An answer according to truth that trembles not, nor quakes, nor quayleth : given to thirty six queries, propounded by James Parnell (commonly called the Young Quaker) to an ancient countrey-minister : with some counter-quæries returned by the same minister unto the said young Quack and his fellowes.

5 Quaery, Whether it is as lawful now for Tradesmen, Shep∣herds, or Ploughmen to preach, if they be led by the Spirit of God, as those that spake forth the Scriptures?

Ans. First, if this were granted wholly, James Parnel cannot claim any interest therein, as I conceive; For he is neither Trades∣man, Plowman, nor Shepherd, nor will take any course to main∣tain himself by his labour; for he hath been tryed. Secondly, I say, If men be made of God spiritual, whether Shepherds and Plowmen first, they may teach. But, thirdly, every man that hath the Spirit in some measure doth not attain to that growth, height, and degree, that they did, who gave forth the Scriptures; and therefore may not as lawfully, nor as infallibly teach as they did, Luk. 24. 49. Act. 1. 8. Nor can I discern clearly, that the best among them called the Quakers have yet reached that de∣gree or dispensation of the Spirit, whatever they pretend; though I could wish with Moses, that they and all the people of God were Prophets, as Eldad and Medad were, and that the Lord would put his Spirit upon them; so far am I from •…•…aying any mans gifts or spiritual attainments. I understand that James Par∣nell was quaking the last Summer at Cambridge. It were to be wished that he had stayed at that Jericho till his beard had been grown, before he had prophesied.