The opening of Master Prynnes new book, called A vindication: or, light breaking out from a cloud of differences, or late controversies. Wherein are inferences upon the Vindication, and antiqueres to the queres; and by that, the way a little cleared to a further discovery of truth in a church-order, by a conference or discourse. / By John Saltmarsh, preacher at Brasteed in Kent. Published according to order.

Inference.

Whence we may infer, That there are certain preparations and qualifications in men meerly unregenerate, which are here lifted up into something more then natural or carnal workings, or filthinesse of the flesh; as prayers for pardon of sin, pious and soul-ravishing meditations, with humiliation, contrition, confessi∣on, &c. Now I would fain know, what there is in man be∣fore the glorious light of Jesus Christ hath opened his eyes, and brought him out of prison, out of darknesse into light? What kinde of prayers can such make? What pious meditations can such have of Gods mercy in Christ? What contrition is there in such? What humiliation? Without faith it is impossible to please God; and the carnal minde is enmity against God; nor is it subject to the Law of God, nor indeed can be; and they that are in the flesh, cannot please God. What is all this then of prayers? When as the prayers of the wicked are abominable; What are all those flourishes and noise of vows and purposes, and contrition, and meditations of an unregenerate man, when they all are but glorious sins? Do men gather Grapes of Thorns, or Figgs of Thistles? Why should nature be made proud with these ex∣pressions? And any ground laid for boasting?

And whereas it is said, that the Sacrament is a more apt means to convert, then the bare Word preached, we may infer some derogating and diminution, or lessening implyed here of the Ordinance of the Word or Ministery, be∣cause it is said, Then the bare Word, as if so be, that the Word

were a bare word, when it comes in the power of salvation to regenerate, when the Spirit quickens it, and makes it a Word of truth, of grace, the power of God unto salvation; and we see the word or ministery it self is called The Preaching of faith, The ministery of reconciliation: The Sacrament is not called so any where, though no lesse glorious neither: And Christ and his Apostles and Disciples went every where preaching the Word; but not administring the Sacrament but onely there, where the ministery of the Word had first brought them under the power of the Gospel-Order, and Rule for Ordinances of a more spiri∣tual institution.