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Sect. 11. The example of the learned godly Nonconformists is some inducement to hear the present Ministers.
Object. 7. But many learned and good men (and such as in Con∣science could not conform to the Ceremonies of the Church of Eng∣land) have in dayes past (and do now) hear the present Mini∣sters thereof. To which we answer, 1. That the greatest Scholars, and most accomplished for humane wisdom, parts, yea visible holi∣ness, have not been alwayes on the Lords side, following him in paths of his own appointment; but many times have been found the greatest persecutors and opposers of Christ; the most stupendiously ignorant of the will of God, in respect of the truth, and work of their generation, of any persons in the world: witness the Scribes and Pharisees, the learned Rabbies, and profound Doctors of that day, with what virulency did they oppose Christ and the doctrine of the Gospel preached by him? 2. That persons of as great holiness, and renown for learning, and all manner of accomplishments, as learned Ainsworth, Cotton, &c. have been and are of the same ap∣prehension with us in this matter: not to mention the reformed Churches, who generally renounce the Ministry of the Church of Eng∣land, not admitting any by vertue of it to the charge of Souls (as they speak.) But 3. To the Law and to the Testimony, Isa. 8.20. if they speak not according to this rule, though Angels for know∣ledge and holiness, they are not to be received or heeded: one word from the Lord is of more weight to hearts made truly tender, than the example of an hundred professors can be: 'tis possible these may err, be yea and nay; but so cannot the truth of God, which is alwayes the same, and will abide so for ever. 4. The Apostle hath long since determined this case, 1 Cor. 11.1. Be ye followers of me, as I am of Christ: so far as Saints follow Christ, I may and ought to follow them, but no further: so that the learning parts or holiness of any that attend upon the present Ministers of England, is no warrant for me so to do; nor will ever be a satisfactory an∣swer to that enquiry, who hath required these things at your hands?
I reply, It is not denied, that the most learned and zealous of the law, such as St. Paul among the Jews, the most excellent Moralists among the Gentiles, have been great enemies to the Gospel afore their calling to the faith of Christ, but the objection is of learned and good men among Christians, who are never found the greatest persecutors and opposers of Christ. Possibly it may fall out, yea