
           fall
           :
           but
           they
           delude
           themselves
           in
           this
           :
           For
           though
           the
           ungodly
           among
           us
           have
           no
           true
           faith
           of
           their
           own
           ,
           and
           the
           godly
           must
           lean
           on
           the
           hand
           of
           their
           supporters
           ,
           yet
           there
           is
           in
           them
           a
           living
           principle
           ;
           and
           we
           do
           not
           as
           the
           Papist
           priests
           ,
           teach
           our
           people
           to
           see
           with
           our
           eyes
           ,
           and
           no
           matter
           for
           their
           own
           :
           but
           we
           help
           to
           clear
           their
           own
           eye-sight
           .
           Doubt
           not
           but
           the
           most
           of
           the
           sects
           in
           the
           Land
           that
           rail
           against
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           are
           knowingly
           or
           ignorantly
           the
           Agents
           of
           the
           Papists
           .
           For
           the
           principal
           work
           of
           a
           Papist
           is
           to
           cry
           down
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           
           and
           the
           Scripture
           ,
           and
           to
           set
           all
           they
           can
           on
           the
           same
           work
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           These
           sects
           that
           are
           against
           the
           Ministry
           do
           all
           the
           same
           work
           as
           the
           Drunkards
           ,
           Whore-mongers
           ,
           Covetous
           ,
           and
           all
           ungodly
           persons
           in
           our
           Parishes
           do
           :
           And
           therefore
           it
           seems
           they
           are
           guided
           by
           the
           same
           spirit
           .
           It
           is
           the
           work
           of
           Drunkards
           and
           all
           these
           wicked
           wretches
           to
           hate
           ,
           and
           despise
           ,
           and
           revile
           the
           Ministers
           ,
           and
           to
           teach
           others
           to
           say
           as
           they
           .
           And
           just
           so
           do
           Quakers
           ,
           Seekers
           ,
           Papists
           and
           all
           other
           Malignants
           reproach
           the
           same
           Ministers
           :
           And
           yet
           the
           blind
           wretches
           will
           not
           see
           that
           the
           same
           Spirit
           moveth
           them
           .
        
         
           9.
           
           It
           is
           apparent
           that
           it
           is
           the
           Devils
           game
           they
           play
           ,
           and
           his
           interest
           and
           Kingdom
           which
           they
           promote
           .
           Who
           fights
           against
           Christs
           Officers
           and
           Army
           ,
           but
           the
           General
           of
           the
           contrary
           Army
           ?
           What
           greater
           service
           could
           all
           the
           world
           do
           for
           the
           Devil
           then
           to
           cast
           out
           the
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ?
           and
           what
           more
           would
           the
           Devil
           himself
           desire
           ,
           to
           set
           up
           his
           Kingdom
           and
           suppress
           the
           Church
           ?
           Wretches
           !
           you
           shall
           shortly
           see
           your
           master
           ,
           and
           he
           will
           pay
           you
           your
           wages
           contrary
           to
           your
           expectation
           .
           Read
           Gods
           Word
           to
           a
           Malignant
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           13.
           10.
           
        
         
           10.
           
           These
           enemies
           do
           reproach
           as
           faithful
           a
           Ministry
           as
           the
           world
           enjoyeth
           ,
           and
           their
           malice
           hath
           so
           little
           footing
           ,
           as
           that
           the
           result
           must
           be
           their
           own
           shame
           .
           Among
           the
           Papists
           indeed
           there
           are
           Mass-priests
           that
           can
           but
           read
           a
           Mass
           ,
           whose
           office
           is
           to
           turn
           a
           piece
           of
           bread
           into
           a
           God
           ;
           And
           yet
           these
           the
           Malignants
           either
           let
           alone
           ,
           or
           liken
           us
           to
           them
           .
           The
           Greeks
           ,
           and
           Ethiopians
           ,
           and
           most
           of
           the
           Christian
           world
           ,
           have
           a
           Ministry
           that
           seldom
           or
           never
           preach
           to
           them
           ,
           but
           read
           Common-prayer
           and
           Homilies
           .
           The
           most
           of
           the
           Protestant
           Churches
           have
           a
           learned
           Ministry
           that
           is
           so
           taken
           up
           with
           Controversies
           ;
           that
           they
           are
           much
           less
           in
           the
           powerful
           preaching
           and
           practice
           of
           godliness
           :
           Above
           all
           Nations
           under
           heaven
           ,
           the
           English
           are
           set
           upon
           Practical
           Divinity
           and
           Holiness
           ;
           and
           yet
           even
           they
           are
           by
           Malignity
           chosen
           out
           for
           reproach
           .
           Alas
           ,
           scandals
           in
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           (
           as
           drunkenness
           ,
           swearing
           ,
           
             &c.
          
           )
           among
           other
           Nations
           are
           but
           too
           common
           :
           but
           in
           
             England
          
           Magistrates
           and
           Ministers
           combine
           against
           them
           .
           Ministers
           are
           still
           spurring
           on
           the
           Magistrates
           to
           cast
           out
           the
           insufficient
           ,
           negligent
           and
           scandalous
           ;
           and
           desire
           and
           use
           more
           severity
           with
           men
           of
           their
           own
           profession
           ,
           then
           with
           Magistrates
           or
           any
           others
           in
           the
           Land
           .
           In
           nothing
           are
           they
           more
           zealous
           then
           to
           sweep
           out
           all
           the
           remnant
           of
           the
           scandalous
           .
           And
           for
           themselves
           ,
           they
           are
           devoted
           to
           the
           work
           of
           the
           Lord
           ,
           and
           think
           nothing
           too
           much
           that
           they
           are
           able
           to
           perform
           ,
           but
           preach
           in
           season
           and
           out
           of
           season
           ,
           with
           all
           long-suffering
           and
           doctrine
           ;
           and
           yet
           Malignants
           make
           them
           their
           reproach
           .
        
         
           11.
           
           It
           is
           abundance
           of
           Pride
           and
           Impudency
           ,
           that
           these
           Malignant
           
           enemies
           are
           guilty
           of
           .
           They
           are
           most
           of
           them
           persons
           of
           lamentable
           ignorance
           ;
           and
           yet
           they
           dare
           revile
           at
           the
           Teachers
           ,
           and
           think
           themselves
           wise
           enough
           to
           rebuke
           and
           teach
           them
           :
           Many
           of
           them
           are
           men
           of
           wicked
           lives
           ;
           and
           yet
           they
           can
           tell
           the
           world
           how
           bad
           the
           Ministers
           are
           .
           A
           Railer
           ,
           a
           Drunkard
           ,
           a
           Covetous
           Worldling
           ,
           an
           Ignorant
           Sott
           ,
           is
           the
           likest
           person
           to
           fall
           upon
           the
           Minister
           ;
           and
           the
           Owl
           will
           call
           the
           Lark
           a
           night-bird
           .
           Alas
           ,
           when
           we
           come
           to
           try
           them
           ,
           what
           dark
           wretches
           do
           we
           find
           them
           !
           and
           should
           be
           glad
           if
           they
           were
           but
           teachable
           .
           And
           yet
           they
           have
           learnt
           the
           Devils
           first
           lesson
           ,
           to
           despise
           their
           Teachers
           .
        
         
           12.
           
           And
           O
           what
           barbarous
           ingratitude
           are
           these
           Malignant
           enemies
           of
           the
           Ministry
           guilty
           of
           !
           For
           whom
           do
           we
           watch
           ,
           but
           for
           them
           and
           others
           ?
           Can
           they
           be
           so
           blind
           as
           to
           think
           a
           painful
           Minister
           doth
           make
           it
           his
           design
           to
           seek
           himself
           ,
           or
           to
           look
           after
           great
           matters
           in
           the
           world
           ?
           Would
           not
           the
           time
           ,
           and
           labour
           ,
           and
           cost
           that
           they
           are
           at
           in
           the
           Schools
           and
           Universities
           have
           fitted
           them
           for
           a
           more
           gainful
           trade
           ?
           Do
           not
           Lawyers
           ,
           Physitians
           ,
           
             &c.
          
           live
           a
           far
           easier
           ,
           and
           in
           the
           world
           a
           more
           honourable
           plentiful
           life
           ?
           Have
           not
           the
           Ministers
           themselves
           been
           the
           principal
           Instruments
           of
           taking
           down
           Bishops
           ,
           Deans
           and
           Chapters
           ,
           Arch-deacons
           ,
           Prebends
           ,
           and
           all
           means
           of
           preferment
           ?
           And
           what
           have
           they
           got
           by
           it
           ?
           or
           ever
           endeavoured
           ?
           Speak
           malice
           ,
           and
           spare
           not
           .
           Is
           it
           any
           thing
           but
           what
           they
           had
           before
           ?
           even
           the
           maintenance
           due
           to
           their
           particular
           charge
           .
           Unthankful
           wretches
           !
           It
           is
           for
           your
           sakes
           and
           souls
           that
           they
           study
           ,
           and
           pray
           ,
           and
           watch
           ,
           and
           fast
           ,
           and
           exhort
           ,
           and
           labor
           ,
           to
           the
           consuming
           of
           their
           strength
           ;
           and
           when
           they
           have
           done
           ,
           are
           made
           the
           Drunkards
           song
           ,
           and
           the
           scorn
           of
           all
           the
           wicked
           of
           the
           Countrey
           ;
           and
           when
           they
           spend
           and
           are
           spent
           ,
           the
           more
           they
           love
           ,
           the
           less
           they
           are
           beloved
           .
           In
           the
           times
           of
           this
           greatest
           prosperity
           of
           the
           Church
           ,
           they
           live
           under
           constant
           hatred
           and
           scorn
           ,
           from
           those
           that
           they
           would
           save
           ,
           and
           will
           not
           let
           alone
           in
           sin
           .
           And
           what
           do
           they
           endure
           all
           this
           for
           but
           Gods
           honour
           and
           your
           salvation
           ?
           Would
           we
           be
           Ministers
           for
           any
           lower
           ends
           ?
           Let
           shame
           from
           God
           and
           man
           be
           on
           the
           face
           of
           such
           a
           Minister
           !
           I
           profess
           ,
           were
           it
           not
           for
           the
           belief
           of
           the
           greatness
           ,
           and
           necessity
           ,
           and
           excellency
           of
           the
           truths
           that
           I
           am
           to
           preach
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           will
           of
           God
           and
           the
           good
           of
           souls
           ,
           I
           would
           be
           a
           Plow-man
           ,
           or
           the
           meanest
           Trade
           ,
           if
           not
           a
           sweep-Chimney
           ,
           rather
           then
           a
           Minister
           .
           Must
           we
           break
           our
           health
           ,
           and
           lay
           by
           all
           our
           worldly
           interest
           ,
           for
           
             you
             ,
          
           even
           for
           
             you
             ,
          
           and
           think
           not
           our
           lives
           and
           labours
           too
           good
           or
           too
           dear
           to
           further
           your
           salvation
           ,
           and
           must
           we
           by
           
             you
             ,
          
           even
           by
           
             you
             ,
          
           be
           reproached
           after
           all
           ?
           God
           will
           be
           Judge
           between
           you
           and
           us
           ,
           whether
           this
           be
           not
           inhumane
           ingratitude
           ,
           and
           whether
           we
           deserve
           it
           at
           your
           hands
           .
        
         
           13.
           
           Yea
           it
           is
           
             Injustice
          
           also
           that
           you
           are
           guilty
           of
           .
           
             The
             labourer
             ,
          
           saith
           Christ
           ,
           
             is
             worthy
             of
             his
             hire
             ,
             Luke
          
           10.
           7.
           
           (
           Mark
           that
           ,
           you
           
           that
           call
           them
           
             hirelings
          
           )
           
             The
             Elders
             that
             Rule
             well
             are
             worthy
             of
             double
             honour
             ,
          
           1
           Tim.
           5.
           1.
           7.
           
           
             Especially
             they
             that
             labour
             in
             the
             Word
             and
             Doctrine
             .
          
           And
           will
           you
           throw
           stones
           at
           their
           head
           for
           endeavouring
           to
           save
           your
           souls
           ?
           Will
           you
           spit
           in
           their
           faces
           for
           seeking
           with
           all
           their
           might
           to
           keep
           you
           from
           Hell
           ?
           Is
           that
           their
           wages
           that
           you
           owe
           them
           ?
           But
           blessed
           be
           the
           Lord
           ,
           with
           whom
           is
           our
           reward
           ;
           though
           you
           be
           not
           gathered
           ,
           
             Isa.
          
           49.
           5.
           
           But
           as
           you
           love
           your selves
           ,
           take
           heed
           of
           that
           curse
           ,
           
             Jer.
          
           18.
           20.
           
           [
           
             Shall
             evil
             be
             recompenced
             for
             Good
             ?
             for
             they
             have
             digged
             a
             pit
             for
             my
             soul
             :
             Remember
             that
             I
             stood
             before
             thee
             to
             speak
             good
             for
             them
             ,
             and
             to
             turn
             away
             thy
             wrath
             from
             them
             ,
          
           &c.
           ]
           O
           how
           many
           a
           time
           have
           we
           besought
           the
           Lord
           for
           you
           ▪
           that
           he
           would
           convert
           you
           ,
           and
           forgive
           you
           ,
           and
           turn
           away
           the
           evil
           that
           was
           over
           you
           :
           And
           when
           all
           these
           our
           prayers
           ,
           and
           groans
           ,
           and
           tears
           shall
           be
           remembred
           against
           you
           ,
           O
           miserable
           souls
           ,
           how
           dear
           will
           you
           pay
           for
           all
           ?
        
         
           14.
           
           And
           is
           it
           not
           a
           wonder
           that
           these
           Malignants
           do
           not
           see
           what
           evident
           light
           of
           Scripture
           they
           contradict
           ;
           and
           how
           many
           great
           express
           commands
           they
           violate
           ?
           They
           break
           the
           fifth
           Commandment
           ,
           which
           requireth
           honour
           as
           well
           to
           spiritual
           Ecclesiastical
           parents
           ,
           as
           to
           civil
           and
           natural
           .
           And
           he
           that
           curseth
           Father
           and
           Mother
           ,
           his
           Lamp
           shall
           be
           put
           out
           in
           darkness
           ,
           
             Prov.
          
           20.
           20.
           
           The
           eye
           that
           mocketh
           at
           his
           father
           ,
           and
           despiseth
           to
           obey
           his
           mother
           ,
           the
           Ravens
           of
           the
           Valley
           shall
           pick
           it
           out
           ,
           and
           the
           young
           Eagles
           shall
           eat
           it
           :
           
             Prov.
          
           30.
           17.
           
           Did
           these
           wretches
           never
           read
           1
           
             Thes.
          
           5.
           12.
           
           
             We
             beseech
             you
             Brethren
             ,
             to
             know
             them
             which
             labour
             among
             you
             ,
             and
             are
             over
             you
             in
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             admonish
             you
             :
             and
             to
             esteem
             them
             very
             highly
             in
             Love
             for
             their
             work-sake
             ,
             and
             to
             be
             at
             peace
             among
             your selves
             .
          
           ]
           And
           Heb.
           13.
           17.
           
           [
           
             Obey
             them
             that
             have
             the
             Rule
             over
             you
             ,
             and
             submit
             your selves
             ;
             for
             they
             watch
             for
             your
             souls
             as
             they
             that
             must
             give
             account
             ,
             that
             they
             may
             do
             it
             with
             joy
             ,
             and
             not
             with
             grief
             ;
             for
             that
             is
             unprofitable
             for
             you
             .
          
           ]
           And
           
             Heb.
          
           13.
           7.
           
           
             Remember
             them
             which
             have
             the
             Rule
             over
             you
             ,
             who
             have
             spoken
             to
             you
             the
             word
             of
             God
             .
          
           ]
           And
           so
           
             ver.
          
           24.
           
           And
           1
           
             Tim.
          
           5.
           17.
           
           
             The
             Elders
             that
             Rule
             well
             are
             wor●hy
             of
             double
             honour
             ,
          
           &c.
           ]
           with
           abundance
           more
           such
           passages
           as
           these
           ?
           Do
           not
           you
           feel
           these
           flie
           in
           your
           faces
           when
           you
           oppose
           the
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ?
           Doth
           a
           thief
           or
           murderer
           sin
           against
           plainer
           light
           then
           you
           ?
        
         
           15.
           
           These
           Malignants
           sin
           against
           the
           consent
           and
           experience
           of
           the
           Universal
           Church
           of
           Christ
           till
           this
           day
           .
           The
           whole
           Church
           hath
           been
           for
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           and
           instructed
           by
           them
           :
           and
           as
           the
           child
           doth
           seek
           the
           breast
           ,
           so
           did
           new
           born
           Christians
           in
           all
           ages
           seek
           the
           word
           from
           the
           Ministers
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           live
           and
           grow
           thereby
           .
           And
           all
           the
           Nations
           of
           the
           Christian
           world
           are
           for
           the
           Ministry
           to
           this
           day
           !
           Or
           else
           they
           could
           not
           be
           for
           Christ
           ,
           and
           for
           the
           Church
           and
           Gospel
           .
           Is
           it
           not
           plain
           therefore
           that
           these
           Malignants
           are
           dead
           branches
           ,
           cut
           off
           from
           the
           Church
           ,
           that
           are
           so
           set
           
           against
           the
           Spirit
           and
           interest
           of
           the
           Church
           ?
        
         
           16.
           
           Moreover
           they
           sin
           against
           the
           experience
           of
           all
           ,
           or
           almost
           all
           the
           true
           Christians
           in
           the
           world
           .
           For
           they
           have
           all
           experience
           that
           Ministers
           are
           either
           their
           Fathers
           or
           Nurses
           in
           the
           Lord
           .
           And
           that
           by
           their
           means
           they
           have
           had
           their
           life
           ,
           and
           strength
           ,
           and
           comforts
           :
           their
           sins
           killed
           ,
           their
           graces
           quickened
           ,
           their
           doubts
           resolved
           ;
           the
           taste
           of
           the
           good
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           of
           the
           powers
           of
           the
           world
           to
           come
           .
           May
           we
           not
           challenge
           you
           as
           
             Paul
          
           oft
           doth
           his
           flock
           ,
           Whether
           you
           did
           not
           receive
           the
           illuminating
           ,
           sanctifying
           Spirit
           by
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           if
           ever
           you
           received
           it
           ?
           I
           tell
           you
           ,
           it
           is
           as
           much
           against
           the
           new
           and
           holy
           nature
           of
           the
           Saints
           to
           despise
           the
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ,
           as
           it
           is
           unnatural
           for
           a
           child
           to
           spit
           in
           the
           face
           of
           his
           Father
           or
           Mother
           .
           And
           the
           experience
           of
           sound
           Christians
           will
           keep
           them
           closer
           ,
           and
           help
           them
           much
           against
           this
           inhumanity
           ,
           what
           ever
           hypocrites
           may
           do
           .
        
         
           17.
           
           And
           if
           these
           Malignants
           had
           not
           
             Pharaohs
          
           heart
           ,
           they
           would
           sure
           have
           considered
           ,
           that
           the
           experience
           of
           all
           Ages
           tells
           them
           ,
           that
           still
           the
           most
           wicked
           have
           been
           the
           enemies
           of
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           and
           the
           most
           godly
           have
           most
           obeyed
           and
           honoured
           them
           in
           the
           Lord
           ;
           and
           that
           this
           enmity
           hath
           been
           the
           common
           brand
           of
           the
           rebellious
           ,
           and
           the
           fore-runner
           of
           the
           heavy
           wrath
           of
           God
           ;
           and
           that
           it
           hath
           gone
           worst
           with
           the
           enemies
           ,
           and
           best
           with
           the
           friends
           of
           a
           godly
           Ministry
           .
           Do
           I
           need
           to
           prove
           this
           ,
           which
           is
           so
           much
           of
           the
           substance
           of
           the
           old
           Testament
           and
           the
           New
           ?
           Was
           it
           the
           friends
           or
           enemies
           of
           all
           the
           Prophets
           ,
           Apostles
           and
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           ,
           that
           Scripture
           and
           all
           good
           writers
           do
           commend
           ?
           Do
           not
           the
           names
           of
           all
           Malignants
           against
           the
           godly
           Ministry
           stink
           above
           ground
           ,
           as
           the
           shame
           of
           mankind
           ,
           except
           those
           that
           are
           buried
           out
           of
           hearing
           ,
           or
           those
           that
           were
           converted
           ?
        
         
           18.
           
           Nay
           such
           are
           noted
           for
           the
           
             highest
          
           sort
           of
           the
           wicked
           upon
           earth
           :
           worse
           then
           Drunkards
           ,
           Whore-mongers
           and
           such
           filthy
           beasts
           :
           The
           persecutors
           of
           Gods
           Ministers
           have
           been
           ever
           taken
           as
           walking
           Devils
           .
           And
           the
           hottest
           of
           Gods
           wrath
           hath
           faln
           upon
           them
           .
           Take
           two
           instances
           ,
           1.
           
           When
           the
           Jews
           went
           into
           Captivity
           ,
           this
           was
           the
           very
           cause
           ,
           2
           
             Chron.
          
           36.
           15
           ,
           16.
           
           [
           
             But
             they
             mocked
             the
             Messengers
             of
             God
             ,
             and
             despised
             his
             words
             ,
             and
             misused
             his
             Prophets
             ,
             till
             the
             wrath
             of
             the
             Lord
             arose
             against
             his
             people
             ,
             till
             there
             was
             no
             remedy
             .
          
           2.
           
           And
           when
           the
           Jews
           were
           cut
           quite
           off
           from
           the
           Church
           ,
           and
           made
           Vagabonds
           on
           the
           earth
           ,
           this
           was
           the
           very
           cause
           ,
           
             Acts
          
           28.
           28.
           
           
             Be
             it
             known
             therefore
             to
             you
             ,
             that
             the
             salvation
             of
             God
             is
             sent
             to
             the
             Gentiles
             ,
             and
             that
             they
             will
             hear
             it
             .
          
           ]
           1
           
             Thes.
          
           2.
           15
           ,
           16.
           
           These
           Jews
           [
           
             both
             killed
             the
             Lord
             Jesus
             ,
             and
             their
             own
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             have
             persecuted
             us
             :
             and
             they
             please
             not
             God
             ,
             and
             are
             contrary
             to
             all
             men
             ,
             forbidding
             us
             to
             speak
             to
             the
             Gentiles
             ,
             that
             they
             might
             be
             saved
             ,
             to
             fill
             up
             their
             sin
             alway
             ;
             for
             the
             wrath
             is
             come
             upon
             them
             to
             the
             uttermost
             .
          
           ]
        
         
         
           19.
           
           It
           is
           the
           Devils
           own
           part
           that
           these
           Malignants
           act
           :
           For
           it
           is
           he
           that
           is
           the
           great
           enemy
           of
           Christ
           and
           the
           Saints
           ,
           and
           he
           that
           is
           
             the
             accuser
             of
             the
             Brethren
             ,
             which
             accuseth
             them
             before
             God
             day
             and
             night
             :
          
           And
           is
           not
           this
           the
           work
           of
           Quakers
           ,
           Drunkards
           ,
           Papists
           and
           all
           Malignants
           ?
           But
           the
           Lord
           will
           rebuke
           them
           ,
           and
           be
           the
           glory
           of
           his
           servants
           ,
           
             Zach.
          
           3.
           1
           ,
           2.
           
           [
           
             He
             shewed
             me
          
           Joshua
           
             the
             high
             Priest
             standing
             before
             the
             Angel
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             Satan
             standing
             at
             his
             right
             hand
             to
             resist
             him
             .
             And
             the
             Lord
             said
             unto
             Satan
             :
             The
             Lord
             rebuke
             thee
             O
             Satan
             ,
             even
             the
             Lord
             that
             hath
             chosen
             Jerusalem
             .
          
           ]
        
         
           20.
           
           These
           Malignants
           do
           most
           of
           them
           condemn
           themselves
           ;
           for
           they
           honour
           the
           antient
           Ministers
           of
           Christ
           that
           are
           dead
           ,
           even
           while
           they
           oppose
           and
           hate
           the
           present
           that
           are
           living
           ,
           who
           are
           the
           nearest
           imitaters
           of
           their
           Doctrine
           and
           life
           that
           are
           on
           earth
           !
           The
           name
           of
           
             Peter
             ,
          
           and
           
             Paul
             ,
          
           and
           
             John
          
           they
           honour
           ,
           and
           some
           of
           them
           keep
           holy-dayes
           for
           them
           .
           And
           at
           the
           same
           time
           hate
           and
           reproach
           those
           that
           preach
           the
           same
           Doctrine
           ,
           and
           that
           because
           they
           tread
           in
           their
           steps
           .
           They
           honour
           the
           names
           of
           
             Austin
             ,
          
           and
           
             Chrysostom
             ,
          
           and
           
             Hierom
             ,
          
           and
           other
           Ancients
           :
           and
           hate
           those
           that
           preach
           and
           live
           as
           they
           did
           .
           They
           speak
           honourably
           of
           the
           Martyrs
           that
           were
           burned
           to
           death
           for
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           Christ
           ;
           and
           at
           the
           same
           time
           they
           hate
           us
           ,
           for
           doing
           as
           they
           did
           .
           What
           difference
           between
           the
           calling
           ,
           doctrine
           and
           lives
           of
           those
           martyred
           Ministers
           ,
           and
           these
           that
           are
           now
           alive
           ?
           O
           wretched
           hypocrites
           ,
           do
           you
           not
           know
           that
           these
           Apostles
           ,
           Fathers
           and
           other
           Ministers
           ,
           did
           suffer
           in
           their
           time
           from
           such
           as
           you
           ,
           as
           we
           now
           do
           and
           more
           ?
           Hear
           what
           Christ
           saith
           to
           such
           as
           you
           ,
           
             Matth.
          
           23.
           29
           ,
           30
           ,
           31.
           
           [
           
             Wo
             to
             your
             Scribes
             ,
             Pharisees
             ,
             Hypocrites
             :
             because
             ye
             build
             the
             tombes
             of
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             and
             garnish
             the
             Sepulchres
             of
             the
             righteous
             ,
             and
             say
             ,
             If
             we
             had
             been
             in
             the
             dayes
             of
             our
             Fathers
             ,
             we
             would
             not
             have
             been
             partakers
             with
             them
             in
             the
             blood
             of
             the
             Prophets
             :
             Ye
             are
             witnesses
             to
             your selves
             that
             ye
             are
             the
             children
             of
             them
             which
             killed
             the
             Prophets
             ,
             :
             fill
             ye
             up
             then
             the
             measure
             of
             your
             Fathers
             :
             Ye
             Serpents
             ,
             ye
             generation
             of
             Vipers
             ,
             how
             can
             ye
             escape
             the
             damnation
             of
             Hell
             ?
          
           ]
        
         
           21.
           
           Moreover
           these
           Malignants
           do
           harden
           themselves
           against
           the
           freshest
           of
           the
           Judgements
           of
           God
           ,
           which
           some
           of
           their
           own
           hands
           have
           executed
           :
           and
           justifie
           the
           persecutors
           ,
           and
           succeed
           them
           in
           their
           fury
           .
           Have
           you
           forgotten
           what
           God
           hath
           done
           here
           against
           the
           Papal
           enemies
           of
           the
           Gospel
           and
           Ministry
           ,
           in
           88.
           and
           the
           Powder-plot
           ,
           and
           many
           other
           times
           ?
           Have
           you
           already
           forgotten
           how
           the
           persecutots
           of
           a
           godly
           Ministry
           have
           sped
           within
           these
           sixteen
           years
           in
           
             England
          
           and
           
             Ireland
             ?
          
           And
           dare
           you
           now
           stand
           up
           in
           their
           room
           and
           make
           your selves
           the
           heirs
           of
           their
           sin
           ,
           and
           punishment
           ,
           and
           justifie
           them
           in
           all
           their
           Malignity
           ?
           What
           do
           you
           but
           justifie
           them
           ,
           when
           you
           rave
           against
           ,
           and
           revile
           the
           same
           sort
           of
           Ministers
           ,
           and
           many
           of
           the
           same
           persons
           ,
           whom
           the
           former
           Malignants
           persecuted
           ?
           
           and
           oppose
           the
           same
           sort
           of
           Ministers
           that
           the
           Papists
           burned
           ?
           And
           would
           not
           you
           do
           the
           like
           by
           them
           if
           you
           had
           power
           in
           your
           hands
           ?
           Can
           any
           wise
           man
           doubt
           of
           it
           ,
           Whether
           Papists
           ,
           and
           Quakers
           ,
           and
           Drunkards
           ,
           that
           now
           make
           it
           their
           work
           to
           make
           the
           Ministry
           odious
           ,
           would
           not
           soon
           dispatch
           them
           if
           they
           could
           ?
           Blessed
           be
           the
           great
           Protector
           of
           the
           Church
           ;
           for
           were
           it
           not
           for
           him
           ,
           our
           lives
           would
           soon
           be
           a
           prey
           to
           your
           cruelty
           .
        
         
           22.
           
           And
           indeed
           if
           these
           Malignants
           had
           their
           wills
           ,
           they
           would
           undo
           themselves
           ,
           and
           cut
           down
           the
           bough
           they
           stand
           upon
           ,
           and
           destroy
           the
           little
           hope
           and
           help
           that
           is
           yet
           left
           for
           their
           miserable
           souls
           :
           It
           is
           for
           the
           sake
           of
           Gods
           servants
           among
           them
           that
           judgements
           are
           so
           long
           kept
           off
           them
           .
           And
           as
           long
           as
           the
           Gospel
           and
           Ministry
           remains
           ,
           salvation
           is
           offered
           them
           :
           the
           Voyce
           of
           mercy
           is
           calling
           after
           them
           ,
           
             Repent
             and
             live
             .
          
           They
           have
           the
           light
           shining
           in
           their
           eyes
           ,
           which
           may
           at
           last
           convince
           them
           ,
           as
           
             Paul
          
           was
           convinced
           of
           his
           persecution
           :
           the
           voyce
           which
           they
           despise
           may
           possibly
           awake
           them
           .
           Though
           they
           have
           less
           hope
           then
           others
           ;
           yet
           there
           is
           some
           .
           But
           if
           they
           had
           their
           will
           ,
           and
           were
           rid
           of
           the
           Ministry
           ,
           alas
           what
           would
           the
           forlorn
           wretches
           do
           ?
           Then
           they
           might
           damn
           themselves
           without
           disturbance
           ,
           and
           go
           quietly
           to
           hell
           ,
           and
           no body
           stop
           them
           ,
           and
           say
           ,
           [
           
             Why
             do
             you
             so
             ?
          
           ]
        
         
           23.
           
           And
           I
           pray
           you
           consider
           what
           it
           is
           that
           these
           men
           would
           have
           .
           What
           if
           the
           Ministers
           were
           all
           cast
           out
           ?
           would
           they
           have
           any
           to
           do
           Gods
           work
           in
           their
           stead
           ,
           or
           none
           ?
           If
           
             none
             ,
          
           you
           may
           see
           what
           they
           are
           doing
           :
           if
           
             any
             ,
          
           Who
           and
           where
           are
           they
           ?
           Is
           it
           not
           horrible
           Pride
           if
           all
           these
           silly
           souls
           do
           think
           that
           they
           can
           do
           it
           better
           themselves
           ?
           And
           what
           else
           do
           Quakers
           and
           all
           these
           sectst
           that
           are
           the
           enemies
           of
           the
           Ministry
           ?
           Do
           they
           not
           go
           up
           and
           down
           the
           Land
           ,
           and
           say
           to
           the
           wisest
           holyest
           Teachers
           ,
           as
           if
           they
           took
           them
           by
           the
           sleeve
           ,
           [
           
             Come
             down
             and
             let
             me
             preach
             that
             can
             do
             it
             better
             :
             Come
             down
             thou
             deceiver
             and
             ignorant
             man
             ,
             and
             let
             me
             come
             up
             that
             am
             wiser
             ,
             and
             better
             ,
             and
             know
             more
             :
             Out
             with
             these
             proud
             Lordly
             Preachers
             ,
             and
             let
             us
             be
             your
             Teachers
             ,
             that
             are
             more
             holy
             ,
             and
             humble
             ,
             and
             self-denying
             then
             they
             .
          
           ]
           Is
           not
           this
           the
           loud
           language
           of
           their
           actions
           ?
           And
           can
           you
           not
           hear
           the
           Devil
           in
           these
           words
           of
           highest
           Pride
           and
           Arrogancy
           ?
           But
           really
           Sirs
           ,
           do
           you
           think
           that
           these
           men
           would
           teach
           you
           better
           ?
           And
           is
           there
           enow
           that
           are
           wiser
           and
           better
           then
           we
           to
           fill
           up
           our
           rooms
           ,
           if
           we
           were
           out
           ?
           Do
           but
           prove
           that
           ,
           and
           you
           shall
           have
           my
           consent
           to
           banish
           all
           the
           Ministers
           in
           
             England
             ,
          
           to
           some
           place
           that
           hath
           greater
           need
           of
           their
           labour
           ,
           that
           they
           may
           no
           more
           trouble
           you
           that
           have
           no
           need
           of
           them
           ,
           and
           keep
           out
           better
           .
        
         
           24.
           
           Lastly
           ,
           consider
           on
           what
           sensless
           pretences
           all
           this
           enmity
           against
           the
           Ministry
           doth
           vent
           it self
           .
           You
           shall
           hear
           the
           worst
           that
           they
           have
           to
           say
           against
           us
           ,
           (
           though
           but
           briefly
           )
           and
           then
           judge
           .
        
         
         
           1.
           
           The
           Quakers
           say
           ,
           We
           are
           
             idle
             drones
             that
             labour
             not
             ,
             and
             therefore
             should
             not
             eat
             .
             Answ
             .
          
           The
           worst
           I
           wish
           you
           ,
           is
           ,
           that
           you
           had
           but
           my
           ease
           instead
           of
           your
           labour
           .
           I
           have
           reason
           to
           take
           my self
           for
           the
           least
           of
           Saints
           ,
           and
           yet
           I
           fear
           not
           to
           tell
           the
           accuser
           ,
           that
           I
           take
           the
           labour
           of
           most
           Tradesmen
           in
           the
           Town
           to
           be
           a
           pleasure
           to
           the
           body
           in
           comparison
           of
           mine
           ;
           (
           though
           for
           the
           ends
           and
           the
           pleasure
           of
           my
           mind
           ,
           I
           would
           not
           change
           it
           with
           the
           greatest
           Prince
           )
           Their
           labour
           
             preserveth
          
           health
           ,
           and
           mine
           
             consumeth
          
           it
           :
           They
           work
           in
           ease
           ,
           and
           I
           in
           continual
           pain
           :
           They
           have
           hours
           and
           dayes
           of
           recreation
           ,
           I
           have
           scarce
           time
           to
           eat
           and
           drink
           .
           No body
           molesteth
           them
           for
           their
           labour
           ;
           but
           the
           more
           I
           do
           ,
           the
           more
           hatred
           and
           trouble
           I
           draw
           upon
           me
           .
           If
           a
           Quaker
           ask
           me
           ,
           what
           all
           this
           labour
           is
           ,
           let
           him
           come
           and
           see
           ,
           or
           do
           as
           I
           do
           ,
           and
           he
           shall
           know
           .
        
         
           2.
           
           They
           accuse
           us
           of
           
             covetousness
             and
             oppression
             ,
             because
             we
             take
             tithes
             or
             hire
             ,
          
           (
           as
           they
           call
           it
           )
           
             Answ
             .
          
           1.
           
           Is
           it
           not
           malice
           or
           sacrilegious
           covetousness
           that
           frameth
           this
           accusation
           ?
           
             Whose
          
           are
           the
           Tithes
           ?
           are
           they
           
             ours
          
           or
           
             theirs
             ?
          
           The
           same
           Law
           of
           the
           Land
           that
           makes
           the
           nine
           parts
           theirs
           ,
           doth
           make
           the
           tenth
           ours
           .
           If
           we
           have
           no
           title
           to
           the
           tenth
           ,
           they
           have
           none
           to
           the
           rest
           .
           We
           ask
           none
           of
           our
           people
           for
           a
           farthing
           .
           They
           
             give
          
           it
           not
           to
           us
           :
           It
           was
           never
           
             theirs
             .
          
           When
           they
           buy
           or
           take
           Leases
           of
           their
           Land
           ,
           it
           is
           only
           the
           nine
           parts
           that
           they
           pay
           for
           ;
           and
           if
           the
           tenths
           were
           sold
           them
           ,
           they
           should
           pay
           themselves
           a
           tenth
           part
           more
           .
           And
           would
           these
           men
           make
           all
           the
           people
           thieves
           and
           covetous
           ,
           to
           take
           or
           desire
           that
           which
           never
           was
           their
           own
           ?
           Nay
           would
           they
           have
           them
           rob
           God
           ,
           to
           whom
           for
           his
           service
           the
           Tithes
           were
           devoted
           ?
           Read
           
             Mal.
          
           3.
           8
           ,
           9
           ,
           10.
           
           
             Rom.
          
           2.
           22.
           
           
             Gen.
          
           14.
           20.
           
           
             Heb.
          
           7.
           6
           ,
           9.
           
           And
           whether
           Tithe
           it self
           be
           of
           Divine
           institution
           still
           ,
           is
           more
           then
           they
           are
           able
           to
           disprove
           .
           Sure
           I
           am
           ,
           when
           Christ
           told
           them
           of
           
             tithing
             mint
             and
             cummin
             ,
          
           he
           saith
           ,
           
             These
             ought
             ye
             to
             have
             done
             ,
             and
             not
             to
             leave
             the
             other
             undone
             ,
             Mat.
          
           23.
           23.
           2.
           
           But
           most
           certain
           I
           am
           that
           God
           hath
           made
           it
           our
           duty
           to
           
             meditate
          
           on
           his
           Word
           ,
           and
           
             give
             our selves
             wholly
             thereto
             ,
          
           1
           Tim.
           4.
           15.
           and
           that
           we
           may
           [
           
             Forbear
             working
             ,
             and
             not
             go
             on
             warfare
             at
             our
             own
             charge
             ;
             and
             sowing
             to
             men
             spiritual
             things
             ,
             should
             reap
             their
             carnal
             things
             ;
             Do
             ye
             not
             know
             that
             they
             which
             minister
             about
             holy
             things
             ,
             live
             of
             the
             things
             of
             the
             Temple
             ;
             and
             they
             which
             wait
             at
             the
             Altar
             ,
             are
             partakers
             with
             the
             Altar
             ?
             Even
             so
             hath
             the
             Lord
             ordained
             ,
             that
             they
             which
             preach
             the
             Gospel
             should
             live
             of
             the
             Gospel
             .
          
           ]
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           9.
           6
           ,
           7
           ,
           13
           ,
           14.
           3.
           
           And
           know
           you
           not
           that
           the
           Primitive
           Christians
           gave
           not
           only
           the
           tenths
           ,
           but
           all
           that
           they
           had
           ,
           and
           laid
           it
           at
           the
           Apostles
           feet
           ,
           to
           shew
           that
           the
           Gospel
           teacheth
           more
           clearly
           then
           the
           Law
           ,
           the
           necessity
           of
           dedicating
           our selves
           and
           all
           that
           we
           have
           to
           God
           .
           4.
           
           And
           yet
           I
           must
           say
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           
             content
             with
             food
             and
             rayment
             .
          
           Most
           Ministers
           in
           
             England
          
           would
           be
           glad
           to
           give
           you
           all
           their
           tithes
           ,
           if
           you
           will
           but
           allow
           them
           food
           and
           rayment
           for
           themselves
           and
           families
           ,
           and
           such
           education
           for
           their
           children
           as
           
           is
           fittest
           to
           make
           them
           serviceable
           to
           God
           .
           And
           I
           hope
           it
           is
           no
           sin
           to
           have
           mouths
           that
           must
           be
           fed
           ,
           or
           backs
           that
           must
           be
           cloathed
           .
           What
           I
           must
           Gods
           Ministers
           above
           all
           others
           be
           grudged
           
             food
             and
             raiment
             ,
          
           and
           that
           of
           the
           Lords
           portion
           ,
           which
           none
           of
           you
           pay
           for
           ?
           I
           fear
           not
           to
           imitate
           
             Paul
          
           stopping
           the
           mouths
           of
           malicious
           accusers
           ,
           and
           to
           tell
           you
           ,
           that
           the
           Ministers
           ,
           whose
           expences
           I
           am
           acquainted
           with
           ,
           do
           give
           500.
           pence
           for
           50.
           that
           they
           receive
           by
           gift
           from
           their
           people
           :
           and
           that
           they
           take
           all
           that
           they
           have
           as
           Christs
           ▪
           and
           not
           their
           own
           ;
           and
           if
           they
           have
           never
           so
           much
           they
           devote
           it
           wholly
           to
           him
           ,
           and
           know
           he
           's
           not
           beholden
           to
           them
           for
           it
           :
           and
           some
           of
           them
           lay
           out
           in
           charitable
           uses
           ,
           much
           more
           then
           all
           the
           tithes
           that
           they
           receive
           for
           their
           Ministerial
           maintenance
           .
           And
           if
           the
           Quakers
           that
           accuse
           them
           of
           covetousness
           ,
           would
           cast
           up
           accounts
           with
           them
           ,
           I
           doubt
           not
           but
           it
           will
           be
           found
           that
           they
           receive
           more
           by
           gift
           then
           Preachers
           ,
           and
           give
           not
           the
           fourth
           part
           so
           much
           when
           they
           have
           done
           .
        
         
           3.
           
           Another
           accusation
           is
           ,
           that
           we
           
             preach
             false
             doctrine
             ,
             and
             deceive
             the
             people
             .
             Answ
             .
          
           It
           's
           easie
           to
           say
           so
           of
           any
           man
           in
           the
           world
           :
           but
           when
           they
           come
           to
           prove
           it
           ,
           you
           will
           see
           who
           are
           the
           deceivers
           .
        
         
           4.
           
           Another
           is
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           
             persecutors
             ,
             and
             like
             the
             Priests
             of
             old
             ,
             and
             so
             all
             the
             reproofs
             of
             them
             and
             the
             Pharisees
             belong
             to
             us
             .
             Answ
             .
          
           This
           is
           soon
           said
           too
           :
           but
           where
           's
           the
           proof
           ?
           For
           themselves
           we
           have
           no
           mind
           to
           be
           troubled
           with
           them
           .
           Let
           them
           let
           us
           alone
           ;
           as
           long
           as
           we
           will
           let
           them
           alone
           .
           But
           yet
           they
           shall
           be
           taught
           one
           day
           to
           know
           ,
           that
           if
           the
           Magistrate
           stop
           the
           mouths
           of
           such
           Railers
           and
           abusers
           of
           God
           and
           men
           ,
           he
           doth
           no
           more
           persecute
           them
           ,
           then
           he
           persecuteth
           a
           thief
           when
           he
           hangeth
           him
           :
           or
           then
           
             Paul
          
           persecuted
           
             Hymenaeus
          
           and
           
             Philetus
          
           when
           he
           delivered
           them
           up
           to
           Satan
           ;
           or
           
             Elymas
             ,
             Acts
          
           13.
           11.
           or
           then
           
             Peter
          
           persecuted
           
             Ananias
          
           and
           
             Sapphira
             ,
             Acts
          
           5.
           or
           then
           God
           would
           have
           had
           the
           Churches
           be
           persecutors
           against
           the
           woman
           
             Jezebel
          
           that
           was
           suffered
           to
           teach
           and
           seduce
           the
           people
           ,
           or
           against
           the
           Doctrine
           of
           the
           Nicolaitans
           which
           God
           hated
           ,
           
             Rev.
          
           2.
           15
           ,
           20.
           
           If
           
             hindering
             sin
             ,
          
           be
           
             persecuting
             ,
          
           the
           
             calling
          
           of
           a
           
             Magistrate
          
           is
           to
           be
           a
           persecutor
           ,
           
             Rom.
          
           13.
           4.
           and
           all
           parents
           must
           persecute
           their
           own
           children
           .
        
         
           5.
           
           Another
           accusation
           is
           ,
           that
           we
           are
           
             against
             the
             preaching
             of
             any
             but
             our selves
             .
             Answ
             .
          
           Who
           doth
           not
           desire
           that
           all
           the
           Lords
           people
           were
           Prophets
           ?
           But
           yet
           we
           know
           all
           are
           not
           Prophets
           ,
           1
           
             Cor.
          
           12.
           29.
           nor
           Teachers
           .
           We
           would
           have
           none
           of
           Gods
           gifts
           in
           our
           people
           huried
           ,
           but
           all
           improved
           to
           the
           uttermost
           ,
           for
           his
           glory
           .
           But
           we
           would
           not
           have
           men
           turn
           Ordinary
           Teachers
           ,
           that
           are
           neither
           sound
           ,
           nor
           able
           ,
           nor
           sent
           ;
           nor
           every
           self-conceited
           ignorant
           man
           have
           leave
           to
           abuse
           the
           Name
           and
           Word
           of
           God
           ,
           and
           the
           sou●s
           of
           men
           .
           What
           would
           you
           have
           more
           then
           is
           granted
           you
           ?
           When
           any
           unordained
           man
           that
           is
           judged
           competent
           by
           the
           Commissioners
           of
           Approbation
           ,
           (
           of
           whom
           some
           are
           Souldiers
           )
           may
           be
           a
           constant
           
           Preacher
           ,
           and
           have
           fullest
           maintenance
           ,
           as
           well
           as
           Presbyters
           ?
        
         
           6.
           
           Another
           charge
           is
           ,
           that
           we
           
             are
             some
             weak
             ,
             and
             some
             scandalous
             .
             Answ
             .
          
           We
           do
           all
           that
           we
           are
           able
           to
           cast
           out
           such
           ;
           and
           I
           think
           never
           more
           was
           done
           .
           The
           Magistrate
           sets
           his
           guard
           at
           the
           door
           ,
           and
           lets
           in
           none
           but
           whom
           he
           please
           :
           and
           sure
           if
           he
           
             knew
          
           where
           to
           have
           better
           then
           those
           that
           are
           in
           ,
           he
           would
           put
           them
           in
           ,
           or
           else
           he
           is
           too
           blame
           .
           If
           he
           do
           not
           know
           ,
           will
           you
           blame
           him
           for
           using
           the
           best
           that
           he
           can
           get
           ?
           But
           if
           you
           will
           come
           and
           help
           us
           to
           cast
           out
           any
           that
           are
           vitious
           and
           unworthy
           ,
           we
           will
           give
           you
           thanks
           .
        
         
           7.
           
           Another
           accusation
           is
           ,
           that
           
             we
             differ
             among
             our selves
             ,
             and
             one
             saith
             one
             thing
             ,
             and
             another
             another
             thing
             .
             Answ
             .
          
           1.
           
           And
           are
           all
           these
           sects
           that
           oppose
           us
           ,
           better
           agreed
           among
           themselves
           ?
           Enquire
           and
           judge
           .
           2.
           
           Do
           not
           all
           preach
           one
           Gospel
           ,
           and
           the
           same
           Essentials
           of
           the
           Christian
           Faith
           ?
           And
           we
           expect
           not
           perfect
           unity
           ,
           till
           we
           have
           perfect
           Knowledge
           and
           Holiness
           ;
           which
           we
           dare
           not
           boast
           of
           ,
           what
           ever
           Quakers
           do
           .
        
         
           8.
           
           Another
           accusation
           is
           ,
           that
           
             we
             are
             not
             true
             Ministers
             .
          
           And
           why
           so
           ?
           Because
           we
           have
           not
           an
           uninterrupted
           succession
           of
           lawful
           Ordination
           .
           
           Answ.
           This
           Objection
           is
           the
           Papists
           ,
           who
           have
           little
           reason
           to
           use
           it
           ,
           while
           it
           is
           so
           easie
           a
           matter
           to
           prove
           so
           many
           interruptions
           of
           their
           Papal
           succession
           .
           At
           large
           and
           often
           have
           we
           answered
           them
           ,
           and
           are
           still
           ready
           to
           deal
           with
           any
           of
           them
           herein
           ,
           and
           to
           prove
           ,
           1.
           
           That
           an
           uninterrupted
           succession
           of
           right
           Ordination
           ,
           is
           not
           of
           necessity
           to
           the
           being
           of
           the
           Ministry
           .
           2.
           
           And
           if
           it
           were
           ,
           we
           have
           more
           to
           shew
           for
           it
           then
           they
           .
           If
           others
           stick
           on
           this
           ,
           let
           me
           tell
           them
           ,
           that
           Magistracy
           is
           as
           truly
           from
           God
           as
           the
           Ministry
           :
           And
           let
           ever
           a
           King
           on
           earth
           shew
           me
           an
           uninterrupted
           succession
           giving
           him
           title
           to
           his
           Crown
           ,
           and
           I
           will
           shew
           him
           a
           more
           undoubted
           succession
           or
           title
           to
           my
           Ministry
           .
           But
           here
           's
           no
           room
           to
           discuss
           this
           Question
           .
        
         
           9.
           
           Object
           .
           
             But
             you
             are
             Parish
             Priests
             ,
             and
             no
             true
             Ministers
             ,
             because
             you
             have
             not
             true
             Churches
             .
             Answ
             .
          
           All
           the
           Christians
           in
           our
           Parishes
           that
           consent
           are
           our
           flock
           .
           And
           we
           undertake
           to
           prove
           the
           truth
           of
           such
           Churches
           ,
           not
           only
           against
           scorn
           ,
           but
           against
           all
           the
           Arguments
           that
           can
           be
           brought
           .
        
         
           10.
           
           Object
           .
           
             But
             you
             have
             not
             the
             Spirit
             ,
             and
             therefore
             are
             no
             true
             Ministers
             .
             Answ
             .
          
           And
           how
           prove
           you
           that
           we
           have
           not
           the
           Spirit
           ?
           The
           approvers
           admit
           none
           but
           such
           as
           they
           think
           have
           the
           Spirit
           .
           He
           that
           is
           sanctified
           hath
           the
           Spirit
           :
           Prove
           us
           unsanctified
           ,
           and
           we
           will
           resign
           our
           Office
           .
           Object
           .
           
             You
             read
             your
             Sermons
             out
             of
             a
             Paper
             ;
             therefore
             you
             have
             not
             the
             Spirit
             .
             Answ
             .
          
           A
           strong
           Argument
           !
           I
           pray
           you
           take
           seven
           years
           time
           to
           prove
           the
           consequence
           .
           As
           wisely
           do
           the
           Quakers
           argue
           ,
           that
           because
           we
           use
           spectacles
           ,
           or
           hour-glasses
           and
           Pulpits
           ,
           we
           have
           not
           the
           Spirit
           .
           It
           is
           not
           want
           of
           your
           abilities
           that
           makes
           Ministers
           use
           Notes
           :
           but
           it
           's
           a
           regard
           to
           the
           work
           and
           good
           of
           the
           hearers
           .
           I
           use
           notes
           as
           much
           as
           any
           man
           ,
           when
           I
           
           take
           pains
           :
           and
           as
           little
           as
           any
           man
           when
           I
           am
           lazy
           ,
           or
           busie
           ,
           and
           have
           not
           leisure
           to
           prepare
           .
           It
           's
           easier
           to
           us
           to
           preach
           three
           Sermons
           without
           Notes
           ,
           then
           one
           with
           them
           .
           He
           is
           a
           simple
           preacher
           that
           is
           not
           able
           to
           preach
           all
           day
           without
           preparation
           ,
           if
           his
           strength
           would
           serve
           :
           especially
           if
           he
           preach
           at
           your
           rates
           .
        
         
           11.
           
           
             Object
             .
          
           But
           the
           true
           Ministry
           is
           persecuted
           :
           but
           so
           are
           not
           you
           ,
           but
           are
           persecutors
           of
           others
           .
           
             Answ
             .
          
           1.
           
           For
           our
           pesecuring
           others
           ,
           be
           so
           merciful
           as
           to
           prove
           it
           to
           us
           ,
           that
           we
           may
           lament
           it
           .
           If
           punishing
           wicked
           men
           and
           seducers
           be
           persecuting
           ,
           not
           only
           
             Paul
          
           was
           such
           ,
           that
           wished
           
             they
             were
             cut
             off
             that
             troubled
             the
             Galatians
             :
          
           but
           God
           himself
           would
           be
           the
           greatest
           of
           all
           persecutors
           ,
           that
           will
           lay
           you
           in
           hell
           without
           repentance
           ,
           and
           then
           you
           will
           wish
           your
           old
           persecution
           again
           .
           And
           if
           we
           be
           not
           persecuted
           ,
           What
           means
           the
           reproaches
           of
           you
           and
           all
           the
           Drunkards
           and
           Malignants
           about
           us
           ?
           But
           I
           pray
           you
           ,
           envy
           us
           not
           our
           lives
           and
           liberties
           ,
           and
           a
           little
           breathing
           time
           .
           Do
           you
           not
           read
           that
           [
           
             The
             Churches
             had
             rest
             throughout
             all
             Judaea
             and
             Galilee
             ,
             and
             Samaria
             ,
             and
             were
             edified
             ,
             and
             walking
             in
             the
             fear
             of
             the
             Lord
             ,
             and
             in
             the
             comfort
             of
             the
             Holy
             Ghost
             were
             multiplied
             ?
             Act.
          
           9.
           31.
           ]
           Envy
           not
           a
           little
           prosperity
           to
           the
           Church
           .
           Doth
           not
           
             Paul
          
           pray
           that
           the
           Gospel
           
             may
             run
             and
             be
             glorified
             ,
             and
             that
             we
             may
             be
             delivered
             from
             unreasonable
             wicked
             men
             ?
          
           2
           
             Thes.
          
           3.
           1.
           
           Sometimes
           you
           can
           say
           that
           more
           glorious
           dayes
           are
           promised
           ,
           and
           that
           the
           Saints
           shall
           Rule
           the
           world
           .
           Unmerciful
           men
           !
           It
           is
           but
           a
           while
           ago
           since
           we
           had
           our
           share
           of
           sufferings
           !
           Since
           that
           the
           sword
           hath
           hunted
           after
           us
           !
           Many
           of
           our
           Brethren
           are
           yet
           in
           
             America
             ,
          
           that
           were
           driven
           thither
           ,
           at
           this
           time
           in
           
             Spain
             ,
          
           and
           
             Italy
             ,
          
           and
           
             Germany
             ,
          
           and
           
             Savoy
             :
          
           Alas
           ,
           what
           do
           our
           Brethren
           suffer
           in
           the
           same
           cause
           and
           calling
           that
           we
           are
           in
           !
           And
           do
           you
           reproach
           us
           with
           our
           mercies
           ,
           if
           we
           be
           out
           of
           the
           Furnace
           but
           a
           little
           while
           ,
           in
           one
           corner
           of
           the
           world
           ?
        
         
           Object
           .
           12.
           
           
             You
             work
             no
             miracles
             to
             confirm
             your
             Doctrine
             .
             Answ
             .
          
           It
           is
           true
           :
           nor
           do
           we
           need
           :
           It
           is
           confirmed
           by
           miracles
           long
           ago
           .
           If
           we
           brought
           a
           new
           Gospel
           ,
           or
           as
           the
           Papists
           ,
           gave
           you
           not
           our
           Doctrine
           on
           the
           credit
           of
           Scripture
           ,
           but
           Scripture
           and
           all
           on
           our
           own
           credit
           ;
           then
           you
           might
           justly
           call
           for
           miracles
           to
           prove
           it
           .
           But
           not
           when
           we
           have
           nothing
           to
           do
           but
           expound
           and
           apply
           a
           Doctrine
           sealed
           by
           miracles
           already
           .
        
         
           
             Again
             I
             say
             ,
          
           Let
           any
           Prince
           on
           earth
           that
           questions
           our
           calling
           ,
           sh●w
           his
           Title
           to
           his
           Crown
           ,
           or
           any
           Judge
           or
           Magistrate
           to
           his
           Office
           ;
           and
           if
           I
           shew
           not
           as
           good
           a
           Title
           to
           mine
           ,
           let
           me
           be
           taken
           for
           a
           deceiver
           ,
           and
           not
           a
           Minister
           .
        
         
           Christian
           Reader
           ,
           as
           ever
           thou
           wouldest
           be
           
             sanctified
             ,
             confirmed
          
           and
           
             saved
             ,
          
           hold
           fast
           to
           
             Christ
             ,
             Scripture
             ,
             Ministry
             ,
          
           and
           
             Spirit
             ,
          
           and
           that
           in
           the
           
             Church
          
           and
           
             Communion
          
           of
           
             Saints
             ,
          
           and
           abhor
           the
           thoughts
           of
           separating
           them
           from
           each
           other
           .
        
         
           
             
               August
               15.
               1657.
               
            
          
        
         
           FINIS
           .