stinking Vapour from Hell Now we know that with God there dwelleth no imperfect thing but with the Devil dwelleth all Unrighteousness and with him remaineth all they that live and dye in theiâ— sins for all them that remain in sin in this Life they are never free from the Devils Power which if it were not for the restraing Power of God the Devil by them that serve him would soon destroy the whole Heritage of God which as yet remain the Body on this side the Grave for the Devil finneth from the beginning and his Work is to lay waste Gods Heritage and to destroy all that which is good Now so this purpose was the Son of God made manifest that he â—â—ght destroy the Works of the Devil 1 Joh. 3. â— For whosoever committâ—th sin transgresseth the Law for sin is the Transgression of Gods holy Law and ye know he was made manifest to take away our siâ— and in him is no sin 1 Joh. 3.5 Whosoever abideth in him sinneth not whosoever sinneth hath not seen him neither knoweth him 1 Joh. 3.6 Let no man deceive you he that doth Righteousness is righteous 1 Joh. 3.7 Whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his Sâ—â—d remaineth in him and he cannot sin because he is born of God 1 Joh. 3.9 Now in this the Children of God are manifest and the Children of the Devil whosoever doth not Righteousness is not of God neither he that hateth his Brother vers 10. Now we know that whosoever is born of God sinneth not but he that is begotten of God keepeth himself and that Wicked One toucheth him not 1 Joh. 5.18 And this Declaration of Gods Truth hath proceeded from the Spirit of God and is agreeable with Chriâ—s own words John 8.21 Thy that dye in their sins where Christ is gone they can never come for as Death leavâ—s so Judgment finds and there is no Repentance in the Grave And in John 1â— 23 from Christs own words Ian them and ther în me that they maâ— be made perfect in one and that the World may know that thou hast sent me and hast loved them â—s thou hast loved me By which we may see that which God hath commanded he is in no way short in his Power towards the willing and obedient but unto them who through Disobedience to the Gift of Gods Spirit which came by Jesus Christ they remain in sin whose Reward will be with that unprofitable Servant which hid his Lords Talent by which he lost his portion of Gods heavenly Riches which the faithful are made partakers of in this Life and in the Life to come so that where there is any thing of faithfulness wanting to the gift of Gods Spirit of divine Grace Life and Light it hinders from a perfect state even as with him whom Christ brought to the Touch-stone If thou wilt be perfect go and sell that which thou hast and give it to the poor and thou shalt have Treasure in Heaven Mat. 19.20 21. By which it is manifest that men through Obedience to what the Lord requires of them to do may by him be made perfect according to his own Command in this Life Mat. 5.48 for Christs words are to be believed before the words of all men that have ever taught the Doctrine of Imperfection for Christs vvords are very plain and by the Spirit of God easie to be understood in his saying Be ye therefore Perfect as your heavenly Father â—s Perfect also That the Disciple is not above his Master bâ—t every one that is perfect shall be as his Master Luke 6.40 Which also implyes that some there were that were perfect otherwise it vvould not have been said Every one that is perfect and for this end Christ gave Gifts for the perfecting of the Saints Ephes 4.12 For the gift of God is for the perfecting of his Saints for vvhich the Lords Servants prayed That they might present every man Pefect in Christ â—esus preaching and â—arning every man and teaching eâ—â—â—â— man in all Wisdom that they might present every man perfect in Christ Jesus 1 Col 1.28 But unto such who Reply That he that saith he hath no sin deceiveth himself and the Truth is not in him 1 Joh. 1.8 and vers 10. If we say we have not sinned we make him a Lâ—ar and the Truth is not in us By which it is evident That all men in their first state have sinned and that there is something of that Nature so long as the Warfare against sin remaineth but at the end of the Warfare against sin sin in the Warfare is overcome and no longer remains in the Man of God which is according to the Spirit of God as by the Apostles writing concerning that state in which men were in the Warfare I write unto you little Children because your sins are forgiven you for his Name sake I write unto you Fathers because ye have known him that is from the beginning I write unto you Young Men because ye have overcome the Wicked One I write unto you little Children because ye have known the Father I have written unto you Fathers because ye have known him that is from the beginning I have written unto you Young Men because ye are strong and the Word of God abideth in you and you have Overcome the Wicked One 1 John 2.12 13 14. So that in the Warfare the Churches growth was in their several states of pressing forward to Perfection in which state of their Warfare they came to grow from a Childs state to the state of a strong man in Christ Jesus So that in their Spiritual Travail against Sin they still come more and more to the increase of Gods holy Truth by their knowledg of his will and mind through Jesus Christ by whose Power they received dayly Strength for their Preservation in his holy Truth by which they come to grow from one degree of Grace unto another till at length in the Lords due time they become perfect Men in Christ Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of his good Work in the hearts of his People for when they have overcome the wicked One they have also overcome sin and the same is a perfect Man 1 John 2.13 14. And this is agreeable with the Apostle Pauls writing concerning the same state which he did experience in his Warfare including all under sin in the first state for as Men are found to partake of Adams Disobedience so also are they found Transgressors of Gods holy Command in which they have sinned and all that remain in that state remain in sin being Servants to sin which frees them from the Righteousness of Christ whose faithful Servants war not with carnal Weapons but with spiritual Weapons which through him are mighty to the pulling down of strong Holds and Wickedness in high Places Now least the Apostle should be exalted above measure through the abundance of Revelations there was given unto him a Thorn in the Flesh
the Messenger of Satan to buffet least he should be exalted above measure And whereas he said O wretehed Man that I am who shall deliver me from this Body of Sin and Death Rom. 7.24 All which doth not incinde him to be a Transgressor of Gods holy Law as every man that remains in sin is which cannot in truth and righteousness say as the holy Apostle did I thank God throvgh Jesus Christ our Lord so then with the Mind I my self serve the Law of God but with the Flesh the Law of sin vers 25. Now by the Law of Sin the ignorant do conclude the holy Apostle was not free from sin in this Life which he clears in Rom 8.1 2 3 4 5 6. There a therefore no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the Flesh but after the Spirit for the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Lâ—â— of Sin and Death for what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the Flesh God sending his own Son in the Likeness of sinful Flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh that the Rightenâ—sness of the Law might be fullâ—illed in them who walk not after Flesh but after the Spirit For they that be after the Flesh do mind the things of the flesh but they that be after the Spirit the things of the Spirit for to be carnally minded is Death but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace because the carnal mind is at Enmity against God for it is not subject to the Law of God neither indeed can it be so then they that are in the Flesh cannot please God Rom. 8.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. By which it is manifest that the holy Apostle did not all his days continue in a Body of sin but in his Warâ—are was pressing forward towards the Mark of the Calling of God in Christ Jesus Phil. 3.14 forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before Phil. 3.13 That the Man of God might be perfect thorowly furnished unto all good Works 2 Tim. 4.17 in which state of pressing forward to Perfection Patience hath her perâ—ect work that they might be perâ—ect wanting nothing James 1 17. Which state the holy Scriptures bear Record Paul in the end of his Warfare did attain which is a state free from sin in this Life according as by the Spirit of God he himself testified That he had ought a good fight wherein he had finished his Course and â—ept the Faith or whom there was laid up a Crown of Righteousness which the Lord the righteous â—udge would give him at the last Day and not to him only but to all them that love his appearing 2 Tim. 4.7 8. And these things were done before his Departure from the Body as appears by his Epistle to Titus and to Philemon and also to the Hebrews so that the Lords People well know by the Spirit of God agreeing with the holy Scriptures as also by their daily progâ—ess in the Way of the Lord all agreeing with the gift of his divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit that by true Faith and Obedience thereunto they shall receive a daily supply of his Power which will give sufficient strength against the Devil and all his Temptations by which he that hath set his hand to the Plow and doth not look back shall come to witness a thorow cleansing from sin in this Life which they that witness not in this Life shall not witness a cleansing in the Kigndom of Heaven for no imperfect thing can enter the Kingdom of Heaven neither is there any Repenting in the Grave for as Death leaves so Judgment finds Concerning the true Worship of God in Spirit EVen at this day as in days past among the Peopâ—â— of the World there are many Wayes of Worship but with the People of the Lord his way of Worship is but one in which they worship God in the Spirit and in the Truth for God is a Spirit and they which are true Worshippers of him they worship in the Spirit and in the Truth Then how can any be true Worshippers of God which abide not in his Truth for Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life and they that are not in â—hrist are out of his Truth and so not in the true Worship of God so as they are not in Christ theâ— are not in the 〈◊〉 but out of that spiritual Life in which the true Worship of God remaineth Now this we know that all men are in the worship of some one thing or another all pretending that their Worship is the right and true way of Worship Then seeing that all are Worshippers How is the true Worshipper known from the false Even as the Tree is known by its Fruit so are Worshippers known one from the other for the good Tree bringeth forth good Fruit but the evil Tree bringeth forth corrupt Fruit for men do not expect to gather Grapes of Thornes nor Figs of Thistles neither can any man be a true Worshipper of God in Spirit that doth not bring forth Fruits of the Spirit which are Love Joy Peace Long-Suffering Gentleness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance against such there is no Law Gal. 5.22 23. for they live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit with Christ such are the true Worshippers of God in Spirit and Truth but such Worshippers that draw in sin as an Ox draweth in Water their best Performances in Worship are sin unto which the Lord hath no regard for we know that God heareth not sinners but if any man be a true Worshipper of God and he doth his will him he heareth John â— 31 Now to think that God will accept any mans Work wherein sin remaineth that man deceiveth himself for all Works wherein sin remaineth it is not of the Spirit of God but of the Devil for he is a sinner from the beginning and the Truth abideth not in him for in the time of the Law the Peoples Offerings before the â—ord were to be perfect without blemish Lev. 22.21 and their weight and measure were to be perfect before the God or their Salvation Deut. 25.15 Which did signifie spiritual Obedience to â—hrist the Lamb of God without blemish spot or wrinkle who requires in this Gospel Day under the Light of his â—ovenant of Grace Light and Life unto which not any thing of mans imperfect Gift and Offerings can find place to enter into Covenant with the Lord of Life for the Salvation of their immortal Souls for as God hath perfected his work of Grace in Jesus Christ for the Salvation of Peoples Souls so most their work be also perfect by the Power of God in and through Christ for the Salvation of them that are saved in and through him the Lord of Life of whose Spirit there is a gift given to the Sons and Daughters of men which is for
pray for but the Unrighteous pray for the deliverance from sin which living in a state of Unbelief that God will never in this Life wholly free them from Sin which Unbelief stops the current of Life and hinders the Work of God by Christ whose Work by Faith in him is to destroy Sin and put an end to Transgression that is in them which believe in the gift of his Grace by which men are saved for its the Gift of God which comes by Jesus Christ and through Faith in him is Life Everlasting that is to them who through Faith have their whole dependance on him but where men remain in a state of dayly sining against the manifestation of his spirit which all have received to profit with all it keeps them short of Gods Grace by Jesus Christ for the Prayers of the Wicked are sin because they remain in sin which causeth their Prayars to be sin in the sight of God for the Prayers of the wicked are an Abomination before the Lord and the Sacrifice of the wicked are an Abomination to him but the Prayers of the Vpright is his delight Psal 119.7 Prov. 15.2 so it is the Prayers of the Upright in heart which the Lord accepts and delights in for unto them is the promise of God by Christ who renews the Faith of his People by the power of his spirit which begets the inward man into a lively hope of that assurance which by true Faith the soul receives by true Prayer unto the Lord through which Prayer by Grace every Dispensation of Gods gifts come to be sanctified through the Power of his own spirit for every Dispensation is from God and only sanctified to the Righteous which receive of the Lords free benefits and rich Mercies of his Love in the outward Dispensation which through Prayer and Thanks-giveing are sanctified to them which live in Uprightness of heart and mind towards God which the Unrighteous also pretend but it is with unclean Hearts for which cause the Lord will not accept their Prayers for the Lord only dwells with the pure in heart whose minds are wrought into a true and living sence of Gods heavenly riches in Jesus Christ which is the inheritance of his faithfull People which pray unto him by the power of his own spirit which doth condemn the Prayers of all unrighteous men who pray in their own time and in their own wills But some may then query Whether the Unrighteous are not commanded to pray Ans The hearts of the righteous desire the return of the Wicked that they may forsake the evil of their way and serve the Lord in Truth and Righteousness and that the Wicked are to pray which will not discharge any part of their Disobedience to God until they come to forsake their Unrighteous way of sinning against the gift of his Grace and divine Light of his Spirit which remains their Condemnation for sin Joh. 3.19 20 21. By which it is evident that the Prayer of a wicked man availeth not before the Lord that is while he remaineth in the known Life of Sin which he prays against but let the wicked forsake their way and the Unrighteous Man his Thoughts and let him return unto the Lord and he will have mercy upon him and unto our God for he will abundantly pardon Isa 55 7. So that where men live in known sins against God and in a belief of its being impossible to be free from sin in this Life the Prayer of such doth not proceed from the Spirit of God who hath Commanded his People not to touch taste nor handle with any unclean thing but to follow the leadings of Gods holy Spirit as the Apostles have done for Example and to mark them which walk otherwayes So every man and every woman is to seek God for themselves for he hath promised to be found of them that seek him in uprightness of heart and I do not read that any of the Lords servants in dayes past were ever lead by the spirit of God to pray either privatly among People in unbelief of ever attaining that which ths Apostles prayed for which is that they might present every man perfect in Christ Jesus then where in remains the profit of any true Beleivers Prayer in publick though in his own family which through their unbelief in the power of God that they shall never be free from sin in this Life by which they are not as yet of the true Houshold of Faith at times and seasons as the spirit of God moves in the heart of every such master of family he doth pray for the return of them and all other People which remain in the same state of Unbelief which until they repent and forsake their prayers will not be accepted of God CHAP. IX Concerning the Lords Supper which People call the Sacrament AS to the word Sacrament I find it not contained in the holy Scriptures of Truth but as to the Lords Supper according to Christs OWN words Luke 22.1.20 when he took Bread and gave Thanks and broke it and gave it to his Disciples saying This is my Body which is given you This do in Remembrance of me likewise also thê up after Supper saying This is the New Testament in my Blood which is shed for you The fore-going words some have Wrested by which they have gathered in their Comprehension some-what of a Meritorious Work which they hold most necessary to Salvation â—rom which grounds they have set up a Form each for themselves according to the Apprehension of the natural Mind being altogêther destitute of experience of the Power of the Blood of Christ the end of whose Death was not to destroy mens Lives and Estaâ—es about his Body and Blood for his Coming was to heal the Sick to bind up the Broken and to make alive but where the Nature of Christ is wanting they are not come to the true saving Knowledge of God by the Body and Blood of Christ through whose Death and Resurrection there is no hope of Salvation to them that by his Blood are not cleansed from all sin in this Life for where sin remains it Rules the Heart and darkens the Understanding by which the Power of God is not received which gives the true knowledge of the Nature of the body and Blood of Jesus Christ which proves their Form dead and they to remain in a dead Form having a zeal for God without his saving Knowledge by Jesus Christ about whose Body and Blood many thousands of Peoples Lives have been destroyed which makes manifest that such are not in the true form of Godliness for neither Christ nor his Apostles have enjoyned any to particular time or place but in remembrance of his Death as is furder manifested by the Apostles saying 1 Cor. 11.24 25 26 27. That Christ took the Cup when he had supped saying This is the New-Testament in my Blood this do ye as often as you drink it in remembrance of me So
Truth held Forth AND MAINTAINED According to the Testimony of the holy Prophets Christ and his Apostles recorded in the holy Scriptures With some Account of the Judgments of the Lord lately inflicted upon New-England by Witch craft To which is added Something concerning the Fall of Adam his state in the Fall and way of Restoration to God again with many other weighty things necessary 〈◊〉 People to weigh and consider Written in true Love to the Souls of my Neighbours all Men which includeth that Love to them 〈…〉 by Thomas Maule Printed in the Year 16â—◠〈◊〉 PREFACE Friendly Reader AMong the many Writers in this Age who profess themselves Gospel Ministers great iâ— the number of false Prophets and wordâ— teachers whose Doctrines Principles Practices are inconsistant with the Doctrines Principles and Practices of the holy Prophets and Apostles in days past who brought glad tidings of Peace to â—he souls of many People who were turned from Darkness to Light and from the Power of Satan to the Pow-God Acts 26.18 even so ingmeasure is it with true Gospel Ministers in this day who turn Peoples minds to the inward manifastation of the gift of Gods Spirit which ministers Life to them that hear and obey unto them its life indeed for the gift of God is Life eternal and as every true faithful Minister of Christ hath received the gift of God freely they minister freely from he same as good Stâ—wards of the manifold Grace of God dâ—ing unto all men at they would have all mâ—n do unto them not striving for Mastership but are gentle unto all men and apt in teach patient in 〈◊〉 instructing those that oppose themselves 2 Tim. 〈◊〉 24 25. that 〈◊〉 by the Church may be edefied for the true Ministers of Christ are Servents to Christ and not Masters own 〈…〉 as many Anti-christian Teachers are 〈…〉 Hâ—â—itage 〈…〉 Persons in admiration for advantage but the true Ministers of Christ are men of sorrow desolâ—ed and rejected oâ— mend as he was they are not made ministeâ—s by the mill of 〈◊〉 but by the will of God and blameless as the Stewards of God not self willed nor soon angry nor given to Wine nor strikers â—or are they greedy of filthy Luâ—re but lovers of Hospitality and sober Just holy temperate holding fast the faithful Word as they have been taught that they may be able by sound Doctrine both to exhort and convince the gain-sayers for there are many unruly and vain Talkers and Deceivers even as those in days past whose mouths must be stopped for they subvert whole Houses teaching things which they ought not for filthy Lucre sake and as in that day they had a Prophet of their own said the Cretians are alwayes Lyars evil Beasts flow bellies Tit. 1.7.8 9 10 11 12. even so as by Luther and others who have left their Testimonies agreeable with what is found incorded in the Scriptures of Truth which give a true account of the Doctrine Principles and Prectices of the many Teachers in this age who will not preach 〈…〉 Mony This witness is true wherefore rebake thâ—â— sharply that they may be found in the Truth for they profess they know God but in Works they deny him Tit. 〈…〉 By which is it not manifest that the love of Money which is the root of all evil is in them that will not prench without Money what better are they theâ— the 〈…〉 and false Prophets we read of Jer. 14.14 Do they 〈◊〉 bare rule by their means in all Nations where 〈◊〉 seeâ— for their gain each from his Quarter Isa ◠〈…〉 Do they 〈◊〉 preach for hire and divine for Money Mâ—â— 3.11 And do they not preach peace so long as men keep paying but when any come to see their deceit and cannot put into their mouths then they preach open war 〈…〉 And have not the false Prophets Anti-christian 〈◊〉 and hired Priests destroyed â—he lives of many thousands of People for their obedience to the faith which work by consent of the Magistrâ—â—â— hath had its day in New-England when they put to â—ath four of the People called Quakers at Boston concerning the which an Account will hereafter follow which was by the Priests accomplished by the consent of the then Rulers for without the consent of Power the Priests could not Persecute which they wait to do as Troops of Robbers wait for a man so have the company of Priests murdered in the may by consent Hos 6.9 So that by their fruits men may know them Luke 6.13 Mat. 7.13 16. for they are tryed which say they are Apostles and are not and they are found to be Lyars Rev. 2.2 Come from among them and do not pertake of their sins that ye may be free from their Plagues which the Lord is bringing upon the Whore and the false Prophets Teachers which 〈◊〉 wrought Iniquity against the Lord and his chosen People From my dwelling House at Salem in New-England 1st 3d. Mon. 1690. Thomas Maule Humane Learning I have not God doth to me afford His Teaching by his Spirit good To understand his Word T. M. The Heads or Contents of the ensuing TREATISE Chap. 1. COncerning the 〈◊〉 of Gods quickening Spirit by Jesus Christ pag. 1. Chap. 2. Concerning Christ the true Seed and Everlasting Covenant of God to his People p. 10. Chap. 3. Concerning the Man Christ Jesus which was conceived of the holy Ghost born of the Virgin Mary and suffered Death for the Redemption of all men p. 16. Chap. 4. Concerning the holy Scriptures p. 2â— Chap. 5. Concerning Faith Hope and Obedience which by the Power of God through Jesus Christ worketh Salvation to them that truely believe Also something concerning Silence p. 30. Chap. 6. Concerning Perfection and that Warfair which the faithful are to pass through before they come to witness fâ—ll and free Redemption from sin p. 47. Chap. 7. Concerning the Worship of God in Spirit p. 5â— Chap. 8. Concerning true Prayer by which the faithful find acceptance with God by faith in the Son of his Love p. 6â— Chap. 9. Concerning the Lords Supper which People call the Sacrament p. 65. Chap. 10. Concerning Baptism and sprinkling Infants which many hold most necessary to Salvation p. 70. Chap. 11. Concerning the true Sabbath p. 76. Chap. 12. Concerning Election and Reprobation p. 79. Chap. 13. Concerning the 〈…〉 tion through Faith in Chr◠〈…〉 p. 87. Chap. 14. Concerning the 〈…〉 p. 93. Chap. 15. Concerning the Ministers of Christ and the Ministers of Anti-christ Also of humane Learning and the use of it and how it came in practise among the Reformed Churches in this latter Age. And concerning Gospel Maintenance in what manner and to whom it belongeth p. 99. Chap. 16. Concerning divine Inspiration and Revelation p. 109. Chap. 17. Concerning the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of Anti-christ p. 114. Chap. 18. Concerning the true Language and proper Nature of Speech and the true Names of the Days and
the Father in full Power Maiesty and Dominion being God over all and in all for evermore whom the World hath in great dispute and many Controversies have risen to the destroying of many Thousands of Peoples lives when that it is plain That Christ came not to dâ—stroy menâ— lives but to save and make alive leaving this Example That Wheat and Tares should grow together until the Harvest lest in gathering the Tares they root up also the Wheat with them Mat. 13 28 29 30. from which saving Christ proceeds to another Parable comparing the Kingdom of Heaven to a grain of Mustard-sâ—ed being accountâ—d the least of all Grain Seeds which being grown up it becomâ—th the greatest among Hâ—rbs and bâ—cometh a Tree that the Bâ—rds of thâ— Air come to lodge in the Branches thereof Mat. 13.31 32. and in the 33 verâ— Christ likens the Kingdom unto leven hid in three measures of Meaâ— until the whole was leavened These things were spoke in Parables that the Saying of the Prophet might be fullfilled in the â—ttering things which have been kept secret from the Foundation of the World which now is manifest by the Light through the Death and Resurrection of Christ Jesus and also left upon Record in the holy Scriptures of Truth that in the light of the Lord God People may learn and come to uâ—derstand that Peoples perishing is not altogether for want of Knowledge but for want of Obedience to that measure of Light which they have received for he that is faithful in that which is little is made Ruler over more for as the Grain of Mustard Seed hath the Light been â—own in the hearts of many which have received as one Talent and in others who have received more so that where much is given much is required and where more or less if it light on good ground it becomes the greatest among Herbs in the Lords Garden and bringeth forth Fruit abundantly to the Praise and Honour of Gods holy Name also the little Leaven had in three measures of Meal implyes the whole man till the whole becomes leavened into a new lump of the heavenly Nature of Gods Kingdom in Christ Jesus which as men come into a true Christian state of Obedience to the Gift of Gods divine Light quickening Word or his Spirit which hath been handed â—orth through the Death and Resurrection of the Lord of Life and Light they through Obedience may come to witness Eternal Life by Jesus Christ Which things one would think are sufficient to incourage all to yeeld their Obedience to the gâ—â—t of Gods divine Light for there is not a Thought of the Heart nor an Inâ—ent of the Mind but the Light makes it manifest which to obey is 〈◊〉 and to disobey is Death for to be carnally minded is Death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace Rom. â— 6 For while men â—emain in obedience to the Light they are spiritually minded in which state they are â—ervants to Righâ—â—ousness but while men are in Disobedience to the Light it is accounted before the â—ord as Rebellion which is as the 〈◊〉 Witchcraft for it is the Willing and Obedâ—ent that shall 〈◊〉 the good Land which 〈◊〉 only extends to the Christ of 〈…〉 to the Lâ—ght who walk in the right as 〈…〉 â—â—dallght and â—n Christ the 〈◊〉 and Light havâ— they Fethâ—â—sh pâ—one with anothâ—â— and the Blood of Jesus Christ cleansâ—◠〈…〉 from their sins 1 John 1 7 for Christ is the Light 〈◊〉 the â—oeld and he that followeth Christ shall not walk in Darkâ—◠〈…〉 have the Light of Life Joh. 8.12 Now 〈◊〉 this 〈…〉 it 〈◊〉 the Dâ—â—obedâ—ent whose Eyes are blâ—nde◠〈…〉 of 〈…〉 〈◊〉 Gor. 4.4 Awake thou that sleepest in sin and Christ will give thee Light for all things that are reproveable in the heâ—â—t of man are reproved by the Light for whatsoever doth make manifest is Light Ephe. 5.13 1â— by which it is manifest that mans condemnation is of himself in that he will not be faithful to the Gift of Gods divine Light because his deeds are evil for every man that doth evil hateth the Light neither cometh to the Light lest his Deeds should be reprovea Joh. 3.19 20. but he that doth Truth cometh to the Light that his â—eâ—ds may be manifest that they are wrought in God cap. 3.21 for God in Christ is the Fountain and Well spring of all Life and Light in whom the â—aithful of God shall for evermore remain in the holy City of heavenly Jerusalem where there is no need of Sun Moon nor Stars to shine in it for the Glory of God righteth it and Christ the Lamb of God is the Light thereof and the Nation of them that have been Obedient to the Light of Gods Gift by Jesus Christ shall be saved and shall walk in the Light of it Rev. 21.23 24. So the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ who is God of all Life and Light and the Way the Truth and the Life of Light which all men in measure have received that they may yeild their Obedience to the Requirings of it that by it their Understandings may come to be more more enlarged towards the Lord of Life and Light that by him through the Power of his Spirit of Grace they may come throughly to see and perceive to hear and understand the things of God treasured up in â—hrist for all them that love the appearance of his â—ight in their own hearts which is the gift of his Spirit of â—race which in measure all men have received and it preaches Life and Salvation to all that are found in faithful obedience to it but it preaches Condemnation Wo and Misery to all that live in a known Life of Disobedience to it which state of so living is no less than to â—rucifie the Lord of Life afresh and to trample under foot all that ever Christ hath done and suffered for the Redemption of the Soul of that Man or Woman which is found in a known state of Disobedience to the Gift of Gods Spirit of Truth which is that Gift of his divine Light which will not loose it honour either by the Salvation or Condemnation of all Mankind even as their Obedience or Disobedience hath been in this Life accordingly will be their Reward in the Life to come which is matter for all to consider before the Spirit of God hath lest striving and the Day of Gods Grace be over with them that perish through a Life of known Disobedience to the Gift of Gods divine Light which came by Jesus Christ who is the Author and Finisher of his own Work in them that believe Concerning Christ the true Seed and everlasting Covenant of God to his People THis is the Christ which the holy men of God in their Day and eneration prophesied to come and to finish Sin and to put an end to Transgression in all thaâ— truly believe in his Name which according to Gods appointed
time the Word was made Fesh and dâ—elt among the Son Daughters of Men and they beheld his Glory the Glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth Joh. 1.14 and this is Christ unto whom all things of the Father are delivered both in â—eaven and Earth and no man knows him but the Father neither knoweth anâ— man the Father save the Son and he to whom the Son will reveal him Mat. 11.27 By which it is evident that all Revelation is not ceased Come unto me all ye that are heavy laden and I will give you rest vers 28. Here Christ hath promised Rest unto all that will come unto him But how shall they come unto him by Faith in Obedience to that measure of his divine Light of his Spirit of Grace which he hath placed in their Hearts it being the Lords Talent given to Man for this end that he should improve it to the Honour and Glory of God and Salvation of his own Immortal Soul by Jesus Christ the Evidence of whose Spirit giveth Life to the Soul of that Man whose cleart Mind and Spirit is faithful to his Gift for the Scriptures restâ—le That Christ affordeth unto all them that by true Faith come unto him Search the Scriptures for in them â—e think to have Eternal Life and they are they that testifie of me and ye will not come to me that you may have Life Job 5.39 40. Here it is evident from Christs own words That to search the holy Scriptures without the true saving knowledge of God in Christ and of his Spirit which moved in the holy Men of God and gave them Utterance to declare his Will and Mind according as contained in the holy Scripture without which in some measure Men cannot profit or benefit towards Salvation by Jesus Christ by their reading the holy Scriptures for they that will not come to the inward Evidence of Gods Gift of his Spirit and Grace they have not the Love of God in them Joh. 5.42 For Jesus Christ the Promise of God and Seed of the Kingdom him hath God given to be an Everlasting Covenant of Grace Light and Life to them that fear and tremble at the Power of his Word and stedfastly remain in the belief of his holy Name which is no less than to give up in their whole desire of Heart and Mind to serve him the Lord of Life in Truth and Righteousness with uprightness of Heart Mind Soul and Spirit for unto him it doth belong and unto such belongeth the Promise of God by the suffering of his Son the Lord Jesus Christ which doth extend Salvation to their Souls for God in tender Love Mercy towards all men falling short of his Glory by the fall of the first Adam doth tender the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus by the call of his good Spirit of Grace Life and Light which remains not in the oldness of the Letter but in the newness of the Spirit which hath no relation to the saving of that Soul which remains in sin term of Life having received the inward Evidence of the Spirit which condemns for every thought word and action which is not agreeable with the Spirit of Truth of which every man hath received a measure in his own heart to justifie or condemn even as his Works appear before the Lord so shall be his Reward if of Faith and Obedience then Life and Peace will follow but if it be of Sin and Unbelief then Death Hell and Destruction will be the Portion of him or her which dyes in such a state for the Wages of Sin is Death but the Gift of God is Eternal Life so they that dye in sin are free from Righteousness having no part lot nor share in the Promise of God and Hope of Jesus Christ for their Hope shall be cut as the Spiders Web which shall perish for evermore for Christ came not to save People in their sin but to save and redeem from sin and Transgression His Name shall be called Jesus for he shall save his People from their Sins Mat. 1.21 for they that dye in their sins cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven as Christ said If ye believe not that I am he ye shall dye in your sins and where I go ye cannot come which relates to a state of Perfection in this Life upon which Head I shall God willing treat more at large in a distinct Chapter by which the Understandings of them that desire after Truth may receive the benefit of my small measure relating to the same for man living in sin becomes destitute of any benefit by Christ for the Salvation of his Soul for he that commits sin it is of the Devil and he knows not God the Father but he that is faithful to the Gift of God in his heart learns to fear the Lord and to work his Righteousness which is the fullfilling of what God requires in obedience to the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ who spiritually moves in the hearts of all whose day of Visitation is not over for Christ ruleth over all and will in no way fall short of his Honour either by the Salvation of the one or Condemnation of the other for Christ by the measure of his Spirit is in all except Reprobates 〈◊〉 and therefore it is matter of great concern for People to examin their own hearts whether by true Faith Christ abides in them for the Body of Man where Christ by the gift of his divine Light and Spirit liveth is the Temple of the holy Ghost and if any Man defile the Temple of God him will God destroy Then he that is not in obedience to the gift of God which he hath received is a Pollutor of the Temple and is without true Faith in Christ Prove your own selves know you not that if Christ be not in you you are Reprobates 2 Cor. 13.5 Now they whose Minds are wrought towards the Lord their Affections are set on heavenly things above to seek God in Christ and in them Christ by the measure of his divine Light Grace and Spirit liveth Gal. 2.20 Now Christ being in his People the Body is dead because of Sin but the Spirit is Life because of Righteousness Rom 8.10 for there is neither Greek nor Jew Circumcision Barbarian Sithian Bond nor Free but Christ is all and in all and many more Scripture Prooffs might be produced to the same effect That Christ lives and moves by the Gift of his divine Light and Spirit of Grace and Truth in the hearts of his People and that their Bodies are the Temple of God for Christ by the gift of his Spirit Life and Light to dwell in which if People both Young and Old would forsake their Vanity and apply their Minds to seek the Lord in his own way of Truth and Righteousness according to the Gift of his divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit as by Record for their help
shall end and be no more for the Word of the Lord shall endure forever And what is left recorded in the written Word of God is for this end that People may learn in the Light of the Lord to perform that which by the Gift of his Spirit of divine Light Grace he requires of them to do the Declaration of which is recorded in the holy Scriptures of Truth which are profitable for Doctrine c. 2 Tim. 3.16 which no man can learn but as he remains faithful to the gift of God which he hath received for that end that by so doing he may come to grow more and more in Grace to the Honour of God and everlasting Wellfare of his immortal Soul which will never witness Salvation but by true Faith in Christ Jesus the most sure VVord of Prophecy whereunto they will do well to take heed as unto a Light that shineth in a dark place until the day dawn and the Day star arise in their hearts without which there is no Salvation CHAP. VI. Concerning Faith Hope and Obedience which by the Power of God through â—esus Christ worketh Salvation to the Souls of them that truly believe in the gift of his Grace Also something concerning Silence JEsus Christ in all things became obedient to the Will of God the Father for the Redemption of all Mankind that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but should receive Life Everlasting which is the Promise of God by Jesus Christ unto all the faithful willing and obedient that is in all things for the Salvation of their Souls by Faith in Jesus Christ for Man by Obedience to the Gift of God which is a measure of divine Light by Jesus Christ by whom the Soul comes to be reconciled unto God for the Lord in 〈◊〉 â—ay requires no less than perfect Obedience of all Men 〈…〉 all men have received of his Gift of his Spirit of divine Light by Jesus Christ so he will not have any left without Excuse in the Day of his Coming to take Vengeance on all the Vngodly which call not upon the Name of the Lord. for Christ is made manifest according to the Commandment of the Everlasting God made known to all Nations for the Obedience of their Faith Rom 16.6 and for that end did the Apostle write that he might know the proof of them whether they were obedient in all things 2 Cor. 2 9. for this is the Day of Gods Visitation wherein if ye will hear his Voice harden not your hearts against the Light of his Spirit of Grace for unto whom ye yeild your Minds Servants to obey his Servants you are to whom you obey whether of Sin unto Death or Obedience unto Righteousness Rom. 6.16 Now the Gift of Gods divine Light by Jesus Christ makes manifest to all men all the thoughts of his Heart and intents of his Mind for the Righteousness of Faith speaketh on this wise Say not in thy heart who shall ascend into Heaven that is to bring Christ down from above or who shall descend into the deep that is to bring up Christ again from the Dead but what saith it the VVord is nigh thee even in thy Mouth in thy Heart that is the VVord of Faith Rom. 10.6.7 8 By which it is evident that where men perish it is not altogether for want of Knowledge but for want of Obedience to the Gift of God which he hath placed in the hearts of all the Sons and Daughters of Men which by obedience would give them Power over their lustful Desires which by Nature lodgeth in the hearts of sinful Men and Women whose Minds for want of Obedience are drawn by the Enemy's Power to joyn with the Temptations of the Devil but if they yeilded Obedience to the gift of Gods Spirit they would witness strength to with-stand the Enemy and cause him to flee for the â—eapon of every true Believers VVar-fare are not carnal but spiritual and mighty through God to the pulâ—ing down strong Holds casting down every high thing that exalteth its self against the Knowledge of God and bringeth into Captivity every Thought to the Obedience of Christ having in readiness to revenge all Disobedience when their Obedience is fullfilled 2 Cor. 10.1 5 6. and in this do the faithful come to witness the inward Affections of Christ more more abundant towards them whilst he remembereth their Obedience how with fear and trembling they receive him 2 Cor. 7.15 Which things are plain and by Obedience easie to be understood that they who come to receive the benefit of Chriâ—â— by the Power of Gods Spirit in and through him it is by true Faith in Obedience to his Word at which they fear and tremble it being sharper than any two-edged Sword dividing between the Precious and the Vile which is an Engagement between the Power of God and the Power of the Souls Enemy who hath seated himself in the Temple of God as if he were God which Enemy is the strong Man that hath taken Possession in the hearts of the Sons Daughters of Men whose Minds are alienated from God by reason of Sin and Transgression who keepeth the House until a stronger than the Devil doth dispossess him of his Power unto which Povver through the Lust of Peoples unregenerated Hearts they are most inclined to serve vvhich hath been and yet is the state of many Thousands of Men and Women vvho are deceived by the Devil vvhich is for vvant of Obedience to the gift of God Povver vvhich by true Faith and Obedience vvould dispossess the Devil of his Povver and bring the inward Man into the true saving Knowledge of his sanctified Work of Grace in their own Hearts vvhich things they are ignorant of who remain in a blind zeal for God but not according to the true saving Knowledge of him in Jesus Christ Rom 10.2 by which their Faith remains in a dead Hope that shall perish for true Faith works the whole inward Man of Heart Mind Soul and Spirit into the true Love of God and Hope of Salvation by the Lord Jesus Christ whose Spirit gives Evidence of an assurance in those things that by true Faith are hoped for so that Faith is the substance of things hoped for and the Evidence of things not seen Heb. 11.1 2. for by Faith the holy Men of God obtained a good Report for we see and understand through Faith in God that the Worlds were framed by Christ the Word of God so that things that were seen were not made of things which do appear Heb. 1.3 By when it is manifest that Christ is the Word by whom all things were made long before the Scriptures were given for 〈◊〉 for the Law came by Moses but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ in whom remaineth the â—ope of hâ—s People for the â—arvation of their Souls and from this Word Christ the Seâ—vant of God received Grace Apostleshâ—â— for their Obedience to the Faith
this end that through perfect Obedience thereunto they may work out their Salvation by true Faith in Jesus Christ who is Author and Finisher of his own Work in the hearts of them that in him believe for he is given a Light to the Gentiles and a Rule of Life for all to walk by So here is no occasion of stumbling as the heart and mind attends its Rule which Rule directs the heart and mind in to the true and living Way which leads to the Kingdom of Heaven where they that worship out of the Spirit and Truth can never come for though they may not profess to worship a false God as many do yet they profess a worship of the true God in a false way by which their worship is a false Worship which the â—ord will destroy for contrary to the mind and will of God they have set â—p a false Worship teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of Men Mat. 15.9 For the hour cometh and now is â—hen the true Worshipper shall worship the Father in Spirit â—â—d in ruth for the Father seeketh such to worship him â—ob 4.23 By which its manâ—est That all words in Deâ—arations Preaching and Praying with all whatsoever â—se that men pretend to the Worship of God being not â—ad thereunto by the Power of God it is no more before 〈◊〉 Lord than he that cuts off a Dogs Neck or â—fforeth Sâ—ines â—lood Isa 66. â— For the â—ord is o◠〈◊〉 pure Eyes â—an to behold Iniquity or to regard Iniquity for be will not have regard to that Worship in which Obedience is not yeilded to the gift of his own Spirit of Truth which calls for Silence in the heart and mind of all such People whose Worship is not in the Spirit and in Truth for the fleshly part must be subdued and the natural Thoughts of the heart and the intents of the natural Mind must be subdued by the Power of God unto which Obedience is to be yeilded that every wandering Thought may be brought into subjection by the Power of God then the Lord will have regard unto the Soul of him that so worshippeth for such Worshippers are they of the Circumcision which worship in the Spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus having no Confidence in the Flesh Phil 3 3. Now this is the main Reason why People do not pront but in their Worship as themselves confess go round in their Duties even like a Horse in the Mill and a Door on the Hinges still remaining where they were because they offer to God with a false weight and measure which is of their own Imperfection in a belief that they shall never be free from Sin in this Life whereby their Debt is in larged and causeth them to fall short of a true Hope by Jesus Christ who will not accept that imperfect Offering which would not profit in the Time of the Law for this is the Day of Gods Grace by Jesus Christ in which if any man will hear let him not harden his heart through a false Belief begotten by the denyal that in this day of so large a Dispensation of Light by Jesus Christ that God will receive the imperfectness of Mans own Work which indeed is that which the â—ords Soul abhors for the Devil and Enemy of Mans Peace hath seated himself in the heart and mind of Man and exalted himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped so that he as God fitteth in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God Thes 2.4 and unto him the natural Mind inclineth to serve by which the Soul remaineth in Sin and Transgression against God whose Gift of divine Light is vailed from the Understanding which also becomes Dark in which state they walk in the light of their own wayes which leads in the Paths of Death which fulfills Christs saying If the Eye be evil the whole Body shall be full of Darkness then how great is that Darkness Mat. 6.23 which Darkness drowns the Understanding of the inward Man that it cannot come to perceive the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ Jesus which is the Power of God to Salvation in them that believe in the Light of it which if it be hid it is only to the Disobedient who yeild their Obedience to their hearts Lusts which lusteth after Sin and Evil being also desirous to know God without Obedience to the gift of his Spirit of Grace in which state the Devil hath the ruling part in the heart which lusteth after some outward Work in pretence of worshipping God only for the outward Name of Christian amongst Men such Worshippers the Lords Soul doth abhor for Mans natural Will is Enmity with God and in that state mans Time in Worship is not that Time which the Lord doth accept but the Lords Time in which he doth accept Mans Offering is when by the Power of his own Spirit the heart is moved to worship him the only true God in the only true way of his Worship which is in the Spirit and Truth So all are commanded to keep silence before the Lord and to hear him for the profit of their own Souls before they can speak or declare any one thing for the spiritual Edification of another for he that nameth the Name of the Lord is first to depart from Iniquity and to wait for the Teachings of Gods holy Spirit which hath commanded Silence to all Flesh before hîm Hab. 2.20 Ezek. 2.13 also Psal 3.25 28 Let all the Earth keep Silence before the Lord I patiently waited on the Lord Truely my Soul waiteth on God from him cometh my Salvation So that God requireth a free and willing Mind to be free from all Incumberments and love of visible things which are below the true Wisdom of God which unto the wise-learned in the things of this World is counted foolishness to see the Lords Children sit together in Silence waiting on God to hear the Voice of his inward Call by the gift of his Spirit of divine Grace Life and Light in which is the true Worship of God in Spirit and Truth So here is to be no giving way to any stragling Thought of the Heart nor Intent of the Mind for all that is of Self is by the Power of God to be brought into Subjection to his holy Will which is the true worshipping of God in Spirit and Truth for all Thoughts and Intents which proceed not from the Power of Gods Spirit they are Thieves and Robbers which keep lurking through the Devils Power to deceive the Soul of that benefit which if they were obedient to the command of the Lord they might receive for as the true Worshippers in all Ages have been sound in the silent waiting their strength hath been renewed for they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with Wings as Eagles they shall run and not be weary and thâ—y shall walk and not be faint Isa â—0 31 for they come
to the Dispensation which he had received for the opening of blind Eyes in others by which they were turned from Darkness to Light and from the Power of Stran to the Power of God and received Forgiveness of sins and an Inheritance among them 〈◊〉 are faâ—ctified Acts 26.18 in which state he did not 〈◊〉 to speak any thing which Christ had not wrought in him yea he so strove to preach the Gospel not where hâ—st was named lest that he should build upon another mans Foundation Rom 1â— 18.20 which is as much differing from the call and practice of many called Gospel Ministers in this day as the East differs from the West being contrary one against the other and at that distaâ—ce by which they can never joyn one to the other even so contrary are they in their own Wisdom to the Doctrine Principle and Practâ—ce of the holy Apostles who were called of God by the Power of his own Spirit in and through the Lord Jesus Christ which made them able Ministers not of the Letter but of the Spirit which gave forth the Letter that kills them that are not in Obedience to the gift of the Spirit for the Letter kills but the Spirit makes alive 2 Cor. 3.6 for the Apâ—stles were not made Ministers by the Will of Man neither were they upheld by the Power of Man but were made Ministers according the gift of Gods Grace given unto them by the effectual working of his Power Ephes 3.7 neither did they build again the things which they had once destroyed for in so doing they become Transgressors Gal. 2.18 Now the hited Teachers of this Age preach against Sin which on the other hand they build up by laying a rotten Foundation That People can never be free from sin in this Life which is inconsistent with Gods holy Truth by Jesus Christ who came to destroy sin and put an end to Transgression that is in them which believe as the Apostles have done for example for they were so far from hire that they had as it were nothing and yet through contentment with the Lords providing were made possessors of all things approving themselves as the Ministers of Christ in much â—atience in Distress by Pureness by Knowledge by Long-suffering by Kindness by the holy Ghost by the Word of Truth by the Power of God by the Armour of Righteousness on the right hand and on the left by Honour and Dishonour by evil Report and good Report as Deceivers yet true as sorrowful yet always rejoycing as poor yet making many rich as having nothing yet possessing all things 2 Cor. 6.4 to 11. which was the state of the true Ministers of Christ in that day and is in measure the same with many in this day Which doth manifest the wide difference between the Ministers of Christ and the Ministers of Anti-christ the one being in a state of Darkâ—eâ—s through that wisdom which will neither enter nor suffer others to enter and the other in a state of Light through the gift of that Wisdom which is of God by Jesus Christ which is willing to give entrance through Faith in him to his Rest which the wise of this World by all their outward Learning can never find for as the true Ministers of Christ give no offence so the Ministers of Anti christ offend in all things towards God and his People and he that offends Christs little ones better were it for him that a Mill stone were hanged about his Neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the Sea Mat. 18.6 7. for the People of the Lord are even to him as the Apple of his Eye and blessed are they that are not offended in him for they shall receive a double Reward of Gods heavenly Râ—ches in Jesus Christ but Wo is unto them that have taken upon them the name of his Ministers and are not found in â—he 〈…〉 of his Life by whose Spirit of Grace his Servants were made able Mâ—nisters of his Truth according to the Dispâ—niation given thâ—â— for others to fullfil the Word of God Col. 1.25 which is evident they did not preach 〈…〉 but Jâ—us Christ the Lord and themselves the Peoples Servanâ—s 〈◊〉 Jesus sake 2 Cor. 4.5 neither had any mans Person in aâ—miration for advantage sake of outward gain neither was their preaching with 〈◊〉 words of mans wisdom but in the demonstration oâ— the Spirâ—â— and of Power that Peoples Faith might not stand in the Wisdom oâ— Man but in the Power of God 1 Cor 2.4 〈◊〉 that so they might continue in the Faith grounded and stedâ—ast and not be moved away from the Hope oâ— the Gospel which they â—ave heard and which was preached to every Creature â—hat is under the Heavens whereof the Apostles were made the Ministers of Christ Col 1.23 Now it is evident that they who pretend to be Gospel Ministers and are not in Dâ—ctrine Principle and Pratice as aforesaid related of Christs Ministers they are â—â—e Worlds Teachers set up and upheld by the World â—nd so no true Gospel maintenance belongeth unto them â—r their mouthes are to be stopped because they subvert â—hole Houses teaching things they ought not for filthy â—ucre take therefore their mouthes are to be 〈◊〉 â—hom God hath not sent to tred out his Corn for 〈◊〉 God taketh care for Oxen so he taketh the greater care 〈◊〉 the Ministers of his Truth that as they plow in hove they also thresh in hope and are made partakers of their hope 1 Cor. 9 9 10. in which state the Houshold of Faith do good unto all men and more in a special manner to them of whom they pertake of their spiritual things So in the one Faith do the People of God minister to each other without any Compulsion by or from the Power of man Rom. 15.27 1 Cor. 9 11. So they that waâ—t aâ— the Altar are made to partake with the Altar 1. Cor. 9 13. Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preaâ—â—h the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9.14 So the true Ministers of Christ do not use any outward Power least that they should hinder the Gospel of Christ 1 Cor 9.2 which Example is left for all to follow even as the true Gospel Ministers have followed Christ and also to mark them that walk otherways 1 Cor. 11 1. Phil. 3.17 Then whom should we mark but them who have taken upon them the Name of Gospel Ministers and by their Doctrine Principle Practice are not found of the Nature of Christ and his true Gospel Ministers which teach People the way to Gods Kingdom without Money by the year for preaching for the Love of God in Christ by whom his Servants and Messengers of Truth are constrained to preach the Gospel for whose sake they preach the Gospel without Charge even so was it with the Apostles in their Day who used no Compulsion neither did he write that any such thing should be done unto them
evil one time and another time move them to do it for the Spirit of God by Jesus Christ moves his People in the way of holiness in which holy Way of Righteousness they have born their faithful Testimonies for Gods holy Truth against Fighting to defend their Faith by or with the carnal Sword or to take up any such like evil Practice again for Gods way of bringing his People nearer to him is by Jesus Christ whose Kingdom he will more and more exalt in the hearts of the saithful and not with the using of any carnal Weapon but by the Power of his own Spirit Ezek. 4.6 in which state they desire the wellfare of all men both Soul and Body and not as many do to kill the Body and say they desire the wellfare of their Souls whose Bodies they have destroyed for the Spirit of God meaneth not any such thing as to destroy mens Bodies with the carnal Sword and say they desire the wellfare of their souls for according to Christs Dostrine he that destroyes the Body of his Enemy cannot love the Soul of his Enemy for Christ came to save both Soul and Body and through the Power of God in him are many redeemed which by nature were Enemies â—nto him then what more can be said are not men by rature Enemies to one another then come to the Law and the â—rophets and do even as ye would be done unto for if you will be beloved of God in Christ you must love both Soul and Body of your Enemies even as Christ hath done unto them which have been Enemies unto him for Love covers a multitude of faults and Love leads them that are faithfull to God to keep the sayings of Christ who hath commanded to pray for Enemies and to do good unto all men by which they may be the Children of their Father which is in heaven in which state the Kingdom of this World may become the Kingdoms of Jesus Christ that the Prophets saying may be fulfilled that Nation shall not lift up Sword against Nation neither shall they learn War any more Isa 2.4 Mich 4.3 untill which time the saying of Christ is fulfilled upon them that take the Sword which must perish with the Sword then happy are they that are yet living in the Body and have known the end of all War Strife and Contention for unto their Number Will be the gathering of them that shall not lift up the Sword one against the other neither learn war any more of which Number are the despised of this day who strive to maintain Peace by denying all Wars and Fightings with the carnal Sword or of the like Nature CHAP. XXIII Concerning Conscience which justifies the Ways of the Righteous and condemneth the unrighteous Works of the Wicked MAny People talk of Conscience among vvhom some there are vvhose Hearts are so hardned that their Consciences are seared as vvith a hot Iron such are in the depth of Iniquity against God and his Christ and many are they that have so little regarded Conscience that they have sinned out the Day of Gods Grace and many more are travailing in the broad Way of Destruction and fevv there be that knovv vvhat Conscience is or the Nature of a good Conscience tovvards God and all men for the Righteousness of God is held in a pure Conscience by vvhich the fruits of their righteous Works are manifest in the sight of God and in the sight of men but the Righteousness of the World is Unrighteousness vvith God for their Righteousness is held in a corrupt Conscience of their own Unrighteousness vvhich is to themselves for Destruction but vvhere there is any thing of Life in heart mind and spirit as to the things of God vvhich concern the Wellfair of the Soul there is Conscience at vvork either excusing or accusing according as their vvords thoughts actions are before the Lord vvhich searcheth the heart and giveth to every man according to the Fruits of his ovvn Works vvhether of Faith and Obedience or of Unbelief and â—isobedience vvhich the Witness of God vvith every and â—isobedience vvhich either justifie or condemn for all men shall be tryed by their Deeds done in the Body and accordingly they shall receive from the Lord the righteous Judge of Heaven Earth vvho vvill call all to an Account in the great Day of his Coming to judge the Quick and the Dead then happy vvill it be vvith them vvho have made good Conscience in all things of this Life towards God and all men for the Day is coming in which Fear and Dread shall come upon all the Ungodly vvho have not made Conscience of Obedience to the Name of the Lord Jesus vvho is largely manifested and many have and do believe and confess and shevv their Deeds as many have already â—one vvho have brought out their Books of curious Arts â—nd burnt them in the presence of men the loss of which to â—hem vvas gain though the price thereof amounted to fifty thousand pieces of Silver Acts 19.17 18 19. and such vvere they that by believing made good Conscience before God in the sight of men vvhich if all vvould live up in obedience to the Witness of God they vvould come to the improvement of the like Conscience before God CHAP. XXIV Concerning the free Love of God in and by the Lord Jesus Christ THe Love of God by the gift of his Spirit of Light Life and Grace is free for all men by Jesus Christ for God so loved the World that he sent his only beloved Son the Lord Jesus to suffer Death for all men that abosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting Life John 3.15 16. Then they that believe in Christ are them that abide in the love of God which leads to keep all his Commandments which he hath by the Son of his Love the Lord of Life commanded all men to keep for the great Love of God was manifest that Jesus who was made a little lower then the Angels for the suffering of Death crowned with Glory and Honour that by the Grace of God should taste Death for every man Heb. 2.9 by which every man that heareth his Word and believeth on God hath Life and shall not come into Condemnation but is passed from Death unto Life John 5.24 For the hour is coming and now is when the dead shall hear the Voice of the Son of God and they that hear shall live Vers 25. which is according to the Apostles saying that when he was dead in Tâ—espasses and Sins against God the Voice of the Son of God appeared unto him who became willing to give up in true love to serve the Lord with uprightness in heart and mind by which thorough the Love oâ— God in Christ he came through Faith and Obedience to receive that Crown of Righteousness which was not only in store for him but for all them that love the appearance of the Lord Jâ—sus in their
which Doctrine ought not to find itching Ears among any the Children of them who have persecuted the Lords Servants to Death at Boston but as the Lords Seâ—vants and Messengers of his Truth have born the merciless Rod of that persecuting Generation so ought every man concerned either actually or by consent to bear the Charity of the Lords People which is great Charity indeed to inform them of their unrighteous ways against the Lord and his People The fore-going Letter some of them called Railing but the Day will come in which they shall know and that from the just God of Heaven and Earth that it is no railing to infoâ—m People of the Truth which in the time of my Letter was both lawful and expedient for me so to do neither are they to have forgiveness of God further than they turn and repent neither are the Lords People to forgive that on Earth which is not forgiven in Heaven but to pray that his Will may be done on Earth as it is done in Heaven CHAP. XXVIII Concerning the Covering and Vncovering of the Head in Honour to Man or Men. WHere there is liberty by the Law of God for one man to remain with his Head covered before another it can be no transgression of any Righteous Law among men and as to Customs of that nature it is better to obey God than Manâ— for all things which a man is perswaded of God in his own heart to be comely decent and of good report that men ought in obedience to God to follow but that which hath no Scripture Example from any command of Christ nor Practice of any of his Apostles for one man to stand bear-headed in honour to another is that which cannot proceed from the Life and Power of God because it is not found in the holy Scriptures to be commanded of God neither in practice by any of Christs Disciples nor his holy Apostles bâ—t only a beaâ— Cuâ—tom got up among some of the Nations which indeâ—d by many of them are so accustomed to the Hat Hand and Knee by or with which they bestow so much Honour one towards the other that by that practice with other of their Works among men they have not due regard to the Works of Righteousness and Holiness for the honour oâ— God before whom in the time of praying prophecying the Head is to be uncovered for the Head of every man is Christ and the Head of Christ is God which proves a dishonour to the Name of the Lord to honour men whose hearts they know not as to God but honour them in the saâ—â—e form as they do the Lord when their Prayers are made to him who is the searcher of all hearts and giver to every man according to the fruits of his doings which to the faithful will be a Crown of Righteousness to the hoary Head but to the Sinner though a hundred yeaâ—s old he is accursed which also doth of Hat-Honour by which men honour that which is accursed of God CHAP. XXIX Concerning the great Judgments of God upon the Inhabitants of New-England by Witch-craft WItch-craft is altogether wrought through the Spirit and Power of the Devil which rules in the Children of Disobedience who ramain in the Works of the flesh with which Witch-craft is included Gal. 3. and 5 20 for which cause the just Judgments of God are the Reward of all Wicked and â—â—godly men but to all that repent their Sins and Blasphemies wherewithsoever they shall blaspheme shall be forgiven but he that blasphemeth against the holy Ghost shall not be forgiven in this World nor the world to come Joh. 5.6 17. Mat. 21.10 Now as to divers Authors their apprehensions are various in differing one from the other about Witches and Witch-craft which to prevent error that Truth and Righteousness may take place I have taken in hand to set forth in order a Declaration which is according to the holy scriptures which do hold forth the nature and cause of People having familarity with the Devil who is the Father of all Unrighteouâ—ness through which Unrighteousness he begets the heart and mind to serve him in which state more or less are most men through which Life of Disobedience the Understanding of man is darkened that it cannot see what is for God according to his will neither do they comprehend divers works which are against him which is also as a Judgment from God for Disobedience which indeed is of the nature of Rebellion which is as the sin of Witch craft then where men are in the like state they are blind as to the knowledge or God concerning such whom he commanded to be destroyed in the time of the Law Deut. 〈…〉 11.12 Exod. 22 18. for they that are not come to 〈◊〉 Law and the Prophets do not know the will and Mind of God relating to the new Law of Light Life and Grace by Jesus Christ for they that serve sin are servants to sin and of him they are whose works they do Rom. 6.16 Iohn 8.44 Mat. â— 24 Luke 6.13 Then in what state are they that are alwayes confessing but never forsaking for if through Obedience they did forsake sin then there would be no such need of confessing that which they have forsaken because where men forsake their sins and live in all good order of Gods holy Truth as they are commandâ—d to do then the Lord will remember their Transgressions no more Isa 45 7. and 44.25 for where men keep Judgment and do Righteousness at all times they are not in a state of alwayes confessing and of not forsaking Psal 106.3 for where men confess and not forsake their works manifest a dead Faith James 2.26 in which state of â—â—obedience they draw near with their Lip and Moâ—th to honour the Lord when it is manifest by Works that the heart is far from him and their fear is taught by the precepts of men therefore doth the Lord do amarvelous work and a wonder for the Wisdom of then Wise Men shall perish and the Vnderstanding of their Prudent men shall be hâ—d Isa 29.13 Mat. 15.8 Mark 7.6 which scriptures are fulfilled as a Judgment of God for innocent Blood shed in New-England whose Priests and Rulers with the consenting Inhabitants have been bewitched that that should not obey the Truth of God made manifest by Jesus Christ whose Servants they have put to Death at Boston for which cause as a Judgment they are deliverd up through Unbelief to hardness of heart to commit other sins which with the sin of Blood hath furder stored up the Lords Wrath to add to their Troubles through the increase of his Judgments against them for rebelling against his holy Truth for which cause as Judgment increaseth against sin so sin in New-England increaseth against Judgment until the Light of sin at this time is of that hight and nature that there is no less of the Priests and their Church Members with others of their hearers then five
belief of their being at more ease when out of this body than in the body then what changeth the nature between black People and white People the colour of the skin doth not change the Nature But some may say The Negroes in Barbadoes do not go to Church Indeed is it so and what better are many for going to Church in New-England where they that have been nearest related to the Church have manifested themselves to be the furden from God as witness their puting four of the Lords Servants to death at Boston which Church they then accounted the purest Church in the World and if the sheding of innocent Blood be the mark of a pure Church the Church of Rome is more pure then the church of Boston of which I may hereafter more relate so that it is not the going to Church in New-England that causeth white People to differ in nature from black people which go not to Church in Barbadoes And therefore Judges had need to consider all things aright because they are expresly commanded To do no Vnrighteousness in Judgment Lev. 19.15 Now some of these People have said to me that they were in trouble of mind and then hearing of themselves accused by the Specter or Devil turned Informer that it made them even as it were besides themselves or out of their natural Understanding and then hearing that all without confession were suddainly put to Death and large promises of mercy from God and Man and with the Priest and his Fallowers on the one side and their nearest and dearest Relations on the other side all urging to a Confession which is so as I beleive it was let all rational men judge what state and condition these confessors were in for we read That over much Oppression will make a wise Man mad and its easie to conceive that lesser Oppression will make them mad who are not in their right Understandings by reason of some trouble in mind But the thing then is how or which way or by what means shall men come to know one that is a Witch from one that is not a Witch To which I say it must be by that Wisdom by which the Damsel Eâ—â—mus and Simon came to be known Acts 10.16 13.8 9 10. 8.23 and notwithstanding they were known to be Witches the Apostle did not direct to the command in the Law of not suffering a Witch to live but directed or exhorted him to repent and pray which ought to be noted that first to repent then pray which may afford this use that Prayer before Repentance is not accepted of the Lord neither is Repentance without the Fruits of Repentance and without Fruits the Faith of Man is dead even as the Body is dead without the Spirit James 2.26 But then say the Professors of this Age Is there no other way and means to know Witches but as the Apostle did in his day Then there is no knowing a Witch in this day because say they all such means by the Spirit of God is ceased for one working of Miracles is past Answ Past indeed to them that know no other state but to bear a Body of Sin all their days but to them who are redeemed from sin they know in measure as the Apostle did in his day for if one Spirit cannot discern another then Christ is not in his People but the faithful witness Christ is spiritually in them and in whom he is not are they not Reprobates 2 Cor. 13.5 and to them is no Prophesie no Revelation no Miracle for they are spiritually dead deaf dumb and blind as to all the spiritual things of God by Jesus Christ and to such the Truth of God by any of his Servants is as Pearl before Swine and if a faithful man should say That he hath an infallible assurance that some of these twenty People put to Death in N. E. for Witches were not such Witches as accused condemned and put to Death for then what follows but the prosecution of Law because he hath but one Evidence and that 's in himself by the Spirit of God so though all are lawful yet all things are not expedient without the call of God thereunto But Witches there be of divers sorts as before related and if any be convicted of Murder they ought to dye but if men once maintain it lawful to put all to Death for Witches in whose likeness the â—evil may appear and work the like Wickedness as is laid to the charge of these put to Death they may I believe put to Death for Witches the greatest part of People now in the World because it s but a few in comparison that shall be saved which greatest Number that perish when the Spirit of God leaves striving and the day of Grace is over then their House becomes desolate and they become the Children of him whose Work they have done and he takes more full possession of his own House and Goods which is the heart mind and Spirit of them that are wholly departed from the Lord and the Lord from them Gen. 6.3 Mat. 12.43 44 45. Luke 11.24.25 And thou hath not the Devil full Power over his own that is without their consent to act and do so far as he is permitted any manner of Wickedness in their likeness or in the form and shape of their Bodies But to act and do such Wickedness in the form shape and likeness of Gods faithful Children is that which I cannot believe therefore I leave it waiting the Lords time for the further manifesting of that with other Mysteries unto me and doubt noâ— but as I remain faithful the Lord will manifest unto me in his own due time what he sees convenient for me And his I am well satisfied in that if men maintain that command of not suffering a Witch to live as in the time of the Law that they are not Ministers in all things according to the Law except they put to Death as the Law in that day did require that is the Witch and the Wizard the false Worshipper the rebellious Child the Adulterer and Adultress all which were under one sentence of Death in the time of the Law then why only a Witch not guilty of Murder to be put to Death in this Gospel Day when Christ hath said Let the Tares and Wheat grow till the Harvest and to let the blind alone for if one lead the other both shall fall into the Ditch And though the holy man of God destroyed twice fifty with their Captains by fire from Heaven and forty more by cursing them in the Name of the Lord these things according to Christs own words are not lawful to be done in this Gospel Day 1 King 1.10 Thes 2.24 Luke 9.5 Mat 15.14 Luke 6.39 Mat. 13.30 Mat. 5. Then as to the Command in the Law relating to false Worshippers as they were accursed so was their whole Substance accursed also therefore if these put to Death be Witches it must needs
was done in Heaven therfore is it writen that as the body is dead without the spirit so is also Faith dead without Works that by whomsoever works are not manifested agreeable to Gods holy Truth and example of his holy People in days past they are only Christians in namê and not in nature of that life which God requireth of all men to live and abide in therefore it is that people profit not by what they hear or read because they are spiritually dead having blinded Eyes and deaf Ears with which they can neither see hear nor receive to understand the Spirit of Truth of which a manifestation is given to every man to profit withal and is the gift of his Spirit the Word of Faith to them that will hear to obey the Light of the Spirit of Truth which is the condemnation of the Disobedient who are here and there in this and the other Form of Religion serving God with mouth and lip in their own wisdom wills and with their own words being only called by the Name of Christ without the Nature of his Life which being destitute of no man can be a true Christian yet how contentedly do men live and abide in this and the other form but do not witness the strength of the power of God to redeem from sin and transgression and to make alive to God who is only a God them that through the Spirit do mortifie the deeds of the flesh and through the Spirit are brought in again by the flying Cherub and glittering Sword of Gods power in and by Christ the Tree of everlasting Life on which as any eats he cannot dye to God but hath an infallible assurance of life in the Son of God without which assurance no man can truly say that he pleaseth God in thought word and deed for it is the anointing which is by the Tree of Life that teacheth all things which leadeth into all Truth the evidence of which Spirit doth assure the Son in whom there is life and the nature of his life dwelleth and abideth in them that by true faith in him and obedience to the word of his Spirit they are made alive unto God and of this nature is Christ in his people and in whom he is not they are Reprobates and in whom he abideth not they are cursed Children abiding under the curse in their own wisdom knowledge will reason righteousness and the like which causeth them to lust more and more after the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil for which cause they rebel against the Spirit of God in themselves and deny his appearance in his People for which cause of Rebellion which is as the sin of Witch-craft the Truth of God abideth not in them therefore are they without God in the world living to their own God of which in the world there are many that delight and sweetly recreate their minds in by living a life of obedience to their own ways of righteousness which only proceeds from lust that gives way for men to live according as their own will and reason directeth them in all they do for God and to one another all which is vnder the Curse as it is written Cursed is he that putteth his Trust in man and maketh flesh his Arm. So all men that live in flesh and blood and are obedient to their own wisdom will and reason they are servants to their own lust being in bondage as slaves servants to that and those things which they do as it is written Men are Servants to him to whom they obey and Children of him whose work they do therefore he that will be free from the curse of condemnation must take up the cross and deny himself of all things which are not of God and his Spirit of Truth otherwise he cannot come to the Tree of Life but will fall short of that Crown of Righteousness which is in store for all them that abide faithful to God as by his divine Light he doth lead and teach by the spirit of Truth which leadeth into all Truth by which men are made fit to enter in at the strait gate of Christâ— Kingdom CHAP. VII Concerning Judgment begun at the House of God and in his House to judge down every appearance of evil THe House of God in general where Judgment first beginneth is his people but Judgment cometh to every Transgressor of his holy Truth and that to judge down every appearance of evil therefore said one in his day Who shall deliver me from this Body of sin death Now the Body of this man was the House of God and Temple of the holy Ghost in which God by his Judgment was at work to judge down cast out and destroy every lust that would evalt it self above the Witness of God that the House of God might be throughly cleansed and only become a house of â—oly Habitation for the Spirit of Truth to abide in for as 〈◊〉 is written The high holy one who inhabits EternÃty dwelleth not in Temples made with hands but taketh up his abode with men of clean hearts contrite spirits that fear him and work righteousness do justly love mercy and walk humbly such bear the image of God and nature of Christ with whom and in whom both Father and Son do take up their abode therefore where men give not up to come under the cross and follow the light and word of Gods Spirit in obedience to his call they resist the holy one crucifie him afresh to themselves such defile the house and temple of God and them will God destroy indeed how many such people with a fair Israel 〈…〉 of Religion are crept into a profession of Gods Truth 〈◊〉 â—hrough deceit have under the like profession entered 〈◊〉 selves as Christians among the People of God but he that caused the Net to be cast into the Sea which brought forth good and bad to the shore the same doth permit the net of profession to gather all sorts of People into the outward name Christian therefore doth Judgment also begin at the House of God which are his people to make a seperation between the precious and the vile not only to purge and cleanse from lusts but also to cut off the stubborn and stiff-necked ones which will not submit to the cross whose Judgment will also reach to the old Age of them that live in disobedience to the Spirit of Truth for Judgment from God hath spread it self to the ends of the Earth and hath begun its work at the house of God If the righteous scarcely are saved where shall the ungodly and sinners appear Judgment is not come to bring peace to any unrighteous person but is gone forth to do the work of God among the People and will both inwardly and outwardly lay waste and destroy all that is not of himself for that which only is of himself shall stand and that which is not of himself shall come to nought and therefore Judgment from God is gone forth to the ends of Earth that all that will be gathered may be preserved and that which will not hear the Spirit of Truth to be obedient thereto the same shall be scattered abroad till Judgment gather it as Fuel for the fire of Gods Wrath which forever burneth against the unrighteousness of wicked and ungodly men and for this very end is judgment at work for God that he may gather a People pure in heart and of uprightness in mind which in all things shall be of one spirit and mind towards him in thought word work therefore let none in this day which make a profession of Gods holy Truth deceive themselves for God will not be mocked such as every man soweth of the same he shall 〈◊〉 reap whether to the flesh or to the Spirit for all that is of the Spirit the spirit giveth evidence in every faithful man and woman that it is of God though the Spirit abideth not in every unrighteous man yet the appearance of it is often to their condemnation and so doth continue 〈◊〉 it hath left striving and the day of Gods Grace be over having sinned out the day of Gods Visitation Let all therefore consider in what state they abide as to God whose promise to the Righteous is That it shall go well with them but it shall go ill with the Wicked Therefore let not these Truths which have been received by the Spirit of Truth find itching Ears among any but as every man turn in his mind to the Spirit of Truth he will witness the truth of these Things â—th 1st Mon. 1694. THO. MAVLE THE END
his holy Will who knocks at the door of mans heart for obedience to his holy Truth which if any man will obey the Word of his Grace he spiritually will come in and sup with them and they with him Rev. 3.20 Then the Table of the Lord is in a clean heart and with them of a willing mind for Christ will not enter the Door to remain for his abode with them of corrupt hearts and unwilling minds whose state is alway to confess but never to forsake all sin against God and his Christ neither doth the most High dwell in Temples made with hands Acts 7.4.8 17.24 For thus saith the high and lofty One that inhabiteth Eternity whose Name is holy I dwell in the High and Holy Place with him also that is of a contrite and humble Spirit and revive the heart of the contrite Ones Isa 57.15 But to this Man will I look even to him that is poor and of a contrite Spirit and Trembles at my Word Isa 66.2 By which it is manifest that God in Christ by the Grace of his Spirit of Life and Light dwelleth not in outward Covenants made by men in their own time and will whose hope of Salvation as they say depends on the Promises of God by Christ who is not to be found in all their humane Precepts and Ordinances which from time to time for many years People have observed which to the Dâ—obedient the Lords coming to them will be even as his coming was to a Generation in days past whom savingly he did not know because their works and way was not in obedience to his holy Commands for which cause though many Works by them were done in the outward Profession of his Name yet they were commanded to depart from him as workers of Iniquity because they had not kept the Commandment of God Mat. 7.23 Luke 13.22 27. for the Works of their own establishing were found unclean before the Lord even as all mens works will be which are not established by the Power of Gods Spirit in and through the Lord of Life whose Life is only witnessed in men of clean hearts and willing minds who are made willling that Christ should rule every Thought of the Heart and Intent of the Mind that all their Works may be done to the Honour and Praise of his own Name and they to receive the Comfort of it to their own Souls in which state of Obedience they witness the Cords of Gods Love to draw the heart and mind in to a more and more fellowship of his divine Nature in and through the Lord Jesus Christ by which they remain in the true Worship of the Spirit and in the Truth and such Worshippers are they whom the Lord seeks to worship him Joh. 4 22 23 24. 6.44 Then the true Church and People of God witness a drawing by his Spirit or the Power of his Spirit in and through the Lord of Life otherways they cannot receâ—ve Life for no man cometh to the Son except the Father draw him for all things of the Father are delivered unto the Son and no man knoweth the Son but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son reveals him Therefore all that will come to the knowledge of God by Jesus Christ it must be through Faith and Obedience to the gift of Gods Spirit of Grace which comes by Jesus Christ under whose eafie Yoke and light Burthen all may learn of him who is meek and lowly whereby they that are heavy laden may come to find rest in him to their Souls Mat. 11.27 28 29 30. for by and through the Power of God in Christ every obedient Child learns of the will and mind of God in Chriâ—â— Joh. 6.45 by which Life and Salvation cometh to them that believe neither is there any true Believers but as they are come to witness in measure of the like state for he that hath not received the Son hath not received the knowledge of God by the Son through whom every true Believer in him receives Life for he that hath the Son hath Life and he that hath not the Son of God hath not Life 1 Joh. 5.12 Now they that have received this Life they manifest it by fruits of a holy Life in all manner of holy Conversation doing no other to another then as themselves are willing to be done unto for as the outward Tree is manifested by its fruits so is every mans works manifested by the outward manner of Life for Grapes of Thorns nor Figs of Thistles can no man expect to gather neither is any mans Faith accepted of God without Works of Obedience to his holy Will for as the Body is dead without the Spirit in the sight of men so is Faith without Works of Obedience also dead in the sight of God Mat. 7.16 17 18 19. James 2. Then where Faith is without Works of Obedience they cannot perform the Commands of God by the Power of his own Spirit in and through the Lord Jesus Christ that Church and People remain in a dead Faith to God who is not a God to that which is dead but a God to that which is living in true Obedience to the maniâ—estation of his Spirit which they have received to profit withal 1 Cor. 12.7 for as in the time of the Law there was means for the Peoples outward cleansing who were to remain without the Camp as not fit for the service of Gods Worship before they were cleansed of their Filth Lev. 13.46 23 42 43. Neh. 8.14 even so in this Gospel Day is no man fit for the service of Gods Worship in Spirit and Truth before he comes to witness something of an inward cleansing through the little Leaven whereby through Faith and Obedience to his Talent received he will come to witness more and more of Gods Power by Jesus Christ until the whole Lump be leavened into the new Nature of Gods Kingdom in Jesus Christ which only belongs to them of his Church who are not in a state of always confessing and never so faking but as the true Church acknowledgeth her Weaknesses and Inabilâ—tâ—es as of themselves not able to do any one work acceptable to God so through Faith and Obedience to the Word and â—ower of God by Jesus Christ through his Grace are they made able to do all things according to what the Lord of his Church and â—eople requires so that they remain not in a state of always confessing what great Sinners they are but withal forsake their sins in Obedience to God whose Power gives Victory over their sins in which state they grow from one degree of Grace to another till they become perfect Men and Women in Christ Jesus which is according to the Apostles Doctrine who were sent of God by Jesus Christ to turn People fâ—â—m Darkness to Light and from the Power of Satan to the Power of God and praying that they may present every
man perfect in Christ Jesus whose Church and People are not to remain in sin all the days of their appointed time here in this Life and therefore many Teachers of this Age with their Hearers are out of Gods holy Truth in the Doctrine of Imperfection and even so is the Life and Practice of many who call themselves by the Name of Christ to say that their Church is the Church of Christ when in neither Doctrine Principle nor Practice are they according to the Command of Christ nor Example of his holy Apostles but in a faith of their own Works teaching for Doctrine the Commandments of men Mat. 5.19 But the Church of Christ are they of the Circumcision which worship God in Spirit and rejoyce in Christ esus having no Confidence in the flâ—sh Phil 3.3 and in all things relating to the Worship of God and Government in his Church are they led and guided by the Power of Gods Spirit in and through the Lord Jesus Christ who ever was and will remâ—in to be the Head of his Church whom God hath buâ—lt upon that Rock of Ages and Foundation of many Generations against which the Gates of Hell can never prevail for he is the first born of God whom the Father hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be Head in all things over his Church so that in him is the fullness that filleth all in all Ephes 1 22 23. for he is the Head of the Body the Church who is the beginning the first and the last the first born â—rom the Dead that in all things he may have the Preheminence for it pleasâ—d the Father that in him should all fullness dwell Col 1.18 19. for he is the Head of his Church from which all the Body by joynts and bands have nourishment ministred increaseth with the increase of God Col. 2.19 which increaseth the knowledge of God in Christ that not any one Member of the Body may be ignorant in spiritual things and as every one hath received the true Knowledge and Faith of Christ the Spirit of Christ will enable and move them to confess with the Mouth God and Christ in whom they have believed and openly to confess and profess without fear or shame the Doctrine of Christ such have their Minds wholly given upto wait the movings of Christ the Head through whose Power the spiritual Understanding in each Member comes to receive the true knowledge in things relating to the well-fair of the Body for no man can truly say that Jesus iâ— the Lord but by the holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12 3. Which doth manifest that there cannot be the performing of any one Work by any one Member which will be â—â—â—ted of God but as they receive Power from the gift of his Spirit by Jesus Christ who is the Head by which the whole Body of true Believers witness his Government in which Body as every Member keeps faithful to the Head it comes to know a true Government in its right place belonging to the Body of which Christ remains the Head for as every Member of the Body keeps faithful to the gift of Gods Spirit he is serviceable according to the measure of his gift which is of service to the whole Body in which Body each Member hath his gift according to that measure which God â—ath given him to pâ—oâ—t withâ—â— for there are diveâ—sâ—ies of Gifts but the same Spirit and there are differences of Administrations but the same Lord and there are diversities of Operations but â—he same God which worketh all in all for the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal for to one is given by the Spirit the Word of Wisdom to another the Word of Knowledge by the same Spirit to another the working of Miracles to another Prophesie to another the Discerning of Spirits to another divers kinds of Tongues to another the Interpretation of Tongues but all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit dividing to every man severally as he will for as the Body is one and hath many Members and all the Members of that one Body being many are one Body so also is Christ for by one Spirit are all the faithful baptized into one Body whether Jews or Gentiles Bond or Free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit for the Body is not one Member but many for if the Foot shall say because I am not the Hand I am not of the Body is it not therefore of the Body And if the Ear shall say because I am not the Eye I am not of the Body is it therefore not of the Body for if the whole Body were an Eye where were the hearing or 〈…〉 who le Body were hearing where were the smelling But now hath God set the Members every one of them in the Bâ—â—y as it hath pleased him for if they were all one Mâ—â—ber where were the Body But now are they many Mâ—mbers yet one Body and the Eye cannot say to the Hâ—â—â— I have no need of thee nor again the Head to the 〈◊〉 I have no need of thee nay much more those Members of the Body which seem to be more feeble are necessary and those Members of the Body which we think to be less honourable upon these we bestow more abundant honour and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness for our comely parts have no need but â—od hath tempered the Body together having given more abundant honour to that part which lackeâ— that there should be no schism in the Body but that the Members should have the same care one of another and then where one Member suffers all the Members suffer with it and when one Member is honoured all the Members rejoyce with it Now the Church of Christ which are the chosen People of God they are the Body of Christ and Members in particular and God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondly Prophets thâ—rdly Teachers after that Miracles then gifts of Hâ—aling Hâ—lps Government Diversity of Tongues aâ—â— all Aâ—ostles are all Prophets are all Teachers are all Workers of Mâ—racles having all the gifts of Healing Do all speak with Tâ—nâ—â—es do all Interpret but covet earnestly the best Gifts And yet shew I unto you a more excellent way though I speak with the Tongues of Men and Aâ—gel and have not Charity I am become as sounding Brass or a tinckling â—â—mbal and though I have the gift of Prophecy and understaâ—d all Mysteries and all Knowledge and though I have all Faith so that I could remove Mountains and have no Charity I am nothing And though I beslow all my goods to feed the Poâ—r and though I give my Body to be burnt and havâ— Charity it profiteth me nothing So that these thing left recorded by the Spirit of God with which every faithful Believer which is a Member of the Body reâ— his Duty to follow Christ the Head even as the Men of God