Gideon and of Baruck and of Sampson of Jephtha and of David also and of Samuel and of the Prophets c. see Heb. 10. 38 39. Read the 11 Chapter through Habbakkuk 2. 4. Rom. 1. 17. Again the Apostle Peter writ to the Saints concerning Faith vâ—z Who are kept by the power of God through Faith unto Salvation see 1 Pet. 1. 5. Again the Author to the Hebrews saith Let us hold fast the Profession of our Faith without wavering Heb. 10. 23. Now the Apostle James who writ of this Faith writ also of the works and fruits of it which the rest also did hear what he saith in this matter viz. What doth it prâ—fit my Brethren though a Man say he hath Faith can Faith save him If a Brother or Sister be naked and destitute of dayly Food and one of you say unto them Depart in peace be you warmed and filled notwithstanding ye give them not thâ—se things which are needful to the Body what doth it profit Even so Faith if it hath not works is dead being alone yea a man may say Thou hast Faith and I have works shew me thy Faith without thy works and I will shew thee my Fath by my works Thou believest there is one God c. But wilt thou know oh vain man that Faith without works is dead Was not Abraham our Father justified by Works seest thou how Faith wrought with his Works and by works was Faith made perfect and the Scripture was fulfilled which saith Abraham believed God and was imputed to him for Righteousness and he was called the friend of God ye see then how that by works a Man is justified and not by Faith only for as the Body without the Spirit is dead so Faith without Works is dead also James 2. 14 to the end Again the Apostle John writ to the Children of Light concerning this Faith viz. For whatsoever is born of God overcometh the World and this is the Victory that overcometh the World even our Faith 1 John 5. 4. Again Peter Exhorts those who were come to some degree of this Faith saying Give all diligence add to your Faith Vertue and to Vertue Knowledg and to Knowledg Temperance and to Temperance Patience and to Patience Godliness and to Godliness Brotherly Kindness and to Brotherly Kindness Charity for if these things be in you and abound they make you that you shall neither be barren nor unfruitful in the Knowledg of our Lord Jesus Christ but he that laâ—keth these things is blind c. Wherefore the rather Brethren give diligence to make your Calling and Election sure for if you do these things you shall never fall 2 Pet. 1. 4 11. Again the Apostle Paul writing to the believing Thessalonians said unto them We are bound to thank God always for you Brethren as it is meet because that your Faith groweth exceedingly and the Charity of every one of you all towards each other aboundeth 2 Thess 1. 3. Again Paul writ to the Galatians viz. Knowing that a Man is not justified by the works of the Law but by the Faith of Jesus Christ even we have believed in Jesus Christ that we might be justified by the Faith of Christ and not by the works of the Law for by the works of the Law shall no flesh be justified but if while we seek to be justified by Christ we our selves are found sinners is Christ therefore the Minister of sin God forbid for if I build again the things which I destroyed I make my self a Transgressor for I through the Law am dead to the Law that I might live unto God I am Crucified with Christ nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by the Faith of the â—on of God c. Gal. 2. 16 17 18 19 20. Again he writ thus to the believing Ephesians viz. We are Gods â—â—â—kmanship Created in Christ Jesus unto good Works which God hath before ordained we should walk in them Ephesians 2. 10. The same Apostle writing to the believing Philipians writ thus viz. For it is God which worketh in you â—â—th to will and to do of his own good pleasure do all things without murmuring and disputing that you may be blameless and harmless the Sons of God without rebuke in the midst of a crooked and perverse Nation among whom ye shine as Lights in the World Philip. 2. 13 14 15. Again he writ to the Ephesians thus viz. Unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think according to the power that worketh in us unto him be Glory in the Church throughout all Ages world without end Amen Eph. 3. 20 21. Again the Author to the Hebrews writing to them saith viz. Now the God of Peace that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus that great Shepherd of the Sheep through the Blood of the Everlasting Covenant make you perfect in every good work to do his will working in you that which is well-pleasing in his sight through Jesus Christ to whom be Glory for ever and ever Amen Heb. 13. 20 21. O all you who profess your selves to be Christians and to be led and guided by the Spirit and Light of Christ within seriously consider of the faithful sayings of these faithful Apostles and Servants of Christ concerning Faith in God and Christ and the Gospel and Christian works which God in Christ works in all those who comes to the Baptized by Christ with the Holy Ghost and Fire which burns up the works of Satan to with Sin who destroys the old man with his deeds which are corrupt and which renews and restores man again into the likness or image of God who created him All who come to drink into the one Spirit and be Baptized by it into the one Body come thereby to be made of one Heart and Soul and to Worship and Serve God with one consent these have not Faith without Works which is dead but they have the living Faith which God hath wrought in them which by the Apostle is called the Faith of the Operation or Work of God and with this living Faith they have the living Works and Fruits which Faith and Works prove them to be the generation and living off-spring of God Further observe How sweetly all the before-mentioned Apostles in their sayings are in Harmony and Unity concerning this living Faith and its living Works or Fruits Again observe Where many Professors of Faith and Christianity have been grosly mistaken concerning Faith and Works The Apostle Paul in some of his Epistles writing much against the upholding of the shadowy works of the Law after Christ had ended them by his one offering many Professors of Christianity of latter times have been willing to exclude all works as with respect to Salvation or Acceptance with God under the Gospel dispensation though the holy Apostle Exhorted the Believers in Christ to work out their
and Spirit in his People is one in its kind or Nature with himself he being the Fountain of it and it of himself it cannot contradict him or itself in the several Measures Manifestations Dispensations of it in those who receive it believe and obey it For if it should or could do so then God by it would be rendered the Author of Confusion and not of Peace in all the Churches of the Saints which to believe or suppose is very highly blasphemous against him and directly contrary to the holy Apostles Doctrine who saith God is not the Author of Confusion but of Peace in all the Churches of the Saints The same Apostle saith The Fruit of the Spirit is in all goodness Righteousness und Truth proving what is acceptable unto the Lâ—rd And he exhorted the Saints saying Have no Fellowship with the unfruitful works of Darkness but rather reprove them To those who walked in the Spirit and Light of God he said Walk in Love as Christ also hath loved us To these also he said Ye were sometimes Darkness but now are ye Lighi in the Lord walk as Children of the Light See Eph. 5. Again he saith The Fruits of the Spirit is Love Joy and Peace Long suffering Gentleness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance against such there is no Law and they that are Christs have crucified the Flesh with its Affections and Lusts If we live in the Spirit let us also walk in the Spirit let us not be desirous of vain Glory provoking one another envying one another Again he saith The Works of the Flesh are manifest which are Adultery Fornication Uncleanness Lasciviousness Idolatry Witchcraft Darâ—ance Emulations Wrath Strife Seditions Heresies Envyings Murders Drunkenness Revellings and such like of the which I tell you before as I have also told you in times past that they that do such things shall not inherit the Kingdom of God Gal. 5. Again the holy Apostle John in the Holy Ghost saith He that saith he is in the Light and hates his Brother is in Darkness even until now he that loveth his Brother abideth in the Light and there is none occasion of Stumbling in him But he that hateth his Brother is in Darkness and walketh in Darkness and knoweth not whither he goeth because that Darkness hath blinded his Eyes If a man say I love God and hateth his Brother he is a Lyar this Commandment have we from him that he who loveth God loveth his Brother also See 1 John 4. My dear Friends Observe That where the Fruits of the Spirit and Light of God and Christ are wanting in those who profess the same to be their Teacher Ruler and Orderer and contrariwise the Fruits or Works of the Flesh do appear this is a plain proof that their saying they are taught lâ—d and governed by the Spirit and Light of God and Christ is very notoriously false yea blasphemous against God Christ and his Divine Light and Spirit For when Christ told his Disciples that false Prophets Anti-Christs Deceivers c. should come saying Beware of false Prophets which come to you in Sheeps Cloathing but inwardly they are ravening Wolves he said Ye shall know them by their Fruits Do men gather Grapes of Thorns or Figs of Thistles Even so every good Tree bringeth forth good Fruit but a corrupt Tree bringeth forth evil Fruit. A good Tree cannot bring forth evil Fruit neither can a corrupt Tree bring forth good Fruit Every Tree that bringeth not forth good Fruit is hewn down and cast into the Fire Wherefore by their Fruits ye shall know them Not every one that saith unto me Lord Lord shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven but he that doth the Will of my Father which is in Heaven See Math. 7. 15. and 24. Again he saith Many false Prophets shall arise and shall deceive many And because Iniquity shall abound the Love of many shall wax cold But he that shall endure unto the end the same shall be saved There shall arise false Christs and false Prophets and shall shew great signs and Wonders insomuch that if it were possible they shall deceive the very Elect. See Matth. 24. 11 12 13 24. see Mark 13. 22. he repeating the same words of Christ and there he saith Take heed I have told you before Observe Christ's Promise to the faithful chosen Elect notwithstanding all the deceiveableness of unrighteousness which then did now doth or hereafter may work in the Instruments of Satan by feigned Words or fair or flattering Speeches false signs or lying wonders whereby he lieth in wait to betray and deceive by which he hath prevailed upon some unstable unwatchful unfaithful and therefore unskilful Souls who are not acquainted with the depths of Satan speaking in his Agents yet can he not in his Agents deceive the Elect the chosen of God Observe all that are convinced of the truth and come to some degree of Obedience to it are not come to the settled State of Election although they are come to a sight and feeling of the Spirit of Christ in whom the Election stands in which State it is impossible to be deceived Let not the weakest amongst the Believers in and Obeyers of the Light of Christ Within be discouraged at these sayings for as they keep to the Light God the Fountain of it will keep them from falling God set Adam in a State of Innocency in which it was possible for him to stand yet it was not impossible for him to fall for we both read and believe he did fall he could not stand in his own strength but in the strength of the Lord his Maker through want of his diligent attendance and waiting upon God his Maker for preservation he fell under the power of the Deceiver But Christ who never fell spake of a State brings those who continue diligent watchful into it which is beyond that as his forecited words do plainly imply The Apostles writ unto the Believers in the Light of Christ thus viz. Wherefore Brethren give all diligence to make your Calling and Election sure for if ye do these things ye shall never fall 2 Pet. 1. 10. Read the Chapter through c. Again he saith Beware lest ye being led away with the Errour of the wicked fall from your own Stedfastness But grow in Grace and in the Knowledge of our Lord and Savior Christ to him be Glory now and for ever Amen Chap. 3. 17 18. Again Juâ—e writes thus Now to him that is able to keep you from falling and to present you faultless before the presence of his Glory with exceeding joy to the only wise God our Saviour be Glory and Majesty Dominion and Power now and ever Amen Jude 24 25. read the Epistle throughout Observe further that the Settled State of Election where deceit cannot enter is not a State above or beyond Watchfulness and the holy Fear of God the Son of God himself in the daies of his Flesh watched and
prayed and was heard in that he feared as the Author to the Hebrews writes Heb. 5. 7. but in this State of Watchfulness and the holy Fear of God they continually abiding stedfast in to such it is become Natural to dwell and abide there being rooted and settled in the Godly or Divine Nature of which they are made partakers as the Apostle writ see 1 Pet. 1. 4. See how Fulks renders this place in his Confutation of the Popish Translation at Rhâ—mes he renders the words Divine Nature Godly Nature Eternal Glory to him for the preservation of his People who daily wait upon him he gives them Wisdom Strength and Preservation he who keeps them never â—luâ—bâ—rs nor sleeps holy and mighâ—y is his Wisdom and Strength by which he redeems preserves and upâ—â—â—â— his People in doing that which is well pleasing in his sight Blessed are all those who diligently wait to be made partakers of the same they shall be upheld thereby through all Temptations Trials and the Buffetings and Winnowings of Satan out of his snares and over him in Christ the Elect Seed which bruiseth his Head and over all his several sorts of Agents for as the Apostle saith Greater is he that is in us than he that is in the World by whom we overcome the World O my dear Friends All diligently wait on God in the Divine Light and Spirit of his Son that you may grow in the Grace and knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ more and more that you may be all firmly rooted and grounded in him as Trees or Branches of Righteousness the planting of the Lord God that you may bring forth much Fruit to the Praise and Glory of his name Christ the living true Vine said unto his Disciples of old I am the true Vine and my Father is the Husbandman every Branch that beareth not fruit in me he taketh away and every Branch that beareth fruit he purgeth it that it may bring forth more fruit Abide in me and I in you As the branch cannot bring forth of itself except it abide in the Vine no more can ye except ye abide in me I am the Vine ye are the branches he that abideth in me and I in him the same bringeth forth much fruit for without me ye can do nothing If a man abide not in me he is cast forth as a branch and is withered Joh. 15. 1 2 4 5. Herein is my Father glorified that ye bear much fruit so shall ye be my Disciples As the Father hath loved me so have I loved you continue ye in my love If ye keep my Commandments ye shall abide in my love even as I have kept my Fathers Commandments and abide in his love This is my Commandment that ye love one another as I have loved you See John 15. 5 c. O my Friends These are the sweet and comfortable Sayings of our Lord Jesus Christ our Prince of Life Love and Peace Let them be duly weighed faithfully regarded and followed by you all who profess to be his Disciples that is Learners of him for as he saith Without him we can do nothing except we be joined to his gracious Spirit of Light Life and Peace we cannot please God but being joined to it it worketh in us to will and to do that which is well pleasing in the sight of the Lord God So we become his workmanship in Christ created in him unto those good Works which God hath ordained we should walk in that our Light may shine before men that they may behold our good Conversation in Christ constantly coupled with that godly fear wherein there is not only a hating of but also a coming out of and preservation from Pride Arrogancy and every evil way O my Friends This is that which is to be desired sought of God and diligently waited for this is the durable Riches that far excels all that can be mentioned besides it this is the Treasure that is to be laid up in Heaven according to Christs Command where neither Moth can corrupt nor Thief break through and steal Blessed are all they who diligently wait for the Increase and Security of this Treasure they shall never be forsaken of the Lord he whose the Earth is and the fulness of it who feeds the Ravens cloaths the Grass and takes care for Sparrows will take care and provide for them So all wait that your Faith and Confidence may be preserved confirmed and increased to his eternal honour and your enduring Peace and Comfort even so be it Amen Concerning good Conscience MY dear Friends something lies upon me to write to you in the tender Bowels of our Lord Jesus Christ the Prince of our Christian Peace Fellowship and Unity The matter before me is this I find that there are some persons professing Truth amongst us who not being faithful to the gracious Spirit and Light of our Lord Jesus Christ which they make profession of that are offended with the Method Manner and Form in which Friends Care of Gods Glory and the good one of another is manifest these persons talk much of Liberty of Conscience To which I say Liberty of Conscience rightly understood hath ever since we were a People been and still is owned amongst us but for any who profess to be followers of the Light Members of the Church which is in God to plead Liberty of Conscience for themselves without putting a difference betwixt good Conscience and evil this is an Unsound and Unchristian Plea for the Apostles of Christ distinguisheth betwixt good and evil Conscience yea shews that they are separated and divided the one from the other for they proceed from contrary Causes The Apostle said My Conscience beareth me witness in the Holy Ghost Rom. 9. 1. And again I have lived in all good Conscience unto this day For our rejoycing is this the Testimony of our Conscience that in simplicity and godly sincerity not with fleshly Wisdom but by the Grace of God we have had our Conversation in the World and more abundantly to you-wards See 2 Cor. 1. 12. He who had believed and received the Holy Ghost was made of a good Understanding by it his Will and Affections also being purified from Corruption thereby so that he did not only understand what was right and wrong but he also willed and took pleasure to act and do that which was and is well pleasing in the sight of the Lord And this he was enabled to do by the Power of the Holy Ghost or Spirit of Truth which according to the Promise of Christ leads his faithful Subjects by Degrees from Glory to Glory from one degree of Grace to another into all Truth And so are the faithful followers of Christ Jesus led in this our day Paul writing to Timothy saith Now the end of the Commandment is charity out of a pure heart and of a good Conscience and of Faith unfeigned from which some having swerved have turned aside
sons and daughters of God is a work that is carried on by Degrees as Christ hath shewed and set it forth in many Parables shewing the smalness of its beginning as to the sence and apprehension of the Creature in whom it is begun The Kingdom of God in the unregenerate is Compared to a grain of Wheat cast into the Earth which first suffers or dyes but in its suffering or dying brings forth the fruit of its own kind first the blade then the ear then the full or â—ipe Corn in the Ear It is also Compared to a grain of Musâ—ard Seed cast into the Earth which being small yet in the Appointed season of him that gives the increase brings forth fruit plentifully Again it is Compared to Leaven put in three measures of Meal till the whole was Levened Again it is Compared to a Net cast into the Sea which gather good and bad to the shore and gathers the good into Vessels but casts the bad away Observe still here is a glorious Order in the work of mans Regeneration and Restoration to God Man who is turned from Darkness to Light from Sathans power to God with the Light he is come to see his sin Now he is to wait to know God who is a Consuming fire to sin and wickedness to appear in him to burn up and Consume his Sins to Slay that Dragon or Serpent in him who has led him into Sin and hath kept him in it and caused him to take pleasure in the same Now he is to wait to know the Mighty Liveing Dreadful God to appear in him as a refiners fire and as Fullers soap Now he is patiently to bear the Indignation of the Lord because he hath sinned untill he hath Mercy on him for he will not Contend forever with the Repenting believing Penitent ones because he delights in Mercy Now he that thus believes waits and submits to the Chastising hand of the Lord doth not always Continue under his rebukes Chastisement or Judgment in the midest of Judgment he remembers Mercy to such under Judgment he supports the Spirits of these Contrite ones he strengthens them in this Winter season and he Leads them through it as a man of God hath written Behold the Winter is over and gone the time of Rejoycing is come and the voice of the Turtle is heard in our Land Thus they that have set their faces Sion-wards and are travelling with their faces thither-wards go on and grow from glory to glory from strength to strength from one degree in the grace of Christ Jesus unto another untill they appear in Sion in perfect beauty so these are not like a Dwarff that doth not grow for a Dwarff was by the Law of God forbiden to be a Priest and so was a Lepor but such who believe wait and grow as aforesaid are not as the Dwarff or Lepor and Diseased who are all Corrupt from the Crown of the Head to the Sole of the Foot and who hath no Health in them as they say but these are come to Christ the Physician of Value yea the saving Health of all Nations as it s written of him though these can do nothing of themselves yet they can do all things through Christ that strengthens them which the Apostle knew and writ of These have put on the Lord Jesus Christ These make no provision for the flesh to fulfill the Lust thereof these are strengthened by Christ who is Gods glorious power and wisdom in their Inward man as it s written these grow strong in the Lord by degrees these put on the whole Armor of God by which they are defended from all the fiery Darts of the Devil these are made Conquerors in Christ who Destroys the Devil and his works in them To these is given the Spirit of Praise instead of that of heaviness these are returned to Sion with songs of diliverance and Everlasting joy amongst these God reigns in and through them he shines to enlighten the dark World which lyes in wickedness Thus it s written Out of Sion the perfection of beauty God hath shined Again the Apostle writing of the Beautiful Order of the work of God in Heaven Earth saith There is one Glory of the Sun and another Glory of the Moon and another Glory of the Stars for one Star differeth from another Star in Glory so also is the Resurrection of the dead 1 Cor. 15. 41 42. Observe here what the Apostle hath written concerning the Different Order of the Sun Moon and Stars in Heaven saith so is the Resurrection of the dead shewing that the several States and Conditions of those whom Christ hath Quickened or raised in some degree from death to life do also differ in their several degrees of growth in Life Stature and Strength and accordingly do differ in their gifts and places and glory and beauty in the Resurrection from Death to Life Christ said to them whom he had Quickened I am come that you might have life and that you may have it more abundantly Againe The Psalmist who was Anointed by God and his appointment both Prophet and King writ thus Praise ye the Lord Praise the Lord from the Heavens Praise him in the heights Praise ye him all ye his Angels Praise ye him all ye his hosts Praise ye him Sun and Moon Praise ye him all ye Stars of Light Praise him ye Heavens of Heavens and ye Waters that be above the Heavens Let them praise the Name of Lord for he commanded and they were Created he hath also Established them forever and ever he hath made a decree which shall not pass Praise the Lord from the Earth ye Dragons and all deeps Fire and Haile Snow and Vapour Stormy Wind fulfilling his word Mountains and all Hills fruitfull trees and all Cedars Beasts and all Cattle Creeping things and flying Fouls Kings of the Earth and all People Princes and all Judges of the Earth both young Men and Maidens old Men and Children let them Praise the Name of the Lord for his name alone is Excellent his Glory is above the Earth and Heaven c. Pâ—al 148. read it through Here again Observe the great God of Order who in the beginning Created all things in Order and placed them in their Order in Heaven and Earth all which was very good he calls of them in Order by the mouth of his Prophet to praise Magnifie and Glorifie him for whose glory and honour they all were Created good in the beginning Oh vain Man who under the Dark power of Satan has been bred up in thy Transgression as a Wild Asses Colt or as a Wild Bullock unaccustomed to the yoke or thou that hast known the yoke of Christ and cast it off wouldest thou in thy folly limit the Holy one of Israel in the beginning Carrying on and Compleating of his Creating anew in Christ Jesus the fallen degenerated and dead Sons and Daughters of Adam who have believed in his divine Spirit
and Light and therein waits upon him in it he will not be Limited by thee but will rebuke and Judge thee for thy presumptuous attempt behold the beautiful Creation the works of God in Heaven and Earth and the Order thereof and these will Teach thee better it is true what the Apostle hath writ The wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all unrighteousness and ungodliness of men because that which may be known of God is manifest in them for God hath shewed it unto them for the Invisible things of the Creation are clearly soon by the things that are made even his Eternal power and Godhead so that they are with out excuse Rom. 1. 18 19 20 see the 21 22 23 24 25 26 to the end of the Chapter Observe here Gods Creation Heaven and Earth and the things therein are as a book wherein man and woman may read the wonderful works of God and the Glorious Order and Beauty of them all People being enlightened by Christ the divine word by whom God the Father made them all they believing in the Light of him in it they may see his wonderful power and wisdom in the bringing forth upholding and beautiful Order thereof God having enlightened all by his Word and Spirit which are one Calls all the Ends of the Earth to Look unto him he saith Look unto me O all ye ends of the Earth and be ye saved for I am God and there is None Else â— Mighty God and a Saviour they who believe in his Light and therein wait they come therein to see and have Unity with his glorious works in Heaven and in Earth and in their own Hearts and Souls and therein come to be made sensible of his bounty and kindness unto mankind in the Creating of them and setting them in their Beautiful Order and upholding them in the same and in the deep sence of these things Mans Heart becomes tender broken and humble within him and in this tender subjected humble frame of heart and mind he returns the Praise Honour Glory Dominion and Thanks unto him the great God and Creator of all things who is worthy of Glory Honour Obedience and Praise over all Heaven and Earth now and forever more Amen Something more particularly concerning the Order of Christ in his Church THE Apostle writing to the Church at Corinth writes thus viz. ye are the body of Christ and Members in particular and God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondly Prophets thirdly Teachers c. Are all Apostles are all Prophets are all Teachers c. see 1 Cor. 12. 27 28 29. Again he writes to the Church at Ephesus thus viz. And he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the Edifying of the body of Christ till we all come in the Unity of the Faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the Measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Ephess 4. 10 11 12. Observe here the Apostle shews the order particularly of the several gifts of God to the several Members of his Church which he gave them by the one Spirit in which gifts the several Members were appointed to serve him and eâ—ch other and as they all kept in their proper Gifts they did therein serve him and each other and the weakest Members of the Church also for whose service they received their Gifts The weak had and have the most need of the help and service of these gifts and as they all kept in the Exercise of their several gifts in the motion leading and guidance of Gods holy Spirit the root and fountain of them all they had all Unity therein one with another although their gifts did differ both in the manner of their working and in the measure or greatness of them so that there was an Harmony and Unity amongst them though they were many Members yet were but one body all in Subjection unto Christ the one head Secondly Observe the Apostles question are all Apostles are all Prophets are all Teachers c. He doth not say they are the contrary is manifest neither are all the Members in the Church of Christ in this Age called appointed or ordained In their presant State to be Prophets Apostles or Teachers for these are peculiar or proper gifts given by the Lord God as and when he pleaseth according to the Counsel of his own will Thirdly Observe that by what I have said in this matter I only intend all the Members of the Church of Christ in their present State are not sent forth publickly with a message of Salvation to Preach to the Nations nor to Prophesie or Preach publickly in words the Doctrine of the Truth or Gospel of Christ nor are they all appointed of God to Prophesie and foretel things to come nor are they all made Teachers in a publick Ministry in Doctrine or Exhortation for these are peculiar or proper gifts given according to the Heavenly will and Counsell of God in his own time and season as I said before Fourthly Observe that though all the Members of the Body of Christ have not all or some of the aforesaid places in the body yet evâ—ry Member hath a place in the body and it is a precious and blessed thing for every Member to know its place and keep in it in its proper service whereto it s called of God but when any Member goes out of the Counsel of God and looks at anothers gift and goes out of his own proper place from his gift and service in the body striving in a wrong mind or zeal after others gifts Immitating them in words voice or sound or other visible or â—udabâ—e Motion or Action of the Creature or through a zeal without knowledge or by any other means whatsoever then such a Member hurts it self and grieves or offends the other more discerning Members of the body who sees and feels the out-going of the said Member Fifthly Observe it is the place and duty of the discerning Members of the body who see such out-goings tenderly in the Love and wisdom of God to speak to such in order to bring them to a sence of their out-going and to restore them into their place again if possible and to watch over them in Love for their preservation in it Sixthly Observe it is the duty of such who have been mistaken and gone out of their place as aforesaid to hear and receive Counsell of those who freely tender it to them in the Love of God several such in our day have had Counsell so given to them who have received it in the same Love which have tended greatly to their profit even to their settlement and Establishment with God and Unity with his People praised be the Lord God for the same Seventhly Observe that some who have had a place in the Church of
5. 1 to the 12. Again hear his sweet Exhortation Finally be all of one mind having compassion one of another love as Brethren be pitiful be courteous not rendering evil for evil or railing for railing For he that will love life and see good oaâ—s let him refrain his tongue from evil and his lips that they speak no Guile Let hâ—m eschew or fly from Evil and do good let him seek peace and ensue it that is follow it for the Eyes of the Lord are over the Righteous and his Ears are open unto their prayers but the face of the Lord is against them that do evil 1 Pet. 3. 8 to the 13. Sixthly Observe here Peter that faithful Apostle of Christ in his general Epistle Exhorts the Elders who were among the Churches to feed the Flock we do not read nor believe that those Elders took it 〈◊〉 of Peter that he so Exhorted them we neither read nor believe that they pleaded their Gifts and Places in the Church or their being led by the Light or Holy Ghost within in opposition to his Christian Councel and Exhortation in the same Holy Ghost Light and Spirit given them by his Epistle but on the contrary we believe that in the Light they saw the same to be good and profitable for them and therein gladly received and obeyed the same and also we believe that the younger who walked in the Light did submit themselves â—nto the Elder therein and that they who obeyed the Light were thereby led into Humility and Lowliness and therein to submit themselves one to another in the Fear and Councel of God Again Paul writing to the Colossians writ thus viz. And when this Epistle is read amongst you cause that it be read in the Church of the Laodicians And say to Archippus take heed to the Ministry which thou hast received in the Lord that thou fulfil it Observe two things in the foregoing words first that he did not only charge or enjoin them to read his Epistle amongst them but also to take care that it was read to the Laodicearis Secondly He writ to them to say to Archippus take heed to thy Ministry c. We do not read or believe that the believing Colossians did reject this Epistle of Paul's or neglect their duty in reading it and causing it to be read according to his Exhortation or that they pleaded the sufficiency of the Light within in opposition to his Eâ—istles and councel therein given unthem but that in the light they had Unity with it and therefore gladly received it and had benefit by it neither do we read or believe that Archippus was offended with what Paul writ concerning him nor that he pleaded his Gift and Ministry and the Light within against Paul's councel in the matter relating to him but that he had Unity therewith in the Light Again Paul writ to Timothy thus viz. I charge thee before God and our Lord Jesus Christ who shall Judg the quick and dead at his appearing and his Kingdom Preach the word be instant in season and out of season reprove rebuke exhort with all long suffering and doctrine for the time will come when they will not endure sound Doctrine but after their own Lusts shall they heap to themselves Teachers having itching Ears and they shall turn away their Ears from the Truth and shall be turned unto Favles but watch thou in all things endure afflistions do the work of an Evangalist make full proof of thy Ministry 2 Tim. 4. 1 to the 6th Observe Have not some professors of the Light within now itching Ears which cannot endure sound Doctrine and are not some such for setting up Teachers which with unsound Doctrine for a wrong Liberty against the Cross of Christ can or do please their itching Ears The Apostle said we speak not as pleasing men but God who tryeth our hearts 1 Thess 2. 4. Again to the Galatians he writ saying For do I now perswade men or God or do I seek to please men for if I yet pleased men I should not be the Servant of Christ Gal. 1. 9 10. Paul charges Timothy before God and the Lord Jesus Christ to Preach the Word to Reprove Rebuke Exhort c. and to make full proof of his Ministry we do not read nor believe that Timothy was offended with this Fatherly Charge or Exhortation in this matter or that he excepted against or opposed this Charge or pleaded his Gift or Place in the Church or the Holy Ghost or Light of Christ in opsition to it or that he said he had no need of it or that it was of no use or service to him but on the contrary we believe that this faithful young man whom Paul had begotten to God through the power of the Gospel did gladly receive and profitably â—â—prove the Charge Exhortation and Councel of Paul the Aged his Elder in the Truth Again Christ after he was risen from the dead said unto Simon Peter Lovest thou me more then these he saith unto him Yea Lord thou knowest that I love thee He saith unto him Feed my Lambs He saith to him again the Second time Simon Son of Jonas Lovest thou me he saith unto him Yea Lord thou knowest that I love thee He saith unto him Feed my Sheep He said unto him the Third time Simon Son of Jonas Lovest thou me And he said unto him Lord thou knowest all things thou knowest that I love thee He saith unto him Feed my sheep John 21. 15 16 17. First Observe How Christ put the Question before Recited upon Peter Three times designing thereby to settle and revet or fasten the sence and care of this great Duty of feeding his Lambs and Sheep upon him which command of his Masters he faithfully performed and Exhorted the other Elders to perform their duty in this matter of so great weight as is shewed before The like did Paul James and John and the rest of the faithful Apostles and Elders Secondly Observe How these Holy men of God did fâ—ed the Lambs and Sheep of Christ in Preaching the Gospel of the Kingdom of God unto them which they Preached in the Power of the Holy Ghost sent down from Heaven Thirdly Observe We do not read in the Scriptures of Truth nor believe that these Lambs or Sheep of Christ did profess the Teachings of the Light within in opposition to its teaching of them through these Apostles and Elders who were commanded Note The Light of Christ within is not contradictory to it self in any of the Children of it nor in any others and empower'd from Heaven to feed them they did not plead the sufficiency of the Light of Christ within themselves against its Teaching them in these Apostles for as I said before the Light in him that is Taught cannot oppose the Light in him that Teacheth neither is the Light contradictory to it self in any of its Children but walking in it therein is their fellowship one with another
all such he honours with the honour that is from above which comes from himself and all these do honour each other and prefer each other according to the Order of the Work of God amongst them in their several Gifts and Services in the Body of Christ his Church All keeping to and walking in the Divine Light of Christ all will be kept in Humility and in Unity yea cloathed with it according to the Apostles Exhortation and according to the Command and Example of Christ the Chief Shepherd and Bishop of our Souls who said Learn of me I am meek and lowly in Heart and ye shall find rest to your Souls A Remnant hath learned Humility of him in this Age and he hath given us rest to our Souls which to us far excels all the Riches and Glory of this World Praises to the Lord God and the Lamb for the same Blessed are all they that walk in his Light they find the fruit of it in them to be unfeigned Love to Friends and also to Enemies and Meekness Patience Gentleness Justice Equity and Righteousness towards all Men and a good Understanding and holy right Zeal for the honour of the Lord and the good of his People who walks here will not be puffed up with self conceit or self wilfulness or be filled with Wrath Malice Strife nor strive to Honour or Exalt themselves as Lords over Gods People such are not Lords over that Faith which God hath wrought in his People but in the Love of God Meekness and Humility of Christ Jesus these build up one another in their most Holy Faith and are Fellow helpers of one anothers Joy in the Lord as the Apostle hath writ and Exhorted And as the Primitive true Christians practised Concerning Rule and Government in the Church of Christ CHrist Jesus after he arose from the Dead spake unto his Disciples saying All power is given unto me in Heaven and in Earth go ye therefore and teach all Nations Baptizing them into the Name for so the Greek renders it of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have comanded you and lo I am with you always c. Matt. 28. 18 19 20. First Observe Christ who was always spiritually present with those whom he sent to preach the Gospel gave them many things in Charge to teach the People to observe those who believed received and obeyed the Gospel preach'd by the Apostles did obey the Commands and Doctrines of Christ given by or through the Apostles who were his Embassadors those who did continue stedfast unto the end were by degrees Taught and inabled by the powerful Spirit and Light of Christ in the Apostles and in their own hearts to observe do all things that Christ commanded them 2. Observe Christ in and by the Apostles did command and teach those who believed and received the Gospel and walked in the Light of it and those who did believe and obey those Commands and Doctrines were not therein subject or obedient to the Traditions Doctrines or Commandments of men who were without the Spiritual Presence and Authority of Christ But they were obedient unto the Commandements and Doctrines of Christ delivered in and by the Faithful Apostles those holy Men of God 3. Observe Here is Order and Rule in the Work of God they that are Novices or young Scholars in the Faith and Doctrine of Christianity are Learners others Elders or Teachers these are to be Taught and watch'd over by those to whom God hath given an oversight of them in his power and wisdom for the Salvation Preservation and everlasting good of their Souls these Stewards of God who labour for and watch over Souls for the good end aforesaid God requires them to be faithful in this great Charge which he hath laid upon them for they must give an account to him of their stewardship and blessed are all those who have believed the Gospel who obey and walk in the Light of the same receiving and obeying the Commands Doctrines and Precepts of the Lord Jesus Christ given unto them by his Light and Spirit in his Stewards and Embassadors which they see and receive in the same Light Spirit of Christ in their own Hearts and Souls An account will be given of them with joy unto Christ the chief Shepherd and great Overseer of Souls 4. Observe They who after they have believed in the Spirit and Light of God and Christ within and have partaken of the vertue and power thereof fall away when Temptations and Tryals come upon them for Christ and the Gospel's sake these become like the stony ground which Christ speaks of in the Parables of the Kingdom that young and tender Blade which appeared in them being withered an account cannot be given of these with joy but with sorrow though they who have laboured faithfully with them for their good are clear of their Fall and Misery 5. Observe Those who have come to a farther growth and knowledg of the Truth than those last mentioned who have come not only to know the Truth but also further to obey it and suffer for it yet they after they have thus done and suffered have fallen away from their first love and obedience to the Cross of Christ by rejecting and slighting the Counsel of God by his Light and Spirit in their own hearts and in the hearts and mouths of his Servants and these having cast off the Yoke of Christ are become as Sons of Belial without Yoke gone into the World into the Cumbersom Cares of it and the Deceitfulness of the Riches Lusts and Glory of it such has made ill use of the grace or favour of God given unto them such in their works whatever their Words be deny the only true God and our Lord Jesus Christ such are the despisers of the Government of Christ in his Church who though they retain yet something of the Christian form of Godliness yet are out of the life and power thereof and Enemies to it as by their Evil Works and Words do and will appear The Stewards and Embassadors of Christ cannot give a joyous account of these though having faithfully laboured with them for their preservation and well being are therefore cleer of their blood or of being in any wise guilty of their Fall and Ruin Observe further what the Apostle saith concerning Rule and Government in the Church of Christ he writing to the believing Hebrews writes thus Remember them which have the Rule over you who hath spoken unto you the Word of God whose Faith follow considering the end of their Conversation obey them that hath the Rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls as they that must give an account that they may do it with joy and not with grief for that is unprofitable for you Salute all them that have the Rule over you and all the Saints they of Italy salute you