Chapter 4

This being thus determined, I returne againe to the maine [⟨in non-Latin alphabet⟩], concerning the duty and priviledge of the common people of Christianity, in sacred things: and first in cases extraordinary, in which perhaps it may be affirmed, that every one (of those I meane before named) is so farre a Minister of the Gospell as to teach and declare the faith to others, although he have no outward calling thereunto. And yet in this case every one for such an undertaking must have a Warrant by an immediate cal from God, and when God calls there must be no opposition, the thing it selfe he sends us upon, becomes lawfull by his mission, what God has cleansed, that call not you common (Acts 10:13). Never feare the equity of what God sets you upon; no excuses of disability or any other impediment, ought to take place, the Lord can and will supply all such defects. This was Moses case (Exodus 10:14): Oh Lord (says hee) I am not eloquent, neither heretofore, nor since you have spoken to your servant, but of a slow speech, and a slow tongue; And the Lord said to him, who has made mans mouth, have not I the Lord? So also was it with the Prophet Jeremy, when God told him, that hee had ordained him a Prophet to the Nations, he replyes, Ah Lord God, behold I cannot speake, for I am a Child; But the Lord (says hee) said to me, say not I am a Child, for you shall goe to all that I shall send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak (Jeremiah 1:6). Nothing can excuse any from going on his message, who can perfect his praise, out of the mouth of Babes and Sucklings. This the Prophet Amos rested upon, when he was questioned, although he were unfit for that heavenly employment, either by education or course of life: I was no Prophet, neither was I a prophets sonne; but I was an heardman, and a gatherer of Sycamore fruit; and the Lord tooke me as I followed the flock, and said to me, go Prophecy to my people Israel (Amos 7:14, 15). So on the contrary, Saint Paul, a man of strong parts, great learning, and endowments, of indefatigable industry, and large abilities, yet affirmes of himselfe, that when God called him to preach his word, he conferred not with flesh and bloud, but went on presently with his work (Galatians 1:16, 17).