A30189:388
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 8 › CAN Stay sect. 12 pag. 119, 120. › 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.
As for Balaam, whether he were a Witch, Wizard or Magician, it is not material to the point in hand. If the Treatiser did put that instance amiss, it will not follow, that you have truly proved the Ministers of the Church of England to be false Prophets, or soundly confuted what he answered for himself. And if the Treatisers friends be of your disposition, you may soon hear from them that you have answered nothing, for you have brought the sayings and opinions of men, but reason out of the Scripture you have alleged none to prove him simply a Witch and a false Prophet. And if the opinions and sayings of men will serve the turn, there be some that have thought Balaam to be a Prophet of God, 1and that for reasons not to be disregarded. Tertullian amongst others, thought Balaam to be a true Prophet, and such a Prophet, as should be numbered among the servants of God, because he professeth that he would ask counsel of God, and that he would speak nothing but what God should say unto him. And he doth not only say so, but indeed he propoundeth those things which he had received of God, and which consent with truth and piety. In Scripture he is called a Diviner, which word is sometimes used in a good sense, to note one that doth prophesy true things, or wisely and truly divine things to come. 2Divination or a wise sentence is in the lips of Kings. The Judge and the Prophet, the Diviner, and the old Man.
As for Balaam, whether he were a Witch, Wizard or Magician, it is not materiall to the point in hand. If the Treatiser did put that instance amisse, it will not follow, that you have truly proved the Ministers of the Church of England to be false Prophets, or soundly confuted what hee answered for himselfe. And if the Treatisers friends be of your disposition, you may soone heare from them that you have answered nothing, for you have brought the sayings and opinions of men, but reason out of the Scripture you have alledged none to prove him simply a Witch and a false Prophet. And if the opinions and sayings of men will serve the turne, there bee some that have thought Balaam to be a Prophet of God, 1and that for reasons not to be disregarded. Tertullian amongst others, thought Balaam to be a true Prophet, and such a Prophet, as should be numbred among the servants of God, because he professeth that he would aske counsell of God, and that he would speake nothing but what God should say unto him. And he doth not only say so, but indeed he propoundeth those things which he had received of God, and which consent with truth and pietie. In Scripture he is called a Diviner, which word is sometimes used in a good sense, to note one that doth prophesie true things, or wisely and truly divine things to come.