Peace. One and the last branch, dear Truth, remains concerning schools.
“The churches,” say they, “much depend upon the schools, and the schools upon the magistrates.”
Universities of Europe a cause of universal sins and plagues; yet schools honourable for tongues and arts.
Truth. I honour schools for tongues and arts; but the institution of Europe’s universities, devoting persons (as is said) for scholars in a monastical way, forbidding marriage, and labour too, I hold as far from the mind of Jesus Christ as it is from propagating his name and worship.
We count the universities the fountains, the seminaries, or seed-plots of all piety; but have not those fountains ever sent what streams the times have liked? and ever changed their taste and colour to the prince’s eye and palate?
For any depending of the church of Christ upon such schools, I find not a tittle in the Testament of Christ Jesus.
Christ’s church his school, and all believers scholars.
I find the church of Christ frequently compared to a school. All believers are his disciples or scholars, yea, women also, Acts ix. 36, There was a certain disciple, or scholar, called Dorcas.
Have not the universities sacrilegiously stolen this blessed name of Christ’s scholars from his people? Is not the very scripture language itself become absurd, to wit, to call God’s people, especially women, as Dorcas, scholars?
Peace. Some will object, how shall the scriptures be brought to light from out of popish darkness, except these schools of prophets convey them to us?