Understand fully what we hold before thou contend against us lest if thou want this Patience and Wisdom thou oppose not so much our Judgment as thy own Conceit better it is to hear a Man's Mind with Meekness then hastily to guess at it Answ 6. Be not wedded to thy own Opinion nor Wise in thy own Conceit so as to build upon thy own or other Mens Judgments and rest satisfied therein because it is strengthned by Multitude Custom and Antiquity for undoubtedly many have erred grosly in those Things they have thought themselves Infallible better it is to cleave to the clear and naked Truths of God alone then to follow the Doctrines of the most learned and eminent Professors in the World when they hold not the Truth as it is in Jesus Answ 7. Reproach not this Doctrine saying It is New and Strange or that thou never heardst it so before for this discovers thy Ignorance rather then my Error and that which at present seems to thee to be a New Error being rightly examin'd by the Scripture will prove an Old Truth If therefore thou wilt needs reject whatsoever favours of Novelty how shall the Truths we yet know not be brought in and the Ignorance which yet remains be purg'd out Answ 8. This is the same Doctrine which was preach'd by our blessed Saviour and his holy Prophets Apostles since the World began and which was believ'd and obey'd by all the faithful Saints and Servants of God since the Creation the same which the Lord gave in Charge to the Israelites by the Mouth of Moses saying Behold I send my Angel before thee to keep thee in the Way Exod. 23.20 and to bring thee into the Place which I have prepared Beware of him and obey his Voice provoak him not for he will not pardon your Transgressions for my Name is in him but if thou shalt indeed obey his Voice and do all that I speak then will I be an Enemy to thy Enemies and an Adversary to thy Adversaries Numb 15.30 But the Soul that doth ought presumtuously reproacheth the Lord and shall be cut off from his People because he despised the Word of the Lord. Now what is this Word of the Lord It is not the Scriptures for there were no Bibles many Years after that time Deut. 30.11 to 14. Psal 119.9.105 but the LIGT WITHIN It is not hidden from thee neither is it far off but the Word is very nigh unto thee even in thy Heart in thy Mouth that thou shouldst hear it and do it Wherefore David affifirmeth that if a Young man take heed to this Word he shall cleanse his Wayes thereby and calls it a Lamp to his Feet and a Light to his Paths This is also testified by the Prophet Isaiah Thou shalt hear a Word behind thee Isa 30.21 saying This is the Way walk in it in which Path the wayfaring Men though Fools cannot err And our blessed Saviour doth confirm this Doctrine Mat. 6.35 Lu. 17.21 Acts 3.22 vs 23 26. saying Seek first the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness which Kingdom he told the Scribes and Pharisees was within them Thus Peter preacht Christ the Light For Moses truly said unto the Fathers A Prophet shall the Lord your God raise up unto you him shall you hear in all things and it shall come to pass that every Soul that heareth not that Prophet shall be cut off c. Wherefore unto you first God having raised up his Son Jesus sent him to bless you in turning every one of you from his Iniquities Acts 26.18 and thus Pauâ— was sent To turn men from Darkness to Light and from the Power of Satan unto God Now is not this Darkness within and the Light within And is it not an inward Turning Acts 17.27 To seek the Lord if happily they might fâ—el after him and find him though he be not far from every one of us And doth not James turn men to the Light within writing to Sinners Jam. 1.21 Such as were in Filthiness and superfluity of Naughtiness Doth not he bid them receive with Meekness the ingrafted Word which was able to save their Souls which Peter calleth the sure Word of Prophecy 2 Pet. 1.19 unto which ye do well to give heed as vnto a Light that shineth in a dark Place But most take the Word for the Scriptures but we know no Word but Christ Jesus the Light and his Name only is call'd the Word of God Therefore say not in thy Heart who shall bring and reveal Christ unto us for the Word is nigh thee even in thy Heart and in thy Mouth Now this Word is Christ the true Light in every man Joh. 12.36 wherefore saith our Lord Jesus While ye have the Light believe in the Light that ye may be the Children of the Light As Abel being guided by this Light through Faith was enabled to offer up a more acceptable Sacrifice then Cain In Obedience to this Enoch walked with and pleased God By this Noah being warned moved with Fear prepared an Ark for the saving of his House By this was Abraham called to leave his own Country and his Father's House and in Obedience to this he departed not knowing whether he went Joseph being guided by this withstood the Temptations of his Mrs though enforced with Importunity Pleasure Profit Secresie Hereby Moses chose rather to suffer Affliction with the People of God then to enjoy the Pleasures of Sin for a Season esteeming the Reproach of Christ greater Riches then the Treasures of Egypt and endured as seeing him that is Invisible And what shall I say more for the Time would fail to tell of Gideon Barak Sampson Jepthah David Samuel and of the Prophets who by Faith and Obedience to the Light subdued Kingdoms wrought Righteousness obtained Promises stopped the Mouths of Lyons quenched the Violence of Fire Some were tortured not accepting Deliverance Others had Tryal of cruel Mockings Scourgings Bonds and Imprisonment and Death And is still the same at this Day for the Light within is the true Shepherd's Voice which all the Lambs of Christ hear obey and follow to the Hazard of all that is dear to them Object 2. But thou denyest the Scriptures to be the Word of God which is the Only Rule to judge of Doctrines and a sure Weapon to resist Satan and confute his Ministers for it is very observable that Christ made Vse of no other Means to overcome the Tempter but Only the Scriptures which are the Sword of the Spirit and the Word of God Answ 1 Plainly I deny the Scriptures are either the Sword of the Spirit or the Word of God That the Word of God is the Sword of the Spirit I own and witness that it is sharper then a Two-edg'd Sword like a Hammer and a Fire the Ax at the Root of every corrupt Tree and so are not the Scriptures yea the Word of the Lord
of the Prophets and Apostles Jesus Christ himself being the chief Corner-Stone in whom all the Building fitly framed together groweth into an Holy Temple in the Lord. So that these receive immediate Light Life Power Teaching Guidance Rules Refreshings Revelation Peace and Satisfaction from that Word which was before the Worlds were made even that Life Power Foundation Root Spring and Fountain in and by which the Holy Prophets and Apostles were Quickened Enlightened Anointed Inspired and gave forth the Scriptures which is Christ Jesus the Word of God the Power of God the Son of God the Light Within the only Saviour of the World 2dly Their Faith is the Faith of the Son of God Jesus Christ is the Author and Finisher of it It is not a Dead Historical Faith but the Spirit and Life of Faith and no less then the Resurrection and Life of the Immortal Seed Enlightening Quickening Reforming and Renewing the whole Man And this is that Faith by which Sin is subdued slain and mortified perfectly the Heart purified the World conquered the Soul sanctified justified and saved perfectly But the Faith of all others is an Unholy Dead Imperfect Faith it sanctifies but in part as they say and so will never save to the uttermost 3dly Their Knowledge is Spiritual and Experimental from the immediate Unction of the Holy Ghost what is known proceeds not from Hear-say but divine Revelation All that are born of the Spirit are taught of God and need not that any say Know the Lord for they all know him from the greatest to the least This is Life Eternal to know God who is Light yea the Father of Lights and that the Light within is the Son of God whom he hath sent so to know as to live and abide in his Light is Life Eternal And this is that Mystery which is hid from the Wise and Prudent and is revealed unto Babes for the World by all its Wisdom knows not God neither doth the Carnal Man though never so great a Schollar discern the things of God for they are Spiritually discerned And as Christ was Bodily in the World and the World knew him not no not the great Doctors and Leaders of those several Sects and Religions in that day as the Samaritans Herodians Scribes Pharisees and Sadduces they knew him not and therefore the man that was born blind wondred This is a Marvelous Thing saith he that ye know not from whence he is and yet he hath opened mine Eyes It was never known that any man opened the Eyes of one that was born blind Even so it is now Christ is spiritually in the World and the World knoweth him not no not the Popes Prelates Presbyters Priests and Pastors of all the Religions in the World they know him not but say It is the Devil or at best but the Light of Nature and so they know not from whence he is yet hath he inlightned Thousands And it was never known that the Devil or Nature converted any to the Lord that have been Naturalized to Sin 4thly Their Humility which is the emptying of themselves of all their own Righteousness Wills Wisdom and Self-Exaltation and is a real inward spiritual Abasement and Subjection to the Life Power Kingdom of Christ Jesus manifested in Spirit ruling and dwelling in their mortal Bodies And so this True Humble Meek and Low Frame of Spirit proceeds from their experimental Knowledge of Christ's living Presence in them whereas they that know God and Christ only by Reading and Hear-say with a Literal and Historical Knowledge they are blown swell'd and puffed up with Airy Notions Vain Boastings and Self-Conceitedness 5thly Their Unity which consists not only in the Oneness of Opinion and Judgment but proceeds from Unity of Spirit And their Love one to another is not from a Natural but a Heavenly and Spiritual Principle It is not the Love of one man to another but it is the Love of God shed abroad in their Hearts which maketh them all of one Mind and all speak write and witness the same thing For as the Vital Spirits in the Natural Frame have its Operation through every Member it makes the Eyes Ears Tongue Hands and Feet to see hear speak work and walk and yet but one Soul that moves and quickens all through its speedy Entercourse into every Member and Part of the Body so is it here the Love Peace Concord and Unity amongst these is remarkable it flows from the Fountain of Love and influenceth the whole Body which makes them in all their Wayes Doctrine and Practice but as One Man And though but a Poor Weak Harmless Innocent and Inoffensive People are rendred through their Unity and Love as Terrible as an Army with Banners 6thly Their Patience is invincible To them is this Grace given Not only to Believe in the Name of Jesus but also to Suffer for his sake And as the Lord hath made them Blessed and Glorious Instruments in his Hand to do his Will so hath he made them contented to be perfected through Sufferings For though the Lord hath been especially present with them yet the World hath been especially against them not for their own sakes for they are the only Innocent and Harmless People upon Earth but for Christ's sake in them yea because there is more of God among these men then others therefore are they hated of all men and every where amongst all Religions evil spoken of for the World most hates where there is most of God therefore the Single-hearted may guess where there is most of God by observing where the greatest Hatred of the World lies 7thly Their Faithfulness to the Truth Wayes and Interest of Christ How have they gone up and down in Weariness and Labours in Hunger and Nakedness in Dangers and Deaths to bear a Faithful Testimony against the Sin Vanity False Worship and Abomination of the Times When did they shrink in the least or turn back from their Duty when Loss of Estate Liberty yea Danger of Banishment attended it When did they Deny their Master or his Commands or Betray his Interest before King or Counsel Table Judges Justices or Bishops by Subscribing Engaging Swearing Bowing or Complying to the Wills and Humors of men Nay they have witnessed a Good Confession and spoken of his Testimonies before all these and were not ashamed When did they meet at Night for fear of being seen or creep in at Back-Doors into Cellars Holes and secret Places to hide themselves from the Knowledge of the Adversary But the time would fail me to speak of their Self-denyal Temperance Sobriety Innocency Doctrine Order Worship their Spirit of Prayer and Watchfulness Holiness Righteousness Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost The King's Daughter is all Glorious within and her Rayment is of pure Gold Therefore in Truth and Sincerity to them I will say Who is like unto thee O People saved by the Lord the Shield of thy Help the Sword of thy Excellency
Thine Enemies shall be found Lyars unto thee and thou shalt tread upon their High Placet Yet to make it appear more plain that this Light within which indeed is our Principle is the Truth and the Mighty Power of God for Salvation to all that believe in it and obey it will be further manifested by its Nature and Effects The NATURE of this Light It is a Living Immortal Unchangeable Undefiled Righteous and Perfect Principle of pure Holiness which never fell comply'd with or consented to any Evil But hath ever opposed and stood cross to the whole corrupt Nature Will and Affections of faln man For I know that all Adam's Posterity are by Nature faln under Guilt Pollution Condemnation and Darkness So that the Light I speak of is nothing of Man's Nature but of the pure Divine Nature even that Seed promised Gen. 3.15 yea the Son of God which is sent into the World that whosoever believe on him should not perish but have Eternal Life The EFFECTS of this Light When Christ was upon Earth John saw and bare record That he was the Lamb of God which taketh away the Sins of the World Yet the Lord said A greater Testimony have I then that of John for the Works that I do in my Father's Name they testifie of me So say we of him now he is spiritually the Light in man however sleighted rejected and undervalued by men yet is he chosen of God and pretious the alone Saviour of the World and the Works he accomplishes daily in the Souls and Consciences of men testifie the same wherefore if his Works be not such as none else can do believe him not Effect I. Hereby the Sinner is convinced judged reproved and condemned plainly and experimentally for all the Sins that ever he committeth of what Kind or Nature soever they be Come said the Woman of Samaria and I will shew ye a Man that hath told me all things that ever I did John 4.29 is not this the Christ Effect 2. The Fear of the Lord which is the Beginning of Wisdom is never truly placed in the Heart till this Principle be witnessed and owned for while a Man looks at God and Christ at a great Distance circumscribed in some Place beyond the Stars the Sinner rageth is confident but when the Mind Understanding is perswaded that the Pure Holy Righteous Omnipotent and Omnipresent Lord God is not only nigh him but within him also he is then brought into awful Apprehension of the most High forced to cry out with Job I have heard of thee before by the Hearing of the Ear but now mine Eyes have seen him by this Means the Mind is melted into much Tenderness and Brokenness and with the Prophet complaineth Wo is me for I am undone Now consider this all ye that despise the Light within Joh. 9.30 This is a Marvelous Thing said the Young Man that ye know not whence he is and yet he hath opened my Eyes since the World began was it not heard that any Man opened the Eyes of one that was born Blind Effect 3. Waiting humbly in this pure Dread Fear of the Lord Man's Insufficiency to answer the Requirings of the Holy Commandment is discerned but perfect Power and Strength in Christ the Light is discovered for indeed in him are hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge and standing up to the Manifestation of this Light the Judgment of the Lord is felt as a Refiner's Fire which throughly purifies and as Fullers Soap that leaves no Spot then the Soul knows that flaming Sword which kept faln Man out of Paradise but now discerns the new Birth which bears the Image of the Heavenly Nature the strong Man armed which before held Possession bound casting out and all his Goods spoiled by the Powerful Entrance of Christ into his Temple Effect 4. Waiting and abiding in this Light for Counsel and Teaching the whole Man being emptyed of his own Will and Wisdom standing singly and purely in the Will of the Lord ready to be disposed ordered and guided universally by the Light the Soul now thrives in the Fear and Love of God bringeth forth the peaceable Fruits of Righteousness and liveth in that Faith which purifies the Heart and getteth Victory over the World Sin and Death These Things with many other which might be mentioned do make it manifest that whoever deny despise and reproach the Light within deny God the Father of Lights despise Jesus Christ the Light Saviour of the World and reproach the Holy Spirit which maketh manifest and reproveth the Sins of Men Wherefore all ye Professors that look out for another Saviour remember the Answer of our Lord Jesus unto John Baptist upon the like Account Art thou he Luke 7.21 or shall we look for another Go saith Christ and tell him that sent you what you have heard and seen the Blind receive their Sight the Deaf hear c. Even the same in a spiritual Sense may be as really affirmed of the Light within hereby have the Eyes Ears and Mouthes of the Blind Deaf and Dumb been opened the Lame Lepers and the Dead cured cleansed and quickned and the Poor whom none of the Proud Covetous Clergy so called regardeth they by Vertue hereof have the Everlasting Gospel preached unto them and forever blessed are they who are not offended in the Light but love it believe in it and obey it in all things Object 1. But we are afraid of being deceived this is a new and strange Doctrine did ever Christ or his Apostles bid Men believe and obey the Light within Answ 1. Art thou not already deceived Consider therefore well thy Condition if thou art delivered out of the deceived State in which the greatest Part of the World yet remains art thou yet in a sinful transgressed Estate For the Woman being deceived was in the Transgression 1 Tim. 2.14 Answ 2. We that believe and abide in the Light know that we are not deceived neither seek we to deceive any neither fear we any deceiving us though indeed while we walked in the Imaginations of our own deceitful Hearts and warmed our selves by the Sparks of our own kindling that then as the Serpent beguiled Eve through his Subtilty so our Minds were corrupted from the Simplicity that is in Jesus in which State we see many yet to stand whom the Lord will undeceive in his own Time But Evil Men and Seducers will wax worse deceiving and being deceived Answ 3. Never fear Deceit in such who turn you to the Light whereby ye may discern betwixt Good and Bad Truth and Falshood plainly I would much fear that he had a Design to cheat me who leads into the Dark and denyes the Benefit of the Light Answ 4. Search with Freedom and examine throughly this Doctrine condemn it not unheard speak not Evil of any Thing unknown for so mayst thou soon condemn the Innocent and make thy self guilty Answ 5.
if Reprobates be taken in this Place for such as God hath given up cast off and rejected yet doth not this prove but the Light of Christ was once in them and at Work in their Hearts And further by this Scripture it is manifest that the Light of Christ Jesus is in every Man And this I know will suffice in Answer to satisfie the Unprejudiced concerning those Places of Scripture Answ 2. The Love of Christ constraineth us thus to Judge because if Christ dyed for all then were all Dead and as Christ dyed for all so hath this Grace appeared to all for he hath enlightned all that come into the World and we know that he is able and willing to save all that yield Obedience to and embrace the Tenders of his Boundless Endless Unlimited Universal Love to Mankind without Exception and this we are verily perswaded of from these and such like Considerations 1. Because God is no Respecter of Persons Acts 10.35 He maketh his Sun to rise on the Evil and the Good and sendeth Rain on the Just and on the Vnjust he accepteth not the Persons of Princes nor regardeth the Rich more then the Poor for they all are the Work of his Hands 2. Because that Light which shined in our Dark Ignorant Unclean and Unbelieving Hearts before Conversion is the very same in which we live and abide since our Conversion That which formerly stood by was an Eye witness to and bore a faithful Testimony against us while we walked in Darkness is the same which since the time of our believing and abiding in his Light witnesseth with our Spirits that we are the Children of God That which caused Trouble Restlesness and Terror when we lived in Unbelief Rebellion and Disobedience is the same which causeth Calmness Stilness Settlement and Satisfaction and bringeth forth peaceable Fruits of Righteousness in our Souls since we have believed continued obedient thereto That very Light which before convinced reproved judged condemned us for all Unbelief and Unrighteousness both in Heart Life is still the same which doth convert confirm cleanse justifie and save yea that Light which before shined in Darkness and the Darkness comprehended it not is but one and the same which after it was believed and obeyed did expel and lead out of Darkness that the Light which before was ecclipsed may now so shine before Men that seeing our Good Works may glorifie our Father which is in Heaven in the Day of their Visitation wherefore the Love of Christ constrains us thus to judge that the Light of Christ is in every Man and Woman who is able to save to the uttermost all that believe in him and obey him because when we were as Vile as the worst of Sinners we can witness that the same Light which did then shine in Darkness doth now to the Praise of God shine out of Darkness whereof we are not ashamed 3. Because our Lord Jesus who cannot Lye hath said that man's Condemnation ariseth only from the Contempt of and Disobedience to this Light saying This is the Condemnation Light is come into the World but men love Darkness rather then Light Jo. 3. This is the the Condemnation that Light is come into the World That was only say some Christ's Bodily Presence upon Earth in that Day So then it must needs follow that Condemnation terminated and ended in that Generation because then that Bodily Presence expired But we witness according to his own Words that he is come again in Spirit for saith he They shall say Lo here and Lo there but go not after them nor follow them Luke 17.21 23 24 25. look not out for the Kingdom of God is within you And as the Lightning shineth from one Part under Heaven to the other Part under Heaven so shall the Son of Man be in his Day but first he must suffer many Things of this Generation and be rejected We testifie therefore that these are the Dayes of the Son of Man and Christ Jesus the Light is come into the World into the Souls Consciences of Earthly VVorldly-minded and Unbelieving Men and VVomen and they who love Darkness rather then Light cannot escape Condemnation because they neglect despise and reject so great Salvation Therefore as the Brazen Serpent was lift up by Moses in the VVilderness even so Christ Jesus the Light of the VVorld hath God exalted with his own Right Hand to be a Prince and a Saviour to give Repentance and Forgiveness wherefore he said When he ascended on high he led Captivity Captive and gave Gifts unto Men now that he ascended what is it but that he descended first into the lower Parts of the Earth he that descended is the same also which ascended far above all Heavens THAT HE MIGHT FILL ALL THINGS And thus is his Light in every Man's Conscience that they who feel themselves stung by the fiery Serpents in the Wilderness of Sin Darkness and Unbelief and look towards and believe in him might not perish but have Eternal Life but whoever neglect overlook or under value this only Saviour of the VVorld Christ Jesus the Light the alone Guide to Rest must necessarily perish in the VVilderness and dye in their Sins For it is most certain that Man's Damnation must undoubtedly arise from some of these Causes 1. Either for want of Light Or 2. From the Deficiency of that Light Or 3. From man's own Rebellion and Disobedience to this Light Now to judge or believe that man's Condemnation is occasion'd through the Want of True Saving Light is horrid Wickedness because it chargeth God foolishly with Injustice and nothing less then to say with the Evil and Unprofitable Servant Lord I know thee to be an Austere and Hard Man reaping where thou hast not sown and gathering where thou hast not strawed therefore I was afraid and went and hid thy Talent in the Earth Yea what greater Unmercifulness and Injustice can be charged upon God then to say or think That he hath designed any Man's Ruin and hath denyed him the Benefit of this saving Light When the Lord hath assured Mankind as certainly as he lives That he desires not the Death of any Sinner but that this is his Will and herein he is pleased That the Wickâ—d might forsake their Wicked Wayes and live for he would that all men should be saved and come to the Knowledge of the Truth which Truth is Christ the Light Neither can it be granted that man's Condemnation is occasioned through the Insufficiency of this Light of Christ for as hath been already proved He is able to save to the uttermost all that come to the Father by him and is the Mighty Power of God unto Salvation which though in its first Appearance be as small as a Grain of Mustard-seed a Little Leaven a Bruised Reed or as Smoaking Flax yet is it that Little Stone cut out of the Mountains without Hands yea though it be rejected disallowed
THE Strong Man Armed CAST OUT And his GOODS SPOILED Or the Poor Man sitting at Jesus's Feet clothed and in his Right Mind Being a True Convert's Testimony of the Power of the Lord in turning the Soul from Darkness to Light and from the Power of Satan unto God Wherein is clearly manifested that there is Light in every Man and Woman which discovers their Conditions bears a faithful Testimony against Sin is the Reprover of all Unbelief and Unrighteousness both in Heart and Life and is the Mighty Power of God for Salvation to all that believe in it and obey it And herein it is evidently proved That they are none of the Ministers of Christ that Oppose this Doctrine with one infallible Character of the Real Gospel-Ministers and most of the weighty Objections answered Formerly given forth in Writing unto my Relations and Acquaintance the Professors called Independents in Notingham-shire declaring the just Cause of my leaving their Assemblies Together with a tender Invitation to all the Honest-hearted to come out of their dead Forms and walk in the Light of the Lord. By James Jackson formerly a Parish Priest and a Teacher amongst the Independents and now through the exceeding Riches of God's Love am made willing to take up the Daily Cross and walk with the despised Followers of the Lamb in Scorn called Quakers This is a Marvelous Thing O ye Priests and Professors that ye know not whence he is and yet he hath opened mine Eyes Was it ever known that ever any man opened the Eyes of one that was born blind Printed in the Year 1674. TO My Loving Friends Kindred AND ACQUAINTANCE The Tender Sober and Conscientious Professors amongst the People call'd Independents in the County of NOTTINGHAM THe Scriptures declare of a Man which had an Vnclean Spirit who had his dwelling among the Tombs and no man could bind him no not with Chains because he had been often bound with Chains and Fetters and the Chains had been plucked asunder by him and the Fetters broken in pieces And being driven of the Devil into the Wilderness he was so unruly and fierce tearing his Cloaths and cutting his Flesh that no man could tame him But after the Lord Jesus had healed this poor Creature and effected such an extraordinary Change as caused Astonishment and Admiration in the Beholders for it is said That when they who had known him before now saw such a palpable Alteration he that was called Legion Sitting and Cloathed and in his Right Mind they were afraid and Jesus said unto him Go home to thy Friends and tell them how Great Things the Lord hath done for thee and hath had Compassion on thee And truly Friends this day in my Particular is this Scripture fulfilled in your Eyes my Vngodly Dissolute Debauched and Extravagant Course of Life hath been known to most of you when I sinned after strong Convictions serious Admonitions and Reproofs Vows Promises and Resolutions against known Scripture-Rules Inward Light and Religious Education breaking and violating all these Bonds and Obligations which as so many Chains and Fetters one would think might be sufficient to tame and restrain the unruly Lusts of Youth whereby the Souls of some of the tenderest and chiefest of you have been grieved exceedingly wounded and exercised endeavouring and earnestly travelling with Prayers and Tears for my Recovery Wherefore seeing the Lord hath passed by me when I was in my Blood and pittied me and said unto me Live For it was the Lord only who saw my Way and healed me and restored Comforts to me and my Mourners by the effectual Calling of his Grace REVEALING HIS SON IN ME and hath spared me as a Living Monument of his Patience Endless Mercy and Compassion I therefore in the powerful Constrainings of this Love am unwilling to eat my Morsel alone or to hide my Talent in the Earth but with Sampson having tasted some Sweetness and Strength from the Lord do commend my Experiences unto you my Friends and Relations declaring unto you how great Things the Lord hath done for me and had Compassion on me in turning me from Darkness into his Marvellous Light and from the power of Satan into the Kingdom of his dear Son To whom be Glory Praise and Obedience for evermore James Jackson THE Strong Man Armed CAST OUT And His Goods Spoiled c. IN the time of my greatest Pollution and Iniquity while I fulfilled the Lusts of the Flesh with Greediness for many years before that Change and Reformation was discerned in me at which ye rejoyced even in the worst of my time I testifie in the Presence of the Lord that then I met with real and immediate Reproofs Rebukes and Convictions from something that did often Awaken Judge and Condemn me in my own Conscience but knew not what it was nor whence it came and because Iniquity was risen in me to an exceeding masterless height these Rebukes which I know were from a contrary Principle to Sin prevailed not although at some times they were as Powerful and Terrible as the Hand-Writing upon the Wall before Belshazzer whereby my Countenance hath been changed my Thoughts troubled so that the Joynts of my Loins were losed and my Knees smote one against another then thought I to redress this Sorrow by going into Merry and Pleasant Company essaying to divert that inward Perplexity by outward Jollaty as Drinking Gameing Musick c. but those Diversions were unable to still and quiet these Tempestuous Surging Waves and were no more effectual to heal the Wound of my Sin-smitten Conscience then if a man should endeavour to quench Fire by pouring Oyl thereon for I found by woful Experience that these unwarrantable Courses encreased the Flame and added yet more Weight to the first Burden Then have I many times solemnly vowed promised and resolved To break off and cease from all Ungodly Practices and in keeping and observing these Covenants I have found some Ease and Quietness for a time but as soon as new Sins were committed then arose fresh Occasions of Sorrow Trouble and Terror and after this manner I continued many years until the Lord was pleased of his infinite Wisdom and Faithfulness to hedge up my Way with Remarkable and Extraordinary Providences blasting all Purposes and Designs and caused Afflictions Losses and Disappointments to come upon my outward Estate Horror and Perplexity upon my Soul a most Violent and Raging Feaver upon my Body and at the same time above an Hundred Miles from all Relations Friends and Kindred at which time being in a most Wretched Deplorable and Succourless Condition sinn'd my self almost out of all the Comforts of this Life and any Hope of Interest in a better being under this great Distress and cast out to the loathing of my own Person and had all my Sins set in order before me whereupon I was forced seriously to consider my Wayes and found no place to escape the Wrath of the Highly-provoked God at which time
I had no Benefit of any Outward Help Teaching or Counsel but he who before had been my Reprover was then my only Teacher who sealed Instruction upon my Soul whose Voice I heard which did shake and shake the Heavens and the Earth also and caused me to cry out Lord What wouldest thou have me to do And being brought to the Foot of God could truly say Speak now Lord for thy Servant heareth And abiding in this broken and shattered State I clearly felt the Judgment of the Lord powerfully at work in my Soul as an Ax at the Root of the Tree and as a Refiner's Fire till the Life and Power of Sin was slain subdued and mortified perfectly in my Will and Affections then was the Lord Jesus revealed in me whom I had pierced the New Birth Discerned which is created after God in true Holiness and the Immortal Pure Precious Seed of the Eternal God which ever before had been pressed down trodden under and held in Bondage arose yea the Tender Plant of his own Right Hand sprung up in me panting and vehemently breathing after and never since could be satisfied but with his Living Presence Behold these things worketh the Lord oftentimes with men looking upon men And if any say I have sinned and perverted that which is Right and it profitted me not he will deliver his Soul from going into the Pit and his Life shall see the Light And this is the Sum of the Confession which I was not ashamed to witness in your publick Assemblies both at Nottingham and other places in the year 1668. Objection But it is probable some of you will object saying After this Change was wrought thou didst Joyn to our Assemblies Owned us Prayed with us Preached amongst us and seemed to enjoy Refreshings and Satisfaction in our Assemblies wherefore then art thou now departed from us and gone to the Quakers Answer 1. Notwithstanding that great and notable Work begun in my Soul and in some measure effected by the Mighty Power of the Lord yet was there after some time a certain Deadness Coldness and Darkness drawn over me again occasioned through Weakness Unwatchfulness and Formality whereby that good Condition was lost nevertheless I found and felt tender Breathings moving in me thirsting and seeking for renewed Testimonies of the Love of God then in the Simplicity and Uprightness of my Heart not knowing a more likely way to obtain Satisfaction I joyned to your Society and can truly affirm though I now see it was no better then seeking the Living among the Dead that the Lord was pleased in the Condescensions of his Love many times to stoop down and reach forth from the openings of his Bosom Refreshings and Nourishment to that tender Babe of his own begetting yea while I frequented your Assemblies Answ 2. And as I continued Faithful and Obedient to that measure of Light and Knowledge which was revealed in me it is well known to all or the most of you what Censures Opposition and Contradiction both I and the plain Scripture-Truths which I declared in your Assemblies suffered from many of your Brethren charging me That I was leading into Quakerism long before I understood either by word or Writing what the Quakers held Answ 3. But however these Censures occasioned a free and impartial Search into the Quakers Principle Doctrine and Practice for verily before I was as much afraid of the Quakers as ye can be But standing single in the Will and Counsel of the Lord desirous to prove all things and hold fast that which is good abandoning all Consultations with Flesh was resolved to cease from Man and to cleave unto the Truth as the Lord should reveal and discover the same to me waiting in this Unbyassed Unprejudiced and Dis-engaged Frame examining carefully the Principle Foundation Doctrine and Practice of this Despised Holy People great Clearness and Satisfaction arose in my Soul for as Face answered Face in a Glass so were the Truths delivered by them owned and embraced by the Witness of God in my own Conscience and the same Spirit Light Life and Power which is manifest in them I came to feel in a measure in my own Particular And yet for all this before I came to any visible Closure with them I sate down and counted the Cost and am made willing freely to endure the Cross and undergo the World's Reproach and Shame knowing that whoever will be Christ's Disciple must deny himself and take up his Cross daily and follow him And truly Friends the Day of the Lord's Power is come and felt whereby I am made willing to forsake Fathers and Mothers Brethren and Sisters Parsonages and all kind of Ecclesiastical Promotions Friends Honours Pleasures Profits Houses Lands Goods yea and Life is self to follow the Lamb and fall in with his Interest as it is only witnessed and embraced by and amongst the Children of Light by the World called Quakers Answ 4. But if it were possible I desire to make clear to your Satisfaction that there was sufficient Ground for me and so there is for you who have any Tenderness and Breathings in your Souls after the Lord to separate your selves from the Tents of those Ungodly Men your Teachers who are no better then Filthy Dreamers Blind Guides and Belly Gods who belch out nothing but Blasphemies Lyes Slanders False Accusations and Evil Speeches against God and Christ his Wayes Truth and People and this I see and declare against them in the Light For verily there is and I witness it an Honest Gracious Tender Principle in many of you called Independents which kindles in you perfect Hatred against Sin and unsatisfied real Breathings and Pantings after the Sensible Living Presence of the Lord But your Leaders cause you to Err and ye are scattered upon the dark and barren Mountains And this I testifie in the Name of the Living God That it will be so with you while ye follow these Wandring Stars Clouds without Rain Seducing Spirits your Pastors and Teachers who are Ravening Wolves and Ministers of Antichrist whom ye ought not to receive into your Houses nor bid them God speed For 1. They are altogether Ignorant of the True God and all the Knowledge that these men pretend to have of the Deity is attained by Reading and Hear-say for they will confidently affirm That Vision and Immediate Revelation is ceased Judge ye therefore what Knowledge these men have of God when the Scriptures say No man knows the Father but they to whom the Son reveals him 2. They Reproach and despise Jesus Christ the only Son of God of whom the Scriptures witness and testifie to be the True Light which enlightens every man that comes into the World But they are not afraid to say The Light in every man is but a Natural Light and at the best not able to save those who believe in it and obey it And to discover themselves more plainly to be the Ministers of Antichrist they are
not ashamed to deny that Christ is come in the Flesh indeed both they and their Grandmother the Church of Rome are willing to confess that Christ was come but the Scripture is plain That every Soul that confesseth not that Christ is come in the Flesh the same is Antichrist 3. They fear not daily to Blaspheme the Holy Spirit of God but call it A Spirit of Delusion and A Spirit of Error and most presumptuously say of them that are sanctified guided taught and anointed by the Holy Ghost That they are led by the Spirit of the Devil 4. They trample under Foot the Blood of the Covenant counting it a Weak and Unholy Thing while they impudently affirm That the best of God's Saints yea if he had no purer Saints then they are cannot be free from sin whilst they breath upon Earth when the Scriptures witness that the Blood of Christ cleanseth from all sin 5. They preach another Gospel Now the Scripture is plain That if any man or an Angel from Heaven preach any other Gospel unto us then what we have already received let him be accursed Gal. 1.9 Now how can ye believe that they are Ministers of the Gospel when they know not what the true Gospel is For saith Paul I certifie unto you Brethren that the Gospel which I preach is not after man for I neither received it neither was I taught it of man but by the Revelation of Jesus Christ But your Teachers deny any such Revelation in these dayes wherefore it is hereby evident that they are Thieves crept in some other wayes and bring another Gospel then that whereof Paul was a Minister as he witnessed to the Collossians Chap. 1.23 saying Be not moved from the Hope of the Gospel which ye have heard and which was preached IN EVERY CREATURE under Heaven 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 In universa creatura whereof I Paul am a Minister And this is the Word of Faith which we preach even Christ the Word who is in thy Heart and in thy Mouth saith Paul Rom. 10. which all have heard and the Sound thereof is gone through the whole World But these men labour to pervert the Gospel and turn men from it saying That the Light of Christ in every man's Conscience is not the Substance of the Gospel nor the Power of God to Salvation 6. They have indeed a Form of Godliness but want the Power and well for them if that was the worst But they magnifie and cry up a Form and utterly reject despise and deny the Power which is the immortal Seed Christ Jesus the Light within and from such we are commanded to turn away Their Prayers and Sermons are made contrived studied and composed in their own Time Wills and Wisdom but are Strangers to the Life Power and Spirit of Prayer and deny that Christ speaks in any which is evident that he doth not speak in them They cry up and plead earnestly for Water-Baptism which Christ never Administred Instituted or Commanded to be Administred and yet they call it Christ's Ordinance Some saying Without this no Salvation and the rest say With such as wilfully neglect this have no Communion But if they had ever undergone and felt the Powerful Lively Purifying and throughly cleansing Efficacy of the Spirit 's Baptism they would know it sufficient without the Help of their Dead Cold Idolized Water-Works They are greatly affected with that Bread and Wine which after breathing upon by the Pastor is not Common but Be-sainted and so comes to be called the Lord's Supper It is evident hereby that they never did eat of that Flesh which is Bread indeed nor drink of that Blood which is Drink indeed Now it is certain that all Pictures Images Shadows Resemblances Figures and Representations which any people live in and plead for do clearly argue That they are destitute of the Power Life and Substance yea whoâ—ely ignorant of his Living Presence in whom is hid all the Treasures of Wisdom and Knowledge And as they believe in one at a great Distance from them out of their View and Knowledge so is it very convenient they think to necessitate these Carnal Ordinances to reduce their unmindful and forgetful Thoughts into more serious Remembrance till he come And yet these men will condemn the Papists though they be far short of their Devotion in this very Thing And so are they seen in the Light to be Wolves in Sheep's Cloathing ravened from the Life and Power of those Saints whom they are imitating upon the Stage of their Formal Profession Wherefore my dear Frieds Come out from amongst them and be ye separate lest ye be drunk with the Wine of their Fornication For verily the Lord is risen to plead his own Cause and be a swift Witness against these Sorcerers who are sporting themselves in the day time And as those Souldiers regarded not a Crucified Jesus so near them but their Minds were taken up in parting casting Lots for his Raiment so these men are so exercised in the Out-sides of Religion Ordinances so called and Worship that they are not at all concerned with the In-side which is the Life and Power of Godliness even Christ within the Hope of Glory Answ 5. And Lastly As I have plainly declared the Reasons of my departing from your Assemblies so shall I witness faithfully to the Truth as it is known and practised by the Holy People of God called Quakers with whom I now walk and of whom I declare and testifie First That they are built and rooted in upon the Right Foundation even Christ Jesus the Lord who is their Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption in whom alone they are justified by Faith and saved That Root from whence they receive Life Nourishment Power and Growth is the only Foundation of the Prophets and Apostles the Rock of Ages the Stone which your Builders and theiâ— Brethren the Priests ever rejected disallowed and set at nought which is Christ in us the Hope of Glory Whereupon it is evident that we differ in the Root from all the People in the World though of several Forms and Perswasions For plainly the Papists Prelates Presbyters Baptists and Independents though they all differ in their Forms Appearances and Circumstantial Opinions yet do they all agree and meet in one and the same Faith Foundation and Root The Words Writings Declarations and Testimonies of the Saints recorded in Scripture are the Foundation and Ground of all the Professing People in the World and all of them being Strangers to that one Spirit that gave forth the Scriptures are run into several Sects and Opinions as they do carnally understand and conceive they have Rule and Teaching in the Bible But however they will own no other Light Law Gospel Rule Revelation and Word of God but their Bibles But now this peculiar People whom the Lord hath gathered from amongst all the Babylonish Confusions and Divisions under Heaven are built upon the Foundation
is Unchangeable Incorruptible and Eternal without Beginning of Dayes or End of Time and so are not the Scriptures Answ 2. Nevertheless we prefer the Holy Scriptures as they were given forth by the Holy Spirit of God and believe them to be a true Declaration of God and of his Word Answ 3. Yet do we prefer Christ Jesus the Light above the Scriptures for in all Things he must have the Preheminence therefore saith John the Baptist I prefer him before me for he is before me though in Appearance John was seemingly before Christ Before Abraham was I am said he Wherefore know that we build not upon the Holy Prophets and Blessed Apostles their Words Works Writings and Experiences but we are built upon the Foundation of the Prophets and Apostles Jesus Christ himself being the Foundation and the chief Corner-Stone so that we have not received our Light Life Peace Comfort Faith Hope and Assurance from the Writings of the Saints but from him that was their Light Life Hope Root and Foundation and have our Teaching from that Light whereby Abel Enoch Noah Abraham Isaac Jacob and Joseph walked with and pleased God long before any Scriptural Rules were manifested Answ 4. Neither are the Scriptures the only Rule to judge of Doctrines for we know the Scriptures are hard to be understood and therefore Men in their carnal Wisdom are putting their several Meanings upon one and the same Scripture wherefore we say the Spirit of God is the only Judge of Doctrines because he alone that gave forth knows the Meanings of Scriptures 1 Cor. 2.10 For the Spirit searcheth all Things yea the Deep Things of God Answ 5. Nor yet do I believe that the Scriptures were the only Means which Christ made Use of to overcome and repel the Tempter in the Wilderness for we observe Satan pleaded Scripture as well as Christ till he took indeed the Sword of the Spirit which is his Divine Power and commanded him saying Get thee behind me Satan then the Devil left him but not before he was thus expelled Object 3. But this Doctrine of the Light within is opposed by all the able learned Divines so call'd in the Nation yea the most eminent Preachers amongst the Presbyters Independents and Baptists do condemn it for Erroneous and Divelish Delusion Answ 1. It 's true this Doctrine hath been and is a Stone of Stumbling a Rock of Offence unto all Sorts Forms of Professors in the World especially the Priests Preachers are most inveterately incensed against it because the Craft by which they have gotten great Gain is hereby especially impared nevertheless the Gates of Hell shall never prevail against it the Truth is strong and will prevail yea it doth and will flourish in Despight of all the Scorns Injuries Opposition and Villany of the World Answ 2. The Scriptures are plain that God hath hid these Things from the Wise and Prudent in the World and hath revealed them unto Babes Behold therefore ye Despisers and wonder for this is the Work which God hath wrought in your Day which ye will not believe though it be declared unto you Answ 3. And as for those Preachers among the Presbyters c. who oppose this Doctrine this I affirm and testifie against them though they come in Sheeps Cloathing that is have gotten a more refined Way of Profession then others and cover themselves with the Words of the Prophets and Apostles yet inwardly are they Ravening Wolves they are inwardly Ravened from the Light and Life of those Saints whose Words they have taken up yea it is an easie Thing to prove against the best of them that they live in Sin and plead for it Answ 4. Whoever deny reproach and oppose this Doctrine are none of Christ's Ministers as will appear from a due Examination of their Call Doctrine and Practice Who sent them God or Man What do they preach the Word of God or the Words of Men Is their Life and Conversation Humble Meek Self-denying and Heavenly Or is it not Proud Fierce Self-seeking and Worldly Now our Lord Jesus hath left upon Record one Infallible Rule whereby we may know which are true Gospel-Ministers and which are not and as it is granted that Christ was a true Gospel-Minister so it is expected that all Gospel-Ministers be like him in their Measure for saith Christ to his Father As thou sent me into the World so have I sent them into the World Joh. 17. And when he sent forth his Disciples to them he saith As the Father sent me even so send I you Hereby then it will easily be discerned that these Preachers who so bitterly Rage and Rail against the Light within are never an one of them Christ's Ministers but Idol-Shepherds Lyars and False Prophets Qualification 1. Christ was the Son of God and known to be so before he undertook or exercised in the Ministry for the Lord foreseing what after came to pass by Peoples running into several Opinions and Doctrines of men gave this Charge and Testimony from Heaven saying This is my beloved Son in whom I am well pleased hear him In like manner every true Believer is a Son of God generated of the immortal Seed born anew by the Operation of the Spirit made a real Partaker of the Divine Nature liveth in and hath Union with God through Faith in Christ for to as many as receive him he giveth Power to become the Sons of God Qualif 2. He was immeasurably anointed with the Spirit and was known to be so for saith John He that sent me to baptize the same said unto me On whomsoever thou shalt see the Spirit descending and remaining the same is he So may true Gospel-Ministers be known for they are as really anointed with the Holy Spirit of God as Christ was though not so equally yea every believing Soul is indued with this Spirit these are the Anointed ones of the Lord and whoever want this Spirit they are none of his And as Christ commanded his Disciples to abide at Jerusalem till they had received this Vnction so whoever undertake to preach before they have receiv'd this Power from the Lord they Run and he sent them not Qualif 2. He endured and conquered the Assaults and Temptations of Satan in the Wilderness by virtue of his Sonship and Unction before he was ever known to preach the Gospel in like manner all the true Children of God are taken into Fellowship with Christ in his Tryals Temptations and Sufferings but especially such as have been call'd unto more eminent publick Work have met with greatest Conflicts Wraftlings and Temptations that they might be kept humble before the Lord and also be fitly disposed to speak a Word in due season for the Relief of such as are brought under the same Trouble Qualif 4. In the Power Virtue and Strength of his Son-ship Unction and Conquest he went out and preached the Gospel that is proclaimed Glad Tidings of the Grace and
set at nought refused and Despised by all Babel's Builders as a Poor Inconsiderable Matter But though these Phrases oppose the Appearance of Christ in Spirit the Light despise him as the Day of small Things yet is it the only precious Stone the tryed Stone the Corner-stone that sure Foundation and Rock of Ages that whosoever believe and build hereon the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against them Wherefore seeing that Light is come into the World and that the Light Christ Jesus is sufficient to redeem save all that believe in and obey him and that Man's Condemnation proceeds only from Disobedience and Unbelief in rejecting the Light It is therefore the earnest Travail of my Soul That you my dear and truly beloved Friends and Relations may turn in to the Light in your own Consciences retire thither and wait in the Silence of your own Wills and Wisdom for the clear Manifestations thereof then shall you know him whom all the VVorld talks of and need no more that any say Know the Lord for he will reveal himself in you Wherefore as ye love your own Souls love and cherrish that in you which hath shewn you the Evil of Sin the Vanity of this Fading World and hath been at Work many a time in your Hearts and wrought you into Tenderness panting after Satisfaction from the Living Presence of God Oh! Love believe only in him hearken only to him wait continually upon Him obey follow and live in his Counsels fall under his Reproofs with Meekness endure his Judgment with Patience kiss the Son lest he be angry and ye perish in the Way chearfully resign up your Wills Affections Souls Bodies Pleasures Profits Honours Estates Liberty and Life it self to be universally ordered and disposed by him whose Name is Wonderful Counsellor the Mighty God the Everlasting Father the Prince of Peace This is the Way to True Honour and Durable Riches Oh therefore be perswaded to stand single in the Teachings Guidance and Counsels of the Lord Jesus Despise him not be not ashamed to own him and his poor Despised Followers Now that your Hearts may be carryed above the Snares that attend your Conditions and be wholely devoted to the Lord and become Fellow Citizens with the Saints in Light is the earnest Breathing and Prayer of him who is Your Faithful Friend James Jackson Postscript Reader HAving mentioned some things before in general of the Just Cause of my leaving the Independent People I think it not unseasonable to give this particular Account of an Offence receiv'd from the Uneven Walking of John James Pastor of the Independents in Nottinghamshire which I signified to him before my Forsaking that Way a Copy whereof followeth which to this Day stands over his Head for he never returned me an Answer to my Letter but stirred up and incensed my Relations and others against me telling them how greatly I had Injured Abused and Slandered him But Wisdom is justified of her Children John James THe Lord knows and thou art not wholely Ignorant That some years lately past my Soul was plunged into a most Dreadful State yea and I certainly know that unless the most precious Sons of Sion be kept by the Mighty Power of God and in themselves carefully observe the first Declinings of their Hearts from the Lord they will be ensnared through the Deceitfulness of Sin and become weak as other Men And consider as thou art in great Danger to be ruin'd through the Indulgence and Flatteries of thy Brethren some of them styling thee The Head of the Church next and immediately under Christ and lest thou shouldst receive Harm for want of Faithfulness in Friends watching over thee in Love I have in Love to thy Soul and Discharge of my Duty presented to thy serious Consideration some of the things I hear of thee and partly believe them Whereas heretofore thou usedst to preach against National Churches Antichrist's Clergy their Covetousness Pride Forcâ—d Maintenance c. and reprovedst thy Brethren for hearing those Parish Priests with whom now thou art joyned in Combination to augment thy Ecclesiastical Promotions which before was more Considerable then many Parsonages in the County and so thou art leading back again licking up thy old Vomit and of late hast begun in several Places to Sprinkle Infants That many of thy Poor Brethren at whose Houses formerly thou kept'st Meetings have now been neglected for above Six Years but hast been ever careful to visit thy kind Benefactors at Marnham Skegby c. and very punctual to keep thy Day with the Presbyterians at Nottingham and Chesterfield where thou knewest thy Pay would be sweet and certain It was thee only that after that great Assembly was gathered at Gamston by the Labours of some private Men who confined the Work there to a Pack of Clergy-Men viz. Thy Self Rosse Bosworth and Clark And by the same Spirit and Prelatical Preheminence suspended old Allen a more Righteous Man then thy self from Exercising in thy Dioces It was the Letter writ with thy own Hand that obstructed the intended Marriage betwixt John Atkinson and Mary Smith for although seemingly thou pretendedst Kindness to the said John who indeed at the same time was in Fellowship with thee yet having Respect to a more peculiar Interest secretly writ to Northampton and frustratedst the Hopes of the poor Man which he never Recovered but Languished and Dyed And when a Letter was written to be sent to London to the Professors there on the behalf of Robert Johnson a Member of thy Church to procure his Relief he being there and Unknown was exceedingly Distressed for want of Bread thou didst refuse to subscribe the Letter and he was Famished and Dyed before that Money got to him which was collected at Nottingham By which it doth appear that thou hast lost that Honest Conscientious Tenderness which once thou didst seem to have and that the Spirit of God is not thy Guide and Helper for it hath been seriously observed by thy most Judicious Hearers that thou dost not bear in thine Assemblies a Faithful Testimony against the Formality Earthliness Pride Bitterness and Sinful Compliances of thine Auditors but daubest with Vntempered Morter and preachest smooth things Flourishes Latin and Greek Sentences and Eloquent Phrases to set off and beautifie thy Wares Remember whence thou art fallen and Repent else know for certain thou hast done thy Work and the Lord will make no more Vse of thee If Salt hath lost his Savour it is henceforth good for nothing I am thine Offended Friend James Jackson THE END