Dagon's Fall Before the ARK.  
OR, The Smoke of the Bottomless Pit scoured away, by the breath of the Lords mouth, and by the brightness of his coming.  
WRITTEN. Primarily, As a Testimony for the Lord, his Wisdom, Creation, products of his Power; useful and necessary Knowledge, capacitating people for the concerns of this Life.  
Secondarily, As a Testimony against the Old Serpent his wisdom, which is foolishness with God, his Arts, Inventions, Comedies or Interludes, Tragedies, lascivious Poems, frivolous Fables, spoiling Philosophy, taught in Christian Schools.  
Wherein, as in a Glass, Teachers in Schools and Colleges may see their concern, neither Christian, nor warrantable.  
By Thomas Lawson.  
Qui novit utilia, non qui multa, sapiens habendas.  Orat. D. Rainoldi. 
Id verum, quod prius, prius, quod ab initio, ab initio, quod ab Apostolis.  Tertul. 
Adam nunquam è beatitudinis paradiso pulsus fuisset, nisi, Serpent Magistro, didicisset scire bonum & malum.  Cornel. Agrip. de Van. Scient. 
Printed in the year 1679.   

THE CONTENTS Of the following TREATISE.  

Chap. 1. OF Heavenly wisdom, and her Children, being true and divine Philosophers.  
Chap. 2. Of the rise and progress of Serpentine wisdom, that is, the wisdom of this World.  
Chap. 3. Of the rise and progress of Pagan Philosophy, worldly wisdom, crept in among the Professors of Christianity, and Testimonies of the Holy men of God against the same.  
Chap. 4. A rehearsal of Testimonies, borne by several men eminent in the Church, since the Apostles days, against Heathen learning, or the teaching of it, in Christian Schools, as of others.  
Chap. 5. A Memento to Schoolmasters and Tutors, to turn from Heathen, to the Godly and Christian education of Youth; as also of the rise of Christian Schools, and how the same came to be corrupted.  
Chap. 6. Lastly, a few Queries soberly proposed to the consideration of such as teach Heathen Authors in Christian Schools.    

DAGON'S Fall before the ARK.  

CHAP. I. Of Heavenly Wisdom, and her Children, being true and divine Philosophers.  
THere is a wisdom, whose Merchandise transcends the Merchandise of Silver, whose gain surmounts the gain of the purest Gold, more precious than Rubies, than the Onyx, Saphire, Crystal, Coral, or Topaz of Ethiopia; her ways are ways of pleasantness, all her paths are peace; she is a Tree of Life; By her King's reign, and Princes decree justice; her fruit is better than Gold, her revenue than choice Silver; she was from everlasting, or ever the Earth was, before the Depths, before the Fountains abounding with waters, before the Mountains were settled, before the Hills towered up, before the Curtain of the Heavens was prepared, before the Clouds above were established, before the Sea had its decree, before the foundation of the Earth was appointed, before the Rain, or pearly drops of Dew, before the Ice, and hoary frost of Heaven, before the Pleides, and the bands of Orion, before Mazzaroth, Arcturus, and his Sons, before the Bottles of Heaven were poured out: In this wisdom Adam was created, in purity, innocency, and righteousness, a noble extract; in this, he had dominion over the Fish of the Sea, over the Fowl of the Air, over the Cattle, over all the Earth, and over every creeping thing; through the virtue and influence of this, he knew his Creator, and had an understanding of the natures and properties of the Creation, and gave names to all Cattle, and to the Fowl of the Air, and to every Beast of the Field, and that significant names.  
Through this, Adam was all fair, through a Garment conferred upon him, out of the Wardrobe of Eternity, while in the love and power of this, he was a true Divine Philosopher; that is, a Lover of wisdom, not tainted by the intermixture of the Serpent, not his ensnaring inventions. The living God (saith the Paraphrast on the Samaritan Pentateuch) form Adam, and filled him with the Spirit of wisdom and knowledge, that from him, as from a Fountain, all useful Arts and Sciences might flow unto his posterity; for besides the secret virtues of living Creatures, of Plants, of Stones, of Metals, and Minerals, he perfectly knew the influences of supernal Bodies, saith Theoph. Gale. And if Adam and his posterity had persevered in that state of Heavenly wisdom, innocency and sincerity, in which he was created, here had been no defilements of Astrologers, Charmers, Consulters with Familiar Spirits, Diviners, Enchanters, Magicians, Nicromancers, Observers of Times, Prognosticators, Soothsayers, Sorcerers, Witches, Wizards, who all derive their power, and foolish infernal knowledge, from those lying Lips, which seduced Adam and Eve from the Royal Court of the Lords blessed presence, into the dead Sea of delusions, and wicked estrangments from God.  
Yea I say, if Adam and his posterity had kept their standing in Heavenly wisdoms dominion, we had had no lascivious Poems, no wanton Comedies, no vain Tragedies, no foolish Fables, no bewitching Orations, no spoiling Philosophy, no Pagan Ethics, Physics, or Metaphysics, which are the infatuating dregs of the Hellish dead Sea, the smoke of the bottomless Pit, as hereafter may more fully be touched.  
About the tenth Generation after the Flood, Abraham the Father of the faithful, grew up among the Chaldeans, in the saving knowledge of the Lord; he loved Heavenly wisdom, and the products thereof, the Creation, so was a true Philosopher; through Faith he obtained a good report, and among other things this record remains concerning him, Shall I hid from Abraham, saith the Lord, the thing which I do, etc. For I know him, that he will command his children, and his household after him, and they shall keep the way of the Lord, to do justice and judgement, Gen. 18.17, 18, 19 This was the sum of Abraham's Doctrine to his Family; this he, and the faithful Patriarches taught, justifying Heavenly wisdom, and the blessed order of it: Heathenism they kept out, through the shield of Faith; and who are of Abraham, they do the works of Abraham, and shun Heathenism.  
Moses grew up in the knowledge of the living God, and of the Creation; he loved the wisdom that was from above, so was a true Divine Philosopher. Clemens Alexandrinus wrote of him, that he was a Divine and a Prophet.  
Now if any allege, That Moses was learned in all the wisdom of the Egyptians, (that is, in profane Arts and Sciences) and was mighty in words and in deeds, Acts 7.22.  
I answer, True it is, Moses was so learned, which Egyptian learning (faith Pererius) was Pagan Mathematics, Ethics, Physics, Metaphysics, a chief part whereof was Hieroglyphics; but when he was to be concerned for the living God, to go his Message, see how his profane Arts and Sciences, the Egyptian Hieroglyphics, furthered him, he was mute, Exod. 4.10, 11, 12. he said to the Lord, O my Lord, I am not eloquent: The Lord said unto him, Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say. Here he is drawn from the dirty puddle of profane Arts and Sciences, Egyptian wisdom, Pagan Metaphysics, Hieroglyphics: In a word from those lying lips, which deceived Adam and Eve, and all the inventions thereof, even to the mouth of God, the Wellspring of pure wisdom, savoury knowledge, and sound understanding. Thus Moses being brought to that mouth, which taught Adam and Eve in the state of innocency, he streamed out Heavenly eloquence, saying, My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass, Deut. 32.2. No profane Arts nor Sciences, no Egyptian Mathematics, no Hieroglyphics, no Pagan Ethics, Physics or Metaphysics dropped out of his mouth.  
Though Moses was excellent in the wisdom of the Egyptians, yet he hath left us nothing thereof in writing, nor encouraged any to learn the same: Ambrose gives the reason of this, because he had received God's Spirit, and Heavenly wisdom thereby; so as God's Servant was faithful in all his house, he preferred Heavenly Truth before vain Earthly Philosophy, and concerned himself only in things whose tendency were to the furtherance of Faith. Trapp on the Acts.  
Further Moses said unto Israel, Exo 23.13. In all things that I have said unto you, be circumspect, and make no mention of the names of other gods, neither let it be heard out of thy mouth. He preached not up Egyptian learning, nor the Egyptian gods, nor any gods of the Heathen, but to raze the memorial of them from off the face of the Earth, saying, make no mention of the names of other gods: but Schools and Colleges show forth another Spirit, ringing with the names of Mars, Bacchus, Apollo, and multitudes more, which I forbear to mention.  
Furthermore, Moses speaking of the Statutes, Judgements, and Commandments of the Lord, received from Heaven, for the edification of Israel, said, Ye shall teach them to your children; when thou sittest in thine house, when thou walkest by the way, when thou liest down, when thou risest up, Deut. 11.19. Here was Heavenly wisdom, Statutes, Judgements and Commandments, received from the mouth of Eternity, to be taught to Children; not Egyptian Mathematics, Hieroglyphics, Ethics, Physics, Metaphysics, not lascivious Poems, Comedies. Tragedies, Fables, spoiling Philosophy, wherewith Schools and Colleges, though professing Christianity and Reformation, now abound. Further Moses said to Israel, When thou art come into the Land which the Lord thy God giveth thee, thou shalt not learn to do after the abominations of those Nations, Deut. 18.9. Now it is sealed in my inward parts, that Heathen Poems, Pagan Philosophy, foolish Comedies, Tragedies, Fables, etc. taught in the Schools of Christendom, are abomination in the sight of the Lord, though of high esteem among men, and driven as it were vi & armis, by force of Arms into tender years.  
Joshua grew up in the pure knowledge of the Lord, received Heavenly wisdom, walked in it, prized it above the Gold of Ophir, so was a true Philosopher, God promised to be with him, as he was with Moses, Jos. 1.5. he taught Israel not to be defiled with the abomination of the Heathen, nor to make mention of the names of their gods, Jos. 23. so the Serpent and his inventions he fenced out: Schools and Colleges now professing Christianity, Scriptures and the Gospel, teaching the abominable inventions of the Heathen, are not come to Moses, who forbade these things, death reigns there.  
I am easy to persuade (saith Theophilus' Gale) that the old Egyptians learned many things of Joseph, concerning the Soul, and the originality, immateriality, immortality, and state of it after death; and not only from him, but from the Patriarches, and from the writings of Moses, they received many things, which they stained with the excrements of their own inventions, as 'tis recorded. As for saving knowledge, pure understanding, sound judgement, these are derived from the Lord, the Wellspring of life. After that Joseph had given Pharaoh advice, concerning the ensuing Famine, and other things, Pharaoh prized him above all the Wisemen of Egypt, Sorcerers, Magicians, Enchanters, saying, Can we find such a one as this is, a man in whom the Spirit of God is? Further he said unto Joseph, In as much as God hath showed thee all this, there is none so discreet and wise as thou art, Gen. 41.38, 39 Thus the wisdom and discretion received from the mouth of God, was preferred before wisdom received otherwise.  
Bezaleel was filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom, in understanding, and in knowledge, and in all manner of workmanship, to work in Gold, and in Silver, and in Brass, in cutting of Stones, in carving of Timber, for the building of the Tabernacle, Exod. 31. Thus he was qualified from Heaven, without Ethnic education, so was a true Philosopher; implying, that such as under the Evangelical dispensation, are appointed for the building up of the living Tabernacle, Sons or Daughters, their qualification for that work is from Heaven, and not from below.  
Solomon, the Lord gave unto him a wise and understanding heart, whereby he knew the Lord, and had great understanding in the Lord's Creation, without Ethnic education, he was a true Philosopher, 1 Kings 3.12. he builded the Temple, and overlaid it within with pure Gold, 1 Kings 6. What implies this? but that such as under the Gospel ministration, are prepared for the building up of the Spiritual Temple, be they Sons or Daughters, their preparation is of the Lord; and that he had a clear understanding of the Lords Creation, is demonstrable from Scripture records, for he spoke of Trees, from the Cedar tree that is in Lebanon, even unto the Hyssop that springeth out of the Wall; he spoke also of Beasts, and of Fowl, and of creeping things, and of Fishes, 1 Kings 1. his wisdom excelled all the wisdom of the East-Country, and all the wisdom of Egypt; so that the Queen of the South, whom the Ethiopian Chronicles call Mackeda, came from the uttermost parts of the Earth to hear the wisdom of Solomon; who was so taken with the Heavenly wisdom that dropped out of his mouth, that she could have been content to have changed her Throne for his Foot stool; he said her not with Ethnic Serpentine wisdom, but with what was Spiritual and Divine. Trapp on Matth. 12.  
Jehoshaphat taught no Pagan Philosophy, no Heathenism, but the perfect Law, and pure Statutes of the Lord, the Lord was with him, 2 Chron. 17.  
Ezra caused no Pagan Philosophy, no Heathenism, no saln wisdom to be taught in Israel, to old or young; but going from Babylon to Jerusalem, the good hand of God being upon him, he sought the Law of the Lord, and taught the Statutes and Judgements of the Lord in Israel, Ezra 7. Now who neglect the wisdom from above, and propagate Earthly Serpentine wisdom, which is from below, such are in Babylon, not come to the Jerusalem which is above.  
Job of the Land of Us, perfect and upright, fearing God and eschewing evil, he knew that his Redeemer lived in the wisdom of his Redeemer; he knew the Lord, and saw much into the Creation of the Lord, so was a true and Divine Philosopher. That he was wise in the Creation, it appears, he spoke of Thunder, of Vapours, of Clouds, of Rain, of Snow, of Hail, of the Sea, of Fountain, of Metals, as Gold, Silver, Iron, Brass, of Stones, of precious Stones, of subterraneous Fire, of Stars, of living Creatures, of Earthquakes, of Arcturus, Orion, and the Pleides, of the Sun, of the Heavens, etc.  
Asuph in the wisdom of God, desired that the pure Statutes and Judgements of the Lord, might be taught to Children, not the ways of the Heathen, Psal. 58.5, 6, 7. he made Covenant with Jacob, and gave Israel a Law, which he commanded our forefathers to teach their Children, that their posterity might know it, and the Children which were yet unborn.  
Isaiah seasoned with the inspiration of the Almighty, prized the wisdom from above; speaking of the Ploughman, he said, God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him, Isa. 28. So the Ploughman that is centred in the fear of the Lord, is taught of the Lord discretion in his calling, without Heathen education. Yea, and prophesying of the glory of the Evangelical dispensation, he testified thus, They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea, Isa. 11.9. Mark, here the knowledge of the Lord is preached up, that knowledge which he teaches, which he accepts of: this shuts out the knowledge and wisdom of this world, brought in by the old Serpent, the god of this world.  
The living God gave knowledge and skill in all learning and wisdom, unto Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; and Daniel had understanding in all Visions and Dreams; and this was by the teaching of the Lord, without recourse to Ethnic study and education, Dan. 1. the King found them ten times wiser than all his Magicians and Astrologers.  
What is the chaff to the wheat, saith the Lord? Jer. 23.28. all products of the Serpent, all lascivious Poems, wanton Comedies, vain Tragedies, frivolous Fables, spoiling Philosophy, the wisdom of the world, which is foolishness with God; these are but as Chaff, to be scattered by Christ's Fan.  
The Jews under the Mosaical dispensation, had Schools in every City and Province, built upon Hills, as Writers tell us; there is mention of the Hill Moreb, that is, the Hill of the Teacher, Judg. 7.1. In these, while they kept the charge of the Lord, there was nothing taught but the knowledge of the Lord, and of his Creation: In these (saith Theophilus' Gale) they taught the Priests and Levites their Offices, being chosen of God thereunto.  
In every Age and Generation, such as were truly made alive unto God, they held out the wisdom of God, as the only Soulwishing treasure, and bare testimony against the wisdom of the flesh, pernicious as the poison of Alps.  
The fear of the Lord (saith Solomon) is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the holy is understanding, Pro. 9.10. and who come not to the beginning of wisdom, the fear of the Lord, such are strangers to Heavenly wisdom, and to the precious effects thereof; now as for lascivious Poems, foolish Comedies, vain Tragedies, frivolous Fables, bewitching Orations, spoiling Philosophy, taught in Christian Schools; these proceeded from men not centred in the fear of the Lord, the same is foolishness with God. The Law of thy mouth (said the man of God) is dearer unto me then thousands of Gold and Silver; Here wisdom, knowledge and understanding, and sound Judgement is preferred before earthly treasures; mark this, it was the Law of the mouth of the Lord, that he thus prized, not earthly, sensual, and devilish wisdom, the muddy and poisonous streams of the Serpent.  
We read of certain Libertines, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicians and Asians, puffed up with the breath of the Serpent's bellows, these in the wisdom of the flesh disputed with Stephen, who was in the wisdom of the spirit and they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spoke, Acts. 6.9, 10. Paul held out nothing but Christ, and the same Serpentine-wisdom in Instruments of all sorts, opposes and gainsays the in-breaking of Heavenly wisdom, in this our Age, and many witnesses raised out of the dust, notwithstanding on their feet in the Dominion of Truth; know that the Lord is now at work, and that the Mystery of iniquity must be cast out, not by outward Sword, Battle, Axe, or any Instruments of War, but by the breath of the Lords mouth, and by the brightness of his coming.  
Paul though he was profound in natural Parts, Abilities, and acquired accomplishments, yet when Christ was revealed in him, the Teacher of Heavenly wisdom, at Rome, as at other places, he Preached the Kingdom of God, and the things which concerned the Lord Jesus, and plenteous redemption in him, not one word of Pagan Philosophy, Acts. 28.30, 31.  
Further Paul who had the mind of Christ, he, at Corinth a City abounding with Philosophers and Orators, Preached up the wisdom of God, and bare record against the wisdom of the flesh; Heathen Philosophy, saying, we speak wisdom among them that are perfect, yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the Princes of this world, which comes to nought: Further faith he, Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth, 1 Cor. 1. and 1 Cor. 2.6.13.  
Further, Paul speaking of Christ, said▪ in him are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge, Colos. 2.3. out of Christ, then there is no true wisdom or solid comfort to be found, the depth saith, it is not in me, the world's Wizards cannot help any to it, Jer. 8.9. Lo, they have rejected the word of the Lord, and what wisdom is in them? true it is, who rejected the indwelling word of Faith, or Patience, of Reconciliation, of Heavenly Wisdom, there is no wisdom in them, but unprofitable dross of foolishness.  
Now seeing all the treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge are in Christ, no part of this treasure is left out, to enrich Heathen Philosophy, which the Gospel casts out as a sandy, dry, barren, desolate and unprofitable thing, seeing these treasures, all these treasures are in Christ, the same then are to be sought of, and in Christ, not as Aristotle, Plato, or any other of the world's Philosophers, being but broken Cisterns, not holding the water of life, Solomon spoke feelingly; the Lord gives wisdom, out of his mouth comes knowledge and understanding, Pro. 2.6  
While Adam stood to the Lords teaching. he received the treasures of Heavenly wisdom, sound knowledge and understanding, peace, joy, and consolation as a stream; but turning aside to the Serpents teaching, to his mouth, he left his Dominion in the Lord, his blessed State; and out of the Serpent's mouth proceeded all wickedness, all fleshly wisdom, all frivolous Arts and Sciences now taught in Christian Schools (so called:) so, who run to Pagan Philosophers, as Aristotle, Plato, or any lascivious Poet, Comedian, Tragedian, they revolt from Christ the treasury of Heavenly wisdom: Who gives eternal life, and an everlasting Inheritance, and run a Whoring after fallen wisdom, so are guilty of Israel's sin, Jer. 2.13. Paul was first brought up at the feet of Gamaliel, born in Tarsus, that had read Aratus, Meander and Epimanides, Authors, is clear by what he cited; but while he stood in the Ethnic mind, he was a grand persecutor, idolised his Ethnic education; but Christ being revealed in him, the Storehouse of Heavenly wisdom, knowledge and understanding; then he accounted Ethnic Learning as dung and dross, Phil. 3.7, 8. All his idolised, magnified, and highly prized Arts, Parts and Attainments, of fallen wisdom, he accounted but as dung, wisdom from above being revealed; the Lord called Paul wise in naturals, and many that were ignorant thereof to Preach the everlasting Gospel.  
Further, Paul in the wisdom from above at the University of Athens, he reproved their Idolatry, Superstition and Heathenism; he taught nothing but the living God, and Christ Jesus, Acts 17. In the comprehending life, he saw these Philosophers, Epicureans, Stoics, and withstood them; but they in the gloomy region of Heathenism saw not him, nor the Heavenly wisdom that he Preached, so called him a babbler; yet he fought not in vain but conquered several, so prevailed, that many renounced their Pagan Philosophy, and curious Artists burned their Books of earthly Satanical wisdom; thus Paul in the Armour of righteousness disarmed these pagan Philosophers, the Devils Champions, and brought them to be Zions Converts to receive her Armour Acts 19  
James one of the Lords worthies, writing to the twelve Tribes scattered, said, if any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, James 1.5. He commends the ignorant to the Lord, not to Aristotle, Plato, nor to any other Pagan Philosopher.  
Further, James the Apostle of the Lamb, describing the nature and quality of Heavenly wisdom, said, the wisdom that is from above, is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, easy to be entreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy, Jam. 3.17. Now no other wisdom than this, was taught in the primitive Times, in Christian Churches and Schools, while the purifying, and Victory giving Faith, was kept: the wisdom of the world was Preached against as foolishness with God. Now whoever refuses Wisdom, Knowledge, and Understanding at the mouth of the Lord, such learn Foolishness, Ignorance, Carnal wisdom and wickedness at the mouth of the Serpent, and his wisdom, nothing that's good prospers under it.   

CHAP. II. Of the Rise and Progress of Serpentine Wisdom, that is the Wisdom of this World.  
A Dam was Created a noble Plant, a blessed Disciple, while obedient to the teaching of his Creator, among many Pure, Heavenly, Sound, Savoury, and wholesome lessons, this was one; not to eat of, nor touch the forbidden Tree lest they die. Now the Serpent filled with subtlety, laboured, first to beget Eve into a questioning of the verity of God's Heavenly Doctrine; saying, Yea, hath God said, Ye shall not eat of every Tree of the Garden, Secondly, the Serpent expressly contradicted Gods Heavenly Doctrine, saying, Ye shall not truly die. Thirdly, The Serpent informed Eve, that by touching and eating of that Tree, an advantage should accrue thereby to them; Ye shall be as Gods, knowing good and evil, Gen. 3. the Serpent became prevalent, Gods teaching was rejected, the Serpent's deadly Teachings and Insinuations, Charms and Enchantments, were entertained, through this compliance; the Serpent got the Chair (as I may say) and became Teacher, than according to the Lords Heavenly word, death entered in upon them, even as a Consumption seizes upon man's body gradually, in this compliance with the Serpent, a seed of enmity was sown in man's heart, and from that seed sprung another World, even a World of wickedness, savouring of the nature of the hellish seedsman; Adam had never been driven out of the Paradise of blessedness but that through the Serpent being his Teacher, he learned to know good and evil, (saith Cornelius Agrippa of the vanity of Sciences.)  
While man kept his Station in the virtue of the ancient of days, he lived, moved, and had his being in him, he thought, spoke, and acted in him; Yea, his thoughts, words, and actions, were the thoughts, words, and actions of God, in him and through him; here was a blessed Sabbath, Christ said unto his Disciples, travelling unto the pleasant Valley of Adam's Innocency; it is not ye that speak, but the spirit of your Father which speaketh in you, Matth. 10. yea, and Peter an Apostle of the Lamb, bare Record; saying, Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost, 2 Pet. 1.21. So that all the Holy Patriarches, Prophets, Apostles, Primitive Christians, Children of Light, Children of the Day, who thought, spoke and acted, in and through the virtue of the Lords presence in them; their Language was the Language of the Lord, 'tis so now of what Nation, Kingdom or Country soever such be, yet they are living wirnesses of that Language promised by the Lord, who said, I will turn to the people a pure Language, that they may call upon the name of the Lord, to serve him with one consent, Zeph. 3.9.  
In like manner Adam backsliden from the Lord, and complying with the old thoughts, words and works, from the miry lake of his power, and his posterity centred in the gloomy region of the same, what proceeds from this hellish conjunction, is the Language of the old Serpent, the Language of the beast, all wanton Poets, Comedians, Tragedians, painted Orators, Pagan Philosophers are here found, thus of Bethel, that is, the House of God, man became Bethaven, that is, a House of iniquity and vanity.  
Thus the Serpent prevailing, and his Kingdom increasing, his hellish Pills (as I may say) being swallowed, man was wrought out of his right course and disposition, hence issued a numberless number of internal Diseases.  
As in a corporal Imposthume, purulent and foul matter is gathered together in some part of the body; so through joining with the Serpent, purulent and foul matter of sin, iniquity, transgression, satanical Arts and Inventions are brought forth, whereby the Sons and Daughters of men are defiled.  
As in an external Atrophy or Consumption, the body through the want of due and convenient nutriment, by little and little pines way; so through complying with the Serpent, the mouth of faith came, and comes to be shut, which receives spiritual nourishment, which not being received, spiritual leanness stepped, and stepped in, yea a spiritual Consumption.  
As in a corporal Lethargy, there is an unsatiable propensity to sleepiness, drowsiness and forgetfulness; so Adam not keeping his Heavenly Dominion in his ●aker, but attending to the evil one, was thereby brought into a spiritual Lethargy into a sleepy, drowsy, and forgetful state this was Isaraels' which occasioned the Lords complaint; my people have forgotten me days without number, Jer. 2.32.  
As through a depraved Appetite, wholesome nourishment is refused, nonconvenient, unprofitable, and Noxious things are desired; even so the mind being carnalized Heavenly wisdom, Bread of life, Water of life, Honey out of the Rock, the food of the soul is loathed, and spoiling Philosophy, Satanical Arts, Parts and endowments; in a word, the wisdom that is from below, is unsatiably sought after.  
Adam entering the barren Borders of Satanism, from a Hellish Lake, in the increase of that Kingdom, collected, gushed out a muddy stream of Diabolical Arts, pernicious inventions, and Artists; hence came he ungodly Astrologers, who from the observation of the Heavens, take upon them to foretell, what good or evil shall betid Men, States, Persons, People, so to determine things of future contingence.  
Thence crawled out Charms, who use Verses, Words, Ceremonies, Spells, to produce their desired ends, as to heal, or hurt people, young or old.  
Hence crawled out Diviners, Wizards, who by a Diabolical Spirit take upon them to presage or foretell things to come.  
Hence crawled out observers of Times, who superstitiously make difference of days and times, as good or bad, luckily or unlucky as they say, for the doing of such a work, or undertaking a Journey, or appointing times for the doing of things.  
Hence crawled out the Consulters of Familiar Spirits, this was saul's sin, who sought to a woman that had a Familiar Spirit; for which transgression the Lord brought this heavy Judgement upon him.  
Hence crawled out Enchanters, who by observing the events of things, gather signs of good or evil, luck, (as they say) to themselves or others, and who by secret slights and juggle, deceive or delude the eyesight.  
Hence crawled out Witches, Sorcerers, having deal with the Devil by compact or confederacy, changing any thing before the sight, by a Diabolical power.  
Hence crawled out Necromancers, speaking to the dead, or to the Devil in the form of the dead, making inquiry of the same, as Saul did.  
Hence crawled out the Magician, who through covenant with Satan is skilled in Magic Art.  
Hence sprung in the Monthly Prognosticatours, taking upon them to foretell the occurrents of each Month.  
Hence crawled out Soothsayers, who from the observation of the sky, or flight of Birds, take upon them to foretell things to come.  
Hence came in Stargazers, pretending knowledge of future events, by the observation of the courses and conjunction of the Stars; these Artists were first found among the Heathens, after crept into Israel, though expressly forbidden by the Lord, and are found also as it is said, among the professors of Christianity.  
The Idolatrous Egyptians were great practitioners of Divination, who (as Writers affirm) first of all derived their Divination from the four Elements; some Divined from the observation of Fire; hence Pyromancy.  
Some Divined by the Air; hence Aeromancy.  
Some Divined by Water; hence Hydromancy.  
Some Divined by the Earth; hence Geomancy.  
After this, wickedness and Satanical skill increasing, a further progress was made; For,  
Some Divined by Fish; hence Icthuomancy.  
Some Divined by Herbs; hence Botanomancy.  
Some Divined by Figs; hence Sycomancy.  
Some Divined by Eggs; hence Oomancy.  
Some Divined by Rods; hence Rabdomancy.  
Some by the crowing of Cocks; hence Alectrimancy.  
Some by She-goats; hence Aigemancy.  
Some Divined by Dreams; hence Oneiromancy.  
Some Divined by Insense; hence Libanomancy.  
Some by Water in a Basin; hence Licanomancy.  
Some Divined by Smoke; hence Capnomancy.  
Some Divined by the Bay-tree; hence Daphnomancy.  
Some Divined by Wax; hence Ceromancy. Some by the lines of the Hands; hence Chiromancy.  
Some Divined by Sieve and Shears; hence Cosciomancy.  
This kind of Divination is (as 'tis said) much in use now in the Northern parts, by the frequenters of Horse Courses and Foot Races.  
Some Divined by an Axe; hence Axinomancy.  
Some Divined by Lots; hence Cleromancy.  
Some by the inspection of Flour; hence Alphitomancy.  
Some Divined and gave answers out of their Bellies; hence Gastromancy. Some Divined by the observation of Birds, some by the entrails of Beasts, some of these, (if not many,) are crept in among the professors of Christianity. Solomon knew what he said, when he said, God made man upright, but they have fought out many Inventions, Eccles. 7.  
From the very same ground issued in Idolatry, Superstition, damnable Heresies, pernicious Schisms, strong Delusions, perverse Dispute, vagrant and wand'ring Desires, fruitless Janglings, inconvenient Jesting, sinful oppositions of Sciences, Enchanting Orations, feigned Purgatory, dreamt of by Plato the Philosopher, and Virgil the Heathen Poet, defended by many in the Apostasy.  
Thus you see the wisdom of God being rejected, and the wisdom of the old Serpent, and his Teaching being entertained, what Hellish Artists and Arts, what ungodly and unlawful Inventions, what strange and soul-destroying Doctrines, are crept into the Stage of the World; what an Eclipse is come upon the Sons and Daughters of men; but the Sun of righteousness is risen, and rising with an effectual healing virtue, whereby the foggy exaltation of sin, iniquity, and transgression of wicked Arts, and frivolous inventions, shall be scourged away.   

CHAP. III. Of the Rise and Progress of Pagan Philosophy, Worldly wisdom crept in among the professors of Christianity, and Testimonies of the Holy men of God against the same.  
Pagans of several Nations, desirous of wisdom, to some straps of Moses relating to Morals, Naturals and Supernaturals, added the corrupt ingredients of their own Inventions and imaginations; so patch up their Ethics, Physics, and Metaphysics, so triumphed in the splendour of their wisdom, and gained great esteem through the same, and were (as I may say) pointed at by the fingers of others, and were called Magis, that is, wisemen, whatsoever (saith Andrew Sympson) Orpheus Homer, Solon, Pythagoras, Plato, and other Grecians, Philosophers, Poets, Historians, have left in Record, concerning God and Divine things, they took all out of the Books of Moses, whereunto they added the intermixture of their own Inventions and imaginations, depraved and wrested the same, August. de Civit. Dei, to say the best Rabbins, and Philosophers saith Trap; sunt bona mista malis, sunt mala mista bonis, that is to say in them, good is mixed with evil, and evil with good.  
The Greeks through this py-bal wisdom were called Sophoi, that is, wisemen; now Pythagoras refused that Title as too ambitious, and peculiar to Ens Entium, the being of beings, God alone, and in way of modesty he called himself Philosophos, that is, a Lover of wisdom; which Title Socrates, Plato and others assumed, in imitation of these Greeks, the Romans called such Philosophy, and imitation of the Romans; in the English Orthography, such are called Philosophers, that is, Lover of wisdom; hence came the Philosophy of the Egyptians, Phoenicians, Chaldeans, Phrygians, Lybians, Ethiopians, Scythians, Thracians, Persians, Indians, brahmin's, Spaniards, Italians, Greeks, Druids, of Pythagoras, Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, of the Cynics, Stoics, Sceptics, Epicureans; these say, and many others, received their Philosophy; from the writings of Moses, by them depraved and wrested, adding the dregs of their own opinions, inventions and imaginations they received of these things also, one from another.  
And of the agreement or rather disagreement of the Pagan Philosophers among themselves, Writers are not silent, for not being content with Logomachy, that is, Verbal altercation; they fell at length to Dagger drawing one against another, Johan. Franc. Pic. Mizand.  
Of the absurd opinions of Pagan Philosophers, as of their Magic's South say, Conjure, casting of Nativities, their Doctrine of the world's Eternity, of the Souls Mortality, of the transmigration of the Soul from one body into another, of like temperament and quality, I forbear further to particularise.  
How Pagan Philosophy. Arts and Languages, called Handmaids to Divinity, have been and are courted, embraced and entertained Heavenly wisdom, the Mistress, hath been and is slighted, the wise in heart understand: the Egyptians (saith Theophilus Gales) so pursued the study of the Mathematics, that the Title of Prophet, Priest, or wiseman, was allowed to none, but such as were profoundly instructed therein before. Now how spoiling Philosophy, Tongues, Ethnic Arts, natural endowments and qualifications, are doted upon among the Professors of Christianity is evident, in that, who without qualifications are fitted by the Lord, for the work of the Ministry, they are branded as Heretics, and persecuted.  
It was a saying of Solomon, Take away the dross from the Silver, and there shall come forth a Vessel for the finer, Pro. 25.4. Now if th● intermixture of Paganism, spoiling Philosophy, Satanical Arts; in a word, the wisdom of the flesh, which is foolishness, with God, were scoured away, and Heavenly wisdom in its primitive purity in Schools and Churches were restored; happy would the Nations be, which in measure was attempted; for in the School of Alexandria, an Eclecktick Sect flourished, so called, because it Selected and picked out the choice parts of Philosophy, out of all Sects, this laudable attempt was undertaken by men accounted eminent, Potamon, Plutarch, Ammonius and other Philosophers, with what issue and success a conclusion may be drawn, for that somuch of the dross of Satanical Art, carnal reason, inventions and imagination remains, as that it yet remains, spoiling Philosophy; Corruptio optimi fit pessima, that is, best things corrupted, become the worst. Theophilus' Gale advises well that all the placets, or opinions of Philosophers, should be brought to be tried by the holy Scriptures, that there it may appear, what should be embraced, and what should be rejected.  
Man in the beauty of his Innocency was to eye the Lord, and in his Spirit, the Creaation, the products of the Lords power and wisdom, for all serious, solid, sound and justifiable knowledge, relates to the essentiality of God, and to the Creation, the products of his power, and to useful and necessary concerns; herein appears true wisdom, primitive Philosophy: Plato though an Ethnic, through a Divine spark, or through the writings of Moses, in that spark boldly and truly called, the knowledge of God, the true Philosophy, how (saith Epinomondas) can God be the Author of all good, if he be not the Author of the chiefest good, that is, wisdom.  
The Serpent being prevalent, disjointed, dislocated; that is, wrested man out of his blessed State, and centred him in his own power, whence issued into the world, a muddy stream of earthly wisdom, inventions, and Idolatry; the posterity of Noah, (saith Theophilus' Gale) degenerating from the pure Philosophy, that is, wisdom of the Patriarches, plunged into the bottomless pit, of diabolical Astrology, and Idolatry; for in their contemplation of Celestial bodies, the feeling of the Creator being lost, they were first of all hurried to the admiration of them, afterwards to the adoration of them; so those glorious Creatures being lifted up into the throne of the Creator, became the object of monstrous Idolatry, Rom. 1.21. Deut. 4.19. Job. 31.26, 27.  
Geographers affirm that the Valley in which Sodom and Gomorrah were built, was full of saltish and bituminous pits; the Lake Asphaltites, called also, Mare Mortuum that is, the dead Sea, because the very Fish cannot live in its foul gross waters, yea; anp Birds flying over it were smothered and killed by its exhalations: Adam as Created of the Lord, was a fruitful Valley, plenteous, infragrant, odoriferous, aromatical, balsamical fruits, showing forth the regency of the Lamb's life in him, closing with the deadly whispers of the Serpent, a muddy Lake (as I may say) gushed into the world, whose exhalations are pernicious, this may spiritually be called the dead Sea; none can live to God, to righteousness, in that which the Devil brings in, in the putrid or rotten stock old Adam, all die, in Christ is life.  
Obj. We read Philosophers, because many good moral say are in them, and we learn natural Arts to qualify and enable us, for the understanding of Heavenly things.  
Ans. 'Tis recorded in Scripture, that Christ is the true light, that lighteth every man that cometh into the world, Joh. 1.9. Pagan Philosophers, as well as others, I (said Du Hamel) ascent unto the Platonists, that men's minds are enlightened with a Divine light; so every man hath in himself the ground of morality, which man turning from within, and fetching in from without, he continues in Clouds of darkness, and an Eclipse in the world of his heart, what the Philosophers spoke from that, is found and good, but through a now perseverance in it, intermixtures entered in, and what proceeded from the mind thus carnalized, was spoiling Philosophy; Corruptio optimi fit pessima, as before; yea, and the same John bare Record, saying, the light shined in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not, John. 1.5. this non-comprehension of Pagan Philosophers, as well as of others, so far prevailed, that they could in no wise comprehend the sparks of Divine light, which shined in the darkness of their hearts, but unjustly, and wickedly, resisted, restrained, and opposed the same, Rom. 1.18, 19 etc.  
And natural Arts, Parts, Endowments, Languages, Accomplishments, cannot reveal the knowledge of Heavenly things; Canst thou (said Zophar) by searching find out God? Job. 11.7, etc. No man knows the Father save the Son, and he to whom the Son reveals him, Matth. 11.27. and Paul, who was eminent in Tongues, natural in Parts and Abilities, and knew what Key opened into the rich Cabinet of Heavenly wisdom, and Treasures, he excluded natural Arts, and Parts to be that Key; saying expressly, the natural man receives not the things of the spirit of God, etc. neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. 2.14. God and the things of God, are known in and by the spirit, this spirit Paul Preaches up, not natural Arts, Parts, and Tongues; Plato a Heathen Philosopher, said well, virtue is not acquired but infused of God, a natural man though he have mounted to the Turret of Philosophic elevations, and may profess himself to be a great Sophist, that is, wiseman; yet he is ignorant of the saving knowledge of the Lord, which only comes by the teaching of the Lord, Rom. 1.22. Acts. 17.18, 23.1. Cor. 2.14.  
Holy men of God, inspired of God, taught of God, replenished with the virtue, influence, and sweetness, of Heavenly wisdom, in the Patriarchal, Mosaical, and Evangelical dispensations, justified the same, and in it, by it, and through it, grew in clearness of understanding, distinguishing persons, so bare Testimoy against the old Serpent, and all his products, his spoiling Philosophy, wisdom of the flesh, introduced into the world, by those lying lips, that seduced Adam and Eve, from their blessed being and wellbeing in the Lord.  
Certain Philosophers of the Epicureans and of the Stoics, in wisdom of the Serpent, encountered Paul, who was partaker of Divine wisdom, and called him a babbler, Acts 17.18. and how the Divine wisdom revealed in the lovers of simplicity, is entertained by Philosophers now; this Nation and others afford many examples, yet the wisdom of the living God, who are of God, cannot but contend for, the pure wisdom of the rock of Ages; who said, Heaven is my Throne, and Earth is my Foot stool, Act. 7.49. there are as Schools distinguish, Bona throni; the Treasures of Heaven, Christ the repository of pure, sou-Isaving, soul-refreshing, life-giving wisdom, and knowledge, and there are Bona Scabelli, that is, the fruits and riches of the Earth; now the carriage and deportment of multitudes is such, that their very life speaks, that Earth is their Throne, and Heaven their Footstool; hot in the pursuit of the Earth, the pleasures and delights thereof, slighting the pearl of Heavenly wisdom; the Duke of Alva said, he had so much to do on Earth, that he had no time to look after Heaven: Trapp saith, the frame of the spirits of men, bespeaks them to be thus minded, complying rather with the Divinity of Sardanapalus, Ede, bibe, lude, post mortem nulla voluptas, then with the Doctrine of Christ, who said, learn of me: the beforem-entioned Epicureans, were a Sect of Philosophers, so called from Epicurus, who was born in Athens, and lived in the time of Alexander the Great, Ptolemy, Lagus and Philadelphus, he held that the world came of the Atoms, or Motes in the Sun, that the Souls die with the Bodies, that there is no providence, that worldly pleasure is the Summum bonum, the chiefest good; these with others, Philosophers resisted Paul.  
Paul writing to the beloved of God, in Rome called to be Saints, bore this Record, relating to the wisdom of the flesh, and to the wisdom of the Spirit, Rom. 8.6. to be carnally minded is death, which being truly translated is thus, the wisdom, desire, or mind of the flesh is death; but the wisdom, desire, or mind of the spirit, is life, and peace; the wisdom of the flesh is death, and is not spoiling Philosophy, lascivious Poems, Comedies, Tragedies, frivolous Fables, Enchanting Orations, the Subject taught in Schools and Colleges of the wisdom of the flesh; I say yes, and that they are death, and tend to Bind and Fetter Men in Chains of darkness, in the Dungeon of death, but the wisdom of the spirit gives the simple a residence in the fragrant Chamber of life and peace.  
Paul further Testified to the Sanctified at Corinth, saying, Christ sent me not to baptise, but to preach the Gospel, not with wisdom words, lest the Cross of Christ should be made of none effect; for it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise: Here the Serpent's wisdom, affected eloquence, pompous and painted speech, attained by satanical inspiration, orhumane acquisition, by Study, perusal of Heathen Authors, is decried, not wisdom of words, (saith he (lest the Cross of Christ, the door through which pure, Divine, Heavenly wisdom enters the Tabernacle of man's heart, should be made of none effect; Further saith he, the world by wisdom knew not God, neither doth the world by its wisdom now know God; to what purpose then are Youth and others so toiled, for the attainment of that, which is foolishness in the account of God, and brings not to his knowledge, 1 Cor. 1.17, 19, 20.  
Again, this clearsighted Apostle of the Lamb, through Divine eyesalve, distinguishing between the grounds, natures and effects, of the wisdom from above, and the wisdom from below; saith on this wise, We speak wisdom among them that are perfect, yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the Princes of this world, that come to nought; but we speak the wisdom of God in a Mystery, which none of the Princes of this world knew; for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory: which things also we speak, (saith he) not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Spirit teacheth, 1 Cor. 2.6, 7, 8, 13. Further he saith, the Natural man knows not the things of the spirit of God, because they are spiritually discerned, 1 Cor. 2. 14. The Natural man though mounted to the very Zenith of Philosophic notions, and stored with the quintessence of flesh's wittiness, which in very deed is wickedness, filled as a well loaded Vessel, with acquired Arts, and Parts; yet being a natural man, darkened with the smoke of carnal wisdom, in that State he cannot receive the wisdom which is from above; in his eye it is foolishness, the world and its wisdom is a pearl in his eye, the harmless Dove of Heavenly wisdom enters in at another window, the Cross of Christ, foolishness to them that perish.  
Further, the faithful Ambassador, and true witness Paul, in the wisdom of God bare Record, against the wisdom of the world; saying, The wisdom of this world is foolishness with God, 1 Cor. 3.19 Adam in the wisdom of God, knew God, and the Creation; Now the Serpent by his insinuations; working man into a compliance with his will, brought in a Sea of iniquity and confusion, a world of unrighteousness, and a wisdom favouring of his Nature, now spoiling Philosophy, Enchanting Orations, wanton Poems, Comedies, Tragedies, Fables, are a part of of his wisdom, taught in Schools and Colleges, so is foolishness with God, though highly esteemed among men; yet are they abomination in the sight of God, Luke 16.15. I am brought into the credence of this, that as the rays of the Sun of righteousness are displayed in man, as Heavenly wisdom is exalted, as Nations become seasoned with the salt of the Kingdom, these abominations will become burdensome; yea and rejected as a Menstruous Cloth; then shall Composers, Printers, Correctors, Stichers, Binder's, Stationers, Schoolmasters, Tutors, in Colleges, that have Traded in this dead Sea, dregs of Satanism, turn from their unlawful concerns, as the evil thereof is discovered, and justify the wisdom that is from above.  
Further, this faithful Steward Paul, writing to the Saints and faithful Brethren at Colosse, exhorted them, saying, Beware lest any man spoil you through Philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ, Colos 2.8. thus who keep not in Christ, the wisdom of the Father, but lend an ear to the Pagan Philosophic notions of false teachers, they are led by them out of the right path, bound and Captives; thus Paul in the wisdom from above, cautions them to beware of wisdom from below.  
Again, Paul writing to Timothy his own Son in the Faith, exhortshim, to charge some, not to give heed to Fables, and endless genealogies, which minister questions, rather than godly edifying, which is faith, 1. Tim. 1.3, 4. Now what a muddy stream of Fables and fabulous Poems, Comedies, and Tragedies, are gushed into Christian Schools, how the fabulous Pedigrees of the Heathens Gods, are (as I may say) driven by force of Arms into tender youth, hopeful, if not depraved and corrupted by Ethnic education, I leave to the wise in heart to Judge, who have known these things and the burden of them; further he saith to Timothy, refuse profane and old wives Fables, and exercise thyself unto godliness, 1 Tim. 4.7.  
The Apostle James writing to the twelve Tribes, scattered abroad, draws his Sword (as I may say) against Serpentine wisdom, saying, if ye have bitter envying, and strife in your hearts, etc. This wisdom descends not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish, James 1.14, 15. Mark, earthly, sensual, devilish, O that Christendom would consider this, in whom the hellish spark hath not only kindled them into strife and envy, but to be as a prey to the mouth of the Sword; Christendom is become as Golgotha, a place of Skulls, as Aceldama, the Field of Blood; the Apostle writing to the Church, said, ye are taught of God to love one another, 1 Thes. 4. Now where strife, envy, and bloodshed is, of whom are they taught? even of the Serpent, who was a Murderer from the beginning, the Author of that wisdom, which is earthly, sensual and devilish, a true Character of that wisdom which is from below; it is called earthly, because it arises from the earth, keeps man in an unregenerate state, out of Heavenly mindedness, wholly concerning man for earthly ends, sensual, as wholly concerned in the pursuit of carnal, sinful and transient pleasures, devilish, as inspired by him, doing his work, and brings to his end, wisdom from above Rescues from his tyranny.  
In the Apostles days, such as knew the Lords call into the Ministry, they were Stars in Heaven, setlted in Heavenly places in Christ Jesus, they had the Heavenly Key, which opened to them the Royal Cabinet of Heavenly Treasures, they received no wisdom, in Church or School, but what was Heavenly; but a Star being fallen to the earth; Mark this, to the earth, than an earthly Key was thrust into the hand, even the Key of the bottomless Pit; then arose a Smoke Which darkened the Sun and the Air, what is this Smoke? even Serpentine wisdom which steamed into Churches and Schools, the gradual rise of this, spoiled the glory and beauty of Primitive Christianity; at this door crept into the Church Traditions, Heresics, Scysms, Doctrinal errors, Superstition, Idolatry, Pardons, Indulgences, Trentals, Soul-masses, Dirgies, Purgatory, Canonization of Saints; In a word, devilish errors were set a broach, Mabomet steamed out his Alcoran for Divine Scriptures, into Schools steamed also in spoiling Philosophy, bewitching Orations, pompous and painted Rhetoric, lascivious Poems, vain Comedies, foolish Tragedies, frivolous Fables, Pagan Ethics, Physics and Metaphysics, whereby Youth is corrupted, as the Sea Monster called Physeter, as naturalists writ, mounts above the tops of Ships, standing upright in the Sea, like a Pillar, and spouts out great floods of water, whereby it overwhelms or endangers them; so upon the fall of the Star from Heaven, the Sea-Monster Satan, got up into the Church and, spouted out great floods of errors, false Doctrines, and of earthly wisdom into Schools and Churches, whereby they sunk down into the depth of ignorance, spiritual blindness, Idolatry and corruption, but Heavenly wisdom is displaying its power, virtue and influence, and Serpentine wisdom, be it in Church or School, must be scoured away.   

CHAP. IU. A rehearsal of Testimonies, born by several men eminent in the Church, since the Apostles days, against Heathen learning, or the teaching of it, in Christian Schools, as also of others.  
By what hath been spoken 'tis evident, that the holy men of God, acknowledged by all to be inspired of God, bare sound Record and a living Testimony in the wisdom of God, against the wisdom of the Serpent, the wisdom of the World; many also who have lived since the Apostles days, yea and since the fall of the Star from Heaven, in the gloomy night of Apostasy, in that measure of Heavenly wisdom than made known, have born Testimony against teaching Heathen Authors, spoiling Philosophy, wanton Poets in Christian Schools or Colleges; Yea, and have spoken freely against Universities defiled with the same, in confirmation of this assertion a few Testimonies are presented to the consideration of the Reader.  
Eusebius brings in Plato, sharply blaming that first Education, as destructive, which was used by the Greeks, in reading the feigned Comical and Tragical inventions of Poets, Cap. 49. p. 618.  
As far as I can gather from the writings of the Ancients, Philosophy is very hurtful unto him that is much addicted to the study, thereof, Joh. Pic. Mirand.  
All the discord of Divines, hath proceeded from Philosophers, for as much as Divines in later Ages, have mixed the muddy water of Philosophers with the living vein of Divine Oracles, Joh. Pic. Mirand. that is, have mixed Heathen Philosophic Notions, with the Scriptures of truth: It is known by lamemtable experience, how dangerous a thing it is, to be exercised in the writings of Ethnic Philosophers, and how easily the plague of lies, and vanity creeps through the same into men's minds Theo. Gale.  
In the times of the Hasmoneans, this decree made, let him be accursed, who teacheth his Son the Philosophy of the Greeks, Theo. Gale.  
What but Greek Philosophy, was the first Seminary or seed-Plot of principle Errors, in the Churches in the Apostles days, and in Churches immediately succeeding. Whereupon Tertullian called Philosophers the Patriarches of Heretics, The. Gale.  
It is not hard to show (saith the same Author) that the whole Mystery of iniquity, and the whole System of Antichristianism, which hath molested the Christian Church, for so many Centuries, aught to ascribe their rise and progress to Heathen Philosophy.  
There are (saith Andrew Sympson) who spend much precious time upon vile Pamphlets, curious Arts, profane Stories; lascivious Poems, etc.  
Most of the Heresies that have been in the Church, have come in by Learned men, rather than by Ignorant men. Ed. Calamy.  
Jerome a Father of the Church, who lived about the year 384. reading the Book of Cicero, was (as 'tis said) rebuked by an Angel, because that he being a Christian, minded the Fictions of the Gentiles. Jacobus Laurentius de libr. Gentil. pag. 41.  
Gratian put out a Canon, that a Bishop should not read Heathen Books. Jac. Laur. pag. 41.  
Gregory the Great (saith Jac. Laurentius de libris Gentilium) forbade all Bishops the reading of Heathen Books. pag. 41.  
Pernicious Books are to be burned, no regard is to be given to the price of them. Piscat. on Acts.  
All the wisdom of a man is in this one thing, that he know and worship Christ. Lactant. lib. 3. cap. 30.  
Ulpian the chief Lawyer, Galen the chief Physician, Porphiry the chiefest Aristotelian, Plotinus the chiefest Platonist, were professed enemies to Christ, and his Truth. Trapp.  
Augustin Bishop of Hippo in Africa, about the year 399. said, the unlearned take Heaven by force, but we with our learning are thrust into Hell.  
It repent Augustin, that when he was young, he had preached more to please, then to profit others.  
Neither the Jews by their profound Doctors, nor the Gentiles by their Wits and Wizards, could grope out God. Trapp on 1 Cor. 1.21.  
The Greeks sought after wisdom, viz. of this World, so shut out Heavenly wisdom; Intus existens prohibet alienum, they attained not what they sought. Trapp on 1 Cor. 1.22.  
We that have obtained the knowledge of God, by and through his Grace, are far more Wise and more blessed than Plato, Aristotle, etc. Piscat. on 1 Cor. 1.  
In a natural man there is an impotency, that is, want of power to know and understand spiritual things. Piscat.  
Wisdom that is of the Flesh, serves the Worldling (as the Ostrich wings) to make him outrun others upon Earth, and in Earthly things, but helps him never a whit towards Heaven. Trapp on the Corinth.  
Constantius the Emperor suspecting Julian's proneness to Paganism, sent him to be carefully grounded in Christianity to Nicomedia; but he frequented by stealth the company of Libanius and jamblichus, Philosophers, who warped him wholly to their bent, which broke out afterwards. Trapp on Colos. 2.  
In the year 220. the Artemonites, a certain kind of Heretics, corrupted Scripture out of Aristotle and Theophrastus, turning all into Questions, as afterwards Schoolmen did, that evil generation of Dunghill Divines, as one calleth them. Trapp on Colos. 2.  
The Gentiles could not be saved by their Philosophy, without Christ; and yet not only the Divines of Cullen, set forth a Book concerning the Salvation of Aristotle, whom they called Christ's forerunner in Naturals, as John Baptist was in Supernaturals; but also some of the School Doctors, grave men (saith Acosta) do promise men Salvation without the knowledge of Christ. Trapp on Colos. 2.8.  
The Moral Philosophy of profane Authors, treating of the chiefest good, and of the happiness of man, and of virtue, is no other thing then vain deceit. Pisc. Colos. 2.  
Seeing we are complete in Christ, they commit folly who have recourse unto profane Philosophers.  
The deep Theorems of Philosophy (said King James) make one learned, but seldom better; and oftentimes worse, mere Atheists. There is an Arabic Proverb, Cum errat eruditus, errat errore erudito; that is, a learned man hath learned errors. Trapp on Acts 17.  
Aristotle wrote many things most absurdly concerning God, as that he is a living Creature, that he works not freely, but by a kind of servile necessity; and that therefore he deserves no praise, sigh he doth but what he must do: yet at Stuckard in Germany was found a Doctor of Divinity, that preached to the people, that the Church might be sufficiently well taught and governed by Aristotle's Philosophy, especially his Ethics Trapp on Rom. 1.21.  
To use Heathen Authors for ostentation, is to make a Calf of the Treasures gotten out of Egypt. Trapp of Arts.  
Many (saith one) through their love to the Tree of Knowledge, lose the Tree of Life.  
Papists say, that we may find their Holy-Water, and sprinkling of Sepulchers, in Juvenal's sixth satire; their Lights in Sepulchers, in Suetonius his Octavius; Lamps lighted on Saturdays, in Seneca's 96 Epistle; distribution of Tapers among the people, in Macrobius his Saturnals; Purgatory, in Virgil's Aeneids▪ Trapp. Thus proving their Doctrines by Heathen Authors, not by Scripture.  
Averro an Arabian Physician, so madly admired his Master Aristotle, as that he said, there was no error to be found in his Works, that his Learning was the chief Truth, etc. When he died, he cried out, Sit anima mea cum Philosophis, Let my Soul be, where the Philosopher's Souls are. Trapp.  
Justin Martyr tells us, that he left his Gentilism upon reading a piece of Plato. Trapp of Arts.  
Augustin acknowledgeth, that nothing more cooled his affections towards that Book called Cicero's Hortensius, then that he found not the name of Jesus in it; and that on this consideration he was persuaded to the love of Heavenly wisdom, and contemplation of things above. Trapp.  
The knowledge of Christ is the only Learning, without which all other Learning, doth but light men into utter darkness. Trapp of Arts.  
As for Aristotle's Divinity, which he calls his Metaphysics, whereof he wrote 14 Books, it is (saith Ramus) the most foolish and impious piece of Sophistry, that ever was written. Trapp of Arts.  
Lotamus Lovaniensis wrote, that there was no other Faith found in Abraham, then was found in Cicero a Heathen Philosopher: whereas Abram saw my day (saith Christ) and rejoiced, he walked with God, and was upright; it was not thus with Cicero. Trapp of Arts.  
Latimer was so wrought upon by Bilney's confession, as that he began to smell the Word of God, and to forsake School Doctors, and such like fooleries, and horrible barbarism, which had overspread the eye of whole Christendom. Trapp of Arts.  
The dignity and study of Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, the Holy Spirit seems to intimate their continuance in the Church, by the Inscription of Christ's Title on the Cross in those three Tongues, and the utter eradicating of all frivolous and fruitless School Quirks, Monkish Dotages, Legendary Fables. Trapp.  
The Romans one time banished all Philosophers out of their City. Gel. lib. 15. Trapp of Arts.  
Licinius the Emperor called Heathen Learning, the plague and poison of the Commonwealth. Trapp of Arts.  
Pope Paul the second, pronounced all Scholars Heretics, and seriously exhorted the Romans, not to breed up their Children at School, saying, it was enough if they could read and write. Trapp of Arts.  
The Heathen Romans having conquered this Nation, and inhabiting in it for 500 years, as Histories inform us, they erected Schools in this Nation to teach the Britain's, and brought in their Heathen Poets, Comedies, Tragedies, etc. into Schools, which to the shame and corrupting of the Nation are yet continued.  
Julius Agricola, a Roman Emperor's Lieutenant in Britain, taught the Britain's civility, and prevailed with Noblemen to breed up their Sons in liberal Arts, and brought them to affect the Roman Eloquence; then they began to imitate the Roman Fashions, the Gown, proud Buildings, Baths, and Banquet, which the foolisher sort called Civility, but was indeed a secret Art to prepare them for bondage. Milton.  
Edgar a Saxon King, put forth a Canon, that on Festival days every one should abstain from profane Heathen Songs, and from diabolical Games and Pastimes.  
Further he enjoined, that every one abstain from the reading of fabulous and absurd things, and from filthy and blasphemous Ballads: Not well observed now.  
I Martin Luther give notice to all, that on Monday, etc. all the Books of the Pope be burned, and of some of his Disciples. He gives a reason of this thing, saying that they are mischievous, false, seducing, wicked, etc. Luth. Tom. 2.  
Luther speaking of Popish Schools and Monasteries, said, This is my mind and desire, that these Stables of two-footed Asses, and Schools of the Devil, should be leveled with the ground, or changed into Christian Schools, by a Godly transformation. Luth. de institutione puerorum.  
Heathen Learning (saith Gell) hath a ravishing and a bewitching beauty; capta, capit, being taken, it is much taking also, and wins much upon men's affections: and great danger there is (saith he) lest men court the Handmaid, rather than the Mistress; Earthly, instead of Heavenly wisdom, to their destruction.  
Essential inward knowledge in the secret understanding, is not from flesh and blood, nor from the multitude of Books, but by a passive reception of Divine things; not by study, but by patience and submission. Osw. Crollius.  
The Academical Spirit cannot understand the mystery of intrinsical Teaching, only humility is capable of illumination. Osw. Croll.  
The Schools of the Gentiles have had their time, wherein they have become vain in their imaginations, being exercised in vain Philosophy, and opposition of Science, falsely so called, whereof the Apostle Paul admonished true Christians, to take heed they were not deceived by it. Thus saith the Translator of John Baptista Van Helmont's Physic Refined, in his Premonition to the Candid Reader.  
Further, saith he, the Wise men of the East by the direction of the Star, came to worship the Child, laying down all their wisdom at his feet; for a lively token, that all true wisdom was to be received from him, in whom all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge dwells.  
Further, saith he, such hath been the subtlety of the fleshly Serpent, that under a pretence of owning the name of Christ, he hath taken up Paganish means and instruments to build withal, calling the dregs and dross of Heathen Schools, Handmaids of Divinity.  
John Baptista Van Helmont in his Physic Refined, said, Logic is so far from leading to the knowledge of Universals, that it rather thrusts men down into errors.  
The World (saith this Helmont) hath suffered itself to be circumvented by Aristotle, who boasted of Logic to be the Mother of Sciences.  
Aristotle (saith this Helmont) extolled the method of Disputing invented by himself, and he takes away all knowledge from a man, unless he hath yielded himself to be instructed in Logic.  
Jerom (on Psal. 140▪ and 143.) doth not unworthily compare the Art of Syllogizing to the Plagues of Egypt; and he calls Logical demonstrations, Doglike discourses. Helmont.  
Schools (saith this Helmont) supposing Logic as necessary, do oppose themselves to the commands of the Apostle.  
I wonder (saith Helmont) at the great blindness of Schools, in so great magnifying Logic.  
Let Schools (saith Helmont) tell me, what Science Logic hath ever brought to light, whether Geometry, making of Glass, Printing, Husbandry, Medicine, conducting of Water, of Minerals, of Arithmetic, of Building, or any profitable Science; verily none.  
Schools of Logic (saith this Helmont) must needs confess, that through boasting, deceit, and ignorance, it hath deceived the credulous World.  
To say that Logical discourse is very necessary for Divines, to refute the subtleties of Heresies, that thing (saith this Helmont) would be to be wise above the Apostle, and to commend the abuses of Schools, above the Holy Scriptures; this were to dethrone Gospel-weapons, and to enthrone Paganism Steven by the Sword of the Spirit, and by Heavenly wisdom, refuted the Libertines, Cyrenians, Alexandrians, Cilicians, not by Pagan Logic, Acts 6.9, 10. Christ promised his Disciples, saying, I will give you a mouth, and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay, nor resist, Luke 21.15. he commended them not to Pagan Schools, to Aristotle, or Plato, or any other Heathen, to enable them to refute Heresies, but to his own gift, his wisdom, Armour of proof, his own Sword put into the hands, enabling for his work.  
We read not that the ancient Christians ever taught Philosophy openly, and in Schools, but that they rather gainsaid it, Pagan. Gaudentius Theol de moribus seculi.  
Let any one show me (saith this Author) that Philosophy was taught by Christians, in the time of Justinian, or before.  
Scarce any one can be persuaded (saith this Author) that Christian Emperors would command, that a Heathen Philosopher, in the Capitol of Rome, should teach the opinions of Pagan Philosophers, to Christians; this would have been to introduce, or bring in old Superstition.  
Justin passed to the Church, because he found no certainty in the School of Plato; he turned from Plato, and the rest of the Heathen Philosophers, and addicted himself to the Scriptures of Truth. Gaudentius de mor. seculi.  
L. Celius Lactantius said, I verily cannot call them Philosophers, that study for wisdom, because by that study they do not attain unto wisdom.  
Richard Fitz-Ralph, called Armachanus, in a Sermon preached before the Pope's Cardinals in the year 1360. said, Laymen refrain from sending their Sons to the Universities, fearing to have them taken from them; choosing rather to keep their Sons at home, and breed them to Husbandry, then to lose them, by sending them to the Schools.  
In a Synod holden at Guernsey 1576. and confirmed by a Synod held there 1597. for the Estate of Guernsey and Jersey, it was provided in behalf of Schoolmasters, that they should instruct their Scholars in the most pure Authors both for learning and language, lest Children by reading lascivions and immodest writings, should be infected with their venom; as may be seen in a Book called, Heylyn's Survey of the State of France.  
Georgius Ederus in his Mateologia Haereticorum, greatly inveighs against Wickliff, and charges him with saying, That Studies were vanities brought into the Church, and profits the Church no more, than the Devil doth.  
In the days of Queen Elizabeth, the Lords of her Privy-Councel sent Letters to her High Commissioners in Causes Ecclesiastical, requiring them to write Letters to all the Bishops of this Realm, and to require them to give commandment, that in all Grammar and Free-Schools within their several Dioceses, Christopher Ockland's Book entitled Anglorum praelia, should be taught, in place of some Heathen Poets; saying, the Youth of the Realm receives rather infections in manners, than advancement in virtue, from the Heathen Poets taught in Schools: They prayed and required, that this might be done for the encouragement of the said Ockland, and others travelling in the like Studies, and for the removing of lascivious Poets, taught in Schools. The names of the Lords of the Privy-Councel, as also of her High Commissioners in Causes Ecclesiastical, as also their Letters, are to be seen at the beginning of the Book called Anglorum praelia: The aforesaid Commissioners directed their Letters to all the Bishops of the Queen's Dominions of England and Wales, for the accomplishment of the aforesaid.  
Men have neglected sound, savoury, and useful matter, the very quintessence of Learning, and have devoted themselves to an excess of fine speaking. Bishop Wilkins Real Character.  
The grand imposture of phrasing, hath eaten out all solid learning. B. Wilkins.  
Caesar Caracalla so doted upon the name of Alexander, that he was highly offended that a lewd Murderer called Alexander, should be questioned for his misdemeanour, saying, Accusest thou Alexander? unless thou be silent concerning Alexander, thou art an undone man. Beware lest in loving the name of Philosophy, ye embrace Philosophy with its errors. Orat. Doct. Ran.  
Tertullian said, that Heresies are propagated by the Platonists, by the Stoics, by Epicures, by Heraclitus, by Zeno, by Aristotle, by worldly wisdom. Orat. Ranoldi.  
Ludovicus Vives, Picus Mirandula, Hieronymus Savonarola, taught, that Christians were not to read Aristotle and Plato, except very warily, Orat. Ranoldi.  
From the Philosophy of Plato and Aristotle, pestilent errors first of all invaded, and have long possessed, and at this day do waste the Christian Church. Orat. Ranoldi.  
The World is so bewitched by the delusions of Satan, that the errors of Philosophers, through vain and rotten distinctions, are defended of those called Christians, in their public Assemblies; hereby they have brought it to pass, that the Faith of Christ hath no residence in the hearts of many who profess him.  
Augustin in his Confessions, accounts Terence a Comical Poet, unworthy to be read and blames Grammarians for teaching of it. Orat. Ranoldi. This ss accounted a delicate dish now in Schools, though professing Reformation.  
Philosophers of old stained the Greek Church with various errors; in this our day they have polluted all Italy, with their mischievous opinions, and I wish it were but Italy only. Orat. Ranoldi.  
Far be it from us (saith Jerom, who lived about the year 384.) that omnipotent Jupiter, Mecastor, and other Monsters, rather than Gods, should be heard out of the mouth of a Christian. Orat. Ranoldi. And scarce any other thing rings in Schools now.  
In the Nicene Council of chosen Cardinals, they called it a grand and a destructive abuse, that Professors of Philosophy taught wickedness in public Schools. Orat. Ranoldi.  
Under the name of Nature, (saith Augustin of old) enemies of Grace lie hid; so in our days, under the name of Philosophy, the enemies of Faith lie hid. Orat. Ranoldi.  
Where Aristotle reigns, there ungodliness hath great dominion. Orat. Ranoldi.  
What other thing did Julian the Apostate, when he endeavoured to sweep Christian Religion from off the face of the Earth, then provide that those opinions should be taught, defended, and declaimed in Schools, which gainsaid Christianity. Orat. Ranoldi.  
Maximinus a tyrannical Emperor, who reigned about the year 336. was blamed by Eusebius, because he gave way, or wished, that those things should be taught and learned in Schools, which were contrary to sound godliness. Orat. Ranoldi.  
How foul a thing is it, that that may be spoken against you, which Ambrose spoke of the Arians, they have deserted the Apostle, and they follow Aristotle. Orat. Ranoldi.  
No honour nor regard was given to the Art of Poetry before; moreover it was accounted so infamous, that if any man was inclinable to the study thereof, he was called a Robber. Polydore lib. 1. cap. 8.  
Hadrian Saraviah informs us, that the Primitive Christians had no Academical Schools, like to these now a-days: Yet there was one at Alexandria, where they read only Divinity.  
We read not of any Universities among the Waldenses, Albigenses, and Bothemians, for most of their Ministers were Tradesmen.  
Christians in the Primitive times found Sophisters, and Philosophers, to be the principal enemies of Christianity; upon this account they condemned all Heathen learning they condemned Comedies and Tragedies, and other Poetical writings, judging they did not conduce to solid knowledge. Herald. animad. in Arnob.  
Tertullian judged that Schoolmasters professing Learning, were guilty of great Idolatry, because they only explained Names and Genealogies, and fabulous Acts of Heathen gods, Tertul. de Idolatr.  
We see (saith Gracian) that the Priests of the Lord, neglecting the Gospel and the Prophets, they read Comedies, and Love Verses out of Bucolics; they peruse Virgil: and what is a sin of enforced necessity in Children, is become their delight: Doth he not seem to walk in Vanity, and Darkness of mind, who vexes himself day and night in the Study of Logic, and charges his Memory with the distinct knowledge of Verses.  
Petrus Bellonius saith, that there were many Christians in Creece, but few Learned men among them; because they esteemed not of it as of necessity to Christianity: In their Libraries were several Manuscripts of Divinity; but no Historian, nor Philosopher, nor Poet, for these were Anethemized.  
Neither the Greeks nor the pickard's, nor Waldenses in Bohemia, did value Learning, Luther the institutione puerorum, fol. 444.  
It was an Article exhibited against John Wicklif, Condemned at Constance, who suffered as a Martyr; that Graduations and Doctorships in Universities and Colleges, then in use, did conduce nothing to the Church of Christ, for Acts and Monuments.  
College Doctors have for their Arms, the Book with seven Seals; and why? because they are skilled in the seven Liberal Arts, which is absurd, and foolish, if not Blasphemous; as though the seven Liberal Arts, as Grammar, etc. could open the Book with seven Seals, 'tis the Lamb only.  
The Council of Carthage had an express Canon against the reading of Heathen Authors, Conc Carth. Dist. cap. 37.  
Gregory though a Pope, burnt several Lascivious Authors, as Carden tells us, de saplib. 2.  
In like manner Gregory Nazianzen. the Father, suppressed several Greek Authors, as Diphiles, Apollodonus, Philemon, Alexis, Sapph, etc.  
Machivael testifies, that the first promoters of Christianity, commanded all Poets and Historians, which treated of the Gentiles vain Conversation and Worship to be burned, Mach. Disp. lib. 2. cap. 5.  
'Tis written by one in the life of Jerom, that he was a great Student in Latin, Greek, and Hebrew, Caldean, and Syrian Tongues, and much in love with Tully's Eloquence; being in a Fever he was brought in the Spirit to the Judgement Seat of Christ; being examined, he said he was a Christian; the Judge replied, thou seemest to be rather a Ciceronian then a Christian, for where thy Treasure is, there is thy life also: On this occasion Jerom rejected Heathen Books and Fables, unprofitable and vain Studies; writing to Pope Damasus, he reproved Ecclesiastical persons, for neglecting Holy Scriptures, and spending their time in Heathenish Books and Fables.  
Men of unquestionable worth (saith del) seeing the evil of spoiling Philosophy, have spoken freely against Universities stained thereby: Wicklif tells them, Castra Cainitica, that is, cain's Castles, Satan's Synagogues; affirming that they were never instituted by Christ.  
John Hus, or Otho Brunselsius, if he set out the Contents of the Chapter, calls them Satrap Antichristi, the Lieutenants of Antichrist.  
Luther in his Book against Ambrose Catharinus, saith, that Universities are an open gate of hell, and that therein the most choice Youth of Christian people are prostituted, and cast into the open throat of Hell.  
Further he saith, that whosoever first instituted and confirmed Universities, he was a Star fallen from Heaven to Earth, from the Gospel of Christ to humane Learning.  
Melancthon termed the Universities, houses of Lies; saying further, that Students in Universities, are not people of the Gospel, nor yet of the Law, but are the people of Aristotle's Morals.  
Obj. These spoke against Popish Universities, and they are otherwise now. 'Tis true (saith del) the outward form of gross Popery is taken away from them, as from the Nation; yet the Inner part of it remains as before, the self same Statutes of the Universities remain in force, which were first given by Popish Founders; again, the same Philosophy of Heathenism is instilled now into Youth, as in the darkest days of Popery, the self same outward and Antichristian Forms and Follies still remain as in the darkest o Popery, even unto their Hoods, Caps, Scarlet Robes, Doctoral Rings, Gloves, their Doctoral Dinner and Music.  
To this day presently after their Divinity Acts, (said this Dell) they have their Prevaricator; a notable Varlet, picked out of the Universities, who in the presence of all the Heads, Students, Scholars, and the great resort of Ministers and People at their Commencement; Abuses, Derides, and Jeers all sorts of persons, of all Ages, Sexes, and Professions; such works of Levity were never allowable among the Holy men of God. Christ said, have Salt in yourselves, Heavenly wisdom, with which those that are seasoned, cannot but savour, and comprehend such things to be unsavoury.  
Justin Martyr lived about the year 150. He, (as 'tis related in his Dialogue with Trypho) first joined himself to that Sect of Philosophers called Stoics, after to the Peripatetics, after to the Pythagorean Sect, after to the Platonists; being Converted, he wholly left his Philosophy, and Philosophical apprehensions, and betook himself to the Scriptures.  
Constantine the Emperor took care that the Scriptures might be taught to people, judging it most meet that Christians should be instructed in the Faith of Christ, and not in Heathenish Philosophy, Euseb. lib. 4.  
Through this Constantine, the Sufferings of the Church vanished; then Christians grew more Carnal and secure, even in his days, and began to seek after spoiling of Philosophy; yet in all Ages God had some witnesses against it.  
Berno, who lived in the year 1008. Being furnished with all sorts of Learning, said, that he for many years had rejected Poetical Fictions, Heathen Historians, Worldly Learning, as dung, and was wholly minded to search out Heavenly things, Berno in Epistola ad Magnifred.  
Zuinglius in his Youth was exercised in all sorts of Learning: In the end he entreated the Lord to vouchsafe him his own Light; saying, what he had Learned before from Philosophers, procured him much trouble: and he rejected Philosophy, and counted it as dung, Zuingl. de veritate Verbi.  
Schools and Universities were at first corrupted, by declining the pure word of the Gospel, and entertaining Philosophy and Heathen Authors, Dell.  
Mathias Parisiensis a Bohemian by Nation, about the year 1580. wrote a Book against Antichrist; wherein he affirms, that Antichrist had deceived and misled all Universities and Colleges of the Learned, so that now, saith he, they teach no sound thing, neither give they true light unto Christians by their Doctrine, Illeryc. Flair. Catal. Test. Veritat.  
Antichrist (saith John Hus) hath drawn men aside from the wisdom of God replenished with Salvation, and with the Holy Spirit, to the prudence and wisdom of men, and of the Princes of this World, de Antichristo, cap. 30.  
Martin Luther said, whosoever it was; whether Alexander of Hales, or Thomas Aquine, who first instituted Universities; he was a Star fallen from Heaven to Earth, Luther de Captiv. Babylon.  
Abbas Joachim Calaber about the year 1230. in his Commentary on Jeremy speaks to this purpose; that the first Angel mentioned, in Revelations the ninth, opens the bottomless pit, and brings forth Philosophy into the Church; and out of this smoke of this Doctrine proceeded Locusts, and these Locusts, said he, are Schoolmen and Masters, who sometime use Flattery to deceive, sometime Rigour to subvert the simple and unwary.  
The Lord stirred up Julian (saith he) to put down Heathen Learning in Christian Schools; that it might appear, that as the true Christian Religion is not helped by humane Learning, so neither is it hindered by the want of it. Rainold in his Orations saith the contrary of this Julian; but times and ends being considered, they are easily reconciled.  
The Queen of the South neglecting the Magis, Philosophers, Heathen Wisemen, came from the utmost parts of the earth to hear Wisdom of Solomon; but Schools and Universities leave Christ, greater than Solomon, in whom are all Treasures of wisdom and knowledge, and seeks knowledge from the Heathen, as Aristotle, Plato etc. Dell.  
Socrates Scholasticus saith, that for Christians thoroughly to imbibe the Learning of the Heathen, it can no way advantage Christian Religion, for it is not without danger, for Christians to be instructed in Heathen Learning, because it teacheth a plurality of gods, that there are many gods, lib. 3. cap. 14.  
My advice is (saith Luther) that Youth eat Philosophy and School Divinity, as the death of the Soul, Tom. 2. fol. 434.  
It is an Error to say, that a Divine is not made without Aristotle, rather a Divine is not made unless that be done without Aristotle, Luth. Tom. 1. fol. 10.  
I truly judge that our English man Wicklif was a wise man; who first of all, as far as I know saw that Universities were Satan's Synagogues, Melancthon.  
Seeing Christ Instituted not those Universities, (saith Wicklif,) or Colleges, it seems evident, that they, as Graduations in them, are vain Heathenism brought in; in token of this, both Collegiates, and other Graduates seek themselves. This Wicklif was Master of Balliol College in Oxford, Wicklif in speculo Militantis Ecclesiae, cap. 26.  
We must make inquiry of Schoolmasters and other professors of Learning, teaching Heathen Gods, their Names, Genealogies, and Fables: Yea we need not doubt, but that they are guilty of Idolatry of divers sorts, Tertul de Idolatr.  
A Christian Schoolmaster by his frequent reading of Poets, defilements of Idols; he seems to allow of these things, Regaltius in Tertullianum.  
Socrates drove out of the City lewd Demons, and Atchievers of Naughtiness, handled by Poets, and he taught men to shun Homer, and other Poets; and he exhorted them after the search of the living God, whom they were ignorant of, Justini pro Christianis apologio prima.  
Abstain from all Heathen Books, saith Clemens Romanus, saying further; what is wanting in the Law of God, that thou should apply thy mind unto Heathen Fables, lib. 1. cap. 6.  
What madness possesses the minds of men, that they should regard Jupiter; whom they do not only know to be an ungodly man, Wicked, Profane, Whorish, a patricid; but also sing to him on the Stage: The Ancients denied these things, but now through a pretence of instructing Youth, the knowledge of these things is so incorporated in tender and simple minds, as that the same can scarce by any way or means be rid out of them, Recognit. Clement. lib. 10.  
Augustin Bishop of Hippo, commanded Poetry to be driven out of the City of God, so also did Ethnic Plato, out of his Commonwealth; Cicero forbade the same to be entertained, Cor. Agrip. Devan. Scient.  
Augustin called Heathen Poetry the Wine of Error, drunk of drunken Doctors.  
Jerom called it the meat of Devils.  
Logic is nothing but the Art of Contention and Darkness, whereby all other Sciences are made more obsure, and more hard to be known, Cornel. Agrip. de vanitate Scientiarum.  
Almost all the rabble of Scholars busied in the inventions of Philosophers, or Sophisters, seems to do no more, then learn to commit Error, and to make the Truth more obscure, or to lose the same, Carnel. Agrip. de vanitate Scientiarum.  
Queen Elizabeth enjoined, that Schoolmasters should accustom their Scholars, reverently to learn such Sentences of Scriptures, as should be most expedient to induce them to all godliness.  
Tindal a Martyr said, whosoever ordained Universities, be it Alexander of Hales, Thomas Aquinas, or any other, he was a Star fallen from Heaven to Earth; for there are brought in (saith he) Moral virtues for Faith, Opinions for Truth, and said, they were a confused cloud, Tindal of the Revelation of Antichrist.   

CHAP. V A memento to Schoolmasters and Tutors, to turn from Heathen, to the godly and Christian education of Youth; as also of the rise of Christian Schools, and how the same came to be corrupted.  
NOw O Schoolmasters and instructers of Youth, in Schools and Colleges, let me come nearer unto you, 'tis not Schools, but corrupting, spoiling and depraving abuses therein managed, I speak against.  
Cicero could say, we cannot any wise do the Commonwealth more service, then by teaching and instructing Youth, provided (saith I) it be in the knowledge of the Lord, of his Creation, of savoury and necessary things and useful accomplishments.  
Let me tell you, I oppose not Teaching or Learning of Languages, as of Latin, Greek, or Hebrew, etc. Knowing there may be a service therein, for the management of Foreign Transactions, and Negotiations, and Correspondence with other Nations; but it being that all savoury and sound knowledge relates primarily to God, secondarily to the knowledge of the Creation, and of the useful and necessary employments My Testimony is, that Children should be instructed in the aforesaid, in the fear of the Lord, it being the door of Heavenly wisdom.  
How precious were it, if their Souls like gideon's Fleece, did drink up betime the pearly dew of Divine Grace, and Heavenly virtue: 'Tis honourable (saith Ambrose) for Youth to be found in the fear of the living God; 'tis the Devil, his Books, and his wisdom, which is earthly, sensual, and devilish, I speak against, if in learning of Languages; useful, profitable, and necessary matter were learned; a double advantage would accrue unto the learner, cannot Languages be learned, except in the Devil's Books and Arts?  
I testify that all lascivious Poems, wanton Comedies, vain Tragedies, frivolous Fables, enchanting Orations, spoiling Philosophy, Pagan Ethics, Physics, and Metaphysics, now taught in Christian Schools, are the muddy streams of the lying Spirit, and to be denied by serious Christians.  
You may read that the Patriarches before the Law, taught their Children and Households, to walk in the ways of the Lord; they taught them not Heathenism, nor Serpentine Inventions, Gen. 18.17, 19  
Under the Mosaical Despensation, the Prophets had Schools, wherein they taught Youth the knowledge of the Lord, the Book of Moses and the Prophets then extant; they taught no Heathenish learning, no Egyptian Philosophy, nor the Smaragdine Table of Hermes Trismegistus, during the continuance of that Ministration.  
Oh that there were such an heart in Israel, (said the Lord) to fear me and to keep all my Commandments always, that it might go well with them, and with their Children for ever, Deut. 5.29.  
Solomon, wise in the wisdom of God, said, Train up a Child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not departed from it, Prov. 22.6. He should go in the way of holiness, in which the ransomed of the Lord walk, with songs of deliverance in their mouths: Children are to be trained up in the Lord's way; not in Heathenism, Serpentine inventions, Heathen Philosophy, lascivious Comedies, and Tragedies, frivolous Fables; these things are in the Devil's way: I saw it in the glass of Immortality, in the lamp of Eternity, in the sin-discovering dispensation of the Almighty, that such as teach these things, they are Satan's Cooks, preparing a deadly dish; Satan's Butlers, making Youth drunk with the Cup of Abomination, and Fornication, a rusty Channel, through whom a stream of folly enters into those committed to their charge, which nothing but a Divine rod can drive out, Prov. 22.15.  
David the sweet singer of Israel enquired, saying, Wherewith shall a young man cleanse his way? in taking heed thereto according to the word, Psal. 119.9. He commends young men to the word, the word of Faith, of Patience, of Reconciliation, of Vivification, that they may be cleansed and purified thereby; he commends them not to Paganism, Ethnic Education, spoiling Philosophy.  
The Lord (saith the holy man of God) established a Testimony in Jacob, and ordained a Law in Israel which he commanded our Fathers that they should teach their Children, that Children which should be born, should stand up and declare it to their Children, Psal. 78.5, 6. The Testimony and Law of the Lord; was to be propagated and taught to young and old in that Dispensation, the wisdom of God which causes the face to shine, and fills the inward parts with joyful Melody, not Serpentine wisdom, the wisdom of this World, the Dictates of the Internal Dragon, drowning men in perdition.  
Further, the Lord said, Learn not the way of the Heathen, Jeremiah 10.2. Now all Heathen Philosophy, Ethics, Physics, and Metaphysics, Heathen Poets, Comedies, Tragedies, and Fables, are the way of the Heathen, so not to be learned; the language of the Serpent, to be rejected: when Israel was stained with the Inventions of the Heathen, the Lord raised complaints against them, Psal. 106.  
As the holy men of God in the Patriarchal and Mosaical dispensations, through the shield of Faith fenced out the wisdom of the Flesh; So in the Evangelical dispensation, the Disciples and Apostles of the Lamb, kept the same, and laboured in the virtue and strength of Divine abilities, committed to them, to bring them to Christ, the Magazine, Repository, and store-house of Heavenly wisdom and knowledge.  
Christ Jesus (saith Hospinian de Origine Scholarum) instituted the first Academy in the New Testament, and called twelve Disciples, whom he diligently instructed in Heavenly Doctrine; he taught them no Heathen Philosophy, nor Traditions of men.  
After the Resurrection of Christ, the Apostles being well confirmed in his School, and furnished with the gifts of the holy Spirit; went out into the World according to Christ's command, and commended unto others what they had learned of Christ, Hospinian, Matth. 28.19, 20. Go and teach all Nations, etc. Teaching them to observe all things, whatsoever I have commanded you; what, and only what they received from Christ; that, and only that they were to teach others; but no Heathen Philosophy, nor Traditions of men, dropped out of their Mouths; but their living concerns was to bring them to learn of Christ the wisdom of God, and to witness Salvation, and Eternal life through him.  
Further, Paul said to Timothy, What things thou hast heard of me in the presence of many witnesses, the same deliver to faithful men, which shall be able to teach others also, 2 Tim. 2.2. Hosp. But we read not that Timothy taught Heathen Philosophy to any; which plainly demonstrates, that Timothy received no such thing from Paul, though he had been brought up at the feet of Gamaliel.  
Further, Paul who had the mind of Christ, writing to Fathers in the behalf of Children, said, And ye Fathers provoke not your Children to wrath, but bring them up in the Nurture and Admonition of the Lord, Ephes. 6.4. Not in wanton Poets, Comedies, Tragedies, Fables, the ways of the Heathen.  
The Primitive Bishop or Elders (saith one) had tender regard unto the Children of Christians, and taught them as well as the people the knowledge of God in Christ, and rejected vain Philosophy, and Traditions of men, till the Mystery of iniquity began to insinuate itself among them, by the means of human Learning. A School in Alexandria was instituted, not very long after the Apostles days; for about the year 182. one Pantenus brought up among the Heathen Stoic Philosophers, moderated that School, whereby the Doctrine of Christ quickly spread over the face of the earth, exercise in Scriptures flourished among them; at length he traveled as far as India, to confirm them in the Faith of Christ, Euseb. lib. 5. Hospinian, we read not that he bred them up in Heathen Philosophy, Poets, Comedies, Tragedies, Fables, etc.  
Afterwards (saith this Hospinian) Monasteries were built through Europe, not through an opinion of any merit, or through any Superstition; neither that they should be Stews of lewd Fellows, but that they might be as Schools, in which not Children only, but such as were grown up, might be instructed in Piety, Religion, and Heavenly Doctrine, so to be capacitated for convincing, converting, and building up of others in the saving knowledge of the Lord.  
But as John foresaw a Star fall from Heaven unto the Earth, to whom the Key of the bottomless pit should be given, and that a smoke should arise out of the pit, Erroneous Doctrines, Human Traditions, Heathen Learning, spoiling Philosophy, whereby the Sun and the Air, should be darkened, the purity of the Primitive Church, and of Schools, should be spoiled, Revel. 9 Now as this was fulfilled, the Study of true Divinity (saith this Hospinian) began by little and little to grow cold, to be abolished, and altogether to vanish in these Monasteries or Schools; then they invented new opinions concerning Merits, Invocation of Saints, of the Pope's Supremacy, of Purgatory, of Transubstantiation; this School Divinity taking root and spreading, the minds of the simple were entangled and ensnared; the Placeats or Opinions of the Roman Popes, the Writings of Aristotle's Metaphysics had ingress into Schools, thus Heavenly wisdom being turned from, the smoke of the pit, earthly wisdom, Heathen Learning steamed into the Churchse and Schools, through which to this day they are clouded, stained and corrupted.  
But in reference to the Divinity-School of Alexandria; by little and little it so degenerated and lost the Heavenly Savour; as that, there hath not been (saith the Author of the Book called the Naked Truth) a greater plague to Christian Religion then School-Divinity, from which sprung forth, damnable Heresies, overspreading all Christendom.  
Whence did Paulus Samosetanus derive his venomous Heresies against the Son of God? but from Plotinus, and his Philosophic Disputations in the School of Alexandria.  
Did not Arius, a Presbyter of the Church of Alexandria, imbibe or drink up his blasphemy against the Divinity of Christ, out of the Divinity-School of Alexandria, about the year 310. From him sprung the Arians, who over-ran all Christendom.  
Origen also, and after him Pelagius, derived their Pestilent Errors against the grace of God, out of the same School.  
Thus after the Apostles times, the wisdom from above being turned from, the wisdom, that is from below, being entertained in Churches and Schools, the Apostasy and fall from the Primitive order, life, and soundness in Doctrine and Conversation, was brought forth.  
If the pattern of the Primitive Church, rooted and grounded in Heavenly Wisdom, Heavenly Philosophy, (saith Theoph. Gale) had been observed, neither Origen, nor Arius, nor Pelagius, nor Socinus, nor the Schoolmen, nor any of that Company, had been overwhelmed in so many monstrous Errors.  
Many of the Primitive Doctors and Fathers, (saith the Author of the Book called the Naked Truth) being converted from Heathenism, greatly skilled in Natural Philosophy, Antiquity, History, Subtle Logic, or Sophistry, were unwilling to abandom their long studied and beloved Sciences so called; so translated them into Christianity, applying their School Terms, Distinctions, Syllogisms, to Divine matters, so defaced Christian knowledge.  
Thus through the steaming in of Heathenism, into Church and School, the pure, sound, savoury Education of Youth in the knowledge of the Lord, was lost, and a depriving, spoiling, corrupting education entered in, out of lewd Poems, Comedies, Tragedies, Fables, spoiling Philosophy, continued yet in Christendom. I doubt not (faith our Country man del) but some men show more care and pains, to teach a Colt to Pace and Amble, than they do to instruct their Children to walk in the way of God's Commandments.  
Further, you Masters in Schools and Colleges, who instruct Youth in Profane Authors, Arts and Sciences, as the Lamp of Eternity is lighted in you, you will see you have been dancing after the Pope's Pipe, yea after the Serpent's Pipe, the Author of Heathenism.  
You may read, that in the time of the Saxon Heptarchy, Austin the Monk with others, came from Rome into this Nation; and the Faith, and School-Education of Papal Rome, was received by the Saxons, so that many Authors came into our Schools, by and through them, which are yet continued.  
Sigebert King of the East-Angles, having learned in France the manner of their Schools, with assistance of some Teachers out of Kent, instituted after the same Discipline, the University of Cambridge, than first founded, about the year 630. This Sigebert afterward changed his Royal Robe for a Hood.  
About the year 668. by means of Theodore a learned Greekish Monk of Tarsus, whom Pope Vitalian had ordained Bishop of Canterbury, the Greek and Latin Tongue with other liberal Arts, as Arithmetic, Music, Astronomy, etc. began first to flourish among the Saxons, saith Milton.  
By the Council of four Monks, Scholars of Bede, (saith del) to wit, Rabanus, Albinus, Claudius, and John Scotus, the University which had been translated from Athens to Rome, was translated by Charles the great from Rome to Paris, about the year 791.  
Thus Cambridge was made an University by King Sigebert of the Romish Faith, and the Lectures there were begun by four Monks; Friar Ode read Grammar, Tericus read Aristotle's Logicks, Friar William read Tully's Rhetoric, Dilsebert read Divinity to them on Sundays and Saints days so called.  
About the year 895. King Alfred, through the persuasion of Monk Neotus, made Oxford a public University, and appointed Maintenance for the Professors of Learning there, as saith Georg. Lilius in Chron. Britt.  
After both these places of Literature were made or confirmed Universities in Edward the first his time; by the Court of Rome, as Robert Remington affirms.  
The very names of the Colleges discover their Founders, as Christ's College, Jesus College, Immanual College, Trinity College, Corpus Christi, that is, Christ's body College, and one in Oxford for the help of all dead Souls, and for their rescue out of Purgatory, called All Soul's College. Now how these Collegians show forth the Spirit of Christ by their Fruits, and how their deportment is to such as in faith and patience wait for the Kingdom of Christ, and the righteousness thereof; or whether they be as the Lily among the Thorns, or as the Thorns, Heave another pen to discover.  
Universities to gain the greater profit to themselves, give divers Degrees and Titles, as Bachelors of Arts, Masters of Arts, Bachelors of Divinity, Doctors of Divinty; whereby (saith del) they gain Honour, Reverence, and Reputation, among all that are under the delusion of Antichrist; true it is, a principio non ita fuit: 'Twas not so from the beginning, till the Star fell from Heaven to Earth, and the smoke arose out of the Pit, darkening Sun and Air, these things were not, in seven years in Universities; they are Masters of Art, as an Apprentice is Master of his Trade, having served seven years: Papists made their Ministers in these places, as the Protestants do now; the Philosophy there taught now, is the same, that the Heathen Roman Emperors set up; they caused to be taught, Grammar and Logic, and most of the seven Arts, as now.  
The Vicechancellor admitting a Bachelor of Divinity to his Degree, uses these words, We admit thee to preach all the Apostolical Epistles, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Spirit. But,  
Admitting a Doctor of Divinity to his Degree, he saith, We admit thee to preach all the Sacred Scriptures, both of the Old, and of the New Testament, in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, cap. 20. de Ceremoniis in gradibus conferendis, Zuinglius.  
In the Primitive times, such as were called of the Lord, they waited for Heavenly Abilities, to be capacitated to beget others into the life of Righteousness, and to build them up in the most holy Faith; they did not ambitioussy affect Titles out of the God-serving life; the Pharisees were guilty of this, as formal Christians were: After the ingress, and inroad of Apostasy, Zuinglius on Matth. 23. said, Thou hear hearest, that the Titles of Masters and Doctors, are not of God, because Christ forbids this thing; and those Titles that are not of God, nor of Christ, they are of Antichrist, so to be denied by such as are branches of the true Vine. Further, Wilson in his Complete Christian Dictionary, said, that ambitious seeking after Titles ought to be eschewed.  
Obj. In the Apostles days there were several Titles, as Evangelists, Apostles, Prophets, Pastors, Doctors.  
Ans. True it is, but these and the rest made use of, or mentioned in the New Testament, were significant names, names of Office, befitting and expressing the work they were called unto, and concerned in, as I might particularise; as for Doctor, it might more properly be translated Teacher; so a name of Office, Wicklif touching this thing, said, a name of Office differs much from the name of a School Degree, brought in by the Heathen, Wicklif, in sermone domini in Monte.  
While the Primitive purity, Life, Power, Faith and Order was kept; he that ministered, he was to do it, out of the ability which God gave, 1 Pet. 4.11. The power of the Ministry was derived from the pure Spring of Divine ability, but this ability being lost, Schools were erected, Heathen Learning was entertained; where men are qualified now for the Ministry, this muddy lake, open in Rome-Heathen, steamed into Apostatised Rome-Christian, drunk up in Protestant Countries and Kingdoms now.  
To draw to a Conclusion, you Teachers of Schools and Colleges, it being that the specious Fabric of the World being finished, God looked upon every thing that he had made, and behold it was very good, Gen. 1.31. were it not more Godlike, more Christianlike, to instruct Youth in the knowledge of God, whom to know is life Eternal, and in the knowledge of his works, being very good, and useful and necessary things, then in the knowledge of Heathen Arts and Sciences, brought in by the Serpent, which in every Age and Generation, the holy men of God; yea and such as have lived in the midnight of Apostasy, with some glimpses of Divine light in their Goshen, bare Testimony against, as the  Testimonies, with others that might have been subjoined sufficiently evidence.  
David in the wisdom of God, said, The works of the Lord are wonderful, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein, Psal. 111.2. Such as have pleasure in the Lord, cannot but have pleasure in his works: Now you that make Heathenism your concern, you neither have pleasure in the Lord, nor in his works, which are very good.  
Further, David in the consideration of the Lord; broke out, saying, Lord, how manifold are thy works, in wisdom thou hast made them all, the earth is full of thy riches, so is the great and wide Sea also, wherein are things creeping innumerable, both small and great beasts, Psal. 104.24, 25. If man should live the days of Mathuselah, who lived 969. years, yet is the Lord the Book of life, and the Book of Creation, sufficient for his observation; I tell you in downright Terms, the Lord made man to eye him and his Creation, but the Serpent dislocating man, brought him to eye him, and his products, and all Heathen Authors, Poems, Comedies, Tragedies, Fables, spoiling Philosophy, Pagan Ethics, Physics, and Metaphysics, are the products of the Serpent, so see what you do, and where you are.  
Rainold in his Orations, said, he is to be accounted a wise man, who knows things that are profitable; not he that knows many things.  
Now if Languages must be Learned, were it not more Christian like, that out of Latin, etc. Books for that purpose provided, Children and Youth read the Natures of Trees, Birds, Beasts, Fish, Serpents, Infects, Earth's, Metals, Salts, Stones, Vulgar and Precious, as also rules for Gardening, Agriculture, Grazing of , Buildings, Navigation, Arithmetic, Geography, Chronology, sound History, Medicine, knowledge in Law, Improvement of Lands, Chirurgery, Traffic Government, ordering of Bees, Propagation of Plants, by Roots, Seeds, Slips, Layers, Suckers, by Grafting, Inoculating, Imping, and of Geometry, which one Proclus ascribes to to the Egyptians, who (the River Nilus now and then overflowing, confounding and disordering their Landmarks) found out the use and benefit of Geometry; by means of which, every one came to be settled in their former and proper right: I say, were it not more Christian like, that Children and Youth were instructed in the knowledge of the Lord, of his Creation, and of necessary and useful things, whereby they might be qualified for the help, benefit, and advantage of others, in their respective Generations; then to be trained up in lascivious Poems, wanton Comedies, foolish Tragedies, frivolous Fables, Heathen Orations, Pagan Philosophy, being the Language of the old Serpent, and of the smoke which darkened Sun and Air, after the Primitive times: Certainly (saith Baptista Van Helmont in his Physic refined) I could wish that the spring of Youngmen, might not hereafter be seasoned, with such trifles and lying Sophistry; they would learn in the seven years, Arithmetic, Mathamaticks, Geography, With the Circumstances of Seas, Rivers, Springs, Mountains; Provinces, Minerals, the property and custom of Nations, Plants, living Creatures, etc.  
So by way of recapitulation let me tell you, the knowledge of the Lord, of his Creation, and of useful and necessary things, I own and desire propagation thereof, seeing in measure man's state and concern, before Abbadon, Apollyon, the destroyer prevailed, but the knowledge introduced by the old Serpent, his Wisdom, his Poems, his Comedies, vain Tragedies, spoiling Philosophy, Heathen Ethics, Physics, Metaphyficks, as depriving and corrupting Youth, I utterly deny: Take the Testimony of the Reformer Martin Luther; who said,  
It is a serious thing, a weighty thing, that Youth be instructed in a Godly, and in a Christian manner.  
Obj. Didst not thou teach all usual School Authors, how comest thou thus to inveigh against them.  
I Answer, true it is, I taught these things, being deeply plunged in the waters of Marah, waters of bitterness; but I found no peace therein, but always entering into the Chamber of seriousness, and commencing with the Lord in his Despensation of Grace to me committed; I found the Mouth of Heaven open against them, I saw them as the full and loathsome matter of an Ulcer, as the Waters of Babylon, transporting into the region of the shadow of death; Spiritually a dead Sea, in which no man can live unto God; and though I used them, after I knew them to be evil, I had no peace therein, but waited for a deliverance, desiring of the Lord I might not die therein, in that heathenish muddy concern; but he delivered me from the bewitchings of that Dalilah: In secret retirements spiritual resignation, the abomination and enchantments of the aforesaid, is more and more discovered; I have put off that Coat, and have entertained a resolution, never more to put it on, I have washed my Feet, how shall I be defiled therewith? You that are bound with the delights, bewitchings, or profits of Heathenism, of the seven liberal Arts, or of any inventions of the Serpent, as Samson was bound with seven green Wyths, which he broke as a thread of Tow, when it toucheth the Fire. I tell you the Truth, as it is in Jesus, as the light which shines in darkness, arises out of darkness, and clears your understandings, and gives you the knowledge of the excellency of Heavenly wisdom, and of the danger of the wisdom from below, in the lustre of this, and in Heavenly strength received in it; you will break asunder the seven green Wyths of the bewitching delights of Heathenism, of Heathen learning, and bear Testimony for an education of Youth in the knowledge of the Lord, and of the Creation, and of necessary things, expedient for the accomplishment of youth for lawful and honest service in their respective Generation, wherein, as the Lord opens a door, and encouragement is given, I am ready to be serviceable; being raised to that hope, that Babylon must fall; as in the particular, so must he in the General, and her Merchants cease Trading in her proud waves, and that the knowledge which is Heaven-bred, must cover the Earth, as Water covers the Sea, and that the wisdom which is from below, must be scoured away, as clouds before the wind; so be wise, and not pillars to support that putrified structure which the Lord is risen to overturn; 'tis not learning, but unlawful learning; not Schools, but abuses and corruptions thereinto crept, that this Testimony is against, as the Intelligent Reader may understand.   

CHAP. VI Lastly, A few Queries soberly proposed to the Consideration of such as Teach Heathen Authors in Christian Schools.  
IF Adam and his posterity, had kept the state of Innocency, whether ever had we had wanton Poets, and Poems, lascivious Comedies, feigned Tragedies, frivolous Fables, spoiling Philosophy; yea or nay?  
2. Whether it ought to be the concern of Schoolmasters as of Ministers, to eradicate, or propagate, what was introduced, by the Author of the fall?  
3. Whether to have Teachers in every Parish, vi & armis, as by force of arms, to drive Heathenism into Youth, be the way to eradicate the same; yea or nay?  
4. Whether man was not created to eye his Creator and the Creation: yea or nay?  
5. Whether the Serpent Prevalent over man, laid not the foundation of another kingdom: yea or nay?  
6. Whether wanton Poems, lascivious Comedies, and Tragedies, frivolous Fables, spoiling Philosophy, taught in Schools, be not the Language of that Kingdom: yea or nay?  
7. Whether it be not a shame to Christian Schools and Colleges, that Languages cannot, or are not taught, without being beholden to the Heathen: yea or nay?  
8. Whether wanton Poems, Comedies, Tragedies, Fables, spoiling Philosophy, were taught to Youth in the Primitive Church before the fall of the Star from Heaven: yea or nay?  
9 Whether wanton Poems, lascivious Comedies, Tragedies, Fables, spoiling Philosophy, be not of the smoke that arose out of the bottomless pit, which darkened the Sun and Air: yea or nay?  
10. Whether wanton Poems, Comedies, Tragedies, Fables, spoiling Philosophy, be not of the foam of that Sea, which the beast arose out of: yea or nay?  
11. Whether the Lord, and his works, which are wonderful, be not sufficient to take up the short Age of man: yea or nay?  
12. Whether wanton Poems, Comedies, Tragedies, Fables, spoiling Philosophy, be not of that knowledge, which puffs up, brought into the World, through the breath of Satan's Bellows: yea or nay?  
13. Whether wanton Poems, Comedies, Tragedies, Fables, spoiling Philosophy, were ever kindled in Christian Churches, before the old Serpent kindled them, by the breath of his Bellows: yea or nay?  
14. Whether lascivious Poems, Comedies, Tragedies, Fables, spoiling Philosophy, be not of that wisdom, which is earthly, sensual and devilish: yea or nay?  
15. Seeing all the Treasures of wisdom and knowledge are in Christ; are they not deluded who seek the same at Aristotle's mouth, or any other Heathen?  
16. Whether wanton Poems, Heathen Comedies, Tragedies, Fables, spoiling Philosophy, and Idolatrous Traditions; be not dregs of the Cup of Abomination and Fornication, wherewith Kindred's, Tongues and People, were, and are made drunk: yea or nay?  
17. Whether such as Teach these things in Schools and Colleges, be not the old Serpent's Cooks, preparing a deadly dish: yea or nay?  
18. Whether such as Teach these Heathen things, be not eating the forbidden Fruit: yea or nay?  
19 Whether it be not Idolatry to Teach, that Mars is the god of War, Bacchus the god of Wine, Apollo the god of wisdom: yea or nay?  
20. Whether Teachers of a plurality of Gods, be not transgressors of the Law of Moses, and of the Gospel: yea or nay?  
21. Whether Godfathers and Godmothers so called, that vow that such and such Children, shall forsake the Devil and all his works, pomps and vanities, yet concern themselves for their Education in lascivious Poems, Comedies, Tragedies, Fables, spoiling Philosophy, be Vow keepers or Vow breakers?  
22. Whether such as are concerned in Teaching wanton Heathen Authors, are not concerned to keep that alive, which Christ comes to destroy: yea or nay?  
23. Whether such as Teach Heathenism in Schools or Colleges, do not labour to keep the Sun and Air darkened by the smoke of the pit: yea or nay?  
24. What is the great Star called Wormwood, which fell upon the Rivers and Fountains of Waters; and what are the Waters made bitter whereof many died, mentioned Revel. the 8th.  
In Learning of Languages; wholesome, sound, savoury, useful and necessary matter, being Learned, a double advantage (as was said before) accrues to the Learner.  
Pura decent puerum; faedis eatemperat aetas  
A vitiis puerum nil nisi pura decent,  
Virtutum dulces pueris infunde liquores  
Et mores aetas promet adulta bonos.  
T. L.