The tryal of spirits both in teachers & hearers wherein is held forth the clear discovery and certain downfal of the carnal and antichristian clergie of these nations / testified from the Word of God to the university-congregation in Cambridge by William Dell ; whereunto is added A plain and necessary confutation of divers gross errors delivered by Mr. Sydrach Simpson in a sermon preached to the same congregation at the commencement, Anno 1653 ; wherein (among other things) is declared, that the vniversities (according to their present statutes and practices) are not (as he affirmed) answerable to the schools of the prophets in the time of the law, but rather to the idolatrous high places ...

An Apologie to the Reader, touching the following Reply to Mr. Sydrach Simpsons Sermon.

IF it shall seem grievous to any, that I have* 1.1 dealt thus freely and plainly with Mr. Sy∣drach Simpson, one of the first Pastors of an Independent Congregation in Eng∣land; let them consider how Paul dealt with those Brethren, Gal. 2. to whom (according to his right Zeal, and the present occasion) he gave no place by subjection, no not for an Hour, that the Truth of the Gospel might continue with the Galatians; and though those brethren seemed to be somewhat, yet saith Paul, what ever they are, it makes no matter to me, seeing God accepteth no mans Person: And so notwithstanding their Reputation, he did not spare them. Yea, let them consider how Paul at Antioch withstood Peter to the face, for dissembling with the Jews in the case of the Gentiles, and for not walking up∣rightly according to the Truth of the Gospel: wherefore Paul did publickly and sharply reprove Him before them all. For no true believer is to keep silence, when the Doctrine of the Gospel is corrupted by the Doctrines of Men, or is to be modest in this matter. Wherefore I was compelled to speak thus plainly to him, for his gross prevarication in the things of

God; and I am well satisfied in my conscience in the dis∣charge of my duty, whatever shall be the Censure of carnal Christians, who have no true sense of the Glory of Christs Gospel, or of the Profit of his People, Whom yet Christ so loved, as to lay down his life, and to be Crucified, for them.

Again, if it shall offend any, that I deal thus roundly* 1.2 against Humane Learning; Let them know, that I am not against Humane Learning upon all accounts, but do allow* 1.3 Humane Learning (so it be sober and serious) in its own Place and Sphear, as well as other Humane things: But I do oppose it, as it is made another John Baptist, to prepare the Way of Christ into the World, or to prepare the Worlds way to Christ: And also, as men make it Necessary for the true Knowledge of Scriptures; Yea, the very Unction for the Ministry.

And herein, according to the Grace of Christ, I both do* 1.4 and will contend against it for ever: Seeing Humane Learn∣ing mingled with Divinity, or the Gospel of Christ under∣stood according to Aristotle, hath begun, continued, and per∣fected the Mysterie of Iniquity in the outward Church. Wherefore I do in all boldness appear for Christ the Wisdom of God, against Humane Learning the Wisdom of the World;* 1.5 knowing assuredly, that He is as very Antichrist, who op∣poses Christ as the Wisdom of God, as he that opposes Him, as the Power and Righteousness of God: and Men may as well bring into the Church of God, another Righteousness then* 1.6 Christ, and another Power then Christ, as another Wisdom then Christ. Wherefore, as They who bring in Humane Righteousness, that is, Civil or Moral Righteousness, or any Works or Duties of Men for Righteousness, into the Church of Christ, They are true Antichrists in so doing; seeing herein they are contrary to, and do oppose Christ the Righteousness of God: And as They who bring in Humane Power, or the Secular Arm into the Church of Christ, to do, or leave undone, to reward or Punish, to promise or threaten, to encourage or discourage by That, They are true Anti∣christs in so doing; seeing herein they are contrary to, and

do oppose Christ the Power of God; So also They that bring in Humane Wisdom, or the Learning and Philosophy of men into the Church of Christ, They also are true Antichrists in so doing; for herein they are contrary to, and do oppose Christ, the Wisdom of God; For Christ is, and is to be, the only Power, the only Wisdom, and the only Righteousness in the Church of God; And he that brings in any other Power, Wisdom or Righteousness, besides Christ Himself, that Man is in very deed Antichrist. And in this matter also, it was necessary that I should be bold for Christ against Antichrist.

3. Again, if any shall be offended that I speak thus freely* 1.7 against the Universities, which are of such Honourable Esteem everywhere in the Nation, especially with the Ignorant and Vulgar people, and with Men of all sorts, who have not the right Knowledge of Christ and his Gospel (wherein are so contained all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge, that no part of this Treasury is left out thereof, to enrich Hea∣thenish* 1.8 Philosophy withall, which by the Gospel is left as a De∣solate Thing, empty and destitute of all true Wisdom and Knowledge) I say, if any think that I have too deeply cen∣sured these Universities; let them know, that I have done in this matter but as Wickliff, Hus, Luther, and several others, Holy Men of God, and Happy Instruments in the hand of Christ, have done before me. As for instance;

Wickliff terms the Universities, Castra Cainitica, Cains* 1.9 Castles; Synagogas Satanae, the Synagogues of Satan, and affirms that They were never Ordained or Instituted by Christ.

John Hus (or Otho Brunfelsius, if he set out the Con∣tents* 1.10 of the Chapters) calls them Satrapas Antichristi, the Lieutenants of Antichrist.

Luther in his book Contra Ambrosium Catharinum, shew∣ing* 1.11 out of Daniel the Prophet, that Antichrist is Rex facie∣rum, the King of Faces, or Appearances, he affirms that the Universities are one of those Faces of Antichrist, and that they are very comely or sightly to look on, and yet indeed are a very Chaos and open Gate of Hell, and that in these the most Choise Youth of Christian people are prostituted, and are cast into the

open throat of Hell; And▪ that in these Aristotle is read▪ whereby the wits of Christian Youth are possessed and busied with Humane and Heathenish Learning; Yea, are quite blinded and oppres∣sed with it.

He saith also, that the Universities are the Woe, that the* 1.12 fifth Angel (mentioned Rev. 9.) brought upon the earth: and that whoever it was that did first institute and confirm Univer∣sities, he was a Star fallen from Heaven to Earth: to wit, from the Gospel of Christ to Humane Learning.

And in his Exposition on Psal. 22. he calls the Universi∣ties the Mothers of Learned men, the Gates of Hell, and saith, they are called (Scholae, i. e. Ludi) Schools, that is, Plays, by a Fatal Name; seeing they make Sport with the Scriptures, and cast lots upon them, as upon the Garments of Christ, eve∣ry one dividing to himself a share of them, according to his own Humane and Philosophical Apprehension. And he saith, that the Doctors of these Universities are by the same providence, called Doctores Scholastici, i. e. Ludicri, vel Illusorii: School-Doctors, that is, trifling or May-game Doctors.

Again he saith, those most Glorious Mothers of Studies, the Universities, stink before God with most Loathsome Abo∣mination.

These Universities are those Antichristian Souldiers, who* 1.13 put a Reed into Christs right Hand instead of a Scepter: and this Reed is Philosophy, that vain deceit, or as the Apostle elsewhere terms it, the Operation of Error: by which Philo∣sophy (saith he) the unhappy people of Christ began to be go∣verned, that is, to be seduced, and to be led away from the Go∣spel of God. And this vain Reed they put into his Right Hand, by preferring Learning before Godliness; saying, (according to their usual manner of speaking) he is a Learn∣ed and a godly man; hereby making Learning to take place of Godliness. And yet this Philosophy is nothing but a weak Reed, which counterfeits a Scepter, rather then represents it, and so is nothing but Vain Deceit; for there is nothing propounded in such Doctrine, but Vanity and Lying, though under the title of Knowledge and Religion.

In a word, he calls them Antichristi Lupanaria, the Stews of Antichrist.

Melancthon also terms the Universities, Domos menda∣cii,* 1.14 Houses of lyes, and saith, it is manifest that they are all heretical by their School-Divinity; which all the Schools in Europe have received from the University of Paris, and are thereby infected with Heresie; and he saith, the Students in the Universities, are not the People of the Gospel, nor yet of the Law, but are the People of Aristotles Morals.

And thus it is manifest that Others have spoken freely and sharply against the Universities before now. And there∣fore wise and Godly Christians will have no just cause to be offended at Me, who have spoken in like Manner, having the same Cause.

Object. Now if any shall Object, that they all spake against* 1.15 Popish Universities, and that our Universities are otherwise now, then They were then; and so, there is not the same Cause to speak against Them now, as there was heretofore.

Answ. To this I answer, That though the outward form* 1.16 of gross Popery be taken away from them (as also from the rest of the People of this Nation) God having put it into the hearts of the Civil Power to reject it, after the light of the Gospel had begun to shine to them; yet are the brains,* 1.17 heart, bowels, bones, marrow, sinews and blood of the Uni∣versities, the self-same Now as Heretofore; and though the Outside of it hath passed under a very little Change, yet the Inner parts of it remain as before, in the full strength of Anti∣christs Kingdom, and that without any alteration at all. For the self-same Statutes of the Universities and Colledges still remain with them in force, which were at first given to them by their Popish Founders, through the help of Anti∣christ: and these Statutes are of such Authority with them, that they depart from the Rule of Christs Gospel, to walk by the Rules of sinfull Men, for worldly Stipends and Re∣wards sake. Farther, the same Philosophy or Heathenism, and the same School-Divinity or Antichristinnism, are yet instilled into the Youth and Students, as were many hundred years ago, in the darkest times of Popery; and These Things are all in all in the University Learning and Education; insomuch, that No Man is of any esteem and reckoning

with them, know he the Gospel of Christ never so soundly and truly, if he be not (as they speak) a good Philosopher, and School-Divine. So that the University for its inside is the self-same now, as it was in Wickliff, Hus, or Luthers time, being informed and possessed with the same Heathen∣ish and Antichristian Doctrine, now as then: Yea, many of the self-same outward and Antichristian Forms and Follies still remain with Them, more then with any other People in the Nation again; even to their Hoods, Caps, Scarlet Robes, Doctoral Ring, Kiss, Gloves, their Doctoral Dinner and Musick: neither could they ever yet to this day find in their hearts to lay aside their very Praevaricator, which is some notable Varlet picked out of the University, and brought forth in the presence of all the Heads, Students, Scholars, and all the great resort of Ministers and People, at their pub∣lick Commencement, to make shipwrack of Faith and a good Conscience before them all; and in open Defiance of the Gospel, which stands in faith and love, to abuse, and deride, and jeer, and reproach all sorts of Persons, of all Ages, Sexes, Professions, and this presently after their Divinity Acts; which is a Wickedness the very Heathen would be ashamed of, and which plainly declares what kind of Di∣vinity is taught and learned in the University, which can endure, allow, countenance, and be merry at that, which so highly contradicts Gods Word, and grieves his Holy Spirit: yet because it makes them merry after a full Dinner, and puts more joy into their Hearts then the holy Scriptures, they could hitherto dispense withall, to this day.

And so however Religion for the Outward Form, hath been much Reformed in these Nations; yet the Universities as the strongest Holds which Antichrist hath had amongst us, have still remained much what the same, not only as to the Inward Substance of all things, to wit, their Statutes, Phi∣losophy, and Divinity, but also in a great measure to their Outward Forms, as they were in their first Antichristian In∣stitution.

Wherefore it was necessary also, that I should be plain and free for Christs sake, and his Churches, against these (as Lu∣ther

calls them) stews of Antichrist, and Dens of Thieves, who have been, and still are the constant and fruitful Seed of Antichrists Kingdom in the World, out of which it might suddenly on all occasions and opportunities grow up afresh, how greatly soever it had been before wasted and destroyed among the people, by the clear Word of God, and his mighty Providences and Works accompanying it.

Now as it was necessary this Work should be done, so through the Grace of Christ, was I made willing to do it, seeing no body else more fit and able did appear. And well knowing, that he that provokes the Universities and Clergy against him, provokes Principalities and Powers, and the Rulers of the Darkness of this world against him; as is evident in the example of Wickliff, Huss, Luther, Tindal, and others: I have therefore according to Christs Counsel, sate down and counted the cost of this Undertaking, and after all do say, the Lord is on my side, I will not fear what Man can do unto me. And so I commit thee Christian Reader, to that Grace which is from God, to keep thee in this new hour of Temptation, if the Lord suffer it to come forth upon the earth.

4. Again, if any shall Object in reading this Reply, that I* 1.18 my self make use of Humane Learning, whilst I speak a∣gainst it.

I Answer, what part of Philosophy is here made use of? or* 1.19 who of the Heathens are here quoted? I have chiefly made use of the Testimony of some faithful Christians, who have lived in several Ages, and yet have all witnessed by the same Spirit, the same Truth. And it is no more Humane Learning to quote Believers in the Church since Christ, then to quote the Pa∣triarchs and Prophets before Christ, or the Apostles and E∣vangelists which immediatly followed him.

5. And last of all. If any say, I my self relate to the* 1.20 University, why then do I speak against it thus?

I answer, that I neither do, nor will relate to the Univer∣sity,* 1.21 as it is polluted with any of the Abominations herein mentioned: But as by the Providence of God alone, I have been brought to that Relation in which I now stand, and con∣tinue

in it, against the Wills and Workings of many; so through his Good Pleasure I will remain, till He shall other∣wise dispose of Me; and during my sojourning with them, I will not fail to testifie against their evil, and to endeavour to win all those, whom God shall perswade to receive his Truth, from Heathenism to the Gospel, and from Antichrist to Christ.

Wherefore let none be offended that I am made willing to hazard and part with my Worldly Accommodations for Christs Names sake; but let them rather praise the Grace of God, which hath enabled me to witness a good Confession, what ever Worldly Disadvantage I might run into thereby. Wherefore, Welcom the Righteousness, Power, Wisdom, Truth, Word, and whole Kingdom of Christ, though they swallow up all my Earthly Accommodations: For such Fear and Love of his Name, hath the Lord graciously put into my Heart, that I would not willingly conceal any thing of his most precious Truth, either to gain or to preserve to my self the Whole World. And so righteous Father, not my will be done, nor theirs, but Thy will be done in Earth as it is in Heaven.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Why the An∣thor deals so plainly 1. With Mr S. Simp∣son.
• * 1.2

  2. With Hu∣mane Learn∣ing.
• * 1.3

  How the Au∣thor is for Humane Learning, & how against it.
• * 1.4

  The great mischief of Humane Learning mingled with Divinity.
• * 1.5

  ☞
• * 1.6

  ☞
• * 1.7

  3. With the Universities.
• * 1.8

  Men of un∣questionable Worth, and Godliness, have spoken freely of the Universities, in former times, as
• * 1.9

  Wickliff.
• * 1.10

  Hus.
• * 1.11

  Luther.
• * 1.12

  ☞
• * 1.13

  ☞
• * 1.14

  Melancthon. Omnes Scholas esse haereticas, vel Theologia Scholastica ar∣guit. Melanct. in Apol. pro Mart. Luther.
• * 1.15

  Objection.
• * 1.16

  Answer.
• * 1.17

  The Univer∣sities the same for the Sub∣stance, now as formerly
• * 1.18

  Objection.
• * 1.19

  Answer.
• * 1.20

  Objection.
• * 1.21

  Answer.