THE SECTARIES DOWNFALL: OR, A Treatise of the Calling of Ministers. WHEREIN The Orthodox Clergy are approved to be the only true and lawful Pastors of the Church of GOD. That all others besides them, (pretend what they please) for their usurping the Ministry, without any lawful Call, are but thiefs and Robbers, and Seducers of the People.  
And he spoke unto the Congregation, saying;  Depart I pray you from the Tents of these wicked men, and touch nothing of theirs, lest ye be consumed in all their Sins, Numb. 16.26. These be they who Separate themselves, sensual, having not the Spirit, Judas, vers. 5. Quid magis est contra fidem, quam Cred●re nolle quicquid non possis ratione attingere? Bern. Nusquam est, qui ubique est. Seneca. Certa amittimus, dum nova petimus. Plaut. 
By WILLIAM HARVEY, Minister of the Gospel of jesus Christ.  
LONDON, Printed by T. F. 1655.   

TO The Right Honourable, THOMAS RICHARDSON Esquire, Viscount Cramond: And to his Virtuous and Religious Lady.  
Right Hon:  
SENECA writeth of one Harpastes, a woman as foolish as blind, who would commonly put the fault in the House she dwelled in. Ait domum tenebrosam esse. She saith the house is dark, as if she could see well enough. Even so our Sectaries, and false Prophets, although in very deed, they be blind, men of Corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the Faith, (as the Apostle hath it of the Enemies of the truth) 2. Tim. 3.8. Yet they usually complain of the Times, and say, that the Ministers of God (though Orthodox and godly Learned men formerly) and now, lived, and do live in darkness and ignorance; and so cry them down as wicked and Antichristlan, to the great dishonour of Almighty God, the distraction of his People, and no small advantage to the Enemies of GOD to blaspheme. Whereupon, being (though unworthy) called to be a Minister of the Gospel; I thought it my Duty (according to my poor Talon) to endeavour to stop the mouths of these railing Rabshakehs and to admonish the People (as they tender the good of their Souls) not to follow these Strangers, neither know 
* joh. 10.5.  their voice, but fly from them? I have not published this ensuing Treatise, in hatred to any man's person, or purposely to show their nakedness, but to warn them and the world of their dangerous Errors and tenants which they hold, and (unheard of Ptesumption) without any lawful Call, or warrant from God to take upon them the Sacred function of a Minister, and to feed God's people with Poison in stead of Bread, and so (without the mercy of God) giving 
* 2 Tim. 2.25.  them Repentance to the acknowledging of the Truth: incur damnation to their Souls.  
I am bold to present this poor and unpolished work unto your Honour, as to a Religious Obadiah, who have ever fed the Lords Prophets with bread and water, and as to a Noble Maecenas, favouring Learning and Learned men. I humbly desire your Honours favourable acceptance and Patronage, that through Your hands it may find the better entertainment in the world. Thus craving pardon for my presumption; wishing to your Hon. rs and your whole Family, all happiness, both external, internal, and Eternal; I rest in the Lord,  
Your Honours, Most humble Servant to be Commanded. WILLIAM HARVEY.   

TO THE READER.  
GEntle and Christian Reader;  
I have in brief only touched these Four heads, having scarce time to lick them to a form. If I been somewhat free in Speech and incurred thy censure, I cannot help it, the cause required it. Nettles must be crushed hard, and Heretics handled roughly. In reproving of Sin, a Minister of all other men, must not be mealy-mouthed or remiss. Nihil in Sacerdote tam periculosum apud Deum, tam turpe apud homines, quàm quid sentiat veritatem, non liberè pronunciare; (saith Ambrose) Nothing in a Priest is so dangerous with God, or so base with men, as not to declare that freely which he thinks to be Truth. And thus have I cast in my poor Mite; I may (God willing) if occasion serve, put in more; In the mean time I desire thy acceptance, and beseech Almighty GOD to keep thee from the Apostasy of the Times ● Remembering that to the Angel of the Church of Philadelphia:— Behold I come quickly; hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take away thy Crown, Revel. 3.11.  
Thine in the Lord Jesus Christ, W. HARVEY.   

THE SECTARIES DOWNFALL.  

section 1 1. In the handling of this point, I shall observe this method. First, I shall speak of the Calling of ministers.  
section 2 2. Then in the next place, I shall treat of their Condition and Qualifications.  
section 3 Thirdly, I shall prove that none but those who are lawfully Called aught to teach in the Church.  
section 4 Fourthly and lastly, That every Minister being lawfully Called must (hoc agere) attend only upon his Calling, without meddling with Secular affairs.   

FIrst then, when I speak of Ministers Calling, you must understand, that it is from GOD; whether it be immediate or mediate. For Divinity ever teacheth us,— Nullae●…prorsus vera est Vocatio, nice ab ipso Deo facta. There is no true Calling except it be from God himself. Thus we read in Math. 9 vers. 38. That it is God alone that sendeth forth labourers into his Harvest. Pray therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth Labourers into his harvest. And the Apostle saith, 1. Cor. 12.28. And God hath set some in the Church; first Apostles, secondarily, Prophets; thirdly, Teachers, etc.  
Now this Calling is twofold. An immediate Calling, and a mediate Calling. The immediate Calling, otherwise special and extraordinary, is that which is from God himself, absque hominum Ministry, without the Ministry or service of men.  
And this God hath done either by himself without a Messenger, as when he called Moses, john the Baptist, and the Apostles; or secondly by certain Messengers, as when God called Aaron by Moses, Exod. 4.14. and Elisha by Eliah, 1 Kings 19.19.  
This Calling is ever accompanied with certain extraordinary testimonies & gifts of the Holy Ghost, which are as it were Seals of divine Doctrine, and heavenly inspiration. And withal, it is accompainied with more than ordinary Sanctity of life and conversation. But this extraordinary Calling must not now be expected in a Constituted Church, being of use only in former times, when either the Corruption of the Ministry, or degeneration of the Ministers required it.  
What warrant then have our blind Enthusiasts, our Bedlam Quakers, Adamites, Seekers, and the rest of the rabble, to sow their tares of damnable Doctrine among the pure Wheat of GOD's sacred Word, under the pretence of Divine inspiration, and immediate Calling of Almighty God?  
I have read of a certain Munk, qui gloriari non erubuit 
* Sozomenus Lib. 3 cap. 14. , who was not ashamed to brag, that the lawfulness of his Order, he had given him from the authority of an Angel. The Saracens descended from Hagar, that was the bondwoman, call themselves Sarazens, as if they came from Sarah the freewoman. And these mongrel Christians would make men believe they descend from heaven, when indeed they ascend from Hell, and their works which they say are by Divine inspiration, are by a Diabolical delusion. These men are like Conjurers, who will have the names of God about their Circle, when they are raising the Devil.  
But if they be extraordinarily called as they say, let them show us their extraordinary Holinesss, Learning, and gifts of God's Spirit. Ah poor men! if they come to this touchstone once, their false Coin will soon appear. The bastard Eagle cannot behold this bright Sun. Pray what learning is this, to Call all the Ministers of the Gospel, deceivers of the People, to cry down Tithes, and call their lawful maintenance Antichristian; What learning, to deny the Godhead of our Saviour CHRIST JESUS; to say, that there is no Hell, but that in a man's Conscience; that all things come by Nature; that baptising of Infants, is unlawful; to deny Obedience to lawful authority, and a world of such stuff. And for Holiness, I blush that they are not ashamed to appropriate it to themselves, when no Swine wallows more in the mire, than they in Sin; but I'll stir the Dunghill no further lest it raise a stink.  
THe Mediate, or common and Ordinary calling, is that Calling of God by ordinary means, or by the Ministry of the Church by fit men appointed thereunto. Although this Calling is by the Ministry of men, yet nevertheless it is Divine as well as the other, and hath God likewise for its author.  
For God, not only appoints in his Church, Apostles (immediately called) but also Teachers, that are mediately Called, by the Ministry of men, as you shall find 1. Cor. 12.28. and Ephes. 4.11. And the Holy Ghost is said to have made and appointed Bishops and Elders in Ephesus, who yet were not extraordinarily called by CHRIST but were Ordinary ordained by the Apostles, Acts 20.28. Whereupon they are called the Ambassadors of Christ; as you have it, 2 Cor. 5.20. And for this cause our saviour himself saith; he that heareth you, heareth me, and he that despiseth you, despiseth me, etc. Luke 10,16. Hence that Protomartyr Stephen, tells the jews, Ye do always resist the Holy Ghost, as your Fathers did, so do ye, Acts 7.51. And St. Paul to the Thessalonians saith, He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not Man, but GOD, etc. 1. Thes. 4.8.  
But the Question is, who ought (all this while) to ordain and make Ministers. The Politics say, this is in the power of the Secular Magistrate. The Anabaptists, they ascribe it to the Plebeians, the mixed multitude, and the Catholics give it all to Bishops. Now, what is this. One saith, the Child is his, the other his, and the third, his. Can one Child belong to three Women; no. Who then is the Mother of the Child? They all make claim unto it; Well, I am but a fool to Solomon, yet I will give it to none, but share it amongst them. The whole Church hath right to this Ordination, and the several Orders of Episcopacy, Magistracy, and People must have their due proportion.  
In Confirmation hereof, that thou mayst be confident of it; the practice of the Church in the Apostles time showeth; This manifest in the choice and Election of Mathias, Acts 1.15.23. And in the Election of the seven Deacons, the point is clear, Acts 6.23 etc. Where, in the sixth verse, we read; And the saying pleased the whole Multitude, and so forth. Their approbation was thought necessary in so weighty a matter And in the 15. of the Acts, 2.22. it is said; Then pleased it the Apostles, and Elders, with the whole Church, to send Chosen men of their own company to Antioch, with Paul and Barnabas, namely Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, chief men among the Brethren. Here Bellarmine cavils, and saith, that this Consent of the Church,— Non ex quadam necessitate, sed ex Petri concessione; It was not of any necessity, but of Peter's Concession only.  
This is as good Divinity as another of his own side, who by these words of CHRIST, (Let these go their way) would needs defend the lawless estate of Clergy men, But saith 
* In Eras. Annot. 18. john.  Erasmus, this did he do Ridiculé, fond or foolishly.  
If the Cardinal had but read that of the Acts cap. 6. ver. 3. afore-named, he would have found there, That it was not Peter's grant alone, but of all the rest of the Apostles; The text is plain. Wherefore Brethren, look ye out among you Seven men of honest report, full of the Holy Ghost, and Wisdom, whom we may appoint over this business. And this way of Ordination, the Primative Church, having it (as it were) by tradition from the Apostles own hands, always Religiously observed it.  
As appeareth by this: Ordinationes Sacerdotales non nisi sub Populi assistentis conscientia fieri oportet, ut plebe praesente, vel detegrantur malorum crimina, vel bonorum merita Praedicentur; & sit Ordinatio justa & Legittima quae omnium Suffragio & judicio fuerit examinata 
* In Decret 15. Dist Sancta R●…na. T●ste Erasmo, Praefat. in Cyprian. lib 1. Epist 4. . The Ordinations of Priests ought not to be made, unless the 
* By People is not meant the Ignorant and factious, but the godly and judicious.  People have knowledge of it, that so being present, the faults of wicked men may be detected, or the deserts of good men made known; and that is a just and lawful Ordination, which shall be by the Suffrage and judgement of all. Not including any Sectaries, for they by no means must be admitted, or have any voice here.  
As for the Magistrate, we all know, (if the People) much more he hath a voice in this our Ordination. In the Election of Ambrose, though the People did choose him it was ratified and confirmed by the Emperor 
* Socrat lib 4. C. 25 Tripar lib. 7. cap. 8.  Valentinian And when Athanasius had nominated one Peter to succeed him, that Voice (as Theodoret doth witness) was confirmed, not only by the Priest and People, but by the approbation of the Magistrate.  
To make an end, one james Pamelius in his Annotations to Cyprian, confesseth; that not only in Africa, but also in France, Spain, Rome, and every where, this was the custom. And saith further, that it so continued all the times of the Emperor's Charles the Great, and Ludovick the Godly.  
And thus I hope I have given you satisfaction in this Particular. Where the Bishop ordains, the People approve, and Magistrate confirms, there's a lawful Ordination. Those therefore whom God hath joined together, let no man put a sunder; Take them together, and they are a perfect harmony, but once separate them, and they foully jar, and are out of tune.  
The Catholics therefore do greatly err, and are much out of the way, in giving this Power and jurisdiction solely to the Bishops. Those be the words of the Council of Trent.  
Sacerdotum 
* Concil. Trident de Sacrament Ordin. cap. 4.  & caterorum ordinum, nec Populi, nec cujusvis Secularis potestatis & Magistratus Concensum, sive vocationem, sive aucthoritatem ita requiri, ut sine ea irrita sit Ordinatio. Of the Priests and of the other Orders, the Consent or calling, or Authority, neither of the People, nor any Secular power and Magistrate is to be sought after; that without it, the Ordination is unlawful.  
But on the Contrary, such as are chosen and ordained by the People and Magistrate, they say, they are not Ministers of the Church, but Thiefs and Robbers. And Bellarmine to maintain the assertion of his Error, brings that example of Aaron, who by Moses alone, without the consent of the People, was chosen to be the high Priest; and likewise that of our Saviour, who chose his Apostles without the suffrage or consent of the People.  
But what of all this? These examples make nothing for him; because they belong to the immediate Calling; and our question is concerning the Mediate or ordinary Calling. For (as I said before) this immediate Calling must not now be expected, being extraordinary, and long since out of date.  
Neither must the Anabaptists, and Politics, think to carry it; they have as little right (of themselves) as the other; For that which belongs to all, concerns all; ought not to be done by the Command and authority of One, but jointly with the consent and approbation of All. Away then with the rude Multitude, they by no means must meddle with the Helm, sit at the Stern, least by their unskilfulness, and wilfulness they run their Vessel a shore, and so miserably make shipwreck of all. They are like the troubled Sea, whose waters cast up mire and dirt. From such violent inundations, and dangerous breaking in; Good Lord deliver us.  
And you, who are said to be Gods, and Sons of the most high; yet seeing you must die like men, and fall like one of the Princes; take heed (I pray) that you do not appropriate that to yourselves which is not proper; For there is a vast difference between a Political Kingdom, and an Ecclesiastical Government. You remember what the King of Kings, and Lord of Lords said: My Kingdom is not of this World, John 18. vers. 36. And this calling belongs not to power of the Magistrate, but to the jurisdiction of the Kingdom of CHRIST. Let them not therefore send what Labourers they please into God his harvest, without approbation of the People, and Ordination of the Bishop: Where this Order is not observed, but preposterously cast off and neglected; The 
* Ministerij auctoritas prostituitur Conscientiae vulnerantur, Ecclesiae sal●… turbatur, & Sensim ac sensim tandem destruitur. Dieter. Annal. Evangel. in dic Sanctae Andreae.  authority of the Ministry is prostituted, men's Consciences are wounded, the safety of the Church is trowbled; and by little and little is at length destroyed. And so I come to my second head; which was the Condition and qualification of the Ministry.   

FIrst then, the man of God must be no Ignorant person; or Novice, but endued (if not with eminent) yet at least with Competent knowledge. Rome's mother of Devotion (Ignorance) must have no room here. The Apostle St. Paul writing of a Bishop (among other things) he would him Didacticon; one apt to teach, 1 Tim. 3.2. And after he had spoken of the Scripture, how it was given by inspiration 
* 2 Tim. 3.16,17.  of GOD, and was profitable for Doctrine, for Reproof, for Correction, for instruction in Righteousness, he thus closeth; That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. And the same Apostle in his Epistle to Titus, 1 Chap. vers. 9 Speaking likewise of a Bishop or Minister, hath these words; Holding fast the faithful Word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound Doctrine, both to exhort, and to Convince the gainsayers.  
In the second place (and it is nothing inferior to the first) as they must be able and sufficient; So they must be of an Honest, Civil, and godly deportment; They must teach not by Precept only but by Example.— Sicut Minister ecclesiae doceri debet propter suae administrationis officium, ita Sanctè vivere debet propter exemplum. (Prosper de Vita contempl. Cap. 5.) As a Minister of the Church (saith he) ought to teach for the Office of his administration; so likewise, he ought to live Holy for examples sake. The Apostle (in the foresaid first Epistle to Tim. 3.2.) would have such to be Bishops, who are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉; that is to say, Brambles, or Irreprehensible. See to this purpose, first Chapter to Titus, 2.6. and so forward; where we have at large, how Ministers ought to be Qualified.  
As a man consisteth of Soul and Body, So also a Minister consisteth of Learning and Living; these two must meet in a man of God, if he would be complete; But God he knoweth, we have many (for all the cry of Reformation and New lights) that have neither Learning nor Life. And where happily, or rather unhappily one hath Learning, he wants life; A rare thing to see them meet in one centre, and like the Jemini in the Zodiac to embrace each other. Should the light of the Sun be once turned to darkness, what would become of all Sublunaries? For without its light and heat, nothing could long subsist. The Ministers of God's word are the Light of the world; so our Saviour, Ye are the Light of the world. And this light consisteth in Learning and Holiness of life and conversation. Now where this Light is wanting, the people of God are in a sad condition. They are called Watchmen, and Shepherds; If they sleep, the Tower is in danger to be surprised by the Enemy, and the Sheep either scattered or devoured. Seneca writing of a Governor of a Ship, saith,— Non * est loquendum, sed gubernandum. He must not talk, but guide and rule his Vessel: In like manner, the man of God must not talk, but endeavour to bring the ship of men's Souls, to the Haven of heaven. And good reason he hath to be careful, in regard of the many Rocks and sands in his way, and violent storms he often meets with. Let me freely speak to thee, thou who art Called to Preach the Gospel, and to be a Minister of CHRIST. What is it thou hast undertaken? A Calling of that burden and weight, as would require an Atlas, or Samson to bear it; Thou hast the care of Souls committed to thee, and if any perish through thy negligence, their blood shall be required at thy hand. What ear can hear this and not tingle? Whose heart doth not either bleed or tremble, to think on't. Hear what St. Paul saith to Timothy; * Preach the Word, be instant in Season, out of season Reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and Doctrine.  
How wilt thou one day be wrapped with Confusion as with a cloak, when thou appearest before the judgement Seat of CHRIST, to give an account of thy Stewardship? How will thy heart then dash and beat, as the waves of the Sea; what Lightning, Thunder, Death, and hell wilt thou feel in thy Conscience? To the Hills and Rocks wilt thou cry, fall on me, and hid me from the presence of him that fits on the Throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb. What a hell will it be to thee to think that by thy Example and Idleness, many have perished everlastingly, and that thereby thy Sins are not only aggravated, but thy torments increased and multiplied. Well, the Omnipotent GOD, with whom nothing is impossible, give thee more grace, that thou mayest have more care of thyself, and thy flock committed to thy charge, Amen.   

Now I come to prove that none but such who are lawfully called, aught to teach in the Church, which was my third particular. Hear what the Lord saith of the Prophets, who without a Call presumed to speak to the people. I have not sent these Prophets (saith GOD) yet they ran; I have not spoken to them, yet they Prophesied, jer. 23.21. As much as if the Holy Ghost had said in plain words; No man without a lawful Calling aught to Prophesy. The Apostle herein is positive and obvious, Rom, 10.15. Where he interrogates thus: And how shall they Preach, except they be sent? As if he had said; They cannot Preach (that is lawfully) except they be sent.  
And it is very true; For the Ecclesiastical Ministry hath relation to divine Calling and Mission, whose ultimum and end, is the Preaching of the Gospel; For they are sent only to Preach. But when men have no Divine, or lawful calling, how I pray you can their Preaching be lawful? And further, to corroborate my assertion, we are prohibited to hearken to such as want this Divine and lawful calling. Therefore harken not unto the words of the Prophets that speak unto you; saying, Ye shall not serve the King of Babylon; for they Prophesy a lie unto you, For I have not sent them, etc. Jer. 27.14,15. and Chap. 29.8,9. For thus saith the Lord of Hosts, the God of Israel; Let not your Prophets and your Deviners, that be in the midst of you, deceive you, neither hearken to their Dreams which they cause to be dreamt; For they Prophesy falsely unto you in my Name: I have not sent them, saith the Lord.  
What need many words! The Church is a house, and this Epithet St. Paul giveth the Church, 1 Tim. 3.15. But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of GOD, which is the Church of the living God, etc. And Heb. 3.6. But CHRIST as Son over his own house, whose House are we, etc. And our Saviour, when he drove out those which bought & sold in the Temple said to them; It is written, My House shall be called the house of Prayer, etc.  
Hence I argue, That no man ought or can challenge to himself the rule end governance of this House, but he whom the Lord of the house (who is God) shall appoint. Take an argument from the Lesser to the greater, and this folly will soon appear.  
Should one take upon him to Command and rule in another man's house, without leave from the Master of it, I believe he would scarce brook such insolency and unmannerly deportment. And as for him, all would admire, and wonder at the man's impudence. Much less sufferable it is, for one so to demean himself in the Church, which is the house of GOD.  
I must encounter now with no less than Two, and two to one is odds; yet, by the grace of God, I hope, I shall come off fair enough.  
And first, I shall ask our Thiefs and Robbers, joh. 10.1. why they entered not by the door into the Sheep-fold, but climbed up some other way? Why by force they intrude themselves into the Ministry? O good God, how is thy house of Prayer become a den of Thiefs! What Blasphemies, Heresies and Doctrine of Devils, are every where belched forth by those that run, without thy sending! How is thy Sanctuary laid waste! Thy servants, the faithful Ministers of the Gospel, (if not killed or stoned) yet at least, banished and Imprisoned, or by base and rude hands, beaten and buffeted! Truth now gets hatred, and Flattery friends.— O Tempora, O Mores! O the Times, and manners of Men! O Praesumtionem, O Consuetudinem! (as Golden mouthed chrysostom, said in his days) O what Presumption, what Custom is this! never known or heard of, but in these later times of Reformation. Now every beardless Boy, and broken Shopkeeper, will step into a Pulpit, and there (Parrat-like) prate what they know not themselves, and indeed, how should they do otherwise, when they speak that which God never put in their mouths.  
These are the Foxes, who spoil the Vines, but plant them not, Cantic. 2.15. I would to God they were taken. These are they which hatch Cockatrice eggs, and wove the Spider's web: he that eateth of their Eggs, dyeth, etc. Isa. 59.5. Auditores interimentes, now re●…cientes (as one saith,) Killing their hearers, and not refreshing them. These are they, who usurp the Priesthood with Corah, Dathan, and Abiram; Let them beware, that the Earth open not her mouth and swallow them up etc. and they go down quick into the Pit, etc. Numb. 16.30. etc.  
Who almost would believe it, that our Nation, which is blessed and happy in the enjoyment of so many brave and Learned men, should have a company of Sectaries to trouble it! Who would think, that we who (not long since) were envied for our Church Discipline; being so Complete in every particular, that no Christian Church in the world might Parallel it; So that a noble Frenchman broke forth in these words,— Clerus Anglus stupor mundi. The English Clergy is the wonder of the World; should now be either destroyed, or disturbed by a sort of Heretics and Schismatics? In comes your Anabaptist, Quaker, Seeker, Adamite, and I know not what rabble; Qui sic bacchanantur in Provinciis, etc. (as one writeth of the Pope's Legates) That so revel it in the Provinces, and make such havoc where they come, as if the Devil was let lose to Scourge and trouble God's Church.  
Have these men a Calling for it, I am confident of it (setting their seduced Proselytes aside) they have neither God nor man for them. If you will have my judgement, They are like Frogs and Toads, Sponte nascentia, who come up of themselves, bred only by Corruption. I will end with that of Pope Boniface the 8. th', who like these fellows, came to the Popedom, as they presume to come into our Churches without divine Calling, by sinister ways and by Corruption. Intravit ut Vulpes regnavit ut Leo, moriws ut Canis; He came in as a Fox, he reigned as a Lion, and he died like a Dog.  
In the next place, I have some thing to say to the People, who follow and run after these blind Guides. We have a Proverb, The receiver is as bad as the thief; and indeed, were it not for their several Congregations, these new Lights would soon be put out; take away the fuel, and the fire will go out of itself. Let there be no wind stirring, and the Mariner will sail but slowly. A Traitor▪ who is a shame and bane to his Country, what is he without his fellows. And therefore the People are in as much fault as their Prophets; for should not they so flock unto them, their Cake would quickly be dough. We have an express prohibition to the contrary, Jer. 27.14,15. Therefore harken not unto the words of the Prophets that speak unto you, saying; Ye shall not serve the King of Babylon; for they Prophesy a lie unto you; For I have not s●nt them, etc. This is a true mark of the sheep of CHRIST, that they will not follow a Stranger, but will fly from him joh. 10.5. And a stranger will they not follow, but will fly from him; for they know not the voice of Strangers. And in the 14. verse. I am the good Shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine.  
When chrysostom was banished, one Arsacius without any lawful or ordinary Calling, succeedeth him: But in the Church of Constantinople, no Christian or faithful man, thought him worthy their audience, or a word from their mouths, as Theodoret, Sozomen, and Nicephorus write. Theod. lib. 5. cap. 34. Sozom. lib. 8. cap. 23. Niceph. lib. 3. cap. 22. It is recorded of the Samosatenians, that neither Rich nor poor, Man nor Woman, young nor old, would come to the Ecclesiastical Convent of an Arrian Bishop Theod. lib. 4. hist. Eccl. Cap. 14. So hateful to them were the Sect of the Arrians. When one Jovianus, who sometime was in the parts of the Arrians, offered to Consecrate Antiochus; he refused it, saying; Absit ut manus tu●… me consecret. Be it fare from me that thy hand should Consecrate me, Theod. lib. 4. cap. 11.  
Yet see the inconstancy and levity of many thousands of people, who are tossed too and fro, and carried about with every wind of Doctrine, which the Apostle straightly forbid us, Ephes. 4.14. And Heb. 13.9. Be not carried (saith he) about with divers and strange Doctrines, etc. St. John in his second Epist. verse 10.11. saith; If there come any unto you and bring not this Doctrine, receive him not into your bouse, neither bid him God speed; For he that biddeth him God speed, is partaker of his evil deeds. Yet I say, there is no Sect, be it never so simple and damnable, but hath its Disciples and followers.  
What a train after them, have your Anabaptist; I may say of them as Balak said of the Children of Israel; Behold they cover the face of the Earth. What River almost, whose streams have not been defiled and polluted by their unclean Dipping.  
Your Quaker so pitiful a fellow, and so composed of Nonsense, heresy, and blasphemy; he I say, (though a man would admire it) hath his followers too. Would any one imagine, that an Adamite should gain Disciples; yet they have so much prevailed, (though their Doctrine be the doctrine of Devils) that their Women (setting all Shame and Modesty aside) have walked naked in the open Streets, to the view of all men.  
The Angels, and Archangels (saith learned Luther) must not be followed, though no false Doctrine fall from them; if they want the testimony of a lawful Calling. And he adds this Reason, Quia ubi non est vocatio & mandatum, ibi non est Ministerium. Where there is no Calling and commandment, there is no Ministry, Tom. 5. fol. 157.6. in explic. Psalm. Much less should the People follow deceivers and false Prophets, who without all lawful calling sow nothing but Seeds of heretical and damnable Doctrine, whose judgement now of long time lingreth not, and their damnation slumbreth not, 2 Pet. 2.3. Alas poor people; What do you (think you) in following them. You encourage them in their most sinful ways, who otherwise (did not you countenance them) would not dare to do as they do, and happily they might repent; should you desert and forsake them. Again, in following of them you cause the way of truth to be evil spoken of, 2 Pet. 2.2. And many (saith the Apostle) shall follow their pernicious ways by reason of whom, the way of Truth shall be evil spoken of.  
And is not this most true! By sad experience we see it every where. Who suffereth so much as the Truth! Hell now is broke lose upon her, & never was Hare so torn and worried by Dogs; as the Truth is by Sectaries and Heretics. Now every foul mouth is opened against her; and she is the scorn and derision of all.  
The Drunkards make songs of her, and the abjects mows, and cease not. Well, It is impossible but the offences will come, but woe unto him through whom they come Luke 17.1. And woe to them, by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of.  
And here again the Seduced people; they make but Merchandise of you and bring you into fool's Paradise. And through Covetousness shall they with feigned words make Merchandise of you, as you have it in the 3. verse, of the foresaid 2 Epist. of St. Peter, and the 2 chap. They are but for their own ends, think of them how you please, and make Merchandise of you. They will tell you that Tithes, and the Ministers lawful maintenance is unlawful, Antichristian, and a burden to the People, but 'tis to make Merchandise of you. I believe your Gratuities to them do fare exceed the tenths given to a godly Minister. And do you but once hold your hand; the fiery zeal of your false Prophets will soon freeze and be a cold. For they are greedy Dogs which can never have enough; and they are Shepherds that cannot understand; they all look to their own way, every one for his gain from his quarter, Isaiah 56.11. Curia Romana non captat ovem sine lana; is as true as old. The Court of Rome careth not for the Sheep that hath no fleece. And for all their seeming Holiness, and hypocritical zeal, you will find Sirs, they make Merchandise of you.  
Will not all this dissuade you from following these false Lights! Think then of your Souls which are in danger to be cast away. Quid anima pulchrius! What more fair and comely than the Soul? What more precious than the Soul? Nay, what so precious? It must needs be rare, when the whole World is nothing to it: What is a man profited, if he gain the whole world, and lose his own Soul? Yet this so precious, so fair, and so rare a thing, thou puts to hazard, every moment.  
Bethink thee prithee, when thou art going to the assemblies of these men, and weigh with thyself, what thou dost. Thou runnest to the very Cannon's mouth, and art in as much danger as a Ship in a storm without Anchor or Cable, ready every minute to be cast away; for I may say of them, as Solomon of a whore: Their house is the way to hell, going down to the chambers of Death, Prov. 7.27. O Lord, I pray thee, so to open the eyes of thy People, and so to enlighten their understandings, that they may know thy voice alone in the mouth of thy faithful Ministers; and that among all the changes and chances of this mortal life, they and we, may ever be defended by thy most gracious and ready help, through Christ our Lord, Amen.   

And now I come to my fourth and last Particular, viz. That every Minister being lawfully Called, must attend upon his calling, without meddling with Secular affairs. No man that warreth (saith St. Paul) entangleth himself with the affairs of this life, etc. 2 Tim. 2.4. Which words (saith 
* Super locum.  Theophilact) are spoken to all Bishops.  
When there arose a murmuring of the Grecians against the Hebrews, because their Widows were neglected in the daily Ministration; Then the twelve (saith the text) called the multitude of the Disciples unto them, and said; It is not reason that we should leave the word of GOD, and serve Tables, Acts 6.1,2. Pluribus intentus minor est ad singula Sensus. A man's mind busied about many things, is less intent to any one thing alone. I hope you will believe him that said it; a man cannot serve two Master, for either he will love the one and hate the other, or else he will cleave to the one, and despise the other; we cannot serve GOD and Mammon. Even so, a man cannot serve two Callings well; for if one be followed, the other will be neglected.  
If a Divine hath his thoughts too much upon the world, he must of necessity be more remiss in the Service of God; one cannot Plough and Cart at once. The mischief of this was so well known to our forefather's, that Clerks were forbidden to meddle with Civil affairs, as unbeseeming Divines, and such as serve at the Altar, Can Apost. 6. & 82. and Concil. Chalcedonens. can. 7. act. 15. Non Convenit unum duplicem habere Professionem, (saith St. Ambros.) It is not for one man to have two Professions. The Prophet Isaiah will tell you what the Office of a Minister is, Chap. 52. vers. 6, 7. I have set Watchmen upon thy walls, O Jerusalem, which shall never hold their peace day nor night: Ye that make mention of the Lord, keep not silence and give him no rest, etc. When the Apostles were sent forth, our Saviour saith; And as ye go, Preach, saying; The Kingdom of heaven is at hand, Math. 10.7. and Math. 28.19,20. Go ye therefore, and teach all Nations etc. Teaching them to observe, etc. And to make an end, St. Paul saith Woe be unto me, if I Preach not the Gospel.  
What can our Laics then say for themselves? What starting holes have they now? By what Divinity, or by what Logic, can they prove it lawful, to Cobble all the week, and Preach upon the Sabbath day. To throw a Shuttle, and cry, What do you lack Sir, the six days, and then presume in God his house to tell a Tale, or their own Dreams to the people? Proh pudor, Quis cui? (as they said) of a simple unlearned man that succeeded St. chrysostom. Alas? what a sorry fellow is this? In whose room is he placed? So may we justly exclaim against this froth and filth, who leap our of their Shops into a Pulpit. Alas! what sorry fellows are these? In whose room do they stand? And as for that Common objection to maintain their actions; St. Paul was a Tentmaker, and some of the Apostles fishermans etc. it is so poor, and void of Sense, as it's not worth the answering. In the mean time, if they be still hardened, seeing their ways are perverse before the Lord, (as the Angel said to Balaam) Num. 22.32. God give the People grace to avoid them as, Mariners do rocks and ●ands. And as for them; He that is filthy, let him be filthy still, Apoc. 22.11.  
And now my Brethren, and fellow labourers in the Lord's harvest; Let it be fare from you to do the work of the Lord negligently. Hear this and tremble: I charge thee therefore before GOD, and the Lord JESUS CHRIST, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appearing and Kingdom, etc. Preach the word, being instant in season, out of season, reprove, rebuke, exhort with all long suffering and Doctrine, 2 Tim. 4.12. Never were there more ravening Wolves that come in Sheep's clothing, in the memory of man; Let us have a care Sirs then of the flock. The thief (we know) cometh not but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy, john 10.10. Let us then stand up and defend the poor Sheep of CHRIST. If by our default, any shall die in his iniquity, his blood will God require at our hand, Ezek. 3.18.  
How doth it behoove thee then (thou man of God) to look to thy charge, and to take heed to thyself, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made thee Overseer, to feed the Church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood; (as St. Paul chargeth the Elders of Ephesus, Acts 20.58. But, I blush to speaste it. There be many Ministers that mind the world more, than the weal of their Flock. Here, one is a Physician, another, a Lawyer, a third, a Merchant. One minds more the Ploughing of his field, than the ploughing up the fallow ground of men's hearts; and delights more to sow his Land, then to cast the seed of God's saying word into the hearts of his Congregation. You shall have them oftener at a Fair or Market, to buy and sell, then at their Studies for the good of men's Souls.  
Hence it is, that they are so cold and faint in their Exhortations and Reproofs to the people: When they should be bold and lift up their voyees like Trumpe●s; show the people of God their transgressions and the house of jacob their Sins, Isiah, 58.1. Then 
* Exod. 14.25.  the Chariot wheels of their zeal and devotion are taken off, so that they drive heavily. Not long since, if a Minister was abused undeservedly, he had the Law to right him (though that hedge be broken down.) But saith Bishop 
* Babing. in P●….  Babington; If he follow the Cow fair, and Sow fair, and so happen to get a broken pate, as the Law (saith he) in this kind will not help him, so I (for my part) and I too, will not greatly pity him.  
And so I will conclude with that of St. Hierome, 
Hierom. ad Nepot.  Neg●tiatorem Clericum ex inope divitem ex ignobili gloriosum, quasi quandam pestem fuge. A worldly Minister grown rich from poverty, glorious from baseness, avoid and shun as a kind of Plague.  
But again (in case of Necessity) a Minister may step aside, when they way is so soul that he cannot travel; And n marvel, a man cannot go on his journey, when he is turned out of the Road, and his Horse taken from him. Those who have lost their Live and exposed to the wide world, as (God knoweth) we have too many of them, blame them not, if they endeavour in a warrantable way to maintain themselves. their Wives, and Children. They must have a care of their Relations. This of the Apostle, lieth as nigh their doors as at any other man's, 1 Tim. 5.8. But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the Faith, and is worse than an Infidel.  
In this Case, a man of God, may use lawful means to relieve his Family, and labour with his own hands to serve his Necessities; as that Reverend 
* The Minister of Seven Oak in Kent; if he be living.  Divine was forced to Hedge and Ditch, etc. for to feed his poor Family. Who so listeth, may have the whole Parish to attest the truth of it.  
Hear I pray and repent you unworthy People of the glad tidings of the Gospel, what the Apostle writeth of the Galathians, That if it had been possible, they would have plucked out their own eyes, and have given them unto him, Galath. 4.15. Would they pluck out their Eyes? And will you pluck out their hearts? Is this beseeming Godliness? Or is this according to your Profession? Shall the Ambassadors of the high GOD find no better entertainment.  
In all ages, the Priests and Prophets (thou Idolatrous) were ever had by the People in high esteem. As for Example; The Prophets of Baal, and they of the Groves, did eat at Jezebels table, 1 Kings 18.19. In the time of the Seven year's Famine, when the rest of the Egyptians sold their Lands, the Priests were excepted, and had a certain allowance from Pharaoh. The Muzzelman (the Priest so called) is had in such reverence amongst the Turks, that when he traveleth, every one that passeth by, must veil his bonnet to him, and bow himself, and if not, he is presently beaten down with clubs. The Papists have the like esteem of their Priests as is manifest by their devout deportment in the Idolatrous Mass, in their auricular Confession; in their Penance, and in the large Salary they allow them, etc.  
Shall these Calf's Priests be thus respected by their blind auditory, and shall the people be so indulgent to them, as nothing is thought too good, too dear and will you sl●ght the faithful Ministers of CHRIST, who do,— Vos quaerere, non vestra, Seek you, not yours; And with the Apostle are willingly to spend, and to be spent for you? Shall they travel as it were in birth again? Till CHRIST be form in you, and have they this thank for their labour? Will you muzzle the mouth of the Ox that treadeth out the Corn? Will you not afford them the milch of the flock, who feedeth the Flock? Do ye not know that they which minister about holy things live of things or the Temple? And they which wait at the Altar, are partakers with the Altar? 1 Cor. 9.13. Pray read the 14. verse. Even so hath the Lord ordained, that they which Preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel.  
How can I now keep silence, or hold my tongue, when the sacred Ministers of God are held in such Contempt? That of Burton, before his Melancholy, is most true, 
Dat Galenus ●pes, that Justinianus honores,  
Sed genus & species cogitur ira pedes.  
The rich Physician, honoured Lawyer rides,  
Whilst the poor Scholar feet it by their sides.   
Many may say with the Apostle. 1 Corinth. 4.11,12. Even unto this present hour, we both hunger and thirst, and are naked, and are buffeted, and have no certain dwelling place: And labour, working with our own hands: Being reviled, we bless: Being persecuted, we suffer it.  
Where is the life of Religion, where is the power of Godliness, when such gentle, and diabolical acts are perpetrared amongst us? Can ye be said to honour God, love his Word, and his holy Sacraments, when ye suffer the Ministers of GOD, of his Word, and of his Sacraments, to want, and beg their bread, when 'tis in your power to supply them? Fie; I am ashamed to hear it, and blush that Christians (so called) should act the part of Infidels. Either express in Life what ye profess, or profess nor at all. The white Devil, (I mean a hypocrite) is Pessimum hominum genus, the worst sort of men (as Musculus writeth of an Anabaptist, and must one day expect his reward. And that is only titular, a bare Name, the vain applause of the People, who with the Ape, kills with indulgency.  
And you that possess their Live, not giving authority rest, till removed, and so force them to ways beneath them; You must come to an account too: A whole Sea of water will not wash away your stain; It must be true penitent Tears in the blood of CHRIST must do it, or nothing. In the interim, all the Oratory in the world shall never free you from the deserved Epithet, Of dry Murderers.  
You know who spoke these words; I have Coveted no man's Silver, or Gold, or apparel, Acts 20.33. Per hoc Lupe cognoscuntur qui talia Concupiscunt: Saith the ordinary Gloss,— By this the Wolves are known who covet after such things.  
What shall I say of you then, who have not only coveted, but possessed, (not these alone) but their Houses, Live, Books, Arrears, etc. The close of the Commandment is,— Nor any thing that is thy Neighbours, Exod. 20.17. How can you then excuse yourselves, when you have Coveted all things. If you Sirs be Sheep, I know not who are Wolves. Let your voice be what it will I am sure your hands are the hands of Esau.  
No wonder then to see some Ministers labours with their hands, and to beg their Bread, when 'tis a forced put, and Causa Necessitatis for mere Necessity; I shall say no more, but end with that of holy Stephen when he was stoned to Death; Lord lay not this Sin unto their charge, Acts, 7.60.   
FINIS.   

LONDON, Printed by T. Forcet, for the Author 1655.