answer was that the persons there writen to by the Apostle were members of the Church of God which was at Coriâ—th which were sanctified in Christ Jesus called to be Saints Cap. 1. 2. And that if every one of these had some manifestation of the spirit it will not follow that every man that comes into the world hath either the manifestation of the spirit or the spirit it self and that the Apostle speaks not of every man that comes into the world but only of every man that by one spirit was baptized in to one body and had been made to drink into one spirit is very evident from the whole scope of that Chapter and especially from the 13. ver For by one spirit we were all baptized into one body whether we be Jewes or Gentiles whether we be bond or free and have been all made to drink into one spirit and ver 27 now ye are the body of Christ and members in particular The same word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is used in the same manner in the 11 Chap. 21. Every man taketh before other his own supper that is not every man that comes into the world but every man of you who come together into one place ver 20. So that this scripture concludes nothing for their purpose Another scripture brought to prove his assertion was Neh. 9. 20. where it is said that God gave his good spirit to instruct the Israelites Ans 1. Israel was Gods Church his chosen peculiar people Ex. 19. 5. and if he did give his good spirit to them it will not thence follow that he gave it to all other nations even to every man that comes into the world the scripture is expresse that he dealt not with any nation as with Jacob and Israel Psal 147. 19. 20. He sheweth his word unto Jacob his statutes and his judgments to Israel He hath not dealt so with any nation and as for his judgments they have not known them and therefore he gave not his good spirit to any other nation for if they had had the unction of his spirit it would have shewed them his word and made known his judgments unto them 1 Joh. 2. 20. 2. Though it be said he gave them his good spirit it will not follow that every particular or individual Israelite had this good spirit but only such as were Israelites indeed Joh. 1. 47. such as were Jewes inwardly Rom. 2. 28. 29. and were born after the spirit Gal. 4. 29. All are not Israel that are of Israel Rom. 9. 6. and to such only that saying in Neh. 9. 20. must be referred thus Moses had that good spirit and God promiseth to take off the spirit which was upon him and put upon the seventy elders Numb 11. 17. Thus Joshua was a man in whom was the spirit Numb 27. 18. and had another spirit then many others had and was fitted thereby for the conduct of the congregation Numb 27. 16. and if this scripture Neh. 9. 20. will not prove that every particular Israelite had the spirit much less will it prove that every man that comes into the world hath the spirit of Christ A third scripture alledeged Isa 63. 10. and Acts 7 51. where it is said the people rebelled vexed resisted the holy spirit hence they would conclude that wicked men have the spirit of Christ Ans though it be true that believers who because they are sons have the spirit of the Son sent forth into their hearts Gal. 4. 6. may and oft do grieve the spirit Eph. 4. 30. yet all that do vex and resist the spirit have it not for Christ saith plainly Joh. 14. 17. the world cannot receive him therefore hath him not yet the world do vex and resist the spirit of God speaking in the Prophets Apostles or other servants of God by slighting and rejecting their reproofes exhortations or counsels or by undervalluing and not regarding the wonderous works of God wrought by the power of his spirit thus when Stephen saith Ye do resist the holy ghost it was the spirit in him by which he spake compared Acts. 6. 10. and they were not able to resist the wisdom and the spirit by which he spake In like manner they had resisted the spirit in the Prophets Which of the prophets have not your fathers persecuted c. ver 52. thus when the mighty power of God was put forth in signs and miracles in Egipt and the wilderness Numb 14. 11. 22. and they believed not his spirit not in themselves but put forth in those mighty works and speaking in Joshua and other faithful witnesses for God in that day thus the spirit of God was vexed in Noah and Lot by the wickedness of the old world and of Sodom Gen. 6. 2 Pet. 2. 7. 8. and not in the wicked who being strangers and without God in the world were not the habitation of God through the spirit Ep. 2. 12. 22 A fourth scripture was urged Joh. 10. 7 8. but if I depart I will send him viz. the comforter unto you and when he is come he will reprove the world of sin c. therefore say they he must needs be in the world and in every man that comes into the world Ans 1. By this promise which Christ makes to send the holy ghost after his departure it is evident enough that this scripture can be no proof of their assertion to wit that every man that comes into the world hath the holy ghost for if every man had him when he came into the world what need was there he should be sent to them after Christs ascention nay rather this shews they had him not before he was sent and so not tillâ— after Christs departure which destroyes their opinion 2. But seccondly this promise is made particularly to the disciples of Christ I will send him unto you and not to the world 3. As for that saying when he is come he shall reprove the world of sin c. admit it were granted as it is not that when he came he was within every man reproving him this would contribute nothing to the proof of their assertion for then he would only be in every man after Christs ascention not in every man that comes into the world since the fall or since Christs manifestation in the flesh which is the point they should prove But further I say That when the Holy Ghost according to the promise was poured out upon the disciples he so mightily wrought in them and by them in bearing witness to the resurrection of Christ Acts. 2. 32. and in doing many wonders and signs ver 43. that the world was hereby justly reproved and yet the Holy Ghost was not poured out upon all flesh that is as was urged upon all mankind or every individual man but only upon such as were thereby enabled to repent and believe Acts 2. 38. 39. Then Peter said unto them repent and
view as we finde the Lord hath enabled you but rejoyce to have this opportunity to set to our assent to what the Lord hath given forth by you and further desire you would permit it to the Press And these two things move us to desire this from you partly that we have not seen any thing in Print that hath met with their Master-piece as this doth as also the persons undertaking have one way or other had something of disadvantage as you have hinted in your Appendix nor have they owned those good things in them which ought to be owned and we can say we could wish not onely for our selves but for all that call upon the Name of our Lord Jesus that our conversations among men might more glorifie our Father in heaven And then the other reason is inasmuch as the Lord hath made you instrumental and given you utterance for us in this place where these people so far as we can understand had their first gathering into a company And if they may yet hear or others fear and that spirit of Antichrist discovered that the Lord alone may be exalted and our glorying may be together in the Cross of our Lord Jesus whom we may designe to exalt together though we be made but as a footstool to this end we have the desire of our hearts Excuse this unintended tedious Scribble and pass by the Errata's of it which are many and accept of our thankfulness to your for your pains and we hope we shall not be negligent to acknowledge the grace of God to you in this matter and continue to present you to the Lord in that liberty he hath given us of access to the Father through him in whom we are Your faithful Brethren though weak ones in the faith of him who is the Head of all things and true Heir W. L. J. R. J. S. R. S. Mo. 6 the 1 day 1664. Dearly Beloved in our Lord Jesus HAving with much satisfaction perused the Papers of your dispute at Lancaster with the people called Quakers we desire hereby heartily to bless the Lord on your behalf owning his singular goodness in that his gracious leading in this service of truth whereby beside your suffering and witness for your holy profession he called you to we now see the further ends of the Father in sending you to that place that even there where as we have heard this people had their first rise in this Nation they should receive so eminent a discovery and foyl having also by his good Spirit so directed and enabled you to deal with the very spirit and Principle and that with the principal of their party then prisoners with you whereby that mystery of iniquity and spirit of Antichrist is blessed be his Name very much detected and that not onely by the uncontrollable evidence of truth from the light of his holy Word but by that arrogant proud frothy raging ridiculous vain erring spirit so abundantly discovered all along herein from themselves which we intreat you for the Truths sake to make publike with all speed that word being worthy to be weighed by you for encouragement 2 Tim. 3. 8 9. where the Apostle prophetically speaking of such corrupt mindes reprobate concerning the faith like Jannes and Jambres resisting the truth saith for encouragement They shall proceed no further for their folly shall be made manifest as theirs also was the making manifest of whose folly being the way to stopâ—t the proceeding and growth which we are perswaded is as acceptable service as any of the Lords servants can engage in and the rather because under the specious pretences of humility self-denyal justice righteousness moderation patient suffering they have abundantly gained ground reputation to the spreading of their detestable errors by their fair words and feigned speeches have greatly deceived the hearts of many simple ones more especially in such an evil day as this wherein the pride vanity formality and apostacy of too too many professors of truth has appeared but we have a long time through grace been enabled to discern their deceivings and to see through the depth of their cheat and fully satisfyed that these following Scriptures evidently foretel them and that accordingly they are now sadly manifest to the fulfilling thereof Viz. 2 Cor. 11. 13 14. For such are false apostles deceitful workers transforming themselves into the Apostles of Christ and no marvel for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light therefore it is no great thing if his ministers be also transformed as the ministers of righteousness whose end shall be according to their works Matth. 24. 4 5. And Jesus said unto them Take heed that no man deceive you for many shall come in my Name saying I am Christ and shall deceive many And there shall arise false Christs and false Prophets and shall shew great signes and wonders insomuch that if it were possible they shall deceive the very elect Behold I have told you before 1 Tim. 4. 12. Now the Spirit speaks expresly that in the later days some shall depart from the saith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils speaking lyes in hypocrisie having their consciences seared with a hot iron 2 Pet. 2. 1. But there were false prophets also amongst the people even as there shall be false teachers among you who privily shall bring in damnable heresies even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift destruction and many shall follow their pernicious ways by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of 1 Joh. 4. 1 2 3. Beloved believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God because many false prophets are gone out into the world Hereby know ye the spirit of God every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God and this is the spirit of Antichrist whereof you have heard that it shall come and even now already is in the world 2 Joh. 7 9. For many deceivers are entred into the world who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh this is a deceiver and an Antichrist Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God c. Oh how visibly manifest are these Scriptures fulfilled in this generation now among us who under pretence of Christs Apostles Ministers of righteousness Angels of God men immediately inspired with the Spirit in the very state of perfection crying up Christ within they blaspheme traduce deny the man Christ Jesus the Son of God both in his name nature offices doctrine How do they introduce another Gospel Ministery Spirit other Ordinances another justification Salvation Resurrection another Heaven Hell then the Scriptures witness to Nay how many have called themselves Christ the Son of God and have undeniably these characters of the Antichristian spirit
the way to others and knew it not my self It becomes persons that say they have received the annointing from the holy one even the same Spirit that was in the Prophets and Apostles and gave forth the holy Scriptures always to speak forth the words of truth and soberness When thou calledst me a deceiver I did not say I was offended nor did I give cause for thee to mention this word in thy paper But this I demanded of thee and do still That thou make it to appear whom I have deceived or wherewith I have deceived any or else there will be little of truth or soberness found in thy saying And as for thy saying I taught the way to others and knew it not my self by which thou wouldst have proved me a deceiver it will be hard for thee or any of thy friends to find truth in it for no man can teach others to know that which he himself knows not and therefore I say as thou writest thy words are at best improper And whereas thou writest that I may read how the Apostle said some preached Christ who was the way the truth and the life and yet such who so preached him knew him not but were false Apostles transforming themselves as the Ministers of Righteousness I would have thee soberly to consider whether thou hast dealt truly and faithfully with the Apostle in relating his own words And tell me where thou readest That the Apostle said That some preached Christ who was the way the truth and life and yet knew him not It 's true the Apostle speaks of false Apostles deceitful workers transforming themselves into the Apostles of Christ but these preached not the true Christ the way the truth and the life but as the Ministers of Satan they rather taught another Jesus and another Gospel than the Apostles had taught and as I am willing to take a â—aution from thee or any other man that gives it in love and meekness so I would have thee and the rest of thy friends in fear and meekness to consider whether ye set not up another Christ than the Apostle preached As for thy 24 queries I shall not satisfie thee or any other queriest to answer their questions which tend rather to strife than edification though I have in readiness to answer thee or any other man that shall in love ask me a reason of the hope that is in me And though I think it not meet at this time to answer all thy queries yet whereas thou askest Whether Christ doth not enlighten every man that comes into the world with a saving Light I answer That the Light wherewith every man is lighted that comes into the world is not a saving Light and this I shall through the strength of Christ be ready to maintain against thee or any of thy friends who hold the contrary where and when a meeting may be had in a peaceable and quiet way and before compeâ—ent Witnesses As for thy threatning to stick thy paper upon the door I value it not but would have thee seriously to consider whether that expression proceeded from the holy Spirit This is all at present from Thy Friend Jo. Wigan 1. M. 5 d. 1663-64 A second Letter from Tho. Curwen The next morning being the sixt day of the first month the following Letter was brought to my hand with this inscription For John Wigans John Wigans Whereas I sent thee a few Queries to answer but thou seemes to have slighted and passed by all except one that is to say the first Querie whether Christ doth enlighten every man that comes into the world with a saving light And thy answer is That every man which comes into the world is not inlightned with a saving light And this thou will maintain against me or any of my friends who hold the contrary when and where a meeting may he had in a peaceable way before competent witnesses and this is to let thee understand that I and some of my friends with me if the Lord will doth intend to give thee a visit tomorrow about the first hour or second in thy Chamber to treate about this above mentioned both with thee and all who is of thy juâ—gment that may come to thee but yet I let thee know this cannot serve for all my Queries for I intend to set the Paper upon the dore according to my word from thy friend Thomas Curwen This sixth day of the first Month. According to his word his Queries were the same day set upon the Hall door though he had no regard to make good his word concerning me nor yet to clear himself from the wrong done to the Apostle who no where useth such words as he fathers upon him In the evening therefore of the same day I writ the following Answer to his second Letter Thomas Curwen In thy seccond Paper which was brought to my hands this day whether with a purpose to disturb is best known to thy self Thou dost not make good thy word spoken concerning me nor yet acknowledg thy mistake therein nor the abuse done by thee to the Apostle however I am more inclined to passe by the weaknesses of others then by multiplying words as were easie upon such an advantage to occasion more strife Thou tels me that thou and some of thy friends do intend to give me a visit to morrow about the first or seccond hour in my Chamber to treat about the fift Querie I am willing to meet thee and any of thy friends to treat in a spirit of love and meekness about the said point and after that about any other wherein we differ but thou art mistaken if thou thinkest that I shall leave it to thee to appoint time and place at thy pleasure and therefore thou wast over confident to say no more of it to nominate my Chamber the day and hour except I had invited thee or agreed thereto know therefore that I take no notice of nor shall I observe any meeting till upon discourse with thee or some of thy friends we have mutually agreed about a place and such a day as my friends can come upon to morrow they cannot when this is done bring whom thou wilt for truth which we all pretend to seek after neither fears multitudes nor great words as for thy setting â—hy Paper upon the door thou hadst done some right if thou hadst set my Letter by it but thy practice doth favour in several circumstances of a fleshly spirit as I can shew at better leisure and will reflect more upon thy self and friends then where thou didst intend it and if I be disposed that way it will not be difficult to answer thee in thy own kind but God hath called us to peace and I am taught to study to live peaceably with all men and further then I am provoked to appear in the defence of truth shall endeavour to leave off contention before it be medled with Prov. 17. 14.
ready to make good when we had debated the other which we were agreed upon as appeared by their own paper With much ado he was perswaded and I proceeded to proof premising first that the question was not Whether there be some light in every man that comes into the world nor Whether Christ doth lighten true believers with a saving light forasmuch as I denied not but did affirm That there was some light in every man that comes into the World and that true believers are lighted with a saving light but that which I had undertaken to prove by the Scriptures was That Christ doth not lighten every man that comes into the world with a saving light My first argument was laid down thus Christ lightneth no man with a saving light but by his Spirit But Christ doth not give his Spirit to every man that comes into the world Therefore he doth not lighten every man that comes into the world with a saving light The first proposition is clear from the great promise of the New Covenant Isa 59. 21. As for me this is my Covenant with them saith the Lord my spirit that is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy Seed nor out of the mouth of thy Seeds seed saith the Lord from henceforth for ever And from the promise of Christ John 14. 16 17. And I will pray the Father he shall give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of truth c. And from the end of his giving the Spirit namely to be a Spirit of Wisdom and Revelation unto them for the acknowledgement of Christ to enlighten the eyes of their understanding that they might know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints Eph. 1. 17 18. and to lead them into all truth John 16. 18. Howbeit when the Spirit of truth is come he will guide you into all truth Neither is there any other way by which Christ doth infuse a saving Light into any man but by his Spirit 1 Cor. 2. 10 11 12. But God hath revealed them unto us by his spirit for his spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God even so the things of God knoweth no man but the spirit of God Now we have received not the spirit of the world but the spirit which is of God that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God It is onely by the unction of the Spirit received from Christ and no other way that men come to see and know these things 1 John 2. 20. But ye have an unâ—tion from the holy â—nd and ye know all things The assumption is proved from Jud. 19. Some are natural not having the spirit and from John 14. 17. Even the spirit of truth whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you And from Rom. 8. 9. But ye are not in the flesh but in the spirit if so be that the spirit of God dwell in you Now if any man have not the spirit of Christ he is none of his From all which Scriptures it is evident that some have not the Spirit of Christ Many other testimonies I had to produce for the further clearing of this proposition Viz. That Christ doth not give his Spirit to every man that comes into the world But here John Stubbs began to answer not denying either Proposition but as disliking the proof of the Assumption he spake to that Scripture Jude 19. and said Those that had not the Spirit were such as had gone in the way of Cain who had not obeyed but resisted the Spirit and so lost it Where by the way it may be observed That when a Scripture pincheth them they will not stick to give a meaning of it and such a one as may best suit their purpose But I replied That it could not be that those ever had the Spirit of Christ because they were 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sensual or natural for the same word is so rendered 1 Cor. 2. 14. who never had the Spirit but are opposed to the spiritual or regenerate man ver 15. And therefore it is said The natural man receiveth not the things of the spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned but the spiritual man discerneth all things Now the reason why one discerneth and the other cannot is because one viz. the spiritual man hath received the spirit the other viz. the natâ—ral man hath not the spirit as appears 1 Cor. 2. 10 11 12. To this purpose as far as I can remember was my Reply And now notwithstanding our agreement that the debate might be orderly and without confusion and my desire that but one might speak at once great disorder began for whereas I expected to have reasoned with one or at least but one at once divers took liberty to speak one after another and sometimes many at once running from the matter in hand to other points and many asking new questions that it was hard for me to get convenient time to speak Besides they were so obstreporous especially George Fox and Margret Fell as many can testifie that they seemed to some when not able to elude the plain Scriptures brought for the proof of the Assertion yet resolved to word it for victory George Fox coming in about the time I was replying to John Stubbs gets up to a seat with one foot and to the table with the other whereas I and others were standing on the ground about the Table he did not at all take off the strength of those Scriptures alledged by me but his endeavour was to prove That every man that comes into the world hath the Spirit of Christ in the management whereof he used many under valuing and taunting expressions towards me and several times went from the Table with these words The least or meanest Babe will answer thee as if the presence of their Leader or rather Misleader was not needful and which is yet worse he did miserably wrest and abuse several Scriptures which he would have forced to have spoken in his dialect calling upon the people for attention as if his work had been more to preach to them than to answer my Arguments as many of the Scritures made use of by him as I caâ— recollect I shall give an account of as also of my answers That which he would have made out was that every man that comes into the world even wicked men have the spirit of Christ one Screpture alledged by him or some other was 1. Cor. 12. 7. The manifestation of the spirit is given to every man to profit withall My
be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost for the promise is unto you and your children and to all that are a far off even as many as the Lord our God shall call And Jo. 38. 39. He that believeth on me as the Scripture hath said out of his Belly shall flow Rivers of living water But this spake he of the Spirit which they that believe on him should receive for the Holy Ghost was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified so that it is apparent in several respects that this Scripture proves not their assertion Further it was said that Balaam was a wicked man and yet he had the spirit of God and saw the starr of Jacob Numb 24. therefore every man that comes into the world hath the spirit of Christ Ans It is one thing to have the spirit of the Son which is the great promise of the new Covenant Isa 50. 21. dwelling in a man 2 Tim. 1. 14. and another thing to have the spirit of God come upon a man at some particular time and for some particular work thus it was with Balaam and thus with Saul and his messengers 1 Sam 19. 20. 21. 23. but this proves not that every man that comes into the world hath the sprit of Christ for the Scripture doth not say that these men had the spirit of God before it came upon them only these Scriptures do shew that God can and sometimes doth by the power of his spirit impress upon a wicked man and make him to declare some future glorious things for his own praise and his peoples comfort as Dan. 4. 1. 2. 3. Joh. 11. 50. 51. may be seen neither is it said in that place Numb 24. 17. that Balaam saw the starr of Jacob but I shall see him but not now I shall behold him but not nigh but when every eye shall see him Rev. 1. 17. but it will not follow hence that he had the faith of Job to see him his Redeemer Job 19. 25. 27. nor the spirit of the mediator the man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2 5. which only dwels in believers 2 Tim. 1. 14. that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us no more then the Angel of the Lord that spake in the Asse with mans voyce Numb 22. 28. 2 Pet. 2. 16. dwelt in the Asse though that is utterly false which this people hath published in their Paper viz. that he was a Baptist which said that Balaam had no more spirit then his Horse Some of them asked what was that which caused Judas to bring the money again and made him repent implying as I apprehend them that it must needs be the spirit of Christ Ans There is a light and law in every man that convinces and reproves of sin except of not believing in Christ Rom. 2. 14 15. for when the Gentiles which have not the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the Law are a Law unto themselves which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their concscience also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or excusing one another and this made Judas bring the money again c. But this light or Law in every man is not the spirit of Christ mentioned Joh. 16. 7. 8. which was promised to be sent to reprove or convince the world of the sin of not believing in Christ c. for he was not come while as Christ was not ascended John 16. 7. 13. but of this light and Law in every man I shall speak more after the rest of my Arguments to prove my assertions are laid down By these briefe Answers it may appear with what little success these Scriptures were brought to prove that every man even the wicked and unregenerate have the spirit of Christ and that notwithstanding all that was said the plain and positive Scriptures brought brought by me to prove the contrary viz. That all men have not the Spirit of Christ do remain firm â—and â—nshaken there being nothing more plain than Christ's own words John 14. 17. That the world cannot receive the Spirit of Truth And the Apostles Rom. 8. 9. Jude 19. That some are in the flesh are sensual not having the Spirit of Christ As I could get liberty other Arguments were propounded for the proof of that which I had undertaken to make good viz. That Christ doth not lighten every man that comes into the world with a saving Light which are as follow though in that confused Assembly they could not be so orderly and with that enlargement urged as they are here set down Whom Christ enlightens with a saving Light into their hearts he causeth the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ to shine to give the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ according to the testimony of Paul 2 Cor. 4. 6. For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ He brings life and immortality to light through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1. 10. And he doth no otherwayes manifest the Grace of God our Reconciliation Peace and Salvation but by the light of the glorious Gospel shining in our hearts and he that wants this Gospel-light hath no saving-light but is lost 2 Cor. 4. 3. But if our Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost But Christ doth not cause this light of the glorious Gospel to shine in the heart of every man that comes into the world for the Gospel is hid to some and the light of it doth not shine in their hearts as the Scripture testifies 2 Cor. 4. 3 4. But if our Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost in whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God should shine unto them Therefore Christ doth not enlighten every one that comes into the world with a saving light Whom Christ enlighteneth with a saving light to them is given an understanding to know the Father 1 John 2. 13 Ye have known the Father And the Son 1 John 5. 20. And we know the Son of God is come and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true And the Spirit John 14. 17. Even the spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him c. And the things that are freely given them of God 1 Cor. 2. 10 12. But God hath revealed them uuto us by his spirit Now we have received not the spirit of the world but the spirit
Nor do I intend hereafter to spend much time in answering thy jangling Letters From thy friend John Wigan 1. M 6 d. 1663-64 The next day being the seventh day of the Month in the afternoon Thomas Curwen and William Wilson came to my Chamber and urged me to nominate a time and place for the intended meeting and withall did break forth into many heavy censures against me in such a magisterial way as John Coward then present can witness that I was forced twice or thrice to intreat them to leave my Chamber telling them that I would appoint no meeting with them but with some others of their company whom I jugded to be more sober men at last they left me saying if I did not appoint a time they would take it for granted that I durst not meet Being thus provoked to a meeting in the evening of the same dâ—y I writ the following paper and sent for Richard Cubhan and Richard Johnson to agree with them upon a day and place and upon the matter therein contanied Thomas Curwen I am willing to meet thee and thy friends in the Hall neer thy Chambeâ— if the Lord permit upon the next fift day about the third hour vulgo nine of the clock and there shall endeavour by the Lords assistance to maintain That the light that is in every man that comes into the world is not a saving light or that Christ doth not enlighten every man that comet into the world with a saving light 1. Provided that whatever is asserted by any man be proved by the Scriptures and that nothing be determined but according to the Scriptures 2. That the meeting may be peaceable and quiet without rayling or reproachful speeches and that the whole debate may be carried on in a spirit of love and meeknese 3. That the meeting may be orderly aod without confusion that is that one may have as much time allowed him to speak in as another and that but one speak at once and that none disturb him that is speaking 4. That the meeting continue three hours and no longer or at most not to exceed four hours because of the occasion oâ— friends afterwards If these be consented unto let him that is appointed to treat with me subscribe his name to a true Copy of this and send it to Thy Friend Jo. Wigan 1 M. 7 d. 1663-64 The above-written I sent by Richard Cubhan and Richard Johnson to be considered by them and the rest of their Friends They not agreeing to every thing therein the next morning sent up a Paper a Copy whereof followeth John VVigan I and my friends are willing to meet thee and thine in the Hall near our Chamber if the Lord permit upon the next fift day about the ninth hour in the fore part of the day and there shall be ready to give thee a meeting according to thy own appointment and to hear thy assertion as thou hast said thou wilt maintain either against me or any of my Friends that is to say That Christ doth not lighten every man that comes into the world with a saving light 1. Provided That what ever is asserted by any man be proved by the Scriptures and that nothing be determined but according to the Scriptures 2 That the meeting may be peaceable and quiet and that the whole debate may be carried in the Spirit of love and meekness 3 That the meeting may be orderly and without conâ—usion that is that every one may have convenient time to speak for we cannot limit any 4. That the Meeting be not limited to an hour but as either side hath freedom to pass away From thy Friend Thomas Curwen 1 M. 8 d. 1663-64 Though this Paper differ from that which I sent to them in several considerable points yet lest they should have any occasion to say as I heard some gave out That I durst not meet them I assented to their paper and the same day sent another writing A Copy whereof followeth Thomas Curwen I am willing to meet thee and thy Friends in the Hall near thy Chamber if the Lord permit upon the next fift day about the third hour or as thou writest about the ninth hour in the fore-part of the day and there shall give you a meeting being earnestly urged by thee and thy Friends yesterday in my Chamber to appoint time and place and there shall endeavour in the strength of the Lord to maintain this assertion viz. Christ doth not lighten every man that comes into the world with a saving light against any that hold the contrary 1. Provided that what ever is asserted by any man be proved by the Scriptures and that nothing be determined but according to the Scriptures 2. That the meeting may be peaceable and quiet that the whole debate may be carried on in a Spirit of love and meekness And whereas I had in my former paper put in these words Without railing or reproachful speeches I am content they be left out hoping the thing will be observed 3. That the meeting may be orderly and without confusion that is that every one may have convenient time to speak and that none be limited And I added in my former paper That but one speak at once and that none disturb him that is speaking which I desire may be obseeved 4 That the meeting be not limâ—ed to an hour but as either side hath freedom to pass away From thy Friend Jo. VVigan 1 M. 8 d. 1663-64 The day appointed being come and the Judges coming into the Town the same day the Gaoler prevented our meeting Whereupon another day was agreed upon and the writing following subscribed The meeting above-mentioned being disappointed by the Gaolerâ— we are agreed on both parties that it be the first morning after the Judges go from this Town about the time above said Jo. Wigan Thomas Curwen Upon the seventeenth day the Judges being gone the day before we met in the place appointed where I briefly declared the occasion and end of the meeting also the four paâ—ticulars agreed upon for the manner of the debate and then propounded the assertion which I was to maintain viz. Christ doth not lighten every man that comes into the world with a saving Light and desired to know who held the contrary viz. That Christ doth lighten every man that comes into the world with a saving light for against such had I undertaken to maintain my assertion John Stubs answered I hold the contrary viz That Christ doth ligthen every man that comes into the world with a saving light Before I could enter upon the proof of my assertion Richard Cubhan stands up and would have altered the state of the question requiring me to prove that which I had writ in my first Letter to Thomas Curweâ— namely That the Light wherewith every man is lighted that comes into the world is not a saving Light This I told him I owned and should be
9. That was the true Light which lighteth every man that comes into the world as if the bare urging or rather wresting of this one Scripture were sufficient to overthrow all that I had said For is not he the true Light say they And is not he a saving Light And doth not he lighten every man that comes into the world As I was replying to this Scripture divers of them took liberty to pass many heavy censures upon me which before I speak to that Scripture I shall here set down that the Spirit by which they are acted may better be discerned Margaret Fell said Thou art a miserable Creature James Brown with great fierceness Thou art an Enemy of God Thomas Davenport said but very mildly Thou hast denyed Christ to day Richard Cubhan said Thou hast denyed the Lord that bought thee and would undertake to prove that I was one of those false Prophets mentioned 2 Peter 2. 1. And so the Meeting ended Since which time I have also met with many harsh censures and reproaches The Caoler told me Margaret Fell said I had spoken many blasphemies George Fox said Thou art not a rationable man that was his own word John Baley a youth in the Town said The eternal Judgements of God will fall upon thee and burn thee up as chaff thou art worse than a Drunkard James Park in my own Chamber said with great vehemency Thou art a lyar and a Deceiver and the Curse of God will be upon thee in thy Bed-Chamber and Closet and where-ever thou goest and thou suffers as an evil doer And afterwards sent me a Paper with his Name subscribed wherein he hath these expressions John Wigans Thou full of subtilty Thou enemy of the Light of Righteousness Christ Jesus wilt thou not cease to pervert the right way of God the path of Life Thou art from the Doore thou art a Thief and a Robber thou art a blind Guide Thou Monster Thou strange Birth of the Flesh Thou conceiveâ— Chaffe Thou brings forth Iniquity and drinks it up Thou foolish builder and despiser of the Light the true Light thou art in the darkness of thy clouded understanding contemning the Son of God and setting at nought the love of God to the world thou art a doing despite to the true Light and the Spirit of Grace accounting it an unholy thing Thou art a blind Leader of the blind in the ditch keeping people in the fall and in the ditch wo unto thee thou suffers as an evil doer Henry Wood in a Letter to Evan Price calls me his Priest with much more of this kind of Language which I forbear to mention have I been followed from day to day My answer to these great swelling words of vanity is That I am taught not to strive but to be gentle to all men 2 Tim. 2. 24 and that I have otherwise learned Christ than to render railing for railing 1 Pet. 3. 9. Yet may I not say to them as once Christ did to his Disciples Ye know not of what spirit ye are Are these the fruits of the Spirit of Christ Let them shew if they can where it is written That he or any acted by his Spirit called men even the worst of his Enemies Monsters or strange birth of the flesh or where he ever spake an untruth or falsly accused any yet thus they deal with me for besides that they are not able to prove me a Thief a Robber a Deceiver It is utterly false that I am any mans Priest or that I suffer as an evil doer which thing nevertheless they positively assert but I am moved with compassion towards them and shall not further insist upon these things for I pass not for mans day my judgement is with the Lord in this matter and I am also perswaded the Lord will in due time rebuke every evil Spirit whereby some simple-hearted ones may for a time be ensnared and led captive by him at his will onely here it may be necessary to enquire what in most probâ—bility may be the occasion of these high and peremptory censures Surely I know no other nor do they declare any other cause then this viz. That my Assertion and Arguments brought from Scriptures to prove it do strike at the very Corner-Stone of their building which being removed the whole superstructure must unavoidâ—bly fall to the ground That which they boldly affirm with highest confidence in their words and Printed Books and which is their foundation is that the light which is in every man that comes into the world is Christ the Redeemer and Saviour the Lord that bought them the Eternal and just one the tryed precious corner Stone which God hath laid in Sion the Spirit yea the true infallible Spirit that was in the Prophets and Apostles the door the way the truth and the life in a word the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spirituale the All that is to be known and believed and this is their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 first lie now because I cannot call this the true Jesus as indeed it is not and worship an Idol as they do therefore am I charged to be their Enemie and Christs also in the fore-mentioned censures and in much more of the same kind To the end therefore that the grand deceiver with his deceipts yet hid under a disguise may be more easily detected and that truth being cleared from mistakes may be better discerned and that many simple hearts who being yet ignorant of Satans devices are captivated and led away with the errors of the wicked into pernitious wayes may be more effectually undeceived and reclaimed I shall endeavour briefly and plainly to shew 1. What the light in every man is 2. Of what use it is and the utmost it can do 3. What it cannot do That if God peradventure may please to give unto any Repentance to the acknowledging of the truth they may be recovered out of the snare of the Devil c. 2 Tim. 2. 25 26. For the better understanding of that which is to be spoken of the light in man it is necessary that these things following be premised 1. That God is light 1. Jo. 1. 5. and dwels in the light which no man can approach unto 1 Tim. 6. 16. and is the fountain and originall of all light And hence 2. That all light is of God all light is Gods light that is it is his off-spring he is the Author and efficient cause of it and thence is called the Father of lights Jam. 1. 17. And yet 3. That all light is not God for there are created lights light was the first distinct part of the whole creation Gen 1. 13. He made two great lights to rule the day and the night he made the Stars also Gen. 1. 16. which are called Stars of light Psal 14. 8 3. Now what God creates forms or makes that is not God 4. As External proper sensible
him in his natural birth whereby he is enbabled to see himself quite thorow and to know all his own inward motions and outward actions and to look upon things that are made without and upon a Law of works within written in his heart and thereby we know something of his Creator and of his own dutie what is right to be done â—â—d not only so but by reflecting upon that Law he may see the regularitie or inregularitie of his own actions and according to their conformitie or non-conformitie thereto may have peace a legal peace or trouble in his conscience and this it may do where Christ as the way the truth and the life is not so much heard of thus it was with Adam the light and Law within him first convinceth him of sin troubles and torments him so that he runs to hide himself from the presence of God Gen. 3. 10. I was afraid and hid my self before the promise of grace was held forth in the seed of the woman ver 15. And thus having declared how much is to be acknowledged concerning the light within common to all men whereby it evidently appears to be a great an excellent and in many respects a very necessarie light I proceed to speak of the second branch namely What the remaining Light in every man cannot do But first by the way it ought to be remembred that the light whereof we speak whether we respect the Candle-Light of mans spirit or the Light of the Law written in his heart is a natural Light that is a Light that is in the nature of all men for though it be true that if this Light be considered abstractly and apart or with respect to its Author and efficient cause the Father of Lights and Spirits it is Spiritual in which sence not only the Law as the Apostle speaks Rom. 7. 14. but all Light whatsoever may be called Spiritual yet when this Light is considered as united to its subject and by the Law of Creation according to the good pleasure of the Creator put into the nature of man for the enabling him as a man to perform that obedience which God requires of him for his own glory thus it is a natural Light or a Light flowing from the principles of nature without which as was said before there could not be a man so that as there is a natural man 1 Cor. 2. 14. a natural mind a natural understanding a natural conscience so is there a natural Light in man This is evident from the Apostles words Rom. 2. 14. For when the Gentiles that is unconverted Gentiles which have not the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the Law are a Law to themselves Mark here they do the things contained in the Law but how the Apostle answers 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 by nature that is by the Light of nature or by natural internal Light there being no other inward guide but Light so when the Apostle saith 1 Cor. 11. 14. Doth not nature it self teach c. It must be understood of inward Light which is natural and it remains that I shew what this Light cannot do Notwithstanding this Light of nature remaining in man since the fall be an excellent Light and very useful as hath been said yet in several respects it is â—o deficient and useless even in those things that concern his everlasting happiness that unless the help of a greater Light be given in for his reliefe he will perish everlastingly For first it is utterly unable to bring any man to life that doth most exactly obey and follow it its true the Law which is a Light in a natural mans heart was ordained to life that is to be a Rule which if man had obeyed he should have had life as a just and equal reward of his obedience according to that of the Apostle Rom. 7. 10. The Commandment which was ordained to life c. and Rom. 4 4. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of Grace but of debt And this was the tenor of the Law Do and live as the Scripture testifies Rom. 10. 5. For Moses describeth the righteousness which is of the Law that the man which doth those things shall live by them But when sin entred into the world by Adam and death by sin and so passed upon all men for that all have sinned in him according to Rom. 5. 12. Wherefore as by one man sin entred into the world and death by sin and so death passed upon all men 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in whom all have sinned Now I say Adam is driven out of Paradice and a flaming sword that turns every way guards the way of the Tree of Life that neither he nor any of his posterity over whom the death reigned though they had not sinned after the similitude of Adamâ— transgression Rom. 5. 14. could enter into the Life by the Gate of doing or working as the Apostle teacheth Rom. 3. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the Law there shall no flesh be justified in his sight for now all being under sin Rom. 3. 9. and subject to the judgement of God Rom. 3. 19. the Law can only make known the transgression to the sinner Rom. 3. 20. for by the Law is the knowledge of sin but cannot offer the least help grace mercy compassion or life it wounds him and leaves him but pours in neither oyle nor wine that 's the work of Jesus Christ the good Samaritan by whom comes grace and truth John 1. 17. it knows nothing but pure Justice can speak nothing but wrath and the curse to the offender according to that Rom. 4. 15. Because the Law worketh wrath Gal. 3. 10. Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the Book of the Law to do them Nay though Adam after the first transgression had turned or any of his posterity should turn to the Candle-light of their own spirit within them and by the help thereof to the Light of the Law written in their hearts and should most exactly obey it as their Rule and never offend it more which neverthelesels since the fall it is imposble for any man to do yet so weak is the Law that it could not give them life as the holy Spirit testifieth Gal. 3 21. If there had been a Law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have been by the Law And Gal. 2. 21. If righteousness come by the Law then is Christ dead in vain I say such is the weakness of the Law that it cannot give life not in respect of it self for it is holy just and good Rom. 7. 12. and able to give life to the doers of it but in respect of its subjects who through the weakness of the flesh cannot fulfil it Rom. 8. 3. For what the Law could not do in that it was weak through
the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Secondly As the Light of which we speak cannot give nor lead to life so it knows not nor can make any discovery of the Redeemer who only can give life it is not acquainted with the precious Gospel-Mysterie hid in God it knows nothing of the good pleasure and purpose of Grace in God to restore faln man to life and communion with himself by Jesus Christ For the clearing whereof let it be observed That the Scripture doth abundantly testifie 1. That God purposed in himself from Eternity to restore man to life by Jesus Christ and no other way who therefore is most rightly callled the repairer of the breach the restoreâ— of paths to dwell in Isa 58. 12. and the restorer of life Ruth 4. 15. And 2. That Christ only can give a new life and 3. That he onely is the way to the Father as may be seen in these few instances Eph. 1. 4. According as he hath chosen us in him before the foundation of the world 5. Having predéstinated us unto the Adoption of Children by Jesus Christ unto himself according to the good pleasure of his will Chap. 3. 11. According to the Eternal Purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord. That Christ only can give life see 1 Cor. 15. 45. And so it is written The first man Adam was made a living soul the last Adam was made a quickening spirit John 10. 20. I am come that they might have life and that they might have it more abundantly Ver. 28. I give unto thee Eternal life John 6. 57. He that eateth me even he shall live by me 1 Jo. 5. 12. He that hath the Son hath life c. And he also is the new and living way to the Father Heb. 10. 19 20. Having therefore Brethren boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus by a new and living way whicâ—h he hath consecrated for us through the vail that is to say his flesh None knows the Father but the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Matth. 11. 27. Nor can any come to the Father but through this new and living way There 's no other entrance into the Paradise of God and to the Tree of Life but onely by Jesus Christ Rev. 2. 7. And therefore such Teachers as excluding the Mediator do affirm That as Adam fell from God by departing from the Light within him even so is he recovered and restored by returning and yeelding obedience to that Light within do lead people from Christ Jesus the true way to the Law that old deadly Gate through which it is impossible for any of the sons of Adam to enter and live They that would lead men unto God by a perfection of obedience in themselves and not by saith in a crucified Christ as the only way into the holiest instead of bringing them into Heaven to life and peace with God do shut up the Kingdom against them No man by the endeavours of the highest perfection of Reason or natural speculations of the Divinity will ever find accesse to God upon a Mercy-seat until he come to acknowledge the flesh or dead body of Christ to be the only way consecrated and prepared for him Heb. 10. 29 30. 2. That the Light that is in every man knows not this mysterie of Christ nor is able to make any discovery of it as is evident from Eph. 3. 9. where the holy Spirit testifies That it hath been hid in God from the beginning of the World And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the Mysterie which from the beginning of the world hath been hid in God who created all things by Jesus Christ to the intent that now unto Principalities and Powers in heavenly places might be known by the Church the manifold wisdom of God Mark here it was hid from the beginning of the World so that neither all the Light in Adam in his innocency nor in the holy Angels knew it how much less could the Candle-light of mans Spirit since the fall by any force remaining in it enter into this great secret Doth not Christ himself tell us plainly That these things are hid from the wise Matth. 11. 25. I thank thee O Father Lord of Heaven and Earth because thou hast hid these things from the wise and the prudent and hast revealed them unto babes And doth not Paul say when he preached the Gospel That he spake the wisdom of God in a Mysterie which none of the Princes of this World knew 1 Cor. 2. 7 8. But we speak the Wisdom of God in a Mysterie even the hidden Mystetie which God ordained before the world to our glory which none of the Princes of this world knew for had they known it they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory And doth not the same Paul who was a learned man brought up at the feet of Gamaliel and instructed according to the perfect manner of the Law Acts 22. 3. And as touching the righteousnesse thereof blameless Phil. 3. 6. plainly declare That before his Conversion notwithstanding all his Light and Learning and all his care to follow that Light to the utmost for he had lived in all good Conscience before God until that day Acts 23. 1. he was ignorant of these things and utterly unable with all his natural and acquired parts to come to the knowledge of them Why else if it was not so did he so violently persecute the Saints as appears at large in Acts 8. 3. 9. 1. and 22. 5 9 19 20 and 26. 10 11. And how else could he think with himself That he ought to do many things contrary to the Name of Jesus of Nazareth Acts 26. 9. And kick against the pricks and persecute the Lord Jesus ver 14 15. But that the Light within which he was faithful to was unable to make known unto him the true Jesus and that it was so he himself doth yet further declare in those words Who are thou Lord Acts 26. 15. and in 1 Tim. 1. 13â— where he confesseth he had been a blasphemer a persecutor and injurious yet had obtained mercy because he did it ignorantly in unbelief Thirdly As the Light in every man knows not the Redeemer who according to Gods Eternal Purpose is the Author of Eternal Salvation to all them that obey him Heb. 5. 9. So it is altogether unable to discover the way and means whereby the Redeemer and with him life and happiness is to be received and enjoyed that is it knows nothing of the Law of Faith mentioned by the Apostle Rom. 3. 27. The tenor whereof is this That whosoever believeth in Jesus Christ shall not perish but have everlasting life according to John 3 15 16. For God so loved the world that he gave his onely begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not
perish but have everlasting life The knowledge of this Law sprung not up with mankind in nature it was not written in the heart of natural man as a thing just and equal Adam's Light onely shewed him what was just to be done and when he had sinned convinced him and passed sentence upon him and there left him in his misery not affording any direction or help for his recovery which made him fear and hide himself Gen. 3. 10. Then was the great fountain of free Grace opened and by the occasion of the transgression and misery of man this Law of Faith was added and founded upon Christ in that Gracious Promise Gen. 3. 15. The seed of the woman shall break the head of the Serpent this Law is not natural but supernatural not springing up together with man as that of works but added to shew the exceeding riches of the Grace of God in his kindness to poor sinners through Jesus Christ Eph. 2. 7. which is as farr above the reach of a natural man to know as the Heavens are above the Earth yea as the thoughts of God are above the thoughts of man Though vain man would be wise yet he is born like a wild Asses Colt Job 11. 12. It s above the reach of his reason to conceive how Faith in a crucified Christ should be the way to save a sinner and hence it is that the preaching of a Christ crucified for the obedience of Faith is to the Greekes soolishness 1 Cor. 1. 23. he is not able by all his Candle-light to discover this misterie of the hidden wisdom of God according to that divine Testimonie 1 Cor. 2. 9 14. Eye hath not seen nor Eare heard neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him but the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are Spiritually discerned the truth hereof will yet further appear by considering that Querie Acts 2. 37. Men and brethren what shall we do and that of the Gaoler Acts 16. 30. Sirs what must I do to be saved which do clearly argue that these men now prict in their hearts and wounded in their consciences had no sufficient Light nor understanding to direct themselves to a remedie and therefore they ask What shall we do And as this Light cannot discover the Law of Faith so it cannot convince any man that his not believing in Christ is a sin this is the proper work of the Spirit the Comforter as the Scripture testifies John 16. 7 8 9. Nevertheless I tell you the truth it is expedient that I go away for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you and when he is come he will reprove or convince the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment of sin because they believe not in me c. In as much then as it is clearly manifest that the natural man with all his Light is unable to reach these great misteries this gives occasion to speak somewhat briefly of that light which can reveal and make them manifest which will be found to be a Light as far exceeding the Light of the natural man in glory as the ministration of the Gospell exceeds the ministration of the Law in glory 2 Cor. 3. 11. For if that which is done away be glorious how much more that which remaineth is glorious as the things discovered to wit the glorious Gospell of Christ the knowledg of the glory that is the goodness and mercy of God in the Face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4. 6. are more glorious so is the Light discovering them hence it is called the marvellous Light of God 1. Pet. 2. 9. and it is no other then the Light of Christ Jesus as Mediator between God and man 1 Tim. 2. 5. which doth irradiate the soul of man with the knowledg of these great misteries agreeable to that of the Psalmist Psal 36. 9. In thy Light we shall see Light He is given to be a Light of the Gentiles Acts 13. 47. He only being in the Bosome of the Father can reveal him according as himself doth witness Math. 11. 27. Neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Joh. 1. 18. No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the Bosome of the Father he hath declared Him The invisible and inaccessable God coming down in the man Christ Jesus which is the great misterie of godliness God manifest in the flesh 1 Tim. 3. 16. makes all the glory of his goodness and mercy to appear in the Face of Jesus Christ as he said to Moses Exo. 33. 19. I will make all my goodness to pass before thee hence he is said to be the brightness of his glory Heb. 113. now as Christ is the shining forth of the Fathers glory so it is he only that shines into the hearts of all that believe on him the Light of the konwledge of the glory of God as in the first creation God made all things by the word so in the new creation or new creature all things wrought by the Word made flesh who is the one Mediator between God and man 1 Tim. 2. 5. and the great Agent by which Christ workes is his Holy Spirit that Spirit which the world never saw nor can receive Joh. 14. 17. By this Spirit sent forth he doth reveal the misterious things of the Gospel even the hidden wisdom of God concerning Christ and the new creature which was not written in the heart of man nor could be known by the wisdom of this world as it is evident in 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 11 12. Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him but God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God even so the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God now we have received not the Spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of god that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God thus the same Apostle saith that his knowledg in the misterie of Christ was revealed unto him by the Spirit Eph. 3. 4 5. Christ doth no other way inlighten the eye of the understanding but by his Spirit Eph. 1. 17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledg of him the eyes of your understanding being inlightned c. This is that Spirit that teacheth all things John 14. 26. that guides into all truth Joh. 16. 13. And because none but new creatures can receive this new
Light according to Joh 3. 3. Except a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God therefore this Light is to all that have it the Light of life Joh. 8. 12. He that followeth me shall not walk in darkness but shall have the Light of life the same Spirit that inlightens doth regenerate and renew Tit. 3. 5. According to his mercy he saved us by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Ghost and so not every man that comes into the world but he that is born of the Spirit Joh. 3. 5. and made a new creature 2 Cor. 5. 17. according to that Gospel-promise Ezek. 36. 26 A new heart will I give you and a new spirit will I put within you is inlightned with the marvellous Light of Christ By this Spirit also doth he write this new Law of Faith in their hearts called the Law of the Spirit of Life which is in Christ Jesus Rom. 8. 2. according to that of the Apostle Heb. 8. 10. I will put my Laws in their minds and write them in their hearts where he speaks not of the Law of works which is writ in the Natural mans heart but of the Law of the new Covenant which the Apostle is there treating of and which God would put into their hearts who were in Covenant with him and whose sins and iniquities he will remember no more Neither doth he onely give a new life a new light a renewed spirit and write his Laws in their hearts by his Spirit but that he may cause them to walk in his ways Ezek. 26. 27. and that they may have help in themselves Job 6. 13. he gives the Spirit himself to dwell in their hearts as the same Scripture Ezek. 26 27 testifies And I will put my Spirit within you So Gal. 4. 6. And because you are sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father and so they become one spirit with the Lord 1 Cor. 6. 17. He that is joyned to the Lord is one spirit And this is that witness that every believer hath in himself 1 Joh. 5. 10. He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself a witness that he is the childe of God Rom 8. 16. The Spirit it self beareth witness with our spirits that we are the children of God And while he looks at and believes on a Christ without him as having done all in his own person for him according to Rom. 4. 25. Who was delivered for our offences and raised again for our justification Rom. 8. 3. For what the law could not do in that it was weak through the flesh God sending his own Son in the likeness of sinfull flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh Heb. 9. 26. And now in the end of the world hath he appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself And Heb. 10. 12. But this man after he had once offered sacrifice for sins for ever sate down on the right hand of God He also knowes and hath a witness in himself that Christ dwels in his heart Eph. 3. 17. and lives in him as Paul witnessed Gal. 2. 20. Nevertheless I live yet not I but Christ liveth in me And he is the habitation of God through the Spirit Eph. 2. 27. In whom ye are builded for an habitation of God through the Spirit 1 Joh. 3. 24. We know that he abideth in us by the Spirit which he hath given us From that which hath bin said it doth plainly appear that the mistake of this people is very grosse who call the light in every man Christ and worship it as the Redeemer and the Lord that bought them whereas indeed as hath been cleared this light in every man is but the spirit of a man and the law written in his heart from the terrour and condemnation whereof the Lord Jesus came to deliver It also appears that to worship this light as the Redeemer is to worship an imaginarie and fictitious Christ and indeed an Idol and in effect to deny the person of the true Jesus who is Emmanuel God and man in union who in his own person without us not in ours hath by one offering once for ever wrought eternal redemption for us Heb. 9. 12. By his own blood he entred in once into the holy place having obtained eternall Redemption for us and is the alone object of Faith yea hence it will follow that whosoever affirmeth as this people doe that the light in every man is Christ is a deceiver and an Antichrist such as the Apostle speaks of 2 Joh. 7. For many deceivers are entred into the World who confess not that Jesus Christ is come into the flesh This is a deceiver and an Antichrist whom the Saints are forbidden to receive into their house or to bid them God speed Verse 10. Receive him not into your house neither bid him God speed But of these and other usefull Inferences more fully after the answering of an Objection or two wherein all their seeming strength lies and whereon their greatest confidence is built Against that which I have said there is nothing more frequently urged then that one Scripture Joh. 1. 9. That was the true light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world This Scripture they account to be an invincible proof of their fundament all Assertion which in their words and writings is thus held forth this light is Christ God the Lord God and the Lamb the object of faith and this true light which is Christ lightens not some but every man coming into the world And therefore it must needs be saving And that this light can be meant of no other then of Christ they further alledge Joh. 8. 12 35 36. where it is plainly exprest that Christ is the light of the world Because I observe that that subtil Adversary Satan doth get the greatest advantage against many weak and unstable souls through their misunderstanding and wresting of these Scriptures in the mean while being ignorant of his devices I shall indeavour according to my measure to declare the minde of Christ in them that if it be the will of the Lord such as are taken captive by him may escape out of his Snares When it is said that that was the true light which lighteth every man that comes into the world two things must be considered 1 Who this true light is 2 How he lighteth every man that comes into the world For the first the Scriptures do witness that this true light is the Word God by whom the world was made for as it is said Joh. 1. 1. In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God So that which is spoken of in the 2 3 4 5 7 8 9 10. verses following is to be referred to the Word God the Creator of all things and not to the Word as the Word is
made flesh as ver 14. or as the Word is God manifest in the flesh as 1 Tim. 3. 16. or as the Word is in union with the humane nature according to his name Emmanuel Matth. 1. 23. Let the impartial and unprejudiced Reader consider what is said in every verse and I doubt not but he will finde it according to the report given as in the 2 verse it is said The same was in the beginning that is the same Word God distinct from the humanity and so it is in the verse following As in the 3. verse All things were made by him that is by the Word God in the 4. verse In him was life and the life was the light of men That is God the Word the Creator who gives life and light to all men according to that in Acts 17. 28 29. In him we live move and have our being and we are all his off-spring in the 5. verse And the light shineth in darkness and the darkness comprehended it not That is The Word God as it is explained in the 10. verse He was in the world and the world was made by him and the world knew him not Though the Word the Creator shined as light in the world and was not far from every one of us as the Apostle speaks Acts 17. 27. and had set up a Candle in them whereby the eternal power and Godhead might be known by the things that were made yet such was the darkness of men that they did not comprehend and acknowledge him In the 7. and 8. verses it 's said John was sent to bear witness of that light that is of the Word God to wit that God the Word was come to manifest himself in the flesh he bare witness that the light which was in the world and by whom the world was made and whom the world knew not was now come to appear in the flesh It 's true that John also bare witness of Christ in both natures as when the Word was made flesh verse 14. it 's said in the 15. verse John bare witness of him and afterward when he saw Jesus coming unto him he saith Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sins of the world verse 29. Where he speaks of him as the Word made flesh and Tabernacled amongst us But in the verses before mentioned he onely asserts and proves his Divinity In like manner are we to understand the 9 verse That was the true light that is the Word God the Creator and former of all things Isa 40. 28. was to wit in the beginning for thither the Verb in the Original in every verse doth carry us the true light not a borrowed or derived light but the fountain and original of all light according to that Scripture 1 Joh. 1. 5. God is light and in him is no darkness at all This I say is proper to the Creator who is the fountain of Life and Light to all beings according to their capacities whereas Christ as Mediator deriveth Light from the Father as he doth Life and Subsistance as he himself doth witness Joh. 6. 57. I live by the Father c. And thus we see who this true light is Viz. The Word God And hence it may be that the word Christ is not once named in any of the first 9. verses of the first of John but only the Word 2. How doth he lighten every man that cometh into the World The Word God or God the Word as Creator of all things doth lighten every man that cometh into the world by setting up in every man a Spirit by which he lives which is called the Candle of the Lord Prov. 20. 27. and by writing a Law in his heart of which Spirit and Law I have spoken before This is a true and faithful account of the Light that Lightens every man But doth not Christ say expresly Joh. 8. 12. I am the light of the World and is not the Word and the true light of whom John bare witness Christ That the true Light that lighteth every man that cometh into the World is the Word as such I have already proved And further I say according to Joh. 1. 14. That the Word was made flesh and tabernacled amongst men and they beheld his glory the glory as of the onely begotten of the Father and being imbodied in flesh he is thenceforth and so considered called Christ the Lord or the Lords Christ Luke 2. 11 26. For unto us in born this day in the City of David a Saviour which is Christ the Lord. And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lords Christ And no otherwise doth he bear that name but as he is the Word made flesh to be seen and beleeved on it is not the Word alone nor the flesh alone but the Word and flesh in union that is called Christ Joh. 1. 41. We have found the Messias which is being interpreted the Christ And is a light to lighten the Gentiles Luk. 2. 26 32. And it was revealed unto him by the holy Ghost that he should not see death before he had seen the Lords Christ A light to lighten the Gentiles and the glory of thy people Israel Till then there was no such thing as a Christ or a light to the Gentiles but only in a promise The Word being thus made flesh manifested and seen 1. Joh. 1. 2. brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel by his appearing 2 Tim. 1. 9 10. Who hath saved us and called us with an holy calling not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ who hath abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel Now that purpose of grace and love which was in the Fathers bosom before the world began which was promised Gen. 3. 15. The seed of the woman shall break the head of the serpent and from that time believed and expected by all the faithful appears by this manifestation of God in the flesh Tit. 2. 11. For the grace of God that bringeth salvation to all men hath appeared And 3. 4. But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared c. And thus is Christ said to come a light into the world not to lighten every man that comes into the world but onely those that believe on him according to that testimony Joh. 12. 46. I am come a light into the world that whosoever believeth on me should not abide in darkness This also is that light mentioned Joh. 3. 19. And this is the condemnation that light is come into the world and men loved darkness rather then light And Joh. 8. 12. I am the light of the world c. This Word made flesh is
he that was promised to be a covenant to the people and a light to the Gentiles Isai 42. 1 6 7. Behold my servant whom I uphold mine elect in whom my soul delighteth I have put my Spirit upon him he shall bring forth judgement to the Gentiles I the Lord have called thee in righteousness and will hold thine hand and will keep thee and give thee for a covenant of the people for a light of the Gentiles to open the blinde eyes c. Who brings into the world a life and light far exceeding that light and life that was set up in every man that comes into the world by the Word the Creator which more excellent life and light brought in by the Son none receive but such onely as receive the Son Joh. 1. 12. and are born again Joh. 3. 3. 1 Joh. 5. 12. He that hath the Son hath life and he that hath not the Son hath not life He also that hath the Son hath light Eph. 5. 14. But till a man be born again he cannot see the kingdom of God Joh. 3. 3. nor perceive the things of the Spirit 1 Cor. 2. 14. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are spiritually discerned but is dead in trespasses and sins Eph. 2. 1 5. and darkness as to this new life and Christ Eph. 5. 8. The neglect of this distinction of the Word and the Word made flesh which is so plainly set down in the Scripture as hath been shewed and of the properties belonging to either of them is the ground of the great mistake of many who not considering what is testified of the Word as Creator do confound that light which is set up by him as such in every man with that light which he gives as he is the Word made flesh And thence do call that light Christ and so saving which is but the spirit of a man and the law written in his heart springing up with his nature in the Creation and therefore can neither be Christ nor saving as hath been already proved That there ought to be care thus to distinguish it will be made further evident by considering these following particulars 1. That Christ is the onely Mediator between God and man as the Scripture testifies 1 Tim. 2. 5. For there is one God and one mediator between God and man the man Christ Jesus 2. That in Christ there are two whole perfect and distinct natures the Godhead and the Manhood inseparably joyned together in one person which is an Article of faith to which the Scriptures give full testimony as may be seen in these few instances Luke 1. 35. And the angel answered and said unto her The holy Ghost shall come upon thee and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God Col. 2. 9. For in him dwelleth all the fulness of the Godhead bodily Gal. 4 4. But when the fulness of time was come God sent forth his Son made of a woman made under the law 1. Tim. 3 16. And without controversie great is the mystery of godliness God manifest in the flesh justified in the spirit seen of angels preached unto the Gentiles believed on in the world received up into glory Rom. 1. 3 4. Concerning his Son Jesus Christ our Lord who was made of the seed of David according to the flesh and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness by the resurrection from the dead 3. That Christ is often mentioned where the two natures inseparably joyned together in his person are distinctly spoken of that is the matter may respect and be applicable to the properties of one nature and not of the other as when he saith I and my Father are one Joh. 10. 30. he speaks of his divine nature but when he saith in the same chapter vers 15. I lay down my life for the sheep he hath respect to his humane nature As he is God he is equal with the Father as he is man he layeth down his life for the sheep and yet one and the same Christ who is God and man speaks in both places This is also evident in Phil. 2. 6 7 8. In like manner when Christ saith I am the root and off-spring of David Rev. 22. 16. he speaks distinctly of both natures he is the root of David as he is God the off-spring of David as he is man So when it is said of the Son Heb. 1. 2. That the world was made by him and in the next verse that by himself he purged our sin we must distinguish and say The world was made by him as God and he purged away sin as Mediatour by the sacrifice of himself Heb. 9. 26. 10. 12. This man after he had offered one sacrifice for sin for ever Thus rightly to distinguish the natures of Christ is not to divide the Father from the Son nor the Son from himself but to give to either nature that which properly under a distinct consideration belongs to it and to both in union that which belongs to both Without which the works of the Creator and Mediator which are manifestly distinct would be confounded As in the matter under debate concerning the Word and the Word made flesh the Word is God the Creator the Word made flesh is the Mediator The Creator sets up a light in every man the Mediator gives a greater light but to such onely as believe on him Joh. 12. 46. Thus having answered their Objections though I question not but a judicious Reader who hath taken a survey of their Principles and shall seriously consider what I have hitherto asserted and proved concerning the light in all men will easily discern both the unsoundness and absurdity of their Opinions and the peril and danger of the consequences necessarily flowing there from Yet in thankfulness to Jesus Christ and for their sakes whether Quakers or others who either through weakness of judgement or want of due consideration have not taken sufficient notice of the dangerous tendencie of their Tenents especially of their Fundamental Opinion hitherto opposed I shall endeavour in a few Inferences from the premises to shew how injurious it is to the true Jesus who is Immanuel the Word made flesh God and man in union and how pernicious and destructive such a sandy foundation will prove to precious souls And first it is evident that this Opinion is guilty of denying the great mystery of godliness which as the Apostle affirms 1 Tim. 3. â—6 is God manifest in the flesh justified in the spirit seen of angels preached unto the Gentiles believed on in the world received up into glory In which words the Apostle tells us that the true Christ for of him he speaks is God manifest
means the more to amuse the people and beget in them an opinion of me as some hainous offender Surely methinks they should not be so weak as to imagine that these unchristian calumniations should pass with wiser men for a sufficient refutation of what I have writ And if hereby they think to affright me they are greatly mistaken for I fear nothing that they or any others can do to hurt my unstained reputation amongst men I shall therefore pass by many biting false scornful jeering and frothy expressions in their published Papers and onely mention some few of those censures judgings cursings which like a floud they have sent out against me with their names who have published their Papers or sent them open Such as have sent Sealed Letters their names are concealed Thomas Gurwen in a Paper writes thus John Wigans what a rage and chafe art thou in and how theu swellest and fretieth Oh the plagues of God will be thy portion and be poured out upon thy head Thou was so full of rage and bitterness and envie and malice in thy heart Thou hast raked and scraped a deal of chaff and rabling stuff which came out of the bottomless pit In another Paper A filthy dreamer who vomits up thy own shame Thy Book will be thy utter overthrow for it 's no more to me thoâ—â— chaff and dirt under my feet In another Paper Thy ill-bred behaviour thy ill-bred sawcie tongue unnurtured and unbred and besides thy sawcie language Thy hypocrisie and sawcie tongue and unmanner liness and ill breeding Whether this was endited by Thomas Curwen Husbandman or dictated by George Fox Shoo-maker I know not but when he hath shewed as he hath not in what particulars I have manifested ill-bred behaviour sawcie unnurtured unmannerly language I may possibly learn better but never in this mans School Let the Wise judge what manner are most likely to be learned from this master of Cacologie Margaret Fell in one Letter Thou manifests thy gainsaying spirit Core-like gainsaying and resisting of the truth as Jannes and Jambres did that is to say the light with the which every man is enlightned is not the light of Christ nor a saving light Thou art without God in the world Thou hast manifested thy self to be out of the first step that leads to Christianity and art a minister of darkness Thy foul sinful prayers are abominable They fleshly performances are but grass and chaff All thy rotten bypocritical performances Thou hast committed sacriledge and hast blasphemed against the holy Spirit of God which never will be forgiven thee in this world nor in that which is to come Thou art under it and it remains upon thee for ever That foul and unclean spirit that thou art of Thou manifests thy dark sottish spirit In a second Letter Thou begins with a lye and ends with the devil and sets John Wigan next to him as if thou wast his head-Vicegerent but certainly thou art a great zealot for him All such unclean spirits as thine is Thy black defiled heart and conscience Thou hast manifested thy self to be a childe of darkness What hast thou to do to take the Name of God and Christ in thy mouth Thou enemy of God Thou art a thief Thou are not a believer of Christ Thou art yet in thy sins Thou art a man separated from God Thou never knewest nothing of the worship of God Thy envious poysonous heart Thou art under the chain and it is over thee A fighter against God and his truth and the reward thou wilt be sure to have And never look that that which is cursed will be blest Thou art accursed and no other portion can thou have and this is Scripture and truth to thee In a third Letter Thou can do something in writing a Book of thy own dreams and thy imaginations and brain-studies and telling of lyes which thou hatcheth out of darkness Thou art a meer Sot and Ignoramus Thy evil unclean heart Thy malicious dark envious spirit Thy weakness inability and ignorance in the things of God I having told her that if she called the light that that is in every man that comes into the world Christ she set up an Idol and if she worshipped that light as Christ the Redeemer she was an idolateâ— She answers thus I never heard such words but from an idolater and a blasphemer against God and Christ Thou art an enemy of God thou art worse then the Jews Thou art a fit man to joyn with the Turk to set up Mahomet O thou infidel O thou childe of darkness Speaking of Christ she saith I am a witness for him against all such Antichrists and deceivers and blasphemers as thou art Thou art a minister of the night and of darkness in the Apostacie Thou art a night-bird The curse and the judgement that 's written therein speaking of the Scripture Christ Jesus and the Apostle hath pronounced it upon thee Thou art the man Thou hast lost God and Christ Because I asked this Question viz. What Parish-priest in England had got more money with his tongue then George Fox since he was Journeyman-Shoomaker in Manchester she saith Thou art a wicked ungodly impudent lyer Thou lyer A proud disdainful spirit A heathenish spirit which torments thee and many more such night-owls as thou art Thou wicked lyer The devil the God of this world is thy God and thou hast done what thou canst in opposing the Quakers to get him glory Thou hast a great measure of the spirit of envie malice and cruelty and bloud Thus far are her expressions whom Thomas Curwen affirms to be so vertuous a woman that I am not worthy to take her name in my mouth Another writes thus Thy vain hypocritical prayers and formal preachings and Chains offerings Thou art darker and darker and will be to thy dying day unless thou come to believe undoubtedly that Christ enlightens every man that comes into the world with a saving light You have been and are hypocrites Thy blasphemies against the everlasting truth Another writes thus Thou opposes the truth and manifests thy self to be an enemy of Christ the light an opposer of the Gospel which is the power of God of which power thou art ignorant and a stranger unto Thou art gone into rebellion and not onely ignorant of the true God and Christ but also art become an enemy and opposer of him by deceit and deceivableness Thou hardens thy heart and stiffens thy neck against the Lord and heaps up wrath against the day of wrath Another writes thus Thou hardens thy self against the truth more and more It hath been evidently manifested that thou art an enemy to God and his truth Thou art in thy will worship and carnal ordinances as Baptism and bread and wine Thou art vainly puft up with thy fleshly minde and art in the steps of the false Prophets of old and the false Apostles in the days of Christ In a Paper from William Holden
and others it is written as followeth Oh friend John Wigans it seems old Henry Woods and Thomas Curwens Pills which they gave thee to work out that old leaven that hath lien of long within thee but this hath wrought of the contrary part and hath caused thee to vomit and spue out upon a piece of paper and sent forth for the dogs to lick up and they being eager doth take so much â—f this they filthy spuing that it causeth them to vomit as thou doth A few days after this Appendix was given forth another Paper was delivered to me from the said William Holden which at his request is here inserted Oh friend John Wigan it seems old Henry Wood and Thomas Curwen Pills works with thee that thou purges upward and downward that thou hadst need of one to wipe thee for thou makes a pitiful stink it seems thou hast a full stomack and a full body that through thy vomiting and purging thou besmears every one that comes nigh thee one may follow thee by the smell and thou art more like a scolding woman then a man thou art more like a foul Dragon then to preach the Gospel thy language is more like that thou had been bred in Bedlam then amongst men thou art more like a rustical Door-keeper to tear off peoples coats off their backs then to preach the Word thou art more like a ranting Tavernfellow cocking up thy hat then a civil man And thy brother Price glorying in his own strength throwing the Ball following pleasures sporting in the day-time like a ranting fellow who art a busie-body in other mens matters But this is like Wigans and Prices worship thou art like unto the raging sea foaming out thy own shame casting up mire and dirt who art deceiving a company of silly simple people who cloathes them with thy old rotten rags and feeds them with thy husks One of the filthy dreamers and inchanters deceiving the people with thy sorcery like thy old brother Simon Magus yet have a feigned humility in will-worship puffing up thy fleshly minde And John dost thou not see thy self to be in an ugly dress and shape and image that thou art in and wilt thou not give over preaching and vomiting to people yea or long and deceiving their souls and poysoning them with thy Sorcery for thou stinks all the Country over and now wilt thou not go to Steeple-house for you are all one in the ground for thy Non-conformity will not cover thy hypocrisie and deceit We see thou hast Ishmaels bow and Cains club and Esaus sword and the clusters of Sodom and the grapes of Gomorrha and Babylons confusion and the Egyptians tongue and by thy side carries Judas bag and weareth the livery of Antichrist and art shod with deceit one of the fools whose heart is filled with laughter as thou did make thy self manifest in the Dispute and who is like a man with a scald head and like a horse with a gauld back going frenging up and down snuffing up thy nose like the wilde Asses colt grinning like a Dog teeth like a Lion a paw like a Bear and mouth like a Dragons beast poysoning the peoples souls with thy Sorcery which makes them to vomit and spue and drink up iniquity and vomit it out which the people licks up and vomits it out that they make such a stink And thou hast shamed Christianity thou art more like an Oyster-woman it is like thou knows Billings-gate thou art better selling Oysters then doctrine or preaching either And we hear thou hast vomited up more to adde to thy first vomit for thou stands in need of purging for thou hast a very unclean vessel which is full of the old man for thou might shame with thy filthy spuing if thou wert not very impudent And thou may put this to thy Appendix No more but love to thee poor captivated creature of Satan From thy friend William Houlden This Paper was delivered to me the 5 M. 15 d. 1664. The writings out of which these sayings are extracted with some others of like import now in my keeping will fill up three or neer four sheets close written wherein besides what is here mentioned is contained not a word tending to discover the unsoundness of my assertion or to enervate my Arguments but manifold untruths and light vain and scurrilous expressions altogether unbecoming Saints which though I can shew if required being too tedious for the Reader I have forborne to transcribe being also assured that the Lord will sweep away the refuge of lyes nor had I presented this to view but that they have first done it and that I finde it said that the folly of such shall be made manifest to all men 2. Tim. 3. 9. If instead of answering an assertion proved by plain Scripture it be not folly to call the assertion and proofs chaff dirt rabling stuff out of the botomless pit and filthy spewings c. And to curse the Author with the plagues of God and to tell him he is accursed an enemy of God an infidel a child of darkness c. I say if this be not folly let the wise judge I am sure the All-wise and righteous God will in due time judge between them and me in this matter and make it manifest that these fruits never came from his good pure holy Spirit Had it not bin a more easie and commendable work in one sheet plainly to have discovered and refuted my errors if any such be in my writings then to have filled three or four sheets with such stuff as this Surely a right Spirit would have led them that way But whosoever will engage against the Spirit of Antichrist especially to raise him out of his chief hold can expect no better measure while he is owned and submitted to in his deceits his carriage is like a Lamb but cross him and he is in a rage and speaks like a Dragâ—â— Rev. 13. 11. While the false prophet hath hope to allure any and make merchandise of them his speech is fair and his feigned words are smoother then oyl 2 Pet. 2. 3. Prov. 5. 3. Like the adulterous woman Pro. 7. 21. But if he prevail not but be opposed and rejected then is he loud clamorous and stubborn Prov. 7. 11. and 9. 13. like Josephs Mistress when she could not prevail cries out and by false accusations causeth him to be cast into prison Gen. 39. And yet further besides all this and before my book is answered there are four of these people who severally write themselves Blacksmith Husbandman Laborer and Taylor who send forth into the town a new challenge to debate seventeen or eighteen points with me But why is not the Shoo-maker joyn'd with them What feeble shifts are these My assertion strikes at their very foundations And before they make that good they would run into other matters But though they seem to be weary of their cause I must hold them to