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

CHAP. IIII. Treateth of Cavalier Priests, &c.

SECT. 1.

TO prove that those Priests whom they so imploy, are not fit instruments for such a Calling, or Office,* 1.1 I thus argue.

All such Persons, as obstinately, and peremptori∣ly confront the directions, and precepts of Christ, and his Apostles, ought not to be imployed, as Ministers of Christ.

But the Presbiterian Synod, hath, and doth admit of such men, as doe absolutely oppose Christ, and his Apostles.

Ergo in such Elections, and Missions, they doe wilfully, and pe∣remptorily oppose Christ, and his Apostles, and so consequently de∣clare themselves violaters of the Covenant, they so much plead for.

SECT. 2.

THat they doe imploy such Instruments as I have named, I* 1.2 instance in that fry of Cavilian Priests, which are tollerated by them; yea I blush to thinke, what a Gallemaufrey, or Hodgepodge they make in their Church, whereas three parts of their Ministry, and a third part of the fourth, consisteth of Ca∣valier Priests; yea it is to be admired in the highest degree, that such fellowes, (who are companions farre more fit for Devils, then such as professe Christianity) should be employed in so sacred a Function; yea when it was notoriously knowne unto the Sinod, what persecutors they have been, and yet would be of such men (as the Sinod did consist of, were it in their powers) their words and actions still expressing their deadly hate, both to them, and the Government they would establish; and yet for those men (whom they so hate) not only to make use of them, to fill up their Classicall Parishes, (whereby to make themselves potent* 1.3 in the world, in having such numbers of Parsons, and Viccars un∣der their Jurisdiction) but also to procure augmentations to the livings of divers of them, either to the end that they may be more willing to submit to their Government, or else to requite the good service they have already done for the Nation,

Now let all true Christians judge, what will be the event of* 1.4 the Presbiterian Government in this Nation, by admitting such Antichristian Priests to preach Christ, and what likelihood there is, that such Priests should make choyce of Round-headed El∣ders, &c. (if there be any in his Parish) and what hopes of peace and truth can be expected, when so many villaines shall be per∣mitted to doe mischiefe, by sowing tares amongst the wheat.

SECT. 3.

Obj. VVEre not those Priests you speake of, lawfully called to their function, or office?

Ans. I deny they were, for they cannot be lawfully called to* 1.5 that office or function, except either by an immediate calling from God, as the Prophets and Apostles were called; or by God and Man, as was Matthias, and the foure Deacons, viz. by the Spirit of God, and the Church, where they are to officiate; but that

these Priests afore-named, have neither of these callings, will ap∣peare by these reasons.

1. In that immediate callings are ceased, and therefore cannot* 1.6 be expected, Gifts and Miracles being acted by the Apostles, &c. rather for the glorifying of Christ, first comming in the flesh, then after, as will appeare by these Scriptures, Joh. 20. 29, 30, 31. Mat. 20. 1. 8. Mark 3. 15. Luke 9. 1. &c. As also in that the Man-hood of Christ is to be contained in the Heavens, till the re∣storing of all things, Act. 3. 21. therefore they that expect men to be so called, and so gifted, as the Apostles were (to rebuild the Spirituall Jerusalem, or to extract the Church of Christ out of the world, and Antichristianisme) may as well expect Christ com∣ming* 1.7 againe in person, which cannot be, for the reasons formerly alledged; and therefore it is impossible for them, or any other, to be so called to the publick Ministry in the Church of Christ, in these times.

2. As these Priests have not this immediate calling from God, so are they not rightly constituted to their office, by the immediate calling of the Church of Christ, viz. according to the example of the Apostles, in their constituting of Ministers; it being then effected by the generall consent of the Church, as of the Apo∣stles, Elders, and Brethren, as hereafter I shall make appeare at large.

SECT. 4.

Qu. WHat manner of calling have they?

Ans. No other then the false Prophets had,* 1.8 whom the Lord himselfe complaineth of, for preaching in his name, and he had not sent them, Ezek. 11. 28. and this will evidently appeare. by comparing them with the false Prophets and Apostles, which usurped the like priviledge and prerogative.

Now what manner of people the false Prophets were, the Spi∣rit* 1.9 of God by the mouth of the true Prophets doth fully demon∣strate, viz. To be conspirators where they live, roaring Lions, ro∣ving for their prey; devourers of soules, takers away of treasures, and precious things; violaters of holy things, such as put no diffe∣rence betwixt prophaine and holy things, such as hide their eyes

from the Lords Sabboths, such by whom the Lord is prophained, such as daub•• with untempered Morter, such as see vanity, and divine lyes; that say, Thus saith the Lord God, when the Lord hath not spoken; such as feed themselves with the flocke, cloath themselves with the wooll, and kill such as are fed, but feed not the flock; such as have not strengthened the diseased, have not healed* 1.10 that which was sick, nor bound up that which was broken, nor brought againe that which was driven away, nor sought that which was lost; but are such that by force and violence have ruled over them, such as teach for hire, and Divine for money.

And as these sorts of Prophets were contemners, and despisers* 1.11 of the Doctrine of the true Prophets of God, meerly seeking their owne advantage, so also doth the same Spirit foretell, that there shall in the last times arise such a sort of people, who shall also bend all their endeavours to contaminate the true Ministers of the Gospell, as wil also evidently appeare by the Writings of the Apostles; and to this purpose the Apostle Peter acquainteth us,* 1.12 that as there were false Prophets amongst the Brethren, even so there shall be false Teachers in the latter times, which shall main∣taine moct damnable Heresies, and bring upon themselves swift de∣struction; yea many (saith he) shall follow their pernitious wayes, by reason of whom, the way of truth shall be evill spoken of, and through covitousnesse shall they with unfained words, make Merchandise of you. Againe he saith, There shall come in the last* 1.13 dayes scoffers, walking after their owne lusts, and speaking per∣verse things.

SECT. 5.

NOw whether these Priests (as afore-mentioned) be not* 1.14 those aymed at by the Apostles, which should oppose the Church of Christ in the last dayes, let their owne Consciences judge; yea if the Devill himselfe were examined, he could not deny it; yea they are such lively Simptomes of the Apostles Predictions, that even Appelles Grapes could not be drawne nea∣rer the life, then these are to them, whom the Apostle did fore∣shew, should come into the world; and albeit they have put on a Whores fore-head, and have got the Scoulds advantage, to cry Whore first, yet their quotidian actions is a sufficient testimony

against them; witnesse their accustomed drunkennesse, slight∣ing of the Lords Day, neglect of Preaching, Swearing, Whoring, insulting speeches, their temporising, covitousnesse, lascivious∣nesse, and unchristian-like discourse, yea and what not, that may conduce to oppose them that desire to feare God; all which is so manifestly apparent in them, as that there needeth no furthe•• expressions to make them more manifest: But above all, the* 1.15 chîefest, and most evident demonstration of their falshood, is their audacious villifying of the Spirit of God, which they doe not on∣ly loath themselves to name with reverence, but doe also hate the very persons of all such as are thought to be indowed with it; yea albeit the Apostle telleth us, that he that hath not the Spirit of God, is none of Gods, and that, of our selves we know not what to aske in prayer, without the dictates, and directions of the Spirit of God, which (saith he) helpeth our infirmities. And yet for all these, and many other expressions to this purpose, what ap∣probrious language doe they daily dart out, against the efficacy of the Spirit of God, whether in preaching, praying, or the like; yea if they know but one fayling in any of the Professors of Christ (which may happen by reason of infirmity) it is enough to scandalize Christ in all his members; O how they wil act it, with, these are your Professors, these are your Davids, your men after Gods owne heart, these are your Round-heads, your Puritans, your Professors, &c. but contrariwise, let a thousand palpable notorious evills be committed by such like as them∣selves, they are not to be taken notice of▪ No, to them, to sweare, whore, and be drunke, are true emblemes of Gentility; yea though in Morall civillity they are ashamed one of anothers actions, yet will they vindicate one another to the utmost, yea so farre are they from imitating Christ, and his Apostles, either in Doctrine, or conversation, as that if they were now living, they would terme them the veryest Round-heads in the Common∣wealth.

SECT. 6.

VVHat, tell them of preaching in season, and out of season,* 1.16 2 Tim. 4. 2. Not for filthy lucre, but of a ready minde, 1 Pet. 5. 2. Not to be a drinker of Wine, not to preach with the in∣••icing

words if mens wisedome, 1 Cor. 2. 1. 4. but in the demon∣stration of the Spirit, to be blamelesse, apt to teach, not to be a stri∣ker, not given to filthy lucre, not to be a brawler, or covetous, 1 Tim. 3. 3. Not to be Lords over Gods heritage, but examples to the flock, 1 Pet. 5. 3.

No Paul, and Peter, you are the most fit for those things your selves, you can preach by the Spirit, and pray by the Spirit; and as for you Paul, you have lungs to preach, and pray untill mid∣night, Act. 20. &c. you were the chiefe Tub-preachers of your dayes, you care not where you preach, whether in a Chamber amongst your holy brethren, Act. 20. 7. or by a river side amongst your holy Sisters, Act. 16. 13. yea, you could goe from house to house, to pray, and preach, Act. 20. 20. yea, you hired a house for that purpose, Act. 28. 30. but for our parts we scorne such actions, for we can pray, and preach, as much in an houre, as you did in six; you pray and preach as the Spirit moves you, but the pray∣ers and Sermons which we make, are so pleasing to our Auditors, as that they wil produce hums from them; we can run such divi∣sions, and subdivisions, and subdivisions upon subdivisions with the stringed instrument of our tongue, as a right good Organist can 〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon his full blowne Organ, so that your Sermonds in compa∣rison of ours are poore, and beggerly, such as the rest of your Brethren make in these dayes. I should be ashamed to speake* 1.17 such things of them, had I not been so well acquainted with them, and their expressions of this nature; yea I perswade my selfe, that they are so well knowne to every Professor of Christ, as that they think I have not spoken more then they would performe in case the Apostles were extant amongst us; yea it is cleerly ap∣parent, that they have done, now doe, and hereafter will doe as much as I have spoken. Christ telleth his Disciples, that he that dispised them, dispised him; and is it not their daily custome to deride the Professors of Christ, with taunting language? and in so doing they doe not only reproach the Brethren, (who practise according to the example of the Apostles) but the Apostles themselves, who left us the examples to follow; and in villify∣ing them, it must consequently follow, that they doe the like to our Saviour himselfe, who saith of them (and so conse∣quently of his Professors) He that despiseth you, despiseth

me, and he that despiseth me, despiseth him that sent me Luke 10. 16.

Now these being such a sort of people, how is it possible they should be thought fit instruments, to execute the Apostles office, in the now gathering of the Church and people of God, out of their Antichristian estate, and condition, being it selfe predomi∣nant over them) as if a Devill would perswade a man to Christianity.

SECT. 7.

Obj. THey have the same calling that the rest of the Clergy of the Kingdome have, and therefore, why may they not be made use of, as well as the other?

Ans. All that are so called, are under an Antichristian calling,* 1.18 which ought to be relinquished, for the calling you speake of, viz. by Bishops, may fitly be compared to a scarlet Coate, lined with a course cotten, the one shaming the other; but there is a calling whose inside doth excell the outside, viz. the calling by the Spirit, by which he that hath it, is inabled, both to testifie him∣selfe, and others, and no man ought to take this calling upon him, but he that is so called of God, as was Aaron; the other calling therefore is to be disclaimed, of all that hath it, whatsoever they be.

Obj. You formerly said, that none are immediately called to that office in these times, wherefore then speake you of the calling of the Spirit to that office?

Ans. He must first have the Spirit of God, or else he is utter∣ly unfit for that office; for he must have his calling from God, as wel as from the Church, or he can be no true Minister of Je∣sus Christ, for the Church desiring his Spirituall gifts, are there∣by incouraged to accept of him as a Minister sent them by God,* 1.19 so that the other calling by the Bishops is a meere delusion, be∣cause they judged only by the letter, and not by the Spirit, viz. by gifts in humane learning. which is foolishnesse with God, 1 Cor. 3. 19. it principally tending to ••dor••e the outward man, touching their civill deportment to, and for the State.

Obj. How are you able to distinguish who is called by the Spirit, and who is not?

Ans. By their fruites, for otherwise our Saviour expresseth these words in vaine, By their fruits you shall know them; ren∣dring also this reason for it, Doe men gather grapes of thornes, or figgs of brambles, Mat. 7. 16.

SECT. 8.

Obj. WHat are the simptoms, or fruits, whereby you know that Ministers are not called by the Spirit?

Ans. There are many signes, and markes to know them, as I* 1.20 have already instanced; I will therefore only insist upon these foure particulars.

1. They are such as preach Christ out of envie, 1 Cor. 3. 3. or to cause contention amongst the people of God, such as were the Pharisees which came from Judea to Antioch, Act. 15. 1. 5. such were also the false Apostles, of whom the Apostles of Christ much complained of, for opposing their Doctrine, as Himineus Alexan∣der, &c. And such are the rayling Rabshakeys of this Kingdome, whether Prelaticants, or Presbiterians, whose sole delight is to villifie such of the Members of Christ (with their scurralous language) as doe the nearest correspond with the Apostles, both for paines in the Ministry, as also in a contentednesse, with what the people of God will freely bestow upon them for their paines, in the labour of the Lord, for their soules.

2. They are such as desire to shew themselves, rather Schol∣lars,* 1.21 then edificers, such as will familiarly speake Greek, and Latine, to them that cannot read English; that will dish up their Sermonds with such a garnish of Rethoricall elocution, as the silly Auditors stand amazed at; these be the boone Athe∣nian-like blades, who guild their Pulpit expressions with tearmes of Art; these are the brave Aronicall Ruffians of these dayes, which if their black Velvet and Satine, were metamorphized into Chrimson, (which would farre better suit with their life and conversation) there would be no greater Gallants in the Nation.

SECT. 9.

* 1.22

3. THey that esteeme more of the flesh, then of the fleece, that with the covitous Wooer, inquireth rather, what the wo∣man〈2 pages missing〉〈2 pages missing〉

these Preachers, and casters out of Devils did, was meerly for their owne advantage, and selfe ends, albeit they did it, in pretence of doing Christ service; instance in Judas, Simon Ma∣gus,* 1.23 and the Damsell, which had the Spirit of Divination, Act. 16. 16. and so it is with many of the Prelaticall, and Presbite∣rian Priests, who though they pretend that they preach to gaine Soules to Christ, yet is it meerly for matter of maintenance by Tithes, and the like Antichristian allowances, which if once ta∣ken away, it wil quickly be discerned how many of them wil preach for couscience sakes

SECT. 2.

Obj. THese casters out of Devils, did the parties good whom they released of the uncleane spirits, although they pe∣rished themselves.

Ans. I confesse that such sorts of people, by Gods permission,* 1.24 may doe many things which may tend to the corporall, or tem∣porall good of men, as these casters out of Devils did to them, who were possessed of them; as also by them whom they terme Wise men, or Wizzards, who by their Art can helpe a man again to such things as are lost or stolne from him, or the like (albeit in the act they both indanger their Soules, the one taking an unwar∣rantable course to gaine them, and the other an unlawfull action to accomplish them) but that such carnall people, can produce spirituall good to the Soule, I utterly deny.

Obj. The Apostle saith, that he was glad that Christ was prea∣ched, albeit it were through envie, therefore envious men may preach Christ.

Ans. The Apostle spoke them words in that sence, as in 1 Cor 11. 19. where he saith, thit it is requisite that Heresie should be, in regard thereby the truth may be made more manifest; so in like manner, by the preaching of these envious men, they make such as preach Christ out of a good intent, to be better esteemed, and approved. Likewise them that preach Christ meerly for lucre, and ostentation, doe adde a luster to such men as abhorre such things, but otherwise it is not to be imagined, that Heresies, and envious preaching, doe benefit the people of God, in point of Salvation.

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* 1.25 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* 1.26 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.

SECT. 4.

Obj. CHrist sent Judas forth to teach, as the other Disciples, Mat. 10. 5. and also gave him the like power as his other Apostles, vers. 8. why then might not Judas doe as much good as the other?

Ans. Judas was a type of such Hipocrites as was to be in the Church unto the end of the world, unto whom the Lord affordeth the like externall gifts, as he doth the true Ministers of his Church; as fo••merly in healing all manner of Diseases, casting out Devils, and the like, which he did to Judas, Simon Magus, and divers others which we read of in the Gospel, who by the Lords permission did many excellent externall workes, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the be∣nefit of the outward man (as I have told you) but no further; for if Judas preached Christ, doubtlesse it was for the same ends for which he betrayed him, viz. for money, Mat. 26, 15. as doe his disciples, the full bagg'd Priests of these times; for other∣wise for him (who was a Sonne of perdition, Joh. 17. 12. a Theif, yea a Devil) to apply Christ to the Soule of a Christian, in that Spirituall sence, by which the Saints are to apprehend him, cer∣tainly cannot be the thought of any ration••ll man; for if Satan should cast out Satan, how should his kingdome stand; so that for Judas, to gaine Soules to God, would have been a Miracle of Miracles. 'Tis true Satan can transforme himselfe into an Angell of light, but it is only to deceive, and so doe all his Judas-like di∣sciples, by kissing when they intend to betray.

Againe, that sort of preaching the Apostles then used was ra∣ther externall, then internall, a preaching to the outward man, then to the inward man; a preaching to acquaint the world, that the Kingdome of God was at hand, Mat. 10. 7. that Christ was come in the flesh; a preaching to Repentance, and Baptisme, as a ••••ares by these Scriptures, viz. Mat. 3. 2. as also, Act. 2. 38. where the people a••king Peter, what they should doe to be sa∣ved, he willeth them, to repent, and be baptized, &c. As also,

Acts 2. 38. where the Jaylor asking the like question, is requi∣red by Paul and Silas, to beleeve on the Lord Jesus Christ. With Act. 8. 12. 37. now if repentance, or being baptized, or to beleeve on the Lord Jesus Christ, would procure eternall Salvation, then shall Judas, Simon Magus, and divers others be saved, for Judas repented, Mat. 27. 3. &c. and Simon Magus is both said to be∣leeve, and to be baptized, Act. 8. 13. The preaching then which they then practised, without all controversie tended only to the exalting of Christ in the Flesh, and not in the Spirit, and from hence it was that the Apostle Paul used this expression, viz. He that thinketh he knoweth any thing knoweth nothing yet, as he ought to know. Yea, Christ himselfe told his Disciples, that he had many things to say unto them which they were not able to beare; so that if I should grant you, that Judas did preach as the other Apostles at their first entrance into their Ministry, yet would it come farre short of a Soule-saving service, that being as it were a preaching of Christ by way of Dispute, which was practised even by Christ himselfe after his resurrection, with two of his Disciples going to Emmans, Luk. 24. 17, &c. as also by Peter, Act. 2. 22. &c. & 3. 12. & 4. 8. & 5. 29. as also by Stephen, Act. 8. 51, &c. by Saul, Act. 9. 20. 22. 29. by Peter, Act. 10. 36, &c. with severall other places of Scripture, being a preaching only to gather the Church of Christ out of Judisme, and Heathenisme; a preaching of Christ by the eare, as Job saith, or from report, viz. meerly notionall, which is the furthest extent, which the Preachers we are now discoursing of, can attaine unto; we may therefore safely conclude, that such notionall Preachers are not fit instruments for the now Church of Christ (being in a Spirituall condition) in regard it is out of their eliment or sphear; and without all controversie, that which a man cannot comprehend himselfe, he cannot teach to another.

But the Apostle saith, that a carnall-minded man cannot discerne the things of God; ergo it is impossible they should teach them to others.

This therefore with the other reasons afore mentioned, I pre∣sume wil perswade the Magistrate from suffering such Priests afore mentioned, to preach, as also the people of God from hea∣ring of them.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The Mini∣sters they im∣ploy, viz. the Cavalier Priests not fit for such a service.
• * 1.2

  The numerous fry of them which yet re∣maine in that service.
• * 1.3

  Wherefore the Presbiterians imploy Cava∣lier Priests.
• * 1.4

  What hope of good can be expected from them.
• * 1.5

  Cavalier Priests not lawfully cal∣led to their office.
• * 1.6

  Two sorts of calling to the Ministry of the Gospel, viz. immediate and mediate.
• * 1.7

  None called now as were the Apostles.
• * 1.8

  What calling the Cavilear Priests have.
• * 1.9

  Ezek 22. 25. 26. 28. & 34. VVhat sort of people the false Prophets were. Jer. 23. 1, 2, 3.
• * 1.10

  Micha 3. 11. Zeph. 3. 4
• * 1.11

  These sort of people fore∣told by the Apostles.
• * 1.12

  2 Pet. 2. 1, 2, 3
• * 1.13

  2 Pet. 3. 4.
• * 1.14

  Cavalier Priests proved to be such as the Apostle foretold.
• * 1.15

  An evident demonstration of their ••als∣••oods.
• * 1.16

  How they de∣spise the pra∣ctise of the Apostles.
• * 1.17

  The Cavalier Priests re∣proach Christ himselfe.
• * 1.18

  The Antichri∣stian call to the Minist••y ought to be relinquished by all such as have taken it upon them, whatever they be.
• * 1.19

  The calling by the Bishops a delusion.
• * 1.20

  How such Priests may be known who have not the true calling, viz. Such as preach out of envie, or to cause contention.
• * 1.21

  Such as rather desire to shew themselves schollars them edificers.
• * 1.22

  Such as esteem more of the fleece then of the flock.
• * 1.23

  VVhat the Priests of these times preach for.
• * 1.24

  Carnall men cannot give spirituall comfort.
• * 1.25

  N••tionall Priests like ••o fanes of ••ambres.
• * 1.26

  God must ei∣ther co••appe∣rate in the act of preach∣ing or i•• avail∣eth not.