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

SECT. 2.

Obj. TRue, that indeed is the only interpreter of the Word, but is it not more likely, that Learned men should have it, ra∣ther then them that have little, or no learning; such as Coblers, Tinckers, Weavers, Millers, &c.?

Ans. What was Aquilla, Prisilla, or the reall Body of the Church in Corinth, unto whom the Apostle Paul gave way to Prophecy, 1 Cor. 14. 41. yea and willeth them to covit it, chap. 14: 39. were they all Accademicks? Againe, if the Spirit of God be confined to Learning, then such as are illiterate are voyd of it, and so consequently are not the children of God, for the same A∣postle saith, that if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his, Rom. 8. 9. Againe, if the Spirit of God be confined to Learning, then the greater Schollars the greater measure of the Spirit; and so consequently the Church of Rome would carry it from all the Churches in the world, which I presume you

will not condescend too; yea the contrary is most evident, as may appeare by them learned ones at Athens, Act. 17. 23. yea I desire you to read the first Chapter of the first Epistle of Paul to the Corinthians, from the seventeen verse to the end of the Chapter; as also, Jam. 2. 5. and then tell me, if it be not more probable for such, (whom you terme illiterate fellowes,) to have the Spirit of God, rather then the great Rabbies, and Doctors of the world; and if so, consequently they have more knowledge in the Scriptures, for the Spirit searcheth all things, even the deep things of God, (as in the tenth verse of that Chapter) by which they are made more fit, and able, to teach, then the other, yea and ought so to doe, no man being to hide his tallent, but to put it into the banke, Mat. 25. 27. &c. Againe, all Scriptures are given by inspiration, and 2 Tim. 13. 16. and not of private interpretation, 2 Pet. 1. 20, 21. But holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost; so that, it is impossible for the greatest Schollar in the world to apprehend the mist••ry of them, being in a carnall condition; yea to such, they are foolishnesse; and therefore not regarded, or esteemed of them, further then they can accomplish their owne private ends, by making a seeming shew of their aff••∣ction to them, (as is too apparent;) witnesse the Hypocriticall Clergy of the times, who preach meerly for matter of Stipent, or Wages, as if Christ intended to make a Trade of his Ministry; yea I appeale to the consciences of such parents, who put their Children to the Ʋniversity, whether it be not more out of an intent to get their Sons Livings, (viz. a Parsonage, &c.) then out of a cordiall desire to advance the Kingdome of Christ; by all which, it is manifest, that such Mechanick men (as you have na∣med,) being endowed with the Spirit of God, may doe better ser∣vice in the Ministry of the Word, then the most learned Doctors in the world, being most of them destitute of it, and therefore cannot discerne the things of God.