Some important truths about conversion, delivered in sundry sermons, / by Increase Mather, D.D.…

and then did Religion Flourish more than afterwards: but when Popish darkness overspread the world, almost all good Learning was lost with Religion. But when the light of the Gospel did again break forth, about the same time did the Lord in his good Providence revive the knowledge of Tongues and Arts. Hence the enemies of true Religion have been enemies of Learning. Some have observed that Jeroboam that so he might carry on his design of Corrupting Religion, did put down the Schools of Learning that were erected in the Land of Israel, which Elijah and Elisha did again restore. Julian the Apostate, that so he might root out the Christian Religion, destroyed all Public Schools of Learning amongst Christians. Some of •he Popes have been great enemies to Academies & good Literature. And so are th• Turks, because the light thereof would be a means ⟨p. xx⟩to discover and scatter the falsity of their dark Religion. It concerns Impostors to keep their Shops dark, that so they may the more easily put off their deceitful wares. The Jesuits in their private Instructions, lately discovered and published, Chap▪ 16. have this for one, we must teach that Learning is needless in a Parish Priest (so they Jewishly term a Minister of the New-Testament) and that if they understand the Gospel it is sufficient. These subtle Spirits of Devils, as John calls them, know full well, that if they could bring it to pass; that there should be no Learned men to oppose them, the World would soon be theirs. But concerning this point you may satisfy your Consciences by reading discourses on this Argument, such as Mr. Chancy's Sermon on Amos 2.11. Mr. Waterhouse's Apology for humane Learning; and especially Mr Reyners godly and elaborate discourse concerning the necessity of Humane Learning for a Gospel-preacher; And Mr. Gale's Court of the Gentiles, here it is proved that humane Literature hath received its Original from the Scriptures, and from the Jewish Church. I would not have said so much to you about this matter had there not been some special Cause for it. Let me further add. Look not upon gifts only in your Choice, but respect in a peculiar manner, that regenerating grace, whereby gifts are sanctified;

and then did Religion Flourish more than afterwards: but when Popish darkness overspread the world, almost all good Learning was lost with Religion. But when the light of the Gospel did again break forth, about the same time did the Lord in his good Providence revive the knowledge of Tongues and Arts. Hence the enemies of true Religion have been enemies of Learning. Some have observed that Jeroboam that so he might carry on his design of Corrupting Religion, did put down the Schools of Learning that were erected in the Land of Israel, which Elijah and Elisha did again restore. Julian the Apostate, that so he might root out the Christian Religion, destroyed all Publick Schools of Learnng amongst Christians. Some of he Popes have been great enemies to Academies & good Literature. And so are th Turks, because the light thereof would be a means