Spirit doth signifie as to some men Heathens namely and the darkest and wickedest the least measure of light and the smallest spiritual operation and motion in the Heart you understanding that it is given to every man And this so ill agreeing with the Apostles discourse it was necessary that you should take away the emphasis as you have done saying a manifestation of the Spirit is given to every Man But what reason and authority you have for so doing I know not the Greek having its Article which commonly enough is emphatical 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but especially there being the greatest emphasis in the thing it self the manifestation of the Spirit the Apostle expressing it by many eminent Gifts such as Tongues Miracles c. and not saying one ordinary thing of it such namely as is the light in every man Heathens as well as Christians G. K. Help p. 2. Eating and drinking Damnation spoken of 1 Cor. 11. is where this discerning of the Lord's Body is not rightly made the Dead and Crucified Body from the Living Body the living Soul as it is first from the quickning Spirit which follows after Surely men may say any thing when they assume the liberty of proving nothing The Text is this He that eateth and drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh Damnation to himself not discerning the Lord's Body Not discerning it in what I demand In eating and drinking you must say if you will speak according to the Apostle I demand further in eating and drinking what This Bread and Wine you must answer which the Lord ordeined in remembrance of his Death if you will again speak as the Apostle doth Friend Dost thou eat and drink this I neither do nor will must thou reply according to thy opinion and practice I tell thee then that thou discernest not the Lord's Body according to the mind of the Apostle in this place And it is no wonder that thou hast invented a strange interpretation hereof so long as thou wilt have nothing to do with the Institution Do this in remembrance of me But since the Apostle speaks of the Lord's Supper shew that he means here that another body is to be discerned than that which is to be remembred as Crucified whereof the Bread and Wine are Symbols Shew a syllable here that intimates a spiritual body I will shew thee and I wish thou would'st learn thy duty what it is according to the Apostles mind to discern the Lords Body viz. to come to the Supper of the Lord not as to a common Feast but with heavenly affection and all due preparation of Soul minding his Death the death of so great an one as the Son of God the Lord of Glory and not of an ordinary man and that ignominious and painful the death of the Cross his Love herein and the Love of his Father and our inestimable benefit eternal Redemption so as to be sutably wrought upon by all Thus much you might have learned from the Apostle if you had observed his words who tells us that as for eating and drinking that is after the common manner we have houses to do that in but this bread is Christ's Body broken for us and this Cup is the New Testament in his Blood and we are to examin our selves and to receive these in remembrance of him shewing forth his Death herein And I pray you what is here unworthy of a Christian and unfit for you to do what that is mean and elementary and not divine enough for the best But as for your discerning of the Lord's Body his dead Body from his living Body the living Soul from the quickning Spirit as you intend it not of his Supper so hath it nothing to do with the Text. J. N. Love to the Lost p. 54. c. This was Instituted by Christ as they sate at Meat and did eat and so often as they did eat and drink thereof they were to do it in remembrance of him shewing his Death till he came And this was that the Apostles received of the Lord and was practised in the purity of the Church which breaking Bread from house to house did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart And this was to be done at all seasons when they eat and drank in their eating and drinking they were to do it to the Lord and herein to have communion with his Body and Blood Yea when they were to have communion with the Gentiles they were to partake of the Table of the Lord 1 Cor. 10. Many excess having overtaken them for want of eating always in his fear and in remembrance of his coming have put his coming afar off into another world and are become reprobate in the Faith as to his appearance and to avoid this it was that the Lord Jesus commanded his Disciples in eating and drinking to shew forth his death till he came It must needs be that they return into the pleasures of the flesh that discern not his Body in their eatings who is the Body of all creatures And this is known from the Lord in the Eternal to be the true end of the Supper of the Lord instituted and appointed that in remembrance of his death they might be kept from all excess It is easie to say This is from the Lord but nothing is more dreadful than to lay Errour upon the Holy Ghost notwithstanding the people out of reverence to that holy one believe it and reverence the Assertor Shew a syllable that intimates that our Lord instituted his Supper for a remembrance of his Death in our ordinary daily eating and drinking or that the reason he took Bread and Wine when he did eat the Passeover with his Disciples and said Take eat this is my Body Drink ye all of it for this is my Blood This do in remembrance of me was to shew us that whenever we take our common meals we should feed our selves in his fear as the remembrance of his Death requires Nothing is more clear than that he meaneth a peculiar eating and drinking For says he This is my Body This is my Blood Is all Bread and Wine his Body and Blood or do they so signify Nay though there be on our Tables neither of these creatures but only Butter and Cheese and Eggs Beer and Water and Milk Again the Apostle doth not say as oft as ye eat and drink but as oft as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup you shew the Lord's death 1 Cor. 11. manifestly distinguishing this Bread and Wine from Cabbage and Ale and whatsoever else is our common food And again 1 Cor. 10. The Cup of Blessing which we bless is it not the communion of the Blood of Christ Is every Cup this And chap. 11. Let a man examine himself 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fit and so let him eat of this Bread and drink of this Cup. I pray you must we examine and fit our selves whenever we eat and unless we do so forbear all
Interpretations to consult the Text as it stands in the Bible Pro. 15.28 The heart of the Righteous Studieth to answer but the Mouth of the Wicked poureth forth evil things FINIS THE TEXTS Vindicated ISa. 2.3 4. Out of Sion shall go forth the Law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem and he shall judge among the Nations Psal. 119. The word of the Lord. Prov. 6.24 To keep thee from the evil woman Rev. 5.6 Seven Spirits of God 2 Cor. 12.2 Caught up to the third Heaven Joh. 6.50 51. This is the Bread which cometh down from Heaven And the Bread which I will give is my Flesh which I will give for the Life of the world Joh. 17.24 Father I will that those thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my Glory which thou hast given me Jam. 5.9 Grudge not lest ye be condemned Behold The Judge standeth before the door Heb. 9.28 Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto Salvation Act. 1.11 This same Jesus that is taken up from you into Heaven shall so come in like manner as you have seen him go into Heaven 2 Pet. 1.19 We have also a more sure word of Prophecy whereunto you do well to take heed c. 1 Cor. 12.7 The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal 1 Cor. 11.29 He that Eateth and Drinketh unworthily eateth and drinketh Damnation to himself not discerning the Lord's Body 1 Cor. 11.25 This do ye as oft as ye drink it in remembrance of me c. 10.21 Ye cannot be partakers of the Lord's Table and the Table of Devils 1 Cor. 11.26 As often as ye eat this Bread and Drink this Cup ye shew the Lord's Death till he come 1 Joh. 4.2 3. Every Spirit that confesseth Jesus Christ is come in the Flesh is of God And every Spirit that confesseth not Jesus Christ is come in the Flesh is not of God And this is that Spirit of Antichrist c. Joh. 4.29 Come see a man which told me all things which ever I did 1 Tim. 2.12 But I suffer not a Woman to Teach c. 1 Cor. 14.34 Let your Women keep silence in the Churches for it is not permitted to them to speak but c. Jer. 23.30 31 32. I am against the Prophets which steal my Word every one from his neighbour that say He saith that Prophesie false Dreams and cause my people to erre by their Lies yet I sent them not Therefore they shall not profit this people at all Mat. 6.5 They love to pray standing in the Synagogues and in the corners of Streets that they may be seen of men Mat. 23.6 And love uppermost Rooms at Feasts and Chief-seats in the Synagogues and greetings in the Market and to be called of Men Rabbi Rabbi but be not ye called Rabbi c. neither be ye called Master for one is your Master Christ. Jer. 5.31 The Prophets Prophesie falsly and the Priests bear rule by their means Rev. 17.15 13.7 Power was given the Beast over all Kindreds and Tongues c. 1 Cor. 15.22 As in Adam all die so in Christ shall all be made alive Rom. 13.1 Let every Soul be subject to the Higher Powers Rom. 1.16 I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Isa. 8.20 To the Law and to the Testimony c. Rev. 19.10 The Testimony of Jesus is the spirit of Prophecy Isa. 47.5 Sit in silence c. Isa. 15.1 Kir of Moab is laid wast and brought to silence Psal. 31.18 Let the lying Lips be put to silence 1 Cor. 13.8 Tongues shall cease Joh. 15.3 Now are ye clean through the word which I have spoken unto you 2 Cor. 5.19 And hath committed unto us the word of Reconciliation 2 Cor. 3.6 Who hath also made us able Ministers of the New-Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit c. Est. 6.2 Mordecay bowed not c. 1 Pet. 2.17 Honour all Men. Honour the King Lev. 19.15 Ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment thou shalt not respect the person of the Poor nor Honour the person of the Mighty c. Luk. 15.21 22. Master we know thou sayest and teachest rightly neither acceptest thou the person of any Jam. 2.2 Have not the Faith of our Lord Jesus with respect of persons for if there come c. Mat. 5.33 34. But I say unto you Swear not at all c. Act. 7.38 39. This is he which was in the wilderness Mat. 10.34 I came not to send Peace but a Sword Joh. 15.22 If I had not come and spoken unto them they had not had sin c. 12.46 I am come a Light into the world Mat. 28.19 Baptising them in the Name of the Father Son and Holy Ghost Mark 16.16 He that Believeth and is Baptized shall be saved 1 Joh. 3.9 Whosoever is Born of God doth not commit sin Rom. 14.7 Render to all their dues Tribute c. Rev. 11.7 8. The Beast shall kill the two Witnesses c. c. 17.5 Mystery Babylon the Mother of Harlots 2 Thes. 2.4 The Man of Sin sitteth in the Temple of God FINIS Books Printed and are to be Sold by Benjamin Harris at the Stationers-Arms at the East-end of the Royal-Exchange in Cornhil Octavo and Twelves A Confession of Faith put forth by the Elders and Brethren of many Congregations of Christians Baptized upon Profession of their Faith in London and the Country Lately Published Price 1 s. Warr with the Devil Or The Young-Man's Conflict with the Powers of Darkness discovering the Corruption and Vanity of Youth the horrible Nature of Sin In a Dialogue To which is added An Appendix containing a Dialogue between an old Apostate and a young Professor The Fifth Impression price 1 s. The Second Part of the Warr with the Devil The Grand Impostor Discovered or The Quaker's Doctrine weighed in the Ballance and found wanting a Poem by way of Dialogue wherein their chief and most concerning Principles are laid down And by the Authority of God's Holy Word thereby Refuted price 10 d. Summons to the Grave or A Timely preparation for Death Demonstrated in a Sermon Preached at the Funeral of John Norcott with two Elegies thereunto praefixt price 8 d. All five written by Benj. Keach Minister of the Gospel The History of the Young Converted Gallant or Directions for the use of that Divine Poem Warr with the Devil Here shewing the Readers thereof how to read the same Poem right in these four Respects c. First In reference to the Substance or History thereof 2 dly In reference to the Intent or Mystery thereof 3 dly In reference to the Consequent Doctrine thereof 4 thly In reference to Practical Application thereof Compiled in a Poem by John Mason Gent. of Fordham in Cambridgshire price 1 s. Blessed Rest for the Burthened Sinner or The only Center of the Soul wherein is discovered 1. Who he is that Invites and calls Sinners to this Rest. 2. The Encouragement to come unto him for Rest. 3. Many Obstructions and Impediments which keep back sinners with their Unreasonableness answered 4. The Rest that every one shall have that comes unto Christ Delivered in several Sermons from Matthew 11.28 By John Hopwood Preacher of the Gospel price 2 s. * Note that this is all the Answer to the Question * Yet I find some odd passages in your Writings K. Help p. 2. The letter and outward teachings so much cried up with all the Fruits and effects of the one the Crucified Body of Christ though a very Blessed and Comfortable enjoyment in its place and kind yet being but that which made nothing perfect is now no less necessary to be parted with than at that time it was else the Comforter as the blessed effect of the other the Living Body of Christ can not come F. Truth and Deceit p. 55. Then came Christ according to the Flesh to be Crucified the Lamb slain that Flesh of his which is a mystery when the first Adam's and Eve's Flesh was defiled P. 57. Yet his Flesh never corrupted which Flesh is the offering for as he was not God he did not Die and this Flesh is a mystery and in this Flesh is the Belief which takes away the Sin that never corrupted that is the offering for Sin and the Blood of this Flesh cleanseth from Sin This offering who is found in the Shape of a Man And where this belief is entred into his Flesh it knows Adam's Flesh that corrupted Through his Flesh he doth reconcile and by the offering up his Body his Flesh that which hath been Slain from the Foundation of the World and yet never corrupted he breaks down the Partition-wall betwixt Jews and Gentiles p. 59. So this pure Flesh this offering is set over all which never corrupted which must be your Meat if you Live though there is more in all these things which is hard to be uttered and cannot be uttered yet * Tertullian understands the Text of the visible Flesh De Carne Chr. Chap. 13. In Christo invenimus animam carnem simplicibus nudis vocabulis editas id est animam animam carnem carnem Quid anxia est anima mea usque ad mortem Et Panis quem ego dedero pro salute mundi caro mea est Si una caro una anima illa tristis usque ad mortem illa Panis pro mundi salute salvus est numerus duarum substantiarum in suo genere distantium excludens Carneae animae unicam speciem * See c. 3.17 Act. 15.9 1 Cor. 11.29 * De Spec. Leg. p. 594. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. If necessity require an Oath it is more fit to swear by the health and old age of Father and Mother if they be living and if they be dead by their blessed memory because God is not to be rashly named Some are wont to say So help me omiting the rest which might be compleated not by adding the most High but Earth Sun Heaven or the World But others are so hasty that passing by the creatures they are bold to swear by the Creator himself
food Christ then hath ordeined that all the wicked who are always unfit must be famished or else you must say they sin when ever they eat and to save their lives may indeed eat though they do sin But further could you not see that this was done in the Church when many of the Christians came together into one place for this very end and not in their own houses not by every one apart in every eating Could you not see it is called the Lord's Supper with express distinction from their own It is written plain enough vers 20.21.22 When ye come together into one place this is not to eat the Lord's Supper for in eating every one taketh before other his own Supper What have ye not houses to eat and drink in So far are you from the Truth when you say the Christians did partake of the Lord's Table when they eat with the very Heathens and whensoever else Ibid. p. 58. Christ charged his Disciples to wait for his coming at Jerusalem the promise of the Father of which he had told them before his Death which they were to shew so often as they brake bread till he came 1 Cor. 11.26 and after he was come to the Apostles they continued it for their sakes who were weak in the Faith to whom he was not appeared R. Barclay Catechism p. 98. This was to continue till Christ came Which coming is inward 1 The Commandment of our Saviour Do this in remembrance of me according to you belonged only to the Apostles and those that were Disciples before his Death and was obligatory but till the descent of the Holy Ghost that is but fifty days after his Resurrection and that after this time it was arbitrary and they might observe it or forbear But this is false for St. Paul tells the Corinthians that he had received this of the Lord and accordingly delivered the same unto them 2 Cor. 11.23 So that that which was commanded the Apostles before Christ's death was given in charge again to St. Paul and that after Christ's coming to the Apostles in Jerusalem at Pentecost for after this time was he called to the Ministry and moreover was delivered by him as a command to be observed by the Church Nay though Christ was come by the descent of the Holy Ghost at Pentecost yet still says the Apostle As oft as ye eat this Bread and drink this Cup ye shew or shew ye 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Lord's Death till he come 1 Cor. 11.26 So that he means another coming and until that be he teaches us that this is to be done 2 Not only in that first descent of the Holy Ghost but also in all Divine operations in the heart by the same spirit was Christ come already when the Apostle wrot for unless he was so come working graciously upon the heart the Corinthians were not to receive the Supper of the Lord v. 27.28.29 Wherefore that inward coming cannot be meant by the Apostle for as much as that which he speaks of was not as yet as is manifest by those words Till he come 3 If the Apostles continued it as you further say for the sakes of the weak why do not you likewise continue it for the sakes of the same What are there no weak ones among you Is the Church of the Quakers better than the primitive Or are you wiser than the Apostles judging that unfit which they judged fit But dear Souls in good earnest is the Lord's Supper below you too mean and beggarly for your strength and spirituality What Christian how great and perfect soever he be if as perfect as St. Paul doth it not become to commemorate Christ and shew forth his Death as this Solemnity requires Which is to declare by this outward Rite to all the world his Faith in this Crucified Person whom the Jews by reason of his vile death despised and rejected 1 Cor. 1.18.23 and to profess himself his Servant and to admire his love and the Love of his Father and to acknowledge that our eternal Redemption is by his Blood-shed and for all to offer most ardent thanks and the profoundest Praises and Adorations of his heart This reason is perpetual and equally concerns all And further was there ever any Church which discontinued the Supper of our Lord Or was there never heretofore the glorious appearance till which time your selves say it was to be observed until now among you Quakers I adde you discern not the wisdom of our Lord in this matter in that he hath injoyned us to come and yet forbids unless we prepare our selves So that he provokes and even compels us to Devotion and Piety and doth what may be not only to excite and animate our coldness but to continue us in our goodness and to bring the more profane to a godly mind and life viz. by the frequent repetitions of this grand and serious solemnity 4 Christ's coming therefore until which time his Supper is to continue is that in the end of the world which is so eminently spoken of every where in the Gospel and all Christians wait for Of which you read again in this Epistle c. 15.23 Christ the First-fruits is risen afterwards they that are Christ's shall rise at his coming Then cometh the end G. K. Help p. 22. This is Antichrist who denies Christ the Son came in the revelation of himself in the heart for that coming of Christ in his Bodily appearance at Jerusalem Antichrist will not does not deny being he knows it will never harm his Kingdom so to confess him come provided Christ's Kingdom be not set up in the heart Tomlinson word of Reproof p. 5. The spirit of Antichrist doth not confess Christ come i. e. when he comes or appears in flesh or in his servants Parker's Discovery p. 20. Every Spirit that confesses Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God but the Pope and his Train and the vilest persons have confessed Christ come in his flesh at Jerusalem yet are not of God They who deny Christ come in their mortal flesh to destroy sin are Antichrists I am sorry to hear such words come out of the mouths of men pretending to Christianity I trust it is out of ignorance and inconsideration you speak not malice For will not Antichrist deny Christ come in his Body when he took that Flesh that through Death he might destroy him that had the power of Death the Devil and when through the offering of his Body we are all sanctified when by that Blood he entred into the holy place having obteined Eternal Redemption for us and when it is that which cleanseth us from all our sins when in this body he rose again without which Resurrection we had yet been in our sins and in the same ascended without which ascension the Holy Ghost had not come When without this Body the world had never had his Preaching nor Miracles nor Example nor his Apostles nor any of
THE Spirit of Delusion REPROVED OR The Quakers Cause FAIRLY HEARD AND JUSTLY CONDEMNED Being an Answer To William Penn George Fox George Whitehead George Keith Edward Burroughs and several other the most leading Men amongst them Wherein their horrid Perversion and false and dangerous Interpretations of above 50 distinct Texts of Holy Scriptures are plainly Evinced By Thomas Wilson Rector of Arrow in Warwick-shire Imprimatur Guil. Jane Jan. 28. 1677. London Printed for B. Harris at the Stationers Arms in Sweetings-Rents in Cornhil near the Royal Exchange 1678. QUAKER'S FALSE INTERPRETATIONS OF SCRIPTURE ONly of this at present Hereafter perhaps I may Treat of their Doctrines and their Manners All that I desire of the Reader is that in the several Texts I shall instance he consult the Bible because words separated from the Discourse may seem even to a wise man to signifie what the Inspired Authors never intended and the like expressions and sometimes the same do mean different things as in all other Books so in holy Writ G. K. Immed Revelat. p. 21. We may not nor dare not make use of the Scripture but in the Life and Spirit as that opens and influences We dare not nor ought not to speak the Spirit 's words in our own Spirit We tie the words of Scripture unto the Spirit so as not to use them but in and by the Spirit G. K. Help in need p. 77. Away with that manner of interpreting Scripture and searching truth by drawing and knitting consequences by the fallible erring mind and natural understanding Keep close in all things to the determination of the Spirit of God and where that leads you to draw a consequence or frame an argument do it else forbear W. Duesbury's discovery p. 48. The word of the Lord came upon me in the common Gaol in Warwick 13. of 1. Moneth 1664. which constrained to be given forth from the Spirit of the Lord c. N. Love to Lost p. 1. The things following are not of Man nor did I receive them but by the Revelation of Jesus Christ. Atkinsons Standard of the Lord p. 30. Written from the Spirit of the Lord. Burrough's Trumpet p. 1. The Order and Authority given unto me by the Spirit of the Living God 31. of 10. Moneth in the Year 1655. about the 4 th hour in the Morning when my Meditations were of my God upon my Bed in Kilkenny City at that time the word of the Lord came unto me saying Write c. Given under my hand and Sealed with the Spirit of the eternal God Foster's Guide p. 59. Do you not Professors confess your selves to be fallible If then I can prove that you have Interpreted Scripture in a false Sense you must grant that you have not Interpreted only in and by the Spirit of God but in your own and by the natural understanding and fallible erring mind And I hope if it appear to you that you have thus done you will not lay the error how little soever it may be upon that Holy One but take it to your selves though it contradict your Glorious Pretence and abate your Credit and Shame you never so much And in the name of Christ I admonish you that you do so that God be not Dishonoured and his excellent Spirit Vilified The tryal follows G. K. Im. Revel p. 72. Out of Sion shall go forth the Law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem And he The word for that is his name Rev. 19. shall judge among the Nations Isa. 2 3 4. 1 Your reason why the Word of the Lord must here signifie Christ for that is it you mean viz. Because his name is the Word is infirm unless you can prove it always so signifies which it doth not as you may see in many places of Scripture particularly in this Prophet's writings Chap. 39.5 Hear the word of the Lord of Hosts That is not Christ but this Sentence which follows Behold the day is come that all that is in thine House shall be carried to Babylon Chap. 28.14 Hear the word of the Lord Namely this Thus saith the Lord behold I lay c. vers 16. 2 As in these former words Come and let us go up to the house of the God of Jacob and he will teach us of his ways He refers to God and not to house So it is manifest that in these latter For out of Sion shall go forth the Law and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem and he shall judge among the Nations He refers to Lord and not to the Word For 3 it had been all one if it had been only said Out of Sion shall go forth the Law of the Lord and he shall judge The Law of the Lord and the Word of the Lord being here the same And then as the Law here is not Christ so neither is the Word 4 And thus was it fulfilled concerning the Gospel as that being distinct from Christ. For it was first Preached at Jerusalem and from thence proceeded to the Gentiles Luk. 24.47 Thus it is Written that Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached in Christ's Name among all Nations beginning at Jerusalem Thus Tertullian understands the Text. Adv. Marc. L. 3. C. 21. Ex Sion exibit lex sermo Domini ex Hierusalem Haec erit via sua novae Legis evangelium novi sermonis in Christo non in Moyse And Just. Mart. Apol. 2. p. 78 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 c. For Out of Sion c. From Jerusalem went twelve men into the World who declared to all Mankind that they were sent of Christ to Preach the Word of God to all Ibid. p. 66. I desire the Reader to weigh what word it is David speaks so frequently of in Psal. 119. It is not any word writ any outward word or words But the eternal word which created the Heavens and Earth The word in the begining which taught him the Laws Judgments c. Jesus Christ P. 67.68 65. You may as well say Testimonies Statutes Judgments Commandements Law are not a written and outward word or words For they are all used promiscuously and what is spoken of the word is spoken of these As it is said I beheld the Transgressors and was grieved because they kept not thy word So Rivers of Waters ran down mine Eyes because they kept not thy Law As I rejoyce at thy word So Thy Testimonies are the rejoicing of my Heart As I have hoped in thy word So I have hoped in thy judgments As Thy word is very pure therefore thy Servant loveth it So Vpright are thy judgments I love thy Commandments As For ever thy word is settled in Heaven So Thy testimonies thou hast founded for ever The word then here spoken of being the same with Testimonies Statutes Judgments Commandments Law it is as much outward written and spoken as they are and you may as well say the Testimonies Statutes c. are Christ as that this word is and that
cannot mean the Spirit of Prophecy because all have it not in themselves nor is it the Will of God they should for he dispences the gifts of the Spirit severally to one Wisdom to another Miracles to another Prophecy 1 Cor. 12. Let me hear you say all men Heathens as well as Christians have the Spirit of Prophecy in their Hearts which testifies of Jesus and Prophesies of him speaks of things to come of his Name his Servants his worship his Enemies his Kingdom and Church as it spake testified and prophesied in the Angel and the Apostle as appears by the whole Book G. F. Truth and Deceit p. 10. To all as stumble at the silent waiting upon the Lord. Hear what Isaiah saith Sit thou in silence get thou in darkness O Daughter of the Caldeans thou shalt no more be called Lady of Kingdoms Isa. 47.5 You must witness silence before you come to speak For when the Devil was cast forth the Dumb spake Let the Lips be put to silence that spake grievous and proud things contemptuously against the Righteous All you lying Lips that speak contemptuous things against the Righteous you are to be put to silence before you speak Ps. 31.18 Kir of Moab was brought to silence because he was in the Night Isa. 15.1 In all these places Destruction and Misery that which is to be dreaded is meant by silence and not waiting upon the Lord which is desireable and which we are exhorted unto In Isa. 47.5 it is manifest from the latter words Sit thou in silence get thee in darkness thou shalt no more be called Lady of Kingdoms And from vers 1. Come down and Sit in the Dust O Virgin Daughter of Babylon sit on the Ground there is no Throne O Daughter of the Caldeans for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate In the other of Isaiah it is likewise manifest from the Text it self which if you had cited it fully would have discovered your abuse Chap. 15.1 The Burden of Moab because in the Night Kir of Moab is laid waste and brought to silence As clear is it in that of the Psalmist Let the Wicked be ashamed and let them be silent in the Grave Let the lying Lips be put to silence which speak grievous things and contemptuously against the Righteous Ps. 31.17 18. Doth this signifie they must wait on the Lord in the silence of their Souls before they speak Or doth it not signifie they shall be punished As Ps. 12.3 The Lord shall cut off all Flattering Lips and the Tongue that speaketh proud things Vers. 5. For the oppression of the Poor now will I arise saith the Lord I will set him in safety from him that puffeth at him And Ps. 52.4.5 Thou lovest all devouring words O thou deceitful Tongue God shall likewise destroy thee for ever He shall destroy thee for ever He shall take thee away and pluck thee out of thy dwelling place and root thee out of the land of the living Such is the silence before spoken of as when the Psalmist saith Vnless the Lord had been my help my Soul had almost dwelt in silence Psal. 94.17 G. F. General Epistle p. 10. The Apostle saith Tongues must cease Then that which makes as you say Orthodox Divines must cease And in the same place he saith Prophecies shall fail and knowledge shall vanish away 1 Cor. 13.8 And then that which you say makes Orthodox men and Divines must cease So that the Apostle speaks no more against Tongues than against Prophecy and knowledge Ibid. p. 10.11 The word which was in the beginning is called the word of Reconciliation by this word are men sanctified and made clean which is Christ whose name is called The Word of God True his Name is the Word of God but his name is not the Word of Christ and yet something is so called Say Christ is the Word of Christ and prove there is no incongruity in that saying Christ is manifestly distinguished from his word as every man is from what he speaks and teaches as the Philosopher is from his institutes For it is called his Word his Doctrine his sayings that which he spake with his lips and the people heard with their ears Joh. 15.20 14.23 24. 7.16 8.31 And the same is the Word through which the Text says men were made clean it being in the very terms clearly distinguished from himself Joh. 15.3 Now are ye clean through the word which I have spoken unto you Which is no more Himself than Blessed are the Merciful the poor in Spirit the pure in Heart Love your Enemies ask and you shall receive believe on me and whatsoever else he taught is himself For thus you read again Joh. 4.41.42 Many more believed because of his own word and said unto the woman Now we believe not because of thy saying for we have heard him our selves c. 8.30 As he spake these words many believed on him Jam. 1.18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of Truth Such also is the word of Reconciliation committed unto the Apostles viz. The doctrine of the Gospel which they had heard and learned of Christ and had also received by the inspiration of his Spirit and Preached unto the world as is likewise manifest from the Text 2 Cor. 5.18 God hath reconciled us unto himself by Jesus Christ and hath given to us the Ministry of Reconciliation Which is the same as He hath committed unto us the word of Reconciliation And what that is you may understand by this which follows We pray you in Christ's stead be ye reconciled to God for he hath made him to be sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him Go said he Preach the Gospel to all Nations teach them to observe whatsoever I have commanded you He that Believeth and is Baptised shall be Saved And told them that Repentance and Remission of Sins should be Preached in his Name Accordingly they Preached Act. 13.38 39. Be it known unto you that through this man is Preached to you the forgiveness of Sins and by him all that believe are justified from all things from which they could not be justified by the Law of Moses Act. 2.38 Repent and be Baptised in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of Sins They laboured in the Word and Doctrine and exhorted the Believers that the word of Christ should dwell in them richly By all this you may understand what is the word of Reconciliation committed to the Apostles the word of Christ the word which he spake through which his Disciples were made clean and may learn to distinguish it from himself Farnsw Priest's Ignorance p. 4.5 The Teachers of the world say that the Spirit is the Letter and they are inseparable when the Spirit saith The Letter killeth and is Death And thou who wouldest raise the Spirit out of the dead Letter art a Conjurer They say that Salvation
teach and direct the other Apostles thus Was the word committed to them by men Had they learned it of others Were they who were sent forth immediatly by Christ and the Inspiration of the Holy Ghost chosen of men as being judged Faithful 3 But now let us view the Text from whence you have taken occasion to speak as you do a little consideration of which would have delivered you from your errors viz. 2 Cor. 3.5 c. Not that we are sufficient of our selves to think any thing as of our selves but our sufficience is of God Thus having told them from whence they had their ability he next tells them what a word it is which they Preached Vers. 6. Who also hath made us able Ministers of the New Testament not of the Letter but of the Spirit For the letter Killeth but the Spirit giveth Life And so goes on in commendation of the same Doctrine comparing it with the Law that the glory of it might appear to exceed the Glory of the Law saying The Law is the Ministration of Death and Condemnation but this the Ministration of Life and Righteousness And Moses put a Veil upon his Face and until this day remaineth the same Veil untaken away in the reading of the Old Testament but this Veil is done away in Christ and we use plainness of Speech and with open Face beholding as in a glass the Glory of the Lord are changed into the same Image Vid. vers 7. to 12. as by the Spirit of the Lord. Wherefore he concludes Chap. 4.1 Therefore seeing we have this Ministry as we have received mercy we faint not So that the Letter is such a word as is external obscure dead and lifeless which is without the Spirit and which Concondemns And therefore by no means can be the Doctrine of the Gospel which on the contrary is of an internal nature perspicuous quick and powerful which is accompanied with the Spirit and which holds forth justification And that it is the Law is manifest in that as the Letter Killeth so he tells us of the Ministration of Death which you your selves will acknowledge to be the Law and this Ministration which is the Law so exactly answers the Letter that it is said to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Letters and as the Letter signifies that which is external Rom. 2.28 29. so this Ministration is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Engraven in Stones vers 7. In this sense we find him using the same terms Rom. 7.6 We are delivered from the Law that we should serve in newness of Spirit and not in oldness of the Letter And as for the killing of the Letter we read it thus v. 11. Sin taking occasion by the Commandment deceived me and slew me Again c. 8.2 The law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death But I have an argument which I dare say you will not deny viz. G. Fox says the Letter here is the Law Treatise of Swearing p. 52. And so the Apostles were made able Ministers of Christ and of the New-Testament and not of the letter of the Prophets and of the law in the Old Testament in which there was Swearing for the letter killeth but the Spirit giveth life Why the Apostle calleth the law the letter in opposition to the Spirit belongs not to our present business to explain I only therefore refer the Reader for satisfaction to vers 7.8 17 18. Heb. 8.10 10.1 9.10 Gal. 3.2 24. 4.3 9. 1 Cor. 12.8 9 10. Tit. 3.6 Joh. 7.39 Rom. 5.5 And how it Kills and is the ministration of Death and Condemnation he may learn from Rom. 7.5 8 11. with Mat. 6.17.27 28 31 32 33 34 38 39 43 44. Rom. 8.3 Heb. 9.9 10.4 10. Gal. 3.10 21. 2.16 Act. 13.39 G. F. Christian Liberty p. 9. It was matter of Conscience towards God that Mordecay did not bow to Haman Esther 3.2 Clarks Wise pag. 59. If they had put off their hats before you Judges respecting your persons then they had transgressed the Law Jam. 2.9 Christ respected no mans person and God saith ye shall do no unrighteousness in judgment thou shalt not respect the person of the poor nor honour the person of the mighty Lev. 19.5 Mordecay would not bow to Haman nor do him reverence according to the King's command which was contrary to God's command And yet I say God commands to honour all men Which is not to rise up and bow down to them and to stand bare-headed before them but to do good to all men and to love them Parker's Discovery p. 30. Doffing the Hat is honour below which men seek and give one to another respecting persons bowing to the Rich giving them titles of Lords Masters Sirs but do not so to the poor who are in vile rayment Ibid. p. 65. Christ respected not the persons of men as his Enemies did confess Luk. 15.21 22. 1 If Mordecay refused to bow to Haman and shew him reverence out of Conscience I wonder his Conscience permitted him to receive greater honour himself in riding cloathed with the Royal Apparel and upon the King's Horse through the City with Proclamation made before him of the King's favour Est. 6. If the King had commanded him to see this honour performed towards Haman I believe he would have refused as well as he did to bow and that he would likewise have refused to run before him or to wait upon him at his Table if he could have done it with equal safety For that his refusal was not out of Conscience we have this evidence Many of as good Conscience as he both gave and received this reverence you take for granted that no other bowing and reverencing is meant than what is ordinary among us at this day and they gave and received also titles of Honour 1 Kings 1.23 Nathan the Prophet bowed himself before the King with his face to the ground and said My Lord O King c. 18.7 Obadiah fell on his face and said Art thou that my Lord Elijah v. 12.13 I thy servant fear the Lord from my youth Was it not told my Lord c. Gen 23.7 Abraham stood up and bowed himself to the people of the Land c. 33.3 14. Jacob bowed himself to Esau and said Let my Lord pass over before his servant 1 Chron. 29.20 All the Congregation bowed down their heads and worshipped the Lord and the King Now let the reason be shewed why the single example of Mordecay should prevail against all these But besides examples we have a precept Lev. 19.32 Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head and honour the face of the old man and fear thy God 2 And from this Text it is apparent that you speak just contrary to the mind of God in saying that to rise up is not to honour men when he says Rise up and honour And whereas you interpret that command of our Saviour by his
sent from the Lord immediatly and guided infallibly that you tell us in all your writings distinctly what the Lord saith and what you say of your selves As St. Paul gave notice when he spake his own judgment saying This say I not the Lord This not I but the Lord 1 Cor. 7.6.12.25 26 40. And so much I expect of him that shall reply to what I have written and that in every particular that I may know with whom I have to do viz. that he say I have received by inspiration this Interpretation but this I have not but deliver it according to my best judgment Or else declare apertly that you write nothing at all but what you have by inspiration I admonish further that if you believe the Holy Ghost did not intend that sense in which you use the words of Scripture you plainly and honestly declare so much But then reflect whether it be not better to let the Scriptures stand in that sense which the Holy Ghost hath given them lest every one using this liberty they come at last to signifie just nothing but like the Air be blown hither and thither with every breath as every one pleaseth and be turned into all shapes like a piece of soft wax Think not that to interpret mystically is profound wisdom and ought to be admired of the People For alass they that are weakest are aptest to this and hither they fly when the Letter is too hard for them And take heed especially of thinking your selves spiritual because you talk spiritually as knowing that none are so but who are born of the Spirit and walk according to it who are Holy in their Life and holy in their Nature Which they that turn the Letter into Spirit may be as far from as the Swinish Adulterers and the Rude Swearers And now because I know not whether I shall speak to you any more take that serious word which I have sometime had in my mind to dispence to you Which is this Insist on the particular duties of a Christian man and deliver them with all perspicuity of speech as knowing they are not to be practised in Phraseology and pure mystical notion Cry not out against Ministers for taking of Tithes calling them for this cause Hirelings and Wolves Covetous Balaams Deceivers and Antichrist's since you see such walk soberly righteously and godly and seek the conversion of Sinners and would part with their Estates and Sacrifice their Lives for the sake of Christ Since you know that it is false Doctrine pernicious errors and heresies which makes the false Prophet and this may be and is found in them that take no Tithes and in them that decry them and they that do receive them may be orthodox and are so and have not the temptation to corrupt the truth for the pleasing of men that they might receive the more from them like as others have that live upon the bounty Since again you know that there are hundreds of these Tith-takers which would exchange their ten or twenty pounds a year for the maintenance of your Preachers who ride about and work not with their hands You that plead the Apostles examples consider whether they who forsook all and followed Christ turned Merchants kept Shops constantly traded in the World sought after Riches as many of your Preachers do You that condemn a Lace and the Fashions of the World should remember your bands that are broader than an Inch your Cloaks that cover not the Breast with Capes that are of no use your Gowns Hoods and Scarves your Borders and Periwigs your Coloured Garments Died by mans Invention You that plead the Spirit consider whether the manner of your writings signifie inspiration when we see exultation exasperation carping playing upon words contention about matters of no moment poor flashes of wit quibbling and evasion obscurity and impertinence and abundance of ill names poured forth without cause and provocation You that speak so much of the Law and Christ the light within should understand that all our knowledge is so in our Souls which are not in our Bibles but in our Bodies and no man ever thought that Ink fashioned into Letters can instruct him that cannot read for want of learning or for want of eyes For what is the Bible in Hebrew and Greek Characters to them that know only English know ye therefore what you talk of I would have you consider again what knowledge the World would have had what Nations had been Converted how the Gospel and Kingdom of Christ had been propagated if he and his Apostles and others had not spoken and written and men had not heard ard read or what we should come to within two ages if we should all shut our eyes and stop our ears and tie up our tongues Yet say I with you Christ is within and Christ is light Next I admonish and beseech you to bear others burdens and to help their infirmities and to know your own For we are not perfect neither we nor you Lay aside all bitterness of Spirit and censorious judging scoffes and jeers pride and haughtiness strife and vain jangling wrath and clamor love of the world and greedy pursuit after it unjust gains and base contrivances dissimulation lying backbiting contumelies and false accusations all excess and intemperance voluptuousness and drunkenness lasciviousness uncleanness fornication and adultery Speak without ambiguity seek not the praise of men receive instruction and hearken to reproof Pray in your Families and Pray in the name of the Lord Jesus and Pray for the pardon of your Sins Give thanks at your Meals Instruct your Children Love your Enemies Render to every man his due follow peace Make not the Kingdom of God Meat and Drink the Hat and a Lace and cast off all superstitions Search the Scriptures and read them with diligence The fruits and effects of the Death of Christ part not with That Blood remember which he offered that Death of the Cross Preach which he suffered whereby he made atonement and obteined eternal redemption for us And firmly believe the Resurrection of the Dead at the last day For if they rise not What doth it advantage me says St. Paul that I have Fought with Beasts at Ephesus and why stand we in jeopardy every hour 1 Cor. 15. And what I say to you I say to all Abstein from those abominable Sins which dishonour our Christian Religion provoke our gracious God and Damn mens Souls everlastingly And with all your might pursue the other Righteous things and whatsoever else is divine and praise worthy The Lord Jesus be with your Spirits Amen He that Replies let him do it in order and distinctly to every thing material and not dictate but produce his Reasons The Reader I desire to consult the place in my own Book to which the Reply is made as knowing that the neglect of this may be injurious to himself and me And once more I desire him seeing our present business is about