A30189:272
An answer to two treatises of Mr. John Can, the leader of the English…An answer to two treatises of Mr. Iohn Can, the leader of the English…
An answer to two treatises of Mr. John Can, the leader of the English Brownists in Amsterdam the former called, A necessity of separation from the Church of England, proved by the Nonconformists principles : the other, A stay against straying : wherein in opposition to M. John Robinson, he undertakes to prove the unlawfulness of hearing the ministers of the Church of England ... / by the late learned, laborious and faithful servant of Jesus Christ, John Ball.An answer to two treatises of Mr. Iohn Can, the leader of the English Brownists in Amsterdam the former called, A necessitie of separation from the Church of England, proved by the Nonconformists principles : the other, A stay against straying : wherein in opposition to M. Iohn Robinson, he undertakes to prove the unlawfulnesse of hearing the ministers of the Church of England ... / by the late learned, laborious and faithfull servant of Jesus Christ, John Ball.
London: printed by R.B., 1642
Chapter 1 › Section 5 › CAN Stay. Sect. 15. pag 133. › ANSWER.
Modern spelling is a reading aid: the words are the author’s, only the spelling is modernized. Original shows the page as printed, with the transcription marks.
The true Church in corrupt times hath been mixed with the false, not as actual members of that society as corrupt, but as they have been hid in that society, as good Corn overtopped with Weeds; or a little gold or purer metal in a great clod of Earth; God of his infinite mercy so providing for and preserving his poor people.
The true Church in corrupt times hath been mixed with the false, not as actuall members of that society as corrupt, but as they have been hid in that society, as good Corne overtopped with Weedes; or a little gold or purer metall in a great clod of Earth; God of his infinite mercy so providing for and preserving his poore people.
In time of the Judges the Israelites did every man that which seemed good in his own eyes, that is, 1worshipped God as he pleased. The Prophets testify, that the Church did not only fail in Israel, but in Judah likewise. I have brought up Children and they have rebelled against me. Ah sinful Nation, a people laden with iniquity, a corrupt seed. How is the faithful City become an Harlot! Thy silver is turned into dross, and thy Wine mixed wi•h water. They shall be confounded because of their Oaks wherein they delighted. The Land (viz. of Judah) is filled with Idols, they worship the work of their Hands, the Priests said not, where is the Lord? and they that should minister the Law, knew me not saith the Lord. The Pastors also offended against me, and the Prophets prophesied by Baal, and went after things, that did not profit. My people have changed their glory for that which did not profit. My people have committed two evils; they have forsaken me the fountain of living waters, to dig them pits, even broken pits, that can hold no water. The house of Israel is confounded, they, and their Kings, and their Princes, and their Prophets, saying to the wood, Thou art my Father. All of you have forsaken me, saith the LORD, Her treacherous Sister Judah feared not, but went and played the Harlot also. The back-sliding Israel, 2