Faith among all Nations for his Name Rom. 1.5 that in Ages to come they might shew forth the exceeding Riches of his Grace in his kindness towards them through Jesus Christ Ephes 2.7 and this is the Grace which is of God and is sufficient for the Salvation of them â—hat truly believe 2 Cor. 12.9 So that it is not an outward are Profession of what God hath wrought by Jesus Christ for the Salvation of others but that every man and woman live their Life in true Obedience to the gift of Gods Grace that by Faith in Christ they may witness the same Life through faith by which men are saved for the Grace of God bringeth Salvation only to them thaâ— believe in the the gift of his â—race without which no man can be saâ—ed foâ— it is by Grace that men are saved and noâ— oâ— an 〈◊〉 by 〈◊〉 of themselves but by Grace through Faith in Jesus Christ Ephes 2 8. Then seeing it is by Gâ—ace that men are â—aved and not of themselves let every man and woman turn in the strength of the Mind to the teaching of Gods gift of Grace which teacheth to deny all Vngodliness and to live a righteous sober and godly Life in this present Woâ—â— that nothing may appear but what is good to the use of edifying that it may minister Grace to the Hearers Eph. 4.29 for where there is Obedience to the gâ—â— of Gods Grace â—â—e more of Christ dwelleth richly in all Wisdom teaching and admonishing one another in Psalms and Hymns and spiritual Sâ—ngs singing with Grace in their Hearts Col. 3.16 17. which â—s contrary to the practice of mâ—â—y thousands who profess much in the outward of God and Christ in this day whereby they gain of one another the outward Name of Christians but inwardly in the Anti-christian Practice as their outward fruits manifest for where Faith is without Works it is 〈◊〉 dead Faith and in such Grace works no effect towards 〈◊〉 peace with God in Christ by whom the Righteous are 〈◊〉 conciled to God through Faith by Grace in him 〈◊〉 requires perfect Obedience to the gift of his Grace which teaches his â—eople to pray preach and sing with Grace 〈◊〉 their hearts to the praise and honour of his holy Name and edification of one another which they that yeild 〈◊〉 their Obedience to the Spirit of Grace cannot do for which cause of their unclean Fruits their Condemnation doth follow in which state they witness no true peace through Faith by Grace in Jesus Christ whose Sons and Daughters begotten through Grace in him they continue in the Way of the Lords own â—aying out having their words seasoned as with Sâ—â—â— and Grace abounding in their hearts through which by grace they become able Witnesses for the Lord of Life that by him through grace they are made able to perform his Will in what of them he requires by his good spirit of Grace Col. 3 17 in which state the Love of God by Jesus Christ is his Peoples everlasting Consolation and good Hope through Grace 2 Thes 2 1â— Not by Works of Righteousness which they have done but according to his Grace by the washing of Regeneration and the reâ—ewâ—nâ— of the holy Ghost Tit. 3 5 Which is sufficient encourage neâ— to come with holdness unto thâ— Throne of his Grace by which they obtain Mercy and find Grace to help in time of need Heb. 4.16 For the Grace of God hath appeared unto all men teaching them that they should dâ—ny Vngodliness and Wouldly Lâ—st and to live soberly righteously and godly in this present World Tâ—â— 2.11 12. By which we see and know that all men have received of his Grace sufficient for the present time and state for as the Grace of God which bringeth Salvation hath in measure appeared unto all men so all men that have neglected the day of Gods Visitation they shall be left without any excuse in that Day of the Lords calling all to an account for the Deeds done in the Body when it shall go well with the Righteous but sorrow and trouble will reach the Wicked on every side for the Lord will not hold them guiltless which take his Name in vain Then will the Wicked which have derided at the movings of Gods good Spirit of Grace in his People come to know a Day of Trouble when the Lord shall laugh at their Distress for unto them Damnation slumbereth nor sleepeth not but will overtake all the Ungodly as a Thieâ— in the Night of their Darkness but it shall go well with the Righteous which ask in Faith without doubting unto them is Salvation through Grace by Jesus Christ who came to save his People from their sins for which end he was made a littlâ— lower than the â—ngels for the suffering of Death and crowned with Glory and Honour that he might by the Grace of God taste Death for every man Hâ—â— 2 9. that whosoever believeth in him 〈…〉 but have Life eternal for the Promise 〈…〉 â—ent to then 〈◊〉 at believe in the gift of 〈…〉 of his Will and Mind by Faith thrâ—â— Grace in Jesus Christ by whom the Souls of them thaâ— believe in him are justified in the sight of God for he that sanctifies and they who are sanctified are all of one for which cause he is not ashamed to call them Brethren Heb. 2 11. for bâ— the Grace of God are they of him who unto them of God is made Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption 1 〈◊〉 1.30 by which People may see that the main cause why People perish is through Disobedience to the gift of Gods Grace which by Jesus Christ they have received and it bringeth the Tenders of Salvation to every man in some measure or degree which as improved leads unto perfect Salvation through Faith in Christ Jesus which they that refuse do unjustly charge God that is is for want of Grace by which they perish when that it is not for want of Grace tendered unto them but for want of their Obedience to the gift of Gods Grace which is sufficient for the Salvation of them that are faithful thereunto so as the Righteous through Faith and Obedience grow from grace to grace until they become perfect in Christ Jesus so the Unrighteous through unfaithfulness by Disobedience sin away the Grace of God more and more until the Day of Gods Grace with them be over and his Spirit with them hath left striving which all ought to consider while they have time to Repent for there is no repenting in the grave CHAP. XIV Concerning the Resurrection MAny are the People that are concerned to know how the dead are raised and with what Bodies they appear â—or 〈◊〉 what Bodies they do come forth Then seeing their minds are to concerned to know with what Bodies they shall appear doth manifest that they are not come to the knowledge of Gods saving Power through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ which to know gives
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
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
Lord. CHAP. XXVII Concerning the begetting being born and brought forth of the Immortal and Incorruptible Seed of Gods Kingdom by Jesus Christ THe Immortal and Incorruptible Seed of Gods Kingdom in Jesus Christ is of that Birth which the World by all their Wisdom in outward Learning are never able to find neither can any ever know to witness the new Birth further than by Faith and Obedience to the gift of Gods Spirit by Jesus Christ whose Spirit of Life makes frâ—â— from the Law of Sin and Death for the Seed of the Kingdom is of a heavenly divine Nature which hath no fellowship with the Works of Darkness in which all that disobey the Lord of Life remain by which their Birth is of the Enemies Seed which alienates the Heart of Man and Woman from true Oâ—edience to God â—n which state they are Strangers to the nature of the New Birth which is not born of Blood nor of the will of the Fleâ— nor of the Will of Man but of God Iohn 1.13 for it is born of the Spirit of God and brought forth by Gâ—ace through Faith in Christ Jesus by whom the Children of men have received a measure which though but as a grain of the smallest of all grain it is of the little leavens Nature to purge out and leaven the whole Lump into the nature of Gods Kingdom in Christ Jesus whom the World by all their Wisdom can never know for the things of Gods Kingdom are hiâ— from the Wise and Prudent of this World and revealed to the Children of God whose Life remains in the Babe-like Nature of God in Christ whose Babes they are begotten of God by the word of his Spirit through Faith and Obedience to the Lord of Life in whose Life and Nature every true Child of God in their measure live move and have their being in the nature of him for as his nature is the New Birth and all that are born of him hey bring Fruits acceptible to him for they are the Children of the Day which live in the Light and walk in the Light which the Children of the Night cannot do for the Day of Gods Visitation by the gift of his divine Light is unto them a dark thing at which the wise stumble and the prudent cannot receive for by their own Wisd 〈◊〉 in their own prudent way is their Understanding darkdarkened as to the things of God and Nature of his Kingdom neither can any grow to understand the things of 〈◊〉 Jesus Christ buâ— as they grow in Grace through the affectual working of his divine Life and Light by the quickening Word 〈◊〉 his Spirit which opens the understanding and enlarges the gift of his divine Nature through which 〈◊〉 the holy Seed increâ—seth more and more and in the increase bringeth forth fruit more and more abundant to the praise of God and honour of his Name and well-being of the Soul in Christ Jesus who is the Author and Finisher of his own Work of Righteousness in his true begotten People who are begot by the gift of Gods good Spirit of Grace Life and Light in which the faithful see Light Psalm 36.9 for by Light is all and every Deed of Darkness manifested so that Faith in Christ Jesus and Faithfulness Obedience to the gift of Gods divine Light is the first beginning of an acquintance with the divine Nature of Christ who draws the heart of every faithful man and woman into the assurance of Faith having their hearts sprinkled from â—n evil Conscience and their Bodies washed with pure Water Heb. 10.22 and of this Nature is the Seed of Gods Kingdom in the hearts of them that belong unto him the nature of whose Kingdom the wise prudent part in man cannot comprehend for the wise unregenerated part is that which ramains in the Fall and is alienated from the true Seed of the Kingdom which will not take root in any other ground but in that honest heart which is made willing to bear the Cross in all things to the self will in which state of subjection to the will of God the Seed takes root down-ward and brings forth Fruit upward to the honour of Gods holy Truth so than all reasoning with Flesh and Blood is shut out by the Power of Gods Spirit in every upright honest heart to wards God in which life of Obedience there is no giving way to the Earthly part which ramains in the Disobedient through which they oppress the Seed of God and cause his Life in the measure of the Seed to depart which if they were but faithful to the measure of Seed received the Life of Gods Spirit of Grace would increase to the withstanding of all the Enemies Power which through the willingness of the obedient part being yeilded to him the true Seed of God will take no root of abidance in any sort of ground whatever where People live in a state of sinning against God and his Christ Mat. 13. So they that are new born of the incorruptible Seed they first come to dye through the Cross of Christ which crucifies the self will prudent part for Knowledge without Obedience brings Death over the Soul in which state the Kingdom oâ— God is hid For that which is born of the Flesh is Flesh and that which is born of the Spirit is Spirit John 3.2 3 4 5 6. So they that are truely begotten of God in Christ theâ— witness the New-Birth which is not born of Flesh and Blood nor of the Will of Man but of the incorruptible Seed the Word of God which liveth and abideth forever 1 Pet. 1.23 Now the Word of God which abideth forever is of his Spirit 〈◊〉 Life Light and Grace which floweth into the hearts 〈◊〉 true Believers through Faith in Christ Jesus who drawâ— the willing mind to partake of Gods heavenly Riches iâ— and through him who is the Lord of all Grace Life anâ— Light which by measure lives moves and abides in thâ— heart of every sincere Believer in him through whoâ— Power they witness a daily decaying of the first Nature and a daily increase of Newness in a holy Life unto Goâ— who gives power to the weak feeble through which there is no distrust in the Power of God which they daily experience to give them Victory over every Thought which would exalt it self above the Witness of God and hinder the growth of the Seed of the Kingdom of Heaven in which no man can enter without being born again the benefit of which no man is denyed of God by Jesus Christ who hath said by his Spirit of Truth Whosoever will let him take the Water of Life freely Rev. 22.17 Isa 55.1 2 3. By which it is clear that the Spirit of God hinders no man of any benefit by Jesus Christ for the Salvation of his Soul that is as Man keeps faithful to God according to what he hath commanded by the Son of his Love the Lord of Life Postscript MUch more might
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
in learning the holy Scriptures in which they have the Doctrine Principles and Practice of the holy Men of God for their Example to follow them even as they have been Followers of Christ then they would come into that state in which they would witness the Power of God by Jesus Christ to crucifie every unruly Affection which doth lust after sin and evil and leads the Mind from serving God into the excess of spending the Creation to perform their hearts Lusts by which they dishonour the Name of the Lord and increase Trouble and Sorrow to the destroying of their Souls which is the end of them that remain in an unrighteous Life for whatsoever People may say in respect that their Tongues are their own anâ— that their Thoughts are free to think what they please and that there is a time to be Merry and to Sing and Dance and Recreate themselves with much more of the like Expressions yet for all these things there is a time wherein all men must appear before the Lord of Life to render a just Account of every Thought Intent and Action of all the Deeds done in the Body in which Day it shall go well with the Righteous but the Ungodly and Prophane shall be turned into Hell with him unto whom their Obedience hath been for all that have forgot to retain God in all their Thoughts so living and dying God will also forget Mercy towards them for his Regard is only to his own Seed and to Men as they are joyned to it which hath been sown in all sorts of Ground which is in the heart of every Man and Woman for them to yeild their whole Obedience thereunto for whatsoever ye do whether ye eat or whether ye drink let all be done to the Praise and Honour of God who gives Life Health and Strength for that end for whatsoever is in Peoples talk more than of Yea and Nay it is for Condemnation which is great matter of weight for People well to consider what will become of their Souls who live in the daily Practice of Words Actions wherein the Lord never savingly appears but as he doth permit their Souls Enemy to rule their Thoughts Intents Words and Actions so of his free Love in Mercy to their Souls the Lord doth manifest to them the evil of their way which is by the gift of his divine Light in their own hearts and by his Spirit in the Instruments of his Truth which have been sent and are yet sending to warn the Wicked to turn from their unrighteous Wayes which if they would but give up their minds to come under the Cross of Christ which is that Cross for them to bear which remains in Opposition to their corrupted Desires then they would become able by the Power of God in Christ to witness his Yoke to be easie and his Burden to be light for what he hath said unto one be hath a so said unto all that is Watch and Pray lest ye eater into Temptation for he that remains faithful in his Watch by the Light of the Lord perceiveth the Devil's Temptation in his first Allurement which by true Prayer in faithfulness to his Watch the Power of God in him doth appear to the resisting of his Souls Enemy and causeth him to slee so that in them in whom the Mind is stable in seeking after the Lord for the Knowledge of his Truth in Jesus Christ their Understanding will open more and more towards him by which the reading of the holy Scriptures will also be of great benefit to the Understanding which will also refresh the inward Man so that as all are diligently to mind the Gift of Gods Grace which they have received as a Seed of the Kingdom through which by Obedience it will grow and bring forth Fruit acceptable to God who requites his own with increase for the Honour of his Same and profit of Peoples Souls that by Obedience to his holy Seed they may remain in Covenant with God and be made Partakers of his Kingdom in and through the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ Further concerning the Man Christ which was conceived by the holy Ghost born and brought forth of the Virgin Mary and suffered Death for the Redemption of all men and as many shall be saved as believe in his Name GOd so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting Life John 3.16 Which doth manifest that God sent his only Son born of a Woman to suffer Death in a Body of Flesh for the Redemption of Peoples Souls in which Body of Flesh did remain the Fullness of the Spirit towards the Salvation of all mens Souls yet they only shall be saved which believe in his Name for his Name is called Jesus because he was sent of God to save his People from their sins Mat. 1.21 Luke 1.31 which is according to the Prophet Isaiah cap. 7.14 15. A bruised Reed shall he not breaâ— nor smoking Flax shall he â—ot quench till he send forth Judgment unto Victory and in his Name shall the Gentiles trust Mat. 12.15 to v. 21. He came to his own and 〈…〉 received him not but as many as received him to them he gaâ—e Power to become the Sons of God which were born not of Blood nor of the will of Flesh nor of the will of Man but of God Joh. 1 11 12 13. Which doth manifest that where men only believe in the outward Righteousness of the Man Christ who as he was in the Body of Flesh was God and Man without the believing in the Gift of his Spirit which iâ— the inward Word of Life and leads the heart and mind of every sincere Christian into a sanctified state of true Obedience to the Gift of his divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit of Grace without which they cannot come to live in that true Faith which justifies the Souls of the Righteous in the sight of God the Father in which state of true Obedience the evidence of his Spirit doth bear witness with their Spirit That the Declaration of his Truth recorded in the holy Scriptures hath proceeded from the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus who in that Body of Flesh was both God and Man according as it is written for Peoples learning That the Word was made Flesh and dwelt on Earth among the Sons and Daughters of Men and many that believed his Name believed his Glory as the Glory of the only begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth Joh. 1.14 They outwardly believed as Man with a visible Eye but as to his invisible Glory of Holiness they believed him the Lord of Life as he was God and Man with an invisible Eve which by the Gist of his Spirit enlightened them to know him to be the Lord of Life whom to know by true Faith is Life Eternal which was made known unto them by the gift of
Man and Woman may know how it stands between God their own Souls which is good for all to mind and make their Peace vvith the Lord vvhile he hath given them space and time for that end that their Souls may not faint in the great Day of his Coming to call every Man and Woman to an account for their Deeds done in the Body CHAP. IV. Concerning the Scriptures which are the Writings of the holy Men of God wherein is contained that Jesus Christ is the Everlasting Word of God by whom is the Salvation of all Men that are saved by his Power which leads them to believe in his Name THe Holy Scriptures contained in the Old and Nevv Testament signifie Writings in vvhich VVritings are contained the VVords of God as they vvere received by the living VVord of God as may be read in the Prophets VVritings The Word of the Lord came unto them this vvas not the Letter of the Scripture that came unto them but it vvas the living VVord of God vvhich in Scripture is most properly and frequently called The Word of God In the beginning was the VVord and the Word was God the same was in the beginning with God all things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made Joh 1.1 2 3 And the VVord was made Flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his Glory as the Glory of the only begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth Now consider what grounds People have to call the Scripture the only Word of God without any Distinction but by way of Information to the understanding of aâ—â—unbyassed Minds that my design in the following Liâ—â— a is not to deprive the holy Scriptures of that honour due unto them but that Truth and Righteousness may take place for the holy Scriptures in their place are highly to be esteemed with that Honour due unto them for which end 〈◊〉 labour is that by others they may not be dissplaced by to understand a true distinction between the written declarative Word of God and the VVord of his Spirit of Grace Life and Light by Jesus Christ whom to know is Life indeed for they that come unto him it must be through Faith in obedience to the gift of his divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit which opens the dark Understanding and quickens the Mind and works Grace in the Heart and sanctifies the inward Man of him that yeilds Obedience to the Word of his Spirit without which there can be no true understanding of Gods saving Truth by Jesus Christ whom to know is Life Everlasting concerning which things the written VVord is large in its Declaration concerning what God requires of the Sons and Daughters of Men who for Power to perform what they find to be their Duty as by holy Record they are to come unto Christ the Author and Finisher of his ovvn Work in them that believe for the holy Scriptures of Truth vvere given forth by the Spirit of Truth and living Word of Truth vvhich vvas the Word of God in His Servants of old vvhich Word according to measure remains the same to this Day in every sincere true Believer vvhose vvhole desire is to give up in obedience to the manifestation of Gods good Spirit of Grace by vvhich they come to a thorovv understanding of vvhat they find of his VVill and Mind recorded in the holy Scriptures of Truth vvithout vvhich Obedience the Letter kills but by Obedience the Spirit makes alive for the holy Scriptures are full in relating of what hath been past and of what is to come but as to the time when and manner how the Lord in his own due time by the Word of his Spirit doth reveal it to his Servants and Messengers of his Truth in this Day even as it hath pleased him in days past for as then in that day the same is it with many in this day who the Scriptures yet it is said of them That they had not the Worâ— abiding in them for whom God had â—ent which was Christ the Word him they believed not Joh. 5.3 â— which by the written Word is evident that the gift of Gods Spirit of Grace Life Light by Jesus Christ is the saving Word of God to every Soul that by him is saved for what saith it the Word is nigh thee in thy Mouth and in thy Heart that is the Word of Faith James 1.21 Rom. 10 7 8 and this Word is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God Ephes 6.17 it sanctifies the heart of the faithful by the Word of God and Prayer 1 Tim. 4.5 for the faithful are them that are poor and of a contrite Spirit which tremble at the Word of the Lord Isa 56.2 5. Hear ye the Word of the Lord ye that that Tremble at his Word And again 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 John 1.14 Now let all People mind by which they may come to a right understanding of the Scriptures which were not from the beginning neither do they of themselves and without the inward Word give Power to overcome the wicked One for the VVord of God was before Scripture promises Life eternal to all that are willing to receive the Word which is the Promise of God in Christ before the World began Ti. 2.3 And this Word hath been a Rule of Life to the faithful of God in all Ages shewing unto Man the Thoughts of his Heart and intents of his Mind and Obedience to the Word is an acceptable Sacrifice to the Lord and God hath promised oâ— overcome sin in the faithful by the Power of his Word which is as a two edged Sword to cut up and beat down all that is contrary to his heavenly divine Life in the heart of every faithful Man and Woman that is come to yeild their Obedience according 〈◊〉 that knowledge which they have received of God in Christ whom to know is Life Eternal in which Life they have the true saving knowledge of God the Father the Son and the holy Ghost which is One God and One Lord Lord Jesus Christ One holy Spirit God in all and through all and over all the Alpha and Oâ—aega the beginning and the end the first and the last blessed are they that do his Commandments that they may have right to the Tree of Life Rev. 22.13 14. which as aforesaid is that which the Lord by the assisting Power of his Spirit hath made known to me concerning his Word of Life and Light by which the holy men of God were assisted in giving forth a Declaration of his holy Truth which they received by his holy Spirit which is the living Word of all Truth and will remain the same when the Letter of the Scripture
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
that here is no command either to Particular time or Place but as often as ye eat of this Bread and drink of this Cup ye do shew forth the Lord Death till he come which according to that spiritual Light of Understanding which God hath given me my Faith in Christ is to believe that the daily â—ood which every true Believer doth receive by Prayer and Thanks-giving that it is to be received in the remembrance of his Death till he come as well as when Believers eat together more solemnly remembring his Death with Prayer and Thanks-giving whose coming will be to reward the Wicked and Ungodly among whom are they that have a form of Godliness without the true saving Knowledge of God by the Body and Blood of Christ whose coming also will be to receive the Souls of them whom he hath promised to drink of the Vine new in the Kingdome of God and as to any command by Christ or example by his holy Apostles I find not for any hired Teachers to set up a form for People to eat Breâ—d and drink Wine once a month or more or less even as they and their followers can agree about the same for the Apostles were never hired to set up any â—orm without the Power of God neither without the Power of God did they ever maintain any Form for they did continue with one accord breaking Bread from House to House and did eat their bread with gladness and singleness oâ— heart Acts 2.46 Which doth and will continue among sincere Christians and true Believers until the last coming of Christ which doth manifest the blind Zeal which People have of their own Righteousness who have not the true form of Godliness according to the practice of the holy Apostles for which end I may improve the Prophets saying Wherefore do ye spend your Money for that which is not Bread and your Labour for that which satisfieth not Isa 55.2 Which indeed is so as doth appear by Peoples Lo here and Lo there in their differing Forms which are destitute of the Power of God who is the Bread of Life which is tendered by his free Grace in and through the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ who standeth at the Door and knocketh if any man will hear his Voice and open the Door he will come in to him and will sup with him and he shall sup with the Lord of life Râ—v 8.10 which if any refuse this the Lords Supper he refuses his own Salvation by Jesus Christ the Bread of Life which if any man eat and drink of this cup he shall neither hunger nor thirst but shall live forever And as to the outward Dispensations which the Lord bestoweth upon the Children of men among whom they that do not render a due acknowledgment by the spirit of Prayer and Thanks-giving for the Lords Mercies in his gifts bestowed upon them for the Comfort of the Body it doth but furder add to their Condemnation for whether ye eat or whether ye drink let all be done to the Honour of God who hath not called man to live by Bread alone but by the Power of his Word Mat. 4.4 Luke 4.4 for the Power of his Word is in Jesus Christ the Bread of Life that a man may eat thereof and not dye for all outward Bread and Wine is of a perishing Nature but the Bread of Life and Wine of the Kingdom endureth forever for Christ hath said that he is the Bread of Life or Living Bread that cometh down from Heaven which if any man eat of this Bread he shall live forever that Bread that he giveth is his Flesh which he hath given for the Life of the World John 9.50 51. for in this is the Power of God made manifest unto the soul of every true Believer which have their whole Dependance on God by true Faith in the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ who is become the Mediator of the New Covenant which speaketh better things then that of Abel Heb. 12 2â— for Christ is come and spiritually he lives in his People whose hearts and minds he hath redeemed out of all dead Forms by which they witness him to be the Lord of Life unto whom they yeild the strength of their minds to serve him the living God with uprightness of Soul Mind and Spirit by which their inward Life doth not remain in eaâ—ing Bread and drinking Wine which is not of it self material for the Salvation of any man Soul that so do for it comes short of Gods Promise by Jesus Christ and supping with him at his Table which affords Bread without Money and Wine without Price which if People had true Faith to believe these things their dead Form would soon end for Christ is the Bread of Life and he that cometh to him shall never hunger and he that believeth in him shall never thirst which is large in a general way to all men which they that refuse are left out from having any lot part or share with the Guests of the Bride Chamber where the Lamb of God hath his abode and remains with them where they by true Faith feed on his spiritual Food which is that spiritual Bread and spiritual Wine which is without Money and Price and giveth Life unto the World of them which by true Faith receive him Joh. 6.32 33. in which state of true Faith every sincere Believer receiveth of his Dispensation which by Prayer and Thanks-giving is sanctified unto them so as every true Christian doth worthily in all his eating and drinking eat and drink in the holy Faith and Fear remembring the Lords Death with Prayer and Thanksgiving So is it to be acknowledged that the primitive Christians did eat and drink together solemnly assembled and were to wait one for another that they might eat and drink together when solemnly assembled remembring the Lords death with prayer and Thanks-giving in token of their being Members together of one Body whereof Christ is the Head to signifie their Love Vnity and Fellowship one with another and the which is worthily practised by sincere and faithfull Christians at this day and is to continue to the last coming of Christ when he shall come without us to Judge the quick and the dead as well as his more abundant inward coming in spirit to them who have not yet witnessed it and many as yet are not come into the true Faith of these things which according to my measure of Faith in God by Jesus Christ do I faithfully believe by which thorough Faith I do receive of Gods outward Dispensation for the preservation of outward Life and in measure of his heavenly divine Riches by Faith in Christ which unto me is the Bread and Water of Life for the preservation of my soul and not to me only but unto all them that by true Faith witness their feeding with the Lord of Life at his his heavenly Table where all the faithfull of God witness the
eating of the Lords Supper CHAP. X. Concerning Baptism and Sprinkling Infants which People hold most necessary to Salvation SPrinkling of Infants it being set up without any prescribed command or Example commanded by Christ or his holy Apostles although many Teachers in this Age have wrested the holy Scriptures thinking thereby to make their own invention to be accounted the Ordinances of God Now the main Reasons that many teachers have rendered they have grounded from Christs word Mat. 22.19 which doth not prove baptizing of â—nfants to be commanded by Christ Go ye therefore and teach all Nations beptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Now the command of Christ was to his Disciples that they should go and teach which proves that teaching was commanded before baptizing or dipping as the word may be rendered by which all may understand that they could not be discipled which were untaughâ— for this we know that Infants are uncapable of being taught which proves that they are not capable of being Disciples And in Mark 10.14 15 16. where they bring Christs saying Suffer little Children to come unto me forbid them not for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven which saying is explained in the following Verse that whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little Child he shall not enter therein can never reach by Visible Water which cleanseth not the inside of these wise Hebrew Greek and Latine learned Builders who ground their unsound Foundation of Sprinkling Infants in the room of Circumcision which according to the holy Scriptures of Truth one Tipe did never tipe out another but every Tipe typified the substance for Circumcision was a Tipe or Figure and cutting off the fore-skin was a Figure of the Circumcision and cutting off the Fore-skin of the heart Now baptism with water was a Tipe or Figure as in Peter 3.21 which tiped out the spiritual Washing or regeneration which is baptizing of Infants come in the room of Circumcision then how do they agree in a parrellel seeing that the Males were only circumcised then why are the Famales now baptized if Baptism come in the room of Circumcision which as to their form in batpizing they differ one from the other even as in other things which they account to be the Ordinances of Christ but are found to be the Ordinances of men set up and maintained by the Power of men who in their several Forms differ each from the other for some sprinkle others dip and some dip over again others plunge others sprinkle with mixt Water and to my knowledge some have had their Children sprinkled with warm water in cold weather for which form some of their Priests have said to me that they have allowance for their differing Forms under this Dispensation that is to dip or sprinkle according to the nature of the Climate where they live but to prove their assertion by Scripture they cannot do which without scripture Proof they are willing to say something for what they hold but in what form soever any by their Priests are baptized there is no effect of their work doth appear but like Priest like People all pleading for A Body of Sin while they remain in this Life which doth manifest that visible Water is of no effect notwithstanding these hired Builders bring Christs words to Nicodemus John 3.5 that except a man be born again of Water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God From which words some do infer that Infant Baptism is of absolute Necessity to Salvation Now Christ did then speak of that heavenly Water which did regenerate and make new for through the Power of that Water the Heart came to be made clean according to the Prophets Saying Then will I sprinkle clean Water upon you and you shall be clean from all your Filthiness Ezek. 36.25 By which it is manifest that visible Water cleanseth not the inside which is to be cleansed through the washing of Regeneration for it is not the washing away of the filth of the Flesh but the answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 3 21. Now Johns Baptism was to decrease and the Baptism of Christ to increase for Christ was before John whose Baptism made way for the Baptism of Christ to take place for this Testimony John did bear of himself That he should decrease and that Christ should increase for John's baptizing was to Repentance but he that cometh after me shall baptize you with the holy Ghost Mat. 3.11 Then if John's Water Baptism was to decrease which was to Repentance where is the benefit of Water-Baptism in this day to any who have repented And to them which have not repented their Life of remaining in a Body of Sin all their days doth manifest no benefit in Water-Baptism towards the Salvation of any man that is baptized with visible Water in what Form soever for as Water Baptism was a â—ipe or Figure Pâ—t 3.21 so all Types and Figures made way for the Spirit of Hâ—iness in which they are all fulfilled through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ whose Baptism is that of the holy Ghost which except People receive they can never witness the heart cleansed from dead Works for John baptized with Water but ye shall be baptized with the holy Ghost having the pâ—omise to receive Power Acts 1 52 which doth manifest that People cannot receive full power against sin before they have received the Baptism of Christ which is that of the holy Ghost and Fire which burns up and purifies the heart of the inward man by which the thoughts of his own corrupted desire are brought into subjection to the Power of God by Jesus Christ which cleanâ—eth the inward man of Heart Mind and Spirit through which he comes to serve the Lord with Uprightness of his whole Desire in which state he becomes 〈◊〉 thorough Witness for Gods holy Truth that there is but one Lord one Faith one Baptism Ephes 4 5. into which Baptism all the Righteous oâ— God are baptized for so many as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his Death therefore they are bâ—râ—ed with him by Baptism into he Glory of the Father even so we also should walk in Newness of Life Rom 3.4 Now whâ—t People have gâ—thered in their Comprehension concerning the Apostles words 〈◊〉 Cor. 14. it avails no for their proâ—â—â— in the least measure of strength to prove Water Baptism an Ordinance of God in this day for if so then is Circumcision because the same Apostle in that day both circumcised and baptized which was for this end that he might gain some to Christ and not that it should continue in practise among Believers for time to come Then how are they true Beleivers with whom the practise of Water Baptism doth yet remain for the very same Apostle laid that practise aside in his day saying that least any should say
that great â—ork of Redemption by the Son of God and Lord of Sabbath is worthily regarded and attended for the Worship of God in the Spirit and in the Truth having the holy Apostles for Example to follow them as they were Followers of Christ and to mark them which walk otherwayes then sure we are to mark them whose Dress appears more like for Stage-Play than for the true Worship of God on the first Day of the Week for where the heart is there is the Treasures also and out of the heart proceedeth all evil Communications which abundantly appears among People who rather exceed upon the Day of their Worship than at other times when their Minds are exercised in things of Bodily Labour which by their Fruits they are to be judged that they live void of the true fear of God or regard to their Immortal Souls and so are as a People without God in the World who have no true saving Knowledge of God by Jâ—sus Christ they will talk of God and Christ and of the Sabbath without any spiritual sence of his saving Grace by Jesus Christ the Lord of Sabbath who is the everlasting â—abbath of his Peoples Rest where the Righteous cease from their own Works as God did from his Heb. 4.9 10. CHAP. XII Concerning Election and Reprobation agreeing with the Holy Scriptures THis is that which many hold That God from all Eternity hath unchangeably ordained whatsoever comes to pass and That God hath decreed one part of the Angels with Men Women and their Infants for everlasting Damnation Which Doctrine is mostly held by the Presbyterians as by their Confession of Faith cap. 3. which Doctrine I have often considered in the spirit of Meekness and according to my measure of Gods holy Truth by Jesus Christ do I declare as followeth That to know God by Jesus Christ is Life eternal and for that end was the Son of God made manifest that all might come unto God through Faith in Jesus Christ and through Grace by him be saved for God made Man in his own Image and gave him a being in the Garden of Paradise from which state he soon fell which Fall was through Disobedience by eating of the forbidden â—ruit which hath brought Darkness over the Children of Men which are in a state of Bondage to that Seed of the Enemies sowing in their first Parents which more or less comes by Nature in the Children of Men in whom that Seed lusteth which is a doing of that in Obedience to the Temptations of the Souls Enemy which God hath strictly commanded should not be done And for that end that the Children after Adam should know the Will and Mind of their Maker God in all Ages gave unto the Sons and Daughters of Men a gift of his own Spirit of divine Light by which they might see the right way of the Lord and walk therein which is according to his holy Promise as in Gen. 3.15 And I will put Enmity between thy Seed and her Seed it shall bruise thy Head and thou shalt bruise his Hâ—el in which two Seeds iâ— chiefly contained Election and Reprobation former Seed should bruise the Head of the Serpent and break his Power that is through perfect bedience to Christ the Seed of the Woman and to his Grace which is that gift of divine â—ight that makes manifest all the hidden things of Darkness so that let the Devil appear in what likeness soâ—ver he will yet as Men and Women stand faithful to the manifestation of Gods gift the Enemy's Power comes to beâ—broken So that the Promise of God in the Seed remains only to the faithful for the Promise of God was not to Seeds as of many but as of One and to thy Seed which is Christ Gal. 3.16 for the Covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ the Law which was four hundred and thirty Years after cannot disannul that it should make the Promise of none effect for the Law was added because of Transgression till the Seed should come to whom the Promise was made but the Scripture hath concluded all under sin that the Promîse by Faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe Gal 3.17 18 19 20. Now all not believing in Christ the true Seed doth not include that God ordained them to perish because the Promise of God in the Seed is tendered in Gods own time and way to all the Children of Men otherwise all that perish would not be left without excuse concerning which the Spirit of God hath left it plain to be understood that the Seed of the Kingdom hath been sown in all sorts of Ground and the Reason is rendered by the Spirit of God why it did not bring forth fruit in all sorts of Ground which is because Obedience hath not been yeilded to the Command of God for if God had absolutely decreed mens Damnation his Decree being unrevokable there would be no need for men to strive for Salvation for who could resist such an absolute Decree But blessed be the Name of God and Father of Jesus Christ whose faithful People well know that he is a just God which hath not ordained the Souls of any to perish before they were born but for their Sins and final Impenitence through Disobedience to the â—ift of his Grace which is of the Seed of the Kingdom and hath been sown throughout all Ages in all sorts of ground of what Nature soever and hath been the same in this day among all the Children of Men and if any perish it is of themselves for Light is come into the World and mans Condemnation is of himself because he loves Darkness rather than Light Joh. 3.1 the Reason is because he hates the Light which repreves his evil Deeds in which stare the Seed is appressed and kept as in Bondage by which it can take no roâ—t in the hard rebellious heart and barren sandy ground where Rocks Thornes and Thistles grow and Serpents have their abiding place which destroy and cause the Life of the Seed to depart which iâ— the state of disobedient and rebellious men whose Damnation neither slumbereth nor sleepeth but is of themselves by which they cannot charge the just and holy One of ordaining them to perish By which it is manifest that mans Dimnation is of himself and thaâ— is by yeilding his mind to serve in Unrighteousness when occasions sin that destroys the soul â—y which at appears that they unjustly charge â—od of decreeing men â—o perish which for the begetting of a further belief of unfound Doctrine they have wrested the Apostles words Rom. 9.11 12 13 where is is said The Children being not yet born neither having done any good or evil that the purpose of God according to Election might stand not of Works but of him that calleth it was said unto her the elder shall serve the younger as it is written Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated Also in another place where
the Gift of his Grace they may not fall short of the true Hope which is by Jesus Christ who will not with-hold from any man of his Grace whom he finds in the well doing for he that doth well shall be accepted but he that doth not well sin â—veth at the door and unto him shall be his desire and he shall rule over him which proves sin is the cause of mans perishing for the spirit of 〈…〉 and whosoever wîll let him come and tane the Water of Life freely Rev. 22 7. So that for my part ac 〈…〉 that small measure of Light which God hath 〈…〉 Concerning the knowledge of his Truth as it 〈◊〉 he Son of his Love the Lord Jesus thorough Faith 〈◊〉 do I believe with many thousands oâ— the Lords â—â—â—thfull People that God who in his indâ—ite Wisdom knows all things long before the â—oâ—ld began and whatever comes to pass that it is by his Power of commission or permission but thaâ— he hath unchangeably ordained whatsoever cames to pass seems to me a charging of God with all the unrighteous Actions and wicked Wâ—â—ks that ever unrighteous and wicked men have done or ever shall do for time to come and to hold that God from all eternâ—â—ty hath ordained men women and their infants for everlasting perdition without respect to their final impeaitency is that which they can never prove by or from any things that is left on holy Record by the Spirit of God in the holy Scriptures of Truth for he that fears God and works his righteousness through Faith in Christ the same shall be accepted as a faithfull Child of God and true Servant of Jesus Christ whom the Father hath made manifest by the gift of his divine Light which through Obedience thereunto no man need walk in Darkness but have the Light of Life which gives the knowledge of God in Jesus Christ whom to know is Life Everlasting CHAP. XIII Concerning the Grace of God which bringeth Salvation through Faith in Christ to the Souls of them that by him are saved THe Law was given by Moses but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ John 1. vers 17. Now the Love of God is largely manifested through the gift of his Grace which came by Jesus Christ before whom no mans works shall stand which are not sanctified by Grace neither can any mans works be sanctified by Grace further then he comes into Obedience to the gift of Gods Spirit of Grace which is that gift of divine Light which God hath bestowed to the Children of men thorough the Death Resurrection of his Son the Lord of Life in whom the fullness of Grace remaineth and it is by the Grace of Gods Power in and thorough him which sanctifieth the soul of every true Believer in him by whom thâ—i saith is imputed to them for Righteousness by which they are justified before God in the sight of Jesus Christ whose Kingdom hath been prepared before the Foundation of the World for the righteous to enter for their works have been in obedience to the gift of Gods Grace for as there is but one God and one Lord Jesus Christ and one Spirit so there iâ— but one saving Grace in the Ground Seed and Root or Being and Nature for the race of God is one and manifold according as we read in the holy Scriptures of the manifold Grace of God and manifold Wisdom of God even as the Spirit of God is one but diversity of Gifts and there are Diversities of Operations but one God and diversity of Administrations but one Lord and the Scriptures do declare of the Spirit of Fear and Bondage and of Adoption also the Sâ—â—â—â—ture distinguisheth between the Servants and Sons in the Hâ—â—se of God â—or every son is a servant of God but every Servant is not a son born of the Free Woman And of this mystery Ishmael and Isaac were Figures men may be Servants and Sons by the Bond Woman by obedience â—o the first Ministration of the Spirit or Light within as it teacheth common Duties Piety Temperance Justice without revealing the Mystery of Christ crucified and raised again or working the Faith of it but none are the Sons of God by the Free Woman or Children of the New Covenant but they who have the Mystery of Christ crucified and raised again Outwardly revealed in them and have a living Faith in it by which they witness a conformity to Christ in his Life Death and Resurection and by that Power that raised him from the dead The sufficiency of Gods Grace within is not to be understood in opposition either to the Faith of Christ as he was outwardly Crucified for us and rose again and is a scended into Heaven there making Intercession for us nor in opposition to the great benefit and help of the holy Scriptures or sincere preaching of faithfull men or any other help but in unity with all these and it ought to be acknowledged that though God hath not left the Heathens where Christ is not outwardly Preached altogether destiture but hath given them a dispensation of Light that is real and divine and is of great service to them who improve it to prepare and call them to receive the Faith of Christ when Preached to them yet faithful Christians are under another Dispensation of Light and Grace as far exceeding that of the meer Heathens however honest or conscientious as Gold excelleth Brass or the Light of the Sun excelleth that of the Moon but both proceeding from one God one Christ and one spirit and the sufficiency of Grace that any man doth receive or that any man hath is only with respect to the present time and state but not for all times to come for the best of Saints are to depend and Pray to God to receive more and more Grace from him who is the God of all Grace and Father of Mercies and Father of Lights which lighteth his Sons and Daughters by the gift of his Grace and good Spirit of Life which giveth unto them the Light of Life to walk in the straight and even way which he hath layd out by the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ who is one with God the Father in all his holy Works of Grace Life and Light by which he is Working among the Sons and Daughters of men among whom is also the spirit of Iniquity working in and thorough the many Teachers which would make the Grace of God to be 〈◊〉 and differing in kind of being and nature when it is evident that though the 〈◊〉 diversities of gifts yet they all proceed from the one Spirit of the one God and one Lord Jesus Christ whose Grace is but one which restrains and saves from sin for he is the only begotten of the Fâ—â—â—hâ— full of Grace and Tâ—uth and of his fulness every true Believer in him receives 〈…〉 for Grace John 1.14 16. and by his Grace they received Apostleship for Obedience to the
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
good or evil the Lord shews it unto them in their own heart and conscience by the Revelation of his spirit which Justifies the thoughts and intents of the Righteous but condemns the thoughts and intents of the Wicked Now the holy Scripture is short in giving men the knowledge of their thoughts and intents without the searchings of the Spirit of God for the Lord searcheth the Heart and tryeth the Reigns and decleares unto Man what is his Thoughts Amos 4.13 Also the Prophet hath said by the Spirit of Truth That they shall all be taught of God which is according to Christs saying John 6 45. Every man that hath heard and hath learned of the Father cometh to meâ— neither hath Eye seen nor Ear heard neither hath it entered into the heart of man the things which God hath Prepared for them that love him but God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things even the deep things of God for what man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of a man which is in him even so the things of God knoweth no man but the spirit oâ— God and to whom the Spirit reveals them for true believers in this day as well as in dayes past have not received the Spirit of the World but the spirit which is of God that they might know the things that are freely given to them of God 1 Cor. 2 9 10 11 12 By which it is manifest that divine Revelation by the inspiration of Gods holy Spirit is of absolute necessity for Salvation in and thorough Faith by Jesus Christ whom no man can know but by the revealed gift of his Spirit which through Faith begets the inward man into the saving knowledge of God and of his Son the Lord Jesus Christ through which every true Believer in him comes to receive of the like benefit with the Saints in their day to see with their spiritual Eyes and to hear with their spiritual Ears and with their spiritual hands they come to handle the Word oâ— Life 1 John 1.1 Then if all divine Revelation and Inspiration of Gods Spirit to his Children be ceased must not all spiritual seeing and spiritual hearing be ceased also which by their Doctrines doth seem to me as if they conclude Christ also to be ceased for if the Inspiration of Gods holy Spirit of Revelation be ceased then how shall God and Christ be heard and seen spiritually as believers in dayes past did spiritually hear and see him Also if God hath committed his whole Will and Mind to Writing then by what means are these saved which have not received the knowledge of the Letter of the holy scripture Will they conclude they all perish for want of the Letter when the Mind and Will of God is that a Remnant of all Nations of them that fear him and work Righteousness shall be saved And though the holy Scriptures do give Infallible Marks of such an estate yet there is no scripture can infallibly assure any man that he hath these marks but it must be the spirit of God that gives every true believer such an assurance for the spirit it self beareth witness with our Spirits that we are the Children of God Rom. 8.6 So it is the Spirit of God by which that assurance is revealed to beleivers or more properly in believers by which they come to witness that they have the Son and he that hath the Son of God hath Life 1 Joh 5.12 Now the holy Scriptures hold forth that he that hath the Son of God hath Life but give no assurnce of Life but the Spirit of God doth reveal an assurance which proves that all divine Revelation is not ceased CHAP. XVII Concerning the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of Anti-Christ THe whole state of mans Life is governed in Thoughts Words and Actions by the Power of the Spirit which hath the Commanding part in man who is either governed by the Spirit of Christ or the Spirit of Antichrist which is the Devil for there are but two Spirits which rule the Spirit of God through Jesus Christ which rules in the Righteous whose Thoughts Words and Actions are governed by the Power of Gods Spirit which brings the Thoughts of the Faithful to be subject in Obedience to the Power of his own Spirit in and through Faith by Jesus Christ Now the Spirit of the Devil is that Anti-Christ which Gods Power permits to rule in the Children of Disobedience whose Thoughts Words and Actions are governed by the Spirit of the Devil so that men are Servants unto that Power which they obey for the Thoughts of mans Mind are in a continual motion and where God is not retained in the Thoughts they cannot be of any service to him for the Souls benefit but are in servitude to him unto whom they yeild their Obedience which Work altogether tends for Distruction of the soul therefore People ought to be diligent with that gift of divine Light which God hath given to find out the hidden things of Darkness in the heart of man who by Obedience to the gift of Gods Grace may come to understand the Lords Will to be done in their Thoughts Words and Actions which work will bring honour to the Name of the Lord and Peace to their own Souls for he that brings his Deeds to the Light they are made manifest by the Light whether they are wrought in God through faith and Obedience to the gift of his Grace for the promise of God by Christ is to the obedient part for his Children are made a free and Willing People to serve him with uprightness of Heart Mind Thoughts Word and Actions for the carnal Thoughts of man brings Death over the soul but the spiritual Thoughts of man bring Life for to be carnally minded is Death but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace with God in Christ Sâ— as there is but two Spirits which bare rule the one or the other hath the Commanding part in the heart and mind of man for the Mind cannot serve two Masters that is no man can serve God and Mammon for while the Mind is in obedience to the Spirit of Life it overcomes the Spirit of Death but while it remains in obedience to the Spirit of Anti-Christ it becomes dead remains with Death which state hath no relation to the things of Christs Kingdom for God is not a God oâ— that which is dead in sin and Treâ—pass against the heavenly divine gift of his Spirit of Grace Life and Light which come by Jesus Christ whole Spirit is not of this World neither are they of this World whose Minds are begotten of God thorough him to live in Obedience to his holy Truth but the Spirit of Anti-Christ is of this World and rules the Thoughts Words and Actions of them who are the Children of this World which by subjecting to his Power they believe that in the best of men sin remaineth all the
dayes of this Life which Faith is begotten by the spirit of Anti-christ which rules in the Children of Disobedience whose minds are drawn into works of Darkness which are begotten by their Father the Devil the Prince Power of the Air whose â—iry Kingdom remains in the Heart and Mind of all Unrighteous men who are bewitched by the spirit of Anti-Christ that they should not obey the Truth of God made manifest by Jesus Christ Gal. 3.1 by whose Spirit the heart and mind in the righteous are governed from vain and evil Thoughts for every Thought Word and Action that tends not to the honour of God it proceeds from the lust of the corrupted Desire which yeilds its Obedience to the Spirit Power of Anti-christ who is that Devil and Enemy to God and all Mankind and his they are if they obey for his Servants ye are to whom ye obey whether of Sin unto Death or of Obedience unto Righteousness Rom. 6.16 So that Death Hell and Destruction remains in all Thoughts Words and Actions which proceed not from the Power of God in Obedience to the gift of his Spirit by Jesus Christ for all that is not of Gods Righteousness by the Spirit and Power of Christ is of Unrighteousness by the Spirit and Power of Anti-Christ So that all sin is of Unrighteousness and all unrighteousness is of the Devil who sinneth from the beginning and he that committeth sin it is of the Devil but whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin for his seed remnineth in him and he cannot Sin because he is born of God 1 Joh. 3.8.9 Then let no man be deceived by the Spirit of Anti-Christ or by any of his Disciples for he that doth Righteousness is righteous even as he is Righteous 1 Joh. 3.7 for whosoever committeth Sin is a Servant to sin Joh. 8.34 Then he that is a Servant to sin is free from Righteousness for the wages of sin is Death and God is not a God of the Dead but a God of them that are made alive by the Power of his Spirit in and thorough the Lord Jesus Christ whose gift of Righteousness is Life eternal that is to them that keep close in their minds with the Lord by which they may not be drawn into the Anti-Christian Faith of any one thing with which the Devil seeks to destroy the Soul for God is not mocked whatsoever men some that they shall also reap for he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap Corruption but he that soveth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap Life everlasting Gal 6.7.8 Now every-Spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God and every Spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God 1 Joh. 4 2.3 Then that which appears from a spirit in men which doth not lead from sinning against the gift of Gods holy Spirit their so living doth manifestuâ— a unrighteous Life is towards God and that unrighteous Life is in obedience to the Spirit of Anti-Christ which denyeth that Christ is come in the flesh of which Spirit there are many which have entered the false Prophets which are gone out into the World by which many are deceived for they are of the World and speak of the World and the World heareth them 1 â—oh 4.5 but the Children of God are begotten by the Power of his own Spirit in and thorough the Lord Jesus Christ and by Grace through Faith in him their works are of Righteousness before him who is the Author and the Finisher of his own Work in all them whose Works of Righteousness manifest Jesus Christ to be come in the flesh which the works of the Unrighteous do not do CHAP. XVIII Concerning the true Language and proper Nature of Speech and the true Names of the Days and Months And also the Vnrighteousness of Peoples vain living Through the Unrighteousness of Peoples careless living unto God they are got into a habitual custom of vain living before the Lord not regarding to live up in Obedience to the the Spirit of Truth which lead Gods faithful People into the true Nature of Speech and to call the Dayes of the Week and the Months of the Year by their proper Names according as by that Spirit of God they are recorded for People to learn in the holy Scriptures of Truth which givs a holy Testimony of the Righteous in dayes past who lived in all manner of good Life and holy Conversation before the Lord speaking their words in the true Language which is the proper Nature of Speech and calling the Days of the Week and and Months of the Year by their proper Names which holy Practise doth witness against this Generation of evil Doers who accostom themselves to a vain way of living both in Words and Actions by which it doth manifest that they are Lovers of their own vain Wayes and not the Lovers of Gods holy Truth which leads every upright hearted man and woman to keep in the true Language and proper Nature of Speech unto all men without respect of Person to any for that which the World terms Reâ—pect with Hand Hat and Knee and You to the Rich and Thee and Thou to the Poor is a respecting of Mâ—ns Peâ—sons which is a transgressing of Gods holy Law for they that respect mens persons commit sin and are convinced of the Law as Transgressors Jam 2.9 for thee and thou is proper to all men and you to more then one for God said thee and thou to Adam and Adam said thee and thou to God again Gen. 3.12 13. and the same was maintained between â—acob and his Sons Gen. 43.49 which proves that thee and thou was the true Nature of Speech between God and Man and Men and their Children as Jeptha a Judge in Israel did thee and thou his Daughter and his Daughter did thee and thou her Father again Judg. 11.3 5 6. And the three Children did thee and thou to the King and also Paul to Agrippa And the same form of thee and thou to a single person and you or ye to more then one was prectised by Christ to his Disciples and the same by the Disciples as thee and thou to Christ again which is the true Nature of speech as contained in holy Record thoroughout the Scriptures of Truth though some have wrested divers Scriptures thinking thereby to prove a lawfullness of saying thee and thou to more then one which doth not prove that you on ye is proper to a single person for those scriptures which they have wrested do manifest that when the spirit of God in his Servants and Messengers of his Truth did speak by the Spirit of Truth to a Nation Church or People it was proper to say either you or ye or thou which did include a Nation Church or People as one body in the cause which was from the Lord either for or against them which is not the
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
they run on in many words about Love and Charity even as they do in all other things of the like nature not knowing a bridle to the Tongue in true love to God and knowledge of his Wayes which lead the faithful in love to render unto every Man his due in which work they do justly love mercy and hate all iniquity in which life of true Obedience there is no room to love that which the Lord hates nor to hate that which the Lord loves but to render in true love to every man according to the mind of God in Christ who doth not allow his Children to give their holy things to Dogs nor to cast their Pearls before Swine but to live in the true love of God which is above the Wisdom of the Serpent whose Wisdom in unregenerated man is far from the innocent Dove-like nature in which liâ—e the faithful continue and remain in the Power of an endless Life in which they are redeemed from the pollutions of the World which the unfaithful remain in for as they are of the World the world loves its own but the Righteous whom God hath chosen out of the World such the world hates John 15.9 Then they which remain in the love of the world they cannot receive the love of God because they continue in Disobedience against the known will and mind of their maker therefore they have no true love to God nor his People John 15.18 but this the righteous know that all things of this world shall perish even so shall the love of them which are of this world perish also but unto them which are of the world to come the love of God is there received which shall endure forever but the love of this World remains in the works of Darkness in which the minds of them that are the Children of this World are roving out of one perishing thing into another of the like nature being unstable in all their wayes as to the Lord but the love of God which passeth knowledge is stable in the hearts of all that are faithful whose Works are without Dissimulation aâ—horing all that is evil cleaving only to that which is good and leads to be kindly affectionated in Brotherly Love and in the holy fear of God honouring and prefering one another in the work of his own calling who hath called his People out of all sloathfulness into fâ—rventness of Spirit seeking the Lord and rejoâ—cing in Hope patient in Tribulation and instant in prayer in which state love worketh no ill to his Nighbour but is the fulfilling of the righteous Law Rom. 12 9 to v. 13. and 13.10 So the works of the Righteous manifest them to be Christs Disciples Joh. 13.35 for they have not received the Spirit of Fear but of Power and Love and good Works 2 Tim. 1.7 Heb 10.2 4. which they that witness not these things they remain in Darkness as to the things of God from which the Righteous cannot be seperated neither by tryal in Affliction Tribulation Distress nor Persecution neither Famine Nakedness Peril nor Sword for as it is written the Righteous are all the day long killed for his sake and accounted as sheep for the Slaughter Rom. 8.35 36. which is the state of Gods Heritage who are justified by Faith and have peace with God in Jesus Christ by whom also they have access by Faith into his Grace wherein they stand and rejoyce in the hope of the Glory of God and not only so but they glory in Tribulation also knowing that Tribulation worketh Patience and Patience Experience and Experience Hope and hope maketh not ashamed because the love of God is shed abroad in their Hearts by the holy Ghost which is given unto them Rom. 5.2 3 4 5. so that hight nor depth nor any other Creature shall be able to seperate from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. for their Souls are redeemed and become the first fruits of his Spirit in Truth and Righteousness and Holiness Love Joy Peace Long-sufferîng Gentleness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance against such there is no Law Gal. â— 22 23. And this is the Love of God in Christ which passeth knowledge that they may be filled with all the fulness of God Ephes 3.19 in which state the Work of the Lord is done in them that are brought home to him through perfect Obedience to his holy Will in all things which of them he hath required by the gift of his Spirit of Grace in and through the Lord Jesus Christ â—y whom the Righteous are saved for they are grounded in the Love of God which is without blame forbearing in love speaking in love walking in love dwelling in love having no fear in love being knit together in Faith and love which is in Jesus Christ 1 Iohn 4.12 Ephes 1.4 Thes 3.17 and 4.2.15 and 5.2.16 Col. 2.2.2 Tim. 1.13 and many more Instances which the holy â—criptures afford to the same effect that the free love of God by Jesus Christ hath appeared unto all men but all men have not received the free tenders of his love through faith and obedience to his holy Will so that by Disobedience to the free gift of Gods Grace hardness of heart and unbelief hath got the Victory in all that perish and God is clear of the Blood of all men that perish because his free love hath been tendered through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ who delights not in the death of them that perish but had rather all might turn and live CHAP. XXV Concerning the Church of Christ and Gospel Order in the Government of the Church of Christ IN the World among men of divers Perswasions each Society pretends to be the Church of Christ and each have their differing Forms to govern in their Church Now Christ is but one in God the â—ather and so are his Children but one in him who are begotten by the quickening Word of his Spirit which governs the Righâ—â—ous in Thought Word and Deed by which they know his government in his Church which are the true People of God in whom Christ is glorified John 17.9 10 11. for as God is but one in Christ and Christ is but one in God so are the People of God but one in Christ and Christ is but one in them for as their Body is the Temple of the living God he hath said That he will dwell in them and walk in them and will be their God and thâ—y shall be his People 2 Cor 6.16 Then Gods People begotten by him through their Faâ—â—h and Obedience to the gift of his Grace in and through Christ Jesus by whom through Grace his People are of an upright heart and willing mind to part with all that is not agreeable to his holy Will who will not take up his abode in men of corrupt hearts whose minds are not free to part with every delight to gain Christ and only to delight in the performing of
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
in days past have done for Example 1 cap. 12 13. in which holy Work the holâ— Scripturesâ— great help for through Faith in Christ Jâ—sus they are to make the Man of God wise to Salvation for of the Nâ— of God and Christ is every true Believer begotten by and by his Spirit gifted in measure and are to mark that live not up in good Works of Faith to the wâ— Gods holy Truth according as it is manifested by 〈◊〉 Christ and left recorded by his Spirit of Truâ—h wâ— hath commanded each Member of the Body to wâ— over one another not for evil but for good and iâ— Member be out of place the next Members are to seeâ— the way of the Lord for to restore it into its place agâ— but when all diligent care and means hath been useâ— its restoration and with long waiting cannot be recovâ— but remains in a state of dishonour to the Body the 〈◊〉 is to cut off that Member in obedience to God by wâ— means all the other Members of the Body may receivâ—nefit in the Work of the Lord by by casting that 〈◊〉 from the Body which hath offended the whole Body by all the other Members of the Body cannot be resâ— to the Body again for its better that one Member â—â—perish than that the whole Body should be cast into Hell 5.29 18.8 Mark 9.47 So that of what use for that Member hath been as to the benefit of the Eâ— whether as the right â—ye or the right Hand yet if oâ—â—orrupted and cannot be recoved by all the other Mâ—â—ers of the Body it is not to remain whereby to destroy â—he whoâ—e Body and to cause it to perish So that all is â—o be done by and through the gift of Wisdom which is from him who is the great Physitian of Value so that all â—â—e to stand faithful upon their Watch and to watch over one another for good and not for evil that all may be done to the praise and honour of Gods Name and for the Prosperity of his Truth in and among his chosen People which are the Church of Christ among whom there can â—e no real forgiving of each other further than thy Brother turns to thee and says he does Repent for the Lord forgiveth no man but as he doth turn by Obedience and Repent So that alâ— may live so as to keep out that Canker Worm of Prejudice which hath caten up some till they are become nothing as to the Life and Power of Gods saving Truth by Jesus Christ but are turned with the Dog to the Vomit and with the Sow to the wallowing in the Mire such went out from the People of God because they never were of the Church of Christ but remain as Land-marks and not as Way-marks for any of the Lords People to follow so there is no unbinding that on Earth which is 〈◊〉 unbound in Heaven neither binding that on Earth which is not bound in Heaven but that all may be done to the Honour of God and Prosperity of his Truth whose People are to pray that in all their Undertakings for his Truth the Will of God by them may be done on Earth as it is done in Heaven through which he will have the Honour of his own Work and they the Comfort of it to their own Souls which I desire may be fulfilled When all the scattered Sheep shall come Into that Fold in which are some Then will the faithfull come to see Christs Church in glorious State to be CHAP. XXVI Concerneng the State of all men and of Gods Judgments and also of Gods calling the Jews and manner of their Return to the Light of the Gospel THe Light of the Gospel is of God by Jesus who is the Power of God to Salvation in all them that believe and the Power of God for Condemnation in them that beâ—ieve not John 1.11 12 for the Lord searcheth the heart and tryeâ—h the Râ—ms even to give every man according to the fruit of his doings for the Light of Gods gift of divine Life by Jesus Christ makes manitest what fruit God requires of the Sons and Daughters of men who through Faith and Obedience do not answer his holy Will for which cause the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all Ungodliness and Unrighteousness of men because their Life of Disobedience is knowingly against the gift of Gods divine Light which is their Condemnation for their evil Deeds John 3.19 20. for that which may be known of God is manifested in them for God hath shewed it unto them Rom. 1.18 19 For the Lord sheweth unto Man what is his Thoughts Amos 4.13 Which if through Faith and Obedience to what the Lord makes manifest then the Thoughts of the Heart and Intents of the Mind are justified before him but if their Works are of Unbelief through Disobedience then the Thoughts of their Heart and Intents of the Mind are for Condemnation for every Obedient Child of God bringeth his Deeds to the Light by which they are manifest to be wrought in God but they who are Lovers of their own unrighteous Ways more than they are Lovers of Gods holy Truth they hate the Gift of Gods divine Light because by it their evil Deeds are reproved So that the state of all men is either of Obedience or Disobedience to the known Will Mind of God made manifest by the Light of his Spirit in and through the Lord Jesus â—hrist whose Light is not hid to them that are faithful but through Disobedience the Wicked that sin away the Day of Grace their Candle hath been often lighted and through their Disobedience goeth out again Job 21.17 8.5 6. Prov. 2.20 So that if the Light of the Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost in whom the godd of this World hath blinded the Minds of them which believe not lest the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God should shâ—ne unto them 2 Cor. 4.3 4. So that it is thâ—ough continued Disobedience by which men perish for the Light of the Lord is not hid under a Bed nor under a Bushel for there is nothing hid that shall not be made manifest neither was any thing kept secret but that it shall come abroad Mat. 5.15 Mark 4.21 22 23. Luke 11.33 By which it is clearly manifested that Gods Wrath and Indignation in his just Judgments upon the Unrighteous is because of their Unbelief and Rebellious living which is as the sin of Witch craft before him and in his sight Now as the state of the faithful witness Salvation by Grace through Faith and Obedience so also do the unfaithful witness Condemnation Destruction through Disobedience and Unbelief begotten by the Father of all Unrighteousness So that the state of all men are either in Servitude to the Power of Gods gift by Jesus Christ or in Servitude to the Power of the Devil who is the Father of all Unrighteousness which
hundred accused of Witch craft but some of them called Witches with some of the afflicted Evidences as the say do give an account â—f seven hundred all being by them accused for Witchâ—s of which Number there is now this present year 1692. â—ne hundred and twenty which are apprehended for Witch-craft of which there are 20 put to Death and about twenty more condemned to dye but by reason that the Spertre or apparition hath accused some Priest and others accounted eminent the Rulers have abaâ—ed in their speedy work and as at first they with speed did condemn and put to death so now with as much speed they have cleared many â—rom their Prison though as giulty of Witch-craft by the accusation of the Speâ—â—er as they alredy put to Death all which left this life in denial of what was laid to their charge though they had before confessed yet when they come to dye before the multitude they said that their confession was by reason of divers fair pretences That if they did confess they should find marcy with God and Man and one the other side if not confess as they said divers did threaten what would bâ— done unto them So what with the Prieâ—ts on the one fiâ—e and Relations on the other side any indefferent man may judge of the work But as to the Work of the Devil to the afflicted Evidences it is sufficient in short to say that I never heard nor read of the like work from any Author and not to omit Lynn Priest who was one of the forwardest to have all that by the Specter were accused to be put to Death which in some shorâ— time was also by the Specter or Devil accused him self by which People may see and know their eminent Teachers they so term are no more freed from the Power of the Devil then others so accused to Geo. Burroughs in denial of all laid to his charge â—thougâ— a learned Preacher of the Gospel as People called him and a Teacher for them called the Church of Chrisâ— was one whom now is put to Death the other priestâ— do now render him as odious as may or can be bâ— let him be what he is for my part I know not to thâ— contrary but that in his Doctrine they do not him exeeeâ— and as to their Principles and Practice let the faithful judge how far they fall shorâ— of bewitching People that they should not obey the Truth of God made manifest by Jesus Christ who came to destroy all the Devils Power which to me many Teachers in this Age seem to uphold through their imperfect Preaching That a Body of sin remains with all men to the end of this Life then where the Body of Sin remains it must needs follow that there remains the Devils Power which doth bewitch People to commit sin because all Unrighteousness is of the Devil and all sin is of Unrighteousness then they that commit sin are Servants to sin even as we daily see to the grief trouble of the upright in heart to see such a known Life of Disobedience among the Inhabitants of New England among whom the Devils Power rules in their body of sin and bewitches the Mind to obey him in which state People are instrumental through the Devils Power in bewitching one another either to believe pernicious false Doctrines or to swear lye and be drunk which is common with all other sins which attend them that by false Perswasions men are seduced from the true Faith so that in whomsever the Devils Power bears rule they are Instruments for his Service to bewitch others into the same manner of Life even as we daily see one Drunkard Swearer Lyar begets another into the same sin and of the like nature doth one evil minded Person beget another for as the Righteous are Instruments in the hand of the Lord to beget others into the Works of Righteousness so are the Wicked Instruments in the hand of the Devil to bewitch others into the Works of Unrighteousness and of this Nature is the bewitching of one another to serve the Devil in the Works of the Flesh with which Witch-craft is included Gal. 5.20 Then if they that despised Moses's Law were to be cut off without mercy under two or three Witnesses how much greater Punishment suppose ye are they found worthy of who live in Rebellion against the Lord of Life in this Gospel day are they not to be cut off without Mercy by the just hand of Gods Judgments under three Witnesses viz. the Father Son and Spirit Heb 10 28 29. which if otherways that the command in the Law remain of not suffering a Witch to live in this Gospel Day then the false Worshipper the Adulterer and the Adultress with the rebellious Son are also according to that Command to be cut off from the Land of the Living in which more than two thirds of the People are guilty of the one or the other but Christ hath said Love your Enemies bless them that curse you do good to them that hate you and pray for them which despightfully use you and persecute you that you may be the Children of your Father which is in Heaven for he mâ—keth the Sâ—n to rise on the evil and on the good and on the just and on the unjust for if ye love them which love yâ—u what Reward have you do not even the Publicans the same And if ye salute your Brethren only what do you more than others do not the Publicans so Be ye therefore perfect even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect Mat 5.44 45 46 which if People through Obedience to the Command oâ— God would fulfil his Will according to his Command it would soon put an end to all mens various Apprehensions and these busling Noises about the Devil and Witches and indeed the very Name of a Devil and a Witch is to be abhorred among men also shall the Name of the Wicked perish which are no such manner of Witches as these are accused for though through Gods goodness I have noâ— Relation among them neither am I any Advocate for the Devil Witches nor Wicked Men but desire that Truth and Righteousness may take place in the Earth for it were better that one hundred Witches should live than that one person be put to death for a Witch which is not a â—itch but God Almighty best knows what the Priests and Rulers have done towards these People who have not lived unto God as they ought to have done for which cause these things are as a Judgment for â—in and Transgreâ—sion fallen upon them But with the Righteous it is not so because they abide in Obedience to the holy Commands of God through whose Power they witness a sure dâ—eâ—ing place having their settlement upon that sure Râ—ck of an everlasting Foundation against which there is â—o Inchantment nor Divination for the Gates of Hell against it shall never prevail for the Love of God
received to profit withal Joh. 3.16 17 18 19 20 21. Mat 25. 1 Cor. 12.3 to 9. Ephes 5.13.14 So that if People would but give up in their minds to spend that time in reading the holy Scriptures which they spend in that which only satisfies the Lust of the natural Will which begets from a furder and furder obedience of retaining God in their thoughts by which the mind is fitly framed through Disobedience to veild it self a servant to the Devils Power through which they become Witches and in one degree or another are Instruments of bewitching others in which state of Disobedience the World remains in Wickedness bewitching one the other that they should not obey the Truth of God made manifest by Jesus Christ so that the greatest sort of Witch-craft by the Devil is to make men Instruments for his service and to bewitch into that which is of the most service to promote his Kingdom of Unrighteousness which cannot be higher promoted by any that serve him then when they are by him bewitcht to bewitch others into the like state that when they are destroying the lives of the Lords Children think it is of the greatest Service for God and benefit to their Souls which is the greatest sort of Witch-craft that ever was for People of the Devil so to believe Now for all other sort of Witches they only touch the outward but cannot touch the Spirit of one true Believer in Christ Jesus which according to that command of God for the destroying of Witches and false Worshippers in the time of the Law if it remain the same in this Gospel Day it reaches the Life of every Persecutor which doth bewitch that they should not obey the Truth in which state though they worship not a false God as in the time of the Law yet they worship the true God in a false way which comes under the same Condemnation of not suffering a Witch and the false Worshipper to live in the time of the Law So that Persecutors are no more the true Worshippers of God in this Gospel Day than Witches and other false Worshippers were in the time of the Law for Publicans and Harlots shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven before them that are of that Persecuting Spirit by which so many Thousands of People are bewitched that they should not obey the Truth but remain in the works of the flesh with which Witch-craft is included Gal. 5.20 for which cause the Devil is permitted to imitate the very form of the way and manner of their former proceedings against the People of God at their general Court in Boston for some of the afflicted bewitched or possessed Evidences say That the black Man i. e. the Devil in a high crowned Hat with his Priests have divers times called together about four or five hanared of their Number at Saâ—â—m they use to assemblâ— themselves together breaking Râ—â—ad and drinking Wine which they call the Devils Saâ—â—ament which practise as the Evidences with some of the confessed say is before they set upon the hight of their intended Work to a 〈◊〉 and torment others thereby to force them to conform to the same practice of the Devils way and some have confessed they have been freed from the Torment of their afflicted state upon conforming to the Devils Will who then baptizeth them into Covenant to do what he and the Priests with him command to be done Which work of the Devils general Court is as like in imitation to the work of the former Priests and Rulers against the People called Quakers as the moving shadow of a wicked man is like to the moving of 〈◊〉 corrupted Body for all that would not conform to the Faith of the Priests and Rulers to do as they did in that day were by them and their followers esteemed no better than Dogs for I never heard of any Dâ—g but received more Mercy than that Servant of the Lord William Breand received at the hands of the Priests Rulers and their Followers in that day who tyed the said W. B. neck and heels sixteen hours and laid upon his naked back thirty stripes with a three cord knotted whip and then from â—â—e of their Church Members with a pitcht Roap received one hundred and seventeen stripes only his Shirt to defend the same having his body thus beaten into a Jelly of flesh and blood he fainted away some thinking that he would not have recovered life again and the Doctor said if he did recover it would be a Miracle which through the goodness of God he did recover to 〈◊〉 and strength again whose Testimony was of great courage through the Power of God for the service of his Truth among them that did believe and for the further Condemnation of them that did not believe in which day the work of Unbelievers was of that nature against the said People called Quakers that to read the History of all their Sufferings in that day in and about Boâ—on may in Ages to come make men to wonder that such a professing People in New-England should manifest themselves so mad against an innocent people nay in that day did they not appoint their Women Church Members to search the Bodies of the Lords Hand maids for Witches whose Testimony will remain to the end on Record That one of them so searched in the bearing and bringing forth fire Children did not undergo the like trouble as the inhumane cruelty of these Church Women put her to in the searching of her Body for a Witch which she was clear of but now among their own Church Members they have as is supposed Witch-craft upon Wiâ—ch-craft the which whether true or not is a Judgment of God upon them for their not repenting of their evil Deeds against the Lord and his People who daily desire of God that they may manifest Repentance by the fruits thereof until which time of Reformation that men may come to do even as they would that all men should do unto them the Lords Anger against the Inhabitants of New-England will not be removed for they may expect that as they increase in Unrighteousness against God that as he draws off the lesser Judgment a greater for sin and evil against him will upon the Unrighteous be poured forth for God is not mocked such as men sow such they shall also reap and if the Inhabitants of New-England do not amend and repent the Lord hath yet a Work to do by Pestilence and Famine which will be more terrible than all the Lords former Judgments have been ever since they began to persecute the honest People called Quakers Of which work under Boston Government in that day I have before mentioned proving it to be the moving cause that the Lord hath as with Israel of old left the Inhabitants of New-England to further evils which with the shedding of the Blood of the innocent and their other sins these horrid Accusations of Witch-craft have increased among the Inhabitants and Churches
be rich is pierced through with many sorrows for it is written They that will be rich fall into many Temptations and a Snare and many foolish and hurtful Lusts which draw men into perdition for lust to Covetousness is such a subtil Enemy and the Devils snare is so cunningly contrived and so full of fair pretences that let a man be once in love with Money he knows not which way to wind himself out for it doth so bewilder fetter and entangle his mind even to the destruction of his soul and loss of body also yet how vehemently with care and diligence will men vindicate Covetousness because that care and diligence there may be and ought to be but the truth is every covetous man makes care and diligence a cloak for Covetousness whereby he is sheltered against all reproof in which state mans life among his Neighbours is not much desireable neither by the Poor lamented at his Death but rather rejoyce at the dividing of his Idol to whom God hath not given the priviledge of a beggar who hath a Child to inherit his old Apparel And again an Inheritence hastily gotten by covetous men soon wasteth among their Children for all that is gained not agreeable to truth and righteousness it is under the curse for the promise of blessing is only to that which is gained according to Gods Word which is That men should first seek the Kingdom of Heaven and the Righteousness thereof unto which is the promise of adding all other things needful for God that taketh care to provide for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field takâ—th the greater care for them that fear him and work righteousness So that in whomsoever God is not retained in their thoughts words and works cannot be agreeable with his Truth therefore are they of the World the ways of which are Covetousness through which they oppress one another evèn like to the sweeping rain CHAP. VI. Concerning that Life the Nature of it which God requireth of all Men. GOd in the counsel of his own Wisdom and Time hath set before all men the way of Life and the way of Death which Death is the Tree of Knewledge of good and evil that is man 's own will wisdom knowledge reason righteousness and the like of which he ought not to eat because in it is death for it opens their eyes against themselves and that in evrey thing in which to them abideth death Now the Tree of Life is Christ which calleth to all men to feed upon him to eat his Flesh to drink his Blood to do his Will to follow his gift of divine Light to hear and obey his Word to improve his Talant and measure of his Spirit of Truth which leads into all truth which is Bread and Wine indeed without Money without Price the Bread of the Kingdom the Water of Life of which if a man eat and drink he can neither hunger nor thirst for it giveth life to all that hunger and thirst after Righteousness These things are not hid from man unto whom the spirit saith Come take of the Water of Life freely come take the yoâ—e it is easie and the burden is light come take up the Cross and follow him that in all things hath done the Fathers will for the Redemption and Salvation of all them that hear him and obey him to do his will which is meat and drink indeed Here the heavy are made light and the mourner is comforted yea he of a sad Countenance hath his heart made better here the flying Cherub and the glittering Sword turns every way to destroy lay waste and dispossess the strong man of all his goods the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil mans own wisdom will knowledge reason righteousness and the like that all lust may dye and Devils be cast out and that through the work of the spirit which hath the Government to mortifie all the deeds of the flesh that man may be brought to nothing to will nothing do know nothing omit nothing but as God willeth in him doth in him knoweth in him and omiteth in him this man doth rest from his Labour and keepeth the Sabbath holy he cleaves to the Tree of Life he is regenerated new born and brought forth of the immortal Seed he is cleansed and purified through the Baptism of the Spirit he is planted into Christ and is in whole obedience to the rule and goverment of his Spirit both in though word and work his meat and drink is to do the will of God on Earth as it is done in Heaven he willeth nothing but what God willeth in him he doth nothing but what God doth do inhim he omitteth nothing but what God omitteth in him he knoweth nothing but what God knoweth in him his only food is of the Tree of Life which is Bread and Wine of Life indeed which he that knoweth nothing of this work wrought in him self he yet is in a miserable and undone estate reposing upon his own knowledge wisdom and reason in which abideth death it self therefore saith the Spirit arise take up the cross to that which is of self and Christ will give thee Life his yoke is ease his burden is light that is to them whom he is of God made Wisdom Righteousness Senctification and Redemption they also renew their strength in the Tree of Life which is the beginning of grace by the work of the Spipit which mortifies the deeds of the flesh that the house may be cleansed of Gods Enemies which destroy means peace with his maker and defile the Temple of God whose Enemies is mans lust and every Devil which hath sprung from the seed of the Serpent sown in man which lusteth to be wise and knowing having its eyes alwayes open against it self which must be destroyed by the Spirit of Truth the strength of the Tree of Life that the man of God may grow from one degree of Grace to another till they become perfect men and women in Christ Jesus in whom there is no condemnation to them to whom Christ of God is made wisdom righteousness sanctification and redemtion they are born of the Spirit and baptized of the Spirit and made free by the Law of the Spirit of Life from the Law of Sin and Death in which work of the Spirit of Life there is nothing of mans own Wisdom Knowledge Will or Reason for the work is wholly wrought of God through faith and obedience to hear believe and obey Gods gift of Grace his Spirit of Truth by Jesus Christ who for his works lake imputeth it to them for Righteousness for faithful Abraham beleived God to trust in his promise but his faith was not without Works of Obedience nor according to his own knowledge wisdom will and reason but in Gods time according to his own knowledge and wisdom through which the work done by Abraham was done in Faith and Obedience to God whose will was done on Earth as it