The plain mans path-way to heaven

Phil. The great contempt of the Ministers of the Gospel in this age doth strongly argue the contempt of the Gospel it self. For a man cannot love the Gospel, and hate the faithful Ministers thereof. But we see by lamentable experience, that the most grave, godly, and learned Ministers are had in derision of very base and vile persons. And, as Job saith, They whose fathers I have refused to set with the dogs of my flocks, they were the children of fools, and the children of villains, which were more vile then the earth. For now every rascal dares scoff and scorn at the most grave and ancient Fathers and Pastors of the Church, dares flout them as they walk in the streets, and as they ride by the high-ways. And though the holy Ghost giveth them glorious and lofty titles (as the Stewards of Gods own house, disposers of his secrets, ¹disbursers of his treasure, keepers of the broad seal, keepers of the keys of heaven, Gods Secretaries, Gods Ambassadors, Angels; yea, the very glory of Christ: and all ⟨p. 144⟩this, to express the excellency of their calling) yet these vile varlets, and venomous vermin of the earth, dare call them proud Prelates, pilled Parsons, pelting Priests. O monstrous and intolerable impiety! Now it is come to pass that this most sacred function (which is glorious in the sight of God and his Angels, and in it self most honourable) is had in greatest contempt of all callings. For now the earth is full of rank Atheists, and mock-Gods, which scoff at the Gospel, and bleat out their tongues at all religion. These kind of fellows never dissemble for the matter, they make no show at all, they are no hypocrites, they hide not their sins, but declare them openly like Sodom. They care not if they never come to the Church; they are too full of it They live like brute beasts. They think the Scriptures are but fables. They rail at the Ministers and Preachers; they make flat opposition against them, and are notorious mockers and past-graces.

Phil. The great contempt of the Ministers of the Gospel in this age doth strongly argue the contempt of the Gospel it selfe. For a man cannot love the Gospel, and hate the faithfull Ministers thereof. But wee see by lamentable experience, that the most grave, godly, and learned Ministers are had in derision of very base and vile persons. And, as Job saith, They whose fathers I have refused to set with the dogs of my flocks, they were the children of fooles, and the children of villaines, which were more vile then the earth. For now every rascall dares scoffe and scorne at the most grave and ancient Fathers and Pastours of the Church, dares flout them as they walk in the streets, and as they ride by the high-wayes. And though the holy Ghost giveth them glorious and lofty titles (as the Stewards of Gods owne house, disposers of his secrets,