An exposition with practical observations continued upon the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of…An exposition with practicall observations continued upon the eighth, ninth and tenth chapters of…

So those rebellious Jews pleaded (Jer. 44.17.) We will do as our fathers. They who will do as their fathers, may suffer with their fathers; they who will needs err by their fathers copy, may go to hell too by their fathers copy. Jerome once desired leave of Austin to err with seven fathers whom he found of his opinion, I should not desire that leave, nor envy any one the privilege. The Fathers are but children, when they err, and they who will err with their fathers, are worse then children.

So those rebellious Jews pleaded (Jer. 44.17.) We will doe as our fathers. They who will doe as their fathers, may suffer with their fathers; they who will needs erre by their fathers copy, may goe to hell too by their fathers copy. Ierome once desired leave of Austin to erre with seven fathers whom he found of his opinion, I should not desire that leave, nor envy any one the priviledge. The Fathers are but children, when they erre, and they who will erre with their fathers, are worse then children.

Consider then to what antiquity and to what fathers you appeal. Many practices are very old, yet very erroneous. Many old sayings and old doings, must be unsaid and undone, or we shall be undone for ever. How many old sayings of the Jews doth Christ gain-say (Mat. 5.) Ye have heard that it hath been said by them of old time, thus and thus, But I say unto you &c. And (Mat. 19.) answering the Question about divorce, Moses indeed for the hardness of your hearts, suffered you to put away your wives, but from the beginning it was not so. Besides, some (like the Gibeonites) feign antiquity, they can put a grey beard upon a green head; and their opinions will be found fennowed and mouldy with error, not with age. As we must take heed of novelties so we must be cautious about antiquities. Some antiquities of old men are no better than old wives fables of which the Apostle bids us beware; unlearned old wives fables are as authentic as many learned mens antiquities pleaded for. To have an itch after novelties, and to dote upon antiquities, are alike vain and dangerous. Old fables and young fancies are with me at the same rate, No man having drunk old wine (saith Christ,