Five disputations of church-government and worship

Another reproach is commonly laid upon our Ministry by those that vilify them in order to their end•, viz that they are boys, and raw and unlearned, and manage the work of God so coarsely as tends to bring it into contempt. I would there were no ground for this accusation at all: but ⟨image 101⟩I must needs say, 1. That no men are more unmeet then you to be the accusers. Have you so corrupted the Ministry with the insufficient and ungodly, that we are necessitated to supply their places with men that are too young; and now do you reproach us, because we imperfectly mend your crimes? yea because we work not in possibilities? It is the desire of our souls, that no able useful man may be laid by, however differing in smaller matters, or controversies of policy? But we cannot create men, nor infuse learning into them; but when God hath qualified them, we gladly use them; the b•st that can be had are chosen; and what can be done more? And I hope y•u will acknowledge, that godly and tolerably able young men are fitter then impious, ignorant Readers.

Another reproach is commonly laid upon our Min•stry by those that vilifie them in order to their end•, viz that they are boyes, and raw and unlearned, and manage the work of God so coursely as tends to bring it into contempt. I would there were no ground for this accusation at all: but ⟨image 101⟩I must needs say, 1. That no men are more unmeet then you to be the accusers. Have you so corrupted the Ministry with the insufficient and ungodly, that we are necessitated to supply their places with men that are too young; and now do you reproach us, because we imperfectly mend your crimes? yea because we work not in possibilities? It is the desire of our souls, that no able useful man may be laid by, however differing in smaller matters, or controversies of policy? But we cannot create men, nor infuse learning into them; but when God hath qualified them, we gladly use them; the b•st that can be had are chosen; and what can be done more? And I hope y•u will acknowledge, that godly and tolerably able young men are fitter then impious, ignorant Readers.