Quest. But why (may some say) doe they preach thus?

Answ. For sundry Reasons.

1. One Reason is, Covetousnesse. They know, that if the Doctrine of JESUS CHRIST should be preached purely; it would quite cut downe worldly pompe, co­vetousnesse and idlenesse in the ministery. And feare also, that if it should take place, they must part with one or more of their livings; and put themselves out of all hope of ever rising higher. Againe, they know the way to please the Bishops is, to preach against the Puritans. And the way to Preferment is, by pleasing of them. So their ambition of advancing their Owne house, blowes out their zeale to GODS house I could confirme this, by many examples. But I am forced to maime the originall in every part, that it may suit with the short breatht, and with the times. Onely take Ezekiels testimony, Cap. 22. They destroy soules for their owne covetous lucre, Vers. 27. 28.

2. Another reason is, Their envy and malice against the men, and their graces. Some (saith the Apostle) preach CHRIST even of envy and strife; and some also of good will. The one part preach CHRIST of contention, and not purely: Supposing to adde more affliction to my bonds, Phil. 1. 15. 16. The envious emulate, what they cannot imitate. The seed of the Serpent mortally hates the seed of the Woman: And the world, that onely loves her owne; inveterately hates them that are not of the world.

We read, that Arundel Arch-Bishop of Canterbury so spleened godly Ministers, and such as heard them; that he not onely inveighed against them in the Pulpit, but swore at the Table, He would not leave one slip of professors in this land. And Solomon gives the reason, Prov. 29. He that is upright in his way, is abomination to the wicked, Vers. 27. Which envy and malice so steepes their tongues in Gall and Vinegar, that nothing can proceed from them, of the parties envied, but bitter and sharpe words. Yea, their hearts are so full of the Ser­pents enmity, that if they should not vent themselves this way, their uncontainable malice and envy would soone burst them, as Seneca thought. And yet in this they hurt themselves more then us, like the Fly who singeth her owne wings, and torments her selfe in the flaming light, which she labours to extinguish and put out. How these Nadabs and Abihu's will answer GOD for offering this strange fire upon his Altar, I know not; onely this I say; Hereafter it will be too late to dispute the matter, when GOD will give no other rea­son of their damnation, but this: I will bee sanctified in them that come neare mee, Levit. 10. Vers. 3.

3. Another reason is; Having made try all of a contrary way of preaching, and missing to be fed with such broth as he loves; as finding-neither the applause nor preferment hee [Page 20] looked for, and thought himselfe worthy of; (though no body else thought so) hee doubts not, but to have it this way. Whereupon he inveighs most leudly and loudly against them, that (as he thinkes) scorne him, and screene his hopes from him. Wherefore now the Trumpet of Moses is made a Trunke to shoot Pellets at Truths, and Moses his friends. And the Characters of slander must be drawne in the oyle of the Tabernacle; to the abomination of GOD and man. Arius driving ambitiously at a Bishoprick was prevented by Alexander his Competitor the worthier man; though not esteemed his match for some naturall parts. Upon rhe missing his suit he pursued his spite, by broaching an heresie. That after the repulse he might seeme some body, and draw a world of Disciples after him: As Theo­doret observes. Which is much the condition of these men. They know they are no way gifted to further the Gospell with credit and gaine to themselves: Therefore resolve to have it, by bending their wits another way. As you have heard, what a little man said once to his Chamber-fellow in the Ʋniversitie: who taking the same course, came afterward to Great preferment, and hath sped thereafter. And having sound out how this way of preach­ing takes with naturall men, and how they are applauded, (as I shall shew afterward) they thirst after nothing more then to excell in this kind; and so proceed from bad to worse. As the praise that Sylla gave to Cinna made him commit perjury.

Now let goe all kind of preaching that may profit; let goe truth, let goe the glory of God, he is resolved to become famous though it be for infamy. Like Herostratus, who burnt with wild fire the famous Temple of Diana, to get himselfe perpetuall fame. And that the birth may answer the conception, he turnes all his stocke into foure or six Sermons, which shall serve his whole life at the Court, Ʋniversitie, Pauls Crosse, and as he travels a­broad the Countrey; resembling some Needy flanting Gold-Smith, who hath nothing in the inner roome, but all on the Cupbord. Not that he saves by it: For perhaps the mea­nest of them shall bee Elephanti Partum, a yeeres Bird, or a child of two yeares breeding: one whereof is spent in the conception, another in fashioning the members. In which Ser­mons their principall care is, how to bewitch and spoyle their hearers, through a kind of Philosophy and vaine deceit, or beguile them with enticing words; which shall have a shew of humane wisedome and bumblenesse of minde, or voluntary Religion in wil-worship; and a pretence of mens traditions and rudiments of the world, Col 2. 8. And (to give them their due) they are such ingenious sophisters, that by recreating the sense they can delude the un­derstanding, and make good seeme evill, and evill good. For they give Dragons Gall in a Crystall Glasse, or with the Whore in the Apocalyps, Poyson in a Golden Cup: So killing soules with poysoned doctrine wrapt up in sugred and sweet words. Yea, these Sophisters have such a singular transcendency this way, and are so gifted in the Art of deception, that like their Holy Father the Pope, they can make every thing of any thing. Or like the Sophisters of Greece with their eloquence and copiousnesse of wit can make of a Mouse an Elephant, and a Mountain of a Molehill. For they onely exercise their wits, how to bastardize and corrupt the very essence of things by subtile distinctions; turning false matters into true Syllogismes, or the like. Wherein they fall not short of subtile Carneades, of whom wise Cato confest, that whiles he disputed, scarce any man could discerne which was the truth. Whence it is Saint Bernard calling good Preachers the Light of the world, compares bad ones to Fogs and Mists, which keepe the people from seeing the light of the Gospell, and receiving the Grace of GOD.

Thus they preach, but it is backward as Arithmeticians write: And creepe into the Church for the same end, that the Serpent crept into Paradise; That like Hananiah, Jerem. [...]8. they may seduce in the place of the Sanctuary. Neither saile they of their purpose: For by this meanes, one of them edifies more to damnation then many of the best Preachers in the land can doe to salvation; and bring more to hell then they can doe to Heaven: for many soules receive from their Sermons those lessons of darkenesse which lead them steadily unto eternall darkenesse. And ( [...]o give them their due) they have learned to handle the sensuall so sweetly that they thinke it a pleasure to be seduced. For as a lustfull person [Page 21] prefers a painted Harlot before a modest and chast Woman: So it is not hard for the Affection to Cosen the Judgement. And he is worthy to be Deceived, that either values things, as they seeme; or loves falshood better then truth. And so you have their Reasons: at least so many of them, as time will permit.

In the next place, Observe their Serpentine subtilty. For, lest their Slanders should not he Beleeved, and the hook of their false doctrine swallowed; In the first place they use to guild over their counterfeit metall with Scripture; that so it may passe currant. Even as Physitians sheath their Bitter Pils with Sugar, that they may be taken with Delight: Though with nothing so honest a Guile. And, that the Word of GOD may seeme guilty of their invectives, and not the Serpents Enmity; These White Devils in their Sermons, will so fit Scriptures to their purpose, and make them so suite with their passion, that Malice it selfe shall Vnsuspected raile in the very Phrases of the Holy GHOST: And they will beat their enemies, (though GODS friends) with Divinity; And think they may speak what they will, so it be in the words of Scripture; though falsely wrested and applied. Let them have a Seeming opposition of Vice, though indeed it be a Vertue; They care not how they rage. Their reproofes shall be no other then Libels, and their Sermons then Philippicks: So the Abuse of Divinity, shall be maintained by Divinity; and she mi­serably forced to justifie, and continue her owne wrongs; and GOD forced to speak for Baal: the SPIRIT for the flesh; Even fathering lies on the Father of Truth, and teaching the Bastards of their own braine, to call the Wisdome of Heaven Father.

Indeed some that have not observed this deepnesse of Satan, will hardly think it possi­ble they should alleadge the Word of GOD so, as to serve their turnes, in this their way of preaching. But they have learned in the Colledge of Cardinals, and in the Vniversity of Rome no lesse then Eight Severall waies of corrupting the Word of GOD, and deluding the world. Which I, out of my Slender Abilities, and small reading, can trace them in. As will appeare, when these Characters shall come forth at large, which I cannot stand to amplifie, in this Abstract.

I confesse, the most common and usuall way, that these prophane Belshazzers have, to Drinke Carnall Carouses in the Spirituall Ʋessels of the Temple, is, by Mis-Application. For, if they cite not a Text, with Mutilation, nor with Distortion, the Beginning without the End, or the End without the Beginning; by wronging the words, nor wresting the sense; by maiming, nor perverting it: Yet, by Mis-applying it, they will turne the Truth of GOD into a Lie.

As put the case they preach against Straining out Gnats, and Swallowing Camels: Or Making a Glorious Profession without Practise: Against Singularity, Censoriousnesse, and Rash­judging; Or such as are Pure in their owne eyes; Crafty and unjust in their dealings; A­gainst Rebellion, and Disobedience to Magistrates, &c. Or, if their humour lead them to Extoll Sincerity, Humility, Charity, peace, patience, Brotherly-love and Fellowship, GODS Mercy, and the like: As these (if you marke it) are the usuall theames they make choyce of (except they cry up Praying, and praise Diligence in our Callings; that they may cry downe Preaching, and condemne so much Hearing, and busying our selves so much about Religion) And wherein they most excell, whether in praising, or dispraising: It is strange to see, how they will lay load upon the Religious under some disgracefu [...]l name, or other; applying the Excesse, or Defect to none, but them, whose onely care indeed is, if they were rightly considered, without prejudice, to live, as if there were no Gospel; and to die, as if there were no Law. When indeed, if they did apply them to the right parties, that are most guilty, in committing those sinnes, or omitting those duties; namely All Car­nall and Ʋnhallowed Divines, who professe themselves Ministers of CHRIST, and GODS mouth to the people: yea, who professe Holinesse and Innocency in their very Vestures, pro­fane people and ignorant persons; As I could both easily and fully prove, If I might stand to answer these, and the like their Serpentine Subtilties in particular; They could not but confesse, (as once David to Nathan) that They, and They onely are The men Guilty of [Page 22] those crimes, which they so severely condemne in others.

But, if they were not cunning Plaisterers, how should they be fit to Daub with untempe­red mortar. Ezek. 13. 10. Onely hence we may note, who are False Apostles. And, that, in Personall Application great heed must be taken: For otherwise a man may be a False Prophet in speaking the truth, if it be not a truth to the Person, to whom he speaketh it. It was a truth which Jobs Three Friends spake to him, being considered apart from the Person, and Case: But, as they spake it to him, and applied it, it was Vtterly False; And GOD detested it in them. One mans meat may be another mans bane. And so I have given you some instances, how these Juglers in Divinity, wrest and pervert the Scriptures, and make Truth it selfe maintaine and justifie their Falshood. The time and my memory would saile me, if I should undertake to set downe all that I have heard and read, in this kind. For there is not a Text in the Bible, but Ministers, that I could name, will draw Inferences from it, either to Discourage the Godly, or Incourage the Wicked. Whom I can­not enough admire, though I honour them not at all.

In deed, For the most part you shall find, if you mark it, that all the testimonies, which they alleadge for their owne ends; are either Tropes, or Figures, or Allegories, or Parables, or Allusions, or Dark speeches: which, when they presume to expound, without confe­rence of other Scriptures, they wander and stray from the mark: For, if they did not wrest and pervert the word, it's impossible the Truth should maintaine Error. Therefore we see, that Eve never erred, untill she corrupted the Text, Gen. 3. 3.

And upon this file hang all those Dusty Cobwebs of Rome, as Purgatory, the Real-Presence, the Doctrine of Merit, in Blowing up States, and Murdering of Princes, &c. Wherein they catch soules like Flies, and prey upon them with their poysonous breath. But as we should not draw more from them, then there is in them: So every place of Scripture is so to be expounded, as it may agree with all, and crosse none. Besides, it is an Axiome re­ceived in their owne Schooles, That we may not fetch an Argument in Divinity from Allegories and Metaphors, unlesse we can elsewhere shew, that the same thing is taught in a Literall sense.

True. There is not a Leafe in the Sacred Ʋolume, that makes either for Voluptuousnesse, or against Holinesse, and Purity. For to Please Flesh and Bloud is the Doctrine of Devils. Yea, as it is well observed, There is not One Obscene word in all the Hebrew tongue: which is one reason, why it is cald, The Holy Language. Neither will these Eagles plumes brooke the blending with common feathers. This heavenly gold scornes the mixture of base and sophisticate metals. Yet these men will make it a nose of waxe, and with their wicked hearts decoct the very Goodnesse of GOD to Venome.

By these few instances you may see, how, that under the colour of alleadging Scripture, they delude the people, as the Egyptian Juglers, by counterfeiting Moses miracles deceived Pharaoh. That, when they alleadge it, saying with those False Prophets, Ezek 22. 28. Thus saith the LORD: It is other, of otherwise then ever the Author meant it; sometimes ta­king the words against the meaning: Often making a meaning against the words: Either suppressing some of the words, or not expressing the true sense. As if they would con­veigh away the Gold, and throw us the Bagge. That, to utter their Damned Commodities, they deale as some Tradesmen about their badde Wares; Put out the True lights, and set up False in their stead. That they wound the truth in her owne coat. And, as Jacob put on the garments of Esau his Brother, to deceive Isaak his Father: So these, in the apparell of their Elder Brother CHRIST, seek to beguile the Church their Mother. That they have not the Scripture so much for a Text, as for a Pretext. In choosing whereof they e [...]re also, by inverting the order. For they first make their Sermons, and then look for a Text; which they take out too with the left hand. Though indeed there is not a Text of Sacred truth, which their Glosse corrupts not: For as GOD brings Good out of Evill: so these bring Evill out of Good. Wherein they come so farre short of Paul; who, com­paring himselfe with the false Apostles, 2 Cor. 4. 2. saith: We walke not in craftinesse; nei­ther [Page 23] handle we the word of God deceitfully: But in declaration of the truth we approve our selves to every mans conscience, in the sight of GOD. That they are worse then Balaam; who, (when Balaak said, What hast thou done! I tooke thee to Curse mine enemies: And behold, Thou hast Blessed them altogether,) answered, (Though he had as good a minde to Curse the Chil­dren of Israel, as these the people of GOD) and said, Must I not take heede to speake that, which the LORD hath put in my mouth? Numb. 23. 11, 12. Being such false teachers as Saint Peter foretels of, that Bring upon themselves swift destruction, 2 Pet. 2. 1, 2. And Saint Jude, Jud. vers. 4. Being ungodly men crept in unawares; who turne the Grace of GOD into Lasciviousnesse, being before of old ordained to Condemnation.

It is said, Revel. 22. which is the Closing up of the Bible. If any man shall adde unto these things, GOD shall adde unto him the Plagues that are written in this booke. And, if any man shall take away from the words of this booke, GOD shall take away his part out of the booke of life, and out of the holy City, and from the things that are written in this booke, vers 18. 19. I wish these men would minde it, and what a faire businesse they make of it, so wrest­ing the Book of Grace, that they quite wrest themselves out of the Book of Life.

Yea, Destruction is threatned to every Prophet that shall but Conceale the truth: or for­beare to Reprove Sinne sharply, Ezek. 3. 17. 18, 19. & 23 8. 1 Cor. 9. 16. and other places. How much more in this Case? For alleadging Scripture to maintaine thy sinne, and to revile holinesse is to presume to wrest GODS weapons out of his hand; and as it were, to wound him with his owne Sword. And I wonder how they dare climbe up in­to the Pulpit, with such a purpose, for feare, lest Thunder should strike them downe againe. But to speake to them, who have sworne allegeance to the Prince of darknesse, is labour in vaine.

2. Another slight of theirs, is this. Knowing that if the Cup of their poyson were not rubd with Hony, it would not downe: And that their base Coine would not passe, except they mixe it with a considerable quantity of good money: They will not vent their devi­lish Doctrines without a mixture of some wholsome Truths: like as Gardeners will sow among the herbs, that are wholsome and pleasant, others noysome and venomous. Or rather Hannibal; who, to intrap his enemies, mixed their Wine with Mandrakes, whose operation is betwixt Sleepe and Poyson. Or as Avicen was made away, by Annoynting the booke with poyson, which he was to read. Or rather like the Devil, who, as Lactantius saith, many times spake truth in Oracles, to the intent he might shadow his falsehoods the more cunningly. These men are the Servants of the most-high GOD; which shew unto us the way of salvation, Acts 16. 17. Who would look for the Devill, under the habit of such good counsell? But what's his reason? He makes a shew of under-propping the truth, but he meant to undermine it.

This old Fox, like the Fox in the Fable, never praiseth the Law, but when it may make away for his booty. Wherefore Paul cast out the soule Spirit, that confest him. For though he spake true, he knew to what hellish purpose he spake it. And our Saviour an­other, who worshipped him, and confest him to be the Sonne of the most-high GOD. Mark 5. 7. 8.

Deceit gets credit in small matters, that it may cousen in things of greater weight. The Dequoy will suffer the simple man to winne for a while, till he hath whetted him on: Then he foists in false Dice, and after leaves him in the lurch. If fraudulent Merchants had not some Good Wares, their Base ones would not be saleable: But the Good must help away with the Bad. So, if these spake nothing but true, they could not deceive us: if nothing but false, we would not beleeve them. Therefore they mingle the one with the other, as men mingle poyson, with good and savory meat; when they intend to destroy.

And this their crafty and deceitfull kind of wresting and mis-applying the Word they have immediately learnt from the Devil him selfe, whose Chaplaines they are. For he hath used this kind of handling the Scripture, ever since Adam was in the state of Innocency; as appeares by Gen. 3. 4, 5. and many other instances, 1 King. 22. 21, 22. 1 Sam. 28. 19. Psal. 91. 11. Matth. 4. 6. Mar. 1. 24. &c.

Yet, (to give the Devil his due,) I doe not finde Satan, in all the Scripture, to be so injurious against GOD, as these men: For what is recorded of him worse then this, utte­ring it by the month of that Assyrian Monarch? I will Ascend, and be like the most-High, Isa. 14. 13, 14. It was great blasphemy for the Devil to say so But it is greater blasphemy to Personate GOD, and bring him in, saying; I will Descend, and be like the Prince of Darknesse. And what is it better, to make the Scripture, GODS owne Oracles to Descend to the Disgra­cing of Verme and true Religion? And to the Magnifying of Vice and Impiety? The Discou­raging of the Good, and Incouraging of the Wicked? Surely this is to make GOD like the Devill. CHRIST like Anti Christ: and to bring downe the Holy GHOST in stead of the Likenesse of a Dove, in the shape of a Vulture or Raven. So that however, these Beasts, (like tha [...] other Beast, Rev. 13. 11.) have Hornes like the Lamb: would seeme to de­liver nothing but Scripture: yet they Speake like the Dragon. Yea worse then the Dragen. And it is hard for ignorant people, who are unacquainted with these kind of wiles, not to be deceived by these Hornes of the Lamb. For there is no temptation so dangerous, as that which comes shrouded under a Vaile of Holinesse, and pretends Authority from GOD. The Holy Prophet himselfe was deceived by Such a Devil, under another Prophets vizard, 1 King. 13. 18. to 24. Yea Satan made no doubt, but he should Cousen CHRIST him­selfe, when he came to him with a Scriptum est. It is written, Matt. 4.

If Hushai had not said, I am for Absolom; And whom Israel chuseth, his will I be; he had not disappointed the counsell of Achitophel: which was then like the Oracle of GOD; nor re-established David in his Kingdome, 2 Sam. 16 18. So, if these false Doctors should not say: We are for CHRIST; they could not withstand the True Ministers, that deli­ver the words of GOD: nor enthrone Anti-Christ in the Seat of CHRIST.

But (besides Alleadging of Scripture, and mixing Truth with Falshood,) they have other Great Advantages, as

3. These Preachers are usually men of Extraordinary Parts; being for the most part, Exceeding witty, subtile, and eloquent, (did they imploy these gifts accordingly) And still the Better their wit, the Worse, As the Earth, the more fruitfull it is, the more and more Pestilent are the Weeds in it, if it be not sowen with good seed. The sweetest Wine turnes to the sharpest Vineger. The fairer the Stone is in the Toads head, the more pestilent is the Poyson in her Bowels. And it is commonly seene, that a wicked man indowed with wit and learning, is like a Spider and her Web: wherein is more Venome then A [...], as these verify. For what Desperate advisements doe they give us, in a Fine-filed Phrase: And with what Pow­erfull and Partinent Expressions? How doe they, by their Elequence or Ornament of the tongue, spread Sweet Snares, and allure the hearts of men? For they winne not by Batte­ry, but by Vndermining, which is as secret as wicked.

So that, what is wanting in the Goodnesse of the cause, is supplied not onely in the Greatnesse of the Fees, as I shewed before: But also by the cunning of the Advocate. And what they cannot performe by the Evidence of truth, they seeke to attaine by the Elo­quence of A [...]; which they improve to the utmost; knowing that false things have need of foistings: and filthy and foule things of ornaments and coverings. In the meane time we have the same cause, that Job had to say: Our Enemies speake Eloquently against us: But [...] [...]y [...]s [...]ou [...]e o [...] t [...]ares unto God, Job. 16. 20.

Not that we need be discouraged: For more likely to be the Truth; and we GODS Chosen▪ because the wits of the world dispute against it, and us.

Wit and Learning is like the Vnicorns horne, which, being in a skilfull mans hand, is very precious, and of admirable use: But when in the Beasts head, no lesse hurtfull and pernicious. As the Church hath alwayes sound to her griefe. How many learned and wit­ty Hereticks doe we read of: who were admired for their Fine Conceits, and Elegant Expres­sions, which fell from them, whiles their Opinions, and secretly-couched Doctrines, were Dan­gerous and Mortall. So that we may say of their Doctrines, as Es [...]p said of his Tongues, or Je­remy of his Figs, Ier. 24. 3. Then the good, and true, nothing can be spoken better: Then [Page 25] the bad and false, nothing more perilous and vile Such an one was Balaam: where he spake well never any Prophet spake more Divinely: where he spake ill, there was never any Devill spake more Desperatly. He could not make Israel cursed by his Prophesie, therefore he tries to effect it, by his Policy. He sends a Troop of Meabitish Whores among thom, that so they might be tempted to offend GOD, and GOD might cease to defend them. He had con­fest before, Numb. 23. 23 That there could be no Inchantment, nor Witchcraft against Israel. No Devils, but those Shee-Devils could doe it, Numb. 25.

4. As they are men of Extraordinary parts; So they have Extraordinary Assistance from Satan: which is another Prime Advantage.

That Satan is their Tutor, to prompt and assist them, to speake in, and by them; no man can doubt, that beleeves Micajah the Prophet, who relates before Ahab, that there Came forth a Spirit, and stood before the LORD, saying, I will goe forth, and be a false Spi­rit in the mouths of all his Prophets. To whom the LORD answered. Thou shalt perswade Ahab, and also prevaile. Goe forth, and doe so, 1 King 22. 20. 21. & 1 Chron. 18. 18. to 23. Or that Scripture, Matth. 13. 25. where speaking of the Envious man sowing Tares among the Wheat. Our Saviour tels them plainly: That the said Envious man was the Devil, v. 39. Or lastly, Our Saviours words to Peter, Matt. 16. 23 Get thee behind me Satan. But their Practise sufficiently proves it. For needs must that be a Serpentine Exposition, which Gnaw­eth ou [...] the Bowels of the Text.

Now if it be Satans Heart in their lips: and that he doth prompt and assist them: it must likewise be granted that he hath more knowledge, learning, and experience, then any man alive. Yea, put all the wits in the world together, and then adde Satans there­unto: The last (like figures in Arithmetick) will more improve the same, then all that went before it. So that whatsoever a mans owne Mother-wit is; he, that hath Satans wit superadded, is able to doe more mischiefe, then many other men. And it may be said of such an one, as it was of Caesar. There were in him Ten such as Marius. Yea, If it be true, as it's reported, That a Serpent having swallowed a Serpent, becomes a Dragon: what must his Subtilty be, that hath the Subtilty of this old Serpent infused into him? We have known possessed men speak languages, they were never taught; and we have had experience, that Ma [...]i [...]ians (through the permission of GOD) were able to doe whatsoever the Devil himselfe could doe. So that, as an Ape is like a Baboone: onely a Baboone is Bigger: So these Little Seducers are like the Great Seducer; onely he is the Elder and more experienc'd, having used this Art now neere upon Six Thousand Yeares. No marvell then, that Fals­hood hath more wit to devise, then Truth. For He must needs goe, that is Devil-driven. As when any one goes about an Evill Businesse; It is strange to see, how ready the Devil is to set him forwards: how carefull that he should want no furtherances. So, that if any man would but be Leudly-witty, he shall be sure to be furnisht with store of profane jests, jeeres, and scoffs: wherein a loose heart hath double advantage of the conscionable. But more especially doth he assist his Clergy; by whom, and in whom he speakes; as sometimes Clients doe by their Advocates.

When David had heard the Subtile woman of Tek [...]a, how cunningly she had contrived her speech touching Absolom: he presently perceived, that Joab had an hand i [...] it. The which she ingenuously confesseth, saying: Thy servant Joab bade me speak this. And he put all these words into my mouth. Even so, when we heare such a Sermon; and finde it to excell their accustomed Orations, in a Subtile kind of sophistry: (as, though the Sea be in perpetuall agitation: yet the Spring-tides rise higher then their fellows) We may pre­sently conjecture, or rather conclude, That Satan hath a speciall hand in this businesse. And, I doubt not, (if they would, with her, acknowledge the truth, and neither Turne to the right hand, nor to the left) but they would confesse the same.

However; Their zeale and fervency to defend the Devils cause proves it sufficiently, 1 J [...]n 3. 14. when in preaching for him, or against the good and goodnesse, they are like C [...]assus, who even burst his sides in pleading for Pompey. Or, if neither of these, It is enough [Page 26] we heare Saint James affirme; That this Tongue (full of deadly poyson, issuing from a Corrupt heart, fraught with Bitter envy and strife) is set on fire from Hell. And that this Wisdome is not alone Earthly and Sensuall, but Devilish, Jam. 3, 6. 8. 14, 15.

Now put all together: First, Their Alleading GODS Word. Secondly, Their Mixing of truth with Falshood. Thirdly, Their Excelling in Wit, and Learning. Fourthly, The Great Helpe and Supply they have from Satan: And you will no whit marvell that their preaching so takes with men of the world: who count that Preaching which saves soules, no better then Foolishnesse.

For otherwise, were not the danger more in the Men, then in their Cause: Had not these Two Great Curtizans of the world (Profanenesse and Antichristianisme) so Cunning Pandors; I could not but wonder how they should get any but Foolish Customers; where the Gospel (in many Parishes) is so purely taught.

But these false Prophets, as they use the matter, are able to seduce, (if it were possible) the very Elect, as our Saviour shewes, Marke 13. 22. As let there be Two Ministers in the same Parish: One a Simon-Magus, that is, Parson; or Curate put in by the Bishop; the other a Simon-Peter, that is, by a Speciall providence chosen Lecturer. What's the issue? The one comes in CHRISTS name: Therefore him they receive not. The other comes in His owne name; and him they receive, John 5. 43. The Fore-noons man is Of the World, and therefore speaks of the World; And these men of the World Heare him, 1 John 4. 5. The Afternoons man is Of GOD; and they Heare him not; because they are not of GOD, verse 6.

Simon-Magus his Sermons are made to Please: But withall to Kill: As All Poysons Kill not, with Griping Torments: Some cast into a sleepe, Or make men Laugh, till they fall downe Dead.

Simon-Peters, to Profit. Of whom the LORD speaks, Jer. 3. 15. I will give you Pastors according to mine owne heart, which shall feed you with knowledge and understanding. The Doctrine of the former being like the Angels Book: Sweet in the Mouth, but Bitter in the Bowels, Revel. 10. 9. That of the latter like Mithridate: Bitter to the Flesh, but Soveraigne for the Soule. Well knowing that a Mortall wound must be Throughly Searched, ere it can be soundly healed. And that no Purgative Medicine can bring Health, without some Griping.

And where the LORD is pleased to place such an one: It is the Greatest Blessing he can give to that Parish. And the people are no lesse bound to him, for the vertues he teach­eth them, then to their Parents, for the life they gave them.

Yet, woe is me! Naturall and fleshly men are so blockish, and withall so ingratefull; That they are not onely better pleased with the former, for his flattery, then with the latter for speaking the truth: But commonly they requite their faithfull Minister, as Ahab did Micajah; the False Prophets, Jeremiah; Herod, John-Baptist; and Demetrius Paul: whiles they thinke nothing Too much, for their Ʋn-preaching-minister.

It is not the Searching, but the Soothing Ministery, that carries away the peoples ap­plause: Because they had rather have their Itch clawed, then Cured. Counsels are like Faces, That which is Faire, pleaseth. Yea, for the most part, it fares with Doctrines, as it doth with meats. Those that are least wholsome, are most requested. That pleaseth us, which is sweete to the sense: not that which is Wholsome to the Conscience.

Neither do the common people like these Wasps so much for the Hony in their Combs, as for the sting in their Tailes, wherewith they gall the godly. For as their Memory is like the Boulter, which casteth out all the Floure, keeping onely the Branne: And themselves like the Egyptians, who behold the Sunne, the Moone, the Starres, all the Glories of Nature, without Admiration; yea, without Common Regard, untill they espy a Crocodile, an ug­ly Serpent; and then downe on their Knees to worship it: so they will passe over all whol­some Instructions, applying whatsoever they heare (especially Bitter Invectives, and fearfull threatnings) to others; As, This belongs to Puritans: That to such, and such an one; not to [Page 27] themselves. Even as one Monkie looking in a glasse, things he sees another Monkies face, and not his owne.

In a word; These men will make no other use of what they heare, then Spiders doe, of what they receive. Suck out all the Poyson, and leave the rest. And it is just with GOD it should be so. Because they forsake my Law, which I set before them; and have not obeyed my voyce, neither walked therein: but have walked after the imagination of their owne heart, and after Baalim, which their Fathers taught them. Therefore thus saith the LORD of Hosts, the GOD of Israel: Behold I will feed them, even this people with Wormwood, and give them waters of Gall to drinke, Jer. 9. 13. 14, 15. Againe, more expressely, 2 Thes. 2. Because they received not the Love of the Truth, that they might be saved: For this cause GOD shall send them strong delusions, that they should beleeve Lies. That they all might be damned, which be­leeve not the Truth, but had pleasure in unrighteousnesse, vers. 10, 11, 12. This is a Sure, but a Sore Judgement. Will they not adhere to the GOD of Truth? They shall be turned over to the Father of Lies. Because Ahab will not beleeve Micajah; Therefore a Lying Spirit shall deceive his Prophets, to deceive him. The Jewes had forbidden the Sober Prophets to pro­phesie: Therefore they shall have Drunken Prophets, that shall Propkesie of Wine and strong drinke; and walke in the Spirit of Falshood, Mica. 2. 11. Jer. 5. 30, 31. Isa. 30. 10. 2 Tim. 4. 3, 4. Such a people, such a Prophet am I speaking of. For,

2. In stead of Converting, he Perverteth his Hearers; dealing with them, as an Ill Physitian with his Patient; that purgeth away the Good Humours, and leaves the Bad behind them. Or as Vermine doe by Poultry; that suck out the best bloud from them, and leave onely the refuse. His Sermons being worse then so many infectious bits of meat: For, as that causeth all the wholsome food a man hath eaten, to be vomited up; so it selfe is vomi­ted up with all: Whereas his Doctrines drive out the Truth, as one naile drives out another, and sticks fast in the roome. Falshood after Truth is like Aloes strawed upon Hony, a little whereof taketh away all the former sweetnesse.

Yea, such a seducing Preacher shall be able with one Sermon to pull downe, undoe, and make void whatsoever a faithfull and powerfull Minister hath built up and established in the hearts of his hearers, with great paines, in many yeares. And no marvell. If we con­sider how averse we are from Good, and how prone we are to Evil, by nature; As having the wind of Satans temptations, and the tide of our owne affections to drive us forward. A Ship at Sea is not carried on her voyage, without great force of the wind; whereas a little urchin fish call'd a Remora, by sticking her horne into it, will stop her, though un­der saile, in her full Careere. Great trees, which are long in growing, may be rooted up in an instant. Herostratus an Obscure and Base fellow could easily in one night burne the Temple of Diana at Ephesus; which was 220. yeeres in building, of all Asia, at the cost of so many Princes, and beautified with the labour and cunning of so many excellent work­men.

Indeed: what things this Ʋn preaching Minister hath planted, are like to last: For he so rankles and festers the affections of his hearers, that he leaves no possibility of their a­mendment. They hatch Cochatrice egges (saith the Prophet) and weave the Spiders webbe. He that eateth of their egges dieth; and that which is trodden upon, breaketh out into a Serpent, Isa. 59 5.

His Sermons, like Circes Potions, are Too strong for all Antidotes: And their condition like the Kings-Evill: that none but GOD himselfe can cure: For the parties hereby are so Metamorphos'd, that either they become Stupid and Blind to all spirituall Objects (like the spectators of Perseus, when he put on Medusa's head; for the redeeming of Andromeda) resolving to cast off all care of their soules, and never to heare other Preachers. Forgetting that they vowed themselves to CHRIST in their Baptisme, To be his Faithfull Souldiers and Servants, unto their lives end. And that, if they keep not their Ʋow, in doing their Vtmost, their Sin is no lesse then perjury.

Or else in the next place, they have the Tead of prejudice against all good, ingendred in [Page 28] their braines, which makes them see, heare and take all things with the left eye, eare and hand, Act. 2. 13. & 20. 9. Isa. 5. 20. And then like a man out of his way: The faster they runne, the farther off. And it becomes a greater worke to unteach them that, then to teach them the whole duty of a Christian besides.

And indeed how should better cloath be made of such yarne? Our blood cannot bee good, if our diet be unwholsome. Neither can our hearts or affections, our words, or our workes be good unlesse the milke be wholesome whereupon wee seed. However their hearers learne this lesson from their Sermons, to practise what they teach. And Satan hath his ayme, which is, to make Sanctification an odious thing, by fastning upon it, out of the pulpit, some vile reproach; that men may be ashamed to serve GOD, and be saved. As for example. Let a man but abandon his former foule sinnes, live more circumspect­ly and warily then his neighbours about him: Instantly this his holinesse growes very offen­sive to them, and appeares to be but hypocrisie, or at least idle scrupulosity. Whereupon they brand him for a Puritan. And this being the verdict of those, who count themselves honest men, and their neighbours thinke no lesse: (to whom civill men are almost Puri­tans:) like a Kennell of dogs they run away with the cry, and barke out this terme, against every good man they meet.

Whereby it fares with Religion, and the professors thereof, as it did with the Land of Canaan, Numb. 14. 36. Some wicked Ministers, like the ten spies, have brought up an ill name and report upon the way of truth; and many of the people following their exam­ple, increase the scandall, See 2 Pet. 2. 1, 2, 3. 2 Tim 3. 3. So that the godly may take up Davids words against such a Minister, and say. Thou hast made us a strife unto our neighbours, and our enemies laugh at us among themselves, Psal. 80. 6. And this is a sport to Satan, who delights himselfe in setting us together by the eares. Though indeed none but dogs by clapping of hands will be animated to fight.

Neither are these false teachers onely the cause of the peoples censuring and slandering the good: But by their Serpentine preaching, or not preaching faithfully, they are the Sole cause of all the ignorance and prophanenesse in the Land. As it hath fared in all former ages. It is the LORD complaint by Isa. 9. 16. And by Jeremiah 6. 13, 14, 15. and againe, Chap. 8. 10, 11, 12. and Chap. 23. 9. to 22.

Nor can we expect other in reason. For when the Fountaine is troubled, the streames will be muddy. If the Spring be poisoned, the waters are deadly. He that would see whether a fish be corrupted, doth look upon the head: For this doth first putrefy. So to know the state of the Flocke, looke upon the Pastor. And miserable is that people, whose leaders (in stead of discouraging and reproving) plot and incourage wickednesse. When a distillation of evill falls from the Head upon the Lungs of any parish, there must needs follow a deadly Consumption. What should direct the body, but the head? And what should direct the head but the eye? Before Ahab would goe to Ramoth-Gilead to fall there, he gathered of the Prophets foure hundred men, who spake according to his owne heart, 2 Chron. 18. 5. So, when Herod thought to make fooles of the wise men, and over-reach GOD himselfe, he gathered all the chiefe Priests and Scribes together to heare their advice, Matth. 2. 3. 4. The tides of the people move up and downe, are rough or still, according as the winds stirre more or lesse. They have no other edge, but what is given them by the whetstone of their Priests tongues. And, as from the heart all members have their life: So from the ministery, the people have their devotion. The common people are so tractable, that they will follow their leaders blindfold. They practise an undiscreet surrendring of them­selves up to the command of their superiours. If Corah but kindle the fire of conspiracy, two hundred and fiftie others will bring stickes to increase it, Numb. 16. 2. 3. If Sheba but blowe a Trumpet, the rest are suddenly up in armes. Like those beasts, Deut. 14. They swallow and never chew the Cud. Therefore when Diogenes met a fellow that behaved him­selfe [...]udely; he gave his Tutor a wherit on the care.

The kingdome is all overspread with Ignorance, Atheisme, and all manner of prophanenesse, [Page 29] from the Court to the Cottage; from the Robe to the ragged Coat. Scarce one in ten of any degree or profession that is not Covetous, or prophane, a cursed swearer or a beastlike drunkard: An uncleane person, an oppressor, an idolater, a Sabbath-breaker. Or, if notori­ously none of these, He is a bitter Malignant against reformation, and cannot endure him, that walks strictly according to Rule. Yea, he so lates to be reformed, that he cannot so much as endure the name of Reformation. Like L [...]wis the eleventh, who fearing to die, gave command, That none should dare to name death within his Court▪

This is so plaine, that it needs no proofe. For as in Jerusalem there were Factions, by which (as Josephus reports) more of the natives and Citizens were slaine within the wals, then without by the common enemy: So it is now in every Citie and Towne in England. Did not GOD in his goodnesse crosse their confederacy, and carry on the worke by an in­visible aide.

But suppose I should omit all men of qualitie: And mention onely the Rabble, that like beasts know no other end of their creation, but recreation, but to eate and drinke and sleepe; what an Army of these might be mustred out of our Suburbs, and so all the kingdome over? whom idlenesse hath disabled to any service, and who are neither fit for GOD nor man. And yet did they but like Worms and Insects, spend up the corruption of the land, and leave us the lesse, it were somewhat: but they are worse; even diseases and unwholesome Aires to breed infection among us.

Now whom may we thanke for all, but the Ministery? Either in their not using or abusing the Keies: Or else in their not preaching, or Serpentine preaching: whereby a Flood-gate of iniquitie is set wide open. Yea, if the devill himselfe should be consulted withall, to know which were the readiest way to throw downe the Gospell: I doubt not but he would say this, if he should choose. Send a great number of those Preachers which are already sent. Yea, (now I remember) when he was once so consulted with: These were his words, I will goe out, and be a false spirit in the mouths of all his Prophets. To whom this answer was made. Thou shalt intice, and shalt also prevaile, 1 King. 22. 20, 21, 22.

What Pyrrhus once said of Cineas his Counseller: Namely, That he more esteemed his elo­quence, then the valour of all his Captaines, may be affirmed of them. Satan more esteemes the sophistry of his Preaching Ministry (perhaps of some one of them) then all his Lay­servants; for such an one will let in more wickednesse in one day, then the Magistracy can throw out in many yeeres. Neverthelesse, let Authority looke to their castigation, and these mens too: or answer for their mischiefe.

But who are they, with whom these false Prophets are thus prevalent?

Take this for a rule. They are either;

• 1. Ignorant▪ Persons, or
• 2. Wicked men: beare with the distinction though he that is one is both.

1. For the first of these Saint Paul gives testimony; who speaking of these times and persons, saith; That with faire speech and flattering, they deceive the hearts of the simple, Rom. 16. 18. And it is a sufficient argument of these mens simplicity, when they are like the Horse, which neighed at the Picture of an Horse, as if it had beene a true horse. And like the Calfe in the Epigram, which went to sucke the Teates of a painted Cow. Sinne is strong, when it meets with a weake resister.

How easie is it for error to domineere over ignorance? ‘ They lead captive simple women, led away with divers lusts, 2 Tim 3. 6: Silly women are easily led captive by subtill men.’ Now no marvell that Jacob tooke Leah for Rachel, when it was in the darke; or that Isaac tooke Jacob for Esau, when he was blind.

2. And to the second, Solomon speakes home, Prov. 17. The wicked giveth heed to false lips, and a liar hearkneth to the naughty tongue, Vers. 4.

And againe, Prov 28. They that forsake the Law, praise the wicked, Vers. 4. Though you need but looke upon their lives, being like such as have a disease cald the Woolfe, which is alwayes eating, yet keeps the body leane. See, 1 Tim. 4. 1. 2 Tim. 4. 4. Exod. 23. 1. For I must be briefe.

As for wise and good men; who have the mind of CHRIST, 1 Cor. 2. 16. And are ac­quainted with GODS word: They are so farre from being taken with them, that they will not vouchsafe to heare their Sermons. They are not ignorant; That there are many false prophets gone forth; That either speake out of their owne hearts, Matth. 24. 5. 11. 24: Act. 20. 29, 30, 31. Phil. 3. 18, 19. 1. Joh. 4. 1. Or else corrupt the word of GOD, 2 Cor. 2. 17. On purpose to deceive. And therefore are the more carefull, with those Noble Bere­ans, to try what they heare, by the touchstone of GODS word. As a man will be more wary to try every peece of Gold, when he heares of many counterfeits. And it behoves men, in this case to be wise as Serpents, that the subtill Serpent may not deceive them. And, upon triall they find them to speake Lies in CHRISTS name, Jer. 23. 25. And, as they are moved by Satan and their corrupt affections: in which case the HOLY GHOST pro­nounces them (be they Angels in appearance) Accursed, Gal. 1. 9.

As when they flatter sinne, and flout holinesse, their end must needs be, To make our soules drunke with the wine of their Fornications, Revel. 17. 2. For both exceedingly savour of the Serpent. As touching the one; they knew, that if a man, a Minister, a Prophet; yea, If an Angell tell them, that CHRIST can be too much obeyed; he were not to be belee­ved, since the Judge of heaven and earth hath said to the contrary. Heb. 12. 14. And for the other; They are not to learne, that a Parasite is the worst Traytor, Prov. 26. 22.

It is not sufficient to a wise man, that they alleadge Scripture. For so the Devill can doe, Matth. 4. 6. Nor is it enough, that they deliver some truth from the word. Our Saviour would not give Satan audience even when he spake true. Because that truth was but, to countenance errour. There is ever true corne strawed under a Pit-fall: yea, Those eares are full and weigh­ty, which are drest with Lime, to deceive the poore Birds in a Snow.

3. Neither will their Wit, or learning win the wise to heare them: Well remembring, that our first parents beggerd themselves by hearkning after false riches: and infamated themselves, by listning after false knowledge. Every moysture is not a preserver of the Lamps light: For though Oyle maintaine the same, yet Water quenches it. And hee that expects profit from such a Sermon, resembles him, that seeking to light a Linke, puts out the Lamp.

Alas! They have more of the Serpent to beguile, then wee naturally have to beware. Therefore if our owne preservation be but as sweet to us, as our destruction is to them: It behoves us not to trust them. In the Millars hand we lose but our Meale, in the Far­riers hand but our Mule in the Lawyers hand but our Goods, in the Physitians hand but our Life. But in the hands of a bad Divine, we lose that which surpas [...]h all; Our Soule. So that let their notions be never so many and tare, the beame of a Good judgement will be able to determine; that if the benefits be laid in one Scale, and the inconveniences in the other; that the evill will overweigh and sway downe the good.

True, a mighty same goes of the Transcendent gifts of these Loadstones, which drawes an Iron heart even from White Chappell to White-Hall. But the poore soule speeds like Darius; who finding on a Grave-stone this Epitaph [Who digs this ground shall treasure find] greedily dig'd there, but found nothing but stinke onely. Error hath alwayes most words; like a rotten house that needs most props and crutches to uphold it. Simple truth evermore re­quires least cost; like a beautifull face, that needs no painting: or a comely body; which any decent apparell becomes. We Plaister over rotten posts and ragged walls; Substantiall buildings are able to grace themselves. Why doth the Hare use so many doublings, but to frustrate the sent of the hounds? A great deale of Oratory bestowed upon an ill Subject, is but like an Onion, when you have taken off all the Pils, there is nothing left. A wise man that regards the good of his soule, will preferre a plaine, powerfull Sermon preacht out of GODS Word, before the most learned and eloquent Oration preacht on purpose to deceive; how specious and spangled soever it be, with depth of devilish learning. And indeed it is bet­ter to drinke good wine out of an earthen pot, then unwholsome liquor in a Golden cup.

4. Nor will a shew of gravity in their deportment, or of purity in their habit, or a zeale of [Page 31] the ceremonies serve. It is not Lawne sleeves, or a white Surplice, or cringing at the Name of JESUS, or kneeling at the Sacrament will prevaile with them.

Indeed ignorant people are beguiled with glosses and colours, as Boies with Babies, and Indians with Rattles, But wise men will examine further, for feare of a counterfeit commoditie. Alas! Satan himselfe seemes faire, when hee is drest up like an Angell of light, and a Woolfe cunningly appareld in a sheepskin cousens the poore lambs. That damnable Heretick Pelagius was a man of Austere conversation. And false Prophets come with [...] rough garment next their skins, like a Gibeonite in his old shoes. Therefore we must learne to distinguish betweene Samuell and the Devill, which the Witch of Endor suborned in his likenesse. And we may easily doe it, by his ascending out of the earth. Hypocrites thinke as Brutus said, when he was dying; That vertue it selfe was but a name, that all Pit­ty is but a name: And that name they get. Who were they that opposed Pauls Sermon, at Antioch? Act. 13. 50. Devout and honorable women, and the chiefe men [Devout!] That they were honourable persons, no wonder. That they were wise after the flesh, no wonder; that they were mightie, no wonder. For, 1 Cor: 1. 26. Not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble are called. But that devout, Religious, zealous persons should resist the truth! This is strange, yet true. Corah, Dathan and Abiram, those three resisters of Moses, were the most famous and eminent men in the Congregation. And who more zea­lous of the Traditions of the Elders, or more unrebukeable in his life, then Saint Paul when he was a persecutor?

The Ministers of Satan turne themselves into all shapes to make Proselytes. But wise men will not be carryed away with a blast of words, nor with some shew or colour of mat­ter, which ungodly men never want against the good. In vaine is the net spread in the eyes of that which hath wings, Prov. 1. 17. And shall men like fooles, suffer themselves, like Pit­chers, to be held by the eares, by such as study to cheat them?

5. Nor doe they sorbeare to heare such onely, because they conceive it best: (though that were enough to weigh downe the contrary opinions of carnall hearers. As when Emilius Scaurus was accused by Varius, he made this answer. Yee Romans, Varius affir­meth the crime laid against me to be true: And Scaurus denieth. Whom will you rather beleeve?) But they are commanded to turne their backs upon such a Preacher.

It is the LORDS expresse charge that wee should not hearken unto them, Jerem. 23. 16, 17, 36. & 29. 8, 9. & 27. 9, 10. Rom. 16. 17, 18. Matth. 7. 15. 2 John 10. Esay 8. 11. Deut. 13 5. 9. 10.

Heare them so long as their doctrines are canonicall, but no longer; And whiles they sit in Moses chaire: but when they sit in the seat of the scornefull; then (as the Apostle speakes) Have no fellowship with the unfruitfull workes of darknesse. A wise man will not be hurt of a Serpent, because he keepes himselfe farre from him. But a foole either by gazing on, or playing with it, is bitten. Wilt thou then avoyd danger? vouchsafe not to heare them. Ʋlysses had no way to escape the Sirens inchantments, but by stopping his eares with wax. Besides it may prove advantagious to the Minister also. For there is no reproofe so sharpe, as such a silent contempt.

Or admit an experimentall Christian doe heare such a Preacher, (as it may so fall out) He will not easily by caught by the hooke of his false doctrine. A good hearer will bee able to take the honey and the milke, and beware of the sting and the hammer; being like a glasse window▪ which letteth in the light, but shuts out the wind and raine. Or like a good stomack, that extracts all things fit for nourishment, and casteth out the re­sidue as excrement.

An Auditor should not be like the Spunge, that holds all waters both good and bad. Nor like the Sieve, that holds no water, neither good nor bad: Nor like the Boulter, that keepes in the course Branne, and throwes out the sine Flowre: But like the Scry, that keepes in the good Seed, and casteth out the dust and unprofitable darnell. Indeed sensuall hearers are worse then the very Beasts, yea then the Plants; For the very Plants have such a [Page 32] naturall vertue, that they draw unto themselves the good juyce, and reject the bad. And the Beasts can take those things which are properly good for them; and reject the evil; as the poysoned Apple, in the Indies. But these men are ignorant, what is good, and what is hurtfull to their Precious Soules. Yea, whatsoever the Sermon be, they will pick some­thing out of it, to Poyson themselves withall.

Wise Christians goe to a Sermon, as to a Garden: where, if they meete with variety of sweet flowers, they will pluck what best likes them, to carry in their hands, to smell to, when they are away. If there be nothing good; yet, with the Bee, they will worke that to Honey, which the putrid Spider would convert to poyson. And all, by making use of the Scripture; which, (like Ariadnes thread to Theseus) directs and keeps them both from error and danger.

And, as Beleevers, being expert in the Word, are not easily taken with their false do­ctrine▪ So they will much lesse be flowted out of their saith, by their preaching. The righ­teous will hold on his way: and he, whose hands are pure, shall increase his strength, Joh. 17. 9. The Taunts of Ismael shall never make an Isaac out of love with his Inheritance. Eliab could not Frump David out of his Zeale: He persists in his forwardnesse, untill he was brought to Saul, and had killed the Philistin. Sanballat and Tobiah thought to scoffe Nehemiah and the Iewes our of their Building. But the Barking of those Dogges could not hinder them from walking on their way: Nehemiah shakes off their impotent malice, and goes on chearfully.

How do [...]h it concerne us then, to Have the Word [...]f GOD dwell in us Richly, in all Wis­dome? Col. 3. 16. since without it we can neither know what to chuse, or refuse: nor he able to hold fast that which is good. He that toucheth Gold, and doth not weigh it: Or he that weigheth it, and doth not touch it, may perchance be deceived in his receiving it. Wher­fore, as we Taste our meat before we Eat it; and Try our Gold, before we Treasure it: So let us lay each Doctrine to the Rule, before we Entertaine it. And then, as CHRIST Tasted the Vineger, but would not Drinke: So, when we Taste False Doctrine, let us Reject it: le [...]t, whiles we follow our Guides, we lose our selves.

Object. But what if all the Parish like and commend his preaching?

Answ. It should make us more carefull, as to Discerne, so to be Confirmed in the Truth. Not more Credulous of Error, as it made Erasmus more Studious; by seeing the Monk [...] such Illiterate Dunces. Or as the good knife is made sharpe by the Dull Whetstone.

The Christian will be wise and devout like Daniel, though Alone.

Object. But CHRIST alleadgeth Scripture: and the Devil Alleadgeth it. What shall we doe? which way soever we take it, it may be wrong.

Answ. Not, as some, that lie downe▪ (like Isachar) betweene both the burdens; and Sue out a Writ of Ease for their consciences; thinking it best, To let all alone.

Nor yet, with the Seduced Prophet, 1 King. 13. 18. Take a private Spirits Counsell, be­fore the expresse Word of GOD: which may easily be knowne. For that onely is the Truest and Best way of Expounding, which so interpeteth the Scriptures, that one Scripture may agree with another, and crosse none: For One Absurdity being granted, Infinite will follow, Eph. 5. 6: Gal. 1. 8.

Indeed, they that will understand to purpose, and rightly know, Whether a Minister speaks from GOD, or Of Himselfe, must become Spirituall. For the Naturall man perceiveth not the things of the Spirit of GOD: But He that is Spirituall, understands all things, 1 Cor. 2. 14. 15.

He must resolve to Practise what he knowes: and not be like Lepidus; who Lay in Har­vest under the Coole shade, saying, O that this were to worke! If any will doe GODS will, (saith our Saviour) He shall know the Doctrine, whether it be of GOD; or whether I speak of my selfe, John 7 17. The feare of the LORD is the beginning of wisdome, Prov. 1. 7 & 9. 10. And, A good understanding have all they that keepe his Commandements, Psalme 111. 10.

And so much to prove, That they ought not to be heard. Especially by such as are not able, by their acquaintance with the word, to spy out their Serpentine subtilty.

Where note, by the way; How they befoole themselves. The Principall End, why they Preach thus, is, To get Applause and Credit, as I shewed before: Or to Redeeme that Credit, they have formerly lost. But it fares with them, as it did with the Builders of Ba­bel: who, striving to Get them a Name, Lost their Reputation and their Language too, Gen. 11. Or as it fared with Seriphus that Old Drudg in Naples: who coveting to mend his Bleered eye, Put it out Or, as it usually fares with Gamesters, who to Repaire their Losses, lose more: So casting the Helve after the Hatchet, as the saying is. For, though in their Sermons they seeme Glorious, and Brave, in their owne, and Ignorant mens eyes: Yet to the more Judicious they appeare most Mishapen and Ridiculous. And none, that beare any good will to the truth, but account them the very Basest of men. Whereby that Scripture is fulfilled. A Backbiter is like the waves of the Sea, which fometh out her owne shame. And againe, Prov. 24. 24. He, that saith to the wicked, Thou art Righteous, Him shall the people curse, and the mul­titude shall abher him.

I grant; They keepe up their credit with Satan, as well as with his Servants: For the more creditlesse, the more fit and ready they are for his service. As Cyrus said, that his Poore Souldiers were his Best Souldiers: For they had nothing to Lose: but there was something they hoped to gaine (which may be applied also to our Cavaliers.) Or, if these have a little Credit; a small losse is easily recovered. If Codrus his house burne, he even warmes his hands at the flame: The losse never troubles him: Because in two dayes he can build himselfe another as good.

Besides, Malice doth much mitigate their losse. The Bee will lose her sting, to mischiefe another; though she remaine a Drone ever after: So they are willing to discredit themselves, to discredit others. As Thamar defiled her selfe, to be Revenged of her Father-in-Law Judah.

I acknowledge there may be more in it, then All this. Peradventure they Hope for no Pardon. And therefore they care not, what mischiefe they doe. As a Desperate Malefactor, that feares not to multiply villanous acts; because he knowes he shall be hanged, whensoever he is taken. However; They have small cause to hope; except they amend. For their End is Destruction, whose Glory is their shame, Phil. 3. 19.

But to forbeare hearing them is not all. For they should not be suffered to Preach. Are they to be permitted Physitians, who in stead of administring proper physick to Cure their Patients; give them poyson to Kill them? Were it not a grievous thing, That in Each Countrey there should be Twenty or Thirty Allowed Midwives, who were Subo [...]ed to Destroy those Children, whom they are hired to bring forth? That they, whose office is, to help the Birth, should murther i [...]? Was it not a Devilish plot, when in the yeare, 1320. Certain Lepers covenanted with the Jewes, To lay poyson in the Wels, Springs, and Pits: that so they might destroy all the Christians in Europe? For which there were many burnt. The Case is the same: or rather in this comparison there is no comparison: For they had but Killed Bodies: whereas these murther Soules. You understand me. I need not further ap­ply it.

It is hardly yeares, since there was great care and paines taken, To silence and suppresse Ministers. And they did it to purpose. No lesse then thirty or forty in a Shire, were put out of their ministry at a time. But who, and what were they? Dum-Dogs? Or Non Re­sidenciaries? Or Men-Pleasers? Or Scandalous Ministers? Or these Serpentine-Preacherst No. Not One of them. But such as were too Zealous, and painfull: That Preached twice up­on a Sabbath day: That had Tender-Consciences, and would not Read, and Allow of sporting upon the LORDS-day: That were more Obedient to GODS Lawes, then to the Bishops Ca­nons: Preferring an innocent and Holy Life, before a White Surplice: Such as were Flockt af­ter. As I have heard a Bishop, at the High-Commission-Board, Chafe at the Chaplaines, in these, and the like words.

Is it fit, that such a one should be suffered to preach, when all the Towne followes him? He [Page 34] meant; When so many soules were converted by him. As who did feele the smart of their Censures so much, as those Ministers, who, by their faithfull and powerfull preaching made their Hea [...]ers, of Naturall men, to become Christians? Indeed such Courts were ap­pointed for the Correction of Vices: But now they Cherished Vice, and corrected Vertue. I may now (blessed be GOD) call A Spade, a Spade. Foure yeares since this Gall was so impatient of spurring, that a Minister could not Speake the Truth, without Hazarding the Pillory, Whipping Post, Losse of Eares, slitting of Nostrils, and Branding in the face: The case of Doctor Layton for a Book: that, if wise men may be beleeved, hath a world of worth in it. As for Mr. Prynne, Dr. Bastwicke and Mr. Burton, they are fresh in memory.

And, having silenc'd these; Whom did they place in their roomes? But such; (most of them) that Even the Devill himselfe (if he did make, and send forth Ministers) Could not finde worse upon the earth: For, if he would have worse, he must bring them from hell.

The Synod of Constantinople, out of experience, did find, that in those times, among fifty Catholike Priests, hardly one could be found, that was not a Notorious Fornicator: And that there was great want of Ministers; onely for the Prohibition of Matrimony. Which made Pius the second, a Learned Pope, (contrary to his former practise) leave this behind him in writing. There is great cause why the Clergy should be deprived of Marriage: But greater cause, why they should be suffered to marry. And doe not we, in these times, find by experience, That among fifty of these Bishops-Priests, hardly one can be found, that is not a bitter Malignant to Holinesse? and a Despiser of them that be good? If he be not also a Rank-Whore­maste [...], or a Common Drunkard. And that, by this meanes, there is great want of Good Mi­nisters. As hath beene plentifully proved to This Parliament, and may be found upon Record, Even such, that if Holy David were now alive, he would not admit A Man of them to be his Chaplaine.

I grant, their wicked hearts help them to P [...]tences, that carry a Faire shew, why they Silence so many Precisians, and put in so many profane ones: But their Consciences cannot but tell them of more and weightier Reasons, why these should rather be Cashired; and the Number of the other increased; The Godly cherished, and the profane curbed, and utterly re­strained. But because they want honesty and ingenuity, to confesse what they thinke, I will de­clare them unto you.

1. They ought to be Silenc'd. First, Because (as I have shewne) They are false Pro­phets; and teach Lies, in CHRISTS name. Now, if a man be opinionated against the Truth, it is not Answerable. Si quis docuerit: But, if a man teach such a Doctrine, It is Abo­minable.

Or, if they Preach not false Doctrine; they will so sophisticate the Truth, with the Leaven of maliciousnesse; that there shall be no difference. Like, as if they should break the bread of life to the people, and throw in Crooked Pins, to Choak them.

Or we may say of them, as Luther of the Popes. They hold us out Bread, on the point of a Sword: And, when we come nigh, they beat us with the Hilt.

Or lastly; If they deliver nothing but the wholesome Truth, They will Turne it into a lie; by misapplication. And he is not worthy to be a Physitian, who giveth Ʋomits, in place of Cordials: And Cordials in stead of Ʋomits.

2. Because they infect almost all that heare their Sermons, and make them as Bitter Malig­nants to Religion, and scoffers at Holinesse, as themselves; as I have shewen. And so in stead of becomming▪ Instruments of their peoples Salvation; they become (as farre as in them lies) Authors of their Damnation. Now, if one Breake the Law, that's a Personall-sin: But if he Teach so, that's a Pestilent sinne.

3. For that t [...]e Gospel, and the Name of GOD is Blasphemed, and an Evill scandall raised upon the Godly, by reason of their slandring them, and disgracing Goodnesse in their Ser­mons. And how unsufferable this is, in such as are GODS Ambassadors, and have the charge of soules, may be seene in the example of Eli's sons, 1 Sam. 3. & 4. chap. And in GODS dealing with Nadab, and Abihu, when he sent out Fire, and devoured them, for offering [Page 35] strange fire upon his Altar: Giving no other [...]eason, but this: I will be sanctified of them that draw neare me, Levit. 10. 2. 3.

Are such fit to succeed the LORD Jesus? and have the charge of soules, who preach lies in his Name? even forcing GOD to speak for Baal: the Spirit for the Flesh? Or, if they be connived at; How fearfull shall their Reckoning be, when they shall be summon'd to ap­peare before That High Judge, at the great day of Accounts.

4. Because so long as he supplies the Roome of a Minister, he keeps out another that would Preach better: and perhaps save those poore soules, whom he destroyes.

An ill man in the Church is but like some Shrubby-Tree in a Garden, whose shade not onely keeps better plants from growing; but drawes away the nourishment from the rest; that would beare us fruit. Or as a great Oak in a Greve, which not onely pines all the under­woods near it: but spoyles the Grasse that should feed the Cattell. So that it were better for the Perish to have no Minister at all, then such a one. For though it be miserable to want food for the soule: yet better nothing, then onely poyson. A Blank doth farre better in a Roome, then an ill filling.

5. It is most just, equall, and proper; That having so much abused their tongues, they should, in some sort, lose the use of them. We read, That when Tiberius the Emperour past sentence at the barre, upon a Great Talker, and Railer with his Tongue: he comman­ded, that for part of his punishment, he should not speak a word for the space of one whole yeare after: but ponder upon what he had formerly spoken, and study better how to speak when it came againe to his turne.

True. Our Worthies in Parliament have (Blessed be GOD) taken the like course, with many of them. And I hope their many Eyes will find out the Rest in time. Though it is great pity they have beene suffered so long: For these Serpents would be crusht in the Be­ginning, even in the Egge, to prevent their Hissing, Stinging, and Poysoning. So should their people be preserved.

The way to suppresse a Schisme is, to Cut off the head. For it will be hard for a Body to move Headlesse. Yea, the Head being cut off, the Members Die: the Generall being slaine, the Army perisheth.

6. This cuorse would prove very profitable both to Themselves, and to their Hearers.

1. It were Profitable for Themselves to be Silene'd. For the Fewer they Seduce, the Fewer soules they shall answer for. And, with such, as to Doe Evill is common, even to Doe nothing Profitable is, and in a manner Commendable. Yea rather then goe on in their Course, It were an Happy turne for Themselves, if GOD would doe by them, as he did with the Emperour Iustinian; who continuing obstinate in the Heresie of Pelagius, was suddenly deprived of his Senses, and became a Foole. For by this meanes they should Doe Lesse E­vill here; and consequently Suffer Lesse Evill hereafter.

2. It were Happy also, for their Hearers: whom for the present they serve no otherwise, then Busiris (whom Hercules slew) served the poore people: who killed such as came to him for hospitality. Or Magnus Episcopus the Bishop of Mentz: who burned an innumera­ble company of poore people, that cried to him for help, in a famine; calling them Rats. Or Theodosius the Prince, who fraudulently called together at Thessalonica, seven thousand inno­cent persons, as it were, to See Plaies; and then sent in Sculdiers among them, & slew them. For, under a colour of Feeding and Curing their soules, they Impoyson, and Kill them. Their Sermons resembling a Poysoned Fountaine, in the way, which the innocent and thirsty pas­senger seeing, is glad to drink of: but in drinking is Sure to die for it.

Or in case they be lesse cruell, and doe answer the hunger and thirst of an empty soule: It shall be no otherwise, then the Iewes did our Saviours: who gave him Gall for his Meat, and in his thirst Vineger to drink, Psal. 69. 21.

But Woe is me! How many wayes have these last times holpen the Devill? And how neare was Satan to a Full Principality on earth; when he had not onely his Ministers, and that of divers kinds, to preach for him: But his Prelates also to put downe them, that [Page 36] did preach for CHRIST▪ Yea, when he had not onely a Greater and more Numerous Clergy: but farre more Lay-servants also, then GOD himselfe; even in this Noontide of the Gospel; and in this Land, the Glory of Christendome. As I could tell you how Satan hare sway in the Magistraoy, and Courts of Justice, in the Common-wealth, as well as in the Church. For, (to passe by the many Iustices of Peace, and other inferiour officers, all the Land over, who were not onely Vicious themselves, but Cherishers of Vice, in the se­verall places of their abode.) What Court was there almost in the Land, where Iustice was not bought and sold? Or admit Bribery would not doe, but Justice would punish a male­factor: Might not the Protection of some Great one be procured to deliver him? So that the Law might put up his Dagger. For, by this meanes, a leud person need not feare to of­fend, that had a Great man to his friend: or had not a Great man to his enemy. Tegunteum Ʋmbrosa nemora umbraculis suis: The shady trees cover him with their shadowes. The Rob­ber rifles a passenger, is apprehended and indited: The booty he gives to some Mighty one, to procure his Pardon; and escapes. Thus the poore Traveller is robbed doubly, both of his money, and all reliefe of the Law: and the protector of the lewd person is become the greater thiefe.

But, in speaking of these I have stept out of my way, as once a Grave Divine stept out of his Text, to enveigh against swearing; that so he might meet with a Great Personage, that had ridde as farre out of his way to heare him. Onely I mention it, because my words may happen to reach to some, whom it concernes. If so; In the bowels of CHRIST let me (the most unworthy) be hold to move your Wisdomes, and your Care, to Goe on to Re­dresse it; as you have (blessed be GOD) begun.

Oh! It were speciall newes to be told in Gath, and would sound terribly in the streets of Askalon: It would goe Cold to the heart of the Devill, and shake the gates of hell: That none might heare sway, either in Church, or Common wealth, but such as feare GOD, and seeke his glory. In the meane time the Church were happy, if she had escaped the inge­nious sollicitations of these Fiends; who have not onely troubled the waters of our comfort: but poysoned the very Spings of Life. They have brought into GODS Sanctuary, in stead of Levites to divide the Word, Gibeonites not worthy to divide Wood. They have brought them in. The LORD of his mercy cast them out!

It is said, Rev. 18. That the Merchants of that great City Babylon (by which Exposi­ters understand Rome) traded not onely in Gold, Silver, and precious stones, fine Linnen, and Purple, Silke and Scarlet, Cinnamon and odours, Ointments, and Oyle, and Wine, &c. but also in soules of men, vers. 13. Our Prelates have affirmed in open Court, That they have their Ordination from the said Rome. And, without controversie, Their Principall Traffique hath beene in the Soules of men. For, as if they had conspired the death of the Church; and plotted together to famish and starve the people of GOD, they have laboured to sup­presse and diminish the true Shepheards; and to set up Wolves in their stead. And where­as, in most places they had no teaching at Home, they would not suffer them to seek abroad: but would keep them still in ignorance and blindnesse. And, under pretence of Order, their Soules must perish. So serving faithfull Ministers and their people, as the Priests and Pha­risees served CHRIST and his Hearers: forbidding him to preach; and restraining the people from hearing him. For what say they? If we let him thus alone, all men will beleeve in him, John 11. 48. Or as the Jewes dealt with Saint Paul, and his Hearers. Of whom he thus speaks. They persecute their owne Prophets, and forbid us also to speake to the Gentiles, that they might be saved. To fill up their sinnes; That the wrath of God might come on them to the uttermost, 1 Thes. 2. 16.

Oh! Wofull times! Oh! Cursed Merchants! That Traffique in the Bloud of Soules. But, seeing they are content to venture themselves upon GODS vengeance, I leave them to their Judge. In the meane time, let it rejoyce all good hearts, That our Grave Senators have, in some measure, shortned their armes, and broken their hornes. Yea, let it be our con­stant prayer to GOD, that the Keyes (which they counterfeited) may never more be com­mitted [Page 37] to such Cerberean-Porters, as shut the gates upon CHRISTS friends, and enter­taine his foes: To such as onely measure their Right by their Power: And therefore will doe injury, because they can doe it: To such Hypocrites, as looke to small things, (as the Crosse, Surplice, Holy-daies, &c.) And over-looke the Great, as the Sabbath, the second Commandement, the due administring of the Word, and Sacraments. For certainly it cannot be said of them, as our Saviour said of the Asse. ‘ The LORD hath need of them.’ Yea, have we not found by experience; That whiles these Mermaids dance and play; It portends nothing but Destruction to the Mariners: For, though they call themselves the chiefe-Priests, they are indeed CHRISTS chiefe-enemies.

And is there any reason, that those should stand at the Sterne, or be appointed the Cham­pions of the LORDS battels, who have embraced this present world, and seeke after no­thing but Gaine and Glory? They fight for their Bellies, and not for the LORD.

Once in Israel there were three Garisons of enemies, alarmed with all manner of weapons for offence yet against all these, the Israelites had but two Swords for defence. Yet it pleased GOD, that those two were enough. So we have in our Land a world of enemies armed with all the strength and policy of hell. If we have but two Swords: One the Sword of the Spirit; that is, Doctrine: The other, the Sword of the Church; that is, Discipline: (I meane of CHRISTS own institution) We need not feare, but they will be enough to keep sinne, and GODS enemies from domineering, as they have done hitherto. Which GOD grant, for his CHRISTS sake.

7. And lastly, Their Craft is so great, and their Number so many, that (unlesse they be Silenc'd) CHRISTS faithfull Ministers shall doe little good, or that good will little ap­peare.

1. For their Number. I suppose our times out-strip all former ages. For though a­mong the Jewes there were alwayes false Prophets, 1 King. 22. 6. 11. to 17. & 18. 22. to 42. 2 King. 10. 19. 25. Jer. 14. 15. 17. & 6. 14. & 23. 25 to 35. 2 Chron. 18. 5. Ezek. 13. 4. & 22. 25. Micah 2. 11. Isa. 30. 10. Zeph 3. 4. And in the Primitive times of the Gospel, false Apostles, and false Teachers, who were enemies to the Crosse of CHRIST Phil. 3. 18. 19. And although most of the Fathers and Saints of GOD, which have writ; have in their severall times, much complained of false and unprofitable teachers: Yet the Holy GHOST speakes chiefely of these last and worst times. Many shall come in my Name (saith our Saviour, Matth. 24. 5.) And many false Prophets shall arise, and shall deceive ma­ny, vers. 11. And againe, There shall arise false-Christs, and false Prophets, that, (if it were possible) they should deceive the very Elect, vers. 24. And no wonder there be false Apostles, and false Prophets, when there are False-Christs ‘ I know (saith Saint Paul) that after my departure grievous Wolves shall enter in among you, not sparing the flocke, Acts 20. 29. And Of your owne selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things; to draw Disciples after them, vers. 30. 31.’

But the better to know their Number, I wish there were a Survay made throughout the Kingdome, and Dominion of Wales; and a view taken first of such as have Great Titles, and Roomes in the Church; As Bishops, Deanes, Arch-Deacons, &c. And yet feed not any flocks of Sheep or Lambs.

2. Of such as apply all their great learning to get Livings, and to Heap Benefice upon Be­nefice; not at all caring for Soules.

3. That you would number, if you can, those, that goe under the Names of Preachers: And doe either so unprofitably, or so slenderly and unskilfully teach; that their people are never the better.

4. Adde to these Dumb Dogs, Barking Curres, Scandalous Ministers, that pull downe either with one, or both hands: (that is to say, with their Lewd Lives, or by their Devilish Doctrine.)

5. And lastly, Such Serpentine Preachers, as we are now upon: whereof some are pos­sest with a Dumb-Devill; others with a Witty-Devill; a third sort, with a Flattering-Devill: [Page 38] a Fourth, with a Railing or Slandering-Devill; a Fifth, with a Foule and Ʋnclean-Devill: a Sixth, with a Lasie and Ambitious-Devill: Some being able to preach; but withall to Negligent, that they will not: Some would; but are so Ignorant, that they cannot, or not to purpose: Some neither Will, nor Can; for want of using their gifts: Some are so Fearfull to Offend their Benefactors, that they Dare not: Some are so Wicked, that they Should not, &c. Let these, I say, be Numbred. And then you shall see, that we may not onely Complaine, as Iude of the Primitive Church. That there are certaine men crept in, which were before ordained to condemnation: But many thousands of them crept in.

Secondly, Set these aside, and compare the Great Number of them, with those few, that remaine; who faithfully labour to discharge their Trust, and feed their people with whol­some doctrine, and good life: whom they terme [Paritans] And you shall see a miserable and lamentable face of a Church: and be forced to acknowledge, that The Harvest is Great: but the labourers Few, Matth. 9. 37. 38. And so few, that there was small need, that thirty or forty, in a Shire, should be taken away, and suspended, at a clap; Be cause they taught their people diligently: and as many of the former put in their roomes.

But I would aske these Lordly Prelats, that suspended them, a Question or two.

1. Is it fit, that one should have the Provender of (it may be) fifty labouring Oxen, for lying like a Dog in the Manger: both hindring the Pastors to feed, and the Hunger-starved soules to eat: Yea they Muzzle up the mouths of the Oxen, and tie up the tongues of the faithfull labourers, both from treading out the Corn, and eating of the Corne.

2. I would know of them, Whether the palpable ignorance of many Millions in this Land, doth not arise from the want of meanes, and removall of GODS faithfull miniders: pla­cing such over people as are not worthy to be set with the Dogs of the Flocke, Iob. 30. 1. For Alliance, Favour, Simony, &c. have brought a thousand men of bad learning, and worse living into the ministery.

3. Let them tell me, whether it will be a Good Plea, at the day of Iudgement: when CHRIST shall aske them, Why did you forbid my messengers to deliver my message? Why did you silence such, as converted my people; and set up others in their stead, that perverted them: when I had so plainly declared in my word, 1 Thes. 2. 16. That this forbidding to preach the Gospel, was the very filling up of the sinnes of the Iewes, (as Oh the horror of this sinne! And the fearfull evils ensuing on it!) To Answer: They would not conforme to eve­ry Ceremony: Or rather, they had tender consciences. Will this, I say, be a good Answer: Indeed, here your Arguments are infallible: For, if Popery will not satisfie, a Prisen shall. But There, Truth and innocency shall take place; whether Plaintiffe, or Defendant; Pe­titioner, or petitioned speaks it.

Now, If their Number be so many, their Cunning so great, as I have declared; and their in­dustry so much, to disturb our peace; or to pervert our faith; or to corrupt our manners; or to wound our consciences; or to destroy our soules. To which they have an hundred wayes, as the City Thebes had an hundred Gates into it: Or as so many lines, that doe all meete in one point. And, seeing wheresoever God hath his Church, the Devill hath his Chap­pel: Yea, for the most part, where CHRIST had his minister in the Afternoone, to build up: In the same Church had Satan his Chaplaine in the Forenoone, to pull downe: And, that the multitude are more apt to be carried away with the Doctrine of Liberty, then to be won with that which commands Restraint: What probability, that Piety should thrive like Profanenesse:

Solomon saith, Of a Prince, that hearkeneth to lies, all his servants are wicked, Prov. 29. 12. It is more true of such a Preacher. And Saint Paul saith that of false Prophets, which we find too true, by experience: They shall draw a world after them: whereas Goodnesse hath but few Adherents; because the gate is narrow that leads to life.

Which being so, I would faine know, how a few despicable Ministers, whom all this great Number set themselves against, and seeke by all meanes to disgrace; should thrive in their labours: But that their work should be as wel fruitlesse as endles: like that which is fai­ned [Page 39] of Sisypus, a great Robber in Attica, and slaine by Theseus; who, (as Poets faine) Rowl­eth a stone to the top of an hill in hell; which stillfalleth downe againe, and maketh his labour continuall.

There is but one right way of preaching. That is, when Sound Doctrine and Home-Appli­cation goe together: Many indirect wayes. GOD chargeth his Ministers to refuse all waies but One. Satan bids them refuse that One, and take which way they Please.

I have laid open and delineated sundry wayes, that they preach; (and they alone may serve as Spectacles, to see the Devill and his works by, in the Prelates, and their Creatures) But they have an Hundred waies.

O that there were some Severe Correction appointed by the Lawes, against both wic­ked and unprofitable Preaching; As there is against Murder and Felony; sins lesse hainous. I doe not wish they were put to Death, as Elijah served foure hundred and fifty of Baals Pro­phets, 1 King 18. 19. 40. Nor Cut off; as Saint Paul wisht the false Apostles were, Gal. 5. 12. but I wish they were silenc't. For so should thousands be Banisht the ministery, and Christians multiply in our Land, as Corne did in Egypt, in the Seven plentifull yeares, Gen. 41. 47. 49. Whereas now the people heare many Sermons; and yet like those seven ill­favoured and leane fleshed kine, vers. 20. 21. It cannot be knowne, that they have heard them: for they are still as leane, and ill­favoured Christians, as they were before they heard them.

Or, if this will not be: My next desire of God is; That these Preachers last laid open' (who runne like Familiars up and downe the earth: from the Ʋniversity into the Countrey: from the Countrey to the City: from the City to the Court: from the Court to Cathedrals: And from one Church to another, To Doe the Devils Errands) may be Totally Silenced. For one of these Subtil-Flattering Sinons will doe that, which Ten yeares Siege of Satan and all his other forces cannot effect, towards the destruction of Our Troy, the Church.

But admit those, whom GOD hath intrusted, to execute his judgements upon earth, should connive at them; and so make their sinne of Soule-murder their Owne: Yet Severe will be their Doome at the great day of accounts; if they doe not in the Interim, use their utmost, by a change to the contrary, to Sue out their Pardon, in the Bloud of CHRIST. Which day of accounts, if they did but thinke of; when GOD shall set all their sinnes in order before them; and CHRIST shall pronounce that fearfull sentence: Depart from me yee Cursed, into ever lasting fire, prepared for the Devill and his Angels; (which is an E­verlasting Departure; not for a Day nor for Yeeres of Dayes, nor for Millions of Yeeres: but for Eternity: and that from CHRIST, and the Fulnesse of joyes at his right hand, and pleasures for evermore; To the Damned, to the Devils, to Hell; there to remaine in a Bed of unquenchable Flames, without either Intermission, or End, or Ease, or Patience to Endure it) Then I should not need to admonish them. The Worst of men love their ease dearly. But (Alas! Poore Soules!) the Devill so blinds them, that they never think of their Latter End.

And this is the cause they go on in so desperate a Course, and feare no more then Adam did, when he eate the Apple. When the Prophet had reckoned up all the calamities and sinnes of the Jewes: At the last he imputed all to this. She remembred not her end. And, when Solomon had spoken of al the Vanities of man, at last he opposeth this Memorandum as a Counterpoise against them all. Remember, that for all these things, GOD will bring thee to judgement. But let me tell thee: Or rather Heare GOD in his Word Telling thee: That, to Lie for Ever in a Bed of Quenchlesse flames, is not All.

For as, in sinne, there be Sundry Steps and Degrees, whereby one and the same Evil is Lessened or Increased; and so becomes More or Lesse hainous before GOD: So, as thy sins have exceeded, thy sufferings shall also exceed, the number and measure of thy Torments shall be according to the multitude and magnitude of thine offenses. As thou hast beene a Mighty Sinner: So thou sahlt be Mightily punished. For GOD will reward every man accor­ding to his works. As our works are Better or Worse: So shall our joyes in Heaven, or paines in Hell be More or Lesse. See Rev. 20. 12, 13. & 22. 12. Luke 12. 47, 48. Matth. 10. 25. [Page 40] Which being so, (viz.) That every man shall be more wretched, as he hath beene more wic­ked. What will become of thee! Surely, thy sinnes are so Prodigious, that they scome any proportion, under a whole volume of Plagues.

It remaines that I should spread thy sinnes in order before thee; and shew thee where­in they Exceed other mens, that shall goe to the same place of torment: And how they are greatned, and receive weight, and increase, in regard of Cirtumstances, which mightily aggravates them; and makes them Out of Measure sinfull. But the particulars are so many, That, if I should insist upon them, they would over-much swell the heap, and perhaps tire the reader. Besides, what is alleadged would be confirmed fully. He, which throwes his Dagger at a thiefe; let him be sure to hit him. Otherwise he disarmes himselfe, and streng­thens his adversary. Wherefore take notice only in generall: That all Pastors shall so give account for their peoples soules, Heb. 13. 17. That wer't thou but One of the former Number, viz. of Non-preaching Ministers; (who come farre short of thee, and have much lesse to an­swer for) whensoever thou shouldst heare the Bell toll for a wicked man; Thou might'st cry out: There is a Soule going to Hell, whose bloud will be required at my hands; because I was not faithfull, and did not give him warning, Ezek. 3. 18, 19. & 33. 7, 8, 9.

Whereas Thou hast preached Lies in CHRISTS name, and sought to winne as many to hell as thou couldst: Consider of it I beseech you. Thou art appointed a Spirituall Nurse, to seed the people of GOD with the Two Breasts of the Old and New Testament, and hast thy wages to that end. Now, if a Nurse should for Wages take in hand to nurse but one Child; who having either no Milke, or having Milk enough; should give it None: In so doing she were a Murtheresse: much more if she should give it Poyson, which yet would but Kill the Body: But thou givest thy whole Flock Poyson, in stead of Milk: which is enough (with­out GODS over-ruling Providence) to poyson all their soules. Thou art appointed by GOD, the Spirituall Physitian of their Soules. Now a Physitian, that takes charge of a sick Patient, may be guilty of his death; either by giving him No Physick; or Improper Bhysick; or Poyson: Every of which wayes thou art guilty; though principally in the Last, and Worst of them. Yea, thou givest Two sorts of poyson; that, if the one should not speed, the other may. The one is Flattering men in sinne; a sweet poyson: The other is Bitter Girding at ho­linesse; the best and mildest whereof, is Bad enough; aad so thou wilt finde one day: For in that thou Soothest them up, in their sinnes, thou makest them all thy owne, Isa. 9. 16. Heb. 13. 17. Beatificant populum istum, Psal. 10. 3. Nay: That evill can scarce be named, which thou art not the occasion of, by thy thus preaching; Yea, which thou thy selfe dost not, or hast not a will to doe; were it in thy power. For thou hast the same Heart-Burning a­gainst all the Religious, that Haman had against the Jewes: who would have cut them off, from being a people. Or Caligula against the Romans; who wisht, that They All had but one Head, that so he might cut it off at a blow.

I have laid open some part of thy will, and indeavour. Satan, who will one day be thy accuser, knowes much more. GOD, that Searcheth the heart, and trieth the reines, knowes all, who measures what we doe, by what we desire to doe: and punisheth the Action accor­ding to the Affection, or Intention. For Good, or Evill Thoughts and Desires, in GODS account are Good, or Evill Works. If thou wantest power; it is enough thou Wouldst; As I could largely prove. But I am prompted to contract many things. Onely take notice of this, That every Sermon thou preachest will become one day, a Bill of Enditement against thee: And every soule that perisheth, by meanes of thy Flattering sinne, and Flouting holinesse, will adde to the Pile of thy unspeakable torments. For, in that thou damnest many soules, besides thine owne, thou Super-erogatest of Satan, and he shall give thee a Treble Portion of Hell-fire for thy paines. They shall Perish for yeelding: But thou for Tempting shalt be Punished farre above them. As we read, that when John A Camber was executed at Yorke, it was in great stare: For he was Hanged upon a Gibbet raised a Stage higher in the midst of a square Gallowes, as a Traitor Paramount; and a number of his men, that were his chiefe Com­pl [...]ces, were Hanged upon the Lower Story round about him.

True it is. The Seed of the Woman is able to Bruise this Serpents head. And we are in the hand of a Cunning Workman, that of the Knottiest and Crookedst Timber, can make Rafts and Sieling for his owne house: That can square the Marble, or Flint, as well as the Freest­stone. Yea, the GOD, whom thou hast thus provoked, is so abundant in grace, and so great in Power, and so expert for skill: That, as with a word of his mouth, he Can create in thee a new heart (for it is as easie with him to make a man righteous, as to bid him be such) So he is no lesse Willing. As his entertaining of the Prodigall Sonne, in the Gospel showes, Luke 15. 20.

If thou canst see how Desperate thy condition is; Accuse and Condemne thy selfe; Se­riously Repent what thou hast done; and never more doe, what thou hast repented.

If thou canst lay hold upon CHRIST, by a lively faith, and manifest the same, by a change to the contrary, Isa. 55. 7. Ezek. 18. 21, 22, 23. 27, 28. & 33. 11. Luke 15. 20. Joel 2. 12. 13. 14. which Scriptures shew; That, if the Summons of vengeance shall waken us to repentance: we shall no sooner change our minds, but GOD will change his sentence. And, though I read not of One like thee (except Manasses) that ever returned home by Re­pentance: Yet it may be presumed, That, as many a man sends others to Heaven, and yet goes to Hell himselfe: So not a few, having drawn others to Hell, yet themselves returne, by a late repentance, to life.

So that there is a faire possibility of thy escaping that judgement, which thy sinnes have deserved; and nothing can hinder, but thy want of accepting the free offer of mercy, up­on the conditions before exprest. Which is worth thy speedy resolving. For how justly might GOD have bereaved thy body of a soule? thy soule of understanding? thy under­standing of all possibility of comfort, long before this? That thou hast space to repent; a Tongue and Time to Call upon GOD for Mercy, is a Blessing, and farre more then he owes thee.

Which being so, (and that a Plaister is of no use, unlesse it be Applyed) Let my counsell be acceptable (as Daniel said to Nabuchadnezzar) And be intreated by the Mercies of GOD, as Paul speaks, Rom. 12. 1. (As you would please him, & pleasure your self) to redeem the time past, with Serious Repentance: the time present, with Religious Diligence: the time to come, with Carefull Providence. And, when the LORD shall have accepted thee, thou shalt have no cause to repent, that thou took'st my counsell, in preferring Heaven to Hell. Other­wise, when that fearfull houre comes, which I before spake of: then you would faine goe to Heaven by CHRIST. But, Alas! as that Despairing Pope said, The Crosse could doe him no good, because he had so often sold it away: So, How should CHRIST doe you good, who have Railed him away? You have Vexed him so long as you lived; and his justice shall Ʋexe every veine of your heart, when you are dead.

The next to Not doing wrong, is To make Amends: And the only Amends, we can make to GOD, when we have not had the grace to avoyd sinne, is, To confesse and Forsake the sinne, we have not avoyded: To be as True servants to GOD, as we have been Enemies: and per­forme as zealous obe-dience to him hereafter, as we have done to Satan formerly. Which is the way to Cheat the Devill.

And thus did Paul; who, (when his zeale was turned the right way) did not so much hurt before, as now he did good.

Indeed; Notorious offenders may not thinke to sit downe with the task of ordinary services: but the retributions of their obedience must be proportionable to their crimes. As was that of Saint Pauls. Who as he had done more evill to the Saints, then all the rest of the Apostles: So He Laboured more then they all, in adding to the Church such as should be saved. Yea, saith our Saviour, (speaking of him to Ananias,) I will shew him how many things he must suffer for my names sake, Acts 9. 16 Which was much the case of Arch-Bishop Cramner; who could never satisfie his conscience after his Recantation, till he had burnt that hand to ashes, with which he had subscribed: So taking an holy revenge of himselfe, by suffering in a manner, Two Martyrdomes; one whereof he put himselfe to, by burning [Page 42] his right hand; the other which the Papists put him to, by burning his whole body.

True, It is one of the Madde Principles of wickednesse; that it is a weaknesse to relent: And rather to die, then yeeld: yea even the worst causes once undertaken must be upheld, to the Death: But a Gracious heart, when it shall find its owne mistaking, will not only remit an ungrounded displeasure, but studies to be revenged of it selfe, and to give satisfaction to the offended. Wherefore art thou a Wise man, or a Foole? Yea, a Man, or a Beast: For shame either be a Man: or confesse thy selfe to be a Beast. A Wise man, or acknowledge thy selfe a Foole. If thou beest a Wise man, it will be seene by this. He that is Wise (saith Solo­mon) is wise to himselfe; He is not Wise against himselfe; as thou hast beene hitherto. And in another place. A prudent man seeth the Plague, and hideth himselfe: that is, Flieth to GOD for succour. But the foolish goe on still, and are punished, Prov. 22. 3. Thou hast deferred it too long already.

Thus having made a Discovery of thy sinne, together with the infection and dispersion of it: I should proceed to the Meanes of thy Recovery. But I spare my Reader. Besides, should Suada the reputed Goddesse of perswasion never so much admonish thee: It were in vaine: For thou art like the Deafe Adder, that stops her eare, and will not hearken to the voyce of the Charmer, though he be most excellent in charming, Psal. 58. 4. 5. And thy heart is like a stone, which being throwne up ten thousand times, will never learne to ascend: Or Iron quencht often in Vineger, which will not yeeld to the hammer, nor be forged to any good use, or once change its fashion.

Saul was so eager in the pursuit of David; and thirsted so after his bloud, that having sent first one company to apprehend him; then a second; after that a third: It being told him, That GOD had changed every of their hearts, and turned them into Prophets, that he might be prevented: He could not cease; but goes himselfe, 1 Sam. 19. 20. 23. The Jewes would not Beleeve in CHRIST, after so cleare predictions of the Prophets; after so miracu­lous demonstrations of his Divine power; after so many graves ransackt; Dead raised; Devils ejected; limbs and eyes new created; after such testimonies of the Star, Sages, Angels, GOD himselfe; after such triumphs over death, and hell: But obstinately reject him for their Messias. So shouldst thou see some of thy fellowes struck dead in the Pulpit, as they are belching out their spleen against Religion and goodnesse, as it sared with Nitingall Par­son of Crondall in Kent: All were one. As when the neighbouring Ammonites heard of GODS fearfull vengeance upon the Philistims, they could not be warned: but must be taking up the quarrell against Israel, 1 Sam. 7. & 11. chap.

Nothing but Grace can teach us to make use of others judgements. And shouldst thou, like those Sodomits, be struck blind in thy pursuit of some Lot; thou wouldst still persist Though they gnaw their tongues for paines: yet they repent not of their Deeds, Revel. 16. 8. 9 So Hard a Task is Repentance. And the reason is. Custome is not onely a Grave to Bu [...]y the Soule in: But a Stone rolled to the mouth of it, to keep it downe. Wherefore I leave this Moth labouring to extinguish the light of other mens goodnesse. I know in the end he will singe his owne wings.

Onely remember, that Warning not taken is a certaine Presage of Destruction. A Man that hardneth his necke, when he is rebuked, shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy, Prov. 29. 1. & 1. 24 to 32. The sonnes of Eli would not hearken unto, nor obey the voyce of their Father. Why? Because (saith the Text) The LORD was determined to destroy them, 1 Sam. 2. 25. I know (saith the Prophet to Amaziah) That GOD hath determined to destroy thee; Because thou hast done this, and hast not obeyed my counsell, 2 Chron. 25. 16. 20.

But in the meane time many suffer; the Godly are discouraged, the wicked are hardned by thy false wresting, and misapplying the Scriptures. Wherefore GOD of his goodnesse grant, that all false Prophets may be either inwardly Lambs; (as they are not) or appeare outwardly Wolves, as they are. Either to turne their hearts from their Wolvish condition; or to pull their Sheepskin over their eares; That no Juglers may privily by their mists and my­steries pervert the flock of JESƲS CHRIST.

Nor let any, that feare GOD, or care for the welfare of his Church, in the least measure further their bringing in; nor hinder their Casting out of the Ministery: Be they Brethren, Children, or Nephewes. No, vouchsafe not to open thy lips for these Marble-hearted, and Savage-minded men, saying, How shall they and theirs live, if they be turned out of their Li­vings? For better Starve, then be Fed with the Bloud of Soules. Neither did the Prelates thinke this Argument of either Force or Weight, when they turned GODS Faithfull Mini­sters out, and put these Ministers of Satan in.

Besides, there is no Safety for the Lambs; but by the Death, or Removall of the Wolves. And, when the Seed of the Serpent fight against the Seed of the Woman. That which helps the one, must needs hurt the other. He Threatneth the Innocent, who Spareth the Delin­quent. Which made GOD to reject Saul, and take away his Kingdome; for shewing mercy to Agag, 1 Sam. 15.

I know, it is not honest to use armes, as the Bishops did, where the controversie may be ended with Treaties. But there is no hope of their reclaiming, or amendment, as we have found since the Parliament by an hundred. For you can hardly name one of the generation that have changed their minds, though they feared every day, to lose their means. I confesse they have a Strong Hope; that, if they stand out the losse of a Vicarage, the Bishops, when they prevaile (which I hope will never be) will Prefer them to a Parsonage worth Five of it.

Indeed some, (And those no Small Fooles) at the beginning of the Parliament (when they had not the hopes they have now) have been so Sofined, that they have preach'd Re­cantation-Sermons, and profest with tears in their eyes; that (should the times change never so) they would now be honest. But they have presently Hardned againe, and Fied to Ox­ford. Such are the Parliaments-Converts. Well may they turne to flat Popery, and there stay, if the times should turne: but never to the Truth. For they bend their tongues like Bowes for lies: but they are not valiant for the Truth, Jer. 9 3.

Object. But you will say: Peradventure these Anti-Puritan Preachers, (I call them so, Because they thinke themselves so, though I could easily prove themselves Arch-Puritans, if time would permit) have something to plead for themselves. And it were good to heare their defenses, before we cashiere them.

Answer. I confesse, they will help themselves very handsomely with a Distinction. Yea, they have devised a world of fleshly Reasons, to maintaine and uphold corruptions: For they beat their braines and spend their wits, to Deface GODS Ordinances, and Establish their Owne Traditions. And, if ever there were any time, in which our Saviour CHRISTS words were verified, where he saith, If it were possible, they should deceive the very Elect, It is now; There be such Goodly Colours and Showes made and set upon matters, to hold the people contented in their ignorance. So that all is good which they doe.

As, why doe they thus preach and raile against the Godly, and their precise walking? For sooth, for the Publike utility, and the Churches sake: for the Peace of the Church; and for Obedience and Good Order. When they have as great a Care of the Church (unlesse you call Episcopacy the Church) as Judas had a Care of the Poore. For is it likely, That the Ene­mies of the Crosse of CHRIST should. Take care for the Church of CHRIST? Even as likely, As that The Irish Rebels, The English Traitors, A Popish Army, And all the Theeves and Cut-purses, that are now risen up against the Parliament; should Fight for the Lawes, and the Protestant Religion.

I am sure, Saint James argues otherwise. Whose words are. Doth a Fountaine send forth, at one place, sweet water and bitter? Can the Figtree, my Brethren, bring forth Olives? Either a Vine Figs? So can no Fountaine make both salt water and sweet, Jam. 3. 11. 12.

But every age hath had many such Hypocrites. The Scribes and Pharisees cry, The Tem­ple of the LORD, The Temple of the LORD; whiles they Despi [...]ed and Crucified the LORD of that Temple. The Jewes colour their Envie against CHRIST, with their Duty to Caesar. And many the like And the reason is this:

Error is so foule an Hagge, that if it should come in the Owne Shape, Nuda Facie: A man [Page 44] would Loath it. If Jezabel had not painted her face, she had not gotten so many Doting A­dulterers. These Wolves come evermore in Sheeps clothing, Matth. 7. 15. Sub Pello Ovina, Lupus Rapax; As the Fowler, by the benefit of his Stalking-horse, murders the Fowles. Many (saith CHRIST) shall come in my Name. Nomine meo, non Suo. Not in their Owne Name: For then their words would not be taken.

Every man is an Hearty Patron of his owne Actions. And it is a Desperate Cause, that hath No Plea. Yea the more Foule any Project is, the Fairer Vizor it still seeks. Come see my zeale for the LORD of Hosts, saies Jehu. His Words were for the LORD: But his Project was for the Kingdome. And Comets make a greater blaze, then Fixed Stars. Those Monopolists, that undoe the Common-wealth, have the most Colourable Pretences to Benefit it. But, as CHRIST said, Qui vos recipit: So in effect. Qui vos Decipit, me Decipit. Even the Cut-Purse, when one found his hand in his Pocket, and asked, what it did there, answered. If I had not had more Care of your Purse, then your selfe, it might have beene gone. But if San­ballat and Tobiah put in for building of the Wall; they will Daub with untempered mor­tar; And it will prove but a rotten peece of work: For they consult to Cast down CHRIST from his Dignity: They blesse with their mouths: but curse with their hearts, Psal. 62. 4.

Object. But in preaching against Puritans, they speak not against any that are Religious: But against Non-conformists, which deserve to be blamed, being a people, that Disturb the Peace of the Church; Weaken the Sinewes of Discipline. Are Over-Fiery, and stirre up Con­tention.

Answ. Why then doe they Cast the Same Aspersion upon those that have nothing to doe with Subscription; As Noble-men, and Gentlemen: Yea upon the Great Councell of Parlia­ment? So that (however they fit Scriptures to their passion, and pretend faire) It is a sure signe, that their Hearts are full of nothing but Pure Malice, and Venomous Rancor against All Grace and Goodnesse.

It is true. They will neither acknowledge their Owne Faults, nor Others Vertues. And so would be thought to Inveigh against an Error on the Right hand, Too much Precisenesse, Opinion of Righteousnesse; and the like. But their True meaning and utmost endeavour is, To Dash all Holinesse, and Sincerity out of Countenance, and to pluck up all Power of Religion by the Roots. A man, that Truly hates Superstition, will not Presently Cast himselfe into Irreligion: But Fix upon the Meane. If Two Mastiffes be jarring betweene themselves, when the Beare comes, They forget All Private Strife, To Assaile the Common Enemy. So, if these did not Dege­nerate from Christians, they would sometimes lay aside these Particular Differences in judge­ment, touching Small Matters: and Set upon foule Sinnes, and Wicked Practises; as Swearing, Drunkennesse, Profanation of the LORDS Day, &c. But this they never doe, or not to any purpose. Whereas both in their Sermons, and Books, and Discourse, they doe (with strong Reasons drawne from the Wisdome of the Flesh) Defend Non-Residents, Double-Bene­fic'd men: Men of no Learning, and worse Living in the ministery: with sundry other Abomi­nations; as Crosses, Altars, Cringings, and the like. Now I wonder what could be thought of the Pope, if he, being at Fewd. with England; and seeing the Turk begin to invade; should be so farre from aiding us, that he joyned with the Turk against us: Were he to be thought CHRISTS Friend? No surely. Even so it is impossible that they should beare any Love to GOD, or CHRIST, when they are so farre from Aiding the Godly: That they Take Sins Part, the Worlds Part, and the Devils Part, against GOD, and the Children of GOD.

The truth is. They Pretend the Church, and speak of Peace, and Terme us, The Troublers of the State. But they are the Sole-Cause of all the Ignorance and Impiety in the Land; and of these wofull Distractions and Distempers now on foot. Resembling those Infidels in the Primitive Church; who would raise mutinies, and uprores: And then Father them upon the Christians. Or the Pouder-Traytors, who decreed to Blow up the State; and then Father it upon the Puritans.

But this will not serve Another day; when all the False Glosses, which they put upon things, shall be wiped away.

The Wolfe in the Fable (oh, that it were but a Fable!) when he sees the Lamb drinking at the poole, comes Blundring into the Water, and Troubles it: Then Quarrels with the Lamb: Quare iurbasti aquam? Why hast thou troubled the water? So Ahab the Wolfe told Elijah the Lamb: That He troubled Israel. And thus dealt Saul with David; who to colour his Malice the better, gave him the Epithete of an Enemy; told the people, That David sought his life; and Jonathan, That He had chosen the son of Ishai, to his confusion, and the confu­sion of his house: When each man knew that Himselfe Alone was Guilty. He is a Weak Poli­tician, that knowes not how to Guild over the Worst Project, with a Faire Pretence.

Object. But these Puritanicall-Preachers (say they) are like Birds, that defile their owne Nest; in so Rebuking the Sinnes of the Ministery: whereof this Character is a sufficient In­stance. Who may be answered thus.

Answ. Yee know not how farre this Exception reachech: and against Whom yee shoot this bolt. For did not the Prophets reprove the wickednesse of the Priests? did not our Sa­viour CHRIST lay open the Qualities of the Scribes and Pharisees? did not the Apostles paint out wicked Teachers, in their Colours? It is the part of GODS servants, to rebuke un­godlinesse, in whomsoever they find it. And in case Ministers would not be Contemned; they must not deserve Contempt.

But admit these men (who are Thornes in thine Eyes, as Job was in the Devils) were Faulty, in being Over-zealous, or Over-Scrupulous; (Though the truth is, we have more need of Wings, then of Lead) It no whit Justifies Thee. Informers of Penal-Statutes make often just complaints: But because their End is not the Correction of Faults, but Fishing for the Mulcts, or Wreaking their Spleenes: They doe the office of Devils. Yea, how many False Zibaes are there of You, who unjustly accuse honest Mephibosheths, To get away their Livings and Places? And such out-doe Mischiefe it selfe.

Againe. Put case both thy Aime should be Good, (as that man is Worse then Madde, who persecutes that as False, which he knowes to be True) Although it is Evident enough. Thou opposest Non-Conformitants either without Conscience, or against Conscience: And that this thy preaching should produce the same effect thou desirest: yet, in the first place, There is a way (saith Solomon) that seemeth Right unto a man: But the Issue thereof are the wayes of Death: Prov. 16. 25. And, as the Psalmist speaks. He flatters himselfe in his owne eyes, whiles his iniquity is found worthy to be hated, Psal. 36. 2.

2. That is the Highest and Chiefe Reason, that maketh for Religion and Piety. Nor is that which is Evill of it selfe to be ventured on for the Good, that commeth by Accident. It is a Rule in all Christian Actions. That neither any Evill is to be done, that Good may come of it: Nor any Good of Obligation to be Omitted, for feare, that Evill may ensue.

And so much in Generall, of the Second Sort of Ʋn-preaching Ministers, that Edifie to Damnation.

I should conclude with an Advertisment to All sorts of Hearers. But I am Rounded in the Eare, here to Cast Anchor.