Doctrine of Devils to Preach That Men shall have Sin and not overcome it while on Earth but Sin is the work of the Devil and Christ is manifest to destroy it 1 John 3. Therefore c. 'T is the Devils work to lead into Sin but 't is Christ's work to lead out of it Christ's Ministers are sent to turn People from Satan's Power to God's Power consequently from Satan's work and service they are the Devil's Ministers who Preach up Sin to continue term of Life and that it shall not be overcome nor perfect Sanctification obtain'd during life which therefore tends to keep People in Unbelief of Christ's Power and Work 13th Instance or Charge of Blasphemy p. 7. And Will. Penn in his Truth Exalted Re-Printed 1671. Laughs at the Church of England Men for confessing themselves Sinners and praying to God for Mercy Alas poor Souls saith he are not you at Have Mercy upon us miserable Sinners there is no Health in us from Seven to Seventy Obs Alas poor Sinners is not a sign of Laughter at them but rather of Lamentation and Pity over their miserable State who are always confessing but not forsaking their Sins You may see what Proofs of Blasphemy these Men produce against us 14th Instance or Charge p. 7. And Edw. Burroughs p. 33. saith That God doth not accept any where there is any Failing all who do not fulfill the Law and Answer every Demand of Justice Though none are accepted in any Act of Injustice or Omission of real Duty required yet coming under Judgment for the same and repenting thereof as they ought to do they obtain Mercy and Forgiveness of God for Christ's sake whose Grace though it Pardons Sins past through Faith and Repentance yet does not Indulge or Justifie any in their Continuance in Sin nor in wilful Sinning after Conviction Obs His meaning is First God doth not accept them in their Failing in Duty and in their not doing what 's Just as when some complain their best Duties are sinful and they do not answer or obey Truth in their Actions For our Acceptance is in Christ the Beloved and not out of Him 2. If Men seek acceptance by their own Legal Performances they fall short See James 2.10 But these Adversaries have unjustly left out the fore-going Words in their Quotation viz. But those that love God keep his Commandments and they are not grievous And these left out within the same Period Now doth God accept of any that do not love Him who do Injustice and Iniquity Now these Adversaries having opposed the Vrim and Thummim Light and Perfection Typified in the Brest-plate of Judgment Exod. 28.30 as testified and witnessed in the Gospel-Dispensation they proceed to other Charges to prove the People called Quakers Blasphemous in Principle 15th Charge p. 8. In Truth defending the Quakers written from the Spirit of Truth in G. W. and G. F. Jun. Printed 1659. p. 7. The Question being put Whether the Quakers did esteem their Speakings to be of as great Authority as any Chapter in the Bible 'T is Answered That which is spoken from the Spirit of Truth In any is of as great Authority as the Scriptures and Chapters are and greater Observe Here they have unjustly quoted G. W. c. leaving out the Annexed Explanatory Words which are within the same Period viz. As Christ's Words were of greater Authority when He Spoke than the Pharisees reading the Letter and they in whom that Spirit speaks not are out of the Authority of the Scriptures and their Speaking we deny Thus far the Answer Note here that the Comparison is not plac'd upon our Speakings nor yet the Authority distinct from the Spirit of Truth but upon the Spirit of Truth speaking in Man in the first place and through and by the Ministers thereof in the next place And surely the Spirit has not lost his own Authority or Power since it first gave out the Holy Scriptures In the next place that the Spirit of Truth immediately Ministring In Man or by any Spiritual Minister is of greater Authority Power or Efficacy than the Chapters are simply considered as without the Spirit And as to the Division of Chapters and Verses can these Men say That was done by Divine Authority I suppose not Yet we sincerely still acknowledge the Holy Scriptures of the Old and New Testament to be of Divine Authority as given by Divine Inspiration and prefer them before and above all other Writings or Books and in no wise question the Truth of them But we must needs allow the Holy Spirit from whence they came the Preference and its Immediate Teaching and Speaking in the Soul as of greater Efficacy Power and Authority to that Soul than the bare Writing or Scripture without or only reading thereof though it contain the same Words immediately taught And so Christ and his Apostles living and powerful Preaching in and from the Powerful Motion of the Holy Spirit as being of greater Efficacy Power and Authority than the outward Writing or Scripture it self simply or abstractly considered as distinct from that Spirit Though the Words Preached and the Words Written may be the same As when Christ had opened the Scriptures unto his Disciples they said one to another Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us by the way and while he opened to us the Scriptures which concerned his Suffering and entering into his Glory Luke 24.32 But how many by reading Christ's Words and Exposition of the Prophets without his Spirit do ever cause Peoples Hearts so to burn within them The Gospel as livingly Preached came not in Words only but also in Power and in the Holy Ghost 1 Thes 1.5 For the real Authority Efficacy and Service the Holy Scripture has upon a Soul is from the Holy Spirit or Word of Life giving the true Belief and right Understanding thereof As Answered in my Treatise Intituled The Christianity of the People called Quakers Vindicated in Answer to Doctor Ford p. 13. And in Christ's Lambs Defended to the Reader p. 7. Their Inference in the Margent That they i.e. the Quakers have immediate Revelations equal with the Prophets and Apostles Is not truly inferred for we may have Immediate Revelation from the same Spirit yet not in the same Degree There are manifold Gifts Openings and Discoveries given by the Holy Spirit and yet some above and excelling others And so there are many Testimonies and Writings proceeding and given forth from the same Spirit yet some far excelling others as there are many Varieties in God's Creation And it ever was and is far from me to prefer any of our Books or Writings how true soever to the Holy Scripture or Bible 16th Charge p. 8. G. F. Gr. Myst p. 242. tells us that the Priest saith That the Apostles were Eye-witnesses and understood by immediate Revelation from God Inspired with the Gift of the Spirit more than any Man could hope for since and saith They do not pretend
any such Gift nor depend upon any such Immediate Miraculous Revelation from Heaven To which G. E. Answers Then all may see now in this what ye have receiv'd that hath been from Man which is not from Heaven Immediate nor the Gifts of the Spirit nor receiv'd the Gospel by the same Means the Apostles did who are not the Eye-witnesses as the Apostles were Neither have ye attained to the same Knowledge and Understanding as the Apostles did nor receiv'd it from Heaven Now let all People question Whether it is the same Gospel which is not receiv'd from Heaven nor immediately nor by Revelation for the Gospel is Immediate which is the Power of God Rom. 1. They i. e. Quakers are in the same Power Vnderstanding Knowledge and Immediate Revelation from Heaven that the Apostles were in Obs The last Part is Partially quoted to abuse us i. e. Quakers is added and the Sense perverted by leaving out the last Words of the Sentence as after the Words they are in the same Power Understanding Knowledge and Immediate Revelation from Heaven that the Apostles were in That Vnderstand the Gospel left out As also And they that be in another cannot understand the Gospel Now for these Men to charge us with Blasphemy for Confessing to Immediate Revelation and Inspiration from God by the Gift of the Spirit and thence receiving the Gospel and a Spiritual Understanding and Knowledge thereof by Revelation from Heaven Herein have they opposed the True Knowledge of God and Jesus Christ and consequently charged his own and his Apostles Doctrine and Testimony as Blasphemous For neither knoweth any Man the Father but the Son and he to whom the Son will reveal Him Mat. 11.27 And the things of God knows no Man but by the Spirit of God as they are reveal'd unto us by the Spirit 1 Cor. 2.9 They who oppose this Evangelical Doctrine shew themselves both Ignorant of God of Christ and of the things of God and of his Teachings which he has promised his Children They shall all be taught of God John 6.45 Isa 54.13 Jer. 31.33 Where on Isa 54.13 It is noted in the Margent in the old Bible of Queen Elizabeth By the hearing of his Word and inward moving of his Spirit And on Jer. 31.33 it is also noted viz. Under the Kingdom of Christ there shall be none blinded with Ignorance but I will give them Faith and Knowledge of God for Remission of their Sins and daily increase the same so that it shall not seem to come so much by the Preaching of my Ministers as by the Instruction of my Holy Spirit 17th Charge p. 8 9. G. F. further tells us p. 213. That the Priest says Thou dost not speak in that degree of the Holy Ghost as the Prophets and Apostles did that spoke forth Scriptures To which he Answer Then thou must take heed of Exalting thy self above thy Measures for thou canst not know Scripture but by the same degree of the Spirit the Prophets and Apostles had Obs 1. The Caution against Self-Exaltation was Seasonable 2. The Scripture i. e. the whole Scripture cannot be truly known but by a high degree of the Spirit if not the same degree the Prophets and Apostles had who gave it forth But if any true Knowledge of Scripture be receiv'd it must be by a Degree of the same Spirit as I suppose the Words before cited should be so Transpos'd and so intended 18th Charge p. 9. News coming out of the North c. Printed 1655. p. 14. Your Original is Carnal Hebrew Greek and Latine and your Word is Carnal the Letter Obs The Letter it self is not made up of Spiritual Matter or Lasting Materials but of such as will decay and turn to Dust but the Matter contain'd that is the Holy Doctrine will continue and is permanent And this is no Vilifying or Contemning of Holy Scripture i. e. the Holy Doctrine thereof Though this News out of the North is quoted against us yet it is very Partially and unfairly done For in the same Book the Holy Scripture is clearly own'd As Spoken by the Lord and his Holy Prophets Christ and his Apostles p. 5.8 But the Promises and Words of the Prophets Christ and his Apostles misapplied by the first Birth and Serpent p. 11 12 13 16. The Law of God and the Prophet of the Lord who spake freely from his Mouth expresly so owned page 23 28. Though they that put the Letter for the Light Preaching their own Words and Imaginations thereupon are disowned page 12. Consequently the Holy Scriptures are own'd but the Perverters and Perversions disown'd 19th Charge p. 9. Tho. Lawson in his Brief Discovery of a Threefold Estate of Anti-Christ printed 1653. written from the Spirit of the Lord p. 9. calls the Ministers Babylon 's Merchants Selling Beastly Wares for a large Price the Letter which is Dust and Death Obs Their Injustice and False Quotation in this Passage also and and how they vary it from their Agent Bugg's who often over has herein accused us with calling the Scriptures Beastly Ware in divers of his Books and also in his late great Sheet stil'd Some Reasons Humbly Offered to the Honourable House of Commons p. 1. col 1 4. He has this Gross Lie twice over after divers times detected for it So that these Three Priests and F. Bugg do not agree in what they witness like the False Witnesses against Christ For in the said Brief Discovery quoted the words are these Babylon's Merchants Selling Beastly Wares for a large Price all the Week-time heaping up a Rabble of Notions into the Brain c. So that Beastly Wares relate to their Rabble of Notions of their own heaping up and not to the Holy Scripture nor to the Letter thereof but to their bruitish Imaginations and Divinations of their own Brain neither was this spoken of the Ministers without Exception as in the Quotation much less of Christ's Ministers or Ministery but of the False Ministers as the Title of that part is p. 7. 20th Charge p. 9. Saul's Errand to Damascus printed 1654. p. 7. Q. against G. F. All that study to raise a living thing out of a Dead to raise the Spirit out of the Letter are Conjurers and draw Points and Reasons and so do speak a Divination of their own Brain c. Obs Here they are partial in Quotation again leaving out the preceeding Passages which distinguishing between the Letter and the Light the Letter and the Spirit judging them Blind that put the Letter for the Light and say The Letter and the Spirit are inseparable When the Spirit says The Letter is Death and Killeth according to 2 Cor. 3.6 7. now who will Study to raise a living thing out of a Dead or to raise the Spirit out of the Letter Is such studying warrantable Who dare justifie it And will not the Lord make Diviners Mad Isa 44.25 and does not such studying to raise a Living thing out of a Dead
somewhat resemble Conjuration And did not the Prophet Micah Prophesie against such Priests as Teach for Hire and such Prophets as Divine for Mony See Mic. 3.11 21th Charge Ibid. Truth 's Defence by G. F. and R. H. printed 1653. p. 101. It is dangerous to read viz. the Scriptures which the Prophets Christ and the Apostles spoke forth freely Obs Again what abuse this is in the Quotation for here they leave out the very Intent of the matter because it touches themselves as Persons Conscious 'T is not said in those general words that it is dangerous to read the Scriptures c. but it is dangerous to read and to make a Trade of that which the Prophets Christ and the Apostles spake forth freely and to give meanings to it contrary than it is And further it is said You wrest the Scriptures to your own Destruction Psal 56.5 These Men were willing to leave out what concerns their making a Trade of the Scriptures or of that which the Prophets Christ and his Apostles spake forth freely 'T is not said to be dangerous to all Men to read the Scriptures but to them that pervert them and make a Trade of them So 't is dangerous for any to read them for an unlawful end but not for any to read them for a good end For it is expresly said in the same page quoted Blessed is he that doth read and doth understand As to what they object in the latter part of their Quotation I answer that it is a great Evil to condemn either the Scriptures to the Fire or any other Books given forth from the Eternal Spirit of God the Evil in both is of the same kind tho' the Matter of Fact may differ in degree It was a great Evil and wicked Act in Jâ—hoiakim King of Judah to burn Jeremiah's Roll or Book writ by Barack Jer. 36. but it would be a greater Act of Wickedness to burn all the Books of the Holy Prophets or the whole Bible There are Degrees of Robbery but all of the same kind 22th Charge p. 10. Edw. Burroughs p. 47. of his Works That is no Command from God to me what he commands to another neither did any of the Saints which we read of in Scripture act by the Command which was to another not having the Command to themselves Here they leave out the next words viz. I challenge to find an Example for it they were obliged every one by their own Command One was sent to Baptism and to preach the Gospel another was sent not to Baptise but to Preach the Gospel all these left out And then they go on with their Charge viz. And thou or any other who go to Duty as you call it by Imitation from the Letter without which was a Command to others in your Wills and Time your Sacrifice is not accepted but is abomination to the Lord for you go without the moving of the Spirit in your own Wills and Strength which God hates and which his wrath is upon Obs From what these Men have partially left out in their Quotation he intended Special Commands or Commissions as to Baptise to Preach or to pray c. which they that perform in their own Wills and Time and go to Prayer or other Acts of Worship or Devotion towards God without the Moving and Assistance of his Spirit 't is but Will-worship and they are not accepted therein but rejected of the Lord as Israel in their observing their Sacrifices Oblations Incense New Moons Sabbaths and calling of Assemblies and making many Prayers were rejected of the Lord and testified against by his Prophet tho' they imitated the Letter of the Law in these things Isa 1.11 12 13 14 15. But there are Universal and Moral Commands of Justice and Honesty and Prohibitions of the Contrary which are universally binding to Mankind but chiefly from Inward Light and Conviction And God has not left man without Light and Grace to oblige him therein it being Conviction that can Effectually only oblige to obedience W. P. who is also quoted in this Case against us out of his Quaquerism a New Nickname c. Printed 1673. p. 71 72. is further explanatory and distinguishing in this point as between Ordinary and Extraordinary Cases and I am persuaded these Adversaries cannot answer him in Justification of their Charge against us And therefore very partially quote him on the same Subject after these words viz. No Command in the Scripture is any further obliging upon any Man than as he finds a conviction upon his Conscience otherwise Men should be engaged without if not against Conviction a thing unreasonable in a Man They leave out these following viz. Therefore the Apostle when he wrote to the Churches exhorted them not to do those things whereof they were ashamed and to shun what was manifested to be evil and affirms That whatever might be known of God was manifested within for God had shewn it unto them To which I further add how can Man truly know that there is an All-seeing God who is Judge of all and that he is to be loved feared and worshipped And how can he truly believe the Holy Scriptures and obey the Good Precepts thereof without Inward Illumination and Conviction by the Holy Spirit Light and Grace in his Heart Charge 23. p. 10 11. A Shield of the Truth by James Parnel Printed 1655. p. 11. He that saith the Letter is the Rule and Guide of the People of God is without feeding upon the Husk and is ignorant of the true Light Edw. Burr p. 515. tells us That the Scriptures are not the Rule and Guide of Faith and Life unto the Saints but the Spirit of God that gave forth the Scriptures Obs These two Instances are both brought to prove that we slight or contemn the Scriptures which is very unjustly surmised For if they had honestly observ'd what both write upon the same Subject they might have seen there is no denial or slighting of the Scriptures As first J. P. on the place quoted confesseth that who are guided by the true Light cannot walk contrary thereto i. e. to the Scripture And Secondly E. B. on the place quoted also confesseth that the Scriptures are profitables and were given forth to be read and to be fulfulled and that the Spirit of God which is the Rule of the Saints Faith and Life leads them to walk in the fulfilling of the Scriptures and according to them Which therefore cannot Import any Contempt of them but the contrary And their Preferring the Spirit to the Letter and to the Scripture as the only or chief Rule of Faith and Life unto the Saints as it was before the Scripture was written this can be no undervaluing of the Scriptures seeing they testifie of Christ the Way the Truth and the Life and of the Spirit as that which guides true Believers into all Truth and even into a right Understanding and profitable Use of the holy Scriptures or Doctrine
that as the Serpent is a Spirit the Seed Christ must be Inwardly and Spiritually known by his Light Life and Power to bruise under and cast out the Serpent See how at large W. P. explains it and confesseth to the true Christ the promised Seed both as in the Flesh and in the Spirit Christian Quaker 1st part Chap. 19. 25. Let us but Soberly consider what Christ is and we shall the better know whether Moral Men tho' Heathen are to be reckoned Christians What is Christ but Meekness Justice Mercy c. Can any then deny a Meek Man to be a Christian This against W. P's Address to Protestants Second Edition Anno 1692. p. 119. Here they have added tho Heathen and after Mercy they leave out Patience Charity and Virtue in Perfection W. P. did not design thereby to lessen the Power or Dignity of Christ who is the Author of these Virtues no more than the Apostle did in saying He Christ is made of God unto us Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption spoken in the Abstract And the Prophet saying God is my Light and my Salvation tho' God and Christ also be the Author of Redemption and Salvation III. Concerning the Holy Scriptures 26. Whether the first Pen-men of the Scriptures was Moses or Hermes Or whether both these are not one c. This with more Questions quoted against John Whitehead Quakers Refuge p. 17. Thus these adversaries as F. Bugg and the Author of the Snake use to do to Defame us leave out these following words relative to each thing questioned viz. is not the subject of my Argument at this time Hence 't is plain the Person who recited the Questions which was not John Whitehead but R. R. waveth these Questions and cited them not as the Subject of his own Argument about the Scriptures but of some others he would not be concern'd to dispute those Questions or Doubts For he further confesseth in the said Quakers Refuge quoted That such Scriptures and Prophecies as have been Written and Prophesied by the Holy Men of God as they were moved by his Spirit Treating of the Mystery of God in the Redemption and Salvation of Mankind by Jesus Christ and the Duty of Man in his Obedience to and Worship of the same God as his reasonable Service for the Gift of so great Salvation are the great Concerns now under our most serious Consideration From hence it 's clear the Author was no Contemner of Holy Scripture nor intended any Contempt thereof as is more fully cleared in my said Antidote against the Venom of the Snake in the Grass p. 83 84 85. 27. The Scriptures are not the Word of God Yet he says of his own Writings To you all this is the Word of the Lord. Against G. F. Gr. Myst p. 246. Ibid. p. 225. Note first by the Word of God he means Christ the Essential Living Word in the first place Secondly To you all this is the Word of the Lord in that place he speaks of the Light within and the Spirit that was in them that gave forth the Scriptures Gr. Myst p. 225. yet confesseth the Scriptures of Truth are God's Words which Christ the Word fulfills p. 246. And if elsewhere concerning what he gave forth from the Living Word that it was the Word of the Lord he intends only as Words immediately proceeding from the Motion of the Word of the Lord and not of his own Writings Abstractly as he is misunderstood and misrepresented What we are Charged with in their next Passages concerning the Authority of the Scriptures and concerning Beastly Wares the Letter c. p. 6 7. 'tis fully Answer'd and Distinguish'd in the first Part And our Adversaries injuriously dealing with us and misrepresenting us fully detected IV. 29. Concerning the Sacraments so call'd Circumcision Water-Baptism Paschal-Lamb Bread and Wine Sprinkling Infants c. These are spoken to before only this I propose That what any of our Friends have written heretofore against Sprinkling Infants as Unscriptural if they 'll please to bring us plain Scripture-Proof for that Practice as they use it then we are bound to revoke what 's written against it V. Concerning the Resurrection of the Body 30. They quote some Arguments out of W. P's Reason against Railing and his Invalidity of J. Faldo 's Vindication and Tho. Ellwood 's Answer to G. Keith 's First Narrative and Rich. Hubberthorn 's Opposing the Doctrine of the Glorified Saints in Heaven not being Perfect both distinguishing between the Natural Body and the Spiritual Body according to 1 Cor. 15. whose Arguments not being Answer'd by these Opposers I shall need say the less to them only would have them so Charitable as that if they believe that the Resurrection-Bodies of the Saints shall be the same Natural and Carnal Bodies that now they are upon Earth that they would not Condemn us as Blasphemers for Believing our Resurrection-Bodies shall be Spiritual and Glorious far excelling these Natural Carnal and Earthly Bodies For else how should the Saints Bodies be like unto Christ's Glorious Body VI. 31. That the Quakers make themselves Equal to God and a Part of God This repeated Falshood is detected and answered in the First Part and so are their Instances of the Soul against Gr. Myst p. 273. and p. 100. and p. 91. and p. 229. where the Word Soul is distinguish'd in a two-fold Sense First in Relation to God his Divine Spirit or Breath of Life Secondly to Man as thereby made a Living Soul 32. We are of his Flesh and Bones and have his Substance Against Gr. Myst p. 248. This is falsly Quoted 'T is not there said in the Affirmative That we are so but an Inversion upon the Adversary from Ephes 5.30 John 6.56 33. Christ is not distinct from his Saints Against Great Mystery p. 207. He means not divided or separate from his Saints as by his following Words Christ is in his Saints Gr. Myst p. ibid. 34. Christ is the Elect. Gr. Myst p. 88. So saith the Prophet of Him Isai 42.1 G. F. also calls Christ's Sheep the Elect. Gr. Myst p. 88 89. 35. The Light within is Christ Gr. Myst p. 310. True but not truly Quoted but thus viz. The Light which every Man that cometh into the World is Lightned withal is Christ Gr. Myst ibid. And Christ the Light saith I in them and Thou in Me John 17.23 26. 36. The Soul is not a Creature but Infinite in it self without beginning Gr. Myst p. 29 90. This is mis-cited and wrong mixt they turn and confound Questions into Affirmatives That which is Infinite in it self relates to that which came out from the Creator namely that Divine Life or Soul which gave Life and Being to Man's Soul 'T is not said Man's Soul or Spirit is not a Creature as distinguished more fully in the First Part. 37. They that have the Spirit of God are equal with God Er. Howgill 's Works p. 232. These are none of F. Howgill's
whether you be in the Faith Prove your own selves know ye not your own selves how that Jesus Christ is in you except ye be Reprobates Quaery Was not this the very Christ of God suppose ye Or is there any more than one Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 8.6 though his appearance hath been in divers manners as in the Flesh and in the Spirit He who is the very Christ of God is truly Spiritually in true Believers see also Colos 1.27 Gal. 4.6 which is no Blasphemy to assert as we are unjustly aspersed Of the SOVL 7th Instance of Blasphemy charg'd p. 5. G. F. Great Myst p. 91. They shall see the Bishop of their Souls Christ the Power of God which is Immortal brings the Immortal Soul into the Immortal God Christ their Sanctification who Sanctifies their Spirits and Bodies and brings the Soul up into God from whence it came whereby they came to be one Soul Qu. Where 's the Blasphemy here pray 1. That Christ is the Bishop of the Soul is true 1 Pet. 2.25 2. That he is the Power of God and the Wisdom of God is also true 1 Cor. 1.24 3. That Christ of God is made unto us Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption is also true 1 Cor. 1.30 1 Thess 4.4 The Rational Soul or Spirit of Man is Immortal and 't is Christ that Redeems and brings it up into God that gave it and they that are joyned to the Lord are one Spirit is also true See Eccles 3.21 ch 12.7 2 Sam. 4.9 Psal 71.23 Rev. 5.9 1 Cor. 6.17 I wish these Men that are so ready to call such-like Doctrine Blasphemy would more seriously read the Holy Scriptures As for G. F's Question Is not this that cometh out from God Part of God of God and from God c. and that 't is not horrid Blasphemy so to say Gr. Myst p. 100 273. The Term Part of God appears to be Originally by some Adversaries obtruded upon the Quakers and not G. F's but only admitted by him as from them and then Questions them in their own Improper Terms for God is not to be divided into Parts And where 't is said God breathed into Man the breath of Life and he became a living Soul and thereupon Question'd Is not this that cometh out from God or that which came out from God of God's Being Gr. Myst p. 100. This and that expresly relates to that Divine Inspiration or Breath of Life whereby Man became a Living Soul and not to the Creature Man himself or the Rational Soul or Spirit of Man as such The Question is not whether the distinct Souls or Spirits of Men are not of God's Being For that were as absurd as to ask if the Creature Man be not God About this Point our Adversaries quote Gr. Myst p. 91 100 273 100 90. Thus back and forward but still leaves our what 's most Material and Explanatory about the Soul or Spirit of Man and that which came out from God whereby Man became a living Soul as Gr. Myst p. 91. The Soul being in Death in Transgression so Man's Spirit there is not Sanctified and the Soul is in Death But he further declares on the other hand where the living of the Soul or Spirit is That 't is there Sanctified and the Counsel of God diligently hearken'd unto and stood in and Christ their Sanctification Sanctifies their Spirits c. And Gr. Myst p. 100. God breathed into Man the breath of Life and he i. e. Man became a living Soul These Passages our Adversaries leave out which shews their great Injurious Partiality and how inconsiderate they are of the distinction included between God and Man the Creator and the Creature between that Divine Breath or Spirit of Life which came out from God and the Creature Man who thereby became a living Soul The Soul is sometime put for God Prov. 6.16 Heb. 10.38 his Divine Life Breath or Spirit as the Great and Universal Soul of Mankind even the Soul or Life of the Soul as some Phrase it The Objection against G. F. in this Point is more fully Answered in my Treatise Entituled The Christianity of the People commonly call'd Quakers Vindicated from Antichristian Opposition Printed 1690 p. 4. as followeth Here the Doctor i. e. Forde has unfairly Quoted G. F. upon Trust leaving out what 's most Material both Distinction and Explanation about the Soul or Spirit of Man both with relation to its Creator and to the Creature Man being spoken of in both respects by our Friend 1. Where G. F. insists on the Words God breathed into Man the breath of Life and he became a Living Soul It was to this Breath or Spirit of Life as immediately coming from God that his Words related as his Question plainly shews i. e. was not that of God and of his Being which came out from God Meaning that Divine Breath or Spirit of Life by which Man became a Living Soul and from whence came not only Man 's Natural Breath and Life but also his Spiritual And this does distinguish between the Divine Being and the Creature Man and not confound their Beings And for the Soul or Spirit of Sanctified Man to center with God this is not to render it the Being of God or God Himself We know none professing the true God and Christ so grosly absurd as to say That Man made himself or was his own Maker Saviour or Redeemer 2. Our Friend speaks plainly in the same Book quoted against him Gr. Myst p. 90 91 100. That the Soul should be subject to the Power of God That Christ is the Bishop of the Soul who brings it up into God the Soul being in Death in Transgression Man's Spirit not Sanctified c. This could not intend the Being of God for that never sinned though there be something thereof in the Soul even in that Reasonable Soul or Spirit of Man which God by his Divine Word Breath or Spirit formed in Man Zech. 12.1 And so made Man a Living Soul The Quakers do not make themselves Equal with God and of Perfection c. 8th Instance Saul's Errand Printed 1654. p. 8. He that hath the same Spirit that raised up Jesus Christ is equal with God We deny the Words as there Printed to be according to G. F's Sense or ours which is That the Holy Ghost and the Son is equab with the Father in Power and Glory then if any come to witness the Holy Ghost they come to Wieness that which is Equal in Power and Glory with the Father What if any come to Witness the Son of God revealed in them which he that hath not Him hath not Life do they not come to witness Him who is Equal in Power and Glory with the Father as in Gr. Myst p. 100. Therefore the Words He that hath in the said Instance should be left out being contrary to G. F's and our Principle and to his own very Words and Confession a little before in the
same Book where being charg'd with Professing himself to be equal with God he positively denies the Charge but confesses the Father and the Son are one and that Christ and the Holy Spirit are equal with God p. 5 6. And so Christ Jesus hoth as He was of the Seed of Abraham and also as he was Equal with God i. e. both to his Manhood and Divinity Therefore 't is falsly noted in their Margent That they i. e. the Quakers make themselves Equal with God Though they believe a Renewing into his Image by his Spirit and Power and to be thereby made Conformable to the Image of his Son and so to be made like him as every really Godly Man and true Christian in Christ is in some degree as Partakers of the Divine Nature yet the Creature Man is not Essentially Equal with his Maker that was never our Principle so to confound their Beings 9. Again to prove the Blasphemy against us Fr. Howgill's Works p. 232. is quoted viz. He that is joined to the Lord is one Spirit There is Vnity and the Vnity stands in Equality it self When the Son is revealed and speaks the Father speaks in him and dwells in him and he in the Father in that which is equal Obs Here the Equality is placed between the Father and the Son as the Vnion is between Him and them who are joined to Him in Spirit and live and dwell in that Spirit which is Equal Where 's then the Blasphemy See Christ's Prayer John 17.21 That they all may be one as thou O Father art in Me and I in Thee that they may be also one in Vs that the World may believe that Thou hast sent me Ver. 22. And the Glory which thou gavest Me I have giventhem that they may be one as We are one Ver. 23. I in them and Thou in Me that they may be made Perfect in one that the World may know that Thou hast sent Me and hast loved them as Thou hast loved Me. See also Ver. 26. The Equality in Nature objected relates to the Divine Nature which the Child of God partakes of in measure Tho' not in Stature relates to the Child that Divine Nature is one and unchangeable but our participating of it and growth in it is Gradual until all i. e. Christ's whole Church and Body come unto the measure of the Stature of the fulness of Christ Ephes 4.12 13. Now if Equality be apply'd to the Saints it can be intended no otherwise than their having in them a living Resemblance or Likeness of him who has renewed them into his own Image by the Power of his Spirit that is into his Righteousness and true Holiness so as to be partakers thereof in Christ Jesus And not an Essential Equality between them being Creatures and him that created and renewed them Perfect Holiness and Righteousness being required and believed of all true and Faithful Christians in Christ Jesus Yet we do not pretend to the Infinite Fulness of Wisdom and Knowledge as it is in God and Christ or to his manifold Wisdom but to a Degree of Divine Wisdom and Understanding according as his Spirit reveals it is to us and we capable to receive it which therefore is perfectly true and certain in every Measure and Degree thereof Now Serious Reader note by the way that we have more right to interpret our deceased Friends words with whom we were conversant when living to such an Evangelical Sense as we knew they intended than these Adversaries have to Charge them and us with Blasphemous Principles from their own Partial Minced Mangled and Broken Quotations as are and may be justly enumerated upon them together with their divers false notes in the Margent 9th Instance to prove Blasphemy against us p. 6 7. G. F. Great Mystery p. 107. He saith speaking of the Priest the Holyest Man that is is not able to give an Infallible Character of another Man To which he answers Hast not thou in this discovered thy self to be no Minister of Christ or of the Spirit who cannot give an Infallible Character of another Man How canst thou Minister to his condition p. 96. and thou not being Infallible thou art not in the Spirit and so art not a Minister of Christ and art not able to Judge of Powers that is not Infallible nor Magistrates nor Kingdoms nor Churches p. 33. And are they Ministers of Christ that are Fallible Obs Tho' these Instances to prove us Guilty of Blasphemous Principles are very unfairly quoted the principal and most demonstrative Words both precedent and subsequent especially being left out by these Three Clergy-men as from the last words are they Ministers of Christ that are Fallible they leave out these material Questions both before and after them viz. Now he that is not Infallible in his Counsel Judgment and Advice is not he in Error And are not the Ministers of Christ the Ministers of the Spirit And is not that out of the Error which is Infallible in Counsel and Judgment And are they Ministers of Christ that are Fallible And is not the Power the Gospel Infallible Thus Great Mystery p. 33. Notwithstanding they have quoted sufficient to shew what they deem Blasphemy and what they hold to the contrary and their own not only Fallibility but great Darkness for to invert their sense contrary to what they have here quoted for Blasphemy and it must run thus viz. 1. That the Holiest Man that is is not able to give an Infallible Character of another Man 2. That a Minister of Christ or of the Spirit cannot give an Infallible Character of another Man and yet Minister to his Condition 3. That a Minster that 's Fallible is in the Spirit a Minister of Christ and yet cannot discern another Man's State or Condition so as to give an Infallible Character of him 4. Consequently Christ's Ministers without exception the Holiest of them all are hereby rendred not only Fallible but Uncertain in their Ministry Blind and Ignorant of the Spiritual States and Conditions of others All which shews these Guides to be in the Dark and very uncertain blind and Ignorant as well as Envious in their Calumniating us with Blasphemy for confessing to Infallibility sound Judgment and Discerning which we ascribe not to our selves alone without the Spirit 's Teachings and Guidance but originally and principally to the Spirit of Truth which Guides true Christians into all Truth which in it self is Infallible Unerring and Certain and so is the Teaching and Ministry thereof And so far as we are taught and led by the Spirit we are assured by it and led into sound Judgment Certainty and full Assurance both of Faith and Doctrine in matters of Salvation Revealed in the Gospel and Spiritual Ministry of Christ Jesus our Lord and Blessed Saviour tho' we ascribe not omniscience to our selves in any state He that abides in Christ sinneth not 1 John 3.6 consequently errs not is certain and as in Christ is
contain'd in them To that other Part of their Charge relating to Difference p. 11. As they make nothing of it against us but only give us a Quotation whether altogether true or not is a Question So I see no advantage they can make of it against us suppose it as it is That if any Difference arise in the Church or among them that profess themselves Members thereof the Church with the Spirit of the Lord Jesus Christ hath power to determine the same if any pretend to be of us and in case of Controversie will nor admit to be tried by the Church of Christ Jesus nor submit to the Judgment given by the Spirit of Truth c. such to be rejected And what of all this Is there either Blasphemy or Sedition herein How is this pursuant to the Priests Charge in their Title Page Doth not our blessed Lord say concerning the offending Brother if he should neglect to hear the Church let him be unto thee as an Heathen-man and a Publican Mat. 18.17 But first he prescribes a due Order of Procedure towards such an Offender First privately then before Witnesses vers 15 16. And the Apostle severely reprehends one Brother going to Law with another and that before Unbelievers saying Do ye not know that the Saints shall judge the World and if then ye have judgments of things pertaining to this Life set them to judge who are least esteemed in the Church See more at large 1 Cor. 6.1 to v. 9. As to the Story against Sam. Jennings about the proceeding against G. K. in Pennsilvania I question the Truth of it however if these Priests do esteem G. K. such an Eminent or Good Christian and not a Quaker why do they not openly receive him into their Society and Arms of their Church and promote him as well as privately Consult with him and Credit and Accept his Accusations against us It seems they are hard put to it for Aid in their Designs that they must be beholden to such as F. Bugg and G. K. for their Help against the People called Quakers who for many Years were own'd by them for God's Chosen and Peculiar People And G. K. will never be able to obliterate all he has written in their behalf with all his pretended Retractations 24th Charge p. 12. Saul's Errand p. 14. The Question was put to G. F. Whether Christ in the Flesh be a Figure or not and if a Figure how and in what To which he Answers Christ is the Substance of all Figures and his Flesh is a Figure And in Truth Defending the Quakers by G. W. c. p. 20. It is said expresly That Christ's coming in the Flesh is but a Figure Ans I deny that it is so said expresly by G. W. That Christ's coming in the Flesh is but a Figure it is an express Falshood as it seems to Charge me with the Words for they are in the Priest's Question Quest 35. Did R. H. well in Writing That Christ's coming in the Flesh was BUT a Figure These were none of my Words but the Priests In my Answer I have neither the Word But nor the Assertion So I ask hast thou not read That he was the express Figure of his Father's Substance And I understood that by the Word Figure R. H. and G. F. meant Example that is that they look'd on Christ as in the Flesh as an Example rendring Example or Figure Synonimous and yet confess Christ to be the substance of all Figures Types and Shadows as in Saul's Errand p. 8 and 14. but do not say that Christ in the Flesh is but a Figure neither did I so say or assert as is falsly cast upon me But in my Antitode against the Snake in the Grass I fully explain this Point according to Scriptures from p. 155 to 178. part whereof follows viz. Type or Figure sometimes points at a thing to come as in Rom. 5.14 who was the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Figure of him that was to come And sometimes Type or Figure denotes a present Example or Pattern as in Phil. 3.17 Mark them which walk so as ye have us for 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Example And the same word is used in 2 Thes 3.9 and 1 Tim. 4.12 and Tit. 2.7 and 1 Cor. 10.11 only in different Cases or Terminations And also the word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 an Example or Type John 13.15 Heb. 9.23 Thus Example or Type are made Synonimous in T. C's Lexicon and the like in Crit. Sacr. but more fully explained For there 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. Exemplum Exemplar triplicem habet in Scriptura significatum 1. Significat Typum seu figuram rerum vel praeteritarum Heb. 8.5 vel futurarum Heb. 9.23 2. Exemplum Imitationis John 13.15 1 Tim. 4.12 Tit. 4.7 3. Exemplum Monitionis sive Cautelae ut 2 Pet. 2.6 That is to say Exemplum or Exemplar hath a threefold signification in Scripture 1. It signifies a Type or Figure of things either past or to come 2. An Example of Imitation 3. An Example of Warning or Caution Now see how Synonimously the Terms Type Figure Pattern and Example are rendred in Scripture and of what extent not only in relation to the Types under the Law but in some respect to Christ and his Ministers tho' he be also confessed to be the Antitype Substance and End of all Legal Shadows Types and Figures But I have not called Christ himself a Type of our Light within nor justified the same Thus far Antidote p. 176 177. 25th Charge G. F. Great Mystery p. 206. The Apostles preached Christ that was crucified within and not another him that was raised up from the Dead was risen that Lord Jesus Christ within Obs Not to insist on their following broken and lame Quotations with their nonsensical Dashes here they sillily carp at the manner of these Expressions they wanting due points as The Apostles preached Christ that 's crucified within and not another there wanted this Parenthesis For 't is plainly exprest before viz. If Christ that is crucified be not within and Christ that 's Risen be not within I say that you are all Reprobates Great Mystery Ibid. And he that hath not this Christ that was risen and crucified within is a Reprobate Ibid. here wanted the Parenthesis again tho' explained in the foregoing words viz. If Christ that was crucified be not within c. 'T is certain there is but one Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 8. who came both in the Flesh and in the Spirit What they Charge News coming up c. p. 14. Your Baptism is Carnal here they leave out Sprinkling Infants which God never commanded and their Sacrament as they call it is carnal and here again they leave out and there is not a word in the Scripture that speaks of a Sacrament and their Communion is Carnal a little Bread and Wine whereupon I propose to these our severe Judges that if these Expressions be offensive to them and
they deem them Erroneous we must take them to be of a contrary Opinion namely that their Baptism to wit Sprinkling Infants is not Carnal but Spiritual and commanded of God and that their Sacrament Communion Bread and Wine is not Carnal but Spiritual But how can that be without Transubstantiation pray A Doctrine wholly disown'd by us which if they prove all this by Scripture and the word Sacrament also then all that hold they are Carnal and not Spiritual ought to retract and confess their Error I 'll not exclude my self on these Terms But I wish these Men would not be too hot and fierce about words I would not have them take the word Carnal as a word of Contempt against any thing that God ever commanded for they may read of Carnal Ordinances spoken of things which God once commanded Heb. 9.9 which stood only in Meats and Drinks and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 variis Baptismatibus divers Baptisms and Carnal Ordinances impos'd on them until the time of Reformation Again W. Smith's Primer is charged that Baptism Bread and Wine arose from the Pope's Invention c. I having found W. S. in like manner wronged in this heretofore by some called Anabaptists upon search I gave them this Answer from his own Explication viz. That it was not Bread and Wine in the Lord's Supper nor Baptism without distinction that he rendred the Pope's Invention but sprinkling Water in a Child's Face signing it with the Sign of the Cross on it's Fore-head God-fathers and Godmothers to undertake for it Bread and Wine so used and received i. e. by a sort of Priests and People as the Body and Blood of Christ which they tell them is broken and shed for them which implies Transubstantiation and did not these thus considered rise from the Pope's Invention trow ye See the Contemned Quaker and his Christian Religion defended p. 23 24. To their Charge against W. Penn's Reason against Railing printed 1673. p. 108 109. his saying I affirm by that one Scripture Heb. 9.10 that Circumcision is as much in force as Water-Baptism and the Paschal Lamb as Bread and Wine they were both Shadows and both Elementary and Perishable And here they leave out divers explanatory Lines Whereupon I ask these Men First if the Paschal Lamb which was a principal part of the Lord's Supper Luke 22. be in force among Christians Second If Water Baptism Bread and Wine be not Shadows and Elementary and Perishable If it be an Offence to say they are then I would ask these Men if they believe their Bread and Wine are not Perishable Elementary and of a decaying Nature If not how will they clear themselves of the Popish Doctrine of Transubstantiation But I would charitably think better of them than their Charges in these matters Import Those charged with Cain's Sacrifice in their Ordinances Churches and Teachings for which News coming up is again quoted against us p. 4.14 were such as were in the First Birth and Envious Persecutors and Wicked Persons as were justly reprehended in those days when that was writ in 1654. even as the Prophet Isaiah testified against Israel Isa 1. because of their Iniquities tho' they observ'd Outward Ordinances What they quote about one Quaker writing to another in a bemoaning Letter called The Spirit of the Hat printed 1673. p. 12. complaining of G. Fox not allowing any Liberty c. That 's not true nor the comparison just between G. F. and the Papists for he was always against Persecution and Coertion by Penal Laws for matters purely relating to Conscience or Worship toward God and for all to have their Liberty to Worship him as inwardly persuaded which Popery will not allow And for G. F's saying No Liberty out of the Power and asserting Gospel-Liberty this we knew related to the Church of Christ there being no true Liberty but in the Power and Spirit of the Lord and the Church desires no other than what 's agreable to Truth And W. P's Brief Examination and State of Liberty Spiritual Printed 1681. which is also quoted against us Imports no other than a Liberty in Truth and for Unity Society and good Order therein and against the Spirit of Strife Division and Self-Separation which would cloak it self under Pretence of claiming Liberty of Conscience and being left to the Grace and Spirit of God within when its Design is to be at Liberty both to break good Order and Unity and to lead into Loosness fleshly and corrupt Liberty It follows not that we allow no Liberty to any who differ from us as is falsly noted in their Margent against us for the Liberty God allows to all Mankind in the Creation we would debar none of though we cannot receive them into Society with us who walk not after the Spirit but after the Flesh Of GOVERNMENT 26th Charge p. 15. In the Margent it 's noted They declare themselves against Kingly Government for which they quote Edw. Burrough's Works p. 244. The Lord is risen to overturn to overturn Kings and Princes Governments and Laws And He will change Times and Laws and Governments c. Now observe That these Prophetical Passages with many other of the like Import were writ in the Year 1657. and have they not been in a great Measure fulfilled by the various Overturnings and Revolutions which since have come to pass Can any deny a Matter so apparent But does this argue that we are against a Kingly Government when God will have it No sure As there was Submission to Him in Prophecying such Truths so there hath been and is on our parts in what He brings to pass concerning Revolutions and Governments and it must be known and acknowledged That the Most High rules in the Kingdoms of Men and giveth them to whomsoever he pleaseth Dan. 4.17 25. 'T is also observable that these our Accusers who render us Seditious have very Partially left out the Reason of the afore recited Prophecies as O what cruel Injustice and Tyranny in Civil Governments O what abominable Superstitions and Idolatries have been in supposed Church-Governments It 's a Vexation to the Spirit of the Lord to consider it and the Righteous Soul hath long cried and mourned under it And because of this is the Lord of Heaven and Earth now risen to overturn overturn c. And after the Words quoted these are left out viz. And he will confound and break down all Tyranny and Oppression under which the Poor have groaned c. Now observe how Universal and Impartial these Prophecies were being directed in general under the Title of a Standard lifted up and an Ensign held forth unto all Nations Now suppose any one should be stirr'd up to Prophecy against any King or Prince in any Nation where great Persecution and Oppression is upheld or maintain'd whether in France or in any other Nation or Popish Countries were it a good Inference to say It were a Declaration against Kingly Government in general No sure
deny with all outward Wars and Strife and Fightings with outward Weapons for any end or under any pretence whatsoever And this is our Testimony to the whole World And we do certainly know and so testifie to the World that the Spirit of Christ which leads us into all Truth will never move us to Fight and War against any Man with outward Weapons either for the Kingdom of Christ nor for the Kingdom of this World c. said to be subscribed by G. F. Sam. Fisher and many more Now let it be farther observed that notwithstanding this Innocent and Christian Declaration against our use of the Carnal Weapon these Adversaries make another Marginal Note to the contrary upon Sam. Fisher's Message from the Lord to O. Cromwel and the Parliament of England printed 1656. and in his works Re-printed 1679. p. 19 20. after the note against the use of the Carnal Weapon their other note is Although none before so much for it as they Their proof is S. F's said Message which they have thereby greatly perverted to render us Seditious and Dangerous to the Government as their Title imports Whereas S. F. writ the said Message in the name of the Lord agreeable to what God's Holy Prophets have formerly foretold He saith I will hold my Peace now no longer saith the Lord as concerning this Evil which they so profanely commit and do daily against my Chosen i. e. by Persecution but will utterly subvert and overturn them This is according to Ezek. 21.25 26 27. and bring the Kingdoms and Dominions and the Greatness of the Kingdom under the whole Heaven into the hands of the Holy Ones of the most High This is according to Dan. 7.18 27. And give unto my Son and his Saints to reign over all the Earth and to take all the Rule and Authority and Power that shall stand up against my Son in his Saints This also is according to Rev. 20.4 5. and to Dan. 7.18 27. and to Psal 2.8 9. and 45.5 and 110.1 2 5. And I will put my high praises into their Mouth and a two-edged Sword into their hands and they shall Execute Vengeance upon the Heathen and Punishments upon the People and shall bind their Kings in Chains and their Nobles in Fetters of Iron and Execute upon them the Judgment that is written c. Thus far S. F's Message recited agreeable to plain Scripture Psal 149.5 6 7 8 9. please to read it at large Surely these Persons who stumble at such Messages and would make us Criminal for such Prophesies understand not the Voices of the true Prophets They take things literally which are Metaphorical and Spiritually intended as that of the Two-edged Sword they put Sword in Capital Letters to make People believe that none before 1660. were so much for the Vse of the Carnal Weapon as the People called Quakers according to their said Note as if they supposed it must needs be a Carnal Sword the Quakers are minded to make Use of when they can have an opportunity tho' their patience and long-suffering under various Persecutions and Severities and Revolutions have sufficiently proved the contrary But if the Saints Two-edged Sword mention'd Psal 149.6 must be taken for an Outward Material or Carnal Sword why not the Rod of Iron wherewith the Son of God shall break the Heathen Psal 2.9 for an outward material Rod of Iron or Steel But these Persons might have better considered the point in a Spiritual Sense that there is another sort of Rod or Sword than that Outward Material one of Iron or Steel There is the Rod of his Mouth i. e. of Christ's Mouth Isa 11.4 Out of his Mouth went a sharp Two-edged Sword Rev. 1.16 There is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God which the Saints took unto them Eph. 6.17 And he hath made my mouth like a sharp Sword Isa 49.2 Therefore have I hewed them by the Prophets I have slain them by the words of my Mouth Hos 6.5 So that there 's both the Rod the Sword hewing and slaying as well as binding Mystically and Spiritually spoken of by the Holy Prophets Christ and his Apostles These things are hinted for better information and moderating these our Adversaries and that their Hearers may not be influenced with their Anger against us As to what they quote in p. 21. First some broken pieces out of something they call The Quakers Declaration to Oliver and out of Geor. Rofe's Book Entitled The Righteousness of God and something to Cromwell in 't these two I have not But in short may say thus much that Oliver and his Officers and Army had a day and Power given them and were a Dread for a time to their Adversaries when the one was for seeking God in Prayer and the other for Swearing Cursing and Damning c. But they i. e. O. C. c. lost their Power and Day through their Abuse of it Which was plainly told them and their downfal as plainly foretold them by G. F. E. B. and divers others of our Friends These are Matters of Fact I am not concern'd to vindicate them or their Form of Government The Lord has laid them aside who is no Respecter of Persons nor doth he accept the Persons of Princes Job 34.19 As to what they quote out of a Letter directed To the Council of Officers of the Army and out of a Declaration wrote by E. B. in the Naâ—ne of the Quakers and subscribed by several of the Principal Leaders of them as these Men say Printed 1659. I shall forbear Commenting upon these forementioned Instances in their 21st and 22d pages they being in Substance fully answered in a Book of mine Intitled Christ's Lambs defended from Satan's Rage Printed 1691. being first writ in the Year 1677. particularly in p. 19 20 21 22 23. and in many other places throughout that Book as in p. 34 35 36 37 c. where the said Declaration in particular with the import of the foregoing is fully spoke to and Objections explained To their other Marginal Note p. 22. viz. And may reassume it again when they shall judge it meet The Antecedent of this Note I understand to be their foregoing two Margent-notes p. 20. which three Notes joined together run thus viz. which Government that they i. e. the People called Quakers might not support they declare against the Vse of the Carnal Weapon in 1660. altho' none before so much for it as they and may reassume it again when they shall judge it meet This looks like a very Invidious Design to raise Suspicion and Jealousie in the Civil Government against us But we hope and trust in the Grace and Goodness of our God that we shall both constantly and sincerely approve our selves Innocent and Clear from these Mens prejudicial Insinuations and Jealousies and to their diappointment Of our Assemblies c. Now concerning our several Religions Christian Meetings as in good Conscience we affirm they all are
These our Accusers appear most invidious against them as if influenced by some treacherous Judases or envious Apostates They begin to quote Mr. Bugg and Mr. Kieth as they stile them their Authority against us And what says their Mr. Bugg They tell us Mr. Bugg's Pilgrims Progress Chapters 7 8 9 10 11. give an account of their several Meetings and of their Fund Exchequer or Common-Bank And what says there Mr. Kieth to it seeing he is join'd with F. Bugg for a witness against us Mr. Keith say they who has been a Quaker above thirty Years more shame for him now to vilifie them in his Second Narrative p. 5. says I am not able to Print Books as they Quakers can they are many and have a Common-Stock I am but one To which we Answer we deny their Terms of Fund Exchequer or Common-Bank we know no Common-Stock we have that can properly be called a Fund or an Exchequer for improvement of a Stock or advancing and increasing Mony upon as a Fund Foundation or setled Bottom c. What Fund for Improvement can a Collection for poor be that is soon distributed and spent Tho' we have free and voluntary Collections in our Monthly and Quarterly Meetings for the Charitable Supply and Relief of the Poor and Indigent among us that they may not be Chargeable or Burdensome to our Neighbours of other Persuasions nor to the Parishes wherein they dwell Thus we relieve our own Poor and also pay our share or Proportions severally to other Poor of the respective Parishes and Places where our Friends inhabit And now as we are a People we must needs have divers Charges upon us as Our Poors Rents and charge of Meeting-Houses Rents and Reparations in many Places As also for the necessary Supply and Relief of our Friends when impoverished or disabled under or by extream Suffering and Distress in this or other Countries as in Ireland when they had greatly suffered by reason of the late War and of late in Scotland where in divers parts they have wanted Bread and Subsistence through the late Years great Failing of their Harvests And also for the Relief of our Friends who have been for many Years Captives in Algiers Macqueness and Sally under sore and miserable Hardships and Extremities whereby many have lost their Lives Upon these and other Occasions and Necessities relating to our suffering Friends and Brethren our Friends in this Nation who are capable have been free and willing without any Compulsion to contribute their Christian Assistance Charitable and Necessary Supplies and accordingly Distributions have been made thereof pursuant to these good and necessary Ends So that we have no Fund of Improvement nor any Tax imposed by any of our Meetings but the necessary Occasions tenderly recommended in the Love of God in these Matters and accordingly left to every ones free Liberty as God shall incline their Hearts to consider the Poor and Needy and Distressed c. And if these our Accusers who seek to Jealous and Criminate us in these matters were charitably disposed as Christians they would not render us Criminal Dangerous or Seditious for such Religious Acts of Charity and Christianity But would better consider the Primitive Christians Practice in such Cases than to misrepresent our Meetings wherein such Christian Care is taken as opposite to the Government This Savours rank of an Uncharitable Persecuting Spirit as their long Marginal-Note on p. 22 23. doth beginning with these words They have a Government within the Government independant from it and opposite to it This is like Judas and the Priests and the False Witnesses against Christ to make him an Enemy to Caesar thus they would make us the People of God called Quakers greatly obnoxious as if we promoted Regnum in Regno not only Independent but Opposite to the Civil Government which none of our Meetings are being all Peaceable and Innocent both for the Worship of Almighty God and Service of one another in true Christian Love in order to promote the real Practice of Piety Christianity and true Religion among us as a People and to prevent the contrary as much as in us lies by Warning and due Admonition against all disorderly loose Conversation Immorality and Profaneness tending to the Scandal of our Holy Profession And for such good Ends there were Helps in Government in the true Church 1 Cor. 12.28 and all in Subjection to Christ's Government who is Head and Law-giver to His Church and upon whose Shoulders the Government is laid And this is not opposite to the Civil Government in the Nation neither hath the King the Government or the Nation ever sustained any Hurt or Prejudice by these our Meetings or by the Christian Care or Service thereof and their being Monthly Quarterly and Yearly is for conveniency of the Times and due Notice and in no wise to Confront the Government no more than our First-Days and Weekly Meetings for our Meetings are Innocently upheld in the Name of the Lord for his Worship and Service and have accordingly been manifest these many Years under the various Revolutions of Government and we hope we shall in the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ stand for and innocently Vindicate our Christian and Just Liberty therein against this Persecuting Spirit which unjustly seeks to Influence Authority against us and our Religious Exercise in the Practice of our Christian Religion But blessed be the Lord who by his Power hath better inclin'd the King and Government to Moderation and Gentleness towards all their Peaceable and Serviceable People As we do not assume to our selves a Government or Dominion over our People or their Faith nor place a Supremacy or Headship in Persons or Assemblies but in Jesus Christ our Head and Governour so we know no such Supream Assembly among us as gives Laws and makes Orders for the Government of our People and suppressing Books writ against us as is falsly suggested we know no such Supremacy or Dominion exercised among us though we have Christian Assemblies both general and particular held only in the Name and Power of Christ Jesus Neither have we our Laws and Orders for the Government of our People to make by Assemblies but to see those put in practice which Christ our Head and Law-giver hath taught us and revealed to his Servants and that agreeable to the Holy Scriptures of Truth and no ways injurious to the outward Government But for the promoting of Truth and Righteousness in the Earth and as Fellow-helpers in Christ provoking one another to Love and Good Works And as for Passing Censure upon Offenders so did the Primitive Christians And what have they against Passing Censure upon Offenders Why may we not as a Christian Society Censure Offenders and Disorderly Walkers and such as cause Divisions and Offences contrary to the Doctrine of the Gospel It is evident the Primitive Christian Churches did both Instruct Exhort Reprove Rebuke and Reject These our Persecutors over and over
Words but his Adversary's what a Falacious Course do these our Adversaries take to prove us Criminal F. H's Words are He that hath the Spirit of God is in that which is Equal The Matter is Answered in the First Part and so is that Quoted out of Saul's Errand p. 8. 38. The Righteousness which God effects in us is not Finite but Infinite G. W. Voice of Wisdom p. 36. This was Inferr'd from the Priests owning That the Righteousness whereof Christ is the Subject and that whereof he is the Efficient are of one Species or Kind And from Galat. 4.19 Christ being formed in us And 2 Pet. 1.4 The Saints being made Partakers of the Divine Nature And Heb. 2.11 Eccles 3.14 I concluded Then God's Righteousness in us is not Finite but Infinite Voice of Wisd p. 36 37. Now I suppose they place the Mistake or Error supposed between the Words Effects and Infinite as if nothing could be said to be Infinite that had a beginning or that is effected which is to suppose whatsoever is Infinite has no Beginning as well as no End but Infinite is not always taken in that Sense for 't is sometimes apply'd to things that had a Beginning as in Nah. 2.9 chap. 3.9 But my meaning simply of the Word Infinite was That God's Righteousness which he effects in us is Everlasting and without End Psal 119 142. And Christ is said to be of God made unto us Wisdom and Righteousness and Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 I hope none will deny him to be Infinite or his Work of Righteousness and the Effect thereof to be Quietness and Assurance for ever Isa 32.17 VII Of Christ's Coming to Judge the Quick and the Dead P. 9. 39. But Three Comings of Christ not only that in the Flesh at Jerusalem and that in the Spirit but also another coming in the Flesh yet to be expected we do not yet read of Against G. W's Light and Life page 41. But is this to deny or oppose Christ's coming to Judge the Quick and the Dead 'T was never so intended And Questioning some Men's Carnal Expectations of a Fleshly coming of Christ to be seen with their Carnal Eyes was this to deny his coming in the Glory of his Father with his Angels to Reward every Man according to his works Mat. 16.27 Luke 9.26 No sure for that 's confessed and undeniable Likewise to question some Men's Notion of a Fleshly coming of Christ Personally to Reign a Thousand Years on Earth is this to oppose his Kingdom or that Prophecy of his Reign a Thousand Years mentioned Rev. 20.2 4 5 6 7 No sure Let our Adversaries produce plain Scripture-Proof in Terminis for Christ's Coming and Reign in that manner and the Question is Resolv'd To their other Citation out of Nature of Christianity p. 29 30. Thou may'st look until thy Eyes drop out before thou wilt see such an appearance of him meaning with his carnal Eyes This is true in Fact for those very Eyes decay and perish and Christ's last coming in Power and great Glory in his glorious Body accompanied with All his mighty Angels at the Resurrection must be seen with stronger clearer and more celestial Eyes than perishing Eyes of Flesh And though we have believed Christ's Second Appearance or Coming without Sin unto Salvation mentioned Heb. 9.28 that is to save Men from their Sins to be a Spiritual Appearance and Work yet this is not to deny Christ to be the Judge both of the Quick and the Dead or his coming to judge the Quick and the Dead in the great and last Day 40. And as for that 1 Thes 4.15 concerning the Coming of the Lord from Heaven which these Men would blindly put a-far off Q. against Brief Discovery p. 9. in Answer to John Horn c. Anno 1659. Here they leave out As to a coming of Christ with Flesh and Bones meaning without any Blood in it for such a Body they then held and The Apostle saith We which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep These are left out also in their Citation In the Ancient Bible of Q. Elizabeth the words are We which live and are remaining in the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which sleep From my inferring the Saints knowledge of Christ's Spiritual Coming who is Lord from Heaven I would have none suppose that we at all doubt of the Coming of the Son of Man the Lord Jesus and shewing himself from Heaven at the great Day and all his Holy Angels with him as testified in Holy Scripture by himself and Servants On Phil. 20.21 after the words Their Conversations was in Heaven They add To wit a Heaven within them Thus the Quotation is wronged in this and divers other words 41. There is none have a Glory and a Heaven but within them Gr. Myst p. 214. Here they leave out what follows viz. Which was before Man had a Being The words should be Transposed viz. There 's none have a Glory and a Heaven within them but which was before Man had a Being For what true and heavenly Glory or Joy any have within them 't was before Man had a Being this appears to be the intent of the Author the word But being misplaced and yet what the Saints have and injoy in this Life is much short in degree of that more full Attainment and exceeding Weight of Glory in that which is to come VIII Concerning Government P. 10. 42. The Quakers hold none Lawful but in their own Hands for that they have only a Right to Rule over the whole Earth and that it is Lawful for them to Fight and subdue the World under them and that they expect it These we utterly deny and testifie against as gross Calumnies cast upon us contrary to our Peaceable Christian Principle and Practice both as to Rule and Fighting We seek no Worldly Kingdom or Dominion to our selves but the Promotion of Christ's Peaceable Kingdom in Men wherein we desire ever to approve our Selves his Innocent Subjects whose Weapons are not Carnal but Spiritual being Crucified with him to the Ground and Cause or War and Fighting And therefore in his Power testifie against this Malicious Persecuting Spirit which hath thus fouly misrepresented us as a People against all Civil Government and as holding it lawful for us to Fight and Subdue the World under us and that we expect it too O for Shame for Shame you Malicious Persecutors Cease Cease such your horrid Falshoods and Malicious Attempts to incense the Government thereby These Adversaries quote a piece of a Declaration of the Quakers as they call it beginning thus viz. We have chosen the Son of God to be our King and he hath chosen us to be his People c. p. 10. Out of which Declaration they have here left out several material Passages to clear our Innocency from Fighting as charged upon us as His Kingdom i. e.