Rome ruin'd by VVhite Hall, or, The papall crown demolisht

SECT. 3.

Obj. THe Apostle Paul telleth the Church of Corinth, that he would bring his body in subjection, &c. least that he preaching to others, should himselfe be a cast-away, 1 Cor. 9. 2. 7.

Ans. The Apostle for his owne particular knew that he was no cast-away, for beside the testimony of himselfe, that he knew nothing by himselfe, 1 Cor. 4. 4. as also, that he kept a good Con∣science in all things, 2 Tim. 1. 3. Heb. 13. 8. he had also the faith to beleeve, that whom God loveth, he loveth to the end; and that he will never leave or forsake his elect, Job. 13. 1. his meaning therefore must needs be, that he would doe so, least he should seeme to be such an one as aforesaid; for I wil not deny, but that such men by reading of good Books, may attain to such a notio∣nall degree of knowledge, as that they may imitate the true Ministers of Christ; as Janes and Jambres did Moses, and as the false Prophets, and Apostles, did the true Prophets, and Apo∣stles. As also in regard that Satan can transforme himselfe into an Angell of light, but that such a Teacher can convert a Soule to God, I utterly deny; for if the Divine actions of a David, a Pro∣phet, and a man after Gods owne heart, were not acceptable un∣to God, so long as he regarded sin in his heart; how much lesse acceptable wil be the actions of a carnall man, and if he cannot prevaile for himselfe, how much lesse for another.

It must needs be then a rediculous tenent, that such kinde of people can doe God service in the Ministry, for if his prayers prevaile not with God, with whom doe they prevaile? And the Text saith, that God will not heare such prayers, but termeth them houlings. Againe, though Paul plant, and Apollo water, yet God must give a blessing of increase unto it, 1 Cor. 3. 6. 7. or it profiteth nothing; and if so, then what blessing can be expected from God, upon the actions of notorious, and wicked persons, who (as the Prophet saith) ••hath sold themselves to doe wickednesse; as also being such Prophets, whom the Lord hath not sent.

Againe, though Paul preached to Lidia, yet the Lord is said to open her heart, to attend to the words which he spake, Act. 16. 14. but it cannot be expected, that the spirit of Discipline, (who

loatheth such Vessels) should Co-opperate with such Preachers (as aforesaid) though never so learned, and without its assistance it is impossible that their preaching should convert a Soule from the errour of its wayes.

Notes

• N••tionall Priests like ••o fanes of ••ambres.
• God must ei∣ther co••appe∣rate in the act of preach∣ing or i•• avail∣eth not.