seldom fails where delusion and error get place a swelling and being lift up under much self-confidence and esteem might be visibly seen to go before nor is it easie to find an instance of a sober humble prefessor of the Truth plunged in this gulf it is a sad mark the Scripture hath set at their door who know not this Behold the soul which is lifted up is not upright Habbak 2. 4. 3. I may say there should need no dispute against this horrid way of the Quakers were mens eyes kept more within themselves and in the humbling sight of a body of Death under which the choisest of the Saints have been still kept most pressed yea nothing hath helped them to shine more brightly and to a transmitting of their remembrance with the most sweet and fragrant savour to after-ages than this 5. To attend on the Ministry of the Word and a close keeping by that Ordinance given by Jesus Christ to the Church should be found a blessed Preservative against this way and therefore are they so strictly conjoyned by the Holy Ghost Eph. 4. 11. 14. He gave some Pastors and Teachers for the perfecting of the Saints c. and that we be not henceforth children tossed to and fro and it 's sure if men shut not their eyes they cannot but behold that where once any begin to fall off here there is no standing or getting their ground farther kept till either Error or Atheism hath made them a prey This is no personal Interest I plead but the Ordinance of Jesus Christ though never more trampled upon by the World than at this day And I hope with much confidence it can be said that many such of the Ministers of Christ yet are whom Quakers do in the most hateful Terms that can be expressed Revile as Hirelings Baals Priests who yet would bear such contempt and opprobry and a sad outward Lot with much joy so they might get acceptance for their Work and as Embassadors of Christ whose Commission they carry and can shew his credential Letters for the same to all with whom the Scripture hath any weight might find access to drive on that great Interest of Reconciliation betwixt God and Sinners SECT VII NOw in the close I shall touch a little the appeal formerly proposed to that very Light within which this Party of the Quakers so much cry up as an infallible Guide since it cannot possibly be understood another thing than that Tribunal of the Conscience under the great Judg set up in every mans Breast If even before that Light they can stand without horror and amazement at their own way and some enforcing conviction of the Truth of those particulars I attest their Conscience in 1. If a corrupting of the Affections did not previously concur to corrupt their Judgment and if this change in their way might not to their own discerning be sound to begin first in some reigning and predominant lust It is sure the Scripture finds the root of Error and Heresie to be there Gal. 5. 20. 1 Tim. 2. 19. And it is easie for the World to see how visible a rise discontent cross events to their designs about outward things a begun wearying of the very form of Godliness yea some hope and insinuation of advantage from another airth hath in many instances given to this and effectually influenced their taking up a lax conception of Religion and then turning over to such a way 2. I may here appeal to the Conscience of most who have ingaged with that Party if they were sincere and earnest in professing the Truth before they quilt it or knew what it was to be swayed by Principles of their own with that solid founding thereon as they could say no incitement from example or the Testimony of others but the felt Power of the Truth on their soul did influence such a profession Since it is undeniable how many from extream leudness and ere they had any appearance of being Christians have made this leap over to the Quakers so as it can be no wonder that they on easie Terms part with that which they so lightly took up and never in earnest knew yea it is notoriously known how some of the chief among them have as an Argument for perswading others to desert the way of the Lord expresly owned this that while they were once under the same profession with them and seemed to be most serious therein yet 't was but for a shew only and they found never any Truth or Reality in this way which is indeed not strange for they could not find that which they were not then at all seeking after 3. To that Light within that they so much pretend to I must appeal If they can possibly cast the Judgment and Authority of the Scripture without having that very Light within to rise up and witness against them and if their Conscience be not wholly struck dead can deny that witness thereto How by a clear manifestation of the Truth it commends it self to the Conscience of every one as a safe ground whereon to repose their soul yea If it bear not that visible Impress of its Divinity that all may know how it is framed to correspond with the inward Man and to judg and exercise a Power over the Conscience with the most retired thoughts as well as the Actings of Men. 4. Let the Conscience and that Light within speak if Natures Light can be a test and measure of supernatural Revelation when except they do violence thereto they cannot but know that the greatest Truths of Christianity indispensably necessary to Salvation yea the whole contrivance of the Gospel is such as could never possibly have entred into the hearts of Men if the Scripture had not revealed the same 5. Can they without a contradiction to that very Light within deny what in all times is made obvious to the view of the World that irresistible and efficacious Power of the Word accompanied by the Spirit to be such as converteth the Soul enlightens the Eyes and maketh wise the simple and what innumerable Instances of real Conversion from the Power of Satan to God hath in all ages been thus wrought in whom it might be evidently seen that the more vigorous lustre the Power of Holiness in these had the more close also hath their adherence been to that Doctrine now opposed and trampled on by the Quakers 6. As they can give no reason for that bitterness and wrath against those who own the Truth and from whom they can pretend no personal injury or provocation but for the Truths sake let their Conscience also speak if against any they are thus more stirred than these where the most convincing appearance of God in his Image shines forth yea if they do not more easily comply with them in whom nothing of serious Religion can be seen than such being indeed scorched with that heat that enforces them to rage and blaspheme 7. Must not their
1. 17 which none can say lieth common to all 7. From this blessed Record it is likewise clear how inseparably these are conjoyned for the Churches conduct within time the written Word without and the Spirit within for opening our eyes to see the Truths that are there The Law without as the alone Rule and Pattern and the same Law within as the Transcript bearing both one witness 8. Is it not clearly seen also that where reason hath been most refined and the greatest improvement of mens natural abilities even there The world through wisdom knew not God 1 Cor. 1. 21. And none among the Heathens have made greater opposition to the Gospel than such Nor can an instance be given of any one among all those who by this Light or by the furthest length gone in a right use of natural abilities hath ever attained saving-grace or a discovery of those supernatural Truths revealed to us in the Word nor could this Light teach Aristotle that great Naturalist to know the Worlds having a beginning or restrain Cato the greatest Moralist that ever was among the Heathens from being his own murtherer For that Scripture John 1. 9. That is the true light which lightneth every man that cometh into the world on which they seem so much to build it is most clear what is the plain and express sense thereof That as no true and saving Light is but what must be derived from Jesus Christ so is he the alone Original being truly God whence every one that cometh into the world is eniightned also with that Light of Nature and Reason Pos 2. Since this Light which seems to be their alone Bible and the Scriptures of Truth are incompatible we find them enforced to disown these as the infallible Rule of Faith and Practice and to own them but as an Historical rule only and its Commands are but as Commands from the Letter which oblige not but in a silent posture of heart to wait on an inward teaching of this Spirit A Position were it once admitted we might then say the Christian Cause is lost they who have fallen asleep in Christ are perished who knew no other way for founding both their Faith and Practice but on the express Letter of the Word yea in what a strange mould should men frame a Religion to themselves if but once left to such a Rule within and not that given in the Scripture But it 's well the Holy Ghost speaking to us there taught never such Divinity but expresly sheweth 1. That such a rule the Scripture is as is suited to make the man of God perfect and is profitable for Doctrine Instruction c. 2 Tim. 3. 16. 2. This is the Scriptures record that in the whole of Religion we must betake our selves to the Law and the Tistimony as the alone rule and measure thereof Isa 8. 20 and though strengthning physical power by which we are enabled to duty is from the Spirit working by the Word yet is it sure that all obliging power thereto is from the Letter of the Word alone nor is the Spirit without this a moral Rule for our acting now when the Canon of the Scripture is closed but to obey we must found this that it is intimated to us in the Word and to be strengthened in the inward man for the same is the immediate work of the Spirit concurring therewith 3. Is not the Scripture such a Rule as is given to be the sole Judg of all controversies To whose decision Christ himself refers the greatest question that ever was whether he be the Son of God or not Search the scriptures for they testifie of me Joh. 5. 38. 4. Did ever the Holy Ghost put such a stile as this on his own Word to be a Historical Rule and dead Letter only who so expresly shews that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God Rom. 10. 14. as one active mean instrumentally concurring with the Spirit to beget the same and how it is mighty through God for the casting down of strong-holds and every hight and imagination which exalteth it self against the Lord But we known this Honour doth the Spirit of God put thereon that he still moves and acts according to the Word as it moves and acts nor does he make intercession within the Saints or utter one groan but according to the will of God revealed therein Rom. 8. 26. But it is indeed not strange that to a dead Heart this is as a dead Letter and such who under a judicial stroke of induration have a Bar drawn betwixt them and the power of the Word 5. Can these possibly find another rule for tryal of the Spirits whether they are of God but by the written Word and to know that it is not the Devil in Samuels appearance they have met with who is not now to learn that Art of transforming himself into an Angel of Light Since it is so clear there is the spirit of the word 1 Cor. 2. 12. and a spirit which rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience Eph. 2. 2. a living spirit 1 Kings 22. 22. and a spirit of error and delusion 1 John 4. 6 And is it not too known so as the world cannot be in the dark here How an enthusiastick spirit leaving the Scripture hath licensed some to such abominations as the Heathens would abhor and from a pretended impulse hath the brother killed the brother Pos 3. However they seem to own the appearance of Christ in the flesh yet nothing can be more clear from most of their Writings than how expresly they turn the History of the Gospel and the incarnation death and resurrection of Christ into a meer dispensation and allegory and upon the matter deny Jesus Christ as a distinct person without us and a Being saved by him who died at Jerusalem holding forth such a view and pourtraiture of the blessed Redeemer of the Church as must leave the world in a muse how to take hold upon any Reality of the Gospel or to find Jesus Christ but in some airy abstract and mystick notion of the Light and Spirit within every one which they thus confound as reciprocal terms A design by which I may say Satan does at no ordinary and common rate essay to ruine the Truth whilst by some high pretences to the Spirit he seeks to make us part with the express Letter of the Word 2. He doth thus essay to shake Christians at the root and in the great foundation of their faith by putting the Gospel in such a dress as may put it beyond all possible understanding to know the same or on what solid reality they can found their soul 3. Thus doth he in a special way attempt to darken that great and most desirable mystery that ever was revealed to men the Incarnation of the Son of God that he is assuredly Man and this no Allegory O! blessed he in whom the fulness of the God-head dwells
bodily as though it were some low and carnal dispensation to know Christ and him crucified but as he is within But it 's sure if any reality be in the Christian Faith and the whole mystery of Godliness no delusion the Christian Church will never debate 1. That it is the same Jesus who is preached unto the Gentiles believed on in the world that is received up into Glory 1. Tim. 3. 16. and the connexion there indissoluble nor can another true conception of him be possible than what the Scripture hath given 2. It is sure the literal sense of the Word is no new distinct sense from the spiritual though by a different Light and evidence understood and this great Truth That Jesus the Son of Mary is the Saviour of the World revealed within by the Spirit doth found no other objective Christ nor hath any different sense from what is objected to us in the Letter but is the very same though seen with another Light and irradiation thereof on the Soul 3. We know there was no dispensation nor Allegory meaned Acts 5. 30. The God of our Fathers hath raised up Jesus whom you hanged on a tree him hath God exalted to be a Prince and Saviour and that we must seek him else where than within even he whom the Heavens must contain till the time of the restitution of all things 4. We have sure warrant to say let him be accursed though an Angel from Heaven should come to give another account of Jesus Christ than what we have in the Scripture and that this is he 1. Who was the Faith of the ancient Church to whom all the types and shadows under the Law did so expresly relate concerning whom the Prophets did diligently enquire searching to what or what manner of time the Spirit in them did point concerning his being revealed to the World and the precise time set thereto 2. He who hath passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God and is still there the glorious Object of our Faith and Worship 3. He who surely was wounded for our transgressions and hruised for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was on him and by his stripes are we healed Isa 53. 5. O blessed and unexpressibly sweet Truth that we know to be no notion or allegory and that all these Sin-offerings and sacrifices under the Law pointing at this were not the true Victim offered to God but had a discernible respect to that one great propitiatory sacrifice now offered up for the Sins of the people 4. It was in truth and an undoubted reality that Thomas knew a Christ without when his Master gave him leave to put his hand in his side and when his Disciples beheld his Being taken up into Heaven whilst a cloud received him out of their sight even the same Jesus who shall in like manner come again at the last day We know there is an unexpressibly near and spiritual Union betwixt Christ and his People here which is undoubtedly sure and that as he is truly revealed within so he leaves a resemblance of himself on the soul such as neither the World nor the Powers of darkness can ever put a counterfeit in his room but such is this Union as his body here upon the earth doth still know her head to be in heaven at the right hand of God rejoycing in hope of that day when they shall be translated to that blessed place where he is to see and for ever wonder at that inconceiveable mystery of the glorious God-head dwelling bodily in the man Christ Pos 4. This also is a part of the known Doctrine of the Quakers That by no righteousness without us which Christ hath fulfilled in his person we are justified but by a righteousness wrought within and that there is no truth in Christs Satisfaction to justice for the sins of the Elect but in this they are not alone nor is it strange that in all times now under the new Testament men have been acted forth in a high degree of opposition to this head of the Imputed Righteousness of Christ even beyond other Scripture-truths and that so great an assault is made to poyson this Fountain when of such import to the Church as it may be called articulus stantis cadentis ecclesiae But I must say in this the Quakers seem to have taken the most effectual way and have the advantage of others who own the same Doctrine with them that they first essay to depress the credit and authority of the Scripture without which their Cause is lost since nothing possibly can be more express and clear than it is there 1. That our high Priest hath entred into the holy Places having obtained eternal Redemption for us Heb. 9. 12. and is that sacrifice which being offered without spot to God pacifies all whose blood alone could silence that cry that sin hath for vengeance having nailed that hand-writing of ordinances which was against us and contrary to us to his cross Col. 2. 14. and hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us Gal. 3. 13. 2. Is it possibly conceivable if our sin was imputed to Jesus Christ as the Surety and on him all our iniquities were laid but there must be an imputation of his Righteousness to us and if the Debtor be acquitted by the Cautioners payment and the fruit of Christ's Satisfaction at all redound to us that it must needs be by Imputation of the same Now it is clear thus the Scripture reasons yea I may say with such a plainness as it is strange men can be in the dark here without making it their choice He was made sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him 1 Cor. 5. 20 21. and having fulfilled all Righteousness and so fully satisfied the Law as Surety in our stead as a common person representing the whole elect Church Must it not undeniably acquit those at the hand of Justice and be accounted theirs who were then thus represented and judicially one with him 3. We know the Scriptures shew one great end of that blessed contrivance into which the Angels with wonder desire to look is not only to manifest grace but to declare the righteousness of God that he is just and the justifier of them that believe Rom. 3. 20. And no way could ever have been conceived like this to make these two shine forth together in one and the same work or how the Law and Justice could have had such satisfaction as by this blessed Surety who at once and to the full hath satisfied beyond all that the united Obedience of Angels and Men though extended and multiplied to Eternity could ever have done 4. Nor is it possible to suppose how works should be concauses with Faith in the Justification of a Sinner since this acts only instrumentally as the hand embracing that inestimable jewel of the Righteousness of Jesus Christ as
having a peculiar intrinsick aptitude and fitness beyond all the Graces of the Spirit for applying him to the soul 5. Must not all serious Religion begin first at this great Truth of an imputed Righteousness since no access can be to perform new Obedience till we have got once from under the curse of the Law and be found that in another which we are not in our selves It is a blessed and inseparable tye by which these are conjoined in the Scripture which none may essay to divide but upon that dreadful penalty of being shut out of all possible right or claim thereto that Christ is made over to be both our Righteousness and Sanctificacation yet so as the alone weight of our peace and acceptation with God must still lye on what Jesus Christ hath done for and not what he hath wrought in us but as it is an assured evidence of the former our Faith being thus made discernable and justified by works O what can thus influence so strange an opposition to the Doctrine of Grace as is this day in the World and to that unexpressibly sweet and excellent Truth of the Righteousness of the Gospel the clear breaking up of which Light in these last times hath been as life from the dead to the Church after a long and dark night of Antichristianism had gone before to obscure it It is clear the Holy Ghost hath indissolubly conjoyned our being justified by faith and having peace with God through Jesus Christ Rom. 5. 1. And in this I can attest such as ever knew the sensible intimation of pardon and what it is to have a spirit broken and wounded under the sense of sin put under the hand of the great physician and a solid cure thereunto if this ever came in another way than by some clear warming discovery and sensible application of the Righteousness of Christ and that the alone sure and effectual way to heal is by appplying his blood and laying that blessed propitiatory sacrifice as a salve thereto But oh what another thing is the power and efficacy of the Truth on the soul than can be expressed in some scholastick notions about it such as brings a demonstration of its certainty to those who know it indeed that all the disputers of the World could never answer yea I must say if a possibility could be for such a choice as to carry Heaven by works of our own I should think it a sad evidence of those whose heart did not warrant them to witness that no choice could be to them here but to this alone blessed way of being saved by the Righteousness of Jesus Christ doth their soul cleave and 't is that which gives a more indearing sight of Heaven in holding the same only of him who hath purchased it for them and them for it by his own blood which shall thus draw forth and intend their love to the highest pitch for all eternity Pos 5. It is one of their known Tenets that none should move in the commanded â—â—â—ties of a Christian but by some inward call and motion on their spirit and that we ought to forbear where this is wanting but it is sure herein we are taught from the Scripture 1. To have the command as the rule and object of our Faith and not any spiritual disposition nor is there a restriction thus shewed to the Church when it so expresly injoyns pray without ceasing 1 Thes 5. 17. Trust in him at all times c. Psal 62. 8. nor gives it any Latitude to sift our obedience upon the want of actual influence 2. It is clear moral Commands are perpetually obliging though the breathings of God and his immediate assistance be not in our power But the wind bloweth where it lists John 3. 8. And though it 's ever true that it is in vain for one to rise early or essay any work without God Psal 127. 1. Yet this argument should then conclude for the Husbandmans restraining his plowing and sowing in the season thereof until he be sure of the Lords joyning his influences with the same since it 's as impossible to sow without the common influence of God who is the first Cause as it is to pray in Faith without the special breathings of the Spirit 3. It is not such Doctrine can darken the undoubted experience of all the Saints whilst nothing is more known to them than this what singular advantage they have found in essaying duty under the greatest indisposition and deadness and how oft ere they were aware their spirits with a blessed surprisal even to astonishment have been revived and inlarged 4. What assurance can men have the next hour or to morrow more than in the present time of the Spirits moving on their souls or that they shall be thus at a farther advantage by waiting the call of the Word for duty until they have some inward call and motion thereto Pos 6. Though these men pretend to own Teachers of their own wav and mould such as they say are commanded by the eternal Spirit to that work yet do they expresly deny a fixed ministry in the Church with a mediate call thereto or any Scripture-institution thereof But I confess it needs be no wonder that such whose great intent is to destroy the City have the first and sorest thrust at the Watch-men and that in so strange a manner their rage and passion should burst out against the faithful Ministers of Jesus Christ whom by all possible means they seek to withstand in their work since the more enforcing convictions there are of the Authority of God and his Power with them the more does their pain and torment turn them inraged though in this they are such a sight and should be to us as calls for some sad and compassionate resentment when there seems no access to convince those who do but express the greatest cruelty against themselves in making them the But of their wrath and revilings who before the Lord dare say they have no other revenge but how to pluck such out of the fire and if possible reclaim their soul from perishing But who is that Party here against whom they thus quarrel sure it is not the Ministry so much as the Scriptures of Truth in which it's express warrant is too clear and there 's no possible access to debate 1. That such a marvelous erection of the Church as a politick body is undeniably there shewed with its peculiar offices and service and a fixed Ministry thereto 2. That this Ministry given by Jesus Christ is a perpetual standing ordinance in his house to the end of the world Matt. 28. 20. Ephes 4. 11 12. 3. That it lyeth not common but hath a peculiar guard and hedg set about the same For no man taketh this honour to himself but be that is called thereto as Aâ—ron Heb. 5. 4. And what this calling was is told us in the first verse that he was taken from among men and ordained for
pressure and incitement from such an Impulse as they seem to have no freedom in their own motions but though before of most discernably calm and sober dispositions are then acted forth to those strange expressions of railing and reproach as can leave it under no debate from what spirit they move and how far they are from that wisdom from above which is first pure and then peaceable 2. This strange appearance and change such are under who once embrace this way of the Quakers is seen to be by no moral swasion or conviction suited to a reasonable soul no receiving of the ingrafted word or any discernable impress thereof to shew the Laws being written in their heart but as hath been greatly observed by some is by a strange rude leap and enthusiastick impulse sudden and violent the Conscience being made sound and whole before it be lanced and their false peace broken 3. It may be clearly seen whatever Impulse these pretend to for such a change that this is from a spirit of blasphemy even to a denying of Jesus Christ the blessed Head and Redeemer of the Church except as a Principle within yea from a leud and prophane spirit such as counteracts Holiness in hearing reading of the Scripture praying singing of Psalms sanctifying of the Sabbath the use of the Sacraments 4. That it is from such a spirit also whatever pretences they have to follow a Light within them as counteracts the most express dictates of a natural Conscience in these notes of difference which by the Light of Nature have in all Nations been betwixt Man and Man to a denying that due reverence Children should have to Parents Servants to Masters Subjects to Magistrates 5. And is it not here most discernably a strange bewitching of their Judgment and Reason who once fall in with that Party into such absurd extravagancies both in their Tenets and Practice as no reason can possibly comprehend but that it is the very immediate power and working of Satan Whilst it is so clear that this is such a Religion and way as none can close therewith but by ingaging upon these two Principles to forego their Reason and Judgment and all subjection to the Scripture of God a Religion which is so far from rendring a reason of the ground thereof with meekness to these who ask that it turns visibly inraged upon the most sober Christian essay for bringing of it to the Light SECT VI. IN the fifth place let us consider on this subject what might be of most special use to guard and preserve all who profess the Truth against this horrid and spreading contagion now in these times for clearing of which some few Preservatives I would seriously offer 1. To live much by Scripture and have more near intercourse therewith as that alone rule without which none can write one line in Religion aright but according to the same and is so marvelously suited to enlighten and take the wayfaring man through all these snares here by the way so as the whole race of the Saints since the beginning to this day could not possibly have wished it another thing than it is Oh! what do such part with that can part with this guide which reveals the whole Counsel of God and shews us what is good lovely and just gives Law to the inward man and commands his very thoughts yea that which the God of Truth hath magnified above all his Names Sure it is if such blasphemers knew what converse a serious humble Christian hath oft found this way with Jesus Christ and which his soul knows well to be no dream or shadow they should rather wish their words choaked them in the throat than to adventure to speak at the rate they usually do I know this quarrel they have therewith which Ahab had with the Prophet Micajah that it prophesieth sad things to them and therefore they must hate it and seek a new Light because this is their torment for it 's sure the Scripture and Quakerism are no more compatible to lodg in one heart than the noon-day and mid-night can meet together but their appeal herein is cast for whether they will or not by this word they must be judged in the day of the Lord. 2. That great Counsel of the Apostle 2 Tim. 1. 13. I would press on Christians at this day for holding fast the form of sound words as one great intent of the Scripture to give the Church a full model and standard of saving Doctrine whereon every one may know how he foundeth Now this great duty is the more pressingly called for in such times when most satisfie themselves with some loose notions of the Truth and to know things at random who seem but little concerned to be stable and rooted in the faith so as to know that close contexture and dependance of the Truths of God in the Scripture and how they are linked in the nearest tye and correspondence as there can be no essay for corrupting of one part but must have the same tendence against the whole yea thus reach a thrust at the very life and being of Religion It will be rare to find such as are in earnest for a solid founding on the great Foundation-Truths and Principles of the Word and to feed much thereon to have ever become a prey to delusion and error 3. A third safe Preservative against this contagion should be more deep and serious thoughts How horrid a way this of Quakerism is And to consider 1. What the Apostle shews 2 Pet. 2. 2. that such damnable Heresies bring swift destruction therewith 2. How hopeless the recovery of such prove and how rare 't is to bring them of who are once Prisoners to an erring Conscience or to see them either seek or find out a way of escape these being Trees twice dead pluckt up by the root 3. The very near approach of this to that sin against the Holy Ghost where there is a falling once into those destroying Heresies which subvert the Faith especially where some remarkable work of the Spirit hath gone before to enlighten and convince as we see Heb. 6. 4 6. For it is impossible for those who were once inlightned if they shall fall away to renew them again to repentance 4. And what an awful Impression should this also have on men that such as are thus subject and reject means of conviction are condemned of themselves as the Apostle shews Tit. 3. 11. Since they chuse Delusion and will not hearken to the Truth thrusting the Word from them whereby they judg themselves unworthy of erernal life 4. It should be a singular guard also against this way for Christians to walk humbly and have such a disposition much their study in these times while it is so clear 1. That the most solid and eminently fixed Christians in the Church who have shined most brightly even to the setting of their Sun have still been the most humble 2. That this is a remark
professors in this time be under an irrecoverable woe in the matters of Eternity when profession is so much turned into the form of godliness without the power thereof which should be nothing else when it is native but as the shadow appearing that must needs be because it cannot cease to follow the body Secondly As we must not despise or look lightly on such an amazing sight as that Party now is so it should concern us to guard also against any stumbling at serious godliness on this account but how to improve the same for being more fixed and confirmed in the good ways of the Lord when it is so evident 1. How one and the same spirit and with one concurrence to the same work moves in this Party with the most flagitious and open persecutors and though under some different form yet they do all vigorously unite in that common Interest to counteract Truth and Holiness to decry the Scripture cast reproach on the great Ordinances thereof and how to make that Ministry given by Jesus Christ to his Church contemptible and vile which as it may be seen is the very same work the most profligate Atheists are at and so must have from one airth their Incitements thereto 2. Whatever be of the falling in of some to that way who once seemed to love the Truth and embrace it yet is it not evident as to most of this Party how remarkable the earth hath been made to help the Woman by drinking in such a flood as the Devil had cast forth to ruine the Church whilst so many have thus parted with the Truth of whom no known or convincing evidence could be given that ever they had received it but a most discernible tendency in their way to such an infection had broke forth before the spots of it from that small regard they were known to have to the solid saving and substantial Truths of the Word 3. This sad subject with such shaking winds as now blow almost from every airth on the Church should it not press us to some further length than most seem to satisfie themselves with in a sure and solid founding on the Scripture when it is so clear that none can ossuredly know the Scriptures being the Word of God but may have a sufficient antidote against this deadly poyson and by these great Demonstrative evidences thereof must thus know 1. That it is undoubtedly a full and perfect Rule such as the whole race of the Saints to this day could not have wished it another thing than it is for their Counsel and Conduct within time and takes off all possible ground for the adding either Traditions or any Revelation thereto yea that it is such a Rule as manifests it self with that sufficiency of Light to all as none can reject this one evidence but these whose eyes the God of this World hath blinded since there is no want of Light in the Truth it self but from mens blindness and a defect in the â—isive faculty 2. It is thus they assuredly know how it is no dead Letter by that Divine Power and Efficacy thereof and to be no Historical Rule which is sharper then any two-edged sword to a dividing asunder the soul and spirit with the joynts and marrow Heb. 4. 12. that gives Law to the Conscience makes it tremble and searches in to the most secret recesses of the hearts of men 3. Thus also we know the Holy Ghosts speaking in and by the Scripture to be no private voice and such an Impression as comes in a divided way or by bearing witness to the Truth and Authority of the Scripture in any other way than by the Scripture and an imparting thereto its Power Efficacy and Majesty and enabling us to know and discern the same 4. That such are these great supernatural Truths revealed there as could only have been revealed from Heaven and never possibly could have been once thought of or conceived in the mind of Man by any reasonings or natural helps without Divine Revelation so as it is no pretended Light within can let us know what are the things of God further than it is derived from the Scripture 5. And is it not thus known also what an undoubted certainty is in the verification of these supernatural Truths in the experience of the Saints as they can know they live or breath which is not witnessed to some individual persons only as if from any advantage of Nature and Edification they might have it but in every time in all the Churches of Christ yea by the whole generation of the Saints hath still with the greatest oneness of consent been undeniably attested when it is so clear also How much a great part of professedChristians is wholly stranger thereto and how it is no less above mens reach by Nature to know or discern what thus belongs to the state of the Saints than for a Beast to know what concerns the state of Man and what advantage should it then be as this Party pleads for all persons to follow a Light within themselves Fourthly Though we must own no such austere mode or appearance of Mortification as this Party of the Quakers seek to amuse the World with being visibly stretched beyond the Rule of the Word yea so false and ridiculous a shew of strictness therein as is a reproach to serious Religion yet is it a clear and indispensable Duty to guard against conformity to the World in these sad extravagant fashions of the time so as Christians may let their Moderation be known to all and their faith of the Lords being at hand may commend the Truth by that true adorning which is in the hidden man of the heart and a meek and quiet spirit not by plaiting of the hair or putting on of apparel 1 Pet. 3 4. Which oft as a publick sign stand at the door to let others know what pride lightness and vanity dwell there as though they had not an eternal salvation to work out with fear and trembling or did not believe the third of Isaiah from the 16. vers to the close to be the Scripture of God and to have the same Authority the same theratning Aspect in this generation whic in had then on Israel yea is this a being accountable in the Improvement of what some have beyond others of the World as a Trust put under their hand now when it is such an hour of great Tribulation on the Churches I confess this ground I have last mentioned is such as may cause many in this age fear they be under a sad mistake in their Claim and Title to Heaven and hath oft put me to wonder what kind of peace many have on this account who seem to out-run others in a profession of the Truth Since if the Scripture be undoubtedly sure and no falling to the ground of the least Tittle thereof should not these clear discoveries which are there he as that hand-Writing on the Wall to make their knees smite