souls then will they confess That it had been well if they had loved the light and walked in it which they have so long hated and despised with those that walk in it and all those which have exercised their strength to shut others out of the Kingdom of God by their Preaching Printing and false Accusations they shall know that while they serve sin they are free from righteousness and do keep others from it But the time is coming that their mouths must be stopped and the Lord wil cause his everlasting righteousness to spread abroad as broad Rivers and streams unquenchable and nothing shall hinder it and this is the day in which the Lord will try those that dwel upon earth as he hath tried many and measured them with a true line and hath found them deceitful although they have made profession of his name and of his words for a cloak for their iniquity But now the light is come into the world and there remains no more cloak for their sins nor hiding place for their iniquity An Epistle concerning the sufferings of friends shewing the Priests wickedness and persecutions GOD hath a great work to do in this generation to pul down the abominations which hath long reigned and many are straightned till it be accomplished and onely such must be exercised in this work who are called chosen and faithful and many have been called but have not been faithful but have destroyed in their works that which they seemed to have established by words and was not faithful to witness the fate of their words by their works so that by a true search we have fouâ—d the words of righteousness in many but we have found the works of righteousness but in few and though God hath shined into the hearts of many by his light yet there are but few children of it in comparison of the disobedient The eye of God hath looked into the world and he sees men differ more in words then in life and conversation and some in words do witnesse for God but in their works deny him As for example How many of late years had a zeal stirred up in them by the spirit of the Lord against the abominations of the Priests and the oppression of the tithes preaching both down even as that which denied Christ to be come in the flesh So that if words had been that which would have finished the work the Land had been cleansed before this time of that abomination but the Lord hath brought a tryal upon such spirits whether they will own their testimony through the spoiling of their Goods and imprisonment of their bodys and therefore hath God suffered an earthly power a Law to try them and now they do rather deny their Testimony then suffer by that Law which gives the Priests tithes as for Witnesses most of the baptized people in England have betrayed their testimony and profession in that thing And how are you worthy to be called Saints which bear such a testimony can this equally be compared with the testimony of the Saints of old Did they cry down false worships and false teachers in words and did they uphold them by giving them wages Have you not herein sinned against light Did you not once see that they were never sent of God And will you now uphold them because you cannot suffer for your testimony Is not your paying them wages giving them tithes a greater witness for them then your preaching them down in words is against them and may they not herein rejoyce over you Christ is not herein your example which for this end was born and for this end came into the world to bear witness to the truth and did finish the work which the Father had given him to do and was made perfect through sufferings but such never need suffer who preach down deceit in words and hold it up in workes And the Apostles is not your example for they were in workes that which they declared in words therefore hath God cast you by as not fit to be Labourers in his Vineyard But a people is the Lord raising up whom he is giving his holy spirit unto whose witness to him must stand as well in works as in words who love the truth more then their lives or liberties goods or estates and are valiant for it upon the earth which cannot be subject to the powers of darkness nor the Rulers of the darkness of this world but believeth that whatsoever they deny for Christ in this life they shall receive a hundred fold and in the world to come life everlasting And these are they whom the Father will exercise with his holy spirit in the gathering his seed from the ends of the earth and for the turning of many to righteousness and such shall shine as the stars in the firmament of Heaven when as the false and deceitfull witnesses shall be turned into darknesse because their testimony is not able to endure the tryal for the Lords house must be built with tried stones that the winds of persecutions cannot blow it down and upon such will his light arise who when they are tried are found faithfull and who are counted worthy to bear a testimony in this work though it be through sufferings in this day when the powers of the Earth have set themselves to wear out the Saints of the most High God by changing times and Laws whereby to restrain the liberty of the Lords people whose worship stands in the spirit and in the truth Times they have changed by a Law in making the first day of the week to be their Sabbath but that day is more prophaned then any of the seven And Laws they have changed to get a grouâ—â— to stop the word of the Lord from having free course and 〈◊〉 utterance among â—he people These seek to scatter the power of the holy people and to 〈◊〉 the truth to the ground by their acts of cruelty and deâ—rees 〈◊〉 unrighteousness and by a tolerating cruelty and or pression â—mong a company of Priests which are worse then those in Hosea'â— dayes who then were As a Troop of Robbers that wait for a man eveâ— so the company of Priests murther in the way by consent Hos. 6.9 and saith the Prophet I have seen a horrible thing in the house of Israel but now we may say We have seen a more horrible thing in the Land of England even a company of Priests taking mens horses from their work their Corn off their field driving away their Oxen and Kine out of their Pasture taking their wool out of their Barns taking away their Brasse and Pewter out of their Houses taking away their Bedding off their Beds even off their childrens Beds Such a horrible thing was never seen in Israel for the Priests Robbery was not so great then as now for they did never so spoile mens goods nor destroy mens Estates nor imprison mens bodies as now in England the Priests have
of things as they are made manifest by the Lord to the Light in you I speak that in it you may be able to understand truth in what I say and by the truth to judge of things that differ for such as the Tree is such is the fruit an evil tree cannot bring forth good fruit neither can one Fountain send forth sweet water and bitter Now as concerning a Book given forth by John Stelham Priest at Terling in Essex who having an evil eye because God is good and being filled with indignation because God hath mercy on his own Seed whom he hath blessed hath out of the abundance of his heart spoken it forth Now the way to know that which is spoken in darkness is to read it in the light and if his Testimony in any thing as coming from him is to be believed it is that which is concerning his own condition and if his estate and condition be such that in it he can receive the things of God and minister them to others then they may be received but if his condition be such that in it he cannot receive the things of the Spirit of God then that which cannot receive cannot minister and so he is to be silents and none to expect the things of God from him being neither fit to reprove nor to rebuke but to be reproved and rebuked as will appear as followeth The ground in him and the heart out of which this abundance of words in his Book proceeds in it as he declares is yet the root of all error and of all sin is in him and seen by him not mortified and that he hath an old lying heart and flesh wherein there dwells no truth no good thing a sinful wretch and worm subscribing himself the sinful John Stelham as in his Introduction in pag. 80. and p. 117. Now therefore we having found out the root and the ground to be a root of Errror and the ground of Deceit and a heart wherein dwells no truth nor no good thing therefore from that which is unclean shall we not expect that which is clean to proceed nor truth from that wherein dwells no truth but from the lying heart and deceitful tongue hath the Lord delivered us so that if we be called revilers and be rebuked and a charge laid against us as to contradict the Scriptures of God and be called Antiscriptural Antichristian and Antispiritual we have now learned to know whence it doth proceed even from the lying heart and flesh wherein there dwells no truth and we can bear it because we know that til that heart be taken away and a new heart known wherein is truth we must be reproached and spoken evil of falsly for his sake who hath taken away the old lying heart and hath given us a new heart wherein truth dwelleth and where truth proceeds out from and herein are we manifest from the children of this generation and herein are the two states known and the two conditions of men according to the testimony of Scripture and the parable which Jesus spoke Luke 6.39 Can the blind lead the blind shall they not both fall into the ditch And ver 45. A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good And an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh And hereby is the Tree known by his fruits and the heart of the wicked was ever filled with lying and vanity and understanding was hid from them the Lord was grieved with such that did err in their hearts and had not known his wayes Psal. 119 70. Psal. 140.2 and this was an evil which was under the sun that the hearts of the sons of men were full of evil and madnesse while they live Eccles. 9.3 And such a heart was in the Scribes and Pharisees a lying heart wherein dwelt no truth filled with evil thoughts as Christ said Wherefore think you evil in your hearts Mat. 9.4 and out of the heart did arise all false accusations calling the truth blasphemy and the way of it heresie and such who be in the state as John Stelham confesseth he is was never appointed by the Lord to watch over souls But such where Christ did dwell in their hearts and because they were sons God sent forth the Spirit of his Son into their hearts Eph. 3.17 Gal. 4.6 and such had truth in their hearts doing the Will of God from the heart and did draw near unto God with a true heart in full assurance of Faith having their hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and their bodies washed with pure water these did not profess the things of God in an old lying heart wherein dwelt no truth but called upon the name of the Lord with a pure heart and said that the end of the commandment was charity out of a pure heart and of a good conscience and of faith unfeigned from which some swerved in the Apostles dayes having turned aside unto vain jangling and such desired to be teachers of others but the doctrine is corrupt and the Mysterie of Faith is not held where the heart and conscience is not pure and the Lord is good unto such who be of a clean heart Now as concerning the Scriptures John Stelham's Testimony from the old lying heart wherein dwelleth no truth is this That the Scriptures are the Word of God and truly so called and the Letter and Scripture is all one as p. 3.4 but to contradict that himself he saith in p. 5. the Letter taken strictly is but legal administration using these words The Letter killeth i.e. the bare legal command without a promise of power or pardon as a bare Letter void of strength life and spirit it leaveth all men under a killing sentence and curse Let them that have understanding judge Again as concerning the Letter in page 6. he expresseth himself thus The Spirit is given by it And in the next words saith the Scripture is but instrumental to the Spirit Now mark the Letter taken strictly being legal without a promise of power or pardon void of strength life and spirit the Spirit to be given by this which he confesseth is void of strength life and spirit and is but instrumental to the Spirit whether this be not contradiction and confusion let them that read judge For in reading these things which he hath published many may seal to the confession of his own condition to be truth but that which he hath declared of the things of God to be false for now the Light being broken forth such doctrine cannot be received nor believed that thâ— Spirit is given by the Letter but that which is declared in the Letter was given forth from the Spirit vvhich vvas in them which spoke it forth but people may long have the Letter and think in it to find God and eternal life and may dye in
and whether was Matthias one of the eleven seeing he was not then chosen when Christ did arise from the dead But there needs not much be said to thee only to let thee see thy ovvn folly lest thou should say thou art wise To the eighth thou seemest to affirm that the Scriptures are to be taken as they speak and not otherwise a Mysterie Ans. Then why dost thou and the Priests give meanings to the Scriptures and do not let people take them as they speak but makes them such a Mysterie without your meanings and so plain with them but this is thy practice and doctrine to condemn thy self in the thing that thou allowest and builds again that which thou hast destroyed and so makes thy self a transgressor Lastly In thy conclusion thou falsly chargest me That I do not believe that any of these things mentioned in these Scriptures be really done Which is not my Faith for I do believe that those things mentioned were really done and fulfilled as the Scripture speaks but it is no new thing vvith thee to accuse falsly and to make lyes thy refuge but vvhat in all those things thou hast done against me I do forgive thee and do vvarn thee for the time to come that thou go not on to commit the unpardonable sin against God and his Spirit never to be forgiven Again in thy last paper thou declarest thy ignorance of the two Seeds and askest what be those two seeds Answ. These two the Scripture speaks of the seed of the Woman and the seed of the Serpent 2 Who did or doth sow them seeds Answ. God doth sow the one and the wicked one the other 3 Where be they sown Answ. In man 4 When be they sown Answ. When man had a being and a body to receive them 5 What be the bodies they shall rise with Answ. Their own bodies according to their own natures the one pure and the other defiled 6 Whether be these two seeds and two bodies in all the world or two seeds in every man and the two bodies to or in every man Ans. The seeds are but two in the whole world having each seed its own body and in every one until the one be cast out 7 When shall those seeds arise or be raised whether after the bodily death or after the spiritual death Ans. Every one in its own order after the death of that which is born of the flesh and also after the death of the spiritual wickedness which is yet alive in all hirelings and deceivers such as thou art where the seed of God is yet in its grave 8 What are the graves these are in and out of which they shall arise These of which the Scripture speaks which when thou comest to understand it thou wilt understand both the seeds and graves of which we speak Christ the seed made his grave in the wicked and in the rich in his death and out of that grave shall rise with his body into everlasting life if thou canst receive it thou maist be satisfied And as to the 9. Query Why I say that the one shall rise unto everlasting life and the other unto condemnation Ans. Because it is so therefore I say so and if thou say to the contrary make it manifest but in this as in other things thy folly and ignorance is manifest to ask why I speak the truth which thou thy self darest not deny to be truth R. H. A short Relation of the twelve changes of Government that hath been in England within these 8 years under all of which we have suffered Persecution SInce by the Lord we were called chosen and separated to be his people and had unto us committed the word of Reconciliation and since his eternal power broke forth and was manifest amongst us hath he done great things in the Earth for he hath prepared his way and made it plain before the face of all people by the appearance and testimony of his eternal light in their hearts which hath not onely there shined but is broken forth into a life of Righteousness in many whom the Lord hath accounted worthy to be his servants in his Work to raise up a seed unto Jacob and to gather the dispersed of Israel and Judah both Jews and Gentiles into the Covenant of Light and Life with the Father from whence they are erred by transgression and for the accomplishing of this work and service hath the Lord furnished us with spiritual Weapons to war even against spiritual wickedness in high places 2 Cor. 10.4.5 and against the Rulers of the darkness of this World Ephâ—s 6.12 which hath appeared under many Forms and Governments since the breakings forth of truth in this Nation Yea many Heads or Governments hath been raised up and cast down again by one Hand and Power and have all from the Lord through his Servants had a word of Wisdom and Counsel administred unto them what they should do that they might be established which if they did not the Lord would break them to pieces which word of the Lord was fulfilled upon them all And every divers Head had a Horn in it to push at the Lambs of Christ withal and at every appearance of his Spirit and Power in his people but for his Elect sake was their days shortned and his breakings and destruction came upon them according to his word spoken to them by his servants at divers times And it is to be observed as the Lords doing and ordering by his mighty power that within this eight years siâ—ce we have been persecuted and cruelly used for the Name and Testimony of Jesus and the Answer of a pure Conscience there hath been twelve Changes of Government in this Nation which have all of them more or less been guilty of our Sufferings either in acting against us or in suffering others to act cruelly and not endeavouring to restrain them when they had power in their hands to do it and the sufferings laid before them who suffered for righteousness sake so that they could not plead ignorance but was left without excuse which now in the day of their misery and tribulation some of them do consider it when their time is no more I. As first in the time of the long Parliament in the Year One thousand six hundred fifty two although many pretended some prayed and some fought for Liberty of Conscience in matters of Religion yet at that time were we imprisoned beat and persecuted for obeying and worshipping our God in Spirit and Truth according to his teaching and at that time the Priests rage begun to burn like fire and they run one unto another and kindled the wrath in one another against the Truth even to petition against the spreading of it and those that walked in it as a dangerous thing and they generally with one consent called the Truth Heresie Delusion and Blasphemy and those that ministred it abroad they called Ring-leaders of Sects as in the Apostles days there was the like example But these was warned in their day not to persecute the innocent nor to uphold those that preached for filthy lucre who served not the Lord Jesus Christ but their own Bellies But they hearkned not to the Counsel of the Lord but shut their ears against his Instructions therefore was their day taken
witness the testimony of my Brethren the prophets that went before me who have left an example on record of suffering affliction and of patience and we count them happy who endure Elisha was a Plough-man and when the Word of the Lord came to him he left the plough and obeyed the Word of the Lord And his call was lawful Amos was a Herdsman and a gatherer of Sycamore fruit and the Lord took him as he was following the Flock and the Lord said unto him Go prophesie unto my people Israel and he obeyed the Word of the Lord and prophesied In the Kings Chappel and in the Kings Court and his calling was lawful And I do witness the same call who was a Husbandman and had a Vinyard and gathered fruit till the Word of the Lord came and called me from it and he turned my mind within enlightned my understanding and opened the Creation to me and let me 〈◊〉 the Vinyard without was but a figure and that I must come into his Vineyard to labour in his Work and gathering fruit without was but a figure for there is fruit within to be gathered A possession wirhout was but a figure there was a possession and an inheritance to be enjoyed within and that figures must pass away to come to the everlasting inheritance which is within which never fades away out of time into that which is Eternal And for this cause and by this Word did I forsake Father and Mother Lands and Livings House and Vineyard to follow Jesus Christ and do whatsoever he commands me And this Call I witness to be lawful and the Word of the Lord is gone forth to command Sons and Daughters to prophesie in his Name and thâ—y have no other call and they go as they ate commanded as ever the true prophets of the Lord did if it be to the Kings Chappel or to the Kings Palace or to the Synagogues or into the Cities or Markets to declare against sin and iniquity and where they see the people given to idolatry and prophaneness their spirit being raised up by the power of the Lord and by the Word of the Lord do they declare against it and they have no other Call but the Word of the Lord and they have a cloud of Witnesses for all the Prophets of the Lord spoke from this Word and for speaking the Word of the Lord as they were commanded were persecuted imprisoned and put in dungeons and were made a derision daily to all that were about them as Jeremiah was and was smitten and put in the stocks Jer. 20.2 and Daniel was cast into the Lyons Den for declaring the Word of the Lord Dan. 6.16 Amos was commanded not to prophesie any more in the Kings Chappel Amos 7.13 And the Apostles were imprisoned beaten scourged and persecuted from City to City and straitly commanded to speak no more in that Name And for declaring the Word of the Lord did all the Prophets Apostles and holy Men of God suffer And the Word of the Lord is the same now and the persecutors the same and those who are sent of the Lord now and called out of their own Countrey as they were then to declare his Word against your sin and ungodliness which you live in Magistrates Priests and pâ—ople you call them Wanderers and Vagrant persons who have no lawful calling What would you say by him who said The Foxes have holes and the Birds of the air have nests but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head Luke 9.58 And the Jews said This fellow we know not from whence he is John 9.29 You may say Paul was a wandering person who had no certain dwelling place 1 Cor. 4.11 and those who wandered about in sheep-skins and goat-skins being afflâ—ctâ—d and tormented of whom the world was not worthy they had tryals of cruel mockings scourgings and imprisonment they were stoned hewn asunder and despightfully used Heb. 11.36 37. And you shew your selves to be in the same generation mocking scourging those whom ye are not worthy to receive But all you dear ones servants of the living God blessed are you when men shall revile you and speak all manner of evil against you falsly for my sake rejoice and be exceeding glad for great is your reward in Heaven for so persecuted they the Prophets that were before you Mat. 5.11 12. You are in the same nature and generation of those who said unto Christ Depart out of our coasts And saith Christ As they have done unto me so shall they do unto you And now I witness the same things to be fulfilled Do not you say as they did Depart out of our City and teach in thy own Countrey And the same generation called Paul a pestilent fellow a mover of sedition and the Apostles would turn the World up-side-down and the Jews said they had a Law That if any confest he was the Son of God he should dye and they said Christ was a blasphemer and Christ was crucified and the Apostles persecuted by them and all under pretence of blasphemy heresie and sedition and as it was then so it is now for they who come to witness Jesus Christ come in the flesh and boâ—h sons and daughters who come to witness the promise of the Father fulfilled in them as he hath said I will pour out my spirit upon all flesh and your sons and your daughters shall prophesie And they who come to witness this fulfilled you say they are blasphemers and not worthy to live in the Natition and all those who will not lye and swear and use deceit but yea and nay such a one cannot have trading in your Markets for none can buy nor sell who have not the mark of the Beast upon him but he who loveth and telleth a lye hath the most priviledge and advantage among you O wicked and adulterous generation thy wo and misery is coming upon thee for the Lord is appearing who is come and coming to cleanse the Land of evil-doers This I was moved to declare from the Spirit of my Father dwelling in mr as a Testimony of his Eternal Love and Power made manifest in me and all who come to know the Power of God which is but one do witness me and all who despise the Power of the Lord this is for a testimony against them from the Lord by his Servant who is a Prisoner for the Truths sake whose Earthly Name is Chester the 12. day of the 12 th Month called February 1653. Richard Hubberthorn I came to Chester about the 29 th of the 9 th Month. The end of the first Book A Reply to a Book set forth by the Priest of Berwick who writes R. Sherlock which was an Answer to some Queries set forth to him by them whom he calls Quakers who writes himself Batchellor of Divinity and a Diviner he is proved REader This is the word of the Lord to thee Take heed unto the Light Christ hath enlightened
external stuff pours out which hath poisoned many people which thou sayest thou shouldest open the Gospel withall all that have the least convincement may see thee to be a seducer for what is external is natural and what is natural knows not the things of God but the Lord be praised thou hast declared thy self abroad Qu. 12. Whether any Ministers of God were made Ministers by the wil of man yea or no Shew it me by the Scripture Pr. And in thy answer to this Query thou sayest There is 〈◊〉 Minister of God made by the will of man onely but by man in subordination Rep. Here thou crossest the Scripture Paul an Apostle not of man nor by man And here the lying spirit hath shewed it self indeed Pr. And thou sayest There is no such hope of any such calling as was in the time of the Apostles Rep. And here thou hast cast thy self and thy fellowâ— and all thy study to be without the Doctrine and Life of the Apostles for thou concludest there is no such calling yet thou talkest of laying on hands there thou and you are making likenesses which is forbidden and to be confounded and so we conclude and all the children of Light shall judge that your Hope and your Calling and your Ministry made by the will of man and not only by God to be without God and conarary to the Apostles Qu. 13. Shew me by the Scripture whether a man shall grow up to that condition that he need no man to teach him but the Lord or no Pr. We must not look for any immediate extraordinary miraculous teaching by revelation from the Lord and yet all men are taught of God too Rep. What confused stuff is this and blasphemy that comes out of thy bottle Thou wouldest make God not an immediate doth not God teach immediate Here thou shewest that thou dost not know the living God for the teaching of God is immediate in the least degree Pr. None aims to such a perfection of knowledge in his gifts as not to need teaching Rep. Here I charge thee to be a Lyar who speaks contrary to the Scripture and here I charge thee in the presence of the living God to be a slanderer who speaks of being taught of the Lord Jesus Christ outwardly by the spirit what confused stuff is this and here again I charge thee to be a lyar for the words of our Lord Jesus Christ are spirit and life but such as thou who lookest upon the outward thing cannot receive his words though you have the letter of the Gospel as they had the letter of the Law Quest. 14. Whether they be not Antichrists and disobey Christ that have the chief places in the assembliâ—â— stand praying in the synagogues which Christ did forbid his disciples to act such things and cried wo against those that did act them In thy answer to this querie thou ramblest up and down with many words to justifie that which Christ cried wo against to justifie the chiefest place in the Assemblies and to be called of men Master and for standing praying in the Synagogues which Christ pronounced wo against and so let all the people see if thou and you be not such as are called of men Masters and stand praying in the Synagogues which the wo was and is upon Mat. 23. and there is neither shelter nor hole for thee to hide thy self for them that walk in the truth will find thee out and praised be the Lord God of heaven and earth who hath given us a spirit of discerning and we are able to judge you who live in deceit for the Apostle prophesied with the spirit of the Lord that such should come and we see with the same spirit you are come and with the same spirit you are judged Quest. 15. Whether they be not Antichrists and of the Devil and no Ministers of Christ which do not abide in the Doctrine of Christ Pr. They that swerve from the Doctrine of Christ are of the spirit of Antichrist Rep. There thou art this is thy own condition who deniest immediate revelation and thou that deniest immediate revelation deniest Christ for Paul said the Son was revealed in him and so all that thou speakest is with the lying spirit in the wicked generation and whereas thou slanderest and sayest we rail that is false And again thou speakest of love because the letter declares it but the love of God who dwells in it to such thou art an enemy and as touching using plainness of speech to people because we do not flatter or use enticing words of mens wisdom which thou dost so thou hast cleared thy self from the children of God and to be in the generation of them that swerve from the doctrine of Christ who seekest to justifie that which he cried wo against aâ— Mat. 23. And whereas thou accusest us for railing upon people thou art a liar for love useth plainness of speech and love and charity is out of deceit if we should flatter we should hold it up and should be pleading for thy generation who talks of God and confesses that you have not the same knowledge and understanding that the Apostles had Therefore how can you know God then And whereas thou speakest of trying the spirits the fruits of it is love here with the spirit of love is thy generation tried for when the servants of the Lord have been moved to come into your Synagogues some have been stockt and wounded and imprisoned and hailed out of your synagogues And is this the fruits of your spirit Qu. 16. Whether they be not seducers that draw people from the anointing which is in them and tell them they must be taught of a man whereas the anointing teaches them they need no man teach them but as the anointing teacheth them and the promise is to him that doth abide in it eternally Pr. Many false Prophets are gone forth Rep. Here thou hast proved thy self to be a false Prophet who denies immediate revelation for whom the Lord sent forth he spoke to them immediately which thou deniest and there thou art one of the false Prophets which thou speakest of and knows nothing of the anointing who deceives the simple and ignorant the world may wonder after such but who are in the light and receive any thing immediate will see thee in the dark to be a deceiver for none in thy generation can witness that you need no man teach you but the anointing for who doth are come out from your teaching and you both And as touching Sects them we deny as thou speakest in thy answer to the fifteenth Querie therefore do we see thee with that which is no Sect to be colouring and deluding people telling them thy error is truth who quotes and misappliest the Scripture to maintain thy falshood Pr. The flesh is quickned with the spirit of life to bring forth some kind of fleshly fruits 1 King 8.46 Joh. 14.4 Prov. 20.9 1 Joh. 1.8 10 Eccles. 7.22
place in the assemblie hath cried out they disturb me and then they have hailed them out to the stocks or prison and knockt them or bruised them and may be some have lain a quarter of a year in prison or more Now let all people take notice which have a love to God whether this be the Church which is the pillar and ground of truth or the cage of unclean birds which the Scripture speaks of when as the Scripture saith If any thing be revealed to him that stands by let the first hold his peace and the Church of God we own but all such Churches as are fighters and which do imprison them who are moved of the Lord to come to speak to them such Churches we deny And whereas thou slanderest us that we cry against the Ministers all such Ministers are to be cried against for they are contrary to the scripture Qu. 23. What scripture is there to have a Clerk say Amen and to have groats apiece of the World for his trade Pr. And for the groat he receives yearly of some persons in the world I conceive it is not so much for saying Amen but he hath other offices Rep. Here thou goest about to justifie the Clerk and his groat and the custom of saying Amen which the Apostles practised no such thing neither had they any Clerk to say Amen which had a groat for his labour and let all the practice of the Apostles judge thee who saist that the Clerk hath other offices then saying Amen that is may be to ring the bell to gather carnal people together to hear such a blind guide as thou art and for laying you a cushion that you may lie soft or opening the book or giving forth the Psalms which all this there is no example for that the Apostles had any such thing but it is that you false Prophets might utter forth your folly for to the children of light you are discovered and seen to be without the Doctrine of Christ and the Apostles and all the scripture shall judge you and in thy answer thou dost conceive there thou hast brought thy self under that state which must be scattered for the Lord will scatter the proud in their vain imaginations and conceivings and let the Prophets words judge thee Qu. 24. What Scripture is there for taking money for burying the dead or to have ten or twelve shillings for preaching a Funeral Sermon or to take money for marrying man or woman Pr. For our pains in labouring in the word and doctrine the Apostle gives that general rule the labourer is worthy of his hire And what their wages is is not of our choosing but partly the liberality of founders and benefactors partly custom among all people in all Christian Countries hath setled it Rep. Here thou usest the Apostles words which as I have shewed thee before thou art cleared from his life O thou blind guide whose mind is in the earth who art in the customes and art one of them that doth hold them up which all the Ministers of Christ are ashamed on thee and all thy generation who art without the life that gave forth the Scriptures who art one of them that goes in the way of Balaam who durst not take the gift though he loved it and as for the Apostles condition I charge thee and command thee to be silent and let it alone who denies immediate revelation from heaven therefore all that thou speakest is from the earth and below and the word thou knowest not which was in the beginning Joh. 1.1 when the letter was not and therefore in it thou canst not learn and the Christians that are baptised into Christ are redeemed out of Countries where yet thou art with thy customes and ways of the Nation as thou dost confess which Christ comes to redeem from and thou who receivest Balaams wages art spuing forth thy venome against the righteous seed where it is rising Qu. 25. When did any that was sent of Jesus Christ to preach the Gospel sue men at the Law Pr. Many differences may arise which cannot well be decided without suit at Law Rep. In thy answer to this Querie thou dost allow of going to Law which the Apostle did not as in the Corinthians and he was a Minister of Christ and here thou shewest thou art none for thou allowest that he did not and who are come to the doctrine of Christ which is yea and nay there is no difference they need no going to Law there is no contention and many differences are in thy generation which is without Christ and his doctrine which many of you professed Ministers sue men at the Law which the Apostle forbad and here openly I charge you all in the presence of the living God to be no Minister of Christ but are raced from the doctrine of Christ and the Apostles and thou writest a Scripture in Act. 19.38 as concerning the rude multitude that was stirred up when truth was spoken these were they which were not brought into the truth and there thou art among such a company let all the people see how Act. 19. will justifie thee for going to Law who professeth thy self to be a Minister of Jesus Christ which the Ministers of Christ denied and here I charge thee again to be a perverter of the scripture and void of the knowledge of Christ and the life of the Apostles and out of their doctrine and do not call this railing which is plainness of speech and love to thy soul. Pr. And you rail very highly in scripture terms too whereby you take the garments of Gods holy Spirit and put them upon the Devils shoulders Rep. Here thou dost accuse us for railing speeches and as we told thee before that we deny and here thou callest thy self a Devil for of him thou art with thy pretences therefore wo is thy portion and whereas thou sayest we revile and accuse the brethren this is another of thy slanders we bid thee answer the queries and thou callest them scrupulous to thee they are so and again thou sayest we misapply the scripture that is false and the Lord Jesus Christ thou knowest not who deniest immediate revelation and what hast thou to do to talk of him and as throwing the woes which the Scripture speaks of which is against the deceiâ—s which thou livest in they are thy portion thou canst not escape them If we should not give thee thy due and portion we should flatter thee and it would not be love and why dost thou talk of understanding and bid us weigh and consider we have considered thy way and do know it and God hath given us an understanding in all things Pr. Hebrew and Greek we do truly call the Original Rep Here I charge thee that thou hast no more original then Pilate thy father had Pilate had Hebrew and Greek which crucified Christ which was the Original and here I charge thee in the presence of the living
Kings Rulers that the Scripture speaks off He contemns Authority vvho is a fighter or quarreller or drunkard or lyar or swearer and they vvho abuse themselves vvith mankind but not they vvho declare the Word of the Lord to such to lead them from all such practises but such you account disturbers and contemners of Authority who stand patiently before you because they will not put off their hats for it is your pride that is disturbed and not Justice for the Law of Justice is vvithout respect of persons and doth judge thee vvho doth respect persons Another thing charged against me is That I said I dwelt in God and where the Lord called me I ansvver Let shame and terror take hold upon you both Priests Magistrats who make a Law in your wils to imprison those vvho come to vvitness they dvvel in God as the Saints did Paul said In him we live move and have our being and said he had no certain dvvelling-place and by this Lavv he vvould be imprisoned and he vvas persecuted and reviled and suffered it 1 Cor. 4. and John said He that dwells in love dwells in God and God in him 1 Joh. 4.16 and he that keeps his commandments dwelleth in him and he in him And hereby we know that he abideth in us by the Spirit that he hath given us 1 John 3.24 and by this Lavv John should be imprisoned because he said he dvvelt in God and all the Prophets and Apostles did go vvhere the Lord called them O blush and be ashamed before the Lord to profess Christ and Justice and make a Lavv to imprison those vvho are obedient to the commands of God and dwell in God that ever such a thing should be acted or once named in your Courts or Sessions who profess your selves Christians The Heathens have so much light as to see your nakedness and folly The Law was added because of transgression for the lawless and disobâ—dient and not for the righteous who dwel in God and are obedient to him Another thing against me is Because I would not enter into Recognizâ—nce to appear at the next Sessions to answer the premises being charged in his Highness Name to the Gaol at Norwich I answer The Lord God who is above all Names and Highnesses in his Name and Presence do I speak clear my conscience before him and all the World who hath set me free from being bound to the wil of any man for he is comâ—ng in his mighty power to bring down all Powers Names Highnesses and Laws under which the seed of God suffers This is the word of the Lord to all you who in your wills make laws by them cause to suffer the servants of the living God but by his Law which is perfect changeth not both you and your Laws are to be condemned The Discharge Norf. ss Whereas I sent you yesterday the body of Richard Hubberthorn late of Yelland iâ— Lancashire by the Constables of Wâ—mondham Now these are to require you forthwith upon the receit hereof to set at liberty the said R. Hubberthorn provided he be charged with nothing else but his Mittimus from me laid to his charge and this shall be your warrant for so doing Octob. 10. 1654. To the Keepers of the Gaol in the County of Norf. in ehe City of Norwich Ralph Woolmeâ— I being by the same Law and Power set at liberty by which I was committed to prison under the same hand seal by which the Keepers of the gaol were charged to keep me by the same command under the same hand seal are the Keepers of the gaol commanded to set me at liberty by the same power which charged these things against me in the Mittimus by the same power am I cleared discharged of them in this Warrant nothing else being laid to my charge I desire to know by what Law I am yet kept prisoner or vvhat I have to ansvver the next Sessions This vvas I moved of the Lord to declare and lay open that all people in the Light vvhich Jesus Christ hath enlightned them vvithall may see the changeable Lavvs made in the Will of man vvhich is changeable being turn'd from that in tht conscience from the Lavv of God vvhich is perfect and changeth not and by all such Laws as are made in the Wil of man did ever the servants of the Lord suffer do novv Let all vvho are lightned by Christ to knovv the perfect Lavv judge R.H. Prisoner in Norwich-Castle A true testimony of the zeal of Oxford-Professors and Vniversity-men who for zeal persecute the servants of the living God following the example of their brethren of Cambridge Also the lewdness of those two great Mothers discovered who have brought forth so many Children and never had Husband From Oxford the 26 day of the fourth Moneth 1654. A Brief and true testimony to all the people of the unjust and unlawful proceedings of those called Justices in Oxford against two Northern women who in obedience to the Lord came to Oxford upon the 20 of the fourth Moneth who several days as they were moved of the Lord passed through the Streets Colledges and Steeple-houses declaring the word of the Lord freely And upon the 15 day being the first day of the week were moved to go to a Steeple-house and when the Priest had done one of the women began to speak in answer to what was delivered and in exhortation to the people Then two of the justices cried out Take her away carry her to prison and they took them away and carried them to prison called Buckerdo where onely fellons and persons are committed for murther and other hainous offences are and secured And on the morrow being the second day of the week some of the Justices asked the Major whether there was no meeting appointed the Major said No he knew no business they had that there should be a meeting the Justice answered There is two Quakers committed to prison the Major answered Let those Justices that committed them if they have any Law against them let them act it upon them if not set them free and the said Major said further That he had nothing to say against them but he said that if they wanted food money or raiment he would take care that they should be supplied so the Major left them and went about his publick imployment and would have no more to do in the matter nor act any thing against them but did rather think it convenient to leave it to them to act according to their wills and he free from it himself But upon further consideration and for the more satisfaction the Major went up where the Justices were to examine the women and that their cruelty might the more be made manifest the Vice-chancellour of the University was sent for to come up before them and then they proceeded to examination and the first Question propounded was What her name
saith that Christ ascended far above all Heavens that he might fill all things to wit with his Light Eph. 4.11 So here he hath answerd himself for if Christ that is ascended doth fill all things with his Light then he doth not make mens hearts void of Light In page 17. he saith That Christ enlightens the world with the knowledge of God as the Prophet of the Church and if so then men want not Light to guide them in the knowledge of their duty and the way to salvation so herein he hath answered himself to his own confusion Again in page 43. he saith That none of the Gentiles not barbarous people who had not the Scripture nor such other teachings as God's People were taught by had the Light within them which might be a â—â—mpleat and safe rule or guide to them for the pleasing of God Ans. In contradiction unto which he saith in page 60. that Christ as the Mediator enlightens with spiritual Light every man that cometh into the World and pag 62. That he enlightens Gentiles as well as Jews with a spiritual Light And page 63. that Christ as the Sun of Righteousness was to enlighten all Nations So then if those latter be true then the former is false for if all that come into the World both Jews and Gentiles be enlightened with a spiritual Light by Christ as their Mediator and as he is the Sun of Righteousness then they do not want a Light within them which is a compleat and safe Rule or Guide to them for the pleasing of God and so by this the Quakers Doctrine is approved and made good instead of being disproved Again that John Tombs may appear to be wise above what is written he goes about to prove many Lights under several names and distinctions as page 12. he saith There are Lights that like ignis fatuus foolish fire lead men into dark places lakes and bogs wherein they that follow them perish Secondly There are lights that for a while lead men in the way and then soon go out and so leave men in darkness and perplexity Thirdly That there is an amazing light that doth by its brightness strike dead and cast down to the Earth Rev. 1.16 17. Acts 22.6.11 Act 9.9 Fourthly Christ is an excelling light not striking dead nor casting down nor blinding Fifthly That there was a light in the law but it was imperfect Sixthly That there is a bodily light in animate bodies Seventhly That there is a natural light of Creatures Eighthly There is a rational light of men pag. 16. Ninthly That there is a Scripture-light and saith he the Word which is written in my Bible shall be my light page 80. Ans. In that which is above-mentioned he appeareth to be puffed up by vain conceits imaginations and distinctions above what is written in the Scriptures of Truth till he manifests himself to be wholly in darkness not knowing what he saith nor whereof he affirmeth For where doth the Scripture speak of any Lights like false fire that leads men into dark places Lakes and Bogs but we read in the Scriptures that he that walks in darkness knows not whether he goes and there is the perishing in the Lakes And where doth the Scriptures speak of such Lights as for a while lead â—â—n in the way and then go out when men are in the way and so leave them in darkness And where do the Scriptures speak of a natural Light and a bodily Light and a rational-Light and a Scripture-Light And whereas thou speakest of an amazing light that by its brightness doth strike down dead and cast down to the Earth and brings Rev. 1 16 17. Acts 22.6 11. Acts 9.9 whereas it saith That the light of Christ's countenance was as the Sun shining in his strength which when John saw him fell at his feet dead and Paul with the light was struck down which Light appearing to John and Paul was Christ yet in the next words contrary to the Scriptures and thy own assertions saith That Christ is an excelling light not striking dead nor casting down nor blinding And so thy words is but as a heap of confusion and contradiction one unto another and to the Scripturâ—â— and so in a few words thou maist be answered even with thy own darkness for if thou knew the Light of Christ in the least measure it would keep thee out of the line of this confusion and then thou would justifie those whom now thou condemns and falsly accuseth to be guilty of thy own devisings Again Another contradiction concerning the Light from page 33. thou saist That light from Christ as Creator is conferred upon all men without exception of any person And to contradict it in p. 37. he saith that the Gentiles are without light And p. 66. that Christ enlightens Gentiles as well as Jews with his spiritual light Ans. So to what end is all thy preaching and printing but to utter forth thy own confusion And dost thou think that all people are blind as thy self that cannot see plain contradiction Nay for the light is risen in which thou art seen if thou hadst more subtilty craft and guile to cover thy self withall than thou hast but thou hast appeared naked that every one may see thy shame Again John Tombs in the 26. page saith that in this life they that are born of the Spirit are flesh whereas Christ saith He that is born of the spirit is spirit Ans. Herein thou art imprudent to place these two contrâ—dictions together and to set thy lye before Christ's Truth to make people believe that although Christ said He that is borâ— of the Spirit is Spirit yet it is not so for he that is born of the Spirit is flesh saist thou and to prove thy lye against his truth saith that the new birth which makes us no longer flesh and blood iâ— that seâ—ce is not the birth of water and of the Spirit mentioned Job 3.5 but the Power of God by which he will raise us up 1 Cor. â— 14 the birth of water nor the Spirit John 3.5 6. is here in this life thâ— other is not till the resurrection Ans. Herein thy proof is as false as thy lye before-mentioned for â—hat which is born of water and of the spirit is spirit and also the power of God bâ— which we are raised up is witnessed in this life whereby the Apostle said they were made members of Christ and were joined unto the Lord by that one Spirit of which they were born And is this the Faith which thou begets people into that they cannot be born again in this life of the Spirit So they have believed and followed thee long enough for they were but in the fleshly birth before thou came amongst them and are so yet and must not be born of the Spirit by thy doctrine while in this life until the resurrection and so that they may believed thee and not Christ thou strivest to keep them from
not the Apostle Paul sufficient Grace when the Lord said My Grace is sufficient for thee 2 Cor. 12.9 And had not the Corinthians sufficiency of Grace 2 Cor. 3.5 whose sufficiency was in God and from God to them made manifest and had not they sufficiency in all things 2 Cor. 9.8 And was Paul with those Corinthians at the last breath when those things were spoken but thy thoughts have deceived thee in thinking such a thing to be past controversie for thou must be both controverted and contradicted while thou thus in thy extreams and floods of fury sets thy self against the Truth as it is made manifest in us and also in the Scriptures Again thou saist Thou thinks it is time for men that have any sence of the common interest of Christianity Reformation to lay by these contentions that hav brought you so low almost made you a prey to the common Romish Adversaries saying the Lord grant it be not too late Ans. Art thou now sensible of the emptiness in and the disadvantage which thou gets by thy contention and thou may well see it if thou be but sober how the Romish adversaries may have advantage against thee condemning that in them which thou allowest in thy self and thou mayest have a ground of jealousie in thee that it is too late But as for an interest in Christianity and Reforâ—ation thou art far from it who art striving to keep people from the Light by which people should be reformed and by which they should be led into the life of Christianity And although thou confessest that you are brought low by contention and by too eager disputation yet again thou exalts thy self and thy Brethren as if you were above Christ or his Apostles in the Work of the Ministry for thou saist How few did Christ convert that spake as never man spake And how many places did the Apostles preach in where they converted not one for a hundred that some of you see converted in one Parish And thus thou defames Christ and the Apostles Doctrine to set up thy own buâ— if thou do not as well deny the Scriptures as Christ and the Apostles Minstry thou mayest read how that three thousâ—nd were converted at one Sermon and If thou truly consider and try thy own Work thou wilt see that all the Sermons which ever thou hast preached hath not converted one in thy Parish into the State of a new creature where all old things are done away and all things are become new and so thy boasting thereby may be ended Again thou saist That you do not fear that quaking should become the Nations Religion we know those squibs will soon be out Ans. If it were but a squib that would so soon be out what need you make so much a do about it and bring forth so many floods and draw dry so many wells to quench it And what is the cause of such jealousies in your hearts as sometime to fear that it 's too late to strive against it And why are you so afraid that it should have its liberty in the Nation if you think it will be so sooâ— out but it is your constant practice to speak one thing and to think another for this which you say is but a squib will be as an eveâ—lasting burning that none shall be able to quench it and it is the powerful appearance of the Lord from Heaven and who may abide the day of his coming or who may stand when he appears Not those who have contemned his Light and reproached the children of it not those who preach for filthy lucre who serve not the Lord Jesus Christ but their own bellies who make merchandize of souls for dishonest gain but he that walketh righteously and speaketh uprightly he that despiseth the gain of oppression that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil such a one loveth the appearance of him who is come a Light into the World and loveth the children that walk in his Light for he that loveth him that doth beget loveth also those that are begotten of him who walk in his Light but the Wicked shall become silent in darkness and many who have used their tongues and said Come Lord Jesus come quickly shall not be able to stand when he appears nor to abide the day of his coming which to them that hate him is destruction but to them that love him is everlasting salvation And this is the day of his appearance in which blessed are they that are not offended in him Truth and Innocency Clearing its self and its Children Being declared in a few words which in this day of striving and of the Lords power is brought forth in many agaâ—nst the deceveable ways of the Unrighteous which abound and is as Mountains in every Region Countrey and County But the Lord is now risen to make them plain that People may see that they are but earth and may feed upon the top of them Also in this Treatise is a Mountain of confusion lyes and slanders proceeding from one Jonathan Clapâ—am a Priest made manifest which swelled as though it had been no Earth against the Lords Mountain and against the way of his Holiness which now the holy Seed which the Lord hath blessed with spiritual blessings tread upon as upon the Mire in the low Valleys which is dryed up and with it they are not defiled for the feet of them that bring glad tydings of the Gospel of peace tread upon the top of those Mountains for Mountains were never seen till the Light appeared which is now brought forth making all things manifest Given forth from the light of Truth which answereth the Truth in every man and continues the offence of the Cross to the deceit in every man R. H. To the Reader In the night all the beasts of the field raven and now many of them are come out of their Dens into which they must be driven again for the Lord is now coming and his Power with him and his day is appearing to deliver his prisoner which hath long been in the Pit covered with darkness and now all the Powers of Hell and Death gather themselves together that they may be broken to pieces against the Heir of Gods Inheritance which is not possible should be kept always under the power of death as surely as they rise up against the Lord so surely shall they be broken to pieces for the arm power of the Lord is with us no inchantment formed against us can prosper for the Lord hath stretched forth his and touched our lips and put his words into our Mouths and in this day hath made us a defenced City and an Iron Pillar and a Brazen Wall against the whole Land even all both Priests and People who deny the Light of the Lord to be the way of life and not only against those gross Priests of the
Nation who in their covetousness after money piercing thâ—mselves through with many hurtful lusts having erred from the faith and having exceeded the false Prophets in other generations for their ill savour is so come up before the Lord that he will cause even their own breath to devour them and their own confusions to make them ashamed But we have also to war against spiritual wickedness in high places and the powers of darkness under the form of godliness and the Beast which is risen out of the Earth which hath Horns like a Lamb but is as a Lyon but with one Light are they seen and with one Power are they judged and the secret counsel of the Lord is the strength of them that fear him in which we reign over all the ways of unrighteousness and works of darkness in what appearance soever they come And now to thee Jonathan Clapham and the rest of thy company art thou not ashamed to go under the Name of a Minister of Christ and take Tythes and sue men for Tythes and thou to number thy self and take hand with them that are persecuting and casting slanders upon the innocent And dost thou set forth thy Refuge of lyes and dost not thou think that all people that read thy book made up with lyes will not see it that fear God and know that will return upon thy pate had there been no Reply to it The day hath dâ—clared thee a witness shall rise up in thee against thee and thy lyes that is the Word of the Lord God to thee What you that be call'd Independents now should be setting up your Refuge of lyes and publish them to the chief Magistrates of the Nation they will not refuge under them who be under the shadow of the Almighty who do believe and obey the Truth and fear God! And what you that be called Independents sue men for Tythes cast men in prison for tythes O shame cover your lips and faces and you are they the wicked Seeds-men to sow your lyes abroad and to proclaim thy self a lyar to all the Nation to say that the Quakers deny prayer dost thou not think all the Nation will see thee and you to be lyars who have proclaâ—med your selves to be lyars in saying the Quakers be Enemies â—o prayer We are satisfied and a thousand of people concerning you your lyes and slanders and do see into what you run and do beseech the Lord to forgive you for you have a lamentable cup to drink for you do nâ—t know what you have done in this great day of the Lord and what you have stood against and is it not a shame for thee and you that are called Independents to take Tythes of them and to sue them up to London for tythes that you do no work for and to cast them into prison that cannot put into your mouths whom you do not labour for Was ever such a company of Ministers of unrighteousness known in any age And is not all this your fighting against the Saints and opening your mouths against them because they cannot put into your mouths and give you tythes and filthy lucre and gifts and rewards and hire To demand hire of them that have not hired you is not this unrighteous You know not what spirit you are of nor what Cup you are to drink of the Lord forgive you And as for thy Book all people that fear God will be satisfied with reading of it And I tell thee and all them that are called Independents in the Nation that are suing persecuting and imprisoning unto death for tythes that there is something raised up in the hearts of the people that will not believe lyes and many of them are so far satisfied that they know that your Books are but envy and malice and stuft full of lyes and prejudice against the innocent and the Truth and some of you have a mad blind zeal in persecuting and imprisoning to death but the Lord will be glorified in your folly who will carry his Lambs in his Arms and the more you write and speak against Truth the more your blindness madness aod folly and lyes and dislike to the people that fear God appears and your speaking against truth hath advantaged truth against your folly and madness but out of the mouths of babes and sucklings hath the Lord ordained strength and the Lord and his high hand is with them Art not thou and you such as the Apostle spoaks of that serve not the Lord Jesus Christ but your own bellies who mind Earthly things the evil Beasts the Apostles speak of the slow bellies Have not you all stained your selves with this Have not your fruits declared your Earthly minds and worse than Balaam who sue them for tythes you do no work for doth not this load the innocent Are you them that keep the Gospel without charge O hide your selves for shame the day is appearing that the evil beasts shall go into Dens and men shall go to their labour but ye keep men from their labours while you are abroad ravening in the Earth Are you them that keep the Gospel without charge that now call your selves Ministers that are suing people for tythes and if they wâ—ll not give it you cast them into prison Now are you not clearly proved to be them that the Apostle bids us turn from that are covetous and make merchandize of the people which have the form of godliness but deny the power which the Apostle bids us turn from which teaches for handfuls of Barley and Corn which have the love of money which is the root of all evil which while you have coveted after you have erred from the Faith and pierced your selves through with many hurtful lusts which the man of God is to flye as you may read in Timothy and Titus who are given to filthy lucre and strikers and the covetous are disapproved to be Ministers of Christ. Now its manifest that you are given to filthy lucre strikers and covetous and do teach for filthy lucre and will have lucre of them you do not teach to Your glory is defacing and your beauty staining God will stain it whose end is teaching for filthy lucre you will force people to give you filthy lucre and do not teach them 'T is a shame to speak of the things you do how such peoples goods are spoiled who cannot give you Tythes or filthy lucre which know in their consciences you to be the false Teachers for filthy lucre take aâ—ay that your preaching would quickly down this makes you so mad and enrageâ— like a Lyon that wants his prey against them that put not into your mouths Consider there is a check come upon you to the Light in all your Consciences I speak which Christ hath enlightened you withall which lets you see your Saviour if you love it and if you hate it it 's your condemâ—ation And so I am clear of your blood be it upon your own heads And
his folly but our judgement in this is known he that can receive it let him and the belief of the wicked we shall not beg In these things we are approved of God and in the denial of all false imitations and who is he that shall condemn In the 14 th Head concerning Prayer Concerning prayer we do not contradict the scripture in our practâ—ce J.S. is the lyar herein who hath made it a subject to treat two leafs upon for praying in the spirit and by the spirit and in publick and private too we own and do practice as is known to thousands our Enemies can witness for us and according to the scriptures too and not contradicting to it any way But this is the offence against him at which he is troubled that we should deny the prayers of the Pharisees or of such who are in the steps of the prayers of the Pharisees viz. who for a pretence make long prayers and stand praying in the synagogues who are out of Christs and the Apostles Doctrine and the prayers and practices of such we do not deny according to the scripture which saith the sacrifices of the wicked are abomination to the Lord and they shall receive greater condemnation who make long prayers for a pretence as it is manifest concerning many in this genetation and against the praying of the Hypocrites and of Hirelings who pretend to pray in love to souls when as if they had not a great sum of money from the people would not pray among them but seek a place to pray at among such who would give them money and hire and this praying is for a pretence and we do deny it in publick and do not offend God herein though we vex J. S. hereby because some wil not worship the Beast and bow a hat off while he is praying in an idols Temple which he complains of in J.P. though he himself that prayâ— hath a cap on and he confesses himself not wicked mens prayers are accepted publick or private and here he hath condemned all his own praying who confesses he is wicked and sinful and his heart is old and lying let all take notice of this which if he had not confessed it it is sufficiently proved Then why shall he ever hereafter be offended seeing his prayers are not accepted according to his own confession if any tell him so or declare against his praying and before any can truly pray they must receive the Spirit of the Father and them we know who are not led by the Spirit of the Father them and their prayers are to be declared against by the Saints and are condemned in the sight of God And J. S. saith If this counsel be followed viz waiting in the Light till the Spirits leadings be known it makes known nothing of publick Ministers Church-Officers Baptism Lords Supper publick order of prayer nor of Christ as Mediator nor of the Spirit of promise c. The Light that every man hath makes manifest nothing of this he saith he in this is a lyar and as landerer of the people of God who are led by the moving of the Spirit in the Light of the Word Christ Jesus that lighteth every man and owneth the publick Ministry of Christ which is received by the Holy Ghost and Church and Baptism and Christ as Mediator and the Spirit of promise and all these things all the Saints upon earth who have the spirit of Christ shall witness against J.S. herein to be a lyar of the Light and Spirit of God and so is a transgressor and his wickedness may largely be laid open but the least of the children of Light may see his folly and madness who also lyingly saith that Quakers they nourish up people in the Light that every man hath which is the Light of Christ Jesus in opposition to Scripture-Light This is also utterly false and a lye and the Author proved to be of the Devil for the Light of Christ leads up in the fulfilling of the Scripture and not in opposition to it but by his lightness and lyes he is made manifest to be a deceiver of the people and so take thy own words in thy conclusion to thy self thou art he that is alienated from the Scripture and from the Spirit of God also by thy lying spirit of contradiction which is manifest in thy Writings In his 15. Head concerning singing We do not contradict the Scripture herein again thou art a lyar but singing with the spirit and with understanding we own of such as are redeemed out of the World and are not of the World but singing of David's experiences sung in the World by such who are of the World this singing we do deny as it is practised in this generation in Rhime and Meeter in a vain multitude of people where all or most of them do dishonor God in singing Davids words which themselves are out of the life of and in a life quite contrary singing the Law of God is dear to them and that they exercise themselves in it when every moment of time they are exercised in wickedness and cast the Law of God behind them and thus singing lyes and that which is not true to them yet in the Name of the Lord. Other Reasons many may be given why we deny singing in this form and manner and way as singing is practised in this generation but this instance is sufficient to all honest people but cavillers mouths are not soon stopped not by the truth And all J. S. professes as to maintain this manner and practice of singing are all impertinent he proves that the saints sang and were exhorted to it but what is this to the purpose to prove the World must sing who are unconverted which singing we oppose onely and not the saints singing in 〈◊〉 spirit who are moved to it by the spirit O thou lyar Wherâ—fore dost thou say To be against singing Davids words by the World in Rhime and Meeter as we do is contrary to Eph. 5. Col. 3. doth these scriptures hold forth any such thing let the Reader try as that Davids experiences may be sang in the World in Rhime and Meeter nay they do not and so thou art a lyar on the scriptures to be taken notice of and marked for a wrester of the scriptures and in this we have often declared our minds by words and writings that poetry and J. Hopkins and T. Sternolds brain-invention we have denied yet Davids Psalms wâ— have owned and do own them as they were given forth by the spirit of God and not as they are perverted and added and diminished to such a compass of syllables as they are now in practice and thus I have given you a further testimony for and against singing wherein we deny it and wherein we own it and so leaves his muddy stuff and so counts it not worth raking in onely a lye or two or more he is proved in as the Reader may take notice also of
prayer in the Spirit and who are moved by the Spirit morning or evening or at meals or otherwise and this is truth let J.S. gather what he can from it Further he saith If we teach one another why do we condemn them for teaching But to this I have answered Preaching or Teaching by the Spirit we own and without the Spirit we deny and because we say we own all that which is Gods as Baptisme the Lords Supper and Sabbath c. yet doth disown in practice their Water Baptisme and their form of breaking of Bread and Wine and their forms of Church fellowship and their form of keeping a Sabbath this he charges to be contradiction but it is not so in the sight of the Lord though I.S. falsely so judge it for their Baptism and breaking of Bread and Wine and their Church-fellowship and keeping of a day I say their exercise in these things we do deny to be of God as in measure is proved and may be further if need require and I say we own that which is Gods and which is led unto by his Spirit and practised in his fear and counsel yet we do deny all their Imaginations of any thing which God commanded doth own the command of God and yet doth not contradict our selves though I. S. falsely so judge of us Further he charges us with self-contradiction concerning speech and silence because we check some for speaking and yet speaks or writes our selves but this is the same with the former and the same answer will serve that speaking that which is not in the Spirit we check which is not the voice of Christ but of the stranger and yet doth own that which is spoken by the Spirit of God and herein doth not contradict our selves Further he saith We contradict our selves concerning Conscience and Laws because we say there must be no Law concerning Religion viz to bind any man to worship in this or the other way and to bind him from this or that way of Worship and yet in exhorting the Rulers that their Laws be according to that in the Conscience but in these words there is no contradiction for the Laws being according to the light in every mans Conscience that Law will not binde or limit the conscience from this or that way of worship in Religion for that Law is unjust which binds or limits the pure conscience of any man but that Law which is contrary to the light in every mans conscience is oppression and we bear witnesse against it and though we do say no Law must be laid upon Religion that is to say to binde any mans Conscience to or from such a form of Religion and though we further say that all just Law is and should be according to every mans Conscience yet in this there is no contradiction And whereas J.S. speaks of such Laws who persecuted prisoned and crucified for the testimony of a good Conscience God hath hewen down in all ages saith he Let the Rulers of England take notice of this from the mouth of one of their Teachers And further I adde so will God hew down in this Age all those Lawes by which many are persecuted and prisoned as he hath done in other Ages therefore let it be considered by them And he saith The Magistrate is not to level his Law with every mans conscience and light and this he speaks in opposition to us but he needs not for we say the same that some mens Consciences are defiled and we do not desire the Laws to be made according to mens several Opinions and defiled Consciences but according to the light of Christ Jesus in every mans Conscience which is but one in all and is according to the Law of God and every just Law will be according to it and though J.S. by his own meaning would make it appear Contradiction in our saying no Law must be concerning Religion and yet saying all Laws should be according to the light of Christ in the Conscience Now by these words we do not mean that we would have a Law according to Religion but no Law to limit to or from this or that manner of Religion And this doth very well agree with our saying Let all your Laws be according to the Light of Christ so by his misinterpretation of the first he makes it appear to be contradiction to the second but it is not in the light of the Spirit of God And further R. F. saying the Law of God answers his Justice and the Light of Christ in the conscience answers the Law of God which is perfect according to that in the Conscience these words J. S. charges with two Errors but let the Reader try where the Error lies and not believe J. S false deduction from R.F. plain words which are simply uttered though subtily wrested And J. S. speaks as if some would have Magistrates to make Laws to binde themselves from striking at Offenders Blasphemers Gospel and Church disturbers c. In answer to this We are not they that would have any Magistrates to bind themselves from striking at offenders who are truly able to judge of Offences we own that such should be punished according to the offence but the Magistrates Law reacheâ— but to the outward man to keep that in peace and good order and not to the inward man to binde or limit that And as for Blasphemy and Gospel and Church disturbing we find many Magistrates not able to judge thereof but many on the other side calling â—â—th blasphemy and reproving of sin in Teachers and people Gospel and Church disturbing and so by false judgment making such offenders which are not and so abusing their power and condemning the innocent rather than the guilty and these are such as J. S. speaks of where the strong man armed keeps the house and these are rather a terror to well-doers then to evil and such Magistrates and such Laws by which the just are oppressed and the hands of the wicked strengthened will the Lord confound in a day to the glory of his name and to the refreshing of all his People who are now every way oppressed by evil men both by Teachers and People And as for the rest of his Book it s but of the same nature with the former and not worth answering to onely his lyes I do deny and his first following is that all our doctrines are raised upon the ruines of the Scriptures excellency and authority this is false neither doth his proof at all make it good His second lye is that our corrupt Tenents are built upon false and novel Interpretations and this is two lyes together our Tenents are not corrupt neither do we build any thing which we hold upon false Interpretationâ— His third lye is that it is pride that hath bred and doth feed our Opinions and Practices and this is also false and to prove it hath wrested some of E. B. words His fourth lye is that unbelief
declared to be the light of the world and the true light which lightneth every one that cometh into the world Joh. 1.9 Joh. 8. Now seeing that this Author hath set up another thing to be the light which hath enlightned every man then Christ viz. the spirit of 〈◊〉 I shall trie this testimony according to the Scriptures whether it be a testimony of the Lords Christ or a testimony against him in these things following which are the Heads of his Doctrine concerning the Light Concerning the LIGHT what it is It is the spirit of every man which is in him and without which he cannot be a man and is the candle of the Lord Prov. 20 27. This spirit of a man is the Reason of a man or tht Understanding of a man What this Light doth it gives him to know his Creator and the end of his creation viz. who made him and why he was made also how he â—â—ould answer the end of him that made him and that God set up this light in man to see by both whom he is to serve and how he is to serve him together with the reason thereof because God made him And with this light God hath set up a Law which Law is called Light Prov. 6.23 whereby the will and mind of his Creator is made known unto him and he sufficiently qualified to see it understand it c. p. 7. It searcheth the inward parts of the belly At first it moved upward and it could look God in the face and serve him But now since the fall the Thief is got into this candle and hath dim'd the light covered the aspiring ascendent quality now it burns downward and discovers the things beneath p 6. That it is all eye it sees all that is done but doth nothing it neither likes nor dislikes approves nor disproves but as it is in conjunction with a Law p. 10. Thae it is the property of Light to make manifest Eph. 5 13. pag 29. That it is not in the power of the Light as it is in every man so much as to call any thing that is done either good or evil p. 32. That the Light did drive Adam from the voice and presence of God so far is the Light from leading up to God that it drives the soul from God and keeps him in the fall p. 53. That it doth not lead into all truth such as love it and obey it p. 54. Nor doth it reveal all truth to them that love it and obey it And that neither the Light nor the Law doth convince of the sin of unbelief That the Lamp and the Light are convertible terms Thy word is as a Lamp Psal. 119.105 and that the Light and the Law is one p. 30. So by this the Light which is the spirit of man or mans Reason and the Law and the Word which of that which is called a testimony of the Lords Christ we shall trie it with the former Testimony of the Lords Christ as it is written in the Scriptures which was given forth from those which were true witnesses First as in answer to these things there is not one Testimony in the Scriptures neither from Prophet nor Apostle that ever said the spirit of man or mans reason and understanding was the Light which every one that cometh into the world is enlightned withal but the testimony of truth concerning those which followed their own spirits is this The Lord sent his Prophet Ezekiel to cry Wâ— unto the foolish Prophets that followed their own spirits and had seen nothing Ezek. 13 3. Now they were not without the spirit of a man for then they could not be a man as he saith now if they had the spirit of man and reason and if this was all eye how was it that they saw nothing when he saith It sees all things so it is not a true testimony of the Light nor of the Lords Christ But the spirit of man is the candle of the Lord and the Lord having lighted it then it searcheth the inward parts of the belly And David who knew whâ—t the spirit of man was and what a candle was without light and what it was when it was lighted he said For thou wilt light my candle the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness Psal. 18.28 So if the spirit of man be the candle of the Lord then whether doth not Christ enlighten every man which cometh into the world and whether is not that light Christ seeing the spirit is but the candle and that it must be lighted Another testimony of his is this That it is the property of light to make manifest Eph. 5.13 but all things that are reproved are made manifest by the light for whaâ—soever doth make manifest is light p. 29. And again in p. 32 he saith that it is not in the power of the light as it is in every man so much as to call any thing which is done good or evil Answ. Whether of these two contraries must men believe whether the light is able to make manifest whatsoever is reprovable or that there is not power in it to call any thing good or evil But by this all men may see that this is not a true testimony to the Lords Christ nor to his Light Never was there any such doctrine preached by any that cried Hosannah to the Son of David nor that did give testimony to the Lords Christ That there is not power in the light to call any thing done good or evil Now let all who have received the measuring-line and the equal ballance weigh and consider seeing the Scripture saith Whatsoever thing is approvable is made manifest by the light Is evil deeds reprovable then they are made manifest then you see them to be evil deeds lying to be an evil deed swearing to be an evil deed drunkenness to be an evil deed covetousness to be an evil deed pride to be an evil deed whoredom to be an evil deed false accusing to be an evil deed gain-saying the truth to be an evil deed anger and wrath to be evil deeds and these things are reprovable as the light doth make them manifest so it reproveâ— them and such are convinced of sin because they believe not in Christ so that unbelief is reprovable and is made manifest by the light And whereas some say That the light doth not reprove for the sin of unbelief that is false for unbelief is reprovable and whatsoever things are reprovable is made manifest by the light but he that doâ—th evil hateth the light and will not bring his deeds to the light lest the light should reprove him Joh. 3.20 And Jesus said unto certain Greeks people which stood by him which objected against his words which was no Saints nor Believers While ye have the light believe in the light that ye may be the children of light Joh. 13.36 Now he did not bid them believe in that which could not reprove unbelief
done so that they do not only exceed the false prophets of Israel but also all the Robbers both in Israel and in England hath not spoiled so much Goods and Cattel as they have done within these five years some without any Law or pretence of Law and others with false oaths and false witnesses and the Law not permitting a man to give in a true witnesse except he will swear contrary to Christs command who saith Swear not at all which swearing is as great a sin as bearring of a false witnesse And by theâ—e things do they seek to wear out the Saints of the Most High God first taking away a mans Goods and then casting him into prison as Christ said to the Saints so is it come to pass in these dayes also amongst us The Devil shall oast some of you into prison and you shall have tribulation ten dayes If the Devil now or his Ministers or Messengers of Satan be permitted to cust some into prison or bring tribulation upon others do they therefore think that we will yeild to the devil or to his Messengers that we may be free from tribulation and imprisonment Nay that is not the price of our redemption nor way of deliverance â—or that which was written before-time was written for our â—earning which through suffering and patient continuing in wel doing we have learned without which we could never have learned nor known Christ's words fulfilled as they are therefore happy iâ— that day wherein the everlasting love of God is broken forth unto us in bringing us his children prophets and holy Apostles to rejoice over the false Prophets and false Teachers though they spoil our Goods and imprison our bodies yet we can rejoyce over them and suffer the spoâ—ling of our Goods with joy knowing that this is for a testimony against them by which the reproach which the Lord will bring upon them will appear to all men And this is so far from silencing our testimony against them that it doth daily renew it so that if all that which is past were forgotten their daily abominations doth so increase that a testimony must be continued against them for of them the Scripture is true which saith Evil men and deceivers wax worse and worse for the deceiver in former ages was never so bad as by force to take away the goods of those that would not hear them and take away their lives by imprisonment as some have done because they could not pay them tythes as this Record of the unjust sufferings will make manifest Our brethren the prophets hâ—ve given their testimony concerning such Prophets and Priests which was prophane and that the Lord found folly amongst them as Jeremiah saith Jer. 23. he had seen a horrible thing amongst them they strengthned the hand of evil-doers that none did return from their iniquity and it is so now for these reasons How can a drunkard return from his drunkenness when he sees his priest drunk and how can a swearer return from his swearing when he sees his priest swear and hire men to swear falsly as many have done in this Nation And how can a covetous man return from his covetousness when he sees his priest so covetous that he taketh away mens goods by violence which he hath no right unto but only through covetousness makes merchandize of People So how should any return from such things who are taught by them and how can a proud man return from his pride when he sees his teacher lead him into it by example How can an envious man turn from his envy seeing his teacher envious and provoking others to wratâ— and envy So these Reasons prove that the Prophets words are true that â—one can return from their iniquity by following the practise of theiâ— Priests and Christ's words are fulfilled also Math 23. which saith they lay heavy burthens upon people grievious to be born and devour Widowes Houses as many in this Nation can wiâ—nâ—sse who have their Goods spoild taken from them as this following Record makes mention abounding all the cruelty and wickedness which ever was heard of or read of exceeding all the false prophets in Israel althoug they had a price preached for hire yet they never did use such cruelty for their Hire as these have done and exceeding all the false teachers among the Gentiles which never was known to sue any at the Law that would not hear them much less to take from them seven times the value of what they demanded but the Lord doth for a time let his children deeply suffer to fulfill the testimony of truth in this thing that it may be recorded for ages to come the faithfullness of their testimony and the cruelty of their oppressors and then will the Lord finish the testimony of their sufferings and will give them an inheritance among the Seed which he hath blessed and all their persecutors shall be ashamed for God will bring an everlasting reproach upon them and a perpetual shame which shall not be forgotten Jer. 23. Richard Hubberthorne A Call to the Ministry according to the Scriptures held forth in these few words following contrary to that Call which is of man and by man To the Reader IT being of the Lord so ordered that a publike Dispute was appointed betwixt Thomas Dance Priest in Sandwich in Kent and those called Quakers which was upon the twelfth and thirteenth days of the second Month in which many weighty things concerning Religion was discoursed of in which it was first proved by us according to the Scripture That Christ Jesus the true Light hath enlightened every one that cometh into the world Joh. 1.9 and Joh. 12. And another weighty matter concerning Religion discoursed upon was the righteousness by which man is justified before God which by us was witnessed and proved to be only by the righteousness that was in Christ Jesus being also made manifest in us the everlasting righteousness being brought in according to Dan. 9.24 Again upon the tenth day the discourse was Whether the Scriptures were the Word of God The answer was That the Scriptures were Writings and the Writings was not the Word but the thing written of was the Word of God Unto which the Priests also consented Another thing was concerning the Call to the Ministry whether theirs or ours was according to the Apostles and according to the Scriptures the heads of both which Calls are declared as followeth that all people may judge according to their measure of the gift of Christ whether of them is according to Scripture-Testimony THat by which the Apostles were called into the Work of the Ministry having gifts differing according to the measure of the manifestation of Christ by the same am I called which is also according to the Scriptures as Eph. 4. Unto every one of us is given Grace according to the measure of the gifts of Christ by which gift according to the measure of it were they made some Apostles some