THE VANITY Of the present CHURCHES, AND Uncertainty of their Preaching, discovered.  
WHEREIN The pretended immediate teaching of the Spirit, is denied, and the all-sufficiency of the Scriptures teaching, is maintained.  
WITH, A new and true Method of reading thereof, for the peace of the mind, and rule of life.  Gal. 6. 15. 16 For in Christ Jesus neither Circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new Creature. And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, etc. 
London, Printed by J. Clows, and are to be sold in Cornhill, and Popes-Head-Alley, 1649.   

To the Reader.  
ALthough I descent from some things in this Treatise, and other things seème dark and doubtful to me, yet there are many plain, clear, and evident Truths, of great use to all Christians. Therefore that the Truth may be manifest to all, And that all Believers and Churches of the Saints may be of one mind, and may edify the whole body in love. And in all their Doctrines, and Conversations, hold forth the truth as it is contained in the written word, the perfect rule of the spirit to guide us into all Truth, and to make us wise unto Salvation, through that (one necessary thing) Faith, which is in Christ Jesus: which is by the Gospel, (the power of God to salvation) preached unto us. And that error may be discovered, reproved, and corrected, and if possible, that the guilty may be convinced, and reform.  
Therefore: I say to this Epistle, and the ensuing Treatise.  
February 23. 1648-49. Imprimatur THEODORE JENNINGS.   

The vanity of the present Churches, and uncertainty of their Preaching discovered, etc.  
AS there is nothing more commendable amongst men, than a true correspondency between the heart, the tongue, & the hand: so no thing is more lovely amongst Christians, then that the Conscience, the profession and the practice do universally agree; & though something be allowable unto frailty, yet when the defect or discord is continued, and that to the reproach of Christianity in general, and to the prejudice of humane society; then certainly a reproof is not only requisite, but the neglect thereof, a sin of an high nature.  
And so those, whom this discourse now deemeth worthy of reproof did seem to judge, when they condemned the persecuting practices, of the new raised Presbyters, whose positions and professions whilst they were persecuted by the Bishops, did clearly hold forth a full and complete liberty of Conscience, in the exercise of Religion, and justly and truly did the Independants reprove them, as their many books, of that Subject, do sufficiently testify: their reproofs were sharp, and their replies driven home; whereby they put the question of the utmost liberty of Conscience, out of all question, accounting nothing more base, or mis-beseeming a Christian, then to question, or vex, or reproach any man for his judgement or practice, touching matters of Religion, and inciting all men to peace, unity, love, and true friendship, though of never so many several opinions, or different ways in Religion.  
By which their ingenuity, they, (as the Puritan Presbyter had done before them) gained abundance of love and respect from all men: their Congregations multiplied, and in conclusion, obtained much countenance from authority: which they no sooner tasted; but instantly, some of them began to pride themselves, and to despise others; and to reproach and villisie all such, as upon trial and examination of their Churches, their Pastors▪ and Sermons, finding all to be but feigned imitations, nothing real or substantial, forsook their societies, and thereupon as the Presbyters had used them; so deal the Independent with these, and all that any ways adhered unto these, raising nicknames and bitter invective reproaches against them, sparing neither art nor pains, to make them odious to others, and their lives (if it were possible) a burden to themselves; and though reasons have been offered, and conferences desired, that they might see their error, and forbear to deal thus contrary to their positive, owned, and declared principles: yet have they persisted therein, and go on still without ●easing, manifesting a most destructive and persecuting disposition, not only towards these, but towards many others whom they now (as complete Judges of other men's Consciences) judge to be erroneous, or heretical, and seem to have placed their felicity in the ruin of those whom their own Consciences cannot deny to have been instrumental in their preservations, and who have, not thought their lives too precious, to purchase them that freedom which now they enjoy.  
And therefore it hath been conceived not only just, but of absolute necessity, to publish to the judgements of all impartial people, both of the congregational way and others: this their hard measure and unthankful usage of a harmless well-meaning people, and withal, to discover to all those who are conscientious, the error of their ways, and emptiness of the things wherein they glory, and to let all those who are wilful or mere politicians amongst them, bear their shame openly, and since they are proof against their Consciences, and can take up, and lay down principles, professions, and practices too, as stands most with their advantage, and like the Jews in their worst estate, make no reckoning of oppressing all that are not of their tribes, it is but equal, that such should bear their mark in their forehead, that all men might be warned from conversing with such deceivers, and if any tartness appear herein, they are the occasion, it being no more than they deserve.  
And not only so, but we have herein also endeavoured to support the weak, and by establishing them upon the sure foundation of the written word of God, (inclining them to give ear thereunto, as unto the only true infallible teacher of spiritual things in our times) and by directing them in a brief and plain method, in the reading thereof how to attain to that one necessary Doctrine and main design intended therein unto man, for his temporal and eternal comfort.  
To which end, that we may neither seem to wrong the one sort, nor to delude the other, and for full satisfaction of all that are, or shall be concerned herein: we affirm it to be most palpably evident, That ye of the Independent congregational, or of any Churchway whatsoever, have not that true essential mark of a true Church to be found amongst you, which only can distinguish the true from the false, and without which a true Church cannot be:— A true Church in the Scripture sense; being such only, as wherein the very word of God is purely and infallibly preached: that's the mark.  
Now though it have been usual among you in your prayers, to desire of God that your auditors may give ear to the word that you preach, not as unto the word of a mortal man, but as unto the word of the ever living God: and this too, with such solemn countenances, lifted up eyes and earnestness of expression, as if it were the sin of sins, for men to doubt it: Though this hath been your course: do ye not tremble when you consider it, to think that you should so frequently practise so gross an imposture, as openly to pray unto God, that your eronious, doubtful uncertain conceptions, (for what other are your Sermons) shall be heard and received, as the word of the ever living God; what greater impiety, nay blasphemy, then to call man's word, God's word, to counterfeit a Preacher an Evangelist, an Ambassador of Christ's, and to deliver a Word, a Message, a Gospel, mixed and made up of opinions and conjectures, as if it were the true real word of the ever living God.  
What is this but even to debase, belie, and offer despite to the spirit of God himself, for advancing your own false Honour and repute amongst men.  
Consider this serioussy, all ye that are captivated with the charm of these Sophisters, that are entangled in their forms of godliness, that are drawn into their imaginary Churches, that are deluded into an opinion, that they are pastors, feeders, preachers of the word of God, and be so true to God; (whose honour lies at stake) to yourselves whose peace and comfort lies at stake, and to your Neighbours, whose good name lie at stake also: as to make a clear examination whether these pretended pastors, & Churches are taught immediately by the spirit of God, or not, as they pretend; try them by the word they preach.  
And you shall find, however they have prepossessed you to the contrary, that neither they, nor yourselves, have any understanding at all of such divine or heavenly things, as bring peace of Conscience and joy in the Holyghost, by any other way or means, but only and solely by the Scriptures, and that neither they, nor yourselves, are taught by the spirit, as they have long persuaded you, and whereby chief they delude you, into a belief that they are true pastors, and your Churches, true Churches of Christ. For Judge you, had they the spirit of God as they pretend? would they need, as they do; when they have resolved to speak to you from a Text of Scripture, to go sit in their Studies, three or four days together, turning over those authors, that have written thereupon; and beating their own brains, to find out the meaning and true intent thereof; no certainly, had they the spirit of God, it could in an instant, in the twinkling of an eye, inform them the meaning of his own writings; they would not need to be studying, seven, ten, or twenty years, to understand the truth of the Gospel, and when they have done so too, be as fare to seek as they were at first for any express certainty therein; for do but observe, that when they have for some years preached up a Doctrine, they are many times forced to preach it down again, as ye well know most of them have done, and that in very material points.  
As for instance, are they not one while zealous for the baptising of Infants, another while for the baptising of Believers only, and then again for no Baptism at all, for want of a true Ministry? do not the Pastors differ amongst themselves, and contentions arise not only between Church and Church, but in every Church within itself? are there not some that for many years have preached up election and reprobation, and afterwards have as much preached it down, and cried up general redemption, and, that man hath free will or a negative voice in his salvation, and this in a Church gathered and taught by the spirit, as they would make the world believe; and those who by praying and preaching ex tempore, would be thought to have yet a more immediate teaching of the spirit; how extremely are they to seek in the ready understanding of the Scriptures, what weak and indisgested matter issueth from them, is too easily discerned, yea what contradictions, they huddle one in the neck of another, though through confidence in the speaker, and superstition in the hearer, all passeth for currant truth.  
But consider, can it be of the true spirit to produce uncertain Doctrines, if the Trumpet give an uncertain sound, who can prepare himself to the battle; so if the preacher, preach uncertainly, how can he affirm his word to be the word of God; or how from such doubtfulness can true faith be begotten in the hearts of the hearers? is not a Church founded upon such uncertainty, founded upon the sand, and built up with hay & stubble, not able to stand the least blast of a reasonable opposition; and will ye that have Consciences towards God, any longer be instrument in this mocking of him, and by your countenance thereof partake with them in this strong delusion?  
What doth the Pope and his Clergy more than belie themselves, and blaspheam God, in saying, they have the true spirit of God, which leads them into all truth; whilst by their lying miracles, by their art and sophistry, they lead the poor deluded people in the greatest errors, for maintenance of their own pride, covetousness, and luxury: The Bishops they come, and by pretence of the true spirit, discover abundance of faults in the Pope and his Clergy, and make show of great reformation; but advance only themselves and their uncertain Doctrines, for their own ambitious ends only, without any regard to the glory of God, or good of men: then comes the Presbyters, and they cry out against Common-Prayer (that was faulty enough) and studied Sermons, as stinters, and suppressors of the true Spirit of God in them; and they are no sooner in the Chair, and their Prayers & preach examined; but they also are found to differ one with another, to contradict themselves, & to mind only their own honour and profit; and to be possessed (as both the former) with a persecuting Spirit, which is abhorred of God, of Christ, and of all his true Ministers and Apostles.  
Then comes the Independents and pretend to erect, a holy, pure and undefiled worship, according to the pattern, showed unto them by the true Spirit indeed, pleading for general liberty of conscience, void of all compulsion or restriction, and professing the meekness of the very Lambs of Christ, and humility towards all men; who now could have suspected what since hath been discovered? Namely, that they as the rest, belied the Spirit of God, (pardon the harshness of the expression, it's for God's cause and must be spoken) they being no more infallibly certain of the truth, they raise from Scriptures▪ then any of those whom they so much condemn▪ they as the rest, pray, preach, and do all for money, and without it they do nothing, taking money for that which is not bread, but 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, and sand mixed together; that di● 〈◊〉 people swallow it whole, without 〈…〉 mination, it would be as gravel between their teeth, and they would 〈◊〉 it out of their mouths.  
And since, they are increased in number●, and have as it were, scummed the Parish Congregations of most of their wealthy and zealous members. Do they not fully discover a serpentine disposition hankering after persecution? Do they not daily 〈◊〉 their venom privately and publicly, against any that either separate from them, or join not with the● and that in as foul aspersions, as ever the 〈◊〉 uttered against Luther, the Bishops against 〈◊〉 Puritan, or the Presbyter against the Independents, are they not high and skilful in railing? making whom they please Atheists, Antiscripturists, Autinomians, Anti-magistrats, Polligamists, Seekers, or what they will: and can these proceed from the true Spirit of God, or from the Spirit of Antichrist? Judge impartially. Ye that are yet untainted in your consciences (going on in this Churchway as deceived, and not deceivers) whether ye can offer more despite to the Spirit of Grace, then by your presence and society, to justify this delusion; or to uphold this new Idol, this Apple of Sodom, seeming only fair to the eye, but touch it, and it falls to powder, to the very earth, being nought but earth, like Dagon before the Ark, having neither hands nor feet, but to (discerning eyes) is a mere useless lump, an Idol, which as the Apostle saith, is nothing in the world, and therefore let none, who mind the things that are of God, uphold it any longer.  
It being hardly to be believed, the infinite evils which comes to the world by this false supposition and assumption of these Churches of having the Spirit of God, or being taught immediately thereby; for by occasion thereof, no sooner doth any one embrace any opinion pretending to Religion, and begins to be fortified therein, and that after frequent hearing, prayer, fasting, or humiliation, he continues to be of the same mind, but presently he thinks himself bound to declare to all the world, what the Spirit of God (as he calls his own imagination) hath made known unto him.  
And hence it is, that at present, the World abounds with such variety of opinions, concerning life and salvation, that many a sincere heat, seeking for peace and rest therein, is kept in perpetual suspense and doubtfulness, whereby their lives become a very burden to them; and many sad, and woeful effects, follow thereupon.  
Some by their confidence, and extremity of zeal, and diligence, get their opinions (how contrary to Scripture soever they are) into half the people of a Town, Village and Parish; and then there is nothing but wrangling, envy, malice, and backbiting one another, to the extreme prejudice and unquietness of the place.  
Some of them crying up their own experiences, and the teachings of God within them, affirming that they speak not from Books, or Scriptures, written in Ink and Paper, and in Letters and Syllables, but from the inward suggestion of the Spirit, induce multitudes to neglect the Scriptures, and to give credit only to their wild Notions and Opinions, and though they have no foundation in the plain expression of the Scripture, or be contrary thereunto, yet are they satisfied, that they only are in the truth, and all other Christians in error, not examining their opinions by the Text, but urging that the Text is to be interpreted by their Opinions and experiences.  
And hence it is, that in the esteem of some, the Scriptures are of as small value as the Service Book: and to speak of a Christ crucified at Jerusalem, is carnal. Hence it is, that some, and those not a few, maintain there is no sin, no evil, no difference of things, that all things are good, are one; and that all things are God, and that to see or judge any otherwise, is for want of the teaching of the Spirit; and this, though it quite contradict the whole tenor, and plain open scope of the Scriptures, from the beginning of Genesis, to the end of the Revelation; yet passeth it for currant, and gets ground in all places.  
Hence it is, that some men will neither stir, nor undertake any thing of any nature, Civil or Natural, but as they are prompted thereunto, (as they imagine) by the Spirit, or as some phrase it, by the drawings forth of the Father, taken all their inclinations, like, or dislikings, to be immediately from God, whereby gross neglects and failings (to say no more) come to be excused; and not only so, but expressly put upon God's score.  
Hence it is, that some after extreme fasting, and continuance in prayer, (beyond what their bodies could bear,) extent of mind, and intention of apprehension, have really believed, they have seen Christ standing by them, and heard him vocally speak unto them, that they have seen a light waving about their beds all the night long; at other times a black darkness intermixed: and in these ecstasies, as they call them, (but indeed feverish distempers) they have been bid, as they thought, to do such things as the holy Scriptures abhor; and yet could never rest till they had done them.  
And hence it is, that some presume to be so Goded with God, and Christed with Christ, as they affirm, they are in heaven, and upon the earth; that they are ever well, and that pain is not pain; that all things are nothing, and nothing all things, and glory that they are contradictions; Prophesy of things to come, as the day of Judgement; name the time, the very day, see it false, and yet profess it true (in a sense,) and are believed; writ books of the Germans mad man's Divinity, of the occurrences and success of the present distractions, in such unheatd off expressions, concerning King, Parliament, and all Parties, that to a man that gives good heed to the Scriptures, nothing appears more irreligious; yet through the general supposition of the immediate teaching of the Spirit, the authors please not only themselves, but others; and none speaks against it, or writes, or preaches against it to any purpose, lest they should break the golden chain of their own honour or profit; for whoever assumes, or maintains himself to be taught by, or to have the Spirits mediate teaching, is liable to hold any thing his Fancy presents to his Imagination, and dares not condemn the false assumption of God's holy Spirit, in another, lest he should thereby condemn himself; since they both have but their own bare affirmations, for their foundation, neither being able to manifest, by any thing extraordinary, the real possession thereof.  
To this sad condition are men in these times, brought by this falls presence of a Spirit, which once taken up, & insisted on, their credit becomes so engaged, and they are so exceedingly delighted, and lifted up, in being thought, the darlings of God, that it is the hardest thing in the world, to make them see their mistake; offer but once to bring them into a doubt, or but desire them to examine how (amidst so many contradictory Opinionists, all affirming the Spirit of God for their leader in each) any one of them comes to know himself to be in the right, and they turn the head of one side, single, and condemn you as not enlightened, and pray not to trouble them; yet if you inquire, what at any time the Spirit immediately hath made known unto them, they cannot tell one syllable, but recite some place of Scripture, which by serious intention hath imprinted itself in their minds.  
If you demand a real Demonstration of the Spirit, they can give you none, but (peradventure) will tell you, that you must await God's time, and he will enlighten you. That their Spirit is as the white Stone in the Revelation, the name whereof no body knew, but he that received it; making use of false, dark, and mysterious Scriptures (intended for another end) to prove that they are unable by any sound argument, or sensible demonstration to manifest: Whereas, were they really endowed therewith, they could not conceal it, nor we be unconvinced of its divine and supernatural Power, but must needs bend our knees, and hearts in acknowledgement thereof.  
If we urge the Scriptures against them, they tell us the Letter killeth, abusing, and that so grossly that place of Scripture, to the upholding their own vain imagination; nothing being more evident, then that by Letter, in that place of the Romans, is to be understood the Law: and by Spirit: the Gospel.  
And if men did not too much Idolise their own fancies, it would soon appear, That now in our times we have no Preacher of the Gospel but the Scriptures; which being the infallible Word of God, the Word of Truth, Eph. 1. 13. not the word of man, but (as it is in truth) the Word of God. 1 Thes. 2. ver. 13. which was not yea, and nay, but yea, 2 Cor. 1. ver. 18, 19 20. The Word of God that abideth for ever. Is it not strange, that our pretended Preachers of all sorts, should so far prevail upon the minds of men, as to draw them from giving ear, to what this Word of truth plainly and evidently holdeth forth, for the peace of their minds, and direction of their lives; and take up their time and thoughts wholly, or principally, with their uncertain & fallible Sermons, making them in effect, forsake these living fountains, and dig to themselves broken Cisterns, that can hold no water.  
Nay, a wonderful thing it is, that it should be received for a currant truth, That this, the greatest blessing the World knows, this word of the ever living God, should now come to be esteemed, but as a dead Letter; this sword of the Spirit, that forceth itself into our dead natural understandings, plants itself there, makes us one with it: and forms us new; this regenerating word, this immortal seed, should be so undervalved, as to pass but as a dead Letter.  
Time was, that it was otherwise in England, when our forefather's would have given any thing in the world; yea, many of them gave up their lives, rather than they would part with the smallest part of this precious Word, translated into English, by the first sincere professors of true Christian doctrines; but then Godliness was esteemed the greatest gain, and the iniquity of Learning, was not arrived to so much impudence, as to make a gain of Godliness, to make a trade of Religion, and to become rich by pretended preaching. Nor weaned they the people from the Scriptures, to give ear to their notions, and opinions; telling them they had the Spirit, and that the Scriptures were but a dead letter; but invited and persuaded all men, to a diligent consideration of the true scope and intent of them.  
Neither did they prefer the understanding of men, with difficult points, or obscure doctrines; but (as Luther) insisted altogether upon the Doctrine of free Justification by Christ alone; and (in way of thankfulness for so great a benefit) invited all men, to live righteously, Godly, and soberly in this present world; therein following the example of the Apostles, and the very end, scope, and main design of the Scriptures; which is that unum necessarium, and which, if people did rightly and seriously mind, they would not so easily be drawn to follow such Teachers, or to give ear to such Sermons; whereby they are always learning, but never come to the knowledge of this one necessary truth.  
For, how long work soever, Ministers and pretended Preachers, make of it, to maintain themselves, and families in wealth, plenty, and honour, necessary Doctrines are not at all hard to be understood, nor require long time to learn them; and if it did not concern their livelihood, and profession, to make men believe, they were people would soon understand sufficiently for their establishment, and comfort, and would fall to practice, that so they might become an honour to their profession of Christianity; for the Scriptures, or word of God, having once planted this truth in the understanding, viz. That it is the blood of Christ, which cleanseth us from all sin; this Evangelicall truth of its own nature, would instantly set man on work to do the will of him, that hath so loved him, and constrain him to walk in love as Christ hath loved: so that after this, all the care would be, how to advance the Gospel, by making our light to shine forth before men, that others seeing our good works, may glorify our Father which is in Heaven.  
But this is no profitable way, for any of our pretended Preachers, this Doctrine is to soon learned; for if men once come, to know that this short lesson is sufficient; what will they regard? either printed discourses, or Sermons, and if once they find them also full of uncertainty contradiction, and unnecessary things, they'll not part with their money for such trash, when they may go to the two breasts of Christ himself, freely at all times, to the Scriptures, and buy this sweet milk and honey, without money and without price; and if men and women come once to understand this, they will not cumber themselves with many things but possessing this unvalluable truth, will ever worship God in Spirit and in Truth; and declare unto others this blessed one necessary comfortable way, and that not by preaching or long set speeches: which are apt to deceive; but by conferences, and mutual debates, one with another, (the best way for attaining a right understanding) far excelling that which is called preaching. But then, how shall Demetrius and the Craftsmen live? even by some lawful calling, this being the most palpably delusive of any in the world, and it is very strange, that all men do not discern and avoid it.  
It is so, as cunningly as it is carried, & as high in repute as it is, & hath long time been, having no foundation but in the weak credulity of men; for if men but once consider it, their Sermons will appear to be but as common discourses, full of mistakes, errors, and at the least altogether uncertain: and that all their preach and prayings are only for money, and that their greatest skill and labour, is to hold men ever in suspense; and upon pretence of truth, to give them a bastard Scholastic knowledge, which only serve to make men proud, wrangling Sophisters, and Disputers, vain boasters, talkers, busybodies, censurers, Pharisees, wise in their own eyes, and despising others, void of all true piety or real Christian virtue: and no marvel.  
For such as the tree is, such ever will be the fruit; they boast to have the Spirit of God, & you see it is but boasting, or their own imagination only: and in the mean time▪ take the Scriptures for a dead Letter; and either reject them, or make them speak according to the spirit of their own Imaginations; and so instead of being real, are at best but fantastic Christians, uncertain (if not false) Teachers: and such are their fruits. The greatest part of their time, wherein they should be employed to feed the hungry, cloth the naked, or in visiting the fatherless & widow, or in delivering the Captive, and setting the oppressed free, (all which are works, so fully and plainly set forth in Scripture, as most pleasing to God) being spent in talking upon some hard texts of Scripture, such are their Sermons, or in disputes & contests, upon some nice & difficult questions. And this exercising themselves there▪ in, week after week, and day after day, and in fastings and repetitions, and in writing of these doubtful Sermons, is by them called a Religious exercise, and those who can but attain to so much boldness and utterance, as to speak and pray an hour, two or three, together, take upon them, and are reputed, guifted Christians, and principal religious persons, when as many of them get good estates by so doing, good benefices, and others who make not a trade of it, as many devout pastors do; yet gain so much credit thereby, as doth much increase their Trades, and advance their Custom and dealing in the world, and now and then helps to a good round Office. And whilst any of this strain of Christians, may live in this kind of devotion twenty years, preached for twenty or forty shillings a year, and have the repute, of a most religious knowing Christian, from the testimony of the most grave, learned, and solemn pastors of all Congregations, if but a part of their religious disbursments be spent upon them, it is not to be wondered at, that so few are found to serve God sincerely in the way of pure and undefiled Religion, which would plume their Peacock's feathers, and cost them more in one year, than all their lip-service, and Church-devotion, doth many of them in their whole life-time.  
Nay, so impudent are many of these proud boasting Churches, (who glory to follow precisely the pattern shown in the mount) that contrary to all example of the Apostles and first Christians; they can content themselves to be known usurers, and those that are not such themselves, can allow it in their fellow Members, their Pastors, Elders, and Deacons can tolerate it, and why not, as well as for their pastors to take moneys from such, as are of less ability than themselves; nay, do not many of them spend the greatest part of their time, either in making, buying, and selling of baubles and toys, such as serve only to furnish out the pride, suxury, and fantasticallnesse of the world; yea, view them well in their apparel, from head to foot; consider them in their diet and usual feast; in their furniture for their houses, even in these sad and miserable times; and then say, whether their silks, their fine and delicate linen, their Laces, Beavers, Plushes; their Fancies, Plate, Rings, and Jewels; do not demonstrat▪ from what root they are, that they are mere worldlings indeed, and Christians only in name and tongue, and not that neither, if they are well observed.  
For there are many amongst them, for slandering and backbiting; for circumvention, and an hypocritical carriage, shall vie and compare with any sort of men in the world, they can play the part of Spies, Intelligencers, plot and betray, upon pretence of intimacy, of endeared friendship and familiarity, eat, drink, be merry with you, day after day, week after week, for months, yea for many years, and after all: profess boldly, openly, confidently, before their Church, to Neighbours, friends, or strangers, that all this intimacy, friendship, familiarity, was only and merely to deceive, and to discover what might be, to mischief, the parties with whom they held it: shall we ask which of the Apostles was a slanderer, a spy, an Intelligencer, a betrayer; certainly none but Judas, and the followers of Judas; let them henceforth profess themselves, at least, let all that know them, so account them, unless they manifest their speedy true repentance, for bringing such reproach ●o the profession of Christianity.  
But what will such men stick at, as have once dared to dissemble before God, to call themselves Preachers, and are not: to gather Churches, and to join and continue in the fellowship of mere mock-Churches, that dare attempt the Ordinances with profane hands, without, and before Commission given from above, that dare pretend Commission, and yet can show no seal, no letters of credit from Heaven, that dare affirm their own opinions and Sermons, to be the word of God: and all this after admonition, from such persons too, as out of Conscience have separated from them, against whom also they persist to shoot their most sharp and poisoned Arrows; even bitter words, false invectives, lies, and slanders.  
O therefore consider this! all ye whose Consciences, are yet sound amongst them, or but a little tainted, and see into what a wretched condition ye may be led before ye are ware; there is no stop in wickedness, but a progress from one degree of evil to another, unless at first: therefore stop in time, and come out from amongst them, lest ye soon partake with them in their sins; and neither approve, nor connive at what you see and know to be against the judgement of your Consciences, lest in time you become as the worst and vilest of them.  
Study the Scriptures, that word of truth: bless God for them, forsake them not for the vain traditions of men, for the uncertain notions, Doctrines, and comments of pretended Preachers; and be certain of this, that you may as soon as they themselves, come to a good and right understanding therein,— and that you may do so. Read them with these Considerations.  
That although whatsoever is written, is written for our learning, and that we have great cause, to be thankful to God, for vouchsaffing us, the knowledge of the several ways, of his dispensations to man, according to the several times, and ages, which were from Adam, (which was the first) unto the time of the descending of the holy spirit, (which was the last:) yet are we seriously to know, that this last dispensation of the holy spirit, is that which principally concerneth us rightly to understand, and to apply to ourselves, both for our comfort and rule of life; for unto this time and depensation doth our blessed Saviour himself refer us, saying, I will send you another Comforter, he shall lead you into all truth, he shall bring to remembrance the things that I have told you: and he performed his promise effectually to the Apostles, whose writings we have, containing what the same spirit taught unto them; the truth whereof, they were enabled, and did, confirm with miracles, so as it might be as truly said of them, as it was of Christ our Lord; that they taught as men having authority, and not as the Scribes, nor as the uncertain pharisaical teachers of these times.  
Unto which word of theirs, we are principally to give heed: but therein also, we are chief to discover and to mind, what that Doctrine was, which they by the spirit, were ordained to preach? because that being understood and believed, doth give the believer thereof, the name and being of a Christian, how plain and brief soever it be; for we must note, that there are many things written by the Apostles upon occasions, that concerned only or chief, the times wherein they wrote, and the places and persons to whom they wrote, which is the true cause that many things are too hard for us to understand; but there was one universal Doctrine, which they were to preach to all Nations, where with all their writings do abound, and which is very plain and easy to be understood.  
And this is it, namely, that the same Jesus whom the Jews crucified, was Lord and Christ: That he is the propitiation for our sins, and not only for ours, but for the sins of the whole world, That it is the blood of Christ which cleanseth us from all sin, That his love is so exceeding towards us, that even when we were enemies, Christ died for us: This was the Doctrine which begot people unto the faith, and made them Believers: and they used no other inducement, unto Believers, to walk as becometh this Gospel (or glad tidings of peace and reconciliation between God and us,) but this, ye are bought with a price, therefore honour God, both in your bodies, and in your spirits: their strongest Argument to persuade, being this and the like: That the love of God which bringeth salvation unto all men, hath appeared, teaching us, to deny all ungodliness & unrighteousness of men, and to live righteously, godly, and soberly in this present world: that we should love as Christ hath loved, who gave himself an Offering and a Sacrifice for us: so that if we would try each others Faith, we are to consider each others love; so much faith, so much love; so much love, so much pure and undefiled Religion; extending itself to the fatherless and to the Widow; to the hungry, the naked, sick, and imprisoned; it being evident, that he who hath this world's goods, and suffereth his brother to lack, hath not the love of God in him, yea though he have never so great parts of knowledge, zeal, tongues, miracles, yet being void of love, he is nothing: plainly manifesting that all other Religions, are but as defiled and impure in comparison of this.  
And these are the Doctrines, which make good the rejoining of the Angels, bringing glory to God in the highest, in earth peace, good will towards men: These are sufficient, and in these do all sorts of Christians agree, and never had disagreed but for false Teachers, Wolves in sheep's Clothing; who crept in to devour the flock: causing divers strifes and contentions, about genealogies, and about the Law, which made the Apostle abundance of trouble, crying out, O foolish Galathians who hath bewitched you; telling them plainly, if righteousness came by the Law, than Christ died in vain; others, it should seem, fell to observe Days and Times, Sabbaths and Weeks, justifying themselves, and censuring others: provoking the Apostle to tell them, he was afraid of them, that he had bestowed labour in vain upon them, earnestly desiring them, to let no man deceive them, in respect of an holy day, or of the new Moon, or of the Sabaoth, etc.  
The truth is, and upon experience it will be foudn a truth: that once exceed these plain indisputable Doctrines, and you will be ever to seek; for though it be a kind of happiness, to read in Genesis the proceed of God towards our first Parents, to Abel, Cain, Enoch, to Noah and the world that perished in the flood; to see his mighty power at the Confusion of Babel: his love to Abraham and Sarah, to Isaac, Jacob, and the twelve Patriarches, to see their way of worship, to observe his mighty wonders in Egypt, in the Wilderness, and in the promised Land, under the Judges: Saul and David, Solomon, and the rest of the Kings of Judah and Israel: To know with what power he spoke by his holy Prophets in all times, even to John the Baptist.  
Yet when we have done all, we must acknowledge, that very many things exceed our understandings, and that we draw no comfort like unto this, that unto Christ, do all these bear witness: and though we have great cause to bless God, for those wonderful things we read of the life of Christ, of his wisdom, goodness, and power; by which he beat down the wisdom craft, and policy of the Scribes and Pharices', of the high Priest and great ones of the world: and whereby he made it manifest, that he was indeed the Christ, yet draw we no comfort like unto that, which the Apostles published by the power of the holy spirit. the comforter promised by Christ before his Ascension: because by this dispensation of God, only, do we come to know the benefits of Christ's death, and that he is the end of the Law for righteousness, and the propitiation for our sins; whereby we have peace of Conscience, and joy in the Holy-Ghost.  
We Read, with thankfulness to God, the Acts of the Apostles, all the Epistles of Paul, of Peter, James, Judas, and the Epistles of John, & the Revelat. to St. John: But we must still acknowledge, that there are very many things in them all, which we apprehend not fully. We Read of Apostles, Evangelists, Prophets, Pastors, and Teachers, and of the ordering and regulating of Churches, and of gifts given to all these from on high; but not so plainly expressed, as to leave the Conscientious without dispute, and difference thereupon: nor so collected into any one Book, as to convince, that God now under the Gospel, so exactly enjoined Church Government, as he did under the Law; where Moses was expressly commanded to write particularly all that was required, not leaving out so much as Candlesticks, Snuffers, or Besoms▪ And when we come to compare the Churches, or their Pastors, and their abilities of our times, with those we read of: or the infallible power by which they spoke, with the uncertain Doctrines of ours, alas we must lay our hands upon our mouths, and hid our faces, as children use to do, when they are discovered by people of understanding, at their childish imitations, of Christen and Feast; where, in a low and miserable weak form they sergeant things real: so that if we shall deal plainly with ourselves, we must confess, we are at a loss in these things, and that hence only is our rejoicing, That we undoubtedly know Jesus Christ and him Crucified, and knowing him, account all things as loss and dung in Comparison of him: and that we may be found in him, not having our own righteousness which is of the Law, but the righteousness which is of God in him: so that the whole Scriptures to us, is as the Field mentioned in the Gospel, and this the JEWEL, for which the wise Merchant, sold all that ever he had to purchase it.  
And truly, if the Traders in Divine things, truly consider this, how learned soever they are in Arts and Sciences, in all kinds of Readins and Languages, and how mighty and skilful soever they would be thought in the Exposition, opening, and interpretation of all places of Scripture, when they come to cast up their account, possibly; nay, certainly, (if they are serious therein) they will account all as nothing for this Pearl, which passeth value, they will sell All to purchase it; and rejoice exceedingly in the exchange, as the most profitable that ever they made.  
And this certainly would be done frequently by all who with honest and good hearts Read the Scriptures; were they not kept from it by fase Teachers, who hold them in suspense for their own advantage, ever raising, and starting new Questions, and new Opinions, whereby men are ever learning, but never at rest in the knowledge of his one necessary truth: but are tossed too and fro, with every wind of Doctrine: and all by giving ear to those that call themselves Preachers, but are not: that pretend to expound the Scriptures, when as they raise nothing but doubts, and darken them; that say they Interpret, when they are to seek for the meaning; being altogether doubtful and uncertain in all they do.  
And therefore much more happy are they, who read with honest and good hearts, and only Read, and considerately lay to heart; giving no ear to these charmers: these doubtful Eexpositors, these mocke-Preachers, with their trumpery Sermons, stuffed with naught, but uncertainty, and fantastic doctrines, which in the day of the necessity of man's Conscience, prove like a broken Reed, that instead of help, further wounds.  
Nor let any man henchforth wonder, whence so many several and strange opinions should arise, by which the world becomes even rend and torn in pieces? It is from this kind of Preachng, and false Exposition of the Holy Scriptures. It being so, in more ancient times, with the Law and the old Testament, as Petrus Cunaeus, (de Republ. Lib. 2. chap. 17.) brings to light: affirming, That howsoever the Law was Read amongst them in the former times, either in puplicke or in private, yet the bare Text was only Read, without gloss or descant, Interpretatio Magistrorum nulla, commentatio nulla; but in the second Temple, when there were no Prophets, than did the Scribes and Doctors (mock Prophets, as our mock Preachers) begin to Comment, and make their several Expositions on the holy Text: Ex quo natae disputationes & sententiae contrariae; from whence (saith he) sprung up debates, and doubtful disputations: and most probable it is (saith another upon him) that from this liberty of Interpretation sprung up diversity of judgements, from whence arose the several Sects of Pharises, Essees and Saducees; who by their difference of Opinions, did distract the multitude, and condemn one another.  
Even so in these times, when as there are no true Apostles, Evaugelists, Prophets, Pastors, or Teachers, endowed with power from on high, as all true ones are; by which, they are enabled to divide the word of God aright, to stop the mouths of gainsayers, and to say, thus saith the Lord, thus speaks the Lord, and not I, And if an Angel from Heaven, preach any other doctrine, let him be accursed. In the absence of these, are crept in swarms of Locusts, false Teachers, men of corrupt minds, making Merchandise of the blessed Word of Truth, and for that wicked end, dress it up in what shape their Art or Rehtorick can devise; and upon pretence of exposition, raise thousands of doubts and disputes, writ millions of books, and preach innumerable Sermons; whereby the people are divided, and subdivided into Factions, Sects and parties; and whereby the end of the Gospel, which directs only to peace and love, is most unthankfully made use of, as a firebrand of quarrels and dissensions.  
In the mean time, the poor innocent Dove, that desires to enjoy the peace of his mind in this Vnum necessarium, that little Doctrine of Christ crucified, and to walk in love, ever worshipping God in Spirit, and in the Truth, disintangled from all forms, as things he finds uncertain, disengaged from all false Churches (and cannot find a true one) that in all things gives thanks, and dares not pray, but for what he needs, nor join with any, where he is not before agreed what to ask,; This innocent dove finds not a place to rest his foot in, but is become the game of these birds of prey, these Ravens, Vultures, and Harpies.  
O that all ingenious men would lay these things to heart! that they would look more exactly into these Churches, more boldly & firmly, trying, examining & weighing them in the balance: that they would shake off that veil of superstition, and reverend respect to men's persons; whereby they are overawed into a high esteem of mere vanities, empty shells without kernels, empty clouds that hold no water. That they would consider, how extremely partial they are in judging of things; For, who is he, that doth not exceedingly condemn the impudence of Simon Magus, in offering to buy the holy Spirit of God with money, purposely to have made a gain thereof; and yet can daily see men counterfeit the having of the Spirit, and pretend to preach and to pray by it; when as it is evident, they have it not, and yet are no whit troubled at this, though they see it done also, even for filthy luchre, vain glory, or other vile respects, as he intended.  
But all are not a like guilty, many through weakness, and a preposterous zeal, being carried with the stream and current of the times; and many there are, who have run themselves quite out of breath, in searching after peace, and rest, in the various ways of these Churches, and from one Church way to another; but find none to comfort them, nothing to establish them; confessing, that instead of real ordinances, they find only names; instead of power in them, they find only forms, fashions, likenesses and imitations, mere pictures, and Images without life, altogether dead and comfortless; and are held up merely by the power of Art, craft, and policy of men, not without the countenance of corrupt authorities, & oppressive Statesmen; who find it (as it hath ever proved) a notable means to divide the people, making use thereof, to their wicked and tyrannous ends; But God in these times hath had instruments, to lay all kinds of delusion open: so that henceforth, if men continue in these evil ways, they are altogether inexcusable.  
Neither will men ever live in peace, and quietness one with another, so long as this veil of false counterfeit preaching, remaineth before their eyes, nor until the mock Churches are overturned and laid flat; For so long as men flatter themselves in those vain ways, and puff themselves up with vain thoughts, that they are in a way well pleasing to God, because they are in a Church way, as they call it, or because they are able to speak long together (which they call preaching) they are for the most part regardless of storing their minds with truths real Christian virtue, little or nothing caring, either for public Justice, Peace, or freedom amongst men; but spend their time in endless disputes, in condemning and censuring those that are contrary minded; whereby nothing but heats and discontents are engendered, backbiting and snarling at all that oppose them, will neither buy, nor sell with them, if they can choose, nor give them so much as a good look; but on all occasions are ready to Censure, one to be carnal, another erroneous; one an Atheist, another an Heretic, a Sectary, Schismatic, a Blasphemer, a man not worthy to live, though they have nothing whereof to accuse him; which in the true Scripture sense, will bear the title of an offence, but are stirred in their spirits against him, because happily he speaketh against their Churchway, and frequently showeth the vanity, and emptiness of those things wherein they glory, and by which they distinguish themselves from other men.  
So that it were much better for the Commonwealth, that all men's minds were set at Liberty, from these entanglements, that so there might be an end of wrangling about shadows; for if men were once free from this Church-bondage, they would by reading the Scriptures with such like considerations, as are before expressed, soon come to be able to understand the intent, & substantial scope thereof; and become substantial Christians; full fraught with true Christian virtue, and real godliness, which would incline them to a tenderness of spirit towards all those they saw in any error; make them to compassionate men's failings, and infirmities; and be ready to help the distressed. and any ways afflicted: it would enlarge their hearts toward all men, making them like unto our heavenly Father, who causeth his Sun to shine on the just, and unjust: that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not man.  
Certainly, were we all busied only in those short necessary truths, we should soon become practical Christians; and take more pleasure in Feeding the hungry, Clothing the naked, visiting and comforting of the sick, relieving the aged, weak and impotent; in delivering of Prisoners, supporting of poor families, or in freeing a Common wealth from all Tyrants, oppressors, and deceivers, (the authors and promoters of all corruption and superstition) thereby manifesting our universal love to all mankind, without respect of persons, Opinions, Societies, or Churches; doubtless there were no way like unto this, to adorn the Gospel of Christ; men and women so exercising themselves, and persevering therein, might possibly deserve the name of Saints; but for men to assume that title for being a Presbyter, an Independent, Brownist, Anabaptist, or for being of this or that opinion, or of this or that form of Worship, or for being able to Pray, and Preach (as they call it) three or four hours together, venting their own uncertain notions, and conjectures, or for looking more sadly, and solemnly then other people, or for dressing themselves after a peculiar manner: or for pretending to have the Spirit of God, though they are ever to seek about the meaning of the Scriptures: or for sucking in, and sighing out reproaches, and slanders against their neighbours? proceeds from mere pride and vanity of mind; when as the best of these put altogether, amount not to so much, towards the making of a true Saint, as one merciful tender hearted compassionate act, for Christ's sake doth.  
And therefore those who would truly honour God, let them not think, that he will be flattered with words, or be served with lip service, with that which costeth little or nothing; but let them resolve that he expecteth to be served with no less than with all our heart, withal our might, and with all our strength, to be honoured both in our bodies, and in our spirits, for they are his.  
It is most certain, that men are first to know and understand, before they can become practical Christians, and though the Scriptures are very plain and full, as to necessary knowledge, yet the errors of weak and perverse teachers do so abound, that it is a difficult thing to escape them, and to fall into a profitable method of reading, and meditation of the word of God: wherein may the considerations aforementioned, prove as profitable, as they are conscionably intended; but doubtless the best way to perfect knowledge, is, and will be, by endeavouring after meetings of people to confer and discourse together (in a discreet, quiet, and well ordered way) upon necessary points only: the way of preaching or long set speeches, being subject to abundance of error, and inconvenience: and therefore it would be happy, that all well-meaning people would seriously set themselves to procure frequent and full meetings, for increase of knowledge in all sorts of people, and no longer to depend, either on the public, or congregational Sermons, for information of their understandings: it being evident, that they serve rather to dignify the Speakers, and to sway the hearers into what they please, then to any just or necessary end.  
And as every one increaseth in knowledge, let them know, that God hath not vouchsafed his word unto us, to make us talkers, or discoursers only; as the manner of many knowing people is, who as soon as they arrive to a good measure of understanding, and are thereby freed from the burdens and oppressions, which error and superstition had brought into their Consciences, instead of being thankful to God for the same, by diligence in the ways of doing good; they become careless, turning the goodness and truth of God manifested in his word to Idleness, if not to wantonness, not caring what becometh of the miseries of the times, or other men's sufferings; but ever after, live as in a pleasing dream; these who ever they are, are to be looked upon as the most unworthy of men, because the most ungrateful: the most opposite to the end of their being, the vilest of Creatures, because slothful Christians: the best things, being the worst, if once corrupted.  
And therefore it will be very good, for every one to stir up the knowledge of God that is in him, and to keep it alive by continual practice, upon all occasions: practice in good and just and charitable things being that wherein the Conscience is most delighted; so that if any propose to themselves any happiness here in this life, it is to be found only in doing of good: the more good, the better contented, and the greater the happiness, man being in nothing like unto God, but in doing good, nothing is more acceptable to God, nothing is more pleasant to Conscience, his vicegerent in us; to do good therefore, and to distribute, forget not, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased: whilst we have time and opportunity, let us do good unto all men.  
Let us all strive to go on before another in love, and let there be no other strife at all amongst us; we wish with all our souls that all reproach, despites and envyings amongst men might for ever cease, and that difference in judgement, may no longer occasion difference in affection; there being in our apprehension no cause at all; but that all men going in their several ways of serving God, whether public or private, may nevertheless be free to communicate in all civil Offices of love and true friendship, and cordially join with any, for a public good; but if notwithstanding all that hath been endeavoured, or hath been said: this Generation of congregational men shall continue to puff, and swell through pride of heart, & to lift themselves up into the Chair of the scornful, and as the man in Peter's Chair assume a power of life and death over all opinions and ways not owned by them: as if they were infallible judges of all controversies, making no scruple of blasting men's good names and reputations, or of undoing of whose Families thereby: they must then expect to be told their own, and be made appear to the world— as they are,— not as they would be esteemed.  
It being evident by what hath been said, that although they have boasted themselves to be rich, and increased with goods, and to have need of nothing; yet, they are as the lukewarm Church of Laodicea, miserable, & wretched, and poor, and blind, and naked— and for all their big and swelling conceits of parts, of gifts, of Saint-ship, of the Spirit, & (in effect) pharisaically crying out, Lord we thank thee, we are not as other men, nor as those poor Publicans, that receive all their knowledge of Divine things from the Scriptures only, and are taught only thereby; Notwithstanding these big swelling words, their Peacock's feathers, being thus plucked off, you see: and they, will they, nill they, must also see, that they must be content at last, to shake hands even with those poor Publicans; and acknowledge that they have no other infallible Teacher of Divine things, but the Scriptures; and that they partake no more of the Spirit, than what that blessed Word of the Spirit planteth in them.  
And if their consciences are awakened, will be enforced to forsake their falling Churches: unless for politic ends, they shall stifle the power of these Truths within them; choosing rather to perish in the rubbish, then to seem to have been so exceedingly mistaen; which will prove an unpardonable error; For, however the best of men may err, yet they are the worst of men, that persist in error, after the discovery.  
And therefore, if there be any whose consciences shall be fully informed of the vanity of these Churches; and yet for any ends shall continue to support the reputation of them; let all such know, that those who dare be so impious, as to stop the continual cry of their consciences, must necessarily desire in their hearts there were no God, whose Vicegerent, Conscience is; which is the most sad, and dangerous conditon that man can fall into in this life.  
And certainly they will find it far better to forsake their tottering immaginary structures: confess their emptiness, & sinful imitation, taking shame unto themselves▪ and giving glory unto God, whose name and power they have much diminished, by affirming those to be Churches which are not, those Pastors and Preachers which are not, those Saints which are not: his blessed Word to be but a dead Letter: that to be his Word, which is but conjectural Sermons; and in censuring those to be erroneous and carnal Christians, who have more warrant for what they do then themselves; And then by a more considerate, ingenious, and Christianlike carriage, to make amends for the future, which would very much rejoice the herrts of all▪ that love the Lord Jesus in sincerity, whose Truth and Glory will be advanced by the Scriptures; when all the roving, wild and wand'ring imaginations of men's spirits, shall vanish, and come to nought.  
FINIS.  
Feb. 23. 1648-49, Imprimatur THEODORE JENNINGS.