all such he honours with the honour that is from above which comes from himself and all these do honour each other and prefer each other according to the Order of the Work of God amongst them in their several Gifts and Services in the Body of Christ his Church All keeping to and walking in the Divine Light of Christ all will be kept in Humility and in Unity yea cloathed with it according to the Apostles Exhortation and according to the Command and Example of Christ the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of our Souls who said Learn of me I am meek and lowly in Heart and ye shall find rest to your Souls A Remnant hath learned Humility of him in this Age and he hath given us rest to our Souls which to us far excels all the Riches and Glory of this World Praises to the Lord God and the Lamb for the same Blessed are all they that walk in his Light they find the fruit of it in them to be unfeigned Love to Friends and also to Enemies and Meekness Patience Gentleness Justice Equity and Righteousness towards all Men and a good Understanding and holy right Zeal for the honour of the Lord and the good of his People who walks here will not be puffed up with self conceit or self wilfulness or be filled with Wrath Malice Strife nor strive to Honour or Exalt themselves as Lords over Gods People such are not Lords over that Faith which God hath wrought in his People but in the Love of God Meekness and Humility of Christ Jesus these build up one another in their most Holy Faith and are Fellow helpers of one anothers Joy in the Lord as the Apostle hath writ and Exhorted And as the Primitive true Christians practised Concerning Rule and Government in the Church of Christ CHrist Jesus after he arose from the Dead spake unto his Disciples saying All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth go ye therefore and teach all Nations Baptizing them into the Name for so the Greek renders it of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have comanded you and lo I am with you always c. Matt. 28. 18 19 20. First Observe Christ who was always spiritually present with those whom he sent to preach the Gospel gave them many things in Charge to teach the People to observe those who believed received and obeyed the Gospel preach'd by the Apostles did obey the Commands and Doctrines of Christ given by or through the Apostles who were his Embassadors those who did continue stedfast unto the end were by degrees Taught and inabled by the powerful Spirit and Light of Christ in the Apostles and in their own hearts to observe do all things that Christ commanded them 2. Observe Christ in and by the Apostles did command and teach those who believed and received the Gospel and walked in the Light of it and those who did believe and obey those Commands and Doctrines were not therein subject or obedient to the Traditions Doctrines or Commandments of men who were without the Spiritual Presence and Authority of Christ But they were obedient unto the Commandements and Doctrines of Christ delivered in and by the Faithful Apostles those holy Men of God 3. Observe Here is Order and Rule in the Work of God they that are Novices or young Scholars in the Faith and Doctrine of Christianity are Learners others Elders or Teachers these are to be Taught and watch'd over by those to whom God hath given an oversight of them in his power and wisdom for the Salvation Preservation and everlasting good of their Souls these Stewards of God who labour for and watch over Souls for the good end aforesaid God requires them to be faithful in this great Charge which he hath laid upon them for they must give an account to him of their stewardship and blessed are all those who have believed the Gospel who obey and walk in the Light of the same receiving and obeying the Commands Doctrines and Precepts of the Lord Jesus Christ given unto them by his Light and Spirit in his Stewards and Embassadors which they see and receive in the same Light Spirit of Christ in their own Hearts and Souls An account will be given of them with joy unto Christ the chief Shepherd and great Overseer of Souls 4. Observe They who after they have believed in the Spirit and Light of God and Christ within and have partaken of the vertue and power thereof fall away when Temptations and Tryals come upon them for Christ and the Gospel's sake these become like the stony ground which Christ speaks of in the Parables of the Kingdom that young and tender Blade which appeared in them being withered an account cannot be given of these with joy but with sorrow though they who have laboured faithfully with them for their good are clear of their Fall and Misery 5. Observe Those who have come to a farther growth and knowledg of the Truth than those last mentioned who have come not only to know the Truth but also further to obey it and suffer for it yet they after they have thus done and suffered have fallen away from their first love and obedience to the Cross of Christ by rejecting and slighting the Counsel of God by his Light and Spirit in their own hearts and in the hearts and mouths of his Servants and these having cast off the Yoke of Christ are become as Sons of Belial without Yoke gone into the World into the Cumbersom Cares of it and the Deceitfulness of the Riches Lusts and Glory of it such has made ill use of the grace or favour of God given unto them such in their works whatever their Words be deny the only true God and our Lord Jesus Christ such are the despisers of the Government of Christ in his Church who though they retain yet something of the Christian form of Godliness yet are out of the life and power thereof and Enemies to it as by their Evil Works and Words do and will appear The Stewards and Embassadors of Christ cannot give a joyous account of these though having faithfully laboured with them for their preservation and well being are therefore cleer of their blood or of being in any wise guilty of their Fall and Ruin Observe further what the Apostle saith concerning Rule and Government in the Church of Christ he writing to the believing Hebrews writes thus Remember them which have the Rule over you who hath spoken unto you the Word of God whose Faith follow considering the end of their Conversation obey them that hath the Rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give an account that they may do it with joy and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you Salute all them that have the Rule over you and all the Saints they of Italy salute you
unto vain jangling 1 Tim. 1. 5 6. Again ver 18 19. he chargeth Timothy to hold Faith and a good Conscience which sâ—me having put away concerning Faith have made shipwrack Again Chap. 3. ver 9. The Mystery of Faith is held in a pure Conscience The Apostle Peter writes to the Believers thus viz. Having a good Conscience that whereas they speak evil of you as of Evil-doers they may be ashamed that falsly accuse your good Conversation in Christ 1 Pet. 3. 16. Concerning evil Conscience THE Apostle writes thus Now the Spirit speaketh expresly that in the latter times some shall depart from the Faith giving heed to the seducing Spirits and Doctrines of Devils speaking Lyes in Hypocrisie having their Consciences seared with an hot Iron 1 Tim. 4. 1 2. Now the Prince that begets and upholds this evil Conscience hardened and seared is the Devil who abode not in the truth in whom there is no truth he is that Prince of the power of the Air who works in the hearts of the Children of Disobedience as the Apostle saith This is he who leads into the fleshly Liberty from the Cross of Christ into the fleshly Lusts which war against the Soul and drowns such men in predition who become Enemies to the Cross of Christ This Liberty is not to be given way unto nor to be pleaded for by any true Christian this is not the Liberty of the Sons of God which he hath promised to restore them into who believe in Jesus Christ and take up their daily Cross and follow him giving and taking Liberty to this evil Conscience brings into corruptible Bondage yea it vassalizeth the Creature Soul and Body to Satan and if this Liberty be continued in it brings everlasting destruction both upon Man and Woman Paul writ to Titus saying Unto them that are defiled and unbelieving is nothing pure but even their Mind and Consciences defiled they profess that they know God but in Works they deny him See Tit. 1. 15 16. Again the Apostle writing to the Hebrews saith Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of Faith having our hearts sprinkled from an evil Conscience c. Let us hold fast the Profession of our Faith without wavering for he is faithful that promised and let us consider one another to provoke unto Love and to good Works not forsaking the Assembling our selves together as the manner of some is but exhorting one another c. See Heb. 10. 22 23 24 25. Oh my dear Friends All tenderly consider that the great work of God in and through Christ is to put away this evil Conscience and to work in man a good one yea to redeem out of all corrupt sinful fleshly Liberty which Liberty embondageth the Creature under Satans power as I said before Now Christ the patient and innocent Lamb of God was sent by the Father to take away the Sins of the World which John Baptist in his Eternal Light saw and testified of and in the same Divine Spirit and Light of Christ Daniel the Prophet saw and testified of saying He shall finish Sin and Transgression and shall bring in everlasting Righteousness Blessed are all they who in Faith and Patience wait to see this great Work carried on and finished in the appointed season of the Father O my Friends Seriously consider how enclinabâ—e apt and prone Men and Women are after they are come to some degree of the knowledge of God and of Christ and of the daily Cross to hearken to the Serpents voice who deceived Eve who leads into this ungodly Liberty who by his Transformations hath deceived some in our Age after they knew God and Christ as aforesaid and he has promised them Liberty and great things as he did Eve and has brought them into misery as he did her and through this his accursed work a Root of Bitterness is sprung up in some which is in danger to defile many which God through his tender Mercy put a stop unto confound and drive backward This is the earnest desire of my Soul The Apostle Peter writes against the fleshly Libertines with which the Church was exercised in his day which became matter of much Travel and Grief to the faithful Apostles of them he thus writes viz. These are Wells without Water Clouds that are carried with a Tempest to whom the mist of Darkness is reserved for ever for when they speak great swelling words of vanity they allure through the Lusts of the Flesh through much Wantonness those that were clean escaped from them who live in errour While they promise them Liberty they themselves are the servants of Corruption for of whom a man is overcome of the same he is brought into Bondage c. See 2 Pet. 2. 16. to the end Dear Friends Something more is upon me to write concerning Conscience The Apostle writing to the Church at Corinth speaketh of the Idolatry of the Gentiles viz. As concerning therefore the eating of those things that are offered in sacrifice unto Idols we know that an Idol is nothing in the World for though there be that are called Gods whether in Heaven or in Earth as there be gods many and lords many But to us there is but one God the Father of whom are all things and we in him and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him howbeit there is not in every man that knowledge for some with Conscience of the Idol unto this hour eat it as a thing offered unto an Idol and their Consciences being weak are defiled But meat commendeth us not to God for neither if we eat are we the better neither if we eat not are we the worse But take heed lest by any means this Liberty of yours become a stumbling block to them that are weak for if any man see thee which hast knowledge sit at meat in the Idols Temple shall not the Conscience of him which is weak be emboldened to eat those things which are sacrificed to Idols c. Read 1 Cor. 8. 4. to the end of the chap. Observe here that some with Conscience of the Idol did eat things sacrificed unto it and their Consciences therein and thereby were defiled The Christians who knew there was no other God but one were warned by the Apostle that they should not sit in the Idols Temple at Meat with those who eat their meat unto the Idol lest their so doing should embolden those ignorant Idolaters to persist in their Ignorance and Idolatry for though some might say they did not eat it to the Idol as the Idolaters did but for strength and sustenance to the outward man yet this would not answer the Counsel of the Lord in the Apostle nor the Light of Christ in their own Souls but they were to abstain from eating with them at such Sacrifices thereby to prevent emboldening them therein And in chap. 10. ver 20. take his Testimony against this sort of Idolatry in these
Philip. 3. 15 16 17. Observe here It was the Apostles belief that if any among the Believers in the Light were of another mind than he was in any thing that he in the Light practised God would reveal the same unto them also they abiding stedfast with the Light to which they were turn'd and as he believed so do we believe in this matter 'T is possible that some persons who are turned to the Light of Christ within who have believed and in some measure obeyed the same who in many things have Unity with the most antient grown and establish'd of the Children of the Light yet in some things may not be so opened and clear in their Understandings as to see them and joyn in Faith in the practice of them We believe and therefore say That if such abide in the Light faithful to what they know God will reveal these things unto them And we believe and therefore say They keeping in the Light it will keep them from contending against or opposing others in the practice of that which God has revealed to them and required of them What is not of Faith is sin as saith the Apostle Such therefore that are weak in the Faith we ought not to reject but to receive though not to doubtful Disputations but to hear their infirmities or weaknesses to be good Examples to them and to make intercession to God for them and to hold forth Truth to them in sound Doctrine that they may be strengthened with his glorious power in their Inward man and that he may increase their Faith and more and more fill them with that Wisdom and Knowledge which is pure and peaceable from above But observe where persons have been long convinced and are become Teachers of others and by their so doing would be look'd upon to be Elders wise and strong shall under the profession of the Light oppose and teach others to oppose the faithful Followers of Christ in things which they practise in the Faith of Christ accompanied with his Power and a good Understanding This Case is greatly differing from the before-mentioned For these will not grant that their refusing the practice of some things and the opposing the Practisers thereof proceeds from weakness or short-sightedness through their Infancy in the knowledge of the Truth Much less that it proceeds from Apostacy and Rebellion the latter of which is true upon some in our Age but these give out reviling Speeches against the Faithful calling them Apostates and many other evil names which I here omit to mention having no pleasure to repeat them Observe we are of the Apostles Faith and Judgment who writ thus to the Church at Galatia Brethren if a man be overtaken in a fault ye which are spiritual restore such a one in the spirit of meekness considering thy self lest thou also be tempted Bear ye one anothers burthens and so fulfil the Law of Christ See Gal. 6. 1 2. read the Chapter through Christ our Souls Bishop hath taught us how to seek to restore those that commit Offences against him and his People and several hath been so sought and recovered out of the Snare in which they were taken and others so sought have not been gained but have persisted in their evil doing until God has ceased any longer to strive with them through his Servants and then his Servants have witnessed against them and declared their disunion with them according to Christs command and some such being declared against as aforesaid have appeared in great wrath against us like the raging Waves of the Sea foming out their own shame but we pity them and should greatly rejoyce on their behalf if they could yet find a place of repentance and return for 't is true which Christ saith Joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth c. Again it is true which the Apostle James writ Brethren if any of you do erre from the truth and one convert him let him know that he which converteth the sinner from the errour of his way shall save a soul from death and cover a multitude of sins Jam. 5. 19 20. Again to them that say they do not see as aforesaid hear what Christ saith by his Angel to the Church in Laodicea viz. Because thou sayest I am rich and increased in goods and have need of nothing and knowest not that thou art wretched and miserable and poor and blind and naked I counsel thee to buy of me gold tryed in the fire that thou mayest be rich and white rayment that thou mayest be cloathed and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear and anoint thine eyes with eye-salve that thou mayest see as many as I love I rebuke chasten Be zealous therefore and repent behold I stand at the door and knock If any man hear my voice and open the door I will come in to him and will sup with him and he with me c. He that hath an ear to hear let him hear what the spirit saith unto the Churches Rev. 3. 14. to the end 1. Observe this Church or Congregation was gathered into the Profession of Christ and his Light within 2. Observe how greatly they were mistaken concerning their own state and condition a most gross and lamentable Errour were they in as the before-cited words of Christ do plainly shew They were puffed up with Self-conceit that they wanted nothing when in reality and truth they Wanted all things that should have rendered them to be that which they professed to be Namely such who were Compleat in Christ Jesus the Head of His Church who is the fulness who Cloaths his Members with the Robes of his own Righteousness and fills them with the bright Beams of his Divine Light so that they see clearly and he fills their Hearts with the Riches of his Grace in the abundance of which their Hearts and Souls pour forth Praises and Thanksgiving to the Lord God and the Lamb who is Worthy for evermore 3. Observe Though their State was so miserable yet in his tender Mercy he calls them to Repentance Oh consider this thou Back-slider whoever thou art and let the sence thereof seize upon thee and break thy Heart Repent and Turn to the Lord with whom is forgiveness 4. Observe How Christ charges this Congregation to be blind and being blind they could not see their State as it was but in their blind Self-conceit said It was What it was not 5. Observe That these blind Self-conceited ones while they remained such could not see that to be their Duty which the Children of Light saw to be theirs 6. Observe That we do not here read that these blind self-conceited Laodiceans did so oppose the Children of Light in their Faithful Obedience to it as some do oppose in our day we do not read they called them Apostates 7. Observe That some blind Self-conceited ones in our Age have appeared worse than they who are not contented with that ungodly
A General Epistle Given forth in OBEDIENCE TO THE God of Peace For the Preservation and Increase of CHARITY and UNITY amongst the Professors of Christ Jesus and the Teachings of his Divine Light within By a Servant of Christ a True Lover of Christian-Charity Peace and Unity WILLIAM GIBSON Blessed are the Peace-makers for they shall be called the Children of God Mat. 5. 9. Put on Charity which is the boâ—d of perfectness Col. 3. 14. He that saith he abideth in Christ ought himself even to walk so as he walked 1 John 2. 6. Let your Conversation be as it becometh the Gospel of Christ Phil. 1. 27. LONDON Printed and sold by John Bringhurst at the Sign of the Book in Gracâ—-Church street near Cornhil 1682. REader notwithstanding the Authors great care to prevent Errors in the following matter yet several Errors have escaped the Press which thou art desired to take notice of as the mistake of the Printers Those which are most material to hurt the Sense I have collected in this Errata some other small literal Faults and Errors in pointing and transposing or misplacing of words there are all which may be discerned in reading by such who are skilful and diligent therein and by such corrected so far as may be for the help of those who are less skilful in reading and correcting the two greatest Errors take particular notice of the first is in the Introduction page the 5. line the 16. where speaking of the Spirit of the Creature Man or Woman it is there rendred the Spirit of the Creator the second great error is in p. 107. l. 15. where the word sensually is put instead of the word sensibly ERRATA INtroduction page 3. line 10. for Light read Spirit p. 5. l. 16. f. Creator r. Creature p. 6. l. 17. f. were read was p. 12. l. 14. f. word r. words p. 10. l. 3. blot out some of First PART IN Margin p. 52. r. God commanded the Light to be and appear and separated it from the Darkness in the First days work p. 59. l. the 8. add the word one p. 76. l. 18. add the word same p. 78. l. 12. f. nember r. member p. 95. l. 21. add the word the p. 102. l. 23. f. Chrisi r. Christ p. 105. l. 7. f. Justifying r. Justifie p. 107. l. 15 f. sensually r. sensibly p. 109. l. 10. next after the word you make a full stop p. 126. l. 22 and 23. read O all ye ends of the Earth p. 160. l 19. dele and fear l. 14. dele or Second PART PAge the 2. l. 5. blot out and p. the 6. l. 13 14. r. thinketh he standeth take heed lest he fall p. 19. l. 5. r. the verse 9 and 10 c. l. 23. blot out him l. 29 f. careful r. careful p. 20. l. 11. f. fevere r. severe p. 24. l. 7. add spoken of p. 28. l. 20. f. understanding r. understand p. 29. l. 12. r. 1 Cor. 13. p. 45. l. 24. next after and add have p. 56. l. 12. f. soberly r. sober p. 65. l. 31. f. â—oâ— r. to p. 80. l. 25. blot out to p. 93. l. 22. f. sowed r. soweth p. 96. l. 6. f. sealed r. seal p. 99. l. 8. f. comended r. commended Several Scriptures which should have been in the Italick Letter are omitted particularly the First Chapter of Genesis c. in p. 52 53 54 55. Note this Book being printed by several Men occasioneth it to be in two Parts only becaâ—â— of the beginning anew of the Figures upon the top of the pages and that which is called the Second Part begins with the figure 1 at the top of the page or leaf There is also some part of the Book put in Black Letter which had been most properly in the Roman these improprieties of the different form of Letters doth no way hurt the matter as to the sense thereof THE CONTENTS AN Exhortation to the Professors of the Light within to live and walk in the same and the Walker in the Light distâ—nguished from the Talker of it who walk in Darkness Page 1 Concerning good Conscience 21. Concerning evil Conscience 23. Concerning them that are weak in the Faith 28. Concerning days 30. Something concerning Christian Order or Order in the Church of Christ 42. Something more concerning the Order of the Works of God in Heaven and Earth and particularly in his People 52. Something more particularly concerning the Order of Christ in his Church 72. Concerning the Form of the true Apostles Doctrine 95. Concerning the Commands of the Apostles of Christ which they gave not of themselves or by their own power but by and in his Power VVisdom Strength and Authority for they were his Ambassadors over them he reigned in them he spake and gave commands who is the Head of his Church and one in the Male and Female 97 Concerning the Honour that God gives unto his People 130. Concerning Rule and Government in the Church of Christ 133. Concerning the Living Faith with its Fruits and Works 142. Something concerning Self-Separation 155. The Second PART COncerning falling from God 1. Concerning just Judgment amongst Gods People given or committed to them or spoken by or through them in whom God dwells â—ccording to his promise against the Devil and his works sin and wickedness 9. Concerning the Just and Righteous Judgment of God in and by his People under the Dispensation of the Gospel 13. Concerning the Mercy of God and of his People 17. Something concerning true Love or Charity 28. Something concerning the Vnity and Fellowsâ—ip of true Christians 53. Something concerning the Seven â—hurches in Asia who were gathered into the Profession of Christ Jesus 57. Something concerning Marâ—iâ—gâ— 78. Concerning pure Religion 83. A General Epistle TO FRIENDS c. An Exhortation to the Professors of the Light Within to LIVE and WALK in the same and the WALKER in the Light distinguished from the TALKER of it who walks in Darkness ALL you who profess Christ Jesus the Prince of Life and Peace to be your Prince Captain of your Salvation and Bishop of your Souls who profess to be Taught Led and Governed by his Spiritual Light within you See that you all Live and Walk in the same that you may all possess that which you do profess and it is most certain if we walk in the light wherewith God in Christ hath enlightened us then have we fellowship one with another and the Blood of Jesus Christ his Son cleanseth us from all Sin But if there be not a Walking in this precious Divine Light which shines from God the Fountain of it then there can be no Fellowship with God the Father nor with his beloved Son nor true Fellowship one with another No cleansing from Sin then but the sin of all such who only Talk of the Light Walking contrary to it remaineth and encreaseth Therefore all be very careful in this great weighty Concern wherein the Glory of the great God
and Spirit in his People is one in its kind or Nature with himself he being the Fountain of it and it of himself it cannot contradict him or itself in the several Measures Manifestations Dispensations of it in those who receive it believe and obey it For if it should or could do so then God by it would be rendered the Author of Confusion and not of Peace in all the Churches of the Saints which to believe or suppose is very highly blasphemous against him and directly contrary to the holy Apostles Doctrine who saith God is not the Author of Confusion but of Peace in all the Churches of the Saints The same Apostle saith The Fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness Righteousness und Truth proving what is acceptable unto the Lâ—rd And he exhorted the Saints saying Have no Fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness but rather reprove them To those who walked in the Spirit and Light of God he said Walk in Love as Christ also hath loved us To these also he said Ye were sometimes Darkness but now are ye Lighi in the Lord walk as Children of the Light See Eph. 5. Again he saith The Fruits of the Spirit is Love Joy and Peace Long suffering Gentleness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance against such there is no Law and they that are Christs have crucified the Flesh with its Affections and Lusts If we live in the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit let us not be desirous of vain Glory provoking one another envying one another Again he saith The Works of the Flesh are manifest which are Adultery Fornication Uncleanness Lasciviousness Idolatry Witchcraft Darâ—ance Emulations Wrath Strife Seditions Heresies Envyings Murders Drunkenness Revellings and such like of the which I tell you before as I have also told you in times past that they that do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God Gal. 5. Again the holy Apostle John in the Holy Ghost saith He that saith he is in the Light and hates his Brother is in Darkness even until now he that loveth his Brother abideth in the Light and there is none occasion of Stumbling in him But he that hateth his Brother is in Darkness and walketh in Darkness and knoweth not whither he goeth because that Darkness hath blinded his Eyes If a man say I love God and hateth his Brother he is a Lyar this Commandment have we from him that he who loveth God loveth his Brother also See 1 John 4. My dear Friends Observe That where the Fruits of the Spirit and Light of God and Christ are wanting in those who profess the same to be their Teacher Ruler and Orderer and contrariwise the Fruits or Works of the Flesh do appear this is a plain proof that their saying they are taught lâ—d and governed by the Spirit and Light of God and Christ is very notoriously false yea blasphemous against God Christ and his Divine Light and Spirit For when Christ told his Disciples that false Prophets Anti-Christs Deceivers c. should come saying Beware of false Prophets which come to you in Sheeps Cloathing but inwardly they are ravening Wolves he said Ye shall know them by their Fruits Do men gather Grapes of Thorns or Figs of Thistles Even so every good Tree bringeth forth good Fruit but a corrupt Tree bringeth forth evil Fruit. A good Tree cannot bring forth evil Fruit neither can a corrupt Tree bring forth good Fruit Every Tree that bringeth not forth good Fruit is hewn down and cast into the Fire Wherefore by their Fruits ye shall know them Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he that doth the Will of my Father which is in Heaven See Math. 7. 15. and 24. Again he saith Many false Prophets shall arise and shall deceive many And because Iniquity shall abound the Love of many shall wax cold But he that shall endure unto the end the same shall be saved There shall arise false Christs and false Prophets and shall shew great signs and Wonders insomuch that if it were possible they shall deceive the very Elect. See Matth. 24. 11 12 13 24. see Mark 13. 22. he repeating the same words of Christ and there he saith Take heed I have told you before Observe Christ's Promise to the faithful chosen Elect notwithstanding all the deceiveableness of unrighteousness which then did now doth or hereafter may work in the Instruments of Satan by feigned Words or fair or flattering Speeches false signs or lying wonders whereby he lieth in wait to betray and deceive by which he hath prevailed upon some unstable unwatchful unfaithful and therefore unskilful Souls who are not acquainted with the depths of Satan speaking in his Agents yet can he not in his Agents deceive the Elect the chosen of God Observe all that are convinced of the truth and come to some degree of Obedience to it are not come to the settled State of Election although they are come to a sight and feeling of the Spirit of Christ in whom the Election stands in which State it is impossible to be deceived Let not the weakest amongst the Believers in and Obeyers of the Light of Christ Within be discouraged at these sayings for as they keep to the Light God the Fountain of it will keep them from falling God set Adam in a State of Innocency in which it was possible for him to stand yet it was not impossible for him to fall for we both read and believe he did fall he could not stand in his own strength but in the strength of the Lord his Maker through want of his diligent attendance and waiting upon God his Maker for preservation he fell under the power of the Deceiver But Christ who never fell spake of a State brings those who continue diligent watchful into it which is beyond that as his forecited words do plainly imply The Apostles writ unto the Believers in the Light of Christ thus viz. Wherefore Brethren give all diligence to make your Calling and Election sure for if ye do these things ye shall never fall 2 Pet. 1. 10. Read the Chapter through c. Again he saith Beware lest ye being led away with the Errour of the wicked fall from your own Stedfastness But grow in Grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Savior Christ to him be Glory now and for ever Amen Chap. 3. 17 18. Again Juâ—e writes thus Now to him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his Glory with exceeding joy to the only wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power now and ever Amen Jude 24 25. read the Epistle throughout Observe further that the Settled State of Election where deceit cannot enter is not a State above or beyond Watchfulness and the holy Fear of God the Son of God himself in the daies of his Flesh watched and
words viz But I say that the things which the Gentiles sacrifice they sacrifice to Devils and not to God See Acts 15. 28. And I would not that ye should have fellowship with Devils My Friends these Testimonies I bring not only to shew good Conscience from evil Conscience and weak from strong but also to shew how careful the Apostle was that those believing Gentiles who had received the knowledge of the one true God should walk in faithfulness to him according to the knowledge which he had given them that by their good conversation in Christ as well as by their preaching of the word and Doctrine of the Gospel those Idolaters might be turned from their dumb Idols to serve the living God Concerning them that are weak in the Faith YET something further concerning them that are weak in the Faith The Apostle writing to the believing Romans writes thus viz. Him that is weak in the Faith receive you But not to doubtful disputations for one believeth that he may eat all things another who is weak eateth hearbs Let not him that eateth despise him that eateth not and let not him which eateth not judge him that eateth for God hath received him One man esteemeth one day above another another esteemeth every day alike Let every man be fully persuaded in his own Mind c. See Rom. 8. 1 5 c. My Friends some unruly and some unskilful persons of our time who would be accounted strong faithful and wise under the Profession of the Light of Christ Within have endeavoured to strain and wrest this last cited Scripture thereby to justifie and cover themselves in the practising of some things which are contrary to the Truth as it is in Christ Jesus as also in the omitting and neglecting of some things which the Light of Jesus hath led the faithful into not only the Elders or aged in Christ but the younger also In bearing with weakness we are of the Apostles mind and concerning eating of Hearbs or any sort of Food or Meat we would have all who profess the Light of Christ Jesus to wait diligently in it that by it their Understandings may be cleared that they may see as the Apostle did and be persuaded as he and many more were and are that there is nothing unclean of it self that so out of weakness they may grow strong in the Lord. The same Apostle who took this care that they might not judge one another about Meats Drinks and Days Hear what he further saith concerning these things when some among the Christians would or did command to abstain from Meats and would have it received as a Principle or Doctrine of Christ in his Church then the Apostle judged it and ranks it as one of the Doctrines of Devils See Tim. 4. 1 2 3. Observe whilst the abstaining from Meats in the before mentioned sense was practised as a Weakness which it really was through shortness of Understanding he bore with it and exhorted others so to do saying We who are strong ought to bear the Infirmities of the weak Rom. 15. 1. But when some did account themselves strong and wise in Christianity but were not so would have enjoined it as a Command that he judged as aforesaid Concerning Days AGain concerning Days hear what he saith viz. Howbeit then when ye knew not God ye did service to them which by nature are no Gods But now after that ye have known God or rather are known of God how turn ye again to the weak and beggerly Elements whereunto ye desire again to be in Bondage Ye observe Days and Months and Times and Years I am afraid of you lest I have bestowed on you Labour in vain Brethren I beseech you to be as I am Gal. 4. 8 9 10 11. Again hear what he saith viz. Now the God of Patience and Consolation grant that you be like minded one towards another according to Christ Jesus that you may with one Mind and one Mouth glorifie God even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Rom. 15. 5 6. Again hear what the Apostle saith concerning these things writing to the believing Colossians viz. Let no man therefore judge you in Meat or in Drink or in respect of an holy day or of the New Moon or of the Sabbath days which are a shadow of things to come But the body is of Christ c. Col. 2. 16 17. Observe That the Apostles and Primitive faithful Christians who bore with the weaknesses of some in their observation of Days and limiting themselves to eating of Hearbs they were not to be judged in their eating or drinking who eat and drank in the Faith and Counsel of God neither were they to be judged because they did not observe the Jews Holy-days so called neither because they did not observe the Jews New Moons or Sabbath days which are a shadow for they were come to Christ who is the end of the Law for Righteousness sake to every one that believes as it s written Again hear what Christ saith And he called the Multitude together said Hear and understand Not that which goeth into the Mouth defileth the Man but that which cometh out of the Mouth defileth the Man Do not you understand that whatsoever entereth in at the Mouth goeth into the Belly and is cast out into the Draught but those things that proceed out of the Mouth cometh forth from the Heart and they define the Man For out of the heart proceed evil Thoughts Murders Adulteries Fornications Thefts False Witness Blasphemies these are the things which defile a man Matth. 15. 10 11 17 18 19 20. And concerning the Jews Sabbath hear what Christ saith And he said unto them The Sabbath was made for Man and not man for the Sabbath therefore the Son of Man is Lord also of the Sabbath Mark 2. 27 28. Observe this he said unto the Pharisees who judged his Disciples for plucking the Ears of Corn on the Sabbath day who said unto him Behold why do they on the Sabbath day that which is not lawful Upon which he brought them an Instance what David did in eating the Shew-bread c. But Christ by offering up himself through the Eternal Spirit hath since that put an end to these shadows so that the Apostles and Primitive Christians were not to be judged for their refusing to practise them when Christ had ended them And though the Apostles and Christians did bear with the Practice of these things in some after they came to make some profession of Christ yet they bore with it as weakness which it was which the strong in Christ knew they would outgrow as they diligently did follow on to know the Lord through obeying him in what they did already know for that is the way for every one to know what is needful for them to know which they yet know not even to be obedient to God in what they do already know For he is faithful who hath promised saying He
do not pay Tythes maâ—ry by a â—â—â—est or turn back into the sinful customs and vain glory of the world but they stand in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made them free and hold fast the Truth which is their Crown that no man take it from them or them from it Now all you that are young in Truth and all others whom it concerns take notice that those whom God first turned from darkness to light in this our Age who became lovers and followers of it they thereby were led in the very morning or Infancy of their knowledge of the Light and the teachings of it to deny being Married by a Hriest and to deny paying of Tythes and to deny Swâ—aring to deny Envyings and Strife Wars and Fighting which are the fruits of the Flesh proceeding from the Lusts thereof and to deny the vain customs sinful Luâ—â—s and glory of the world to continue in the denyal of these is well pleasing to God And as it was with the faithful in the beginning or breaking out of the Gospel day amongst us so it is with the faithful now as with respect to their testimony in the denial of these things and God hath given great Increaâ—â— of his spiritual Treasures Riches and Blessings to those that have continued faithful since that time so that they are now nearer to the Lord than they were in the morning of the day and Infancy of their knowledge of him Glory to his Name for the same And thus it was with the Primitive Believers and Walkers in the Light as the Scriptures of Truth declare Now to such as say Things amongst us who profess the Light of Christ to be our Teacher are not as they were in the beginning I say â—ay as with respect to aâ—â— Persons professing the Light as aforesaid they are not nor yet with respect to divers things practised by the professors of the Light for the Faithful have grown from one degree of Grace to another and so from the practice of some good thingâ— to the practice of more good things having walked in the Light they have held what they had and gained more according to Christs promise who said He that is faithful in a little I will make him Ruler over much And there is to be a growing from strength to strength and from Glory to Glory from one degree of Grace to another till there be an appearing in Sion in perfect beauty till there be a coming to the measure of the Stature of the fulness of Christ to a perfect man in Christ Jesus This is accordiog to the Apostles Doctrine Who thus goes on gradually towards perfection are no Aâ—â—sâ—ates Backsliders or Drawers back to perdition but pressers forward for the complete Redemption of their Souls So these are in a better condition than they were in the beginning of their profession of the Spirit Truth and Light of Christ within As he saith â—very Scribe that is taught or instructed unto the Kingdom of God is like unto a Man that is an Housholder which bringeth out of his Treasure things new and old All that come to this State walking in the light as aforesaid they increase in good Order in the Power of God And again Christ saith Take heed what you hear c. And he said Whereunto shall we liken the Kingdom of God Or with what comparison shall we compare it It is like a Grain of Mustard-seed which when it is sown in the Earth is less than all the seeds that be in the Earth but when it is sown it groweth up and becometh greater than all Herbs and shooteth out great Branches see Mark 4. v. 24. to 32. Oserve here the Parables that Christ spoke concerning the Kingdom of God and the Increase of it Now as the Grain of Mustardseed is small but being sown in the Earth groweth gradually and in due season brings forth great increase of its own Nature and Kind even so the Heavenly spark or seed of life being believed in by man it takes root in his heart and grows gradually and in the Appointed season of the Father brings forth fruit first a little and afterwards more for Christ the living Vine said In this is my Father gloryfied that you bring forth much fruit I am the true vine my father is the husbandman Every branch that bringeth not forth fruit in me he taketh away and every branch that beareth fruit he purgeth that it may bring forth more fruit Joh. 15. And again he said So is the Kingdom of God as if a man should cast seed into the ground and the seed should spring and grow up c. for the earth bringeth forth fruit of her self first the blade then the ear then the full corn in the ear Mark 4. v. 26. to 32. Again the Prophet Isaiah Prophesying of Christs Government and Kingdom writes thus For unto us a Child is born unto us a Son is given the Government shall be on his shoulder and his name shall be called wonderful Counsellor the mighty God the everlasting Father the Prince of Peace of the increase of his Government and Peace there shall be no end upon the Throne of David and upon his Kingdom to Order it and to Establish it with Judgment and with Iustice from henceforth even for ever The zeal of the Lord of Hosts will perform this see Isa 9. 6 7. Observe here the Parable of the Grain of Wheat cast into the Earth it first springs to the Blade secondly to the Ear thirdly to the full or ripe Corn in the Ear. Now it may be truly said that when the Grain of Wheat is sprung up to the Ear it is not as it was in the beginning of its growth into the Blade as with respect to the stature and growth of it for the second is greater than the first Again it may be said when it is grown to full ripe Corn in the Ear it is not as it was in the beginning of its growth into the Blade nor as it was when it was grown to the Ear but not ripe full or perfect Corn for the third degree of its growth was greater than the first or second though they proceeded of one seed and were of one kind and all good and beautiful in the order of their growth Now this Grain of Wheat and the fruit and product of it in the several degrees of the growth thereof to its perfection being made by Christ a Parable of the Heavenly Seed of God in the Hearts of his People and of the several degrees of its work and appearance in them and of thâ—ir several degrees of growth in it from their Infancy therein to their compleatness or ripe Age in Christ All you that profess to be the Generation or Off-spring of this Heavenly Seed Try and prove your selves in this matter be retired in the Spirit of your minds and with the Light you make profession of take a view of your States and Conditions and see whether your
contemn that which the Light or Spirit of Truth hath spoken and dictated to write in its servants and Children for the Profit Edification Confirmation Establishment comfort of the Body which Thousands being Children of the Light have gladly received and finds the great comfort and profit of These are not the Lights Children these do not walk in it though they talk of it and though some of them may be full of self-confidence that they walk in it and that they are discerning Persons Wise Strong c. yet this is their great mistake herein they shew their spiritual darkness blindness nakedness miserableness Laodician like Fourthly Again Observe That the Apostles who had turned the people to the Light and Spirit of Truth within who were thereby gathered into Congregations or Churches did afterward write the several Epistles to the several Churches and therein gave to them Commands Doctrines Instructions Exhortations Admonitions and sometimes sharp Reproofs and Rebukes as the Lord by his Light and Spirit moved in them according to the several States and Conditions of those they writ to the Apostle Exhorts Timothy viz. them that sin rebuke before all that others also may fear 1 Tim. 5. 20. Again Reprove Rebuke Exhort with all long suffering and Doctrine 2 Tim. 4. 2. Again he writ to Titus viz. These things speak and exhort and rebuke with all Authority let no man dispise thee Titus 2. 15. And again Wherefore rebuke them sharply that they may be sound in the Faith it is rendered out of the Greek in the Margent Cutingly touching to the quick Titus 1. 13. Here take notice that Reproofs and Rebukes are commanded of the Lord and profitable in their season though it sometimes comes to pass that those who are seasonably reprooved and rebuked do not seasonably and rightly receive the same but turns against it in Self-justification and into Enmity against those who in the Councel of God give it unto them for their good in some such is that Proverb verified Reprove a fool and he will hate thee but a wise man and he will love thee Fifthly Observe Timothy and Titus were Overseers made so by the Holy Ghost Spirit and Light therein to watch over the Saints for their good to Minister to them from time to time whether by Word or Epistle what was needful and profitable for them we do not read in the Scripture of Truth nor believe that these two Overseers did reject Paul's Epistles written to them or call them Man's Edicts Man's Decrees Prescriptions or put any such contemptable names upon them but on the contrary we believe they received them in Love and obeyed the good Counsel Charge and Exhortations therein given them we do not read nor believe that these two Ministers of Christ did plead their Place and Office in the Body and Church of Christ to Exclude and Reject Paul's Epistles to them which he gave forth in the Light and motion of the Holy Ghost we do not read nor believe that they said to Paul we deny thy Forms Dâ—deâ—s Prescriptions c. we are Ministers of the Gospel as well as thee thy Epistles are of no use or service to us why dost thou seek to impose them upon us the Holy Ghost and Light within by which we are made Overseers is sufficient for us away with thy Orders The Apostle Paul writ thus to Timothy viz. These things write I unto thee being to come to thee shortly but if I carry long that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thy self in the House of God which is the Church of the Living God the Pillar and Ground of Truth 1 Tim. 3. 14 15. Behold here Paul in this Epistle Instructs Timothy who was an Overseer in the Church how to behave himself in it we do not read nor believe that this Overseer in the Church did Reject Paul's Instruction herein or that he pleaded the Sufficiency of the Light within in opposition to Paul's Advice and Instruction but we do believe that he saw in the Light the Instruction given to be good and profitable for him and therefore gladly received the same Now if these Overseers in the Holy Ghost could see a Service to them in Paul's Epistles which certainly they did then there certainly was a Service in his other Epistles to the Novices Paul who in the Light and Holy Ghost taught the Elders by his Epistles to them he also taught the Younger by his other Epistles though both of them knew and obeyed the Light within in it they saw the good use profit and comfort of them and therefore did not contend against them but chearfully received them and obeyed the Councel of the Lord therein given or young Schollars weak in the Faith feeble minded c. Upon all which Observe That neither these strong men Overseers in the Churches nor the younger who walked in the Light of Christ did plead their being taught by the Light of Christ or Holy Ghost within in opposition to their being Taught Exhorted and Instructed by the Instrumental helps of those Epistles which Paul and other of the Apostles writ to them as they were moved by the Holy Ghost I do Advise and Exhort those professors of the Light within who are offended at some profitable and wholsome Epistles given forth by some of the most ancient and faithful of the Children of Light in this Age concerning good Order and Government in the Church of Christ to read the two Epistles to Timothy and that to Titus and Peter's Exhortations to the Elders or Overseers to fâ—ed the Flock of God over which the Holy Ghost had made them Overseers which take as followeth viz. The Elders which are among you I Exhort who am also an Elder and a Witness of the sufferings of Christ and also partaker of the Glory that shall be revealed feed the flock of God which is among you taking the oversight thereof not by constraint but willingly not for filthy Lucre but of a ready mind neither as being Lords over God's Heritage but being Examples to the Flock and when the chief Shepherd shall appear ye shall receive a Crown of Glory that fadeth not away likewise ye Younger subm't your selves unto the Elder yea all of you be subject one to another and be cloathed with Humility for God resisteth the Proud and giveth grace to the Humble humble your selves therefore under the mighty hand of God that he may Exalt you in due time casting all your care upon him for he careth for you Be sober be 〈…〉 or watchful because your Adversary the Devil walketh about seeking whom he may devour Whom resist stedfast in the Faith knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your Brethren that are in the World But the God of all Grace who hath called us into his Eternal Glory by Christ Jesus after that ye have suffered a while make you perfect stabtish strengthen settle you To him be Glory for ever and ever Amen 1 Pet.
Fourthly Observe Christ calls those that were to be fed Lambs and Sheep which signifies they were not of a Woolfish or Dogish Nature or Spirit that is Bitter Cruel and Ravenous but as Lambs and Sheep they were meek and â—uâ—et Oh that all the professors of the Light of Christ within were such then would not some of them cause such dishonour to the Lord as they do neither would they cause such grief and travel to the faithful Labourers in the Gospel of Peace as they do Again Paul writ to Timothy thus viz. take heed unto thy self and unto thy Doctrine continue in them for in doeing this thou shalt both save thy self and them that hear thee 1 Tim. 16. read the Chapter throughout The same Apostle to the Church of the Thessalonians writ thus viz. Now we Command you Bretheren in the Name of our Lord Jesus Christ that ye withdraw your selves from every Brother that walketh disorderly and not after the Tradition which ye received of us c. 2 Thess 3. 6. Again he writ thus viz. We Exhort you Brethren warn them that are unruly or disorderly Comfort the feeble minded support the weak be patient towards all men I Charge you by the Lord that this Epistle be read unto all the holy Brethren the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all Amen 1 Thess 5. 14 to the end And to the Thessalonians again he saith in his second Epistle viz. for we hear that there are some among you which walk Disorderly working not at all but are busi-bodies Now them that are such we Command and Exhort by our Lord Jesus Christ that with Quietness they Work and Eat their own Bread but ye Brethren be not Weary in well Doing and if any man obey not our word by this Epistle Note that man and have no Company with him that he may be ashamed yet count him not as an Enemy but Admonish him as a Brother Now the Lord of Peace himself give you peace always by all meanes the Lord be with you all 2 Thess 3. 11 to the End Observe here if any of these to whom Paul wrote and to whom he Charges his Epistle to be Read should have called his Epistle his rotten Orders his Edicts mans Prescriptions Imposition upon Conscience Innovations or Apostacy and such like could he or any other of the faithful in Christ Jesus have owned such therein to be Brethren in the Unity and fellowship of the Gospel or could he or they have owned such words and sayings aâ— these to be the fruit of the Divine Light and Spirit of Christ within as applyed tâ— the faithful in Christ Jesus Oh Certainly Nay Concerning the form of the Apostles Doctrine c. The Apostle writ thus to the beleiving Obedient Romans viz. But God be thanked ye have obeyed from the heart that forme of Doctrine which was delivered unto you Note here that it was the Apostles Joy that they obeyed that forme of sound Doctrine which was delivered to them for this he thanked God he was not of the mind of some who formerly as also some of late were and have been who under the profession of the Light within and its teaching have spoken preached or written that the way of Gods People must or ought or may be as the way of a Serpent upon a rock or as the way of a ship on the Sea which leaves noe formâ— or Impression behind them this neither was nor is the way of Gods People either under his Law or Gospel but the way of an Adulterous woman as it is written Prov. 30. 19 20. And further observe Stedfastness of the true Christians in the Apostles Doctrine viz. And they Continued Stedfastly in the Apostles Doctrine and fellowship Acts 2. 42. Moses the man of God and the holy Prophets Christ and his holy Apostles left good forms of Doctrine in sound words behind them under the several Dispensations of God in which they Lived which is contained in the holy Scriptures of Truth which form of sound Words and Doctrines are both Comfortable and Profitable to the man of God in this day and will be to the People of God in Ages to come and it is gross Darkness and Spiritual Blindness that is come upon them who have spoken Preach or believe that the way of Gods People must be as the way of a Serpent on a Rock or as the way of a Ship in the Sea which leaves now Impresion or form behind it It were to be desired ineed that the Devil and Wicked men might leave â—â— form or Impression of their wickedness behind them seeing their wicked formes others are Apt to follow them in to their own hurt and danger of Eternal Ruine God Almighty in his own Appointed time will root out and destroy all the wicked formes of Imaging speaking and Acting wickedly which the Devil in whom there is no Truth hath led men and women into by which he hath led them to destroy themselves and each other Concerning the Commands of the Apostles of Christ whiâ—h they gave not of Themselves or by their own Power but by and in His Power Wisdom Strength and Authority for they were His Ambassadors over them He Reigned in them He spake and gave Commands who is Head of His Church and One in the Male and Female THe Apostle Paul writing to the Church at Corinth concerning the Things that were Not in good Order amongst them writing of many things in his First Epistle to them in the 14 Chapter concludes thus If any Man thinks himself to be a Prophet or Spiritual let him know that the things That I write unto you are the Commandments of the Lord. Let all Things be done Honestly Desently and in Order vers â—7 and 40. Again the Apostle writing to the Church of the Thessalonians writ thus viz. We beseech you Brethren and exhort you by the Lord Jesus that as you have Received of us how you ought to walk and please God so you would abound more and more for you know what Commandments we gave you by the Lord Jesus for this is the Will of God even your Sanctification That every one of you should know how to possess his Vessel in Sanctification and Honour Not in the Lusts of Concupiscence as other Gentiles that know not God that No Man go beyond and defraud his Brother in any matter because the Lord is the Avenger of such as we have forewarned and testified for God hath not called us unto Vncleanness but unto Holiness He therefore who despiseth despiseth not Man but God who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit 1 Thess 4. 1. to the 9th Again the Apostle Paul writes thus to the Thessalonians viz. We have Confidence in the Lord touching you that you both do and will do the things which we Command you Now we Command you Brethren that you withdraw your selves from every Brother that walketh Disorderly and not after the Traditions or Ordinances which ye
received of us Again the Apostle saith Therefore Brethren stand fast and hold the Traditions which ye have been taught whether By Word or our Epistles 2 Thess 2. 15. See 2 Thess 3. 4 5. Again he writes to Timothy thus These things Command and teach let no Man dispise thy Youth but be thou an Example of the Believers in Word in Conversation in Charity in Spirit in Faith in Purity See 1 Tim. 4. 11 12. read the Chapter through Again hear what the Apostle Peter saith unto the Saints in Light viz. This Second Epistle Beloved I now write unto you in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of Remembrance that ye may be mindful of the Words which were spoken before by the holy Prophets and of the Commandment of us the Apostles of our Lord and Saviour knowing this first that there shall come in the Last days Scoffers walking after their own Lusts c. Again Ye therefore Beloved seeing ye know these things before beware lest ye also being led away with the Errour of the Wicked fall from your own Stedfastness but grow in Grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ To Him be Glory both now and forever Amen 2 Peter 3. 1 2 3 and 17 18. Reader who ever thou art this I say to thee in the Presence of Almighty God the Searcher of all Hearts before whom all things are naked and bare who judgeth righteously That I do Not bring the Commands Ordinances or Doctrines given and spoken by the Apostles of Christ with Any Design to wrong strein or wrest them or any of them to exâ—lt any Friend Brother or Brethren Sister or Sisters above or out of their Place in which Christ the one Head hath set them in his Body his Church or in anywise to exalt them or any oâ—e of them as Lords over Gods Peoples Faith which our Lord Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of by which Faith they live to God and please Him But my design therein is to Exalt Christ the Head â—n them All and over them All who is One in the Male and Female He hath given us a Command to Learn of Him saying Lâ—â—â—n of me I am meek and Low in heaâ—t and ye sâ—â—ll find rest to your Souls â—f him we have learned Humility tâ—ue 〈◊〉 of Mind in this we have found abundance oâ— Peace Joy Comfort and Rest to our Sâ—â—ls This to us is of much more value thâ—n all the Riches and Glory of this World â—ere is the Pleasant and comfortable Dwelling Place here we desire to dwell forever The Humble God doth teach he guides the Meek in Judgment and cloaths them with Salvation Eternal â—lory be given to Him for the same My Design in bringing these things to thy View is to shew that the Apostles who preach't the Gospel with the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven as it 's written did in the Movings and Authority of the same give forth those Commands Ordinances and Doctrines unto the Believers in the same Holy Ghost Spirit or Light by which Light they saw and understood the Truth Soundness and Serviceableness of them and by the same were they led Not to Oppose them and speak Evil of them but to Obey and practise them Now those that profess to be governed by the same Holy Ghost Spirit or Light within if they possess what they profess therein they will see that the same Holy Ghost is In some measure given to some in our Day and that by it Some are made Able Ministers and thereby have been Moved to give out Soâ—â— Commands Not in their own Name but in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ the chief Shepherd and Bishop of our Souls and such Professors of the Light who Poâ—â—ess what they Profess and dilligently attend upon God in the same they will herein See and thereby be Led to Obey and practise those things Not as the Precepts Traditions or Doctrines of Men But as the Commands Precepts and Doctrines of our Lord Jesus Christ which he gives and speaks by the Mouths of his Servants which answers that Light of Christ in the Consciences of his People And such who reject them they therein reject God and Christ These things so Commanded are Not contrary to the Commands of Christ and his Apostles recorded in the Scriptures of Truth but Agreeable to them in the fulfilling the precious Promises of God spoken by the Mouths of his Holy Prophets who said I will pour forth my Spirit upon all Flesh c. For Christ said to his Disciples When they shall lead you and deliver you up take no thought before hand what you shall speak neither do you premeditate but whatsoever shall be given you in that hour that speak ye For it is Not you that speak but the Holy Ghost Mark 31. 11. In the Apostles and Primitive Christians observe the Holy Ghost that spake to the Magistrates and Rulers that persecuted them the same spake in them to the Church of Christ and gave forth Commands Precepts Ordinances c. And the Believers unto whom they wrote having a measure of the same Holy Ghost were thereby given to understand the same and thereby led to the Obedience thereof Again the Apostle Paul said unto the Saints You know how we Exhorted and Comforted and Charged every one of you as a Father doth his Children that you would walk worthy Of God who hath called you unto his Kingdom and Glory for this Cause also thank we God without ceasing because when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us ye received it Not as the Word of Men but as it is in Truth the Word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe 1 Thess 2. 11 12 13. Observe here the Apostle commends the Saints for receiving the Word or Testimony of God by him and others not as the Word of Man or Men but as it was indeed the Word and Testimony of the Lord which wrought Effectually in them as he saith And as â—t was then so is it now God having given by his Servants his Word his Commands and Doctrines he hath by his powerful enlightning Spirit of Life opened many to receive the same Not as the Word Doctrines Precepts Decrees Edicts or Orders of One Man Many Men or Any Men but as the Word Commands and Precepts and Doctrines of the Great God and our Lord Jesus Christ Glory yea glory to the Lord God and the Lamb for the same The Objection that some make concerning the practice of some things in the Church of Christ at this day is because they were not practised when we were first turned to the Light and came into the belief and profession of it This Objection is fully answered before in this Epistle where the divers growths and statures of Gods people are written of But the great Objection that is used by some at this day is That they An Objection answered