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

CHAP. X. Treateth of Nobility, and Learning, &c.

SECT. 1.

Objection. IS not Nobility, and Learning, excellent ornaments for a Common-wealth?

Ans. Yea, but when the Nobles will not put* 1.1 their necks to the worke of the Lord, Nehem. 3. 5. and when Learning is spent upon private, and perni∣tious ends, it becommeth the foulest fiend the Devill hath upon earth, and his mightiest Agent to doe mischiefe; for no corrup∣tion is worse then that, which is best, mis-imployed, being of wo∣full consequence, proportionable to its native worth, such men for the most part, having the most worldliest ends; complying exactly with the world, hunting, and aspiring towards it, as their utmost aimes; and so by the abuse, and mis-applying of it, they put their great engine (very powerfull, either for excellency of good, or excesse of ill, as it takes) in the Devils hands, for the in∣larging, and advancing of his Kingdome, and so turneth the edge of it, to the dangerous hurt of others, and so by consequent, and accident, it proves a mighty bar, to keepe Christ and his Kingdome

out of their hearts; and thus doe they bend their abilities of Learning, closing with the corruption of the times, to raise and inrich themselves, as is most apparent in many, yea most of our present Magistrates, Ministers, and Lawyers in these covetous, and ambitious dayes.

SECT. 2.

NOw Gods principle and path is to be, Good, then Great;* 1.2 Religious, then rich; he would have his Ministers like bur∣ning, and shining Lamps, to the illumination, and salvation of his people; but the Devill tels▪ them, this is a soure, strict, and pre∣cise way, and it is not meet that such admired eminency of No∣ble, or learned parts, should be confined to such obscuri••y; that such rare gifts, and depth of knowledge, should intermixe a∣mongst a number of rude, ignorant, and uncapable Clownes; and therefore he labours, yea and prevailes with almost all of them, to raise their spirits to higher hopes, and to plunge present∣ly into the current of the times, and be made some body in the* 1.3 world. And hereupon their hearts being ravished with the plea∣sing apprehensions of worldly glory, and humane greatnesse, re∣presented by Satan, in the most illustring formes, to their ambiti∣ous imaginations, they resolve fearfully against their owne soules, to follow the streames, and to plot all meanes, and wayes of preferment, disclaiming all occasions, that tend to pre∣cisenesse, studying only to understand the world, and to nego∣tiate for advancement.

And upon this very score it was, that the boone Ath••••ian-like* 1.4 blades of the times, derided Doctrine, and use in Sermons, as poore, and beggerly; edifying plainesse, foolishnesse of Preach∣ing, knowing that by so doing, they should ingratiate them∣selves into the times, and please those great ones, who had ra∣ther have their eares tickled, then their Consciences touched; to have pillowes sowed under their armes, that they might lye more soft upon their beds of security, then to have the keene arrowes of Righteousnesse, and Truth, fastned in their sides, by the faith∣full Ministers, of Jesus Christ, to drive them to sincerity. And thus have those daubers made shipwrack of their Consciences, by their base, flattering, and depending on such great

ones, who have also been made hereby enemies to Professors, and their owne Soules.

SECT. 3.

Obj. VVEll, but to proceed where we left, what shall follow in case the Offender be dampnified by the Church, to pay a certaine sum, and he refuse?

Ans. The party so refusing to be ordered by the Church, doth thereby declare his contempt to the power given to it by Christ, upon which, he is to be ejected the Church, and so reduced to the state, and condition of a Heathen man, and a Publican.

Obj. But must the Plaintiffe then lose his money?

Ans. He hath then no other meanes to obtaine it, then by the* 1.5 Lawes of the Nation, by which the Civill Magistrate ruleth.

Obj. Wherein consisteth the power of the Magistrate?

Ans. He hath to doe in all things of a civill Cognizance, or that goe out of their Spirituall condition, into a Morall offence; as injustice, evill transgression, into tumult, or disturbance of publick, and private peace, actually, or expresly, and not inter∣pretatively, for so the Nations interpreted the Jewes, as troub∣lers of the State, and the Jewes Christ, and his Disciples, as mo∣vers of sedition.

The Papists, and Prelates, interpreted the Non-conformists, or reproached Puri••ans, as factious, and tumultuous, so as in any thing of a Morall, or Secular Cognizance, which the Magistrate hath cleare rule for to walke by from the Word of God, and not otherwise, and in so doing he ought to act, because he is the best Legislater, and Interpreter, and can best resolve in things touching publick liberty; but otherwise all manner of differen∣ces whatsoever, which may happen in the Church, without the limits of a Morall offence, may and ought to be decided in, and by the Church it selfe, as hath been fully proved.

Obj. Ought not Church businesses to be determined by voyces?

Ans. We never read of any such conclusion made, by any* 1.6 Church mentioned in Scripture, as that every particular member was asked apart, touching his nilling, or willing in such contro∣sie; neither is it probable, that any such course was used by them, but rather the matter being fully debated, by some eminent per∣sons,

(as it is usuall in Courts of Parliament, &c. As also it was by Peter, and James, Act. 15.) that then all the reall body, will willingly condiscend, to ratifie and confirme it.

Obj. It cannot be imagined, that every case will be made so cleare, as that the Church will condiscend, as you would have them, and if so, how would you have the peoples thoughts expressed in such cases?

Ans. It may be done by lifting up the hand, or dividing them∣selves into two bodies, or by I, or no, as it is usuall, in Par∣liaments, or Committees.

Obj. But what if there be an equality of parts, as many for, as against what will ensue?

Ans. What will ensue in the Court of Parliament, in the like case, or in your Assembly of Divines; and therefore the same course you would take, in such courses aforesaid, we will take the same in this; and thus have I stopped your mo••th with your owne morsell.

SECT. 4.

Obj. MAy not every Member present, at such a meeting, speake to the point in question if he please?

Ans. Yea he may doe so, as in like case may be done by any Member of Parliament▪ or other Couns••ll; but it ought to be done according to the Apostles rule, vi•• with d••cency, and order, and to avoyd con••usion as much as may be.

Obj. I have observed at some of your meetings, an horrible confusion.

Ans. Such disorders I hope will speedily be reformed, in our* 1.7 Brethren; to which purpose we have a notable example in that Dispute be••wixt the Apostles, ••lders, and Brethren at Jerusalem, concerning the matter of Circ••mcision, Act. 15. who at the first did as you say of our Brethren, Dispute confusedly; but whilst they did so, they had much Dispute to little purpose, as appear∣eth by the seventh verse of that Chapter, untill way was given, that they might speake by course; whereupon Peter being com∣monly the first in such matters, began to open the case apart by himselfe, the rest of the Apostles, and Elders being silent, as may appeare by the same verse; and yet we may perceive, that the

multitude termed the Brethren, ceased not to speake confusedly, untill Peter had ended his speech; and that they gave audience to Paul, and Barnabas, untill which time the text doth not ren∣der them silent; by which passage is really demonstrated un∣to us, the fruitlesse issues of confused discourse, as also the fruit∣full effects of decency and order; for we read, as soone as Paul, and Barnabas, had delivered themselves, (to whom the Brethren is said to give audience) the Apostle James being the next which spake, did in few words g••ve the multitude satisfaction.

And from hence we are taught the order and method, which* 1.8 we ought to use upon any occasion of businesse, which may con∣cerne the Church; as first, to make choyce of them whom we conceive, is the most judicious, and that by the example of the Church at Antioch, who made choy••e of Bar••••b••s, and Paul, and the other Brethren, which no doubt was the most able men a∣mongst them in that Church. As also of the Church at Jerusa∣lem, in permitting Peter, and James, to speake first, being the most grave in the Assembly; as also in that Churches making choyse of Judas, and Silas, who was men of eminence amongst them, (as may appeare by the 26. vers.) to send in their be∣halfes to Antioch.

SECT. 5.

2. THat Messengers being so sent, ought to behave them∣selves wisely, not making any tumult, or disturbance in the Church, to which they are sent, but only to speake as occa∣sion shall serve, and that by the example of Paul, and Bar∣nabas, who did not interupt Peter, but waited their oppor∣tunity.

Obj. Then every one that hath judgement may, and ought to speake?

Ans. They may speake if they wil, as the rest of the Apostles,* 1.9 and Elders, and the rest of the Brethren might have done, but we doe not read, that they did speake, after that Peter, ••••d James had opened the case, but given their judgements 〈◊〉〈◊〉 it, being thereby satisfied, did aquiesse in the judgement of James.

Obj. But what if Peter and James had not ended the con∣troversie?

Ans. Then they were to have gone on, in the same order, and method, untill they were satisfied; for if order will not doe it, I am certaine that confusion cannot. And it likely that the Apostle Paul gained this experience at that meeting, which he exhorteth the Corinthians to observe, (and so consequently all Churches) in all their enterprises whatsoever, viz. that all things might be done with decency and order, 1 Cor. 14. 40. for God being the God of order, 1 Cor. 14. 33. will doubtlesly require order in his Church, 1 Cor. 11. 34. and therefore we are to con∣forme unto it.

SECT. 6.

THe Apostle also exhorteth, that if any man speake in the Church, it ought to be as an Oracle of God, and we know that the manner of speaking by Oracle was gravely, and sententiously, delivering much matter, in few words; therefore this ought also to be a president unto our Brethren, that though they may speake, yet if that they cannot expresse themselves, in such a man∣ner as aforesaid, they both offend against the exhortation of the Apostle, as ••lso make a noyse, and disturbe the Church, to small, or no purpose.

Againe, as each particular Member of the Church, hath liberty to speake in the Church, concerning the affaires belonging to the Members of the Church, so have they likewise power to Pro∣phesie, as cleerly appeareth from that text, 1 Cor. 14. 31. where the Apostle saith, Ye may all prophesie one by one, &c. and yet we are not hereby to understand, that every of the Members of a Church ought to doe so, not being able to divide the word a∣right, for in this especially, he ought to speake as an Oracle of God.

The Apostle therefore writeth these sayings to the Churches* 1.10 to excite, and stir up the Members of each particular Church, to covit these excellent gifts, and that they should strive to goe one before another, by a godly emulation; giving them thereby to understand, that if the very meanest (in quality, or condition) of the Members of the Church of Christ, can by acting the part of a Noble Berean, viz. by their study, and industry, in the Scrip∣tures) attaine to the measure of such a gift, as to speake as he

ought to speake, that then he may, and ought to imploy his tal∣lent, as any of the rest whatsoever; doubtlesse it being, the very meanes, by which Barnabas, Simeon called Niger, Lutius of Cyrene, Manaen, Aquilla, Prisilla, &c. attained the gifts which they exercised in the Church of Antioch, Act. 13. 1, &c.

SECT. 7.

ANd therefore by this president also, our brethren of the pre∣sent* 1.11 Churches ought to be very cautations how they medle with such Edge-tooles, for feare of the scandal that many arise from such actions, whereof there is doubtlesse great cause of complaint, in that by so doing, the Church doth not receive edifying, as also, in that it administreth cause, to the enemies of God to blasphem; who many times commeth on purpose to such meetings, to pro∣cure themselves Mi••ch, by glorying in our shame.

Obj. I commend you in that you are no Countenancer of disorder in your brethren, for in very deed, the boldnes, and rudenesse of such members, hath made your Churches evi•• spoken of, and disesteemed more then otherwayes they would have beene, but yet if a member of your Church have but one tallant, will you have him imploy it?

Ans. Yea without all question, but not in publike meetings;* 1.12 for there the most powerfull meanes ought to be used, in regard, that the unbelievers have liberty to come to the publick Ordnance of preaching as well as any member of the Church (And that by our Saviours commands, Mat. 28. 19, 20. Marke 16, 16.) who as I have said, come (for the most part) to carpe at the doctrine deli∣vered, but in private meetings, they ought to imploy their parti∣cular tallants, for in so doing, they may in time become such exspert Proficients in Theology, as to teach publickly, being cal∣led thereunto.

SECT. 8.

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)* 1.13 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* 1.14 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.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The fruits of abused learn∣ing.
• * 1.2

  Gods princi∣ple and path.
• * 1.3

  The worlds principle.
• * 1.4

  The practice of our A•• be∣••i••n blades.
• * 1.5

  Wherein the Ma••istra••e is c••ncerned.
• * 1.6

  How Church ••usine••••ss•• may be concluded.
• * 1.7

  An example of the Apostles for deci••ing controversi••s
• * 1.8

  Who ought 〈…〉〈…〉 made use of in Church 〈◊〉〈◊〉.
• * 1.9

  Who ought to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the▪ ••hurc••.
• * 1.10

  Wherefore the Apostle ex∣horteth to prophesie.
• * 1.11

  It is dange∣rous medling ••ith edge tooles.
• * 1.12

  How spirituall 〈◊〉〈◊〉 a••e to be ••••actised.
• * 1.13

  The worke ought to be carried on though the Magistrate oppose it.
• * 1.14

  The duty of Magistrates.