Reformed Covenanter
Cancelled Commissioner
Object. 1. It will be said, We are prohibited by the Magistrate.
Sol. 1. Was not this the Apostles case again and again? were not they commanded, yea strictly charged, not to preach any more? But did they give over? Why should not we answer with them, It is better to obey God than man? Doth God charge us so deeply, so dreadfully, and shall we think our selves discharged if man contradict it?
If the Magistrate should be thought indeed to have such a power of Dispensations, will not here be a fine easy way for idle Drones to shift the Yoke, and leave the Plow? for ‘twil but be to get an Order from above for not Preaching; and then when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, to pluck out his Indulgence, and no more can be said. But we fear God will not be so put off. Are not God’s forbidden Messengers, yet charged by Him to speak without fear, and that under a dreadful penalty, and shall we fear man’s wrath for preaching, more than God’s WO if we preach not?
For the reference, see Joseph Alleine on preaching when forbidden to by the magistrate.
Sol. 1. Was not this the Apostles case again and again? were not they commanded, yea strictly charged, not to preach any more? But did they give over? Why should not we answer with them, It is better to obey God than man? Doth God charge us so deeply, so dreadfully, and shall we think our selves discharged if man contradict it?
If the Magistrate should be thought indeed to have such a power of Dispensations, will not here be a fine easy way for idle Drones to shift the Yoke, and leave the Plow? for ‘twil but be to get an Order from above for not Preaching; and then when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, to pluck out his Indulgence, and no more can be said. But we fear God will not be so put off. Are not God’s forbidden Messengers, yet charged by Him to speak without fear, and that under a dreadful penalty, and shall we fear man’s wrath for preaching, more than God’s WO if we preach not?
For the reference, see Joseph Alleine on preaching when forbidden to by the magistrate.
