Vnderstanding or the Day was not so far dawned upon them we shall not have determine because our Business is to consider what the Lord has done for us hath he not given us to believe that God's Holy Spirit is the only Guide into all Truth the Substance of all Types and Figures and the fulfiller of every addition for Righteousness-sake truely reconciling to God But if after we have seen or believed the Lord is that Spirit the Heir of all things that is Good and Serviceable for mans Souls Good that was either in the Law Prophets or in any External Order Form Rule or Shadowy thing if after we have believed all this we set up Ceremonial Circumstantial or shadowy Things as Terms of Communion and Essential to the Government of Christ then we err on one Hand as they did on the other they seemed to come short in not believing the thing to be done on this side the Grave c. And we err and come short in concluding the Work is done before it is which is a false Rest for as we have more Additions than we had in our Beginning and as every adding of outward Rules shews a Want of Christ's Government by his Holy Spirit therefore in the best Sense if these Rules are added to perfect and not only as an Expedient for the present Want and so only to be used till Christ come in Power to govern the Soul instead of helping they will certainly hinder For as there is no Rule that hath been is or ever shall be to perfect the Soul by bringing it to God but the Holy Spirit so it is certain there is no Government in this Case but that of Christ but it shall have an End From hence it is certain that no outward Rule as it concerns a Holy Conversation on the Worship of God is of any Service but until he come therefore outward Rules as above are set up by us as a standing Ordinance or but for a Time If but for a Time then their Service is but to steddy our Mind that so in the Vse of them we might daily wait for their fulfilling by the coming of Christ by his Holy Spirit But if Rules as above are made as a standing Ordinance then are these outward things over-valued and whilst over-valued we cannot know Christ the Emanuel come to fulfil them On this account it is that every latter Appearance of God is as Death to the former and this is our Case as well as any that did go before us for the Substance of those two great Dispensations of Law and Gospel must be known in every Man that comes truly through the Work of Regeneration into the Kingdom of God and therefore as the Natural Life is hard to be parted with where a better is not hoped for so where the Life of Religion stands in outward Things or Rules they are hard to be parted with while a better Life and Rule is not hoped for Can any Man serve two Masters which in our case we desire may be truly considered and for that end we offer as the Object of the Mind is so is the Mind whether it regard Conversation or the Worship of God for if the Object of the Mind be an outward Rule the Mind can go no further than that Rule for can any thing give forth more than it hath in it self therefore by outward Rules Man can go no further than a Legal Dispensation and if Mantakes up his Rest here his Dependance is no higher than a Covenant of Works and such cannot know self-slain and as such can never know boasting excluded they cannot know Salvation truly by the free Grace of God But if the Object of the Mind be God's Holy Spirit and truly follows it the Mind thereby will become wholly Spiritual wherein the old Things pass away and all becomes new both as to outward things and also to heavenly things Here the Tree is made Good and its Fruit Good Now the Root being Holy the Conversation is Holy for as is the Fountain so is the Stream what was difficult before is now easie and what seemed harsh before is now pleasant for the Root of evil being cast out there remains nothing but Good Here the Peace on Earth and good Will is known to all Mankind we desire therefore that outward Things may not be over-valued for therein stand the uncharitableness that is amongst all that fear God for as the over-valuing outward things hinders from coming into Communion and Fellowship with God so it hinders the true Knowledge of the stirings of God in others for when the Appearance or Conversation must be measured by certain Rules it follows what is Terms of Communion or is accepted of God may not be accepted of Men we know where the Heart is purified the Mind made Holy by the indwelling of God's Holy Spirit this is terms of Communion or what is accepted of God from hence proceeds a Holy Conversation with a Confession to that Righteous Principle by which it is made such and therefore as this is not accepted with Men such are not born of God nor do they know that Holy City whose Gates stands open by Day for there is no Night there this lets all in that are Good but hinders what is not But all Cities but this as they have Day and Night so they know not what they do but shut their Gates as soon against the Good as the contrary That this great Evil may be avoided is all that is intended by what is here written and that as we began in the Spirit so we may wait to be perfected thereby that so as we have in any measure known him to have been our Alpha we may know him to be our Omega also for by no other way can the Deceiver be cast out as he takes up the Profession of the Truth Where the Term You is found in the following Discourse we intend the Author and those of his Mind whoever they are whether many or few And as the Term We is also used it may be understood in respect to those of the same Mind with the Author of this Boook There are several Faults committed by the Press in Letters Stops c. which the Reader is desired to amend in the Reading and in page 5. line 8. for Author read Apostle And pag. 49. lin 8. for uncountable read unaccountable AN ANSWER to a BOOK ENTITULED A Brief EXAMINATION c. AS to the Definition of Liberty spiritually explained Page the first we agree upon the matter But Page 2. after the asking of several Questions the Author comes to this result That there is some things left to our freedom and bounds it at this time to outward things of Life and Commerce as what I shall eat and when c. And then states this Question But doth not freedom extend farther than this For since God hath given me a manifestation of his Spirit to profit withall and that I have the gift
offering a blind Sacrifice to God but this he could not with respect to Truth and the other he could not with respect to his Discourse and those we conclude the true Reasons why the Question was left unanswered There is one thing more worth our while to consider before we leave this matter and that is how it should come to pass that a Man of his Ability should state a Question that he could not answer with respect to his design and end had another set it and he slipt it over it had been the more tollerable but for him to state it himself and give it the go by so sorrily is plain weakness to which what can be said but when Men will imploy their Parts and Abilities to a wrong end an end God never designed them to there divine Providence suffers Men to shew their weakness first that no Flesh should glory in his Presence and secondly that others seeing weaknesses as in the best of Men might be cautioned to wait to know their dependance upon him that neither slumbereth nonsleepeth nor can be mistaken which is all that is desired by what is writ We have stood the longer upon this in looking upon its weight He Questions Page the 3 d. But must I conform to things whether I can receive them or nay Ought I not to be left to the Grace and Spirit of God in my own Heart To this he answers to the first part of the Question Nay that is Thou ought not to receive things against Truth to the latter part Yea that is Thou ought to be left to the Grace and Spirit of God Answer This is fairly said we must confess and if truly stood to might help to make amends for the former deficient Answer but if otherwise it will be a further Evidence his end is not good and therefore to examin the matter he saith let us consider what is the reason that thou canst not receive them is the fault in the things or is it in thee c. If in thee thou ought to be dealt with thus far he hath said well but now on the other Hand what if the fault be in the things or in the ground or manner of bringing them in What Care has he taken What Remedy has he provided that such things may be fairly and freely withstood Verily none at all neither here nor in any place of his Book that we can find which certainly he ought to have done if he had asserted equal Liberty according to his Discourse if it was to assert Truth for he inquires fairly where the fault is that is whether in the things brought in or in those that cannot receive them by which 't is fairly implyed if not granted that the fault may lye on the side of the things brought in as well as on the side of those that cannot receive them and doth lye there for any thing that he has said to prove the contrary but if not determined yet for a much as most danger may lye on the side of the things if they must come in without controul for we may conclude such as bring them in are reputed Leaders and forasmuch as the Leaders may do more harm in bringing in things that are wrong than others can do in opposing some things that may in some sort be right But as a way is granted to deal with those that oppose what is right there ought to be as much care for Liberty to oppose what is wrong but for that he has taken no care though 't is plain the Danger is as great nay greater on that side for the Leaders have caused the People to err and the effect was that the People led by them was devoured The wise Man said There was nothing new then the Leaders may again cause the People to err and the People may again be devoured for any thing that he has said either to prove there is no Danger or by asserting true Liberty to prevent it which can never be better done nor more according to Truth than by allowing freely Conviction and Perswasion to preceed Conformity for as this keeps down Men from being masterly so it helps such as are to receive things to consider of true Religion in themselves and therefore the contrary may be the ruin of the whole on which account 't is plain he having taken no care as he hath not asserted the Truth for that allows equal Liberty so he appears partial Again in the same Page he says It is a dangerous Principle and pernicious to true Religion and which is worse he saith 'T is the root of Ranterism to assert that nothing is a Duty incumbent upon thee but what thou art perswaded on c. Answer This deserves our Consideration for 't is as removing a Bounder or Land-mark 't is of the same Nature with Conviction or Perswasion for if Conviction and Perswasion is to preceed or go before Conformity in our Duty to God and true Religion then nothing can be a Duty incumbent upon us but what we are perswaded on But if Duty to God and true Religion must be performed before convinced or perswaded to it then something may be a Duty incumbent upon us that we know not or are not perswaded on We shall examine this a little and therefore offer if to assert or believe that nothing is a Duty incumbent upon us but what we are perswaded on be in it self a dangerous Principle pernicious to true Religion and what is still worse the root of Ranterism then the saying that stands against this must be as good as that is evil that is it must be a safe Principle propitious to true Religion and which is still better it should be as the root of all good to Man for we conceive the root of Ranterism is as the root of all evil Well this saying that stands against the former is to believe or assert that something is a Duty incumbent upon us that we know not or are not perswaded on for we must either believe that nothing is a Duty incumbent upon us but what we are perswaded on or we must believe the contrary Now as opposite sayings have contrary senses and effects then if the first saying be evil the latter must be good and on the contrary if the latter in a direct and true sense be wrong as leading from Truth into blind Obedience then the former saying notwithstanding all his ugly Epithites bestowed upon it must be good in a true sense as tending to lead truly to know both our Duty toward God and true Religion And therefore observe if according to his saying to assert or believe that nothing is a Duty incumbent upon us but what we are perswaded on be the root of Ranterism worse than what is pernicious to true Religion Then to avoid this dangerous Shoal and Sand that he has given notice of we must believe that something is a Duty incumbent upon us that we are not perswaded on
as Churches their Power being all alike If then some distinct Assembly it must be such an one to speak modestly as is superiour to all the rest according to Constitution and then what comes not in this way can have no shadow of any Authority for force or pressure of new things beyond satisfaction and freedom but such a Church cannot be but either by a civil Compact or by a divine Institution The first is not agreeable with the Truth for we cannot delegate or give power to any to make Rules or Laws to guide us or oblige us in spiritual Matters because we cannot be bound by any thing but the Truth and we must know it such before we can be bound by it therefore no such Compact or Agreement can be because liberty reserved and our power given away are inconsistent But if the latter that some one Assembly according to divine Institution is superiour to all the rest who can make circumstantial or shadowy things Terms of Communion 'T is necessary we should know that Assembly as well also that their Authority is divine if we must rest upon their Determinations without Trial in these matters c. But this we think we cannot know but by a divine way and that then must be either by a divine sense in our own minds or by the Authority of Truth which such bring to convince in both cases we conceive our Understanding is concerned in our Obedience and Duty but neither of those ways are known to us at present therefore till set forth to press Obedience under the notion of a divine Institution implies a kind of Contradiction being in effect to say we are to go out of the Truth to serve it for to go into uncertainty is not to serve the Truth if it be not to go out of the Truth directly thus by all our endeavour in searching into the matter we cannot find according to the Principles of truth that Conformity is to go before Conviction however not before Perswasion And yet we say for Peace sake and that nothing might be hindered that is good as also that true liberty may be preserved any Particular or any Assembly of the Community may offer what is new if they sincerely believe it good and serviceable without breach of Unity or at least of Communion but we cannot find to the bringing of new things in as matters of Faith or Terms of Communion that any Assembly have any more power than a particular Person and if mistaken we would very gladly be better informed and therefore till that be done we believe to press new things as matters of Faith or Terms of Communion to dissatisfaction and indeavouring to get such things strengthened by geting the majority of Voices either directly or indirectly is a going out of Truth to make Parties And this being done how easie is it for Men to be hurried into that Uncharity as not to dispence with those Dissenters which themselves have made without Characters of Indignity as publick marks of Dis-favour as though the thing was out of doubt Truth because the most are for it We shall endeavour to bring this long business to this short issue either such as believe the Spirit of Truth is the only guide into all Truth have liberty and freedom to judge of what they are to receive or they have not if they have not power and liberty to judge of what they are to receive and practice as matters of Faith c. then the power over them is uncountable and such must submit to their Determinations not because they know or are perswaded they are true but because those that have this power over them say they are true if this be not Usurpation exercising Lordship and Dominion as well as the bringing in blind Obedience and the begetting into an Implicite Faith we desire it may be fairly demonstrated to be according to Truth this cannot fairly be denied because we believe the Truth will stand the Test and be willing to come to the Tryal we know that which is false will not indeed because it cannot therefore we are fully perswaded where any is offended at this fair and free Inquiry for satisfaction 't is a sign if not an infallible one that such are faulty But on the other hand if we have liberty and freedom to judge of what we are to receive and practice as matter of Faith on terms of Communion that so our Religion and Duty may be according to our Understanding and Judgment then we may dissent as well as assent to things proposed or brought in according as things or occasion may fall out and this without fear or hazard of being proclaimed Delinquents for Nonconformity not only with respect to our private Sentiments or Opinions for that we might do in Turky or at Rome but with respect to those of the same Communion that would bring new things in to be observed otherwise we have neither true liberty nor freedom The Result is if there be a power over us that can bring in new things as matter of Faith and terms of Communion let it be fairly set forth and proved according to truth but if we have power and liberty to judge of what we are to receive then allow it freely that dissatisfaction and difference may come to an end To this we think can be but one Objection and that is that such as are dissatisfied are not conscientious which we confess is an old Objection but yet not more old than evil and never was to seek to abuse others by such as over-valued themselves 't is time therefore it were removed being as well unchristian uncharitable as unrighteous to criminate Perfons before any thing that 's evil or immoral can be justly proved against them and such practices have always been so far from making difference less as they made them greater for instead of restoring the Path of Peace and Truth to dwell in they always laid a sure foundation both for dissatisfaction and at last for division seeing every one that is truly conscientious have not far to go for an unerring Evidence to reverse so erronious a Judgment Those are some of those many things that we are dissatisfied with in his Book and we can say on a conscientious account either then from a true Understanding or from some misapprehension of the matter in both cases we conceive we should be relieved according to Truth And as our Author is great in the Reputation of Men we expect and also hope he will be great as a Christian too which is to submit unto the Truth where-ever it appears concerned by amending what is amiss whether it be with respect to himself or it be in our mis-understanding so far as lieth in his power and that he may proceed chearfully in this undertaking we are content to say we know but in part and indeed we think but in a little part too nor dare we think our selves so perfect but what we have writ may be objected against by such as will cavil on divers accounts Perhaps some may say it wants Method may be some may say there 's seeming Contradiction or 't is full of Tautologies nay perhaps some fault may be found as to the matter for we confess and think that the day will still grow more clear and then shadows will still be less However as we are sure our end is good there can be nothing done against us in the same mind that can hurt or be of evil Consequence for varieties of Understanding that stands in the fear of God and are managed in his love may be some cause that more light is afforded but however we make our advice to others in the first place a caution to our selves to be always ready to hear and mind what when and how the Lord is pleased to speak or appear for we do not already count our selves perfect yet one thing we do forget what is behind and presses hard after the Mark that stands before and think those that do not so seems not apt for the Kingdom of God for the mind of Christ must be sought for forward and not back to his former appearances and thus in part we know what we are but what we shall be we do not fully know but as the living hopes remain in the mind such truly wait for his appearing which as they cannot miss of his coming so shall they see him as he is and be purified by him that is pure for he was is and is to come Lastly we must confess we do believe our Author might be really troubled touching our Differences as Israel was about Ruben when he built his Altar but we believe also he did not inquire the matter out fully as they did which if he had we are fit to think we should have found as few Objections in this Book as in his other Writings or had he considered of what of this nature was as we were informed communicated to him some time since then perhaps had been no occasion for this however we hope shall be always as ready to confess unto a Truth as to oppose an Error In the mean time we conclude truly desiring the good of Mankind in general but especially of them that have in any measure believed or confessed that the Spirit of Truth or Light within that comes from God is the only guide into all Truth for those we are the more concerned not only because they are nearer to us by Profession but also because they have received more and so have more to give an account of therefore we do earnestly desire such may not sit down in a Notion or Profession of so holy a Principle and thereby take the name of the Lord in vain but by a true Travel in their own Hearts and Minds with God's holy Spirit may come to prove the Truth of what is professed then will they be established as Mount Sion indeed that never can be removed The END
is true or good in no sense 'T is true he has not given us a Rule to know those of whom we last spake nor do we believe that he can set them out but that is not against us but for us for if any may assert that nothing is a Duty but what they are perswaded on tho others may abuse it if we cannot distinguish betwixt the one and the other he knows Tares must be suffered to grow rather than run the hazard to destroy Wheat Again he tells us Page 9. That a saying may be true or false according to the subject or matter 't is applied to Now though we believe he has mist the truth there yet it will serve us here against himself for this Position that he is so angry at is but a saying and such as has been advanced truly against Imposition and again may be truly used on that occasion therefore it cannot be the root of Ranterism for that is simply evil wherefore we hope he will withdraw his Charge of the root of Ranterism from this Position that nothing is a Duty incumbent upon us but what we are perswaded on and instead of condemning it as evil allow it as good and necessary in its genuine sense But to conclude this matter we grant a saying may come from the root of Ranterism but no saying whatever can be that Root much less such a saying that hath and may again be applied to a good end wherefore we cannot see why this saying should be written with a different Character for and this ugly and undeserved dress put on it except instead of perswading to affrighten into blind Obedience To the latter part of the Question Ought I not to be left to the Grace and Spirit of God in my own Heart c. To this he answers That is of all things most desirable for no fear of want of Vnity where all are so left with the one Spirit they must be of one Mind they cannot be otherwise c. Answer That he desires all should be guided by God's Spirit we believe and therein does well but that he should limit it to that one way with respect to shadowy or circumstantial things that he may believe is good is his mistake by which 't is plain though he may have received a measure of God's Spirit yet he is not truly born of it for if he were he would not limit God's Holy Spirit to this or that ceremonial circumstantial or shadowy thing for that is to set the measure above him from whom it comes and to measure that which God has left unmeasured the hurt and mischief through all the Reformations that have been this is not the Truth but a likeness of it at best which all hitherto have been deceived by and 't is our danger O that it could be considered in our day But to the matter that those that are truly left with the one Spirit of Truth must and will agree we grant and therefore where difference is carried on to the Breach of Charity one side at least must be wrong but which ought in God's fear to be inquired the greater number cannot determine it but that there must be an Identity of Opinion as we think the School-men call it that is a sameness of Mind and oneness of Judgment to circumstantial ceremonial or shadowy things is sooner said than proved and savours more of Curiosity than any real necessity And thus what he seems fairly to grant in the fore-part of his Answer above he takes away in the latter part by limitting it to an Oneness of Mind or Identity of Opinion without making a difference betwixt circumstantial things and such as are truly essential for though all that fear God must and will agree in the latter yet there is no necessity that they must agree in the former therefore to insist too much upon such things have always been of evil Consequence making differences greater than else they would have been and the reason is plain for where such things are too much pressed 't is because they are over-valued and by how much that such things are over-valued 't is the likeness and not the truth that prevails O that it could be considered For by how much as such things are over-valued God and his Holy Spirit are neglected Where this happens such things that else might have been indifferent becomes sinful to espouse by such as truly fear God for we may note God and his Holy Spirit can never be over-valued in our Hearts and Minds but every thing below him may And yet on the other hand some seeing this as a certain wrong the Enemy hath aggravated the matter to make both wrong and that whilst they both thought they was right and thus the Devil hath deceived poor Man even unto this day and 't is our danger and will continue until the Spirit of the Son of God be more plentifully poured forth upon us that can say Father forgive them they know not what they do This is that which we want and should truly wait for that the great Deceiver the occasion of all strife and trouble among such as fear God might be cast out that so he might deceive no more which we hope is near for there seems but one grand Remove to know the Mystery of Iniquity finished and that is to know our Habitation in God who we have professed hath appeared in us by his Light and Spirit Most look for this great Mystery of Iniquity every where but where 't is they look for it abroad when it can only be truly finished in their own Hearts for as he that never knew spiritual Bondage can never know and value true spiritual Liberty so he that never knew this great Mystery of Deceit in his own Mind revealed can never know a true delivering from it 'T is not possible to give a Rule by Words to escape it for he that knows the most and thinks by that Knowledge to escape being deceived he is deceived already we wish it could be seriously considered by all for 't is the greatest Tryal Men can meet with But to make lesser things than essential things Terms of Communion we have observed to be a great Evil in others and shall we cry it up as good in our selves That which we have affirmed was never bless'd and successful in others shall we put in practice Unity has been the great Plea with which the World hath abounded and whilst they have sought for it in ceremonial and shadowy things instead of being united they have been divided and instead of being gathered they have been scattered not to the Honour of Christ but the shame of Christians and shall we pipe to the same Tune for company in which there seems no material Difference but a change of the Persons and Opinions Have others been determining Truth by the majority of Voices and do not we so too And if we do had we not better acknowledge it than let the
matter prove it Observe do not we set up the Body of our Community to determine the matter and what difference betwixt that and resolving matters of Faith by the majority of Voices For is not the Body taken for the greater number and then is it not the same thing when truly applied and if this be true is it not much worse in us by how much we begun better O that it could be considered For otherwise we believe at last it will not only be found wrong but that 't is but a few that manage this Mystery in comparison to the greater number though they may be supported by their compliance but as we can truly say Father forgive them they know not what they do we are not without hope but seeing we have observed that Christians and Christianity was always disadvantanged by those Pleas for Unity when put in practice of which we have had the Experience from others and now have it among our selves if we could heed to improve the occasion and that is to put in practice among our selves that good advice we have given to others to wit to make nothing Terms of Communion but essential things to which purpose that Book styled An Address to Protestants is so full to the matter that if more can be said no more need if the Advice there were but effectually taken by our selves of which to be sure there 's most need that so at least if we cannot mend others we might prove the truth of our Advice by amending our selves till then those excellent Precepts want Examples and all know they 're more prevailing therefore let us begin to set that great and glorious Example which as yet the World never knew We forbear to transcribe any part of the Book considering it's great applause and late Writing We hope it should not yet be forgotten However it may be reviewed to corroborate the Memory and then there can want nothing that we know of but Self-application In the mean time since 't is matter of Fact that Christians never thrived on a true Christian account where those Pleas for Unity have been put in practice relating to ceremonial circumstantial and shadowy things do not object that was only as carried on to violence for we say the ground of all Evil is first in the Mind and from a straitness there and therefore they that omit nothing of that power they have who can believe if such had more they would imploy it better Self-denial and Forbearance is the best demonstration of a Christian frame of Spirit for Christ did not come to take away the greater Evils only but the lesser also yea even the ground of all strife that is Evil. Therefore let us alter our course and take other but better measures have Christians and Christianity as truly such almost been extinguished in the World by seeking an Unity in Opinion Let us seek it in Essentials and then the work is done among us at least to peace and then to be sure we shall promote according to our power what the World stands need of as well as to wait that a true Figure of the Universal Church of which Christ is the true Head may be advanced among our selves and as this is truly set up and promoted all difference dies that 's evil among such as truly fear God then what remains will be of no more Evil than the various forms and colours of Flowers in Gardens if not of much more service that true Philosophers Stone being known to turn all the Metals into pure Gold Do we think we have been the most true that have been since the Apostacy which perhaps we have as to Notion and Profession of the things of God Then let us endeavour to promote what is more true What can hinder the putting this in practice but the Devil by the likeness of Truth perswading this was to give liberty to Evil And therefore to prevent that they set up their own Works whereby instead of leaving People to come in at the right Door they do but make them formal We must confess this cannot be fully known till God discover it and therefore we must wait in Patience for God's time but 't is a mistake to think this is to give liberty to Evil while our end we are sure bears witness to the contrary But to answer all the Objections that may be made as it would take up now too much time so perhaps we may not know all that may be advanced so we shall omit that till we are better informed of them as also till more sitting Opportunity do occur In the mean time we desire those things may be taken in the best sense but if otherwise we hope we shall not altogether be unprovided We know 't is writ They shall come from the West North East and South to sit down with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom Those certainly was not of one external Form and Order as to ceremonial and shadowy things yet we find they agree but perhaps some will say this is in Heaven well what then Must they not agree on Earth that must agree in Heaven Shall not God's Will be done on Earth as 't is in Heaven How else shall the Governments of this World become the Kingdom of Christ but as the Peace of the one becomes the Peace of the other and as the Government of that becomes the Government of this For is not Christ the Head of all that is good from the least breathing to the fullest perfection And doth not he own all that 's of his own begetting every where according to the degree of Knowledge revealed Can any thing that 's good in a spiritual sense be received but as it comes down from above And as Christ owns all that is good shall not we own it Doth not he gather all the good together in one even himself Doth he gather all universally in every Nation that fears him and work Righteousness without respect to shadowy things c. wherein they may differ for those he hath left unmeasured on purpose that they might not hinder Doth he do this in every Nation and shall not he do it in one Nation Doth he do this in general and shall he not do it in a Family Yes surely he will in his own appointed time 'T is true he proceeds by weight and measure nor can we hasten his Work yet certainly we may wait for it in a true Christian Moderation and Patience desiring the Lord Jesus may come and if he please quickly to gather the Minds and Spirits of all that fear him in any measure into his Name that is but one then would Sion become our Solemnity and Jerusalem a City sought out and not forsaken even the Praile of the whole Earth not that which is below for she is in Bondage with her Children but that which is from above the Mother of all that is born free which is not of Man's Contrivance Work or Workmanship
for she comes down from above ready prepared of God for all that is fit to enter therein Man's Work ceaseth here for he can add nothing to her Beauty and Perfection Martha's over Carefulness ends here and Mary's better part is enjoyed that can never be taken away and as Man's over-carefulness is over here so fear is at an end for as there is no Night here so her Gates stand open by Day for the good to enter therein whilst that which is not good cannot The true Church is here indeed but not yet referable to any Society with respect to outward Rules and therefore ought to be waited for by all Again he tells us Page 4. To plead being left to the Grace of God against Vnity is to abuse the very Plea c. Answer The drift of this Argument is like the rest to gain a presumptive dependance upon Men either for their greater number or for some external consideration or other without 〈◊〉 regard to Conviction or Perswasion 't is true to plead this against our Understanding is an abuse of the Plea and is little better than Heresie but none can be an Heretick that truly fears God therefore to plead this against this or that thing brought in by this or that Man or by this or that Assembly that we believe is wrong is so far from abusing the Plea that it may be a true using of it therefore before the Plea is proved abused he must prove the things brought in to concern the Essence of true Religion or those that bring them in to be infallible that so we may have something that is certain to depend on for as that is a-wanting Truth is to seek till this be done he doth nothing but beg the Question we are satisfied and that he knows it Page the 4th he saith I must say unto thee Friend what if thou wilt not be left unto the Grace and Spirit of God in thy self c. Answ We answer readily then such do the thing that is extreamly evil but on the other hand what if they are left with the Grace and Spirit of God which they may or at least some for any thing that he hath said What Care has he taken What Remedy has he provided that true liberty and freedom of Speech may be maintained Not a word of that which as it shews he has not asserted the Truth for that has no respect to Persons but allows equal liberty to all so it discovers him partially devoted in this business He cannot but know equal liberty is absolutely necessary in Truths Government as also the want of it hath ruined most of Christian Societies before us and as we have heretofore impeached the Building of others as not good where that was awanting allowing it at that time as a main Pillar of our Building if discontinued our Building that was true will not only fall down but then what is set up will be worse than what has been before us by how much we did begin better Again in the same Page he asketh If he may not exhort to the practice of what he is moved to press to the practice of c. If not he saith Thou art the Imposer by restraining me from my Christian liberty and not only so but away goeth Preaching and with it the Scripture that are both appointed of God for Exhortation Râ—proof and Instruction Answer We are as much for saving of the Scripture as he is and for saving of all that is good therefore we grant he may exhort to what he believes he is moved to press to the practice of and thus having agreed with him to save true liberty and all that is good we hope he will accord with us to shut all out that is not good therefore we say though we have granted this liberty as above it 's not our Duty to obey him because he says it but because we know or at least are perswaded that what he says is true for he may be mistaken and moved to what is wrong as well as to what is right for any thing that we know and the same that may be said to him is true to every one and all Men in the things of God Again in the same Page he Questions But are there not various Measures diversities of Gifts and several Offices in the Body To this he answers Yea and then questions But therefore are not the Members of one Mind and Judgment in common and universal Matters relating to the Church of God Answer There is not much doubt in this when truly understood but we are to mind that we be not deceived and imposed upon as to what is or ought to be accounted common and universal Matters By common and universal Matters we understand and we hope according to Truth that is what has been commonly and universally received and not new and novel things that have not been so received for all new things that have not been so received they must stay that bring them in whatever they are till they come in as the former did to wit by Conviction or at least by Perswasion before they can be truly said to be common and universal Matters and in the mean time observe this of Conviction and Perswasion preceding Conformity hath been a common and universal matter or thing because commonly and universally received among us as a great Truth we believing no true Building could be or stand without it therefore let us mind we leave not common and universal Matter and old Truths too for new Notions for if we must receive new things for common and universal Matters because some that bring them in call them so would have them so or at best believe they should be so we do not only go from this old received Truth Conviction and Perswasion the main Pillar of every true Building but then what is it that may not be obtruded This would bring us to rest upon Opinion and what is uncertain then what is more contrary to Truth and the whole tendency of his Discourse seems to this purpose on which account many excellent Truths are mis-applied Page the 5th he tells us What comes from the Light Life and Spirit in one is the same in Truth and Vnity to the rest as if it rise in themselves this is seen he saith in our Assemblies every day c. Answer The Design of this Argument is to gain a dependance upon the teachings of God by Instruments equal at least to the teaching of God immediately by his Spirit in our own Hearts but how plausible soever this is 't is not according to the Truth as 't is in Jesus for though there is no contrariety in the Spirit of God so no contradiction in the Spirit teaching being all for one and the same end to wit the good of Man by the Salvation of his Soul yet betwixt God's teaching by Instruments and teaching immediately by his Spirit in our own Hearts there is this distinction
or referred too all his work had been to no purpose grant that and no hopes of conforming before Conviction from hence 't is plain 't is Form and not Power and Life that is so strenuously endeavoured to be set up But the sense and consequence of his Argument sets Fellowship up instead of Truth for we can find no difference by his Argument betwixt saying They that go out of the Truth go out of the Light and they that go out of Fellowship go out of the Light but as the word Fellowship is set up for Truth we must inquire what must be understood by it for it cannot stand of it self Therefore to make it intelligible in the best sense we must joyn to it what he calls the Church and then that Church must relate to People and at last we judge it must relate to those Orders Rules and Forms that are set up by this Church for the difference begun there and therefore the Fellowship seems to stand there and then according to the Consequence of his reasoning in our Judgment his Position must be read thus or to this effect They that go out of Fellowship with this Church in these circumstantial or ceremonial things which she set up to be observed they go out of the Light that God dwells in Now if this be true the contrary Position is as true That they that walk in Fellowship with this Church in the things she sets up to be observed they abide in the Light that God dwells in Upon the whole 't is necessary to know whether all this be true or nay if not necessary a bare Conformity will serve and they that can believe this Doctrin have no more to do but to mind to keep in Fellowship with this Church in the things she set up to be observed and what may confirm such in it is his Position That they that go out of Fellowship go out of the Light for if this be certain the contrary is as certain That they that keep in Fellowship abide in the Light but if needful to know the truth of those things beyond a bare Conformity Belief or Report as most sure it is for if we must be led by this Church and she be wrong and that not known our Damage is irreparable but if she is right 't is as necessary to know that as it was the other otherwise we may be wrong whilst she may be right Now whether she is right or wrong can only be truly known by coming sincerely to the Spirit of Truth in our own Hearts and there waiting to know what is right and what is wrong for that way only can we be gathered into the Truth and kept out of what is wrong therefore we must affirm 't is absolutely necessary for every one to come to the Spirit of Truth for themselves for he that knoweth not the Truth in himself can never know it in another as he ought to know it nor can he value the Truth in another that doth not first love and value it in himself by which 't is plain 't is God that adds to the true Church and not Man though we do not deny any means that God may make use of but as they all direct to him so they all end in him for Righteousness sake to them that truly believe But to come to his Argument again which is that 't is easie to conclude That those that go out of Fellowship go out of the Light to which we say as easie as it is 't is not safe so to conclude upon this Argument the Word Fellowship being dubious and uncertain as above because those that did go out of Fellowship with the Apostles did go out of the Light therefore those that go out of Fellowship or differ with this or that Assembly in this or that ceremonial or shadowy thing go out of the Light is no good Argument being still but a begging of the Question what is this but to over-value our selves and bear witness of our selves as others before us have done endeavouring to set our Post by the Apostles which we cannot And if we could the work would not follow God hath designed which is to go forward but instead of that there would be a declining seeing 't is plain as the Apostle and these then were most eminent so there was a declining until the true Church did go into the Wilderness nor can the work succeed better whilst those that go before are to be relled on in the things of God or whilst they look for it betwixt the Apostles time and the Church going into the Wildernss the inquiry was what the Apostle did thinking by doing what they did to meet with the same Life and Power or at least by doing such things to find acceptance with God but when that was missed and Life could not be found nor Satisfaction in observing of outward things then was the true Church allured by the Lord into the Wilderness state wherein nothing could serve to satisfie the Immortal Soul but what came immediately from God and then such God visited by his Holy Spirit according to their state and his time and so from step to step till he came to us to whom we believe he hath appeared more clearly than to any since the Apostacy and as we have seen that Christ must be the beloved of the Soul before we could by his Holy Spirit be led out of the Wilderness so it must be a true dependance upon him that can only perfect that Work begun according to his own will and as we believe there is to be no end of the increase of his Government now begun we are to consider there is some alteration in the work it then decreased it must now increase and if it must increase we may well consider as God is Infinite and Eternal he hath still more Wisdom Power and Glory to reveal and as we think of this and consider that we are but come to the beginning of this glorious Day we should be so far from thinking our selves the greatest as we should think our selves the least for this only fits Men to know more this is that which makes the Elders low and little in their own eyes and then always ready to throw down their Crowns at the feet of Jesus let him appear when how and where he pleases Thus there must be a looking forward and not backward for the mind of Christ This hath yet never been truly known in any Reformation for instead of waiting truly upon him that stired in their minds and shewed them things that was true and did appear to them in the use of outward things whilst their mind was sincere to him we say instead of waiting upon him to compleat and fulfil those Additions that might be serviceable for a time they depended too much on outward Things and limited him by those Forms that he had appeared in and herein the Elders in every breaking forth of God since the Apostacy
be quiet let all concerned consider there is that to be done they yet cannot do that so in a sense of our Nothingness and Inability we may wait on him that 's able to do all things and in the mean time let us consider if it hath not been on this foot that all before us since the Apostacy have miscarried hasting God's work taking that to themselves God has not yet given to any visible Society if so we can only avoid that Rock by being more humble And therefore we desire such as do know what he means and take themselves of this Church to consider seriously in their own minds if they find themselves thus qualified to take the Government of Christ upon their Shoulders that so others may certainly depend on them in the things of God as infallible and if they do not thus find it then to consider if they certainly know who are thus qualified on whom not only themselves but others also may depend But if this be not known then whether they are still to suppose that there is some that are thus qualified and on that Supposition presumingly depend seeing where there wants Certainty there must want Truth This we commend to every ones serious Consideration for the good of their own Immortal Souls that they may not depend on Suppositions Conjectures or at best but on Probabilities but that all may be established on God's everlasting Truth manifested in their own Souls the Truth of all Shadows and that which fulfils all Additions for Righteousness sake But again what doth he drive at What doth he intend by placing Infallibility upon this Church as it relates to Men To us it must either be to set up the worship of God or not if not we cannot find 't is worth his while for if God's worship may be known without their being set up as infallible there can be but little if any thing at all in it for where God's worship is truly known such must love God with all their Hearts and who so loves God cannot avoid loving his Neighbour as himself and herein the whole Duty of Man seems included But if any think the worship of God cannot be set up but as direction comes from Men called a Church and that because nothing can set up the worship of God but what is infallible therefore we must accept the Church as infallible in this matter then we enquire if this be not to have two infallible Rules for one and the same thing for the Spirit of Truth is certainly one infallible Rule and if this Church be another then here 's two but as this is improper so they cannot both stand together However we may distinguish the one from the other the one is to be look'd for in the mind the other from Men called a Church without and so the one is inward the other outward but taking this in the best sense not as meer Men but as they think Men indewed with God's Spirit and thereby fitted for Government Now which of those must give way for both cannot stand in equal Authority together will any venture to say that the inward must give way for a few or the lesser number cannot be so such as many or the greater number however not as this Church that is set up as the Ground and Pillar of Truth then we desire such to consider if they do not justle Christ out of his Throne or at least set up a Tutor or Governour over the Spirit of Truth as some before us have done who begun well and will still in the general in a good measure acknowledge as we do to the Influences of God's holy Spirit but then they tell us the Scripture is the Rule and what difference is there to tell us the Church is the Rule the Heir while under Tutors and Governours differing nothing from a Servant though he be Lord of all We would by no means miss your meaning either you take your selves as infallible in the matter or not if not we say why do you impose upon your Brethren For if you 're not infallible certainly you must allow Conviction to preceed Conformity but if you think your selves infallible we tell you notwithstanding that you are to give way for we hope all will conclude our Saviour perfect and every way infallible and as good and as certain a Rule as any Church can be while he was in that Body prepared for him and if his Disciples could not be made perfect while he so abode with them we hope no Church will take more to themselves or think they can do more than he did Well then if you will seek his Will as he sought or did the Father's Will you must do as he did you must tell your Disciples or those that depend upon you that you must go away as a guide to them in the worship of God and a holy Conversation before they can be made perfect for it is certainly as expedient for you to let all know how far your Ministry can go as it was for him did he tell his Disciples it was expedient for him to go away or else the Comforter could not come the Spirit of Truth that only guide into all Truth 'T is as expedient we are sure for you to let all know that except Men come into their own minds and there wait to know the work and teaching of God for themselves they can never be made perfect by your Ministry We would not have you mistake us do we hereby make void the gifts of God given unto Men for the work of the Ministry No by no means but we would have all to know that the best of gifts for this end are but Additions and are not to be perpetuated as for ever for that which is but until hath a limit and ends in him that gave them and as all ought to look for Christ the hope of Glory to arise in their minds to fulfil every Addition so should all that have received any gift from God direct all to him in whom they all end otherwise such will be always learning but can never know that Truth that maketh free for though the light of a Candle is good 't is in the dark 't is in the Night and they that use it are sensible of its service yet in in its use wait for the Day to come for the Sun to arise where its service is swallowed up and truly fulfilled even so the light that comes from Men as it comes from God to them is good and serviceable by way of direction but its chief service is to those that are in the dark and therefore if the Son of Righteousness be not waited for through the use of it to rise upon their Souls they still remain in the dark notwithstanding all the teaching of Men let their Gifts and Abilities be what they will therefore send all to Christ and leave all with him seek his Honour truly and he will certainly seek yours
the only guide into all Truth be discouraged so early and freedom of Speech taken away what may we think the next Age may do when we consider there was not yet any Christian Society but did at long run decline its Integrity in which danger we seem as well as any that did go before us And his own words to us seems to import as much for he brings the young convinced to be in most danger and for whom those requisite things seems mostly alledged to be serviceable is this because the Truth grows old that outward things are joyned with it to assist it nay sure then it must be because there seems a decrease and if the young convinced seems in this great danger whilst the old are living what must they do when they are gone beside if not an increase there will be a decrease Well since there is danger to go backward from the Truth in the Mind and Love of God in the Heart either into the World or into Form without Power and Life why should not liberty of Speech be allowed to all yea to such as think themselves the Church For if not suffered now because you think you are right they will not be allowed when there is need because they are wrong especially having your early Example to plead and thus may Truth 's Testimony suffer in the future by the cause which you now have given wherefore we think since you seem to make so much Povision for future time you ought in this more especially to have set Posterity a good President by your Moderation and Forbearance why may not you be cautioned to beware of Formality We would gladly have a satisfying reason for this while we consider all before us have failed â—â—re and what can you say more in our day than others before us could in their time Have you received more then more is required Have you any thing but what you have received Must not the Rooâ— bear yoâ— and not you the Root Must particular Persons by our own Rule be humble and low and think others better than themselves and must not Churches as they relate to Assembâ—â—â—â— read in the same book for they are made of the same Menâ— Are they holier for being assembled or because the greater number then let them be more humble too We believe it is as much the duty of Assemblies as of Individuals for at best you know but in part and there is yet that to know which you do not and God is no more bound to many than he is to one as the Wind blows where it listeth so may God speak or appear by whom he pleases Pray let us know why Truth 's Testimonies may not be allowed and pass currant where the Life and Conversation is suitable is it because you are the greater number or because there is some among this greater number that is infallible and then have received the whole Counsel of God that nothing can be true but what such allow of and all must be so that they approve Not the first surely for Truth never prospered in the World while that was to be Truth concluded by the greater number besides 't is from hence that the Whore takes her power and strength so that it s not less than a scandal to speak of it in the case but if the latter we must confess 't is rare if true because without President or Example but on the contrary that many have pretended as high things and yet have been wrong is no news why then should not you fear that while you think you stand least you fall For we believe you cannot make it appear that any pretended such high things but they failed So that by all we can find you seem in more danger than safety and consequently more occasion to bear if not receive those Testimonies than reject them under the notion of loose Pleas. Perhaps you will say that those that use those Pleas are wrong and therefore the Testimonies are false and wrong as used against you but those that use them will tell you that they really concern you and that they are for your good to regard them and indeed are so for any thing that we can find that you have said or done but if some have been wrong must all be condemned for that Will that make you right We doubt not but you say they are wrong if so it must be manifest in their Lives and Conversation or not If manifest in their Lives and Conversations place your Judgment upon what is evil and spare not for there it will stand for we plead not for evil in any but for what is good but let that which is true live you know where the Heart believeth to Righteousness the Mouth must confess unto Salvation so where the Spirit of Truth is owned and known the guide into all Truth such may truly hold forth those Testimonies which belong unto it yea for those Testimonies of Truth ought to live as outward Monuments of it through all Generations But if no evil manifest in their Conversation nay perhaps instead of finding any evil there their Lives and Conversations may be as good as yours and such as adorns the Gospel against which Scripture saith there is no Law will you then make Laws against such as God has made none What will you do now Will you say they are still wrong though you have nothing against their Lives and Conversations nor yet against any principle or essential thing they hold and that because of that wrong those Testimonies of Truth which they use are wrong and false For he saith Page 9. That a saying may be false or true according to the subject or matter it is applied too but that we believe is a mistake for we think Truth 's Testimonies are not false because some may mis-apply them For instance this Testimony that the Spirit of Truth is guide into all Truth is always true however mis-applied to illustrate it in lower things as Meat Drink and Cloathing then what is more abused or mis-applied are they wrong or false because some abuse them No such matter no more do we think Truth 's Testimonies false because some abuse them Will you then abuse and discourage those Testimonies because you think those are wrong that use them though nothing that is immoral or evil in it self can be proved against them We think you cannot do this in the best sense but do evil that good may come of it and though that may be a Maxim in a false Church we believe 't is none in a true are they wrong still in your thought then 't is what you cannot right without doing wrong your selves Now if you cannot right a thing without doing wrong is it not your place to suffer Nay is it not your Duty And if the advice to the Church of Philadelphia was thought on in this case it might help to support However we know our Saviour overcame by suffering and