be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost for the promise is unto you and your children and to all that are a far off even as many as the Lord our God shall call And Jo. 38. 39. He that believeth on me as the Scripture hath said out of his Belly shall flow Rivers of living water But this spake he of the Spirit which they that believe on him should receive for the Holy Ghost was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified so that it is apparent in several respects that this Scripture proves not their assertion Further it was said that Balaam was a wicked man and yet he had the spirit of God and saw the starr of Jacob Numb 24. therefore every man that comes into the world hath the spirit of Christ Ans It is one thing to have the spirit of the Son which is the great promise of the new Covenant Isa 50. 21. dwelling in a man 2 Tim. 1. 14. and another thing to have the spirit of God come upon a man at some particular time and for some particular work thus it was with Balaam and thus with Saul and his messengers 1 Sam 19. 20. 21. 23. but this proves not that every man that comes into the world hath the sprit of Christ for the Scripture doth not say that these men had the spirit of God before it came upon them only these Scriptures do shew that God can and sometimes doth by the power of his spirit impress upon a wicked man and make him to declare some future glorious things for his own praise and his peoples comfort as Dan. 4. 1. 2. 3. Joh. 11. 50. 51. may be seen neither is it said in that place Numb 24. 17. that Balaam saw the starr of Jacob but I shall see him but not now I shall behold him but not nigh but when every eye shall see him Rev. 1. 17. but it will not follow hence that he had the faith of Job to see him his Redeemer Job 19. 25. 27. nor the spirit of the mediator the man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2 5. which only dwels in believers 2 Tim. 1. 14. that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us no more then the Angel of the Lord that spake in the Asse with mans voyce Numb 22. 28. 2 Pet. 2. 16. dwelt in the Asse though that is utterly false which this people hath published in their Paper viz. that he was a Baptist which said that Balaam had no more spirit then his Horse Some of them asked what was that which caused Judas to bring the money again and made him repent implying as I apprehend them that it must needs be the spirit of Christ Ans There is a light and law in every man that convinces and reproves of sin except of not believing in Christ Rom. 2. 14 15. for when the Gentiles which have not the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the Law are a Law unto themselves which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their concscience also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or excusing one another and this made Judas bring the money again c. But this light or Law in every man is not the spirit of Christ mentioned Joh. 16. 7. 8. which was promised to be sent to reprove or convince the world of the sin of not believing in Christ c. for he was not come while as Christ was not ascended John 16. 7. 13. but of this light and Law in every man I shall speak more after the rest of my Arguments to prove my assertions are laid down By these briefe Answers it may appear with what little success these Scriptures were brought to prove that every man even the wicked and unregenerate have the spirit of Christ and that notwithstanding all that was said the plain and positive Scriptures brought brought by me to prove the contrary viz. That all men have not the Spirit of Christ do remain firm â—and â—nshaken there being nothing more plain than Christ's own words John 14. 17. That the world cannot receive the Spirit of Truth And the Apostles Rom. 8. 9. Jude 19. That some are in the flesh are sensual not having the Spirit of Christ As I could get liberty other Arguments were propounded for the proof of that which I had undertaken to make good viz. That Christ doth not lighten every man that comes into the world with a saving Light which are as follow though in that confused Assembly they could not be so orderly and with that enlargement urged as they are here set down Whom Christ enlightens with a saving Light into their hearts he causeth the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ to shine to give the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ according to the testimony of Paul 2 Cor. 4. 6. For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ He brings life and immortality to light through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1. 10. And he doth no otherwayes manifest the Grace of God our Reconciliation Peace and Salvation but by the light of the glorious Gospel shining in our hearts and he that wants this Gospel-light hath no saving-light but is lost 2 Cor. 4. 3. But if our Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost But Christ doth not cause this light of the glorious Gospel to shine in the heart of every man that comes into the world for the Gospel is hid to some and the light of it doth not shine in their hearts as the Scripture testifies 2 Cor. 4. 3 4. But if our Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost in whom the God 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 shine unto them Therefore Christ doth not enlighten every one that comes into the world with a saving light Whom Christ enlighteneth with a saving light to them is given an understanding to know the Father 1 John 2. 13 Ye have known the Father And the Son 1 John 5. 20. And we know the Son of God is come and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true And the Spirit John 14. 17. Even the spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him c. And the things that are freely given them of God 1 Cor. 2. 10 12. But God hath revealed them uuto us by his spirit Now we have received not the spirit of the world but the spirit
which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God So Matth. 13. 11. He answered and said unto them viz. his Disciples Because it is given unto you to know the mystâ—ries of the Kingdom of Heaven but to them it is not given That Light only is saving which discovers these things to which agrees that saying of Christ John 17. 3. And this is life eternal that they might know thee the only true God and Jesus Christ whom thou hast sent But there are some who know not the Father nor the Son John 16. 3. And these things will they do unto you because they have not known the Father nor me Matth. 11. 27. No man knoweth the Son but the Father neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Nor the Spirit John 14. 17. Even the Spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him nor the things of the spirit 1 Cor. 2. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned They have not the Spirit as was proved before therefore they cannot discern spiritual things 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spiritually Yea further they cannot discern nor know these things because their understanding is darkned Ephes 4. 18. and as to these things they are meer darkness Ephes 5. 8. Yea the light that is in them is darkness according to the words of Christ Matth. 6. 23. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness how great is that darkness And Christ himself gives another reason why they cannot know these things Matth. the 13. the 11th Because it is not given to them It is given to you to know the mysteries of the Kingdom of Heaven but to them it is not given And in Matth 11. 25. he tells us plainly it is because they are hid from them And at that time Jesus answered and said I thank thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and prudent and hast revealed them unto babes Therefore Christ doth not lighten every man that comes into the world with a saving light To such as Christ enlightens with a saving Light he also gives a spiritual life such he quickens regenerates and makes new Creatures such as the Light is such is the Life in men Joh. 1. 4. And the Life was the Light of men If the Light be saving that is effectually and eventually saving it quickens and regenerates and makes a new Creature according to that in 2 Cor. 3. 18. But we all with open face beholding as in a Glass the glory of the Lord are changed into the same Image from glory to glory as by the Spirit of the Lord this saving Light and Life and given together as John 8. 12. Thou spake Jesus again unto them saying I am the light of the world he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the light of life A man cannot have a saving Light to see the Kingdom of God except he be born again John 3. 3. Jesus answered and said unto him Verily verily I say unto thee Except a mâ—n be born again he cannot see the Kingdom of God And hence it is that Christ is a live-making Spirit 1 Cor. 15. 45. because who soever is enlightened with a saving Light is also quickened together with Christ Eph. 21 5. You hath he quickened c even when ye were dead in sins hath he quickened us together with Christ But Christ doth not quicken and regenerate every man that comes into the world every one is not a new Creature some are born of the flesh John 3. 6. and are in the flesh Rom. 8. 8. So then they that are in the flesh cannot please God some are dead in sin wherein they walk according to the course of this World Eph. 2. 1 2. and have not life 1 John 5. 12. He that hath not the Son hath not life yea some do dye in their sins John 8. 24. I said therefore unto you that ye shall dye in your sins for if ye believe not that I am he ye shall dye in your sins Therefore Christ doth not lighten every man that comes into the world with a saving light Whom Christ enlightens with a saving Light to them he also gives Faith the words of Christ are plain John 12. 46. I am come a Light into the world that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness Mark where there is no Faith there is an abiding in darkness and so no saving Light Faith is the Organ of the soul to receive and let in a saving Light An unbelieving soul is a dark and ignorant soul hence it is that Christ who is 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the beginner of Faith Heb. 12. 2 when he gives his Spirit to illuminate the understanding and to fill the soul with his marvellous light he doth also by the same Spirit give and work faith for it is his gift Eph. 2. 8. whereby the soul is capacitated to receive him as a glorious light to dwell in the heart And thus Christ by his Spirit and Faith and no other way dwells in the heart irradiating the whole soul with the bright beams of his glorious light according to these Scriptures John 14. 16 17. I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever but ye know him for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you Eph. 2. 22. In whom you also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit Eph. 3. 17. That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith But every man that comes into the world hath not Faith 2 Thes 3. 2. For all men have not Faith none believe but such as are ordained to eternal life Acts 13. 48. And as many as were ordained to eternal life believed None can come to or believe on Christ but such as the Father draws John 6. 44. No man can come to me except the Father which sent me draw him nor hath every man that comes into the world Christ dwelling in him some are without him Eph. 2. 12. That at that time viz. when they were Gentiles in the flesh ye were without Christ in the world Some have him not 1 John 5. 12. He that hath not the Son hath not life In a word beleevers only have Christ dwelling in them John 6. 56. He that eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood dwelleth in me and I in him Therefore Christ doth not enlighten every man that comes into the world with a saving Light To these last Arguments I remember not any thing brought by way of answer to weaken any one proof but that which was their last and chiefest Refuge was that Text John 1.
Light according to Joh 3. 3. Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God therefore this Light is to all that have it the Light of life Joh. 8. 12. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the Light of life the same Spirit that inlightens doth regenerate and renew Tit. 3. 5. According to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost and so not every man that comes into the world but he that is born of the Spirit Joh. 3. 5. and made a new creature 2 Cor. 5. 17. according to that Gospel-promise Ezek. 36. 26 A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you is inlightned with the marvellous Light of Christ By this Spirit also doth he write this new Law of Faith in their hearts called the Law of the Spirit of Life which is in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. 2. according to that of the Apostle Heb. 8. 10. I will put my Laws in their minds and write them in their hearts where he speaks not of the Law of works which is writ in the Natural mans heart but of the Law of the new Covenant which the Apostle is there treating of and which God would put into their hearts who were in Covenant with him and whose sins and iniquities he will remember no more Neither doth he onely give a new life a new light a renewed spirit and write his Laws in their hearts by his Spirit but that he may cause them to walk in his ways Ezek. 26. 27. and that they may have help in themselves Job 6. 13. he gives the Spirit himself to dwell in their hearts as the same Scripture Ezek. 26 27 testifies And I will put my Spirit within you So Gal. 4. 6. And because you are sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father and so they become one spirit with the Lord 1 Cor. 6. 17. He that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit And this is that witness that every believer hath in himself 1 Joh. 5. 10. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself a witness that he is the childe of God Rom 8. 16. The Spirit it self beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God And while he looks at and believes on a Christ without him as having done all in his own person for him according to Rom. 4. 25. Who was delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification Rom. 8. 3. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinfull flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Heb. 9. 26. And now in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself And Heb. 10. 12. But this man after he had once offered sacrifice for sins for ever sate down on the right hand of God He also knowes and hath a witness in himself that Christ dwels in his heart Eph. 3. 17. and lives in him as Paul witnessed Gal. 2. 20. Nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me And he is the habitation of God through the Spirit Eph. 2. 27. In whom ye are builded for an habitation of God through the Spirit 1 Joh. 3. 24. We know that he abideth in us by the Spirit which he hath given us From that which hath bin said it doth plainly appear that the mistake of this people is very grosse who call the light in every man Christ and worship it as the Redeemer and the Lord that bought them whereas indeed as hath been cleared this light in every man is but the spirit of a man and the law written in his heart from the terrour and condemnation whereof the Lord Jesus came to deliver It also appears that to worship this light as the Redeemer is to worship an imaginarie and fictitious Christ and indeed an Idol and in effect to deny the person of the true Jesus who is Emmanuel God and man in union who in his own person without us not in ours hath by one offering once for ever wrought eternal redemption for us Heb. 9. 12. By his own blood he entred in once into the holy place having obtained eternall Redemption for us and is the alone object of Faith yea hence it will follow that whosoever affirmeth as this people doe that the light in every man is Christ is a deceiver and an Antichrist such as the Apostle speaks of 2 Joh. 7. For many deceivers are entred into the World who confess not that Jesus Christ is come into the flesh This is a deceiver and an Antichrist whom the Saints are forbidden to receive into their house or to bid them God speed Verse 10. Receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed But of these and other usefull Inferences more fully after the answering of an Objection or two wherein all their seeming strength lies and whereon their greatest confidence is built Against that which I have said there is nothing more frequently urged then that one Scripture Joh. 1. 9. That was the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world This Scripture they account to be an invincible proof of their fundament all Assertion which in their words and writings is thus held forth this light is Christ God the Lord God and the Lamb the object of faith and this true light which is Christ lightens not some but every man coming into the world And therefore it must needs be saving And that this light can be meant of no other then of Christ they further alledge Joh. 8. 12 35 36. where it is plainly exprest that Christ is the light of the world Because I observe that that subtil Adversary Satan doth get the greatest advantage against many weak and unstable souls through their misunderstanding and wresting of these Scriptures in the mean while being ignorant of his devices I shall indeavour according to my measure to declare the minde of Christ in them that if it be the will of the Lord such as are taken captive by him may escape out of his Snares When it is said that that was the true light which lighteth every man that comes into the world two things must be considered 1 Who this true light is 2 How he lighteth every man that comes into the world For the first the Scriptures do witness that this true light is the Word God by whom the world was made for as it is said Joh. 1. 1. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God So that which is spoken of in the 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10. verses following is to be referred to the Word God the Creator of all things and not to the Word as the Word is
hand with a further discovery of the mystery of Iniquity In the mean time I shall finish this with a few Cautions to all â—â—ts of people but more especially to young weak inquiring persons 1. Take heed of that Religion that begins with a lye for it is certainly a great judgment of God to be given up to believe a lye 2 Thess 2. 10 11. And 〈◊〉 the first step to this peoples Religion is an abominable lye and that every one is taught and required at his entrance into their religion to believe 〈◊〉 lye I have shewed in my former paper 2. Take heed of that spirit that denies either directly or consequentially Christ come in the flesh for that is the spirit of Antichrist 1 Joh. 4. 3. And he that biddeth such a one God speed is partaker of his evill deeds 2 Joh. 11. 3. Take heed of those persons how fair soever their pretences be who have no better weapons to defend their doctrine with then censures judgings threatenings curses for that was not the way of Christ and his Apostles And of those who can curse men and bless God with the same mouth for that ought not to be Jam. 3. 9 10. Eph. 5. 6. Let no man deceive you with vaine words FINIS 1 Tim. 3. 19 20. with 2 Tim. 2. 17 18. Luke 17. 23. 1 John 4. 1. The first occasion of the debate Their firâ—â— Letter An Answer to that first Letter 2 Tim. 2. 23. * Subjective His second Letter to me The Queries set upon the door An Answer to his second Letter Their carriages towards me in my Chamber My offer to meet them upon conditions Their agreement to meeâ— with some alterations of the conditions My assenâ—â—o their alterations Our meeâ—â—â—ng disappointed by the Gaoler The meeting begins Some things premâ—sed in order to the debate The Assertion to be proved â— Argum Joh. Stubbs Answers My reply to J. Stubbs The reason why a natural man cannot know nor discern the things of the Spirit is Because he hath not the Spirit The disorderly carriage of somo Who were obstreperous Geo. Fox asserts the Spirit of Christ to be in every man The first Scripture brought to prove his Assertion Answer The second Scripture brought to prove their Assertion Answer Not all Israel but such only as are born of the spirit have the 〈…〉 A third Scripture Answer A fourth Scripture Answer A fifth Scripture Answer A sixt Scripture Answer None of the Scriptures brought by them weaken my Arguments 2. Arg. 3 Arg. 4. Argum. 5. Arg. No Answers given to weaken my Arguments Their harsh censures wherwith the meeting was concluded The fruit of that spirit by which this People are led An Answer to their Censures Railing not to be rendered for railing Christ not theâ—e example Their lies and false accusations The chief occasion of their censure What they call the Light with in What is their first lye Three reasons of the additional discourse of the Light within Five particulars premised A twofold light within man What the light within is as it respects the affections What the Light in every man is as It respecteth the understanding The Spirit or ligâ—t in every man is noâ— the Lord. The light in every man is inferâ—or to the â—ight of Angels Vis ratiocinativa a 〈◊〉 facultas intelligendi What the Light in Adam before the fall could do There is a Law written in every mans heart This Law is not God Proved * Though the Hebrew words 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 creavit formavit fecâ—t may have a different signification as appears in Isa 43. 7. in which verse they are all used yet this may be gathered from them all that the the thing created formed or made is not the Creator c. A summaâ—y account of the Lightâ— in man before the fall The Light in man before the fall could not manifest a Redeemer The Light in man since the fall not such as it was before the fall The Light and Law remaining in faln man is sufficient to render God righteous when he iudgeth the disobedient A fourfold use of the Light in every man 1. To make manifest 2. To direct 3. To convince What Conscience is The knowledg of sin is by the Law What is the Lordâ— Witness in all men What it was that manifested to Adam and Judaâ— their transgression 4. To feel after God as Creator The suâ— of that which the Light in every man since the fal can do The Light in every man is a great an excellent and necessary Light 2. What it cannot do since the fall It is a nâ—tural light Perse or sensu diviso Subjective or sensu Composito In what respects the light within every man is Insufficient 1. It cannot bring any man to life The tenor of the Law of Works 2. It cannot discover the Redeemer it knows nothing of the Gospel Mystery Which is cleared in several particulars 3. It knows not the law of faâ—th The tenor of the Law of Faith The law of Faith is not natural but supernatural 4. Iâ— cannot convince a man that his not believing in Christ is a sin What light it is that can discover these great Mysteries It is the light of Christ Jesus as Mediator which irradiates the soul with the knowledge of Gospel Mysteries The great Agent by which Christ works is his Spirit None partakers of this Light but new Creatures The law of faith is writâ—ten in the heâ—â— of a new creâ—â—ture The Spirit himself dweâ—â— in the heart a new creaturâ— The Spirit is that witness that every bâ—â—liever hath iâ— himself What the great mistakeâ— of this people is 〈◊〉 worship the â—â—â—â—t in every 〈◊〉 as the â—â—deemer is 〈◊〉 worship an â—â—ol â—â—rist is the â—â—ject of faith â—ho is a deâ—â—iver and an â—â—tichrist â—n Objection â—om Joh. 1. 9. â—â—swered Two things to â—e considered â—oncerning â—â—e true light The true lâ—â—g is the Word God the Creator Not as God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 How the true â—ight lighteth â—very man that â—ometh into â—he World 2. Objection Answer The word made Flesh is only called Christ The Word made flesh doth only bring life and mortality to light The Word made fleshâ— doth only ligâ—â—ten savingly those that blieve on hiâ— The Word made flesh is given for a Covenant The light gâ—â—ven by the Word made flesh is far more excelleâ—â— then the ligâ—â— set up in everâ—â— man by the Word the Creator The misunderâ—standing of Joh. 1. 9. is from a neglectâ— of a distinct consideration of the Word and the Word made flesh â—â—e necessity the foreâ—entioned â—â—stinction â—â—ared in â—ree partiâ—lars The opinion of this people is many wayeâ— injurious to Jesus Christ and pernitious to the souls of Men. 1. It denies the great mystery of Godliness â—â—d the Lord at bought â—â—em It sets up an â—â—ol â—â—hat an Iâ—â—ol is 3. It opens a way to the Doctrine of Daemons and the worship of the Devil 4. It leads 〈◊〉 to slight 〈◊〉 Scripture 〈◊〉 rule and walk after tâ—â— own lusts 5. It opens door to greaâ—â— confusion Their Worship is Idolatry None but Idolaters admitted into the number of their Priends The manner of their Worship very confused as it was practised in their Meetings in Lancaster The names of their Assemblies members thereof Who are their â—â—achers What doctrins are taught by them What books these doctrine are to be found in Their foundation being rased their whole building will fall This people are objects of pitie A further Debate offered with this people 〈◊〉 who teachâ—â— that the â—â—ht in every â—â—n is Christ an Antiâ—â—â—ist â—â—e reason â—â—y the good â—â—ings in this â—â—ople are â—entioned â— plea for â—â—od things â—ay cloak a â—esign against â—hrist â—Vhence their â—pinion hath â—ad its advanâ—age Antichrist most opposeth Christ when â—he appeareth most like him Such hath bâ— the method this people What hath rendred persons unable deal with them Whence so many have embraced the false doctrine and way The wrong way that maâ—ny have take iâ—â— to suppress their errours The right way to suppress their errours What things are commendable and tâ— be owned in them â—ow one may â—â—me to disâ—n their seâ—t deceipts Characters false Prophet in the last days The spirit of the Quakers and of the Dragon compared Such as oppose themselves should be answered in meekness The Quakers in stead of Answers return Invectives Calumniation no refutation The Quakers maledictions How many sheets they have filled with raylinâ— Language Wherein thâ— Quakers folâ—â— manifest A right Spirâ— would have led them a better way When Antichrist speaks like a Lamb and when likâ— a Dragon The vaine shifts of persons maintaiâ—ning Errour â—uch as say â—â—ey are Apâ—â—â—tles ought to â—â—e tryed Preachers sent â—hough Meâ—hanicks are to â—e esteemed We must not â—id God speed â—o those that â—ring not doctrine of Christ When false Apostles are â—ryed they will be found â—ars A request to the Reader Queries to considered
Antichrist's strongest Hold overturned OR The Foundation of the Religion of the People called QUAKERS Bared and Razed In a DEBATE had with some of them in the Castle at Lancaster AND IN An Additional Account of the Light within Wherein is shewed 1. That their first Principle is a Lye 2. That their Christ is not the true Jesus 3. That their Idolatry is worse and more dangerous then Jeroboam's or the Papists 4. That their Principle denies the great mystery of godliness departs from the Faith and leads to give attendance to the doctrine of Daemons Here also is shewed the occasion of their Rise and Growth together with the right way of discovering their secret delusions Lastly the best things that the best of this people pretend to own are here mentioned and allowed Hereunto is annexed an APPENDIX Wherein their evil language is discovered and compared with the language of the false Prophets All which is published at the desire of certain friends some of whose Letters are prefixt for common benefit By J. W. 1 Tim. 4. 1. Now the Spirit speaketh expresly that in the later times some shall depart from the faith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils 1 Ioh. 5. 21. Little children keep your selves from idols 2 Joh. 7. For many deceivers are entred into the world who confess not that Christ is come in the flesh this is a deceiver and an Antichrist London Printed for the Author in the year 1665. An ADVERTISEMENT To all the faithful followers of the Lamb in Lancashire in and about Manchester Warrington and Lancaster And to all in every place that love the Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity to whose view the following Discourse may come AS it was my desire and disposition during the time of my imprisonment amongst the people called Quakers to live peaceably and to avoid contests with them So when I was forced for truths sake to a debate with them and afterwards to give forth a relation thereof together with an account of the light within man there was not the least intention or inclination in me to commit my papers to the Press until many friends having perused them did as appears by the first letters prefixed to the following discourse with many arguments urge me to make them more publick Which thereupon I resolved speedily to do and to that end did review and transcribe them with some enlargement as they are hereafter in this book presented Afterwards it being suggested by some that it was not a season to print against this people being great sufferers lest it should adde affliction to their bonds I did thereupon lay aside my papers for divers months And was the more easily inclined thereto not simply because they are sufferers But 1. For that they which is much more the duty of others who owne the truth as it is in Jesus and that worship which is prescribed by himself do stand fast in the defence of their liberty publickly owning that worship which they judge though erroneously agreeable to truth notwithstanding any humane Law to the contrary And 2. That in respect of the powers imposing upon them without warrant from the Lord though in respect of the wrong they do to the man Christ Jesus to his Gospel and to their own souls they be far from innocencie they suffer as Innocents as if thus understood they do often truly call themselves And hence it is that in greatest probability the Laws made against them and their prosecutors have not hitherto had nor will hereafter have any better success then the persecutors of the Innocent in all ages have had whose violence was never blest to convert any from the errour of his way but hath always been an effectual means as to confirm and strengthen the persecuted in his way yea though a mistaken and erroneous way as is evident in this people at this day so to bring swift and inevitable destruction upon themselves Yet notwithstanding being again called upon and desired by divers to go on with this work I had these following Considerations encouraging thereto 1. Many judicious and sober persons who judge the work may be for common benefit do call for its publication 2. The discourse is not level'd against their persons nor against any appearance that is commendable in them but onely against their Errors and miscarriages Nor are those in power stir'd up against them but on the contrarie their violence is witnessed against 3. An endeavour to recover some out of the snare of the devil and to prevent the apostacy of others which are aymed at in this undertaking is such an absolute duty as may not be suspended out of fear that some who have the sword in their hand should take advantage thereby to abuse their power 4. By how much this people are carried out to suffer above many others and by this fair shew in the flesh are apt to glory in their way as the only way to life and that many unable or negligent in the tryal of spirits and principles are liable to be snared and taken by them by so much it seems more necessarie at this time to discover the sandie foundation upon which their whole building stands and how pernitious it will prove to their souls who build thereon that Sathans deep designe in drawing men thereto being unveiled poor weak and unstable souls may better discerne that their glorying in their sufferings yea in giving their bodies to be burned upon the account of such a foundation is vain 5. Lastly and especially in as much as the principle contended against doth not only deny the man Christ Jesus and make void his sufferings death and blood with their effects but that Satan hereby would dethrone him and by this most subtil way of changing himself into an Angel of light would get into the Temple of God and shew himself as God that he may be worshipped as God I account it my dutie what ever the effect may be to be found faithfull to my dear Head the Lord Jesus Christ in discovering according to the measure of light received from him this secret and last designe of his and his peoples grand adversarie to the end that he may through the blessing of the blessed and only Potentate upon these weak endeavours receive such a blow that neither he nor his ministers who be transformed as the ministers of righteousness may proceed any further Thus dear friends you have an account of the principal motives which after some delay have prevailed with me to present these Papers to publike view It 's probable the old enemy whose strong-hold is here undermined will rage yet more against me and be active in the spirits of some to follow me with such language as you may read in the Appendix but I matter not the judgement of mans day the Lord who searcheth the heart knows that the honour of his Name and the undeceiving and saving of precious souls is more to me then a name
answer was that the persons there writen to by the Apostle were members of the Church of God which was at Coriâ—th which were sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be Saints Cap. 1. 2. And that if every one of these had some manifestation of the spirit it will not follow that every man that comes into the world hath either the manifestation of the spirit or the spirit it self and that the Apostle speaks not of every man that comes into the world but only of every man that by one spirit was baptized in to one body and had been made to drink into one spirit is very evident from the whole scope of that Chapter and especially from the 13. ver For by one spirit we were all baptized into one body whether we be Jewes or Gentiles whether we be bond or free and have been all made to drink into one spirit and ver 27 now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular The same word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is used in the same manner in the 11 Chap. 21. Every man taketh before other his own supper that is not every man that comes into the world but every man of you who come together into one place ver 20. So that this scripture concludes nothing for their purpose Another scripture brought to prove his assertion was Neh. 9. 20. where it is said that God gave his good spirit to instruct the Israelites Ans 1. Israel was Gods Church his chosen peculiar people Ex. 19. 5. and if he did give his good spirit to them it will not thence follow that he gave it to all other nations even to every man that comes into the world the scripture is expresse that he dealt not with any nation as with Jacob and Israel Psal 147. 19. 20. He sheweth his word unto Jacob his statutes and his judgments to Israel He hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgments they have not known them and therefore he gave not his good spirit to any other nation for if they had had the unction of his spirit it would have shewed them his word and made known his judgments unto them 1 Joh. 2. 20. 2. Though it be said he gave them his good spirit it will not follow that every particular or individual Israelite had this good spirit but only such as were Israelites indeed Joh. 1. 47. such as were Jewes inwardly Rom. 2. 28. 29. and were born after the spirit Gal. 4. 29. All are not Israel that are of Israel Rom. 9. 6. and to such only that saying in Neh. 9. 20. must be referred thus Moses had that good spirit and God promiseth to take off the spirit which was upon him and put upon the seventy elders Numb 11. 17. Thus Joshua was a man in whom was the spirit Numb 27. 18. and had another spirit then many others had and was fitted thereby for the conduct of the congregation Numb 27. 16. and if this scripture Neh. 9. 20. will not prove that every particular Israelite had the spirit much less will it prove that every man that comes into the world hath the spirit of Christ A third scripture alledeged Isa 63. 10. and Acts 7 51. where it is said the people rebelled vexed resisted the holy spirit hence they would conclude that wicked men have the spirit of Christ Ans though it be true that believers who because they are sons have the spirit of the Son sent forth into their hearts Gal. 4. 6. may and oft do grieve the spirit Eph. 4. 30. yet all that do vex and resist the spirit have it not for Christ saith plainly Joh. 14. 17. the world cannot receive him therefore hath him not yet the world do vex and resist the spirit of God speaking in the Prophets Apostles or other servants of God by slighting and rejecting their reproofes exhortations or counsels or by undervalluing and not regarding the wonderous works of God wrought by the power of his spirit thus when Stephen saith Ye do resist the holy ghost it was the spirit in him by which he spake compared Acts. 6. 10. and they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake In like manner they had resisted the spirit in the Prophets Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted c. ver 52. thus when the mighty power of God was put forth in signs and miracles in Egipt and the wilderness Numb 14. 11. 22. and they believed not his spirit not in themselves but put forth in those mighty works and speaking in Joshua and other faithful witnesses for God in that day thus the spirit of God was vexed in Noah and Lot by the wickedness of the old world and of Sodom Gen. 6. 2 Pet. 2. 7. 8. and not in the wicked who being strangers and without God in the world were not the habitation of God through the spirit Ep. 2. 12. 22 A fourth scripture was urged Joh. 10. 7 8. but if I depart I will send him viz. the comforter unto you and when he is come he will reprove the world of sin c. therefore say they he must needs be in the world and in every man that comes into the world Ans 1. By this promise which Christ makes to send the holy ghost after his departure it is evident enough that this scripture can be no proof of their assertion to wit that every man that comes into the world hath the holy ghost for if every man had him when he came into the world what need was there he should be sent to them after Christs ascention nay rather this shews they had him not before he was sent and so not tillâ— after Christs departure which destroyes their opinion 2. But seccondly this promise is made particularly to the disciples of Christ I will send him unto you and not to the world 3. As for that saying when he is come he shall reprove the world of sin c. admit it were granted as it is not that when he came he was within every man reproving him this would contribute nothing to the proof of their assertion for then he would only be in every man after Christs ascention not in every man that comes into the world since the fall or since Christs manifestation in the flesh which is the point they should prove But further I say That when the Holy Ghost according to the promise was poured out upon the disciples he so mightily wrought in them and by them in bearing witness to the resurrection of Christ Acts. 2. 32. and in doing many wonders and signs ver 43. that the world was hereby justly reproved and yet the Holy Ghost was not poured out upon all flesh that is as was urged upon all mankind or every individual man but only upon such as were thereby enabled to repent and believe Acts 2. 38. 39. Then Peter said unto them repent and
perish but have everlasting life The knowledge of this Law sprung not up with mankind in nature it was not written in the heart of natural man as a thing just and equal Adam's Light onely shewed him what was just to be done and when he had sinned convinced him and passed sentence upon him and there left him in his misery not affording any direction or help for his recovery which made him fear and hide himself Gen. 3. 10. Then was the great fountain of free Grace opened and by the occasion of the transgression and misery of man this Law of Faith was added and founded upon Christ in that Gracious Promise Gen. 3. 15. The seed of the woman shall break the head of the Serpent this Law is not natural but supernatural not springing up together with man as that of works but added to shew the exceeding riches of the Grace of God in his kindness to poor sinners through Jesus Christ Eph. 2. 7. which is as farr above the reach of a natural man to know as the Heavens are above the Earth yea as the thoughts of God are above the thoughts of man Though vain man would be wise yet he is born like a wild Asses Colt Job 11. 12. It s above the reach of his reason to conceive how Faith in a crucified Christ should be the way to save a sinner and hence it is that the preaching of a Christ crucified for the obedience of Faith is to the Greekes soolishness 1 Cor. 1. 23. he is not able by all his Candle-light to discover this misterie of the hidden wisdom of God according to that divine Testimonie 1 Cor. 2. 9 14. Eye hath not seen nor Eare heard neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him but the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are Spiritually discerned the truth hereof will yet further appear by considering that Querie Acts 2. 37. Men and brethren what shall we do and that of the Gaoler Acts 16. 30. Sirs what must I do to be saved which do clearly argue that these men now prict in their hearts and wounded in their consciences had no sufficient Light nor understanding to direct themselves to a remedie and therefore they ask What shall we do And as this Light cannot discover the Law of Faith so it cannot convince any man that his not believing in Christ is a sin this is the proper work of the Spirit the Comforter as the Scripture testifies John 16. 7 8 9. Nevertheless I tell you the truth it is expedient that I go away for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you and when he is come he will reprove or convince the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment of sin because they believe not in me c. In as much then as it is clearly manifest that the natural man with all his Light is unable to reach these great misteries this gives occasion to speak somewhat briefly of that light which can reveal and make them manifest which will be found to be a Light as far exceeding the Light of the natural man in glory as the ministration of the Gospell exceeds the ministration of the Law in glory 2 Cor. 3. 11. For if that which is done away be glorious how much more that which remaineth is glorious as the things discovered to wit the glorious Gospell of Christ the knowledg of the glory that is the goodness and mercy of God in the Face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4. 6. are more glorious so is the Light discovering them hence it is called the marvellous Light of God 1. Pet. 2. 9. and it is no other then the Light of Christ Jesus as Mediator between God and man 1 Tim. 2. 5. which doth irradiate the soul of man with the knowledg of these great misteries agreeable to that of the Psalmist Psal 36. 9. In thy Light we shall see Light He is given to be a Light of the Gentiles Acts 13. 47. He only being in the Bosome of the Father can reveal him according as himself doth witness Math. 11. 27. Neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Joh. 1. 18. No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the Bosome of the Father he hath declared Him The invisible and inaccessable God coming down in the man Christ Jesus which is the great misterie of godliness God manifest in the flesh 1 Tim. 3. 16. makes all the glory of his goodness and mercy to appear in the Face of Jesus Christ as he said to Moses Exo. 33. 19. I will make all my goodness to pass before thee hence he is said to be the brightness of his glory Heb. 113. now as Christ is the shining forth of the Fathers glory so it is he only that shines into the hearts of all that believe on him the Light of the konwledge of the glory of God as in the first creation God made all things by the word so in the new creation or new creature all things wrought by the Word made flesh who is the one Mediator between God and man 1 Tim. 2. 5. and the great Agent by which Christ workes is his Holy Spirit that Spirit which the world never saw nor can receive Joh. 14. 17. By this Spirit sent forth he doth reveal the misterious things of the Gospel even the hidden wisdom of God concerning Christ and the new creature which was not written in the heart of man nor could be known by the wisdom of this world as it is evident in 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 11 12. Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither have entred 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 yea the deep things of God even so the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God now we have received not the Spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of god that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God thus the same Apostle saith that his knowledg in the misterie of Christ was revealed unto him by the Spirit Eph. 3. 4 5. Christ doth no other way inlighten the eye of the understanding but by his Spirit Eph. 1. 17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledg of him the eyes of your understanding being inlightned c. This is that Spirit that teacheth all things John 14. 26. that guides into all truth Joh. 16. 13. And because none but new creatures can receive this new
and others it is written as followeth Oh friend John Wigans it seems old Henry Woods and Thomas Curwens Pills which they gave thee to work out that old leaven that hath lien of long within thee but this hath wrought of the contrary part and hath caused thee to vomit and spue out upon a piece of paper and sent forth for the dogs to lick up and they being eager doth take so much â—f this they filthy spuing that it causeth them to vomit as thou doth A few days after this Appendix was given forth another Paper was delivered to me from the said William Holden which at his request is here inserted Oh friend John Wigan it seems old Henry Wood and Thomas Curwen Pills works with thee that thou purges upward and downward that thou hadst need of one to wipe thee for thou makes a pitiful stink it seems thou hast a full stomack and a full body that through thy vomiting and purging thou besmears every one that comes nigh thee one may follow thee by the smell and thou art more like a scolding woman then a man thou art more like a foul Dragon then to preach the Gospel thy language is more like that thou had been bred in Bedlam then amongst men thou art more like a rustical Door-keeper to tear off peoples coats off their backs then to preach the Word thou art more like a ranting Tavernfellow cocking up thy hat then a civil man And thy brother Price glorying in his own strength throwing the Ball following pleasures sporting in the day-time like a ranting fellow who art a busie-body in other mens matters But this is like Wigans and Prices worship thou art like unto the raging sea foaming out thy own shame casting up mire and dirt who art deceiving a company of silly simple people who cloathes them with thy old rotten rags and feeds them with thy husks One of the filthy dreamers and inchanters deceiving the people with thy sorcery like thy old brother Simon Magus yet have a feigned humility in will-worship puffing up thy fleshly minde And John dost thou not see thy self to be in an ugly dress and shape and image that thou art in and wilt thou not give over preaching and vomiting to people yea or long and deceiving their souls and poysoning them with thy Sorcery for thou stinks all the Country over and now wilt thou not go to Steeple-house for you are all one in the ground for thy Non-conformity will not cover thy hypocrisie and deceit We see thou hast Ishmaels bow and Cains club and Esaus sword and the clusters of Sodom and the grapes of Gomorrha and Babylons confusion and the Egyptians tongue and by thy side carries Judas bag and weareth the livery of Antichrist and art shod with deceit one of the fools whose heart is filled with laughter as thou did make thy self manifest in the Dispute and who is like a man with a scald head and like a horse with a gauld back going frenging up and down snuffing up thy nose like the wilde Asses colt grinning like a Dog teeth like a Lion a paw like a Bear and mouth like a Dragons beast poysoning the peoples souls with thy Sorcery which makes them to vomit and spue and drink up iniquity and vomit it out which the people licks up and vomits it out that they make such a stink And thou hast shamed Christianity thou art more like an Oyster-woman it is like thou knows Billings-gate thou art better selling Oysters then doctrine or preaching either And we hear thou hast vomited up more to adde to thy first vomit for thou stands in need of purging for thou hast a very unclean vessel which is full of the old man for thou might shame with thy filthy spuing if thou wert not very impudent And thou may put this to thy Appendix No more but love to thee poor captivated creature of Satan From thy friend William Houlden This Paper was delivered to me the 5 M. 15 d. 1664. The writings out of which these sayings are extracted with some others of like import now in my keeping will fill up three or neer four sheets close written wherein besides what is here mentioned is contained not a word tending to discover the unsoundness of my assertion or to enervate my Arguments but manifold untruths and light vain and scurrilous expressions altogether unbecoming Saints which though I can shew if required being too tedious for the Reader I have forborne to transcribe being also assured that the Lord will sweep away the refuge of lyes nor had I presented this to view but that they have first done it and that I finde it said that the folly of such shall be made manifest to all men 2. Tim. 3. 9. If instead of answering an assertion proved by plain Scripture it be not folly to call the assertion and proofs chaff dirt rabling stuff out of the botomless pit and filthy spewings c. And to curse the Author with the plagues of God and to tell him he is accursed an enemy of God an infidel a child of darkness c. I say if this be not folly let the wise judge I am sure the All-wise and righteous God will in due time judge between them and me in this matter and make it manifest that these fruits never came from his good pure holy Spirit Had it not bin a more easie and commendable work in one sheet plainly to have discovered and refuted my errors if any such be in my writings then to have filled three or four sheets with such stuff as this Surely a right Spirit would have led them that way But whosoever will engage against the Spirit of Antichrist especially to raise him out of his chief hold can expect no better measure while he is owned and submitted to in his deceits his carriage is like a Lamb but cross him and he is in a rage and speaks like a Dragâ—â— Rev. 13. 11. While the false prophet hath hope to allure any and make merchandise of them his speech is fair and his feigned words are smoother then oyl 2 Pet. 2. 3. Prov. 5. 3. Like the adulterous woman Pro. 7. 21. But if he prevail not but be opposed and rejected then is he loud clamorous and stubborn Prov. 7. 11. and 9. 13. like Josephs Mistress when she could not prevail cries out and by false accusations causeth him to be cast into prison Gen. 39. And yet further besides all this and before my book is answered there are four of these people who severally write themselves Blacksmith Husbandman Laborer and Taylor who send forth into the town a new challenge to debate seventeen or eighteen points with me But why is not the Shoo-maker joyn'd with them What feeble shifts are these My assertion strikes at their very foundations And before they make that good they would run into other matters But though they seem to be weary of their cause I must hold them to
it till their Corner-stone and mine be so thorowly tryed that it may evidently appear whether of them is the true Rock Christ Jesus And whereas I said in my paper that I was willing and ready again to debate the point in controversie with Geo. Fox or any of his friends before the high Sheriff or any in the commission of peace if they should require us to come forth for that end Let not George think to shuffle himself out and put the task upon others for he must know that in as much as it is affirmed that he was called of the Lord from his trade as the Apostles were my desire is in this matter chiefly to deal with him and such others that say they were Apostles that their doctrine and deeds being brought to light it may be clearly known whether they be true Apostles indeed or false who preach another Jesus and Gospel then Paul did as I have great cause to suspect them and doubt not to prove them to be if they adhere to the principles which are laid down by them in their printed books and asserted and maintained in our late debate And lest it should be thought that these Mechanicks are mentioned with contempt as if none such were or could be usefull labourers in the Lords vineyard I do here seriously profess that any truth declared by such a one being sent is as precious to me as coming from any other man And there are at this day persons well known to me of several occupations under a special anointing who being sent are successfull labourers in the work of the Gospel and whom I highly esteem for their works sake But as the Lord approveth not so neither can I own preachers who are not sent Jer. 23. 32. Rom. 10. 15. but do creep privily into the work and run unsent Jude 4. Jer. 14. 14. Nor can I bid them God speed who bring not the doctrine of Christ nor preach the same Jesus and Gospel that Paul did but speak perverse things Acts â—o 30. bringing in damnable heresies even denying the Lord that bought them 2 Pet. 2. 1. For though such as these may say and others may think that they are Apostles when they are not and for the greater confirmation of their erroneous Doctrines may boast of gifts as some have said to me that George Fox had the gifts of Tongues and to others it hath bin said he could speak above thirty Languages And by this and such like plausible pretences they may insinuate themselves into many and gain a multitude of followers which is one certain character of Antichrists last coming that many shall follow his pernitious wayes Matth. 24. 5. 2. Pet. 2. 2. Yet when they are tryeâ— they will be found lyars Rev. 2. 2. In the Interim I have one request to leave with the sober Reader Viz. That he will seriously and impartially resolve in himself these following Queries 1. Whereas it can be found in all the Scriptures that any of the true Prophets or Christ or his Apostles ever used such language as is before mentioned to any person professing Repentance towards God and Faith towards our Lord Jesus Christ or whether it be not clearly the fruit of an Antichristian spirit as hath bin hinted 2. Whether there can be any other aym in the aforesaid censures then to cast an odium upon and to cause a disesteem of the person opposing them And whether this was not the practice of the false Prophets and false Apostles of old thereby to gain more credit to their own cause 3. Whether it be not a manifest abuse of the Scriptures and a presumptuous intruding into the office of Christ positively to affirm that the sins of any man shall never be forgiven in this world nor in that which is to come meerly because he denies that light that is in every man that comes into the world to be saving In as much as the Scripture no where saith that that light is saving 4. Whether do not this people censure all the men and women in the world as well as the Author of these papers to be out of the first step that leads to Christianity to be infidels and to be accursed if they deny the light that is in every man that comes into the world to be saving And whether is not this asmuch as to say that they only and none besides themselves are Christians And whether is not this a great appearance of pride in them thus highly to extol themselves above all others 5. And whether are not all these censures directly contrary to the Scriptures and such as make them lyable to greater Judgment Matt. â—â— 2. Jam. 3. 1 2. 6. Whether do not these clamours and evil speakings for which there is no Scriptural warrant manifestly slow from bitterness anger â—rath malice as the Apostle intimates Eph. 4. 31. 7. Whether any wise experienced Christian can judge this people to be in a perfect sinless estate who appear with these open sinful revilings cursings judgings in their mouthes Nay-since they boast and glory in this their shame Whether is it not evident that they are servants of Corruption 8. Whether this hath not bin their manner all along to strive to overcome with these carnal weapons threatenings censurings cursings revilings c. And since no spiritual weapon is yet employed in the management of their cause whether have not all persons just cause to suspect tâ—â— badness of it and that as the weapons are carnal and devilish so is their cause supported thereby 9. Whether it be not abominable wickedness to father all their evil speeches upon the Holy Ghost and to say when they curse rayle revile speak falsly and frothily that it is by his inspiration and command 10. Whether can any man rationally conclude that these people beare any true love to that person whom they judge to be an enemy of God and â—â—cursed and whose sins shall never be forgiven in this world nor in the world to come Or rather when they profess love and say they desire his eternal welfare is not there just ground to believe that they speak lyes in Hypocrisie as it 's said Apostates should do in the later times 1 Tim. 4. 2. 〈◊〉 11. Do they not plainly discover a persecuting spirit in the forementioned revilings and may not any man in reason conclude that whom they judge an enemy of God and accursed they would use as such if they had power 12. Lastly I leave it to be considered by such as will take the paines to read the account which I have given of the light within whether they do not speak all this evil of me merely because I have told them the truth and not for any other cause c. By that time thou hast well considered these Queries and by the resolution of them hast gained a better understanding of this people â—â—robable if providence intermit not another sheet may be preâ—â—ted to thy