returned worships God in the Spirit for he is a Spirit Ioh 4.24 2 Cor. 3 i7 And as he is a Spirit so his Iewels are Spiritual such as are changed from glorie to glory into the same Image even as by the Spirit of the Lord 2 Cor. 3 i8 who in the gift of discerning i. Cor. i2 i0 given from the Father in the Son Ioh. i4 20 Ioh. i7 i0 The Prophets end is witnessed Malach. 3 i7 i8 And the Iewels of God made up into his Image by his spirit 2 Cor. 3 i7 i8 They thereby in the Spirits open life by the gift in the discerning according to the Fathers promise they know them that serve God and them that serve him not then such knows others hearts and Spirits because God is a Spirit and his worship is in the Spirit Ioh. 4.23,24 and the truth where the father is enjoyed in the Son and the Son in the Father Ioh i4 6 Ioh. i4 20 And true worshipers or souls that magnifyes the Lord Luke i 46. And whose Spirits also rejoyceth in the sweet Spirituall union in God the Father Luke i. 47 And the word of life and Power is known in its opperation deviding assunder soul and spirit c. Heb. 4 i2 VVhich word is as a fyre in the bones Ier. 23.29 Ier. 20.9 Here true worshipers are seene and known in the Spirit and false Power which is a sword Heb. 4 i2 And he that bares the sword must not bare it in vain but judge and cut down Sin so quenching the fyerie darts of the Devill by the Spirituall sword Eph. 6 i6.i7 The beam being cast out within with the true light the moat or evill in others is seen and the Saints shall judge the world as it is written i Cor. 6 i,2 And who judgeth the world judgeth the unclean hearts for the world is set in mans heart as saith the Scripture and the Spirit of truth being come reproves the world of Sin and unbeliefe and so he reproves mans heart in which it lodgeth and acteth and the Prince of Darkness and of the world is by the true Spirit seen and in mens heart with it judged even with the sword that proceedeth out of the mouth which is the powerfull word of God in the life of the eternall Spirit which Spirit of truth in the eternall power of God is the judge of hearts being come and in the Gospell promises â—nd witnessed and is the guide out of error and deceipt into all sweet Gospel truth and so into the true knowledg of all things i Ioh. 2.20 And to enjoy the Father in the Son and the Son in the Father witnessed in the unction according to sweet Gospell discipline and promise Ioh. i6 i3 i Ioh. 2.27 Ioh. i4 20 And the Spirit of truth he hath authority according to Gospell promise to speake what he hears and to hearts and sheweth to souls the things of the father in the Sons glorifying oâ— him who hath received of his and sheweth unto us so that we enjoy the things that are freely given us of God thereby i Cor. 2. And descerning of Spirit is his free gift i Cor. i2 Therefore have we received it of him as they did that witnessed the mind of Christ i Cor. 2 i5 i6 And we need no naturall man to teach us to see and know and judge the hearts and things both concerning predestination election regeneration justifycation salvation and Glorifycation for the naturall man knoweth them not and things in the reprobation which are for condemnations I say we need no naturall man to teach us the knowledg and understanding herein and as aforesaid but as the Spirituall man the spirit of truth and holy unction teacheth us and all the Children of God in the same therefore sylence flesh for the naturall man knows not the things of the Spirit of God because they are Spiritually discerned i Cor. 2 i4 but we who are in the holy unction do know that the Son of God is come i Iohn 5.20 And in the unction holy we know the gift of the spirit discerning and true spirituall judgement also is known and witnessed in the spirits life and open understanding where our witness in the son is enjoyed as there was in the New-Testament i Iohn 5,6 and i0 ii verses where the gift in the Prophets end is amongst the Lords Iewels witnessed and the unction from the holy one is enjoyed in the New-Covenant praised be the Lord for the riches of his love all praise and glory be ascribed unto him who maketh us through his son to partake of the precious promises and sweet Gospel grace and vertue i Ioh. 2.20 and 27. 2 Pet. i. 3,4 Nathaniel Stephens Priest at Drayton and Chester Priest at VVitherley who in your dispute about the Spirituall Man said he did not judg all things when the scripture plainly sath he that is spirituall judgeth all things yet he himself is judged of no man i Cor. 2 i5 Here you two Priests are found to be two false witnesses against the truth and are proved to be two lyars against the spirituall man and his doctrine and you are lyars against the scriptures so shewing the spirit of your father the Devill by which lyars are guided Iohn 8.44 but read your reward and all lyars like you Rev. 2i 8 You are they that receives not the things of the spirit of God because they are spiritually discerned i Cor. 2 i4 therefore do you not know the spiritual man nor his true spiritual judgment who are lyars aginst him and saith Hee doth not judg all things and the Scripture saith He doth judg all things VVhat Liars are you against the Truth bee ashamed of your Lies see your Errors and owne your condemnation to be just thereupon Q. If the Spiritual man judg not all things who must judge that which you would not have him to judg seeing that the naturall man knoweth not the things of the Spirit of God neither receiveth them and so not the judgment and that is one of the things of the Spirit of God who is the true Judge but such as you who are in the flesh cannot please God Rom. 8.8 therefore for judgment you are But who are out of the lust of the flesh and out of the knowledge after the flesh and are in Christ Iesus such are in the new things witnessing the new Creatures and enjoys the new things old being passed away which new things and new Creature you are strangers unto 2 Cor. 5 i6.i7 who have shewed your spirit of error to us and to all the children of light then were it known i Ioh. 4.6 You two Priests said you had not an infallible Spirit nor the same Spirit which the Apostles had no more you have therefore have you a fallible false Spirit the Spirit of error as you have made it manifest and discovered it upon tryall The Scripture saith trie the Spirits whether they be of God or no because many false Prophets
Refiner Mal. 3. Heb. i2 23 28,29 verses And he may speak through his Temple by his spirit dwelling in it and judg the deceit deceivableness Malach. 3 i,2 to the 7. i Cor. 3 i6 2 Cor. 6.16 And as he Sits in his Temple judging the hearts by his spirit so he by his spirit through his Temple speaks in reproof to the world for Sin and judging the enmity and the feed of the Serpent in any where the serpents head is unbruised and so the judgment is the Spirituall mans and he that is joyned to the Lord is in union with that one Spirit as the Scripture saith 2 Cor. 3 i7 i8 For the spirit of the son is in the heart there crying Abba Father Gal. 4.6 And the spirit of God dwelleth in such i Iohn 3.24 And there the Father is enjoyed in the son and the son in the Father and Father son and saints in unyon and reconciled together and the witnesses known in the spirit and the word Iohn i4 20 i Iohn 5. Read and understand for at this none stumbles where true judgment is known and submitted unto in the spirit and life the power of truth there is known and what Christ in the Gospel truth saith it is not you that speak in such things but the spirit of your Father that speaketh in you where he dwells and walks in hi Temple as hee hath said he would 2 Cor. 6 i6 there hee sits Refyner and Iudge and to this truth that in the Consciences which reproves for SINNE and judgeth for DISOBEDIENCE will answer and witnesse the IUDGE of all hearts to be just and in that one spirit which the world knowes not that knowes not the spirit as couscience-book doth open then my witness will me owne and the spirit of truth which the world knoweth not Ioh. i4 17 neither know they them who are sons of God and guided by that spirit Rom. 8 i4 Gal. 4.6 1 Ioh. 3 i,2 The Prophets and holy men of God by his spirit given them they could discern the familiar spirits and the sorcerers witches and wizards and did judge them by the Spirit of the Lord then by the spirit of the Lord and the gift in the discerning others of the men of God may For thus saith the Lord I am God and change not therefore ye sons of Iacob are not consumed Mal. 3.5,6 Isa 8. Isai 44.24,25 Isai 47.9 i0,11 i2,13 i4 Deut. 18. And as the Ministers of Christ the spiritual man and hidden man of the heart in and with the Lords Spirit could know where Satans seat in another was and how Satan had filled the heart to lie against the Holy Ghost and with the Spirit that manifested it judged the seat of Satan and the secrets of the heart where the Sin was conceived before it was acted then in and with the fame Spirit being given to such now as to Peter on which Spiritual Rock in the Revelation the Church is builded the pillar and ground of truth some others in the gift of discerning by the Lords Spirit may know hearts in which deceit lodgeth and acteth by the spirit they did and that spirit may judg the enmity which stands against the Truth but a brother is not to be judged nor one is not to be set at nought for whom Christ died yet the enmity may by the Lords Sgirit be judged where it is discovered and the contrary spirit tryed therefore none at this are offended that loves the truth for mercy rejoyceth in judgment let the pure light of God in all your consciences examine your Hearts and there be judge Deceive not your soules but deal honestly therewith deceit at the true Iudgment may be offended but the wo is to that and to the wicked Isai 3 ii and vengeance from God is the reward of all that do evil Rom. 2.8,9 Therefore take heed of Sinning against the truth and of lying against the Holy Ghost as you will answer it before the Lord Read that example and take warning betime Acts 5 i,2,3,4,5 c. Also read Hebr. i0 26,27,28,29,30,3i The Lord in his by his Spirit is the hearts Iudge and in the true Church the pillar and ground of Truth i Tim. 3 i5 i6 and if in the true Church the Lord by his spirit convinced others and made the secrets of their hearts manifest that by his Spirit in his Church such were judged of all that were unbelievers and contrary to them then in the true Church which is in GOD the FATHER of our LORD IESUS CHRIST 1 Thess i. 1 the pillar and ground of the TRUTH i Tim. 3 i5 Heb. 3.6 by and with the Fathers Spirit given and manifested to discerne spirits i Corrin i2 i0 and to profit withal i Corrinth i2 7 to some the secrets of others hearts that come amongst them and are Unbelievers and unlearned in the things of the Spirit of God may with his spirit through his children be seen convinced and judged now as then for saith the Apostle if therefore the whole Church be come together into one place and all speak with tongues new tongues is of the Spirit a Signe of them that believe and are baptized in the name of Christ c. Mark 16 i5 i6 i7 Acts i9 5,6 but if any unlearned in the things of the Spirit of God and unbelievers come in whilst believers speak with the new spiritual tongues c. will they not say that ye are mad but if all prophecy and there come in one that believeth not or unlearned he is convinced of all he is judged of all and thus are the secrets of his heart made mnnifest and falling down he will worship God and report That God is in you of a truth i Cor. i4 23,24,25 The Gospel Spirit saw Hypocrites under painted outsides so that they appeared Righteous outwardly but within were full of hypocrisie and iniquity and that Spirit pronounced woes and judgment to such and called them whited Sepulchers and blind guides and serpents and children of the Devill and those that the sweet Gospell Spirit so called and judged were in a great profession and such as were called of men Master and stood praying in the Synagogues but laid heavy burdens upon the people as Priests do now that are called of men Master and are proud and coveteous stands praying in the Synagogues or Idoll Temples and such the Gospell spirit then judged worthy of damnation as you may read Mat. 23. to the 34. and he said that their damnation would be great as you may read Mark i2 38,39,40 And as the Gospell Spirit did it is not ungospellike so to do to such as are in the same nature they was therefore learn to know who and what they are that with the Spirit of truth are judged you wil see that judgment due from the Gospell Spirit now to the serpents seed as it was then Mat. 23. Ioh. 8.44 Mark i2 38 c. Peter an Apostle he judged Simon Magus to
THE SPIRITUALL MAN Iudgeth All Things OR THE SPIRITUALL MANS TRVE IVDGMENT And how by him the hearts of others were and may be judged by the Spirit of Truth and also how things by the Spiritual Man were judged of concerning both Salvation and Damnation proved by several Scripture examples according to the Spirit of Truth which were and is the guide of the Lords people out of error and deceit into all truth according to sweet Gospel-promise Joh. 16.13 Rom. 8.14 ALSO Something in short concerning Melchizedeks order of taking the Tythes of Spoils only of Abraham after the return from the slaughter of the Kings a free-will offering at one time and no more Gen. 14. answering Heb. 7. And in short of the order of Tythes by command under the Law in the Aaronical and Levitical Priesthood the change of the Law and Priesthood also Heb. 7.12 so an end of Tythes WITH A godly Exhortation and instruction full of sweet Gospell Truths to such as have the witness of the new Testament through the blood of Jesus and some Mementoes With something also to stop lies and slanders that trute may be cleared LONDON Printed for Giles Calvert and are to be sold at his shop at the Black Spread-Eagle at the Westend of Pauls 1655. To the Reader Reader THe caus of my writing this little Treatise is not as an accusation against any but to cleare the truth from lying slanders that the wicked and Rebellious are readie to cast upon it who evilly intreated and shamefully abused the Messengers of the Lord especially at Drayton in Leicester Shire on two days that one day two Priests and another day six or seaven Priests did there meet and those called quakers by the world in disdain and reproach but to us reproaches is great riches as they was to Moses who was a quaker Heb. i2 2i Heb. i1. 25,26 On the twelf day of the eleventh Month by the world called Ianuary and according to their accompt i654 Him that the world calls Georg Fox went to Drayton to see his Father and Friends in the flesh and him that the world calls Richard Farnworth went with him and coming there they heard that Priest Stephens and others would give them a meeting to dispute with them notice there had been of it by the Priests party doth appear for many people gathered that day together concerning the same but George Fox and Richard Farnworth knew not of it until at Drayton they came and hearing thereof Richard Farnworth went up into the grave yeard and many people gathered about him in the mean while the Priests went into the Idols Temple at Drayton and some would have forced Richard Farnworth into them but he refused and said he was not come to uphold Idols c. Then several perswaded him to go into a great house like a Hall and the dwellers thereof came and said they should be welcome and have the command of the house and none should barre them c. Presently after came him they called George Fox into Drayton grave yeard and they thronged about him so for the truths sake they went into that great house like a hal and there they the Priests Priests party with others together there met and after some speech between the Priest of Drayton and him called George Fox there was a dispute about the spiritual man but severall times when him called George Fox and Richard Farnworth when either of them so called should by the spirit of the Lord have answered the rude people hailed them violently away severall times and stopt the mouth of Richard Farnworth with Fists and gloves and abused him sore and caused George Fox to bleed by their Cruell and Savage usage that day And afterwards on the i7 day of the same Month there was another meeting appointed at Dayton and the Priests gave notice of that and many Priests and people there was that day and very sore with them of the Priests party was him called George Fox used with violence that day the Priests party being set on him to undertake to use him so barbarously and cruelly as they did but truth triumphs over all deceipts and deceivers and the enmity of truths enemies the Priests and their party were abundantly that day made manifest such is the Fruits of the Priests flock and that which their ministry effecteth and hath brought forth and doth bring forth they may all blush and be ashamed of the same and Priest Stephens that laughed and rejoyced at the abuse of George Fox by the wickedness of his own people and they of his own house had a chiefe portion therein let shame strike the wife of priest Stephens his Son and Servant and also himself and the rest of the priests and their rude people that was there that day whose wickedness and folly did so much appear but in that I cease Read this little answering Treatise concerning the SPIRITUAL-MANS judgment which may cleare thine in the same and learn to know the ground of truth therein So I remain thy souls friends and all that love the truth Robert Farnworth This is to go abroad to stop lies and slanders that truth may be cleared c. GEORGE FOX coming to Drayton to his Fathers in the flesh upon the sixth day of the week being the twelth day of the eleventh month and after he had been there a little while Thomas balls man came to Christopher Foxes house and said that George had sent Nathaniel Stephens who calls himself Minister there a challenge and he miight come up to that which they call their Church for he said they could do nothing til he called Geerge Fox came but as for his sending any challeng to him as aforesaid that was false for no challenge was neither by him nor from him sent to the said Stephens priest of the said Drayton before mentioned nevertheless he went up into the Grave Yard and there fynding many people but the priest in the Steeple house and the people desyred him to go into the priest for they said it was cold and he and others could not endure the cold then he said a Minister of Christ could endure hardship hunger nakedness or cold and said to the people call him out hither into the yard then from the people some unsavoury speeches was given to us and so after a while seeing the priest would not thither come out unto us we went into a hall neer unto the grave yard and there two priests and a great company of people went into the said hall and for a time there was a great stir amongst the people whereupon George Fox did exhort them to be quiet and Sit down and keep their places it was for their sakes and the truths sake that he was come in thither and their teacher the aforesaid Stephens having told the old man Georges Father in the flesh that George had a familiar Spirit and there George ask d Priest Stephens of it who unto him denyed
it and then Christopher Fox told the Priest that he had said so unto him and he told him where also in a place in the Field which he then and there mentioned yet the Priest impudently denyed it and then George asked him what he did beleeve whether he had any such a familiar Spirit yea or nay the Priest answered and said he could not tel he might have a good he might have a bad then G. told him here thou hast manifested thy self to be no Minister of God but a false Minister for the Ministers of Christ the New Covenant of God they could discern Spirits and try them i Cor. i2 i Iohn 4. And as you may read in Isaiah he discerned the familiar Spirit and judged it Isa 8. And the Apostle discerned the witchcraft of the witches that had bewitched the Galatians read Gal. 3. And here thou hast manifested thy selfe to be a blinde guide who can put no difference betwixt the precious and the vile who hast no salt to savour withall therefore thou art good for nothing but to be cast out and troden under foot Mat. 5. then Georg told him that the spirituall man judged all things and Stephens and the other Priest Chester both denyed it and said the Spirituall man did not judg all things and they sought to cover it with their shufâ—ing and deceit but could not for the Scripture in plainess proveth them lyars for it saith he that is spiritual judgeth all things as you may read i Cor. 2 i5 And here both Stephens and Chester preached another Doctrine contrary both to the Scripture and Apostles of our Lord Iesus Christ and have shewed themselves false Ministers which say the Spirituall man doth not judg all things and the Minister of God saith he did judge all things here you have shut your selves out of the ministry of the Spirit of God and denyed the Scriptures and the record that God gave of his Son and you have shewed another spirit contrary to the Apostles for the Apostle said the spirituall man did judge all things and your spirit saith the spirituall man did not judge all things here your spirit is tryed to be a false Spirit and proved to be a Spirit of error and you the false Prophets i Ioh. 4. 2 Pet. 2. Then it was asked the Priest whether he had the same Spirit they had which gave forth the Scriptures and he said he had not an infallible Spirit as they had and here I charge thee to have a false and fallible spirit for thou not having the same spirit that gave forth the Scriptures then another So a false Spirit and a spirit of error and here again thy Spirit is tryed as the Scripture saith try the spirits so thou and Chester that have noâ— that Spirit that gave forth the Scripture but you have another contrary to them and so you have not fellowship with the Father and the Son therefore you are they that are not to be received into the houses neither is it to you to be said God speed least they that do so be partakers of your evill deeds as may be read 2. Ioh. 9 10.ii verses And then it was asked the priests what scripture they had to take tythes of the people then one of them brought a Scripture which said be subject to every Ordinance of man when the Apostle witnessed the change of the Priest-hood that received Tythes and also the change of the Law by which they were commanded which was in the fyrst Covenant under the Law an Ordinance not of man but of God and Christ being come the end of the Law and some blotted out the hand writing of Ordinances which now who hold them up are against the New Covenant and us who be in it and that is no ground in saying be subject to every ordinance of man for you to take tythes and the Priests brought the 7. of the Hebrews as Melchizedeks taking tythes and the leviticall Priesthood and they desyred George to read that chapter Heb. 7. and as he was reading they laughed and hooted as they use to do that follow bull-batings thereat very uncivilly and unsavoury and so manifested both the priest Stephens and priest Chester to be the false prophers that cause the people to erre by your lyes and by your lightness and have not profyted them nor profyts them at all as your fruits do make it appear and as you may read Ier. 23. who was sent to cry wo against such and in the seaventh Chapter of the Hebrews the Apostle who spake of tythes to Melchizedek before the Law and then tythes in the Law and also the change of the Law and he spake of the change of the priesthood that was under the Law and when he had spoken of tythes to Melchizedek before the Law and then tythes to the Leviticall priest-hood in the Law for the Law made men â—… High priest and the Apostle witnessed the change of the Law and the change of the priest-hood which received the tythes and now saith the Apostle of the things which he had spoken of before of tythes in the days of Abraham to Melchizedek before the Law and tyths in the Law the change of the Law and the change of the priest-hood and so the priest-hood being changed to whom must people pay their tythes now here the Apostle was a Minister of the New Covenant and shewed forth the types and the fygures and the things in the old Covenant and the priest-hood that received tythes and change and some of them So you teachers and people which bee pleading for things in the fyrst Covenant and priest-hood that the Apostle witnessed fulfylled and denyed as the Scripture it self doth bear testimony and here you manifest your selves to be against Christ and against him Antichrists And very rudely and unsavourly did the people hale him they call George Fox til he bled at that time before the priests face and the priest said he was his spirituall father whom he called George Fox and Goorge he there denyed him and shewed that the priest was a minister but of the letter and not of the spirit that gave forth the letter he preached and then he was fain to call for his naturall Father to take him away and when they could not stop the word they would have stopped the Mouth with the outward hand and the priest said he would pray for him but hee denyed his prayers for his prayers that is not from the same spirit that gave forth the scripture is from a spirit of error and then the priest said George being come to the light of the Sun sought to destroy and tread upon his Star light but that was false for the least measure of light he doth not destroy but the Darkness that he calls light George doth deny yet the light in thy conscience will witness what he hath spoke when the book of your consciences is opened and him to be a lover of all
your souls and eternall good Nathaniel Stephens the Preist said that George Fox as he called him was one of his sheepe but George he denyed him and told the Priest he was one of the false Prophets that drove him away but now he was found who had been lost and the Lord was his Shepheard therefore he denyed him the Priest and all Idoll shepheards and such as bore rule by their means which the Lord sent Ieremy to cry against Ier 5 30.3i ahd such as sought for their gain from their quarter which the Lord sent Isa to cry out against as in Isa 56 i0 ii and such as sought for the fleece and made a prey upon the people which the Lord sent Ezekiel to cry out against Ezek. 3 4. And such as hirelings as the Lord sent Micah to cry out against Mic. 3 1i And such as Christ cryed wo against that had the chiefest places in the assemblies stood praying in the Synagogues laid heavie burdens upon the people and were called of men Masters as in Mat. 23. And the Priests went away from the place but George stayed after hee had denyed them their prayers doctrine and worships who were proved to be guided by a Spirit of error as it was made manifest and George spoke the word of the Lord to the people that stayed after the Priests and many of their partakers were gone from the place and then after parted and went to his fathers in the flesh and there stayed that night and the word of the Lord declared by him that day shall rise up in judgment against the rebellious which was and is love to the Souls of all that receive and embrace it and the way of holiness without which holiness none shall see God and live now in your lifetime you are warned repent and amend GEORGE FOX THE SPIRITVAL MAN Iudgeth all things OR THE SPIRITUAL MANS true judgment NOVV the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty 2 Cor. 3 i7 thererfore the naturall mans judgment must not stand upon the Spiritual man but the Spirituall mans judgment stands upon the naturall mans head for he that is spirituall judgeth all things and there is his Liberty yet he himselfe is judged of no man as it is written and witnessed i Cor. 2 i4 i5 The naturall man is carnall and sold under Sin and therefore in that state and condition he knows not the things of the spirit of God and so wanting salt to savour withall hath no judgment therein For the things of the Spirit of God are spiritually discerned and not carnallie known i Cor. 2 i4 therefore the Carnall minded man being in death Rom 8.6 knoweth them not to be carnally minded is death and they that are in the flesh cannot please God Rom. 8.8 fleshly wisdome fleshly reason and fleshly knowledg which is bruitish and fleshly disputations are vain because the vain worldly earthly carnall minde disputes of things that was was not spoken forth by it and the earthly sensual wisdome which is devillish and so cursed it would aspire to know the secrets and things of the Spirit of God but cannot for the wisdome of the world is foolishness with God and the world by wisdome knoweth not God therefore the earthly sensuall wisdom must be sylent and not dispute of the things of God for it knoweth them not death and destruction speaks of the same of spiritual things and of the spirituall wisdome but knoweth it not as it is writen and witnessed and they that are in the flesh cannot please God therefore sylence flesh and deceit Rom. 8.5,6,7,8 Iam. 3 i5 i Cor. i. i9,20 i Cor. 3 i9,20 Iob. 28. Gal. 5 i7 Gal 6.8 The Spiritual man is born of God the father of spirits and not by the wil of man but by the wil of God such are in Union with God and by him in his spirituall life and power hath a right to the Spirituall judgment and the things of God which are to him Gods free gift being in his fathers spirit and hath the spiritual discerning and of Spirits therefore who are of the seed royall in the power of the spirit endued anoynted in the unction holy and knoweth all things thereby i Iohn 2.20 Such may judge the Carnal mind death the enmity therein for discerning of Spirits is the Spirituall mans proper gift from the father of Spirits and it is in the spirituall judgment his prerogative above the nature of carnall minded man the Spirit of the father dwelling in him the greater is there enjoyed and witnessed then in the world 1 Iohn 2 i4 i Iohn 4.4 they in that enjoyment are redeemed from the slaverie which slaverie the unregenerate are in therefore indeed and in truth they cannot cry Abba Father but the regenerate who is in unity with the Iudg of all hearts may it is his priviledg so to do and the spirit of the Father speaks through the Son which spirit in the word and power thereof is the Iudg of all hearts and judgeth the Secrets therein Iohn 3.5,6 Iohn i. i2 i3 1 Cor. 2. i Cor. 12. Rom. 8. Heb. i2 23 Luk. i2 12 The holy Ghost is Spirituall and dwelleth within and speaketh through the Temple where the promise of the Father is fulfylled and the new birth witnessed where the New Covenant is enjoyed therefore he that reproves the world of Sin and unbeliefe c. he doth judge the Prince of the world and the carnall minde and the selfe love and the selfe righteousness in the earthly sensuall and carnall minded man wherever hee sees it as he sits in his Temple and he sees not as the world sees they see carnally but he sees spiritually and judgeth in the hearts of one as wel as other that which judgment is due unto and the holy Ghost he that is spiritual also dwelleth in the heires of promise but the world knoweth him not therefore are they at his true Spirituall judgment now offended because they neither see him nor know him but we that are spirituall and such as are of the seed and priest-hood unchangeable and royall in the end of all Types and Figures enjoy him in the substance and Power of the eternall Truth for according to sweet Gospel promise he dwelleth in us who witness the new-birth and the holy seed and according to the Gospel holy unction he doth abide within us Ioh. i4,15 i6 iâ—… i Ioh. 2.20.27 Therefore praised bee the LORD who hath hid these things and sweet Gospel enjoyments and true spiritual judgment and discerning therein from the wise and prudent of the world and hath revealed them to us and who are babes in Christ Iesus of the new-birth in the Covenant of grace according to the royall acception through the sore-knowledg of the predestination in the choice made by election contrary to the reprobation which things are a mystery to the Serpents generation which mysterie in us i Colos 27. The world and worldly
wise men are strangers unto and knoweth it not i Tim. 3 i6 Ioh. i4 20 Neither do they know the Sons of God now the holy Ghost that dwelleth and abideth in them as saith the Scripture therefore are they also ignorant of the Spirit of the father speaking through them that are sons and so knows not the Spirituall mans judgment which stands upon the naturall mans head but are offended thereat because of the enmity of the Serpents seeds which lodgeth in the ground of prejudice and despite against the spirit of grace manifest from the evil heart according to the Prince of darkness acting with the carnall minde in which the enmity stands and is brought forth against the truth and they are in enmity against the children of God also because of their ignorance of the spirit of truth and knoweth not God the father of the faithfull nor his Sons that are guided by his Spirit as it is written and witnessed Rom. 8.5,6,7.8 i4,15 i6 discerning of Spirits is the gift of the spirit of God i Cor. i2 given to his sons that liveth therein and are guided thereby Rom. 8 i4 c. Then the enmity may be judged by the spirit dwelling in his sons therefore is he the judge of all hearts by his spirit and who knows the Iudge of all hearts and the spirits of Iust men made perfect as they did Heb. i2 22,23 The same seed according to the spirit now may and by degrees doth know the things of the spirit of God as they did therefore amongst them the hearts Iudge is witnessed and the true spirituall Iudgement knowne and enioyed in the discerning and gift in the spirits life also now as was then to judge the carnall minde and the deceipt and enmity in others carnall minded men and subtill serpents as it did then God is the same that he was and his spirit is the same and the gift in the discerning where it is given and he enjoyed as he was then and also according to the promise of Christ who is the same yesterday to day and for ever 2 Cor. 6 i6 Iohn i4 20 i Cor. i2 i0 Heb. 13.8 They who say Elijah or Elias and Elisha had not judgment given to them by the spirit of the Lord to know and judge of others hearts and ways c. such as say so knows not the word of the Lord the life of the Scriptures nor the holy Spirit by which they and the holy men of God were guided that spoke forth the Scriptures as they were moved by the holy Ghost and not by mans will as you may read 2 Pet. i. i9.20.2i i King 2i i8 Elijah the Tishbite who was of the inhabitants of Gilead had the Spirit of prophecie and knew the word of the Lord i Kings i7 and after he had spoken the word of the Lord to Ahab then King of Israel i Kings i7.i. by the Spirit of prophecie the word of the Lord came to Elijah and according to the word of the Lord he did i King i7 2,3,4,5 And hee were fed by the Ravens for a time i King i7 6,7 Afterwards the word of the Lord came to him again and he did according to it as he he were required in obedience to the same i King i7 8 to the end of the Chapter and after many days in the third year the word of the Lord came to Elijah again i King i8 And he shewed himself again unto Ahab and to Obadiah which Obadiah who when Iezebell slew the Lords Prophets hid one hundred of them by Fifties in a Cave and fed them with bread and water because he greatly feared the Lord c. 1 King i8 i,2 to the 16. so according to Elijahs words Obadiah went and told Ahab and Elijah and Ahab met and Elijah caused Ahab then King of Israel to send and gather all Israel unto Mount Carmell and the Prophets of Baal 450 and the Prophets of the Groves 400. which eat at Iezebells Table and Ahab did gather the people of Israel and the said Prophets together unto Mount Carmell i King i8 i6 to the 2i And Elijah came to all the people and said how long halt ye between two opinions c. here he knew their hearts and unfaithfulness to the Lord and after that caused fyre to come down from Heaven c. and when all the people saw it they fell on their faces and they said the Lord he is God the Lord he is God after Elijah had tryed baals Prophets and their God i King 18 2i to the 40. And after baals Prophets were slain and things done by Elijah according to the Counsel and word of the Lord i King i8 40 to the end And he was preserved from bloody minded Iezebell 1 King i9 i,2 He to wit Elijah fled and lay under a Iuniper Tree and requested the Lord who graciously answered and his word came to Elijah in a Cave and he made known to the Lord his minde and complaint about the digging down of the Altars and his escaping and preservation with other things i King i9 3.4 to the end After all that and the Lords gracious answer to Elijah or Elias 1 King i9 Rom. i1 which Elijah anoynted Iehu and Elisha to be Prophets in his steed to judge and execute the word of the Lord i King i9 i5 to the end and after he to wit Elijah or Elias had done so as aforesaid and were returned out of the wilderness after fyre were come downe from Heaven and after the tryall of his God the judge of all by his spirit and power and the tryall of baals and the false Gods of the Heathens and after Elijah had received the word of the Lord in the Cave and had made his complaint to the Lord about the digging down of the Alters and slaying the Prophets after and after beheaded had besyeged Samariah i King 20. to the i3 and after by the direction of a Prophet the Syrians were slaine i King 20 i3 to the 31. and for other passages from the 2i verse to the end of the Chapter And after all those things and passages in the i King 21 i,2 to the i7 after all these things and as aforesaid then again the word of the Lord came to Elijah the Tishbite saying arise go downe to meet Ahab King of Israel and told him where he was to wit in Naboths Vineyard i King 2i i7,18,19 and when Elijah or Elias came to Ahab King of Israel according to the word of the Lord and Eliiah coming to Ahab Ahab said to Eliiah hast thou found me O mine enemy and he answered I have found thee because thou hast sold thy selfe to work evill in the Sight of the Lord i King 2i 20 Eliiah by the Spirit and word of the Lord knew King Ahabs heart in knowing that he had sold himself to work evill in the syght of the Lord as to him Elijah said who in the word of the Lord by his Spirit said in
be in the gall of bitterness and in the bond of iniquity and he told him his heart was not right in the sight of God there he knew and judged his heart Acts 8 2i,22,23 and Peter called some cursed children who had hearts exercised with covetous practises here he knew their hearts and said they was as naturall bruit beasts made to be destroyed and they should utterly perish in their own corruption 2 Pet. 2 i2 i3 i4 c. Here by the Spirit of the Lord he knew the hearts of others and judged them thereby with sore judgment even for destruction and this spirit that did so was not ungospellike but one with the Gospell Spirit as aforesaid therefore be not offended at the spirituall mans judgment for he that is Spirituall judgeth all things as saith the Scripture Paul an Apostle of Iesus Christ with his Spirit discerned the witchcraft and sorcery and judged it and said to Elimas O ful of all subtilty and all mischiefe Acts i3 i5 And he said thou child of the Devill thou enemie of all righteousness wilt thou not cease to pervert the right wayes of the Lord c. Read Acts i3 i0 ii And Iohn in the Revelations knew by the Spirit of the Lord that the world wondered and worshiped the beast all but who had their names written in the Lambs book of life and he so far judged that he knew who should enter into the holy City and who should not but be cast into the lake that burneth with Fire and brimstone did not hee here judge both of things concerning Salvation and Damnation consider and lay it to heart Revel i3 Revel 20. Revel 2i 27 Revel 2i 8 The Ministers of the New Covenant who were able Ministers of the Spirit and not of the Letter 2 Cor. 3.6 They said to some Yee are our Epistles written in our Hearts seen there and read written not with inke but with the Spirit of the Living God in the Tables of the Heart then such as read in the divine writing without inke in the Heart-Tables and see one another there reading in those divine and spiritual Epistles which are with the holy Spirit written in the Heart-Tables such knowes one anothers heart as knows the secrets by knowing what is upon the Tables in the Hearts and such as are Epistles written in one anothers hearts who ees into the Heart-Tables and so reads in the Heart-secrets they therefore also know who are not their Epistles and with the spirit sees the contrary to their spiritual Epistles and so thereby knoweth good and evill assunder and knoweth that the world lyes in wickedness and as by the Spirit they then did know and judg of those things others that are in the same Spirit and life of truth with the same Spirit and truth may now know the same and judg of truth and error assunder and no other way 2 Cor. 3.2,3 i Iohn 5.18 i9,20 i Iohn 4,5,6 The Spiritual man and Ministers of the Gospel by the eternall Spirit were able to judg of things concerning Salvation and damnation and knew the two Mysteries and who were of old ordained for condemnation for saith he in and with the Spirit that ministred thereby and wrote to them that were sanctifyed by God the Father and preserved in Christ Iesus and called Iude i. i Cor. 6 ii He spoke also of certain that were of old ordained for condemnation so far he judged of them Iude 4,5,6 He comprehends old and also knew what should be in the last time and told that they should be such as would walk after their owne ungodly lusts Iude 1.18 2 Pet. the 3.3 And know you not that the unrighteous and such like shall not inherit the Kingdome of God as is spoken of i Cor. 6.9 i0 Gal. 5 i9,20,2i Rev. 22.15 Rev. 14.10 i1 And they who believe not the truth but hath pleasure in unrighteousness are for damnation as it is written in Scripture 2 Thes 2. to the i3 The naturall man is not to judge the Spirituall man neither must the naturall man judge of things concerning salvation and damnation but the Spirituall man may therefore that Scripture is full of truth therein that saith he that is spirituall judgeth all things yet he himself is judged of no man i Cor. 2 i5 Therefore Priests and you that are against the spiritual mans judgment stop your mouths see your error and own your Condemnation to be just thereupon the judgment of the spiritual man stands upon you all Something to that about Tythes in answer thereunto briefely or in short c. NAthanael Stephens Priest at Drayton I heard thee plead for Tythes in the evening from that of Melchizedeck whereupon I answered and said in short That Melchizedecks Order was no ground for thy error for Melchizedeck had no command to take tythes or compell them neither had Abraham any command nor known Law by which he was required to pay them they was a free-will offering done to Melchizedeck at one time and no more according to that order not the thenths of Mens Labours and yeerly increase but the tenths of spoyls onely given by Abraham to Melchizedeck after he had blessed him upon the returne from the slaughter of the Kings not stated to Melchizedeck by a knowne Law nor for succeeding ages a free-will offering onely out of the spoyles from Abraham to Melchizedeck King of Salem at one time and no more Gen. i4 i7 i8,19,20 c. answering Heb. the 7. Then he and they who have no blessing for the people and takes tyths before Enemies be subdued and claims them by command yeerly compelling people to pay them by a Law not the tenths of spoyls of the Souldiery onely but mens labours and yeerly increase of Hay and Corne Hemp and Flax Lamb and VVool Eggs Geese and Piggs money for Kine and Calves Mares and Foals money for smoke passing up peoples Chimneys and for Bees c. Such are not after Melchizedecks Order he did not so then such as do as aforesaid are in error as thou art therefore from that of Melchizedeck to be denyed and thy ways against testifyed Neither art thou after the Order of Aaron and Levi who had a command to take tythes but thou art not purifyed as they was nor set apart to do their work and service which they did that had a command to take Tythes a peculiar gift onely for their service under that Priesthood which being ended and thou out of their work and service therefore denyed for the Priesthood being changed there was of necessity a change of the Law also and the Gospel is now witnessed where Tythes were never commanded but freely preached according to the Command of him who is of Iudahs Tribe which gave no attendance at that Altar under the Priesthood in which Tythes were paid as the Scriptures witnesseth Heb. 7.12 i3,14 Mat. i0 Act. 20.33,34,35 1 Cor. 9 i6 i7 i8 They who had command to take Tythes by a Law such were
are gone out into the world i Ioh. 4 i And your spirit and doctrine is tryed and proved to be contrary to the Apostles who had the Spirit of God dwelling in them and were guided by it and the Spirituall man judged all things but you bring a contrary Doctrine to theirs that saith the Spirituall man doth not judge all things here you have the lying spirit you also said you had not the same spirit that the Apostles of Christ had so a contrary as it is tryed therefore are you the false Prophets that are gone out into the world preaching for hyre and seeking your gaine from your quarter and so to be denyed and declared against as such false teachers was Ier. 5 30,3i Isa 56 i0 ii And you that said you had not the same spirit that the Apostles had your spirit is the false spirit and not the true then not the spirit of God therefore you are to be holden accursed and also your doctrine that is contrary and by a contrary spirit to theirs Gal. i,8,9 The Apostles and ministers of Christ and the New-Covenant were able Ministers of the spirit 2 Cor. 3.6 and they had the spirit of God dwelling in them i Iohn 3.24 i Cor. 2 i2 Rom. 8 i4,15 i6 And they that had the spirit of God to wit Christs Apostles you said you had not the same spirit that they had then the spirit of error therefore are you none of Christs Apostles nor Ministers that hath not his spirit for if any man have not the spirit of Christ they are none of his Rom. 8.9 but the Apostles and Ministers of Christ had the spirit of Christ and were made able Ministers thereby 2 Cor. 3.6 and by it they knew that they was his Rom. 8 i5 i6 i7 and you that say you have not their spirit you have not the spirit of Christ and so are none of his for they had his spirit out of your own mouths are you judged who have shewed a false spirit and a spirit of error whereby you are known and your spirit tryed and proved to be that spirit of error and so you that are in the spirit of error are those false Prophets that are gone out into the world i Iohn 4 i who through Covetousness makes a prey upon the people as such in your nature did Ezek. 34. Mic. 3 ii 2. Pet. 2. Iude ii And you that say the spirituall man doth not judg all things when the Minister of the spirit and spirituall man in his Doctrine said he doth judge all things as by Scripture is proved here again you ly of the Scriptures and cross the Spirituall Mans doctrine and bringeth a contrary doctrine to the Spirituall Mans Doctrine therefore sylence deceivers and stop your mouths you are not to be received into the house of believers but to be holden accursed as the Scripture saith 2 Iohn 9 i0 i1 Galathians i. 8 You two Priests are manifested to be out of the Apostles Doctrine and false witnesses against the truth of the Spirituall Mans Doctrine for hee that is spirituall judgeth all things so saith the Scriptures and you ly against plain Scripture and saith the Spiritual Man doth not judg all things the Spiritual Mans words proves the truth against your error and deceit for he who was the learned Apostle in the Spiritual truths doth affirm the truth of the thing and saith he that is Spirituall judgeth all things proved in 1 Cor. 2 i5 And they had an unction from the holy one who thereby knew all things proved by sound words in Scripture i Iohn 2.20 He that said the Spirituall man judged all things is to be beleeved before you for he had the spirit of God guiding him and you say you have not the same Spirit therefore are you and your doctrine to be denyed and he thae said the Spirituall man judged all things is to beleeved before you for he knew the counsell of God witnessed by Scripture Acts 20.26,27,28 but you that have not the Apostles Spirit as you said you had not you are out of the Counsel of God also which they stood in and therefore are you to be denyed declared against by such as stand in the counsel of God as the Gospel ministers did Acts 20. 27. who your selves are found lyars of the Apostle that stood in the Counsel of God and falfe witnesses against his doctrine that shunned not to declare the Counsel of God which you are not in that said the Spirituall man did not judg all things and the SCRIPTURE saith Hee doth judge all Things and is to bee believed and you are by the life of them judged and denyed who also said you had not an infallible spirit and said you had not the same Spirit that the Apostles had then you have the fallible false lying Spirit the spirit of error as it is proved and as you to the Children of light have manifessed your selves your dark Caves will not hide you who be in the works of darkness Therefore can wee the CHILDREN of LIGHT have no fellowship with your unfruitfull VVORKS of DARKNESSE but rather reprove them as wee are required proved Ephesians 5 ii And woe to you and all such who are covered but not with the SPIRIT of the LORD who adds Sin unto Sin as such in your nature do and aforetime did read Isa 30 i Another Example concerning the SPIRITUALL MANS Iudgement the SPIRIT of the LORD in STEPHEN the Messenger of GOD who were full of the HOLY GHOST that SPIRIT in and through him did see the IEVVS hearts and so far judged them that they were wounded or cut to the very hearts such as were out of Stephens Righteous life for in the Spirit he saw there inwards and told them they was uncircumcised in hearts and judging the uncircumcision of the hearts he judged the seat of enmity and Rebellion from whence proceeded the enmity that resisâ—ted the Holy Ghost and so he saw the secrets of their hearts and were able to judge the deceipt by the spirit given him of the Lord and by the same spirit in the gift or discerning with it others of the Messengers and Servants of God in the power of the Holy Ghost may see the uncircumcision of the heart and reprove and judg the enmity therein in the hearts of others where it is uncrucifyed though at it they rage now as then they did at him Stephen a man full of power and the holy Ghost said ye uncircumcised in hearts ye always resist the Holy Ghost as did your fathers so do ye and judging the uncircumcision of the heart that is judged which is for condemnation for who are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands the body of Sin is thereby put off and the enmitie slaine for therein lay the enmity in Sins body which being put off there is no confydence in the flesh but unyon with the Father through the Son enjoyed and witnessed and things judged by the
eternall Spirit both concerning salvation and condemnation for such as beleeved not the truth but hath pleasure in unrighteousness are for damnation as in the Spiritual mans doctrine is witnessed Acts 7 5i c. Philip. 3.3 Colos 2 ii and Ephes 3.14 i5 i6 2 Thes 2 i2 Priest Chester thou said Peter though an Apostle knew not the heart of another and so thou said a man might know and be able to judg his own heart but not the heart of another And the Priest of Drayton with the affirmed thee same to manifest your lyes against the truth and your enmity against the Spirituall mans judgment Then I took a bible and read Peters words of sound truth to confute your error there in that time instead of maintaining your cause according to truth you could not but suffered the rude people to hale me and others away and they stopped my mouth with hands and gloves and made one of us to bleed Oh shame upon such a profession teachers and people the end is seene and the fruits of it accursed that is out of the light and out of the truth the Lord is against such for as a Troop of Robbers wait for a man so the company of Priests murder in the way by consent proved Hosea 6. and 9. and there is like Priest like people as their fruits make it manifest and as may be read in Hosea the 4. and 9. And whereas you Priests and lyars said that Peter though an Apostle yet he knew not the heart of another and so you would have raised enmity against the truth saying one might know their owne hearts but not the hearts of others therefore ought they not to judge of the hearts of other men c. Now I shall answer that according to truth being by Scripture proved that Peter an Apostle did know the heart of another and judg the enmity therein which were conceived against the holy Ghost and so against the truth then by and with the same Spirit that was then in Peter the hearts of others may be seen and known therefore is and may the enmity be judged in others hearts by the Spirit of truth as was then but Peter by the spirit given him of God he did know anothers Heart to wit Annanias as then I said til I were haled away by the rude people and might not then be suffered to plead the truth against your deceipts let the honest hearted read Peters words of truth Act. 5. And with his Spirit where it is manifested to rule the heart and guide and govern in the understanding with the gift of the Spirit in the discerning such may judge your pride and deceipt who lies against the truth as then you did Read Acts 5. and there Peter knew the hearts of others and judged the deceipt therein of such by the Spirit of the Lord that Sinned against the truth and the holy Ghost and lyed not to men but to the Lord as Annanias and Saphira did and Peter said to him Annanias why hath Satan filled thine heart to lie against the holy Ghost Acts 5.3 And why hast thou conceived this thing in thine heart thou hast not lyed unto men but unto God Acts 5.4 Annanias hearing these words fell down and gave up the Ghost and great fear came upon them that heard these things c. Acts 5.5,6 And Peter said to his wife how is it that ye have agreed to tempt the Spirit of the Lord behold the feet of them that have buried thy husband are at the dore and shall carry thee out then fell she down straightway and yeilded up the Ghost c. Acts 5.7,8,9 i0 Here Peter knew the deceipt of two hearts to wit Annanias and Saphira he knew that Satan had filled their hearts and that they had lyed against the Holy Ghost and that they had tempted the Spirit of the Lord and as Peter knew it by the Spirit of the Lord given unto him from the Lord so others with the same gift from the Lord in the Revelation upon the Spirituall Rock on which the Church of God is built with the same Spirit others on that Rock may see and know deceiptfull and evil hearts and Spirits that are not of that Rock as he did being the gift of God to discern Spirits i Cor. i2 i0 Therefore those that have the discerning and gift given for that end to try Spirits whether they be of God or no the spirit of truth may judge the Spirit of error and deceipt and Sit where Satan Sits in others hearts as it did and the Spirituall man may judge the deceitful heart and the Servant of the Lord may condemn the lying tongue it is a gift proper to him from God according to the Fathers promise who hath said to his in his word every tongue that shall rise up in judgment against thee thou shalt condemn this is the heritage of the Servants of the Lord and their righteousness is of me saith the Lord Isa 54 i7 Therefore be not offended at the Spirituall Mans judgment but let the deceipt of the heart be judged none are offended at it but such as are guilty and condemned by the light of God in their own consciences that answers the judgment to be just upon all who act contrary to the truth and loves darkness rather than the light Ioh. 3.19,20,21 and seeing it is the heritage of the servants of the Lord to condemn every tongue that shall rise up in judgment against them Isa 51 i7 Then there is no condemnation to such as be in the light and so in Christ Iesus Iohn 8.12 Rom. 8 i Therefore they may execute the word of the Lord and do his service and work in condemning deceitfull and evil tongues that riseth up in false judgment against them with joy may they do it because of the Lord their righteousness who hath given them such a gift and a priviledg worh their inheritance for this is the heritage of the servants of the Lord to i â—ondemn every tongue that riseth in judgment against them therefore theâ—…â—…ghteous Spirit may judge the evill heart and the servant of the Lord according to his word may condemn the lying tongue that riseth in judgment against him but the wicked are not to judge the righteous seed which God hath for ever blessed yet the seed of God may judge the seed of the serpent according to the word of the LORD at this the SERPENT is offended because by the righteous seed hee is judged and condemned but there is no condemnation to them that are in CHRIST IESUS who walhk not after the flesh but after the Spirit Rom. 8. and they that are Christs ave crucifyed the flesh with the affections and lust thereof Gal. 5.24 And where judgment is brought forth into victory and the fylth of the flesh purâ—…ed out by the spirit of judgment and the spirit of burning Isa 4. There the hearts judg is witnessed ruler and the consuming Fire and