and his mouth must be stopt and he must make supplication to his Judge whom though I were righteous saith Job yet would I not answer but I would make supplication to my Judge Job 9. 15. And this becomes man and not to argue it with the Lord and to wrangle with him as if God were unrighteous as if his Ways were not equal Who measures the Lord by his shallow understanding who cannot be searched out O the depth of the Riches both of the Wisdom and the Knowledge of God how unsearchable are his Judgements and his Wayes past finding out for who hath known the mind of the Lord Or who hath been his Counsellor Or who hath first given unto him and it shall be given unto him again For of him and through him and to him are all things to whom be Glory for ever Amen Rom. 9. 33 34 35. 36. So every man's mouth here must be stopt and before his Judge he must be silent as I have said and not lay unrighteousness on God or charge him that his Wayes are not equal For man himself shall conclude it otherwise in the day wherein the Lord will render unto him according to his deeds and therefore it is in vain to stand it out with the Lord. It is but the artifice of the Enemy that works this in you he knows you will otherwise say when it is too late therefore be not deceived by him least when 't is too late you blame your folly Moved of the Lord I am to write this to you in bowels of love that you may see your state and how this matter stands and that ye may be delivered And if ye yet say The Children being not yet born neither having yet done any good or evil that the Purpose of God according to Election might stand not of Works but of him that calleth It was said unto her the Elder shall serve the Younger as it is written Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated I answer as I did before this is spoken of the two Seeds the Seed of the Woman and the Seed of the Serpent of which these two were Figures in which as the Knowledge of the Lord foresaw they would be so he loved so he hated For he loveth and hateth no man but as they are in these and it was after the fall that this was spoken both the promise that the Seed of the Woman should bruise the Serpents head and the Elder shall serve the Younger Jacob have I loved and Esau have I hated For before there is nothing spoken of this for all stood well and as the same in the first Adam whilst he stood and there was no need of the Promise nor was there two as to man the one whereof was the Object of Love and the other of Hatred the Elder serving the Younger but man was one spirit from the Root Eternal and in the Root Eternal which God hath blessed And the two or that which made two the seed of the Serpent which entered into man came out afterwards For man receiving the Serpent and obeying his voice after he was made against the Command of God there came to be two things in man two Roots two which strugled the Seed of the Woman the seed of Promise and the seed of the Serpent the seed of the Curse as the Promise came to take place and that seed came to move in man to bring him back to God which the Lord hath promised as the Children strove in Rebecca's womb when she came to be delivered so do these as the time cometh wherein as I have said the promise of God cometh to be fulfilled The Flesh lusteth against the Spirit and the Spirit against the Flesh and these are contrary the one unto the other So that ye cannot do the things that ye would As the Apostle speaks Gal. 5. 17. And which the Apostle found in himself when the Promise came to be fulfilled in him I see saith he another law in my members warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into Captivity â—o the law of sin which is in my members And he cries out there as Rebecca did concerning the Children If it be so why am I thus And she went to enquire of the Lord Gen. 25. 22. O wretched man that I am who shall deliver me from the body of this Death Rom. 7. 23 24. So the Children strugled in the Womb of Rebecca which was the Figure Two Nations are in thy Womb and two manner of People shall be separated from thy bowels and theone people shall be stronger then the other people and the Elder shall serve the Younger said the Lord unto her of whom she went to enquire when it was so with her as aforesaid And when her dayes to be delivered were to be fulfilled behold there were Twins in her womb and the first came out Red all over like an hary Garment and they called his Name Esau and after that came his brother out and his hand took hold on Esau's heel and his Name was called Jacob â— 24 25 26. So the Law of the Spirit of Life which was in Christ Jesus strugled with the law of Sin and of Death In Paul which though the law of sin and of death the law in his members strugled with and came out first When I would do good the law of his mind evil is present with me the law in his members the good that I would I do not the evil which I would not that do I Yet it took hold of its heel and supplanted it as the Name of Jacob the true Seed siignifies Is he not said Esau rightly named Jacob For he hath supplanted me these two times he took away my birth-right and behold now he hath taken away my blessing and Esau hated Jacob because of the blessing wherewith his Father blessed him And Esau said in his heart the days of mourn-for my Father are at hand then will I slay my brother Jacob Gen. 27. 36 37. 41. It came after and supplanted overthrew the other I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord the Law of the Spirit of Life which is in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Law of Sin and Death For what the Law could not do for that it is weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh that the Righteousness of the Law might be fulfilled in us who walk not after the Flesh but after the Spirit for they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit for to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace vers 21. chap. 8. 2 3 4 5 6. So there is the first and the second the first man Adam and the second the Law of Sin and Death and the Law of the Spirit of Life the Law of the
A TREATISE CONCERNING Election Reprobation AND The things appertaining thereunto Am I moved of the Lord to Write for the Satisfaction of all who desire to know the Truth as it is in Jesus and the Confusion of that abominable Principle viz. That God hath Reprobated some Men from all Eternity and therefore it is that they cannot be otherwise Written in the fear and at the Movings of the Lord By his Servant Geo. Bishop For whom he did fore know he also did Predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son that he might be the first born among many Brethren Moreover whom he did Predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also Justified and whom he Justified them he also Glorified Rom. 8. 29 30. Say unto them As I live saith the Lord I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and Live Turn ye Turn ye from your evil ways for why will ye die O house of Israel Therefore thou Son of Man Say unto the children of thy People The Righteousness of the Righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his Transgression as for the wickedness of the Wicked he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness neither shall the Righteous be able to live for his Righteousness in the day that he sinneth Ezek. 33. 11 12 13. O Israel Thou hast destroyed thy self but in me is thy help Hos 13. 9. Printed in the Year 1663. A TREATISE Concerning Election Reprobation c. COncerning those two great Points viz. Election and Reprobation for the confusion of that abominable Principle viz. That God hath Reprobated some men from all Eternity and therefore it is that they cannot be otherwise And the satisfaction of all such as desire to know the Truth as it is Jesus this I have to say from the Lord and as moved of him and in his fear do I write The Lord made not Man to destory him neither hath he concluded any man from all Eternity to Destruction That were to think most abominable of God who hath no pleasure in the death of a Sinner but that the Wicked turn from his way and Live and to overthrow the end of his Coming into the World whom the Father hath sent to redeem Man and to bring him back again unto God Ezek. 33. 11. Hos 13. 14. Tit. 2. 14. As is the Opinion of those who hold Reprobation from all Eternity Whether they be called by the Name of Presbyters or Calvinists or Fathers of the Church or Doctors or Ministers of the Gospel or Lay Elders or People or Offieers whether in England Scotland or Ireland or any other parts of the World to all such I am moved of the Lord to write even to all those whosoever they be or wheresoever they are and this I have to say unto you from the Lord. You are mistaken in this whole Matter not knowing the Lord nor the Power of his working who doth unto every man according to the pleasure of his Will and who hath resisted his Will and this is his Will yea he hath sworn it that he hath no pleasure in the death of a sinner but that the Wicked turn from his way and Live Turn ye turn ye from your evil wayes for why will ye die O house of Israel So said the Lord by the Prophet Say unto them as I live saith the Lord I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and live Turn ye turn ye from your evil wayes for why will ye die O house of Israel And saith he further and t is to be minded what he saith Therefore thou Son of Man Say unto the children of thy People The Righteousness of the Righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his Transgression as for the wickedness of the wicked he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness neither shall the Righteous be able to live for his Righteousness in the day that he sinneth When I shall say to the Righteous that he shall surely live if he trust to his own Righteousness and commit iniquity all his Righteousness shall not be remembred but for his iniquity which he hath committed he shall die for it Again when I say unto the wicked Thou shalt surely die If he turn from his sin and do that which is lawful and right if the wicked restore the Pledge give again that that he hath robbed walk in the statutes of life without committing iniquity he shall surely live he shall not die none of his sins that he hath committed shall be mentioned unto him he hath done that which is lawful and right he shall surely live Yet the children of thy people say The way of the Lord is not equal but as for them their way is not equal When the Righteous turneth from his Righteousness and committeth iniquity he shall even die thereby but if the wicked turn from his wickedness and do that which is lawful and right he shall live thereby Yet ye say The way of the Lord is not equal O ye house of Israel I will judge you every one after his wayes And the ground of what the Lord so speaketh is in the words before and it is the very same with you in this matter which they had then to say against the Lord as you have now upon which account the Lord pleaded with them then who said The way of the Lord is not equal as he doth with you now for so your conclusion speaks as I shall shew by and by though you will not speak so openly in words Therefore saith he O thou Son of Man speak unto the house of Israel thus ye speak saying If our transgressions and our sins be upon us and we pine away in them how should we then live Say unto them As I live saith the Lord God I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked man turn from his way and live Turn ye turn ye from your evil wayes for why will ye die O house of Israel Therefore thou Son of Man Say unto the children of thy People c. as aforesaid Ezek. 33. 10. and so forwards Read the Chapter Now if the Lord hath no pleasure in the death of the wicked but that the wicked turn from his way and live Turn ye turn ye from your evil wayes for why will ye die O house of Israel and you see he hath Sworn it and if the Righteousness of the Righteous shall not deliver him in the day of his transgression and if as for the wickedness of the Wicked he shall not fall thereby in the day that he turneth from his wickedness and if the Righteous shall not be able to live for his Righteousness in the day that he sinneth and you see the Lord hath spoken it and that if the Lord say to the
the Younger that the purpose of God according to Election might stand not of works but of him that calleth So then of him that calleth it is where the purpose of God as to Election stands of him that witnesses that moves to God-ward in man not of that which goeth another way not of that which worketh All the endeavours of man from that or that is not of that which calleth in man the Election will not avail the purpose of God is not there Esau the Hunter hath not the blessing the first state Prospers not it cannot inherit it must serve the younger to whom the blessing is Pharaoh the hard-hearted which will not let Israel go when God calleth him the Election is hated of God is for Destruction and all that are in it the purpose of God is as to the Other the Election the Power of God is shewn here and it is raised up for that purpose even that his Name may be declared throughout the earth Vessels of Wrath fitted to destruction all that are in it all in whom it is whom he hath endured with much long-suffering What if God willing to shew his wrath and to make his power known endured with much long-suffering the vessels of wrath fitted for destruction v. 22. So man hath a day and God calleth upon man to turn and live and man heareth not so as to turn and live and the Lord endures with much long suffering whilst he calls whilst he speaks And man's day is over and long suffering is at an end and God calls no more and waites no longer and the Election is withdrawn Christ the Seed of the Promise that which calls that which seeks that which waites that which bears that which endures with much long suffering Those whom wrath fills whom the first Exercises the State in the Fall in the Transgression the state of Vnbelief the state of Reprobation the Lord makes known his Power God shews his wrath after long-suffering hath an end On the Vessels of wrath fitted to destruction Those in whom destruction hath had its course and will now end Even for this cause have I raised thee up that I might shew my Power in thee and that my Name might be declared in all the Earth So God is not unrighteous What shall we say then is there unrighteousness with God God forbid For he saith to Moses I will have mercy on whom I will have mercy and I will have compassion on whom I will have compassion as the Apostle saith in the same case Rom. 9. 15. He found all men in the fall He found all men in the state of wrath in the state of Reprobation in the state of Vnbelief He concluded all in Vnbelief that he might have mercy upon all and herein is his mercy manifest in that he calleth man in this state who seeks not after God in that he waites on Man in that he seeks him who is lost In that there is something of himself in man that stands at the Corners of the Streets in the chief place of Concourse in the openings of the Gate and calleth upon him â—o Return the Voice of Wisdom Now if man will not come hither if he will not be drawn here if he will not return but go on in his own way and follow after the counsel of his own heart and not the Lords his destruction is of himself the Lord is clear if he give over calling after him If he let him alone If he seek after him no more and shut up his day upon him The day of his Visitation the Lord is clear and that which called upon man in man which man would not hear that of him in man which sought man and man would not return would not be gathered will witness for God in the day that he will render unto every man according to his deeds So Jacob have I loved and Esau have I hated the Elder shall serve the Younger the Children being not yet born neither having done any good nor evil that the purpose of God according to Election might stand not of works but of him that calleth for this purpose have I raised thee up that I may shew my power in thee and that my Name may be declared throughout all the Earth The Vessels of Wrath fitted for destruction the Vessels of Mercy afore prepared unto Glory of which the Apostle speaks Rom. 9. 22 23. Are the two Seeds the two States and those that stand in them according as they stand in them according as they are found in them are they determined to Life or Death to Salvation or Destruction to the one that the purpose of God according to Election might stand to the other that he might shew his power in them and that his Name may be declared throughout all the Earth even for this same purpose have I raised thee up Therefore hath he mercy on whom he will have mercy and whom he will he hardneth Whom he will he inclines the Ear to hear that which calleth and they are gathered into it the Election that the Purpose of God according to Election might stand not of Works but of him that calleth Whom he wills their day is shut up and he calleth no more who hath been long rejected and these are hardned as was Pharaohs who refused to let Israel go and the more the wonders of the Lord were shewn and he called upon by Moses to let the people go the more he hardned his heart till he bad Moses see his face no more for in the day that he did it he should surely die look to this all ye who resist the Motions of the Spirit the movings of the good Spirit of the Lord in you that which calleth on you in you to return and live And do not against it but be led by it least you come to hate it and though Wonders have been shewn to the Dead that which is in the state of Death in you and lies in the Grave by reason of Transgression be reached and it hear the Voice of the Son of God that which calleth in you and you know it You come yet to rebel against the Lord and that which calleth on you be an abomination unto you Wilt thou shew Wonders to the Dead shall the dead arise and praise thee Shall thy loving kindness be declared in the Grave and thy Faithfulness in destruction Shall thy Wonders be known in the dark And thy Righteousness in the Land of Forgetfulness but unto thee have I cryed O Lord Psal 88. 10 11 12 13. Then is your day like to be at an end and your evening is at hand when you come to hate him that reproves in the Gate and that which calls on you must no more come neer you least it die Moses that which works the Wonders which shews them to the Dead which calls upon you and you hear its Voice For then your first born is like to be slain and Israel shall come out of
Egypt that which suffered in you and you made to serve with an Out-stretched Arm and be delivered in your destruction it is the Word of the Lord. He that hath an Ear let him hear what it speaketh Because I have called and ye refused I have stretched out my Hand and no man regarded but ye have set at nought all my Counsel and would none of my Reproofe I also will laugh at your calamity I will mock when your fear cometh when your fear cometh as Desolation and your Destruction cometh as a Whirlwind when Distress and Anguish cometh upon you then shall they call on me saith Wisdom who cryeth without and uttereth her Voice in the Streets she cryeth in the chief places of Concourse in the openings of the Gates in the City she uttereth her Voice saying how long ye simple ones will ye love simplicity and the Scorners delight in their scorning and fools hate Knowledge Turn ye at my Reproofe behold I will pour out my Spirit upon you I will make known my Words unto you then shall they call on me saith Wisdom But I will not answer They shall seek me early but they shall not find me For that they hated Knowledge and did not choose the fear of the Lord they would none of my Counsel they despised all my Reproof therefore shall they eat of their own way and be filled with their own devices for the turning away see you here of the Simple shall slay them and the Prosperity of Fools shall destroy them But whoso hearkneth unto Me shall dwell safely and shall be quiet from the fear of evil Prov. 1. 20. to the end So the Vessels of Wrath and the Vessels of Mercy are hear Those who stand in the one 〈◊〉 are found in the other which is the Election and Reprobation according to the purpose of him that calleth And even for this same purpose have I raised thee up Both his purpose they who are found in either his purpose is according to the state of either in which they are found Vessels of Wrath Vessels of Mercy What if God be willing to shew his Wrath and to make his Power known endured with much long-suffering the Vessels of Wrath fitted to destruction he doth not say ordained to destruction and all Eternity but fitted to destruction which Iniquity doth and destruction is the end when it hath finished its course sin when it is finished brings for Death Jam. 1. 15. Destruction is the end when Iniquity finishes its course and that he might make known the riches of his Glory on the Vessels of Mercy which he had afore prepared unto Glory Even us whom he hath called not of the Jews only but also of Gentiles Rom. 9. 22 23 24. So fitted for destruction vessels of wrath iniquity fits to destruction as I have said the creature in that state the state of the fall the state of Reprobation vessels of Wrath fitted to destruction on whom he will he makes his power known after he hath endured with much long-suffering see you here after he hath waited after he hath called after he hath sought after he hath endured with much long-suffering and man will not hear man will not turn If he turn not he will whet his sword he hath bent his bow and made it ready he hath also prepared for him the Instruments of death he ordaineth his Arrows against the Persecutors Psal 7. 12 13. God is willing what if God willing to shew his Wrath to make his Power known even for this same purpose have I raised thee up that I may shew my Power in thee endured with much long-suffering the Vessels of Wrath whom Reprobation Iniquity Vnbelief hath filled up whom it hath contained in whom it hath long lodg'd who would not be emptied would not have it cast out on which the wrath of God abides Vessels of Wrath fitted to destruction made ready for that purpose by Iniquity Iniquity fits to destruction that 's all the profit of it if so be it may be called so to fit to destruction for God to shew his wrath to make known his power upon after he hath endured with much long-suffering the Vessels of Wrath. And the Vessels of Mercy which he had afore prepared unto Glory Here 's both as I have said Vessels of Wrath Vessels of Mercy Vessels of Wrath fitted to destruction Vessels of Mercy afore prepared unto Glory That which receives that which calls which shews mercy I will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy That the Purpose of God according to Election might stand not of Works but of him that calleth Vessels of Mercy they receive mercy contain mercy retain that which calleth the Purpose of God according to Election Even as they did not like to Retain God in their Knowledge God gave them over to a Reprebate mind to do those things which are not convenient being filled with all unrighteousness c Rom. 1. 28 29. I will shew mercy on whom I will shew mercy afore prepared unto Glory Mercy that which calleth the Purpose of God according to Election not of Works but of him that calleth prepares unto Glory where it is received that which calleth Mercy afore prepared unto Glory As Iniquity that which hardens the heart shuts the ear maketh to refuse mercy not to retain that which calleth the Purpose of God according to Election fits to destruction Vessels of Wrath fitted to destruction Vessels of Mercy afore prepared unto Glory What if God be willing to shew his wrath and to make his Power known And that he might make known the Riches of his Glory So God is not Vnrighteous he made not man to destroy him Neither hath he concluded any man from all Eternity to destruction But he made man Upright and after his own Image and therein man was kept as he kept therein but man turning from that in which he was made to another thing Death came over all because all in Adam had sinned and in the state of Death every man stood and was concluded because in Adam every man had sinned and fallen short of the glory of God Now in this state as I have said the Lord finding every man his compassion wrought to man and his bowels earned towards him whom he had made in his Image which now man had lost and was fallen from and Death was come over therefore as he concluded all in this state because all had sinned and come short of his glory so he had mercy upon all he concluded all in unbelief that he might have mercy upon all and this is his mercy that there is something of himself in man which shews him where he is and what he doth as he hearkens to it believes in it and obeys it and his enemy and sin and transgression by reason of which death came over and judges it and calls upon man to return to the Lord that he may be redeemed from Death and ransomed from the power of the Grave
Mind and the Law in the Members the Flesh and the Spirit the Son of God in the likeness of sinful flesh condemning sin in the flesh and the body of sin and death Two Nations two manner of People the one stronger then the other the strong man armed the stronger then he The Elder as to man in the state of the fall that came out first the Younger which was before the Elder though it came out in the World after This is he said John of whom I said after me cometh a Man which is preferred before me for he was before me John 1. 30. The Younger who comes after the fall the seed of the Woman to redeem out of the fall to bruise the Serpents head which the Elder must serve which taketh hold of the heel of the Elder and supplants it and makes it to serve the Elder shall serve the Younger And so the Apostle speaketh They are not all Israel who are of Israel Neither because they are the seed of Abraham are they all Children but in Isaac shall thy seed be called That is they that are the children of the flesh these are not the children of God but the children of the Promise are counted for the seed For this is the word of Promise at this time will I come and Sara shall have a son And not only this but when Rebecca also had conceived by one even by our Father Isaac for the children being not yet born neither having done any good or evil that the purpose of God according to Election might stand not of works but of him that calleth It was said unto her the Elder shall serve the Younger as it is written Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated as aforesaid Rom. 9. 7 8 9 10 11 12 13. And here is the whole matter as it lies together and as the Scriptures testifie and are the Explanation of one another in the Spirit of the Lord from whom I have written and who hath shewn me these things that I might write them unto you that your understandings might be opened and that ye might come to see the Truth as it is in Jesus and be brought to the Knowledge of the Truth And so I have finished this particular The Lord God Eternal open your eyes that in this your day you may know the things that belong unto your Peace And so I shall proceed As the Lord made not man to destroy him and as he hath not concluded any man from all Eternity to destruction So neither hath he so made man as that it is impossible for him to fall from the state in the which he was made or to miscarry so as to fall from life for ever and ever That were to put man in another state then that in the which he was made who was made in a Dependance on God for his being and Subsistance in the state in the which he was made and to render him as God knowing both good and evil that is to set him as do he good or do he evil he shall never be finally removed from the state in the which he was made that is from Life but shall remain as God The Judgement of the Ranters whom the Serpent hath taken with that which was his first bait with which he took Eve at first and with which they are taken at this day who hold That do they what they will they shall never be finally â—emoved from the state in the which they were made that is from Life Ye shall not surely die for God knoweth that in the day that ye eat thereof then your eyes shall be opened and ye shall be as Gods knowing good and evil Gen. 3. 4 5. This the Serpent laid before Evè viz. a state beyond that in the which she was made Ye shall not surely die a state at the pleasure of him that made you and at his Commandmen who gave you your being Yea hath God said ye shall not eat of every Tree in the garden v. 1. hath he put you are ye under such a dependency on him and at his command Nay ye shall not surely die it is not so ye shall be as Gods a state beyond that in which ye were made ye shall not need to stand in such awe and dread Ye are not necessitated to such a dependency upon God as that doing contrary to his Command ye shall die your state shall be changed nay your state shall not be so changed but eating of the Tree doing of that which he hath said ye shall not doe which signifies a Subjection and Subordination a Creature state of Variation and Change at the Will of Him that made you Nay the doing of this will enter you into another state that 's more high more fixed more certain a state wherein God is who changeth not nor is moved nor doth alter or varie from that wherein he is and this God knoweth for God doth known this is the Reason that God hath set you under such a command in such dread in such awe as of death a loosing of the state in the which ye are and a coming into a quite contrary or another this he knows and therefore hath laid this Command upon ye to keep ye from this to prevent your attaining unto this to be as he is setled and unchangeable do ye what ye will ye shall not surely die Nay it shall enter you into that state wherein there is no such thing as death but only a death unto that in which ye are as you are passing to it as through death to life ye shall not need thus to be put to it ye shall be as Gods without change without alteration without fear or dread or a necessary dependance upon another to keep you in the state in the which ye are Ye shall not need thus to be put to it at every turn to be under this Rod under this reproof under this check under such a manifestation as this and who would be so when he may be otherwise This God knoweth therefore hath he laid this Bar upon you this Precept this Bond to keep ye under that in the day that ye eat thereof ye do otherwise then he hath ordained you and so put your selves out of a state of dependance upon him or of being Creatures so to be disposed of and ordered by him so taking your selves into your own Power your own disposal as he doth himself and you whilst it is thus with you that you dare do nothing but what he requires you and that ye dare not do that which he forbids you which is a Creature state of alteration and change of Subjection and Subordination you will be as he is you will be as Gods unalterable unchangeable insubjectible insubordinate and this God knoweth that in the day that ye eat thereof that ye so put your selves that ye so take your selves into your own order and not stand under his Order and Rule who hath so
the Minister of sin God forbid For if I build again the things that I have destroyed I make my self a transgressor Gal. 2. 17 18 For whom he did foreknow he also did predestinate to be conformable to the Image of his Son that he might be the first born of many brethren Moreover whom he did predestinate them he also called and whom he called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also glorified Rom. 8. 29 30. So then there is no Predestination where there is not first a Foreknowledge and this Predestination is to be conformed to the Image of his Son and his Image is Righteousness and true Holiness and where Righteousness and true Holiness are not there is not the Image of his Son and where the Image of his Son is not there is no Conformity to the Image of his Son and where there is no conformity to the Image of his Son there is no Predestination And where sin is there is no Conformity to the Image of his Son And so no Predestination no Calling that abides no Justification no Glorification no Foreknowledge to Life Eternal Whom he did Predestinate them he also Called and whom he also called them he also justified and whom he justified them he also Glorified and whom he foreknew he also did predestinate to be conformed to the Image of his Son that he might be the first born among many Brethren Rom. 8. 27. And here is the sum of the whole matter No fore-knowledge to life Eternal no predestination no calling that abides no justification no glorification but in conformity and to be conformed to the Image of his Son that he may be the first born of many brethren The Brethren of whom he is the first born are such as are conformed to his Image which is Righteousness and true Holiness and he hath predestinated none but to this nor fore-known any to predestination but to this and where this is not there is no fore-knowledge no predestination to life Eternal none of the Brother-hood of which he is the first born for whom he did fore-know he also did predestinate to what to be conformed unto what to the Image of his Son So where conformity is not to the Image of his Son there is no predestination there is no calling that abides as I have said and the Scripture speaks it plain For the Gifts and calling of God are without Repentance saith the Apostle as to Election and that of the Jews who saith he as concerning the Gospel they are enemies for your sakes but as touching the Election they are beloved for the Fathers sake for the gifts and calling of God are without Repentance Rom. 11. 28 29. And the gifts and calling of God that are without Repentance are unto Eternal Life and Eternal Life is in his Son John 5. 11. and he that is in Christ Jesus is a new Creature Old things are passed away behold all things are made new 2 Cor. 5. 17. And saith he have put on the new man which is renewed in Knowledge after the Image of him that created him where there is neither Greek nor Jew circumcision nor uncircumcision Barbarian Scythian bond nor free but Christ is all and in all Put on therefore as the Elect of God bowels of Mercy kindness humbleness of mind meekness long-suffering forbearing one another and forgiving one another if any man hath a quarrel against any even as Christ forgave you so also do ye Col. 3. 10 11 12 13. And where there is no calling which is unto Holiness there is no justification For God hath not called us unto uncleanness but unto Holiness 1 Thes 4. 7. and Holiness becomes thy House O Lord for ever Psal 93. 5. And who hath saved us and called us with an Holy calling not according to our Works but according to his own purpose and Grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Chriâ—t who hath abolished death and hath brought life and immortality to light thorough the Gospel 2 Tim. 1. 9 10. And the eyes of your understanding being enlightned that ye may know what is the hope of his calling and what the Riches of the Glory of his Inheritance in the Saints and what is the exceeding greatness of his Power to us-ward who believe according to the working of his Mighty Power which he wrought in Christ when he raised him from the dead and set him at his own right hand in the Heavenly places far above all Principality and Power and Might and Dominion and every Name that is named not only in this world but also in that which is to come and hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him that filleth all in all Ephes 1. 18. to the end And there is one Body and one Spirit even as you are called in one hope of your calling One Lord one Faith one Baptism One God and Father of all who is above all and through all and in you all Ephes 4. 4 5 6. And we pray alwayes for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling and fulfill all the good pleasure of his goodness and the work of Faith with Power that the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you and ye in him according to the Grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ 2 Thes 1. 11 12. And you see your calling brethren how that not many wise men after the flesh not many mighty not many noble are called but God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty and base things of the world and things which are despised hath God chosen yea and things which are not to bring to nought the things that are that no flesh should glory in his presence But of him are ye in Christ Jesus who of God is made unto us Wisdom and Righteousness and Sanctification and Redemption That according as it is written He that gloryeth let him glory in the Lord 1 Cor. 1. 26. to the end And I count not my self to have apprehended but this one thing I do forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before I press toward the mark for the price of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus Phil. 3. 14 15. And Holy brethren partakers of the Heavenly calling consider the Apostle and high Priest of our Profession Christ Jesus who was faithful to him that appointed him as also Moses was faithful in all his house For this man was counted worthy of more glory then Moses inasmuch as he that hath builded the house hath more honour then the house For every house is builded by some man but he that built all
had put off the Old man seeing that ye have put off the Old man saith he to them Col. 3. 10. with his deeds and had put on the New man Which is renewed in Knowledge after the Image of him that created him as hath been said v. 11. So People must be created again must be renewed must be put into another temper into another mould into another stock into another nature who are in the Transgression they must be born again or they can never enter into the Kingdom of God The Old must be marr'd must be broken down must be done away must be put off The Old man with his deeds and the New man must be put on ere Salvation can be witnessed by Christ Jesus The Old building must be thrown down and the New must be raised Ye also as lively Stones are built up a Spiritual House an holy Priesthood to offer up Spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God by Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 2. 5. Ye are God Husbandrie ye are Gods building According to the Grace of God which is given unto me as a wise Master builder I have laid the Foundation and another buildeth thereon but let every man take heed how he buildeth thereupon for other foundation can no man lay then that is laid which is Jesus Christ Now if any man build upon this Foundation Gold Silver Precious Stones Wood Hay Stubble every mans work shall be made manifest For the Day shall declare it because it shall be revealed by fire and the fire shall try every mans work of what sort it is If any mans work abide which he hath built thereupon he shall receive a reward If any mans work shall be burnt he shall suffer loss but he himself shall be saved yet so as by fire Know ye not that ye are the Temple of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you If any man defile the Temple of God him shall God deâ—troy for the Temple of God is holy whose Temple ye are 1 Cor. 3. 9. to the 18. And rooted and built up in him and stablished in the Faith as ye have been taught abounding therein with Thanksgiving Col. 2. 17. In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy Temple in the Lord in whom ye are builded together for an Habitation of God through the Spirit Ephes 2. 21 22. Now the Temple of God is holy as hath been said whose Temple ye are said the Apostle to the Saints and Holiness becomes thy House for ever and without are Dogs and Sorcerers and Whore Mongers and Murders and Idolaters and whosoever loveth and maketh a lie Rev. 22. 15. And there shall in no wise enter into it the holy City any thing that defileth neither whatsoever worketh abomination or maketh a lie but they which are written in the Lambs book of life Rev. 21. 27. And these things he testifies who is faithful and true who is the Root and Off-spring of David and the bright and morning Star And the Spirit and the Bride say come and let him that heareth say come and let him that is a thirst come and whosoever will let him take the Water of life freely For this I testifie unto every man that heareth the Words of the Prophesie of this book if any man shall add unto these things God shall take his part out of the book of Life and out of the Holy City and from the things which are written in this book He that testifies these thing saith surely I come quickly Amen even so come Lord Jesus Rev. 22. 17 18 19 20. And so unto all this I speak in the Name of the Lord and in the Power of God that the hour is very nigh wherein these things shall be proved so to be in the hearts of all even of them that oppose themselves And then they will see that these things are so and that they have been mistaken otherwise to think and that the Enemie was in it to deceive them when they came to this great thing Christ Jesus the Power of God and the Wisdom of God that which reprov'd them that which made manifest which is in them in which they should have believed that so they might have felt his Power which redeems which cleanses which purifies which brings back to God again which Moulds which Forms which I eavens all into its own lump which works up all into himself and makes holy as he is holy and builds up all that so believe and abide and obey into an holy habitation of God through the Spirit and so saves which is the Will of God This is the Will of God even your Sanctification that ye should abstain from Fornication saith the Apostle 1 Thes 4. 3. And by the wich Will ye are Sanctified by the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all Heb. 10. 10. And by one offering he hath for ever perfected them that are Sanctified Heb. 10. 14. And both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are of one therefore he is not ashamed to call them Brethren Heb. 2. 11. And being Sanctified by the Holy Ghost Rom. 15. 16. And to them that are Sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be Saints 1 Cor. 1. 2. Now the Enemie hath turn'd people another way and they have suffered it to be so viz. To believe that they shall be saved because the Lord desireth not the death of a sinner And so be they what they will the Lord looks not to that he is a free Agent the Lord wills it and they shall be saved For in his will there is Power And so people are deceived by Satan the old deceiver which deceiveth the whole World whose time is neer wherein he must be cast out therefore worketh he as he can to save himself from being cast out and in some after this sort and in others after that according as he can prevail with the understandings of any and deceiving them there lead them aside And so I have done with you also For this is the Will of the Lord as to me in this thing that I should clear up this thing to the understandings of all that all might have a living savour of these things in themselves and come out of that in which they have been led Captive and the Enemie hath deceived them that they may be his workmanship created in Christ Jesus unto good works as he hath before ordained that we should live in them who are the first fruits of his Spirit who he is coming to trie and to suffer the Enemie to come forth to trie that ye may have a living sence I say of these things in your selves as many as to whom these things shall reach and be drawn unto God when you shall see us lifted up and our constant abiding in our Testimony and sufferings shall let yâ—u see that God is with us and draw you to us And so as I have said I have finished what I have to say unto
Apostle as aforesaid and were it not that the Lord first touched man that of him in him which lies in death and by reason of the fall is buried in the Grave so that it cannot move to God man never would look after God nor know the state in the which he is for the enemy having him and holding him and compassing him about would never suffer him so to see nor so to understand Now herein is the love of God manifest and his great loving kindness that when man whom he made upright and in his Image and breathed into him the Breath of Life and he became a living Soul turned away from the Lord and from that in which he was made which kept and would have preserved him had he kept to it and let in the enemy and so death came over him in the Transgression over that in which he was made that it moved not but lay as dead Free among the dead like the slain that lie in the grave whom thou remembrest no more and they are cut off from thy hand Psal 88. 6. I say that the Lord should then visit man and reach to that of himself in man which lay in the grave free among the dead like the slain that lie in the grave and so give man to see the state in the which he is and his enemy and to cause a moving after God a Will to God this is the Lords great loving kindness and his free mercy and this the Apostle reckoned when he cast up the sum and minded the great love of God to man in this state In this saith he as hath been said was manifested the love of God towards us because that God sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him Herein is the love not that we loved God but that he loved us and sent his Son to be the Propitiation for our sins 1 John 4. 9 10. And when we were yet without strength in due time Christ died for the ungodly Rom. 5. 6. So then man cannot move to God unless God reach him that of him in him that lies in death by reason of Transgression and quicken him then it moves to God again not that we loved God see in what state the will of man is in the fall where all men are found when God comes to them when God visits them when he speaks to them when his voice reacheth them that shaketh the Wilderness when that moves in them which shews them sin and evil and judges it not that we loved God saith he before whilst we were in this state the state in the fall we loved not God before God reached to that of himself in us that lay in death Free among the dead like the slain that lie in the grave whom thou remembrest no more saith he also as aforesaid but he loved us and sent his Son that of himself in us to be a propitiation an atonement for our sin and herein is love and in this was manifested the love of God towards us that God sent his only begotten Son into the world that we might live through him We who were dead in trespasses and sins who were without sence or feeling of God over whom death was gotten who had no mind nor will to God nor moving to him who could never have moved to him nor minded nor willed him in the state in which we were in the fall in the Transgression when we were from that of him which gives the sence and feeling of him and willing to and moving after him because of death which was got between us and that of him in which we were made from which we fell which came under by reason of Death by reason of the fall and so were at that time without Christ Aliens from the Common-wealth of Israel strangers from the covenants of Promise having no hope and without God in the World that we who were in this state might live through him through that which speaks in us which in us moves to God So that it is not in the will of man in the fall for so man as to this particular is to be considered for that which restores him brings him to God is another thing being brought to God is another state of which I speak not now but of the state in which man is before he is brought thither I say it is not in the Will of man considered in the fall to will to God or to move to him that which moves him to God and makes him will to God is another thing as I have shewed and there being no will in man as to God in this state wherein every man is found when God comes to him as hath been instanced where then is free will or the freedom of his will to God for where there is no such thing as a thing there cannot be said to be the freedom of such a thing because there is a non entity as I may so speak if so be it be proper so to speak and yet how shall I otherwise speak to give a demonstration of the thing of which I speak there is no such thing in being of which the freedom or the freedom of which is pretended there is no such thing in being therefore there cannot be said to be the freedom of such a thing For again of his own will begat he us with the Word of Truth that we should be a kind of first fruits of his Creatures saith the Apostle Jam. 1. 18. Of his own will then it is not of man's will that man is begotten to God that he is delivered for two wills cannot consist in this Particular no more can it consist then two Fathers in the Generation of man or for a man to beget himself which is incongruous to Nature to say as it is to reason to think it and it being not of man's wil then man hath no freedom of will to be begotten to beget himself to God And this is manifest for it is by the Word or with the Word of Truth too that he is begotten to God So man hath nothing to do in the matter of his own will With the Word of Truth hath he begotten us the Word of Truth the Word nigh in the mouth and in the heart the Word of Faith which we preach said the Apostle The Word of the Lord which endures for ever and this is the Word which by the Gospel is Preached unto you saith Peter 1 Epist 1. 25. The Word which is quick and powerful and sharper then any two edged Sword piercing even to the dividing assunder of Soul and Spirit and of the Joynts and Marrow and is a discerner of the Thoughts and intents of the heart neither is there any Creature that is not manifest in his sight but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do Heb. 4. 12 13. So it is by this Word the Word of Truth the
because their deeds were evil for every one that doth evil hateth the light neither cometh he to the light least his deeds should be reproved but he that doth truth cometh to the light that his deeds may be made manifest that they are wrought in God John 3. 19 20 21. And he that believeth not is condemned alreadie because he hath not believed on the Name of the only begotten Son of God John 3. 18. And God sent not his Son into the World to condemn the World but that the world through him might be saved for God so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believed in him should not perish but have everlasting life And as Moses lifted up the Serpent in the Wilderness even so must the Son of man be lifted up that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have eternal life v. 14 15 16 17. And I am the Light of the World he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of Life John 8. 12. I say they that are in the state of nature which is in the fall in the Transgression are without the sence of God or of his life or of his Son who is Life I am the Way the Truth and the Life No man saith he cometh unto the Father but by me if ye had known me ye should have known my Father also and hence forth ye know him and have seen him Philip saith unto him Lord shew us the Father and it sufficeth Jesus saith unto him have I been so long time with you and yet hast thou not known me Philip be that hath seen me hath seen my Father and how sayst thou then shew us the Father belieâ—est thou not that I am in the Father and the Father in me The words that I speak unto you I speak not of my self but the Father that dwelleth in me he doth the Works Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father in me Or believe me for the very work sake Verily verily I say unto you he that believeth me the works that I do shall he do also and greater works then these shall he do because I go to my Father and whatsoever ye shall ask in my Name that will I do that the Father may be glorified in the Son If ye ask any thing in my Name I will do it If ye love me keep my Commandements and I will pray 〈◊〉 Father and he shall give you another Comforther that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him for he dwelleth in you and shall be with you John 14. 6. to the eighteenth And being without the sence of God and his Life and his Son who is life they are in a state of Reprobation in the state of the Devil who is without any thing of this any thing of any true sence of God or of his Life or of the Son of God who is Life For verily he took not upon him the nature of Angels but he took on him the Seed of Abraham Heb. 2. 16. And they that are in this state can never see God whilst they are in this state nor know him nor his Son in the knowledge of whom is life eternal John 17. 3. and there is no coming out of this state without the knowledge of him who is Life eternal and there can be no knowledge of him who is Life eternal but in his Light In thy Light shall we see Light Psal 36. 9. And God who commanded the Light to shine out darkness hath shined in our Hearts to give the light of knowledge of the Glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4. 6. And this is the 〈◊〉 that which reproves that which makes manifest as the Apostle saith But all things saith he that are reproved are made manifest by the Ligtt for whatsoever doth make manifeâ—t is light wherefore he saith Awake thou that sleepest and arise from the dead and Christ shall give the Light Ephes 5. 13 14. And I the Lord have called thee in Righteousness and will hold thy Hand and will keep thee and will give thee for a Covenant of the People for a light of the Gentiles Isa 42. 6. And to give light to them that sit in darkness and the shadow of death to guide our feet in the way of peace Luke 1. 78. And in his Name shall the Gentiles trust Mat. 12. 21. And the light shined in darkness but the darknesse comprehended it not That is the true Light that lighteth every man that cometh into the World John 1. 5. 9. Now how can darkness shew it self And how can darkness reprove darkness And how can he that is in darkness see the light by the darkness And how can he that sees not the light come out of darkness And how can the light guide a man whilst darkness covers him And how can it be but that darknesse should cover a man whilst he is in the state of darkness And how can a man come out of darknesse but by the light Therefore is he called light because he sheweth darkness and brings out of darkness as many as are led by him whose darkness he lightneth Thou wilt light my Candle the Lord my God will enlighten my darknesse Psal 18. 28. that they may see the light of Life So that the light it is that sheweth darkness and darkness is comprehended by the light but darknesse cannot comprehend the light Therefore every one must heed the light that shineth in him in the darknesse that which reproves that which makes manifest the darknesse that he may come to the light of Life Yet a little while is the light with you walk while ye have the light least darknesse come upon you for he that walketh in darknesse knoweth not whither he goeth While ye have the light believe in the light that ye may be children of the light John 12. 35 36. For if darkness cannot comprehend the light it cannot shew the light but the light it is that makes manifest the darknesse that which reproves that which makes manifest and shews it and if the darknesse cannot comprehend the light though it shine in it nor make manifest nor shew it self in what state then are all they who abide in darknesse and know not the light nor are guided by it Which way can they come out of darknesse who abide in darknesse And how can they be delivered without the help of another thing without the light which shews them their state which shews them darknesse which makes it manifest which shines in darknesse though the darknesse comprehendeth it not And this light is Christ as hath been often instanced who is the light of Life who is the Saviour of all those who believe in him and to him must all come to the light in them that which reproves that which makes
chosen me but I have chosen you and ordained you that you should go and bring forth fruit and that your fruit should remain that whatsoever ye shall ask the Father in my Name he may give it you If ye were of the world the world would love its own but because ye are not of the world but I have chosen ye out of the World therefore the World hateth you v. 11 12. 13 14 15 16 19. So here 's the Election as I have said Christ the Seed which God hath blessed but the seed of evil doers shall never be renowned and as every man is found in him as he is accepted of the Lord in that which witnesses to God which shews which makes manifest which judges which reproves in man Every man as he is found in him in this is accepted of the Lord This is my well beloved Son in whom I am well pleased saith the Lord Who hath accepted us in the beloved saith the Apostle This is he by whom we have accesse unto the Throne of Grace Who is the Propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but for the sins of the whole world The Mediator if any man would know who he is and what that is that witnesses that searches the heart that tries the Reines the Candle of the Lord that searches all the inwards parts of the belly that reproves that makes manifest that shews a man what he should do between God and man that comes between to stop his wrath that it break not forth as a floud then who can quench it and wooes man to turn unto the Lord whilst his wrath is not broke forth and the fire of his wrath is not kindled which will burn to the lowest Hell It s ever and anone between the Enemy and man shewing man his enemy and what man should do near with his power to help man and deliver him It s always between the Fathers wrath and man for the movings of this is the Visitation of the Lord and his long-suffering for he waits whilst this is whilst this strives with man whilst this tries if I may so say and I speak after the manner of men what it can do So this stops all whilst its time of working is whilst its a Trying a seeing whether man will be reconciled to God This will not let God alone let me alone that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under Heaven as the Lord said to Moses Deut. 9. 14. Whilst its day of working is to spare his people but steps between and shews and makes manifest and tries and judges and speaks to the Lord and saith Lord let it alone this year also till I shall dig about it and dung it and if it bear fruit well and if not then after thou shalt cut it down when the Lord saith behold these three years I come seeking fruit on this Fig tree and find none cut it down why cumbreth it the ground As the Parable of the Man and his Vinyard and his Vinedresser hath it which was spoken by the Lord by him who is it That which digs about and dungs that waites that speaks that calls that 's ready to remove iniquity to open the heart to God-wards to visit the Plant of the Lord that lies in death that it may spring and bring forth fruit that man may not be cut down in whom it is and made to cease to cumber the ground That is ready with every good Motion with every good Thought with every good Opportunity to incline man to the Lord to bring him to rest to bring him to God that watches all approaches of evil that shews the appearance of it encounters with it is ready to assist man against it and to overcome it which hath turned man from God and the Lord from man if man would let God arise that his enemies might be scattered and thus follows after man from year to year and interceeds and mediates and comes between whilest as I have said the day of long-suffering is of mans visitation which is the day of mans visitation Therefore to day whilst it is called to day harden not your hearts as in the Provocation in the day of Temptation in the Wilderness as the Apostle expresseth it Heb. 3. 7 8. Me thinks every man should hear what I have I said in himself and turning his eye within should see this and inclining his ear should hear all this and all the wooing and entreatings and the seekings of him to turn man unto the Lord and waitings and bearings and sufferings for that purpose every man that doth but this must needs hear it and see it and be sensible of it and this as he lets it work will affect his heart and break him to pieces that ever he hath resisted it that he hath been an enemy to his own peace Me thinks I hear such bemoaning themselves I have surely heard Ephraim bemoaning himself thus Thou hast chastised me and I was chastised as a bullock unaccustomed to the yoak turn thou me and I shall be turned for thou art the Lord my God Surely after that I was turned I repented and after that I was instructed I smote upon my thigh I was ashamed yea even confunded because I did bear the reproach of my youth and see what follows hereupon and how the bowels of the Lord turn to that which thus turns to him and see how ready the Lord is to receive such and his tenderness unto such and bow as it were if I may so speak after the manner of men I have too the Scripture for it which will bear me out in what I say the Lord is in an Agony for such and in a distress of love Is Ephraim my dear Son what can be more breaking and near Is he a pleasant Child for since I spake against him I do earnestly remember him still therefore my bowels are troubled for him I will surely have mercy on him saith the Lord Jer. 31. 20. See the Heart of the Father to the Prodigal that returns whom he goes forth to meet and runs and even while he is yet a great way off sees and hath compassion on him and falls upon his neck kisseth him and puteth on him the best robe the covering of his Son and a Ring on his Hand the band of Love and Shoes on his Feet the preparation of the Gospel of Peace for this is the way to it coming to that which witnesseth in him that gives him to see his state and where he is that brings to himself and when he came to himself see what it is that brings a man to himself that which shews him his state that gives him a sence of his condition that is it and how a man is from himself in an extasie as it were out of his wits in a sown from the sence of his understanding as a man from that which should guide him as one in another world as they use