Chapter 6

CAP. VI.

What assurance men extraordinarily called, can give to others, that they are so called in the former way.

The next thing to be considered, is, what assurance he can give to others, and by what means, that he is so called. Now the ⟨p. 33⟩matter, or subject of their employment may give us some light, to this consideration: and this is either, the inchoation of some divine work to be established amongst men, by virtue of a new, and before never heard of Revelation of Gods will; or a restoration of the same, when collapsed and corrupted by the sin of men. To the first of these, God never sendeth any, but whom he doth so extraordinarily and immediately call, and ordain for that purpose, and that this may be manifested unto others, he always accompanieth them with his own almighty power, in the working of such miracles, as may make them believed, for the very works sake which God by them doth effect. This we may see in Moses, and (after Jesus Christ anointed with the oil of gladness above his fellows to preach the Gospel) the Apostles: but this may pass; for nothing in such a way, shall ever again take place, God having ultimately revealed his mind, concerning his worship, and our salvation; a curse being denounced to man or angel, that shall pretend to Revelation, for the altering or changing one jot or title of the Gospel. For the other, the work of Reformation, there being, ever since the writing of his Word, an Infallible rule, for the performance of it, making it fall within the duty and ability of men, partakers of an ordinary vocation, and instructed with ordinary gifts; God doth not always immediately call men unto it: but yet because oftentimes he hath so done, we may enquire what assurance they could give, of this their calling, to that employment. Our Saviour Christ informs us, that a Prophet is often without honour in his own country: The honour of a Prophet, is to have credence given to his Message; of which it should seem, Jonah was above measure zealous; yet such is the cursed Infidelity and hardness of mens hearts, that though they cried, Thus saith the Lord, yet they would reply the Lord hath not spoken; hence are those pleadings betwixt the Prophet Jeremiah, and his enemies the Prophet averring of a truth, the Lord hath sent me unto you, and they contesting, that the Lord had not sent him, but that he lied in the Name of the Lord;