A35545:117
The works of Ephesus explained in a sermon before the honourable House of Commons…The workes of Ephesus explained in a sermon before the honovrable House of Commons…
The works of Ephesus explained in a sermon before the honourable House of Commons at their late solemn fast, April 27th 1642 / by Joseph Caryl ...The workes of Ephesus explained in a sermon before the honovrable House of Commons at their late solemne fast, April 27th 1642 / by Ioseph Caryl ...
London: printed for John Bartlet and William Bladen, 1642London: printed for Iohn Bartlet and William Bladen, 1642
Title page typeset from the transcription.
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.
I answer first, by that approved Maxim (Scriptura Ans. 1 Parabolica non est Argumentativa) We may not argue from every particular in a Parable, but only from the General Scope of it. The Scope of the Parable is only this, to show, that good and bad will be mixed together to the end of the world. Or it shows what God (out of his Prerogative) will suffer: Not what man (in duty) ought. It holds forth the pleasure of God to us, to which we must submit: Not a pattern, or a rule by which we must walk. God is able if he please, to pluck up at once all the tares and weeds in the world, yet he lets them grow: But this is no warrant for us to let them grow, which are in our lawful power to pluck up.
I answer first, by that approved Maxime (Scriptura Ans. 1 Parabolica non est Argumentativa) We may not argue from every particular in a Parable, but onely from the Generall Scope of it. The Scope of the Parable is onely this, to shew, that good and bad will be mixt together to the end of the world. Or it shewes what God (out of his Prerogative) will suffer: Not what man (in duty) ought. It holds forth the pleasure of God to us, to which we must submit: Not a patterne, or a rule by which we must walke. God is able if he please, to plucke up at once all the tares and weeds in the world, yet he lets them grow: But this is no warrant for us to let them grow, which are in our lawfull power to pluck up.
Again, the letter of the Parable is clear, that he forbids Ans. 2 only such a plucking up of Tares, as by which 1the wheat must be rooted up also; that is, a total extirpation: For indeed, if God should at once destroy all wicked men, the very Compages or bands of humane society would in a moment be dissolved. But we know the plucking up of many wicked ones, is a great advantage to the growth of them who are good. So then whatsoever justice upon the Tares will help the increase and fruitfulness of the wheat, that is not so much as aimed at in this Parable. And none but such acts of justice are intended in this Doctrine.
Againe, the letter of the Parable is cleare, that he forbids Ans. 2 onely such a plucking up of Tares, as by which