shall end and be no more for the Word of the Lord shall endure forever And what is left recorded in the written Word of God is for this end that People may learn in the Light of the Lord to perform that which by the Gift of his Spirit of divine Light Grace he requires of them to do the Declaration of which is recorded in the holy Scriptures of Truth which are profitable for Doctrine c. 2 Tim. 3.16 which no man can learn but as he remains faithful to the gift of God which he hath received for that end that by so doing he may come to grow more and more in Grace to the Honour of God and everlasting Wellfare of his immortal Soul which will never witness Salvation but by true Faith in Christ Jesus the most sure VVord of Prophecy whereunto they will do well to take heed as unto a Light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the Day star arise in their hearts without which there is no Salvation CHAP. VI. Concerning Faith Hope and Obedience which by the Power of God through â—esus Christ worketh Salvation to the Souls of them that truly believe in the gift of his Grace Also something concerning Silence JEsus Christ in all things became obedient to the Will of God the Father for the Redemption of all Mankind that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but should receive Life Everlasting which is the Promise of God by Jesus Christ unto all the faithful willing and obedient that is in all things for the Salvation of their Souls by Faith in Jesus Christ for Man by Obedience to the Gift of God which is a measure of divine Light by Jesus Christ by whom the Soul comes to be reconciled unto God for the Lord in 〈◊〉 â—ay requires no less than perfect Obedience of all Men 〈…〉 all men have received of his Gift of his Spirit of divine Light by Jesus Christ so he will not have any left without Excuse in the Day of his Coming to take Vengeance on all the Vngodly which call not upon the Name of the Lord. for Christ is made manifest according to the Commandment of the Everlasting God made known to all Nations for the Obedience of their Faith Rom 16.6 and for that end did the Apostle write that he might know the proof of them whether they were obedient in all things 2 Cor. 2 9. for this is the Day of Gods Visitation wherein if ye will hear his Voice harden not your hearts against the Light of his Spirit of Grace for unto whom ye yeild your Minds Servants to obey his Servants you are to whom you obey whether of Sin unto Death or Obedience unto Righteousness Rom. 6.16 Now the Gift of Gods divine Light by Jesus Christ makes manifest to all men all the thoughts of his Heart and intents of his Mind for the Righteousness of Faith speaketh on this wise Say not in thy heart who shall ascend into Heaven that is to bring Christ down from above or who shall descend into the deep that is to bring up Christ again from the Dead but what saith it the VVord is nigh thee even in thy Mouth in thy Heart that is the VVord of Faith Rom. 10.6.7 8 By which it is evident that where men perish it is not altogether for want of Knowledge but for want of Obedience to the Gift of God which he hath placed in the hearts of all the Sons and Daughters of Men which by obedience would give them Power over their lustful Desires which by Nature lodgeth in the hearts of sinful Men and Women whose Minds for want of Obedience are drawn by the Enemy's Power to joyn with the Temptations of the Devil but if they yeilded Obedience to the gift of Gods Spirit they would witness strength to with-stand the Enemy and cause him to flee for the â—eapon of every true Believers VVar-fare are not carnal but spiritual and mighty through God to the pulâ—ing down strong Holds casting down every high thing that exalteth its self against the Knowledge of God and bringeth into Captivity every Thought to the Obedience of Christ having in readiness to revenge all Disobedience when their Obedience is fullfilled 2 Cor. 10.1 5 6. and in this do the faithful come to witness the inward Affections of Christ more more abundant towards them whilst he remembereth their Obedience how with fear and trembling they receive him 2 Cor. 7.15 Which things are plain and by Obedience easie to be understood that they who come to receive the benefit of Chriâ—â— by the Power of Gods Spirit in and through him it is by true Faith in Obedience to his Word at which they fear and tremble it being sharper than any two-edged Sword dividing between the Precious and the Vile which is an Engagement between the Power of God and the Power of the Souls Enemy who hath seated himself in the Temple of God as if he were God which Enemy is the strong Man that hath taken Possession in the hearts of the Sons Daughters of Men whose Minds are alienated from God by reason of Sin and Transgression who keepeth the House until a stronger than the Devil doth dispossess him of his Power unto which Povver through the Lust of Peoples unregenerated Hearts they are most inclined to serve vvhich hath been and yet is the state of many Thousands of Men and Women vvho are deceived by the Devil vvhich is for vvant of Obedience to the gift of God Povver vvhich by true Faith and Obedience vvould dispossess the Devil of his Povver and bring the inward Man into the true saving Knowledge of his sanctified Work of Grace in their own Hearts vvhich things they are ignorant of who remain in a blind zeal for God but not according to the true saving Knowledge of him in Jesus Christ Rom 10.2 by which their Faith remains in a dead Hope that shall perish for true Faith works the whole inward Man of Heart Mind Soul and Spirit into the true Love of God and Hope of Salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ whose Spirit gives Evidence of an assurance in those things that by true Faith are hoped for so that Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the Evidence of things not seen Heb. 11.1 2. for by Faith the holy Men of God obtained a good Report for we see and understand through Faith in God that the Worlds were framed by Christ the Word of God so that things that were seen were not made of things which do appear Heb. 1.3 By when it is manifest that Christ is the Word by whom all things were made long before the Scriptures were given for 〈◊〉 for the Law came by Moses but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ in whom remaineth the â—ope of hâ—s People for the â—arvation of their Souls and from this Word Christ the Seâ—vant of God received Grace Apostleshâ—â— for their Obedience to the Faith
pray for but the Unrighteous pray for the deliverance from sin which living in a state of Unbelief that God will never in this Life wholly free them from Sin which Unbelief stops the current of Life and hinders the Work of God by Christ whose Work by Faith in him is to destroy Sin and put an end to Transgression that is in them which believe in the gift of his Grace by which men are saved for its the Gift of God which comes by Jesus Christ and through Faith in him is Life Everlasting that is to them who through Faith have their whole dependance on him but where men remain in a state of dayly sining against the manifestation of his spirit which all have received to profit with all it keeps them short of Gods Grace by Jesus Christ for the Prayers of the Wicked are sin because they remain in sin which causeth their Prayars to be sin in the sight of God for the Prayers of the wicked are an Abomination before the Lord and the Sacrifice of the wicked are an Abomination to him but the Prayers of the Vpright is his delight Psal 119.7 Prov. 15.2 so it is the Prayers of the Upright in heart which the Lord accepts and delights in for unto them is the promise of God by Christ who renews the Faith of his People by the power of his spirit which begets the inward man into a lively hope of that assurance which by true Faith the soul receives by true Prayer unto the Lord through which Prayer by Grace every Dispensation of Gods gifts come to be sanctified through the Power of his own spirit for every Dispensation is from God and only sanctified to the Righteous which receive of the Lords free benefits and rich Mercies of his Love in the outward Dispensation which through Prayer and Thanks-giveing are sanctified to them which live in Uprightness of heart and mind towards God which the Unrighteous also pretend but it is with unclean Hearts for which cause the Lord will not accept their Prayers for the Lord only dwells with the pure in heart whose minds are wrought into a true and living sence of Gods heavenly riches in Jesus Christ which is the inheritance of his faithfull People which pray unto him by the power of his own spirit which doth condemn the Prayers of all unrighteous men who pray in their own time and in their own wills But some may then query Whether the Unrighteous are not commanded to pray Ans The hearts of the righteous desire the return of the Wicked that they may forsake the evil of their way and serve the Lord in Truth and Righteousness and that the Wicked are to pray which will not discharge any part of their Disobedience to God until they come to forsake their Unrighteous way of sinning against the gift of his Grace and divine Light of his Spirit which remains their Condemnation for sin Joh. 3.19 20 21. By which it is evident that the Prayer of a wicked man availeth not before the Lord that is while he remaineth in the known Life of Sin which he prays against but let the wicked forsake their way and the Unrighteous Man his Thoughts and let him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon him and unto our God for he will abundantly pardon Isa 55 7. So that where men live in known sins against God and in a belief of its being impossible to be free from sin in this Life the Prayer of such doth not proceed from the Spirit of God who hath Commanded his People not to touch taste nor handle with any unclean thing but to follow the leadings of Gods holy Spirit as the Apostles have done for Example and to mark them which walk otherwayes So every man and every woman is to seek God for themselves for he hath promised to be found of them that seek him in uprightness of heart and I do not read that any of the Lords servants in dayes past were ever lead by the spirit of God to pray either privatly among People in unbelief of ever attaining that which ths Apostles prayed for which is that they might present every man perfect in Christ Jesus then where in remains the profit of any true Beleivers Prayer in publick though in his own family which through their unbelief in the power of God that they shall never be free from sin in this Life by which they are not as yet of the true Houshold of Faith at times and seasons as the spirit of God moves in the heart of every such master of family he doth pray for the return of them and all other People which remain in the same state of Unbelief which until they repent and forsake their prayers will not be accepted of God CHAP. IX Concerning the Lords Supper which People call the Sacrament AS to the word Sacrament I find it not contained in the holy Scriptures of Truth but as to the Lords Supper according to Christs OWN words Luke 22.1.20 when he took Bread and gave Thanks and broke it and gave it to his Disciples saying This is my Body which is given you This do in Remembrance of me likewise also thê up after Supper saying This is the New Testament in my Blood which is shed for you The fore-going words some have Wrested by which they have gathered in their Comprehension some-what of a Meritorious Work which they hold most necessary to Salvation â—rom which grounds they have set up a Form each for themselves according to the Apprehension of the natural Mind being altogêther destitute of experience of the Power of the Blood of Christ the end of whose Death was not to destroy mens Lives and Estaâ—es about his Body and Blood for his Coming was to heal the Sick to bind up the Broken and to make alive but where the Nature of Christ is wanting they are not come to the true saving Knowledge of God by the Body and Blood of Christ through whose Death and Resurrection there is no hope of Salvation to them that by his Blood are not cleansed from all sin in this Life for where sin remains it Rules the Heart and darkens the Understanding by which the Power of God is not received which gives the true knowledge of the Nature of the body and Blood of Jesus Christ which proves their Form dead and they to remain in a dead Form having a zeal for God without his saving Knowledge by Jesus Christ about whose Body and Blood many thousands of Peoples Lives have been destroyed which makes manifest that such are not in the true form of Godliness for neither Christ nor his Apostles have enjoyned any to particular time or place but in remembrance of his Death as is furder manifested by the Apostles saying 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26 27. That Christ took the Cup when he had supped saying This is the New-Testament in my Blood this do ye as often as you drink it in remembrance of me So
that he baptized in his own Name he then thanked God that he had not baptized as he knew of any more save Crispus and Gaius and the Houshold of Stephanus plainly concluding that Christ sent him not to baptize but to preach the Gospel 1 Cor. 1.16.17 Now the Apostles saying that he thanked God that had not baptized any other is sufficient proof that Water Baptism is not that which God doth expect in this day if other wayes the holy Apostle would never have said he than ed God that he had baptized no other as he knew of which is sufficient that the Almighty God doth neither except nor accept sprinkling or dipping with visible Water in this day for Jesus Christ hath fulfilled all Tipes and Figures which were but shadows of better things to come and are come to them which by true Faith in him and he in them by which there is no need to lay the Foundation of things past for Christ crucified and risen again as the Mystery oâ— his Death and Resurrection outwardly is inwardly revealed is the Substance and Foundation of his Peoples Faith which gives them an assurance in the hope of his heavenly Riches which they that are not dead with Christ from the Rudiments cannot pertake of for they are yet living with their affections uncrucifid as to the Rudiments of the World being yet subject to Ordinances of divers forms in their will Worship which the righteous have overcome so that they cannot again be brought into bondage to touch taste nor handle those things wherein their uncrucified Affections once did remain well knowing they are all to perish with the using after the Commandment of men which things indeed have a shew of will Worship and Humility and neglecting of the Body not in any honnor to the satisfying of the flesh Col. 2.20 21 22 23. Now the faithfull of God are risen with Christ in which state they are â—â—â—king those things which are above where Christ siâ—â—eth on the right hand of God so that their Affections are set on things above and not on things on the Earth Col. 3.1.2 and they are a blessed People which are come to witness that state in which they seek the Lord and his righteousness which is the right use of means that God hath appointed for the honour of his holy Name and the salvation of them who in the true use of means lay hold on God thorough faith in the son of his love the Lord Jesus Christ by whose Power the Faithful are baptized into the one spirit by the holy Ghost which is the true Baptism of Christ by whom they that are not baptized thorough the Water of Regeneration they yâ—t remain with their Affections uncrucified in which state the Lord hath no regard to their daily Offerings And yet if any for a furtherance of the Gospel should find freedom in the Will of the Lord to condescend to the weakness of some to baptize into Water we should not forbid it but the bare form and Imâ—â—ation taken up in the meer Will of men without any inward motion or call of God or inward approbation we utterly disown CHAP. XI Concerning the true Sabbath which signifies Rest to them who abide in Christ who is the everlasting Sabbath MAny are the Talkers of the Sabbath and of the first days Rest but few are they that come so far in the Work of God by Faith in Jesus Christ as to witness their first days Work in him who is the true and everlasting Sabbath in whom the faithful have their resting place they are them which are come to witness the end of their Labour which have their rest in Christ the true Sabbath Now where People in their differing forms of Will Worship rest from their outward Labour one day in seven calling that the Sabbath Day thinking thereby that the Lord of Sabboth will accept their will Worship with their rest from outward Labour for his â—abbath they deceive themselves and the Lord of Sâ—bâ—ath will reward them according to their own Works by which they preâ—end to serve him for the Lord only looks at them who in in uprightness of heart labour against sin that by so doing they witness the effect of their Labour through the Power of God by Faith in Christ against sin for they that labour not six days against sin shall never witness the seventh Day Holy to the Lord of Sabbath which proves such Talkers of the Sabbath to be no keepers of any Time Holy to the Lord of Sabbath and as to many such Talkers about the Sabbath Day on which they are more unholy in their Minds as to the Lord of Sabbath than on any other of the six days in which Peoples Minds are exercised on things of Bodily concern which being freed from outward Bodily Labour on the first day which they call the Sabbath their minds are more in the exercise of those things which are of no profit to the Soul neither of so much profit to the Body as their outward Labour is on the other six days of the Week which things are manifested by their Fruits as appears both in words and actions upon the first day which they pretend a Sabbath to the Lord in which state they are Sabbath Breakers and not Sabbath keepers for all Time is to be kept holy unto the Lord of Sabbath which if any observe a Day let him keep it holy unto the Lord and not to judge another mans Liberty in matters of Faith concerning the keeping or not keeping of a Day for one man may be prepared as from the Lord to keep a Fast unto him when another man may not be called of God to dâ— the same for every man is to seek God for himself for the Lord hath promised To be found of them that seek unto him with a peâ—fect Hâ—art and with a willing Mind for the Lord searcheth all Hearts and understandeâ—h all the Imaginations of the Thoughts which if they seek him he will be found of them but if they forsake him he will cast them off forever 1 Chron. 28.9 1 Sam. 16.7 Psal 7.8 9. and 139.2 3 4. Jer. 17.10 Now in what men pretend to God if in uprightness of heart they do not retain him in all their Thoughts their Work is of no effect for the profit of their Soul but further adds towards their Condemnation which is matter of weight for People to consider how thâ—y spend their precious Time which God hath given them in this Life to make their Peace with him through Faith in obedience to the gift of his Grace which came by Jesus Christ the Lord of Life and Everlasting Sabbath of his Peoples Rest which for People to talk of without a true believing in his outward Sufferings and in the inward Word of his Life their Souls shall never find rest in the Lord of Sabbath who was buried and rose again the third day which is the first Day of the Week which in honour to
Faith among all Nations for his Name Rom. 1.5 that in Ages to come they might shew forth the exceeding Riches of his Grace in his kindness towards them through Jesus Christ Ephes 2.7 and this is the Grace which is of God and is sufficient for the Salvation of them â—hat truly believe 2 Cor. 12.9 So that it is not an outward are Profession of what God hath wrought by Jesus Christ for the Salvation of others but that every man and woman live their Life in true Obedience to the gift of Gods Grace that by Faith in Christ they may witness the same Life through faith by which men are saved for the Grace of God bringeth Salvation only to them thaâ— believe in the the gift of his â—race without which no man can be saâ—ed foâ— it is by Grace that men are saved and noâ— oâ— an 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 of themselves but by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ Ephes 2 8. Then seeing it is by Gâ—ace that men are â—aved and not of themselves let every man and woman turn in the strength of the Mind to the teaching of Gods gift of Grace which teacheth to deny all Vngodliness and to live a righteous sober and godly Life in this present Woâ—â— that nothing may appear but what is good to the use of edifying that it may minister Grace to the Hearers Eph. 4.29 for where there is Obedience to the gâ—â— of Gods Grace â—â—e more of Christ dwelleth richly in all Wisdom teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual Sâ—ngs singing with Grace in their Hearts Col. 3.16 17. which â—s contrary to the practice of mâ—â—y thousands who profess much in the outward of God and Christ in this day whereby they gain of one another the outward Name of Christians but inwardly in the Anti-christian Practice as their outward fruits manifest for where Faith is without Works it is 〈◊〉 dead Faith and in such Grace works no effect towards 〈◊〉 peace with God in Christ by whom the Righteous are 〈◊〉 conciled to God through Faith by Grace in him 〈◊〉 requires perfect Obedience to the gift of his Grace which teaches his â—eople to pray preach and sing with Grace 〈◊〉 their hearts to the praise and honour of his holy Name and edification of one another which they that yeild 〈◊〉 their Obedience to the Spirit of Grace cannot do for which cause of their unclean Fruits their Condemnation doth follow in which state they witness no true peace through Faith by Grace in Jesus Christ whose Sons and Daughters begotten through Grace in him they continue in the Way of the Lords own â—aying out having their words seasoned as with Sâ—â—â— and Grace abounding in their hearts through which by grace they become able Witnesses for the Lord of Life that by him through grace they are made able to perform his Will in what of them he requires by his good spirit of Grace Col. 3 17 in which state the Love of God by Jesus Christ is his Peoples everlasting Consolation and good Hope through Grace 2 Thes 2 1â— Not by Works of Righteousness which they have done but according to his Grace by the washing of Regeneration and the reâ—ewâ—nâ— of the holy Ghost Tit. 3 5 Which is sufficient encourage neâ— to come with holdness unto thâ— Throne of his Grace by which they obtain Mercy and find Grace to help in time of need Heb. 4.16 For the Grace of God hath appeared unto all men teaching them that they should dâ—ny Vngodliness and Wouldly Lâ—st and to live soberly righteously and godly in this present World Tâ—â— 2.11 12. By which we see and know that all men have received of his Grace sufficient for the present time and state for as the Grace of God which bringeth Salvation hath in measure appeared unto all men so all men that have neglected the day of Gods Visitation they shall be left without any excuse in that Day of the Lords calling all to an account for the Deeds done in the Body when it shall go well with the Righteous but sorrow and trouble will reach the Wicked on every side for the Lord will not hold them guiltless which take his Name in vain Then will the Wicked which have derided at the movings of Gods good Spirit of Grace in his People come to know a Day of Trouble when the Lord shall laugh at their Distress for unto them Damnation slumbereth nor sleepeth not but will overtake all the Ungodly as a Thieâ— in the Night of their Darkness but it shall go well with the Righteous which ask in Faith without doubting unto them is Salvation through Grace by Jesus Christ who came to save his People from their sins for which end he was made a littlâ— lower than the â—ngels for the suffering of Death and crowned with Glory and Honour that he might by the Grace of God taste Death for every man Hâ—â— 2 9. that whosoever believeth in him 〈…〉 but have Life eternal for the Promise 〈…〉 â—ent to then 〈◊〉 at believe in the gift of 〈…〉 of his Will and Mind by Faith thrâ—â— Grace in Jesus Christ by whom the Souls of them thaâ— believe in him are justified in the sight of God for he that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them Brethren Heb. 2 11. for bâ— the Grace of God are they of him who unto them of God is made Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption 1 〈◊〉 1.30 by which People may see that the main cause why People perish is through Disobedience to the gift of Gods Grace which by Jesus Christ they have received and it bringeth the Tenders of Salvation to every man in some measure or degree which as improved leads unto perfect Salvation through Faith in Christ Jesus which they that refuse do unjustly charge God that is is for want of Grace by which they perish when that it is not for want of Grace tendered unto them but for want of their Obedience to the gift of Gods Grace which is sufficient for the Salvation of them that are faithful thereunto so as the Righteous through Faith and Obedience grow from grace to grace until they become perfect in Christ Jesus so the Unrighteous through unfaithfulness by Disobedience sin away the Grace of God more and more until the Day of Gods Grace with them be over and his Spirit with them hath left striving which all ought to consider while they have time to Repent for there is no repenting in the grave CHAP. XIV Concerning the Resurrection MAny are the People that are concerned to know how the dead are raised and with what Bodies they appear â—or 〈◊〉 what Bodies they do come forth Then seeing their minds are to concerned to know with what Bodies they shall appear doth manifest that they are not come to the knowledge of Gods saving Power through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ which to know gives
dayes of this Life which Faith is begotten by the spirit of Anti-christ which rules in the Children of Disobedience whose minds are drawn into works of Darkness which are begotten by their Father the Devil the Prince Power of the Air whose â—iry Kingdom remains in the Heart and Mind of all Unrighteous men who are bewitched by the spirit of Anti-Christ that they should not obey the Truth of God made manifest by Jesus Christ Gal. 3.1 by whose Spirit the heart and mind in the righteous are governed from vain and evil Thoughts for every Thought Word and Action that tends not to the honour of God it proceeds from the lust of the corrupted Desire which yeilds its Obedience to the Spirit Power of Anti-christ who is that Devil and Enemy to God and all Mankind and his they are if they obey for his Servants ye are to whom ye obey whether of Sin unto Death or of Obedience unto Righteousness Rom. 6.16 So that Death Hell and Destruction remains in all Thoughts Words and Actions which proceed not from the Power of God in Obedience to the gift of his Spirit by Jesus Christ for all that is not of Gods Righteousness by the Spirit and Power of Christ is of Unrighteousness by the Spirit and Power of Anti-Christ So that all sin is of Unrighteousness and all unrighteousness is of the Devil who sinneth from the beginning and he that committeth sin it is of the Devil but whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remnineth in him and he cannot Sin because he is born of God 1 Joh. 3.8.9 Then let no man be deceived by the Spirit of Anti-Christ or by any of his Disciples for he that doth Righteousness is righteous even as he is Righteous 1 Joh. 3.7 for whosoever committeth Sin is a Servant to sin Joh. 8.34 Then he that is a Servant to sin is free from Righteousness for the wages of sin is Death and God is not a God of the Dead but a God of them that are made alive by the Power of his Spirit in and thorough the Lord Jesus Christ whose gift of Righteousness is Life eternal that is to them that keep close in their minds with the Lord by which they may not be drawn into the Anti-Christian Faith of any one thing with which the Devil seeks to destroy the Soul for God is not mocked whatsoever men some that they shall also reap for he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap Corruption but he that soveth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap Life everlasting Gal 6.7.8 Now every-Spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God and every Spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God 1 Joh. 4 2.3 Then that which appears from a spirit in men which doth not lead from sinning against the gift of Gods holy Spirit their so living doth manifestuâ— a unrighteous Life is towards God and that unrighteous Life is in obedience to the Spirit of Anti-Christ which denyeth that Christ is come in the flesh of which Spirit there are many which have entered the false Prophets which are gone out into the World by which many are deceived for they are of the World and speak of the World and the World heareth them 1 â—oh 4.5 but the Children of God are begotten by the Power of his own Spirit in and thorough the Lord Jesus Christ and by Grace through Faith in him their works are of Righteousness before him who is the Author and the Finisher of his own Work in all them whose Works of Righteousness manifest Jesus Christ to be come in the flesh which the works of the Unrighteous do not do CHAP. XVIII Concerning the true Language and proper Nature of Speech and the true Names of the Days and Months And also the Vnrighteousness of Peoples vain living Through the Unrighteousness of Peoples careless living unto God they are got into a habitual custom of vain living before the Lord not regarding to live up in Obedience to the the Spirit of Truth which lead Gods faithful People into the true Nature of Speech and to call the Dayes of the Week and the Months of the Year by their proper Names according as by that Spirit of God they are recorded for People to learn in the holy Scriptures of Truth which givs a holy Testimony of the Righteous in dayes past who lived in all manner of good Life and holy Conversation before the Lord speaking their words in the true Language which is the proper Nature of Speech and calling the Days of the Week and and Months of the Year by their proper Names which holy Practise doth witness against this Generation of evil Doers who accostom themselves to a vain way of living both in Words and Actions by which it doth manifest that they are Lovers of their own vain Wayes and not the Lovers of Gods holy Truth which leads every upright hearted man and woman to keep in the true Language and proper Nature of Speech unto all men without respect of Person to any for that which the World terms Reâ—pect with Hand Hat and Knee and You to the Rich and Thee and Thou to the Poor is a respecting of Mâ—ns Peâ—sons which is a transgressing of Gods holy Law for they that respect mens persons commit sin and are convinced of the Law as Transgressors Jam 2.9 for thee and thou is proper to all men and you to more then one for God said thee and thou to Adam and Adam said thee and thou to God again Gen. 3.12 13. and the same was maintained between â—acob and his Sons Gen. 43.49 which proves that thee and thou was the true Nature of Speech between God and Man and Men and their Children as Jeptha a Judge in Israel did thee and thou his Daughter and his Daughter did thee and thou her Father again Judg. 11.3 5 6. And the three Children did thee and thou to the King and also Paul to Agrippa And the same form of thee and thou to a single person and you or ye to more then one was prectised by Christ to his Disciples and the same by the Disciples as thee and thou to Christ again which is the true Nature of speech as contained in holy Record thoroughout the Scriptures of Truth though some have wrested divers Scriptures thinking thereby to prove a lawfullness of saying thee and thou to more then one which doth not prove that you on ye is proper to a single person for those scriptures which they have wrested do manifest that when the spirit of God in his Servants and Messengers of his Truth did speak by the Spirit of Truth to a Nation Church or People it was proper to say either you or ye or thou which did include a Nation Church or People as one body in the cause which was from the Lord either for or against them which is not the
received to profit withal Joh. 3.16 17 18 19 20 21. Mat 25. 1 Cor. 12.3 to 9. Ephes 5.13.14 So that if People would but give up in their minds to spend that time in reading the holy Scriptures which they spend in that which only satisfies the Lust of the natural Will which begets from a furder and furder obedience of retaining God in their thoughts by which the mind is fitly framed through Disobedience to veild it self a servant to the Devils Power through which they become Witches and in one degree or another are Instruments of bewitching others in which state of Disobedience the World remains in Wickedness bewitching one the other that they should not obey the Truth of God made manifest by Jesus Christ so that the greatest sort of Witch-craft by the Devil is to make men Instruments for his service and to bewitch into that which is of the most service to promote his Kingdom of Unrighteousness which cannot be higher promoted by any that serve him then when they are by him bewitcht to bewitch others into the like state that when they are destroying the lives of the Lords Children think it is of the greatest Service for God and benefit to their Souls which is the greatest sort of Witch-craft that ever was for People of the Devil so to believe Now for all other sort of Witches they only touch the outward but cannot touch the Spirit of one true Believer in Christ Jesus which according to that command of God for the destroying of Witches and false Worshippers in the time of the Law if it remain the same in this Gospel Day it reaches the Life of every Persecutor which doth bewitch that they should not obey the Truth in which state though they worship not a false God as in the time of the Law yet they worship the true God in a false way which comes under the same Condemnation of not suffering a Witch and the false Worshipper to live in the time of the Law So that Persecutors are no more the true Worshippers of God in this Gospel Day than Witches and other false Worshippers were in the time of the Law for Publicans and Harlots shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven before them that are of that Persecuting Spirit by which so many Thousands of People are bewitched that they should not obey the Truth but remain in the works of the flesh with which Witch-craft is included Gal. 5.20 for which cause the Devil is permitted to imitate the very form of the way and manner of their former proceedings against the People of God at their general Court in Boston for some of the afflicted bewitched or possessed Evidences say That the black Man i. e. the Devil in a high crowned Hat with his Priests have divers times called together about four or five hanared of their Number at Saâ—â—m they use to assemblâ— themselves together breaking Râ—â—ad and drinking Wine which they call the Devils Saâ—â—ament which practise as the Evidences with some of the confessed say is before they set upon the hight of their intended Work to a 〈◊〉 and torment others thereby to force them to conform to the same practice of the Devils way and some have confessed they have been freed from the Torment of their afflicted state upon conforming to the Devils Will who then baptizeth them into Covenant to do what he and the Priests with him command to be done Which work of the Devils general Court is as like in imitation to the work of the former Priests and Rulers against the People called Quakers as the moving shadow of a wicked man is like to the moving of 〈◊〉 corrupted Body for all that would not conform to the Faith of the Priests and Rulers to do as they did in that day were by them and their followers esteemed no better than Dogs for I never heard of any Dâ—g but received more Mercy than that Servant of the Lord William Breand received at the hands of the Priests Rulers and their Followers in that day who tyed the said W. B. neck and heels sixteen hours and laid upon his naked back thirty stripes with a three cord knotted whip and then from â—â—e of their Church Members with a pitcht Roap received one hundred and seventeen stripes only his Shirt to defend the same having his body thus beaten into a Jelly of flesh and blood he fainted away some thinking that he would not have recovered life again and the Doctor said if he did recover it would be a Miracle which through the goodness of God he did recover to 〈◊〉 and strength again whose Testimony was of great courage through the Power of God for the service of his Truth among them that did believe and for the further Condemnation of them that did not believe in which day the work of Unbelievers was of that nature against the said People called Quakers that to read the History of all their Sufferings in that day in and about Boâ—on may in Ages to come make men to wonder that such a professing People in New-England should manifest themselves so mad against an innocent people nay in that day did they not appoint their Women Church Members to search the Bodies of the Lords Hand maids for Witches whose Testimony will remain to the end on Record That one of them so searched in the bearing and bringing forth fire Children did not undergo the like trouble as the inhumane cruelty of these Church Women put her to in the searching of her Body for a Witch which she was clear of but now among their own Church Members they have as is supposed Witch-craft upon Wiâ—ch-craft the which whether true or not is a Judgment of God upon them for their not repenting of their evil Deeds against the Lord and his People who daily desire of God that they may manifest Repentance by the fruits thereof until which time of Reformation that men may come to do even as they would that all men should do unto them the Lords Anger against the Inhabitants of New-England will not be removed for they may expect that as they increase in Unrighteousness against God that as he draws off the lesser Judgment a greater for sin and evil against him will upon the Unrighteous be poured forth for God is not mocked such as men sow such they shall also reap and if the Inhabitants of New-England do not amend and repent the Lord hath yet a Work to do by Pestilence and Famine which will be more terrible than all the Lords former Judgments have been ever since they began to persecute the honest People called Quakers Of which work under Boston Government in that day I have before mentioned proving it to be the moving cause that the Lord hath as with Israel of old left the Inhabitants of New-England to further evils which with the shedding of the Blood of the innocent and their other sins these horrid Accusations of Witch-craft have increased among the Inhabitants and Churches
Truth held Forth AND MAINTAINED According to the Testimony of the holy Prophets Christ and his Apostles recorded in the holy Scriptures With some Account of the Judgments of the Lord lately inflicted upon New-England by Witch craft To which is added Something concerning the Fall of Adam his state in the Fall and way of Restoration to God again with many other weighty things necessary 〈◊〉 People to weigh and consider Written in true Love to the Souls of my Neighbours all Men which includeth that Love to them 〈…〉 by Thomas Maule Printed in the Year 16â—◠〈◊〉 PREFACE Friendly Reader AMong the many Writers in this Age who profess themselves Gospel Ministers great iâ— the number of false Prophets and wordâ— teachers whose Doctrines Principles Practices are inconsistant with the Doctrines Principles and Practices of the holy Prophets and Apostles in days past who brought glad tidings of Peace to â—he souls of many People who were turned from Darkness to Light and from the Power of Satan to the Pow-God Acts 26.18 even so ingmeasure is it with true Gospel Ministers in this day who turn Peoples minds to the inward manifastation of the gift of Gods Spirit which ministers Life to them that hear and obey unto them its life indeed for the gift of God is Life eternal and as every true faithful Minister of Christ hath received the gift of God freely they minister freely from he same as good Stâ—wards of the manifold Grace of God dâ—ing unto all men at they would have all mâ—n do unto them not striving for Mastership but are gentle unto all men and apt in teach patient in 〈◊〉 instructing those that oppose themselves 2 Tim. 〈◊〉 24 25. that 〈◊〉 by the Church may be edefied for the true Ministers of Christ are Servents to Christ and not Masters own 〈…〉 as many Anti-christian Teachers are 〈…〉 Hâ—â—itage 〈…〉 Persons in admiration for advantage but the true Ministers of Christ are men of sorrow desolâ—ed and rejected oâ— mend as he was they are not made ministeâ—s by the mill of 〈◊〉 but by the will of God and blameless as the Stewards of God not self willed nor soon angry nor given to Wine nor strikers â—or are they greedy of filthy Luâ—re but lovers of Hospitality and sober Just holy temperate holding fast the faithful Word as they have been taught that they may be able by sound Doctrine both to exhort and convince the gain-sayers for there are many unruly and vain Talkers and Deceivers even as those in days past whose mouths must be stopped for they subvert whole Houses teaching things which they ought not for filthy Lucre sake and as in that day they had a Prophet of their own said the Cretians are alwayes Lyars evil Beasts flow bellies Tit. 1.7.8 9 10 11 12. even so as by Luther and others who have left their Testimonies agreeable with what is found incorded in the Scriptures of Truth which give a true account of the Doctrine Principles and Prectices of the many Teachers in this age who will not preach 〈…〉 Mony This witness is true wherefore rebake thâ—â— sharply that they may be found in the Truth for they profess they know God but in Works they deny him Tit. 〈…〉 By which is it not manifest that the love of Money which is the root of all evil is in them that will not prench without Money what better are they theâ— the 〈…〉 and false Prophets we read of Jer. 14.14 Do they 〈◊〉 bare rule by their means in all Nations where 〈◊〉 seeâ— for their gain each from his Quarter Isa ◠〈…〉 Do they 〈◊〉 preach for hire and divine for Money Mâ—â— 3.11 And do they not preach peace so long as men keep paying but when any come to see their deceit and cannot put into their mouths then they preach open war 〈…〉 And have not the false Prophets Anti-christian 〈◊〉 and hired Priests destroyed â—he lives of many thousands of People for their obedience to the faith which work by consent of the Magistrâ—â—â— hath had its day in New-England when they put to â—ath four of the People called Quakers at Boston concerning the which an Account will hereafter follow which was by the Priests accomplished by the consent of the then Rulers for without the consent of Power the Priests could not Persecute which they wait to do as Troops of Robbers wait for a man so have the company of Priests murdered in the may by consent Hos 6.9 So that by their fruits men may know them Luke 6.13 Mat. 7.13 16. for they are tryed which say they are Apostles and are not and they are found to be Lyars Rev. 2.2 Come from among them and do not pertake of their sins that ye may be free from their Plagues which the Lord is bringing upon the Whore and the false Prophets Teachers which 〈◊〉 wrought Iniquity against the Lord and his chosen People From my dwelling House at Salem in New-England 1st 3d. Mon. 1690. Thomas Maule Humane Learning I have not God doth to me afford His Teaching by his Spirit good To understand his Word T. M. The Heads or Contents of the ensuing TREATISE Chap. 1. COncerning the 〈◊〉 of Gods quickening Spirit by Jesus Christ pag. 1. Chap. 2. Concerning Christ the true Seed and Everlasting Covenant of God to his People p. 10. Chap. 3. Concerning the Man Christ Jesus which was conceived of the holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary and suffered Death for the Redemption of all men p. 16. Chap. 4. Concerning the holy Scriptures p. 2â— Chap. 5. Concerning Faith Hope and Obedience which by the Power of God through Jesus Christ worketh Salvation to them that truely believe Also something concerning Silence p. 30. Chap. 6. Concerning Perfection and that Warfair which the faithful are to pass through before they come to witness fâ—ll and free Redemption from sin p. 47. Chap. 7. Concerning the Worship of God in Spirit p. 5â— Chap. 8. Concerning true Prayer by which the faithful find acceptance with God by faith in the Son of his Love p. 6â— Chap. 9. Concerning the Lords Supper which People call the Sacrament p. 65. Chap. 10. Concerning Baptism and sprinkling Infants which many hold most necessary to Salvation p. 70. Chap. 11. Concerning the true Sabbath p. 76. Chap. 12. Concerning Election and Reprobation p. 79. Chap. 13. Concerning the 〈…〉 tion through Faith in Chr◠〈…〉 p. 87. Chap. 14. Concerning the 〈…〉 p. 93. Chap. 15. Concerning the Ministers of Christ and the Ministers of Anti-christ Also of humane Learning and the use of it and how it came in practise among the Reformed Churches in this latter Age. And concerning Gospel Maintenance in what manner and to whom it belongeth p. 99. Chap. 16. Concerning divine Inspiration and Revelation p. 109. Chap. 17. Concerning the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of Anti-christ p. 114. Chap. 18. Concerning the true Language and proper Nature of Speech and the true Names of the Days and
Which â—â—th manifeâ—â— that the Prophet fore-saw Christ to come the Covenant or Light and Promise of God to the Gâ—â—â—ike of which Steek we are who have received a measure of Gods Spirit which is of the divine Light and Nature of Christ the true Sâ—ed of his Kingdom which by measure hath been sown in the Hearts of all the Sons and Daughters of Adâ—â— To open their blind Eyes to bring out the Prisoner out of the Prison House Iâ—a 42.6 7. which is that which the Prophet declared of Christ the Foundation of Life in whose Light the faithful see Light Psal 36 9. Here David saw God in Christ who was to 〈◊〉 and in that day was a Rule to light Dâ—vid in his 〈◊〉 goings and Incomings by which he received the heavenly â—â—ehes or Gods Love to the saving â—f his Soul which is the Portion of all the faithful who receive Christ in the love of his Light which is no less than Life Eternal to all them that believe in his Name for his Name is Light and this Light hath been preached to every Creature under the Heavens Col. 1.23 which is that Light which John was sent to preach Christ the true Light that lighteth every Man that cometh into the World John 1.9 and this Light opened their Understandings to know the Scriptures Luke 24 15 to 29. for Obeâ—â—ence to the Light of Christ brings into the Knowledge of 〈◊〉 by which there comes to be a right understanding of what iâ— contained in the holy Scriptures for by the Spirit of God in Christ were the holy men of God enlightned and gave forth the holy Scriptures as they were moved by the holy Ghost Now mind That of this Light hath every man received a â—â—â—sure in his heart it being the Seed of the Kingdom and â—â—â—â—geth forth Fruit in good Ground Mat. 13.4 5 6 7 8. 〈◊〉 not in all other Grounds which signifie dark unclean stoney and hard Hearts in which the Seed hath been sown but only thrives and brings forth Fruit acceptable to God in the good Ground that is the honest faithful Heart which yeilds Obedience unto that which the gist of Gods divine Light requires it being the Lords Talent Mat. 25. wherein we find Christ did declare concerning the Work of his Kingdont by the Parable of the ten Virgins and sloathful Servant both having received the Seed of the Kingdom the Lords Talent which is a Gift of his divine Light Spirit of Truth which had they been faithful thereunto Salvation had not been wanting for when men receive of the Lords heavenly Gift of divine Light be it more or less yet through faithful Obedience it is sufficient for their Salvation for whether more or less yet the Lord requires his own with profit and where much is given much also is required but he that is not faithâ—ul in that which is little shall neuer be made Ruler of that which is greater but that which he haâ—h poâ—â—mprâ—â—ved shall be taken away and given to him that hath improved the Gift of God for the Honâ—nur of his holy Nameâ—â— and comfort of mans own Soul Mat. 25 28 29. which is maâ—â—er of great concern for all to be wâ—le an diligent in the Work of the Lord for the diligent gain Heavenâ— Riches when the sloathful are sent empâ—y away which will be the Portion of all the 〈◊〉 that are found living in a careless state spending their time in that which brings dishonour to the Name of the Lord and sorrow to the Soul oâ—hâ—m that so liveth for the Light of the Wicked shall bâ— put out and the Sparks of his Fire shall not shâ—ne and the Light shall be Darbness in his Tabernacle and hâ—â— Candle shall be put out with him Job 18.5 6. but in the faithful shall the Light shine which begets the heart and mind into good Works that glorifie God their Father which is in Heaven Now the Light of Gods Spirit in the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ is that Light â—hich the Lords People called Quakers profess to be the Rule of their Life whose Life is the light of men John 1.4 and this light hath been a Rule to the faithful in all Ages Psal 27 1. The Lord is my Light and Salvation and he shall bring forth thy Rightâ—oushesâ—â—â— the light and thy Judgments as the noon day In this the Righteous rejoyce and give Thanks at the remembrance of his Holiness Here Light is sown for the Righteous and Gladness for the Vpright in Heart Psal 97.11 12. And again he speaketh of Christ to be the Light For with thee is the Fountain of Life in thâ—â—ight shall we see Light Psal 36.9 O send out thy Light and 〈◊〉 Truth let them bring me unto thy holy Hill and thy Tabernacle Psal 43.3 And the Spirit in the Bropher saith Arise shine for thy Light is come and the Glory of the Lord is risen upon thee Isa 60.1 And the Gentile shall come to thy Light and the Kings to the Brightness of thy Râ—sing vers 3. And many more instances from the holy Prophets Writings may be produced to that effect but these are sufficient to prove Christ the Everlasting Foundation of Lâ—fe and Light in whom the faithful of God in all Ages have built their Faith in the Light of God in Christ which gave them â—ull assurance in the same Faith That God in his due time would enlarge his Covenant of Light to all Natâ—ons by sending hâ—â— Son Jesus Christ who hath appeared in the likenâ—ss of sinful flesh to take away sin in the flâ—sh by pâ—â—forming the Will of God the Father to fullâ—r Death in a Body of Fâ—â—sh for the Redemption of all men and this is Jesus which shall save his People from their sins Mat. 1.21 By which it is evident That the Work oâ— God by Jesus Christ is to save People from their sins Then what is the state of such man who profess themselves to be the Ministers of Christ and teach People of an imperfect state never to be free from sin in this Life concerning which at presenâ—â— shall omit leaving it in order for another Head in which God willing I shall clear by sufficient Testimony of holy Sempture Proof and at present proceed in Vindâ—cation of the Light against the Lyes by which evil minded men reproaâ—â— the People of God and dishonour his holy Truth in which the saithful live each according to his measuâ—e of Light and 〈◊〉 Spirit of Grace Light Life by Jeâ—ds Christ which leadeth them to acknowledge God the Father Word and Spirit Christ the Word Life and Light and the holy Ghost which 〈◊〉 the Soirit of God the Father 〈◊〉 Jesus Christ the Son and Lord of Life and Light which was conceived by the holy Ghost and brought forth by the Virgin Mary betrayed by Judis suffered under Pontius Pilate rose again the third day aseen led into Heaven where now he sits in all Righteousness and Holiness with God
Gods â—race through the effectual Working of the holy Ghost by which they came to understand the Will and Mind of God the Father in the Death and Resurrection of his Son the Lord Jesus which was expedient that he should depart that 〈…〉 forter might come Joh 15.26 which Promise was fulfilled by the voilding up that Body of Flesh which was born of a Woman and betrayed by Judas condemned by Pilate delive 〈◊〉 unto 〈…〉 set him at naught and crucified the Lord of Life upon their Cross without the Gates of Jerusalem which Body was buried and rose again the third Day being the first Day of the Week which Christians attend for the Worship of God having the holy Apostles for an Example to follow them as they were Followers of Christ who met together on the first day of the Week to worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth which is in the Power of his Spirit by the effectual working of his Gift through his Death and Resurrection which appeared unto the Saints who received of his Fullness Grace for Grace which made them able Ministers of the New Covenant of Life Light in Christ Jesus which then ascended into Heaven with God the Father and with him is in a glorified Body which Flesh and Blood cannot reveal being glorified with that Glory which he had with the Father before the World began which is the Christ that the holy men prophecyed should come for a Light to the Gentiles and for Salvation to the ends of the Earth Isa 49.6 Acts 13.47 who accordingly is come and hath done the will of God the Father in that Body as aforesaid and by him through his Death Resurrection Ascention have all the Sons and Daughters of Men received a Gift of his heavenly divine Light as a Talent Taleâ—ts for them to work out their Salvation with fear and trembling at his Work which is able to makeâ— thorow seperation betwixt the precious and the vile that is between the begettings of his own divine Life and that Seed which brings forth the Life of the Stranger which is the Devil and Enemy of mans Soul whom the faithful will not follow but are willing to submit under the Cross of Christ whose Yoke is easie and his burden light not desiring the Death of any one Sinner but that all might turn at his Reproofs and live the Life of the Son of God who hath suffered Death been buried and is risen again and ascended into the Heavens where he maketh Intercession with God the Father for the Redemption and Salvation of all them that are willing by true Faith to receive the tenders of his free Grace which by the Gift of the divine Light of his Spirit of Truth is largely manifested unto the Sons and Daughters of men for his divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit in his People that is Christ in them the Hope of Glory by which not any will be left without excuse in the great Day of his Coming to take Vengeance on all the Ungodly of them which have not improved their Tâ—lents to the Honour of his Name and profit of their Immortal Souls in which Day with the Righteous it shall gowell but with the Wicked who have slighted the Day of the Lords Visitation through their idle careless loose and vain living in Disobedience to that which the Lord by the gift of his divine Light and Word of his Spirit requires of them for which cause sorrow and anguish shall overtake them in that Day in which they shall forever be shut out from having any lot part or share among the faithful in the Kingdom of Heaven through the Death and Resurrection of the Son of God who laid down his Life for the Sins of the whole World but as many shall be saved as truely believe in his Name for as by one Mans Disobedience many were made Sinners so by the Obedience of the Man Christ Jesus many shall be made Righteous Rom. 5.19 for Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousness to every one that believeth so that not any 〈…〉 to say whâ— shall descend to bring up Christ again from the 〈…〉 who shall ascend to bring down Christ from Heaven for the 〈◊〉 nigh even in the Mouth and in the Heart that is the Word of Faith Rom. 10 〈…〉 by which Word of Faith we 〈◊〉 that Christ whâ—â—â— outwardly descâ—â—d 〈…〉 ascended and by 〈◊〉 Power of divine Light quickening word of his Spirâ—â— he is the Author Finisher of every good Work of Faith in the hearts of his People for he is the Word of Life unto the 〈◊〉 by true Faith believe in him as he outwardly suffered and in the gist of his Spirit which is the inward Word of 〈…〉 them tâ— whom Christ giveth the Shield of Faith and Hope the Hâ—â— not of their Salvation by which Word Simâ—n Peter came to know the Lord of Life to be the Christ the Son of the living God which Flesh Blood did not reveal Mat. 16 14 15 16. but was revealed by God the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ whose meer Bâ—dâ—y Presence did not give Peter the knowledge of the Church buils on that that Rock whose Foundation was so sure that â—he Gates of Hell could never prevail against â—â—s Members which by the most sare Word of Prophecy are ingrafted in the Man Christ in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwelleth for evermore for he is the well-beloved of the Fathers own begetting and hath done the Work of God in that Body of Flesh which suffered on the Cross without the City Gates of Jerusalem and was buried and rose again the third Day and appeared to the Saints and gave Gifts unto them and ascended into Heaven of which things the Father Word and Spirit beareth witness and these three are one God and that no man speaking by the spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed and that no man can say That Jesus is the Lord but by the holy Ghost and as there is but One God One Lord Jesus Christ One Father One Son and One holy Ghost One Word and One Spirit all which are One God who hath given Diversittes of Gifts but the same Spirit and Differences of Advanistrations but the same Lord and Diversities of Operations but it is the same God which worketh all in all for a manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal 1 Cor. 12.3 4 5 6 7. for as the Body is one and hath many Members and all the Members of that one Body being many are one Body so also is Christ for by one Spirit are all the faithful baptized into one Body whether they be Jewâ— or Gentiles Bond or Free they have been made to drink into one Spirit for the Body is not one Member but many and are ingrafted by the Power of Gods Spirit the most sure Word of Prophecy into the stock which is Christ the true Vine with which every true Branch
that is a Member of his Body doth of his divine Nature partake by which it doth bud spring and bring forth Fruit abundantly to the Praise and Honour of Gods holy Name but every Branch that bringeth not forth Fruit unto God by true Faith in Christ the Father taketh away for it s by Disobedience the Lord cuts it off and appoints it its Portion in Hell which is the Portion of all them that let the Day of Gods Grace and Visitation of his Spirit to pass over but every Branch that beareth Fruit in Christ the true Vine the Father purgeth it of its first nature the old heaven of Degeneration and by the Power of his Word Grace and Spirit leavens the heart mind and spirit into the new lump and nature of his heavenly Kingdom in Christ Jesus the Author and Finisher of his own Work in them that truely believe which by Faith in Christ bring forth Fruits of Righteousness and Holiness which are the Works of true Faith without which Faith is even dead as the Body is without the Spirit for by the Gift of Gods good Spirit of Grace is the Faith of every true Believer wrought into a lively hope in which stands an assurance of that Crown of Righteousness which 〈…〉 store for all true Believers that fear the Lord and keep his Commandments such are they that live in the true fear of the Lord which is the beginning of Wisdom and leads the Mind out of visible delights and to follow Christ with an easie Yoke and light burden to do his Will which is that strait and even narrow Way which leadeth unto the Kingdom in which no unclean thing can enter neither is there any cleansing but what is here on Earth for as Death leaves so Juâ—gment finds and there is no Repentance in the Grave Which things in the true Love of God to Peoples Souls I do exhort them to weigh and consider that they may turn in their minds from all vain Delights and obey the Voice of the Son of God in their own hearts that by the Gift of his Spirit they may come to be turned from Darkness to Light and from the Power of their Souls Enemy to serve the Lord in true Holyness of heart mind and spirit for there is no other Name given under Heaven for men to be saved but as they come to believe in Christ as he did outwardly suffer and also believe in the Gift oâ— his Spirit and inward Word of Life unto all them that are in true Obedience to the gift of his divine Light which hath been the Path of the Just in all Ages and yet appears in the heart of every man and Woman with whom the Day of Gods Grace is not over for his Love remains stedfast to all that which is of his own Nature which is of a contrary Nature to that permitted Power unto which too many yeild their obedience by which the desire of their Minds is drawn from obedience to the gift of Gods divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit in which state they serve the the Lust of the Flesh the Lust of the Eye and the Pride of Life and as men void of all spiritual sense and reason as to the things of God their Thoughts Words and Actions are here and there in the love of those things which Work the Lords Soul abhors and such appear as Trees without Fruit as to God for their Fruit is of a strange Plant and unregenerate Vine for which cause the Spirit of the Lord in his Servants is the same as it was in his Servants of Old who are called of God to bear their faithful Testimony against all Unrighteousness of men who as evil corrupt Trees bring forth evil corrupt Fruit for which cause evil minded men are at Enmity with the Lord and his People whose Fruit is of his own Spirit which is Love Joy Peace Long-suffering Genâ—leness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance against such there is no Law for they live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit with Christ whom now as in days past the wise builders set at naught wherefore he hath said The things of the Kingdom are hid from the wise and prudent of this World and revealed unto Babes even so hath it pleased God for the wise and prudent of this World pretend to build upon him at whom they stumble and is become the Head of the Corner and will so remain to the breaking down all that which is contrary to his holy blessed Truth so that no building shall stand but that which is built by the Power of his own Spirit in them whom the Wisdom of this World doth despise even as the Wise did despise in that Day when they set their Learning in Hâ—brew Greek and Latine over the Head of Jesus Joh. 19 20 even so is it with the Wise of this World in this Day whose Learning is set above the gift of God which came by Jesus Christ whose People begot by him in the true Faith and Oneness of Spirit do well know that there is No other Name under Heaven given among men whereby to be saved but by that Name Jesus of Nazareth that Christ by which is the Righteousness of his People for he unto them is made of God Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption and that in this World as well as in the World to come and not simply so accounted as some judge and then made unto us of God Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption hereafter in the World to come but realty made to us here and that perfectly too so far as he is perfectly hoped in 1 Pet. 1.13 for Salvation that is Salvation from God by Christ through the Faith of his outward Sufferings and by obedience to the gift of his Spirit in the heart which is the inward Word oâ— Life to them that hear and obey by which they may be turned from Darkness to Light and from the Fower of Satan to the Power of God by which they may witnesâ—â—he Evidence of Gods spirit That they have the Pardon of sin and forgiveness of that which is past being washed with the Blood of Sprinkling which cleanseth the Heart and purgâ—th the Conscience from dead Works to serve the living God in uprightness of Soul Body and Mind and without witnessing of this VVork perfected through Faith in Jesus Christ the Soul can never be clean to enter his Rest with him in the Kingdom of Heaven which was prepared before the Foundation of the Earth was laid for a People that should serve the Lord in uprightness of Soul Mind and Spirit being throughly cleansed by the Blood of Jesus Christ whose Death Resurrection and Ascention will not avail any Man or VVoman whose Mind remains in the love of any one thing more than to love him and serve him with uprightness of Heart Mind for to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace and whereby every
themselves by making a diligent search with the â—ight of the Lord in their own hearts how it stands between God and their Souls which must either live forever or eternally perish with the Devil and all they that by obedience to him in this Life have sinned out the Day of Gods Grace and of his â—ich Mâ—cies by Christ Jesus which hath been tendered unto them for the Salvation of their Immortal Souls So to all with whom the Spirit of God doth strive that they may bend in the strength of their Minds to â—ir upon him in a retired state out of all their owRnâ—â—nnings from Hill to Mountain in which state they are out of that Silence which the Lord hath commanded That the whole Earth which is all flesh should keep silence before him Hab. 2 20. And again the Spirit of the Lord by the Mouth of his holy Prephet saith The Lord who is raised out of his holy Habitation commandeth all flesh to keep Silence before him Zech. 2.13 By which it appears to all that hear see and understand That Silence is that which God hath commanded to all Men and Mankind who are to wait upon him in the Silence of Mind that they may see and perceive hear and understand the Lords Will and Mind in hole things which belong to the Peace and Well-fare of their Immorcal Souls in which state of true faithful Obedience the inward Man of Heart Mind Spirit will be made capable of receiving that benefit which the Lord will improve by his faithful Instruments and that not only for the benefit of his own good but for the benefit and good of others that so the Name of the holy One may bâ— honoured thereby The Lord in his rich Mercy is good unto all them that wait for him in Sâ—â—ence Lam. 3.25 28. And in this state did David wait on God from whom cometh the Salvation of the faithful who truly wait iâ— Silence on the Lord Psal 37.7 69.1 Now 〈◊〉 the â—alvation of Peoples Souls cannot be without Obedience to the Faith of God in Christ of whose Spiritâ—â—â— men in measure have received which is the Call of God by the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ who was obedient to the Fathers Will in â—ll things for the Redemption of mens Souls which without true Faith and Obedience according to the Requirings of his good Spirit of Grace there is no Salvation by him then if no Salvation by him to them that remain in Disobedience to the gift of Grace they are to perish for evermore for as in the outward among the Disobedient and Rebellious which pretend themselves Subjects to some Earthly King he knowing them so to be will not protect them with that care and safety from the danger of an outward Enemy as he will protect them whom he well knows that theâ— are faithful Subjects which in true obedience serve him such Subjects will remain in silence to hear what their King doth relate as tending to the preservation of their outward Man then how much more suppose ye will the great King of Kings and Lord of Lords keep and preserve them that observe his Commands to remain in silence before him the Lord of Life to hear what he will speak by the Voice of his Spirit for the preservation of their Souls which keep silenâ—e before him Vnto me Men gave ear and waited and kept Silence at my Counsel Job 29.30 Now they that are not in the Faith of these things they are in a Faith of their own Righteousness seeking the Lord where he is not to be found crying Lo here and Lo there in this and the other Form wandering in their Minds from place to place from one high Hill to the other barren Mountain which bringeth forth barren Fruit by Hebrem Greek and Latine of which are few that are not in Paul's first state in which all his unsanctified Learning would not give him the true saving Knowledge of God by Jesus Christ for in that unregenerated state Mans Will and Time is not accepted with God but Gods Will is to be Mans Time in that which Man offers unto the Lord otherwise Who required these things at your hands depart from me ye that work Iniquity against me and my People for I know you not and forasmuch as you have not received them you have also denyed me therefore the Lord will utterly destroy the Wicked by bringing their Works to nought but he will preserve the Righteous which shall shine as Stars in the Firmament of Hâ—â—ven as it is written How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad Tidings of good Things Rom. 10.14 15. Now where are the good things that the Hireling Teachers bring as to spiritual I could never find any thing by or from them that did proceed from the divine Nature of God by his Son the Lord Jesus Christ but as to other Mens Lines made ready to their hands that for Money men may buy once or twice a week of which things I shall only touch in this Chapter leaving the substance for another place where through the assisting strength of Gods Power I shall prove to the satisfaction of them whose Minds are in faithfulness before the Lord who cannot bâ—â— see heaâ— and understand that forced Maintenance for Preaching is not according to the Rule of God nor practised by any of his holy Prophets in days past neither is the manner and method in Preaching nor their Order in that they call their Church Government or Gospel Order in their Church with divers others of their Principles and Practices which they account belongs to their Calling are so inconsistent with Gods holy Truth as is sufficiently maniâ—ested by his own Spirit and by his holy Prophets and Apostles lest on holy Record as doth appear by the Declaration of the holy Scriptures and the Spirit of God by which they were given foâ—th and my Charity is to write and speak of them that which I am fully perswaded is the Truth of God iâ— my heart That they either hold the Truth of God iâ— Unrighteousness or that they are ignorant of his saving Knowledge by the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ that is they know little or nothing as they ought to do of Gods â—â—ving Power and spiritual appearance of Christ in their own heâ—â—ts but are blind Leaders of the blind till without true Repentance and Reformation they shall fall together which according to Christs own words all they that continue in a state of unfaithfulness in Dâ—obedience to the giâ—t of his Word of his good Spirit of â—race which is given by measure to heal and make alive they shall â—ade and wither away as fruitless Branches which when their day is over they shall be cut off and cast into the Fire where the Worm dyes not nor the Fire of Goâ—s Wrath goeth out for Christ came not in any measure of that nature which hath appeared in the false Teachers of this Age
that here is no command either to Particular time or Place but as often as ye eat of this Bread and drink of this Cup ye do shew forth the Lord Death till he come which according to that spiritual Light of Understanding which God hath given me my Faith in Christ is to believe that the daily â—ood which every true Believer doth receive by Prayer and Thanks-giving that it is to be received in the remembrance of his Death till he come as well as when Believers eat together more solemnly remembring his Death with Prayer and Thanks-giving whose coming will be to reward the Wicked and Ungodly among whom are they that have a form of Godliness without the true saving Knowledge of God by the Body and Blood of Christ whose coming also will be to receive the Souls of them whom he hath promised to drink of the Vine new in the Kingdome of God and as to any command by Christ or example by his holy Apostles I find not for any hired Teachers to set up a form for People to eat Breâ—d and drink Wine once a month or more or less even as they and their followers can agree about the same for the Apostles were never hired to set up any â—orm without the Power of God neither without the Power of God did they ever maintain any Form for they did continue with one accord breaking Bread from House to House and did eat their bread with gladness and singleness oâ— heart Acts 2.46 Which doth and will continue among sincere Christians and true Believers until the last coming of Christ which doth manifest the blind Zeal which People have of their own Righteousness who have not the true form of Godliness according to the practice of the holy Apostles for which end I may improve the Prophets saying Wherefore do ye spend your Money for that which is not Bread and your Labour for that which satisfieth not Isa 55.2 Which indeed is so as doth appear by Peoples Lo here and Lo there in their differing Forms which are destitute of the Power of God who is the Bread of Life which is tendered by his free Grace in and through the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ who standeth at the Door and knocketh if any man will hear his Voice and open the Door he will come in to him and will sup with him and he shall sup with the Lord of life Râ—v 8.10 which if any refuse this the Lords Supper he refuses his own Salvation by Jesus Christ the Bread of Life which if any man eat and drink of this cup he shall neither hunger nor thirst but shall live forever And as to the outward Dispensations which the Lord bestoweth upon the Children of men among whom they that do not render a due acknowledgment by the spirit of Prayer and Thanks-giving for the Lords Mercies in his gifts bestowed upon them for the Comfort of the Body it doth but furder add to their Condemnation for whether ye eat or whether ye drink let all be done to the Honour of God who hath not called man to live by Bread alone but by the Power of his Word Mat. 4.4 Luke 4.4 for the Power of his Word is in Jesus Christ the Bread of Life that a man may eat thereof and not dye for all outward Bread and Wine is of a perishing Nature but the Bread of Life and Wine of the Kingdom endureth forever for Christ hath said that he is the Bread of Life or Living Bread that cometh down from Heaven which if any man eat of this Bread he shall live forever that Bread that he giveth is his Flesh which he hath given for the Life of the World John 9.50 51. for in this is the Power of God made manifest unto the soul of every true Believer which have their whole Dependance on God by true Faith in the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ who is become the Mediator of the New Covenant which speaketh better things then that of Abel Heb. 12 2â— for Christ is come and spiritually he lives in his People whose hearts and minds he hath redeemed out of all dead Forms by which they witness him to be the Lord of Life unto whom they yeild the strength of their minds to serve him the living God with uprightness of Soul Mind and Spirit by which their inward Life doth not remain in eaâ—ing Bread and drinking Wine which is not of it self material for the Salvation of any man Soul that so do for it comes short of Gods Promise by Jesus Christ and supping with him at his Table which affords Bread without Money and Wine without Price which if People had true Faith to believe these things their dead Form would soon end for Christ is the Bread of Life and he that cometh to him shall never hunger and he that believeth in him shall never thirst which is large in a general way to all men which they that refuse are left out from having any lot part or share with the Guests of the Bride Chamber where the Lamb of God hath his abode and remains with them where they by true Faith feed on his spiritual Food which is that spiritual Bread and spiritual Wine which is without Money and Price and giveth Life unto the World of them which by true Faith receive him Joh. 6.32 33. in which state of true Faith every sincere Believer receiveth of his Dispensation which by Prayer and Thanks-giving is sanctified unto them so as every true Christian doth worthily in all his eating and drinking eat and drink in the holy Faith and Fear remembring the Lords Death with Prayer and Thanksgiving So is it to be acknowledged that the primitive Christians did eat and drink together solemnly assembled and were to wait one for another that they might eat and drink together when solemnly assembled remembring the Lords death with prayer and Thanks-giving in token of their being Members together of one Body whereof Christ is the Head to signifie their Love Vnity and Fellowship one with another and the which is worthily practised by sincere and faithfull Christians at this day and is to continue to the last coming of Christ when he shall come without us to Judge the quick and the dead as well as his more abundant inward coming in spirit to them who have not yet witnessed it and many as yet are not come into the true Faith of these things which according to my measure of Faith in God by Jesus Christ do I faithfully believe by which thorough Faith I do receive of Gods outward Dispensation for the preservation of outward Life and in measure of his heavenly divine Riches by Faith in Christ which unto me is the Bread and Water of Life for the preservation of my soul and not to me only but unto all them that by true Faith witness their feeding with the Lord of Life at his his heavenly Table where all the faithfull of God witness the
eating of the Lords Supper CHAP. X. Concerning Baptism and Sprinkling Infants which People hold most necessary to Salvation SPrinkling of Infants it being set up without any prescribed command or Example commanded by Christ or his holy Apostles although many Teachers in this Age have wrested the holy Scriptures thinking thereby to make their own invention to be accounted the Ordinances of God Now the main Reasons that many teachers have rendered they have grounded from Christs word Mat. 22.19 which doth not prove baptizing of â—nfants to be commanded by Christ Go ye therefore and teach all Nations beptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Now the command of Christ was to his Disciples that they should go and teach which proves that teaching was commanded before baptizing or dipping as the word may be rendered by which all may understand that they could not be discipled which were untaughâ— for this we know that Infants are uncapable of being taught which proves that they are not capable of being Disciples And in Mark 10.14 15 16. where they bring Christs saying Suffer little Children to come unto me forbid them not for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven which saying is explained in the following Verse that whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little Child he shall not enter therein can never reach by Visible Water which cleanseth not the inside of these wise Hebrew Greek and Latine learned Builders who ground their unsound Foundation of Sprinkling Infants in the room of Circumcision which according to the holy Scriptures of Truth one Tipe did never tipe out another but every Tipe typified the substance for Circumcision was a Tipe or Figure and cutting off the fore-skin was a Figure of the Circumcision and cutting off the Fore-skin of the heart Now baptism with water was a Tipe or Figure as in Peter 3.21 which tiped out the spiritual Washing or regeneration which is baptizing of Infants come in the room of Circumcision then how do they agree in a parrellel seeing that the Males were only circumcised then why are the Famales now baptized if Baptism come in the room of Circumcision which as to their form in batpizing they differ one from the other even as in other things which they account to be the Ordinances of Christ but are found to be the Ordinances of men set up and maintained by the Power of men who in their several Forms differ each from the other for some sprinkle others dip and some dip over again others plunge others sprinkle with mixt Water and to my knowledge some have had their Children sprinkled with warm water in cold weather for which form some of their Priests have said to me that they have allowance for their differing Forms under this Dispensation that is to dip or sprinkle according to the nature of the Climate where they live but to prove their assertion by Scripture they cannot do which without scripture Proof they are willing to say something for what they hold but in what form soever any by their Priests are baptized there is no effect of their work doth appear but like Priest like People all pleading for A Body of Sin while they remain in this Life which doth manifest that visible Water is of no effect notwithstanding these hired Builders bring Christs words to Nicodemus John 3.5 that except a man be born again of Water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God From which words some do infer that Infant Baptism is of absolute Necessity to Salvation Now Christ did then speak of that heavenly Water which did regenerate and make new for through the Power of that Water the Heart came to be made clean according to the Prophets Saying Then will I sprinkle clean Water upon you and you shall be clean from all your Filthiness Ezek. 36.25 By which it is manifest that visible Water cleanseth not the inside which is to be cleansed through the washing of Regeneration for it is not the washing away of the filth of the Flesh but the answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 3 21. Now Johns Baptism was to decrease and the Baptism of Christ to increase for Christ was before John whose Baptism made way for the Baptism of Christ to take place for this Testimony John did bear of himself That he should decrease and that Christ should increase for John's baptizing was to Repentance but he that cometh after me shall baptize you with the holy Ghost Mat. 3.11 Then if John's Water Baptism was to decrease which was to Repentance where is the benefit of Water-Baptism in this day to any who have repented And to them which have not repented their Life of remaining in a Body of Sin all their days doth manifest no benefit in Water-Baptism towards the Salvation of any man that is baptized with visible Water in what Form soever for as Water Baptism was a â—ipe or Figure Pâ—t 3.21 so all Types and Figures made way for the Spirit of Hâ—iness in which they are all fulfilled through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ whose Baptism is that of the holy Ghost which except People receive they can never witness the heart cleansed from dead Works for John baptized with Water but ye shall be baptized with the holy Ghost having the pâ—omise to receive Power Acts 1 52 which doth manifest that People cannot receive full power against sin before they have received the Baptism of Christ which is that of the holy Ghost and Fire which burns up and purifies the heart of the inward man by which the thoughts of his own corrupted desire are brought into subjection to the Power of God by Jesus Christ which cleanâ—eth the inward man of Heart Mind and Spirit through which he comes to serve the Lord with Uprightness of his whole Desire in which state he becomes 〈◊〉 thorough Witness for Gods holy Truth that there is but one Lord one Faith one Baptism Ephes 4 5. into which Baptism all the Righteous oâ— God are baptized for so many as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his Death therefore they are bâ—râ—ed with him by Baptism into he Glory of the Father even so we also should walk in Newness of Life Rom 3.4 Now whâ—t People have gâ—thered in their Comprehension concerning the Apostles words 〈◊〉 Cor. 14. it avails no for their proâ—â—â— in the least measure of strength to prove Water Baptism an Ordinance of God in this day for if so then is Circumcision because the same Apostle in that day both circumcised and baptized which was for this end that he might gain some to Christ and not that it should continue in practise among Believers for time to come Then how are they true Beleivers with whom the practise of Water Baptism doth yet remain for the very same Apostle laid that practise aside in his day saying that least any should say
it is said That Esau sought the blessing with Tears but could not obtain it All which makes not the least proof that the soul of Esau did perish for they themselves allow that if the Parents are Believers their Children are holy Then finding that the Parents of Esau were holy Believers why should any judge of God to be such a severe Master as to decree the soul of a Child born of holy Parents to perish without having done any evil in its own Body And as to Esau â—s being hated the Lord never hated the soul of any man as to decree its Damnation before he was born but for its sins and final Impenitency for hatred is taken in a two-fold sence for Jacob loved Rachel and hated Leah And Christ said He that hateth not Father and Mother Wife and Children he cannot be my Disciple Luke 14.26 Now if God had hated Esau with such Hatred as to decree his soul for Damnation before he was born or had done either good or evil then Isaac by Faith would not have blessed Esau for Isaac did by Faith bless Jacob and Esau concerning things to come And as to Repentance which Esau could not find it was relating to the first blessing which he could not recover being before given to Jacob the younger of whom it is said Esau the elder should serve Which no more implyes that Esau did perish than David the younger Brother whom God chose before all the rest of his elder Brethren who were to serve David their younger Brother whom God saw good to place on the outward Throne in the outward Kingdom of Israel that the outward Government might 〈◊〉 in the Line of David in which line of David's stock the elder did serve the â—ounger for so did the Wisdom of God order the outward Government of Israel in Church and State in which the elder did serve the younger And in Jacob's Line the stock of Esau served the younger until the â—â—ling of the Gentiles which then did reach the stock of Esau and all Nadons that should be found to call on his Name that they may possâ—â—s the Remnant of Edom and all the Heaâ—hen which are called by any Name saith the Lord â—mos 9.12 by which it is manifest that the Church of God remains seattered aâ—nâ—ng all Nations among whom they that 〈◊〉 God and work his Righteousnâ—â—s the same shall be saved through Faith in Christ Jesus for the gift of Gods Grace bâ— Jesus Christ is large in his love to all Nations which bâ— his promise in calling the Gentiles it frees the yoke of servitude from the stock of Esau's Posterity which is no less priviledge than to be made partakers of Gods Promise in the Government of his Grace by Jesus Christ which the stock of Jacob have refused for which cause they have lost their Interest through their Self-Righteousness in the first Covenant of Works for which cause of refusing the rich Mercy of Gods Grace by Jesus Christ they are given up in Unbelief concerning the great Work of Redemption by the Son of God whom they wickedly slew without the City Gates for which cause the Lord hath given them the Spirit of Slumber Eyes that they should not see and Ears that they should not hear unto this day And Davîd said Let their Table be a Snare and a Trap and a stumbling Block and a Recompence unto them let their Eyes be dirkenêd that they may not see and bow down their back alway Then have they stumbled that they should fall God forbid but rather through their Fall Salvation is come unto the Gentiles for to provoke them to jealousie for if the fall of them be the Riches of the World and the diminishing of them the riches of the Gentiles how much more their fuliness For if the casting away of them be the reconciling of the World what shall the receiving of them be but Life from the Dead for if the first Fruit be holy the Lump is also Holy and if the Root be Holy so are the Branches for if through Vnbelief they were broken off then it is by true Faith that there is an entrance into the Covenant of Grace which extends to the stock of Esau Ishmael and all the Nations of the World for the Lord hath said That he will call them his People which were not his People and her his beloved which was not his beloved Rom. 9.25 Hos 2.23 1 Pet. 2 10. Hos 1.10 Therefore let not any be ignorant to establish their own Righteousness but submit to that Righteousness which is of God by Faith in Jesus Christ who doth not delight himself in the death of any sinner but had rather all might turn and live By which it is evident that God hath not decreed the Destruction of any mans soul before he hath sinned out the day of Gods Visitation whose spirit shall not always strive with man whose Condemnation is of himself through the unbelief of his own hard heart and the decree of God respecteth him only as such which was the state of Pharaoh of whom it is said The Lord hardned the heart of Pharaoh that be might be honoured upon Pharaoh and upon all his host So not only Pharaoh but his People also had rebelled against the Word of the Lord by his Servants and Messengers of his Truth for which cause the Lord gave them up thorough unbelief to haronâ—â— of heart by which it is said The Lord hardened Pharaohs heart for this end to give honour to his own holy name thorough the overthrow of so great a King as Pharaoh in the Earth then was who hardened his own heart through the unbelief which he had to the Word of the Lord who permitted the Devil to draw Tharaoh from Obedience to the Command of the Lord thorough which his heart came to be hardened to the Glory of God and honour of his name for all the Devils work is by permission and is to the honour of God in the Condemnation of them which thorough Disobedience yeild their minds in obedience to the Devils Power by which their hearts come to be hardened against Gods holy Truth so that God hardeneth not any mans heart whose Condemnation is of himself in that he will not yeild his Obedience to the gift of God who desires not that any should perish but that all might do his Commandments and live for which end all men have ever had the way of good and evil set before them which proves that man do not perish thorough a decree of Gods making before they have done either good or evil hat they shall perish for tho the Decree or Purpose of God begins not in time yet it respecteth Man having had a time and day of Visitation and living in Sin until it be expired for the holy Scriptures are very full that God is clear of all mens Blood which perish for he hath tendered Life to all the Children of men by which thorough Faith in Obedince to
to the Dispensation which he had received for the opening of blind Eyes in others by which they were turned from Darkness to Light and from the Power of Stran to the Power of God and received Forgiveness of sins and an Inheritance among them 〈◊〉 are faâ—ctified Acts 26.18 in which state he did not 〈◊〉 to speak any thing which Christ had not wrought in him yea he so strove to preach the Gospel not where hâ—st was named lest that he should build upon another mans Foundation Rom 1â— 18.20 which is as much differing from the call and practice of many called Gospel Ministers in this day as the East differs from the West being contrary one against the other and at that distaâ—ce by which they can never joyn one to the other even so contrary are they in their own Wisdom to the Doctrine Principle and Practâ—ce of the holy Apostles who were called of God by the Power of his own Spirit in and through the Lord Jesus Christ which made them able Ministers not of the Letter but of the Spirit which gave forth the Letter that kills them that are not in Obedience to the gift of the Spirit for the Letter kills but the Spirit makes alive 2 Cor. 3.6 for the Apâ—stles were not made Ministers by the Will of Man neither were they upheld by the Power of Man but were made Ministers according the gift of Gods Grace given unto them by the effectual working of his Power Ephes 3.7 neither did they build again the things which they had once destroyed for in so doing they become Transgressors Gal. 2.18 Now the hited Teachers of this Age preach against Sin which on the other hand they build up by laying a rotten Foundation That People can never be free from sin in this Life which is inconsistent with Gods holy Truth by Jesus Christ who came to destroy sin and put an end to Transgression that is in them which believe as the Apostles have done for example for they were so far from hire that they had as it were nothing and yet through contentment with the Lords providing were made possessors of all things approving themselves as the Ministers of Christ in much â—atience in Distress by Pureness by Knowledge by Long-suffering by Kindness by the holy Ghost by the Word of Truth by the Power of God by the Armour of Righteousness on the right hand and on the left by Honour and Dishonour by evil Report and good Report as Deceivers yet true as sorrowful yet always rejoycing as poor yet making many rich as having nothing yet possessing all things 2 Cor. 6.4 to 11. which was the state of the true Ministers of Christ in that day and is in measure the same with many in this day Which doth manifest the wide difference between the Ministers of Christ and the Ministers of Anti-christ the one being in a state of Darkâ—eâ—s through that wisdom which will neither enter nor suffer others to enter and the other in a state of Light through the gift of that Wisdom which is of God by Jesus Christ which is willing to give entrance through Faith in him to his Rest which the wise of this World by all their outward Learning can never find for as the true Ministers of Christ give no offence so the Ministers of Anti christ offend in all things towards God and his People and he that offends Christs little ones better were it for him that a Mill stone were hanged about his Neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the Sea Mat. 18.6 7. for the People of the Lord are even to him as the Apple of his Eye and blessed are they that are not offended in him for they shall receive a double Reward of Gods heavenly Râ—ches in Jesus Christ but Wo is unto them that have taken upon them the name of his Ministers and are not found in â—he 〈…〉 of his Life by whose Spirit of Grace his Servants were made able Mâ—nisters of his Truth according to the Dispâ—niation given thâ—â— for others to fullfil the Word of God Col. 1.25 which is evident they did not preach 〈…〉 but Jâ—us Christ the Lord and themselves the Peoples Servanâ—s 〈◊〉 Jesus sake 2 Cor. 4.5 neither had any mans Person in aâ—miration for advantage sake of outward gain neither was their preaching with 〈◊〉 words of mans wisdom but in the demonstration oâ— the Spirâ—â— and of Power that Peoples Faith might not stand in the Wisdom oâ— Man but in the Power of God 1 Cor 2.4 〈◊〉 that so they might continue in the Faith grounded and stedâ—ast and not be moved away from the Hope oâ— the Gospel which they â—ave heard and which was preached to every Creature â—hat is under the Heavens whereof the Apostles were made the Ministers of Christ Col 1.23 Now it is evident that they who pretend to be Gospel Ministers and are not in Dâ—ctrine Principle and Pratice as aforesaid related of Christs Ministers they are â—â—e Worlds Teachers set up and upheld by the World â—nd so no true Gospel maintenance belongeth unto them â—r their mouthes are to be stopped because they subvert â—hole Houses teaching things they ought not for filthy â—ucre take therefore their mouthes are to be 〈◊〉 â—hom God hath not sent to tred out his Corn for 〈◊〉 God taketh care for Oxen so he taketh the greater care 〈◊〉 the Ministers of his Truth that as they plow in hove they also thresh in hope and are made partakers of their hope 1 Cor. 9 9 10. in which state the Houshold of Faith do good unto all men and more in a special manner to them of whom they pertake of their spiritual things So in the one Faith do the People of God minister to each other without any Compulsion by or from the Power of man Rom. 15.27 1 Cor. 9 11. So they that waâ—t aâ— the Altar are made to partake with the Altar 1. Cor. 9 13. Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preaâ—â—h the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9.14 So the true Ministers of Christ do not use any outward Power least that they should hinder the Gospel of Christ 1 Cor 9.2 which Example is left for all to follow even as the true Gospel Ministers have followed Christ and also to mark them that walk otherways 1 Cor. 11 1. Phil. 3.17 Then whom should we mark but them who have taken upon them the Name of Gospel Ministers and by their Doctrine Principle Practice are not found of the Nature of Christ and his true Gospel Ministers which teach People the way to Gods Kingdom without Money by the year for preaching for the Love of God in Christ by whom his Servants and Messengers of Truth are constrained to preach the Gospel for whose sake they preach the Gospel without Charge even so was it with the Apostles in their Day who used no Compulsion neither did he write that any such thing should be done unto them
for it were better for him to dye than that any man should make his glorving void for though he did preach the Gospel he had nothing to glory of for a Necessâ—â—y was laid upon him yea Wo was unto him iâ— he did not preach the Gospel What theâ— was his Reward that when he did preach the Gospel that he might make the Gospel of Christ without charge that he might not abuse his Power in the Gospel 1 Cor. 9.15 16 18. for though he was free from all men yet he made himself a Servant unto all men that he might gain the more 1 Cor. 9.19 which doth condemn the Doctrine Principle and Practice of them which have the name of Gospel Ministers but not the nature of Gospel Ministers in this our day in which some have said That would to God they could but practise all what their Ministers preach and teach to them the reason is because the great God of Heaven and Earth by whose Power they are restrained other ways they would do even as their fore-Fathers have done who have persecuted many of the Lords People to Death and not only among Papists but among them called Protestants also but the Lord hath in all Ages permitted the Power of that Spirit for a tryal of us Peoples Faith who did never esteem of human Learning as needful for Mans Salvation but of late among other things it hath crept in among the Churches as by the following Account from Christian Authors Gaudeutius da mor. sec Justinian saith We do not read that ever the Antients did openly in Schools read or teach Philosophy since they did rather abhor it And faith another good Author I would fain see a man that could shew that Christians either before or in the time of Justinian did openly teach Philosophy And Hadrian Saricrial informs us That the primitive Christians had no Accademical Schools like those now a days And we do not read of any University of the Albigenses Waldenses or Bohemians for most of their Teachers were Trades-men and Handy-crafts-men and did not spend their Time in reading Tongues or studying Authors Herald Aaimad in Arnob. The Christians living excluded from all Honours and Magistrates did neglect the Studies which were for the discharge of civil Imployments because Sophesters and Philosophers were the principal Enemies of Christianity therefore upon this account they condemned all Tragadies and Commodies and all other Poetical Writings being the main part of humane Learning as Judging they did not conduce to sollid Knowledge Tertullian lib. de Idolat pag. 138 139. Judged that School-Masters professing Leaâ—ning were guilty of great Idolatry because they did only expound Names Gâ—neologies and fabulous Arts oâ— Heathen gâ—dds and generally in hoâ—e days Believers harboured a very bad esteem of Natural Learning and generally the Christians were provoked thereunto because the Gentiles did upbâ—aâ—d them that their Teachers were salâ—â—erate Persons as Wool-Combers Weavers or the like These things being objected against the Christians the Christians on the other side rejected all humane Learning as a 〈◊〉 thing and no ways advantagious to Salvation though their Adversaries boasted of it Origine lib. 3. saith The Christians did declare that Men of any Condition might be saved Servants Idîots Rusticks and such as the World valued as Fools and that God did confound the wise in their own Wisdom And Coelsus as Origâ—ne 〈◊〉 his Book 〈◊〉 That Christians did proclaim it in their Assemblies Let none that is Wise enter none that is learned none that is â—oudent for thus it is appointed us in the Gospel but if there be any that is unwise unlearned any foolish let him approach with Confidence for these are fit to be the Servants of God Gazentius in his Annimadversions pag. â—5 saith That the Gâ—ntiles did object against the Christians their rude Stile their harsh Language and how they werâ— destitute of all Addresses calling them Rusticks Clowns c. So the Christians did again term the Gentiles thâ— Eloquent and the Learned Clemens Romanus saith in his Writings lib. 2. cap. 6. Abstain from all the Books of the Gentiles for what have you to do with strange Discourses or Laws or false Prophets which seduce weak men from the Truth Petrus Belonius saith That in Greece among the Christians which were very many there were few learned men because they esteemed not of it as of necessity to Christianity though they could speak Greek and some Larine few could write or read In their Libraries were found several Manuscripts of Divinity but no Hâ—story no Philosophy for these were 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 Christians not to study Poetry and Philosophy Yet we find that the Greek Church is highly owned for a true Christian Church by the Protestants though neither the Greek Church the Pikards Albigenses nor Waldenses in Bohemia did value Learning so far were they from esteeming of it as the proper true Religion Luther de Inst puer inter oper Wittingburg tom 7 fol. 444. Paul exhorteth to beware of Philosophy and vain deceit 2 Col. 2. He had been as Aâ—hâ—ns and had acquainted himself with that vain glorious humane Wisdom and knew the multiplicity of Contradictions which it had procured what then had Athens to do with Jerusalem what hath the Epicures and Stoicks to do with the Church of Christ Jerom lib. 1. contra Peleg What had Aristotle to do 〈◊〉 with Paul or Plato with Peter And a multitude of Testimonies may be brought to the same effect how that Christians did in former days reject Philosophy and Heathen Authors and all such frivolous stories as of no way lawful 〈◊〉 Christians to meddle in nor good to propagate Christiâ—nity And Bishop Vsher in Vindication of the Waldenses by way of Apology saith God did chuse Fisher-men that he might not give his Glory to another forasmuch as the little Ones had asked Bread they came to receive it and the learned being busied about vain Contentions and Disputations were sent empty away Bishop Vsher des Eccles cap 6.28 The Waldenses said We are not ashamed of our Teachers because they labour with their hands procuring thereby a livelihood to themselves because both the Doctrine and Example of the Apostles doth lead us to such Apprehensions But I would not have any to mis-understand me or to think that I am against all outward Learning for that is not my drift but that Truth and Righteousness may take place by which outward Learning may remain for the use of that end for which it was intended the knowledge of Tongues and Languages having their proper Uses which are not evil in themselves and Schools of Learning I acknowledge there ought to be for Natural Languages are serviceable for Translating the Scriptures and â—theâ— pious Books into the vulgar Tongues and for natural useâ— in natural Transactions in civil Affairs betwixt Man and Man and Nation and Nation for its good to maintain Learning and to keep it in its right place otherways iâ— can never be of
whom he exhorted not to Swear at all were Brethren in Covenant with the Apostle in the Church of Christ else why called he them Brethren then if Brethren with the holy Men of God in the Church of Christ then why should any presume to say his Exhortation from Swearing did only include common Swearing which it so it must then follow that there vvere common Svvearers in Covenant vvith the holy Apostle in the Church of Christ vvhich thing I do not believe that any common Svvearers vvere in Covenant vvith the Apostle James in the Church but that as they vvere Observers of the Oath in the Lavv he exhorted them to believe in Christ vvho had fulfilled all Righteousness contained in the Law in which the Oath was contained also So that by fullfilling the Righteousness of the Law or that righteousness of Works which was required in the Law he also fulfilled the Righteousness of the Oathâ— and being the end of all Oathes Strife and Contention be exhorted the People to believe in him who is the Way the Truth and the Life of Light which lighteth every true Child of God begotten through faith in him to speak the Truth each to the other in all cases whatever without Swearing which is according so what the Apostle James doth also direct viz. Above all things my Brethren Swear not at all but let your yea be yea and your nay nay for whatsoever is more than these is evil and we know that all evil is for condemnation neither do the People of God cause any to Swear but desire that all may speak Truth and that they which speak the Truth and they that swear the Truth may be received under one Penalty without transgressing the Kings Law by which men might live in outward peace as to these things of Swearing or not Swearing CHAP. XXII Concerning Wars and Fightings being contrary to the Command of God by Jesus Christ and Example of his holy Apostles IF People would but follow Truth and Righteousness they would do to one another as they would be done unto which is the Law and the Prophets Mat. 12. Luke 6.31 then would there be an end of all Wars and Fightings which until men come to the first Ministration of the Law and the Prophets to do even as they would be done unto they are far from the Covenant of Life Light and Grace by Jesus Christ whose doctrine to his Discipâ—es by many is not minded as they ought to do or else they would put up the Sword for Christ hath said All they that take the Sword shall perish with the Sword Mat. 26.52 whose Doctrine is in general for all men to observe and do that thereby they may perform the command of God and live the Life of Obedience unto him who hath said all they that take the Sword shall perish with the Sword by which People may see and know besides what daily experience teacheth that they which take the Sword perish with the sword by which they may see the woful effect of their use of means as they call it which is according to the spirit of God by his Prophet â—ursed bâ— the man that trust thâ—in man and maketh Flesh his Arm Jer. 17.5 Then is not man departed from the command of the Lord when he takes the Sword with which Christ hath said they that take it shall perish with it Can there be a more plainer saying in the holy Scriptures for People to understand then the saying of Christ to Peter Put up the Sword for all they that take the sword shall Perish with the Sword which doth manifest â—he use of the Sword to destroy the lives of each other not to be the â—rdinance of God for Christ came not to destroy mens â—ves but to save and make alive And his holy Apostle â—ueries Do not Wars and fightings come even of mens Lusts â—hat war in their members Jam. 4.1 which notwithstanding Christ and his holy Apostles their sayings People â—un back in their minds as Israel when in distress turned â—heir minds to Egypt for help even so do People distrust 〈◊〉 this day as if there was no God in Israel to save but 〈◊〉 run back in their minds to what Abraham and David and divers others of Gods faithfull Servants did against the Enemies of God in the time of the Law which is no way lawfull for Christians to do in the time of the Gospel for the holy men of God in the time of the Law did destroy People by Cursing them in the Lords Name and destroyed mâ—n others by fire from Heaven which if such things were lawfull in the time of the Gospel as was lawfull in the time of the Law then every false Preacher is to be destroyed now in this Gospel day even as they were destroyed in the time of the Law for though they do not preach up a false God yet they preach the true God in a false way which no whit differs in sin against God in this Gospel day no more then the sin of Baals priests did in the time of the Law but as the Lords People are to pray and do pray that the Lord may turn the hearts of all such to preach the true God in the true way of living unto him in Truth and Righteousness with uprightness of heart and mind according as of God by Jesus Christ they are commanded to do then would they preach against the use of the Sword and pray for the return of their Enemies which is according to the command of Christ who directs not any of his true begotten Children to follow Abraham David nor any other of the Lords Servants with the use of the Sword in the time of the Law which was to cut down and lay waste their Enemies Country that it might be an outward holy Land for the Lords People to remain in and serve him in Truth and sincerity of heart and mind according to the Commandments of God which they had received so that all what was done in the time of the Law in respect of wars and fightings they were all to end in the time of the Gospel for Christ is the end of all war strife and contention for Christs day was before Abraham who trained up his Servants to fight the Lord Battel against the outward Ennemies of Gods Truth which is fulfilled by Jesus Christ who hath commanded us to pray for Enemies for he suffered Death for all and doth not desire that any should perish but that all might turn and live and for that end he doth not with-hold the Sword of his Spirit from his Servants and Children but trains them up to fight the Lords Battel against the spiritual Enemies which oppose his Truth and strive to hinder the prosperity of his Peoples peace towards the holy Land or spiritual abode in heavenly Rest which Enemies are the World the Fresh and Dâ—vil and all whatever else doth tend to hinder the soul of true enjoyment with â—he Lord of
they run on in many words about Love and Charity even as they do in all other things of the like nature not knowing a bridle to the Tongue in true love to God and knowledge of his Wayes which lead the faithful in love to render unto every Man his due in which work they do justly love mercy and hate all iniquity in which life of true Obedience there is no room to love that which the Lord hates nor to hate that which the Lord loves but to render in true love to every man according to the mind of God in Christ who doth not allow his Children to give their holy things to Dogs nor to cast their Pearls before Swine but to live in the true love of God which is above the Wisdom of the Serpent whose Wisdom in unregenerated man is far from the innocent Dove-like nature in which liâ—e the faithful continue and remain in the Power of an endless Life in which they are redeemed from the pollutions of the World which the unfaithful remain in for as they are of the World the world loves its own but the Righteous whom God hath chosen out of the World such the world hates John 15.9 Then they which remain in the love of the world they cannot receive the love of God because they continue in Disobedience against the known will and mind of their maker therefore they have no true love to God nor his People John 15.18 but this the righteous know that all things of this world shall perish even so shall the love of them which are of this world perish also but unto them which are of the world to come the love of God is there received which shall endure forever but the love of this World remains in the works of Darkness in which the minds of them that are the Children of this World are roving out of one perishing thing into another of the like nature being unstable in all their wayes as to the Lord but the love of God which passeth knowledge is stable in the hearts of all that are faithful whose Works are without Dissimulation aâ—horing all that is evil cleaving only to that which is good and leads to be kindly affectionated in Brotherly Love and in the holy fear of God honouring and prefering one another in the work of his own calling who hath called his People out of all sloathfulness into fâ—rventness of Spirit seeking the Lord and rejoâ—cing in Hope patient in Tribulation and instant in prayer in which state love worketh no ill to his Nighbour but is the fulfilling of the righteous Law Rom. 12 9 to v. 13. and 13.10 So the works of the Righteous manifest them to be Christs Disciples Joh. 13.35 for they have not received the Spirit of Fear but of Power and Love and good Works 2 Tim. 1.7 Heb 10.2 4. which they that witness not these things they remain in Darkness as to the things of God from which the Righteous cannot be seperated neither by tryal in Affliction Tribulation Distress nor Persecution neither Famine Nakedness Peril nor Sword for as it is written the Righteous are all the day long killed for his sake and accounted as sheep for the Slaughter Rom. 8.35 36. which is the state of Gods Heritage who are justified by Faith and have peace with God in Jesus Christ by whom also they have access by Faith into his Grace wherein they stand and rejoyce in the hope of the Glory of God and not only so but they glory in Tribulation also knowing that Tribulation worketh Patience and Patience Experience and Experience Hope and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in their Hearts by the holy Ghost which is given unto them Rom. 5.2 3 4 5. so that hight nor depth nor any other Creature shall be able to seperate from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. for their Souls are redeemed and become the first fruits of his Spirit in Truth and Righteousness and Holiness Love Joy Peace Long-sufferîng Gentleness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance against such there is no Law Gal. â— 22 23. And this is the Love of God in Christ which passeth knowledge that they may be filled with all the fulness of God Ephes 3.19 in which state the Work of the Lord is done in them that are brought home to him through perfect Obedience to his holy Will in all things which of them he hath required by the gift of his Spirit of Grace in and through the Lord Jesus Christ â—y whom the Righteous are saved for they are grounded in the Love of God which is without blame forbearing in love speaking in love walking in love dwelling in love having no fear in love being knit together in Faith and love which is in Jesus Christ 1 Iohn 4.12 Ephes 1.4 Thes 3.17 and 4.2.15 and 5.2.16 Col. 2.2.2 Tim. 1.13 and many more Instances which the holy â—criptures afford to the same effect that the free love of God by Jesus Christ hath appeared unto all men but all men have not received the free tenders of his love through faith and obedience to his holy Will so that by Disobedience to the free gift of Gods Grace hardness of heart and unbelief hath got the Victory in all that perish and God is clear of the Blood of all men that perish because his free love hath been tendered through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ who delights not in the death of them that perish but had rather all might turn and live CHAP. XXV Concerning the Church of Christ and Gospel Order in the Government of the Church of Christ IN the World among men of divers Perswasions each Society pretends to be the Church of Christ and each have their differing Forms to govern in their Church Now Christ is but one in God the â—ather and so are his Children but one in him who are begotten by the quickening Word of his Spirit which governs the Righâ—â—ous in Thought Word and Deed by which they know his government in his Church which are the true People of God in whom Christ is glorified John 17.9 10 11. for as God is but one in Christ and Christ is but one in God so are the People of God but one in Christ and Christ is but one in them for as their Body is the Temple of the living God he hath said That he will dwell in them and walk in them and will be their God and thâ—y shall be his People 2 Cor 6.16 Then Gods People begotten by him through their Faâ—â—h and Obedience to the gift of his Grace in and through Christ Jesus by whom through Grace his People are of an upright heart and willing mind to part with all that is not agreeable to his holy Will who will not take up his abode in men of corrupt hearts whose minds are not free to part with every delight to gain Christ and only to delight in the performing of
burn up and lay waste the Works of the Wicked whose unrighteous ways have been in Disobedience against hiâ— holy Truth in which the Righteous are preserved for the Lord is the Hope of his People against whom there is no Inchantment neither against them can any Divination take place for the Lord exalteth Judgment for the Oppressed and giveth food to the hungry the Lord is his Name by whose Power Miracles are wrought and Aonders done for the Lord openeth the Eyes of the blind and unstoppeth the Ears of the deaf and causeth the Lame to walk in pleasant places the Lord raiseth them that are bowed down and preserveth the strangers he is God and Lord over all he relieveth the Fatherless and pleadeth the Widdows Cause but he turneth the way of Wicked upside down which they that are not deaf dumb and blind may hear see and understand â—o the praise of God and honour of his Name who preserves the Righteous from falling into the many Snares of the Worlds Ways and Customs who are accustomed to serve in those things which the Lords soul abhors in which state the blind lead the blind to Death Hell and Destruction wherefore the Day of Gods Wrath increaseth against the Wickedness of men who without Repentance shall certainly perish for the â—ay of Gods Vengeance hath overtaken many and is hastening towards all that preach for hire and all that divine for Money and to all them that pervert the Truth and turn the cause of the Fatherless and Widdow and he that purteth the Cup to his Neighbours mouth for outward gain by which excess is made in the use of the Creature and to him that oppresseth in time of Sickness and wrongeth the weak and feeble in time of Trouble and the Thief with the Swearer Lyar and Drunkard and the Adulterer with the Adultress and he that oppresseth the Poor and he that is opprest in buying which seeks his loss by Oppression in selling which causeth Oppression among the poor even like a sweeping rain and he that spends of the Creation beyond what is meet for his present state and of all others of what nature soever as the Charmer or Observer of Times or Inchanter or Witch or Consulter with familiar Spirits or a Wizard or a Nicromancer for all these are an Abomination unto the Lord which with these sins and the destroying of the Lords Servants let the Priests Rulers and rest of the Inhabitants consider what Work there is for them to do before the Lord will with-draw his Wrath which burneth against New-England for their rebellious stiff-neckedness in Unbelief and hardness of Heart against the Lord of Life who hath given a measure of the same Light Life and Grace to the faithful in this day as to the Righteous in days past through which they receive Wisdom from above which leads them not to spend their whole time to study out of other mens Lines made ready to their hands but receive the mind of God in Christ through the gift of that Wisdom which gave the Lords Servants to know the staâ—e of Annanias and Saphira and the Damsel Simon and Elymus Acts 8.23 2â— cap. 5.9 14.9 10 11. 16 17 18. But to them that live in known Disobedience against the known Commands of the Lord they deny all infallible means by the Spirit of God for which cause of Disobedience the Light of the Lord is their Condemnation for evil Deeds John 3.19 20 21. for the Lord doth call to remembrance the Disobedience of them that are bewitched that they should not obey his Truth and against them will the Lord draw up Judgment after Judgment until he hath destroyed the Disobedient even as he hath done to the Rebellious in days past for he will out off the Wicked even as we see in the midst of their days in which day the sinner escapes not though a hundred years old Isa 56 20. Deut. 18.6 Heb. 10.28 Psal 37.16 21.37 38 Gen. 6.3 Therefore let not People be any longer deceived by such idle Shepherds as we read of in days past which live upon the Peoples Labour and not profit their Souls Isa 56.10.11 Ezek. 34. Mic. 21.2.3.4 Isa 5.2.9.10 Jer. 14.9.10.11.12.13.14.15.16 Joh. 10.12.13 but insteed of Peoples searching the holy Scriptures which through faith in Christ Jesus are able to make wise to Salvation they are roving in their minds after this and the other Teacher as learned and brave Orthodox men whom they esteem to be Preachers of the Gospel not at all considering that the Gospel is the Power of God to Salvation to them that beleive and Condemnation to them that do not believe which must needs follow that such savingly believe not in the Power of God which gives Power to them that savingly believe in his Power which redeems the mind of every true believer out of every dead form and from all dead formal Teachers whose Teachings is altogether from the Letter without the assisting Power of divine Grace and Spirit which in words they will seem to own but in works they deny for their preaching is where outward profit gives the greatest encouragment and if there be one place of more outward benefit then another that is for the accutest Workâ—man and the lesser benefit for the weaker capacity in their way but as Unrighteousness is of mans Enemys and they are they of his own House and unto them is their Obedience yeiled through which they are Servants unto him whom they obey and Children unto him whose Work they do Rom. 6.16 Ioh. 8.44 Mat. 6.24 Luke 16.13 1 Joh 3.8 so that if they say they have no sin they are Lyars and deceive themselves for they remain in the Degeneration having their minds alienated from God and from serving him in the true and living way Rom. 3.11.12 13. Psal 59. 140.7 Prov. 1.16 Isa 59.7.8 But that nature which maketh atrue believer is by Faith in God through Jesus Christ and they that are true Believers believe in him of whose nature they be which sinneth not 1 Joh. 3.2 to 11. Isa 5.3.6 but they whose minds are exercised in the love of that which is below the love of God in Christ are not worthy to receive him Mat. 19.20 to 25. and 10.37.38.39 But through Disobedience the wise are blind from receiving the Truth of these things Mat. 11.25 Luke 10.21 but the faithful press forward having the assurnace through Grace by faith in Christ that the Lord will perfect his Work of Grace according to his faithful Promise even as he hath done to his faithful Children in dayes past Gen. 17.1 Job 1.1 and 8.3 Psal 18 â—2 Mat. 19.20.21 Ephes 4.12 Luke 6.40 Col. 1.28 for nothing less then of what Obedience God required of man in the time of the Law will be of God accepted in this Gospel Day Levit 22.21 Deut. 25.5 Therefore not any one man nor woman but shall be left without excuse in the Day of Account because all have in measure
so called in New-England but whether true or not I do not affirm And to conclude I shall give an account of the Quakers sufterings in one small Town in New-England by which the whole may the better be comprehended which is as followeth An Account of Goods taken from the People called Quakers in the Town of Sandwich in New-England  l. s. d. Taken from Robert Harper 44 00 00 Taken from Ralph Allen 68 00 00 Taken from Joseph Allen 05 12 00 Taken from Thomas Greenfield 28 00 00 Taken from Edword Perry 89 00 00 Taken from Richard Kirby his son Richard 54 12 00 Taken from George Allen 25 15 00 Taken from William Allen 86 17 00 Taken from Matthew Allen 48 16 00 Taken from William Gifford 57 19 00 Taken from Thomas Ewer 25 08 00 Taken from William New-land 36 00 00 Taken from Daniel Wing 12 00 00 Taken from Ralph Allin 18 00 00 Taken from Peter Gaunt 43 14 06 Taken from Thomas Jenkins 19 10 00 Taken from Michael Turner 13 10 00 Taken from John Newland 02 06 00 In all 678 19 06 The other part of their Sufferings in this small Town of Sandwich was with whipping and long Imprisonment and though the sufferings of the Inhabitant Quakers of Sandwich were great yet under Boston Government the sufferings of this People did abound in Cruelty above the other Collonies adjoyning to Boston Government from which the other united colonies adjoyning took their example to persecute the Quakers as iâ— short I have before related but the Lord open the dark Understanding of their Mind and give them a heart Suitable to Repent that they may live to God as they ought to do which Repentance must appear by the fruits of Repentance otherwise there can be no Salvation to them that leave this Life without Repentance because that there is no repenting in the Grave which if men did without Repentance then they dye in their sins and cannot share with the faithfull in the things of Gods heavenly Riches which are in store for all them that love the appearance of the Lord Jesus Christ CHAP. XXX Concerning the Lords Harvest and of the Labour in his Vineyard EVen now as in dayes past the Lords Harvest is Great but the Labourers are few because many have received of the Lord to work in the Vineyard but are not faithful to that of him which they have received for which cause their part of labour in the Vineyard remains not done and they remain clothed with the works of their own Labour which is not of the Spirit of God therefore do they labour in Vain for it is the diligent hand through the gift of God which enriches the Soul of him that is a faithfull Labourer in the Lords Vineyard when the negligent and floathful ones are sent empty away for all have in measure received the seed of the Harvest but through unfaithfulness the harvest of Truth and Righteousness is not perseâ—â—ed in them because through their unfaithfulness to the gift of God the Seed taketh not root for the ground proves barren which is the cause of the seeds not taking root to bring forth fruit acceptable to God for as the feed in measure hath been sown in all forts of ground it only takes root to bring forth good fruit in the honest heart which is faithfull to God in the work of the Vineyard for many are called to labour in the Vineyard that through unfaithfulness to their call are never chosen among the faithful Labourers in the work of the Lords Vineyard therefore pray to the Lord of the Harvest that he would send forth more faithfull Labourers or the Harvest is great many unfaithfull Labourers there be which hinder others from receiving the Truth for they have sown divers strange seeds in the Lords Vineyard where the many Pastors have trodden the Lords portion under foot and have made his pleasant Portion a desolate Wilderness which being desolate it mourneth unto the Lord for which cause the Lord hath sent his Servants as in dayes past to warn the learned wise rebellious Ones from the evil or their way that People may find ease from under these heavy burdens with which their Teachers have yoked them and encouraged them to beat one destroy the other perswading them it was good service for God in so doing in which state many have itching ears that will not endure to hear found Doctrine but heap up Teachers which turn them from the Truth into Fables through which the Vinyard is encumbered with a multitude of fruitless Trees Bryars Thornes and Thistles among which the Lyon waits for his prey and the Subtil Foxes have their hiding places where the Wolf also seeketh to devour which things are left for Preachers to consider and not to teach People to dash one against the other but to love one another and to pray for their Enemies and do no other thing to another then they themselves are willing to be done unto until which time the Just Judgment of God is their Reward for all their evil wayes towards him and his People for whom the Lord is making way through his righteous Judgments which take pleace upon all them that obey not his Word to keep his commands they like potsherds shall even dash one against the other until all be consumed which is not fitly framed and tempered according to the Lords own mind but the Lord is making way for the growth of his own Seed which shall bring forth abundant of increase to the praise of God and honour of his Name for the harvest is Great and the Labourers are few but the Lord will daily add more and more that by the strength of his own Power he will make his Vineyard fit according to his own defire where every one shall remaine in peace under his own Vine unto which many are gathered and unto them will be the gathering CHAP. XXXI Something of an Account concerning Gods Judgments upon divers of the chief persecuting Priests and Rulers in New-England as also relating to some of their Laws Acts and Orders for the further Reformation of them called their Churches with some what relating to their form and manner of Habit in that day IT hath been found lawful and expedient in all Ages as appears by the holy Scriptures to record the Works of the Righteous that as Land Marks they might remain for all to follow them in the way of Righteousness and also to record the Works of the Unrighteous that as Way-Marks all might take warning to hate evil and do good for had the first Inhabitants of New-England remained faithful under the Bishops Yoke in fleeing from one City and Town to the other the Yoke and Burden of Christ would have become easie and light but not bearing the Cross of Christ in opposition to their natural Wills they fled beyond the Command of God in fleeing the Land though seemingly under a fair pretence of gathering Churches and
the Disobedient live in and in that state of Disobedience the Wicked perish for evermore more but unto the Righteous hath God regard whose Portion is of his heavenly Riches which shall for evermore endure with his People in the World to come But the Day shall come and now is that the Lord shall suffer his Judgments to make way for the Righteous to inhabit the Earth in which the Wicked have of long time been suffered through the permission of God by the Enemy of Maus Peace to lay waste the Lives and Estates of the Righteous who shall inhabit the Earth with Peace and Quietness when the Lords Judgments have destroyed all the Thornes and Thistles with all other the Combustible high and lofty Trees which have long incumbered the Lords Earth without bringing forth Fruit unto him through whose Judgments of Famine Sword and Pestilence with other Judgments of the like Nature by which the Potsherds shall dash one against another till the Earth shall become plain and smothe from the crooked Nature of unrighteous men For every Valley shall be exalted and every Mountain and Hill shall be made low and the crooked shall be made straight and the rough places plain and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all Flesh shall see it together for the Mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Isa 40.4 5. Luke 3.5 And all Flesh shall see the Salvation of God in that Day in which all Israel shall be saved for there shall come out of Zion a Deliverer and shall turn away Vngodliness from Jacob which is his Covenant to them when he shall take away their sins Rom. 11.26 27. for the Lord will finish the Work and cut it short in Righteousness because a short work will the Lord make upon the Earth and for that end hath the Lord begun in his Judgments among the Wicked that he may make way for his Seed in the Remnants of the Nations which shall be saved of which there is a Number already gathered unto which small Number of despised People the Lord â—s daily adding unto his chosen Heritage and elect Seed unto whom the Promise doth belong which is to all them that fear the Lord and work Righteousness unto them is the gathering of the Nations which shall be saved and for their sakes hath the Lord begun his righteous Work against the Adversaries of his Truth whom he will overthrow and bring to nought for out of Heaven will the Lord thunder of his Judgments upon them and will judge the ends of the Earth for God hath given strength to the Righteous and will exalt the Horn of his anointed and he shall only and alone rule unto whom the Government doth belong for when his Judgments are in the Earth the Inhabitants thereof will learn Righteousness for God shall arise in Judgment to save the weak of the Earch and the Wrath of man shall praise him and the remainder of Wâ—ath shall the Lord restrain Psal 7.6 9 10. And the Lord will return to Jacob and have Mercy upon the House of Israel after they have born the Shame of their Trespasses whereby they have trespassed against the Lord Ezek. 39. Then will the Lord gather them from among the Heathen and they shall know him whom their Fathers slew to be the Lord of Life then shall they sing Praises acceptable to God giving Glory due unto his holy Name and their Offerings unto him shall be in the Beauty of Holiness for they shall know the Lord and him the only true God shall they worship in the Spirit and in the Truth theâ— shall the Earth fear before the Lord and the World also shall be stable that it be not moved then the Heavens will be glad and the Nations will sing Praises to the holy One of Israel whom they shall know to rule and reign in the hearts of the Out casts of Israel for if the casting away of them have been the reconciling of the World what shall the receiving of them be but Life from the Dead Rom. 11.15 Then let the Sâ—a roar and the fullness thereof let the Fields rejoyce and all that is therein then shall the Trees of the Wood sing out at the presence of the Lord for he cometh to judge the Earth Chron. 16. And unto them that fear his Name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his Wings and they shall grow up in Truth and Righteousness before the Lord and the Wicked shall be as Ashes under the solâ—s of their feet in the Day that I shall do this saith the Lord of Hosts for the Lord will pour out of his Spirit upon the Fathers and the Children and the hearts of the one shall be turned towards the other for Truth and Righteousnâ—ss shall reign in all the Earth and there shall be no more Norse of the Horses rushing into the Battle for all carnal Weapons of War shall be done a way and all the Kingdoms of this World shall become the Kingdoms of God and his Christ and the Lord of Life shall rule and reign in his People for evermore and happy is it with that small Number of despised Ones among men in this day who witness the beginning of these things in themselves for having set their hand to the Plow not looking back they shall be made fit for the Kingdom of Heaven into which no unclean thing shall ever enter for it is prepared of God by Jesus Christ for them that have kept his Commandments in this Life and not for them that plead for a Body of sin all their days in which sinning state they know no end of Disobedience against Gods holy Truth for sin brings Death and Death brings Judgment which is for Wrath to come upon all the Ungodly which fear not God to keep his Commands for which cause the Wicked live in a â—ell upon Earth which by the Wrath of Gods just Judgment will be enlarged to all the Wicked after this Life for for when the Righteous dye they dye to live in the Lords Rest where they enjoy Pleasure at the right hand of God for evermore but the Wicked who have disregarded the Commands of the Lord in this Life they dye to live in Everlasting Torment of the fiery Flames of Gods Wrath and Indignation which is the Reward of all the Wicked and Ungodly of this Life whose Life is far worse than the Life of a Dog or a Toad for when they dye all their Misery is ended but when the Wicked dye their great Misery then beginneth and will encrease forever and ever Which things are too little regarded by many in this Life but the Day will come in which they shall wish that others might have warning but if they will not hear Moses and the Prophets neither have they regarded the Lord from Heaven for which cause is their Misery which will come upon all the Ungodly that call not as they ought to do upon the Name of the
Lord. CHAP. XXVII Concerning the begetting being born and brought forth of the Immortal and Incorruptible Seed of Gods Kingdom by Jesus Christ THe Immortal and Incorruptible Seed of Gods Kingdom in Jesus Christ is of that Birth which the World by all their Wisdom in outward Learning are never able to find neither can any ever know to witness the new Birth further than by Faith and Obedience to the gift of Gods Spirit by Jesus Christ whose Spirit of Life makes frâ—â— from the Law of Sin and Death for the Seed of the Kingdom is of a heavenly divine Nature which hath no fellowship with the Works of Darkness in which all that disobey the Lord of Life remain by which their Birth is of the Enemies Seed which alienates the Heart of Man and Woman from true Oâ—edience to God â—n which state they are Strangers to the nature of the New Birth which is not born of Blood nor of the will of the Fleâ— nor of the Will of Man but of God Iohn 1.13 for it is born of the Spirit of God and brought forth by Gâ—ace through Faith in Christ Jesus by whom the Children of men have received a measure which though but as a grain of the smallest of all grain it is of the little leavens Nature to purge out and leaven the whole Lump into the nature of Gods Kingdom in Christ Jesus whom the World by all their Wisdom can never know for the things of Gods Kingdom are hiâ— from the Wise and Prudent of this World and revealed to the Children of God whose Life remains in the Babe-like Nature of God in Christ whose Babes they are begotten of God by the word of his Spirit through Faith and Obedience to the Lord of Life in whose Life and Nature every true Child of God in their measure live move and have their being in the nature of him for as his nature is the New Birth and all that are born of him hey bring Fruits acceptible to him for they are the Children of the Day which live in the Light and walk in the Light which the Children of the Night cannot do for the Day of Gods Visitation by the gift of his divine Light is unto them a dark thing at which the wise stumble and the prudent cannot receive for by their own Wisd 〈◊〉 in their own prudent way is their Understanding darkdarkened as to the things of God and Nature of his Kingdom neither can any grow to understand the things of 〈◊〉 Jesus Christ buâ— as they grow in Grace through the affectual working of his divine Life and Light by the quickening Word 〈◊〉 his Spirit which opens the understanding and enlarges the gift of his divine Nature through which 〈◊〉 the holy Seed increâ—seth more and more and in the increase bringeth forth fruit more and more abundant to the praise of God and honour of his Name and well-being of the Soul in Christ Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of his own Work of Righteousness in his true begotten People who are begot by the gift of Gods good Spirit of Grace Life and Light in which the faithful see Light Psalm 36.9 for by Light is all and every Deed of Darkness manifested so that Faith in Christ Jesus and Faithfulness Obedience to the gift of Gods divine Light is the first beginning of an acquintance with the divine Nature of Christ who draws the heart of every faithful man and woman into the assurance of Faith having their hearts sprinkled from â—n evil Conscience and their Bodies washed with pure Water Heb. 10.22 and of this Nature is the Seed of Gods Kingdom in the hearts of them that belong unto him the nature of whose Kingdom the wise prudent part in man cannot comprehend for the wise unregenerated part is that which ramains in the Fall and is alienated from the true Seed of the Kingdom which will not take root in any other ground but in that honest heart which is made willing to bear the Cross in all things to the self will in which state of subjection to the will of God the Seed takes root down-ward and brings forth Fruit upward to the honour of Gods holy Truth so than all reasoning with Flesh and Blood is shut out by the Power of Gods Spirit in every upright honest heart to wards God in which life of Obedience there is no giving way to the Earthly part which ramains in the Disobedient through which they oppress the Seed of God and cause his Life in the measure of the Seed to depart which if they were but faithful to the measure of Seed received the Life of Gods Spirit of Grace would increase to the withstanding of all the Enemies Power which through the willingness of the obedient part being yeilded to him the true Seed of God will take no root of abidance in any sort of ground whatever where People live in a state of sinning against God and his Christ Mat. 13. So they that are new born of the incorruptible Seed they first come to dye through the Cross of Christ which crucifies the self will prudent part for Knowledge without Obedience brings Death over the Soul in which state the Kingdom oâ— God is hid For that which is born of the Flesh is Flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit John 3.2 3 4 5 6. So they that are truely begotten of God in Christ theâ— witness the New-Birth which is not born of Flesh and Blood nor of the Will of Man but of the incorruptible Seed the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever 1 Pet. 1.23 Now the Word of God which abideth forever is of his Spirit 〈◊〉 Life Light and Grace which floweth into the hearts 〈◊〉 true Believers through Faith in Christ Jesus who drawâ— the willing mind to partake of Gods heavenly Riches iâ— and through him who is the Lord of all Grace Life anâ— Light which by measure lives moves and abides in thâ— heart of every sincere Believer in him through whoâ— Power they witness a daily decaying of the first Nature and a daily increase of Newness in a holy Life unto Goâ— who gives power to the weak feeble through which there is no distrust in the Power of God which they daily experience to give them Victory over every Thought which would exalt it self above the Witness of God and hinder the growth of the Seed of the Kingdom of Heaven in which no man can enter without being born again the benefit of which no man is denyed of God by Jesus Christ who hath said by his Spirit of Truth Whosoever will let him take the Water of Life freely Rev. 22.17 Isa 55.1 2 3. By which it is clear that the Spirit of God hinders no man of any benefit by Jesus Christ for the Salvation of his Soul that is as Man keeps faithful to God according to what he hath commanded by the Son of his Love the Lord of Life Postscript MUch more might