mans or an Angels power from him and what is he Againe Fourthly It is impossible that ever God in his power should be spoyled by the crosse of our Lord Jesus Col. 2.15 and hath spoyled principalities and powers and hath made a shew of them openly and hath triumphed over them in the same crosse Fifthly God had ordained and created these invisible powers for this one maine end that Christ in his crosse might spoyle and triumph over them for the Everlasting glory and exaltation of his owne name The seede of the woman shall breake the Serpents head Gen. When hath ever any Army bin so exalted in glory as at that time when they can by one thousand bring into subjection and to confusion many thousands This is the unspeakeable glory of the Lord Jesus that he can bring forth from under a poore low appearance on the crosse such a mighty and Infinite power and glory so as to spoyle to pull downe and lay in the dust all the glory of this world thus much for a certaine truth is clearely held forth in the Word Againe Sixthly The spirit of a man hath many faculties that goes to the making up of a compleat spirit and these had a beginning and were Created and so were all powers both in Heaven and Earth for by him were all things created which are in Heaven and which are in Earth things visible and invisible whether they be Thrones or Dominions or Principalites or Powers all things were created by him and for him Col. 1.16 I could give you a large Description of the will of a man what an irresistable power it is untill that power that made it doe or is pleased to perswade and allure it there is no compelling of it will that is forced is not will so also the thoughts of a man how can hee with his thoughts soare up and down and incompasse heaven and earth and bring home tydings of that which the tongue is never able to expresse nor indeed the whole heart able to conceive of or comprehend the devill as I said before of all creatures is the greatest power that is in this world but a Christian in the spirit of the Lord Jesus is a power above the devill in a greater measure then the devill is in power above all creatures Rom. 8.37 38. Hee onely is able to trample upon the devill James 4.7 And by Faith to overcome this world 1 Job 5.4 A Christian in power is next unto Christ the devill is next unto a Christian Antichrist in power is next unto the devill and a naturall man next unto Antichrist so a man in his affections is very strong and mighty who is it or what is it that can take off the minde of a man from that which he hath affection to all the powers that are in the soule are never in a Joynteâ— Harmony nor are ever knit in a stronger union then when they are upon one thing met together in a band of love What is that that makes a man a monster in nature but because his limbes and joynts are not according to the course of nature what is the cause why some men are foolish and altogether void of Reason but because their spirits are not according to that common frame which usually the generation of the Sons of men are in the continuall action of mans heart is to live and move in the devill to have his heart so set upon himself and the things of this world that all created powers in Heaven and Earth are not able to take it off 1 Joh. 2.15 Ephes 2.2 what is that that makes men to bee so resolute so positive and wilfull in all Heresies Opinions Disputations and Works whatsoever but because that these three principall powers in their spirits are deluded and captivated by the god of this world Lastly The life and spirit of man is not the winde in the Aire nor the breath that is in mans body Objection The spirit is a reasonable creature Answer The winde is reasonable in reference to the creation but in comparison of man it is not Man is falne down into everlasting misery and raised up again into everlasting glory doth the winde know or understand this Again The breath onely is not the spirit for the same reason that I said before Secondly The breath is visible and may bee seen but the spirit is invisible and cannot be seen therefore it cannot be the spirit Thirdly The breath that is in man and the breath of a beast are both one under some considerations first they are both one in their originall Secondly They are both one in motion and visible appearance Lastly They are both one in their end consider this first how God hath united himselfe to all his works by which they come to be and to subsist in their beeing Secondly Consider how God hath united one work to another yet notwithstanding this union they remain severall and distinct in their beeings natures motions and possessions the beeing of a Beast is not the beeing of man the nature of a beast is not the nature of Man the motion of a Beast is not the motion of Man that which a beast hath possession of that is not nor cannot be the inward internall eternall possessions of men a Beast knows his own kinde from a man this is not mans motion nor the motion of breath therefore that cannot be the spirit Thus much for a Description of God of Angels and men CHAP. XIV A Description of the sin against the holy Spirit THe sin against the Holy Spirit is this when a man is inlightened and tasted of the heavenly gift and of the good Word of God and is partakers of the Holy Spirit in such a measure as not to be intangled or polluted with the world when a man out of that light and knowledge which hee hath of God doth make a large acknowledgement of the Lord Jesus a man that doth delight to know God in Jesus Christ and doth seek him daily for such a man to fall away thus he doth commit that sin which shall never bee forgiven neither shall there ever be any mercy for that man in this world or that to come the sins I shall summe up in these severall expressions When a man shall make use of all that light knowledge and strength which formerly hee hath received in a willfull way to this end that now by all this he doth deny the comming of Jesus Christ in the flesh for a man that hath known Christ by the light of the spirit and hath received a taste of the goodnesse of God for such a man with a good will and delight purposely against his conscience against the strivings and motions of the spirit out of a hatred and malice against him and his members for such a man to deny Christ in his comming to undervalue him to laugh and make a scorn or jeer of the spirit in all that it saith in the Scriptures
thereof when you speak saith our Saviour to his Disciples it is not you that speak but the spirit of your Father that speaketh in you The person of the Lord Christ is the Authour of all Truth and if so then receive this if it bee a truth not for my sake but for your Saviours sake My second Request is this assist mee I pray you against this spirit who would rejoyce in the totall overthrow and confusion of us all Hee that heareth you saith our Saviour to his Disciples heareth mee and hee that heareth mee heareth him that sent mee hee that is an enemy to Christ cannot bee a friend to any of his Members venture life and all for Christ and whatsoever we part with let us never either for fear or favour let goe a particular crucified Jesus of our selves wee can doe nothing but through Christ we can doe all things 2 Cor. 3.5 FINIS The Contents CHAP. I. WHat Christ is unto and in the heart of a Christian The Doctrines and Arguments of the Familists doe prove great troubles and trialls to many Christian p. 1 Jesus Christ will be a Christians guide in the greatest trouble that can befall him p. 2 The Familists are very confident that by the knowledge of Astrologie and the strength of Reason they shall be able to conqueour over the whole World as Goliah made account to conquour over David p. 2. 3 Iesus Christ by guiding a Christian will so comfort him as that though all the Antichristian Familisticall floodgates thorowout the world be let out upon him yet they shall never drowne and destroy that faith and confidence which they have in a particular crucified Iesus p. 3. 4 Iesus Christ will be a Christians companion also although his way may be darkened by Reason of that Familisticall Jesuiticall cloud of darkenesse which may over shadow the face of the whole earth p. 4. 5 CHAP. II. There be seven Antichristian doctrines which are described and confuted in order the first is laid downe in this second Chapter which is this that there is but one spirit or life in all creatures both in Heaven Earth and Hell and that life which is one and the same in all creatures is absolutely and Essentially God p. 6 This Doctrine is proved to be a greevious blasphemous lye by nine Arguments there is no Scripture or Reason either Divine or humane that can be brought in for to justifie the truth thereof p. 7. to the 13 CHAP. III. The second error which they hold that goe by the name of Familists is this that all things whatsoever are the act of God that all creatures Angels and Men are at all times in all workes acted and ruled by the spirit of God p. 13. The truth is laid downe and acknowledged which is this that God is the supreame ordainer and mannager of all things the power is Gods the impudency is the creatures p. 13. 14. and 22 That God is not the actor of all things is proved both by Scripture and Reason but that many workes are acted by men and Devills which cannot be attributed to God but by speaking as high blasphemy as any heart can imagine or tongue expresse p. 15. A description of sinne p. 17. 18. 19. 20 CHAP. IIII. The third error is this that nothing shall remaine to Eternity but shall perish and come to nothing but the Deity that is now the life of all creatures p. 24 That the world shall not continue to Eternity is proved to be a truth by the Scriptures that is not in the same manner of subsisting as it is now that it shall perish and come to nothing and all creatures together with it is disproved for there shall be a new world for the Saints and a time of judgement for those that have not obeyed the Gospell p. 24. 25. 26 CHAP. V. The fourth error is that the Bible is a meere shadow a false History a confused lying Allegorie being of no more Authority than any other booke or the Apocrypha p. 26 The Scriptures are vindicated and proved to be the Word of God by ten Arguments from p. 26. to the 37 CHAP. VI. Which proves the comming Death Resurrection Ascention and Intercesion of our Lord Jesus which is absolutely denyed by all the Principle Doctrines and writings of the Familists p. 37. to the 49 CHAP. VII The Sixth Error is this that all Ordinances are but meat for babes that a man should live above them without the use of them p. 49 CHAP. VIII The Seventh Error is this that perfection in the highest degree both of grace and glorie is to be injoyed in this life before the dissolution of this forme or death of the body p. 53 The Error is divided into two branches the first part of it is in this Chapter overthrowne by ten Arguments proved by Scripture to be a damnable lye being no other but a Jesuiticall imagination p. 53. 54. 55. 56 CHAP. IX The second Branch of this errour is handled in this Chapter which is this that all the Attributes of God proper to his Divine Majesty are described in our mertall flesh p. 57 Wherein these two questions are propounded First what are the glorious Attributes of God Answered by discovering nine of them 1. The Power of God p. 57. to the 65 2. The Wisdome of God p. 65 3. The Mercy of God p. 66 4. The Justice of God ibid. 5. The Presence of God from p. 66. to 70 6. The Providence of God p. 71 7. The Immutability of God p. 72 8. The truth and Faithfulnesse of God ibid. 9. Gods Eternity p. 73 74 The second is what is the Mortall flesh of man Answered by five particulars p. 75 Something concerning the Passion of Christ p. 76 CHAP. X. A Description of God according to the writings and Doctrines of the Familists p. 76 CHAP. XI Antichrist in his Athiesticall discription of God discribed and confuted by a discription of God as he hath discovered himselfe in his word p. 79 In this Chapter these foure things are treated on 1. What God is in himself p. 80. to the 92 2. What hee is in Christ p. 90 3. What hee is in a Christian p. 92. to the 95 4. What hee is in all creatures p. 81. to the 95 Three things concerning the Trinity 1. The union distinction of natures in one person 92 2. The union and distinction of two persons in one nature p. 94 95 3. The order of these three persons thus distinguished p. 91 That Christ and a Christian are both one by union yet not without distinction both of persons and natures p. 81 The difference between Christ and a Christian in this glorious union is handled in these particulars 1. Difference concerning the Person of Christ 2. Difference concerning the Offices of Christ p. 93 3. Difference concerning Christ in his Essence p. 94 CHAP. XII A Description of the Devill as God hath discovered him in his Word and by Reason proving him to be and to be such a one as he is discovered to be p. 95. to the 106 CHAP. XIII A Description of the spirit of man in two respects First What it is p. 106. to the 114 Secondly What it is not CHAP. XIV The sin against the holy Spirit described wherein there is one objection nominated and Answered p. 115 to the 119 CHAP. XV. An Exhortation to all Christians whether private or publique p. 119 CHAP. XVI A Petition presented to the Familists with a farther confutation of their erroneous Doctrins 120. to the end A Postscript FINISs
this Take these three directions or rules in reading first a 〈…〉 Philips expression to the Euauch of Ethiopia read but labour according to thy ability to understand what thou readest the second rule is this b 〈…〉 Try and examine every word that I have written and judge to the utmost but c 〈…〉 be sure to judge and trie all things in the spirit the last is this Make triall of all things and judge according to thy d 〈…〉 understanding but doe it in love reade not nor esteeme not of this that I have presented to thy view in respect to its novelty New things doe much delight the phantasies of this age we are too apt to looke upon the things of God with such an eye as we doe upon the things of men love new fashions we should not love things in reference to their newnesse but to their goodnesse My desire is to spend and be spent in discovering truth and falshood for Sions sake and for their sakes whose returne out of Egypt is much longed for many of them being such formerly as were to be beloved and delighted in Now supposing that this Booke may come into many of your hands whose spirits are wrapt up in darknesse by delusion you that thinke that there is no other God Christ heaven life or religion then that that you dispute for give me leave in my discourse to the Reader to direct a word or two to you and they are these first consider that formerly none have been more forward to exalt and acknowledge the Lord Jesus then you have been I meane a crucified Jesus by preaching disputing praying and suffering but now t is otherwise Give me leave to speake according to men Were you not once as reall for Christ as you are now for Antichrist yea I will be one witnesse what close communion had you with God and how many times have you to the refreshing of many drooping spirits made a large acknowledgement of the manifestations of Gods love and favour to you in Jesus Christ how is it that the Lord Jesus is become such a stranger to you and you such strangers to him whom you have formerly so dearely loved and embraced how often have you in your pleadings for Christ disputed against Antichrist and prophesied that such a one must needs be wherof now you your selves are members can you deny this I pray you in love consider if you be elected without laughing at Christ in the face to scorne But one word or two that from him I have to say to you and that is this How dearely and exceedingly doth Christ love you even now whilst you are a denying his truth and blaspheming his name Are you able to expresse or declare it he is unchangeable Againe consider how much he bath done for you from all eternity by e 〈…〉 .17 â—1 doing of which he will abide with you and in you to all eternity and will worke all delusions corruptions temptations Apostatisings and weaknesses for your everlasting joy and welfare Goe on and continue in your mischievous way of iniquity and darknesse but no further nor longer then what is according to Gods eternall purposes and determinations THE DESCRIPTION And Confutation of mysticall ANTICHRIST the Familists Who in a mystery as God fitteth in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God CHAP. I. What Christ is unto and in the heart of a Christian. ONe of the greatest troubles that ever befell many of Gods people I appeal to their severall experiences is those fiery darts which the Devil by Antichrist doth continually cast at them and it must needs be a trouble yea a wounding trouble to those that have ever in truth tasted of the goodnesse of God in our Lord Jesus and that for these Reasons First because the trials are fiery Take a flash of fire and cast it suddenly in a mans face in a dark night and it will cause a sudden astonishment to ceaze upon him these Antichristian darts in private meditations are many times cast in the face of a Saint which doth prove worse then a sudden flash of fire in the night causing him to be taken with a deeper amazement in such a manner that he scarce knows either where he is or what he is First he knows not where he is whether in heaven or hell in the light or in darknes Suppose a man were to go a journey for his life in such a way wherein he never was before and in his way lies many crosse wayes so that he knows not which to turn to he must needs be but in a poore condition except he have a person with him to direct him that knows all wayes and a principle in him to understand a direction A Christians way is very difficult and troublesome especially in such a case as this when his desire is to injoy most sweet and constant communion with God which he esteems and values above his life but for the in oyment and continuance of this he knows not which way to take too or persevere in seeing many wayes before him he must needs hang down his head like a bulrush untill he meet with the Spirit of the Lord Jesus that knows all wayes without him and within him also and is both able and willing to give him knowledge and understanding which way to take to when he is at such a stand or in such an amazement as this is although he was never with his dear Saviour so far in his way before Now for thy consolation consider three things First Christ is a Christians guide a Christians comfort a Christians companion First Christ who is a Christians way is a Christians guide also Joh. 14. 18. Chap. 17. 20. Thou canst not have a better guide then Jesus Christ is he knows all mysteries and secrets all the close chelled wayes of Antichrist with all the multitudes and numberlesse numbers of them although they lie never so secretly in the bowels of darknes yet they are all naked and open before him Joh. 21.17 Rom. 9.5 Joh. 1.50 Matth. 12.25 And this must needs be so for these Reasons First Jesus Christ was before all things Joh. 8.58 〈…〉 .17 â—1 Secondly Jesus Christ is above all things Col. 2.9 Joh. 3. 31. Lastly Jesus Christ is the principall Governor and manager of all things 1 Cor. 15.52 Psal 110.1 Hebr. 1.3 Joh. 21.22 If thou hast Christ to be thy guide thou mayest without fear encounter with the whole world David could do more with a sling and a stone then the whole Army of Israel could because God was his guide and did guide the stone also that went out of his hand Though many Antichristian Goliahs come against thee boasting of their strength taking it disdainfully that such a one as thou art should offer to come against them supposing to make but a shrimp of thee and thy imaginary God and Saviour as they call it yet assure thy self thou shalt as certainly
salvation of the world the Godhead united the humanity to the second person in the Trinity the Lord Jesus and now in that nature he is Emanuel God with us Isa 7.14 for he in no sort took on him the nature of Angels but he took upon him the seed of Abraham Hebr. 2.16 This is a reall truth all the Antichrists in the world cannot nullifie or make it of none effect that Jesus Christ is a particular man in which nature he suffered and in which he is also glorified Phil. 2.6 7 8 9 10 11. Heb. 5.7 8. And the Apostle saith that there is but one Mediator between God and man which is the man Christ Jesus The Reasons or Arguments are of two sorts the first sort is to prove that there are more spirits in the world then one Secondly that the life and being of God is not every thing and that every thing is not the life essence and being of God The other sort of Reasons is to prove that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh Secondly that this Jesus is a particular Saviour such a one as had and still hath a particular soul and body that was created in the wombe of the Virgin for the falling and rising of many in Israel Now the first Argument for the confutation of this first errour viz. that the life of man and all creatures is God which is one Spirit besides whom there is no other is this First whatsoever is the Godhead or essence the name of that is uncommunicable thy name alone is Jehovah saith the Prophet Psal 83.18 I am that I am all in all Exod. 3.14 1 Cor. 15. But the name of man in reference to his Spirit is not uncommunicable therefore the life of man or all creatures is not God I will speak a little of the Name of God under this threefold consideration First the Name of God is such an infinite glory that it cannot be attributed or communicated to any creature either in heaven or earth an Angel is not Jehovah the spirit of a man is not the Name of God Jesus Christ in reference to his conception and creation is not this God or Name Jehovah Secondly the Name of God is I am that I am all in all but no creature is I am The word signifies all that God is in himself in his attributes in all creatures it discovers his eternity immutability blessednesse and perfection Thirdly the Name of God is All in all all in all things all before all things all above all things all besides all things but I will speak more of this anon for the present I desire to proceed The second is this whatsoever is the Godhead or essence is also the blessed Trinity for the Godhead is the Father Son and holy Ghost and the Father Son and holy Ghost is one and the same God 1 Joh. 5.7 Joh. 14.9 10 11. But the life and spirit of man and all creatures is not the blessed Trinity Ergo the life of all creatures is not God The major Proposition is clear the assumption also is undeniable Yet I shall open and inlarge this Argument by these three particulars The Godhead is the Father God is a Father in three respects First he is the Father of Christ Ephes 1.3 1 Pet. 1.3 Secondly God is the Father of a Christian 1 Cor. 1.3 Chap. 10.17 Thirdly God is a Father to all creatures both in heaven and earth 1 Cor. 8.6 Ephes 3.15 The spirit of man is not the Father of Christ of a Christian and of all creatures therefore not God T is true many men care not what they say although never so blasphemous and will stand to avouch whatsoever they think or apprehend to be truth and of God though never so false And why but because they conceive it to be so and therefore it cannot be otherwise It is not mens right apprehensions of truth that gives being to it but it doth give being to all things Secondly the Godhead is the Son also yet so as that he is the Father too this is that very God and that eternall life 1 Joh. 5.20 there is no other God or eternall life Besides the Godhead of our blessed Saviour the person of Christ was begotten but the Godhead of our Lord Jesus is not onely the Word begotten but the Father begetting and the blessed Spirit which in its person proceeds from the Father and the Son Thirdly the holy Spirit in its Godhead is not onely the third person in the Trinity but every person Joh. 4.24 The three persons in the Trinity are all one God which is a Spirit the spirit of man in man is not the person nor Godhead neither of the Spirit or our Lord Jesus The third Argument is this God is immutable eternall alsufficient and infinite but the spirit and life of man and all creatures is not so therefore is it not God First the spirit of man is not immutable or unchangeable he is not alwayes of one minde desiring imbracing loving and exalting of one thing but is flexable to day for one thing to morrow for another now for Christ and anon for Antichrist Can any man deny this which we know to be true by our daily experiences Secondly no man is eternall not so eternall as God is he is the Father of eternity Isa without beginning without end Revel the beginning and end of all things Thirdly no man is alsufficient for himself for any weighty spirituall imployment nor for any friend or creature to save or destroy to help him in a trouble or out of trouble many things yea all things without the strength and assistance of God is impossible to him to God all things are possible Lastly no man is infinite in power or wisdom glory or mercy man instead of being infinite is impotent impudent Fourthly whatsoever is God hath infinite and eternall communion with God but the life and Spirit of man and all creatures is not infinite and eternal in their communion with God therefore the life and spirit of all creatures is not God Fifthly whatsoever is the essence or Godhead is also the whole discovery and manifestation of the minde of God in Jesus Christ for God is his own discoverer but the spirit of man is not able to reveal the whole minde of God in Jesus Christ concerning all things Ergo the life of man is not God Sixthly whatsoever is God is without measure partakers of the divine hature of God for it is the Nature it self but all creatures without measure are not partakers of the Divine nature of God Ergo all the creatures are not God Now to prove the other truth concerning Jesus Christ in respect of his coming in the flesh it shall be when I shall come to handle such matter as that I shall have an opportunity to take it in in order Therefore I desire to go on in the prosecution of what is in hand it being a truth of a high concernment that we are
in grace nor nature that will or can uphold this for all Rivers that are swallowed up by the fulnesse of the Sea were before they were thus gathered one element together with it But all creatures are not of one and the same nature or divine spirituall substance together with God therefore it s impossible that ever all creatures should thus be gathered up in too and by being thus gathered should become one fulnesse with God If this were true then as some affirm every thing were the word of God and so the knowledge of every thing and of any thing whatsoever were the onely knowledge of the Word of God St. Paul saith 1 Cor. 2. that no man knoweth the things of a man but the spirit that is within him so no man knows the things of God but the Spirit of God It is impossible for that light that is belowe God to know that light which is God No man can know the light of the Sun by the light of a candle the light of Reason is but Moon or candle light it is too dark weak and waterish to discover the light of the Sun by it nothing belowe God can discover any thing of God but all creatures in all respects consider them as creatures are belowe God considering of God in reference to himself therefore all creatures cannot discover God nor thus be made one with him Again whatsoever is infinite to that nothing can be added but God was the same fulnes before the creature was that he is now the creature is therefore no creature nor all creatures can not be so gathered up in to God as to be made one fulnesse with God who is not nor cannot be no other now now all creatures are then he was eternally before any creature had a being Secondly if a carnall spirit could understand the minde of God in the Word then could it no longer continue to be a Christians center that that flows from Christ to that Christ must be a center But all Christianity flows from Christ therefore it must needs be centered in him Now if the written Word could be known in the letter and in the spirit by one who hath not the spirit then darknesse would be turned into light and light into darknesse the Word of God would then be not heavenly but earthly But as nothing can change the being of God into that which is not God Rom. 1. though many seek to do it So nothing can change the Word of truth into that that is not truth that is into a lie this the power of men and devils shall never accomplish If the Word of truth in the letter and in the spirit could be discerned by a lie then consider what a great losse all the people of God would then have and that for these Reasons First the Word of God is the foundation that a Christian hath or ever shall have to all eternity 1 Pet. 2.7 1 Cor. 3.11 Christ is a Christians foundation in these foure respects First the foundation of our election this the letter declares and as that declares it so we know it and are able to prove it Ephes 1.4 5 6. A Christian was chosen and beloved of God in Jesus Christ from eternity Christ is the Word Joh. 1. the Word bears up all things Hebr. 1. A Christians election is born up and kept from being abolished by the glorious person of our Lord and Saviour Secondly Jesus Christ is the foundation of our Redemption too 1 Pet. 2. Joh. 10.9.18 He was the Lambe slain from the foundation of the world and he is that person also consider of him in his Godhead that ordained and set apart himself to be a sacrifice and an atonement for the world Thirdly Christ is the foundation of a Christians conversion also Ephes 3.17 1 Cor. 8.6 Lastly Christ is the foundation of a Christians everlasting glory Rom. 8.34 Joh. 17. Perswade me if you can whosoever you are that would race and blot out the Gospel of Christ both in the letter and spirit that I have no other Father Redeemer Governor and Creator then that spirit which is within thee which thou didst receive in the wombe and then I shall beleeve this that you have said concerning the Scripture therefore to consider you as you in truth are the more you speak against the Word of God the more cause I have to beleeve it for the devil will never speak well of Christ unlesse it be for some devillish end or other Gal. 5.17 Thirdly no man ever would write such a word that is so much against him and altogether contrary to him as the two testimonies of our Lord Jesus are for then man would make a law against himself which is against all Law and Reason Who is the man that will accuse himself and betray himself to death through his own accusation man instead of making spirituall Laws is the onely breaker of them Rom. 2.13 and 3.10 11. Doth not our daily practises continually declare the truth of this unto us But some will object that I do all this while prove the Word to be true from it self which is a contrary thing and gives no satisfaction at all To this I answer That I do thus I acknowledge and that for this Reason Because I have no other way to prove the truth that it is true but by the truth No man can know the Sun that is the Sun but by the light thereof Secondly the testimonie of the Word is of it self a sufficient testimony for it self 1 Joh. 5. There are three that bear record in heaven the Father Word and Spirit and these three are one they are one God one Spirit one Truth and one Testimony The Lord saith that there is no other God besides me Isa 45.6 Now by the same rule men may say how shall we know thee to be the true God we have no witnesse or testimony but thy own I answer The record and testimony which God bears of himself is true and sufficient because he doth not onely say that he is God and so leave men there but he acts according to his Word sending forth an Almighty power causing men to acknowledge him to be in truth that he is and causing all creatures to discover and reveal his power and Godhead to the world A man may say that he is God as many do but they cannot prove what they say for their saying that they are so doth not cause them to be so unlesse they could come forth with an infinite Almighty power to act as God doth Thirdly Whatsoever is besides the Word in comparison of the Word is not a truth but a lie and then what is it besides the truth that can come in really to iustifie and bear record to the truth the testimony of the truth is a sufficient witnesse for it self because there is no other truth besides it The Word in the Spirit bears witnesse to the truth of the Word in the letter and
I should deal by a man that had often ventured his life to save mine and to requite his love I should adventure my life unjustly and without cause to take away his The life of a friend ought to be very dear unto me but the truth of God more dearer The Word of God is the life and glory of the Lord Jesus the cause of life in every Christian is the life that is in Jesus Christ because I live saith our Saviour ye shall live also then how grievous and lamentable a thing is it for a man that knows this life to crucifie and make a mock of it the secret thoughts and intents of all hearts are discerned and made manifest by the Word of God Matth. 12.25 Saint Paul saith that the whole Scripture is given by the inspiration of God 2 Tim. 3.16 this is expounded by St. Peter 2 Pet. 1.20 21. where he saith that no prophecie of Scripture is of any private interpretation that is it is not the writings of men consider them as men the Prophets and Apostles that writ the Scriptures did not write down their own private meditations for the prophecie came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit that is they spake by the inspiration of God by a Spirit that was infallible and could not lie Tit. 1.2 But some may say that though they were infallible in writing yet they were no more then you are for you say that you are infallible also Answ First so far as I cleave close to this truth and do not derogate in the least so far I am infallible Object But how do you know when you write such and such truths that you do not in the least measure adde to nor diminish from the Word of God Ans When I write from such as need no interpretation I am then infallible And that there are such Scriptures I prove 3 Job 16.17.27.31 Hebr. 2.14 1 Joh. 4.1 2 3 4. 1 Pet. 2.20 21 22. so on This is a truth that I write and an infallible one that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh it is Christ that is dead yea or rather that is risen again who fitteth at the right hand of God and maketh request for us Rom. 8. Another is that there is but one God but one eternity and not two Isa 64.4 Again that every man shall be raised up with his own body 1 Cor. 15.38 Matth. 25.32 to receive a reward according to his works Revel 22. That perfection of spirit and body cannot be obtained in this life Rom. 7. 1 Cor. 13.15 2 Tim. 4.7 8. with many others of the like nature Now when I write this and say that I am infallible it is not my word nor another particular infallable truth besides the Scripture but I write the same truth which was written by the inspiration of God I know that I write infallibly because I write the infallible truth and I know the infallible truth by the light of that Word that I write from both in the letter and in the Spirit I know there are many nice curious questions abroad which are not worth the answering because they do not tend to edifying for if a man as St. Paul saith 1 Tim. 1. would give heed to them they would be endlesse and to no purpose but to stir men up to contention and vain jangling Sixthly there is no book whatsoever that is so full of truth and so free from errour and contradiction within it self as this Word of God is although the eye of sence and reason cannot see it Joh. 17.17 1 Cor. 2.13 All the writings of men are subordinate to this and all the truth that is in all creatures did flow from this and is a dependance upon this Now I prove this by these arguments that that is a divine truth cannot contradict itself for then God would be divided and light would be at enmity with it self but the Scripture was written by a divine Spirit and so must needs be a spirituall truth and therefore free from all opposition and errour within it self Secondly that that by one Almighty power causeth all to be holy and spirituall that in it self must needs be so for it is impossible but that the stream should be according to the fountain and every effect according to its originall But the Word of God when it changeth the heart causeth all the parts of it so far as it works to be holy and spirituall therefore in it self it can be no other then according to its workings The Word of God is the originall cause and fountain of all holinesse Joh. 15.3 Ephes 1.13 Col. 1.5 Jam. 1.18 all that infinite holinesse and purity which are in and flow from men and Angels are but as so many streams flowing from this fountain A seventh reason to prove the truth and sufficiency of the Scriptures is this because no word hath inabled poore simple illiterate men to understand the minde of God and to suffer reproaches and persecutions in the defence thereof as this Word of God hath Ephes 6.17 Joh. 17.33 2 Cor. 6.7 He'r 11. whole Chapter The letter onely cannot do it the letter is no help to the Spirit for the Spirit is the same truth that is revealed in the letter and was before it and now is no more then it was for the letter doth not adde to the Spirit but is onely a relation which is absolutely usefull to man and without which nothing can be But the Word in the Spirit is the same truth which will remain when the letter shall be abolished Many times when men could not enjoy the Bible they have been enabled by the powerfull injoyment of the Word in the spirit to suffer in the defence of the Word Last of all they that do deny the Word yet notwithstanding do make the Scriptures to be the ground of all their Sermons and writings now if their Sermons and writings have any truth in them and they draw that truth from the Word then the word must be a truth also for it is as impossible for them to draw a truth from the Word if the Word were not the truth as it is for any man to draw a reall substance from that which is but a meer shadow The mad mans divinity is called the mystery of the History yet he will not acknowledge that to be a truth all his writing will sufficiently prove that there is little of the Word of God to be seen in it being nothing else but a compounded confusion of Logick Philosophy and Astrology altogether which in truth is no better then Familisticall Atheisme and although they father these confused heresies upon the Word yet the Word of God doth remain intirely pure in it self without mixture and so will continue for ever CHAP. VI. Proving the Coming Death Resurrection Ascension and Intersession of our Lord Jesus which is absolutely denyed by all the principall
confutation I desire to inform you of which are as so many spears thrust thorow the heart of Christ and a Christian the heart of Christ is the Spirit the heart of a Christian is Christ who is this Spirit The method that I shall use is this First I shall set down the errours laying them open and naked to thy view Secondly lay down the truth by which I desire to proceed against them T is true that one of them includes and contains them all and whatsoever else they can devise to write or say Yet for distinction understanding and profit I shall divide this one great mystery into many distinct severall mysterious Doctrines CHAP. II. Antichrist described and confuted in his first Errour which is that there is but one Spirit or life in all things both in heaven and earth and that is absolutely and essentially God and something concerning the coming of Christ in the flâ—sh I Shall lay open this Errour to you thus there is but one Spirit in the world that is there is but one spirit or life internall fire heat or motion in all things whatsoever without exception in God in good Angels as we call them in devils as we term them in all creatures and in all the sons and daughters of men The confutation I do not know any thing to the contrary but that there is and may be seemingly or for want of knowledge some difference amongst them but this I say that he that holds not closely and firmly to this one ground and principle cannot be an absolute able direct but must needs be a neutrall Familist The truth that I shall lay down is this that this expression thesis or doctrine is an erroneous Antichristian blasphemy whatsoever is erroneous is Antichristian whatsoever is Antichristian in this sence concerning the essence or being of God is blasphemy T is treason for any man but the King to say that he is the King t is treason rebellion and blasphemy against God for any man to say that that which is created and finite is the Infinite and Essentiall Godhead I shall prove that to be an undeniable truth which I have to say to you concerning this first Errour both by Scripture and Reasons making it clearly manifest that there are more spirits in the world then one and that the life and being of man and all creatures is not the life and being of God 1 Joh. 4.1 Dearly beloved beleeve not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God for many false prophets are gone out into the world Let us solidly and lovingly search out this mystery and see what this spirituall and divine truth will afford us you may plainly see that these words are an exhortation a conclusion and a. Reason all which he delivers with these two loving foregoing expressions Dearly beleved the exhortation lies in these words Beleeve not every spirit but try the spirits whether they be of God the Reason lies in these words For many false prophets are gone out into the world The conclusion is this that there are more spirits in the world then one And it lies in these words spirits and prophets speaking in the plurall number Then there is another implyed and that is this that every spirit is not of God ver 2. and 3. It is impossible that one spirit should act in such a way of opposition or contrariality as these two spirits do which the Apostle gives a description of The good Spirit which is of God is known by this action which is a reall confession and acknowledgement of the coming of Christ in the flesh The other spirit is known by another contrary work viz. to deny this Christ in his coming The last thing that I shall observe from these Scriptures is this What manner of Christ is this that the Apostle here speaks of is it a particular body a perfect man which God created and assumed in the wombe of that Virgin that was for this end ordained and set apart by God from eternity I mean that Virgin which was espoused or affianced to Joseph whose name was Mary or is it a universall Christ as Antichrist cals him that is the flesh and blood of the whole world to which this Scripture with many others is applyed 1 Tim. 3. last Without controversie great is the mystery of godlinesse viz God manifested in the flesh that is God manifest in the flesh of all men which flesh outward form body or orgine See the Bright Starr That it is chiefly remarkable to find Christ in his passion in us that he be considered and beheld as crucified in us pag. 205. li. 4 11. That if we deal with the passion of Christ in himself it must be imaginary but if we look upon it as it is in our selves it is not then to be imagined but beheld just such as we feel in our selver really p 211. l. 17.18 was created by one life good or God which is eternall and this good God or life eternall in creating this man did assume it and by assuming or uniting it to himself Godhead or essence doth make out a discovery and manifestation of himself to himself in and by all creatures whatsoever The first I acknowledge to be the truth and of Christ the second I prove to be false and of Antichrist one Scripture hath dependance upon another like a golden chain break one link and you break all deny one truth and you deny all Compare one spirituall truth with another and that is the onely way by the Spirit to finde out the spirituality of all truth These Scriptures that I am now treating or speaking of are sufficient witnesses to justifie or bear me out in all these inferences or conclusions that I have drawn from them But besides these I shall produce many others to confirm this truth which is so plain that the devil and Antichrist in all their appearances cannot deny I mean in such a manner so as to take away the essence and being of it out of the world I mean a new creation the heart of a true beleever The other Scriptures are these Luke 27.28 so onward to the 55. I pray you read this History in love to the Lord Jesus without any selfish by-respect either to your selves or to any person in this world if any will deny a particular crucified Jesus he must race and blot out all these with many other Scriptures concerning this Isa 7.14 Dan. 7.14.27 Micha 4.7 Isa 30.18 the 41.8 the 54.5 Jer. 31.3.20 Gen. 17.19 Psal 132.11 Luke 1. last Matth. 28.5 6. Joh. 20.19.25.29 1 Cor. 15.3 4 5 6 7 8. Isa 53.5 1 Pet. 2.24 Act. p. 4. Matth. 8.17 Jona 2.1 Matth. 11. from the first to the 6. Isa 61.1 Matth. 3.3 the whole Chapter Isa 40.3 The Lord is pleased to lay this truth upon a sure foundation in all which he doth confirm his word and promise and also discovereth his love and glory for the comfort and
writings and Doctrines of the Familists NOw comes in that matter which I left in its proper place I shall prove and discover this truth concerning a particular Jesus by these foure lights by the light of the Word of the Spirit of Reason and experience See thee Bright Starr where he hath this expression But now to untie this knot we are to transcend all Reason and flie to faith which seeing him man stands invincible that he is God without all fâ—rm image whatsoever and though Imagination iniect the form man yet faiâ—h disdaining all sence considers no form fastning her eye on God so that though an Idea of Iesus Christ crucified present it self to us yet the oceâ—n of faith drowns and annihilates the same pag. 188 and 189. now what manner of Christ and passion doth this acknowledge First by the Word and Spirit consider of the coming of Christ under a double notion his coming in the flesh his coming in the Spirit his coming in the flesh was to be with us and to suffer for us yet so as to be without us Matth. 20.28 Chap. 26.74 the 11.5 Isa 42.1 Joh. 2.24 25. Chap. 9.55 Revel 5.3 but his coming in the Spirit is not onely to be with us but to be within us too 1 Joh. 5.10 Joh. 17.23 Chap. 12.41 God laid our chastisements and griefs upon him 1 Pet. 2.24 Isa 53.5.9 God did this out of love to Christ and to the world neither Jesus Christ nor a Christian should ever have been so exalted and glorified in such a measure and manner as they are had not Christ suffered in the flesh Phil. 2.9 Rom. 3.9.29 Jesus Christ did lay down and nail to his Crosse all that glory which he had in the flesh and under the Law together with all the glory which he formerly in the time of the Law in all his appearances gave to the Fathers and then raised up the same again in a greater brighter livelier manner then ever it was in the world before 2 Cor. 3.7 8. That that was the greatest glory of God in Sion before Christ is now by his coming and dying turned into the greatest obscuritie and darknesse as God did by Lazarus in taking away his life that it might be restored again to him which thing should be a wonder and a miracle to all that should hear it God took away the life of Christ and all the glory that did depend thereon that so in an unknown miraculous way he might give a better and a higher degree of life and glory both to him and to all his to the admiration of all things both in heaven and earth then ever they had before Ephes 2.15 16 17 18. Col. 2.14 15. Rom. 9.4 Chap. 2.17.28 Secondly to prove it by the light of Reason and experience if Christ be not dead yea or rather is risen again Rom. 8.34 I say if he have not died for sin then shall we never die to sin but be for ever dead towards God and our Lord Jesus Rom. 6.1 2 3 4. Secondly if there be no death of Christ then there cannot be any resurrection of life either to himself or to any creature Joh. 11.43 The sixth Errour I will now take in viz. that there is no resurrection nor last judgement for the world Thirdly if there be no death no life or resurrection at all then is there no God at all there is none of these but in this way he that denyes one denyes all he that denyes the Son who is begotten denyes the Father who doth beget 1 Joh. 1.1 and 2.22 23. Whosoever denieth the Son the same hath not the Father for the Son in reference to his essence or Godhead is the Father Chap. 5.1.20.21 Fourthly See the Bright Starr It may be truly said that this book and passion is no other but the gate of heaven and the house of God and though in this passion he made darknesse his pavilion neverthelesse as his darknesse so also his light pag 185. li 9 soon Christ crucified at Ierusalem is imaginarâ— but in man in one that is deified there he may be seen really crucified this is notable iugling he that denies Christ and hath no other way to acknowledge God by that Reason that is flatly contrary to his very nature and being these are two direct contraries which cannot be reconciled by all the humane wisdom and policie in this world For if there be no other God nor no other nature essence and Divine motion then according to their description then by the same rule I 'le prove that there is no God at all Again Fifthly if all this were true then there cannot be any sin in the world and if no sin then no need of a Saviour for God did never make a breach in himself nor ever was at enmity with himself neither is it possible that he ever should be capable of Redemption Sixthly if this were true then is all preaching vain and faith is also vain and we are yet in our sins and all they that are asleep in Christ are perished 1 Cor. 15.17 18. Seventhly if this were true then of all men religions and opinions in the world we who have no other life and glory no other God or salvation but what our hope reaches forth unto we should of all men be the most miserable ver 19. But here is our comfort and everlasting joy ver 20. that since by man came death by man came also the resurrection of the dead Some men would perswade us that bread is stones and stones bread and why but because they conceit it to be so but if they had no other bread or meat then stones to eat for a moneth together I beleeve they would be of another minde and would find as well in the things of God as men that a conceit or imagination doth not alter the nature or being of any thing but because it is what it is in it self really therefore it ought to be so known and apprehended of all men Eightly if there be no resurrection nor last judgement for the world let us eat and drink for to morrow we shall die this doore is wide enough to let in all whorish filthinesse and prophanenesse all sins of all sorts and degrees whatsoever it s no matter how men live what they say or do or how they die there is no account to be given for any thing if you should conceit that all the goods that I have or any other man to be thine by this reckoning it were so so by that means we should be starved unlesse thou wouldst have mercy on us if this be love the Lord Jesus keep me and all his from being of such a Familie We blesse God for the Civill Magistrate and the Law without which we know not what this world would come to the Lord prosper these who are and have been the makers of it according to the truth as it is in Jesus The resurrection of Christ and of