time the Word was made Fesh and dâ—elt among the Son Daughters of Men and they beheld his Glory the Glory as of the only begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth Joh. 1.14 and this is Christ unto whom all things of the Father are delivered both in â—eaven and Earth and no man knows him but the Father neither knoweth anâ— man the Father save the Son and he to whom the Son will reveal him Mat. 11.27 By which it is evident that all Revelation is not ceased Come unto me all ye that are heavy laden and I will give you rest vers 28. Here Christ hath promised Rest unto all that will come unto him But how shall they come unto him by Faith in Obedience to that measure of his divine Light of his Spirit of Grace which he hath placed in their Hearts it being the Lords Talent given to Man for this end that he should improve it to the Honour and Glory of God and Salvation of his own Immortal Soul by Jesus Christ the Evidence of whose Spirit giveth Life to the Soul of that Man whose cleart Mind and Spirit is faithful to his Gift for the Scriptures restâ—le That Christ affordeth unto all them that by true Faith come unto him Search the Scriptures for in them â—e think to have Eternal Life and they are they that testifie of me and ye will not come to me that you may have Life Job 5.39 40. Here it is evident from Christs own words That to search the holy Scriptures without the true saving knowledge of God in Christ and of his Spirit which moved in the holy Men of God and gave them Utterance to declare his Will and Mind according as contained in the holy Scripture without which in some measure Men cannot profit or benefit towards Salvation by Jesus Christ by their reading the holy Scriptures for they that will not come to the inward Evidence of Gods Gift of his Spirit and Grace they have not the Love of God in them Joh. 5.42 For Jesus Christ the Promise of God and Seed of the Kingdom him hath God given to be an Everlasting Covenant of Grace Light and Life to them that fear and tremble at the Power of his Word and stedfastly remain in the belief of his holy Name which is no less than to give up in their whole desire of Heart and Mind to serve him the Lord of Life in Truth and Righteousness with uprightness of Heart Mind Soul and Spirit for unto him it doth belong and unto such belongeth the Promise of God by the suffering of his Son the Lord Jesus Christ which doth extend Salvation to their Souls for God in tender Love Mercy towards all men falling short of his Glory by the fall of the first Adam doth tender the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus by the call of his good Spirit of Grace Life and Light which remains not in the oldness of the Letter but in the newness of the Spirit which hath no relation to the saving of that Soul which remains in sin term of Life having received the inward Evidence of the Spirit which condemns for every thought word and action which is not agreeable with the Spirit of Truth of which every man hath received a measure in his own heart to justifie or condemn even as his Works appear before the Lord so shall be his Reward if of Faith and Obedience then Life and Peace will follow but if it be of Sin and Unbelief then Death Hell and Destruction will be the Portion of him or her which dyes in such a state for the Wages of Sin is Death but the Gift of God is Eternal Life so they that dye in sin are free from Righteousness having no part lot nor share in the Promise of God and Hope of Jesus Christ for their Hope shall be cut as the Spiders Web which shall perish for evermore for Christ came not to save People in their sin but to save and redeem from sin and Transgression His Name shall be called Jesus for he shall save his People from their Sins Mat. 1.21 for they that dye in their sins cannot enter the Kingdom of Heaven as Christ said If ye believe not that I am he ye shall dye in your sins and where I go ye cannot come which relates to a state of Perfection in this Life upon which Head I shall God willing treat more at large in a distinct Chapter by which the Understandings of them that desire after Truth may receive the benefit of my small measure relating to the same for man living in sin becomes destitute of any benefit by Christ for the Salvation of his Soul for he that commits sin it is of the Devil and he knows not God the Father but he that is faithful to the Gift of God in his heart learns to fear the Lord and to work his Righteousness which is the fullfilling of what God requires in obedience to the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ who spiritually moves in the hearts of all whose day of Visitation is not over for Christ ruleth over all and will in no way fall short of his Honour either by the Salvation of the one or Condemnation of the other for Christ by the measure of his Spirit is in all except Reprobates 〈◊〉 and therefore it is matter of great concern for People to examin their own hearts whether by true Faith Christ abides in them for the Body of Man where Christ by the gift of his divine Light and Spirit liveth is the Temple of the holy Ghost and if any Man defile the Temple of God him will God destroy Then he that is not in obedience to the gift of God which he hath received is a Pollutor of the Temple and is without true Faith in Christ Prove your own selves know you not that if Christ be not in you you are Reprobates 2 Cor. 13.5 Now they whose Minds are wrought towards the Lord their Affections are set on heavenly things above to seek God in Christ and in them Christ by the measure of his divine Light Grace and Spirit liveth Gal. 2.20 Now Christ being in his People the Body is dead because of Sin but the Spirit is Life because of Righteousness Rom 8.10 for there is neither Greek nor Jew Circumcision Barbarian Sithian Bond nor Free but Christ is all and in all and many more Scripture Prooffs might be produced to the same effect That Christ lives and moves by the Gift of his divine Light and Spirit of Grace and Truth in the hearts of his People and that their Bodies are the Temple of God for Christ by the gift of his Spirit Life and Light to dwell in which if People both Young and Old would forsake their Vanity and apply their Minds to seek the Lord in his own way of Truth and Righteousness according to the Gift of his divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit as by Record for their help
among all thâ— Nations for his Name Rom. 1.5 and as many as received this Word in oâ—e â—rence to the Faith being grafted in him in whom there is not my thing availeth the Soul of Man but by that Faith which worketh by the Love of God Gal. 5 6. Now seeing that tâ—â—e Faith worketh by the Love of God in and through Christ what Faith is that in them which leads to destroy the Lives and Estates of People for their Obedience to God who worketh by Love in the hearts of his People for this end that they might believe in the Word of Faith which sanctifies the Soul of every true Believer that by Faith in Jesus Christ through Grace they are saved for true Faith works by Love through Obedience to the Word of Faith which is Christ in his People the Hope of their Glory by whom his People are begot into a lively Hope that maketh not ashamed but that Faith which leads People to believe that they do good service for God by destroying the Lives and Estate of their peaceable Neighbours for their different Judgment concerning spiritual things is it not the Faith of Devils and Hope of â—pocrites whose Obedience is to the Prince of Darkness the Enemy of Mans Happiness and all such are in a dangerous stâ—â— for God worketh by love and Christ came not to dâ—stroy mens Lives but to save them and such men being many that pretend to work â—o God whose Truth is contrary to their Doctrine Principle and Practice as doth at large appear by their preaching and writing such things as in Deut. 13. Numb 25. also in Ezra and divers other places in the Law which were only to continue the Lords time of fullfilling the Righteousness thereof whose Râ—gateousness in this Gospel â—ay will not be received by the many Teachers in this Age who preach and teach to advance their own profit in way of their Trade for in the time of the Law the false Worshipper with all hâ—â— Substance was held accursed before the Lord and for that end both were to be destroyed and therefore in this Age the Anti-christian Teachers do account that such who are not of their Faith and as one with â—hem in Doctrine Principle and Practice that â—heâ— as false Worshippers are to be destroyed But Christ is come by whose Coming the Righteousness of the Law is fullfilled in that he came not to destroy mâ—ns Lives but to save and make alive by calling Stanners to Repentance and to return by Faith in Oâ—edience to serve him the living God with uprightness of Heart Mind and Spirit doing unto all Men even as they themselves would be done unto which is the Law and Prophets out of which state men are not in the true Faith but are ignorant of Gods Righteousness which is in the New Covenant of Life Light and Grace which came by Jesus Christ contrary to whose Righteousness they establish their own Righteousness and not submit themselves to the Righteousness which is of God Rom. 10.13 wherefore their Faith remains dead and their Hope vain for Faith is the gift of Gods Word which is Christ the true and living Priest who by the gift of his Spirit of divine Life Lighâ— preaches Light Life and Grace by which the Souls of â—he faithful are saved and of this nature cometh Faith â—y hearing the Word of God Rom. 10.17 which doth manifest that Faith comes not by that Word which is not from the Spirit of God in such faithâ—ess men who for â—â—cre of Gain make use of other mens lines made ready to their hands that is of such who bargain with People to preach unto them for their Money who if they perceive a greater benefit to present in another place they account it sufficient Encouragement to leave the lesser and to hold the greater but such their Doctrine Principle and Practice is inconsistent with Gods holy Truth which doth live in the hearts of them that are faithful unto what of God by Jesus Christ is made manifest unto them for unto them doth the Promises of God belong by whose Spirit of Grace is his Righteousness revealed from Faith to Faith as it is written The Jâ—st shall live by Faith Rom. 1.17 Then what doth it profit any man to say that he hath Faith when that by works of Righteousness he doth not maâ—â—est the â—â—me for Faith without Works is dead even as the Body is dead without the Spirit such may believe that there is one God they do well the Devils also believe the same and fear and tremble but they fear and tremble because of Gods Wrath in Judgment even so it is with the Rebellious who by their vain Life of Disobedience fall short of true Faith they also fear and tremble but not in love to God but for fear of Terment to comâ— such are they whose Faith is without Works whose Faith is as dead as the Body is dead without the Spirit 〈◊〉 2 17 18 19 20. Then seeing that without that Faith whâ—â— is by the gift of Gods Grace that sanctâ—fies every true Believers Work of Obedience by which it is imputed to him for Righteousness without which â—t is impossible to pâ—ease God who will hold all men guilty of Dist bedâ—ence â—haâ— remain in sin for sin makes a continual â—eperation 〈…〉 God and â—he Soul whereby they that continue in a state of sinâ—â—ng against the gift of Gods Grace they by so doing fall short in the true Hope of Salvation for by true Faith in Obedience to the gift of Gods Spirit the Mind is wrought into a still frame of Spirit being made able through the Power of Gods Gift to wait for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith Gal. 5 5. By which it is manifest that waiting in Silence of Mâ—â—â— the inward Affections come to be drawn from having any desire in that part which through the Temptation of the Souls â—nemy is natural to lust after evil for the Body is the Temple of the holy Ghost and all thoughts and intents of the heart and mind that appear contrary to the moving of his own Spirit they are Thieves and Robbers that proceed from the Souls Enemy which strive to prevent and hinder the prosperity of Gods Gift of divine Light which is of the Seed of the Kingdom of God which Seed in measure hath been sown in all sorts of ground which is the heart in all men Mat. 13.3 4 5 6 7 8 for the Temple of God is the Body of Man in which Christ is to rule for the Salvation of all them that by Faith in obedience to the gift of his Grace Life and Light receive him Know ye not that ye are the Temples of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you If any man defile the Temple of God him will God destroy for the Temple of God is holy which Temple ye are 1 Cor. 3.16 1â— â—t is a worthy subject for every Man and Woman to consider well with
was done in Heaven therfore is it writen that as the body is dead without the spirit so is also Faith dead without Works that by whomsoever works are not manifested agreeable to Gods holy Truth and example of his holy People in days past they are only Christians in namê and not in nature of that life which God requireth of all men to live and abide in therefore it is that people profit not by what they hear or read because they are spiritually dead having blinded Eyes and deaf Ears with which they can neither see hear nor receive to understand the Spirit of Truth of which a manifestation is given to every man to profit withal and is the gift of his Spirit the Word of Faith to them that will hear to obey the Light of the Spirit of Truth which is the condemnation of the Disobedient who are here and there in this and the other Form of Religion serving God with mouth and lip in their own wisdom wills and with their own words being only called by the Name of Christ without the Nature of his Life which being destitute of no man can be a true Christian yet how contentedly do men live and abide in this and the other form but do not witness the strength of the power of God to redeem from sin and transgression and to make alive to God who is only a God them that through the Spirit do mortifie the deeds of the flesh and through the Spirit are brought in again by the flying Cherub and glittering Sword of Gods power in and by Christ the Tree of everlasting Life on which as any eats he cannot dye to God but hath an infallible assurance of life in the Son of God without which assurance no man can truly say that he pleaseth God in thought word and deed for it is the anointing which is by the Tree of Life that teacheth all things which leadeth into all Truth the evidence of which Spirit doth assure the Son in whom there is life and the nature of his life dwelleth and abideth in them that by true faith in him and obedience to the word of his Spirit they are made alive unto God and of this nature is Christ in his people and in whom he is not they are Reprobates and in whom he abideth not they are cursed Children abiding under the curse in their own wisdom knowledge will reason righteousness and the like which causeth them to lust more and more after the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil for which cause they rebel against the Spirit of God in themselves and deny his appearance in his People for which cause of Rebellion which is as the sin of Witch-craft the Truth of God abideth not in them therefore are they without God in the world living to their own God of which in the world there are many that delight and sweetly recreate their minds in by living a life of obedience to their own ways of righteousness which only proceeds from lust that gives way for men to live according as their own will and reason directeth them in all they do for God and to one another all which is vnder the Curse as it is written Cursed is he that putteth his Trust in man and maketh flesh his Arm. So all men that live in flesh and blood and are obedient to their own wisdom will and reason they are servants to their own lust being in bondage as slaves servants to that and those things which they do as it is written Men are Servants to him to whom they obey and Children of him whose work they do therefore he that will be free from the curse of condemnation must take up the cross and deny himself of all things which are not of God and his Spirit of Truth otherwise he cannot come to the Tree of Life but will fall short of that Crown of Righteousness which is in store for all them that abide faithful to God as by his divine Light he doth lead and teach by the spirit of Truth which leadeth into all Truth by which men are made fit to enter in at the strait gate of Christâ— Kingdom CHAP. VII Concerning Judgment begun at the House of God and in his House to judge down every appearance of evil THe House of God in general where Judgment first beginneth is his people but Judgment cometh to every Transgressor of his holy Truth and that to judge down every appearance of evil therefore said one in his day Who shall deliver me from this Body of sin death Now the Body of this man was the House of God and Temple of the holy Ghost in which God by his Judgment was at work to judge down cast out and destroy every lust that would evalt it self above the Witness of God that the House of God might be throughly cleansed and only become a house of â—oly Habitation for the Spirit of Truth to abide in for as 〈◊〉 is written The high holy one who inhabits EternÃty dwelleth not in Temples made with hands but taketh up his abode with men of clean hearts contrite spirits that fear him and work righteousness do justly love mercy and walk humbly such bear the image of God and nature of Christ with whom and in whom both Father and Son do take up their abode therefore where men give not up to come under the cross and follow the light and word of Gods Spirit in obedience to his call they resist the holy one crucifie him afresh to themselves such defile the house and temple of God and them will God destroy indeed how many such people with a fair Israel 〈…〉 of Religion are crept into a profession of Gods Truth 〈◊〉 â—hrough deceit have under the like profession entered 〈◊〉 selves as Christians among the People of God but he that caused the Net to be cast into the Sea which brought forth good and bad to the shore the same doth permit the net of profession to gather all sorts of People into the outward name Christian therefore doth Judgment also begin at the House of God which are his people to make a seperation between the precious and the vile not only to purge and cleanse from lusts but also to cut off the stubborn and stiff-necked ones which will not submit to the cross whose Judgment will also reach to the old Age of them that live in disobedience to the Spirit of Truth for Judgment from God hath spread it self to the ends of the Earth and hath begun its work at the house of God If the righteous scarcely are saved where shall the ungodly and sinners appear Judgment is not come to bring peace to any unrighteous person but is gone forth to do the work of God among the People and will both inwardly and outwardly lay waste and destroy all that is not of himself for that which only is of himself shall stand and that which is not of himself shall come to nought and therefore Judgment from God is gone forth to the ends of Earth that all that will be gathered may be preserved and that which will not hear the Spirit of Truth to be obedient thereto the same shall be scattered abroad till Judgment gather it as Fuel for the fire of Gods Wrath which forever burneth against the unrighteousness of wicked and ungodly men and for this very end is judgment at work for God that he may gather a People pure in heart and of uprightness in mind which in all things shall be of one spirit and mind towards him in thought word work therefore let none in this day which make a profession of Gods holy Truth deceive themselves for God will not be mocked such as every man soweth of the same he shall 〈◊〉 reap whether to the flesh or to the Spirit for all that is of the Spirit the spirit giveth evidence in every faithful man and woman that it is of God though the Spirit abideth not in every unrighteous man yet the appearance of it is often to their condemnation and so doth continue 〈◊〉 it hath left striving and the day of Gods Grace be over having sinned out the day of Gods Visitation Let all therefore consider in what state they abide as to God whose promise to the Righteous is That it shall go well with them but it shall go ill with the Wicked Therefore let not these Truths which have been received by the Spirit of Truth find itching Ears among any but as every man turn in his mind to the Spirit of Truth he will witness the truth of these Things â—th 1st Mon. 1694. THO. MAVLE THE END
Gods â—race through the effectual Working of the holy Ghost by which they came to understand the Will and Mind of God the Father in the Death and Resurrection of his Son the Lord Jesus which was expedient that he should depart that 〈…〉 forter might come Joh 15.26 which Promise was fulfilled by the voilding up that Body of Flesh which was born of a Woman and betrayed by Judas condemned by Pilate delive 〈◊〉 unto 〈…〉 set him at naught and crucified the Lord of Life upon their Cross without the Gates of Jerusalem which Body was buried and rose again the third Day being the first Day of the Week which Christians attend for the Worship of God having the holy Apostles for an Example to follow them as they were Followers of Christ who met together on the first day of the Week to worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth which is in the Power of his Spirit by the effectual working of his Gift through his Death and Resurrection which appeared unto the Saints who received of his Fullness Grace for Grace which made them able Ministers of the New Covenant of Life Light in Christ Jesus which then ascended into Heaven with God the Father and with him is in a glorified Body which Flesh and Blood cannot reveal being glorified with that Glory which he had with the Father before the World began which is the Christ that the holy men prophecyed should come for a Light to the Gentiles and for Salvation to the ends of the Earth Isa 49.6 Acts 13.47 who accordingly is come and hath done the will of God the Father in that Body as aforesaid and by him through his Death Resurrection Ascention have all the Sons and Daughters of Men received a Gift of his heavenly divine Light as a Talent Taleâ—ts for them to work out their Salvation with fear and trembling at his Work which is able to makeâ— thorow seperation betwixt the precious and the vile that is between the begettings of his own divine Life and that Seed which brings forth the Life of the Stranger which is the Devil and Enemy of mans Soul whom the faithful will not follow but are willing to submit under the Cross of Christ whose Yoke is easie and his burden light not desiring the Death of any one Sinner but that all might turn at his Reproofs and live the Life of the Son of God who hath suffered Death been buried and is risen again and ascended into the Heavens where he maketh Intercession with God the Father for the Redemption and Salvation of all them that are willing by true Faith to receive the tenders of his free Grace which by the Gift of the divine Light of his Spirit of Truth is largely manifested unto the Sons and Daughters of men for his divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit in his People that is Christ in them the Hope of Glory by which not any will be left without excuse in the great Day of his Coming to take Vengeance on all the Ungodly of them which have not improved their Tâ—lents to the Honour of his Name and profit of their Immortal Souls in which Day with the Righteous it shall gowell but with the Wicked who have slighted the Day of the Lords Visitation through their idle careless loose and vain living in Disobedience to that which the Lord by the gift of his divine Light and Word of his Spirit requires of them for which cause sorrow and anguish shall overtake them in that Day in which they shall forever be shut out from having any lot part or share among the faithful in the Kingdom of Heaven through the Death and Resurrection of the Son of God who laid down his Life for the Sins of the whole World but as many shall be saved as truely believe in his Name for as by one Mans Disobedience many were made Sinners so by the Obedience of the Man Christ Jesus many shall be made Righteous Rom. 5.19 for Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousness to every one that believeth so that not any 〈…〉 to say whâ— shall descend to bring up Christ again from the 〈…〉 who shall ascend to bring down Christ from Heaven for the 〈◊〉 nigh even in the Mouth and in the Heart that is the Word of Faith Rom. 10 〈…〉 by which Word of Faith we 〈◊〉 that Christ whâ—â—â— outwardly descâ—â—d 〈…〉 ascended and by 〈◊〉 Power of divine Light quickening word of his Spirâ—â— he is the Author Finisher of every good Work of Faith in the hearts of his People for he is the Word of Life unto the 〈◊〉 by true Faith believe in him as he outwardly suffered and in the gist of his Spirit which is the inward Word of 〈…〉 them tâ— whom Christ giveth the Shield of Faith and Hope the Hâ—â— not of their Salvation by which Word Simâ—n Peter came to know the Lord of Life to be the Christ the Son of the living God which Flesh Blood did not reveal Mat. 16 14 15 16. but was revealed by God the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ whose meer Bâ—dâ—y Presence did not give Peter the knowledge of the Church buils on that that Rock whose Foundation was so sure that â—he Gates of Hell could never prevail against â—â—s Members which by the most sare Word of Prophecy are ingrafted in the Man Christ in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwelleth for evermore for he is the well-beloved of the Fathers own begetting and hath done the Work of God in that Body of Flesh which suffered on the Cross without the City Gates of Jerusalem and was buried and rose again the third Day and appeared to the Saints and gave Gifts unto them and ascended into Heaven of which things the Father Word and Spirit beareth witness and these three are one God and that no man speaking by the spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed and that no man can say That Jesus is the Lord but by the holy Ghost and as there is but One God One Lord Jesus Christ One Father One Son and One holy Ghost One Word and One Spirit all which are One God who hath given Diversittes of Gifts but the same Spirit and Differences of Advanistrations but the same Lord and Diversities of Operations but it is the same God which worketh all in all for a manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal 1 Cor. 12.3 4 5 6 7. for as the Body is one and hath many Members and all the Members of that one Body being many are one Body so also is Christ for by one Spirit are all the faithful baptized into one Body whether they be Jewâ— or Gentiles Bond or Free they have been made to drink into one Spirit for the Body is not one Member but many and are ingrafted by the Power of Gods Spirit the most sure Word of Prophecy into the stock which is Christ the true Vine with which every true Branch
Man and Woman may know how it stands between God their own Souls which is good for all to mind and make their Peace vvith the Lord vvhile he hath given them space and time for that end that their Souls may not faint in the great Day of his Coming to call every Man and Woman to an account for their Deeds done in the Body CHAP. IV. Concerning the Scriptures which are the Writings of the holy Men of God wherein is contained that Jesus Christ is the Everlasting Word of God by whom is the Salvation of all Men that are saved by his Power which leads them to believe in his Name THe Holy Scriptures contained in the Old and Nevv Testament signifie Writings in vvhich VVritings are contained the VVords of God as they vvere received by the living VVord of God as may be read in the Prophets VVritings The Word of the Lord came unto them this vvas not the Letter of the Scripture that came unto them but it vvas the living VVord of God vvhich in Scripture is most properly and frequently called The Word of God In the beginning was the VVord and the Word was God the same was in the beginning with God all things were made by him and without him was not any thing made that was made Joh 1.1 2 3 And the VVord was made Flesh and dwelt among us and we beheld his Glory as the Glory of the only begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth Now consider what grounds People have to call the Scripture the only Word of God without any Distinction but by way of Information to the understanding of aâ—â—unbyassed Minds that my design in the following Liâ—â— a is not to deprive the holy Scriptures of that honour due unto them but that Truth and Righteousness may take place for the holy Scriptures in their place are highly to be esteemed with that Honour due unto them for which end 〈◊〉 labour is that by others they may not be dissplaced by to understand a true distinction between the written declarative Word of God and the VVord of his Spirit of Grace Life and Light by Jesus Christ whom to know is Life indeed for they that come unto him it must be through Faith in obedience to the gift of his divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit which opens the dark Understanding and quickens the Mind and works Grace in the Heart and sanctifies the inward Man of him that yeilds Obedience to the Word of his Spirit without which there can be no true understanding of Gods saving Truth by Jesus Christ whom to know is Life Everlasting concerning which things the written VVord is large in its Declaration concerning what God requires of the Sons and Daughters of Men who for Power to perform what they find to be their Duty as by holy Record they are to come unto Christ the Author and Finisher of his ovvn Work in them that believe for the holy Scriptures of Truth vvere given forth by the Spirit of Truth and living Word of Truth vvhich vvas the Word of God in His Servants of old vvhich Word according to measure remains the same to this Day in every sincere true Believer vvhose vvhole desire is to give up in obedience to the manifestation of Gods good Spirit of Grace by vvhich they come to a thorovv understanding of vvhat they find of his VVill and Mind recorded in the holy Scriptures of Truth vvithout vvhich Obedience the Letter kills but by Obedience the Spirit makes alive for the holy Scriptures are full in relating of what hath been past and of what is to come but as to the time when and manner how the Lord in his own due time by the Word of his Spirit doth reveal it to his Servants and Messengers of his Truth in this Day even as it hath pleased him in days past for as then in that day the same is it with many in this day who the Scriptures yet it is said of them That they had not the Worâ— abiding in them for whom God had â—ent which was Christ the Word him they believed not Joh. 5.3 â— which by the written Word is evident that the gift of Gods Spirit of Grace Life Light by Jesus Christ is the saving Word of God to every Soul that by him is saved for what saith it the Word is nigh thee in thy Mouth and in thy Heart that is the Word of Faith James 1.21 Rom. 10 7 8 and this Word is the Sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God Ephes 6.17 it sanctifies the heart of the faithful by the Word of God and Prayer 1 Tim. 4.5 for the faithful are them that are poor and of a contrite Spirit which tremble at the Word of the Lord Isa 56.2 5. Hear ye the Word of the Lord ye that that Tremble at his Word And again I have written unto you Fathers because ye have known him that is from the beginning I have written unto you Young Men because ye are strong and the Word of God abideth in you and you have overcome the wicked One John 1.14 Now let all People mind by which they may come to a right understanding of the Scriptures which were not from the beginning neither do they of themselves and without the inward Word give Power to overcome the wicked One for the VVord of God was before Scripture promises Life eternal to all that are willing to receive the Word which is the Promise of God in Christ before the World began Ti. 2.3 And this Word hath been a Rule of Life to the faithful of God in all Ages shewing unto Man the Thoughts of his Heart and intents of his Mind and Obedience to the Word is an acceptable Sacrifice to the Lord and God hath promised oâ— overcome sin in the faithful by the Power of his Word which is as a two edged Sword to cut up and beat down all that is contrary to his heavenly divine Life in the heart of every faithful Man and Woman that is come to yeild their Obedience according 〈◊〉 that knowledge which they have received of God in Christ whom to know is Life Eternal in which Life they have the true saving knowledge of God the Father the Son and the holy Ghost which is One God and One Lord Lord Jesus Christ One holy Spirit God in all and through all and over all the Alpha and Oâ—aega the beginning and the end the first and the last blessed are they that do his Commandments that they may have right to the Tree of Life Rev. 22.13 14. which as aforesaid is that which the Lord by the assisting Power of his Spirit hath made known to me concerning his Word of Life and Light by which the holy men of God were assisted in giving forth a Declaration of his holy Truth which they received by his holy Spirit which is the living Word of all Truth and will remain the same when the Letter of the Scripture
for he came not to dest oy mens Lives and Estates but his coming was for this end To save that which he had made alive by calling Sinners to Repentance which by Obedience through Faith found Mercy and entered into that Hope by which the Righteous have been preserved in all Ages Heb. 11.2 to 40. for it is the Just that live by Faith â—ab 2.4 and therein is the Righteousness of â—od revealed from Faith to Faith as it is written The Just shall live by Faith Rom. 1.17 which proves That the Righteous by Faith in Christ are the Just that live by Faith having yeilded their Obedience to the gift of Gods Grace which gave them the Hope of Christ through his Death and rising again to Life by whose Spirit of Grace Life and Light they come to receive an assurance bâ— Faith of that blessed Hope in Christ for the Salvation of their Immortal Souls for through Faith by Grace are the Righteous saved for it is the gift of God Ephes 2 8. and the gift of God is Life Eternal unto them that are not found cloathed with any thing of their own Righteousness but altogether cloathed with that Righteousness which is by Faith in Christ which is the Righteousness of God Ephes 3.9 which 〈◊〉 works bâ— love and is that Faith which â—orâ—s into thâ—Vâ—ity of the one Spirit and of the Knowledge of the Son of God unto the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ Ephes 4.13 in which state the Righteous 〈…〉 â—â—â—tified bâ— Faith and have peace with God through the Lord Jesus â—hrist Rom 5 1. and by him have the â—aith 〈◊〉 access by Faith into the Grace wherein they stand and rejoyce in the Hope of the Glory of God and not only so but they glory in Tribulation also knowing that Tribulation works Patience and Patience works Experience and Experience works Hope and Hope maketh not ashamed because the Love of God is shâ—d abroad in their hearts by the holy Ghost which is given unto them Rom. 5.1 2 3 4 5. Which things are by the Spirit of God in his faithful Servants Messengers of Truth left upon holy Record that People may learn to keep low in their Minds from the love of all Vanity and things of a perishing nature that so they may come to give wholly up in their Minds to retain God in their Thoughts by which through Faith and Obedience they may not fall short in the Hope of Gods heavenly Riches which are treasured up in Jesus Christ for all them that by Faith and Obedience live up to his Spirit of Grace Life and Light whereby the faithful have been made partakers of Gods durable Riches which is that Crown of Righteousness laid up in store for all them that by true Faith live in Obedience to the appearance of Christ in their Hearts such so living and so dying shall in no way fall short in the true Hope of Jesus Christ Concerning Perfection and that Warfare which the faithfull are to pass through before they come to witness free and full Redemption from Sin in this Life according as will appear by what follows GOD is perfect just and holy in all his Works and gifts towards all the Sons and Daughters of Men for every good and perfect gift cometh from the Fathêr of all Grace Life and Light with whom there is no variableness nor shadow of Turning Jam. 1.17 but in Man the heart above all things is deceitful and desperately VVicked who can know it save the Lord that made Man in his own Image after his own Likeness made he him and gave him Dominion over the things of the Earth Jer. 17. â— Gen. 1 26. commanding him that he should not eat of the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil for in that day wherein he did eat thereof he should surely dye gen 2.17 Which Command through Disobedience Man broke by which he brought the Sons and Daughters of Men into a state of Lust which through the Temptations of the Enemy to his own feed in the Heart draws the natural Mind to lust after that evil which bringeth sin and sin bringeth Death oveâ— the Soul for the VVages of sin is Death but the gift oâ— God â—s eternal Lâ—â—e unto them who do not remain in that first staâ—e of Dâ—generation sinning against the gift of God for as the Children of men selâ— short of the glory of God through the I all of the first Man Earthly so the Children from Adam 〈◊〉 Faith and Obedience to the gift of â—od shall be saved through the Death and Resurrection of the Lord of Life the second Adam â—om Heaven spiritual who requires perfect Obedience of all men to his holy Commands that their Souls through Faith in him may be saved for only they are saved which perfectly believe in him that he is able and willing to give them Power that are willing to keep his Commands â—or which end of Mans Salvation he hath commanded People to be â—â—â—â—ect even as God is Perfect Mat. 5.48 which Command by Jesus Christ seems too straight for many to receive into their Belief of ever attaining such a state in this Life that they either distrust in the Power of God â—y Jesus Christ or otherwise they are not willing to part with all their sins to gain Christ for Sin makes a partition Wall between God and mans Soul that it cannot come to receive the incomes of Gods divine Love by Jesus Christ for all Sin is of Unrighteousness and all Unrighteousness is of the Devil which is the Father of all Sin whose work of Darkness hath no relation to the Kingdom of Heaven neither can any enter Gods holy place before they are free from Sin but he that serves the Lord and keeps all the Commandments of God doth witness a perfect state in this Life Mat. 19.20 21. 5.48 and the holy Scripture is full and clear that such as feared God and wrought Righteousness were perfect Men for Noah which walked with God was a perfect Man and God commanded Abraham to be perfect Gen. 17.1 Also Job was a perfect Mâ—n being upright and one that feaâ—ed God and eschewed evil Job 1.1 cap. â— 2 3. in which Tryal of Job's Faith he saidâ— That God would not cast away a perfect Man Jâ—b 8.20 which manifests that such have been perfect men in this Life otherways the Spirit of the Lord would not have suffered an account of the same to have been recorded in the 〈◊〉 Scriptures of Truth Also David was a man after Gods own heart except in the matter of Vriah of which he repented which could not have been had not David been a perfect Man for he that is not perfect in the Work of the Lord to keep his Commands he is not a Man after the Nature of Christ who perfectly performed the Work of God for the Redemption of Men in whom the work of God is to be perfected by Jesus Christ who came to
eating of the Lords Supper CHAP. X. Concerning Baptism and Sprinkling Infants which People hold most necessary to Salvation SPrinkling of Infants it being set up without any prescribed command or Example commanded by Christ or his holy Apostles although many Teachers in this Age have wrested the holy Scriptures thinking thereby to make their own invention to be accounted the Ordinances of God Now the main Reasons that many teachers have rendered they have grounded from Christs word Mat. 22.19 which doth not prove baptizing of â—nfants to be commanded by Christ Go ye therefore and teach all Nations beptizing them in the Name of the Father and of the Son and of the holy Ghost Now the command of Christ was to his Disciples that they should go and teach which proves that teaching was commanded before baptizing or dipping as the word may be rendered by which all may understand that they could not be discipled which were untaughâ— for this we know that Infants are uncapable of being taught which proves that they are not capable of being Disciples And in Mark 10.14 15 16. where they bring Christs saying Suffer little Children to come unto me forbid them not for of such is the Kingdom of Heaven which saying is explained in the following Verse that whosoever shall not receive the Kingdom of God as a little Child he shall not enter therein can never reach by Visible Water which cleanseth not the inside of these wise Hebrew Greek and Latine learned Builders who ground their unsound Foundation of Sprinkling Infants in the room of Circumcision which according to the holy Scriptures of Truth one Tipe did never tipe out another but every Tipe typified the substance for Circumcision was a Tipe or Figure and cutting off the fore-skin was a Figure of the Circumcision and cutting off the Fore-skin of the heart Now baptism with water was a Tipe or Figure as in Peter 3.21 which tiped out the spiritual Washing or regeneration which is baptizing of Infants come in the room of Circumcision then how do they agree in a parrellel seeing that the Males were only circumcised then why are the Famales now baptized if Baptism come in the room of Circumcision which as to their form in batpizing they differ one from the other even as in other things which they account to be the Ordinances of Christ but are found to be the Ordinances of men set up and maintained by the Power of men who in their several Forms differ each from the other for some sprinkle others dip and some dip over again others plunge others sprinkle with mixt Water and to my knowledge some have had their Children sprinkled with warm water in cold weather for which form some of their Priests have said to me that they have allowance for their differing Forms under this Dispensation that is to dip or sprinkle according to the nature of the Climate where they live but to prove their assertion by Scripture they cannot do which without scripture Proof they are willing to say something for what they hold but in what form soever any by their Priests are baptized there is no effect of their work doth appear but like Priest like People all pleading for A Body of Sin while they remain in this Life which doth manifest that visible Water is of no effect notwithstanding these hired Builders bring Christs words to Nicodemus John 3.5 that except a man be born again of Water and Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God From which words some do infer that Infant Baptism is of absolute Necessity to Salvation Now Christ did then speak of that heavenly Water which did regenerate and make new for through the Power of that Water the Heart came to be made clean according to the Prophets Saying Then will I sprinkle clean Water upon you and you shall be clean from all your Filthiness Ezek. 36.25 By which it is manifest that visible Water cleanseth not the inside which is to be cleansed through the washing of Regeneration for it is not the washing away of the filth of the Flesh but the answer of a good Conscience towards God by the Resurrection of Jesus Christ 1 Pet. 3 21. Now Johns Baptism was to decrease and the Baptism of Christ to increase for Christ was before John whose Baptism made way for the Baptism of Christ to take place for this Testimony John did bear of himself That he should decrease and that Christ should increase for John's baptizing was to Repentance but he that cometh after me shall baptize you with the holy Ghost Mat. 3.11 Then if John's Water Baptism was to decrease which was to Repentance where is the benefit of Water-Baptism in this day to any who have repented And to them which have not repented their Life of remaining in a Body of Sin all their days doth manifest no benefit in Water-Baptism towards the Salvation of any man that is baptized with visible Water in what Form soever for as Water Baptism was a â—ipe or Figure Pâ—t 3.21 so all Types and Figures made way for the Spirit of Hâ—iness in which they are all fulfilled through the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ whose Baptism is that of the holy Ghost which except People receive they can never witness the heart cleansed from dead Works for John baptized with Water but ye shall be baptized with the holy Ghost having the pâ—omise to receive Power Acts 1 52 which doth manifest that People cannot receive full power against sin before they have received the Baptism of Christ which is that of the holy Ghost and Fire which burns up and purifies the heart of the inward man by which the thoughts of his own corrupted desire are brought into subjection to the Power of God by Jesus Christ which cleanâ—eth the inward man of Heart Mind and Spirit through which he comes to serve the Lord with Uprightness of his whole Desire in which state he becomes 〈◊〉 thorough Witness for Gods holy Truth that there is but one Lord one Faith one Baptism Ephes 4 5. into which Baptism all the Righteous oâ— God are baptized for so many as were baptized into Christ were baptized into his Death therefore they are bâ—râ—ed with him by Baptism into he Glory of the Father even so we also should walk in Newness of Life Rom 3.4 Now whâ—t People have gâ—thered in their Comprehension concerning the Apostles words 〈◊〉 Cor. 14. it avails no for their proâ—â—â— in the least measure of strength to prove Water Baptism an Ordinance of God in this day for if so then is Circumcision because the same Apostle in that day both circumcised and baptized which was for this end that he might gain some to Christ and not that it should continue in practise among Believers for time to come Then how are they true Beleivers with whom the practise of Water Baptism doth yet remain for the very same Apostle laid that practise aside in his day saying that least any should say
man perfect in Christ Jesus whose Church and People are not to remain in sin all the days of their appointed time here in this Life and therefore many Teachers of this Age with their Hearers are out of Gods holy Truth in the Doctrine of Imperfection and even so is the Life and Practice of many who call themselves by the Name of Christ to say that their Church is the Church of Christ when in neither Doctrine Principle nor Practice are they according to the Command of Christ nor Example of his holy Apostles but in a faith of their own Works teaching for Doctrine the Commandments of men Mat. 5.19 But the Church of Christ are they of the Circumcision which worship God in Spirit and rejoyce in Christ esus having no Confidence in the flâ—sh Phil 3.3 and in all things relating to the Worship of God and Government in his Church are they led and guided by the Power of Gods Spirit in and through the Lord Jesus Christ who ever was and will remâ—in to be the Head of his Church whom God hath buâ—lt upon that Rock of Ages and Foundation of many Generations against which the Gates of Hell can never prevail for he is the first born of God whom the Father hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be Head in all things over his Church so that in him is the fullness that filleth all in all Ephes 1 22 23. for he is the Head of the Body the Church who is the beginning the first and the last the first born â—rom the Dead that in all things he may have the Preheminence for it pleasâ—d the Father that in him should all fullness dwell Col 1.18 19. for he is the Head of his Church from which all the Body by joynts and bands have nourishment ministred increaseth with the increase of God Col. 2.19 which increaseth the knowledge of God in Christ that not any one Member of the Body may be ignorant in spiritual things and as every one hath received the true Knowledge and Faith of Christ the Spirit of Christ will enable and move them to confess with the Mouth God and Christ in whom they have believed and openly to confess and profess without fear or shame the Doctrine of Christ such have their Minds wholly given upto wait the movings of Christ the Head through whose Power the spiritual Understanding in each Member comes to receive the true knowledge in things relating to the well-fair of the Body for no man can truly say that Jesus iâ— the Lord but by the holy Ghost 1 Cor. 12 3. Which doth manifest that there cannot be the performing of any one Work by any one Member which will be â—â—â—ted of God but as they receive Power from the gift of his Spirit by Jesus Christ who is the Head by which the whole Body of true Believers witness his Government in which Body as every Member keeps faithful to the Head it comes to know a true Government in its right place belonging to the Body of which Christ remains the Head for as every Member of the Body keeps faithful to the gift of Gods Spirit he is serviceable according to the measure of his gift which is of service to the whole Body in which Body each Member hath his gift according to that measure which God â—ath given him to pâ—oâ—t withâ—â— for there are diveâ—sâ—ies of Gifts but the same Spirit and there are differences of Administrations but the same Lord and there are diversities of Operations but â—he same God which worketh all in all for the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal for to one is given by the Spirit the Word of Wisdom to another the Word of Knowledge by the same Spirit to another the working of Miracles to another Prophesie to another the Discerning of Spirits to another divers kinds of Tongues to another the Interpretation of Tongues but all these worketh that one and the self-same Spirit dividing to every man severally as he will for as the Body is one and hath many Members and all the Members of that one Body being many are one Body so also is Christ for by one Spirit are all the faithful baptized into one Body whether Jews or Gentiles Bond or Free and have been all made to drink into one Spirit for the Body is not one Member but many for if the Foot shall say because I am not the Hand I am not of the Body is it not therefore of the Body And if the Ear shall say because I am not the Eye I am not of the Body is it therefore not of the Body for if the whole Body were an Eye where were the hearing or 〈…〉 who le Body were hearing where were the smelling But now hath God set the Members every one of them in the Bâ—â—y as it hath pleased him for if they were all one Mâ—â—ber where were the Body But now are they many Mâ—mbers yet one Body and the Eye cannot say to the Hâ—â—â— I have no need of thee nor again the Head to the 〈◊〉 I have no need of thee nay much more those Members of the Body which seem to be more feeble are necessary and those Members of the Body which we think to be less honourable upon these we bestow more abundant honour and our uncomely parts have more abundant comeliness for our comely parts have no need but â—od hath tempered the Body together having given more abundant honour to that part which lackeâ— that there should be no schism in the Body but that the Members should have the same care one of another and then where one Member suffers all the Members suffer with it and when one Member is honoured all the Members rejoyce with it Now the Church of Christ which are the chosen People of God they are the Body of Christ and Members in particular and God hath set some in the Church first Apostles secondly Prophets thâ—rdly Teachers after that Miracles then gifts of Hâ—aling Hâ—lps Government Diversity of Tongues aâ—â— all Aâ—ostles are all Prophets are all Teachers are all Workers of Mâ—racles having all the gifts of Healing Do all speak with Tâ—nâ—â—es do all Interpret but covet earnestly the best Gifts And yet shew I unto you a more excellent way though I speak with the Tongues of Men and Aâ—gel and have not Charity I am become as sounding Brass or a tinckling â—â—mbal and though I have the gift of Prophecy and understaâ—d all Mysteries and all Knowledge and though I have all Faith so that I could remove Mountains and have no Charity I am nothing And though I beslow all my goods to feed the Poâ—r and though I give my Body to be burnt and havâ— Charity it profiteth me nothing So that these thing left recorded by the Spirit of God with which every faithful Believer which is a Member of the Body reâ— his Duty to follow Christ the Head even as the Men of God