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Obj. SƲppose the Magistrate should not condiscend, that either the Popish Clergy should be silenced, or that such should be sent forth, to gather Churches, as you would have imployed, how would you have the worke carried on?
Ans. I confesse if the Magistrate should be refractory, the wheele would be much longer in turning over; but yet not∣withstanding,
we are encouraged (by the example of the Apo∣stles)* 1.1 to imploy such instruments in the worke, as are fit for such a purpose, viz. for gathering of Churches; for albeit that Herod, with the Scribes, Pharisees, and Saduces, bent their utmost power to oppose them, and their Doctrine, yet did they with an undaunted courage, vindicate the truth, albeit to the hazard of their lives, yea and rejoyced that they were thought worthy to suffer for the testimonies thereof; as doth evidently appeare by that Book titled their Acts, which doubtlesse was written as a president to such as shall labour in the restoring of their decayed Churches, by extracting them out of the world, and Anti∣christianisme, as the Apostles did out of Judisme, and Heathe∣nisme; and therefore every one that is so fitted, and satisfied in the truth of this assertion, ought to apply himselfe to the Apo∣stles presidents, in all things to that purpose; yea albeit the He∣redians, Scribes, Pharisees, and Saduces of these times, shall op∣pose the worke, yet ought they be like valient as the Apostles were, remembring alwaies, that it is better to obey God then men, Act. 4. 19.
But I hope better things from our present Magistrates, then* 1.2 that they will fight against God, by opposing his designe; but rather that they will animate, and encourage, all such, as shall practise the gathering of Churches, by suppressing Christs, and their enemies, as that the power of the Word may have its free progresse in their Dominions, it being solely to that purpose, that they have their owne power given them; which when they have accomplished, their work is ended, and their power ceaseth.
The worke ought to be carried on though the Magistrate oppose it.
The duty of Magistrates.