in interpretation to set them above them as he that loves any thing equal to God loves it indeed more then God the setting up of any writings in equipage with Gods is a debasing of his word Again some of them assert that they have as full b There fulnesse is of the evil one p. 3. Q. 10. at the end of a Gagg a measure of the Spirit as the penners of the Scriptures had * Truths Defence p. 43. the fulnesse of the Spirit is well known by the emptinesse of their fruits had they said that they have as full measure of the evil spirit as Marcian primogenitus diaboli the first born of the Divel as Polycarpe calls him they had come neer the Truth This corner-stone being laid by these Master-builders of Sathans Babel they go on to deny 1. The personal body of Christ George Fox being asked whether Christ have a body in heaven and be a particular man or person Truths defence p. 78. 79. incompassed with a body to live for ever yea or no affirms That Christ hath but one body and that is the Church That 1 Christs mystical body corpus mysticum is the Church and that 2 This is but one is according to truth answerable to that we beleive Sanctam Catholicam Ecclesiam the Holy Catholick Church but 3 That Christ hath but one body is contradictory to the whole History of the four Evangelists which so often speakes of that body which he took of the Virgin Mary of whom Christ 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 after the flesh came as Paul phrases it and how he ascended and shall come again Luke acquaints us Acts 1 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 9 10 11. Shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him goe into heaven But this is not the first time that this Heresie hath been broached nor confuted many a hundred yeers ago were these things upon the stage of the World dic mihi aliquid novi aut tace trouble us not with old rotten stinking errours Secondly In their book called The persecution of the Quakers First the corporeal Body of Christ And secondly his coming in the Clouds to to judgment are denyed 1 pag. 8. Priest Herrick did affirm before the Magistrate and many others that the body of Christ is not spiritual and when he was by William Adamson challenged for his blasphemy he said he would prove it by Scripture and produced those words Christ said I am not a spirit and then he was by him charged with a lie for there was no such words in that Scripture 2. p. 9. Let their own words try them who look for a Christ yet to come as some of them said what will yee Quakers do who saith Christ is within you when Christ comes in the clouds here now all people do but honestly examine and see whether these spirits confess Christ who looks for him yet to come and whether you dare believe the Apostle every spirit who doth not confess Christ Jesus come in the flesh is not of God or these deceivers who look for him yet to come these things are so palpably gross and weak yea even irrational that their needs no words to the misproving of them 2. The Visible Church Whereas a Book entituled fiery darts saith R.B.Q. 20. p. 26. that since the Apostles dayes there hath been a great Apostacie and that a true Church of Christ could not be found are you of the same mind Answ yea Herein agreeing with those formerly called Seekers 1. That there was and is a great Apostacie as the Scripture foretold so experience hath evidenced and that Apostacie in all ages more or less hath been witnessed against V. Catalogum testiū veritatis but 2. such an Apostacie as hath wholy destroyed the Church and laid it so under ground as that it cannot be found what is this c. what is this but to make much of Scripture at present of no use which directs Sts. concerning Church Communion among others Heb. 13.17 obey them that have the rule over you and submit your selves for they watch for your souls 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. To invalidate those promises of Christ Matth. 16.18 Vpon this rock will I build my Church and the Gates of Hell shall not prevail against it and I will give unto thee the Keys of the Kingdome of heaven 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 And Matth. 28.20 Loe I am with you already to the end of the World 3. To give you this whole World visibly into the hands of the Prince of the World as if Christ had not overcome but being overcome by Sathan 3. Thirdly against the Scriptures 1. That it is dangerous for the ignorant and unlearned to read the Scriptures Truths defence pag. 101. 1. How far is this from the assertion of the Papists 2. How doth it justifie them in their prohibiting of Lay-men to read the word 3. and makes fair way to usher in Imagines laicorum libros Images as Lay-mens Books Secondly If any raises from the Scriptures points trials motives uses he adds to the Scriptures and to him are added the curses and plagues In eodem loco Rev. 22.18 Whether this but 1. to destroy all preaching 2. to condemn their own selves 3. to discover their ignorance between the explaining of Truth and coyning of falsehoods to passe as new truths their additions are corruptives the Ministers for illustration information incitation to edification 4. to condemn Christ and his Apostles which applied and urged in many places of the Scriptures out of the old Testament cited 3. Fiery darts p. 19. 30. 32. Quakers folly p. 25. 2. Ed. That the Scripture is not the word of God nor a standing rule In this way are grosely ignorant or wilfully malicious or both they will acknowledge no word of God but Christ as if no difference between verbum internum externum an inward and outward word verbum oris Scriptum the word spoken and written the thoughts of my mind are soliloquia a talking with my self what I speak is the word of my mouth and what I write is my word under my hand Christ is the eternal internal word of God the Wisdome of the father the Scriptures much of it was spoken by God by the mouth of his holy Prophets and all written as holy men of God were inspired by the Holy Ghost they would seem to exalt Christ it is to debase the Scriptures and deifie the light within them but if they will not hear Moses and the Prophets which testified of Christ neither would they Christ the word of God 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Heb. 1. 1. God who in sundry times and in diverse manners spake in times past unto the Fathers by the Prophets was not that then the word of God the prophets spake 2. And why not a standing rule The papists indeed say it is a nose of wax a leaden rule that the Pope may stand
were killed burned and drowned till their reliques were so contemtible that they were let alone for compassion Chap. I. Of our English-Quakers name and practise YOu have heard a sad story from abroad a L. 1. of tâ—e Anab ptists acted in the theatre of Germany which surely hath not been taken notice of without detestation and amazement Now b â— 2 of the Quakers The end of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 we draw neerer home and come to give in a brief account of somewhat done in our land and in our times All to one and the same end viz. 1. To caution thee that thou beest not deceived 2. To excite thee to be thankfull if thou still standest in the truth stedfast and immovable rooted c 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Th ir name 〈…〉 They own 〈◊〉 but are so calâ—â—◠〈◊〉 Giâ—â—◠〈◊〉 Tâ—ldâ—rry c. 3. therein 3. To provoke thee to pray for the purity establishment and peace of Gods Church the eye-sores of the Divell and vexation of his instruments but the desire endeavour and joy of the naturall sons of Zion Of late years under the Sun-shine of too generall a toleration there hath sprung up a sort of people generally called Quakers from the quaking and trembling of their bodies How they justifie Quaking Answ to Westmerland position p. 35. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Answ in a very strange and vncouth manner when either really or pretendedly acted by another spirit d then their own For the justification of it they abusively alledge e those Scriptures that mention any thing of quaking or tremâ—ling in the Saints at any time or upon any occasion Not conâ—â—dering 1. Thaâ— some speeches are 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 hyperbolically spoken 2. And others intimate to us the extraordinary operations of the Holy Ghost But they think it sufficient with empty sounds to deceive the simple f 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 they themselves in the interim enervating ad placitum when they please the sacred authority of divine writ as shall afterward be made manifest g Ex ore adversarii 1. Their assemblies 1. Their Assemblies they hold without any difference of time or place but as opportunity offers in them formerly a great part both of their Men and Women did extraordinarily quake even to the dread and affrightment of the ‖ See c. 1. example 1. elsewhere Westmorl petition c. 11. 2. Language 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 beholders but now more rare and seldome 2. Their language to themselves peculiar so that by it they may be known in a small matter they pretend much conscience and put much in these little words thou and thee * There is a Book in defence of it called The pure language of the Spirit of truth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 but if a little provoked then they shew their tongues to be set on fire of Hell railing cursing and blaspheming yea damning them with whom wrathfully displeased k As will appeare c. 5. example 2. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which evidence they strain at a Gnat and swallow a Camel their mouths so narrow that you cannot passe and yet when mov'd their mouths are full l 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of cursing and evil speaking this is legible in printed characters their phamphelts will sufficiently shew it 3. Behaviour 3. Their behaviour is hail fellow well met and though they have a shew of humility yet are they big with swollen pride for as if neither God nor Nature nor State had made any difference of persons they will uncover to none nor give any titles of Honour witnesse their proud sullen and clownish behaviour not only toward persons of a lower ranck but before Magistracy it self Their reason Answered Upon the pretence of calling no man Father that they may not be guil y of worshiping the creature many of them being willingly ignorant m 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the difference between cultum divinum civilem divine and civil honour 2. Others the more ignorant of them being misled by misunderstanding the language and scope of Scripture N. B. Yet this is remarkable when they should not they will strangely allegorize I wish Origens mischance do not befall them 4. Their food and rayment 4. Their food and rayment too abstemious in the first and almost sordid in the last sometimes fasting many dayes * â— Naylor Parnel at other times living a long while on a little bread and water going in any mean habit without as we use to say welt or guard no Lase Cuffes Hatbands c. taking an occasion hereby the more to inveigh against gluttony drunkennesse pride The reason covetousnesse c. That by this means they might gain a great opinion among simple well minded people who consider not that the Divell doth transforme himself into an Angell of Light n 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and suits his temptation as may best suit with them he hath to do with that apt we are to seek a righteousnesse of our own 5. Prancks See Gilpin c. 2. Tolderrys story c. 3. Church disturbeâ—◠〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 5. Their prancks may well be termed mad prancks many times so far from quod decet Christianis Christianity and reason that they have not in them aliquid humanitatis what becomes reasonable creatures And theref re because they cannot bare them out by such principles they betake themselves to 1. occult revelations 2. the operations of the spirit 3. the voice of God within them so fathering on the most High what they dare not on nature be low and what natura naturata nature abhors they make to be pleasing naturae naturanti to the God of nature so that they may fitly be termed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 unreasonable ones 1 Great disturbers of Church assemblies both their men and women interrupting Ministers in the midst of their preaching contradicting and blaspheming o 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 The women who shâ—uld be cloathed with modesty and are prohibited by Apostolicall in iunction p 1 Cor. 14.35 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2 â—i â— 2.12 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to speak in the Church denuding themselves of all shamefacedness with brazen faces vent their brain sick phancies under pretext of impulsion of the Holy Spirit 1. This they doe in the greatest assemblies 2. In ways disorderly as if God himself were the author of * 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 confusion Yet many times so far can they imprison their pretended impulses as to abstain when they may otherwise incur the penalty of the Law N. B. by speaking to the disturbance of holy performances consulting their own safety rather then venting what the pretend to be impulsed unto impellunt impulsum they force the impulse 2. Go naked 2. Go naked frequently in the streets q instances divers afterwards Chap. 5. Proof Answer exposing their nakedness to publique view and boulster
men women and little children have been strangely wrought upon in their bodies and brought to fall * The thing there is not denyed but palliated foam at mouth roar and swell in their Bellies and whereas it is answered that is a Lye it is replied Let the Reader consult the Book and beleive his own eyes 31. Thom. Holim of Kendal went naked as he was born R. B. p. 21. Q. 72. through the Market place at Kirby-Stephon one Market day Octob. 28. saying 'T is not I but God that goes naked Horrid See the Witnesses in the 5. New-castle Ministers answer to I.N. p. 84. 32. The Lord Cheif Baron Wild Pag. 22. Q. 78. the first day of the Term and Novemb. 11. 1659. was bareheaded and twenty Quakers about him with their hats on half an hour together 33. James Mitener Pag. 23. Q. 87. Sauls Errand p. 2. 9. a follower of George Fox professed himself to be God and Christ and gave out Prophecies viz. that the day of Judgement should be on the 15. of November * In this not infallible R. B. Q. 89. 90. 91. See more of him before f. 23. and that there should never sit Judge at Lancaster again 34. Was it not a sin in Christopher Atkinson fellow Preacher and bosome companion to George Whitehead to comit frequent fornication with Vrsula Servant to Thomas Symonds as both he and she confessed before the Mayor of Norwich and July 4. 1655. run away from Norwich-Goale and carrying thence goods not his own and after he professed Repentance for his lewdnesse with Vrsula did he not practise greater Villanie at the George Inne in Thurton six miles from Norwich See the relation of these matters printed for Franklin and attested by the Maior of Norwich 35. A Female Quaker was taxed Quakers Folio 2. p. 59. for breaking of the Rule Let the Woman keep Silence in the Church for it is not permitted for them to speak replied it was spoken of Women that have Husbands at home to learn of but I have none and am a Maid 36. Another who was a Wife being challenged for preaching publickly and that Scripture urged against her I suffer not a woman to teach and usurp authority over the man readily replied that was spoken of the Woman who was in the transgression but I am not one of them P. 1. of the in the end narrative of Q. F. Vol. 2. Papistâ pejor 37. One of them lately at Dover when he came to die upon the Question put to him how he expected Salvation answered that he expected Salvation by his own works and not by Christ Witnesse Mr. Davis Minister at Dover our hearty prayer to God is that we may neither thus live nor dye Q. Folio v. 2. narrative p. 2. 1659. Reckoned without his host pag. 3. 38. At a late meeting of the Quakers in Hurst-peirpoint in Sussex the Speaker called out to the Minister passing by We will have you all down for now our day is come 39. Another in Nuthurst parish in the same County did say to a godly person of good quality in that parish that he no more cared * They are much beholding to him for his care to kill one of the Priests then he would to kill a Dog 40. Another Quaker way-laid the Minister of Cowwould and justled him on the high way and drew out his Sword about half way but from further was prevented by others coming in 41. Mr. Wingfield Minister at Word did testifie under his hand Aug. 3. 1659. that Luke Howard of Dover Quaker did say in his hearing July 25. 1659. upon the Road neer Dover-castle that it was revealed to him by the eternal God that the priests shall be destroyed and by the people who are called Quakers 42. E. B. Quaker p. 2. in his Word of Advice to the Soldiers saith Oh! give the Priests bloud to drink for they are worthy 43. On the Lords day 18. Sept. 1659. W. Naylor Brother to James came into Savoy Church Mr. Hooke preaching and made such a bellowing that it seemed to be rather the Divel in him then his own voice Mr. Hooke was necessitated to hold his peace many sadly affrighted that some ran one way some another * Testified by Mr. Hook his Wife and others 44 Octob. 6. 1659 p. 4. at a publick thanksgiving at Christ Church London the Parliament Lord Maior Aldermen Common Council Officers of the Army being hearing Mr. Caryl two Quakers made a very great disturbance 45. March 5. 1659. Mary Todd of Southwark Quaker at the Bull and Mouth while some were speaking pulled up her Coats above her middle and walked so up and down a while using several base expressions Mr. Thomas Cresset Chirurgion an Eye and Ear witnesse CHAP. 6. Of their Opinions 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 BY which you may easily discern how far they are from being sound in the faith and take along withal this aggravation let their tenents be never so diametrically opposite to the written verity yet they will father it upon the Spirit of truth and he must be made the immediate inspirer of these falsities not being ashamed to make him grosely contradict himself but also to beare witness to a lie for when they want a Shadow of Scripture then they will stamp their errour with the Image and Superscription of the Holy Ghost immediately revealing and Christ the light within them must be made to hold out palpable darknesse Therefore they lay down as a foundation-truth a blasphemous falsehood to build their Structure of untruths upon viz That their dictates are equal to those of Christ and his Apostles a R. B. Question to Whitehead at end of the gagg p. 3. f. 7. do not you esteem your speakings to be of as great authority as any Chapters in the bible Answ yea of greater Herein not unlike the Papists who for the better establishing of their Churches authority make 1. The Pope an infallibl judge 2. Unwritten Traditions equal to the written Word therefore Bellarmine hath Verbum dei scriptum non scriptum To make this evident concerning the Quakers 1. Mr. Camelford Minister of Stafly Chappel in Lancashire having told Thom. Atkinson in answer to his Quaeries that his Quaeries were condemned to the fire George Fox replies you might as wel have condemned the Scriptures to the fire Truths defence p. 2. by Fox Hubberthorn And without breach of charity we may affirm the burning of the Scriptures would not have been so offensive to him a There are Quakers that have done it as before and though it be answered it is a wicked lie yet see your Book entituled Truths defence writ by Fox Hubberthorn p. 2. l. 13. and divers other Books wherein they prefer the Scripture to the fire and their own Books to mens reading as more useful for these times R. B. Q. ibid. for indeed to equal any writings to Scripture is interpretative
of God and for the simple ones sakes as we are moved by the immediate spirit of Christ to write to teach to exhort or to put in Print Truths Defence p. 104. How then comes it that Gother son Ep. 4.5 is fain to write against others of his own and call to them to recall their Tenets and repent 13. All their Railings Cursings and Blasphemies they Father on the Holy Ghost and make them to proceed immediately from the eternall spirit of God in them as may appear 2. Of their railings at Ministers and slandering of them Only whatever they say is little in respect of what before and there can be no wondring at their Blasphemies against Men when they have thus opened their mouths against Heaven and if they have done these things to God himselfe no wonder if such to his Servants but to speak their language with which they often salute the Ministers That they are of the Synagogue of Satan Hel broke loose p. 35. and know nothing of God but are enemies of God being guided by the spirit of error without amongst dogs whose humility is fained a Their hearts they know that their Sermons are fleshly fancies b And they Q. for real flesh and conâ—urations dirty miry doctrine a stinking puddle that their hearts are filthy deceitful c That 's right seeking praise from men d They have little from you that they are scandalous e VVhat all Scandalum acceptum Be sure to say enough Muse as they use following the wayes of Balaam and Cain worse then Simon Magus knowing nothing of the life of the Gospel that they are Heathens wallowing in the mire and filth of the flesh on whom all the plagues of God are to be poured blind guides proud Baals Priests f The best that ever he had I hope Lyars Blasphemers h They Q. not guilty enemies to Christ Jesus Murtherers Sorcerers Whore-mongers children of disobedience greedy dumb Doggs Witches Antiâ—hrists Antichrists Marchants Robbers Deceivers Ministers of the World i VVorse then themselves Conjurers Devils of a Serpentine Nature a brazen faced Bâ—ast Covetous Idolatrous Priests Thieves Divelish Priests Priests of the world Foxes Ministers of Antichist proud Pharisees envious malicious Priests Aegyptians Sodomites Gog and Magog a seed of evil dâ—ers children of the Devil blind Watchmen Backbiters Railers Seducers Taskmasters of Aegypt devouring Lyons Firebrands of Hell Sons of Belial I shall but adde here one passage for all Naylor against Baxter p. 30. Thou askest if it will be for the peoples profit to despise their Teachers and Guides I say you who have despised Christs commands to set up your own Lusts and Pride Covetousnesse and false-Worship must be despised and when such Guides are discovered then shall the people profit when they come to be guided by that Spirit God hath given to every man to profit withall which you will keep them from as long as you can that you may fill up your measure and wrath come upon you to the uttermost being captivated by the Devil Son and Body the God of this world having blinded your eyes so that the Gos el is hid from you and you lost setting up the Letter instead of it having denyed the light and erred from it are got up into hardnesse of heart imprisoning beating making havock like rude Beasts what ever the Devil did where he reigned so do you being the head of the Serpent which Christ is come to bruise as he did in his own person so he is the same brood who now are found in the same bloody plots against the seed of God So Princed worse then ever any seeking the lives of others for practising that in life which your selves will preach in words for Money such a generation of raging Beasts was never yet in the world who seek to devour on every side you and who departs from sin is your prey the greâ—test deceivers that ever yet come now when you come to be revealed who would have believed that you who have had so many millions of pounds for reaching people to forsake sin and now if any declare that he hath forsaken it and is set free you preach it down as the most dangerous eâ—ror that ever was Full of Slander empty of Charity and who can ascribe this but themselves to the good â—piâ—it of God Enough ne quid nimis surely they are angry and I am apt to think the Miniâ—ters have hit the Devil in them a sound rap of the nose that makes him to roar so loud But yet they are not altogether foolish there is some wit in their anger though it be but Serpentine 1. Hereby would they alienate the Peoples affections from them The end of their railing without end present them so ill that the people might get no good by them 2. To get esteem and gain by what others lose they would by this be thought exceeding zealous none like them for God Christ and Souls truly had they kept in their poyson when they vented all this they might have been better thought on but to be so evill themselves while they are making others so is not politick 3. To prepare the Ministers for more to exercise them with their tongues that they may better rye their hands this is but a paper of Devils set on your heads before your bodies be brought to the stake but might I advise men should first stop their Eares secondly bridle their â—ongues thirdly shun their company and fourthly let them be branded for hideous Blasphemers notorious Railers CHAP. 8. A short account of a dispute at Cambridge Aug. 1659. between three eminent Quakers and one Scholar AUG 25. T. S. of Chr. Col. returning home from Saint Johns Library saw George Whitehead preaching in the Quakers The Quaker diâ—armed Pref. common meeting House b Over against Sidney Col. when Whitehead had done he confuted his Doctrine but considering how apt filly women were to be misled he sent the following to the Maior hoping to reclaime in the end his c The Majors Wife who it seems was then a Quaker Whereas George Whitehead delivered first that they are not Hereticks second teach no other but what Abraham and Christ and thirdly said that the Scriptures are not the Word of God I am ready at any hour or place 1. to prove these false 2. to make good my Arguments lâ—sts used against him 3. That it is a sin for him to preach or any such or for any to hear him Chr. Colh T. S. The Major sent for Whithead who before him wrote 1. That we do not open a door to Heresies 2. That we are not Hereticks because 3. We do not teach any Heresie d So it is a signe 4. We walk not in the steps of Hereticks 5. That the Bible is not the Word And this he would maintain e Quantum potuit against T. S. at what time and place the Major should
adjunct was John of Leyden and the next Bern. Knipperdolling By a revelation of John Matthias an order was made upon pain of death that all the gold and silver and moveable goods of the Town should be brought to the common Stock for which they appointed a publick house The order was obeyed more for fear then conscience for two maids (l) The Devil knows how to make good use of bad women Prophetesses took upon them to find out the fraud and the several houses were searched by a Deacon To thâ—t common Stock were brought all the goods of those that were driven out of the City With that common Stock they kept four great Ordinaries in the four quarters of the Town where all fed in common none being allowed to diet at home unless he were sick Plenty of provision they had and they husbanded it very ill feasting every day till the Bishop that besieged them began to cut off their victuals and then they stinted themselves but with too large a stint which was to have change of meat every third day one day fresh meat the other day hung meat and bacon and the third day milk butter and cheese I read of no great feats of arms in this siege Once only the Bishop received a notable repulse by John Matthias who wâ—s a General â—s well as a Prophet With easie labour he had so fortified the Town which is most strong by Nature that he had made it impregnable so that the Bishop despâ—iring to take it by force went about to take it by famine Indeed the negligence of the Besiegers and the security of the Besieged are the only things remarkable in this siege The Prophets then neglecting the Bishop converted their care to the spiritual government and commanded that none should keep any book but Scripture So all the books that could be found but Bibles (m) The Bible much made oâ— most abused were brought to a publique place and a bonfire made of them From executing of books they fell to executing of persons (n) Seducers grow worse worse Hubert Truteling a Black-smith seeing Joh. Matthias pass by said Here goeth a shitten o We have seen shitten Quakers one coming into the publike Assembly on the L. day naked and shitten up to the elbows Prophet For this offence he was brought to the Congregation and condemned to death John Matthias would himself be the executioner and wounded him with an Halbert the wound being not mortal he brings him to another place and shoots him thorow with a pistoll then taking compassion on him he pardons him saying that God was appeased towards him and that he had a revelation that the man should not die of this yet the poor man died a few days after To make amends for his false prophesie He runs in a mad mood over all the City bearing a Pike crying that God the Father had commanded him to drive the enemy back from the City and so rushed alone into the enemies camp without fear and wit (p) Every way mad and was there killed John Matthias being dead John of Leyden comforteth the people saying that he knew long before by revelation that John Matthias was to die that death that himself should marry his wife (q) Pretend the Spirit intend the Flesh as he did shortly after though he had one before but this was one of singular beauty able to make a lusty young Prophet to set up the doctrine of Polygamy But he fell to other work before he stirred that point Knipperdolling came out w th a revelation that they that were in high places should be brought down to the lowest they that were in the lowest raised to the highest (r) They will turn all upside down But John of Leyden met him in his own kind with another revelation that since it was Gods pleasure that those that were in the highest places should be brought down to the lowest he was sent from God to put him down from the place of Consul make him the Hang-man and to that purpose he gave him from God the sword of justice But there was need of more revelations for that great work of alteration of the government John of Leyden was led by his prophetical spirit upon the City walls where he put off his clothes and ran (Å¿) The old trade naked through the City crying The King of Sion is come The King of Sion is come Then returning home he falls into a deep prophetical sleep and (t) Filthy dreamers Jude 8. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 dreams three days and three nights together Being awaked he comes forth and speaketh never a word but calleteth by signs for a Table-book like Zechariah There he sets down twelve men all Coblers Tinkers Smiths and mean Tradesmen but one that was a Gentleman of Munster to these he assigneth the government of the Common-wealth putting down the order set up by John Matthias and affirming that this was the Fathers (u) You are of your father the Devil good will In that paper also he writeth some conclusions which he chargeth the preachers to teach the people Or else he would have them ratified by the Congregation without the Preachers The sum of all was that a man is not tied to one wife but that he may (x) This is spiritually the clean contrary way marry as many as he pleaseth And when most of his Doctors would not approve of that monstrous paradox he citeth them before his twelve Magistrates and there he recovered his tongue keeping a great clamor throwing down his cloths upon the ground and the new Testament upon them and swearing by that holy book that the doctrine which he had announced was revealed unto him from Heaven and threatning them all that if they consented not to this doctrine God would withdraw his mercy from them To testifie his evidence of spirit â—nd power he commanded the first opposer of that new Gospel to be beheaded which was done presently For three days together there was preaching concerning matrimony for the confirmation of that opinion But the best confirmation was his practice for presently he married three wives one of which was the relict of that grand Prophet Joh. Matthias by whom she was with child and married again and again till he had fifteen wives Many followed his example and it began to be a matter of great praise to multiply wives This seemeth to have been his first motive to broach that doctrine A Souldier of the Bishops that had changed party and was harboured where John of Leyden lay observed in the night that this holy Prophet left his bed and went to the maids bed (y) Defiling the flesh Jude 8. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 John of Leyden seeing himself discovered in the morning called the Souldier aside and gave him gold desiring him to keep his counsel But after mistrusting the Souldiers tongue he thought it safer to countenance the fact
and so for the upholding of your unscriptural revelations the Scripture must not stand but when we shall all stand before the judgement Seat of Christ we shall be judged according to this rule and thereby stand or fall 4. That it is not a perfect rule of faith and Conversation to walk by 1. Though the Scripture say it is able to make the man of God perfect 2 Tim. 3.17 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Jam. Naylor 5. Answer to Jews p. 22. 2. The papists and they concur again the papists to establish papae decretalia the Popes decrees the Quaker to make way for the reception of the light within them be it the Prince of darknesse and that his delusive revelations may be swallowed and followed 5. That it is the Divel in man that contends for the Scriptures to be the word of God Here is Equivocation Ignorance Blasphemy either one or all for if he takes the word of God for Christ none ever affirmed it if for that God spake by the mouth or pen of his Servants Naylors Answer to Baxter p. 48. then it is a grosse calumniating of the holy Spirit 7. That the light wich is in all the Indians Americans and other Pagans on earth is sufficient without Scripture 1. It is much that Scripture should not and yet natural light is 2. That the light which is so week and dimne should be so strong and cleer 3. That what discovers nothing of Christ should enough to heaven 4. Against Ordinances Even all at once strikes Gotherson in his Alarum pag. 2. and elsewhere The man Christ Jesus the great Prophet declared in general terms what should be in latter times leaving it to every Son and Daughter to declare their particular experiences when the Spirit doth rise up in them and manifest himselfe unto them for they that believe saith he out of their Bellies shall flow Rivers or plentifull discoveries of the Water of Life therefore is Moses gave way to Christ for when Christ appeared in the flesh Moses administration began to be silent and drew back and see Jesus Christ in the Chair to be the great Prophet that should be the teacher in Types after him and the ministration of those discoveries were to reign in the world their appointed times even so the Lambe Christ Jesus or that single body gives way to the holy Ghost or spreading spirit John 16.7.17.21 If I go not away the comforter cannot come Here is much of truth but mis-timed and abused to the destruction of all Christs visible Kingdome it is true 1. God sent Christ the great Prophet that to him 2. Moses gave way 3. that the present administration will cease 4. but not till he hath delivered up the Kingdome to his Father Ephes 4.13.5 that the sending of the Comforter did but further the Apostles to plant Christs visible Kingdome and now as a sanctifying and comforting spirit is conveyed by Ordinances and makes them profitable Quakers folly p. 57. 2 Ed. Suitable to this tenet is that Speech of Mr. Fisher in conference with Mr. Thomas Foxton Jurate of Sandwich and Thomas Barber Cooper of Dunkirke May 12. That he himselfe was above Ordinances Truths defence p. 98. James Parnel and Naylors answer to Ives p. 14. 29. G. Whiteheads Cains Generation p. 11. Matth. 1.28.19 Acts 2.8.36.10.47 and that there is no more use of them in this life to many persons then there is of a Candle light when the Sun shines and he gave instance in the uselesnesse of Baptisme and the Lords Supper 1. Water-Baptisme denyed to be an Ordinance of Christ 1. It is their way to set up appointments of their owne and throw down Christs they must be heard but Christ not obeyed 2. When and where was Water-baptisme abolished first the institution and secondly practice is full ard cleer 3. But it must be Water-baptisme with them not to shew the Element but your contempt of the Ordinance * Non distinguunt sed nomen contemnunt Richard Hubberthorns Truths defence p. â—9 103. and alwaies they that esteem too high of their own things think too low of Christs 2. Concerning the Lords Supper Mr. Kellet in in Lancashire quaeries Whether did not Christ institute his last Supper with Bread and Wine Rich. Hubberthorn answers That Christ spake not of Bread and Wine but the Bread which Christ calleth his body is to be understood of his Church but the Cup which thou drinkest we deny for thy Cup is the Cup of Devils and thy Table is the Table of Devils which is an Idol and imitation and thy Sacrifice is to Devils and not to God And is this from the Spirit of the Lord Oh! the patience of the Lord to endure such breath of Blasphemy this is so contrary to Faith and Charity that it shall not need more words then the Angels disputing with the Devil the Lord rebuke thee 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hel broke loose pag. 27 Against all our worship Naylor against Baxter p. 25. 32 33. against our singing Davids Pâ—alms p. 28. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Answ to Edward Brocks letter p. 9. 3. Preaching the Word Praying Singing are no appointments of Christ but inventions of Men They do well to strike at all nothing of God that is in the Word of God are not all these things there required who so ignorant as need to be instructed where but it seems they are such builders as would not leave a stone upon a stone 4. Against Sabbaths No Sabbath to be kept and indeed they that deny the ordinances of the day no wonder if the day And in this their practice is suitable to their doctrine even in contempt of Gods day and Magistrate daring to open Shops and exposing wares to sale taking no notice of the morality of the fourth Commandement nor the Churches practice in the Apostles dayes it is in vain to note the universal custome of the Churches of Christ ever since but they think to carry the day the better if they can bear down the day of the Lord but oh that they would remember his burning wrath breaking out against Sabbath-breakers in our Land and dayes if they will not let others read Birds Theater Burtons Tragedy and the sad state of the land since the book of Sports Richard Farneworths answer to the Westmerland Ministers Petition p. 5. Goliah p. 7. Truths defence p. 96. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 5. Against Ordination The Ministers of God never were sent forth from God by a mediate sending but were immediately sent The tendency of this is first to destroy the Ministry since the Apostles and secondly to make way for the reception of themselves as Prophets and Apostles they exclude us that they may raign but what then becomes 1. of Timothy 2. of those Elders ordained in every City 3. of those directions given to Titus and Timothy but it seems their design is to down with all and by bringing in New-light to extinguish
Perfection Naylor against Ives p. 13. Farnworth against Hagger p. 7. That those that have received Christ and God are come to perfection that all such as are in Christ are without sin Alas poor men their perfection is verbal their imperfection real they are perfect Talkers very imperfect Walkers he that is not blind may see your nakednesse that they impudently boast of they are far from only they glory in their shame and count their unrighteousness for righteousnesse if to be proud railing cursing and blaspheming z Phil. 3.12 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 seducing of Souls be to be perfect then are they such far better men have been far more humble not that I have already attained saith Paul In many things we offend all a Jam. 1.2 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Naylors Answer to Pendarres p. 7. and he that saith he hath no sin is a Lyar and the truth is not in him 2. Of Discerning That the Saints by the Spirit that is in them can judge of mens hearts and that such judging is Christs judging of men and that Christ shall judge no where else but in the Saints Miserable men that know not themselves nor their own hearts and yet pretend to the knowledge of others contrary to that who knows the things of a man but the spirit of a man that is in him And it were a happinesse to them if they should not all b 2 Cor. 5.10 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hel broke loose p. 37 appear before the jugement seat of Christ to render an account of the things they have done in the flesh for God hath appointed a day in which he will judge the world by the man Jesus of which he hath given witnesse in raising him from the dead as Peter hath it Other strange Doctrines have been broached by some of them Nicholas Kate of Harwel in Barks 1. That Marriage was made by man e In doctrine false in practice possibly true 2. That Christians were worse then Beasts 3. That any woman was as free to him as his wife 4. That his wife was no wife of his she was a Limbe of the Divel f Holy St. Nicholas 5. That he was holy and all things that he touched were holy 6. That when the fulnesse of time was come he should work miracles g In good time One of Bristol being at Marleborough in the County of Wilts affirmed 1. He knew no such thing as the Resurrection of the body h 1 Cor 15. Act. 1.11 2. That the body of Christ was not in heaven neither should he come thence with a body 3. He defended those that went naked They have need of a covering his to short This is but one part of his perfection h but none beside himself confident 4. That he went to bed with a woman not his Wife without sin k 5. That he was confident of his perfect holinesse One would wonder that a very natural conscience and those things should stand together but being delivered up to strong delusions they beleive a lie and by a new light from Hell even extinguish the very light of nature till God in Hell shall raise it up again that a conceit of perfect holynesse could be embraced with confidence by such an unclean person If the Reader will trouble himself with more he may read these following Tolderryes foot out of the snare 1. That Edens garden is the World the trees all living beings that Paradice is in man that men fell by harkening to the wicked which was the fle hly mind and that not the woman properly but the silliest and weakest part was the woman that tempted him that Adam was the earthly nature in man and indeed there are extreams to which they are delivered up viz. To take some Scriptures in the strictnesse of the Letter against all sense reason and other Texts 2. To Allegorize and make a mystical meaning the main and only sense of words that are hystorical and literal m est modus in rebus Act. 4.13 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. That the Redeemer of man is not that person the Son of God that dyed at Hierusalem but the light which is in every particular man by which he is given to see sin Kate could not or would not when he went to another womans bed and enabled by it if obedient to be redeemed from sin What is this o Pelagianisme Popery worse then both But 1. to evacuate the whole mystery of redemption 2. setting up a righteousnesse of works 3. yea making corrupt conscience in fallen man a Saviour 4. and fallen man sufficient to save himself 3. That searching the Scriptures is not the way to find out the Knowledge of Christ but the turning the mind within Contrary to that of Christ search the Scriptures for they testifie of mee p Jo. 5.39 Q. Fol. 2. v. in fine Questions proposed to and answered By Joseph Frice Quaker Quest WHether the Scriptures be the rule of trying and judging all matters of Faith and obedience to God Answ I prove not Joh. 5.22 The father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgement to the Son a A worthy proof if a man could see where the strength lay Quest Whether the light within be sufficient to guide to Salvation if you never had heard of the Bible Answ If I had never seen nor heard of the Bible yet beleiving the witnesse which God hath given which is Christ the light hope and glory in us I should have attained to the Knowledge of God b Obscure or false Quest Whether the teachings or writings of any of your way be infallible or of equal authority with the Scriptures Answ I say we do not erre in speaking of writing the Truth and that of God in all consciences shall one day witnesse this to be true and infallible and the Scriptures and our writings hath and will most certainly come to passe Quest Whether the Father the Word and the Spirit be three distinct persons in the self same Godhead Answ Three distinct persons I deny it is like the Bishops in Rome may own thee in them for that is some of their unfruitful works of darknesse Quest Whether Christ hath a divine and humane nature in one person Answ Thy words Humane nature I return them with those words three persons into the pit of confusion from whence they came Quest Whether Christ remains for ever a distinct person from all the Saints Answ but as for being a distinct person from all the Saints he is not Quest Whether the true Church hath failed upon earth since the death of the Apostles until now If not in what age or ages or among what people hath it continued Answ He can send all both great and small rich and poor bond and free to receive a mark in their foreheads or in their right hand Rev. 13. thus the true Church ceased since the death of the
himselfe not onely by reproachfull speeches against the Minister but also by affronting the chief Magistrate of this Corporation by contemptuous speeches and gestures whilst he was in discharge of the duty of his place to the great disturbance of the publick peace and the grief and perturbation of the people there assembled These are therefore in the name of his Highness c. to will and command you forthwith to receive the said Thomas Goodaire into your custody and him safely keep till next generall Sessions for the Peace to be holden for this County And hereof you are not to fail as you will answer the contrary Given under our Hands and Seals this 27. of March 1655. Nicholas Person Tho Belamy 3. In Yorkeshire Derby Leicester Northampton There were divers proceedings against William Deusbery IT is informed that William Deusbery a Ring-leader of the Quakers goes up and down the County of Yorke and is now in the West-Riding thereof dispersing principles prejudicial to the Truth of the Gospel and peace of the Common-wealth It is therefore desired that seeing no man is allowed publiquely to exercise his gifts to a particular Congregation unlesse he be first tryed and approved that the said William Deusbery may not be permitted to go up and down from place to place teaching untill he receive approbation of some person who shall be thought fit to judge how agreeable his principles are to truth and peace The substance of what was delivered to Mr. Payler the foreman of the Grand Jury to acquaint therewith Judge Windham at Yorke Assizes 13. or 14. of March 1653. Whereupon a Warrant was granted in open Court to the Justices in Yorkeshire to apprehend him who being at Tholthorpe about ten miles from Yorke in the North-riding George Man went to Mr. Dikeson at Kerby Hall in Yorkeshire who granted a Warrant April 26. And on the 27. at Crake by John Lockwood the High Constable by that Warrant he was apprehended and on the 28 day brought before Mr. Dickeson by whom he was committed The Mittimus to the Sheriff of the County to the Keeper of the Gaol of the Castle at York WHereas there was a Warrant directed for the apprehending of William Deusbery of Stanly for the seducing of the people of this Nation from Judge Windham the last Assizes and he being brought before me and refuseth to find Sureties to be of good behaviour and to appear at the next Assize to be holden for the said County to answer the premisses you are to receive into your custody the said W.D. and him safely to keep untill delivered by due course of Law April 28. 1654. Tho. Dickeson At Yorke Castle he was kept prisoner till the Assizes till July 25. And at the end of the Assize cleared by Proclamation had a Liberate sent him as he saith himself From thence he went into Cleveland and other parts in Yorkeshire Nottinghamshire and so to Derby and at Derby he was laid hold on as he was declaring his mind and so carried before the Justices sitting in Sessions in the Town Aug. 24. 1654. where it seems he appeared in such manner as the Justices bid the Jaylor take him away to Prison for disturbing the Court. Into Prison he was put and at night the Mayor Thomas Yail sent for him and asked him what he came to Derby for he answered to declare the word of the Lord. The Mayor wilt thou go out of the Town Answ When the Lord orders me Then was he commanded to prison again The next day came one of the Mayors officers and said if he would go forth of the Town and come no more he would let him out he answered he would not till ordered of the Lord and till the man that said he had authority to put me in come and take me out afterward the Jaylor delivered him to the Officer who put him forth of the Towne and strictly charged him to depart But he returned into the Town again and there stayed as he saith till he was free in his spirit to go thence From thence he went to Leicâ—ster there he went into the Church and after the Minister had done he spake to the people then two from the Mayor Edmund Johnson carried him away to him who commanded his Officers to put him in prison and the next day he was brought before the Mayor and another of the Magistrates and after examination the Keeper of the Gaol was commanded to put him out of the Town and charged him to depart but he returned to go on in his speakings Then as he saith in obedience to the spirit of Truth he went into Northamptonshire and at Wellingborough went into the Church and after the Minister had done then he spake to the people Decemb. 28. Richard Dennis Constable had him with a Warrant before Mr. Thomas Pentlâ—w at Wilby in Northamptonshire who upon examination made him a Mittimus and sent him to Northampton Gaol and when he appeared before the Justices at Session he was again committed to prison to answer next Assizes March 1654. where he was brought before Judge Hale and Judge Windham by whom he was committed to prison again whilest he was there he writ his Discovery and his Mighty day 4. In Carlisle THomas Stubs went into the church at Dean after the Minister had done he began to speak and after that time Peter Head did likewise the Minister having a Warrant required the Constable to take him away and so he was carried before the Magistrate At the Sessions they were indicted and not submitting to the Justices they were commanded to prison Tho Stubs and John Head had not long after a Liberate for Peter Head there was a Mittimus that he should be in prison three moneths without Bail or Mainprize But they that might go free chose rather to abide in prison then pay their fees where they were above 13. weeks in Prison and Peter Head above three moneths 5. In Bury GEorge Rose was more then 40. weeks as he saith in the Gaol of Edmunds-Bury George Whitehead John Harwood and Richard Clayton passing through Bury in Suffolke about 5. miles from Halstead in Essex and passing by the Church Rich Clayton set up a paper upon the Church door the people gathering about to read it Harwood and Whitehead began to speak to the people and passing from the people Richard Hum Constable stayed them and carried them two before Justice Pelham who examined them and sent them by the Constable to Justice Walgrave who after examination gave his Warrant to imprison John Harwood and another to have Rich. Clayton whipped at Bury and sent from Constable to Constable till he came to his home and charged the Constable with Whitehead that week till another Justice came from the Assizes at Bury So they were had back to Bury and Rich. Hum that night in the open street whip'd Rich. Clayton and afterward sent him away that night and kept Harwood Whitehead Next morning Harwood
was sent to Bury Prison some 16. miles from the said Bury to wit to Edmunds Bury in Suffolke and the next morning a Warrant came from Justice Walgrave to send Whitehead to the said Prison which was done accordingly 6. At Evesham in Worcestershire AT the general Sessions held for that place many of the Quakers were fined and 11. imprisoned The Mayor Edward Young upon the 14. of October committed 2. Quakers to prison and at night divers of them meeting in the street the Mayor came with Officers and put many of them into prison and into the stocks and three of them into the dungeon commanding the rest on pain of imprisonment to depart 7. At Northampton A. D. 1655. July 21. the Gaoler called Will. Dewsbury Joseph Stow Henry Williamson John Whitehead Marmaduke Stow Tho Cocket and Francis Ellington and set them them at the Bar before the Court and they all were covered till the Judge commanded the Gaolers man to pull off their hats Judge Atkins asked Will. Deusbery his name he answered unknown to the world but that the world knows is William Deusbery Atkins what Countryman A. of Canaan My natural birth was in Yorkeshire 9 miles from Yorke toward Hull Atkins why did you not stay there A. So I did till called to go where led by the Spirit The Clerke of the Peace told the Judge there was an Information given in on oath by Mr. Robert Burton that Will. Deusbery 29. of December 1654. did go into Wellingborough Church and by gesture and words made disturbance among the people J. Atkins I shall take course that those which have disturbed the Ministers before I go forth of the Town be indicted and told Deusbery that he broke the Law in that he was found wandring in the Country for there is an ancient Law that if any did go from their dwellings to travell in the Countrey without a Certificate from a Justice they were to be taken as Wanderers and common same is a good accuser though not a good tryer And I am satisfied from what I have heard to continue you in prison unlesse you will put in bond to be of good behaviour and appear at the next Assizes for you are by common same accused to be a dangerous people and breakers of the publique peace The Court rising the Gaolers took them away to prison again till the next Assize 8. Lancaster From thence a Petition to the Council of State of severall Gentlemen Justices of Peace Ministers and People Sheweth THat George Fox and James Naylor are persons disaffected to Religion and the wholsome Laws of this Nation And that since their coming into this Country have broached opinions tending to the destruction of the relations of Subjects to their Magistrates Wives to their Husbands children to their Parents servants to their Masters congregations to their Ministers and of a people to their God And have drawn much people after them many whereof men women and little children at their meetings are strangely wrought upon in their bodies and brought to fall foam at mouth roar and swell in their bodies and that some of them affirmed themselves to be equall with God as hath been attested at a late Quarter-Session at Lancaster in October since that time acknowledged before many Witnesses besides many dangerous opinions and damnable heresies as appears by a Schedule annexed with the names of the Witnesses subscribed May it therefore please your Honours upon consideration of the premises to provide that some speedy course may be taken for the suppressing those evils c. The Schedule 1. George professed and avowed that he was equall with God 2. To be the Eternal Judge of the world 3. He was the Judge of the world 4. The Christ the way the truth and the life 5. Whosoever took a place of Scripture and made a Sermon of it was a Conjurer and his preaching conjuration 6. That the Scripture was carnall James Milner professes himself to be God and Christ and gives out prophecies 1. That the day of judgement shall be the 15. of Novemb. 2. Never Judge sit at Lancaster again 3. That he must ere long shake the foundations of the great Synagogue meaning the Parl. Leonard Fell professeth that Christ had never any body but his Church Richard Hubberth That Christs coming in the flesh was but a figure Sauls Errand p. 3. Geo. Fox saith these matters are falsely charged upon him but whosoever reads his answers may easily see how he prevaricates To give you a tast 1. Answering that have broached opinions p. 4. Opinions we deny they taking themselves in all to be infallibly guided by the Spirit and saith but little more in a few canting termes to that grand Objection of teaching such Doctrines as break relations 2. To that of saying he was equall with God this jejune equivocating answer It was not so spoken as George Fox was equall to God but the father and the son is one c. 3. To that he is the eternall Judge of the world answers p. 6. He that was a Minister of God said that the Saints shall judge the world What means this daubing this palliating Come to an humble Saint that knows himselfe and abhors his own vileness and from him you shall have far other answers So that indeed his whole answer will be found rather a confirmation of the charge then a cleering of him so that the more he stirs the worse he stincks It is in vain and but expence of time to make more words about it he that will may read the book Of James Milner Page 9. Though his mind did run out from his condition and from minding that light of God which is in him yet there is a pure seed in him hoc concesso two pillars of theirs are overturned that they are guided away in their teachings by an infallible spirit infallibly and perfect Of Leonard Tells That Christ had no body but his Church Ans There is one body Christ is the head of his body the Church goes to make it good and in justifying another condemns himself 9. In Devonshire MIles Halhead a Nâ—t Hâ—â—lhâ—ad and Tho. Salthouse b But not well seasoned being pressed in spirit c But by whom the Qâ—eâ—tion to visit the seed of God in captivity d Aâ—l as they conceive in Plymouth left their beings and relations in the North e Quâ— warranto passed thitherward as far as Hunniton neer Exeter f A long journy on a sleeveles erraÌ„d where a guard being placed for apprehending of such persons as were suspected to have a hand in an Insurrection broke out a little before by them they were taken up and brought before Colonel Coppleston high Sheriff of the County Having examined them he caused them to be kept close prisoners at Exeter for about 14 dayes and then sent them from Officer to Officer towards their homes g â—or cleeâ—ly they were out of the way
Apostles until the raising up of Gods own feed out of the earth to stand a witnesse against wicked murderers and persecuters of the Saints and true Church of Christ Quest Whether the first day of the Week be more holy then any other of the Week Answ All the dayes of the Week as the Lord created them are holy unto the Saints who are redeemed from observing dayes and months and times and yeers These things are expresly asserted and subscribed Joseph Frice Now what shall we say to these things q 2 Thess 2 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 1. Is it 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 possible that ever such things could be entertained as truth were not that executed the Apostle speaks of being given up to strong delusions to beleive a Lie 2. Shall they be hearkned to by them that have received the gospel Is it not another Gospell r Gal. 1.6 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that they bring 3. Can we look upon these dark and ungodly Tenents as light leading to more godliness greater perfection is the broad way to Hell the narrow way to Heaven 4. How can these men be received and bid God speed but we must be partakers of their evil deeds s 2 Joh. 11. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 were they minutiora small differences the strength of Charity might bear them but surely these horrid tenents that overthrow foundations and practise of them wast the conscience and destroy godlinesse are intollerable and the least Love and Zeal to God and Christ and Souls of men can never beare them CHAP. 7. Of Sundry Blasphemies against God and Railings agaist his Ministers FOr their tongues are set on fire of Hell as James phrases it and they have not withheld setting their Tongues against heaven and to bring railing accusations against the Messengers of the most high a little of this is too much the Christian Reader will be quickly weary of it and therefore we shall not be long 1. Of their Blasphemies Perfect Pharisee p. 3. Affiâ—med by George Fax and J. Naylor before witnesses who attest 1. Sauls errand p. 58 Lancaster Petition 1. That they are equal with God as holy just and good as God himself Pardon me if here my pen fail me who can tell what to say to such blasphemous saying Humility is a sign of grace such pride of the fulnesse of iniquity the Angels in heaven vail their faces but these impudent Creatures Devils incarnate dare outface heaven and vie with God there is but one step higher to affirm that they are above God but certainly if God give not repentance to such wicked wretches they will be below the worst of Heathen for they may not be called Christians Ford and Fowl Ans to Speed Atkinsons sword of the Lord. Houghill and Burrougs Ans to Reeve 2. That the being of God is not distinct from them that are begotten by him ignorant creatures that scarce know any thing that is thus to prate concerning the being of God of which the wisest and holyest men know rather Quid non sit quam quid sit what it is not then what it is 3. That the nature and glory of the elect differ not from the nature and glory of the creator for the elect are one with the creator in his nature enjoying his glory Neither knowing God nor themselves the finiteness of the creature nor the infinitenesse of the Creator because God speaks much of the onenesse and greatnesse of their glory therefore can there be none but identity of nature and equal participation of glory quoad omnia in every thing they may as well confound all and say the creature is the creator that the cause is the effect and effect the cause that a thing is from another and that thing is it self they have not only lost their Religion but reason pride ignorance hath made these men more equal to the Devil then God and indeed they almost say as much in totidem verbis in so many words 4. That God is not distinct from living creatures 5. That the Soul is a part of the Divine essence 6. That there is no distinction of persons in the Deitie Perfect Pharisee pag. 6. at the end of the gag p. 14. Is it not railing against father Son and Holy Ghost to say these 3. shall be damned shut up in perpetual darknesse for the lake and the pit as you say in your Ishmael p. 10. l. last Notwithstanding the expresse naming of them in Scripture 2. And their peculiar properties 3. As likewise attributing to every one of them those things which are only effected by a God 7. That Jesus Christ is God and man in one person is a lie whereby they run themselves upon extreams either with old Hereticks as Paulus Samo satenus Arius c. or making him instead of one Lord Jesus Christ two with Nestorius or confounding the divine and humane nature denying the Deity making a mixture with Eutychus and Dioscorus c. 8. That Christ was a man had his failings for he distrusted God on the Crosse Gilpin p. 2. quam bene conveniunt How well these things hang together 1. They must be equal to God Christ but a man r Heb. 4.15 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 2. They perfect but he a sinner Which besides that it makes 1. him uncapable to save is 2. diametrically contrary to the word he was made like to us in all things sin only excepted Perfect Pharisee p. 8. 9. That whosoever expects to be saved by him that died at Jerusalem shall be deceived when Christ unlesse you beleive that I am he you shall dye in your sins w and Peter neither is there under heaven given any other name * Act. 4.12 Fowl and Ford against Speed H. Clarke in his Description of the prophets p. 9. whereby we may be saved x 10. That singing Davids Psalms in English Meeter is to sing the Ballads of Hopkins and Sternehold King James his Fidlers and to sing them is to turn them into Lies and Blasphemies They would disannul the duty of singing they accustoming themselves to howling and roaring contrary to that of James is any merry let him sing Psalms y 2. Neither can they sing David Fr. Gawler See Antichrist in mab by Mr. Miller p. 7. Psalms in Davids Language 3. Neither are they able to judge how well or how ill they are translated but are ready to speak ill of what they know not 11. that that word 1. John 1.8 If we say we have no sin we dâ—ceive our selves was spoken by the carnal man It stares them so in the face they would fain out-face it and so overturns their Doctâ—ine of being without sin that they would willingly overturn it and will venture upon calling the Apostle a Carnal man rather then themselves should not be thought perfectly spiritual 12. For our giving forth Papers or printed Books it is from the immediate eternal Spirit