Moneths c. p. 118. Chap. 19. Concerning Prophecying and Womens speaking in â—e Church p. 124. Chap. 20. Concerning Powers p. 127. Chap. 21. Concerning Oâ—thes and Sâ—earing p. 1â—â— Chap. 22. Concerning Wars and Fightings p. 136. Chap. 23. Concerning Conscience p. 144. Chap. 24. Concerning the free Love of God p. 146. Chap. 25. Concerning the Church of Christ c. p. 154. Chap. 26. Concerning the state of all men and of Gods Judgments and also of his calling the Jews c. p. 164. Chap. 27. Concerning being born and brought forth of the Immortal Seed of Gods Kingdom p. 169. Chap. 28. A Letter to the Committee in Salem p. 175. Chap. 28. Concerning covering uncovering the head p. 178. Chap. 29. Concerning the great Judgments of God upon the Inhabitanâ—s of New-England by Wâ—â—h-craft p. 179. Chap. 30. Concerning the Lords Harvest p. 210. Chap. 31. 〈…〉 God 's Judgments upon diverâ— of the 〈…〉 Priests and Rulers in New-England 〈◊〉 p. 212. The Contents of the second Part. Chap. 1. COncerning the two wonderful Trees in the Gardâ—n of Eden â—viz the Tree Knowledge of good and evil and the Tree of Lâ—â—e unknown ever since man was drove out of Paradise until admitted to return again p. 220. Chap. 2. Concerning the Tree of Life what it is and why Adam was shut out forbidden and with-holden from it and not suffered to eat thereof p. 227. Chap. 3. Concerning the Tâ—ee of Knowledge of good and evil planted in the heart of Adam p. 228. Chap. 5. Concerning the Sin of Covetousness p. â—35 Chap. 6. Concerning that Life and nature of it which God requireth of all men p. 2â—â— Chap. 7. Concerning Judgment begun at the House of God and in his House to judge down every appearance of evil p. 258. Friendly Reader ALthough the following Treatise has been very long detained in the Press yet hope thou shalt find the impression pretty clear of Errors as to the main except the mis-numbring of 〈◊〉 or three Chapters and one material error in 〈…〉 23. after Rule of Life read for Christ is the Way the Truth and 〈…〉 which pray amend CHAPTER I. Concerning the Light of Gods quickening Spirit by Jesus Christ THe Light of Christ is the Power of God by which the Righteous have been preserved in all Ages from Abel to Noah Abraham Isaac Jacob Joseph and Moses in whose day the Lord wrought wonderful great Dâ—liverances by the Power of his Light figured in the 〈◊〉 by Day and in the Pillar of Fire by Night by which was Israel's Deliverances from their Enemies which perished in the midst of Darkness Exod. 13.21 Now Israel in that day wer commanded To remain still in their Minds and not to walk after their own Lust â—nd Evil wayes in which state of â—â—â—dience to the Liâ—hâ— they came to witness great Deliverances but when Israel through their Disobedience feâ—â— back in their Minds from the Light and Power of Gods Spirit having their Minds turned by the Power of the Enemy to look back after the Flesh Pots of Aegypt them remained Death by which they slighted the Lords Mercy despising his Gift inwardly as they despised the 〈◊〉 outwardly and saving That their Souls 〈…〉 â—read Numb 21.6 for which cause of Disobedience the Lord sent firey Serpents whereof the People became wounded and many dyed in that state then the Lord in reader Mercy towards the penitent preserved a number that had not sinned unto Death whose Redemption was wrought through the Power of God by lifting up the braâ—en â—â—â—pent in the bewildered state that whosoever in 〈◊〉 to the Light of Gods Power come to beâ—â—â—â— the 〈◊〉 â—erpent received 〈◊〉 which was a true 〈◊〉 Gods 〈◊〉 fullâ—led in this Gospel Day 〈…〉 Christ 〈…〉 divine Light is to be listed up above all other things in the heart of man even as they were to look to him by Faith aâ— he was to be outwardly lifted up on the 〈…〉 their sins dye and rise again for as Moses â—â—â—ted up the 〈◊〉 Serpeat in the Wilderness even so mast the Sâ—â— of 〈◊〉 be lifted up that whosoever believeth in him should not peâ—â—â— but have â—ternaâ— Life John 3.14 15. And this is that Lâ—gâ—t which hath been the Path of the Just in all Agâ—â— by which the holy men of God were enlighteâ—ed to see the Glory of God to come in sending his Son Jesus Christ to be a Light to the whole world that as many as believed in him might be saved for they that believe in Christ believe in the Light as he is Light which redeems the Soul and keeps it alive unto God by which the Soul comes to be redeemed from the Stings of the old â—erpent the Power of the Devil whose Power the Light makes manisest and by Obedience to the Light the Soul receives pâ—â—er from God which sets up the Light above all other Lope in the heart of man which must be overcome by the Power of Gods Spirit which is Light and Lise before the Soul 〈◊〉 receive any assurance of God in Christ for he that loveth any thing more than Christ is not found worthy to receive him Mat. to 27 38 39. for where the heart is set in the love of aâ—â— thing more than to love the Light the Soul of that man remains in the broad way where the venomous Serâ—ents â—e which draw the heart and mind from the Love of God inâ—o a state of sinning against the Giâ—â— of his divâ—â—e Light which is the Gift of his Spirit purchased by the death and Resurreâ—â—â—â— of his Son the Lord Jesus Christ which some know no moâ—â— of than to call the gift of Gods divine Light in the hearts o◠〈…〉 A Stinking Vapour from Hell and The Reliques of 〈…〉 which they have said are the Checks of a Naturaâ—◠〈…〉 which words have proceeded from the Mouthes of 〈◊〉 Priest in New England which are no less than 〈…〉 Words by them in whom no goâ—d seed can take 〈…〉 for their Dischedience is against the Light for which the light is their Condemnation John 3.19 20. for the 〈…〉 Christ is the Power of God by which the Righteâ— is have been preserved in all â—ges which the faithful 〈◊〉 to the saving of their Souls in this day for the light of Christ is the Gift of God and the Gift of God by 〈◊〉 Christ is â—ernal Life to them that believe for it is the Seed of the Kingdom sown in the hearts of the faithful who witness their Life in Christ the hope of Glory in whom is the suâ—â—â—hing of things past wherein the faithful Servants of God â—â—ed and dyed in the holy Faith of Gods Promises 〈◊〉 Christ should 〈◊〉 me in the fullness of time for a Light 〈◊〉 the whole Worldâ— according to the Prophecy of Isâ—â—â—◠〈◊〉 58 8. Then shall thy Light break forth as the Mâ—râ—ing and thine Health shall spring forth speedly and thy Righteousness shall go before the Glory of the Lord shall be thy Reward
Which â—â—th manifeâ—â— that the Prophet fore-saw Christ to come the Covenant or Light and Promise of God to the Gâ—â—â—ike of which Steek we are who have received a measure of Gods Spirit which is of the divine Light and Nature of Christ the true Sâ—ed of his Kingdom which by measure hath been sown in the Hearts of all the Sons and Daughters of Adâ—â— To open their blind Eyes to bring out the Prisoner out of the Prison House Iâ—a 42.6 7. which is that which the Prophet declared of Christ the Foundation of Life in whose Light the faithful see Light Psal 36 9. Here David saw God in Christ who was to 〈◊〉 and in that day was a Rule to light Dâ—vid in his 〈◊〉 goings and Incomings by which he received the heavenly â—â—ehes or Gods Love to the saving â—f his Soul which is the Portion of all the faithful who receive Christ in the love of his Light which is no less than Life Eternal to all them that believe in his Name for his Name is Light and this Light hath been preached to every Creature under the Heavens Col. 1.23 which is that Light which John was sent to preach Christ the true Light that lighteth every Man that cometh into the World John 1.9 and this Light opened their Understandings to know the Scriptures Luke 24 15 to 29. for Obeâ—â—ence to the Light of Christ brings into the Knowledge of 〈◊〉 by which there comes to be a right understanding of what iâ— contained in the holy Scriptures for by the Spirit of God in Christ were the holy men of God enlightned and gave forth the holy Scriptures as they were moved by the holy Ghost Now mind That of this Light hath every man received a â—â—â—sure in his heart it being the Seed of the Kingdom and â—â—â—â—geth forth Fruit in good Ground Mat. 13.4 5 6 7 8. 〈◊〉 not in all other Grounds which signifie dark unclean stoney and hard Hearts in which the Seed hath been sown but only thrives and brings forth Fruit acceptable to God in the good Ground that is the honest faithful Heart which yeilds Obedience unto that which the gist of Gods divine Light requires it being the Lords Talent Mat. 25. wherein we find Christ did declare concerning the Work of his Kingdont by the Parable of the ten Virgins and sloathful Servant both having received the Seed of the Kingdom the Lords Talent which is a Gift of his divine Light Spirit of Truth which had they been faithful thereunto Salvation had not been wanting for when men receive of the Lords heavenly Gift of divine Light be it more or less yet through faithful Obedience it is sufficient for their Salvation for whether more or less yet the Lord requires his own with profit and where much is given much also is required but he that is not faithâ—ul in that which is little shall neuer be made Ruler of that which is greater but that which he haâ—h poâ—â—mprâ—â—ved shall be taken away and given to him that hath improved the Gift of God for the Honâ—nur of his holy Nameâ—â— and comfort of mans own Soul Mat. 25 28 29. which is maâ—â—er of great concern for all to be wâ—le an diligent in the Work of the Lord for the diligent gain Heavenâ— Riches when the sloathful are sent empâ—y away which will be the Portion of all the 〈◊〉 that are found living in a careless state spending their time in that which brings dishonour to the Name of the Lord and sorrow to the Soul oâ—hâ—m that so liveth for the Light of the Wicked shall bâ— put out and the Sparks of his Fire shall not shâ—ne and the Light shall be Darbness in his Tabernacle and hâ—â— Candle shall be put out with him Job 18.5 6. but in the faithful shall the Light shine which begets the heart and mind into good Works that glorifie God their Father which is in Heaven Now the Light of Gods Spirit in the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ is that Light â—hich the Lords People called Quakers profess to be the Rule of their Life whose Life is the light of men John 1.4 and this light hath been a Rule to the faithful in all Ages Psal 27 1. The Lord is my Light and Salvation and he shall bring forth thy Rightâ—oushesâ—â—â— the light and thy Judgments as the noon day In this the Righteous rejoyce and give Thanks at the remembrance of his Holiness Here Light is sown for the Righteous and Gladness for the Vpright in Heart Psal 97.11 12. And again he speaketh of Christ to be the Light For with thee is the Fountain of Life in thâ—â—ight shall we see Light Psal 36.9 O send out thy Light and 〈◊〉 Truth let them bring me unto thy holy Hill and thy Tabernacle Psal 43.3 And the Spirit in the Bropher saith Arise shine for thy Light is come and the Glory of the Lord is risen upon thee Isa 60.1 And the Gentile shall come to thy Light and the Kings to the Brightness of thy Râ—sing vers 3. And many more instances from the holy Prophets Writings may be produced to that effect but these are sufficient to prove Christ the Everlasting Foundation of Lâ—fe and Light in whom the faithful of God in all Ages have built their Faith in the Light of God in Christ which gave them â—ull assurance in the same Faith That God in his due time would enlarge his Covenant of Light to all Natâ—ons by sending hâ—â— Son Jesus Christ who hath appeared in the likenâ—ss of sinful flesh to take away sin in the flâ—sh by pâ—â—forming the Will of God the Father to fullâ—r Death in a Body of Fâ—â—sh for the Redemption of all men and this is Jesus which shall save his People from their sins Mat. 1.21 By which it is evident That the Work oâ— God by Jesus Christ is to save People from their sins Then what is the state of such man who profess themselves to be the Ministers of Christ and teach People of an imperfect state never to be free from sin in this Life concerning which at presenâ—â— shall omit leaving it in order for another Head in which God willing I shall clear by sufficient Testimony of holy Sempture Proof and at present proceed in Vindâ—cation of the Light against the Lyes by which evil minded men reproaâ—â— the People of God and dishonour his holy Truth in which the saithful live each according to his measuâ—e of Light and 〈◊〉 Spirit of Grace Light Life by Jeâ—ds Christ which leadeth them to acknowledge God the Father Word and Spirit Christ the Word Life and Light and the holy Ghost which 〈◊〉 the Soirit of God the Father 〈◊〉 Jesus Christ the Son and Lord of Life and Light which was conceived by the holy Ghost and brought forth by the Virgin Mary betrayed by Judis suffered under Pontius Pilate rose again the third day aseen led into Heaven where now he sits in all Righteousness and Holiness with God
that is a Member of his Body doth of his divine Nature partake by which it doth bud spring and bring forth Fruit abundantly to the Praise and Honour of Gods holy Name but every Branch that bringeth not forth Fruit unto God by true Faith in Christ the Father taketh away for it s by Disobedience the Lord cuts it off and appoints it its Portion in Hell which is the Portion of all them that let the Day of Gods Grace and Visitation of his Spirit to pass over but every Branch that beareth Fruit in Christ the true Vine the Father purgeth it of its first nature the old heaven of Degeneration and by the Power of his Word Grace and Spirit leavens the heart mind and spirit into the new lump and nature of his heavenly Kingdom in Christ Jesus the Author and Finisher of his own Work in them that truely believe which by Faith in Christ bring forth Fruits of Righteousness and Holiness which are the Works of true Faith without which Faith is even dead as the Body is without the Spirit for by the Gift of Gods good Spirit of Grace is the Faith of every true Believer wrought into a lively hope in which stands an assurance of that Crown of Righteousness which 〈…〉 store for all true Believers that fear the Lord and keep his Commandments such are they that live in the true fear of the Lord which is the beginning of Wisdom and leads the Mind out of visible delights and to follow Christ with an easie Yoke and light burden to do his Will which is that strait and even narrow Way which leadeth unto the Kingdom in which no unclean thing can enter neither is there any cleansing but what is here on Earth for as Death leaves so Juâ—gment finds and there is no Repentance in the Grave Which things in the true Love of God to Peoples Souls I do exhort them to weigh and consider that they may turn in their minds from all vain Delights and obey the Voice of the Son of God in their own hearts that by the Gift of his Spirit they may come to be turned from Darkness to Light and from the Power of their Souls Enemy to serve the Lord in true Holyness of heart mind and spirit for there is no other Name given under Heaven for men to be saved but as they come to believe in Christ as he did outwardly suffer and also believe in the Gift oâ— his Spirit and inward Word of Life unto all them that are in true Obedience to the gift of his divine Light which hath been the Path of the Just in all Ages and yet appears in the heart of every man and Woman with whom the Day of Gods Grace is not over for his Love remains stedfast to all that which is of his own Nature which is of a contrary Nature to that permitted Power unto which too many yeild their obedience by which the desire of their Minds is drawn from obedience to the gift of Gods divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit in which state they serve the the Lust of the Flesh the Lust of the Eye and the Pride of Life and as men void of all spiritual sense and reason as to the things of God their Thoughts Words and Actions are here and there in the love of those things which Work the Lords Soul abhors and such appear as Trees without Fruit as to God for their Fruit is of a strange Plant and unregenerate Vine for which cause the Spirit of the Lord in his Servants is the same as it was in his Servants of Old who are called of God to bear their faithful Testimony against all Unrighteousness of men who as evil corrupt Trees bring forth evil corrupt Fruit for which cause evil minded men are at Enmity with the Lord and his People whose Fruit is of his own Spirit which is Love Joy Peace Long-suffering Genâ—leness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance against such there is no Law for they live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit with Christ whom now as in days past the wise builders set at naught wherefore he hath said The things of the Kingdom are hid from the wise and prudent of this World and revealed unto Babes even so hath it pleased God for the wise and prudent of this World pretend to build upon him at whom they stumble and is become the Head of the Corner and will so remain to the breaking down all that which is contrary to his holy blessed Truth so that no building shall stand but that which is built by the Power of his own Spirit in them whom the Wisdom of this World doth despise even as the Wise did despise in that Day when they set their Learning in Hâ—brew Greek and Latine over the Head of Jesus Joh. 19 20 even so is it with the Wise of this World in this Day whose Learning is set above the gift of God which came by Jesus Christ whose People begot by him in the true Faith and Oneness of Spirit do well know that there is No other Name under Heaven given among men whereby to be saved but by that Name Jesus of Nazareth that Christ by which is the Righteousness of his People for he unto them is made of God Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption and that in this World as well as in the World to come and not simply so accounted as some judge and then made unto us of God Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption hereafter in the World to come but realty made to us here and that perfectly too so far as he is perfectly hoped in 1 Pet. 1.13 for Salvation that is Salvation from God by Christ through the Faith of his outward Sufferings and by obedience to the gift of his Spirit in the heart which is the inward Word oâ— Life to them that hear and obey by which they may be turned from Darkness to Light and from the Fower of Satan to the Power of God by which they may witnesâ—â—he Evidence of Gods spirit That they have the Pardon of sin and forgiveness of that which is past being washed with the Blood of Sprinkling which cleanseth the Heart and purgâ—th the Conscience from dead Works to serve the living God in uprightness of Soul Body and Mind and without witnessing of this VVork perfected through Faith in Jesus Christ the Soul can never be clean to enter his Rest with him in the Kingdom of Heaven which was prepared before the Foundation of the Earth was laid for a People that should serve the Lord in uprightness of Soul Mind and Spirit being throughly cleansed by the Blood of Jesus Christ whose Death Resurrection and Ascention will not avail any Man or VVoman whose Mind remains in the love of any one thing more than to love him and serve him with uprightness of Heart Mind for to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace and whereby every
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 witness the Renewings of Gods Grace from day to day and from time to time which increases their Faith in the hope of Gods heavenly Riches in Jesus Christ whose Spirit of Grace gives Utterance to preach pray add sing in the Spirit of Holiness to the praise and honour of God and to the edification and comfort of one another which is the true worshipping of God in the Spirit and Truth And in this Worship have all been in whose Minds have been turned from Darkness to Light and from the Power of Satan to the Power of God through which their Souls were made alive in Jesus Christ without whose Spirit of Grace all preaching praying and singing avails not the Soul in the sight of God for whatever men practice as to the worshipping of God if it do not proceed from the drawings of Life by his own Spirit in and through the Lord Jesus Christ it is no more but what is by and from their own Works of Righteousness which will not justifie in the sight of God to save from his Wrath to come in which Day it will be said Who required these things of you Therefore it is expedient for People which are in their several ways of Worship to be deeply concerned about these things and to make a diligent search with the Light of the Lord in their own hearts which through Obedience they may soon find how it stands between God and their Immortal Souls which must come to witness the Lords spiritual â—ppearance in their Worship which if other ways it is not the true worshipping of God in the Spirit and Truth but is a false Worship which differs not from the Worship of them that worship a false God all which are built without the Spirit of God stand upon sandy Foundation which the Lord in his own due time will overthrow for no Worship shall remain but that which is in the Spirit and Truth for that is the true worship of God and the Father seeks such to worship him for they are the true Worshippers and their building remains upon the Rock of Ages and Foundation of many Generations on which the holy men of God in dayes past built their Faith in him who gave them an assurance in the Hope of their Salvation who in their day were perfect Obedient Children to the gift of Gods divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit which made them able Ministers not of the Letter but of the Spirit by which they were lead and guided in a holy fear to perform the Work of God according as they were moved thereunto by the Power of his own Spirit in and through the Lord Jesus Christ the gift of whose Light and movings of whose Spirit in his People is that which is as much derided and evil spoken of among Professors in this Day as his holy Servants of Truth were by that professing People the Rebellious Jews in days past vvho had a zeal for God but not according to true Knowledge even as it is vvith many vvho profess to vvorship the true God but vvorship in a false vvay in this Day but blessed are they vvhose Works are governed by the Spirit of God in and through Jesus Christ such are they that vvorship God in the Spirit and Truth for as I have said and that by experience that God is Worshipped by his ovvn and not by or from any thing of mans ovvn natural Will but all are to wait the Lords Time that his Will in all things may be done to the honour and praise of his own holy Name and the overlasting comfort of them that continue in the vvell doing unto them belongs a Revvard vvhich is that heavenly Portion of Gods Riches in Christ Jesus vvho is the Author and Finisher of his ovvn Work in them that love him and keep his Commandments Concerning vvhich things it is good for People to consider vvhile Time is before Time be no more for every Man and Woman have a Soul which must either live vvith the Lord of Life or eternally perish vvhich vvill be the state of all them who at the Lords coming shall by him be found to have been Worshippers of false Gods or that have been false Worshippers of him who is the true and living God whom all men are commanded to worship in the true and living way which is in the Spirit and Truth which is the desire of my Soul that all may do that so they may come to witness true Peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ who is God of all and over all blessed be his holy Name for evermore for in him is the Riches of God which belongs to them that worship him in the Spirit and Truth CHAP. VIII Concerning true Prayer by which the faithful find Acceptance with God by Faith in the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ TRue Prayer is an Ordinance of God and a Duty which God requires of Man to be performed by the Power of his own gift which came by Jesus Christ who hath commanded all men to watch and pray in a believing frame of Spirit which is that that God requires of all men and all men that are in perfect Obedience to God they watch and pray by the assisting Power of Gods Spirit by which they are made able to resist the Devil in the hour of Temptation but they who are in Unbelief of Gods Power by Jesus Christ That they shall never be made free from sin in this Life they cannot pray by the Spirit of God because of their Unbelief for all sin is of Unrighteousness and all Unrighteousness is of the Devil and the Pâ—â—â—â—s of them that continue in sin are an Abomination in the sight of God for the Eyes of the Lord are more purer than to behold Sin or regard Iniquity for the Thoughts of the Wicked are an Abomination to the Lord but the words of the Poor are pleasant words Pro. 15.26 By which it is plain that by Peoples living in Sin is the cause of their Prayers not being accepted with the Lord because the Wayes of the Wicked are an Abomination before him but he loveth him that followeth after Righteousness Prov. 15.9 for sin being loved and entertained makes a separation between God and mans Soul in which state man is incapable of receiving the incomes of Gods divine Love by Jesus Christ by whose Spirit of Life the hearts of them which hunger and thirst after Righteousness come to be enlightened through which they come to receive his Will in what they should pray for unto him for Man in his own Will cannot know when or what to pray for â—s he ought to do for thou O Lord hast revealed unto thy Servant therefore hath thy Servant found in his heart to pray this Prayer unto thee 2 Sam. 7.27 By which it is evident that true spiritual Prayer proceedeth from the Power of Gods Spirit by which the Righteous come to enjoy the benefit of that which they
that service for which it was intended that is for the honour of God and service of mens outward Imployments between Man and Man and Nation anâ— Nation and not to be upheld for this end that non without humane Learning are capable of preaching thâ— Gospel for Paul without that Learning which was 〈◊〉 the Wisdom of God was not capable of preaching Chriâ—â— to the Peoplè no more are they Gospel Ministers nâ— Ministers of the Gospel which remain in Pauls first staâ— of outward Learning but Learning sanctified through Grace by Faith in Jesus Christ is of benefit to his People which without Grace outward or 〈◊〉 Learning cannot be any Honour to God for 〈◊〉 profit of his People which doth prove that men without Grace cannot be the true Ministers of Christ but all without Grace are of the Ministers of Anti-christ unto whom no Gospel Mainteuance belongeth for they remain in the outward knowledge of the Letter and by their Fruits they are manifest not to be the Ministers of Christ but the Ministers of Anti-christ CHAP. XVI Concerning divine Inspiration and Revelation MAny are the Teachers which hold all divine Inspiration and Revelation to be ceased ever since the Apostles days and from that time that God hath wholly committed his Will and Mind to be known by the written Word To which I Answer That God in Christ before the World began did determine all things necessary for mans Salvation whom God did make in his own Image and gave him Dominion over the Works of his own Hand which Image of Holiness Man lost in the Fall Now Adam is called the Son of God and he that is a Son of God is also a Child of God Luke 3.38 in whom the Spirit of God by measure dwelleth which is for this end to direct the mind of Man unto the true and living Knowledge of God for which end there was a sufficient gift of God Spirit to save Adam's Soul which gift in measure is given to all the Children of Men that they may know the Mind of God and do it for Salvation is not by the Works of the Law but by Grace through Faith in â—esus Christ for the Law was given by â—loses but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ who is the Author and Finisher of his own work of in his people John 1 1â— and for that end they have received a divine gift of his Spirit of Grace which doth reveal the Mind and Will of God in and through the Son of his love the Lord Jesus which is Christ by the divine Life and Light of his Spirit in his People the Hope of Glory in which state they serve the Lord of Life according to the Revelation of his Spirit of which all in measure have received or shall receive for their Obedience to the Faith through which Obedience of Faith is the Justification of Life and Salvation and Condemnation unto them whose Disobedience is to the true Faith which hath been delivered unto the Saints unto whom the Lord in measure doth reveal himself in this day as to his faithful Children in days past it being granted that God gave extraordinary Revelations c. to the holy Prophets and Apostles beside what he gave them in common with all Saints for he changeth not but is the same God yesterday to day and for evermore who makes known the Mystery of Salvation by the Revelation of his good Spirit of Grace through their Faith in Jesus Christ So now as the Almighty God hath in all Ages made known of his Will and Mind to the Children of men by the revealings of his Spirit in their hearts even so is it among his Children in this Day who behold with their spiritual Eyes the mighty Works of God to their Souls by the Revelations of his Spirit in and through Jesus Christ for he that was to come is come in whom the fullness is and hath brought in the hope of Salvation to all them that believe in the gift of his Spirit which doth reveal the Mind of God in his People who witness him to be come which hath fulfilled all Righteousness and brought in the Hope of Assurance which is revealed by the Inspiration of his holy â—pirit in them through which they are brought into a further acquaintance with the Lord of Life whom to know through the drawings of the Father is Life Eternal through the Son for no man cometh to receive Life by the Son but as the Father draws him neither cometh any to the Father but by the Son John 6.44 Thes 65 So here is a drawing by the Spirit which reveals the Will of God in the Children of his own begetting thorough which by Faith they come into fellowship with the Son more and more whom no man knoweth but the Father neither knoweth any the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Mat. 11 2â— Therefore the true saving knowledge of God is by the divine Revelation of his own Spirit in and through Jesus Christ whom to know is Life Eternal of which the Scriptures do declare that the Power of God remains in the gift of his Grace which câ—me by Jesus Christ through which is the assurance of Salvation to them that by Faith in Christ through whom by his Grace they are saved Now the holy scriptures were given forth by the holy Spirit of God therefore is his Spirit before and above the Scriptures as the workman is above the instrument he works with for the spirit worketh with the Scriptures instrumentally upon the souls of men both to inform their Understandings and to move and incline their Wills and Affections and no man can understand the things oâ— the Spirit but by the Revelation of the Spirit for they in days past did search the Scriptures thinking therein to find eternal Life when tho' they restifie of him yet there is no Life to them thâ— by true Faith in Obedience to the gift of his Spirit will noâ— come unto him Joh. 5.39 40 Here is Life tendered but not barely and only by the Scriptures but by coming to Christ for they in that day had the outward knowledge of the Letter which kills without the saving knowledge of God in Christ which by Faith is revealed thorough the Gift of his own Spirit in his People for all that either tends to Salvation or Condemnation it is by the Revelation of Gods Spirit in man for the Spirit of God keeps striving against the Enemies Power in them whom God hath armed with his spiritual Armor against the Devils Temptations and in them that disobey God thorough their Life of Disobedience to the gift of his divine Light in them it is their condemnation for sin and evil Joh. 3.19 Rom. 1.18 19. 2 Cor. 3.6 for it is by the Revelation of Gods Spirit that men come to the knowledge of which thought and intent is for him or against his Truth for the thoughts and Intents of men whether
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
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