An expository comment, doctrinal, controversial, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…An expository comment, doctrinal, controversal, and practical upon the whole first chapter to the…

Lastly, As soon as they were called at the very first, they left their trades, they gave themselves to attend upon their work they had undertaken, whereas these plead for the retaining of their Calling still; private Christians then, though they are allowed to improve their gifts in a mutual edifying way, and may (if they will) find matter enough to exercise themselves therein, yet they may not usurp this Authority and Office in the Church, without a lawful Call thereunto.

Lastly, As soon as they were called at the very first, they left their trades, they gave themselves to attend upon their work they had undertaken, whereas these plead for the retaining of their Calling still; private Christians then, though they are allowed to improve their gifts in a mutual edifying way, and may (if they will) find matter enough to exercise themselves therein, yet they may not usurp this Authority and Office in the Church, without a lawfull Call thereunto.

2. Learning whether in the arts and tongues, is an excellent qualification in ¹men, and the chiefest of Gods gifts in a common way.

1. 1Obs. 2. Learning an excellent qualification in man, the choicest of Gods gifts in a common way.Obs. 2. Learning an excellent qualification in man, the choisest of Gods gifts in a common way.

For as Popery like a thick darkness did then cover the face of the whole earth, when all learning was buried, so when there came a Reformation in that kind, the Arts and the Tongues being more generally known, then also began the Reformed Religion to be so eminent. So that if we consider man, as he is rational, learning is his proper and peculiar perfection; and therefore far above wealth, or beauty, or strength, or any natural perfection whatsoever. In the times after the Apostles, when extraordinary things ceased, then they were learned men that God did for the most part raise up in his Church, both to govern the members thereof, and to profligate Heretics: such were Tertullian, Origen, Austin and Cyprian; of whom Austin said, That he came with the Egyptian spoil one of Egypt, and enriched Israel; by humane learning he did adorn the Church of God.