That there should arise false Christs and false Prophets and should shew Signs and Wonders if it were possible to deceive the very Elect Mat. 24. 24 which doth signifie that the Antichrists and false Prophets should come into the World after his Prophecy which are already come since that time They should pretend to be Christs and should shew Signs and should deceive many with the Profession of Christ and Signs of Godliness and they should have upon them and be covered with Sheep's-Clothing that is with the Saints words and practices in outward appearance but inwardly that is in their own proper Nature Fruits and Works should be ravening Wolves that is Destroyers of the Flock Mat. 7. 15. and the Antichrists which Iohn speaks 1 Iohn 2. 19. they were such as went from the Saints that were in the Power of Godliness they went out of the true Church and carried with them the Form of Righteousness and Truth and the Profession of Christianity but without the Power and had lost it and were departed from the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of Antichrist had possessed them and now led them and ruled them and they were Antichrists to wit against him and contrary to him And these were the false Prophets and Deceivers that went out into the World and deceived it and led many aside into Error and many followed their pernitious and hurtful wayes as Peter saith 2 Pet. 2. 2 3. And Paul speaks of such as had the Form of Godliness but denyed the Power and in Words professed God but in Works denyed him Such were the Antichrists and Deceivers in the Apostles dayes and such they are this day in the World whereby it is manifest that Antichrist often appears in the World as a Saint as a Righteous one and the many Antichrists they have gotten the Form and Appearance of Church Ministry Worship and Ordinances and thus they appear deceiving the World and them that dwell therein with the Appearance and Vain-shew of Faith Worship and Religion without the Power of Godliness for unto that Antichrist is an Enemy even a Destroyer a Persecutor and Gainsayer of Christ and his Works and the Power of Godliness and true Faith brought forth by the Spirit of Christ though to deceive the World he can transform himself into and appear as an Angel of Light 6. Again So Deceivable and Mysterious is and hath the Appearance and Working of Antichrist been in the World that he hath not alwayes dwelt in one kind of Form and Profession of Religion and Righteousness but he hath dwelt in many Appearances and removed out of one false Form into another according to his Oportunity and Advantage whereby he could deceive and sometimes dwelling in one Form with pretence of Zeal and performance of Duty to God he hath envyed Persecuted and destroyed many others in other Wayes of Profession more Zealous Upright and Sincere to God than themselves have been in the other Form and by the colour of Zeal and Performance of Duty hath Antichrist clothed himself in his Envies Persecutions and Murders of others as if he did not persecute nor impose upon the Conscience of any nor exercise that Rigour or Justice as he hath named his Proceedings though never so Cruel and Unjust towards any upon any terms or account of Wrath Bitterness Envy or Cruelty but Zeal Duty and Love to Religion and to entinguish Heresie c. This hath been the Pretence and Cloak of Antichrist in his cruel and hard Dealing with many men that have differed in Principle and Practice of Religion he hath often shewed himself in his present Form of Godliness so zealous and dutiful for the truth of his Way though never so Idolatrous against all that have opposed it and gainsayed his Form and Vain Shew that he hath killed slain and exercised Cruelty towards all that have been contrary or different-minded and though this hath been brought forth by Antichrist as he is the Devil in himself and in down-right Envy Malice Persecution and Wickedness yet it hath been acted and effected under the Cloak of Zeal Duty and Sincerity and out of Pretence of Love to Christ and his Church and out of Pretence of Hatred against the contrary Thus hath Antichrist though the Devil that Wicked One as he is in himself in his own Nature Kind and proper Sphear appeared in the World as a Zealous Church-Member as a Saint as a Promoter of Righteousness and a Destroyer of the contrary With these false Covers hath Antichrist been cloathed and hidden from men and appeared to be in his Works and Transactions as a Good Man as a Lover of God and Hater of Iniquity while in the mean time he hath been deceiving Men and destroying the Innocent and leading the World to perpetual Misery and Destruction 7. Again So Deceivable hath the spirit of Antichrist been in the World that he hath alwayes put the Name of Christ and the Name of his Church and the Pretence of Duty to God and the Name of Gospel Doctrine Ordinances Ministry and Worship upon whatsoever False Way Feigned Worship and Deceitful Profession that he hath gone about to set up and promote in the World among men I say Upon the Worst and most Idolatrous Wayes of Superstition and the most false Feigned Formal Worship that ever hath been in the World Antichrist hath put the Name of Christ his Church and Worship upon them and Imposed and forced the Belief and Practice of much false Worship false Doctrine and formal Wayes under the Name and Title of the true Christ his Doctrine and Worship and upon Pains and Penalties hath enjoyned and commanded the Belief and Practice of such things not as if they were of Antichrist Superstitious Evil False or Feigned but as if they were of Christ altogether and must be believed and practiced as by his Name and under his Authority Thus hath been the working of the Mystery of Iniquity of that Man of Sin the Antichrist all the Evil Wayes he hath conceived and brought forth in the World all the Idolatrous Worship and false Faith and Doctrine and all the Cruelties Murders and Unjust Dealing to the very destroying of the Saints and all the Unrighteousness and Deceivableness exercised by Antichrist in the World hath put all this on the Name of Christ and pretended Christ for it as if it were indeed and in Truth of him and from him when indeed and in Truth it hath been contrary to the true Christ and tended to kill and destroy him Thus hath Antichrist the Devil been cloaked with false Covers and deceitful Pretences in his working among men that wicked spirit hath falsly called the greatest of Pride and Ambition Decency and true Honour Covetousness and Deceitful Dealing hath he stiled Good Husbandry and Prudent-Walking and the most Cruel and Unjust Iudgment the Oppression of the Poor and the Grinding of the Face of the Innocent hath that spirit falsly titled Equal Proceedings Iustice and according to Law
are not changed in your Hearts but the old Nature is alive and the old Birth lives in you and ye are unlike unto God in Nature ye walk in the â—iesh and not in the Spirit and ye take Christ's words and the Apostles words and use your Tongues when God never spoke to you O ye Hypocrites ye have a Name to live but are dead and ye think ye are rich wâ—… as you are Poor Miserable Blind and Naked and your souls are leâ—â— and want the Bread of Life and ye have not put off the body of sin nor have you overcome your souls Enemiâ—â— but the burden of sin lies upon your â—onsciences and Temptations overcome you daily and though you say ye have Faith in Christ yet your Hearts are not purified but the old Man with his Deeds is yet alive and the new Creature is not brought forth in you nor is Christ living in you and speaking in you the Day of the Lord will come upon you you false-hearted men ye Apostate Christians that â—old the Profession of Truth and Church and Gospel and Ministry in your â—â—righteous Minds your Sacrifices are not acceptable to God nor your Offerings well-pleasing to him for your Hearts are not aright bâ—fore him and your Hypocrisie will God judge and his Wrath will go out like â—ire to consâ—me your glory and God will cloath himself with Zeal as with a Cloak and with a Garment of Vengeance and he will slay you with his Sword and wound your Consciences with the Words of his Mouth and your Religion will not sâ—ve you â—or your Garment cover you from the Wrath of the Almighty Wo unto you the mighty Day of the Lord is at hand upon you ye earthly Professors who would be Heirs of two Kingdoms who would enjoy God and this World too and love its Vanities and Profits and Pleasures and Honours and live in Strife and Contention one with another aboâ—t â—â—â—thly things and about your Religion too and are not of one Heart and Miâ—â— and Soul but are Strangers to the new Covenant of God though you hear Sermons and say a Form of Prayer and keep Sabbaths and Lecture-dayes and perform Ordinances and Duties and yet your Hearts are hard and the body of Sin and Death liâ—â— upon your Consciences and you are not changed into the Divine Nature this Reliâ—â—â—â— will not save you away with it all it s of Antichrist and his spirit leads you while you walk in the Form of godliness without the Power the Lord will come upon you suddenly therefore repent ye of your Hypocrisies and turn to the Spirit of God within you hear its Reproofs and obey it and walk in the Spirit and be ye changed or else you can never be saved Wo Wo unto all ye false Teachers and blind Leaders of the People ye Diviners and false Prophets the Day of the Lord is at hand upon you ye have deceived souls for dishonest Gain ye have run and never were sent of God and ye have not profited the People at all and ye have taken the Name upon you of Ministers of Christ when he never sent you forth and you have kept a prating and preaching up and down and run for Gifts and Reward and Hire ye have deceived the World and the Blood of Souls rests upon you O ye Generation of Serpents Poyson hath lodged under your Tongues your Hearâ—â—s have been rotten and your Tongues feigned and full of Flattery and you have been as Canker-worms in the Earth that have corrupted the whole World whom have not ye deceived by your Lyes and false Divinations Whom have not you cryed Peace unto if they would but give you Gifts Money and Hire What Form of Religion would not you take up for advantage to your selves how often have you turned from one Way to another Oh ye false-hearted men the God of Heaven will shew you no Mercy ye are the men that have made the Earth drunk with false Faith and false Doctrines and with Contention and Dissention sometime preaching up one Government sometime another and sometime being for one way of Worship and sometime for another Treachery hath lodged in your Hearts above all others ye have eaten up the sin of the People and cryed Peace unto the Ungodly Wo unto ye that have gone in Cain's way that have bred Contention Persecution Strife and Emulation amongst People and that have gone in Balaam's way for Gifts and Rewards and would do any great man a Pleasure and even curse the People for Money ye have been such as all the holy Prophets cryed against your Fruits and Works declare it ye have sought for your Gain from your Quarter and could never have enough such as Isaiah cryed against Chap. 56. and such as Micah cryed against Micah 3. That preached for Hire and divined for Money and leaned upon the Lord and cryed Peace to them that would give Money and prepared War against them that would not and these things have you done some of ye Teachers and Priests and ye have been blind Watch-men and ye have been idle and lazy Shepherds such as Ezekiel cryed against Chap. 34. that ruled over People with Force and Cruelty and killed them that were fed and did not heal the Diseased nor strengthen the Weak but pusht with the Horn at such as went astray from you and idle and lazy Shepherds have you been who have not fed the Flock with living Food but you have caused them to drink of the foul Waters and theiâ— Souls are lean and barren under your preaching Oh look into your Flocks and see what Fruit is brought forth by them and what may be gathered from them Oh the abundance of Pride and Wickedness of Ambition and Vain-glory and Covetousness and the love of this World Lying and Double-dealing and all the Fruits of the Flesh How do they abound amongst the Flocks of your Fold who are in their fruits and by their works not the Sheep of Christ's Pasture but are like Goats and Wolves under your teachings can ye behold this and consider of it and not be ashamed of the fruit of your Wayes What have ye brought forth these many years Or what profit have the People received from you who are yet in their sins unturned from them and not converted to God whereby it appears you have run and never were sent because the People are not profited at all and it grieves the Heart of the Righteous to look into your Vine-yards and to sâ—â— such bad fruit growing you have been sloathful Tillers and have not sown the good Seed in the Hearts of the People but the seed of corruption brings forth fruit in them and your Vine-yards are like barren and untilled Ground that is unplowed and undigged and unplanted with Trees of Righteousness Oh ye have been unprofitable Vineyard-Dressers and ye have laboured for your selves and not for the Lord as is manifest and ye have been idle and lazy and the God of
but it was not according to True Knowledge And thus the Iews were zealously performing that as their Duty and as out of a Good Conscience which the Lord required not at their hands and so they made Conscience to do that which the Lord required not and their Consciences were mis-led and not righly informed and as it was amongst the Iews in this case in the dayes of old so now is it amongst the Christians in the Apostacy their Consciences being mis-guided by a false spirit they are doing and performing the things in great Zeal and for the exercise of their Consciences which the Lord doth not require of them Thus do the Papists they do and practise the things in great Zeal and through a false Fear in their blind Consciences which things are in themselves Idolatry and not commanded nor required of the Lord as in many particulars I might shew even in many parts of their Worship and Religion which out of a Fear and blind Zeal and mis-guided Conscience they practise which is in it self but Idolatry and not required nor accepted of the Lord. And many things in relation to the Protestants Worship and amongst all the several false Sects upon Earth which are done and practised in great Zeal and out of a false Fear and as in pretence of a good Conscience and yet are things in themselves Idolatrous as done and practised by them And this comes to passe as I have said because the Conscience is mis-informed and a false spirit guides and rules in the exercise of Conscience and the understanding of the People is blinded and they know not but they do well though their minds are captivated and their minds and judgments in error and though there be a sincerity to God-wards and a desire of Him in the bottom among some People of all Forms and Sects and some of all are zealous towards God in their practices in their Religion and Worship yet among all People and the Churches that have been for many Generations there hath been great Error in Judgment and much blindness in mind and the Conscience falsly exercised towards God and the Superscription hath been To the Unknown God and He hath been ignorantly worshipped and the Spirit of the Lord hath not truly exercised Peoples Consciences nor guided their Zeal nor been Ruler in the Judgment And by this means the sincerity and humility towards God hath been eaten out and always quenched and the bare practice of things and profession of Religion in the outward appearance hath been more lookt at than the presence of God felt in the Practices and the Zeal hath been more for the performance of such things than for God purely enjoyed through them And thus it hath been through Christendom in the Apostacy since the dayes of the Apostles and true Churches Many have erred in their Judgments and the Zeal for God hath proceeded out of the error of Iudgments and out of mis-information of Conscience some other things than only the Spirit of God hath ruled in the Iudgment and been the exercise of Peoples Consciences And this is a hint of things about true Liberty of Conscience and about the Error in Iudgment and the blind Zeal in captivated sincerity Now it may be objected What is the only absolute Rule of the right Exercise of Conscience and when are Mens Consciences truly guided To this I answer The only chief and perfect Rule of the right Exercise of Conscience both to God and all men is The Spirit of Christ for it is only that which can truly guide the Conscience in Faith Doctrine and Worship and in all things towards God even the Spirit of Christ which is the gift of the Father it only leadeth into all Truth as it is written and all whose Consciences are guided and exercised by it are in unity and Peace in their Worship Doctrine and Religion for the Spirit of Christ is but one in it self and guideth the Conscience into the exercise of one Truth and Faith and in this same Spirit is true â—nion and Communion of SAINTS in Religion and Worship and this is manifest through the Scriptures for the Apostle exhorted To walk in the Spirit and by it and as many as walked by the Rule of the Spirit Peace be upon them and it is the Spirit of Christ the Everlasting Comforter that teacheth all Truth and the Holy Anointing of the Spirit that dwelt in the Saints taught them all things and they need no man to teach them but as the Anointing that dwelt in them And then are mens Consciences truly guided in all the Ways of Righteousness when the Spirit of God guides the Conscience and is the Rule of all Faith Doctrine and Practices So that Traditions of Men Prescriptions of Councils Antiquity of Time Commandments of Men nor Example of others without the Spirit of Christ cannot be the only true Rule of the Exercise of Conscience for all these things are changeable alterable and subject to variations and therefore cannot infallibly guide the Conscience in the Duty towards God nor rightly exercise the Conscience in Unity and Peace but while a Nation or Kingdom or People walk by the Rule of Traditions Prescriptions Commandments of Men Example of others or the like they err in Judgment in Faith Doctrine and Worship and are all divided in Contention about these matters because their Rule of Conscience and Judgment is doubtful and alterable and not infallible and therefore they have no perfect assurance of Gods acceptation to them in their Faith and Religion nor perfect Peace and Unity in their Faith and Worship But as the Rule of their Consciences in their Duty towards God is divers some make one thing and some another their Rule so are they divers and divided in what they hold profess and practice and are but of great Babylon in their Religion And because that something besides the Spirit of God exercises the Conscience therefore it is that here are so many Wayes and Sects of Religigion and kinds of Worship in Christendom and amongst Christians while the Spirit of Christ only is not the Rule of Iudgement and Exercise of Conscience to God and Man for the only perfect Rule of Conscience in the Exercise to God is the Spirit of Christ and not any other thing And now Whosoever shall persecute the Exercise of Conscience when guided by the Spirit of Christ such persecute Christ Jesus And this is Persecution for the Name of Christ when Sufferings are inflicted as Reproaches Imprisonment or whatsoever for the Exercise of Conscience towards God by his Spirit but and if any are persecuted for Religion-sake only so if that in such their Exercise of Religion they are not guided by the Spirit of Christ yet that suffering is a kind of Persecution also if I say the Suffering be only for and because of their Religions-sake and they walk Justly and Righteously as men so that as is signified about the middle of this Chapter
proceedings have been in the Enmity and Ignorance and not in the Power and Life of Jesus whereby it hath come to pass that many men hath been destroyed for the cause of which they have been more innocent then they that have destroyed them And thus by false Judgment and cruel proceedings in the matter of Heresie and Error many have been destroyed unjustly and the World filled with Enmity about difference in Religious matters and with Murders and Cruelties upon the false Judgments of men about Heresie and this is weighty to be truly considered a Case to be lamented and grieved for by the Righteous Oh! what strife in the Christian World hath been for Ages on this occasion each sort of People exclaiming against and persecuting others as Hereticks and seditious persons onely for difference in Judgment in Spiritual Cases and each particular person almost raging with fury and intending his Neighbours destruction and onely for being contrary-minded in point of Doctrine and Worship Oh! the view of these things and woful effects produced in the World for Ages in these occasions makes my heart grieve because of the destructions of men yea of the destruction of many upon wrongful judgments and proceedings on these occasions I am troubled I am troubled and ever since I have known the Right hand from the Left in God's matters my Soul often in the deep search of these things hath cryed out How woful are they And when shall it once be that these things shall be no more in the World but that every man may sit at rest and quiet with his God in the Way Faith and Practises of Righteousness as his heart is perswaded of and not be tossed with false Judgments cruel Afflictions and hard dealing because of his Judgment and Conscience in the belief and Knowledge of Heavenly Matters Thus hath my Spirit been framed with zeal against these things this imposing of Religion by force these procedings of killing and destroying men upon the account of Heresie these things my soul hath loathed and I am weary of them and my zeal is kindled against them Oh I when will the Rulers of this World learn Wisdom and forsake false Judgment and Oppression And when will it be that they will onely rule and judge for the Lord in their state and compass of Worldly affairs between man and man in the matters of outward wrongs and injuries And when will they leave it to the Lord to be Judge King and Ruler only in all the Cases of his spiritual Kingdom Then should it be happy and blessed unto men unto Kings and their Subjects to Rulers and their People and to all sorts of Persons if Judgment were onely ascribed unto God that he only might judge and determine of these Cases and punish men according to the desert of their Offences of Error then should it be well with them But in the mean time whilst men are judged and supposed to be Herericks and thereupon sentenced to Death Banishment or corporal Punishment for their supposed Errors sake in matters of Iudgment and Conscience Tribulation Misery Distractions and wofull Consequence will follow upon that work to Kings Rulers and People in every Nation and Countrey and no Peace true Comfort nor Happiness shall be in the midst of men And this is the Judgment of the Spirit of God in him who hath obtained favour from God to receive Knowledge and Understanding in these matters He that can receive this let him CHAP. III. Concerning Antichrist and his Mystery of Deceiveableness What he is in himself and how he appears in the World what his Works are and What his Government is and where it is and who are the Subjects of his Kingdom 1. THese things are great Mysteries and though in the World they are very much abounding and extant throughout all Nations yet for the most part unknown unto the World and not discovered among the sons of men but secretly hidden and veiled under false covers and in much deceivableness dwelling and working upon Earth in the deep Mysteries of Iniquity to the deceiving of multitudes of People who are indeed of Antichrist among whom he dwells appears rules reigns and hath his Authority and Government and yet they know it not nor do they discern him in his Wayes and Works though they are under his Power and subjects of his Kingdom such indeed is the Mystery of Antichrist his hidden false covered pathes in which he works and walks amongst the Sons of men in the World that he easily beguiles and betrays men and deceiveth them unto perdition while yet they know not that they are beguiled and deceived but think they are altogether well and do well and are in the way of Salvation being led of that wicked one and blinded by him and are bewitched into the false faith and deceivable pretence of goodness righteousness holiness and sanctity as if they were indeed Members of the true Church and Saints of the Most High and had a right to Eternal Life and were the very Sons and Servants of the Almighty wher indeed and in Truth they are yet in the estate of Enmity against God in the Degeneration and Bondage of Corruption unconverted and unsanctified and Sinners and Ungodly the very Children of the Devil and Servants of unrighteousness and have no assurance nor right unto the Kingdom of God to rest in his Peace and Glory Such I say is the working of Antichrist that he appears to be in the World contrary to what he truly is in his own beeing and nature and deceives men and People into the apprehensions and conceits of what they are not even contrary to what they are in their present State and Standing even so deep and Mysterious is Antichrist in himself and in his working among the Children of men 2. That there is such a Man or Spirit in the World as Antichrist this is not doubtfull but confessed by all and proved by the Scriptures for the Apostle wrot to the Church They had heard that Antichrist should come and even now saith he are there many Antichrists come into the World 1 John 2. 18. and also 2 John verse 7. saith he For many Deceivers are entred into the World and this is a Deceiver and an Antichrist c. and 2 Thes. 2. the Apostle speaks of the Man of Sin and of the Son of Perdition that should be revealed in the World and should exalt himself above all that is called God These with many other Scriptures do prove that there is such a thing in the World already come into the World and now dwelling and walking in the World as Antichrist Man of Sin and Son of Perdition and as I said 't is confessed by all that there is an Antichrist such a Man or Spirit now extant in the World though there are great Debates and Contentions amongst many called Christians what this Antichrist is and who he is some holding one thing and some another about him and also
how generally we were men of the strictest Sect and of the greatest Zeal in the Performance of outward righteousness and went through and tried all sorts of Teachers and run from Mountain to Mountain and from man to man and from one Form to another as do many to this very day who yet remain ungathered to the Lord and such we were to say no more of us that sought the Lord and desired the knowledge of his Wayes more then any thing beside and for one I may speak who from a Child even a few years old he set his face to seek and find the Saviour and more then Life and Treasure or any mortal Crown sought after with all his heart the one thing that is needful to wit the Knowledge of God And after our long seeking the Lord appeared to us and revealed his glory in us and gave us of his Spirit from Heaven and poured it upon us and gave us of his Wisdom to guide us whereby we saw all the World and the true state of all things the true condition of the Church in her present estate first the Lord brought us by his Power Wisdom and the Word by which all things were made to know and understand and see perfectly that God had given to us every one of us in particular a Light from himself shining in our hearts and consciences which Light Christ his Son the Saviour of the World had lighted every man and all Mankind withal which Light in us we found sufficient to reprove us convince us of every evil deed word and thought and by it in us we come to know good from evil right from wrong and whatsoever is of God and according to him from what is of the Devil and what is contrary to God in motion word and work and this Light gave us to discern between truth and error between every false and right way and it perfectly discovered to us the true state of all things and we thereby came to know man what he was in his creation before transgression and how he was deceived and overcome by the Devil and his estate in transgression and in disobedience and how he is drove and banished from the presence of the Lord and the sorrow and anguish which he is in and to undergo and also by the Light in us we perfectly came to know the way of Restauration and the means to be restored and the state of man being come out of Transgression and restored these things to us were revealed by the Light within us which Christ had given us and lightened us withal what man was before Transgression and what he is in Transgression and what he is being redeemed out of Transgression and also the Light which shineth in every one of us as to it our minds became turned and our hearts inclined the perfect Estate of the Church we came to know her Estate before the Apostles days and in the Apostles dayes and since the dayes of the Apostles and her present Estate we found to be as a Woman who had once been cloathed with the Sun and the Moon under her feet who brought forth him that was to rule the Nations but she was fled into the Wilderness and there sitting desolate in her place that was prepared of God for such a season which season in the very end thereof when the time of her sojourning was towards a full end then were we brought forth if any have an Ear they may hear so that all these things concerning man and concerning the times and seasons and the changing and renewing of times and all things that pertain to Salvation and Redemption and Eternal Life needfull for man to know all this was revealed discovered and made known to us by the Light which was in us which Christ had lighted us withal And we found this Light to be a sufficient Teacher to lead us to Christ from whence this Light came and thereby it gave us to receive Christ and to witness him to dwell in us and through it the new Covenant we came to enter into to be made Heirs of Life and Salvation and in all things we found the Light which we were enlightened withal and all Mankind which is Christ to be alone and only sufficient to bring to Life and eternal Salvation and that all who did own the Light in them which Christ hath enlightened every man withal they needed no man to teach them but the Lord was their Teacher by his Light in their own Consciences and they received the holy Anointing And so we ceased from the teachings of all men and their words and their Worships and their Temples and all their Baptisms and Churches and we ceased from our own Words and Professions and Practises in Religion in times before zealously performed by us through divers Forms and we become Fools for Christ's sake that we might become truely wise and by this Light of Christ in us were we led out of all false Wayes and false Preachings and false Ministers and we met together often and waited upon the Lord in pure Silence from our own words and all mens words and hearkned to the Voice of the Lord and felt his Word in our hearts to burn up and beat down all that was contrary to God and we obeyed the Light of Christ in us and followed the Motions of the Lords pure Spirit and took up the Cross to all Earthly Glories Crowns and Ways and denied our selves our Relations and all that stood in the way betwixt us and the Lord and we chose to suffer with and for the Name of Christ rather then all the pleasures upon Earth or all our former zealous Professions and Practices in Religion without the Power and Spirit of God which the World yet lives in And while waiting upon the Lord in Silence as often we did for many Hours together with our minds and hearts towards him being stayed in the Light of Christ within us from all thoughts fleshly Motions and desires in our diligent waiting and fear of his Name and hearkning to his Word we re-received often the pouring down of the Spirit upon us and the Gift of God's holy eternal Spirit as in the dayes of old and our heart were made glad and our Tongues loosed and our Mouthes opened and we spake with new Tongues as the Lord gave us utterance and as his Spirit led us which was poured down upon us on Sons and Daughters and to us hereby was the deep things of God revealed and things unutterable were known and made manifest and the Glory of the Father was revealed and then begun we to sing Praises to the Lord God Almighty and to the Lamb for ever who had redeemed us to God and brought us out of the Captivity and Bondage of the World and put an end to Sin and Death and all this was by and through and in the Light of Christ within us and much more might be declared hereof that which
our way to the promised Land which belongs to the Saints in Light we would eat our own Bread and Drink our Water and what we needed and keep our Consciences clear in our Generation we must to that which God hath promised and if we cannot have away God will make one for us and that you that set your selves against the Lord in the end shall be sure to know and feel though we shall never lift up carnal Weapon nor draw Sword neither use Bow nor Spear for God hath taught us to love our Enemies and out of these things we are come and to the end of Wars and to be for it yet God's purpose shall be fulfilled and he hath wayes enough to plead the cause of his people and he will do it and wo to all their Enemies And do you cry out of Popery because of cruelty and persecution And will you be found in the same Foot-steps and in the same nature Oh! let it never be said nor thought that ever the Church of God or true Christians did Drink the Blood of the Saints or cast them into prison for that is Babylon the Mother of Harlots that doth so Therefore be informed and warned set not Bryars and Thorns in Battel against the Lord neither stubble before devouring Fire for if you do a Consumption will come upon you and your Name and Memorial shall rot dye wither and melt away as Snailes and Glory shall rest with and upon the Heads of the Sufferers of Christ for ever Reading the 22. of the 12. Moneth 1662. By one who hath chosen rather to Suffer with the People of God called Quakers then to enjoy the Pleasures of Sin for a season or to be reckoned as a Prince amongst the Uncircumcised Francis Howgil GEORGE WHITEHEAD HIS TESTIMONY AND ACCOUNT Concerning Edward Burroughs ANd as for E. B. our dear Brother and Companion in Travel Suffering and Consolation for the Everlasting Gospel's sake in his day his Testimony lives with us He was a Preacher of Righteousness and one who travelled for the Redemption of the Creature from under the Bondage of Corruption and proclaimed Liberty to the Captives in the Power and Authority of God and therein was a true Witness against Oppression and all the Antichristian Yokes imposed in the Night of Apostacy upon the Persons and Consciences of People and truly and valiantly he held sorth the Liberty of Conscience and vindicated it to the great men of the Earth in things appertaining to God in matters of Religion and Worship against the persecution and compulsion which had its Original and Rise from the Power of the Beast which hath made War against the righteous Seed that men might be left free to the guidance of the infallible Spirit of God which is not to be limitted in these matters and not be compelled nor brought under the corrupt wills of men nor their failible judgements nor invented Forms in these cases And the Name of this Minister of Righteousness is written in the Lambs Book of Life and all the Enemies of his Life can never be able to blot it out nor extinguish his Memorial Oh! the remembrance of his integrity uprightness and sincerity hath deep impression upon my heart and that tender love and affection in God's Truth which he was filled with towards all the upright who are lovers of peace and unity in the Lord is never to be forgotten by us who are yet remaining in the Work of the Lord and the Everlasting Gospel for which he hath left a glorious Testimony the glory of which shall never be extinguished but thousands shall praise the Lord our God because thereof yea even the Seed that 's yet in the lower parts of the Earth where darkness covers it and the child that 's yet unborn in many that 's curiously framed in the Mothers Womb whose Members are written in the Book of God shall glorifie the Lord on his behalf And this Testimony many have already concerning him that though his Body is dead his Spirit liveth in the immortallity of that Life that is immutable and shall never die not wax old and is felt among the Righteous who walk in their integrety and constancy to the Lord. And this faithfull Servant of the Lord and valiant Souldier of the Lamb as in his day was evidently apparent as to live to him was Christ and to die was Gain And though in his time many were the Sâ—fferings and Afflictions which his life went under and his upright spirit suffered by both from his open Enemies and Persecutors in the World because of the valour and courage for the Truth of God and from deceitfull and transforming exalted spirits which burthen the holy Seed but now his Life is caught up above them all and is out of their reach in the transcendent and unspeakable Glory in the Everlasting Habitation and Firmament of God's Power where he hath shined and doth shine among the Stars that have kept their Habitations as one that hath turned many to Righteousness and that hath overcome by the Blood of the Lamb and the Word of his Testimony with those holy Prophets and Martyrs who rejoyce over Babylon and her Abominations in whom their blood is found and against whom he was a faithfull Witness and valiant Warrier whose living and absolute Testimony therein God hath blessed made prosperous and will fulfil to the uttermost And though he be ceased from his Labours his Works do follow him which will be had in living remembrance and precious esteem among the Upright when his Persecutors shall be broken and laid low in the desolation and ruin of Babylon and all that continue in Enmity and Deceit and all the deceitfull spirits that have burdened his righteous Soul shall fall and their blossom wither and come to nought And if any of his Persecutors or Oppressors be yet so impenitent and obdurate as to triumph and be elevated in an exalted or prejudiced spirit because of his death and in their exaltation and pride of heart say He was taken away in Judgment or in Wrath. To such in Gods Fear I answer That thousands of the Servants of the Lord are of another perswasion not questioning but it was in God's tender Love as to his own particular that he was removed out of the Earthen Vessel in which he though a man as in the prime of his years endured great Travels in his time for the Truth 's sake and the gathering of many into the Way of the Lord and in which his Travel was the greater when the time of his dissolution drew near to be dissolved because of his Sufferings and the extremity of his Sickness occasioned thereby which many others were pertakers of who suffered Persecution and Imprisonment by unreasonable men in this City of London for the Cause of God and a good Conscience as chiefly for their meeting together singly in the Worship of God But this I testifie in the Lord as in him I have felt that
you filled with confusions and thus it is justly come to pass upon you because of your transgressions Again you say In the sâ—â— neglect and wâ—â—t of Activity Resolution and Integrity in Magistrates and others impowered therein for the punishment and suppression of Vice and crying Enormities I answer True it is a sad neglect and want of Activity and Integrity in the Magistrates hath been and is to punish and suppress vice and therefore it abounds in all fulness in the very Streets and it hath been wholly contrary for Vice hath gone at liberty while the Magistrates and such who have been impowered have been active and full of rigour and no neglect found in them to punish or rather to oppress and suppress the Innocent and Meek of the Earth and even they have done violence to the Harmless witness most parts of Prisons this day in England how many have been beat and abused and haled and knocked down with Staves in the sight of some of the Magistrates and how many have been imprisoned for passing on the High-wayes and through their Towns and some for declaring against Vice and crying Enormities which one day must be laid to yours and their charge for a sad neglect hath been for want of Justice and true Judgment and they that have been impowered have turned their power against the Lord and have been active to lay their Sword upon the guiltless while the guilty have gone free witness many who have been beat in your Steeple-houses by violent men and afterwards committed to Prison while the Peace-breakers and Violent have gone free and indeed it is time to lay these things to heart for till you purge your selves from these iniquities you shall never be established nor your Dominions in peace for these things and such like abominations are you filled with distractions and fears compass you about and that justly from the hand of the Lord as the Light in your Consciences shall answer in the dreadfull day of account which cometh suddenly upon you Again you say In the abominable blasphemies vented and spread of late through the Apostacy of and the abuse of liberty by many professing Religion Answ. No doubt but Blasphemy is a crying sin whereof the Land is guilty if you were able to judge thereof but rather indeed this cause is not rightly stated for you call that Blasphemy which is Truth such is the grievous ignorance of some of you And this I am sure is your greater sin condemning the guiltless rather then suffering the guilty in this particular Friends beware lest your judgment be so corrupted that you call evil good and good evil and thereupon approve the evil and reprove the good being given up to hardness of heart and blindness of mind and such were the sins of the Rulers in Israel who persecuted the true Prophets under the account of Blasphemy and such like and approved of the Prophets that prophesied falsly and of the Priests that bore rule by their means for the People loved to have it so Ier. 5. My soul wisheth that you Rulers may be wise and ye Judges may be learned in this particular lest you go in the way of your fore-fathers to destruction persecuting the Innocent without cause through false judgment of the way of Truth which may be called by you Heresie and Blasphemy who in the blindness of your minds cannot discern of the things of God for in that way which the wisdom of the World calls Heresie do we worship the God of our Fathers and verily so much the more I may warn you herein to take heed for the time to come because you have some of you been highly guilty of this transgression of late even in condemning the guiltless concerning this offence so that thus for you I may more truly state the particular In the abominable violence and oppressions acted of late upon the Innocent and them who have worshipped God in the Spirit through the wickedness of some Rulers and the abuse of liberty by them which have professed love to God and his Way through the false judgments and unsavoury opinions of many who have called Truth Error and the Way of God Blasphemy And this is your sin of which if you that are guilty repent not and turn from it and beware of it for time to come your honour shall fall into the dust and your fall shall be more deeper into confusion and destruction then any that have yet gone before you for of late the Lord powerfully hath begun to work and to vent his Truths through the Mouthes of his Servants and to bring out of the Apostacy and Blasphemies which hath reigned since the dayes of the Apostles the true and pure Religion which stands in the exercise of a pure Conscience Again you say In the little love and tenderness which is even amongst Professors themselves towards one another who whilest they contend for things disputeable lose thâ— which is certain even charity without which they become as sounding Brass or tinkling Cymbals Answ. This is also your sin and the sin of the Nation want of love and tenderness in Professors towards God and one towards another and that love which appears is but the shew and in the form and likeness of things and not from the true ground of love and peace and these are they that hate the Light and walk not in the Light wherewith Christ Jesus hath lighted every man that comes into the World in which the unity of the Saints doth stand and in which their love is one to another and they that are out of the Light are without charity which is the bond of perfection and these that know not the Light of Christ to guide them in the Wayes of God are in all their profession and words and actions as sounding Brass and as a tinkling Cymbal and these are they that are in the Disputes and Contentions and Strife about the Letter drawing their own Consequences and Deductions from it in their own wisdom and knowledge and sensual understanding and those lose the Substance and know not that which is certain Christ Jesus in them to be Ruler over them but are as dry Trees to be plucked up and all their Profession will wither and all their pretended love will perish and their shew of things in the outward appearance will be confounded who know not the Light of Christ to guide them which Light is the ground of true love and tenderness and brings to the knowledge of things certain out of the contention of things disputable But further you say In allowing difference in Forms more power to divide Christians then Agreements in fundamentals has to unite them one of the dangerousest and fruitfulest seeds that hath been sown by the envious One Answ. Christians are they that follow Christ Jesus who are not so only in name but in practice and they are one and cannot be divided as they walk in the Light which comes from Christ who is
that believe and through the word of Life are they handled tasted seen and felt near at hand in power and not in words onely Many professes them in words and what others enjoyed of these things but have not felt in themselves the working of the eternall Spirit neither have the witness in themselves of being restored to God again and of being redeemed by him from under the Devils power neither are saved by Christ from sin and transgression and so are not nor cannot be saved from condemnation and wrath for who abide in their sins and in the state unreconciled to God hath not any part or portion in these things which belongs to their peace and without the knowledge of which by the working of the eternal Spirit all mankind is everlastingly miserable CHAP. VII Concering true Religion and the true Worship of the true God this Testimony I give unto the whole World THis is true Religion to be kept pure and clean from all evil and from all that which would defile in the sight of the Lord and to walk in his fear in all things this is Religion to do good and to do no evil and to speak the truth and to do the truth in all things and to do unto all men as a man would be done unto and to love God withall the heart and the neighbour as self and not to love the world and ways and pleasures of it nor to use deceit in words or actions this is true Religion and the true Worship of God to be led with his Spirit in all things and to be guided in the truth at all times on all occasions this is acceptable and well pleasing unto God above all words and outward conformity and set times and days and observances for the Worship of God is not in these things but is without respect of days places or things this Religion and Worship stands in Christ Jesus the second Adam who hath lighted every man that comes into the World that all men through him might believe and by him have their consciences purely exercised towards God and towards man in all things whatsoever and this is our Religion and Worship of the True God he that can receive it let him CHAP. VIII Concerning Justification and Sanctification this testimony 〈◊〉 give unto all People JUstification is freely by Jesus Christ in the sight of the Father and not by the works of mans own righteousness and such as are taught by Christ and guided by him in all the ways of truth and righteousness are justified by him and none else not in any word or work whatsoever but in what they are led to fulfil by him and it is the new man that is justified and not the old he that is born of God and none that are born of the flesh such cannot please God neither can such be justified by him for they are not taught of him nor saved nor restored nor redeemed and therefore are not justified nor cleared from condemnation in the sight of the Lord but who lives in iniquity and sin and the wayes and works of the World which are evil by Christ Jesus are condemned and not justified though in words they profess him yet of justification by him they have no part and sanctification is by the working of the eternal Spiri◠in the heart of the Creature which purgeth out and taketh away all unrighteousness and all the works and fruits of darkness it witnesseth against and witnesseth unto Jesus who takes away all sin and destroyes the works of the Devil that man may be holy and pure in the sight of his Maker and every one that hath the witness of his justification hath the operation by the eternal Spirit of sanctification and all that receives Christ Jesus who hath lighted every man that cometh into the World receiveth sanctification and justification by him and he unto us is made so of the Father he that can receive it le◠him CHAP. IX Concerning the Kingdom of Christ and how it is to be set up this testimony I give unto all the World THE Kingdom of God and of his Son is not of this World but is fro◠above and stands in righteousness and in truth in mercy and in peace i◠true judgement and justice and this Dominion is from everlasting to everlasting and it reacheth beyond all the World and its Government is love and unity and everlasting peace and is perfect liberty to the Just and bindeth and chaineth the Unjust in it there is on oppression but perfect freedom from all unrighteousness and it consists not in word but in power to the bringing down of the Kingdom of the Devil and to the breaking off the bonds of all injustice and all ungodliness which is the Kingdom of Satan which hath long ruled i◠the World that Kingdom whereof Christ is King which stands in Righteousness no unclean thing can have any part therein and this we believe it shall be set up and advanced in the earth but not by might of man or arm of flesh nor the multitude of an host neither by policy nor craft nor by revenge but by the arm of the Lord alone through the suffering and patience of his people and by faithful witness bearing unto Jesus Christ by doing and by suffering by doing his Will in all things in a pure Life and Conversation and upright walkking in the sight of the Lord and by patient suffering under the injustice and oppression of men and of their unjust Government and Laws till they be overturned and confounded and further we give testimony that suffring in patience under the cruelty and oppression of the Devils government and kingdom more reaches to overthrow them than the rising to rebel in any way of outward offence toward them or defence from them and the Kingdom of Christ is near to come and the Kingdoms of this World shall be changed and none shall have any part therein but they that are redeemed out of kindreds tongues and people this we believe he that can receive it let him CHAP. X. Concerning Governours and Governments and Subjection to them this testimony I give to the World GOvernours Rulers and Magistrates we own and do respect in the Lord and yet cannot respect any mans person whatsoever such as be a terrour to all evil in their Government and that fears God and hates covetousness and delights in Equity in Justice and true Judgement and gives diligent heed to try the cause of the poor and will judge justly without respect of men who justifies the good and gives praise to the Well-doer such Government and Governours we reverence where Sin and Iniquity is kept under Drunkenness Swearing Murther Quarrelling and all the ways and works of the flesh are terrified and a Wel-doer praised and justified this Goverment of men reaches to the witness of God in every man and that answers to the justice and righteousness of all such Governours and Government and these witness that
foolish matters as for not putting off a Hat or for Theeing men and for denying the foolish circumstance of Swearing and we do not read that the worst of Tyrants in the Apostles dayes or before or since ever caused any to suffer for such things as these or ever questioned any upon any such small accounts for hundreds have suffered upon suspition when nothing at all can be charged against them and this is contrary to Magna-Carta And in many other respects which might be named this suffering is greater than hath been in any Age for many have suffered in this Common-wealth which have been faithful and hazarded all in time of war for the good of the Common-wealth and many of them suffer by them who have been Enemies and in Arms against the Common-wealth and herein the suffering appears more intollerable But doth the Magistrate think to come to account for these things Yea the Lord is Just and his Way is Righteous What flesh could but be provoked hereby But the Saints are changed in nature and are to fullfill the Will of the Lord by Suffering the Cruelty of men is become exceeding great against the Lord and his people Again hereby the Persecution in this Age appears more to exceed former Ages because Liberty of Conscience in the exercise of Religion was never so much promised and professed as in this Nation at this day and yet for the exercise of a pure Conscience many are wofull Sufferers even by such who in words profess Liberty of Conscience themselves and yet persecutes the exercise of it in others even for not putting off a Hat or the like to them these with many other things may aggravate the hainousness of the sin of persecution to be great and more unjust than in-former Ages Alas how is the Sword of Iustice turned backward and the Innocent smitten and persecuted and that for Righteousness sake and not for Evil-doing By a Friend to the Suffering Seed of God EDWARD BURROUGH Truth the Strongest of all Witnessed forth in the Spirit of Truth against all Deceit And pleading in Righteousness it s own Cause to the understanding of the Simple against a very great number of Lyes Slanders Perverting of the Scriptures Contradictions and false Damnable Doctrines held forth by the INDEPENDANTS And is a Reply to Bunion's second Book called A Vindication c. Wherein what was wanting in his former of fulfilling wickedness is now appeared by his adding sin unto sin against God and against his own soul. Reader THOU hast here a very great number of Lyes and Slanders and Unjust-dealings and False-doctrines c. Laid open and reproved in plainness and not in hypocrisie and of contention there is not suddenly an end being begun therefore seeing the unbelieving heart of Iohn Bunion cannot believe me when I speak the truth in justness nor may I believe his Lies and Slanders uttered in hypocrisie what is laid down is left to thee soberly to judge of betwixt us while we are both silent And this know the one is a Deceiver and the other is as a Deceiver yet true and thus mayst thou weight things equally First considering of many Lyes and Slanders truly charged upon him in my first of which he is guilty from his first and he hath not at all cleared himself of them in his second which an honest man ought to have done before he had gone further for I soberly desired witness of what he said But be hath added to the number of his wickedness and not proved justly what he hath said against us And it is not for his sake for little thoughts I have of his conversion but thâ—…â—…ther that he will be hardned nor for may own sake as if I were unsatisfied concerniâ—…m that this is written but to undeceive the simple of what his wickedness may falsly suggest into the mind as if all were truth that he spoke if his wickedness were not reproved Again Consider that I have cleared the Truth of my words which he hath wrested and thereby taken occasion against the Truth by answering his own conceptions and not my plain words so my words which are words of Truth being defended all his Reply is made void So I have not so much desired to answer every particular of his words as to vindicate my own words and the Truth from his false Slanders and Accusations O HOW hath Satan filled the hearts of men in this Generation as well as in former Ages with Envy against the Truth and with Wrath against the Way thereof and how hath he filled them with Craft and deceitfull Subtilty to offend the Way of the Lord in all manner of Persecuting and Evil-speaking against it openly and also in secret Gain-saying in Hypocrisie and how are men armed to defend themselves in their naughtiness lying hid under the Vail of fair Speeches and fine Arguments using the Scripture in the words of mans wisdom to oppose the Power and Life of Righteousness even as the Scribes and Pharisees of old how zealous were they in their Observances and in fullfilling the Commands and Traditions of their Fathers having set themselves in Moses Seat professing Moses and the Prophets words and yet persecuted Christ the Life and Substance of Moses and the Prophets And as it was then so is it now how are Christs words and the Apostles professed and preached by such who are Enemies to the Life of Christ made manifest in mortall flesh and secretly opposing the doctrine of the Apostles who said Know ye not that Christ is within you except you be Reprobates But the mighty Day of the Lord is come and coming wherein all hearts are made manifest and the secrets thereof discovered and the light is springing out of darkness and the Sun is breaking thorow the Clouds to give light to all men and Nations and the great Whore which hath decked her self in divers colours to deceive shall be made naked and bare and the day of great striving is come and now every man stands up for his Interest to defend his Possession for the just Judge standeth at the Door to enquire by what Law every man holds his Inheritance and he findeth many holding their Religion and Profession by the Traditions of men only and not by the Revelation of Christ Jesus in them and such he will dispossess though they strive against him yet all is in vain and though they plead Antiquity yet that will not prevail and in that the day of great striving is come betwixt the Lamb and his Followers the Draggon and his Followers every one of that Party appearing with such weapons as the Devil hath armed them withal and with such Armour as the wicked hath they come appearing under divers colours to fight against Zioâ— yet under one Head and Prince of Darkness and unto one Purpose evâ—… that the Seed of Iacob may be rooted out and that the Way of Truth may 〈◊〉 prosper that then the Wicked may go on in
this if thou canst that all men may see thy Folly for there is not many Christs but one Christ which is not only within but without not only without but within but is all and in all let him that readâ— understand Then thou sayst the Light wherewith Christ as he is God lighted every one is the Soul of man which is the Life of the Body and is a Creature and hath one faculty of its own Nature called Conscience Reply Now le ts try this Doctrine and consider what thou hast said it amounâ—… to thus much that Conscience is of the nature of the Soul of man and the soul is the Light of Christ as God Therefore thou hast said the Conscience is the Light of God which must needs be without sin this is more then I have or dare say I might here fitly ask thee if thou knowst what the word Conscience signifies in true understanding and yet though thou hast uttered this that Conscience is a Faculty of the soul which thou sayst is the Light of Christ as God which Light of God must needs be of the nature of God pure and not impure yet in the next page thou sayst Conscience is a poor Dunghill Creature in comparisâ—… of the Spirit c. and in another page calls Conscience poor so empty beggerly things c. What now Iohn Bunion is that which thou hast concluded to be the Light of God but a dunghill-Creature and low and empty and beggerly in comparison c. For shame cease such Divinity lest all thy Fellows reprove thee O how doth thy ignorant zeal lead thee into Snares and trape thy own feet And to confound thy self thou sayst Conscience which is the Light of God is Nature it self then it must needs be that every mans nature which is sinful say I it the Light of God O what horrible Doctrine this proves in its explanation Blush and be ashamed when thou considers then thou cries out in reproof O wonderful sayst thou That men should make a God and Christ of their Consciences I know none that doth it nor that ever spoke so highly of Conscience 〈◊〉 thou hast here done yet we say our Conscience bears us witness in the holy Ghost and this is our rejoycing the testimony of our Consciences 〈◊〉 if our Consciences condemn us not then have we confidence towards God and yet makes not God and Christ of our Conscience as thou secretly wouldst charge us withall Then thou goest on and wouldst seem to prove but canst not that somthing besides the Light of Christ convinceth of sin but thy reach is too short thoâ—… thou wind abroad and lets thy thoughts into the pit of thy own reason to bring up a thing to confound Truth but cannot for this is thy proof where they were all convinced by their own Consciences Iohn 8. Now all these I say weâ—… men come into the World and therefore according to Iohn 1. 9. were lighted with the Light of Christ and thou hast confessed that Conscience is the Light of Christ as God which is no less then I have affirmed then wherefore hast thou waded so farr when at the end thou art forced to confess my position thy words being explained that it is the Light of Christ that doth convince of sin and can find no other thing besides that then thou sayst here is somthing besides the Spirit of Christ that doth convince of sin c. But yet I say nothing besides the Light of Christ as thou hast confessed and that was that only which I affirmed in the tenth page of mine about which thou hast made all this stir and to no purpose as to prove any thing convinceth of sin but the Light of Christ and in that I said he that convinceth of sin against the Law leads up into the fulfiling of the Law which still I own though thou wouldst contradict it but canst not and I clearly see thou hast not reached the understanding of my words but answered thy own conceiving and not my words for I do not say or think that righteousness comes by the Law yet that is righteousness which condemneth that which breaks the Law if thou hast an ear thou mayst hear and as I said it is the Word of Truth the Righteousness of the Law must needs be fulfilled in Judgment upon you all and by Christ Jesus in you if ever you receive the Salvation to your Souls and thou hast not yet learned what I mean and though thou sayst that for justification thou lookst beyond the Law to the Son of Mary but I say thou must not look beyond it for condemnation who art in transgression and not reconciled to God through condemnation in the flesh for it will reach you to condemnation and thou sayst Thou understandst that I do in all my discourse disown Christ without by pretending to a Christ within To which I say thy understanding deceives thee who it may be feared blinds thy own eyes that thy Conscience may not condemn thee for slandering but while I am approved in the sight of God of those things whereof thou accusest me falsly and wickedly I matter nothing what a Lyers Judgements is of me my Answer to thy Query shall prove me clear and thee a Lyer herein that we own Gods Christ as the Scripture declares of him as I have said and the darkness of my words is to blind the eye of subtilty and not to deceive the hearts of the simple though thou wouldst say it see if thou now canst tell what I say And whereas thou art offended that I say many more things in thy Book I pass by as being not pertinent to the thing in hand my words are true for the thing in hand was proving us Deceivers and that was the most of which I medled withal or purposed to oppose and to other things that thou speakest of in short my answer was and is the words or of some of them I own and thy voice I deny without any blaspheming or error in the view of all the World though thou wouldst say it for whatsoever a lying spirit speaks I deny it to be the voice of Christ though it may be some of his words and thy spirit is a lying spirit And though thou art offended that I should say Fools loves to be medling yet its true enough is not he a Fool who is a Lyer and a Slanderer that understands not betwixt before a time and since a time judge in thy own Conscience and thy fair words as that it must needs be sayst thou That the Saints of God must be called Fool I say never presume the name of Saint but clear thy self of thy Lyes and Slanders and perverting Scriptures and learn the First principle of Religion Even that which Condemns thee And as to that which I say 〈◊〉 true that the Pope can speak as much of Christ without as thou I own it and may add I believe he can speak more then thou
and their work of God and their end alone his glory such we own to be Ministers of Christ and doth not revile or deny as he falsly saith such a Church and such Ministers of Christ but this we do and without offence to God too we do deny and bear our witness against such a people who professeth themselves to a Church and yet are in the pride in the wickedness and in the evil of this World and not redeemed clensed and seperated from the works and iniquities thereof such we do reprove for their Hypocrisie even â—…ll them that owns a title to a Church because they were sprinkled when they were Infants and hath not another ground and such who professeth themselves Ministers of Christ who hath not received their Ministry by the Gift of the Holy Ghost neither are led by the Spirit of Christ but are such as Christ â—nd the Apostles declared against such we cannot own to be Ministers of Jesus Christ but doth reprove them and deny them even such who Preacheth for Hire and hath Gifts and Rewards for Preaching and set-places for so much a â—ear these we disown and yet doth not offend God herein And this in honesty 〈◊〉 do shew to all people what that professed Church and professed Ministry is which we do deny and what that Church and Ministry is which we do set up to â—e preferred which is a right Ministry and a right Church And thus his reasonless reason is overturned and confounded and is found to be no sufficient reason wherefore a man should not be a Quaker 2. His second reason is No wise man can be a Quaker saith he because their Religion is an uncertain thing and so is not the Religion that must save us c. I answer This again is utterly false and no man that hath Gods wisdom would speak it for our Religion which we profess is a certain thing and we have openly declared it once and again and this is it To believe in Christ and to receive Christ and to be lead by the Spirit of Christ and taught in all things to love God with all the Heart and a mans neighbour as himself and through the Power of Christ dwelling in man to do all good and to be kept from all evil This in very short is our Religion and it is a very certain and established Religion and this Religion we all agree in And this in short is the substance of our faith Even Christ in us believed on and received by us This is the Truth and his lyes is judged and if he say this is an uncertain Religion let him give it under his hand and subscribe to it and he shall have a further Reply 3. His third Reason is No man of Reason should be a Quaker considering that amongst those scraps of their Religion which is made known there is so much notorious falsâ—â—d and ungodliness saith he Ans. Let all Christian people mark this his Reason they are even lyes heaped one upon another What secret Slanders are these behind our Backs who never would clear himself of what is truly charged against him in answer to his Catechism his words are turned by as utter lyes for that which we profess and practice for Religion which we have made known by word and writing is uprightness godliness sincerity and truth and neither notorious falshood not ungodliness as he wickedly saith And why did not he make it appear what this notorious falshood and ungodliness had been that had been more honest then to cast his charges and prove nothing And whereas he saith The very persâ—â— of Christ Iesus many of them do blaspheme c. this is utterly false for Jesus Christ have we owned and believed in onely and for his sake we do and suffer haâ—â— things 4. His fourth Reason is saith he Because their false pernicious Doctrines tâ—… practical Religion doth much consist in most notorious wicked injustice and uncharitableness c. Ans. Here is lye upon lye uttered and wickedness joyned to wickedness and drunk up as an Oxe drinks up water and no conscience made thereof by Richard Baxter it had been just to have mentioned these pernicious Doctrines their practical Religion injustice and uncharitableness and not to have slandered in the dark but we are delivered by the Lord from all pernicious Doctrines and notorious wickedness whatsoever and we find this false Reproacher guilty himself and his people of what he accuseth the Innocent And so his words are true unto himself and upon his own head I turn them 5. His fifth Reason is The worst of all saith he is That they behave themselves like malignant Enemies to the very Church and Gospel and Servants of Iesus Christ c. Ans. This man speaks as if he had sold himself wholly to lye but my answer to his first Reason is sufficient to answer this also and doth say That the Câ—…se and the Church and the Gospel and Servants of Iesus Christ we do fully and freely 〈◊〉 and are daily exercised therein as the very Servants of Iesus and are Friends thereof iâ— our hearts and doth not behave our selves in any way as Enemies thereunto God will judge every lying tongue and shall condemn our false Accusers guilty of that which they charge the guiltless to reprove and bear witness against the wilâ—… wicked and rude conversations and against such as have gotten the Saints words and by art frame an hours discourse thereupon for so much a Sermon or so much a year to deny such to be a Church of Christ and Ministers of Christ this we do and doth not behave our selves like Enemies to the Church or Gospel or Ministers and Servants of Christ as our Adversary wickedly saith 6. His sixth Reason saith he That part of the Quakers peculiar Religion which consists not in error and malignant impudency is made up very much of it of childish and unreasonable foppery c. Ans. As I have said No part of our Religion consists in error and malignant impudency and as for that which he calls childish and unreasonable foppery we stand not to mans judgement for it is a small thing with us for to be judged of any man for we do acknowledge that we are become fools for Christs sake and herein we have cause to glory though he upbraid us with it and it was such as he who called Paul a Babler and that his Doctrine was madness as he saith ours is foppery and let him know that which is foolishness with man is wisdom with God and we know God will confound the wisest of men by that which they may judge to be foolish and unreasonable and foppery for to such who are lost our Gospel is hid where the god of this World hath blinded their Eye as it is plain he hath done this our Adversaries and that is the reason wherefore he hath sent forth such lying Scribbles from his study of wicked inventions and let him make the best
few years ago but the Saints were Quakers I am able to prove long before for Abrahâ—… and Isaac and Moses and Habakkuk Daniel and Paul and all the rest were Quakers though they were not called so and though our name is new yet our Religion is old for it is the good old way even the way the Apostles walked in though it hath been over-clouded for many years in the dark night of Apostacy which hath been over the whole World and the Beast hath Reigned and made War against the Saints and killed them and this hath been for many ages as you may read Yet there was a Seed which God preserved for himself in the midst of darkness but now is the Way of the Lord made manifest again and the same Power and Life of God which was in the Apostles dayes and Truth shall spring forth and Idolatry shall be rooted out by little and little and Antichrist and his kingdom shall fall and even Christ the Son of God the same as ever was for no other do we own but him who was and is and is to come he shall rule and his People shall follow him And though he saith The Quakers be an upstart Sect using such scornful words not beseeming a Minister of Jesus Christ but we are willing to bear all his reproaches for Christs sake And he speaks most foolishly and saith as if we knew not the contents of our Religion yea we know the contents and foundation of it which is Christ that good old foundation and him we are zealous for and him we Preach and no other And though he saith The Christians Faith hath been known for sixteen hundred years ago I say it was so but the night hath been over all wherein no man can work since it hath been first revealed and Traditions and Superstitions hath the World been exercised in and led into and the true Faith of the Gospel hath been departed from and many knows it not at this day And he saith He abhors any Gospel or Religion that was not made sixteen hundred yeares ago c. To this I Answer Then must he abhor his own practice for sprinkling of Infants telling people it is a Baptizing into the Faith of Christ was not so long since nor singing Davids experiences in Rime and Meeter for a part of Gods Worship and many other things which the Priests of England practise for Religion and Gospel Ordinances but are not so but an invention came in many years since the Faith was revealed to the Apostles and thus he hath abhored his own practise and is condemned out of his own mouth And whereas he speaks of one that lately spoke to another in these words He denied the God that he Worshipped That might be true for thousands in England Worships the god of this World and that god the Saints deny And he counts it a thing very abominable to trust to that Which is within the Saints though it be according to the Scriptures for Christ is in the Saints and God dwels in the Saints and God and Christ is only to to be trusted to There is also another piece put forth by him called A Sheet for the Ministry in which also according to his usual manner he Rails and Lyes against the Quakers in many things also I might instance in many more things wherein he hath belyed us as a man without fear or honesty and much ado he maks about Tythes And he commends his Reader to the Quakers Catechisme for better satifaction And I do commend all sober people to the Answer of the same wherein his folly and weakness is laid open as in them particulars But he saith The Tenths are theirs as fully as the rest are ours but this is denyed for the Tythes are not paid out of the Lands but out of mens labours and industrious exercises upon the Land for if any man let his Land lye untilled there is no Tythes claimed so that it is manifest it 's paid out of mens labours and not out of the Land and many other things we have against Tythes and against the unjustness of them and the oppression growing thereby And we do know That never any Minister of Christ was maintained in such a way nay they were so far off being maintained by a Law that they would not make use of their power which they had in Christ in those things as of outward maintenance But much need not be said for thousands begins to see the grievous burden and unlawfulness of Tythes and that in the Gospel administration these things are no way commanded by the Law of God but as they came in by tradition and were established by the Pope and are now the chief maintenance of Englands Teachers Indeed grievous and sad to be considered it is how many hundreds in England of honest men are made havock on in their Persons and Estates in relation to Tythes because for Conscience sake they cannot pay to the upholding of an Antichristian Ministry which denies Christ come in the flesh by upholding Tythes which only belonged to the first Priesthood under the Law and was never practised either paid or received by any of them that were Witnesses of Christ come or after his death who did thereby fulfil that part of the old Covenant and put an end to that Covenant and the Priesthood was changed that took Tythes and a necessity there was also of the change of the Law as it is written So this is an Answer in part to Richard Baxters many Lyes and Reproaches and his whole Work is turned by as our spoyled prey of Babylons treasure and no more to be recokned in the Records of Truth but shall stand upon an account among the corrupted and poluted commodity of the growth of Egypt and Babylon And this is for the satisfaction of honest people by a Friend EDWARD BURROUGH THE TRUE Christian Religion Again DISCOVERED After the long and dark Night of Apostacy which hath overshaddow'd the whole World for many Ages and the profession and practise thereof witnessed unto by the Scriptures And here all may see who it is of all these Sects and divers Forms of Religion in these Nations that are agreeable to the Scriptures in what they profess and Practice and who it is that are not according thereunto for the Line of true Judgment it stretched upon all Profession and a true search into and tryal thereof is made and hereby it is manifest who it is and what sort of people that may justly claim the benefit of the Protectors Oath to be protected thereby in their Practices of Religion who hath bound himself to maintain and uphold that Christian Religion which is according to the Scriptures c. FOrasmuch as Oliver Cromwel called Lord Protector of England Scotland and Ireland chief Ruler according to man hath bound himself by an Oath and Sworn that he will uphold and maintain the true reformed Protestant Christian Religion in the purity thereof as it
not to bow to any Likeness Exod. 20. And we read Iames 2. the Apostle exhorts not to have the Faith of 〈◊〉 Lord Iesus with respect of Persons but condemns that practice of respeâ—â—ing such as are in goodly Apparel and gay Cloathing and have gold Rings above a poor man in vile Raiment and he saith plainly They that have respect to Persons commits sin and we read that the Pharisees said of Christ he respected no mans person and he is our Example And we read that the three Children were cast into the fiery Furnace with indignation before the King being bound before him and cast into the Furnace Daniel 3. And we read that Paul and all the Servants of God did Thou Kings and Princes and Rules and they spoke plainly to all men and durst not give flattering Title to any as you may read in Iob 33. so that all people may see their Practice in denying to respect Persons and in speaking plainly without flattering Titles to any man or denying to pull off the Hat or bowing to men iâ— gay Clothing or giving place to such that wear gold Rings and have goodly Apparel before such as have vile Raiment is justly according to the Scriptures though people stumble at such Practices and the People of God may claim to be maintained in this Practice of their Religion seeing it is proved to be commanded in Scriptures not to respect the Person of any man and also it was the Saints practice and therefore herein they ought not to be condemned but justified as being a practice in Religion agreeing with the Scriptures And as concerning their denying Obedience to Magistrates in some Cases this is according to Scripture also for we read that the Rulers commanded the Apostles and straitly charged them to speak no more iâ— the Name of Iesus yet the Apostles did not obey Magistrates herein neither did they cease to Preach in the Name of Jesus and though Christ was commanded or besought to depart out of their Coasts yâ—â— he did not obey their request and we read that the three Children werâ— commanded to worship the great Image yet they did not obey this Command of the King so that all people may see it is lawfull for the Saints to disobey Commands of Kings and Rulers where they command that to be done or spoken which God doth not but the contrary And I say again Where Kings or Rulers Parents or Masters doth command or require any thing of them that are under them which is not according to God in such causes Subjects or People and Children and Servants are free and not required of the Lord to subject to any thing which is not justly according to him but yet we say That Subjects and People and Children and Servants ought to subject to them that have rule over them in all things which is according to God in Truth and Righteousness and by the Law of God all People are bound to obey those that have Rule over them not to disobey them in any thing which may stand with the Exercise of a good Conscience to God so that though the People of the Lord now do deny to depart out of a Town or Place and though they will not cease to declare against sin and wickedness in Teachers and People though a Magistrate command it this is but according to the Scripture for the Apostles went on boldly declaring the Name of the Lord after they were forbidden And thus the Servants of the Lord do now they freely declare the Way of Salvation and call People to repent and reprove Iniquity in all sorts of people though wicked men command them to the contrary and falsely charges them that they are disobedient to Government and Authority though they are not no more then the Servants of God and Apostles of Christ who in the same causes did the same things and the Lord hath commanded to crâ—â—â—â—ud and not to spare but to tell people of their Transgressions and therefore many of the Lords Servants do deny to be silent or to cease from declaring against sin though a Magistrate command it And Christ hath commanded not to swear at all and therefore many do deny to swear upon any account in any place though the Magistrates do command it for the Servants of the Lord do deny to put off a Hat or to Bow in respect of any mans person though a Magisttate command it for the Scripture doth say He that respects Persons commits sin so that all people may see that what the Servant of the Lord doth in these things are not contrary but according to the Scriptures for all these things were commanded and practised by the Saints in former Ages and they said It was better to obey God then man and we ought to do it in all things and that according to the Scriptures too So that in all these practises in Religion the Scriptures justifies them and are as Witnesses to them and they might claim protection in the exercise of them by the Protectors Oath but if they be not maintained but persecuted for the practice of these things then will the Light in every mans Conscience witness the Oath is broken and not kept for it extends to uphold and maintain the practice of Religion which is according to the Scriptures as these are proved to be And as concerning their Doctrines which the World stumbles at yet their Doctrines are according to the Scripture though they say Christ is the Light of the World and lighteth every man or hath given light to every man that cometh into the World this is according to the Scripture as you may read Iohn 8. 12. and 1. 9. and though they turn people from Darkness to the Light of Christ within them and exhort people to hearken to that within them and not to seek a Christ without them to ascend or descend to fetch him these Doctrines are perfectly according to the Scripture for you may read Acts 26. 18. Pâ—… saith He was sent to turn People from Darkness to the Light and from the power of Satan to the Power of God and Rom. 10. you may read the Apostle saith What saith it The Word is nigh thee in thy Heart that is the Word of Faith which we preach and they were not to say Who shall ascend or descâ—… to fetch Christ. And though they tell people They must witness Christ in them 〈◊〉 else they cannot be saved This also is according to the Scriptures as you may read 2 Cor. 13. the Apostle saith Iesus Christ is in you except ye 〈◊〉 Reprobates And though they say Christ is the Word of God and do deny the Scriptures to be the Word by which the World was made This Doctrine also is according to the Scriptures for we read Rev. 19. 13. That the Name of Iesus is called the Word of God And Luke 1. of the Scriptures it is saâ—â— They are a Declaration by those which were Eye-witnesses and Ministers of
and not reconciled to God upon whose shoulders the Government lies and the execution of the Law in their power who cannot minister true Judgment nor discern of different Causes amongst Men. And therefore all Magistrates are to weigh and be considerate in all these things and so to act and judge among men as they may give a good Account unto God and all men and when a Cause is brought before them to give Judgment of or any accus'd unto them that they should execute the Law upon they should by the Spirit of the Lord first try into the Ground and Nature of such matters to know whether it be a wilful and supposed Wrong or Injury done between man and man or it be of Ignorance or want of better Knowledge or such like or whether it be a Matter of Conscience or about Religion or the Worship of God whereupon the Controversie dependeth and if it be a matter of wilful and purposed Wrong or of Ignorance then good Reason and Iustice will teach a Magistrate to defend the Innocent from Wrong or to restore his Wrong by true Judgment that his Person and Estate be freed and preserv'd from all Wrong and that the Wrong-dealer be restrain'd and punish'd and judg'd justly according to his Offences but if it be a matter of Conscience about Religion or the Worship of God then the Magistrates with their Law ought not to meddle therein or to judge of such Matters for these things concerning the things that are Spiritual are out of their Jurisdiction and not in their power to judge of And if the Controversie between man and man depend about such Causes not having reflection upon Persons or Estates but only about Spiritual Matters then Magistrates with their Laws ought not to judge in these Causes but Spiritual Men ought only to give their Judgments hereof as they have receiv'd from God And though men be in controversie about Religion and the Worship of God yet if they be men of Peace not wronging one another in their Persons and Estates they ought to be both protected in a good Government by the just and righteous Laws And here the Sword of Justice is laid only upon the Evil-doer to be a Terror and a Punishment to him and to limit and restrain him from Wrong-dealing and this is the End wherefore it was ordain'd of God to be among men and not to be laid upon the Conscience to oppress and afflict the tender Consciences of the Upright whose Minds are exercis'd in the Law of God for such should have Praise that do well by the Sword of Justice while it is a Terror to all Evil-doers whatsoever and this is the perfect End wherefore the Law was added and the practice of it herein by faithful and just Executors is Well-pleasing and Acceptable to the Lord. And now as concerning this one thing which is Oppression in the Nation brought forth through the unjust and false Execution of the Laws whereby many tender Consciences are afflicted and not for any Wrong or Evil-doing but for the Exercise of a pure Conscience Whereas many for a pure Conscience sake do deny and cannot pay any thing to maintain a Steeple-House or Place of Worship which the people of the World do worship in and where they commit Idolatry neither can they for Conscience sake pay any thing to uphold such Worship and such a Ministry and Ministers which are not of Christ nor ever were sent of him but of Antichrist and such by which the people are led in Blindness and Error as manifestly doth appear through the whole Land And yet the Magistrates some of them being as blind and ignorant as the people do compel many people by their Writs and Orders and Judgments to maintain a Priest and Steeple-house which for Conscience sake they deny to maintain and yet by Authority from the Magistrates are the innocent Men's Goods spoyl'd by Distress and great Oppression Exercis'd upon many poor People to maintain and uphold the Ministry and Worship of this Generation which is not of God but against him and many hereupon are cast into Prison and others have their Goods taken from them by Violence and great Havock is made in the Countries about this matter Now first it may be consider'd That to deny to uphold and maintain a Steeple-house and Place where ignorant people in Tradition do meet to Worship is not a matter of wilful and purpos'd Wrong-dealing or the breach of any Bargan or Contract between man and man but it is a matter of Conscience to the People of God and for a good Conscience sake they cannot do such a thing as to maintain a place of Worship which Abomination is committed in by ignorant and rude people who are without the Fear of God as daily is manifest and it is not manifest that by denying of this they injure any man's Person or Estate in any thing which belongs unto him by lawful Bargan and Contract or otherwise Neither is there any Reason or Equity in this matter That any should be forc'd and compell'd by Injustice and Oppression to uphold a house of worship which others worship in and not they and they knowing that worship to be Abomination to the Lord also and not the True Worship of the True God and there is no Justice nor Religion in it that any should be caused by force to uphold a House for other people to commit and practice Idolatry in if the house were for any good purpose or honest practice as for poor or impotent people to dwell in or such like who had not Houses of their own because of their poverty then that were a deed of charity to uphold it and the people of God would not deny it but could freely give their money to such a use or end but because it is not to such a use but only a place to commit Idolatry in and to worship God ignorantly in superstitions therefore it is a matter of Conscience unto many and for a good Conscience sake they rather suffer the spoiling of their Goods and affliction upon their Bodies then to pay their Money for such a use or end and herein the Magistrates do great injustice in the sight of God and his Saints and contrary to Reason and a good Conscience in causing innocent mens Goods to be spoiled by cruelty to uphold a place of idolatrous worship contrary to mens tender Consciences for as I have said they do no wrong to any man but only peoples wills are offended and their blind zeal turned into rage and fury against the Just who worship God in Spirit and in the Truth and cannot uphold the Houses of false worship and it is a shame unto the people and Ministers themselves who cannot uphold their own worshipping Houses and it is a reproach upon their God and their Religion who cause others to maintain their worshipping Houses by injustice and great oppression and will not themselves maintain their Houses where they
be instructed in the right way to God and be converted out of every false Way and this is the very end of their work and their intent in doing it and they ought not in justice to suffer for it for it is according to the Law of God and in Reason and a good Conscience and the Lord justifies them in it then that Law and Judgment must needs be corrupt and unjust which condemns the People and Servants of the Lord as for Evil-Doers for obeying the Commands of God and for the Exercise of their pure Consciences and no mans Person or Estate being wronged or injured but onely Sin and Wickedness reproved and exhorted from and hereby thus is the Law perverted and true Judgment turned backward and the guiltless is condemned guilty and the guilty is set free and the obeying the Commands of God and the Exercise of a good Conscience is unjustly judged a Transgression and this is a shame and will be great condemnation to such in the Day of the Lord by whose Authority this is done even that the Exercise of a good Conscience even reproving of sin and exhorting unto that which is good to follow that and to forsake all evil should be judged and punished as a hainous Transgression in a Nation and Common-wealth professing Christianity and pure Religion and this makes the sin much more great and unpardonable because the practise and faithfull excercise in Chistianity and in the pure and true Religion is adjudged Transgression and condemned by such who profess the same thing in words and yet persecute and punish the Exercise of it in others and this shews them unjust Judges and Hypocrites who cause the Servants of the Lord to suffer for the practice of that which themselves profess in words to wit Religion and Christianity for I affirm against all Opposers whatsoever that it is a Practice in Religion according to the Scriptures to go into the Steeple-Houses Meeting-places Markets High-wayes or other places and reprove sin and wickedness and cry against evil in Priests and people and exhort to good and to forsake evil and therefore it ought not to be prosecuted and punished but defended and maintained by the Just Government of a Common-Wealth and by Just Laws and Magistrates for this the Lord requireth that Justice and Truth and true Judgement be exalted and the Innocent and Unright defended in all their wayes of a good Conscience and that Evil-doers and Sinners and Transgressors be condemned and righteously judged Also many of the Servants of the Lord do deeply suffer and is deeply afflicted by injustice for the exercise of a good Conscience in other things as because they cannot put off their Hats and bow in respect to mens persons according to the vain customs of the Heathen and because they cannot Swear upon a Book by kissing it and laying the hand upon it according to the idolatrous form and for such like causes because many cannot fulfil the lusts and wills of men that live in pride and evil wayes in these and other things therefore are the people of God put to great sufferings though they deny not the honour due to all men in the Lord without bowing the Hat nor to affirm the truth in every cause in faithfulness without an Oath now to keep on the Hat which is a cover for the head to keep from cold or heat for healths sake before any man whatsoever though never so great or noble is not any wrong or injury to the mans person or estate before whom it is done but onely the high minde and the proud nature and that which is exalted above the fear of God which would be Lord over his fellow creatures that same is offended and troubled which bears not the Image of God but of the Devil as Hamman was and would be bowed to and had in honour and respected because of knowledge or parts and proud gestures or apparel and the Children of the Lord cannot do it nor give honour to him nor be subject and pleasing to that man who is of that spirit and of that nature which is not of God but exalted in pride and vain-glory above the fear of God and against him and would be worshipped and had in honour and reverenced of his Fellow-creatures who hath not so much riches in this World as he nor is so proud in apparel as he and because of that he looks to be bowed unto with Hat or Knee and is offended if he be not and then in his pride he rages and is vexed and seeks revenge against such as cannot honour him and respect him in his pride and vain-glory but as I said this is not done as a matter of wrong unto any though the Hat be not bowed or put off but it is a matter of Conscience unto the people of God and for a good Conscience sake they do deny and may not give obedience and honour and respect out of the fear of God to proud flesh and to men which is not in the fear of God which expects reverence out of the Lord and they know it is nothing else that is offended but proud flesh and an exalted mind and a man that fears not God neither walks in his ways I say it is nothing else nor any besides that is offended or troubled because the Hat is not put off and bowed and the people of God are not careful to please or offend that in men and men as such for they know nothing of God nor any man that truly Fears God will be offended at the want of a Hat bowed to him and thus it is a matter of Conscience unto many and for a good Conscience sake they do deny to honour and subject themselves by obedience to any man as he is a man out of the fear of God and in the glory of the vain World expecting reverence out of the Fear of God and contrary to his Law which forbids the respect to persons and all honour which is not according to God for who doth fear to offend a man as a man without the Fear of God and doth obey and honour any man by putting off the Hat before him or otherwise and not onely in the Lord such are Servants to the wicked one and not unto God who fears the wrath of the wicked and subjects in honour to please the wicked by putting off and bowing the Hat and such like and such knows not the excercise of a pure Conscience to God so this is a matter of Conscience to deny to honour and to please wicked men as such by bowing the Hat and no man in justice ought to be made to suffer because oâ— it for the Law of God justifies it and that Law and Judgement is corrupt and perverted which condemns it And likewise though many deny to swear at all though not to testifie the Truth yet they do not wilfully wrong hereby to any mans Person or Estate but it is a matter of conscience unto
brought forth in the Earth and all that do well will have Praise and live in Rest and Peace and all Evil-doers whatsoever may stand in awe and be afraid of God and just Men and the Execution of Iust Laws Concerning Religion we believe That it is only the Spirit of the Lord that makes men truly Religious and that no man ought to be compell'd to or from any Exercise or Practice in Religion by any outward Law or Power but every man ought to be left free as the Lord shall perswade his own mind in doing or leaving undone this or the other Practice in Religion and every man of what Profession in Religion soever ought to be protected in Peace provided himself be a man of Peace not seeking the wrong of any mans Person or Estate And we believe That to oppose false Opinions and unsound Doctrines and Principles seeking to convince them that oppose themselves by Exhortation or sharp Reproof by word or writing ought nor to be counted a Breach of the Peace or to strive about the things of the Kingdom of God by men of contrary Minds or Judgments this ought not to be punishable by the Magistrates and their Laws for we believe the outward Laws and Powers of the Earth are only to preserve mens Persons and Estates and not to preserve men in Opinions neither ought the Law of the Nation to be laid upon mens Consciences to bind them to or from such a Judgment or Practice in Religion And we believe that Christ is and ought only to be Lord and Exerciser of mens Consciences and his Spirit only must lead into all Truth And we believe That Obedience and Subjection in the Lord belongs to Superiors and that Subjects ought to obey in the Lord those that have Rule over them and that Children ought to obey their Parents and Wives their Husbands and Servants their Masters in all things which are according to God which stands in the exercise of a pure Conscience towards God But where Rulers Parents or Masters or any other command or require subjection in any thing which is contrary to God or not according to him to such causes all people are free and ought to obey God rather then man and we believe That herein God will justifie them being guided and led by his Spirit in all that which is Good and out of all that which is Evil. Again We believe concerning Election and Reprobation That there is a state of Election and a state of Reprobation a state chosen of God and a state rejected of God and that all Man-kind are in one of these states all that are elected are elected in Christ and all that are out of him are in the state Reprobate bringing forth fruits of Death and Darkness being Children of Wrath and Disobedience in the alienation and separation from God in the Transgression unreconcil'd to God the Enmity ruling in the Heart being in the Fall and not restor'd to God again but ignorant of his Power and of his Wisdom having the Understanding darkened that they cannot see nor perceive the things that are Eternal and in this condition his best Works are Sin and whatsoever he doth he cannot be accepted of God for he is dead to God and alive to all evil bâ—inging forth all his works out of that Ground which is cursed This is the condition of all Mankind upon the face of the Earth in the first Adâ—… and this is the state of Reprobation and all that abide herein are rejected of God and â—…ll never inherit eternal Life but go inâ—â— Perdition yet have all such a Day of Visitation that they may return out of the state of Reprâ—…tion 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—…ledge and desâ—…sing the Love of God â—â—ey conâ—… iâ—â—he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Wrath of Gâ—…d abides upon them â—…t they tâ—…t 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Wrath for they believe in the Light and becâ—…â—…ldren of the Light and are renewed in Mind and Hâ—… and receiâ—… the Love of the Father and become planted into Christ the second Adâ—… 〈◊〉 are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 him to bring forth Fruit â—nto the Father and â—ll their Fruit 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â—â—om 〈◊〉 grâ—…d which is â—…ssed for they are led by the Spirit of thâ— Faâ—…r and â—…ch are in the state of Election who are â—ade Heâ—rs with Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Eveâ—… Inheritance that never fades away And this we faithfully believe That â—…cy is not shewed to the Reprobate nor Judgment to them that are chosen of God And this is to go abroad in the World that all pâ—…ple mâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and whâ—◠〈◊〉 have receiv'd of God and they that believe this and walkâ—… 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Father shall be saved but they that belieâ—e 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be condemned because they do not believe 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 be â—…tten 〈◊〉 in â—…rt this is given forth by one that hath believed and received the Knowledge of thâ—se things from God A Friend unto all People E. B. Some of the PRINCIPLES OF THE QUAKERS Scornfully so called by men VINDICATED And proved Sound and True and according to the SCRIPTURES In Opposition to the False Charges and Lying Reports given forth against the Truth in two Printed Books put forth by one Philip Taverner a supposed Minister of the Gospel in Middlesex near Uxbridge And hereby Truth is Manifested and Discovered and the Controversie determined by the Judgment of Truth between Philip Taverner aforesaid the Accuser and Edward Burroughs Defendant of the Truth who contends for the Faith of the Gospel and for the Word of God in the Heart against all such Gainsayers as have the Form of Godliness but deny the Power and many such are in this Age. WHereas P. Taverner one of Truth 's Opposers whether throâ—… Ignorance or Subtilty I now determine not hath again appear'd against me and the Truth in Print as in Vindication of himself and his former Work who about four Moneths ago gave a false Relation of a Dispute but instead of mending the matter he hath made his own cause the more vile as may appear to such who take a perfect view of the Proceedings from the beginning to the end thereof Now the intent of this my Reply is to clear the Truth further and to take off his false Aspersions which he hath cast upon my innocent words in my former Book in answer to his first And as for the rest of his Book which hath no relation to mine nor to the Dispute I shall pass it by The Title of my first Book was Something of Truth Made Manifest c. To which sayst thou A plausible Title to cover a Railing and Bitter spirit under that it may walk in the World less suspected c. Reply My words are truth for in 〈◊〉 â—â—ok Truth was made â—â—â—ifest to â—…y in relation to the former Dispute to the Satisfaction of many and as 〈◊〉 â—…ing anâ—â—â—â—â—erness of spirit I do deny only I am zealoâ—â— for the
and persecuting of the Persons and Consciences of People about Worship Church and Miniâ—â—ry for in these things and by these Weapons you have defended the Whore 〈◊〉 through the force of your violent Laws and cruel Impositions unjustly laid 〈◊〉 people hath the Whore the false church been carried by you and deâ—…ded by you But lay aside all your cruel Weapons and not persecute nor 〈◊〉 nor shed the Blood of the Servants of the Lord by unjust Laws nor limit not the Spirit of God from crying against Babylon and reproving her Iniquities for these things have you done in defence of the Whore for you â—â—ve been the Carriers of her the Defenders and Preservers of her by your â—…ighteous Laws and through you hath she sate as a Queen thinking she 〈◊〉 never see sorrow because ye have defended her and taken part with her and caused Nations to drink her Cup for you have been the Executors of her pleasure to compel the Nations to commit Idolatry and to partake of 〈◊〉 Fornications and you give her authority to drink the Blood of all that would not drink her Cup and it is now time for you to forsake these your wayes and to learn Wisdom from the Lord that you may rule in Righteousâ—… amongst men as men but not to be Rulers in Christ's Throne nor his Kingdom by imposing such a Worship and such a Religion upon people's Consciences and to destroy and kill all that will not thus worship to your Image and bow according to your Prescription this you ought not to do 〈◊〉 the Lord never intrusted you with this power nor made you Rulers in his Kingdom nor to sit in his Throne of Conscience for while you have done 〈◊〉 your Authority has been from the Dragon and not from the Lamb. And now this the Lord required of you Let Conscience go free and rule not over the 〈◊〉 Man for while you do take that upon you to force such a Worship and such a Religion upon people contrary to the Spirit of God you are but Serâ—… to the great Whore Wherefore be warned for this is an invitation of Love Righteousness Truth and just Judgment Mercy and Peace unto you that you may know what the Mind of the Lord is unto you and may do it and rule for God and not for man upon which dependeth the happiness and well-being of a Natiâ—â— and Nations and their Rulers and on the contrary dependeth their overthrow and destruction and this will speedily be brought to pass 〈…〉 fore come out of Babylon and deliver your selves from that bondage 〈…〉 with the false Church hath bound you she hath caused you to drink hee 〈…〉 and you have been made drunk with her false Faith and Doctrines and Prâ—… and ye have compelled Nations to Drink the same Cup of Abominatioâ—… ye have executed cruelty and injustice upon all that would not and yâ—◠〈…〉 been Servants to the great Whore and being in Bondage your selâ—… 〈…〉 have brought all in bondage under you but now the Lord is 〈…〉 Times and Things and Powers and happy are you if you dâ—liver your 〈…〉 and let the Oppressed go free in so doing if ye fulfil this my Râ—… and do the Will of the Lord herein then Blessings and Peace Eternal 〈…〉 if ye be disobedient and take part continually with the Whore y◠〈…〉 partake of her Judgments And this hath the Lord spoken to you 〈…〉 the Day of Vengeance ye shall confess that you are warned By a Friend to the whole Creation that waits for the Redemption thereof Edward Burroughs AN ACCOUNT Of some Grounds and Reasons OF THE INNOCENT SUFFERINGS Of the People of God called QUAKERS And why they Testifie against the Vain Customs and Practices of the World Presented to the PARLIAMENT in the Year 1659. Also concerning a Great Cry up and down the Nation That the Quakers Meetings must be Broken and Suppressed and that this present Parliament intends to do it With a CRY of Great Judgment and Vengeance upon the Wicked near to be Executed as it was received from the Lord into his Servant FRIENDS IT may seem strange unto you as it doth unto others to hear that so many of our Friends should be cast into Prisons there being few Goals or Houses of Correction in England to which some of them have not been â—ommitted and you partly know how many of them are this day in Bonds â—nd it is no less strange to us that such frequent and heavy Sufferings for matâ—ers of Conscience should come upon us and our Brethren who for the â—ost part have been Instruments with you and others for casting off that Yoke 〈◊〉 Oppression which at the beginning of the late Wars lay upoâ— the Hoâ—…est People of this Land which made many flee into strange Nations and to â—…eek Habitations in the Deserts but we wonder the more that they should come â—rom those we accounted our Friends that so much have pretended the Liberty of Conscience and many of themselves practized the same things for which we now suffer May we not ask What hath been done by our Friends What Laws are these which they have broken Whose Persons or Possessions have they wronged What Force or Violence have they used to any man Have you found them in Plots or guilty of Sedition or making Resistance against Authority Have they not patiently born the greatest Sufferings that any People of this Nation ever lay under since Queen Mary's dayes without Murmurings and Discontents And when have they fought to revenge themselves or troubled you or others to be repaired for those many Injuries and false Imprisonments which they have endured How have they been counted as Sheep for the Slaughter persecuted and despised beaten stoned wounded stocked whipped haled out of the Synagogues and cast into Dungeons and noysom Vaults where many of them have dyed in Bonds shut up from their Friends denyed needful Sustenance for several days together not suffered to have Pen Ink or Paper and when they have lain there many Moneths and some of them Years denyed a Legal Tryal continued from Sessions to Assizes and from one Assize to another and no Equity to be found from judge or Justice If it be answered to us They are common Disturbers of Ministers they will not pay Tythes they will not Swear they will not put off their Hats they travel up and down from one Country to another without a Magistrate's Pass and on the First dayes to Meetings at great distance they will not pay Fee when they are brought â—â—to Câ—…ts nor plead in the Forms there used nor give Security to keep the Peace or to be of the Good Behaviour when the Iustices require it And we have Laws or Customs that require these things should be done It is forgotten what was one of the great Causes of our late Wars the Sufferings that then were imposed and lay upon many for matters of Conscience And was it not a chief Pretence of the
fighting That we might enjoy the Freedom of Conscience as well as outward Rights not only in the inner-Man but the free Exercise in all Acts of Piety and Religion of what the Lord should make manifest unto us But whether this was then intended or is now perverted it is that which is our Right which we must claim and no man may take it from us for this we know That Christ Jesus alone hath right to rule over the Consciences of men unto whom every one must give an Account of himself according to the just perfect and unchangeable Law of God which is revealed with that alone of God which is made manifest in man which he hath shewed unto him by which every one shall be judged at the Last Day when the Book of Conscience shall be opened And therefore all unequal imperfect and changeable Laws of men we do deny and by them and for their Transgression we shall not be judged of the Lord and all Laws made in their wills by their wisdoms in the things of God which concern Religion and the free Exercise of a Good Conscience towards God and Man against them all we do bear witness 〈◊〉 knowing the Commandments of the Lord and what he required of us and having tasted his tender Love to those that keep them and felt his Terrors against 〈◊〉 Disobedience we are made willing to bear the greatest Sufferings rather then 〈◊〉 against God And in this Ground we stand not careful what man can do unto 〈◊〉 or say of us nor to give him an Answer in this Matter For whether it is better 〈◊〉 obey God or Man let him judge Yet here to prevent Mistakes we do with the like clearness declare our free and willing Subjection in the things of this World to every Ordinance of 〈◊〉 that is just according to the Righteous Law of God and our Work is not to weaken but strengthen the hand of the Magistrate by labouring to bring all to own that of God which should exercise their Consciences To do in all 〈◊〉 as they would be done unto in which is fulfilled the Law and the Prophets whicâ— takes away the occasion it self of the Law and brings to live in Peace and Love wherein should be the Magistrates Joy and Glory And do but look on the Crimes charged against us and all the Sufferings we lie under and you may clearly see That not for any Evil done or just Law broken that concerns man are we thus punished but for things which concern our God and chiefly for bearing our Witness as we are moved of the Lord against the false Prophets and Hirelings of these dayes who by their Fruits are made manifest not only unto us but to many Thousands besides yea the greatest part of all the sober People of the Nation their own Hearers will confess it And we see and know that they and all Ministers and Worships in the World set up and standing in the will of man shall perish and come to nothing and the Rice of these men their Growth and End we comprehend and see their Downfall hastens greatly and all the Powers of the Earth shall not be able to support them and with them shall fall their Tythes their Temples their Gleab lands and Offerings their set dayes of Worship in their wiils and all Laws limitting the Holy One made to uphold their Craft and blessed are they who through the Day of Tryal shall stand in their Witness faithful unto God not fearing what man can do unto them Do not you approve Christ Jesus his going into the Temple And do not you own the Apostles who went into the Iews Synagogues every Sabboth Day and into the Market-places to testifie of Christ Jesus and reason with the people And do not you commend Luther and Calvin Iohn Wicklisf and others is Famous for their Zeal in publishing abroad what then was manifest unto them and those Persons which in Queen Mary's dayes went into the Popish Steeple-Houses to bear witness against their Superstitions which caused her to make a Law against them by which many of them then suffer'd and by which the Priests of England till the last Parliament were guarded and is it now become an Offence to practice the same things And is that a just Law made by the late Parliament by which many have suffered Are not the Priests sprung from the old Root of Popery and are they not forced to flee thither for their vindication and is not the spirit the same which makes these Laws to support hem How shall the Kingdoms of the Earth the Papists Turks Infidels Heathens be converted Your Priests sit down in their Ease and will not go they call themselves Ministers of the Reformed Churches And have not you taught other Nations how to make Laws to restrain the Testimony of those whom the Lord â—ends and is sending into all the Corners of the Earth Did the Command of God which gave Tythes to the Jewish Priesthood concern the Gentiles Was not the Command to the Iews themselves disannulled when the Priesthood was changed Did ever any of the believing Iews pay Tythes to the Apostles or did any of the Gentiles pay Tythes either Did not the Papists bring in this Doctrine and Oppression Did not many of the Martyrs in Queen Mary's dayes witness against Tythes And was not that an Article for which some of them suffered And do not you own and commend those Martyrs or do you judge them for holding an Error Have not all or most of those Countries that turned from the Pope and are called reformed cast off Tythes with the Pope and were ashamed of them And is it the Glory of ENGLAND who pretendeth to the highest Reformation to keep up Tythes the Popish Priests Maintenance and First-Fruits and Tenths the Wages of the very Pope himself and to hale before Courts cast into Prisons and spoil the Goods of all who for Conscience saâ—e cannot pay them Let that of God answer And how many have and at this day do suffer because they cannot Swear which Christ Jesus and his Apostles above all things forbid How are the Commands of Christ made void by the Customs and Traditions of Men Were it not easie by turning the Law against Lyars and false Witnesses which the Law of God is against to find out that which your Law against false Swearing never did or could discover Do you own Christ Jesus of whom the Iews that put him to Death gave this Witness That he Respected no mans Person Do you commend Mordecai who could not give the outward Honour and bow to Hamon And do you regard his words who said I know not how to give Flattering Titles to men for my Maker would soon take me away Hath not God made of one Mould and one Blood all Nations to dwell upon the Face of the Earth And doth not he that respects Persons commit sin and is convinced of the Law as a Transgressor And must it now
innocent Life in which they have begun and let them never forget the Mercies of the Lord and what he hath brought to pass who hath manifested great things and will do more and more to the confounding of all his Enemies and to the praise of his elect People And all ye Saints upon the Earth have ye the Lord in respect continually and turn you not unto Idols but let the Lord be your joy for evermore E. B. TO THE RULERS And to such as are in AUTHORITY A True and Faithful TESTIMONY Concerning RELIGION And the Establishment thereof and how it may be Established in PERSONS and NATIONS THere hath been a great cry of late years among the Priests and many others for the settlement of Religion and this they have sought after from the Powers of the Earth and the cry hath been to Parliaments and Rulers by the Priests and Professors for many years settle us Religion settle us Religion Now to this I answer all this cry and this desire hath been by these Priests and Professors to have Parliaments to make Laws to establish one Sect and throw down and limit all others that is the chief thing that hath been eyed in the request and not simply to have true Religion established if we come to shew what true Religion is in it self But people of divers Sects have been requiring and desiring every one to have their own Sect established and set up and all others thrown down and not to have a place nor to be tollerated so that their cry hath not risen from the Ground of true love to true Religion but their desires have chiefly risen and sprung from self love to their own Sect and from Malice and Envy against others that were not of their Way and this hath been the end of their craving the settlement of Religion and not simply for true Religions sake Now Religion in itself is this The fulfilling of the Law and the Prophets loving God with all their hearts and the Neighbour as self and doing to all men as they would have men to do to them and not otherwise doing or speaking towards any then they would that others should speak of or do to them and a walking towards God in all things as they have received of his Grace answering to the Lord in all things as his Spirit leads them and moves them this is true Religion towards God and towards man and to have the Conscience alwayes kept void of offence and that no offence lie upon it in the sight of God nor in the sight of Man and this is true Religion in it self in short declared to wit The leading of the Spirit of God into all Truth to do the Truth and speak the Truth in all things and this Religion is accepted in the sight of God and to be kept unspotted in the World from all its Pollutions But now tell me can this Religion be setled or any Nation or People or any Person in it by any external Power or outward Authority of men or can the Laws of Kings or Parliaments settle such Religion or make people truly religious or establish a Nation or People in this Religion I say no nor any thing saving the Teachings and Leadings of the holy Spirit of God being received from the Father it s that onely that makes men religious and settles a People and Nation therein Oh ye Fools and blind Priests and Professors that are doting on setling Religion among unconverted people by outward Laws and earthly Powers of men I say no this must not be for the Laws of men can but settle a Sect or some Sects and limit other Sects but true Religion can never be setled by that meanes for before any be setled in Religion they must first be changed and created a new in Christ Jesus and born again of the Seed Incorruptible and they must first be changed from Death to Life and from Satan's Power to God this must first be Witnessed before a Man or a Nation can be religious and setled in true Religion he must put off the body of Sin and be circumcised in heart and he must have a new Nature planted in him and he planted into Christ a New and Living Vine before he can love God with all his heart and his Neighbour as himself and before he can have his Conscience kept void of offence and be without stain towards God and towards man and it is onely the Word of God and his Power in the heart that works this it is onely the operation of God's Spirit in and upon a Creature that works him unto this it is not the Laws made by man that doth it nor external Powers of the Earth that can work it and therefore true Religion cannot be setled thereby nor a Nation or a People in it but onely that which changes him and makes him religious that is it onely that must settle Religion and Nations and Peoples therein and as every one is turned to that of God in him and thereby to feel the Power and Word and Spirit that doth change him and renew him as I have said by this means cometh a Man and Nations to be religious and to be setled therein and by no other way nor means and this is done through the preaching of the everlasting Gospel and through the Ministry of Christ which turneth the Mindes of People from Darkness to Light and from Satan's Power to God whereby they are changed and made religious and also setled therein and established thereby and it is not by outward Laws and Powers as I have said But what are Peoples and the Nations yet to settle in Religion And is Religion unsetled yet that you are craving Laws made by men to settle Religion What have you preached for this many years What have your preaching been all in vain And have you done no good this many years by your preaching that Religion is yet to settle Oh! blind and ignorant Men this is a shame unto you how many thousands of thousand Pounds have the Priests had out of this Nation for teaching Religion and preaching to People and yet the Nation remains unsettled in Religion and they are begging to the Powers of the Earth to constrain and compel a settlement of Religion and this shames them and shews that they are they that Paul speaks of and that the people of this Nation are them that are ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the Truth though you have been long learning you are unsetled and are not come to the knowledge of the Truth but had these Priests been such that were sent of the Lord through their Ministry would the Nations long since have been setled in Religion for they have been Teachers long enough and put the Nation to charge great enough thâ—â— people might have known ere this day the holy Anointing to dwell in them and to teach them and to settle them in Religion but it is manifest
have said and so the saying is fulfilled Nations have been Waters and Peoples and Multitudes Waters And as a King and Governor hath changed his Religion and of what Sect as he hath been so hath the Religion of the whole Nation or Country changed and such a Sect onely established against all others but this I cannot call the settlement of true Religion nor are the Nations and Peoples hereby established in true Religion but onely false Sects and false Religions have risen and been established by the Beast's Power who hath carried the Whore yea and though many other Sects have risen and many other Horns appeared divers one from another out of the many Heads of the Beast for his Heads have been many and his Horns divided and divers one from another and each Head exalting his self above another and each Horn pushing one at anther and each Sect and Horn crying to the Beast for Power to be established and to have others thrown down and limited through the Powers of the Earth And thus hath it been for Generations and in this Nation in particular and many Sects have risen besides the Papists and the Protestants and all these Sects have risen one out of another and appeared divers one from the otherâ— and each one of them have sought to the Powers of the Earth for settlement and defence and that the other that were contrary to them and of another appearance might be stopt and limited and this hath been done by these Teachers and Professors under the account of establishment of Religion and they have begged to Parliaments and to Rulers for the establishment of Religion and for the stopping of Heresie that is to say for tollerating and defending of their own Sect which they call Religion and for the stopping and subduing of all others which they call Heresie but confusion hath come upon all this and will upon the like for ever and true Religion never gets established by it but as every new Sect hath appeared that onely hath sought establishment against all the rest But yet I say I am not against establishing of true Religion though thus I speak but would have true Religion settled and established but doth not seek to the Powers of the Earth to have true Religion established by earthly Laws for that cannot establish true Religion neither is it at all committed of the Lord to the Powers of the Earth or to outward Authorities to establish Religion or to make men religious for that belongs to the Lord to rule over and in mens Consciences and to exercise them in the true Religion no Ruler by any Law whatsoever ought to exercise Lordship over the Consciences of any people either to exalt or throw down any Sect or Worship of Religion for they are with their Laws but to rule the outward man to settle their Persons and Estates in security from the wrong and unrighteous dealing of wicked men and to limit all evil men and evil doers from wronging and doing violence to mens Persons and Estates this is the work and the place of Kings and Rulers of the Earth their Power is onely committed to them of the Lord to extend over the outward man to defend and preserve that and be a praise to all that do well and live Righteously and to be a terror and limit and punishers of the unrighteous evil and violent Doers this is the Magistrates place and the length and breadth and height of his Authority whether it reside in King Queen or any other Person or Persons But for the exercise of Conscience that is out of their Power and over and beyond it it is not committed of the Lord to them to compel and cause people from or to such a Worship and Religion it is not the Magistrates work but the Ministers that are sent of Christ to teach Religion but let all Sects have their course and every Religion its liberty in a Nation or Country so that they do no Violence to one anothers Persons and Estates and if they do then they fall under the Magistrates Power and then let them be punished and let every Sect strive to exalt it self and to overthrow others by what authority it hath in Doctrine and forceable Arguments and let them use what Spiritual Weapons they have and defend themselves thereby and let them that have the Spirit of God overcome and let them alone to be established and let all the rest be subdued before that and let that alone to be settled onely by the Power and Authority of the Spirit of God which overcomes all the contrary and let all men and all of man's Power and Authority be silent and quiet and have no hand in this matter and this is the way to establish Religion in a Nation and a Xingdom let the Spirit of the Lord have its liberty and let no man whatsoever limit it in them in whom it dwells but let it have its course and its operation and its â—ull authority by them in whom it dwells in whomsoever it 〈◊〉 and let all Sects whatsoever have their liberty in their Arguments and their Practices and their Worship and then let it be manifest who it is that overcomes and who it is that is overcome and such as overcometh by the same Spirit and Power that gives them Victory by that alone let true Religion be established and the rest of all Sects bow under that true Religion that overcometh all others by the Power and Authority of the Spirit of God and is established thereby all other under that shall bow and whilst this is in tryal and debate let the Powers of the Earth and the Rulers of the World be all quiet and look on in patience and let their Authority herein be exercised not to limit one or tollerate one more then another onely let them keep mens Persons and Estates in peace and defence from the Injury and Malice and wrong dealing one of another as I have said and here is the way the true and perfect way for the establishing of Religion in a Nation among people and if this were brought to pass and had been in Generations past then would not the Papists have been prevailed against by the Protestants they being at the first dissenting from the Church and Sect of the Papist more sincere towards God and more upright to him and in some things more true in Doctrine and Worship then the other which they dissented from though still in the main but a false Sect and of a false Religion though they hated the Whore in some things and they would have prevailed against her through that sincerity towards God that was in them but they gave their Power to the Beast and would not many other Sects have prevailed against them which have risen out of this and dissented from her who was more in the Sincerity and Uprightness towards God than she for God blessed that and loved that in what measure soever and whatsoever it be
which hath been of the false Woman and not of the Elect Spouse that is married to the Lamb. 6. That forcing and compelling of Persons by any outward Law and Authority to be of such or such a Religion and to conform to such a Way of Worship is the Worship of the Beast and of the Whore and not the Worship of God and to kill and persecute Persons for the exercise of Conscience and because they will not be of such a Religion and cannot conform to such Worship is of the Devil and the Dragon and not of God nor according to him and that your Church herein is not Successor of the Apostles and the true Church of Christ but is of the Beast and the Whore which Iohn saw was to come in his time and which we see are come in our dayes and have ruled for Generations and I affirm that Persons so made conformable by force and violent Laws to such a Religion and Worship are but two-fold more the Children of the Devil and are not at all converted to God thereby but becomes Idolaters whom God will judge 7. That none upon Earth are true Members of the true Church of Christ having a portion in the Inheritance of Eternal Life but such who are gathered out of the World by the preaching of the Gospel and are changed and renewed by the Power of the Lord God in the Heart and are led by his Spirit within them into all Truth and are joyned unto Christ the Head and gathered into the Eternal Unity of the Infinite Body by the same Spirit and Aâ—ointing dwelling in them and of such onely doth the true Church of Christ consist now in this present time as it did in the Apostles dayes but of such Members doth not your Church consist in this present Age neither is it in the Order and Government of the Spirit of Truth but in the Form without the Power therein was its beginning and its standing at this day 8. That the time is at hand and the Day of the Lord draws near and the fulâ—ess of time is approaching wherein great Babylon shall be thrown down and fall to the Ground and the Lord will be avenged on her and will render Judgâ—ents unto her and the Beast and Whore and false Prophets unto whom the Kingdoms of the World have been subject shall be taken and cast alive into the Lake and the Devil and Satan shall deceive the Nations no more but the Kingdoms of this World shall be changed and become the Kingdoms of the Lord and of his Christ whose Kingdom shall be revealed in Power and great Glory in the hearts of his Chosen And the Church of Rome and all the false Sects and Churches upon the Earth will the Lord God overthrow and his true Church shall be gathered out of the Wilderness and the Beauty of new Ierusalem of the holy Church the Lamb's Wife shall be as Glorious aâ— before she fled thither and before she was troden down of the Gentiles and the Lord God Almighty shall be known and his Tabernacle shall be with men These things I assert to you in the Name of the Lord and the truth thereof is certain and should be ready to argue and dispute these things with any sober Person amongst you upon equal tearms and to prove the Infalibility hereof by the Spirit of the Lord and according to the Scriptures wherefore consider of them in Patience and Meekness and believe in the Light of Christ which is in your Consciences which Christ hath lightened every man that cometh into the World withall that you may come to the knowledge of the Truth and out of all false Wayes and if any of you will return an Answer hereunto in behalf of your whole Body and can be able to clear your selves in Writing from what is charged upon you it shall be gladly received by me and a Reply iâ— Meekness returned to you for the further mâ—nifestation of Truth that Truth and Righteousness may clearly appear and be embraced and all Deceit and and false wayes of Antichrist may be confounded and denyed and who are in the Truth shall be confirmed and who are in the Error may have Warning now in the Day of the World's Visitation The Lord is coming to Judgment who will judge the Secrets of all Hearts and the whole World in Equity Dunkirk the 20th of the 3d Moneth 1659. By a Friend unto Righteousness and a Lover of all Souls E. B. These Propositions were sent to them in Latine This was sent to the chief Rector of the Jesuits Colledge in Dunkirk in Latine FRiend thy wisdom and thy knowledge is earthly and sensual and thereby canst thou not know the Things of the Kingdom of God thou canst neither learn them thy self nor teach them to others for thou art but a blind Leader of the Blind And thus saith the Lord God unto thee The Fruitless Tree is standing in thee that brings forth no Fruit unto God and the Head of the Serpent is not broken in thee that deceives the Soul nor the Body of Sin put off that burdens the Just and the Sword shall cut thee to pieces even the Sword of the Lord it shall slay thee And Friend The time is at hand that the Lord will make thee know that thou art and hast been in thy Life time a Dishonour to him and that thou hast not served him but thy self and the Devil and thy Heart is not right in his sight but is corrupt and deceitful for thou art tryed and measured and thou art found wanting in all things and God will judge thee and the Witness in thy Conscience shall answer his Judgments and all thy Idolatrous Practices and Profession of Religion and Church and Ministry thy many Prayers and thy Works of Righteousness all this shall not hide thee from the Wrath of the Lamb though now thou art hardened â—nd utterly unsensible yet the Stone shall fall upon thee that will grind thee to Powder and thou shalt not escape but the burden of thy own Iniquities shall weigh thee down into Perdition except thou speedily repentest Therefore fear and tremble before the Lord God and remember thou art warned by one that seeks the Peace of Souls but makes War by the Sword of the Spirit against the Kingdom of the Devil and Antichrist in whomsoever it stands And Friend answer me this one Query What is that Whore that hath sate upon Multitudes and Peoples and what is that Golden Cup in her Hand and what are the Abominations and Fornication of which her Cup is full which she hath caused the Kings and People to drink and with which she hath deceived the World Answer me this and subscribe thy Name E. B. ANd now this I have to say concerning the Church of Rome to them and to all the World as having been in a measure an eye and an ear Witness of their Idolatrous and false Wayes Practices and Doctrines never having in all my dayes
season they will fall and perish of themselves and the Good Old Way and Truth and the pure Religion only will remain and let them cry one against another and rebuke one another and meddle not thou with that but only let thy Laws and Authority preserve mens Persons and Estates from the Wrong one of another that all men may live peaceably under thee and no man wrong his Neighbour's Person or Estate and that 's only thy Place to rule in outward Affairs but not to Rule over any mans Conscience to compel him to such a Worship or to limit from such a Worship in Religion that belongs not to thee but to the Lord who alone will be the Ruler and Guide and Exerciser of his People's Consciences and if thou dost meddle therein thou shalt not prosper nor be blessed in thy Deed So leave the establishing of Religion to the Lord and let all these Sects manifest if any of them have the Spirit and Power of God in them and with them and let them shew their Weapons of the Spirit for only such as have the Power and Spirit of God in them will overcome and such will be increased and grow and thou nor none can hinder and such that want the Power and Spirit of God in and with them may flourish in their Form for a while but they will be blasted and wither and it s in vain for thee or any to uphold such or endeavour to establish them but if thou meddlest on these accounts it will undo thee and confound thee therefore be wise and know what the Lord requires of thee perfectly for if thou leavest that undone which God requires then shalt thou be condemned and if thou dost that which he requires not then shalt thou not be free And this is written in Love to thee to inform thy mind how to walk towards the Lord and the People over whom he hath set thee And as for the maintaining of Ministers Let that alone also and be not troubled about it for it was ever the false Prophets and Deceivers that preached for Hire and went after Gifts and Rewards and sought Money and Gifts of people and they that do the same now were never sent of God nor are they such as shall convert people to God for who are true Ministers of Christ will not seek to thee nor to men for Wages nor Tythes nor Money but live of the Gospel and not compel great sums of Money from people to maintain them in their Families in Pride in Fulness and Idleness such things are great Oppressions in this Nation and a horrible filthy thing in the Sight of God and because thereof will the Lord's Judgments come upon the Land If thou wert but rightly sensible what casting into Goals and what suing at Law of poor People and what spoiling Peoples Goods by Restraint and all for and about Tythes and Priests Wages it would make thee admire the Wickedness of that Generation but do thou let them alone for they do shame themselves and undo themselves and lose the Hearts of all good People by their own doings and stand over them all in God's Authority and know a measure of the Spirit of God in thy own heart and thereby thou wilt discern and try and judge of the spirits of all men and their Religion and the Spirit will lead thee in the pure Religion to worship God in Spirit and in Truth So let not thy mind be cumbred at all about establishing Religion nor about maintaining the Ministers but be faithful to what the Lord requires of thee and learn his Will and do it and then thou wilt be Blessed and Honoured in this world and in the World to come And Friend Know thou that the Lord is doing of a great Work in these Nations he is raising up a Seed to serve him and to worship him aright and the God of Heaven is setting up a Kingdom over all the kingdoms of the World and he hath a Controversie with all sorts of people in as much as Corruption and Degeneration is entred amongst all and all must be purged of all Orders of men and the Evil cast out the Work of the Lord is Great and Mighty and he requires no help of thee nor any man whatsoever for his own Arm will bring it to pass yet he would not have thee to gain-say his Work and strive against it and seek to quench what the Lord is bringing forth if thou dost it then shalt thou be condemned and the Lord will speedily execute his Judgments and Remove thee and overthrow thy Power and Authority into Destruction wherefore be passive in this matter and look thou at the Lord and protect and defend mens Persons and Estates from Wrong but meddle not with their opinions and professions in Religions to exalt any of them nor yet to persecute them And thus Friend according as it lay upon me from the Lord I have written this unto thee in dear and pure Love God is Witness and I have cleared my Conscience to thee thus far and if thou fall by thy own Transgression it will lie upon thy self I have warned thee and I am clear and if thy Fall comes remember thou wast advised Who am a Lover of Iustice and True Iudgment and a Friend to this Common-Wealth and to thee wisheth well in the Lord E. B. London the 18th of the 8th Moneth 1658. This was delivered to him in the Eighth Moneth 1658. To the Protector and his Council THE Lord God will shortly make you know that we are his People though we be accounted as Sheep for the Slaughter yet our King of Righteousness will break you to pieces if you harden your Hearts and Repent not And seeing that Love will not draw thee neither the Gentle Leadings of our God have any place in you yet Judgment shall awaken you and his heavy Hand of Indignation shall lie upon your Cousciences and you will be scatterred and distracted to pieces E B. This was written in White-Hall in the Tenth Moneth 1658. to Richard and his Council For the Parliament YE that sit in Counsel that are assembled for the Nations Good hear ye the Word of the Lord God which is towards you all Rememember the Cause of God and of his People remember the Groanings of the Poor and give ear to the Cry of the Oppressed and relieve the Guiltless Sufferers and break the Bonds of Iniquity and let the Oppressed go free do this lest you perish And remember the Old Good Cause that is decayed and hath long been laid waste let it be once more revived in the Nations that God may bless you Remember the first Engagement which was for Freedom and suffer not the Exercise of pure Conscience to be trodden down by Oppressors but seek ye seek ye the Glory of the Lord and the Safety of his People and the Freedom of such as are oppressed and be not ye Oppressors nor Adders to the Sufferings of the
present Rulers be looked upon as great Traytors and Tyrants in your dealing towards them and doubtless the men of that part will seek Vengeance against you even by preâ—câ—ing and 〈◊〉 and they will curse you in the Name of their God and seek continually yoâ—â— destruction as such as have taken away part of their strength and cast down their 〈◊〉 but alas all this is nothing for the Lord doth not account as men For these things must needs thus come to pass for the furtherance of the Kingdom and Government of Iesus Christ that it may arise through all and if you were but faithful to what the Lord requires of you in your proceedings what you have done â—â—to them should not be reckoned on account against you neither by God nor good Men. But and if you of the Army be alwayes Treacherous and Disoâ—edient towards him and abuse your Power and dis-regard your Price that God hath given you and trifle away your Hour about Places of Honour and such self-seeking matters and the Cause of God be neglected by you and his People continued Oppressed Sufferers under you as they have long been Even then shall you be cast aside with shameful Disgrace and the heavy Hand of the Lord shall be upon you in Iudgment and you shall be smitten more then any before yâ—â— your Estates shall not be spared from the Spoiler nor your Souls from the Pit nor yâ—… Persons from the Violence of Men no nor your Necks from the Axe for if you be unfaithful and continually Treacherous to the Cause of God then shall you be left to the Will of your Enemies and they shall charge Treachery and Treason upon you and your Persons and Estates shall be given for a Prey to your Enemies and you shall 〈◊〉 deliver your selves neither will the Lord deliver you from the Execution of Merciless Men for my Lord shall leave the Cruel-hearted to plead with you Wherefore that you may be warned I advise you to be faithful let not the Cause of God fall nor the Cause of his Enemies prosper before you for there is no other way whereby you can be preserved nor no other Defence shall you ever find from the Wrath of the Lord and from the Fury of you Devouring Enemies then your Faithfulness in God's Cause and therefore relieve the Oppressed and take off all Oppressions break down all unjust Laws and set all People free from unjust Burdens and let all Oppressions cease both in Church and Civil State and even all Oppressive Laws and Unjust Judges and Evil Men in Power let all this be removed and the Nation clean quitted and discharged even from all Men and Laws whatsoever that have held under Oppression the Persons Estates and Consciences of the Good People of this Land and let the Nation be corrected and all Orders and Places of men and Laws and Decrees be purified for this my Lord the Great King requireth and he will suddenly have it brought to pass in the Nation if not by you then contrary to you and to your utter Destruction and this is the very substâ—â—ce of my Message to you that my Master hath given me to say unto you and on his behalf I am come to claim of you my Master 's long lost Right let him have his Right from which he hath long been banished I demand it of you all ye whatsoever that seem to bear rule in the Nation I charge you in his Name let him have his Title and Prerogative let him be Lord and King wholy in his own Kingdom let him have the Exercise of his People's Consciences by his own Spirit in all things related to his Worship and Service and let him have the full Authority by his Spirit in all things pertaining to Church and Ministry and Faith and Religion and let his Spirit have the alone Authority to perswade and diswade People from or to such or such Ministry Worship and Practices of Religion and let all forced Maintenance to Ministers and Tythes be speedily taken away and let all Laws and Decrees whatsoever made and practized in the days of Antichrist upon the Bodies Estates and Consciences of the People in Oppression and Unjustness about Church and Worship and Religion be utterly repealed and made void and never more be in force in this Nation But let my Lord be sole Ruler and Governour and have the full Authority in his own Kingdom in all things whatsoever pertaining thereunto and let no man henceforth hereafter be intrusted with the Liberties of the Members of Christ's Kingdom as they are such nor to judge over them in any matters of Faith and Worship but give that Right and Priviledge wholy unto the Spirit of Jesus Christ for unto him onely it pertaineth to be whole Judge and to have full Power in his own Kingdom and until you give him the Right and deliver up unto him his own Kingdom and the Exercise of Peoples Consciences in all things about RELIGION you shall never Prosper nor none that cometh after you that shall in any measure abridge my Master of his proper RIGHT from which he hath long been Banished as I have said and till his Right be given him in the case aforesaid He will dash one man against another and none shall ever be established but Horn after Horn shall be broken and one Power after another brought into Câ—â—â—â—sion And therefore ye men Do not strive with him in this matter but yield unto 〈◊〉 the Exercise of your own Consciences by his Spirit in you and let him do 〈◊〉 â—â—to all others even as ye hope to prosper and upon the Penalty of his sore Dâ—â—â—leasure upon you in this World and in the World to come and let Jâ—â—â— Men and Righteous Men and Meek Men and Men that have the Fear and Wisdom of God in them without Exceptation of Birth or otherwise 〈◊〉 such men have the Power and Judgment committed to them to determine in things between Man and Man Down with all the false-hearted Flatterers that 〈◊〉 ruled for Man and not for God and for themselves and not for the good of the People cast all such out from among you for the Good among you is choaked by them Down with all that Judge for Rewards and away with 〈◊〉 Hireling Rulers that execute the Law for Money and will not plead 〈◊〉 Cause of the Poor without great Fees And down with all that will not 〈◊〉 places of Trust without so large Stipends away with all these things out of the Land for they are hainous Oppressions unto men and great Aboâ—…ons in the Sight of God and the Land hath long groaned under the wâ—ight and burden of these things and the Earth is weary of them and my Lord â—…iers their utter Dissolution as being Iniquities fully ripe and having the gâ—ilâ— of so much Cruelty Injustice and Oppression lying upon the Nation because hereof therefore is the Lord's season to destroy them and remove them out of
especially in this day wherein there are so many Ways and Professions of Church-Ministry and Worship and yet all professing the Scriptures are their Rule of Faith Worship and Practice and seeing that all Sects do profess Proof from Scripture for what they hold forth what Ground have the people to believe you more than others or others more than you for where people receive Doctrine or Religion by Report from others without the Evidence of the Spirit of God in their own Hearts this is not receiving of the Truth unto Eternal Life wherefore I exhort your Congregations That every one amongst them may wait upon the Lord to have a feeling and discerning in their own hearts and that each one may be led and taught oâ— the Spirit of God which leads into all Truth that they may deny all false Ministers and false Worships and may worship God in Spirit and Truth though the ministration of his own Spirit in their Hearts and Consciences and thereby will they discern between Truth and Error and will love the one and hate the other Thirdly You exhort That they keep themselves unspotted from the prevailing Corruptions of these back-sliding Times c. Answ. Concerning the Times many are ignorant but this is certain at the present Time wherein we are is the Lord disquieting of men and its the latter dayes of Antichist's Raign and Government that hath been in full Power and Authority for many Generations and Babylon that great City her Ruin is threatned because of her Abominations that have been many and great for the whole Earth hath been corrupted as it s written and now the Call of the Lord is That every man come out of Babylon and deliver himself that he may not partake of their Plagues and happy are they that are made clean unspotted from their Sins that they may not be found covered with her Garments for the Day of the Lord is come and coming upon Babylon and all Back-sliders from God and his Wayes Now Babylon is that great City which hath ruled over the Kings of the Earth and in her hath the Blood of Souls and of all just Men been found Fourthly You exhort To endeavour a Healing of those sad Breaches and Divisions which have been amongst you c. Answ. Now the sad Breaches and Divisions which are indeed at present in this Nation cannot be healed but as the Cause and Ground thereof be removed which is the Sins of Rulers Teachers and People and this is the Cause wherefore the Lord hath brought Distraction amongst them Oh what Ambition and Self-seeking hath been among the Rulers What judging for Gifts and Rewards What neglect of Mercy and Judgment amongst them And oh how have they oppressed the Poor and trodden down the needy and because hereof is the Righteous God vexed And oh what Covetousness and Greediness of Gain â—re the Teachers guilty of How do they Preach for Hire and Divine for Money How have they unreasonably caused men to be imprisoned and their Goods to be spoiled for Wages and Tythes and Hire Oh how hath Covetousness and Idolatry and Superstition abounded amongst the Teachers in this Nation Oh abominable have been their Sins their Oppressions and Self-seekings and because of these things hath the Lord brought Distractions amongst People and the Sins of Rulers and People cry for Vengeance from the Lord and till these Iniquities be removed by Repentance and forsaken the Fruit and Effect thereof shall never cease but Breach upon Breach will the Lord make till the Rulers and Priests repent them of their Iniquities God's Hand will be upon them both in Judgment and for their sakes that divine for Money and preach for Hire and judge for Rewards will the Lord make the Nation as Heaps and as a Ploughed Field Therefore let all people Repent of their Iniquities and return to the Light of Christ in their own Consciences and become Followers of the Lamb and this is the perfect Way of healing of all Breaches inwardly and outwardly Fifthly You exhort To be diligent in the Spiritual and Conscientious Performances of Family-Duties c. Answ. Men must first be awakened and enlivened unto God before they can act for God in Holy Duties and as for Duties performed in pretence unto God traditionally and without the Teachings of the Spirit of God is but Idolatry and the Nation is weary of such a Religion which they have received and held traditionally for thereby the Soul Immortal cannot be nourished unto Eternal Life and while you teach Duties towards God by that Rule while you teach Praying Singing Repeating Catechizing by Tradition and Immitation without the Leadings of the Spirit of Christ in them you do but teach Idolatry as long hath been taught in the Christian Nations the doing and performing such and such things as Christian-Duties and Practices and the Forcing and Compelling of doing such things upon People in the unregenerate state and unconverted nature this Religion and such Performances of Duties have been of Babylon and of Antichrist and a Cheat upon Peoples Souls whereby many have been murdered and slain in that great City and the Form of Godliness without the Power hath been practiced while Duties have been performed unto God without the Teachings of the Spirit of God and such their Consciences are blinded and the Lord abhors their Sacrifices And people must first come to feel the Word of God in their Hearts to regenerate them before they can perform any acceptable thing to God and therefore do not teach People to be Hypocrites do not teach them such and such Performances in the corrupt Nature without the Teachings of the Spirit of God in their own particulars for if you do you make them but two fold more the Children of the Devil and such Duties performed in that nature shall not cover nor hide from the Wrath of the Lord which is coming upon all Hypocrites Sixthly You exhort That they would cause their Children and Servants to submit to Catechizings and train them up in the reverence of Godly Ministry c. Answ. It may be enquired into what you mean by cause them to submit how cause them by Force and Imposition upon their Consciences by outward external personal Punishments or Threats Is this your Meaning Will you set up Religion by Violence And must Children and Servants be compell'd by Restraint and Force This is not the right Way to promote Religion and the Worship of God nor to make Children and Servants truly Religious it was the Beast that received power from the Dragon that caused all to worship both Small and Great Children and Servants and this causing to worship was in the time of the Apostacy when the true Church was fled into the Wilderness and all the time ever since have Nations been caused and compelled to such and such performances and practices of Religion and Worship and such causing I am jealous your Meaning is whereby you would force and compel such manner
Consciences in religious Matters such are but Usurpers and are not well-pleasing to the Lord in such their way and Government if they oppress mens Consciences by limiting from or compelling to any such way of Worship or kind of Religion neither are they Ordained to Rule among men for that end not to be King and Judge and Law-giver in Heavenly and spiritual Matters and this ought not CHARLES the King to do 〈◊〉 but and if he do it and will not let Christ alone be the Head over his Church it cannot be with safety to himself nor happiness to the Kingdoms 〈◊〉 justly in the sight of God but it will work contrary effects And he may and ought to Tollerate and Allow Liberty of Conscience in the matters of God's Kingdom to all sorts of People and Worshippers that are 〈◊〉 this Nation and let him mind God's Wisdom how to keep the Nations in peace and good order in all outward and civil Affairs between man and man and between one sort of People and another that none destroy each others persons or estates nor be Oppressors one of another in outward and earthly Matters and that is the place and priviledge of a just King and Ruler upon Earth and to leave Faith and Worship and Duty towards God as every one is perswaded in their own Consciences is the right Way whether they will read the Common-Prayer or Preach and Pray after the order of the Directory or otherwise Or whether they will meet in silence without words and let all these enjoy their way of Religion and Worship in outward peace and not kill one another about their Religion Worship Church and Ministry nor imprison and persecute one another about these things but let them all be preserved as men living in peace one with another in all outward relations and yielding Subjection to good Laws which concern their outward man and their peace and well-being as Subjects of a Nation but there ought to be no Law of Bondage and Force nor violent Impositions by any man concerning Religion for the Lord alone is sufficient to give Prescriptions and Laws to his People how he may be served and worshipped and this is the way of good Government in this Nation that only the outward man in outward things be Governed and all Matters of Conscience in spiritual things be left unto God that his Spirit may therein onely rule and have the preheminence and if the King do Rule thus he may be more blessed and in that this Nation hath his word for LIBERTY of CONSCIENCE it is expected for because this hath been wanting to wit the allowance of LIBERTY of CONSCIENCE in spiritual Matters because of this have been much strife and contention and heart-burnings in the Nation while some Sects of People have been tollerated and upheld and others persecuted for their Religion-sake by Law and this was one of the chief causes wherefore the Presbyterians so called first raised War against the Bishops even because they could not be tollerated but were persecuted while the other were guarded and defended by Law and this was a great cause of enmity which if the Presbyterians so called could have had Liberty and Tolleration at that day for their Worship and Faith it is possible the War against the Bishops had not so far proceeded though when they had gotten Victory they were no less furions towards the Bishops to destroy them than the other had been once against them and this arose by reason of persecuting for Conscience sake because all had not Liberty in the exercise of Spiritual things which if the King had declared it â—â—at day Equal Liberty to both in Matters of their Faith and Religion and yet ruled over both in outward affairs and had Authority over the Persons and Estates in Matters not related in Spiritual Worship but left them therein free and in their Religion by such means the War might have been stopped and not proceeded so far as it did and into such destruction and this being now well considered may be an Example to prevent the like hereafter So that 〈◊〉 â—â—y it cannot be for his safety nor for the good of the Kingdoms to Tollerate some sorts of People and Religions and Persecute others for that will be the very cause of strife among men it will provoke one sort to destroy another and it will provoke the Lord God against the King and his Government to destroy them both Therefore to reduce the Government of the Church into the State as it stood under the Bishops in his Fathers dayes and to prohibit all others that may differ in Judgment from that this is not the way for Peace and happiness in these Nations nor the way that will be blessed to the Government neither can the Bishops and Prelates justly themselves desire it that only they and their Church-Government should be Imposed and Tollerated and all besides Prohibited for this is not doing to others as they would be done unto and I may hope that their suffering this divers years may have taught them the worth of Liberty to themselves and so that they will allow to others if it be in their power the same which they have desired themselves in their time of suffering and they having tasted of some Subjection in Adversity they know the better how to behave themselves in time of prosperity and they may compare others with their own state and may judge that others will as much desire Liberty and from as good Principles iâ— their Worship and Faith as themselves would have enjoyed it in times past and they may have learned to be good to others in that case for which themselves have suffered and not cause others to suffer for that thing about which themselves have suffered And I do conclude that he may justly and with more safty and happiness to his Government Tollerate and Allow LIBERTY of CONSCIENCE in the Exercise of Faith and Worship towards God in all spiritual Matters even to all sorts of People in this Nation and let him defend their Persons and Estates from the wrong one of another by wholsome Law and let each sort defend themselves in their Faith and Worship in their Church and Ministry by their soundest Arguments and the best spiritual weapons they have and thus should it be blessed to the Government And whatsoever sort or sect of People are not contented with this that is to say to Allow the same Liberty to others in Faith and Worship which they do desire themselves are not worthy themselves to be allowed Liberty unto and this every reasonable man may judge Quer. 7. Lastly what is your Iudgement if ye daâ—e declare it concerning the Times and Seasons and the present motions of them And what are your Observations of the present proceedings Are the present Times and seasons and the proceedings and transactions in Mercy or in Iudgment to the King and his Subiects If in Mercy to whom is it Mercy And if in
you will not allow it us but will persecute us and seek to destroy us only for our Conscience-sake and because of our Faith and Religion if you do make and execute Laws against us in opposition to the Law of our God that you may take an occasion against us to destroy us because thereof then Innocent blood and cruel suffering will be upon you and the weight of it will 〈◊〉 into confussion when your measure is full and if you should destroy these vessels yet our Principles you can never extinguish but they will live for ever and enter into other bodies to live and speak and act through other vessels for our Principles are standing and unchangeable through Ages and Generations and may be clouded but can never be extinguished for every man hath a Light in his Conscience which Christ hath inlightened them withal which Light reproves Men for sin and with it they know they should not Lye nor Swear nor be Drunk nor deal doubbly nor walk in any sin but and if they do these things and live contrary to the Light in their own Consciences then they deny Christ and are unbelievers and they are condemned and have trouble in their Consciences but if men do own that Light in their Consciences which doth reprove them for sin then it leads them to Repentance and to the forsaking of all sin and they cease from all Iniquity and receive Iesus Christ and his blood to cleanse them And the Light of the Spirit of God leads them into all Truth to do and speak the Truth in all things and then he hath peace with God in his Conscience And these are some of our Principles which can never be Subdued by all the Powers of the Earth though the vessels which now retain these were cut off yet these Principles are unchangeable in themselves and can never be extinguished so that this our Religion cannot come to ruin but they that think so they are indeed deceived and whosoever shall seek to destroy that which Gods purpose is to exalt wo shall be unto them and as they purpose towards others so shall it come upon them from the Lord in his Day and Season And thus I have answered the Queries directed to the Quakers and subscribed Trâ—â—ite hanc Amico Regis and I do desire that the Friend of the King and all his Friends and he himself may receive and read over these my Answers and may consider them in coolness and moderation for they may be to their Edification if they be Sober minded I am a Friend unto all men as men and creatures and a lover of all Souls and am in Principles and Practises one of them scornfully called a Quaker E. B. An Objection Answered concerning the Kings Supremacy ANd whereas it is Objected by some Whether or no we will be obedient Subject accepting of him as our Lawful King and own his Supremacy and will obey him willingly or unwillingly and be Subjects in Conscience or against our Consciences Answ. It is our Principle and hath ever been our Practise to be obedient Subjects to whatsoever Power or Authority of man or men as have been in being over us either by doing and fulfilling their just Commands or by suffering under their Commands which have been unjust and thus we are perswaded and resolved in the Lord to continue even to be obedient to the Commands of Men in Authority which are just and according to our Consciences but and if any thing or matter be required of us and Imposed upon us which is contrary to the Law of God and our Consciences that we must fulfil by Suffering whatsoever is put upon us by him or any under him and so we own him and accept him as knowing and believing that he is set to rule in this Nation not without but by and according to the Purpose of the Lord and that he hath secretly purposed and suffered the accomplishing of these things and thus we account that he is CHIEF MAGISTRATE because these things are effected through the Lord's Power who doth whatsoever he will and we do own that he is set and proclaimed to be the Head and Supream over this Nation in Civil and Outward Affairs and Matters and in those things that are related to the outward man and all his Commands which are just we can willingly be subject unto even in Conscience and all hiâ— Commads which are otherwise we are willingly and in our Consciences contented in patience to bear what men shall put upon us and thus we do accept of the King and his Government as he and it are according to God and answerable unto him if it be so we are willingly and in Conscience accepting thereof and shall be obedient Subjects thereunto but if it be otherwise that is to say if he Rule in Tyranny and Oppression and his Government be unjust and unrighteous and contrary to God then we must give our witness against him and it yet not so as by outward opposition and rebellion to seek the overthrow of him or the Government by Carnal Weapons but shall patiently bear and that for Conscience sake all that cruelty and injustice and suffering which can be imposed upon us And as for owning his Supremacy if it be meant his Supremacy over the Church as if he were Head of the Church and were Supream Law-giver and Iudge and King in Church-State as to give and prescribe Law for Worship and Faith and to pass all Judgement in matters that are Spiritual and appertaining to Conscience and about the things of the Kingdom of God if by his Supremacy this be meant and intended thus we cannot own his Supremacy but must deny it and we do ascribe Supremacy only to IESUS CHRIST in and concerning all these things mentioned and that he alone is Iudge and King and Law-giver in all the matters concerning his own Spiritual Kingdom and he must prescribe for us Faith and Worship and must be the only Iudge in all cases of Conscience and Spiritual matters and not Charles Stuart King of England c. not any other man upon the Earth for let it not be understood that we deny his Supremacy in opposition to the Pope of Rome as if we should own the Popes Supremacy over the Church for that we do not nor any man upon the Earth as I have said but only IESUS CHRIST is principal in that relation and to him we give the Dominion in all the cases of his own Kingdom but if owning his Supremacy it be intended whether we will own him to be Head and Ruler as in the affairs of his Nation pertaining to mens Persons and Estate without any relation to the Worship of God or matters of Conscience so we own him as I have before mentioned and must be Subject for Conscience-sake in fulfilling all his commands whatsoever either by doing or suffering and this is our principle which we are perswaded in and resolved herein to continue and abide To
others and often he rebukes the Sin of a People by a People as bad as themselves he may justly give unto Men from the Hands of others what they love in their own Hearts and even as those Men have loved Pride and Ambition over others and Oppression and Hard-heartedness towards others even so and much more may justly be done unto them and that according to the Will of the Lord and if this be your Work designed you by the Eternal Hand who shall prevent you But yet Oh that you would consider and that you would have respect unto the Lord lest you out-go the end of your Restoration You would indeed be happy if you could forgive your Enemies if you could reward them Good for their Evil and you would be happy if you could not exceed the measure of your Permission be not too hard-hearted towards them but shew Mercy And Oh you must take heed lest you cause the Righteous to suffer with the Wicked and that you cause not the Innocent to Groan and Mourn in your execution of God's purpose upon the Ungodly you must be aware lest while you punish Offenders you smite not them that are free Oh that you had hearts this to understand and that you could walk in the path of fulfilling God's pleasure and not go further I mean though you may be raised to be a Plague upon Hypocrites and Disobedient and Treacherous men and to avenge God's Cause and his Peoples but you are not raised to be Oppressors of the Lord's People nor to destroy his Heritage this is not your Work God hath not called you to destroy and persecute them that fear his Name and tremble at his Word though you have power to be avenged on your Enemies And Oh that your Hearts could understand this that you might distinguish in your Proceedings between executing of Justice upon Transgressors and Persecution for Conscience sake the one you have to do but the other is forbidden you of the Lord and you ought not to do it for if you persecute any for good Conscience sake or because they are of such and such an Assembly of People and worship in such a Way if you inflict Tribulation upon any because hereof or because they are such or such in their Profession and Religion then you persecute for Conscience sake and you go beyond the End and by the Path for which you were raised and if you turn your Hand and Power to persecute for good Conscience-sake then you divert the End and Purpose of this your Restoration and the Lord will require it of you if that you go beyond his Permission and Assignment and beyond his Pleasure in persecuting his People and so turn your Power to a wrong Use and End O then the Lord shall suddenly confound you and he will find out Instruments that shall fulfil his Wrath and Justice upon you as he hath found you fit to execute Wrath upon others and therefore do not O do not persecute any for Conscience-sake if you have nothing against them but concerning their Faith and Worship and their Religion do not lay your Hand upon them nor let them be touched for if you do the Lord will take it as a heinous Offence against him and in this life or hereafter he will plague you for it and you shall not escape unpunished and therefore I say once more to you as the advice of your Friend Let no Man be persecuted for his Faith and for his Religion-sake but make a difference between inflicting Wrath upon Offenders that have been Hypocritical and Deceitful and that have made themselves rich through the ruins of others and that will bow to any thing or any kind of Worship for their own ends and between such as have a Principle and do stand by it and are humble and acted in the Principles of Sincerity and follow that way of Religion which they suppose and are perswaded is the best and the rightest all such ought to have Liberty under you in their Profession and Faith and Worship and ought not to be persecuted while they live peaceable as men with one another and towards all men and the God of Heaven requires it of you and your Standing or your Fall the Blessing or the Curse unto you depends hereupon and this you shall find to be true unto you in the day of God's Righteous Judgments O therefore be not stout against the Lord but fear and tremble before him let his Dread be upon your Spirits and do not offend him nor provoke him against you and this Nation lest he tear you to pieces and number you for Destruction lest he overturn you suddenly and deface your Glory in its morning Oh how happy would you be if you would regard the Lord and reverence him and take him before you and not go beyond in any thing what his Purpose and Pleasure is who hath given you this one Day to try you if so be that any of you shall learn his Fear and turn from your Iniquities that you may be blessed and not confounded Oh therefore consider what the Will and Purpose of the Lord is towards you and wherefore you are raised up may fulfil his purpose and not your own Oh then this Day should be made happy unto you but the contrary works I mean if you do Oppress and Persecute and seek to destroy his Heritage and rule in Oppression and Tyranny then the God of Heaven shall cut your Day short and deliverance he will bring to this poor Nation without you even contrary to you and his hand shall be turned upon you and your Mountain though never so great and high shall be laid low and an Infant of the heavenly Birth shall leap over it and shall say Where is that lofty Babel that exalted it self against my God And as for us we are a very poor contemned and despised People even since we were a People unto this very day and have nothing at this present not heretofore to glory in from any Power that hath ruled but the Power Spirit and Presence of God in our Tribulations Afflictions Persecutions and unjust Sufferings these things have been our Portion even from all all have troden upon us in Contempt and Scorn and accounted us as Sheep for the slaughter and we have not to glory in any Government that hath been since we were a People we cannot justifie one or another but we say they have all been Oppressors and we have groaned with deep sighs to the Lord under the Burden of their unrighteous Dealing and herein we assent with you if you say they have been unjust Men we say the same and if you say their Government hath been Oppression and Unequal we say the same if you say you have suffered Cruelly and Unrighteously by them we say the same if you say they have Ruled by Will and Force more then by Law and Equity we verifie the same and if you can say you have suffered
Islands and all the Kingdoms in the World are altogether at the Lords disposure to give the governmâ—â—t thereof to whomsoever he will he giveth and taketh away Power and Dominion according to his pleasure and it is his proper right to rule over all even the God of Heaven and he it is that pulleth down and setteth up according to his own mind and if you please not the Lord but vex him in your proceedings you must know that the Lord can take from you the Dominion and give it to whom he will and there is no injustice in him thus to do but of right he doth it because it is his pleasure so to do with whom there is no Iniquity nor Unrighteoâ—sness Therefore let it enter into your hearts to Fear the God of Heaven assuredly knowing that it is he alone who hath secretly purposed and effected this your reâ—â—â—â—ing into the Throne and he hath given you this day and put this season into your hand that ye should do his will But if ye provoke him he alone can cast you down and take your day and season from you and none can hinder and this justly and none can reprove him 4. As concerning the men that were cast out before you whose persons many of them are now under your power be not passionate nor of a spirit of Revenge â—â—â—ards them neither seek their destruction but be merciful and patient and meek towards them for though it is the pleasure of God to reprove them by you for their iniquities yet it is contrary to his minde that you should take away their lives and cause them to be put to death for there is a seed of God amongst â—â—at people and when they come to true repentance and to the forsaking of their â—â—quities the Lord will shew mercy to them and peradventure heal them of all their backslidings and afflictions too Therefore shew Mercy and Moderation â—â—â—ards them and cut them not off in their sins lest that while you condemn them for being too cruel towards you in times past ye condemn your selves in the sight of the Lord and all people in doing that to them even in the same measure of cruelty for doing of which to you you now condemn them and so thereby bring the same guilt upon your selves which lies upon them but therefore show Moderation and Meekness towards them and leave vengeance to the Lord to whom it belongs if they be worthy of it it shall come upon them It is true they have been active against you and it 's probable they were raised up of God as a judgement and reproof upon you because of your iniquities which were many and great against God and the God of Heaven had a just Cause against you and improved them in it as instruments to reprove you and they had once a just cause against Oppressions and the Lord blessed them in it and gave them many Victories and wrought great Deliverances for them even when they were both fewer in number weaker in strength and less in policy and craft even then oft-times did God appear for them and gave them Victories and defeateâ— their Enemies and you your selves must confess to this That the Providence of War was clearly on their side which I call the hand of the Lord and consider what a sad thing it would be on your part and how contrary to God to cause them now to suffer when you have opportunity against them for that which was effected by them when the Lord was with them you ought not to cause them to suffer on that account but if you do you will provoke the Lord against you if that you destroy them and take away their lives because they were once prosperous against you even through the Hand of the Lord do I say and through the Providence and good Fortune of War needs must you acknowledge Now it s acknowledged that they quite forsook the just cause and forgat the Lord and his mercies and deliverances and became corrupted and abominable before him and insulted over their enemies in the spirit of ambition and began to set up the same things which once they had cried against in others and this was their Transgression and abomination and in their corruption and forsaking the Lord they became fully guilty of the same abominations of others before them and the Lord became provok'd against them to reprove them and correct them and afflict them even because of their transgressions who as I have said did forget the Lord and walked in the same Path themselves which they reproved others for and the same abominations were set up by them which they once pulled down in others and this was their Hypocrisie in whom was found a deceitful heart which led them aside into treachery false-heartedness covetousness and vain-glory and because of these their iniquities hath the Lord bowed them down under you and smitten them before you even because they were not faithful to the end and not because they were faithful at all no not because they were active against Oppressions at all but because they became guilty of the same abominations and set up that in themselves which once they moved against in others and because hereof hath the Lord reproved them and that justly that they might learn his righteous Iudgements and be humbled under his hand and that all the Earth may know if Men forsake Him he will give them up to the will of their Enemies though he may bless a man or a people while they fear his Name yet if they sin against him he can turn blessings into a Curse and now they that were once exalted are abased and brought down and you that were once low are now exalted and if you become corrupted and provoke the Lord through wickedness in this day of your Exaltation and if they become humbled and repent of their Transgressions through their afflictions in this day of their sufferings then the God of Heaven can and may suddenly by his secret hand bring you down and â—â—y you low and raise them up and exalt them and bow down your strength and might under others these things can the Lord effect according to his pleasure he exalteth and abaseth whom he will he setteth up and pulleth down according as men reverence him or regard him not They that honour him he honoureth but they that dishonour him by unrighteousness he bringeth such to shame O therefore ye Men consider how dreadful the Lord is and take his counsel lest ye perish 5. Concerning Liberty of Conscience in the faith and worship towards God you ought to be considerate and to take the counsel of God lest you run upon the same Rock upon which many have been broken before you to 〈◊〉 limitting the Spirit of the Lord and of such whose Consciences have been tender and binding them to or from by force or violence any such 〈◊〉 such way of Worship and Profession of Faith and exercise in Religion
if you do thus and will not allow clearly and freely Liberty of Conscience but will by force and violence limit the Spirit of the Lord and tender Consciences this shall be a Snare upon you and a Rock oâ— offence against you to break you to Pieces for in so doing the God of Heaven will be displeased with you as with others if so be that you take upon you to prescribe the Lord a way how he must be worshipped and will take upon you to rule and judge in the cases of Conscience and in the matters of Christ's spiritual Kingdom which appertains to Christ alone to be Iudge of and Ruler in and not man and to him alone you ought to give the whole Rule and Government in all the matters of his own Kingdom and that he may prescribe and teach Worship and Faith and Duty to himself in all spiritual things and this I claim of you on his behalf even that you give unto him the whole Rule and Authority in all the matters of his own Kingdom and that you allow Liberty of Conscience in the exercise of Faith and Worship to all Christian people in these Nations and that no man be compelled or forced to or from by outward violence any kinde of profession of Faith or practises of worship for it is of Antichrist so to do if that you impose any Sâ—rt of Worship and Religion contrary to mens Consciences upon penalties on mens Persons or Estates if you do thus you exercise not the Power of Christ but of Autichrist and it is â—â—depriving of Christ of his Heirship and of the Government of his own Kingdom which will be reckoned against you as a fearful abomination if you â—â—lk therein And therefore let men believe in Christ and Worship him according as they are perswaded in their own Consciences for a tender Conscience in the Sight of God is a thing greatly regarded of him and if you limit it and do violence upon it the Lord will be provoked against you and these Nations will not bear it but it will beget fiery contentions in the mindes of men if any Religion and Worship contrary to their Consciences be imposed upon them and while some men are gratified others will be displeased and if you allow not free Liberty of Conscience in the exercise of spiritual things the effect of it may prove sad and Miserable to your selves and your Government and this shall you know in time to come even the good effect of Toleration in Liberty of Conscience and of woful effect upon the contrary Therefore be wise and instructed ye Rulers of the Earth and kiss the Son lest ye perish out of the way of Peace and Happiness Now you have your day and time to be made happy or to be left miserable that your Government may be blessed or otherwise deprived of all Blessedness These things have I Written to You in Love and Honour towards You That Ye may know and be informed what the Lord requireth of You if so be You may escape the Wrath that is to come And love nor Wrath to You Your prosperity nor overthrow is determined upon You or prophesied unto You by me but as You walk in Justice Truth and Righteousness or as You walk contrary and bring forth Oppression and Persecution Bristol City the 4th day of the sixth Moneth 1660. Edward Burroughs A PRESENTATION of Wholsome Informations unto the King of England c. THe Servants of the Lord and his People that feared his Name and trembled at his Word never wanted false Accusers in any Age to repute them vile and to reproach them by slanderous words and that even to the Rulers of the World and to the Kings of the Earth have the chosen People of the Lord been falsly accused and reproached by the slanderous Tongues of ungodly Men in all Generations as in many Particulars might be proved out of the Scriptures by the Example of things in the dayes of old For even in those dayes it came to pass that the Elect People were reproached and falsly reputed by the men of the World as in the Case of the Iews in their building of the Temple again when they returned out of the Captivity How were the People of God at that day accused and reproached and that by the wise men of that Kingdom even unto the King Ahasuerus Ezra 4. 15 16. That good City of Ierusalem the Habitation and Dwelling of the Iews and then only named People of God was accused of being a bad rebellious City and hurtful to Kings and that the People moved Sedition therein to the danger of the Revenue of Kings c. And Neh. 4. 2. the People of God were scorned and reproached and called feeble Iews who builded the House of God and it was said in derision of them that a Fox should go up and break down their Wall And also how were the holy Prophets and Servants of God rejected reproached and accused even to the Princes and Rulers of the Earth in Generations past as Daniel to the King how was he accused Dan. 6. 13. and the three Children were accused to the King Dan. 3. 8. and the Apostles were reproached under the slander of being movers of Sedition and such-like Acts. 24. 5. being many times accused and haled before Felix Agrippa and divers others of the Rulers of the Heathen and it was told the Apostles by Christ That all manner of evil should be spoken against them for his Name sake And throughout the whole Scriptures there is very large Testimony how that in Ages past the Servants and People of God were accused and falsly reproached before Rulers and Kings by their Enemies that sought their destruction The truth of this is so clear and full that it needs no further Testimony And as it was in this case in the days of old so is it happened in this day who more now accused and falsly reproached then the Innocent People of God Is not all evil spoken against them and that even to Rulers and Governers and Kings And this is done by their Enemies that seek to destroy them even by such as would not have the Work of the Lord to prosper and his People to be preserved and on this account the cry is great against us every where as if we were Hereticks Blasphemers Seditious and Enemies to Magistracy and Government to Church and Ministry and such like And these with such like have been and are the Accusations against us whereby we are reproached falsly before men and this hath been our portion in this World since we were a People by the Men of this Generation and the very same is come to pass upon us in this case as was upon the People of God in former Generations and as it was done unto them so it is done unto us and therefore we are in Patience under all our Afflictions and Sufferings whether we are persecuted by Actions or Words and for the Name of
or to persecute any for their Conscience and the exercise thereof towards God And now I come to the Accusation it self which is this in substance That the Quakers are Enemies unto and have sought to root out the true Protestant Religion The words are these calling upon the King to honour the Lord which saith he is done by establishing and preserving the true Protestant Religion which of late years hath been in great danger to be rooted out by Anabaptists Quakers and Atheists page 6. line 1 2 3. of his Book Answ. In answer to this divers things are considerable as to the manner of his Charge against us That this Accuser hath proceeded in the same manner and by the same spirit as the Iews Scribes and Pâ—â—â—isâ—â—s and chief Priestâ— proceeded against Christ Jesus for they numbred him with Transgressors as it is written and crucified him between two Thieves that they might add to his Afflictions and bring him under the greater reproach to Ages after and thus this Accuâ—â—â— hath done in numbring the Innocent People of God called Quakers with and among Transgressors even that he may the more add to their Reproach and have his Accusation heard before the King even that it might be received for truth as if the Quakers were no better then Atheists that deny God for for this end this Accuser in these Terms vilified us and made us equal in this account to the Atheists and thus numbered us with Transgressors and Sinners and that unto the King and for this end no doubt that we might be destroyed and cut off and crucified with such as deny the Lord God Oh how unjustly and unmercifully hath this our Accuser proceeded in thus dealing towards us let the King and all People consider 2. As for such as are Atheists who deny there is a God or who deny the true God that is and who live after the desires of their own lusts saying Let us eat and drink for to morrow we must die and there is no pleasure in the Grave nor state of happiness or misery after this Life such we do deny and have no Affinity Amity Union nor Fellowship with them nor they with us and this is well known through the whole Nation and fully believed in Bristol and I am perswaded in the very Conscience of this our Accuser he knows we are not such as deny God nor have any fellowship with such therefore how hainous is this man's Crime both to God and Men who hath abused the whole Nation with his Slanders and endeavoured to mis-use the King's Ears with false Informations and hath perverted his own Conscience in speaking contrary to it and hath vexed the Lord by his Lyes and all in this his numbring of us in Accusation with the Atheists as if we were one with them and no better then they 3. As for the Anabaptists so called the other Party with whom we are accounted and numbred in the Accuser's charge It is well known what difference there is between us and them and how that we have been opposite one to the other in Controversie about spiritual things and also in matters of Judgement about Government and fighting with carnal Weapons c. and they have dealt sometime with us and proceeded towards us too hardly and maliciously as some of themselves know in accusing us to the Powers of the Nation as this man hath done But I shall at this time say no farther of them then this There may be a sincerity and uprightness amongst them in many of them more then is in this our Accuser though there is no small measure of Error in Judgement in them as concerning many Doctrines and Practises held by them and it s not my work now to accuse them neither to reward them evil for their evil but only on this occasion I am forced to clear the truth for the better information of all and I do wish well to them and even that they may confess to the justness of God's Judgment in what hath befallen them in this the day of their reproof who have been too ambitious and hard-hearted towards others that have not been of their Way and Sect and now the Lord deals justly with them in bowing them under others and in defacing their glory which was of man and not of God But to the case in hand I return and say How unrighteous still doth appear the manner of this our Adversary's Charge for whatsoever the Anabaptists or any others may hold or do though I at this time shall neither justifie nor yet condemn all what they profess and practise cannot we be charged guilty of except it first be lawfully proved that we holâ— and practise the same things And as for us who are scornfully called Quakers which Title was given unto us of derision and nick-naming I cannot in this place say much of us lest I should be said to justifie our selves which I seek not to do because it is the Lord that justifies us neither do I love much to be heard in our own Cause when it is onely our own nor do I seek praise of men for us nor of men to be â—…ed yet this I may say on Gods account and in his cause and not of our 〈◊〉 we are the people of the Lord whom he hath called and chosen and 〈◊〉 and though hated of men yet it is for the Lords sake and not for any 〈◊〉 amongst men that can be chaâ—ged upon us And we are Worshippers of 〈◊〉 â—â—ue God in spirit and in truth and we are of God and they that are of 〈◊〉 are not against us but with us and as for any Doctrine or Practise in 〈◊〉 Religion held forth by us they are according to the Scriptures of Truth 〈◊〉 I assert and can prove if need require in opposition to any that shall â—â—â—y it for we are not of a new Religion as if we worshipped strange godds though by the ignorance of men we are so reputed but are of the same Spirit 〈◊〉 in the same way of truth and we walk in the same light and life even as tâ—â— Apostles and Churches of Jesus Christ were of and walked in in the days 〈◊〉 old and this I am ready to make proof of if so it come to pass even beâ—â—â—â— the King and the whole Nation and do further declare That whatsoeâ—â—â— Church-Government Ministry Doctrine and Ordinances Faith and â—â—â—ship and whatsoever Religion in whomsoever that is not according to the Scriptures of the Old and New Testament but differing from and coâ—â—rary to that Spirit of God that gave forth the Scriptures I do for my self and on the behalf of all them that are one with me utterly renounce and â—â—y and freely give witness against notwithstanding upon whatsoever foundation such Church-Government Ministry Doctrine Faith and Worship be builded if not upon Jesus Christ as the alone Foundation and according to the Scriptures and proveable thereby they are Antichristian and the Lord will confound
them The truth of these things being proved and rightly considered by the King 〈◊〉 all others no just occasion will be found for this our Adversaries Charge nor 〈◊〉 place can rightly be found in the heart of the King for the reception of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 tion but may upon just tryal condemn both Accuser and Accusatiâ—â— I mean not destroy the man but reprove the Accuser and his lyes â—…er And now I shall proceed to the Accusation it self and shall lay open the folly 〈◊〉 â—â—norance of the matter of his Accusation as well as I have done the wickedâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 the manner of it 〈◊〉 the true Protestant Religion hath been in danger to be rooted out by the Quakers 〈◊〉 This is the Charge it self â—â—sw If by true Protestant Religion the Accuser mean true Christan Reliâ—â—â—â— then I deny his Accusation utterly and do charge him to be a Slanderâ—… Lyer and False Accuser and must desire of the King that such a 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 taken notice of who hath abused and dishonoured him and that very 〈◊〉 in presenting him with Lyes and Falshoods for Welcomes which is inâ—… lesâ— then disgrace to both the Person and Office of a King What a 〈◊〉 â—â—tending so much to Love and Loyalty and so much rejoycing on his beâ—â—â—â—â—nd as if he were one of his choice Subjects and gave such reverence and 〈◊〉 to him and attempted so high as to be the Kings Informer and Instructer 〈◊〉 to be found a Presenter of Falshoods and Slanders against as good Subâ—… 〈◊〉 the Nation as himself O how abominable is this both to God and the 〈◊〉 and the whole Kingdom that these things should be much more that 〈◊〉 should pass unreproved for we are of the true Christian Religion as beâ—… 〈◊〉 have said even in the same way and of the same Spirit as were the holy 〈◊〉 and for that Religion we stand to do and suffer all things for that cause 〈◊〉 for the true Christian Religions sake But if this our Accuser by Protestant Religion mean the Sects of Lutheâ—…â—r â—r of the Sect of Calvinists so called or whomsoever else which I do 〈◊〉 heartily that I had the full intent of his mind of whom he means by the true Protestants for his words admit of divers acceptations and so a sound Answer can hardly be given while I do answer onely what I suppose to be his meaning by true Protestant Religion for there are divers sorts of Protestants Lutherans Calvinists and many others which are all Protestants and have protested against the Pope each one sort of them saying They are the true Christians and true Protestants yet are very much divided among themselves even to the killing and persecuting one of another so that which sort this man means and who of them are of the true Protestant Religion which we would root out c. this is doubtful I would I knew his meaning that I might give him a true Answer and sound for we may deny and oppose Protestant Religion or some part of it that is some Sects or divers sorts that have protested against the Church of Rome and yet be no Transgressors in the sight of God not many men for divers of the Protestants themselves are denying others of the Protestants and their Religion and it is my belief in this case that some have deserted the Pope and the Papists Religion upon bad grounds and have taken up a Religion as bad and no better then Popery not that I justifie Popâ—ry in all things but have a large Witness to give against it and men ought to protest against it yet I say some called Protestants in their Religion are as corrupt as any of the Church of Rome so on some account I may as lawfully deny Protestant Religion or some sort of them that do profess it as the Church of Rome for it is as corrupted some part of it and no more acceptable to God in the Profession and Practise of it This is spoken in general of it because his Accusation is general Now if I had his full intent whether he means Lutherans or Calvinists or what others if not them that are of the true Protestant Religion that we would root out then I should insist upon that particular sort and give my exception against them for I have many things to object at least and some things wholly to except against in the Protestant Religion or some sort of it not that I condemn or judge every individual man of the Protestant Religion for I believe there are many that are sincere and zealous towards GOD though with some Error in Judgement yet as to the Form of Worship and Constitution of Church and Ministry and Ordinances in the Protestant Religion it is much if not wholly differing and contrary to the Church Ministry Worship and Ordinances of the Apostles and true Christians in their dayes and more then this I now may not say a more full Answer I cannot give to this Charge except that I did know what sort of Protestant he intended which if I did I should utter my mind more large as to the Matter according as the Spirit of God gave me utterance And now that I have spoken of the manner and also of the matter of his Charge I shall hint partly of the end and purpose of his thus accusing as to the King His end intent and purpose of his thus charging us must needs be and it will appear to be out of Malice Wrath and Enmity for to incense and move the Heart of the King against us to destroy us as I have before mentioned And in answer to this some things most especially are considerable to the King and all his Friends 1. If he should upon the Report of this Man or any others let his Heart be moved into Rigour and Enmity against us and thereby seek intend or work Evil against us to destroy us he did but fill the Land with Violence Cruelty and Persecution and Innocent Blood and fill his Government with Oppression and Tyranny and provoke the God of Heaven against him to destroy him and overthrow his Kingdom and Power and Government and this would doubtless be the effect of receiving such a Mans Counsel and of his so proceeding if that he seek to pluck up what the Lord hath planted and if he dip hiâ— Hand in innocent suffering of God's People unjustly and if he reach forth his Hand to touch God's Anointed and hurt the Peaceable in his Land thâ—â— shall the Lord take him from his Authority and give his Dominion to another more worthy then he And this is for him to consider in the coolness of his 〈◊〉 2. â—f he did proceed to do any thing against us or be moved in his heart â—…unto barely upon the report of this or such other men without hearing Face to Face and lawful tryal in the matter and hearing our Answer and â—â—fence as well as our enemies Charge against us then all the Nations of
case are silent and fully determines not this is not acceptable unto God nor of any reward by him either to him or them that forces and compels the keeping of a day nor in that Nation or from that People that so keep it by the Custom of time or the Commands of Men when as their Consciences are not perswaded by the Spirit of God in that case by which way the God of Heaven is onely rightly worshipped and the forcing of observing dayes and things either against pure Conscience or in the ignorance thereof is but Abomination and Idolatry both in the Imposers and in the Imposed and with such Sacrifices God is not well pleased And this is for the King to consider whose greatest wisdom it will be and most pleasing to God in him neither to compel and impose by Rigour the keeping of a day or observing of Practises as partaining to the Worâ—â—â—p of God and Religion nor yet to punish or persecute any for the keeping any day or for observing such or such a Practise in Religion but let every Man do in such Cases even in matters of Faith and Worship towards God and about Religion as they are perswaded in their own Hearts and Consciences without either imposing upon them or persecuting of them in any thing about Religion and let him onely rule and govern in the Cases between man and man and over men in the exercise of earthly Things but between God and Mens Consciences let him take heed how he meddles for there he ought not to rule nor judge but to leave that to the Lord God who alone is sufficient in such things to perswade the Conscience and to judge and rule by his Spirit in all the Matters of his own Kingdom and about Religion â—nd the Observances thereof and this Trust and Power is onely in himself to effect all this by his own Spirit and is not committed to any Earthly King And how I come to the first Branch of his Petition which is in these words saith he I most humbly beg That your Grace will uphold cherish and fâ—ster a Learned and Pious Ministry in your Kingdoms who are accounted vile and laden with Reproaches and such Ministers saith he whose Loyal Constancy and Integrity doth bespeak them to be not time-serving Polititions to gâ—â—tifie mans humours and serve their own Interest but Lux mundi Sal terrae c. Answ. In answer to this let the King wisely and soberly consider 1. That God hath a faithful pious and spiritual learned and true Ministry sent forth by Jesus Christ to convert people to God from sin and wickedness who are indeed God's Ambassadors and Watch-men for souls and are Lux mundi Sal terrae the Light of the World the Salt of the Earth this is most certain and not denyed nor doubted of but who it is and whom the Persons are of and amongst all the many kinds of Ministers and Sects that are now in being in the Nation this is very doubtful to many its possible to the King himself seeing here are in this Nation divers sorts of Ministers as Prelates and Presbyterians so called and divers other sorts all of whom saying they are the true Ministers and they are the pious learned Ministry and that others are Deceivers that differ from them and this is the cry of them all each sort justifying themselves and crying up their Ministry against others and their Ministry and this all of them do with pretence of proving their Ministry by the Scriptures But the Case remains still doubtful to many who is it and who is it not that are the true Ministers and have the true Ministry sent of Christ Jesus seeing one sort as well as another do seem to justifie themselves according to the Scriptures and yet are divided and incontention among themselves to be killing and destroying and persecuting one of another and each sort of others 2. If the King without certain knowledge by the Infallible Spirit of God who the true Ministers of Christ are and who they are not distinguished from all others by infallible Evidence if he do establish and uphold any one sort as the true Ministers and pull down and persecute others as false Ministers and be but doubtful in his own Conscience who are the true Ministers and who are the false how great danger doth he run himself into even to justifie the Wicked and condemn the Righteous and possibly may establish and uphold a false Ministry instead of the true and persecute and destroy the true Ministry instead of the false And this may he soon effect for want of discerning and right judgement in the Case and in so doing vex and displease the Lord God and gain his Wrath and Fury upon him and his Government Therefore it will be great wisdom for him to wait upon the Lord for to receive his Spirit that he may first discern and try between true and false Ministers and Ministry and in the mean time allow Liberty to all alike in their Religion while they walk justly and soberly as men and are not hurtful to the Persons or just Estates of others by their Religion 3. If Liberty be given to one Sect and one kind of Ministry in opposition to others and all other prohibited and persecuted how would this â—â—rage and vex the spirits of many in the Nation against him and his Government and while he gained one sort of men on his part and some Ministers to pray for him he disengaged divers sorts and many would seek God against him and such proceedings would be both contrary to God and of very bad effect in these Nations for men would be provoked in their spirits not to fear any dangers rather then to be held in such captivity under the Ministry and Worship of such whom they in Conscience could not joyn with and there is a woful Example in this Nation of the effect of such prohibition and force for was not that very matter to wit the establishing of one â—ort of Ministers and persecuting others one of the principle Cause of the last bloody War And may not the Nation fear the like now if the same Ground be laid and the Foundation raised as before-mentioned And therefore let this enter into the Heart of the King to consider very weightily But the Petitioner seems to define to the King what Ministers he begs to be upheld and cherished in these words Such whose Loyal Constancy and Integrity do bespeak them to be not time-serving Polititians to gratifie mens humours and serve their own sordid Interests but Lux mundi Sal terrae c. Answ. 1. They who are indeed the true Ministers of Jesus Christ that are called truely of him into that work and are God's Ambassadors neither set this Petitioner a begging for them nor can accept of this his work for Christ's true Ministers are no Beggers neither seek to be approved to Kings nor any Men by Flattery and Deceit but are approved
not read that the Iews persecuted them for so doing And will you that have the name of Christians persecute the People of God though they meet together in private houses and their own hired houses and cannot come to your Temples and Steeple-houses And will not you suffer such to meet together out of your Publick Places but you will persecute them and call them Hereticks and such like Is not this worse than ever the Iews did to the Apostles And so you are out of the Example of the true Christians who met together and preached and prayed often and not in a Synagogue or Publick Place but you cry against them that do so and threaten to persecute for it and thus you shew your selves out of the true Christian Example and in this you are worse than the Iews and more cruel if you should persecute People for meeting to wait upon the Lord in their own houses or in what place or time as the Lord should move their hearts but if you proceed in this way and will not permit the People of God to meet together in their own houâ—â— and not in your Idol-Temples then the Power of the Lord will confound you and God will break you to peices and you will feel his heavy Wrath upon your Consciences and God will smite you with his Judgements inwardly and outwardly Now for your restraining of people from one way of Worship and forcing them to another and compelling them about Religion by cruel Laws and Commandments of men this is of Antichrist for you to do and of the Devil for all forcing of People to this kind of Worship and from another 〈◊〉 posing upon their Consciences in matters of Gods Kingdom this is also of â—…tichrist and contrary to Christ and his Way for he won People by sound Doctrine and by Love and by a good Conversation and so did his Disciples for they never forced any by outward violence to their Worship nor 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Church-Government and Ordinances but it was the practice of the Beast and the Dragon that first forced People and compelled them 〈◊〉 â—â—â—ship since the dayes of the Apostles Rev. 13. It was Antichrist that first 〈◊〉 upon People in the Ignorance of their Consciances and contrary to their â—…ences by the Commandments of men false Faith false Worship false Ministry false Doctrine and false Religions so that now if you should force any contrary to their Consciences to your Steeple-houses to 〈◊〉 and say your Form of Prayers we shall say then you are Antichrist 〈◊〉 of the Devil if so be you should endeavour to compel any either against 〈◊〉 Consciences or in the Ignorance of their Consciences to your way of Worship or Religion Therefore take heed how you meddle in these things lest God confound you And as for us we are the People of God we fear his Name and worship him and cannot bow to the Devil and we need not be forced to worship the Lord for his Spirit leads us into all Truth and we need none of your outward Prescriptions or Form of Prayers for the Spirit of God teacheth us in all these things when and where and how we should worship the Lord God who is a Spirit and will be worshipped in Spirit and in Truth which is free and not by outward force and all the Worship that is otherwise and not in the free Spirit of Christ is of great Babylon whom the Lord will confound and destroy Another general Objection answered Object 2. Again whereas it is said by some Now there must be no more private Preachers unlearned men and men not ordained must not now preach anymore Lay-Persons must not be Preachers that are not so qualified nor so and so ordained and this is the present talk among some People Answ. To this I also answer and say Wo to them that would stop or quench or limit the Spirit of God in Sons or Daughters for such are Denyers of the Scriptures and the Power of God and such bring guilt upon their own Consciences and work fearful Abomination against God And what must not the Spirit of the Lord speak now where it is in this Age as it did in the dayes of old as you may read in the Scriptures for was not Elisha a Plow-man and was not he called from the Plow 1 King 19. and became a Prophet of the Lord unto the House of Israel and had the spirit of Elijah poured upon him and would not you have said he was a Lay-man a Plow-man unordained not fitting to preach if you had lived in his dayes And was not Aâ—â—â— called from following the Flock who had been no Prophet nor no Prophets Son but an Herds-man Amos 7. 14 15. and it was lawful for him to preach the Word of the Lord though he was but an Herds-man and had been no Prophet nor Prophets Son which if he had lived in your dayes you would have called him a Lay-man an unfit Person unlearned and one not ordained for the Ministry and you like Amaziah the wicked Priest of Bethel would now quench the Spirit as he would have done in Amos who was a Trades-man and such a one as you call Lay-men who are not as you say fitting to preach And did not Christ Jesus himself chuse Fisher-men and sent them forth to preach the Gospel and such as were men of Trades and unlearned in Books as it is written Act. 4. 13. When the Ruâ—â—â—s saw the boldness of Peter and John and perceived they were Unlearned they â—â—velled and these were Ministers of Christ and preached the everlasting Gospel whom you would have called Lay-men and men unfit to preach 〈◊〉 you lived in their dayes And Paul himself by Occupation was a Tent-â—…er it is said and he laboured with his Hands and yet was a Preacher of the Gospel and there are multitudes of Witnesses in the Scriptures of these things how that men of Trades and unlearned in Letters and Books and never were brought up at Schools and Colledges but followed the Plough and were keepers of Cattel and some followed Fishing such as these in old 〈◊〉 had the Spirit of God given them and they preached the Gospel And what if the Lord at this day give his Spirit to such as these and send them 〈◊〉 to preach the Gospel even to such as were brought up and educated 〈◊〉 â—ay be at Handy-craft Trades and are labouring men and are not 〈◊〉 at Schools and Colledges will you limit the Lord and quench his 〈◊〉 and reproach his Wayes and Servants and now call them Lay-perâ—… and say they are not fitting to preach for they are not Learned nor â—…ed say you and calling them Mechannicks and private Preachers and 〈◊〉 they must not now be admitted to preach the Gospel and in this you 〈◊〉 the Scriptures and the Example of the Saints in former Ages and so neither 〈◊〉 the Scriptures nor the Spirit that gave them forth though you say 〈◊〉 own the Scriptures yet
it and mould it for honour or dishonor and if his Spirit blow upon you and if he smite you you perish and none can restore you Take heed to this God and have respect unto him and remember you are but as Dust before him and you now have a time for a moment which the Lord hath given you to try you what you will do and how you will walk towards him an Account unto him must you give of all your wayes Remember this now in your life-time while you have time and the day of your visitation is not quite extinguished 4 Be tender and compassionate towards all men not perverse hasty and froward thinking to bow men to your wills by rigour but rather win them by love and this is of good report to you to be humble meek and tender towards all even towards your Enemies and insult not over the Afflicted neither add to their Sufferings for the Lord can raise up and bring down whomsoever he will according to his pleasure and remember that Law to walk by it Do to others but aâ— ye would have others do unto you in the same case and be not too cruel to such who cannot conform to Times and Things and Men for what know you but some mens Consciences may be tender in things which you yet make no Conscience of meddle not to persecute any for their Conscience sake in religious matters but rule and govern well in outward Affairs according to the Law of God but afflict not nor persecute any for their Conscience sake towards God while they walk justly as men in things between man and man Take this Counsel lest you vex the Lord against you to destroy you 5. Be moderate and compassionate towards this same People that are accused before you though they are at this day a People under Afflictions and Sufferings every way yet shew not the height of Rigour and Oppression against them though you have Power to imprison them and to deal hardly with them yet be tender and meek and shew bowels of mercy and forbearance and use not the extent of your Power to seek their Destruction lest ye provoke the Lord against your selves for the God of Heaven remembreth their Cause and doth give ear to the cry of their innocent groanings under their heavy Burdens and Deliverance may he work for them whether you will or no Though it be an hour of Affliction and a day of great Tryal upon them yet Wo unto them that shall be found adding to their Afflictions by encreasing their Burdens through Injustice and Persecution Therefore as ye hope to receive Mercy from the Lord and as ye would have his Compassion shewed to you do the same to his People for Power is in your Hands to be Merciful or Cruel to relieve them or persecute them and it is your day of tryal what you 〈◊〉 do ye have your hour to do Good or evil and according to your Works will the God of Heaven reward you 6. Consider the Innocency of this People they are clear before the Lord and you of plotting or contriving or designing Evil againâ—â— you or this Government they seek not the hurt of any mans Person nor do they intend Evil towards the Government or Governours Who have found them agitating any such things of all such things they are innocent and are peaceable Subjects under the Government and are perswaded in Conscience so to â—â—ntinue And as for their Deportment in their Callings and Occasions and Tradings amongst Men ask their Neighbours Do not they deal justly truly and equally in all their Dealings and Occasions Do not they speak the Truth to their Neighbours in all Matters and are they not Persons of upright and inoffensive Lives and Conversations Do they defraud their Neighbours or are they Drunkards or vain Persons â—et the very Witness of God in their Neighbours answer And if you should fall a persecuting this People and seek to destroy them concerning whom the Witness of God in Mens Consciences giveth such an Evidence Wo wo will be unto you for you cannot hurt them but you act contrary to the Witness of God in your own Hearts which will condemn you in the Day of Judgment So let this dwell upon your spirits and be aware what you do take good Consideration lest you act out of God's Counsel to your own overthrow 7. Consider what became of all the Persecutors of old Were not they Eminently destroyed by the Hand of God who persecuted the Lord's People What became of Pharoah and what became of Hammon and what became of Herod who persecuted the Lord's Heritage Let this enter into your Hearts to be Examples to you that you persecute not the Innocent lest God overturn you by the Roots for as I have said The Cause of this People God regardeth and he will avenge himself in his season of all their Persecutors Have not your Hands dipped in their unjust Afflictions that God may bless you and spare them that you may be spared in the Day of Vengeance if you have no matter of Evil against them in things between man and man nor in the Affairs of your Government as contriving against it nor nothing but concerning the Worship of their God and the Matters of their Conscience in spiritual things Touch them not Persecute them not Afflict them not but be tender towards them as you will answer the same before the God of Heaven These are only Considerations of Warning to you and I commit the Matter to the Lord and ye have time to do Good or Evil and accordingly will God reward you A Testimony concerning Government and Authority WE are a People whom God hath raised up out of the Apastacy Darkness and Ignorance which all Christendom hath long been fallen into for since the dayes of the Apostles many have professed the Words of Christ and had a Name of Churches and the shew of Religion and have professed the Scriptures but have wanted the same Spirit and Power of Godliness which the Apostles lived in the Life and Spirit of God hath been wanting amongst the false Christians and they have been persecuting one another about Religion and the Worship of God and imposing upon one anothers Consciences in spiritual Matters and Kings and Rulers have been setting up what kind of Worship and Religion and Church Government as they pleased and they have imposed upon Kingdoms and made people subject to them to profess and conform to such a Way of Worship and Religion some in the ignorance of their Consciences and some contrary to their Consciences and all this hath been in the Apostacy since the Apostles dayes while men have been fallen from the true Faith and many have been subject to their Rulers and Governours by force and for fear and not for Conscience sake for Love Peace and Unity hath been wanting among Christians and Bitterness Frowardness and False heartedness hath been amongst them but out of all this the Lord
hath redeemed us into Peace and Comfort with God and one with another And as concerning our Principle about Magistracy and Government and obedience thereunto this I do declare 1. We do own and acknowledge Magistracy to be an Ordinance of God instituted of him for the punishing of Evil-doers and for the praise of them that do well and we acknowledge all subjection to Authority Magistracy and Government This is our Principle and hath ever been our Practice known through these Kingdoms that we are subject by doing or suffering to whatsoever Authority the Lord pleaseth to set over us without Rebellion Sedition Plotting or making War against any Government or Governors 2. That Government and Authority which is justly according unto God in all its Statutes and Ordinances we are and do engage to be subject thereunto by full Obedience to all the Commands and Injunctions of such Authority and Government whose Laws Ordinances and Commandments are grounded upon right Reason and Equity which leadeth to do to all men as we would be done unto and punish the contrary to such Government and Authority we are readily subject in all things and cases and we are for the Order and Assistance of such Government in all Righteousness 3. That Government which is contrary unto this which is Injustice commanding and requiring things contrary to the Law of God and imposing upon People in Matters and Cases contrary to Right Reason and Equity whose Commands are different to the Will of God yet to such Government we acknowledge subjection by patient suffering under all Penalties inflicted for disobedience to the Commands which we cannot perform by Obedience for Conscience sake And this is our Principle though an Authority and Government were never so Unjust in it self and in its exercise yet we may not plot nor contrive or make turbulent Insurrections to redeem our selves from such Government and Authority but we must commit our Cause to the Lord in such case of suffering under any unjust Commands of Men. 4. As concerning Church and Ministry and the Exercise of Religion We believe and acknowledge that Christ hath a Church upon Earth and a lawful Ministry and we are not Enemies to Church and Ministry and Gospel-Ordinances as we are falsly reputed by Men ignorant and slanderous but we only bear witness against the corruption and degeneration of the Church of Papists and Protestants so called wherein they are different and contrary to what the Churches of Christ were in the Apostles dayes they are different and contrary I assert to what the Churches of Christ once were in Ministry in its Call and Maintenance in Ordinances and Worship in Discipline and Government in all these things there is difference to what these things were in the true Churches in the Apostles dayes And our Principle is for the reforming of Ministry Church Government Discipline and Worship and not to destroy them 5. As concerning Imposing of Faith and Doctrine and Practices and Worship in Religion by the force of Laws and Penalties in the ignorance of mens Consciences or contrary to their Consciences We do say This Practice never was in the Apostles dayes but is an Intrusion of Antichrist and we bear Testimony against it not to be of God but contrary to him And that outward Government and Authority in Kingdoms and Nations is to be exercised over the outward man in things between man and man and not over the inward man in things between God and mans Conscience in spiritual Matters and Worship and Duty to God-wards No King nor Ruler upon Earth hath Power given him of God to exercise such Authority over the Consciences of Men in the Matters of God's Kingdom And further Religion and Church Government so set up and established by force upon Pains and Penalties can but reform a People into Hypocrisie and false Conformity and not into any real Performance of Religion or Duty to God And such Performance of Religion Church-Fellowship and Ordinances is not unto eternal Life but to the making of men two fold more the Children of the Devil 6. We do believe That it is the Convictions and Teaching of the Spirit of God that doth make men and People only truly Religious It is that only that perswades the Conscience from all Evil unto that which is Good and true Religion and the Worship of God and Duty towards him is not truly learned by Traditions of time Commandments of Men or Custom of Countries or the like but it is the Spirit of God and its Teachings in the Consciences of People that leadeth into all Truth according as Christ hath said so that the Way of forcing Religion and Duty to God upon People by force and outward Penalties this was never known among the Saints and Apostles of Christ. These things are presented to your Considerations The Lord give you a right Understanding of them and that you may walk in the way of your own Peace with God and Man E. B. Written in the 10th Moneth in Ireland 1660. SOME CONSIDERATIONS Presented unto the King of England c. Being an Answer unto a Petition and Address of the General Court of Boston in New-England presented unto the KING as is said Feb. last the Eleaventh Day 1660. Subscribed by Iohn Indicot the chief Persecutor there thinking thereby to cover themselves from the Blood of the Innocent OH King this my Occasion to present thee with these Considerations is very urgent and of great necessity even in the behalf of Innocent Blood hoping that my Work will find such Favour with thee as to induce thee to the reading and serious consideration hereof My Occasion is this Because of a Paper presented to thee called The humble Petition and Address of the General Court at Boston in New-England In which is contained divers Calumnies unjust Reproaches palpable Untruths and malicious Slanders against an innocent People whom they scornfully call Quakers whom for the Name of Christ's sake are made a Reproach through the World and by these Petitioners have been persecuted unto Banishment and Death It is hard to relate the Cruelties that have been committed against these People and acted upon them by these Petitioners they have spoyled their Goods imprisoned many of their Persons Whipped them cut off their Ears Burned them yea Banished and Murdered them and all this I aver and affirm before thee O King wholy unjustly and unrighteously and without the Breach of any just Law of God or Man but only for and because of difference in Iudgment and Practice concerning Spiritual things and without any Transgression of the Law of God or their own Laws saving that they made Laws against them on purpose to spoil their Goods imprison Persons cut off their Ears yea and kill them which Laws were made by them without any Power truly derived from the lawful Authority of England contrary to their Patent And now O King these same men have presented thee with a Petition in which is asserted very many
might be well with you but if the contrary he can answer your doings with an equal Reward and none can prevent him And here is a Cry and a very great Cry of Persecution under your Authority the Prisons filled with Upright and Innocent Persons to the ruin of Persons Wives and Families if the great Mercy of the Lord did not prevent 〈◊〉 than the Iustice of men thousands within these few moneths have been cast into Goals and Dungeons and nasty Holes and divers have finished their Lives and dyed in Prisons many being taken out of their Houses and from their lawful Callings and many taken out of Meetings where they have been waiting upon God and cruel Sufferings inflicted upon them and all this for Truth and Righteousness-sake and for their Profession and Practice in Religion when as no plotting or evil-dealing towards the King nor any of his Subjectes could be justly charged and proved against them And thus the Innocent have been made a Prey to prophane Persons and their Sufferings have been woful and all this hath been under and by your Authority And are these things nothing to you or do you judge this is well doing Is this Iustice and true Iudgment Is this for your Happiness and Prosperity Let the God of Heaven and Earth judge in this matter between this People and You for the Cry of their Sufferings are very loud in the Ears of God and they have been laid before you and you ought to have relieved them and eased their heavy Burdens and shewed Iustice Pitty and Love and this would have made for your Happiness but if that you always neglect to hear the Cry of the Poor and of the Oppressed yet God hears and takes notice and though this People should have no Helper in the Earth yet He is their Helper and their Cause is committed unto him Can these things stand can you be happy in these Proceedings while the Innocent suffer under you Is it in your Hearts to destroy the Heritage of God do you think to extinguish an innocent People from off the Earth Must none wait upon God and worship him and pray to him but after your Prescriptions and Limitations And will you kill and destroy all such as do not who cannot for good Conscience sake conform to every Way of Worship and Religion imposed but must wait upon God and worship him and pray to him according as his Spirit teacheth and guideth will you I say destroy all such Is it in your hearts to effect it if it be the God of Heaven will not prosper you in such Purposes Will ye force men to forsake the Way of their God wherein they have found his Presence will ye persecute men for their Religion-sake while yet they walk uprightly in their Conversations among men Oh Friends it is not Iustice and true Iudgment thus to do it pleaseth not God neither doth it unite the hearts of Subjects in true Love and Unity but it hath contrary Effects and that you may find Indeed according to my judgment such Proceedings are not good Policy nor humane Wisdom for you to seek to establish one particular Perswasion and kind of Religion and impose that by force and persecute and seek to destroy all the rest that are otherwise minded if they will not deny their Principles and Consciences and conform this seems I say no good Policy among men for if it doth gratifie one sort of men in their desires it discontenteth and dissatisfieth many more and it breaketh Love and Unity amongst Subjects and your safety is in the uniting of Peoples hearts to you and one to another in Love and Liberty and not in the Divisions and Distractions of People surely this cannot be for your safety When as if you did give Liberty to all that were peaceable in their Lives and Conversations in the exercise of their Religion in Faith and Worship to God-wards this would cause all to love you and none to be discontented with you in good reason If one sort of People had as much Liberty as others in the ways of their Religion I mean and none more than others this doubtless would encrease Content among Subjects and be ablessing to you and your Authority and to proceed in that way which may keep the People in Love and Unity one with another and to you-wards this were good Policy for your establishment to perpetuity and there seems to be no otherway than in shewing Iustice Mercy and Liberty to all in all right ways and in the exercise of their Consciences towards God And this is my Iudgment the way for you to prosper is to leave the prescribing the Way of Worship unto God as his Spirit shall teach and perswade the Conscience and to leave the Iudgment in all Cases of Conscience about Spiritual Things unto Him and not to meddle about imposing Religion nor persecuting men for that cause for it is not your place to do it but you are to rule well over the outward man and to judge in the Cases of wrong between man and man but not at all in the Cases between God and mens Consciences But you may say Who art thou inferiour man that seemest to advise us that are high and potent and wise enough for our selves Well though it be thus though I am so and not much acquainted with the State-affairs nor do I profess Policy in the Governments of this World yet this I say Whatsoever my Birth or Quality be and whether I live or dye yet these things you must find true one day for I speak not as a Politition but as a Servant of God that your prosperity and Happiness in this World and hereafter standeth in shewing and executing true Iustice and Iudgment and Mercy and equal Liberty towards all without respect of their Title in the Profession and Practice of Religion and in allowing Liberty of Conscience in the exercise of Faith and Worship and Duty to God-wards to all Christian People equally in your Dominions and not to persecute or destroy any in their Persons and Estates for the Exercise of their Religion to God-wards This is the Way of your Prosperity and the contrary is the Way of your Destruction if that ye persecute Men for their Conscience sake and exercise Lordship and Authority over mens Consciences in Spiritual Things and if ye prescribe a Way of Worship and seek to destroy all that cannot conform thereunto if you do thus this is not good Policy to establish you Well I shall say little further but that these things I write not as your Enemy but as your Friend who would you have saved both Soul and Body and not as in any kind of Harshness in my spirit towards you do I write but in Love and Compassionateness to you and these Kingdoms And I have here in brief stated and pleaded the case of the Innocent People called Quakers who are at this time under great Afflictions and Tribulations by your Authority and
that we had a reserve against the King's Person and Government and our living Peaceably might be the more doubted of but being our known Principle and Practice alwayes Not to Swear at all in any Case whatsoever this removeth all Ground of Jealousie or Cause of Suspition of us in this Case And also we being ready to confess all just Authority and Power to the King to declare Obedience thereunto solemnly and sincerely and that we shall live Peaceably and quietly under his Government and not to Plot or Rebel against him and this to confirm by Yea and Nay our Testimony of this kind may as justly be taken and stand as effectual and be as faithfully performed as the Oaths of any others for we make Conscience to perform what we say in Yea and Nay as much as any do to perform what they Swear and this is known of us in the Consciences of our Enemies So that in Good Conscience and Just Reason and Equal Justice we are excusable from all Penalties and Forfeitures in that behalf of denying the OATH of ALLEGIANCE 4. And the King and his Government is not the less safe and secure though we refuse to swear Obedience to them nor could they be any safer or securer if we contrary to our Principles and Consciences were forced by Penalties to swear Allegiance for by the same Principle which keeps us from Swearing and by which we deny it we must be preserved to live Peaceably and not to Plot nor Rebel against the King and if we renounce our Principle and our good Conscience and be induced to swear against our Consciences what likelyhood is there to perform such a forced Oath taken contrary to our Consciences and Principles For if we swear to the King and his Government because of the Fear of Men and to save our Estates c. and this contrary to our Consciences it might well be suspected of us that at Opportunity we would break such Oaths for fear of Men or some Self-end On the other hand If we had already renounced our good Consciences so that it more appears we shall perform good Obedience to the King and his Government acknowledgâ—d by Yea without an Oath and in good Conscience then by Swearing forced on us contrary to our Consciences therefore our Yea may better be accepted in this Case then Swearing can be demanded of us And also If we should Change with the Times and Renounce our Principles and Consciences and Swear we should make our selves Ridiculous and a Scorn to all men and bring our selves into a capacity not ever to be trusted in any Case if we should bow and bend to Times and Powers and for Terror of â—en deny our Religion as other Hypocrites and I very well believe the King would not trust us in our Allegiance any whit the better but rather the worse though we did swear and fawn and flatter with him contrary to our Principles neither could he reasonably judge himself the safer nor more happy nor that we would be truly subject the more to his Authority if we swore and conformed in things by Force contrary to our Consciences and Principles for himself knoweth that Oaths and Engagements made and taken by Force and for Fear in Straits are seldom or never truly performed but alwayes broken And of the like Case there are large Testimonies in the Kingdom of many that have sworn promised and engaged and sometimes by Force and Fear to this kind of Government and another and yet at Oportunities and for their own Self-ends have broken all Oaths and Engagements and Rebelled against the very Persons and Authorities to which they have sworn and engaged Fidelity and Allegiance so that many are not the more to be trusted though they swear Allegiance For the Proverb saith He that will Swear will Lâ—e and he that is forced to swear against his Conscience will hardly perform his Oath And we are no less to be trusted though we Swear not for we never yet engaged our selves by Oath to any Governours or Government and yet we never Rebelled or Plotted against any but have lived Peaceably and in a Patient Suffering Condition under all that have sitten on the Throne since we were a People And therefore our living Peaceably under the King's Government cannot justly be doubted of though we cannot engage the same by swearing But yet if we do not live quietly and in good Obedience as Peaceable People but do Rebel Plot c. then we refuse not to suffer the Pains Penalties and Forfeitures as such that swear and do not perform their Oaths I say If we do not live Peaceably but Plot and Rebel against the King and his Government then let us suffer the same in every particular as if we had sworn and not performed our Oath 5. All these things rightly considered it doth fully appear 1. That we are not Enemies neither in present Action nor future Intent to the King's Person or Authority 2. Nor that we refuse to acknowledge Just Authority to King Charles the Second as supream Magistrate over these Kingdoms 3. Nor doth it appear that we are otherwise than Peaceable and Quiet People under the King's Government 4. Nor is it manifest but that we are ready to acknowledge so to continue in all Good Conscience and Righteousness And therefore we do appeal to the God of Heaven and to King Charles and to all people whatsoever That our present Sufferings by Imprisonment and whatsoever else we may suffer in this Case for refusing to take the Oath of Allegiance it is not for Plotting against the King nor for refusing to acknowledge Just Authority to the King nor for denying just Obedience to him and the good Laws of the Land nor for denying to live peaceably in the Kingdom under the King's Authority because to all this we acknowledge solemnly in Yea and Nay Neither are our Sufferings in this Case for any Evil-doing towards God or Men but our Sufferings are for keeping the Command of Christ which to us is Matter of Conscience to perform more than to save our own Lives and Estates and our Sufferings are because we cannot Swear at all and not because we are Rebellious or that we deny just Allegiance to the King and such our Sufferings are not as Evil-doers nor Justly and Righteously as Offenders because we are not guilty of Evil in this Case towards God nor Man and our Sufferings are Cruel Persecution for our Tender Conscience sake and for the Name of Christ Jesus And we call God and just Men to witness between us and our Prosecutors that as Saints and Servants of God we suffer in this Case and for our Faithfulness and Obedience to the King of Heaven and not for Evil-doing or Disobedience to King Charles and his Authority And if any be persecuted on this Case for Refusing to take the Oath of Allegiance to the Ruin of Persons Wives and Families in this World then we shall have Cause
because of our Bondage and strive for Liberty and also if we were men of disposions to war and plot c. it cannot be supposed by reasonable men that any Engagement by any Sum of Money would bind us from it upon occasion seeing we might hope in such attempts to save our Sums of Money and to gain far more advantage or else we hazarded to loose all and to gain a greater advantage if we were men of strife we would not doubt to attempt to lose a less and we being not men of strife we cannot bind our selves as aforesaid in this or any case neither can any in good reason desire the same of us if they rightly consider the case 3. These things considered it is fully manifest That upon good Reason and a clear Conscience we do refuse and deny to give Bond and make such and such Engagements by Forfeitures of Sums of Money it is I say In good Reason and Conscience and not in any wilfulness or stubbornness or contempt of Authority that we do it nor as though we were guilty in such matter suspected and durst not answer the Law but we do it to keep our Innocency clear and not to betray it into real cause of doubt that we are guilty 2. That we may not lay ourselves liable to a greater Suffering by answering false Suspitions and Accusations as it often happeneth in the Proceedings in course of Law 3. That we may not come under men of evil prejudiced minds that seek more occasion against us than they have and we may not fulfil their wills and to give them occasion against us when as in the Accusations they have justly none 4. That we may not expose our selves to be intrapped and ensnared into greater Sufferings to avoid a less 5. That we may walk in the Doctrine and Command of Christ Iesus who hath commanded to let our Yea be Yea and our Nay be Nay and whatsoever Oath or Engagement out of the Counsel of God is more cometh of Evil which we may not do These with some others are the Reasons and Causes why we cannot for Conscience sake bind our selves in such kind of Formal Engagements out of the Will of God to do or not to do to answer this false Suspition or the other but we do deny it out of good Reason and Conscience And also there is no Example for it that we know among the Saints in former Ages that any of them ever bound themselves to any Kings or Rulers in any such kind of Engagements neither can we at this day but as I said If we Transgress the Law let us suffer by it if we are already or hereafter be found guilty we desire nothing but the just Execution of Iust Laws and in Patience we shall bear it but before-hand we may not bind our selves in Formal Engagements out of the Will of God to promise upon Forfeitures and Penalties what we will do or say or what we will not do or say for at the Will and Disposure of the Almighty we are in all Things and Cases and it is our Principle and Belief That we abiding in the Fear and Counsel of God can be no â—ther than Peaceable Just Righteous and Innocent in the Land So that whatsoever we may do or suffer for this Case of denying to give Bond or Engage our selves so and so as aforesaid it is for Truth 's sake and such our Sufferings are Persecution and Unequal and we must commit our Cause to God who will plead it in his season if that we are persecuted for the Cause of groundless Suspition and because we cannot Engage to answer causless Objections And thus I have sought out this matter and laid it before the King and I leave it to him to consider and to shew Justice Equity Mercy and Long-suffering and in so doing he will be blessed but if the cortrary be brought forth the Effect thereof will be more miserable CHAP. V. The Case stated and pleaded concerning Government it self and particularly of this present Authority and our Obedience to it 1. WE do acknowledg Government and Rule and Magistracy to be an Ordinance of God ordained and instituted of him to be exercised among the Children of Men For to be a Praise and a Defence to all that do well and to be a Terror and Corrector to all that do Evil. And we believe there ought to be Rule and Government and Authority exercised and executed in every Kingdom Nation City and Country for the end aforesaid to wit That Evil-doers may be made afraid and corrected limitted restrained and subdued and that Sin and Transgression may be suppressed and Truth and Righteousness promoted and them that do Well praised and strengthened And this is the very end of outward Government of Kings Princes or other amongst Men upon the Earth even that the outward Man may be kept in good order and subjection in his Conversation in the World and may be limitted and restrained from all wrong doing oâ— speaking against his Neighbours Person or Estate and if he do he is punishable by such Iust Authority This is the very end of outward Government in the Kingdoms of the World but it extends not over the Inward Man to rule govern or exercise Authority over the Consciences of any in spiritual Matters and Cases between God and Man's Conscience This Dominion and Authority only partains to the Inward Government and Rule of Jesus Christ by his Eternal Spirit but not to any Outward Government of Kings Princes Parliaments or any others They I say ought only to exercise Authority over the Persons and Estates of People in all just and lawful Things and Matters but not over the Consciences of any in the exercise of Duty towards God or in the Cases and Matters of Worship and Religion 2. The Exercise and Execution of this Iust Government over the outward Man as afore described ought to be committed into the Hands of faithful just and upright men such as fear the Lord and hate Covetousness and every evil Way in all Kingdoms of the World The Execution of the Government in all just Laws ought I say to be committed to such men and not to Drunkards Lyars Covetous or Evil-minded Persons Ambitious or Vain glorious Persons in any Nation such as these ought not to be entrusted with the Execution of the Government and the good Laws of any Kingdom for such will not be a Blessing unto the Land nor unto any People but a Curse and the cause of provoking God to Vengeance and Wrath against themselves the People and the Government if such men whom God chooseth not be chosen to make Laws and execute them and to exercise Governments in any Kingdoms of this World But Men that fear God and delight in Iustice Mercy and Truth that are humble and meek and lowly Persons ought to be called to the place of Government and only such are fit to exercise Rule and Authority and to make and
execute Laws in these Kingdoms and in all the Kingdoms of the World and such would be a Blessing in the Earth and the Governments under such and in the Execution of their Hands would be Blessed and Prosperous and all good Men would have cause to rejoyce therein and all Evil-doers and Transgressors would be limitted and made afraid if so be the Laws be Just Holy and Righteous and according to Equity and the Holy Law of God in all things and the due Execution of such Laws committed to Just and Righteous and Meek Men that love Judgment Mercy and Truth and would execute them in the Earth Then the happy and blessed Government will be exalted and Truth and Righteousness would reign as Judge on the Throne and in this shall all Nations and Kingdoms be prosperous and blessed when it cometh to pass 3. And as for this present Authority and Government now in being under the Name of King Charles the Second we do believe and acknowledge That according to the Purpose and Will of God and of his bringing to pass this present Government and Authority is set up and into its present being established The Lord I say hath suffered it to be effected for the Cause and End and Time and Purpose known to himself and not to mortal man And thus this Government and Authority is of God being brought in and set up in opposition to and for the reproof and correction of such as went before who had neglected Mercy Truth Judgment and Righteousness in the Earth till it was time for the Lord to cast them out and reprove them and make them a Desolation before their Enemies and this Authority was judged of the Lord fit for that use and end and reserved to be brought in as a Rod of God in his Hand to correct and smite many People And it is right in the sight of the Lord that this Authority should have this time and season to be exercised in these Kingdoms to try and prove both it self and all under it if so be that Truth Justice and Righteousness Mercy and Peace may be brought forth it these Kingdoms through it that God may establish it for long continuance and it is now a trying and proving to make it self happy and blessed or otherwise to bring it self into contempt and dishonour and accordingly as Truth Justice Mercy Judgment and Peace is brought forth by it or the contrary brought forth by it so must the Just and Equal Effects and Reward of it be from the Hand of God and it is only just Judgment Mercy and Truth Righteousness Relieving the Oppressed and the doing thereof that can alone make the Person and Government of the King Happy Blessed and Honourable in this World and hereafter and the contrary if it be brought forth must needs bring Confusion Discontents and all miserable Judgments and to say no more of it this is my present Judgement of the King and his Authority both in respect of their coming in and the Cause thereof and the Fruits and Effects that must follow which is not otherwise Determined of God but according to Desert and Merit of walking in Truth Justice and Righteousness or in walking otherwise 4. Our Obedience to this Authority must be according as before declared in the Plea of the first Case concerning Allegiance to wit For Conscience sake to God we are bound by his Iust Law in our Hearts to yeild Obedience to it in all Matters and Cases actively or passively that is to say in all just and good Commands of the King and the good Laws of the Land relating to our outward Man we must be obedient by doing and not withhold our Just Obedience but in the Cases of Conscience to wit in the Matters of Duty to God and of Worship Faith and Religion towards him we must only be obedient to God for it is he that teacheth and requireth Obedience in all those things and if any thing be commanded of us by the present Authority which is not according to Equity Iustice and a good Conscience towards God to be done by us we must in such Cases obey God only and deny active Obedience for Conscience sake and patiently suffer what is inflicted upon us for such our Disobedience to Men and we must choose Obedience to God rather than man though we suffer because thereof And this is our Principle and hath ever been our Practice to obey Authority by doing or suffering not disputing whether the Authority in it self be absolute of God or not yet being an Authority over us we are to obey it either by doing or suffering because it is an Authority and not to plot rebel or rise up with carnal Weapons against it and thus must our Obedience be to the King and his Government And if that in any thing of the Commands of the King we cannot be obedient for Conscience sake in the Cases of Conscience and when ought is required different or contrary to the Law of God we have Example hereof in the Scriptures of many of the Servants of God that could not in all things yield Obedience to the Laws of Nations and Commands of Kings when they required ought to be obeyed contrary to their pure Consciences as in the Case of the three Children Dan. 3. they could not obey the Law and Command of the King though it was absolute but refused Obedience and suffered for it and Daniel also himself disobeyed the King's Law and Commands Dan. 6. and the Apostles the same when they were commanded by the Authority of that City and County To preach no more in the Name of IESUS Act. 4. 17 18. They did not obey the Command of the Rulers in that Case but went on and preached Iesus in disobedience and contrary to the Command of the Rulers And by these and many other Examples it is apparent that it is justifiable in the sight of God and that it was practised by the Servants of God in former Ages even Disobedience to Kings and Authority in the Matters and Cases commanded contrary to the Law of God and a good Conscience and their Example may justifie such now in the same Practice in the same Case if they walk therein by the same Principle 5. And thus it is manifest That if we at any time be found not in full obedience by doing in all Cases and Things to the Laws and Authority of this Kingdom it is not out of contempt unto or Rebellion against the King's Person or Government it is not I say on that account but for good Conscience sake and because we must obey God rather than man when and where their Com mands stand in opposition the one to the other and this is that we may keep our Consciences clear in the sight of God from disobedience against him which is our care and endeavour by all means and when any thing is required of us to be done which we cannot do with a clear Conscience in
the sight of God such Commands we cannot yield Obedience unto and yet it is not out of Wilfulness Stubbornness Contempt or Rebellion against the Authority but it is for this End and Cause that we may not sin against God nor against our own Consciences by doing any thing that is contrary thereunto lest we should bring the Wrath of God upon our own Consciences so that all these things rightly considered it doth appear 1. That we acknowledge Magistracy and Authority to be the Ordinance of God to be exercised and executed in the Kingdoms of the World among men 2. That Iust and Righteous men are the only Persons fit to execute Iust Laws and Authorities in the Earth 3. That we acknowledge this present Government of King Charles and that according to the Purpâ—se of God it is now set up 4. That we are to be obedient by doing or suâ—â—eriâ—g in all things to the Authority of the King as the Supream Authority 5. That if in any case we are disobedient thereunto and cannot wholly perform every Command by doing yet it is for Conscience sake to God and that we may not sin against him and not out of Rebellion or Contempt of the King or his Power And all these things truly considered if we do suffer Tribulations Afflictions and Imprisonments under and by this present Authority for and because of our Profession and Practice of Religion without evil or wrong doing to our Neighbours Persons or Estates though we do not in the things contrary to our Consciences obey actively this present Authority yet we are persecuted for the Name of Christ and as so we receive our Sufferings and not as for Contempt or Denial of Authority or as Rebellion against it but for Conscience sake to God our Sufferings are and our unjust Persecution will be upon our Enemies in the effect and reward thereof with great Indignation and Wrath from the Lord God that rewards all according to their works Thus much about Government And now I shall shew what Persecution is in it self CHAP. VI. Concerning Persecution what it is in it self and how great an Enemy it is to the King's Person and Authority 1. PErsecution is when a Person or a People do suffer Tribulation Affliction Imprisonment Bonds or Death whether by a Law or without the Law for and because of his or their Principle and Practice in Religion As when a Person or a People are reproached falsly accused imprisoned or put to death only for and because of their Religions sake when as no evil-dealing in the things between man and man can be justly charged and proved against them but only because they are righteous and walk in the Wayes of the Lord and cannot conform to the Wayes and Vanities of this World but are separated from it in its Prophaneness and in its formal Profession also of Religion and because thereof Sufferings are imposed upon them while yet they walk justly innocently and harmlesly towards all men This is Persecution for Conscience sake and such are persecuted if so be they suffer for and because of Righteousness sake and because they will not deny their Principles nor Profession of ReÌ„ligion nor conform to Times nor Laws contrary to a good Conscience and yet suffer because hereof this is Persecution 2. Persecution is when a Person or a People is afflicted and any kind of sufferings imposed upon them whether by any Authority or without Authority and only because they are of such a Profession and Practice in Religion though yet their Profession and Practice in their Religion is not perfectly according to God nor by the Exercise of that Spirit of God ruling in their Consciences in such their Religion yet if they suffer only for their Religion sake while yet they walk uprightly as men in all outward Affairs relating to the outward Man this also is Persecution and such are persecuted for their Religions sake though not wholy for Righteousness sake and none ought to suffer as such under the Authority of any King Prince or Power but if such do suffer as I have said and that for their Religions sake only so though yet their Religion is not perfectly according to God yet they are persecuted and this is Persecution And thus I have in short described defined what Persecution is in it self and who it is that are persecuted and I shall now shew how great an Enemy Persecution for Conscience and Religions sake is unto the King's Person and Authority Persecution for Conscience sake and for Difference in Matters of Religion is a great Enemy to the Person and Government of the King it is I say a destroying and devouring Enemy and the Fruits and Effects thereof may work terrible Destruction yea this Enemy Persecution hath often wrought Overthrow in Kingdoms Let the King strive to be delivered speedily from this great Enemy which is fierce and cruel and may work woful Effects in this Kingdom also and the King may be more blessed in his Person and Government if he remove far from him this Enemy Persecution 1. It is his Enemy because its Effect is To eat out the Affections of many good and sober People from the King and may make their Love and Affections dye to the King's Government when they behold and consider the Persecution of many good and peaceable People for Righteousness and good Conscience sake whenas no Evil-doing between man and man can justly be laid to their Charge but only for the matter of their Religion and the exercise of their Consciences towards God and if such suffer cruel Imprisonment unjust Fines and grievous Vexations for such Cause it may weaken and eat out the Affections of good People and divert their Love and good Desires from the King and his Government in which such Persecution is brought forth and that which diverts the Peoples Love from the King is his great Enemy and such is Persecution 2. Persecution is the King 's great Enemy Because it may kindle Heart-burnings Envyings Strifes and Murmurings among his Subjects while some are tollerated in the Profession and Practice of their Religion and others persecuted and imprisoned for the same Cause and this kind of dealing exerciseth the King's Subjects in harsh dealing one towards another and gives great Occasion for Quarrelling Envies Debate and Malice one against another even when some execute Persecution upon others hailing them to Prison spoiling their Goods and the like And this kind of dealing I say whilst the Authority of the Land persecutes one sort of the King's Subjects by the hands of others it tendeth much to great Division and Distractions amongst the people and it is not for the King's safety but for his great Dishonour and Disadvantage every way to have the people divided into Heart-burnings and Quarrellings against one another and therefore Persecution is the King 's great Enemy because it worketh such evil Effects 3. It is his great Enemy Because it is contrary to the Trust which
God hath reposed in him in promoting him to be King over these People for God hath not committed Power to him to judge in the Cases of mens Consciences and to persecute any because of the Exercise thereof whether they be of this Profession and Practicé in Religion or the other yet living peaceably and uprightly as men he ought not to persecute us nor to suffer them to be persecuted by nor under his Authority but he ought to defend and preserve all mens Persons and Estates in their Just Rights from the Violence each of others without respect to what their Profession and Practice of Religion is but if the contrary be brought forth it is contrary and not answerable to the End of God's Restauring him to these Kingdoms and if he doth not what God hath justly called him unto but otherwise this is his Enemy and such is Persecution for Conscience sake it is contrary to the End of Just Government and wherefore God hath restored him and therefore this Persecution is an utter Enemy both to the King's Person and Authority 4. It is his Enemy Because it provokes the God of Heaven and Earth over all to be offended with him for he is provoked and vexed because of the Persecution of his People in this Age as ever he was in all Ages and if the King be guilty thereof it incurreth God's great Displeasure against him For God was ever offended with Kings Rulers and whomsoever that were Persecutors and he is the same at this day and whatsoever it is that provokes God to Anger against the King that is his Enemy And such is Persecution of People for the Profession and Practice of their Religion whenas no Evil can be charged upon them in things between man and man and therefore let the KING beware of this Woful ENEMY that waits to wound him for if the God of Heaven be provoked against him how great is that Enemy which brings it to pass 5. It is the King's Enemy Because it not only provokes the Lord to Anger but to Judgment Persecution is the Cause wherefore God bringeth grievous Iudgments and Vengeance upon whomsoever are guilty thereof and the Effect of Persecution is Plagues and Misery and it incenseth God to Anger and also to Destroy and therefore let the King beware of such a deadly Enemy as should Cause God to destroy him And such an Enemy is Persecution of God's People for Conscience sake it draweth down the Wrath of God upon Kings and Kingdoms upon Rich and Poor upon High and Low that are guilty of it for it is the fulfilling of all other Sins and it hasteneth to bring Destruction upon all that are guilty and this Effect it will work upon the King even this his Enemy Persecution if he turn not from it and overcome it and Banish it from him for it is the Cause of both Inward and Outward Internal and External Plagues and Iudgments of God 6. Persecution it is an Enemy to the King Because it will work to weaken the Hands of Iust and Sober and Righteous Men it will weaken their Love and Affections and it makes their Hearts sad And Wo is unto them that make sad their Hearts whom God doth not make sad and this doth Persecution And it doth not only weaken the Hearts and Hands of the Righteous and Sober Persons but it strengthens the Hands of the Rude Ungodly and Prophane through the Land and that which strengthens the Wicked and the Rude Multitude in Wantonness Scorning and Prophanness that is the King's Enemy but such is Persecution for a good Conscience sake And because it weakens the Righteous in their Good and Upright Wayes and strengthens the Wicked in their Evil Wayes therefore it is an Enemy unto the King 7. Persecution is an Enemy unto him Because it tends to render him dishonourable both in the sight of God and all good men through the World for it will shew that he is cruel and bitter and perverse and that he wanteth Humility Meekness Forbearance and Patience if he be guilty and this is dishonourable to have and profess Evil Qualities and Properties and to be without the Good and by persecution this will be made manifest to all the World and ever was in all Ages that the Persecutors of good Conscience gained unto themselves Dishonour and Reproach of all good men in all Ages after them for they were men full of Rage and Malice and Passionateness and wanted Patience and Humility and this made them Dishonourable And the Case will be the same with the King if he be a Persecutor for Conscience sake and he will be Dishonourable both in this present Time and in Ages to come and this by Persecution and therefore it is his Enemy that will work many Mischiefs and Evils upon him if he be not wholy delivered from it 8. Persecution is an Enemy to the King's Person and Authority because Persecution for Conscience sake is of the Devil it is of his spirit and not of the Spirit of God to Persecute Imprison Kill and Destroy mens Persons and Estates because of their Religions sake whenas no unjust Dealing nor Unrighteous Conversation can be justly laid to their charge but only for and because of such Profession and Practice in Religion to persecute any because hereof this is of the Devil and that which is of the Devil is the King's Enemy and an Enemy to all Mankind and such is Persecution and therefore it is a deadly mortal Enemy which wounds Kings Princes and Rulers that ever have had friendship with it and therefore let the King avoid this great Enemy lest its Effects prove miserable 9. It is the King's Enemy Because it is according to the Example of all the wicked King's and Rulers that ever have been through Ages and Generations as of Pharaoh Ahab Herod Nero and many more who were Persecutors of People for Conscience sake who gained unto themselves thereby Reproach Infamy and Misery from God and men and to follow their Example is the King's Enemy and such is Persecution If he should persecute for Conscience sake and about Religion and the Worship of God then he follows the Example of wicked Kings and this will be his Enemy and will work woful effects if so be he walk in the steps of the Persecutors of old love that which is his Enemy 10. Persecution is the King's Enemy Because the End and Effects thereof is Misery and Destruction upon all that persecute the Heritage of God What was Pharaoh's end and Herod's end and Nero's end was not their end woful and miserable to God and shameful to men And Persecution for Conscience sake will bring the same Effects at this day The End of all Persecutors will be Misery and Shame even in the day of the Lord when he comes with Iudgment and Vengeance and to reward every man according to his deeds then will He reward Persecution and Persecutors with his fierce Wrath and they shall
the Church of ROME who are in the said Book Villified and Reproached by the Name and Term of Antient Phanaticks And this is sent forth as an Answer thereunto to Pursue it Apprehend it and Condemn it as a Pamphlet of Calumnies and Slanders against the Protestants both of former and present Dayes who are all of them Scorned in the said Book the one as Ancient the other as Modern PHANATICKS Which is sent abroad as a Warning to ENGLAND to beware of the spirit of the Church of ROME lest it Exalt it self in Cruel Persecution against the PROTESTANTS and all that differ from it HOW Great and Miserable hath been that Darkness and Ignorance which hath over-spread the Nations and Kingdoms of the World since the Apostles dayes And how manifold is that Error into which many have been fallen even as into a Snare of Destruction And how woful is that Strife Division and Contention about Religion that hath highly abounded among the Christian People so called For the whole Christendom have been divided and in Opposition one part against another about the True God and his Worship and concerning the knowledge of Salvation by Jesus Christ And divers kinds of Religion Church-Government and Practices of Ordinances of Faith Worship have been extant in the World and Nations Countries have been all in Division Strife and Contention about these Matters and have been also persecuting one another violently unto Bonds and Death for and because difference in Judgment and Practices concerning Spiritual Things Papists against Protestants and Protestants against Papists and one sort of Christians so called against another and the men of such a Judgment and Faiâ—â— and Way of Religion have been persecuting and seeking to destroy all that have been contrary minded to them And thus have been the woful Divisions and evil Effects thereof in the World among Christians about Faith and Worship and Religious matters this has come to pass because of the spirit of Error Darkness that hath possessed the minds of men since the falling away from the Truth as it was once manifest among the Apostles And thus it s come to pass because of the erring from the Spirit of God and because that hath been wanting amongst men therefore have People been divers and divided about Matters of Religion each one sort following their own Invention and Traditions of men and also persecuting one another and killing and imprisoning one another because of the same and all this because the Spirit of Truth hath not dwelt in the Hearts of Christians as it did in the Apostles not led guided and taught them in true Unity and Fellowship as it did the true Christians in the dayes of old And while the Spirit of Christ hath been wanting and is not received into the Heart to mortifie guide rule and teach in all the Wayes of God and the whole exercise of Religion and Duty towards Him and while there is any kind of imposing and forceing of Religion by Laws of men upon Penalties and Forfeitures and setting up Worship and Church Government by that means and in that way without the immâ—… Teaching of the Spirit of Christ in the Conscience I say while this hath been and is continued nothing but Division Strife Contention Persecution and Nations and Peoples destroying one another about Religion hath been is or can be in the World amongst Christians And of this same to wit of Division and Contention about Religion with the Enmity of such as are so divided one against another to the persecuting and killing one of another that are contrary minded as it hath been brought forth in the World for Generations past we have here a sufficient large Testimony lately published in a Book called Semper Iidem or A Paralel of Phanaticks c. wherein is made mention of what Strife and Contention there hath been in former dayes among the false Christians and how they have cruelly Persecuted Burned and Destroyed one another in this Cause only for and because of the difference in Maters of Judgment and Religious Things and these Persecutions and Cruelties effected contrary to the Example of Christ and his Doctrine who hath exhorted to Love and Peace and not to Kill and Destroy and that a man should love his Enemies and not Kill and Destroy them contrary to which Doctrine the false Christians of all kinds have walked and acted since the dayes of the Apoâ—… who have been Apostatized and fallen from the very Life and Power of Godliness as held amongst the primitive Saints into Forms and empty Shadows being all in strife one with another about such things and have wanted the Spirit of Christ which should have led and guided into all Truth and exercised them in the true Worship of the true and living God who is a Spirit and is only truly worshipped in Spirit and in Truth but out of this Spirit and spiritual Worship the false Christians have been erred and so all divided and in Centention aâ— aforesaid and persecuting one another because thereof each one sort justifying their own Way 〈◊〉 Right and condemning that which hath differed as the Wrong and all as Hereticks that have been otherwise minded But as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Book Semper Iidem c. I would gladly animadâ—… 〈◊〉 conâ—…ing it and do intend to write a few things by way of anâ—â—er thereunto and this is the present Occasion of my present work for having met with the said Pamphlet and perusing of it I found divers Considerations on my spirit to send forth in Answer to pursue the said Semper Iidem up and down the World till it returns again unto the place from whence it came to wit Unto the bottomless Pit out of which it lately arose and in reading the same Book I have principally observed the Mischievout End and secret Evil Intents of the Nameless Author more than the Matter it self contained and though the Author be Nameless yet is his nature and spirit known by his Book and for what end he hath concealed his Name I know not except he was ashamed of his Work and durst not Authorize his Matter by his Name but however the spirit end and intent of the said Nameless Person is perceived and known as much as any Tree can be distinguished by its Fruit and he is of an Envious Disposition of Heart and of Malicious Countenance and in nature and stock of the descent of Cain for his spirit is of an evil constitution hot and fiery and enclinable to destroy all that are not like-minded with himself in the Iudgment of Religious Matters and his proceedings and the end of his work is of an Intent and Purpose wicked enough if every Effect answers the Cause appearing and be not diverted from the End proposed by the Author and this I find by Calculation of his Birth and the Temper of his spirit and of the Time wherein his Book is published and by the Cause and End and Intent of the
commit too much Credit upon it even as they love their own Safety and Peace which are concerned in this Case 7. Consider Into what a great Danger the Protestants and People of England have run themselves by â—â—ecing from a less for by avoiding the Sectaâ—â—es so called they have run themselves into the very Borders of Popery and to escape a Less Danger they have exposed themselves to a far Greater For the Protestants cryed out of the Sectaries and were afraid their Church and Religion should be overthrown by them and made haste to Escape and flee from the Danger and in so doing they have as it appeareth by Semper Iidem run themselves into a Danger far greater Even to have their Religion and Persons and Estates Destroyed by Fire and Faggot if the spirit that indicted Semper Iidem hath its desired End which is grown Bold and Confident more than formerly Thus while the Protestants have sought to destroy the Sectaries an Enemy is appearing to Destroy them and they have exposed themselves if Popery prevails to an Enemy far more Cruel and Dectructive to both their Persons Estates and Religion than ever the Sectaries would have been had they prevailed And this is considerable to the Protestants that they may lament their case who have run themseles into a far greater Danger of their own Destruction to escape a less and are in present Reproach by the Papists and exposed to Destruction if they prevail 8. Consider How Favourable the Church of ROME seemeth to grow of these late dayes in these Kingdoms and what Dignity she seems to have attained to besides of Times past and what Liberty she enjoyes more than many of the good Subjects of England which may as justly have the Priviledge of Liberty in their Exercise of Faith and Worship and Religion as she can have As for instance In Ireland where the Papists have the Enjoyment of their Liberty to Meet to hear Mass very frequently and are not Restrained nor Prohibited and many of the English Inhabitants known Faithful Protestants are not admitted the like Liberty but their Meeting broken up and they sent to Prison and Cruelly Persecuted for Meeting together when the Papists are not meddled withal for the same Cause and thus their Cause seems more to be favoured than the Protestants and they more Liberty in their Worship than many of the English Protestants And also In and about London upon search you will find Meetings of the Papists large ones too consisting of very many Forreigners of other Lands which have their Liberty of Worship and Profession of Religion and divers of the Inhabitants of the City who have been and are Known Upright Honest and Just Persons and are true Protestants and faithful Subjects of the Land are not admitted to have their Meetings but are haled out of Meetings Persecuted and sent to Prison and cruel Sufferings inflicted upon them for the Exercise of their Faith and Worship whenas the Papists are admitted their Liberty without Persecution in the same Cause for which many good Protestants are Perfecuted and not suffered to have their Liberty even in the Exercise of their Faith and Worship and this is manifest to all People by which it is plain how the Papists Cause is advancing and the Protestants Cause decaying in LONDON and through ENGLAND whenas the Papists and that Forreigners have more Liberty in the Exercise of their Religion then some Protestants have that are Natives and known to be good Subjects And these things deserve true and serious Confideration by all good Protestants Alas that this day should be seen Many more Considerations might be asserted in this Case of the Papists Cause being as it were reviving but these for present are presented to the publick View of all People And blessed are they that have an Ear to hear E. B. THE CASE OF Free Liberty OF CONSCIENCE In the Exercise of FAITH and RELIGION Presented unto the KING and both Houses of PARLIAMENT And also Proved absolute Needful and Requisit for them to Grant and Allow in these Kingdoms by many Considerations and Reasons unfolding the Woful Effects and Ill Consequence which will infallibly follow upon the contrary to the Misery and Destruction of these Nations if the Free Exercise of Conscience to God-ward be Limitted and Violently Restrained FOrasmuch as it hath pleased the Lord God of Heaven and Earth who is Mighty and Powerful and bringeth to pass whatsoever he will in the Kingdoms of this World so to suffer it to be accomplished that Power and Authority is given unto you to exercise over these Kingdoms And whereas the People of these Nations over whom your Authority is extended are divided in their Judgments in Matters Spiritual and are of different Principles and Wayes in relation to Faith and Worship and Practices of Religion and yet are all of them Free-born People and Natives of these Kingdoms and as such ought to possess and enjoy their Lives Liberties and Estates by the Just Laws of God and man And may not justly any of them be Destroyed by you nor one sort of another in their Persons and Estates by Death Banishment or other Persecutions for and because only of their Differences in Matters of Opinion and Judgment nor though they are contrary minded in Profession of Faith and Worship and Religion while they do walk Peaceably and Justly in their Conversations under the King's Authority and do not make practice of their Religion to the violating of the Government nor to the Injury of other mens Persons or Estates but ought rather to be Defended and Protected by you in all their Rights both as Men and Christians both in things Civil and Spiritual Notwithstanding their difference in matters Religious as aforesaid they giving proof of their peaceable and honest deportment towards the King and his Government and the people of these Kingdoms And therefore that due care may be had as justly it ought to be by you for the peace and Prosperity and happiness of these Kingdoms and that the just Liberties both civil and Spiritual of all people therein may be allowed and maintained in all the Kings Dominions and that unity and peace may be fully established and justice and Righteousness only brought forth in the Land and all persecution Hatred Contention and Rebellions may die and perish and never more appear And that all Christian people though different in Judgement and practises in matters of Faith and worship may be protected to live a quiet and peaceable life in all Godliness and honesty under this Government and that indignation and vengeance may be diverted from these Lanâ—â— which seems to threaten because of the contrary and that blessings and peace maâ— come and rest upon this people forever Therefore for these ends and causes and in the Name of the Lord I do propound unto you and lay before you on the behalf of all the divided people of these Kingdoms That free Liberty of conscience in the
exercise of Faith Worship and Religion to God-wards may be allowed and maintained unto all without any imposition violence or persecution exercised about the same on the persons Estates or Consciences of any in any relation to Religion the Worship of God Church Government and Ministry But that all Christian People may be left free in all these Kingdoms in the exercise of Conscience without being restrained from or compelled to any way of worship and practise of Religion upon any pains and penalties and that every one may be admitted to worship God in that way as his spirit perswades the heart and may be defended in such their profession of Religion while they make not use of their Liberty to the detrement of any other mens persons or Estates as aforesaid And let it not seem strange to you why I appear in this manner and matter at such a season as this for your very Happiness prosperity and establishment or the contrary dependeth hereupon even in allowing and maintaining liberty of Conscience in the exercise of Religion or in limitting and forcing and persecuting about the same and this may appear if you justly consider these things following 1. The Lordship in and over conscience and the exercise thereof in all matters of Faith and Worship and duty to God-wards is Gods alone only and proper right and priviledge and he hath reserved this power and Authority in himself and not committed the Lordship over Conscience nor the exercise thereof in the cases of faith and worship to any upon Earth not to perscribe and impose principles and practises of Faith and worship and Religion by force and violence on the persons and Consciences of men but this belongs only to God even to work faith in the heart and to convert to holiness and to lead and teach people by his Spirit in his worship and to exercise their Consciences in all his wayes For the Apostles themselves said they had not Dominion over the Faith of the Saints 2 Cor. 1. 24. but the Lord alone And King Charles the first said in his Meditations page 91. of that Edition Printed for R. Royston I have often declared how little I desire my Laws and Scepter should intrench on God's Soveraignity which is the only King of men's Consciences c. So that to be Lord in CONSCIENCE and Exerciser thereof in all the Matters of God's Kingdom is his Only Proper Right and to him alone it appertains 2. And therefore consider If ye do not allow Free Liberty of Conscience and give unto God the Lordship and Exercise thereof in all Matters of Faith and Worship to Him-wards but do impose by Violence in forcing to and restraining from such and such Wayes of Religion than ye take Dominion over mens Faith which ye ought not to do and ye intrench on God's Soveraignity and usurpe his Authority in exercising Lordship over the Conscience in and over which Christ is only King as before recited and ye ought not to take his right from him nor to exercise that Authority over ruens Faith and Consciences which only appertains unto him as his proper priviledge for in so doing how dangerous effects may it bring forth even ye may easily provoke the Lord to wrath against you and bring upon your selves sorrow and misery if ye exercise violence upon mens Consciences in and concerning Religious matters contrary to the Scriptures and the example of Primitive Christians who were persecuted for their Conscience sake but did never persecute nor punish any for that cause nor ever used violence about their Religion as Charles the I. in his meditations pag. 82. Nothing said he violent nor injurious can be religious c. 3. Consider if ye allow not the free exercise of Conscience in Spiritual matters but do take Dommion over mens faith and impose by violence in the cases of Conscience about Religion and do not suffer the Lord to enjoy his only right to be King in the matters of his own Kingdom then ye divert the end of just rule and government among men and pervert the end of Gods great love and favour shewed unto you in restoring of you to the place of Authority and Judgement for the end of just Government upon earth by Kings and Rulers is To exercise Justice Truth and Righteousness among men and over the outward man and to be a praise to all that do wellâ— and walk uprightly and to be a terror to all transgressors and them that do evil in their outward man and to keep the outward man in good order by just Judgment in all cases between man and man This is only the extent of your Authority over the outward man and to your Jurisdiction only this belongs to judge in Truth and Righteousness to make Laws and execute them between man and man to preserve mens persons and estates from the wrong one of another but not at all to make Laws and execute them between God and mens Consciences in the cases of his Spiritual Kingdom this power belongs to God and he hath not committed it to you to exercise and therefore let justice equity and mercy be exercised by you among men and over the outward man and in all cases between man and man but meddle not in the Cases of mens faith to God and their Consciences to him but leave that unto him alone whose right it is for it is dangerous and will bring wofull effects if ye intrench on Gods Soveraignity and if ye divert the proper end of just Government and of the Love of God in restoring you into Authority and power 4. Consider if ye allow not free Liberty of Conscience in the profession and practice of spiritual things but will compel by violence about Religion then this will inavoidably produce and bring forth cruel persecution in the Kingdoms imprisonment banishment and death and all the evil effects of persecution will fill the Nations for though never so forceable impositions be laid on the persons estates and consciences of men for the cause of difference in Judgment and practises of Religion and tocompel into Conformity yet it cannot be supposed that all will bow and conform to the denying of that way which they are perswaded in Conscience to be right and to the embracing of what they cannot in Conscience believe is of God but will rather suffer the cruelest death then conform to any thing contrary to light and knowledge and if free Liberty of Conscience be denied many such must needs be exposed to Persecution even to Death though they may be Peaceable People and profitable Inhabitants of the Kingdoms and in the things between man and man and in all matters Temporal pertaining to the King may be Just and Righteous and Unreprovable yet because of Difference in Judgment and Opinion exposed to be destroyed in person and estate and such effects will not be of honour nor saftey to these Nations if innocent and just men be destroyed and their relations ruined
only for their Conscience and Religion sake by persecution 5. Consider if ye do impose one way of worship by force and persecute all that are contrary-minded to prison and death then how shall your Names and memorial be left a reproach to Generations after you in dayes to come who shall repute you cruel men and persecutors and such as destroyed your people for difference in Matters of Religion and without just Cause and thus will your Names be a Curse and not a Blessing to your Children and their Children to all Ages if that ye make Laws and execute them to the Persecution and Destruction of People for Conscience sake and for difference in Religion for Persecution was never of God nor ever justified in succeeding Ages but Persecutors alwayes were rendred Tyrants and Cruel in the Ages succeeding them For do not you condemn the Papists as Oppressors and Cruel Persecutors in Queen Mary's dayes for the Persecuting your Fore-Fathers And K. Iames said it was usually the Condition of Christians to be persecuted but never to Persecute c. in his Apology for the Oath of Allegiance page 4. And indeed they are no true Christians that persecute for Matters of Conscience and Difference in Opinion but the False Christians that have a Form of Godliness but are without the Power and out of the Doctrine of the Scriptures who say Love your Enemies and render not Evil for Evil but overcome evil with good 6. Consider If ye do impose upon the Conscience and persecute about Religion ye can never effect your End thereby as to force all into a Conformity and Uniformity to your Church and Religion but though Death and Banishment and the Loss of all be inflicted yet such a thing cannot be effected neither is it the Way of Christ to promote his Church and to convert the Contrary-minded by such means as Force and Violence exercised on mens Persons and Estates as King Iames said in his Speech in Parliament 1609. That it is a sure Rule in Divinity That God never loves to plant his Church with Violence and Blood And if ye do persecute to the heighth in the Case of Religion ye will weaken your selves and cause the Love and good Affection of the People to die towards you and the Persecuted will grow and their Cause be made Honourable and many will be encreased unto it for it is usual in Ages That the Way and Religion which hath been most persecuted hath most grown and thus it must infallibly be at this day and ye can never effect your End-by Persecution nor promote your own Church nor destroy all the Contrary-minded as a Privy-Counsellor to K. Iames the 5th of Scotland advised in Counsel about the year 1539. upon the Occasion of diversities of Opinions then in that Kingdom said he It is an Error of State in a Prince for an Opinion of Piety to condemn to Death the Adherers to new Doctrines for the Constancy and Patience of those who voluntarily suffer all Temporal Miseries for Matters of Faith stir up Numbers who at first and before they had suffered were ignorant of their Faith and Doctrine not only to favour their Cause but to embrace their Opinions Pitty and Commiseration opening the Gates and thus their Faith is spread and their Number daily encreaseth c. 7. Consider If that ye do not allow Liberty of Conscience but do Impose and Persecute as aforesaid though some for your Fear and Terror and Force against their Consciences should deny their Principle and conform to your Church such ye cause to sin For whatsoever is performed by Force and not of Faith is sin as it is written and such their sin will be laid to your Charge and such who cannot deny their Principles and Conform will be destroyed and their Death will be accounted against you in the Day of the Lord And therefore if ye do not allow Liberty of Conscience many grievous Evils will infallibly follow both to your selves and your People And what Advantage of Honour will such be to God and your Church that are against their Consciences and Light forced into a Conformity for Fear and Terror of men it makes them manifold more the Children of the Devil and Time-Servers and Hypocrites and destroyes their Souls and such can be no true Members of the true Church of Christ but are Reprobates and a Dishonour to God and your Church 8. Consider if ye constrain and compel in matters of Religion and do not â—…low liberty of Conscience it is unreasonable and unequal and down-right contrary 〈◊〉 the Holy and pure Law of God which saith ye shall do into all men as ye would that men should do unto you and thou shalt love they neighbour as thy self and this is the fulfilling of the Law But to be imposed upon and persecuted for the case of Consciences and for the matters of Worship of God your selves would not willingly be against your Light and Knowledge and then it is unequal and unjust and contrary to the Law of God for ye to do the same to others which your selves would not be done unto And do not you to this day cry out against the Papists in Queen Maries dayes and at this day in other Nations and condemn them as Tyrants and Oppressors for Persecuting Killing and Destroying the Protestants for the matters of their Conscience and difference in Opinion and Judgment And will you do the same at this day as they do to others and follow their example of cruelty and Persecution and break the Law of God and walk contrary to it in doing to others what you would not be done unto And seeing you condemn the late fore-going Powers in these Kingdoms for Tyrants and Usurpers and Oppressors for prohibiting your way of Worship and commanding the contrary and disanulling so much as they could your service Book and Ministry how can you justly do the like to others as to force Wayes of RELIGION upon them and prohibit theirs and command the contrary if you do it ye condemn your selves by judging of others in the like case 9. Consider if ye do not allow liberty of Conscience but impose Church Government and Religion by pains and penalties then ye will fill the Land with Hypocrites and force people into time-serving obedience and into formal wayes of worship some against their Consciences and some in the ignorance thereof which is great abomination unto the Lord and such will neither be true and faithfull in Church nor State but will seek advantages against you if they are forced by violence in the cases of their Consciences and it will beget great contentions and hatred in the minds of men and divide theâ— into heart-burnings one against another and against you and your Government for if men become Hypocrites for your fear and terror and deny their professed Principles and conform they will be false-hearted and Envious and Malicious and attempt any thing to be freed from Bondage and Impositions
of Conscience and their Hearts will be dis-engaged in Love and Affection to you-wards and this will be infallibly the Effect of Persecution for Conscience sake as King Charles the first saith in his Meditations A charitable Connivance and Christian Toleration often dissipates their Strength when rougher Opposition fortifies and puts the Dispised and Oppressed Party into such combinations as may most enable them to get a full revenge on those they count their persecutors c. 10. Consider if ye force Worship and Religion and cause men to conform against their Judgments how dangerous is this to destroy mens souls and to lead 〈◊〉 even to destruction For seeing ye affirm not the Infallibility of your Worship and Religion and yet will impose them and so engage mens Souls in depandancy for Salvation upon things and wayes uncertain and which GOD giveth not the Faith to believe in I say how dangerous is this to ruin souls for in no way can the soul be secure but in the faith which God works in the heart in the Obedience of Infallible TRUTH So ye 〈◊〉 mens souls upon a Rock and it is unreasonable as before mentioned that men should be forced into the profession and Practice of uncertain and fallible Religion and that they should be forced by you into that which may be evil for which not you altogether but themselves must bear the punishment in the Day of the Lord and except ye could affirm and prove the infallibility of your Church which is impossible there is no Equity nor Right Reason for it That you should impose upon others any more than others should impose upon you For as King Charles the First said in his Meditation He desired not any should be further Subjects unto him then he and all of them might be subject unto God c. 11. Consider if ye allow not liberty of Conscience but persecute about the same ye walk in the way and after the example of some of the Heathen Rulers and of the false Christians and shews that ye allow of the cruel persecutions by the Church of Rome and ye follow their example who persecute unto death such as they call Hereticks and if ye do persecute for matters of Conscience then ye allow the very deeds of the Heathens who persecuted the Christians for their Religion sake and ye justifie Papists in persecuting the Protestants and ye plainly demonstrate unto all the World by your works and fruits that ye are of Antichrist if ye impose on mens Consciences by force in the matters of Religion and persecute good Conscience about the same for it was the Antichrist and the Beast that first forced all to worship and violently engaged all into a conformity and killed and persecuted all that would not worship according to the Image Rev. 13. as ye may read And it was not Christs way nor the practice of any of his primitive Churches to impose and force on the persons and Consciences of men concerning their Church and Religion to cause all into a conformity thereunto and destroy and persecute all that would not This was not the way of Christ and his Apostles in their daies but they left Religion free and said they were not lords over mens faith nor lords over Gods Heritage neither did impose upon any in doubtful cases of conscience much lesse compel against mens Conciences for the Apostle left the practice of doubtful things as every one was perswaded in his own mind to do or not to do without imposing by force or directions of persecution about the same Therefore if ye do not allow free liberty of Conscience ye are out of the Doctrine Example of Christ and his Apostles and follows the way and example of Antichrist Heathen Rulers and cruel Papists to your great dishonour 12. Consider if ye allow not liberty of Conscience in the exercise of Religion but impose and persecute about the same It must inavoidably tend to destroy and expel Trading Husbandry and Merchandize in these Kingdoms for a great part of Trading and Husbandry depends upon such kind of persons whose principles are for toleration in Religion and hates persecution and violence in that case this ye will find true on examination and if liberty of Conscience be not allowed such will be exposed to great afflictions some to imprisonment and some to poverty and some to flee into other Countries to the destruction of their Callings and Trading and the hands and industriousnes of such people will be weakned in these Kingdoms if they cannot enjoy their just liberty in temporal spiritual cases and the effects thereof will work wofully in this very respect even to dis-enable both the hearts and hands of Husbandmen and Trades and expose these Nations to want and poverty and to enrich their enemies 13. Consider If Liberty of Conscience be deny'd and Persecution be introduc'd about the same all these and many more woful Consequences and Effects will follow infallibly to the ruin of these Kingdoms even Wars and Bloodsheds and Discontents and Murmurings and all evil things will be the Product of the aforesaid Cause viz. Of denying Liberty of Conscience in Religious Matters for in a word it will tend to and may effect the Overthrow of you and Ruin your Government and Authority for the great and mighty God of Heaven and Earth will be provoked against you and his Wrath will go out like a Devouring Flame upon you if that ye limit the Holy One and will not suffer him to exercise his proper Right in being King in mens Consciences to exercise them in all the Wayes of his Worship and Matters of his Kingdom but do oppress impose and persecute about the same this I say will infallibly work the Kingdoms ruin and expose you and your Government to the Indignation of the Holy Lord God who is tender of his Honour and will not give it to another and he loveth and effecteth the Cause of such whose Consciences are truly tender towards him and though ye persecute such and seek to destroy them and for a time exercise great Afflictio and â—â—â—ressions upon them for the matters of their Conscience yet the God of Heaven will appear for such in his season and deliver them and avenge their â—ersecuâ—ors And therefore all ye Rulers consider and lay these things to heart lest ye provoke the Lord against you by destroying the People whom he regards and that not for evil doing but for the Caâ—es of Conscience and because they cannot relinquish their profession and principles of their Religion and how and conform in things against their Light and Knowledge 14. Consider If ye allow not Liberty of Conscience what exceeding danger 〈◊〉 run your selves into even to destroy just men and righteous as Hereticks and erroneous and may promote Hereticks as Church-members both which are great Abominations in the Sight of God and this Danger ye bring upon your selves for ye are not infallible Judges who are Hereticks and
who are not and therefore may easily proceed in that way to punish such as Hereticks that are not truly so and except ye could affirm and Prove your possession of the infallible spirit ye can no way proceed justly reasonably to deny Liberty of Conscience in the exercise of Religion nor punish and persecute any in that case but if ye do ye do it in ignorance and know not what ye do and may as soon destroy true Christians and Saints as Hereticks for want of infallible judgment to discern who are and who are not and this is a danger ye ought to avoid by allowing the free exercise of Conscience as the Lord perswades every mans heart 15. And lastly also consider what a reproach you are under If such whom ye call Heretick and yet doth not infallibly know that they are such be punished and persecuted and destroyed for their Religion sake who are just and upright men in their Conversing between man and man and unreprovable in their dealings among men whether they err in judgment in spiritual knowledge or not err and such as are Drunkards prophaâ—e persons go at liberty in their stage-playing and gaming and the like even tolerated and unpunished and not prohibited whom all do know and can distinguish who such are when they appear this will render your Government to evil reputation both in this present time and in ages to come and therefore consider it if Drunkards Gamesters and prophane persons have more toleration and liberty in their wayes of open vanity then sober temperate persons in the exercise of their Consciences in Religion which if any such do err in principle which is not infallibly known to you it is only to their own hurt in the sight of God and he onely and not you ought to punish them in that case but prophane persons as a fore-mentioned are easily judged by all to be such and their error inpractise is hurtful to the whole Kingdoms and pertains to you to punish as Dr. Taylor now a Bishop in Ireland hath said his words in this â—ase are worth observing why are we so zealous saith he against those we call Hereticks and yet great friends with Dâ—unkards and Swearers and Fornicators and intemperate and idle persons I am certain a Drunkard is as contrâ—oy to God and lives as contrary to the Laws of Christianity as a Heretick and I am also sure that I Know what Drunkennesse is but I am not sure that such an opinion is heresie c. And these things I do in all meeknesse and due respect both to your places and persons present to your serious considerations that ye may prevent these evil effects that are so destructive unto you and these Kingdoms which absolutely must follow upon not allowing free Liberty of Conscience in the Exercise of Religion if any shall object That to tolerate and allow Liberty of Conscience in Religion is inconsistent with the safety and peace of the King and these Kingdoms I shall be desirous to hear from wise men what such objections are stated by them and wherein they say it is not Congruous with the Happiness and Peace of these Nations to grant and allow the Premises And on such Occasion I should make clearly to appeaâ— the contrary and that it is only consistant with the Peace and Prosperity of these Kingdoms considering them in their present Estate To grant and allow Free Liberty of Conscience as aforesaid in the Exercise of Religion unto all Christian People O! Remember ye Mighty Men of the Kingdom That the Great and Mighty GOD takes notice of all your Doings and accordingly will he reward you in his Dreadful Day which is near to come upon all the World and Wo unto the Wicked in that Day O! Remember that ye your selves not long since were a Suffering People and now you are raised up again and therefore be not too zealous to afflict others especially for the Cases of their Consciences in reference to their Faith and Perswasions about Religion but be Gentle Meek and Long-suffering towards all for that is the way to make Peace and preserve it with all men that will gain the Affections of the Contrary-minded but Force and Rigour will exasperate the more and never truly reconcile differences among men And make no Laws contrary or different to the pure Law of God but let pure Consciences go free without Force or Restraint in the Exercises of Religion and let God have his Prerogative and Lordship in the Exercise of Conscience but let your Authority be extended over the outward man in the matters between man and man to preserve Peace and Right in all outward relation And be Wise and Learned ye Rulers of the Earth and kiss the Son lest he be Angry and ye perish and if his Wrath be kindled but a little blessed are they that trust in him This is your Time and Day happy are ye if it be given to you to do the Work that God requires of you only The 26th of the third Moneth 1661. By a Lover of Truth and Just Government E. B. A DISCOVERY OF Divine Mysteries VVherein is Unfolded Secret THINGS of the KINGDOM of GOD Being a TESTIMONY 1. Concerning Life and Death with their several Fruits and â—…cts Distinguished 2. Concerning the Mystery of God and Godliness and concerning the Mystery of the Devil and Iniquity 3. Concerning True Liberty of Conscience what it is in it self and how obtained And what the True Guide and Rule is of the Exercise of Conscience 4. Concerning the Diversity of Judgments in Religion the Cause and Effect thereof and the Means to bring to Unity All which are Published for the Edification of such as desire to know the TRUTH The PREFACE THE Light of the Day of GOD Almighty is arisen upon us in our Day and the Shinings-forth thereof is with great Clearness and Force even as the Sun at Noon-day and many are come to the Glorious Appearance thereof and to walk in its Light with much Ioyfulness for as the Wise-Man said The Light is Sweet and a Pleasant Thing it is for the Eye to behold the Son And so fully is our Morning-Son now appeared that the Upright in Heart may Walk and not stumble and the Poor in Spirit may Run in the Path of Life and not fall For indeed we may say The NIGHT is spent and the DAY is come therefore let us Walk in the Day and put on the Armour of Light as many as are made the Children thereof And where the Light of this Son is arisen and in whose Hearts it shineth it cannot but give some Testimony through such an one of its own Glory Vertues and Excellency to them that sit yet in Darkness and in the 〈◊〉 of Corruption that they also may 〈◊〉 the same Light and Glory arise on their Tabernacles For 't is the Property of this Spiritual Heavenly Light to shine forth out of Darkness and to give Light to such as have
into Bondage in Conscience to God-wards by Laws or Men but enjoyeth Freedom and Liberty therein as much in Sufferings and in Persecutions under all the Cruelty of Men as in doing and practices when they are not persecuted for in Sufferings the Conscience is exercised and hath its Liberty in Patience and Forbearance and at Liberty of Persons in practice it is exercised and hath its Liberty in doing and performing whatsoever the Spirit of the Father moveth and leadeth unto And thus where God hath freed the Conscience and it is Free and at Liberty in him and to him nothing without can bring it into Bondage or Captivity but in all Conditions and in all Exercises whether doing or suffering the pure Conscience is in Liberty in it self and in perfect Freedom in God through all over all and beyond all But now there hath been a great Cry among many that have professed Righteousness and Religion For Freedom of Conscience and begging and craving from the Powers of the Earth to Tolerate Liberty of Conscience and that they might have the Liberty of their Conscience in Religion And thus some have been looking too much without for Liberty of Conscience from Men and from Powers without them before their Consciences were set free by the Lord within the Bond of Iniquity broken and that Burden of Iniquity and Guilt done away which hath been a Burden Bondage upon the Conscience For as I have said No Man nor Powers of the Earth can truly Free or give Liberty to the Conscience which is bound by the Cord of Iniquity within But 't is evident The Cry for Liberty hath not been so much for the Exercise of Conscience truly so as for the freedom each one of their Sect and for their Liberty in the practice of their own Worship and Conformity and thereupon have divers men of divers Sects sought to the Powers of Men and of the Earth to grant them Liberty of their Consciences whenas it hath been rather for the Freedom to and Defence of their Sect and of their Practices in their Worship than for Liberty of Conscience truly so for while they have cryed for Liberty from without yet Sin and Iniquity and Transgression have lain upon their Conscience within and they have sought from Men for the Liberty of their Sect to practice their own Worship which they have called Liberty of Conscience And to this Intent by some hath been the Cry for Liberty of Conscience that their Sect and their own Wayes of Worship might be defended from the Violence of others who have opposed their Practices and Worships for People of divers Wayes of Worship and of divers Sects have all been at Strife one with another and divided one against another and yet all professed good Conscience and cryed for Liberty thereof from the Powers of the Earth not but that the Powers of the Earth ought to grant free Liberty of Conscience in the Exercise of every Sect of Religion and to suffer all to profess and practice their Religion while they walk justly and Peaceably in a Land But here hath lodged the Deceit and Deceivableness of the spirit of Satan in the Hearts of men from the least to the greatest of all those divers false Sects and Worshippers they have therein zealously gone on and pleaded for their Sects and Worship though never so gross or dark and contrary to Truth under the denomination of Freedom and Liberty of good Conscience and the very Title and Name hath been the Colour and deceived many while a false Worship and false Sects have gone under the Name of Liberty of good Conscience and Thousands have been deceived and blindly led into such a false Sect and into such a Profession to act and perform with great Zeal false Practices in a false Worship falsly supposing it to be out of a good Conscience and that they have acted in the Liberty thereof yea and many may suffer great and grievous things and some the loss of their Lives for the very Practice of false things and false worships in a false Sect and yet under the name of good Conscience and for Liberty of Conscience as they may profess and believe But this may seem strange to be spoken to some who may enquire how it comes to pass and how this may be That many may suffer great and grievous Cruelties and some the loss of their Lives for the Practice of false Things and the Exercise of false Worships which they may suppose to be out of good Conscience and for good Conscience sake whereas it is not truly so nor rightly so But how happeneth this may some say I Answer This cometh to pass after this manner Because Conscience is made of that and of the Things and Performances which God requires not and so there is a great Zeal in the doing and performing of such a Practice and such a Worship whenas the Lord doth not require these things at their Hands and this is because the Mind and Heart and Conscience is dark and not truly informed nor guided with the Spirit of Truth and of the Father but a false spirit ruleth and leadeth the Conscience and it is not exercised with the Spirit of the Father that leadeth into all Truth So I do acknowledge that Conscience may be mis-led and mis-guided and mis-informed and Conscience may be made of doing such and such things which the Lord doth not require and there may be a Fear not taught of the Lord nor received by the sence of his Presence but only received into the Heart by the Precepts of men Example of others Custom of Times or the like and here the Conscience being not truly informed nor guided by the Spirit of the Lord there is a false Fear and Zealousness in the performing of such things which the Lord doth not require nor his Spirit lead into the practice of but only the Traditions and Precepts of men hath placed a false Law and Commandment which requires a false Obedience which many whose Understandings are blinded and being without true Knowledge they zealously perform and practice as the Worship of God thinking themselves bound in Conscience to practice such things and not to leave them undone whenas the Lord and his Righteous Spirit leadeth not to them nor yet his Just Law doth require the doing thereof but only a false Law and Commandment is received by Precepts and Traditions of men or from looking upon the Practice of others By such means as this there is a false Fear in a blind mis-guided Conscience and a Zeal without true Knowledge And thus it was amongst the Iews in the Prophets dayes They Sacrificed their Children and cut themselves and caused their Children to pass through the Fire and did many things zealously whenas saith the Lord Who hath required these things at your hands for they come not into my heart And Paul witnesseth the same of the Iews in his dayes and bore them record that they had a Zeal
though some may profess good Conscience and cry for Liberty thereof in their false Sect and Religion not taught them by the Spirit of Christ yet the Civil Magistrate ought not to punish and use Violence to such for their Religion but if they do they persecute and the Lord will lay it to their charge But yet this is safe for all first to obtain true Liberty of Conscience to God-wards and to receive the Spirit of Christ to be taught only by it in the Exercise of Conscience and Religion that they may not err in Conscience and Judgment in spiritual Matters nor suffer Wrongfully under pretence of Righteousness sake whenas it is not truly so CHAP IV. Concerning the Diversity of Iudgments in Religion TO all ye that are of divers Judgments and Opinions in and concerning Spiritual Matters who are divided about Faith Doctrine Worship and Church Government some of you holding one thing some another different and contrary to that being diversly divided in mind and heart concerning the matters that are one in themselves to which you all assent as to the things in themselves and yet are different contrary minded about the self-same things To you all I am moved to write that so ye may be informed perfectly First What the Cause is of your Divisions and why it is thus amongst you And Secondly Of the bad Effects and Fruits such Divisions have brought forth And Lastly The Meant and Way of Reconciliation that ye may come into Love and Peace and Unity with God and one with another in all things pertaining to his Kingdom First The Cause of your Divisions and of the Diversities of Judgments and Opinions that are amongst you concerning the Things and Matters of God's Kingdom is Because you want the Spirit of God to guide you and it is not the Rule of your Knowledge and Iudgment and you wanting the Spirit of God in which is Unity among Saints therefore is it you are so divided and divers and different and contrary one to another in these things it is because ye want the Spirit of God I say which only teacheth the true Knowledge of God and gives an Understanding in all his Wayes and Matters It is the Spirit of God that teacheth true Faith true Doctrine and true Worship and all things about Church Ministry and Religion and if that you had the Spirit of God in you and were taught and guided by it it would teach you into one Faith and one Truth and into the true Worship and into the true Church-Government and you would be in Unity and Peace And if you all had the Spirit of God that gave forth the Scriptures and by which Spirit the Saints of God were guided in dayes past it would teach you into Unity and to be of one Mind one Heart and one Soul in all the Matters pertaining to God's Kingdom in Faith Worship Doctrine and all things else If you had the Spirit of God I say and were taught by it then you would have Unity with God and one with another in all his Wayes and there would have been no Division nor Contention amongst you about spiritual Matters but because you want that therefore you have Strife and Division amongst you even throughout all Christendom Here 's a Nation and a Kingdom holding such a Faith and Worship and there 's another People holding Faith and Worship contrary to that and here 's one Sect of People and there 's another different in Faith Judgment and Opinion and this is a Shame to whole Christendom That all should profess Christ Iesus and Faith in him and Salvation by him and his Doctrine and Worship and yet be in strife division and in great contentions concerning the same some holding and practizing one manner of Faith Worship and Doctrine and others holding contrary and different and this shews that ye are all fallen from the Life of Christianity as it was held in the Apostles dayes amongst the true Churches for they were of one heart mind soul and spirit as it is written they were of one Faith of one Worship of one Doctrine and had one way of Church-Government and this continued amongst the Churches of Christ till there were some that had Erred from the Spirit of God in their own Consciences and then they also Erred in Faith in Doctrine and in all other things relating to God and these were the Apostate Christians that had erred from the Spirit and divided themselves from the true Church and differed in Judgment amongst themselves and this was because they had erred from the Spirit of God which would have kept them in Unity with God and one with another for the Spirit is the Bond of Peace and the Seal of the Covenant of Love amongst the Saints So now All ye who are divided in your Knowledge and Iudgement and are in contention one with another about the matters pertaining to God's Kingdom you are the apostate Christians and you are without the Spirit of Christ The first apostate Christians erred from the Spirit and so became divided from the true Faith and from the true Worship and also among themselves and you never yet received the Spirit of Christ that you might come into Unity and Fellowship with God and one with another and that is the Reason of all your Divisions in Religious matters because you have not received the Spirit of Christ to teach you and to unite your Hearts to God and one to another but you having the Scriptures traditionally by discent through Ages which do describe and declare of that Faith and Doctrine and of the Worship and Church-Government which were among the Saints of old which they held and practised and from the Scriptures which declare of the things from thence you take up a Conceit and false Judgment and an Imitation and a false Conformity and then each sort of you call that your Faith and Church-Government and some after one manner of form and some after another and thus you are divided because you want the Spirit of God that gave forth the Scriptures which Spirit did work true Faith in the hearts of them that gave them forth in dayes of old and it taught them Worship Faith Doctrine and all things concerning Gods Kingdom for the Spirit led them into all Truth and now you wanting the same Spirit that wrought in them and taught them and you having but their words to wit the Scriptures from thence in the Wisdom which is below and in the carnal Reason and in the first mans understanding each Nation takes up a conceit that it is so and so and takes up an Imitation of Worship and Church-Government according to their own sensual wisdom and according to the breadth and depth of their Conceits and then imitates and that severally and diversly and in a divided manner and this is amongst Kingdoms and amongst Neighbours and Brethren this Division in matters of Faith Worship and Doctrine and Church-Government
your Power if that I say ye oppose his Work and will seek to bind and limit his Spirit in his People and will yet force and impose upon Conscience by outward Violence and Kill and Persecute unto Death and Banishment for matter of Conscience and because of difference in Iudgement in Spiritual Things then thus it shall be done unto you Ye shall Fall and Perish and be Troubled and Blessings and Prosperity shall not be unto you If it be not thus the Lord hath not spoken by me Well Friends even all ye that have Authority and Power in the Government of this World are nearly concerned to take special notice of these things presented unto you seeing the Effects of these two Causes are both very weighty and infallibly certain even to you-wards particularly Very weighty because Peace Prosperity and Happiness or Misery Distractions and Downfall to you is depending upon the Effects of the Causes infallibly certain because the Iustice of God Almighty is such that he must bring Reward upon all according to their Deeds and his Iustice cannot be diverted But if ye permit Free Liberty of Conscience in the Exercise of Godliness in Faith and Worship unto all People under your Power then shall Peace and Prosperity be unto you according to the Purpose of God But if ye impose upon Conscience in any wise by Force in Religious Matters and will not be instructed and advised to the contrary Then shall Misery and Destruction certainly be unto you according to the Justice of God's Vengeance These things are so as a Servant of God I present them to you and not upon Fiction or Fancy but as I have received them from the Lord God by his Spirit which signifies the Verity and Certainty of those Things in my Soul Friends Doubt not of these things for verily the Time is at hand and it must surely come to pass my Spirit shall see it and rejoyce therein if in this Body I may not behold it That imposing and forcing of Conscience by Laws and Ordinances of Men upon Penalties on Mens Persons and Estates in Religious Matters shall be expunged subdued and abandoned in these Nations and Kingdoms of the World and it shall be no more But Liberty Liberty shall be Re-planted Embraced and Renowned amongst Men and Truth and Righteousness Mercy and Peace True Liberty and Freedom Justice and True Judgment with all the Causes and Effects thereof shall flourish and grow and prosper on the Earth and the contrary shall fall and rise no more This Day is dawning nigh it s at the Door Blessed are they that are prepared for it Wherefore let all Flesh Hear and Fear Bow and Tremble and let the Hearts of the Righteous rejoyce and be exceeding glad let all the Upright in Heart put on the Garment of Praises and Deliverance For the Day is at hand that Antichrist with all his Strength and Power Force and Policy shall be a Hissing and Reproach and Shame Contempt unto the Saints of the Most High and amongst whom the Lord God Omnipotent doth and must Raign and Rule in Dominion and Glory and Power over all forever and evermore E. B. London this 12th Moneth 1661. Antichrist's Government Justly Detected c. CHAP. 1. Concerning Imposing Religion the Case stated and the Unrighteousness thereof shewed with the Danger thereof also made appear by manifest Proofs Presented unto the Rulers and People of our Age throughout the World TO Impose any Kind of Religion any Way of Worship or Form of Faith and outward Conformity in any Practices of Duty to God-wards by an External Authority of men through force of Laws commanding and requiring such Conformity in Faith and Worship upon Pains Penalties and Forfeitures on mens Persons and Estates as hath been practiced in the World since the dayes of the Apostles amongst the Nations professing Christianity This thing is not of the Lord nor according to Commands of Christ and Example of the Apostles and Primitive Christians declared of in the Scriptures but is of Antichrist and Unrighteous Unequal and Dangerous to the Destruction of the Souls and Bodies of both the Imposers and the Imposed 1. Such kind of Forcing and compelling by force of outward Laws into such outward Conformity of Religion Faith and Worship Church-Government and Ministry was never in beeing nor ever practiced in the true Christian Churches amongst the Apostles in their dayes nor ever was such a thing known among the Primitive Christians There was no such kind of Laws made nor executed amongst them nor such Force exercised on mens Persons and Estates in such Cases there was no outward Violence used in the Primitive Times to compel any to Conformity to Christian Faith Worship and Practice of Christian Religion None of the first Christians were made truly Religious and converted from the Way of Error to the Way of true Christianity by such means of outward Force and Commandments of Men put upon them They were not I say converted themselves to the Christian-Faith and Religion nor made Conformable Worshippers of God in his Spirit by that Way and Means nor did they seek to convert others into Conformity to Church-Government and Christian-Worship by force of outward Laws upon Pains and Forfeitures These things were not in the true Church of Christ in the Apostles dayes amongst the Primitive Christians 2. But the true Way of Conversion among them to the Christian-Faith and Worship and true Church-Government whereby people were made rightly conformable to the true Christian Religion as it was amongst the Apostles was by and through the Doctrine of the Gospel of Christ Jesus preached amongst them in the Power and Demonstration of the Spirit of God of such as were truly called and sent of him which did turn People to the Spirit of God and that Ministry wrought in them to receive it by which their Consciences were convinced and their Hearts perswaded in the Love of christ to believe in him and receive him and follow him and thus were they drawn and begotten and converted into the Faith and Worship and Practice of the true christiâ—…-Christiâ—…-Religion and made conformable to the Government and Order of the true Church of Christ in all things by this Means and Way only and not at all by any outward Force and Compulsion exercised upon them they were converted to the true Christian-Religion and to the true Worship of God and by the same Way did they convert and turn others to the same and this only is the Perfect Way of Christian-Conformity to the true Christian-Worship and Church-Gâ—…ment it ever was since the beginning of Christianity in the World and iâ—â—nto this day even to perswade the Heart and to convince the Conscience inwardly by the sound Doctrine of the Gospel through the Operation of the Spirit of Christ and by Love and Meekness and Patience and all the Fruits of Righteousness held forth in Doctrine and Conversation which may answer the Testimony of God in all mens Consciences
Imposing upon the Flock of God or forcing in Religious Matters for ye see the Elders might not be constrained or forced to take the Oversight of the Flock neither having the Oversight of it might they be â—… 〈…〉 â—y noâ—◠〈…〉 〈◊〉 Heritage nor use any 〈…〉 〈…〉 the Apostle and the conâ—… 〈…〉 saith he Elâ—…â—or â—or 〈…〉 upon them in â—…igor or 〈…〉 Elders and Ministers overseeing 〈…〉 oversee God's Heritage 〈…〉 self-denial and in all th◠〈…〉 hereby with the Word of 〈…〉 wards and not ruling over them as 〈…〉 Lordship by forcing and 〈…〉 imprisoning â—nd 〈…〉 as hath been 〈…〉 â—ver the Heritage of God 〈…〉 Lords over the Flock 〈…〉 example of Scriptures and 〈…〉 Gentleness and good Example 〈…〉 Peter's Instructions Thus it is clearly manifest throughout 〈…〉 the way of imposing Religiâ—â— and 〈…〉 Worship and Church-Government in the dispensâ—… of 〈◊〉 Gospel as aforesaid is contrary to the commands of Chriâ—… 〈…〉 example of Scriptures and is not of God nor according unto him And now I shall â—â—â—w in the fourth place of whom â—it is 〈◊〉 â—y whose Example this violence used and prsecution unto 〈…〉 on and also the beginning of impoâ—… 〈◊〉 force â—â—ongst Christians 4. All this persecution 〈…〉 been in the world as imprisoâ—ments 〈…〉 unto death and grievous Afflicâ—… hath been of 〈…〉 through the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Envy of the Devil against God 〈…〉 that Persecution 〈…〉 before the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Christ in the 〈◊〉 it 〈…〉 the particulars of it as it is signified 〈…〉 Transactions in 〈…〉 â—â—â—wledged by all that such cruel Persecutions were of the Dâ—â—il And again in the days of Christ and his Apostles 〈◊〉 was the force and 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 practised â—â—on the true 〈◊〉 Christians by â—â—e Jeâ—â— and 〈…〉 which was in â—licted upon Chriâ—… Apostles and the Christians was imposiâ—ion and 〈…〉 Religion 〈…〉 so much for compâ—…ing them to any thing as from that way of Riâ—… and 〈…〉 which they walked they were â—…ded 〈…〉 in the Name of Iâ—sus and were â—â—prisâ—nâ—â—â—anished and greatly 〈◊〉 by the Iâ—â—â—s that 〈◊〉 proâ—… People 〈…〉 Religion 〈…〉 for the â—… I need 〈◊〉 mâ—ntion the particular proâ—fs for this thing 't is so clear 〈…〉 and elsewhere how the Primitive Christians were forced and impoâ—â—â— upon by cruel Laws and violent Persecutions for their Christian Religion sake all 〈…〉 out of 〈◊〉 and 〈…〉 in the heart 〈◊〉 wicked 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Goâ—… by all â—â—t 5. This Way and Practice of imposing upâ—◠〈…〉 〈…〉 Pesecution 〈◊〉 the same wasâ—…â—…gst Chrâ—… nor â—…cticed by any called Christians 〈◊〉 〈…〉 Faith which some did 〈…〉 afterterwards For even in the Apoâ—… 〈◊〉 some were gone ouâ— from them into the Way of Câ—iâ— that killed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and into the Way of Balaam that went for Gift and Rewards 〈◊〉 these were Apostates 〈◊〉 the true Church and they were 〈…〉 and â—uch liâ—â— as Paul to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 such as these were alâ—â—â—dy sprung up in the first Age and they grew 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the second Ages And these were the Antichristâ— and â—â—lse Proâ—… whith Iohn 〈◊〉 were gone out from the true Church into the World in his 〈◊〉 and these deceived the World by the Form of Godliness and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Power and Spirit of Christ And the Apostates from the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which were over spread in many Nations and grown 〈◊〉 were 〈◊〉 Sea and the Earth out of which the Beast arose Rev. 13. And it was 〈…〉 War with the Saints and to overcoâ—◠〈…〉 worship him and he should CAUSE the â—â—rth and 〈◊〉 that dwell therein to worship and 〈◊〉 should CAUSE 〈…〉 should be killed and 〈◊〉 should CAUSE all 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 â— Rich and Poor Bond and Free to receive â—â—s Mark c. And this Beast was the Authority of Antichrist that arose among the Apostaâ—â—â— and the false Prophets that thus Caused and Compelled all to worship the Beast and his Image Mark how often the word CAUSED is used in that Chapter which is Compelled or Forced and it was the Antichrist the Beast that did it the Authority that arose among the Aposâ—… Christians that were gone from the true Church and this was the first that we read of any Forcing or Compelling to Worship or persecuting about Worship and Imposing about the same since the dayes of the Apostles through Ages amongst them called Christians and here was the beginning of Imposing by 〈◊〉 and Violent Laws in the matters of Worship and Religion amongst the People called Christians and one Sect and Sort according to its Authority imposed by Laws and Force upon another causing and compelling one another to worship and believe according to his Form and Image and as any Sect of Christians gained outward Authority over others that same has caused and forced all others by outward violence into Conformity to its Way and Worship and this hath been amongst the People called Christians in the Apostacy ever since Antichrist and his power rose up amongst them and thus and at this time begâ—n first the imposing of Worship and persecuting about the same amongst Christianâ— And thus 't is manifest to be of Antichrist and of the Wicked one and not of the Lord. 6. By what is said it is plain That all in this present Age who impose by force of Laws and compel to worship and persecute about the same are not in the Example of Christ or his Apostles or any the good Primitive Christians but in so doing are in the Example of the Persecutors of the holy Prophets and in the Example of the cruel Iews that killed Christ and persecuted the Saints and in the Example of the cruel Heathens that violently persecuted the Christians in diverâ— Ages and Countries and are indeed of Antichrist and of the Beast that arose up against the Saints and made War against them and such are all they that do impose upon the Persons Estaâ—â—s and Conscienâ—â—s of â—…n at this day upon the account aforesâ—… And this is worthy of â—ll meâ—â— serious Consideration And now in the next place I shall proceed to shew how 〈◊〉 and Unreasonable it is for any called Christians to impose â—pon the Consciences of others and to force them by Laws and Commandments in the Matters of 〈◊〉 and to persecute â—â—out the sâ—â—e 1. Iâ— it unrighteous because it is an intruding upon the 〈◊〉 and Priviledge of God and seems to be a derogating from his Honour Power and Domiâ—… which properly is in himself and pertains to him alone and not unto mortal man which is to give Laws to Conscience â—nd to exercise it in all 〈◊〉 of Religion respecting his Worship Duty and Service and to perswade 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Consciencâ—â— by his Spirit to follow him and observe all things which he â—…quires in Faith and Worship This Power is only proper to God alone and to him pertaineth and to no other And therefore for any man or earthly Powers of man to give Laws and Rules to Conscience and to impose upon men in the
matters of God's Worship forcing Conformity in Spiritual Exercisâ—â— by violent Commands upon Forfeitures and Punishments seems to be and really is an assuming and presuming upon God's Authority which belongs only to him and tends to rob him of the same and is an entrenching upon his Soveraignity and is wholy Unrighteous and inasmuch as it is a â—…g in the Seat of God and forcing the Exercise of Worship and intruding upon his Blessed Priviledge and a presuming into his Authority which he commits to no man a robbing him of his Honour and Spiritual Dominion therefore to Impose in Matters Religious is Unrighteous on their parts that do practice it And. 2. It is Unrighteous because it is contrary to the Command of God D◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 others 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 would be done unto but this Imposing in matters of Worship is a Practice done by others which others would not be done unto by any and therefore 't is Unrighteous For no one Sect or sort of Christians would be impâ—…sed upon in that case by any others not forced and compelled by outward Violence against their judgments and Consciences unto such a Conformity of â—…th and Worship to do thus is not to love a manâ— Neighbour as himself nor to do to all men as men would be done unto For if at any time and place the Papists so called impose upon the Protestants so called in this case of â—orcing them unto Conformity or Persecuting them about Religion 't is cryed out against by such as are so imposed upon to be Tyranny Oppression and Exacting Unrighteously and thus every Sect of Christians cry out against others that do impose upon them by Force in things Religious contrary to their Judgments and Consciences each sort when they suffer saith of others They are Unrighteous in such Impositions though many cannot see it to be Unrighteous in themselves when they have the Oportunity to do it and do impose upon other but this is where Self-advantage killeth and choaketh the Witness of 〈◊〉 though however in it self imposing as aforesaid in Religious Maâ—…rs is contrary to the Holy Law of God and a doing to others as men would not be done unto by others And therefore 't is Unrighteous both before God and all just Men. 3. It is Unrighteous to impose Worship by Force because it is an exercising Dominion over men's Faith by Force of outward Power which the Apoâ—â—le renounces and seems to forbid saying They had not dominion over mens Faith â—â—d if the Apostles themselves had not power and dominion over men's Faith that is to say To Command mens Faith to believe or do this or the other but 〈◊〉 the holy Spirit of Christ perswaded their Consciences inwardly then no outward Power of Kings or Rulers whatsoever can Justly or Righteously chalenge â—…h priviledge as to have dominion over mens faith by imposing upon them through force which is to take dominion over men's faith which is unrighâ—… because it is contrary to the Scripture and to the example of the Apostâ—… 〈◊〉 inasmuch as it is exercising dominion and Lordâ—â—ip over the stock of Christ and not leaving them to Christ the true Shepherd who onely ought to teach his people by his Spirit into all truth both of Doctrine Faith and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hath not given power or authority to any Rulers of this World to impose by force upon the consciences of his tender stock nor to rule them in â—…y 〈◊〉 exercising outward force upon them but whosoever doth this it is unrighteous 4. It is Unrighteous in respect of the Fruits and Effects which alwayes have and ever will be produced by such Imposition upon Conscience in Religious Matters as aforesaid to wit Persecution and Cruelty of Men exercised in that Case which ever hath been and will be brought forth in Nations and Kingdoms where such Impositions are For if we look into Ages past what Strife and Contention what Enmity and Bitterness what Wars and Bloodsheds what Dangers and Mischiefs what Persecutions and Cruelties have been brought forth among men between Kingdom and Kingdom between City and City between Kings and their Subjects between Neighbours and Neighbours between Brother and Brother upon this very Unrighteous Account of Imposing upon Conscience by Force in respect of Worship and every Nation and City at this day is in the same Danger of the same Mischiefs where such impositions are in Force and therefore needs must the Occasion of these so unjust and unrighteous Effects which doth administer the Reason of such Contentions Wars Persecutions and Cruelties be Unrighteous and such is imposing in Matters Religious as aforesaid and this is partly manifest and will be morâ— and more through the World That that Kingdom City and Country will not be free from these Dangers and Mischiefs but will alwayes be liable unto them while this kind of Imposition by Force on the Conscience is unremoved and that which is the Occasion of such continual present Dangers to destroy Kingdoms Cities and Peoples is Unrighteous and such is Imposition in the Matters of Worship and Religion 5. It is unrighteous in any King Prince or Authority of this World to Impose as aforesaid because it diverteth confoundeth and destroyeth the End of Just Rule and Government amongst men one over another which is only to Rule well in outward Affair and over the outward Man to keep that in Peace and Good Order and to be a Praise to them that do Well and a Terror to all that do Evil in the Outward Man this is the only End of Government and Rule amongst men in this World To Rule well over the Outward Man in things between man and man but not to Rule over men's Consciences and to exercise Lordship over men in the Spiritual Matters of Christ's Kingdom this pertains not to the outward Worldly Government of Men and therefore whosoever do take it upon them and thereby do oppress the Conscience of any by forcing in Spiritual Mattters doth Unrighteously inasmuch as they do diverâ— the End of their Authority and use their Power to another End then God hath appointed them and while they should only preserve and defend the outward man by good and wholesome Laws made for that purpose they vex and oppress the Inward Man even the Conscience by forcing upon it and Imposing through Violence in the Matters Religious which is contrary to the End of Just Rule and Government in the World and therefore is wholy Unrighteous 6. It is Unrighteous because it effects no Good End nor begets people into the true Faith and Worship of God but on the contrary makes many Hypocrites even through fear and terror such Laws forcing Conformity do make many hypocritically conform to such or such way of worship which the Spirit of Christ doth not perswade their Consciences of the truth of nay it may be against their Conscience and that Imposition as aforesaid which is the cause of this is surely Unrighteous unrighteous because the End propounded by the
Imposers which is to make people true Worshippers of God is utterly frustrate and void and none are made true Worshippers of God by such Imposition and Force but many are made Hypocrites thereby and sinners against God for what any performs to God-wards by Force and not of Faith given into the heart by God it is sin For whatsoever is not of Faith is sin as saith the Scriptures and that which is the occasion of hypocrisie and sin is unrighteous and temptation but such is imposing on Conscience by force in religious Matters 7. It is Unrighteous and Unreasonable to Impose by Force upon Conscience because it is the Occasion of absolute Eâ—…remity put upon many that are Dear and Precious to the Lord even such aâ— Extremity as may force unavoidably the ruin of either Soul or Body or both in this World and hereafter For suppose such Laws be made for the forcing of Conforâ—ity to commâ—… men to Worship upon the Forfeiture of whole Estate Banishment oâ— Death which is contrary to the Spirit of Christ and good Conscience And if such Laws be not obeyed and such Conformity made but the Conscience kept clear to God then the outward Man in his Person Estate and Family is ruined in this World and if such Laws be obeyed and such Conformity yielded contrary to good Conscience then the Inward Man is ruined and the Soul and Conscience wounded and grieved because God is Offended and Christ is Denyed and the Law of Men obeyed rather then the Law of God and this is by an Extremity occasion'd through imposed force in the Cases of Conscience by Authority and Laws of Men. And that which is the Occasion of such Ruin and Destruction to the Souls and Bodies of such as fear the Lord is an Unrighteous Thing which administers that woful Extremity To deny God and so to be liable to his Wrath and Judgments or to deny the Authority of Men and so to be liable to Destruction of Person and Estate in this World and such is Imposing of Worship 8. It is Unrighteous and Unreasonable because it may destroy the Faith of some even of such upon whom Imposition is laid against their pure Consciences For Suppose a Person or People being truly perswaded by the Spirit of Christ in the true Way of Religion and Worship of God having therein true Peace with God in a clean Conscience and by force of Law and through cruel Imposition should be forced from that Way of Worship which they have had Peace with God in and which the Spirit of Christ perswaded them of the truth of unto such a Way of Worship which they could not have Peace with God in nor the Comfort of his Presence in such Conformity forced upon them this were certainly Unrighteous and Unreasonable that a People or a Person should be forced by Laws from that way wherein they have Peace and Blessings with God to that Way wherein their Souls are famished for want of the Presence of the Lord Like as if a Person of such a Calling following the same in a certain City or Town whereby he maintained himself in all good things and wanted nothing and yet the chief Magistrate of the said City or Town should forcibly compel by Violence the said Person of so good a Calling from that his Calling whereby he so well maintained himself in the World and should force upon him to follow another Calling of which he could not live in the World but by it he might Perish and Starve Would not all reasonable men conclude the same Imposition of the said Magistrate upon the said poor Man were Oppression Cruelty Unrighteous and Unreasonable And the case of imposing Religion as aforesaid is the greater Oppression and Cruelty inasmuch as it respects the Immortal Soul which is more worth then the Body and the other respects but the Body which is of less worth with all that concerns it then is the Soul which is Immortal Lastly 'T is Unrighteous inasmuch as it is contrary to the Scriptures of the New Testament in the Dispensation of the Gospel which are before cited and contrary to Christ and his Apostles Example in the Primitive Churches of Christians And thus it is manifest That Imposing by Force upon Conscience in Religious Matters is Unrighteous and Unreasonable and is not of Christ but of Antichrist as is by plain Reasons demonstrated And now I shall in a few words shew The Danger of Imposing Worship 〈◊〉 aforesaid and how Dangerous it is to any King Prince or outward Authority that are or may be the Imposers on the Consciences of Men by Force in the Case of Worship and Religion 1. It is Dangerous to cause the People to sin to cause them to conform in Appearance when the Heart is not devout to God and this makes them Hypocrites Dangerous to cause People to perform Duty to God-wards without Faith in God and this makes them Sinners against him For whatsoever is not of Faith is Sin Dangerous to cause some to deny Christ before men for the Fear of this World and Terrors of Violent Men and to forsake that Way which they know is of the Lord and to follow that Way which they know is not of him and this denying the Lord of Life and a great Abomination against him And the Cause of that cause is Imposing by Force upon Conscience in Matters Religious and the Reason of all this is The Imposers such as make and Execute such Force and this Danger all such are involved in even the Danger of causing People to sin against God of Denying Christ of making Hypocrites and so even in the Danger of Destroying Souls which is a desperate Danger Oh! that all the Imposers of Religion by Force would consider it and look upon the Danger which they are deeply fallen into and involved in by reason of such their Imposing upon Conscience Alas they are in the Danger of destroying Souls of causing a Nation and People to sin against God and to deny the Lord of Life And how great is such a Danger even to be avoided of all if they love their own Souls and not to be the Occasions and Cause of destroying Souls by causing People to sin and this Danger all the Imposers upon Conscience are captivated in And 2. It is Dangerous to be a Means to destroy that Kingdom City or Country and the Rulers thereof by begetting and nourishing Discontents Heart-burnings and Envying among the People one against another and against their Rulers because of such Unrighteous Force and Violence exercised by Imposition upon their Consciences Dangerous I say to raise into Contentions Strifes Broyles and Blood-shed it self in a Kingdom amongst People And this is a Danger violently impending upon such Rulers or do impose as aforesaid even a Danger to ruin their own Power and Authority and to ruin the People under their Dominion by raising the People into Discontents and Broyles through the Cruelty of the Oppression of
Imposing Religion and the Example hereof may be read in Nations and Countries at this day what Discontents and Contentions have arisen dangerously among people one towards another and towards their Rulers upon this Cause and Occasion of Imposing Religion by Force Unrighteously and 't is a Danger this day that all the Rulers of the World are exposed unto and deeply involved in where this Cause of Imposing Religion is extâ—nt in Force 3. It is Dangerous to Impose Religion by Force because it must needs produce Oppression Persecution Violence and Hatred in the prosecution thereof and this is dangerous to any Kings Rulers or Governours to be reputed Oppressors Persecutors and Violent Men this is Infamous and of bad Report amongst men and Abomination and Wickedness in the sight of God for any Rulers upon Earth to be Oppressors Persecutors and Cruel Men and such consequently must they be that are Imposers upon mens Consciences in Matters Religious And this Danger all the Rulers of the World are in that do Impose Religion by Force even to render themselves Infamous by Oppression in the sight of men and to render themselves Sinners against God and this Danger falls upon the Imposers of Religion because of such their Impositions by Force upon the Consciences of men Lastly 'T is Dangerous because 't is of Antichrist and not of Christ as before proved and all that do Impose by Violence on the Consciences of Men in Religious Cases are of Antichrist in so doing and because thereof liable to God's Indignation and Heavy Wrath in this World and hereafter and 't is Dangerous to bring the Wrath and Judgments of God upon Men that are guilty thereof for God will be avenged upon such his Enemies that exercise Violence and Persecution upon Men for their Conscience sake And this is a Danger unavoidable which all that impose Religion are liable unto even to be Cut Off in the Wrath of the Lord and to undergo his Indignation for all the Reasons before shewed These with many other Dangers are they involved in that are Imposers in Religious Matters Therefore Oh that the Rulers of this World would be Wise now in their last day and would consider the Unjustness and Unreasonableness of their Imposing Religion and the many Dangers that attend the same Oh that they would learn God's Counsel and Rule only for him in Justice Mercy Truth Equity and true Judgment exercising the same in the Meek and Lowly Spirit of Jesus among men and over whom they are set to Rule in this World and would give to God Almighty his Due and Right and Priviledge in exercising the Consciences of Men by his Spirit in all Cases of Christ's Kingdom for it only belongs to him to be Ruler in the Inward Man Oh! that the Rulers of this World would give this Power and Dominion unto God and would from henceforth never more exercise Lordship over Conscience by Imposing Religion through Force but would only Rule well over the Outward Man in the things pertaining to Man and would leave to God the Rule and Exercise of Conscience Oh! then would it go well with them and Happy and Blessed should they be in such their Authority and Peace should be unto them if that they only took the Government as appointed of God over the outward Man and did not impose upon the inward man by Force in Religious Matters but committed that Authority to God Then I say should Peace and Blessings be unto them But while it is otherwise even while they exercise Dominion and Lordship over Conscience as aforesaid they do unjustly and Unreasonably and bring upon themselves many Dangers and are liable to Contentions Oppositions Wars and many Mischiefs in this World and to the Anger and Wrath of God in the World that is to come CHAP. II. Concerning Heresie the Case Stated What it is in it self and who a Heretick is and who are the absolute true Iudges of it and what Punishment pertains to such as are truly convicted of Heresie 1. THere is such a thing as Heresie in it self even many Heresies and Errors abounding amongst the Sons of Men in the World at this day and there was Heresie in the dayes of the Aposties and amongst them brought in by such as erred from the Truth after they had once known the Truth and received it as ye may read the Iews they cryed out of Heresie in their time which caused the Apostle to say to them Acts 24. 14. After that Way which ye call Heresie do we worship the God of our Fathers And the Apostle said 1 Cor. 11. to the Church There must be also Heresies amongst you that they that are approved of God may be made manifest And 2 Pet. 2. 1. it is spoken of some who should privily bring in Damnable Heresies into the Church By all which it is manifest there was in the Apostles dayes Heresie and Heresies as there is at this day even many Heresies and Errors in the World held professed and maintained by the Apostate Christians that are gone into the Form of Godliness without the Power and are turned from the Spirit of Christ and the soundness of his Doctrine into the formal Profession of Religion and of the words of Christ and his Apostles and among such are the Heresies and Errors 2. Heresie is somewhat believed and professed in Practice of Worship and in Point of Faith and Doctrine that is either contrary to or different from the perfect Truth of the Gospel of Christ something I say held and practiced in Point of Worship Faith and Doctrine which is not justly according to the pure Truth of Jesus but either in whole or in part different from and contrary thereunto and whatsoever Practice of Worship or Point of Doctrine as is so held professed believed or practiced is Heresie and Error because it is different from and contrary to in whole or in part the perfect Truth of the Gospel of Christ Jesus and because thereof it is Heresie and such is Heresie in it self different from and contrary unto the Gospel of the Kingdom of Christ though as for the particular Parts and Points of Heresie in Worship Doctrine and Practice which are at this day held professed and believed among Apostate Christians are so very many that they would be too large here to ennumerate but my present Intention is only this To shew at large what Heresie is in it self and who is a Heretick 3. A Heretick one that is properly so is such a Person as hath sometime believed in the Truth and made Profession and Acknowledgment of the Way of true Christianity and hath received and held the true Faith of the Gospel of Christ and been in some measure united to Christ and a Member of his Church but is fallen and degenerated in whole or in part from the said Faith and Acknowledgment of Christ Jesus and the Way of Christianity and hath erred from the Truth of the Gospel once believed and
called Quakers And why they testifie against the Vain Customs and Practices of the World presented to the Parliament Anno 1659. p. 499. An Answer to a Great Cry up and down the Nation That the Quakers Meetings must be broken and suppressed and that this present Parliament intended to do it p. 502. A Cry of great Iudgment and Vengeance upon the Wicked near to be Executed as it was received from the Lord into his Servant E. B. p. 504. To the Rulers and to such as are in Authority Being a true and faithful Testimony concerning Religion and the Establishment thereof and sheweth How it may be established in Persons and Nations page 508. Satan's Design Defeated Being an Answer to a Manuscript sent by Priest Jackson of Sussex to a Member of Parliament p. 514. A Visitation and Warning proclaimed and an Alarum sounded in the Pope's Borders Beeing 1. The Account of a Iourney to Dunkirk p. 525. 2. A Letter to the Deputy Governour p. 527. 3. Queries to the Fryars p. 529. 4. Propositions as a Charge against the Romish Church with a Letter to the chief Iesuit Rector in Dunkirk p. 534. 5. A Warning to the Officers and Souldiers of the English Army p. 537. 6. Some Propositions to the English Priests p. 541. Good Counsel and Advice rejected by Dissobedient Men and the dayes of O. Cromwell passed over and of Richard Cromwell his Son late Protectors of these Nations Shewing the many precious Warnings neglected by them which from time to time were given to them p. 551. To the Parliament of the Common-wealth of England sitting in the year 1659. a Warnining to them to take off Oppression that Truth and Righteousness might be established in the Earth p. 592. A Message to the present Rulers of England Delivered to them in the year 1659. p. 588. To the present Distracted and Broken Nation of England Being a Mourning and Lamentation for the Confusions and Distractions that were then over the Land giving good Counsel and Advice how Peace might be restored p. 598. A Presentation to London Being an Answer to the Young Men and Apprenteces returned to some part of their Petition directed by them to the â—â—yor and Aldermen of the City p. 607. To the present Assembly Members of Parliament at Westminster presented to them in the 11th Moneth 1659. p. 612. An Answer to a Declaration of the People called Anabaptists in and about the City of London p. 615. An Answer to a great Cry The Quakers will soon fall c. p. 623. A Discovery of some part of the War between the Kingdom of the Lamb and the Kingdom of Antichrist Being an Account of several Disputes between E. B. and one Christopher Fowler a professed Minister in London p. 625. A Return to the Ministers of London By way of Answer to their Seasonable Exhortation so called directed to their Congregations p. 642. A Visitation and Presentation of Love unto the King and those called Royalists Consisting of 1. An Answer to several Queries proposed to the People called Quakers from a sâ—â—sed Royalist p. 667. 2. An Objection answered concerning the King's Supremacy p. 678. 3. An Epistle directed to the King and those called Royalists p. 679. 4. Certain Queries returned to them called Royalists to answer p. 684. A Testimony concerning the Book of Common-Prayer so called Being an Answer to an Objection Whether it be not in it self and as practiced in this Nation heretofore and at this present the true Worship of the true and living God p. 693. A Presentation of wholsome Informations unto the King of England Being an Answer to certain Accusations charged before him in a Printed Book called The Thrice Happy Welcome of King Charles the Second by one Geo. Wellington of Bristol City against them whom in Derision the Accuser calls Quakers p. 702. The Everlasting Gospel of Repentance and Remission of Sins held forth and declared to the Inhabitants of the Earth Being a Message of Reconciliation to all People every where in General with certain Propositions of Faith laid down which every one must believe or else they cannot be saved p 724. 732. A Vindication of the People of God called Quakers Being an Answer to a Book put forth by one Geo. Pressick of Dublin in Ireland in which many Lyes and Caluâ—…nies were written against the People of God p. 743. Some Considerations presented to the King of England Being an Answer to a Petition and Address of the General Court of Boston in New-England subscribed by John Indicot delivered to the King in the 11th Moneth 1660. thinking thereby to cover themselves from the Blood of the Innocent p 756. A Just and Righteous Plea presentented unto the King of England and his Counsel Being the true State of the present Case of the People called Quakers 1. Concerning Swearing at all and particularly of the Oath of Allegiance p. 773. 2. Concerning Meeting together to Worship God p. 776. 3. Concerning Tythes among the Jews and among the Christians and why we refuse to pay them at this day p. 779. 4. Concerning giving Security by Bond to live Peaceably or to answer Accusations then and there c. p. 782. 5. Concerning Gâ—â—ernment it self and particularly of this present Government p. 784. 6. Concerning Persecution what it is in it self and how great an Enemy it is to the King and his Government laid down in ten Particulars p. 787. Persecution Impeached as a Traytor against God his Laws and Government Being a Vindication of the Cause of the Ancient Martyrs against the Cruelty inflicted on them by the Papists in former dayes containing an Answer to a Book called Semper Iidem or A Paralel of Phanaticks wherein several of the Martyrs are vilified and and reproached by the Name and Term of Ancient Phanaticks p. 793. The Case of Free Liberty of Conscience in the exercise of Faith and Religion Presented unto the King and both Houses of Parliament Declaring it absolutely needful for them to grant it and shewing the woful Effects and ill Consequence which will infallibly follow upon the contrary to the Misery and Destruction of these Nations p. 813. A Discovery of Divine Mysteries Wherein is unfolded the secret things of the Kingdom of God Being a Testimony 1. Concerning Life and Death with their several Fruits and Effects distinguished p. 823. 2. Concerning the Mystery of God and Godliness and concerning the Mystery the Devil and Iniquity p. 827. 3. Concerning true Liberty of Conscience what it is in it self and how it is obtained and what the true Guide and Rule is of the Exercise of Conscience p. 830. 4. Concerning the Diversity of Iudgments in Religion p. 834. Antichrist's Government Justly Detected of Unrighteousness Injustice c. Shewed and declared 1. In the Case of Imposing upon Conscience in Matters Religious by Force of outward Violence or Pains and Penalties on the Persons and Estates of Men p. 850. 2. In the Case of Heresie shewing what it is in it self who
the Saints and Churches of Christ look upon them that acted those things to be Ministers of Christ but on the contrary declared against them to be Deceivers So that all you People and you professed Ministers that act those things that the false Prophets acted and all you People that love to have it so and give Hire to your Ministers for Preaching and consent unto it none of you are of the Christian Religion as it is held forth in the Scriptures because this part of your Practice in Religion is not according but contrary to Scriptures Now substracting all these in these Nations from the whole which practiseth and professeth these things mentioned for Ordinances of God and for his Worship none of you are of the true Christian Religion as it is held forth in the Scriptures because these things which you Practice for Religion is not held forth in all the Scriptures by any example or command likewise you are of the greatest number of people in all these Nations and that Practice and Profession of Religion which the greatest number follow and exercise themselves in cannot be the true Christian Religion because the Scripture saith Few are in the straight way that leads to Life to wit in the pure and true Religion but many are in the Broad way that leads to destruction and such that are the greatest number who are in the broad way are not in the Religion in the purity thereof as it is held forth in the Scriptures likewise many of you who Practice those things mentioned for Religion are yet unconverted to God but live in wickedness in the Pride and Vanities and in all the evil of this World in Double-dealing in Drunkenness in Whoredom and in the Works of Darkness therefore you are not of the true Christian Religion neither do your walk with God in Purity and Holiness neither are you changed by Christ into his Image nor are guided by his Spirit neither do you live to God in any thing but to this World in all things and your Religion is manifest not to be according to the Scriptures but contrary And so let all people consider whether or no you must be maintained in your Religion Come forth and plead your cause all ye that are called Presbyterians and Independants and all others stand up and prove if you can your Practice in Religion to be according to Scriptures but seeing no man is able to prove these things mentioned which is practiced by you for Religion to wit Sprinkling of Infants and singing David's experiences in Rhime and Meeter and Worshipping God in set-places as Idol-Temples and preaching for and giving great sums of Money for preaching with other things practiced by you for Religion neither were these things ever commanded in Scriptures neither is there any example for the practise of these things in Scripture by any of the Lords people and therefore you cannot justly own a Title in the Protectors Oath to be maintained and upheld by vertue thereof in these your practises of Religion for it appears he is but bound onely to uphold and maintain that Religion which is according to Scriptures and not them who practiceth those things for Religion which are not according but contrary to the Scriptures Likewise all ye that are called gathered Churches who holds sorth for Doctrine that the Scriptures are the Word by which the World was made and that the Scriptures are the Foundation and that the Scriptures are the Way to Salvation and that the Letter and the Spirit are unseparable and that the Scriptures are both the Writings and the thing fignified and that except a man be Baptized with Water he cannot be saved with such like Doctrines which have been held forth by some professing themselves to be of the Church of Christ all you are manifest not to be of the Christian Religion because those Doctrines are not according but rather contrary to the Scriptures Likewise All ye whose Practice in the Exercise of Religion is but by Imitation from the Scriptures and you are not led by the Spirit of of the Father in what you speak and practice you are not of the true Christian Religion which the Scripture speaks of for the Sons of God and who are of the true Religion are led by the Spirit of God and not by their own Thoughts and Imaginations and the Traditions of men And all that are not led by the Spirit of the Father are not of the true Christian Religion as it is held forth in the Scriptures and not any that are such can justly own to be protected in their Religion because it is not according to the Scriptures Likewise All ye that do profess the things of God and Christ and that you are Members of the Church of Christ and profess Righteousness and Truth in words and yet live in Pride and the Vanities of this World and in Unrighteousness and the Customs of the Heathen which are vain and are not cleansed from Unrighteousness nor freed from the Body of sin and death neither do answer your Profession with a Conversation shewing that you are not guided with that Spirit whose words you do profess All you are Hypocrites and live in Hypocrisie none of you are of the true Christian Religion as it is held forth in the Scriptures For the Exercise in true Religion sheweth forth in Life what is prosessed in words Come try your selves and prove your selves all sorts of people for now your Religion is to be try'd what Name soever you go under And all you that practice and profess those things for Religion for which there is neither Command nor President in Scripture your Religion is concluded not to be according to Scriptures and so no Title or Priviledge can any of you justly own of being upheld or maintain'd by the Protector 's Oath But as I have said For sprinkling of Infants and singing of David ' s Experiences in Rhyme and Meeter c. there is neither Command nor President in Scriptures and therefore you that practice those things which I have mention'd for Religion are not of the true Christian Religion which is according to the Scriptures which is to be protected Likewise all ye that persecute by Reproaches or Revilings and Cruelty or that cause the People of God to be persecuted many of you there are in these Nations which profess Religion yet are Envious Persons and Persecutors of the Innocent Hereby it is manifest that you are not of that Religion which is according to Scriptures for the Saints never persecuted any but were themselves persecuted for Righteousness sake so you are not to be protected in such Exercise because it is not according but contrary to the Scriptures for you have no Example from the Saints for professing and practizing Religion and yet persecuting such as are of the true Religion whose Consciences are truly exercised towards God and towards all men Now seeing that it is discovered in part who it is that
are not of the true Christian Religion according to the Scriptures it remains to be proved if there be any who they be that are of the true Christian Religion as it is held forth in the Scriptures and who they be that are to be protected in their Practice and Exercise of Religion And as concerning the dispised and rejected People called Quakers herein I shall speak for them as a Friend to them and a Lover of their Wayes who is nor ashamed of their Practices in Religion and shall measure and try their Practices in Religion whether they be according to Scripture and if it prove so to be that what they practice for Religion and hold forth for Doctrine be according to the Scriptures then why should not they own their Right and Priviledge to be upholden and maintained by the Protector 's Oath who hath sworn to uphold and maintain them and their Religion whose Exercise in Religion is according to Scriptures being that same People are and have been faithful Subjects of this Common-Wealth And first of all They dare not own themselves to be Christians nor to be Members of Christ nor to have any Right or Title to the Kingdom of God but as they witness converting by the Spirit of the Lord and are changed from Death to Life and from Darkness to Light and from Satan's power unto the Power of God through the Operation of the same Spirit and as in all their Works and Wayes and Exercises in Religion they are guided by the same Spirit who leadeth them out of the World and out of the Vanities and Evil-Works thereof and this is according to the Scriptures And their Religion herein is justify'd by the Scriptures who witness That Christ is in them and that they have receiv'd him through Faith and thereby are cleansed from all Unrighteousness and have put off and are putting off the Body of sin and death and walk with God in Purity and Holiness being led by the Spirit of God therein and with God they have Peace being reconciled by Jesus Christ who is their Salvation and they have no other And this is according to the Scriptures And again As concerning their Meetings and the manner thereof They are not contrary but according to the Scriptures for though they meet in many Parts of these Nations by great Numbers some in the open Fields and some on the Mountains in some Places and sometimes without Doors and sometimes in Houses all this Practice is according to Scriptures For we read Mat. 5. 1. in the dayes of Christ That there were great Multitudes of People that follow'd him and he went up into a Mountain and preached and taught them upon the Mountain And in Mat. 14. 14. we read That there were great Multitudes that came out of the Cities unto Iesus into the Deserts and he had compassion towards them and did good unto them And at that time there were many Thousands met together as you may read and it seems stay'd many whole dayes together for they sate down on the Grass and eat together and then Iesus sent the Multitudes away And in Mark 6. you may read how that Multitudes came to Iesus out of the Cities into a desert Place and Iesus began to teach them many things in that desert Place for he had compassion on the Multitude And in Luke 9. how the people again follow'd Jesus into a desert Place and he preached unto them the Kingdom of God Such Meetings then were counted strange as such Meetings are now when the People of God meet together by great Numbers to preach and to hear the Kingdom of God preached But their Meetings are according to the Scriptures for the People of God in Generations past met in the same manner as the People of God called Quakers meet now For sometimes Christ preached out of a Ship unto the People that stood on the Sea Shore And Paul kneeled down and prayed among the Saints near the Sea Shore at his passing into the Ship And we read Acts 2. that there was Three Thousand converted at one Sermon then there must needs be a great Meeting and a great deal of People met together Such Meetings now are wondred at but such Meetings are but according to Scripture so that this part of their Practice in Religion is agreeable to the Scriptures and the same as the Saints Practice was in Ages past And as for the People of God meeting together sometimes in the Night-season to wait upon the Lord and sometimes sitting in Silence and waiting upon the Lord and no words utter'd amongst them but every one sitting silent before the Lord having receiv'd nothing from the Lord to speak one to another at which the people of the World do wonder and falsly judge it not to be a Christian Exercise But we read in the Scripture Iob 2. that Iob who was a Christian for he was a just and perfect man he and his Friends sate upon the Ground seven dayes and seven nights and spake not a word one to another this would be a strange thing at this day to see practised And in Ier. 8. 14. you may read where the Prophet Ieremiah exhorted the people to assemble themselves and said Let us enter into defenced Cities and let us be silent there for the Lord our God hath put us to Silence But such a Practice now is thought strange by the people of the World who are not acquainted with the Wayes of God who are wise in their own Eyes and know not what it is to wait upon the Lord in silence who never yet were put to silence in themselves by the Lord. And you may read Ezek. 3. where the Prophet sate down among the People of the Captivity and they were astonish'd seven dayes and at the end of seven dayes and not before the Word of the Lord came to the Prophet So that you see it was the Practice of the Servants of the Lord oft-times to sit and wait upon the Lord in Silence though people wonder at such Meetings now And we do not read That there was alwayes speaking among the Saints in the Churches when they were met together But Acts 2. we read That the Church was met together in a Place and the Holy Ghost fell upon them and then they began to speak as the Spirit gave them utterance then it seems they had not spoken before though they had met together in a House and then they spoke the wonderful things of God and some that heard mocked and others said they were full of New Wine even as the people of the World do at this day when any of the People of the Lord are moved to speak as the Spirit gives utterance So that sometimes to sit in Silence being met together to wait upon the Lord as many of the Servants of the Lord do in this Nation is a Practice of Religion and not contrary but according to the Scriptures for many of the Servants
of Worship and Practices upon people And what do you mean by Godly Ministry Will you admit of just Tryal according to the Scriptures whether yours be that Godly Ministry or no for all sorts of Christians Papists and Protestants and all others they will say That they are in the right Way and their Ministry is the Godly Ministry but the fruits of many prove the contrary and we cannot believe that yours is the Godly Ministry except you will prove it to us by and according to the Scriptures Now it is certain That the Ministry of the Apostles was the true Godly Ministry and if yours agree with theirs then we will confess That yours is the true Godly Ministry Therefore tell us plainly do you agree with them in your Call and in your Maintenance and in your Practices and in your Fruits and Effects in your lives and Conversations and in your Doctrines Are you justly according to and do you agree with the Apostles in all these things shall we lay you to the Line that you may be judged This is but as a hint at things whereby you might justly be tryed for if you agree not with the Apostles in these cases mentioned then it is evident that your Ministry is not the true Godly Ministry but hereafter we may have a better occasion to try you And thus the principal part of your Exhortation is answered and if you can receive it in Love TO all you Sixty One Teachers in London under whose hands your Exhortation passeth this I say to you in the Fear of the Lord God Oh ye Men consider and let it enter into your hearts the Day of the Lord is at hand upon you and an Account of your Stewardship must you give and his Reward must you have whom you have served and you must reap the Fruit of what you have sown Oh look upon your Flocks and see what a condition they are in Oh what Pride and Vain-glory is abounding amongst them Oh how doth Wickedness spring forth from them Are they like unto Sheep of Christ's Fold or Are not they appearing outwardly Christians when as the evil nature is uncut down in them Oh what Wickedness abounds in this City What Double-dealing and Dissimulation What Lying and Swearing and Drunkenness Oh high are all the Fruits of the Flesh grown amongst your Flocks Your Vineyards are not dressed as they ought to be there are aboundance of corrupt Trees and fruitless Branches which cumber the Ground Oh! it makes the Heart of the Righteous sad to walk in the Streets and to view the Abominations that are daily brought forth by a people professing Scriptures Church Ministry and Christ. Oh! it burdens the Just and grieves the Righteous Soul to consider how high Iniquity is grown among the Sheep of your Pastures whom ye should have fed with Knowledge and converted unto the Fear of the Lord had you been Messengers sent of God the very Iews and Heathens they blaspheme against Christ through the Abominations brought forth among Christians that have the Name to live but are dead Oh! let it enter into your Hearts and smite you that your many years Ministry should have so little effect for your Vineyard is like untilled Ground unploughed and unbroken up Oh! there is much Hard-heartedness amongst your People and their Hearts go after Covetousness even while they profess God with their Lips Oh! the Righteous mourn in secret to see the Prophanness the Scornings and Reproaches that are brought forth in your City And Oh the Idolatry that aboundeth let it repent you that you have been so sloathful and never more seek the Fleece but seek the Flock that 's gone astray from the Lord who is the true Shepherd whose Voice hath not been obeyed and many Pastors have destroyed the Vineyard and many Shepherds have fed themselves and not the Flock Oh consider the Day of the Lord is at hand and he will visit with his Rod You and your Flocks prepare to meet the Lord for his Kingdom is nigh to come which will be a terrible Day to all the Workers of Iniquity And as for this your Exhortation I say As for Exhortation in it self Ministers ought to exhort their Flocks so such a thing in it self I do commend and not oppose but when I had read and seriously considered the Aim and Intent of your spirits in your Exhortation I found it secretly and in a measure openly opposing and striking at and secretly smiting the People of the Lord whom you have Reproached by the name of Quakers who are dear to the Lord and he careth for them though you see no Beauty in them but account them altogether vile and in as much as you lifted up your hands against them upon that account was it upon my spirit to return something in Answer for the Information of many that they might be Undeceived and not in Envy towards any but in Love to all to both you and your People and you have occasioned this upon your selves though you are reproved And not as a man of Strife or Contention have I proceeded but as one that desireth the further Manifestation of Truth and that no false Accusation may rest upon it which you have secretly brought forth with which the Lord is not well-pleased that you should set your selves in Opposition against his People and if any of you shall receive a just Reproof and repent it may prove to you an Advantage or much Good and be not so Proud as to say in your hearts What aâ—t thou weak man that reprovest us or Wherefore art thou so bold thus to deal with us but rather fall under just Reproof for in Uprightness of Heart have I proceeded towards you and not in mine own but in the Will of the Father And oh that your Flocks would also consider among whom there are many that are zealous in their way Oh that their Zeal and Judgments were guided by the Spirit of the Lord then should it be well with them Oh that they would be meek and humble and learn the Fear of the Lord Oh that every one of them would consider and turn from their Iniquities and become Followers of Jesus Christ then should the Glory of the Lord be revealed unto them and Peace and Truth and Righteousness should be unto them and their Families and their City if they would come into Covenant with God and be taught of him and be exercised by his Law in their Hearts then should the Countenance of the Lord be upon them and then should they discern between Truth and Error between the Ministers of Christ and Deceivers Oh! there is a Pitty for many poor souls which are zealous in their way of Religion without Knowledge and they think they do God good service while yet their Consciences are not exercised by the Spirit of the Lord but a false spirit that rules and leads and may hold the Truth in unrighteousness and they know not but that they do
well Oh that such would consider and not be hasty in any thing to perform or profess Religion in their degenerate estate but that they would come to know the Regeneration and the renewing of their minds by the holy spirit and that the Immortal Birth might be born in them even the Birth of the Spirit which is Heir of God Oh that that might live and rule in them then should they be Heirs of God and Citizens of the New-Ierusalem And oh ye People of London lay it to heart you must be born again or else you can never enter into Gods Kingdom you must be changed in nature and must be crucified to this world that you may live unto God this must you come unto or else you have no part nor portion in Eternal Life and your Duties and Performances in your Forms of Religion they cannot save you not justifie you all your Preaching Praying Singing and all your Duties whatsoever they are all nothing till you come to know changing and renewing inwardly and do witness the Seed of God raised up in you and the head of the Serpent bruised in you by the Seed of the Woman this must you come to witness that your Souls may live Oh that you would consider be not so zealous against that which you may call Heresie and Schism for while you err in judgment you may soon speak evil of Truth and persecute it under the name of Error many have wofully faln into that Snare and brought sorrow upon themselves thereby The wise Iews even the chief Priests Scribes and Pharisees they were as confident in their Way as you can be and yet they erred in judgment and would not receive Christ but persecuted him under the very name of a Deceiver and thus it is possible for many to do in this Age What though you have Christ's words and the Apostles words yet if you have not the Spirit of Christ that was in the Apostles you know nothing rightly of the Scriptures neither can you understand them nor have Salvation by them for you must know Christ in you your hope of glory else you are Reprobates and shut out of the Kingdom of God And search the Scriptures and see if they do not witness this Do not they say Christ is in you except you be Reprobates and do not they say The Law of God is written in the heart and the Spirit of God is put in the inward part And do not they say That Christ hath lightned every man that comes into the World with the true Light And do not they say that the Apostle exhorts people to hearken to the Word of God in their hearts and to be followers of the Spirit of God that was in their hearts And do not the Scriptures say That it was the Light that shined in the heart that gave the knowledge of God unto the Saints Search the Scriptures and see whether these things be so and must not men be born again of the Immortal Seed Oh consider and let not these Doctrines seem new unto you neither reject them though they come unto you in weak appearance not with words of mens wisdom but in Simplicity and in sincerity and in the Power of God And search the Scriptures whether these things be so were not they false Prophets That preached for hire and divined for money and sought for their gain from their Quarter were not such Deceivers in the true Prophets time and them that preached for filthy lucre and for money and for gifts and rewards were not such false Brethren and false Apostles search the Scriptures whether these things be so for the day of trial is now come wherein all must be searched and that Religion and Worship and Ministry which is not according to the Scriptures which was given forth by the Spirit of God let that Religion Worship Church and Ministry be utterly condemned of the Lord and all his People and let such Ministers as cannot prove their Call their Maintenances and Practices to be according to Scriptures let such Ministers be confounded and silenced for ever and come to try this matter when you will For whereas you cry out against us as if we were Deniers of Scriptures as if we were Enemies to Church and godly Ministry and Religion and as if we were Deceivers Hereticks Papists c. But I say unto you these things have you never yet justly proved against us but rather accused us behind our backs to make us odious among people and though for divers years together we have been publick yet when did ever any of you Ministers seek by lawfull means to convert us or shew us our Errors if we were as you say of us oh it had been your time to have sought our conversion and not to have Persecuted to have sent to Prisons Houses of Correction and by such Weapons of any outward force and cruelty have you dealt with us and not in meekness and by the Spirit of the Lord as Ministers of Christ ought to do but have cried to the Magistrates to defend you and your your Church and Worship being unable as it were by the Authority of God's Spirit to defend your selves Therefore I say unto you now lay down your Carnal Weapons and come out in the Spirit of Meekness and come out in the Authority of God's Spirit if you have it convince us thereby if we be in an evil way as you say let us hear your soundest Arguments by the Spirit of God and according to the Scriptures to prove those things which you say of us prove it by evident Arguments that we deny Scriptures and that we are Hereticks and that we are Papists I challenge you all in the Name of the Lord even all you Ministers of London let us hear your sound Reasons openly in the spirit of Meekness and do not back-bite nor slander in the dark and let us not be bawled against by your rude Members as often we have been even in the spirit of wickedness but come out you Ministers we are willing to be tried according to the Scriptures and by the Spirit of God in our Religion and in every part of it and if you be the same then come forth in the spirit of Meekness like Ministers of Christ and lay down your Carnal Weapons and let us have fair dealing openly that Truth may be manifested publickly and Error may be discovered and let us not envy one anothers persons and seek to destroy one anothers lives but let us seek to destroy the evil in one another that men might be saved and this would be a Christian-like way we would hear what you have to charge against our Religion by sound Arguments in Meekness that we may answer it and then we will charge something upon your Ministry Church Religion and Worship and we will prove what we say against you according to the Scriptures and we will not impose our Religion upon you by the force of outward Powers
Hereby and in this Way is true Conversion wrought in the heart to the turning men from all Error unto the Truth and from all false Worships and Heresies and Evil Wayâ—s unto the true Christian-Worship and Conformity to holy Church and Religion This I say was the Way among the primitive Christians â—…d Apostles of old and is the same among the true Christians in this Age and they that would conform others and are conformed themselves otherwise in this Case of Religion and Worship to God-wards are not in the Example of Christ and his Saints but out of the Life and contrary to the first Christians and President of the Holy Scriptures as hereafter is manifested The Way and Practice of Imposing Religion and Conformity in Worship and Church-Government by Force as aforesaid is so far from being according to the Practice and Example of the Apostles and the primitive Churches of Christians that they are even contrary to the Commands and Exhortations of CHRIST and his Apostles and Example of the Scriptures 1. As in the Parable of the Wheat and the Tares Mat. 13. when it was desired of the Servants that they might go and gather out the Tares that the Enemy had sown from among the Wheat it was commanded to the contrary by the Husbandman even that they should suffer the Tares to grow among the Wheat till the Harvest and not pluck them up lest they hurt the Wheat thereby Now though there be an invisible Mystery of the Kingdom of Heaven secretly signified in this Parable more then may here be said yet 't is also clearly signified That Christ would have no Imposition nor Violence used upon thâ— Tares nor that they should pluck them up by Force but that the good Corn and the bad 〈◊〉 grow together in one Field till the Harvest And thus much this Parable bears the Proof of Suppose there be Heresies and Hereticks and Prophane Persons that are not in the Truth but in Errors who are bad Corn even as the Tares to the Wheat in that Kingdom City or Family where there is also converted Saints and holy Persons and true Members of Christ who are as the Wheat to the Tares yet such Hereticks and Prophane Persons that are in Error ought not to be plucked up violently to wit Imprisoned Bannished and put to Death Burned and Destroyed from amongst the Righteous though they grow amongst them even in the sâ—… Field The converted Saints ought not I say to destroy by â—â—nnishment or Death the Hereticks and Unconverted and Unconformable Persons from amongst them but they are to let them live even grow amongst them in the same Field in the same Kingdom City or Family till Harvest And thus much the Parable may truly signifie Even a Liberty to live for the Tares the bad Corn the evil Persons among the Wheat the Righteous Persâ—… without being imposed upon by Cruel Force and Outward Violence to compel into Conformity 2. As in the Case among the Saints and true Believers where some believed 〈◊〉 might 〈◊〉 all 〈◊〉 others did 〈◊〉 Hâ—…s and some esteemed one day above 〈◊〉 â—nd otheâ—â— esteemed every day alike Rom 14. Here was some difference in Judgment and Practices amongst the Believers about Mâ—â—ts and Dâ—â—es abouâ—â— which thiâ—… there hath been much Imposition and Force used in the World since the Apostle dayes Well But what doth the Apostle Paul 〈◊〉 and advise in this Case Doth 〈◊〉 threaten Violence towards any of them or signifie any forcible Commands or Impositions to be used to bring them into Conformity and Unity in the things and Matters about which they were divided No no but this is his advice to the Church of Christ of which he was a true and able Minister Iudge not one another about such things nor do not impose any Practice upon thy Brother for to Christ Iesus â—…is Master every Believer stands or falls And saith the Apostle Lâ—â— every Man be fully perswaded in his own Mind vers 5. And hereby it is manifestly proved That in the Churches of Primitive Christians the Saints and true Christians were not imposed upon by Commandments of Mâ—n or outward Laws in the matters of their Religion and Practice of Conscience there was no signification of force to be used for Conformity but whâ—â—y contrary even every Believeâ— had the Liberty of the Spirit of Christ and as he was by that perswaded in his own mind to do or leave undone in such cases and every one was to mind the Teachings of the Spirit of Christ in himself for to that he was to stand or fall and not to impose upon another no not so much as to judge his Brother in any case of difference in Judgment or Practice but they were to leave one another to the Perswasions of the Spirit of Christ in their own minds 3. As in the Case where the Apostle exhorted the Saints to be Like-minded â—â—il 3. But saith he If any 〈◊〉 Otherwise-minded God shall reveal even this unto you By which Saying it is mâ—nifest That the Unity and Conformity of Saints in Mind and Practice was not by Imposition or any outward Force threatned or exercised upon their Persons or Estates but contrary-wise if there was any Difference in Mind and Practice amongst any of them that was to be amended and Unity made up when God revealed the same Truth in all as he had done in some if any were not so minded in any thing as others were they were not to be imposed upon but let God reveal the same and bring into Conformity this was the Apostle's Counsel And vers 16. Nevertheless whereunto we have already attained let us walk by the same Rule that is to â—â—y so far as the Rule of the Spirit of Christ is made manifest or in whâ—â— measure the perfection thereof is attained unto let every one walk in the same measure and by the same Rule and if any have not the self-same measure of the Spirit and know the self-same things let such alone without imposing upon them leave them to walk in the measure of Light and knowledge that they have received though it be not the self-same measure that others have received and if they want any Knowledge or be in any thing otherwise-minded God shall reveal the same unto them even the same thing as they grow in the same measure of Grace and Knowledge And here is the perfect Way of Unity and Conformity as the Primitive Christians were exercised in the true Faith and Worship and true Christian Religion in their dayes And so to impose by Force upon Paint and Forfeitures in Religious Matters is clearly contrary to all these Scriptures and to many more in the New Testament 4. In that Case 1 Pet. 5. 2 3. where the Apostle exhorts the Elders To take â—â—e Overâ—â—ght of God's Flock not by Constraint or Force but Willingly not for 〈◊〉 by Lucâ—â— but of a ready Mind neither 〈◊〉 being Lords â—ver God's Heritage which câ—…ly signifies against