THE Spirit of GOD by the Prophet Amos seemes to agravate the sins of Judah and Israel mentioned from vers. 4—9. by calling to remembrance the mereyes bestowed upon them. And four mercyes especially are here mentioned. 1. The destruction of the Amorite before them. ( under whom are com­prehended all the Canaanites,) which mercy is am­plyfied two wayes 1. by the mighty stature and strength of this people [ hat their height was like the height of Cedar, and he was strong as the Oaks,]

2. by their utter destruction [ yet I destroyed his fruit from above, and his roots from beneath,] we gather the fruit of trees many times yet the tree stands many a year and bears new fruits, so the Lord doth impoverish a people, and suffer all their [Page 2] [...] and substance to be taken away, or plan­dred by their enemies, which doe afterwards re­cover themselves and flourish again, but when a tree is rooted up, there is no more hope of it: thus did the Lord pluck up the Amorites by the roots, not withstanding their cedar-like talness, & strength as heart of Oak, this is the first mercy mentioned.

2. The Lord [...] them of their deliverance out of Egypt, verse. 10. which the Lord often in­sists upon, [...] 3. Of their safe conduct through the wilderness fourty years together, and these were three great blessings, yet they were but tem­porall▪ but the next and last passeth all the rest, and is spirituall. 4. I raysed up of your Sons &c. this is that blessing that is now to be spoken of.

There be two generall parts of the text.

1. A description of the spirituall benefit bestow­ed, in the first words [ I raysed up of your Sons &c:]

2. A testificatiō; that such a benefit was bestowed in the last words [ is it not so O ye children of Israel saith the Lord?]

In the description we may note 1. The cause and [...] of this benefit, [ [...] the Lord] 2. The manner of working [ [...] up] 3. The benefit and effect it self, [ [...] and [...]] [...] by the persons that were so raised up [...].

2. For the rest [...] it is set down in the form of [...] wherin note 1. who makes the [Page 3] question 1. the Lord. 2. the persons to whom the question is made [the people of Israel] 3 the intent and meaning of the question, which is a strong & vehement asseveration. for the meaning of [ is it not so] is, that it is certainly so.

Now to open the meaning of the words.

And I] that destroyed the Amorites &c: it was the self same person and power that raised up these Prophets among you.

Raised up] word for word, I made them to arise, I made Prophets to arise from among your Sonns, or I made them to be such, in this sence the word is used. Deut: 34. 10. there arose not a Prophet since in Israel like unto Moses: and among them that were of Women, there arose not a greater then John the Baptist. so then here I raised up viz I made them to be Prophets. I raised them out of low conditiō as if I had raised them out of the dust. I have raised up of your Sonns] or from among your Sonns, that is some of your Sons ( saith Mercer) if they were Prophets, though strangers, it were no small mercy, but to raise them up from among your sonns, such as came forth out of your own loynes. ( as Samuel and Jeremiah were) this fans exceeds the other. For Prophets] not onely to foretel things to come, but faithfully teach & instruct you, for there were two sorts of the Prophets in these times of the old Testament:

[Page 4]1. such as were taught in schooles (as Samuel) under the Discipline of other Prophets, such were usually called the sonns of the Prophets, 2 Kings. 4. 1. & 6. 1. this may appear by comparing together 2 Kings. 2. 12. & vers. 3. of the same chapter vers. 12. Elishah said my father my father, the chariots of Israell and the horsemen therof, Elijah was not Elishahs naturall father for it is said verse. 3. Elijah was Elishahs maister and so he was indeed, he taught him & instruct­ed him, therefore the sons of Prophets were such as were trained up under the Prophets in good literature, and so fit [...]d for the office of a Prophet afterwards, 2. Others had their calling imme­diatly from God, and were by him extraordina­rily inspired with gifts from above, as Amos. 7. 14, 15. Amos saith I was not a Prophet nor the son of a Prophet, but I was an heardsman, and a ga­therer of sycamore fruit: that is I was not trayned up in any of the schooles of the Prophets, but I had another calling, untill the Lord was pleased to advance me to the office and dignity of a Prophet, & vers. 15. He took me as I followed the flock and said Prophecy to my people Israel, both these sorts of Prophets may be understord heere, both such as had there education in the schooles of the Pro­phets, and such as were called immediatly, and extraordinarily inspired, God was the rayser [Page 5] up of them both, for humane instruction is not sufficient to make any man to be a Prophet: yea and no less power of God and grace is requisite to raise up your Sonns to be Prophets whatsoever their educatiō is, thē where he doth inspire others immediately & extraordinarily, therefore where extraordinary meanes is wanting, the goodness of God in blessing ordinary means must not be for­gotten. [ Of your young men] it is spoken of young men emphatically for it is a mighty change that young men that are addicted to their plea­sures & lusts, that now they should be so changed as to preach Christ, & to savour heavenly things, and to be set apart to God, [ To be Nazarites] the Nazarites were separati [...] (saith Mercer) men separated from vulgar delights, that they might apply themselves and their study to the word of God and his worship. Some apply that which is spoken of our Saviour Christ Math. 2. Hee shall be called a Nazarene, to have some reference to this vow of a Nazarite, but no doubt that place hath respect meerly to the citty Nazareth, which is derived of Natzar that signifies to keep, and not of Nazar that signifies to separate, so the Nazarites were separated from the vulgar sort of men to a strict course of life, the Law of them is set down Num: 6. which ye may read at your leisure, now there were two sorts of Nazarites [Page 6] some limited to a certain time, others were per­petuall, and these latter were consecrated to the study of the word of God, and trayned up there­unto from their childhood, under a severe discipline and austeer course of life, that at length they might be able to goe before the people of God, as well by soundnes of doctrine, as by the example of an holy life. So that now the meaning of the text is that although All mighty God had done great things for Judah, and Israel, yet this benefit exceeded all the rest, that the Lord had provided a faithfull ministry, not onely extrordinary, but such as were raysed from the posterity of his people by his blessing upon the schooles of learning and meanes of education, to be separated unto God and set apart for the work of God in the salvation of mens souls.

Doct. It is a special blessing of God to his people, when he affords and blesses the means of instruction for the education of youth, to raise up some from our Children, and young men and to fit them for the work of the Ministry.

It is a blessing of God, for be saith [I raised up] no creature alone can do it, it is a special blessing, more then deliverance from any outward enemyes, as the Amorites and the C [...]nanites were, for they had but an arme of flesh, but here are spiritual [Page 7] wickednesses that be vanquished, it is greater then the deliverance out of Egipt, for many that were delivered from thence afterwards perished dude. 5. It is a greater mercy then the Lord shewed to his people in leading them through the wilderness forty yeares, though herein there was the angel of Gods presence that went before them in the pillar of cloud and fire, that directed them and kept them in all their way, yet neither was that mercy comparable to that in the text, for that was mainly an outward help, for notwithstanding that there were six hundred thousand of them, whose car­casses fell in the wilderness, but in this spirituall mercy Eternall destruction is prevented, this ther­fore exceeds all the rest, and there is an other kind of the Lords presence walking in the midst of the golden candlesticks, which brings us to spirituall & everlasting peace, and mercy in the ministry of Gods servuants.

For the further proof of this ye may observe that the Lord much stands upon this, on all occa­tions as the greatest savour in sending of his prophets and ministers, and messangers unto his people as 2 Chron: 36. 15. The Lord God of your fathers form unto you by his messangers, rising-up early & sending them, (when as Gods ministers rise up [...] is then God himselfe is said to rise up [...], God will not sleep when his ministers [...] [...]. why did the Lord thus arise and send, because he had compas­sion [Page 8] on his people and on his habitation, because of the bowels of his pitty and compassion on the poor souls of his people, so Jer: 3. 15. when he promises to give [...] after his own heart to feed them with knowledg, and understanding, upon their unfeined repentance, yea this is such a mercy that it may comfort the hearts of Gods people what­soever their afflictions bee, as the Lord saith Isai. 30. 20. though I seed them with the bread of affliction and give them the water of affliction to drink, yet their eyes shall see their teachers, and their teachers shall not be removed into a corner any more, as if he had said though your afflictions are heavy yet this shall be a mitigation of them, that you shall have faithfull teachers to instruct you still, this will surely mitigate and lighten all other afflictions: yea this will lift up Gods people above all their afflic­tions, will lift them up to heaven as it is spoken of Capernaum Mat. 11. and observable is that of Paul Rom. 15. 29. I know that when I come unto you I shall come in the fu [...]ness of the blessings of the Gospell. ye see that there is afulness of blessings in the preaching of the Gospell, they are but shal­low blessings in comparisson that we have in outward thing.

But now when the Lord raised up our sonns & young men to be our Prophets, and ministers the blessing [...] increased, ye may remember how [...] Za [...]harias was affected Luke. 1. [...]7. [Page 9] when it was [...]vealed to him by the angel that he should have a form that should turn many of the children of Israell to the Lord their God, that [...] that he should serve him in the work of the mi­nistry, and should come in the spirit and power of Elias, what joy and gladnes he was filled with all? and brake forth into that heauenly song of prayses unto the Lord, and next unto the mercy of God in Christ; he prayses him for John Baptist and saith verse. 76. Thou child shalt be called the Prophet of the highest, for thou shalt goe before the face of the L ord to prepare his wayes, to give knowledg of salvation to his people by the remission of their sinns, this was the great argument of his prayses not only that John Baptist should be a Prophet, and should give knowledg of salvation to Gods people, but that his child should serve God in so high and heavenly a calling, & so great an imploiment, so it was granted for a great blessing that the Lord promised to Phinehas Num [...]: 25. 13. he shall have he & his seed after him, even the covenant of an everlasting priesthood, because he was Zealous for his God, and made an atonement for the children of Israel: if the Lord had not accounted this a great mercy he would never have given it as a reward to his faithfull servant, neither on the contrary would the Lord have laid this as an heavy judgment on Elies house, that he cut them off from his altar, that is, he deprived them utterly from the office of the [Page 10] Priesthood, which afterwards the Lord did, when he cut off by the hands of Saul Nob the Citty of the Priests. Thus the Point is sufficiently cl [...]red by scripture.

Reason 1. This must needs be a great blessing, Because the ministry is purchased at so high a rate, and the business was so great to set it up, now the providing of an able, and faithfull ministry cost much, and it was a mighty busynes to set it up. Ephe. 4. 8. Christ ascended up on high and led cap­tivity captive, & gave gifts unto men: first that Christ must not only descend into the lower parts of the earth, but he must ascend into heaven farr above all principallityes and powers 2. He must lead captivity captive, that is over sin, sathan, and what soever had led us away captive, to do this. if all the powers of darknes could binder it, there should never haue been a faithfull ministry set up, therfore Christ must captivate all these for this end, this sheweth the blessing to be exceeding great, that so great a means was requisite for the procuring of it.

Reason 2. There is in the same place annexed an other reason to prove the greatness of this blessing; taken from the excellency of the end of it, ver: 11. 12. He gave some Apostles, and some Prophets, & some Evangelists, and some Pastours and Teachers, for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the min­istry, [...] for the [...] of the body of Chris, as if he had said, that this benefit is of so great a necessity, [Page 11] that it concerns both the gathering and building up and the eternall salvation of the elect:

Object: it will be said, that this was but for a short time, that the Apostles and Prophets and Evangelists did continue,

Answ: But we have the writings of the Apostles Prophets and Evangelists to the end, and we must have Ordinary ministers, Pastours and Teachers, till we all come into the unity of the faith, and the knowledg of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, that is, to the end of the world, and the consūmation of all things, and therefore it is an hellish delusion to conceive that the ministry should be lost quite and dissanulled, by Antichristian superstition, for this assertion doth plainly annihilate both the Church and saints, and any farther salvation of any souls, which were impious to conceive.

Reas. 3. I may reason from the difficulty of the work, & the calling of the Prophets & Nazerites, it is a very high dignity, for our sons & young men to be advanced unto, it is such a dignity as God only can bestow, and such as they be raised up by God himself unto it, the Prophet is the name of Seers, 1 Sam: 9. 9. they have better eyes then other men, they are the men of God, (as the mountains of God, and Cedars of God are so called) by way of excellency, the persons that have more of God in them then other men, they are [...] unto God, [Page 12] [...]: 10. 3. and they bring others also neerer unto God. Yea the calling of a Prophet is such an honour, as that title was given to the Lord Jesus Christ himself, Deut: 18. 18. So the Galathians received Paul as Jesus Christ himself Gal. 4. 14.

Likewise to be a Nazarite is a mighty dignity, for our sonns and young men to be separated to the Lord, & sanctified for his service, is no small prefer­ment, (they are called, [...] by the Septuagents) Lam: 4. 7. her Nazarites were whiter then snow, purer then milke, more ruddy in body then Rubyes, their poll [...]shing was of Saphire: that is they were the most beautifull persons in the sight of God of all others; this is a mighty excellency therefore the blessing must needs be great.

Reason 4. It is an invaluable mercy, for Parents and old men, that their children & young men are thus qualified & dignified, it is a singular blessing to have a gracious child, 3 John 4. I have no greater Joy then to hear that my children walk in the Truth, greatest joyes are fruits of the greatest blessings possessed by us. It is the fruit of Solomons Pro­verbs, Chap: 10. 1. A wise Son maketh a glad Father, but to have a child, that will make others wise, is a fart greater joy to a parent. Dan. 12. 3. They that make others wise shall shine as the bright­ness of the so mament, and boy that [...] many to righteousness, as the Starrs for ever and ever: So [Page 13] what a joy is it for the aged to see godly young ones growing up, that the Lord gives us hope of future generations, [...]say 58. 12. They that shall be of thee shall build up the old wast places, and thou shalt rayse up the foundations of many generations &c. It is more when they do these great things that shall be of us: viz. of our own posterity, but next it is comfortable, when as the younger sort, are hopefull and promising, that the Lord gives us to conclude that the future harvest is great, when he sends forth already so many labourers.

Use 1. It is a ground of just double reproof,

1. Of our great unthankfulness unto God, that hath bestowed this great mercy upon N-England and let it be considered how it hath been general­ly entertained by the Country: I may speak unto you, Men, Brethren, and Fathers, in the language of Samuel, 1 Sam: 12. 7. stand still that I may rea­son with you before the Lord, of all the righteous acts of the Lord, which he did to you & to your fathers, and then he telleth them of the Lords sending of Moses & Aaron, and bringing them out of the land of Egipt, by the hand of these his servants: So I might relate unto you, what the Lord hath done for this Country, in providing, and sending hither a faithfull, sound and able Ministry to them, that he hath also in great part graciously preserved and continued unto them, and as if this had been too [Page 14] little, he hath added this in raysing up of our sons to be Prophets &c: he hath wonderfully erected Schools of learning, and meanes of education for our children, that there might be continually some comfortable supply & succession in the Ministry, Is it not so O ye people of God in New-England? If it hath been so, and be so still in a good measure then let me testifie against you in the Lords name for great unthankfulnes to the Lord for so great a mercy. Now there be several degrees of this unthankfulnes. As 1. To pass by a mercy without any serious acknowledgment thereof, as the Lord complaines, Hosea 2. 8. thou hast not known, (or acknowledged) that I gave thee thy corn & thy wine, and oyl &c: 2. To slight any mer­cy of the Lord as the Israelites did also, Num 11. 6. Our soul (said they) is even dryed up, there is nothing but this [...] before our eyes &c: 3. To deny any mercy of God, as they did Numb▪ 14. 3. they did not account it a mercy that the Lord brought them out of Egypt. 4. To account blessings for curses, as they at another time, Deut: 1. 27. Because the Lord hated us, he hath brought us (into the wilderness) to destroy us. 5. When as we abuse Gods blessings to sin so much the more against the Lord, as the same people did Hose. 110. 1. ac­cording to the [...] of his fruit he hath increased the [...]: according to the goodness of his land, they [Page 15] have made goodly images.

Now all this unthankfulnes is found in many, and in some measure some in all at this day, for this great blessing of the Ministry & the means of the continual success and succession therin.

1. Many will not acknowledg the mercy, but pass it by as a matter of litle or no worth: the great blessing of a painfull Ministry is not regarded by coveteous earth-wormes, neither do the schools of learning, that afford oyl to the lamps, come into their thoughts or language to prayse the Lord for them, this is that sin reproved in Israel Jer. 2. 6. Neither said they where is the Lord that brought us out of the land of Egipt?

2. There are others that do slight these mercys some litle good they apprehend in it, to have a Minister to spend the Sabbath, to baptize their children, and schools to teach their children, and keep them out of harmes way, or teach them to write and read, and cast accounts, but these de­spise the Angels bread, and account it but light stuff in comparisson, of other things, these are like Jeshurun, Deut. 32. 15. that are fatted with other contentments, and do lightly esteem the rock of their salvation.

3. There are others that deny this to be a mercy there be many in the country that account it their happiness to live in the wast howling wilderness, without any ministry, or schooles, and means of [Page 16] education for their posterity, they have much liber­ty (they think) by this want, they are not troubled with strict sabbaths, but they may follow their worldly bussiness at any time, and their children may [...] for them at plough, or hough, or such like servil imployments, that themselves may be eas­ed, wheras the scripture saith 2 Chron: 15. 3. that they that are without a teaching ministry are without the true God and without the law, surely so they are that do voluntarily make choise of such a condition, but their practice about their children is litle better then the mercyless unnaturall and prophaness of the Israelites Psal. 106. 36. That sacrificed their sonns and their daughters unto Devils.

4. Some goe so far as to account these blessings to be curses, so as to say that our ministryes are an­tichristian, and schools of learning popish, and the seminaryes of wickedness, & loosness in the Coun­try: it is not my purpose to confute their scurrilous reproaches of the ministry, (which are sufficiently consuted both by the doctrine and holy conversati­on of Gods faithfull servants,) nor yet to plead for any dissolute courses, or disorder that is found a­mongst schollers, but I desire rather to mouth for them, and to pray that some salt may be cast into the fountain that the waters may be healed, but let not whole societyes or professions be charged or blemished for the [...]aylings or scandal us carriages of some: if there be [...], or had been more Judases [Page 17] among the disciples of Christ, yet let not all the rest be indighted or arraigned for the viciousness, and disloyalty of others.

5. Many do make wicked returns of these bles­sings, and fearfully abuse them, aod seek what they can to weary out ministers, & to pull down schools of learning, or which is all one to take away oyl from the lamps, denying or withholding mainte­nance from them, whereby they do as good as say let them tumble and fall, rase them rase them to the foundations: There be others that do foment and abett oppositions against Gods ministers raise factions in Churches, & Colledg, to make havock and utter dissipation of all; I might add also the poor and slender requital (to speak no worse) of such as have with most faithfullness and diligence served the Lord and his Churches in workes of so great importance: But I will spare the inlargemēt of these things, lest that I pass my bouds both of my strength and time.

But now how extreamly hateful to the Lord all this unthankfulness is, I need not be long in shew­ing; Deut: 32. 6. Do ye thus requite the Lord ye people foolish and unwise? and Isay 1. 2, 3. Hear O heavens and give eare O earth, for the Lord hath spoken; I have nourished & brought up children, and they have rebelled against me, the Ox knows his owner &c: and Micah 6. 2, 3. Hear O ye mountains, the Lords con­troversie with his people, and he will plead with Israel [Page 18] O my people what have I done unto thee? wherein have I wearied thee? testifie against mee, for I brought thee out of the land of Egipt, and redeemed thee &c: this unthankfulness is that which causeth the Lord to take away his blessings from us: Hosea 2. 8, 9. Shee did mot know that I gave her corn & wine & oyl, therefore will I rèturn and take away her corn in the time therof, and wine in the season therof, and will recover my wooll & my flax, given to cover her naked­ness: there is the same reason in other blessings, as if the Lord should say in this case, I will put out the light, and take away the ministry, pull down the schools of learning, for this unthankfullness of yours which also the Lord hath allready done in some parts of this Country.

The Second branch of this reproof,

2. This serves to reprove whatsoever other sins Gods people do commit injoying these great mer­eyes, look at this as an aggravation of all our sins that the Lord hath done these great things for us, he hath subdued the [...] all our enemyes, Indians and others, whose hight was like the hight of Cedars, and they were strong as the Oaks, he brought us out of the land of Egipt, out of the iron furnace, from many grieveous taskmasters, from under the Prelates, who set us to pick straws: He lead us through this wilderness, some near upon fourty years, and hath strangely here provided for us: now I [...]astly he hath raysed up of our sonns for [Page 19] Prophets, and our young men for Nazarites: surely then the Lord may justly take it unkindly at our hands, that we have so exceedingly provoaked him by our many sins, and as he saith for three trans­gressions of Judah & Israel and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereo [...] For many, so he may say to us, for three transgressions of New-England and for four I will not turn away the pu­nishment therof. And if God will not turn it away it is beyond all other power in the world to do it. There be diverse sins in Israel & Judah here re­proved, which it would not be hard to find in New England, as the contempt of the Law in Judah, & that their lies caused them to erre. Suitably there is to be found in N-England the contempt of the word of God and his Ordinances, and listening to lying books & pamphlets, that are brought over into the country, whereby multitudes are poysoned amongst us: In the Israelites he reproves these sins. Their false worship, ver. 8. they set up false Gods, and diverse Altars, and turned Bethel the house of God, into Bethaven, the house of iniquity: this sin of corrupting the worship of God, is studyed by many even in churches, though not in such a gross manner as Israel did, we have not such Idols as they, but spiritual we have, in the fields and in our houses. The Apostle calls coveteousness Idolatry. Another sin of theirs was oppression, which no doubt abounds exceedingly in this country, and [Page 20] mark what he saith, they sell the righteous for silver and the poor for a pair of shoos, scarcely any com­moditie can be had but for silver, but suppose a poor man wants a pair of shoos, or other clothes to cover his nakedness, that hath no silver: truely he must be fain almost to sell himself, to get some mean commodities. Another of their sins was that, they gave their Nazarites wine to drink. but hère I should rather say, ye give the Salvages and Indians wine & strong waters, & truck with them for that which ye know they will abuse to drunk­enness, if not to murther. Lastly is is said, they commanded the Prophets saying prophisie not, I will not so apply it, as if there amongst us any com­mand of Authority to that purpose, (yea we have cause to bless God for the contrary com­mands & endeavours also of Government a­mongst us,) but there is in too many places such cariage towards the Lords Prophets, and the Prophets sons, that the ministry & schooles of learning (as was said) are reproached, des­posed, impoverished, if not undone. Oh (saith the Lord) vers 13. Behold I am pressed under you as a cart is pressed that is full of sheaves: So the Lord is pressed under such carnal Gospellours, He is crushed (as farr as they can) by such false-hearted professours, they lay all the load upon the Lord himself, and no doubt but that the Lord will also d [...]s [...]ourthen himself of them: and it is no mervaile [Page 21] if the Lord by his ministers cryes out against such wickedness in professours, and saith as Isay. 22. 1. The burthen of the valley of vision that is, it is but e­quall if they that see more and know more then, others, and enjoy more means do burthen the Lord by their sins, the Lord in like manner should lay upon them the heavy burthen of the threatnings of his word, and the execution thereof.

Use 2. This may serve for instruction to schol­lers and students, 1. First to shew them what they should mainly intend, study, and labour foe, viz. that they may be Prophets and Nazarites,

1. Prophets, 1 Cor 12. last. Covet earnestly the best gifts. as goodness is the object of the will, so the best things of the will rectified, and what are the best things? 1 Cor. 14. 1. desire spirituall gifts, but rather that ye may Prophecy amongst all gifts the gift of prophesying is the best, and what is prophe­cying? but 1 Cor. 14. 4. speaking to edificatiō, ex­hortation, & the comfort of others, this is a publick & a spirituals good, & therefore of an higher na­ture, and most of all to be attended by you, and aimed at in all your studyes, It is a great matter also that the Lord takes the Prophets to be neer unto him, as in the placing of the tribes in the camp of Israel Num: 1. 50, 53. the Levites were to pitch round about the Tabernacle of Testimony (where the speciall presence of the Lord was) and the rest of the tribes without the Levites [...] off, so the [Page 22] Prophets & Levites are neerest ūto the Lord, which is a matter of comfort, assuring them of the Lords presence, assistance & protection in their calling, of dignity, as being next unto God, and in ployed by him about greatest service; and also of duty, in strict keeping of the Lords charge, and holy walk­ing before him: for which purpose remember often the Lords hand upon Hophni & Phtnehas, the sons of Eli, upon Nadab & Abihu, the sons of Aaron, whom the Lord slew for their prophaness, and said [...]: 10. 3. that he would be sanctified in all those that draw neer unto him, and before all the people would be glorified, that is, that he would punish in some remarkable manner to the view of all, the scandalous and wicked carriage of any that were neer unto him in that function.

2. Consider further it is that ye may be Naza­rites, that is, set apart in a peculiar manner unto the Lord, or separated unto him; Now there are Three things in this separation unto the Lord.

1. A Sequestration from wicked courses & com­panys, and from common things. From wicked wayes & companyes, 2 Cor. 6. 16. Be ye seperate and touch no unclean thing &c: to use the vessells of the Temple to quaff & carrouse in, was a Babylo­nish practise: yea there must be a sequestration from common things, as the Nazarites were from creatures & worldly delights & distra&ions, my meaning [...], that you that are addicted this way [Page 23] should have less to do with the world & worldly delights, and be less eumbred then others with the affaires of this life. 2. In separation, there is imployed a dedication unto the Lord, things that were o' old separated, were dedicated & devoted to an holy use, as the Lord speaks of the Levites; Numb: 16. 9. The God of Israel hath separated you from the Congregation of Israel to bring you neer unto himself: thus Hannah dedicated her first born unto the Lord 1. Sam: 1. 18. So are ye to be as persons devoted to the Lord. 3. There must be qualification with Holyness, other things sepe­rated unto the Lord as the vessels of the Sanctuary and ministry, had a kind of relative holyness but in persons seperated there should be inherent holyness, students & especially ministers should have holy­ness upon their foreheads, that is, professed & prac­tised and visible unto all. Thus you may see what it is to be a Nazarite, and what ye should ayme at in your studyes.

2. Hence students should be instructed how they may attain to these excellencyes, & how they, may be had: for here we see that it was the Lord himself that raised up these young ones to be Pro­phets, and Nazarites: & it is not either your own study or parts, nor the teaching and instruction of others, that can possibly rayse you up out of that dunghill wherin youly, to this degree to be true Prophets of the Lord, but it is the Lord himself that [Page 24] must put underneath you his everlasting armes to rayse you up: therefore it concernes students to be much in prayer unto the Lord: dayly and duely to draw neer unto the Lord, to beg of him the spirit of wisdom, and revelation, and a blessing upon, and assistance in your studyes, prayer was one of Luthers maisters, and it was but reason that the priest should first offer up sacrifice for his own sins, and then for the sinns of the people, Hebbr: 7. 27. first seek God for themselves, and then make intercession for others.

But now by the way, some may object, here the Example of the Nazarites that they nourished their hair, they were not to suffer any raisor to come upon their heads, aureng the time of their seperation, Numb: 6, 5. here is a fair plea for students, and ministers to wear long hair.

Answ, Because that this objection comes fair and full in my way give me leave to answer this objection, there is some need of it, and take it thus.

1. The Nazarites had a special Commandement from God to nourish their hair, they were not to suffer any rasor to come upon their heads, untill their vow was accomplished, and then they were to cut it off. Numb. 6. 18. But now all christians have a contrary Commandement 1 Cor: 11. 14. Doth not [...] it self teach you &c: it is against the law & dark princples of nature, much more a­gainst grace & the word of grace, yea [...] same [Page 25] (if persons be not quite past shame) for men to weare long hair: here is a wide difference between the old Nazarites and students now.

2. The Nazarites did nourish their hair out of obedience unto God and holy devotion, wheras persons in these dayes do it out of pride, vain-glory effeminacy, and the like sinfull motives, and for sinister ends.

3. They only amongst the people of God did nourish it, & none else therefore this example doth evidently prove that all the rest of Gods people in the old Testament yea the Priests and Levites did not nourish their haire, so Christians are now to cut their hair unless they can find any where (which was never yet found) that the Commandment of the Lord hath allowed it.

4. The Nazarites were to nourish all their hair alike, they were not to cut off some part, and to leave long locks hanging down, as is practised by some now a dayes.

5. The Nazarites were to nourish their hair to burn it, Numb: 6. 18. But students & ministers & professours in these dayes nourish their hair to keep them from all deminution, it were much better they were burnt.

6. The Nazarites nourishing of their hair was to difference them from the common sort: but now the nourishing of the hair, is to hold corresponden­cy with ruffains & swagge [...]ers & [...], yea the [Page 26] vilest persons in the country, yea Indians & pagans whose abominable customs the Lord hath forbid­den his people to follow, Levit. 18. 30.

Object. It is true that the Lord hath forbid­den unto men long hair, but what is long hair? can any man prescribe out of the word of God any set size for mens hair? if this cannot be done, why should any be offēded at our hair as if it were long This objection hath been made by some, and gene­rally stood upon, therefore it is a fit season to give some answer to it.

Answ: 1. This is most cleer that long hair (if menkind do wear it) is contrary to the word of God, & to nature, & shamefull as was said before.

2. It is no small reproach to the Lord aad his word, to find fault with long hair, and yet that he should not give us to understand which is long hair but that every man still is left to his liberty, to wear his hair as long as he lists; this makes the Trun pet to give an ūcertain sound which the Lord approves not.

3. That he that would keep a good conscience in such cases & controversies, wherin there appears any doubt, will make choise of the surer part, that is that part wherin he may be sure not to sin against the [...]: so will be do in this case about the length of hair, short hair we may be sure will neither offend God nor good men, but long hair may and doth offend both: therefore be sure that God do [Page 27] not account thy hair long.

4. Christians are bound to abstain from all ap­pearance of evill. 1 Thes. 5. 22.

5. Christians are to do whatsoever is of good re­port Phil. 4. 8. But long hair in menkind hath great appearance of evill, and is of evill report.

6. All occasions of sin, as Just, pride, ensnaring our selves & others, should be avoided by christiās Jude 23. But such is wearing of looks &c:

7. Christians should give no offence to others, 1 Cor. 10. But this long hair gives offence, 1. As giving an ill example to others, who are often in­duced by their ill president & example to imitate & second them in their guise. Hence it is that ma­ny even children will not indure their hair to bee cut short, because that such & such professours do wear it long. 2. It animates & confirms others, especially profane ones, in their fantastick dress, and nourishing of their hair. 3. It offenas and grieves the soules of many devout, religions and gracious Christians, who do utterly disaprove it & condemn it in their judgments, as well as p [...]ctises.

8. The Scripture seems plainly to prescribe un­to men the length of their hair, Ezek 44. 20. com­pared with Lev. 19. 27. & 21. 5. They shall neither share their heaas, nor suffer then looks [...] [...] long, [...] only shall poll their [...], now every one understands what is meant by polling of the head, it signifies the exiting of the [...] [Page 28] any part therof is contrary therunto and to the word of God. But lest I should digress too farr, thus I finish this use. Take heed of that fear­full threatning Psal. 68. 21. God shall wound the hairy scalp of such a one as goes on still in his wick­edness. It is likely that there were some such hairy wicked scalps & pates in those dayes, as there are in these dayes. But consider that God in his due time will wound them.

Use 3. This may serve to work thankfulness in parents, and in all sorts of people, especially in New England, seeing that the Lord hath bestowed or offered these mercyes to us all: he hath raysed up of our sonns for Prophets, that concerns parents, some parents more neerly; and he hath raysed up of our young men for Nazarites, that concerns all and all have or may have the benefit of it: For besides the Lords former mercyes, in sending in to us the old stock of faithfull ministers, and thrusting out of his labourers into this vineyard, (by the bles­sing of God upon whose laboures, the Gospel of Christ, and the powerful dispensation of Gods Or­dinances hath flourished many yeares, to the ad­miration of all the christian world) I say besides those former mercyes never to be forgotten, the Lord hath graciously super-added this, in raysing up not only means for this end ( viz. schools of learn­ing) but also from thence some of our sons & young men to be [...] & Nazarites. Is it not so O ye [Page 29] people of God in N-England? And if it be so, 'see what the Lord expects at our hands in answerable returns of thankfulnes unto him, and let us weigh seriously these motives to such thankfulness.

1. Let us consider what benefit and comfort all sorts have by [...], when as our sonns & young men are not only indued with the seed of knowledg & grace, but such as are sent forth as seedsmen to sow the Lords good seed in the hearts of others, it was the Lords blessing of Rachel, & Leah, that they two built up the house of Israel, that is the Church of God by their posterity, for sons to build up our own houses to be Banim & Builders thus according to their name is a great blessing, but farr greater, that they are builders up of Gods Church & house, Psal. 144. 12, 15. It is an happiness for Gods people when they are in such a case that their sonns are as plants grown up in their youth. But much rather to have the Lord for their God, and means to procure & continue so Is it not so O ye people of God in N-England?

2. Consider the state of the Country where wee live, which is such, that now the old stock of the country is well nigh worn out, and there is no like­lyhood of further supply that way: now ye know how Gods people are fastned here, that if there should not be some supply by schools of learning, Gods people would soon be left without a teaching ministry &c. as 2 Chron. 15. 2. Is it not so O ye people of N-England?

[Page 30] Object: But may we not be sufficiently supply­ed from among our selves by the gifts and indow­ments of gifted brethren?

Answ. I could with as Moses, that all Gods people were Prophets: But you shall find it here, as in other trades, that there is a great difference be­tween those that have been bound apprentices to a trade and others that are handy, & have gotten a litle skill by the observation of others, this latter will serve to patch or bungle, but wise men will ra­ther choose to deal with those that have been train­ed up in such a course: Thus from persons edu­cated in good literature we may rather expect that they should be work men that need not to be ashamed &c: as Paul speaks to Tim: Isay 50. 4. they that have had an ear to hear as the learned, and the Lord hath given them the tongue of the learned, are most likely to speak a word in due season to him that is weary &c:

3. Consider what helps diverse particular Church­es have [...] from these schools, in greivous breach­es that have been made in them, when any of the precious servants of God have been taken away, from hence others have stood up in their steads & have made up the breaches comfortably, as it was sometimes said in the like case, that the Sunn hath set and yet no [...] followed. Is it not so O ye child­ren of my people?

4. Consider that this makes for the continuance [Page 31] of the Church & propagation of religion, to after ages, for this was alwayes found true, that where the vision fa [...]les, there the people will be made naked Pro. 29, 18. they will be naked Congregations, and naked souls, and naked familyes, and naked posterities [...] naked of what? naked of the righteousness of Christ which is put on by faith, and comes by hearing, and the shame of this nakedness will appear to God & man: naked of the Christian armour to defend themselves from spirituall enemyes; and where schools have been put down or ceased, there church as have been unprovided, and religion hath decayed and great ignorance & errours have succeeded in after ages: but on the contrary this course of the instruction of youth, is the meanes to provide for present & future times: and why do men plant or­chards, or preserve the breed of the best cattle? but to provide for future times: but is not the pure re­ligion of more weight, and the providing for the soules of posterityes to the worlds end? this is an other benefit of worth: is it not so beloved &c:

4. Let the Seperation consider this, some of whom are averse to schools of learning: that schools are available to rayse up Nazarites & to further an holy seperation: which is commanded unto christi­ans, 2. Cor 6. 16. Is it not so beloved &c:

Consider how the sons of [...], papists and heretic [...]s, they compass sea and land to support and spread & fortifie the Synagogues of Satan, the [Page 32] dens of devils, & suburbs of hell? should not the glory of God' and the salvation of souls be deerer unto us, then their destruction & condemnation is to them? all these things should forward our thankfulnėss to God for these mercys.

But now it is not a verball thankfulness that will serve our turn, (that would be gross hypocrisie) but it must be really expressed, towards the education of youth, & the incouragement of the ministry, and the propagatiō of the Gospel.

The reality of your thankfulness let it be ex­pressed in your future care.

1. To do (if it be in your power) as Hezeki­ah did 2 Chron: 30. 22. that spake to the heart of all the Levites, that taught the good knowledg of the Lord Yea do as Nehemiah did chap: 13. 11. See that sufficient portions be allotted & contributed unto them.

2. Do as Jehoshaphat did 2 Chron 19. 8. reach forth thine hand to send Levites into the blind and dark places of the country.

3. Be at the cost to trayn up thy toward'y child­ren in good literature: parents are commanded to trayn up their children Ephes. 6. 4. in putting under­standing & instruction into them: as if children were like bruit beasts without it.

4. In relieving the sons of the Prophets, and the Colledg, as Elishah did 1 Kings 4. 34. In setting up of free schools, as the Lord inables you.

5. If ye be poor, yet pray for posterity and [Page 33] means of education, and pray for the peace of Je­rusalem; and that Bethel, the house of God may not be turned into Bethaven the house of iniquity, that schools of learning be not poysoned, or the fountains corrupted.

Use 4. This point may serve for Information. To teach us, that Schools of learning are approved and appointed of God, and of great importance for the benefit of Gods people: Seeing that the Lord works with, & blesseth this means, for the laying up of provision, & making of supplys for the work of the ministry; and the Lord here reckons it up as the chiefest of all the blessings mentioned: and this was always one way (even when there were extra­ordinary Prophets of raising up of Prophets &c: And there is much more need of schools now, when those extrardinary Prophets are wanting.

Quest: What ground is there in the Scriptures, for Schools of learning?

Answ: Give me leave to shew this as a matter called by many into question in these dayes▪ [...] Now the Text, and the explication thereof before shewes that the Lord did approve of them in the dayes of the old Testament, that is the intent of the frequent mentioning of the sonns of the Prophets, that is their schollers that were trained up under them: besides 2 Kings 22.14. There is mention of a Colledg (where [...] the Prophetess, and no doubt many others nurtured in a way of learning [Page 34] lived,) and the Hebrews have an usuall word where by they call their schools ( ieshibah) a company of schollers that sit together to be taught: & Mal. 2. 12. the master & scholler is made mention of; Now in the New Testament John Baptist had schollers John 1. 28. so the Pharises had their schollers Mat. 22. 15, 16. Paul was Gamaliels scholler Acts 22. 3. There was a Synogogue of learned men disputing with Stephen Act. 6. 9. So there was a schoole at Cormth Acts 19. 8. Timothy was Pauls scholler, 2 Tim 3. 14. But the example of our Saviour Christ is above all, that kept a school, first of his twelve disciples, then of the seaventy disciples Luke 10. that he also sent forth to preach the Gospel. Yea there is a most deer and express Commandement, that Paul gives to Timothy 2 Tim: 2. 2. he saith the things that thou hast heard of me before many witnesses, he fame commit to faithfull men, who shall be able to teach others also. Where we see that Ti­mothy had many school fellows that are called wit­nesses, and also that Timothy is cōmanded to teach others, so it concerns such as God enables to teach them that may be teachers of others, to instruct them in the things of God.

But now it will be very needfull upon this occasion for us to consider what weight there is in the objections that diverse in these days have print­ed against them.

Object. 1. Mr. Dell in his answer to Mr. [Page 35] S. Simpson allowes schooles of the prophets wherin Christian religion is taught, but against schooles of humane learning this is that that makes them Anti­christs, seeing they are contrary to, and do oppose Christ, this makes the universityes stews of Anti­christ, houses of lyes, and to stinke before God with most loath some abomination &c: with a multitude of other reproachfull terms which Luther & others have loaded Popish Universityes withall.

Answ. 1. I do much desire that the oppo­sers of schools & universityes would speak plainly what they mean by humane learning, then wee should easily come to some conclusion. Therfore let this distinction be premised, that humane learn­ing may either be taken for all that learning that the heathen Authours or philosophers have deliver­ed in their writings: or else all other Arts besides Theology, as they call physicks, ethicks, politicks &c: take in also the grounds of languages, Latine Greek & Hebrew. Now in the former sense, if Mr. D. do mean by humane learning, all that learning that the heathen men have uttered out of the light of nature: It will be a great oversight to pass such a sentence upon it. 1. Because we find in Scriptures, some testimonies out of humane writers, 29 [...]: 1. 12. Act. 17. 28. 1 Cor: 15. 33. &c: which the Spirit of God would not have [...], if their writings had been utterly unlawfull to read. [...] 2. There are certain principles of [Page 36] trueth written, even in corrupt nature, which hea­then authors have delivered unto us, that doe not cross the holy writ, 1 Cor: 11. 14. doth not nature it self teach you &c: and it cannot be denyed that all trueth, whosoever it be that speakes it, comes from the God of truth, as he is called severall times And who can deny but that there are found many excellent & divine morall truths in Plato, Aristotle Plutarch, Seneca &c: and to condemn all pel-mel, will be an hard censure, especially to call universi­ties Antichrists for reading of them. Besides they have treated of the works of God, most excel­lently in many places, and the works of God ought to be declared by parents to their children, Psal. 78. 2—6. Besides they have delivered many excel­lent sayings of God, and have attested many Scrip­ture historyes, as might be shewed by severall in­stances, out of Justine, Tacitus &c: and Mr. D. is not ignorant of them, shall all these be thrown away as antichristian, or as lyes?.

Object. But they have much profaness and filthiness in them, and besides they are made idolls of in our universities, when as [...]pse dixit, and their authority goeth for currant, as Scripture it self a­mongst them.

Answ. But 1. All heathenish writers, have not such profaness in them. 2. Those that have, let them be condemned & abhorred, & let not youth be poysoned by them. 3. Let God be true & [Page 37] every man a lyer, and let not man, especially any heathen be deified, or his authority be accounted on, or go cheek by jowle with the speaking in the Scriptures: this is indeed to be abhored whersoever it is received, but abusus non tollit usum.

II. But now if humane learning be taken in the second sense, for all those Arts that are commonly taught in Universities, as Physicks, Ethicks, Politicks Oeconomicks, Rhetorick, Astronomy &c: or also for learned tongues of Latine, Greek, and Hebrew &c:

1. I will be bold to affirm, that these in the true sense and right meaning therof are Theologicall & Scripture learning, and are not to be accounted of as humane learning. For who can deny, that the first & second chapters of Genesis, and many chap­ters in Job, and the Psalms, and diverse other pla­ces of holy Scripture, do afford excellent and sure grounds for natural Philosophy, and a just systeme thereof: which Mr. Zanchy, Daneus, and di­verse other eminent Divines have opened & de­clared unto us? And where are there to be found such Ethicall, Politicall, or Moral [...] precepts, as are to be found in holy Scriptures? or such princi­ples for the ordering of our lifes, families, or com­mon weals? let any man declare it unto us. And where are there such high straines of all sorts of Rhetoricall Tropes, & figures, to be found in any Author, as there are in the writings of the Prophets & Apostles? and who can imagine, but that the [Page 38] best & surest Chronology in the world, is to bee found in holy Scriptures, upon which all the com­putation of times in all ages in the world depends?

2. Let all judicious men consider, what Mr. Dell graunts, though he speakes so much against humane learning: I will relate his own words, be­cause his books are in few hands, & they that have them build much upon his judgment. He speaks thus in his treatise of the reformation of learning.

1. I conceive it meet, that the Civill power, or chief Magistrate, should take great care of the edu­cation of youth, as one of the greatest works that con­cerns them, and one of the worthyest things they can do in the world, insomuch, that what the youth now is the whole Common wealth will shortly be.

2. To this end it is meet, that Schools (if want­ing) be Erected through the whole nation, and not only in Citties & great Towns, but also (as much as may be) in lesser villages: and the Authority of the Nation take great care, that godly men especially have the charge of greater schools, And that the Magistrate afford to this work suitable incouragement.

3. That in Cittyes & greater Towns, where are the greater schools, and greater opportunities to send children to them, they teach them also, the Latine & Greek, tongues, & Hebrew also which ought to be had in great account with us, for the old Testament sake.

4. It may be convenient also, that there be some Universities & Colledges, for instructing in the know­ledg [Page 39] of the liberall Arts, beyond Grammer & Rhe­torick; as in Logick, which may be of good use in humane things, if reason manage that art of reason But the Mathematicks especially are to be had in good esteem in Universities, as Arithmetick, Geometry, Geography and the like, which as they carry to wick­edness in them; so are they besides very usefull in hu­mane Societies, and the affaires of this present life: There may be also in these Universities & Colledges, allowed the studyes of Physick, & the Law &c:

5. Why the Universities & Colledges should bee only at Cambridg & Oxeford, I know no reason: and we judg it most prejudiciall to the common good of the Common-wealth, that these two Universities should make a monopoly of humane learning to themselves. Doubtless it would be more suitable to a Common­wealth, and more advantagious to the good of all the people, to have Universities or Colledges, one at the least in every great Town, or Citty in the Nation, as in London, York, Bristow, Exceter, Norwich & the like: And for the State to allow to these Colledges an honest & competent maintenance, for some godly and learned men to teach the Tongues & Arts under a due reformation. Thus much Mr. Dell.

By all which it appears, that multitudes are deceived concerning this, as if Mr. D. did utter­ly condemn Universities or schools of learning, or that which is called humane learning, seeing that there is no art or tongue studyed or taught in Col­ledges [Page 40] but he allowes (though with caution) and also he desires there were more schools, Colledges & Universities then there are. Briefly Mr. Dells project is this, and so farr to be allowed, to put down heathenish schools (where there be any such) and to erect christian, as himself speaks page 19. in his answer to Mr. Simpson.

Object: But there is no necessity of Schools or Univer [...]yes, or any humane learning to teach men Divinity, or to make able preachers of the Gospell: the teaching of the Spirit of God alone is sufficient: which Mr. Dell proves by the examples of our Saviour Christ & his Apostles, seeing Christ himself had only the unction of the Spirit. Isay 61. 1—4. Luke 4. Mat: 13. 54, 55. Besides when he would send forth preachers into all the world, he chose Fishermen, Publican, Tent makers, plain men, and of ordinary imployment in the world, and only put his Spirit upon them Acts 2. 17. This argument is much stood upon by Mr. Home, & Mr. Crandon against M. Baxter.

Answ. 1. It is a merve [...]lous mistake to rea­son from our Saviour Christ & his Apostles to these times: For our Saviour received the Spirit not by measure John 3. 24. and the Apostles had the miraculous & visible & extraordinary gifts of the Spirit bestowed on them Acts 2. So the reason will stand thus. If our Saviour Christ and his A­postles, without other learning, by the miraculous [Page 41] and extraordinary gifts of the Spirit, were enabled and furnished sufficiently for the ministry; Then other ministers in after times (that have no such extraordinary gifts) need no other learning, but the unction of the Spirit, as if he should say, if Aholiab & Bezaleel were filled with the Spirit of God in wisdom, and in knowledg, and all manner of workmanship, to devise cunning works, (as they were Exod. 31. 3, 4.) then no man need to be an apprentice to learn any Mechanicall trade, seeing the teaching of the Spirit is sufficient for any cunning work, who is there that would not ac­count this reasoning ridiculous? Surely if Mr. D. had not excluded Logick & reason out of Divinity he would neuer have made such collections: It is much like his reasoning in an other Sermon of his, the Scripture saith that Christ shall Baptise with the holy Ghost, & with fire, therfore there is no baptism with water to be used, or to be in force. But forsooth what ever he saith, ye must expect no reason from him, ye must take all from him as dictates of the Spirit, and so all Ordinances in the Church that the Spirit hath appointed, the Spirit shall also overthrow, yea I know no reason why Mr. Dell, or any other believer, upon this ground, may not make an other Scripture, for if the same Spirit that indi [...]hted or penned the Scrip­ture, he in the same or the like measure in M. Dell or other believers, as it was in the holy men of God [Page 42] and penmen of the Scripture, then what Mr. D. and any other believers write or say, is of equall authority with the Canonicall Scriptures. So M. Dell and every believer is made a Pope, that can not erre &c: but here I will stop & spare.

2. I affirm, that the Lord Jesus and his A­postles were learned, and beyond that which is attainable by ordinary teaching: For our Saviour it is said Mat: 13. 54, 55. Jesus came into his own country & taught them in the Synagogue, insomuch that they were astonished, and said, whence hath this man this wisdom? and John 7. 15. The lewes mar­vielled at the teaching of our Saviour, saying, how knoweth this man letters (or learning,) having never learned them? therefore it is certain that our Savi­our had learning, though never trained up therin: and also that learning or teaching, is the ordinary way to attain to learning, yea such learning as our Saviour manifested in his ministry, (as the Jewes conceived) So I may say of the Apostles, though in a farr inferiour degree: For with that effusion of the Spirit at Penticost, they had the gifts of tongus the gifts of miracles, of discerning of Spirits, yea the gifts of wisdom & knowledg, (the Pastours and Teachers gifts) mentioned 1 Cor: 12, and also 1 Cor: 14. But will any man say that believers now have any such gifts of the Spirit, or any pro­mise therof? Mr. D. in his answer to Mr. Simpson page 3. [...] us of many promises of the Spirit to [Page 43] believers 1 Cor: 12. 13. Gal. 4. 6, 7. whence hee gathers, that the whole Church of believers, and every true men her therof, do receive the Spirit of God. And who will deny that they do receive it, to cry Abba father, to change, sanctifie & comfort their hearts: but there is more then these required to make an able minister, Gods ministers must rightly aivide the word of trueth 2 Tim: 2. 15. must be apt to teach. 1 Tim: 3. 2. must be able by sound doctrine. both to exhort, to convince the gain­sayers: They must have the tongue of the learned, that they may not be as those unlearned ones that wrest the Scriptures to their own & others perdition. 2 Pet. 3. 16. Now let any prudent man be judg in this case, whither he think that every christian that hath received the sanctifying Spirit of God, is gifted therby & qualified for the confutation of gainsayers, and the whole work of the ministry.

Mr. Dell in his answer to Mr. Simpson.

Object: Humane learning is rather an hinder­ance then an help to the ministry of the Gospel, and doth rather unfit, then fit men for it: and the grace and teaching of God only prepares & enables men to this divine work: learning is so far from fitting men for this Gospell, and the ministry therof, that indeed there is nothing in greater enmity to Christ crucified nor more contrary to the WORD of the CROSS then that: Yea nothing in all the world hath been such will cancer, savou [...]er, supporter & [...] of Anti­christs [Page 44] kingdom, as humane learning & Philosophy: This hath brought in all the hypocr [...]sie, superstition, false worship, sects & schismes &c:

Answ. It is to be feared that Mr. D. hath been trained with humane learning, as in some o­ther of his opinions, so in writing of these things Let the reader remember what approbation hee gave to humane learning before, that he would have it taught, not only in Universities, but in all Citties & villages: and yet he hath now so forgot himself, that though for humane & civill ends, he did allow it, yet now he saith, that it is enmity to Christ crucified, and contrary to the word of the cross &c: wherin let the indifferent reader observe with me a few particulars.

1. If Mr. Dell had allowed the use of Logick in Divinity, how should he have dared to have al­lowed any of these humane arts, or languages for any end whatsoever? Paul abhors that charge Rom: 3. 8. Let us do evill that good may come of it, and their damnation is just that so reason. But Mr. D. saith that for humane ends (as for the Common­wealths sake) Schools, Universities, Colledges, Gram­mer, Logick, Physick, Law, Rhetorick, Arithmetick Geometry should be set up in every Town & Citty in the whole nation: which yet are no better then enmity to Christ crucified, and contrary to the word of the cross, the greatest introducers, favourers, sup­porters, and [...] of antichrists kingdom, which [Page 45] have brought in all the hypocrisie, superstition, false doctrine, false worship, sects & schismes, is not this to do evill, that good (some outward good to civil society) may come of it? It is no matter how it fares in the mean time, with Christ, or Antichrist, christian or antichristian religion, it is no matter how much hypocrisie, or false doctrine, false wor­ship &c: be set up therby, in every Citty or village in the whole nation, so that their humane ends be provided for: Is not this man think you, a good friend to Christ & Antichrist, to the Church and Common wealth? doth this doctrine come from the Spirit of God, or another spirit?

2. Antichrist himself & his adherents, take in all the rabble of locusts crawling out of the smoak of the bottomless pit, take in all the popish tyrants and all the devills in hell, (for these are all such as are in the world) yet according to Mr. Dells Divi­nity, were never such introducers, or favourers &c: of antichrists kingdom, were never such enemies to Christ crucified, or the word of his cross, never brought in so much hypocrisie, superstition, false doctrine, false worship &c: as humane learning, & yet how can he in any sense, allow of any humane learning, or desire more Universities or Colledges, would he have more Antichrists, more Devills &c: hath not that man laid aside naturall Logick, and common sense & honesty, and put off his forehead that writes thus?

[Page 46]3. Wheras he saith that humane learning is ra­ther a hinderance, then an help to the ministry of the Gospel, and to all christianity; Let us consider a little what truth there is in this assertion, to let pass what I said before.

1. I will premise what Mr. Crandon, & M. Horn do graunt, that were no friends to humane learning. Mr. H. graunts, some lesser usefullness some sciences may afford (to Divinity) as the Mathe­maticks to find out the bigness of the Ark, the mea­sures of the Temple &c: Astronomy to tell us what [...]arcturus & Orion, and Pleiades are; History and Chronology may seem to help to understand the pas­sages of the Monorchyes & visions in Daniel &c: Thus Horn, but I should have thought that so strict a Divine would rather have scrupled the very name of arcturius & Orion, which to find out, he must find worse humane learning, that is, that is hea­thenish fables, which will tell of a beare and a beares tayl in heaven, where arcturius stands, and the Constellation of Orion brings in Jupiter, Nep­tune & Mercury, how they did exurina illum pro­creare. and that Diana for his valour in hunting, carried him up to heaven. To have these & such things brought into the translatiōs of the Scripture, would stumble a godly heart that knows the mean­ing therof, as the rawest piece of humane learning put in for Scripture, which Mr. H. swallowes.

Now let me add what Mr. Crandons judgment [Page 47] is, he speaks thus in his writings against Mr. Baxter. That Logicall, Phylosophicall, and Meta­physicall argumentations (mark he puts in Metaphy­sicks too, which many will not own for a distinct science) in naturall, morall & oeconomicall questions (and these do spread farr in Divinity, as hath been said before) may be usefull: yea Logick in its sober and moderate use applyed as an instrument to [...] the contexture & retexture of Scriptures, to find out the sense & meaning therof: and farther as by joyn­ing of Gospel positions together, it helpeth to [...] sure & sound conclusions, may be profitably used in Evangelicall questions. Thus Mr. Cr. which cros­seth Mr. Dells judgment. Let me add farther

1. How shall a minister without the knowledg of the Original tongues, either translate the Scrip­tures, or when they are translated, maintain them against the popish vulgar, or other diverse false translations, to be the infallible trueth of God? how shall he comfort a poor soul that saith he is a reprobate, and proves it out of 2 Cor: 13, 5. Be­cause he knows not that Jesus Christ is in him, if he knows not what adoki [...]os means. I might make innumerable such instances, but I spare.

2. For Logick, let them tell me what a paro­logisme is, sam: 1. 22. without some knowledg in Logick. what logicon gala means 1 Pet. 2. 2. For [...] is no where used as it is translated (of the word) but Rom: 12. 1. It is translated reason­able [Page 48] and if there be Logical & reasonable milk in the Scripture, take away logick & reason, and the milk will be turned, neither will it be [...]dolon with out deceit. Yea how shall a man know when a Scripture is wrested, or falsly applyed, or a false use is made of it, or a false consequence is drawn out of it, or a true, without some principles of lo­gick, especially to hold forth these things to others he must needs be a shamefull workman, and many times ridiculous, neither rightly apprehending, not dividing the word of trueth, that hath no knowledg how to interpret the Scripture.

3. For Rhetorick, I would fain have the un­learned minister, or him that understands not rhe­torick, to give any tolerable sense of these places of Scripture, and many the like (farther then they have been opened to them by the learned) John 15. 1. I am the true Vine &c. John 1. 29. Behold the Lamb of God. 1 Cor: 10. 4. The Rock was Christ John 6. 41. I am the bread that came down from heaven. John 10. 7. I am the dore of the sheep &c: add these places. John 3. 13. No man ascends in to heaven, but he that came down from heaven &c: 1 John 3. 16. Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us. John 21 last. There be many things that Jesus did, the which if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world it selfe could not continue the books that should be written. and that Mat. 12. 20. as Ionas [Page 49] was three dayes & three nights in the belly of the whale so shall the son of man be three dayes & three nights in the heart of of the earth. I should be endless if I should enumerate, what might be gathered in this case. But I shall here have done with Mr. Dells arguments.

There is somewhat more in Horn, & Cran­don, which I shall be brief in, because as they state the question I should not contend with them.

Mr. Horn thus, That the study of Philosophy (though lawfull to be known, and in some points use­full yet) is not necessary to the preachers or preach­ing of the Gospel, nor the key of knowledg, without which men cannot understand, or profitably hold forth the Trueths of Christ to others.

It is not denyed, but what is necessary to salva­tion, may be both understood & preached, with­out the help of Philosophy, it is enough if it bee lawfull & usefull, ( ad bene ormelius esse) which is graunted by him.

Now Mr. Cr. in his preface against Baxter, states the question thus. That humane learning is of no force to decide, judg, and conclude any thing in questions meerly evangelicall, such is justification, and all other Gospel-graces, and priviledges. I sup­pose that Mr. Cr. shall neither have Mr. Baxter, nor any protestant writer his adversary in that as­sertion. He that shall say otherwise, shall make a Pope of humane learning, and an Idoll, or set up [Page 50] man above God, But for all this, these Reverēd men bring arguments that goe as farr in over­throwing all humane learning, as Mr. Dell hath done. Let mee breifly see the strength of them.

Hora. If Philosophy, Physicks &c: had been needfull for furnishing of men to the Gospel, then Christ our Saviour, who came to teach us the mind of God, and to set on foot the preaching of the Gospel, would have delivered those sciences unto us, at least a more perfect form of them then the Philosophers did or could: But he did not so &c: therefore they are not needfull &c:

Answ. 1. Take the force of this reason a pari, thus if the knowledg of the Greek & Latine languages, had been needfull for furnishing men to the Gospel in all ages, then Christ would have taught those languages, and made Grammers for the learning of them, at least in a more perfect form then any Grammarians did or could &c: but he hath not done so, therefore &c: would any wise man think this to be a good consequence: yet the case is much alike; for both the Original tongues, and the arts & sciences are like prepara­tives siting persons to the preaching of the Gospel, (for that is meant by furnishing men to the Gos­pel) But God is pleased to give to the sons of men to be exercised with labour & study, in this and other kinds Eccles: 1. 13.

2. Christ hath delivered to us those sciences (as [Page 51] farr as is needfull) in a more perfect form, then any Philosophe of old hath done, there was never such a method of Physicks or naturall Philosophy, as is set down in the order of the works of Crea­tion, nor ever such a form of E [...]icks, Politicks or Oeconomicks, as he hath delivered in the Deca­logue, and his own interpretation therof &c:

Horn. The Arts & Sciences are of a diverse nature from the Gospel: that being a revelation of Redemption, and way to Salvation for fallen man; Philosophy but a purblind speculation about the na­ture of the creatures, and of God as he stands in re­lation of a Creatour & governour of them, &c:

Answ. 1. Not only Arts & Sciences, but the Law, both Ceremonial, and Moral, & Judicial are of diverse nature from the Gospel, as it is the revelation of Redemption &c, Is all therefore superfluous &c: 2. Whatsoever is con­tained in holy Scripture, tends some way or other to the way of salvation for falnman, and to make the man of God perfect, 2 Tim: 3. 16, 17. So doth the knowledg of Gods works, which are sought out of all them that have pleasure therin Psal. 111. 2. yea they all make for the glory of God Psal. 145. 10 and the knowledg of Gods works is laid down in holy writt, not in a purblind speculation about the creatures, but in a way infallible.

3. Though the Gospel in a strict sense, signifies the glad tidings of Redemption by Jesus Christ; [Page 52] yet it hath a larger signification sometimes, as Rom. 2. 16. wherin the Apostle tells us of the day of Judgment, in which God shall judg the secrets of men according to the Gospel: there the rule of the last judgment shall be not only the Gospel in a strict sense, but as the Law may be also comprehended under it: and whatsoever is contained in the scrip­tures of the works of God, and as farr as it concerns a minister to preach all profitable and Scripture trueths, the knowledg of Arts & Sciences is usefull and expedient to him to hold them forth to his hearers.

Horn. The Law, or doctrine of the Lord is per­fect, for conversion & edification Psal. 19. 7.

Answ. But this perfect doctrine, comprehends the doctrine of Gods works, which is called Phi­losophy. Besides that perfection doth not exclude, but presuppose that same to gnoston tou theou, Rom: 1. 19. some common notions concerning God & his works are left in every man still, that must not be extinguished.

Horn. If the said heathenish sciences are ne­cessary to salvation, then we are not compleat in Christ but the contrary is affirmed Col. 2. 2, 3, 10.

Answ. Heathenish sciences are not necessary to salvation, nor simply to make an able minister: a christian may be compleat in Christ, & a minister, an able minister without them, as the Apostles and many others have been. We graunt that all the [Page 53] treasures of soul-saving knowledg are in Christ, yet this doth not exclude the expedience of the know­ledge of the Law ceremoniall or morall (which are metinoned in the same place Col. 2. 14.) though we may be compleat in Christ without seeking our sal­vation by them.

Horn. If we are to beware of Philosophy least we be spoyled by it, then it is not necessary to teach & preserve us: but the former is true Col: 2. 8. and by Philosophy the Apostle means not only Sophistry, but that which the wisest Philosophers accounted Phi­losophy.

Answ. 1. No Christian (that I know of) will say that heathenish Philosophy is necessary to teach or preserve him or others. 2. What Phi­losophy means, he explains, and addeth to Philoso­phy, vain deceit, & that is no better then sophistry.

3. There are many false principles of heathenish Philosophy, as the eternity of the world, the free­dom of the will to goodness, the placing of the chiefest good in contemplation, or in moral vertues such notions as these will spoil us, and must bee shunned. But there are many true principles, even amongst the heathens, (which the Apostle calleth, that which is known of God, as his eternal power and Godhead,) these will not spoil us.

4, There is nothing so good, no not the Scrip­tures themselves, but they may be abused, and it is good counsel to warn men to take heed that they [Page 54] bee not spoyled by the Scriptures abused: much more may we be warned that we be not spoiled by the Philosophy of the heathens.

5. The word (spoiled) by an allegory, hath respect to what he spake before, about the treasures of Christ or the word, verse 2. that which robbeth us of these treasures, leaves us but poor creatures, but all Philosophicall tenents do not this.

6. I deny not but that (as Ames saith, and it is alledged by Mr. Crandon) the School-men & Popish writers have made a very hodch-potch & mingle-mangle of heathenish Philosophy and Di­vinity together, and so brought in many pernici­ous errours into Divinity, and it is likely that the Apostle in this place forewarnes the faithfull to beware of such Philosophy, which is called Rev. 2. the depths of Satan, But what is this to the forbidding of sober & Christian Philosophy? What is added more then this by Mr. Horn hath been answered before.

Mr. Crandon hath objected another place a­gainst secular learning, that is Acts 19. 19. what is spoken of the Converts of Ephesus, while the A­postle was yet resident among them, and consequently consenting with them, that they burnt their books of curious arts: which though some would have to bee understood of conjuring books, yet I cannot assent to them, because this cursed, rather then curious art, was proper & almost peculiar to the Eastern people, [Page 55] Jewes, Samaritans, Egyptians & Babylonians, the Greeks very little or not at all studying it but placing all their wisdom in the arts, and these weré Greeks that burnt their books.

Answ. 1. Who ever expounded this place of other then Magick books? 2. If they were not Magick (for the word is perie [...]ga, that is, cu­rious, & superfluous) could Mr. [...]. find none such but Philosophical books? It is sure that as the Greeks, some were Philosophers, so there were some Poets, tragoeaians & comoedians, lyruks, as Aristophanes, Pin [...]ar, Sophocles, Euripides some Orators, as Demosthenes, Isocrates, and some Physicians, as Galen, Hippocrates &c: they might as well be those curious books, as the Philosophi­call. 3. If this exposition of Mr. [...]. is true, then it is a Christian duty and a note of a true convert, to burn all Philosophicall books, yea and in a publick manner: which were an hard saying, and I may question whither Mr. Cr. did ever give this evidence of the trueth of his conversion.

4. He seemes to be greatly deceived, in that he restraines that cursed art to those eastern coun­tryes, as though that Greece were free from such Devilish practises: For the contrary may appear plainly in [...] Pollux, who is both ancient and exact in setting forth the religion of the Gre­cians, [...]. 1. cap. 1. parag. 18—19. where hee shewes that they had their Oracles, and spirits. [Page 56] that foretold things to come, their debacchantes, and numine afflatos, inspired by the Devil, their raptures & enthusiasmes, extasyes, furyes, their divinations, & where was the Delphick that is Apol­lo's Oracle, but amongst them, with which they con­sulted upon all occasions, and for polytheisme, they worshiped all the heathenish & Devil-gods in the world, and no God was unknown to them but the true, which appears by that inscription upon the Altar Acts 17. 23. To the unknown God, be­sides Acts 16. 16. &c: ye find mention of a Spirit of divination which was called Python, (being like the Oracle of Apollo, whither all the people came to aske questions) and OBH or eggastrimythos, because the Devil filled the bellyes of their Pro­phets & Prophetesses, and gave the people his an­swer in filthy manner from thence, and this exam­ple is rather to be noted, because when the Dam­osell was dispossessed by the Apostles, her ma [...]sters were so enraged, and made their com­plaint to the Magistrates, they put the Apostles in prison for it, whence it appears that all sorts both of Magistrates & people among them favour­ed & maintained, such Devillish practises. And also the like may be noted Acts 17. 22. where Paul saith of the Athenians, that they were in all things [...], fearing & wor­shiping [...], or Devills, and false Gods: So that the Devill must needs have great power [Page 57] over them. But thus much shall serve for answer to Mr. Crandon, the rest that he brings is either answered before, or toucheth not this controversy.

To the only Wise GOD bee all Glory for ever.