35.8 although a fool if he walks therein cannot err 2. How shall this way be known It is to be known by the Revelation of the Son Mat. 11.17 John 3.35 Gal. 1.16 to whom all things are delivered which Revelation is in us by vertue of the Eternal and Holy Spirit of Truth 3. How shall the Spirit of Truth be known from the Spirit of Error It may be known according to that direction delivered in the Holy Scriptures by this may the Spirit of Truth be known from the Spirit of Error Joh. 16.8.13 because it reproves the world of sin so when any one finds in himself the Convictions and Reproofs of sin let him know it is by the discovery of the Spirit of Truth which Spirit will guide and lead all them that follow it into all Truth when I tell a lye that which discovers this to me is the Holy Spirit if I deal deceitfully Rob Murther or be tempted to any of these things that which discovers and reproves these things is this Holy Spirit by which if we suffer our selves to be guided we shall be lead and guided out of those things and gradatim as we become obedient to the motions thereof we shall be able with the Apostle Paul to say 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Plusquam victores sumus we are more than Conquerours Rom. 8.13.14 37. The knowledg of this then is that which leads to the knowledge of God and is that by which the deeds of the Body are to be mortified Gal. 4.5.6 7. and by which we also witness the Adoption of Sons 4. By what other names is this Spirit of Truth known or called It is called the Grace of God which bringeth Salvation teaching us Tit. 2.11 that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world John 14.26 It is called the Holy Ghost which shall teach us all things Joh. 16.8 The Comforter which shall reprove the world of sin of Righteousness and of Judgment 1 Joh. 2.27 The Anointing which is in us and abideth with us that no man need to teach us John 1.9 The Light which lighteth every man which cometh into the world Christ formed in us Gal. 4.19 when it comes to rule and have dominion in us and by many other names according to the state condition and growth of the Soul therein Isai 4.4 as the Spirit of Judgment and Burning when it comes to purge purifie and cleanse the Soul and destroy the sin thereof Jud. 24.25 A Saviour when it has Redeemed and keep the Soul not only out of sin but also from falling Mat. 1.21 The Breasts of Consolation when the Creature through obedience comes to witness a new Birth and to lie down in the will of the Father Isa 66.9.10.11.12 and is made partaker of the dayly incomes of the Spirit of Life in satisfaction and enjoyment thereof and by many other the like names 5. Have all men received a measure hereof Yea All men have received a portion thereof Isa 52.10 Ps 98.2.3 some one Talent some two and some five more or less according to the good pleasure of the the Giver Luk. 3.6 This Grace the Apostle Paul saith 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Tit. 2.11 Apparavit omnibus hominibus 1 Cor. 12.7 hath appeared unto all men and it was given to them to profit withal Eph. 3.12 that when they come before the Judgment Seat of God Rom. 1.19 20. they might either appear with boldness or be left without excuse 6. If all men have received thereof what is the reason that all are not saved by it or is it insufficient It is not insufficient but is the power of God to Salvation Isa 63.10 but the reason why all men are not saved by it 1 Tim. 1.19 is because they refuse its reproofs and will have none of its Instruction but making shipwrack of Faith and a good Conscience turn the grace of God into wantonness upon whom God shall not be slack Eph. 5.5 6. but render Vengance in flames of fire whose destruction is just 7. What do's this Holy Spirit teach us It Teaches us to know and fear the Lord our God and to love and obey him all the days of our Lives the knowledge of whom is life Eternal and the fear of whom is to depart from evil which is the beginning of Wisdome the love of whom is peace and joy in the Holy Ghost and the obedience to whom gives us the fulness of an assureance for ever more 8. What do's the knowledge of God teach us It teaches us the knowledg of the Son of God Luk. 1.27.31 which in the fulness of time was conceived of the Holy Ghost and born of a Virgin and made in all things like unto us sin only excepted Gal. 1.51.16 For so the Apostle Paul saith when it pleased God to reveal his Son in him 9. By what ways and means do's God usually reveal his Son to the Sons of Men Various ways sometimes by the immediate Inspiration of his Spirit Isa 7.14 and so he revealed him to his Prophets of old that he should come Mat. 1.23 and how and after what manner sometimes by the mouths of his Servants the Prophets and so them which received their Testimony by the witness of the Spirit of God in themselves Heb. 1.1 came also through faith to look to him which was to be after made manifest in flesh Luk. 2.26.30 To others by his real appearance in flesh according to the many faithful promises of God who having purged our sins Heb. 1.3 is set down on the right hand of the Majesty on high Joh. 1.14 And lastly to us by the witness of the holy Record the Scriptures of Truth by which we know he is come Luk. 2.7 and that he has given us a dispensation of the Spirit of Truth Mat. 2.1 even the Anointing which shall teach us all things 1 Cor. 12.7 which holy Unction beareth witness to that Record 1 John 2.27 whereby we know it is Truth which twofold cord we think is not easily broken 10. Why did God leave that Record amongst us Because it was his good pleasure 2 Tim. 3.16 to teach us and inform us and to direct us to his holy Spirit which gave that forth that by it we might be lead and guided into all truth and for the same reason that he gave some Apostles and some Prophets and some Evangelists and some Pastors and Teachers Eph. 4.11 12 13 14. for the perfecting of the Saints for the work of the Ministry for the edifying of the body of Christ till we all come into the Unity of the Faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ 11. If that Spirit be sufficient what need
Shame but that which causes Repentance grieving that we should so long as we have done put off the day There is only required for the condemnation of us the Judgment of our Adversaries their bare affirmation of the matter wherewith we are charged is enough to pronounce us guilty and to expose us to the publick hatred of the misguided World 7. Now to let the World know our Principles we shall do our endeavour to express our Faith in a larger Character than that in which we have but now declared it Not but that which William Pen has said is the substance of all that can be spoken But because all are not of equal Capacities and that the aforesaid word Doctrine is by Adversaries abused and we thereby rendred to hold such things as are repugnant to the Holy Scriptures we shall here do our endeavour to rend the Vail and dispel these Clouds which either has or may yet blind the mind and understanding of the Intellectual part of Man We believe that there is One only Heb. 11.6 Great Almighty Eternal and holy God Eph. 4.5.6 the Maker Creator and upholder of all things Nehem. 9.20 who has given a measure of his Spirit or Grace unto all Men by which they might come to know him the true God Gen. 1.1 the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ Joh. 1.9 Through this Grace we believe that Jesus Christ our Lord Tit. 2.11 was in the fulness of time manifest in flesh 1. Cor. 12.7 being Conceived of the Holy Ghost Born of a Virgin Mat 1.20 and made in all things like unto us 1. Tim. 6.13 sin only excepted That he witnessed a good Confession before Pontius Pilate Act. 2.23.32 was condemned suffered the death of the Cross Heb. 10.12 was Buried and rose again the third day Ascended Heb. 8.1 and in his own glorious and Heavenly Body Eph. 1 2â— sits at the right hand of the Heavenly Majesty Phil. 7.9 And that this same Jesus God hath highly exalted and given him a Name above every Name Joh. 3.16 that whosoever believes in him Act. 4.12 should not perish but have everlasting life Joh. 3.16 and that there is no other Name under Heaven given among Men Joh. 11.26 whereby we must be saved We believe in the Holy Ghost Joh. 14.17.26 which is the Spirit of truth the Vnction or Anointing from the Holy One that he proceedeth from the Father Joh. 16.13.15 and will shew us things to come 1. Joh. 2.20.27 and that he beareth witness of the Son and will dwell both with us and in us and that he shall teach us all things and abide with us for ever Eph. 28. Through the teachings and demonstrations of this Holy Spirit we believe 1. Joh. 5.4 that as through faith in Christ we shall be saved so that by the vertue of that faith we shall overcome the World Tit. 2.12.14 and bring forth the blessed fruits of Repentance in an boly Life Eph. 1.7 We also believe that Sanctification is by the blood of Jesus Heb. 9.14 and that so far as we are sanctified so far we are justified and so far made the Righteousness of God in him Phil. 3.9.10 And we believe that the Righteousness of Christ is no otherwise imputed unto us but as we are true Believers and in conformity to his death and sufferings Heb 2.9 And that although Christ our Lord made his Soul an Offering for sin tasted death for every Man and is a propitiation for the sins of the whole World 1. Joh. 2.2 yet none receives the peculiar benefit thereof unless through faith in his name power 2. Thes 2.12 or spirit denying themselves and taking up the daily Cross Col. 3.5 they dye unto sin and live unto righteousness and so through a mortification of the deeds of the flesh come to witness a new Birth Tit. 3.5 and Regeneration in Spirit Joh. 4.23 We believe that the Worship of God is a Spiritual Worship Joh. 3.3.5 and that they that Worship him Rom. 6.4 must Worship in Spirit and Col. 2.11.12.14 truth and that we are Circumcised with the Circumcision made without hands Eph. 1.12 in putting off the Body of the sins of the flesh by the Circumcision of Christ Rom. 2.26.29 and in like manner Buried with him in Baptisin if we be also risen with him Philip. 3.3 through the faith of the opperation of God who hath raised him from the dead Eph. 2.15 And that he has blotted out the Handwriting of Ordinances which was against us which was contrary unto us and took it out of the way nayling it unto his Cross Col. 3.17 We believe that Prayer and Thanksgivings are incumbent duties 1 Thes 5.17.18 and holy Ordinances of Gods spiritual Worship to all the Worshipers in Gods holy Temple Prov. 2â— â— 27 but being performed and not in the sence and power of the holy Spirit and in the fear and dread of Gods great and glorious name Psa 50.16 they are not only sin but an abomination to the Lord. Isa 66.3 And we believe that the holy Scriptures are the Jer. 6.20 Declarations Amos. 5.22 Writings and Testimonies not only of holy Men but of the Spirit of Truth it self and that they ought to be read believed and practised 2. Tim. 3.15 being profitable for Doctrine reproof correction and instruction in righteousness that the Man of God might have comfort through the same be made perfect and throughly furnished unto all good works and through faith in Jesus Christ our Lord are able Joh. 5.28.29 to make wise unto salvation Lastly We believe the Resurection of the Dead both of the just 1. Cor. 15.16.17 and unjust the one to salvation to an Inheritance Incorruptible and undefiled which fadeth not away 1. Pet. 1.4 reserved in Heaven where our vile or low Bodies shall be changed Phil. 3.21 and fashioned like unto his glorious Body 2. Pet. 3.7 according to the working of his mighty power whereby he is able to subdue all things unto himself the other to Condemnation and wrath Eph. 1.19 according to the Judgement of the great day 8. Having thus in few words given an account of our Faith without any Equivocation Mental Reservation or secret Evasion we must tell the Adversary in the words of our Lord that Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh By thy words thou shalt be justified and by thy words thou shalt be condemned Our good Confession then being fully agreeable with the tenour and sense of the holy Scriptures is not only an Evidence to our Salvation but also a matter of Justification thereby demonstrating that it is as well the intent and belief of our hearts as the expressions of our mouths And we think the Dilemma is
Contradicts the holy Scriptures which say Flesh and Blood shall in no wise inherit the Kingdom of God if not Elemental it loses its Accidents and then cannot be the same but do's as much differ as a Natural and Spiritual But with the Apostle Paul we say The Body that is sown is not the Body that shall be it is sown an Earthly but is raised a Spiritual the which Spiritual Body shall really be Our Body 6. He says that The Light in every man he should have said the Light of Christ which is the Light of the Spirit of the Living God but we will suppose that is his meaning for if it be not he there also wrongs us could never teach discover or reveal unto him that Christ was born of a Virgin and that he dyed and rose again though that Light did teach them that Lying Stealing Drunkenness and the like was sin yet it could not tell how God would Pardon and Save This is the greatest Presumption that ever I met withal to charge Gods Holy and Wiâ—e Spirit with inability as that because it do's not ordinarily do those things that therefore it cannot do them before our Lord was manifest in flesh it revealed not unto all that he should come and be born of a Virgin yet to some it did to wit to his Servants the Prophets and shall we believe that that Spirit which did reveal to some that Christ should come in such a manner could not if it so pleased the Divine Wisdome reveal the same to some others since he is come if there had deen no record thereof in being since his Arm is not shortned that he is God and changes not but is the same to day yesterday and for ever But thanks be to God the Record of the Son of God is left amongst us yet I ask the Adversary one Question How he knows that Record to be Truth except that God has revealed it to him by his Holy Spirit which he so slights and dispises 7. He saith that Every man in the world is not enlightned with the Light of Christ because that the Scripture saith that many are in darkness and stumble and have no Light in them Here the Adversary contradicts not us but the Scriptures and gives the Holy Spirit which dictated them the Lye for they testifie that that Light which John came to bear witness of was the true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world John 1.7 8 9. The Adversary Errs not knowing the Scriptures nor the Power of God We doubt not but many do quench the Holy Spirt else how should the Candle of the wicked be so often put out there may be a time in which the Spirit of the Lord may cease striving with man because that he is flesh and may give him up to strong delusions and to believe a Lye that he might be damned but the reason is because he believed not the Truth but had pleasure in Unrighteousness Who are they that daily Crucifie afresh the Lord of Glory and put him to open shame to whom is he a Stone of stumbling and a Rock of Offence to them who shall stumble and fall and be broken and be snared and be taken From whom was the Talent or capacity of Salvation taken away but from him that had not improved it yet it appears by the Context he had a time of receiving of it The fault is not in the Giver for he without respect of Persons gives to all but in him to whom the offer is made that he accepts it not There is a great difference between Lumen Illuminatio and Illuminatus between the thing it self the action of the thing and the matter upon which it operates The Light and Spirit of God is a free gift to all and because it is a living and active thing it cannot but enlighten all and so without doubt it do's that they might reap benefit thereby in the first place till such time as the heart waxes gross that man stops his ears and closes his eyes lest he should see with his eyes and hear with his ears and understand with his heart and should be converted and healed and in this state man is not only said to be without Light or true understanding but also without God in the world and in that sense he is said to be without God because he is not with him nor joyned to him in his Spirit but is at a distance and opposition with him But yet his Judgment and Condemnation follows such And we have one reason more to believe that the Grace of God has appeared to all men not because that wicked men turn it into wantonness and set at nought the reproofs threof Prov. 1.23 25. But because that God might be just when he judges and man might be left without excuse when he condemns for that he gave unto him his good Spirit but he rebelled against it Nehem. 9.20 26 33. Psal 51.4 Prov. 1.29 30 31. which Spirit persues the Rebellious to the Pit of Misery 8. He saith that men may sin out all sence of sin and become dark and have no light in th m The first part of this Assertion is very strange and positively contradicts the very Letter of the Holy Scripture for to those that were so bad as that they had transgressed after all the Abominations of the Heathen which mocked the Messengers of God dispised his Words and misused his Prophets yet the Lord sent to them his Messengers rising up betimes and sending them because he had compassion on them even so long till there was no remedy till the very time that his wrath brake forth upon them 2 Chron. 36.14 15 16. And the Apostle Paul saith That those which did not like to retain God in their knowledge who were given up to a reprobate mind and were filled with all Vnrighteousness Fornication Covetousness Wickedness Maliciousness full of Envy Murther Malice Debate Deceit Malignity Whisperers Backbiters Haters of God Dispiteful Prowd Boasters Inventers of evil things disobedient to Parents without Vnderstanding Covenant breakers without Natural Affection Implacable and Vnmerciful that these knew the Judgments of God that they which commit such things are worthy of Death yet notwithstanding did not only do the same but also had pleasure in them which did them Rom. 1.28 29 30 31 32. As to the last part of this Assertion and the next following in his Paper we have fully answered in the preceding Paragraph 9. The next thing the Adversary urges for is a Dispute as though it was impossible for him to prove his Charges in any other way Either the Adversary can prove what he asserts or he cannot If he can prove what he says and will not without a Publick Dispute it argues his want of Charity for who is he that has any thing of Christian Charity in him that shall see another in the Paths of Error and in the way that leads to the eternal destruction of
is there of Scriptures Ministers Teachers and the like Though the Spirit or Anointing be sufficiently able both to teach and reveal yet by reason of the darkness of mens minds John 14.26 and understandings being alienated from the life of God Eph. 4.18 through the Ignorance that is in them it was necessary to have the witness and directions both of the Scriptures Jer. 1.5 and Gods chosen Vessels some of which were sanctified in the womb for that purpose as Jeremiah to direct them to the knowledge of that Holy Spirit Isa 49.1.5 which shall lead them into all Truth And because the Spirit of Truth is the same in all and answers through every Vessel as face answers face in a glass 2 Pet. 1.12 therefore the Saints of old were not negligent to put us always in remembrance of these things though we know them and are established in this present Truth 12. What is the Office of the Spirit of Truth The Office of the Spirit of Truth is to Reprove to Teach and to Sanctifie Rom. 15.16 It Reproves of Sin of Righteousness and of Judgment It teaches us the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ It Sanctifies in body soul and Spirit through Faith in his holy name 13. How does it Reprove It Reproves by witnessing in our Consciences against all our evil ways in thought word Ro. 1.32 Eph. 5.5 and deed testifying against and condemning the same showing that all such as do those things are worthy of death and can have no inheritance in the Kingdom of Christ and of God 14. How does it teach It teaches us by the example of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ to deny our selves and take up the daily Cross that as he dyed and offered one Sacrifice once for all for sin even the sins of the whole world so we also every one in particular should dayly dye to sin that through a mortification of the deeds of the the flesh we might come to witness a holy life in all righteousness in Spirit a new Birth a new man a new life in which Christ only rules and dwells all which is only to be known through the sanctification of the whole intire being 15. How does this Spirit Sanctifie It Sanctifies through Faith in the name of the dear Son of God which faith brings forth a lively hope by which the heart is purified as God is pure and if this Purification be not witnessed the faith is very much to be questioned for the true faith being grounded upon Knowledge and that Knowledge upon the Revelations of the holy spirit must needs have a purging force for who is he that shall really believe from a present Knowledge of the same the wrath of God to be revealed against the man of sin and all manner of unrighteousness of men and shall come to know the terrors of the Lord who is able to cast into Eternal Flames and yet shall persist on in their Wickedness what Vigor what force has the true Faith in it what a strong cord is that which holds the Anchor of hope no less than the possession of an Eternal Inheritance an Everlasting life in an Immense Ocean of Joy and unspeakable satisfaction in the Lord in the presence and communion of his Saints and holy Angels 16. How does this Faith Operate in the Soul There are several ministrations and dispensations and yet by the same Spirit the ministration of Condemnation which is a gloriouswork is first to be known Mount Sina is the way that tends to Mount Sion there is a Wilderness between AEgypt Canaan the Thunders the Jugments the Terrors are first to be past through before the feet of that Messenger which brings the Message of the glad tydings of Peace can be known there is nothing but the death of the first life can satisfie the wrath Isa 52. 7. and that Life that Spirit that Power is that which makes the Attonement and makes the Soul lay hold thereof thus the new Birth comes to be known the holy Life to be witnessed and that to appear which can behold the Mercy-Seat with open face Till then the Cherubims which are in number two according to the two dispensations of the Law and Gospel which are beaten out of the Mercy Seat and Figure out the Condemnation of the said dispensations Rev. 11.5.6 do like the two Witnesses out of whose mouth Fire proceedeth and who have power to smite the Earth with Plagues still remain 17. This Christian Pattern seems to be very hard how far must we go before we can enter into the good Land The work of Condemnation is first to be gone through before an enterance into the good Land can be administred mean season with Moses as a Servant upon Mount Nebo mayest thou have a sight thereof behold the excellency and the goodness thereof have great knowledge and openings of the Divine Life and infinitely desire it yet have no admittance till the vail of flesh is put off till the low carnal mind which is for death is dead and buryed till nothing but the pure part remains till even the Perfection of Holyness comes to be known 18. How Is perfection to be expected in this Life Yes And if our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ speak truth without any difficulty Mat. 11.30 Take my yoak upon you for my yoak is easie and my burthen light the which is confirmed by the mouth of the beloved Desciple who saith his Commandments are not grievous 1 Joh. 5.3 and what are his Commandments Be ye perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect love one another which Love saith the Apostle Paul is the bond of perfection to which he often exhorts the Saints But let us a little consider this Perfection more narrowly In what do we offend daily doubtless you will answer in thought or word or deed he then that offends not in one of these three is a Perfect man but saist thou how can this be I answer thee The God whom we worship and adore is an Almighty God and through his Almighty Power is not only able to keep us from falling Jud. 24. but also faultless and shall we mistrust his Power shall we doubt his Almightiness No No. How shall we do then I 'le tell thee thou must watch the Command is given to all I say saith the Lord watch Thou saist thou canst not how then that is true of thy self thou canst not the Psalmist saith Except the Lord keep the City the Watchmen watch in vain Thou hast many enemies to contend withal thou art but newly got out of Aegypt how shalt thou venture to engage them the answer is short and ready stand still wait and thou shalt see the Salvation of God since thou canst do nothing that is good go not backward rather stand still that good Spirit that has brought thee one step onward of the way if but barely out of Aegypt he