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
for he came not to dest oy mens Lives and Estates but his coming was for this end To save that which he had made alive by calling Sinners to Repentance which by Obedience through Faith found Mercy and entered into that Hope by which the Righteous have been preserved in all Ages Heb. 11.2 to 40. for it is the Just that live by Faith â—ab 2.4 and therein is the Righteousness of â—od revealed from Faith to Faith as it is written The Just shall live by Faith Rom. 1.17 which proves That the Righteous by Faith in Christ are the Just that live by Faith having yeilded their Obedience to the gift of Gods Grace which gave them the Hope of Christ through his Death and rising again to Life by whose Spirit of Grace Life and Light they come to receive an assurance bâ— Faith of that blessed Hope in Christ for the Salvation of their Immortal Souls for through Faith by Grace are the Righteous saved for it is the gift of God Ephes 2 8. and the gift of God is Life Eternal unto them that are not found cloathed with any thing of their own Righteousness but altogether cloathed with that Righteousness which is by Faith in Christ which is the Righteousness of God Ephes 3.9 which 〈◊〉 works bâ— love and is that Faith which â—orâ—s into thâ—Vâ—ity of the one Spirit and of the Knowledge of the Son of God unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ Ephes 4.13 in which state the Righteous 〈…〉 â—â—â—tified bâ— Faith and have peace with God through the Lord Jesus â—hrist Rom 5 1. and by him have the â—aith 〈◊〉 access by Faith into the 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 works Patience and Patience works Experience and Experience works Hope and Hope maketh not ashamed because the Love of God is shâ—d abroad in their hearts by the holy Ghost which is given unto them Rom. 5.1 2 3 4 5. Which things are by the Spirit of God in his faithful Servants Messengers of Truth left upon holy Record that People may learn to keep low in their Minds from the love of all Vanity and things of a perishing nature that so they may come to give wholly up in their Minds to retain God in their Thoughts by which through Faith and Obedience they may not fall short in the Hope of Gods heavenly Riches which are treasured up in Jesus Christ for all them that by Faith and Obedience live up to his Spirit of Grace Life and Light whereby the faithful have been made partakers of Gods durable Riches which is that Crown of Righteousness laid up in store for all them that by true Faith live in Obedience to the appearance of Christ in their Hearts such so living and so dying shall in no way fall short in the true Hope of Jesus Christ Concerning Perfection and that Warfare which the faithfull are to pass through before they come to witness free and full Redemption from Sin in this Life according as will appear by what follows GOD is perfect just and holy in all his Works and gifts towards all the Sons and Daughters of Men for every good and perfect gift cometh from the Fathêr of all Grace Life and Light with whom there is no variableness nor shadow of Turning Jam. 1.17 but in Man the heart above all things is deceitful and desperately VVicked who can know it save the Lord that made Man in his own Image after his own Likeness made he him and gave him Dominion over the things of the Earth Jer. 17. â— Gen. 1 26. commanding him that he should not eat of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil for in that day wherein he did eat thereof he should surely dye gen 2.17 Which Command through Disobedience Man broke by which he brought the Sons and Daughters of Men into a state of Lust which through the Temptations of the Enemy to his own feed in the Heart draws the natural Mind to lust after that evil which bringeth sin and sin bringeth Death oveâ— the Soul for the VVages of sin is Death but the gift oâ— God â—s eternal Lâ—â—e unto them who do not remain in that first staâ—e of Dâ—generation sinning against the gift of God for as the Children of men selâ— short of the glory of God through the I all of the first Man Earthly so the Children from Adam 〈◊〉 Faith and Obedience to the gift of â—od shall be saved through the Death and Resurrection of the Lord of Life the second Adam â—om Heaven spiritual who requires perfect Obedience of all men to his holy Commands that their Souls through Faith in him may be saved for only they are saved which perfectly believe in him that he is able and willing to give them Power that are willing to keep his Commands â—or which end of Mans Salvation he hath commanded People to be â—â—â—â—ect even as God is Perfect Mat. 5.48 which Command by Jesus Christ seems too straight for many to receive into their Belief of ever attaining such a state in this Life that they either distrust in the Power of God â—y Jesus Christ or otherwise they are not willing to part with all their sins to gain Christ for Sin makes a partition Wall between God and mans Soul that it cannot come to receive the incomes of Gods divine Love by Jesus Christ for all Sin is of Unrighteousness and all Unrighteousness is of the Devil which is the Father of all Sin whose work of Darkness hath no relation to the Kingdom of Heaven neither can any enter Gods holy place before they are free from Sin but he that serves the Lord and keeps all the Commandments of God doth witness a perfect state in this Life Mat. 19.20 21. 5.48 and the holy Scripture is full and clear that such as feared God and wrought Righteousness were perfect Men for Noah which walked with God was a perfect Man and God commanded Abraham to be perfect Gen. 17.1 Also Job was a perfect Mâ—n being upright and one that feaâ—ed God and eschewed evil Job 1.1 cap. â— 2 3. in which Tryal of Job's Faith he saidâ— That God would not cast away a perfect Man Jâ—b 8.20 which manifests that such have been perfect men in this Life otherways the Spirit of the Lord would not have suffered an account of the same to have been recorded in the 〈◊〉 Scriptures of Truth Also David was a man after Gods own heart except in the matter of Vriah of which he repented which could not have been had not David been a perfect Man for he that is not perfect in the Work of the Lord to keep his Commands he is not a Man after the Nature of Christ who perfectly performed the Work of God for the Redemption of Men in whom the work of God is to be perfected by Jesus Christ who came to
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 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
for it were better for him to dye than that any man should make his glorving void for though he did preach the Gospel he had nothing to glory of for a Necessâ—â—y was laid upon him yea Wo was unto him iâ— he did not preach the Gospel What theâ— was his Reward that when he did preach the Gospel that he might make the Gospel of Christ without charge that he might not abuse his Power in the Gospel 1 Cor. 9.15 16 18. for though he was free from all men yet he made himself a Servant unto all men that he might gain the more 1 Cor. 9.19 which doth condemn the Doctrine Principle and Practice of them which have the name of Gospel Ministers but not the nature of Gospel Ministers in this our day in which some have said That would to God they could but practise all what their Ministers preach and teach to them the reason is because the great God of Heaven and Earth by whose Power they are restrained other ways they would do even as their fore-Fathers have done who have persecuted many of the Lords People to Death and not only among Papists but among them called Protestants also but the Lord hath in all Ages permitted the Power of that Spirit for a tryal of us Peoples Faith who did never esteem of human Learning as needful for Mans Salvation but of late among other things it hath crept in among the Churches as by the following Account from Christian Authors Gaudeutius da mor. sec Justinian saith We do not read that ever the Antients did openly in Schools read or teach Philosophy since they did rather abhor it And faith another good Author I would fain see a man that could shew that Christians either before or in the time of Justinian did openly teach Philosophy And Hadrian Saricrial informs us That the primitive Christians had no Accademical Schools like those now a days And we do not read of any University of the Albigenses Waldenses or Bohemians for most of their Teachers were Trades-men and Handy-crafts-men and did not spend their Time in reading Tongues or studying Authors Herald Aaimad in Arnob. The Christians living excluded from all Honours and Magistrates did neglect the Studies which were for the discharge of civil Imployments because Sophesters and Philosophers were the principal Enemies of Christianity therefore upon this account they condemned all Tragadies and Commodies and all other Poetical Writings being the main part of humane Learning as Judging they did not conduce to sollid Knowledge Tertullian lib. de Idolat pag. 138 139. Judged that School-Masters professing Leaâ—ning were guilty of great Idolatry because they did only expound Names Gâ—neologies and fabulous Arts oâ— Heathen gâ—dds and generally in hoâ—e days Believers harboured a very bad esteem of Natural Learning and generally the Christians were provoked thereunto because the Gentiles did upbâ—aâ—d them that their Teachers were salâ—â—erate Persons as Wool-Combers Weavers or the like These things being objected against the Christians the Christians on the other side rejected all humane Learning as a 〈◊〉 thing and no ways advantagious to Salvation though their Adversaries boasted of it Origine lib. 3. saith The Christians did declare that Men of any Condition might be saved Servants Idîots Rusticks and such as the World valued as Fools and that God did confound the wise in their own Wisdom And Coelsus as Origâ—ne 〈◊〉 his Book 〈◊〉 That Christians did proclaim it in their Assemblies Let none that is Wise enter none that is learned none that is â—oudent for thus it is appointed us in the Gospel but if there be any that is unwise unlearned any foolish let him approach with Confidence for these are fit to be the Servants of God Gazentius in his Annimadversions pag. â—5 saith That the Gâ—ntiles did object against the Christians their rude Stile their harsh Language and how they werâ— destitute of all Addresses calling them Rusticks Clowns c. So the Christians did again term the Gentiles thâ— Eloquent and the Learned Clemens Romanus saith in his Writings lib. 2. cap. 6. Abstain from all the Books of the Gentiles for what have you to do with strange Discourses or Laws or false Prophets which seduce weak men from the Truth Petrus Belonius saith That in Greece among the Christians which were very many there were few learned men because they esteemed not of it as of necessity to Christianity though they could speak Greek and some Larine few could write or read In their Libraries were found several Manuscripts of Divinity but no Hâ—story no Philosophy for these were 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 Christians not to study Poetry and Philosophy Yet we find that the Greek Church is highly owned for a true Christian Church by the Protestants though neither the Greek Church the Pikards Albigenses nor Waldenses in Bohemia did value Learning so far were they from esteeming of it as the proper true Religion Luther de Inst puer inter oper Wittingburg tom 7 fol. 444. Paul exhorteth to beware of Philosophy and vain deceit 2 Col. 2. He had been as Aâ—hâ—ns and had acquainted himself with that vain glorious humane Wisdom and knew the multiplicity of Contradictions which it had procured what then had Athens to do with Jerusalem what hath the Epicures and Stoicks to do with the Church of Christ Jerom lib. 1. contra Peleg What had Aristotle to do 〈◊〉 with Paul or Plato with Peter And a multitude of Testimonies may be brought to the same effect how that Christians did in former days reject Philosophy and Heathen Authors and all such frivolous stories as of no way lawful 〈◊〉 Christians to meddle in nor good to propagate Christiâ—nity And Bishop Vsher in Vindication of the Waldenses by way of Apology saith God did chuse Fisher-men that he might not give his Glory to another forasmuch as the little Ones had asked Bread they came to receive it and the learned being busied about vain Contentions and Disputations were sent empty away Bishop Vsher des Eccles cap 6.28 The Waldenses said We are not ashamed of our Teachers because they labour with their hands procuring thereby a livelihood to themselves because both the Doctrine and Example of the Apostles doth lead us to such Apprehensions But I would not have any to mis-understand me or to think that I am against all outward Learning for that is not my drift but that Truth and Righteousness may take place by which outward Learning may remain for the use of that end for which it was intended the knowledge of Tongues and Languages having their proper Uses which are not evil in themselves and Schools of Learning I acknowledge there ought to be for Natural Languages are serviceable for Translating the Scriptures and â—theâ— pious Books into the vulgar Tongues and for natural useâ— in natural Transactions in civil Affairs betwixt Man and Man and Nation and Nation for its good to maintain Learning and to keep it in its right place otherways iâ— can never be of
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
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