days hence Acts 1. 5. And we do believe that this Baptism is alone needful unto Salvation to wit the Baptism of the Holy Ghost seeing the Baptism is but one that is necessary as is proved before And this is the Baptism that the Apostle Paul spake of when he said By one Spirit are we all Baptized in to one Body 1 Cor. 12. 13. Mark Christ said Ye shall be Baptized with the Holy Ghost And the Apostle Paul said By one Spirit are we all Baptized Now this was no Water-Baptism for it was done by the Spirit of God and not with Water by Man And the Apostle further said As many of you as have been Baptized unto Christ have put on Christ Gal. 3. 27. Now they that have put on Christ are in Christ And if any Man be in Christ he is a new Creature 2 Cor. 5. 17. And now that which we do desire of People every where is that they will turn in their minds unto the gift of Gods Spirit in their own Hearts and wait to be made a new by it Qu. 20. Whether the Lord's Supper as to its Administration and Participation be not a Duty still incumbent upon Christians in these Days that is whether Persons ought not to take Real Bread and eat it and Real Wine and drink it in Remembrance of the Death of Christ Jesus Answ Not incumbent in the Type or Figure but in the Substance or Antitype Antiquery 1. Where proves the Queriest that the Lord's Supper in this Gospel-day consists of eating outward Bread or drinking outward Wine 2. What was really the Lords Supper in the Figure and what in the Substance or Mystery 3. Were not the outward Bread and Cup typical or figurative of the Spiritual Meat and Drink 4. What Commemoration of him or his Death by outward Sign is comparable to his own inward Spiritual coming and appearance See the first Epistle of John Chap 5. 20 But we know that the Son of God is come and hath given us an Vnderstanding to know him that is true and we are in him that is true This is the true God and Eternal Life and we are Witnesses of his Second coming without Sin unto Salvation and we eat his Flesh and drink his Blood by which we have Life John 6. 56 57 As the living Father hath sent me and I live by the Father so he that eateth me shall live by me But the Jews it is said strove among themselves saying How can this man give us his Flesh to eat The Apostle Paul tells us There were them that did eat and drink unworthily not discerning the Lord's Body and what that Body was some did eat Must not the Lord's Body be discerned by true Believers Rev. 3. 20. Christ saith Behold I stand at the Door and knock if any one hear my Voice and open the Door I will come in to him and Sup with him and he with me And this Supper is not outward And the Lord said by his Prophet He would make unto all People in his holy Mountain a Feast of fat things And the Apostle Paul saith in Cor. 10. 14 15 16 17. Wherefore my dearly Beloved flee from Idolatry I speak as to Wise men judge ye what I say The Cup of Blessing which we bless is it not the Communion of the Blood of Christ The Bread which we break is it not the Communion of the Body of Christ For we being many are one Bread and one Body For we are partakers of that one Bread and the Bread of God is he that comes down from Heaven and gives Life to the World This was the Saints Food in all Ages But of this Spiritual Food and Communion thâ—u art ignorant who art ignorant of the Light in which the Saints fellowship was and is and such as walk in it have and do know the Blood of Christ cleansing them from all Sin so that the Substance being witnessed to such here is no need of outward Signs to put them in Remembrance and this the Apostle Paul laboured to know the Power of his Death and the Vertue of his Resurrection Qu. 21. Whether any of the Sons or Daughters of Adam are able to attain to a Sinless Perfection in this Life Answ Yea by the Power of Christ and not of themselves The Work of the Ministry is for the perfecting of the Saints Ephes 4. 11 12 13. And although we say as the Scriptures testifie It is attainable yet not without great Diligence and Watchfulness to the Power of God And the Apostle Peter 1 Pet. 1. 3 4 writing to the Saints saith Blessed be God the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ which according to his abundant Mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the Dead to an Inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that fadeth not away reserved in Heaven for you who are kept by the Power of God through Faith unto Salvation which is prepared to be shewed in the last Times The Power of God is greater to keep out of Sin then the power of Satan to lead into Sin So said Christ Greater is he that is in you then he that is in the World But this Perfection spoken of admits of degrees and a growth as a Child when born if compleat in all its Parts and Members is said to be a perfect Child so it is in the new Birth he that is born of the Spirit and lives up to the Manifestations of it may be said to be perfect in kind and yet there may be a growth still John writes to Little Children whose Sins were forgiven them for his Names sake as also he writes to Young Men because they had overcome the Wicked One and to Fathers because they had know him that was from the beginning And the Apostle preacht Wisdom among them that are perfect but not the Wisdom of this World which denyeth it But God Christ and the Apostles exhort unto it Job was said to be a perfect man And Paul was crucified to the World and the World to him and Christ lived in him And the Life saith he I now live is by the Faith of the Son of God who loved me and gave himself for me And he had faught a good Fight finished his Course and kept the Faith Henceforth there is laid up for me said he a Crown of Righteousness Qu. 22. Whether the Quakers expect to be saved with a Christ within them or a Christ without them Answ This is an Unlearned and Unscriptural Question They profess not two Christs but the one very Christ of God within them and without them according to holy Scriptures That Christ we expect Salvation by is both within and without as hath been sufficiently expressed how he suffered for Sin the Just for the Unjust and he died and rose again that he might be Lord of quick and dead and that those that live might not live unto themselve but unto him that died for them
Pure then Peaceable Gentle and Easie to be Intreated full of Mercy and good Fruits without Partiality and without Hypocrisie James 3. 17. And now whereas thou dost Intreat those that shall Answer these or the former Questions to prove their Opinions as they deliver them so Accordingly it is done And by these foregoing Answers thou mayst know what Ground and Foundation we have for what we hold If thou canst but see with the Spiritual Eye that God is the opener of And whereas thou sayest The great God by his Holy Spirit lead you into all Truth and deliver you from all Error We say this is that which our Souls desire and we should be glad if thou wast but as mindful of the Leadings of God's Spirit in thy own Heart as thou hast been in putting of us in Remembrance of it for then thou wouldest not be such a great Stranger unto the Right Way of the Lord as now thou appearest to be And therefore we do desire all that may Read or hear these Lines to be mindful of the Leadings of Gods Spirit in your own Hearts to wit the Spirit of Truth which Guideth into all Truth John 16. 13. Exon the 8th Month 1691. John Gannacliff Joseph Nott. Now having Answered Joseph Hallett's Twenty Seven Queries we shall propound some Queries for him or any of the Preachers among the Presbyterians to Answer Query 1. WHat was that Labour in the Gospel that them Women laboured with the Apostle Paul in Phil. 4. 3. if not preaching the Gospel And if Preaching the Gospel why then are we blamed for suffering Women to preach amongst us Qu. 2. What is that one Baptism that the Apostle Paul spoke of Ephs 4. 5. if not a Spiritual Baptism seeing he saith By one Spirit are we all baptized 1 Cor. 12. 13. Is not this the Baptism that is only essential to Salvation Qu. 3 What is that true Light which lighteth every man that cometh into the World John 1. 9. if not the Divine Life and Light of Christ And if it be the Light of Christ why then do so many call it a natural Light diabolical c Qu. 4. Whether the Grace of God that bringeth Salvation which hath appeared to all men Tit. 2. 11. be not saving And if it be saving why then do so many say That the saving Grace hath not appeared unto all men Qu. 5. Whether Christ be not the Word of God and the holy Scriptures a true Testimony of him seeing Christ saith They are they which testifie of me John 5. 39. And the Scripture calls Christ the Word of God John 1. 1. Rev. 19. 13. And if so why then do any blame us for saying Christ is the Word of God and not the Scriptures Qu. 6. Whether People ought not first to seek the Kingdom of God and his Righteousness seeing that Christ bids us do so Mat. 6. 33. And where must People seek it if not in their own Hearts seeing Christ saith The Kingdom of God is within you Luk. 17. 21. And whether Christ ought not to rule and reign in his Kingdom and to have the Government of the Hearts Minds and Affections of the Sons and Daughters of men And if it be granted that he ought why then are we blamed for Preaching of Christ within the Hope of our Glory Col. 1. 27. Qu. 7. Whether the Spirit of Truth be not the Spirit of Christ seeing he saith I am the Truth John 14. 6. And whether every Man and Woman ought not to be led and guided by the Spirit of Truth in their own Hearts seeing it guideth into all Truth chap. 16. 13. And that as many as are led by the Spirit of God they are the Sons of God Rom. 8. 14. Qu. 8. Whether People may not attain to the Knowledge of God by the Immediate Revelation of Jesus Christ now in our day seeing it is written They shall all know the Lord Jer. 31. 34. Heb. 8. 11. And if people may then where if not in their own Hearts seeing that which may be known of God is manifest within Rom. 1. 19. Qu. 9. Whether People ought not to wait to be set free from Sin by Jesus Christ seeing it is said He shall save his People from their Sins Mat. 1. 21. And Christ saith No man can serve two Masters chap. 6. 24. Qu. 10. Whether every true Worshiper ought not to worship God in Spirit and in Truth seeing Christ saith The true Worshipers shall worship the Father in Spirit and in Truth And whether there be any other true Way of Worship beside this seeing Christ farther saith God is a Spirit and they that Worship him must Worship him in Spirit and in Truth John 4. 23 24. Qu. 11. Whether the Apostles did not direct People unto this Inward Teacher See 2 Cor. 4. 6 7. Col. 1. 27. 2 Pet. 1. 19. 1 John 2. 27. And if they did why then do not many now in our day that profess themselves Ministers of Christ direct people unto this inward Teacher Qu. 12. Whether this inward Teacher the Spirit and Grace of God be not sufficient to teach People as they turn in their minds unto it and wait in silence for the Teachings of it although there may be no outward Teacher seeing the Apostles were taught by the Grace of God Tit. 2. 12. And John saith The 〈…〉 the same Ancinting teacheth you of all things 1 John 2. 27. And if it be sufficient why then are we blamed for waiting in silence for the teachings of it Qu. 13. Whether People must not walk in the Light of Jesus Christ wherewith they are lighted if they will have benefit by his Death seeing it is written If we walk in the Light the Blood of Jesus Christ cleanseth us from all Sin 1. John 1. 7. Qu. 14. Where have you any Example from the holy Scriptures for the putting off the Hat to Man and to use the word Tou to one Qu. 15. Whether you have the Spirit of Christ or not seeing it s written If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his Rom. 8. 9. And whether you are fitted and prepared authorized and sent forth to preach the Gospel by the Spirit of the Lord And if not why then do you Preach seeing that â—hey which run and the Lord never sent them shall not profit the People at all Jer. 23. 24. So nâ—w we desire of Joseph Hallett or some of the before-mentioned People to give their Judgment of these things in their Answers John Gannacliff Joseph Nott. A few more Questions propounded according to Scripture for the said Joseph Hallett or any of the Preachers aforesaid to answer which are added by another Hand Query 1. WHâ—ther Joseph Hallett or you do believe that them Presbyterians in New-England were not guilty of Murther in Hanging them Innocent Persons called Quakers in the year 1658 and 1659 if not by what Law of God or the King did they it Qu. 2. Whether in those Acts of Cruelty to wit of Imprisoning Whipping Burning Cuting off Ears and Hanging they acted like Christ and according to his Doctrine or like the Devil who was a Murtherer from the bâ—ginning John 8. 44. Qu. 3. Whether the learned Jews were not Blind Leaders of the Blind and wit out a right understanding and who notwithstanding they had Scriptures and did they not so err that they killed the Prophets and Murthered the Son or God Mat 22 29. and 23 27. Acts 7. 52. Qu. 4. Whether the Scriptures are Rightly understood by the Spirit of God or by Humane Learning to wit Latine Greek and Hebrew Or whether by Humane Learning any man can or did ever attain to the Knowledge of the things of God seeing the Apostle says The World by Wisdom knew not God 1 Cor. 1. 21. Qu. 5. Whether Joseph Hallett or any of the rest of the Teachers of the Presbyterians do perform any act or part of Worship towards God without the assistance of the Spirit of God If they do are they not like the false Prophets Jer. 29. 9. And Will-Worshipers and found offering strange Fire Levit. 10. 1 2 3. THE END
to God for evermore Amen Qu. 16. Whether it be lawful now in these Gospel times for the Civil Magistrates to punish Offenders by the Sword Answ We do believe that it is lawful in these Gospel times for the Civil Magistrate to punish Evil-doers whith the Sword of Justice for the Law was added because of Transgressions and this is according to the Apostle's Testimony for he saith If thou do that which is Evil be affraid for he beareth not the Sword in vain Rom. 13. 4. And we do believe that while Wickedness doth remain that there will be need of the Civil Magistrate and Outward Law for to keep People from abusing of one another Qu. 17. Whether the waging of Wars may on any Account be Lawful Answ Yea on a Spiritual Account Not otherwise unless as a fore Judgment from God Antiquery 1. Is it lawful for Christ's Ministers to Preach up Wars Fighting and Bloodshed now in the Gospel day 2. Is it suitable for Christ's Lambs and Ministers whose Weapons are not Carnal but Spiritual 3. Is it agreeable to Christ's Ministry Kingdom and Coming which was not to destroy but save mens Lives 4. Does not Christ's coming and Kingdom put an End to Wars The Apostle James tells us Wars and Contentions arise from mens Lusts Paul saying The Weapons of our Warfare are not not Carnal but Spiritual and mighty through God to the pulling down the strong Holds of Sin 2 Cor. 10. 4. bringing down every high Thought and Imagination that is exalted against the knowledge of God Qu. 18. Whether daily Family-Prayer be not a Duty Answ We are exhorted to Pray always with all manner of Prayer and Supplication in the Spirit And it is also said I will therefore that men Pray every where lifting up Holy Hands without wrath and doubting 1 Tim. 2. 8. But the long Prayers of the Pharisees were not accepted of the Lord whose Hands and Hearts were not Holy but they were Envious against Christ and doubting whether he was the Christ or not as thou seemest to be at this day what the Light is which comes from him with which every man is lightned that comes into the World but Praying with the Spirit and with Vnderstanding we own 1 Cor. 13. 15. Jude vers 20. But ye beloved edifie your selves in your most holy Faith Praying in the Holy Ghost this is acceptable to the Lord Jam. 5. 16. The Prayer of the Righteous Man availeth much if it be fervent And as it is Men and Womens duty to love and serve the Lord their God so it is their Duties also if they have any Children to watch over them for their good and to be good Examples of Piety unto them and to keep them out of the Vain Customs and Fashions Words and Actions Pride and Foolish Talking that is in the World And indeed the Wise man's Counsel ought to be taken here for he saith Train up a Child in the Way he should go and when he is old he will not depart from it Prov. 22. 26. And they that have Servants ought to watch over them for Good and to Advise them to that which is Good And thus is the true daily Family-Duty performed Qu. 19. Whether Water-Baptism ought not to be Practised and Administred new as well as of Old Answ No because their appears not the same or the like Call from Heaven for it as John had Antiquery 1. Whom does the Queriest intend as the subjects of Water-Baptism in â—nfants or Believers 2. if Infants by what Scripture If Believers how proves he his Commission from Heaven Produce us one Scripture which warrants your Practice to be as of Old that is the sprinking Water on a Child's Face and calling it an Ordinance of Christ and that by which the Child is Regenerated and Born again Prove this to us by Scripture If Joseph Hallett intends by his Baptism the Sprinkling of Infants as I believe he doth because he is such a one as useth it Then we say that they that practice it hath neither Command nor Example for it from Christ nor his Apostles for there is not one Text of Scripture to prove that Christ Commanded it or that his Apostles practised it and therefore it is but an old Popish Ceremony But as for John's Baptism it was unto Repentance and he baptized such as were capable of Repenting and of confessing their Sins for he begins his Dnctrine on this wise Repent ye for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand And it is said Then went out to him Jerusalem and all Judea and all the Region-round about Jordan and were baptized of him in Jordan confessing their Sins But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Saduces come to his Baptism he calls them Generation of Vipers and he bids them bring forth Fruits meet for Repentance And he further saith I indeed baptize you with Water unto Repentance but he that cometh after me is mightier than I whose Shoes I am not worthy to bear he shall Baptize you with the Holy Ghost and with Fire whose Fan is in his Hand and he will throughly purge his Floor and gather his Wheat into the Garner but he will burn up the Chaff with unquenchable Fire Then cometh Jesus unto John to be baptized of him but John forbid him saying I have need to be baptized of thee Matth. 3. 2 5 6 7 8 11 12 13 14. Mark John said unto Christ I have need to be Baptized of thee And now this is certain that every Man and Woman have need to be Baptized of Christ and with his Baptism which is with the holy Ghost and with Fire for he throughly purgeth his Floor he throughly purges the Souls of Men and Women from Sin fits them for God's Kingdom And this is the one Baptism which the Apostle Paul spake of Ephes 4. 5. the which is necessary unto Salvation and without this Baptism people cannot be saved nor yet enter God's Kingdom for there is nothing that 's unclean shall enter Gods Kingdom for it is written That he that believeth and is baptized shall be saved Mark 16. 16. And this is the Baptism that the Apostle Peter spake of when he said Baptism doth now save us not the putting away of the Filth of the Flesh but the Answer of a Good Conscience towards God 1 Pet. 3. 21. Now as there is but One Lord unto us nor yet but one Faith that is saving so there is but one Baptism that is necessary unto Salvation for John he was a fore-runner of Christ and he bore Testimony of him that so people might believe in him to wit Christ for John said I am the Voice of one crying in the Wilderness make straight the Way of the Lord John 1. 23. And John speaking of Jesus Christ further said He must increase but I must decrease Chap. 3. 30. And Christ speaking unto his Disciples said John truly baptized with Water but ye shall be Baptized with the Holy Ghost not many