in respect of the Declarations but in respect of the declarers also as Isa. 40. There is a clear Prophecy of the Fore-runner and of his work and message vers 3-8 Then in the following verses of the more full coming forth of the glorious Gospel by Jesus Christ and his Apostles So Isa. 44 26. He shall confirm the word of his Servant and perform the councel of his Messengers with apt allusion to which see Heb. 2 â— speaking of the great salvation he saith which began to be preached by the Lord himself who is that servant Isa 42. 1. and was confirmed by them that heard him which were his Messengers or Apostles for obedience to the faith among all Nations Rom. 1. 5. So Isa 8. speaking Prophetically of the first Personal Appearing of the Messiah both in that Chapter and Chap. 7. 14. and how therein he should be born of a Virgin c. And then be also a Stone of stumbling and Rock of offence to both houses of Israel as he was in that his Appearing coming in such a despicable manner as they looked not for With reference to that time he saith the testimony of him should be bound up among his Disciples the Law or Doctrine sealed and confirmed among them and so by them and in their records to us all Nations â—ince as appears in that with reference to that testimony and doctrine so bound up and sealed among them he by and by admonisheth us To the Law and to the Testimonie with every spirit if they speak not according to that Word it is because there is no light in them And it farther appears it is to be applied to his immediate Disciples in his personal ministration and to those that were immediately begotten by him and received their message and furniture immediately from him in that concerning himself and them together he saith Behold I and the children which God hath given me are for signs and wonders in Israel which in like expreâ—â—ions is peculiarly applied to those Apostles that peculiarly and immediately was given him out of the world for children Job 17. 6 8 18. and 21. 5. And so he and they together in their ministration and records left and setforth as it were men appointed to death For they are made a spectacle to the world to Anâ—els to men c. 1 Cor. 49. Likewise other where they are prophesied of as to the Nation or Family of which they should proceed even of the Jews that should bâ—ing the last and fullest revelation of the Gospel unto all Nations That they should be of the Tabernacles of David that should be reared up among the Gentiles Amos 9. 11. with Act. 15. 13. c. That Saviors should come upon mount Sion to judge the mount of Esau Obad. last So saith our Saviour also Salvation is of the Jews the Gospel came intirely and wholly out from them and was by them brought to the Gentiles 1 Tim. 3. 16. nor are we to listen to or wait for any new or farther revelation to be given forth in the time of this mortality or from the Gentiles for the word of the Lord came not nor cometh first or immediately from them but to them only 1 Cor. 14. 36 37. And that these Scriptures of the Prophets written aforetime and commandments of the Apostles of our Lord and Saviour are the infallible and things contained in the Scriptures may use this as an argument but themselves destroy the validity of it for they cannot see the streightness and agreement of his words but set them together by the ears and being unlearned and unstable in the great things of his Doctrine do necessarily pervert things hard to be understood and mangle the word of God to their own destruction Isa 28. 12 13. 2 Pet. 3. 16. But the word of God is true from the beginning and demonstrates its excellency of truth rightness and harmony from the original of it the testimony of Jesus which is the Spirit of Prophesie and every one of his righteous judgements indureth for eveâ— He that beleeveth shall neither make haste nor be ashamed Psal 119. 160. Isa 28. 16. with 1 Pet. 2. 6 7. 2 All things standing and continuing to this day according to the Ordinances therein set them Psal 119. 89 90 91. 3 Their perfect and acute declaring the end from the beginning as in their several times they have come and do come to pass Isa 46 9 10. with Chap. 41. 22 23. and 43. 12. Joh. 16. 4. with Chap. 14. 25 26. 2. Pet. 1. 12 13. to the end with Chap. 3. 1 2 3. 1 Tim. 4. 1. Matth. 24. 25. We might have demonstrated the truth and validity of these Arguments in divers instances to each of them but it would make this work too tedious I am ready by Gods grace to do it when it shall bee required by any I might also have mentioned many more secondary Arguments of like import which God himself useth for confirming and strengthning the beleever and furnishing him to stop the mouths of gain-sayers with that faithful word but I forbear In these Scriptures of truth God hath written to us excellent things in counsels and knowledge that he might make us know the certainty of the words of truth that our trust may be in the Lord according to them and that we may have them to answer all sent to us with Prov. 22 17-21 In them hath he made known the mystery of his will the whole counsel of God that is to be or may be revealed unto mortal men even in those Scriptures that Timothy had been instructed into and known from his youth 2 Tim. 3. 15 16 17. Eph. 1. 9. Act. 20. 27. Rom. 16 25 26. But then also 3 For bringing this teaching of God contained in these books near unto us in a way suitable to our need and weakness God hath provided another â—xpedient namely By giving gifts to men in the hearty beleef of his testimony and receiving the love of it so as to save them though yet they are of like passions and infirmities with others yet therein furnished them with such gifts as may be for the profit of others to every one of those that are in any measure truly or throughly reconciled to God by Jesus Christ is given grace some gracious gift for the benefit of others the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every one of them even some distinct understanding of the Spirits testimony concerning Christ so as they are helped to discern and know what God hath given them in Christ and this for the profit of others that they may each according to his measure be useful one to another and to others through the Spirit in administring some gift for teaching opening or stirring up in the Grace of God Jesus Christ now being ascended on high And having received all immeasurable fulness of gifts in the man and for men that in or through the dispensation of them men might be prepared
The Epistle to the â—ebrews saith He shall come c. But the just shall live and be preserved to that day through faith kept by the power of God through faith uâ—â—â— the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time he is all this day in a spiritual first-fruits writing his Law in their hearts in the demonstration of his Son and his grace in him and that in and through those means forementioned But while they are here that being not fully done nay but in a little first fruits they imperfect in every thing as to attainment not knowing as they are known c. they have therefore need still of all those means instruments and helps for the doing of it or having it done in them in which himself hath appointed in and with the demonstration of his Son to be present for the working it in them more and more unto the perfect day and so of the helps and instrumental teaching of one another but then they shall know as they are known and that all of them from the least to the greatest and therefore shall not need c. Yea then shall their iniquity be so perfectly blotted out as Act. 3. 19 20. as to be no more remembred any more by any remainder of it or its fruits upon them whereas in this day there is a remembrance of it as we have shewed before Then shall he perfectly and totally redeem Israel from all his iniquities that to be waited for Psal 130. Truly this Covenant is violated or broken as Isa 24. 5. by such as tread underfoot the blood of it count it as a common thing as if of no more or other vertue as to any Covenant of remission and peace than like sufferings of other persons Heb. 10. 29. Do wilfully after knowledge of the truth received reject and turn from that Sacrifice â—â— draw back being proudly lifted up above the reading the whole vision â—â— God in the face of Jesus Christ where it s written that it may be 〈◊〉 hat so they may run to the end insolently boasting of it even in 〈…〉 as a thing made and accomplished in them in this day compare Hab. 2. 4. with Heb. 10. 26-38 and 2 Tim. 2. 18. 4 Qu. Where and what that Anointing is 1 Joh. 2. 21-27 And whether it be not the same in these dayes to them that have it Answ It is in and upon him that one person of God and of man Jesus that was of Nazareth it is in him in our nature immeasurably Joh. 1. 14. and 3.34 and for us Him God hath anointed with the oyle of gladness above his fellows Psal 45. 1 2-7 In him it hath pleased the Father all fulness should dwell even the fulness of the God-head bodily Col. 1. 19. and 2. 9. Yea in him are hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge Col. 2. 2. In him is Gods Name Exod. 23. 21. The revelation or manifestation of his glory to the sons of men as well as his Power Authority and Majesty as he is anointed with both Act. 10. 38. Joh. 1. 18. and 8. 12. and 12. 44-46 2 Cor. 4. 5 6. which Name of God as in him is that precious oyntment powred forth by and through him Cant. 1. 3. And so it s explicated in that 1 Joh. 2. 20-27 where its clear That that which is called the Unction vers 20. And the anoynting vers 27. is the same that is called The truth vers 21. intimately The testimony of Jesus in which he is declared to be the Christ the Anointed one the Son of God the Saviour of the world And so the Fathers name declared in him verse 22 23. which is the summary and fundamenâ—al matter of Gods teaching as is fore-shewed expresly it is called vers 24. That which they had heard from the beginning the word of the truth of the Gospel even the word of the beginning of Christ which what it is is explicated 1 Cor. 15. 14. The sum of the Gospel concerning Christ which they had first and alwayes preached as that in the heart-mindfulness or remembrance of which the beleever is saved or preserved from every evill word and work and way The sum of which is concerning the Death and Resurrection of Christ and Gods glory appearing in him the same is here meant by the things heard from the beginning called the anointing as appears in that like as in that of 1 Cor. 15. so here he saith verse 26. that he writes these things to them concerning them that seduce them to direct them how to be preserved from them namely by giving earnest beed to that anointing the things heard from the beginning as likewise Paul to Timothy in a like case Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse deceiving and being deceived but continue thou in the things that thou hast learned and been assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them c. 2 Tim. 3. 13 14 15. Surely the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophesie Rev. 19. 10. whence Paul directs Timothy as the way in which he might be helped with understanding in all things ever to remember That Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to his Gospel And this anoynting this light of the Lord this glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God is certainly the same for that preaching of it was given by those great Apostles for the obedience of faith unto all Nations Rom. 1. 1-3-5 and 16. 25 26. The dispensation of the fulness of times c. Eph. 1. 10. And of the same vertue and quality that ever it was for teaching all things and leading into all truth it being the arm or power of God to the saving whosoever beleeveth for therein is the righteousness of God revealed c. Rom. 1. 16. 17. So that beleevers still need no man or spirits teaching that teacheth otherwise than as that anointing teacheth them of all things and as that hath taught them even as they have heard from the beginning so they are exhorted in the next verses to abide in him It will never teach another thing or reveal Gods glory in another manner They have also therein need and encouragement diligently to heed and attend more to the same in and through all means vouchsafed 5 Qu. What and where that Comforter is c. Joh. 16. Ans He is the holy Spirit of truth proceeding from the Father and the Son in his light influences and operation Therein thus distinguished from other spirits he takes of the things of Jesus and gloâ—â—fies him he lifts up the Son of Man as already come in the Flesh and now received up into Glory in mans Nature this he commends and lâ—fts up according to the Apostles Doctrin and Gods glory herein as is shewed before for reproving and enlightning the World and for teaching and leading the Beleever into all truth Joh. 16. 8 9 10 13 14. with Chap. 15. 26 27. and
by working the same things over again in our persons that were wrought and finished for us in the Person of Christ not by making us bear our sins in our own souls and bodies that with our stripes we might be healed not by giving his Son again to dye in us for our sins and in us to rise from the dead for our Justification to ascend into the Heavens and sit on the right hand of God for besides that those were such works as could not be accomplished in our persons so also they were finished in his not to bee iterated But the knowledge of the truth and goodness of them given in the testimony of Jesus and of these Works as wrought and finished in him and the infinite and abiding vertue of them with the Father for us that so in beleeving in him we might finde the Word or Testimony of him through the Spirit effectually working the Works of God in us Neither Secondly doth he give the revelation of these things now immediately as to the first Apostles nor in such manner as to the Prophets of old but now mediately through their Word and by the evidence and demonstration of the Spirit therein So Timothy and all secondary Ministers then and since received their Word their Knowledge and furniture in the things of Christ In the conclusion of this Discourse I desired that if any would reason about the things they had heard by way of opposition or otherwise it might be without confusion and in such order that the people might understand what was spoken to what opposed or contended for and what was said on both sides And to this purpose I told them I thought it would be convenient to digest the sum of what had been into some few Questions to be discussed viz. what the Essence of Christ is whether something essentially in many Persons or one Person distinct from all other Persons and if one Person granted then concerning his Works whether Christ did bear our sins in his own Personal Body only as the propitiatory Sacrifice or Sin offering or so also in the bodies or souls of others And so whether in the works done in his own Body in his abasement and exaltation there was and so remaineth in him in our Nature with the Father in the Heavens by means thereof the only and abiding vertue for the taking away of sin or is the vertue for that also chiefly or at all originally in some other work or works done in other persons and about his second appearing and the glory then to be revealed whether that be to be waited for by all Beleevers in this corruptible state of the World all the time of their Mortality or made in or to any in this day and concerning the manner of Gods teaching these things and our learning them of him whether it be by having the same things wrought or accomplished over again in us that was in Christs Person as set forth to be the Propitiation or by receiving the testimony of him in the demonstration of the Spirit and of power and if so how that whether mediately through the Apostles word or immediately as they The Quakers being come in sâ—on after the beginning of this Discourse To this James Naylor answered That there were two things that I had uttered in Discourse which he denied which when I had made good or if I could not acknowledged my self a Lyar they would proceed to the Questions the two things were 1 That God was not manifest in the flesh of the Saints 2 That Timothy had not the same testimony that Paul had what answer I then gave may be seen in what follows in my Answer to their Charges and to James's Letter but when I shewed how he falsified my sayings he called me Lyar c. such Language was ordinary from them And so pretending want of satisfaction and doing what he could to â—inder the people from receiving satisfaction as to these things he kept off from the Questions propounded till one of them viz. Rich. Farnsworth began a set speech concerning himself which he continued about an hour at the conclusion of which I was desiâ—ous to minde the people of the evil and contrariety to the Gospel of some of the things spoken by him that they might so mark as to eschew as Rom. 16. 17. but as soon as I began for but by the way calling his Discourse a witness of or concerning himself I had presently himself and two or three more upon me bidding me stop my mouth Hee abhorred self which yet also was but his own witness concerning himself one of them charged me with opposing or blaspheming the words of the eternal God spoken by that man yet at last I got liberty to shew his abuse of some Scriptures as in the following Discourse then it being afternoon about an hour and my self and some others having rid ten miles that morning before the Meeting Mr. Wray dâ—sired us to break off for an hour to refresh our selves and likewise that we might meet at the publick place afterward for more conveniency of roome his House being too straight for the Company he likewise invited James Naylor and his Companions to stay Dinner which whether any of them accepted I know not but divers of them grosly abused him for desiring an hours Respite yet said nothing against meeting at the publick place whether soon after we went and many people but they came not at us but sent us word when we had been there some time that they would â—ot coâ—â— there and at our return from thence that if we would meet them in some place in the Street or in a Yard where they appointed they would farther reason with us which we judged unreasonable and thereforâ— refused yet Mr. Wray invited them to come again to his House either that night or next day but they refused and returned a scornful answer That night they sent me Papers as in the following relation and with the last sent also a Challenge by their Messenger to give them a meeting at a Town a Mile off next day which though an unreasonable Demand considering what freedom they had and might have where we were and with what scorn they had refused it and also that on theâ—r refusal of that Mr. Wray had proffered them that if they would appoint a place at such a distance next day we should mâ—et them and then they refused that also saying They knew not whether the Spirit might lead them that night and it is very probable they hoped we would not have come at their Challenge yet going that way we did call on them next day and then had a more full revelation of the spirit of Antichrist in them from J. N. than the day before who in answer to some such questions as fore-mentioned said That as Christ bore sins in that his own Body that dyed at Jerusalem so hee had born sins in his Body too and so that his first appearing to
put away sin by the Sacrifice of himself had been manifested and accomplished in him yea that Death in which it is appointed to men once to dye was past in him Christs second appearing without sin to Salvation manifested and accomplished in him with much of that nature and that hee that could not witness that with him was Antichrist and did deny Christ come in the Flesh In Answer to which we oft-times offered and desired liberty to manifest and prove to the people That the one offering of Christ to bear our sins and to put away sin by the Sacrifice of himself it was accomplished and finished in one Person not in many and once at one time or Age of the World nor at divers times and that the Second appearing of Christ is not yet accomplished in or to any person nor shall be in this day nor till to all together but we could get no liberty but were filled with Raylings Reproaches and Revilings from divâ—rs of them together in such manner as I never heard from any so we last them and what hath passed since with the sum of what was then asserted and maintained by us I have published in the following Discourse with some Queries I had from others of them and the Answers to them annexed for these Reasons 1 They did then as we have shewed here and in the following Discourse grosly slander us almost in all we said and would not suffer the people to hear what was said in answer to their slanders and have still persisted in managing them against us and the truth pleaded for by us where they come by word and writing as may also be fully seen in J. N. his Letter with my Answer to it in which Answer I have largely opened our Principles as to the things discoursed of that they that read may understand what they are and how falsly charged by them 2 As also that it may appear how they stand in direct opposition to and shew the vanity falseness and evil of the bottome principles of both Quakers and Ranters in which they are both one Which I have the rather done to vindicate the Doctrine of the grace of God in Christ that bringeth salvation to all men from those foul aspersions cast on it by some yea I have seen them in print in which it s charged with laying or administring foundation for those filthy and ungodly principles the falseness of which charge is manifest in the following Discourse yea it appears that which is in express terms fought against and reproached by them is the asserting the great benefits prepared for men in Christ and redounding to them by Christ while yet lying in their wickedness and thence directing them to look to a Christ crucified for them while they were yet sinners and in their filthiness The truth is They acknowledge not the grace of God in the Death and Resurrection of Christ as accomplished in that his own body â—â— being the foundation of or bringing salvation to men all or any but would lay another foundation or overthrow that though they can do neither by directing men to look into themselves and to what is witnessed or wrought in them for all their consolation rejoycing direction c. yea it s their counsel to all men I have often heard it and seen it in many of their Papers even to such as they then judged to be yet wallowing in their filthiness turned out from the presence of God murdering the just one in them â—igh to cursing c. yet to turn the eye inward to look and take diligent heed to the light in them to the book of their conscience c. and that in opposition to and to take them off from looking unto Jesus and the works wrought in his body for them without them and to such looking or attention to him in and through the testimony â—â—â— hath given by the one mouth of his holy Apostles and Prâ—phâ—ts and left on record for us They in their foolish and vain imaginations while professing to be wise being so besotted as to imagine that one person of the Son of God in the nature of man and the works done in his own body and the manifestation of God in him and therein testified to be but some farther types and figures of the true light the very Christ and that to be something naturally in every man naturally I say for so it must be if affirmed to be in every man while yet none of them have received nor are they ever directed by them to look to or for any supernatural grace whether they talk of first or second nature yet both are natural to the man and naturally in him and of him according to their principles only the best or second nature which they direct to look to that in the witness and operation of it as in them they may have righteousness strength and direction is something dis-appearing they say through the fall yet not much dis-appearing it seems when if they do but turn the eye inward they shall presently see and meet with it as the first mover and teacher appearing and yet such a thing too as no man hath benefit by till he can witness it in him they are indeed foolish and inconsistent apprehensions as well as most Antichristian and ungodly but their folly and evil is not so manifested and detected by any other spirit or doctrine as by the testimony of Jesus as the Son of God the Saviour of the world and that doctrine of the grace of God in him bringing salvation to all men when rightly held according to the Scriptures Tit. 2. 11 12. For as that holds forth that very Jesus the only immediately begotten Son of God that was before us all even from everlasting with the Father by whom and for whom all things were made which in the fulness of times was sent forth made of a woman made under the Law for us in that one body c. and therein delivered to death raised and exalted according to the Scriptures to beindeed the very Christ The Savior of the world the true light that lightens every man that comes into the world that with his vertues and influences fills all things for the good and salvation of mankind and so instructs and directs al the ends of the earth to look to him and the grace of God in by through him bringing salvation to all men and be saved so it therein in the same light of the Lord cryes concerning them All flesh is grass surely the people is grass Isa 40. 6 7. Men are altogether strangers to that wisdome and strength by which they might be reconciled to God the way of peace they know not yea thaâ— wisdome is not to be found in the land of beliâ—ing Rom. 3. 10 11-19 Job 28. 12 13 c. They are without God in the world and strangers to the life of God Eph. 4. 18. and 2. 1â— They are dead in sins and
further to that if I had not been taken off in the midst by Naylor with a reproach for bringing those Scriptures as parallel and derision at the thing thereby signified that the name â—f Christ and so of God in him through and according to which faith in him is begotten is declared in the Scriptures To this I further add Prov. 22. 19 20. That thy trust may be in the Lord I have made known to thee this day even to thee have I not written to thee excellent things with Psal 19. 7 8. The Law or Doctrine of the Lord is perfect converting the soul the Testimony of the Lord is sure making wise the simple c. with these compare 2 Tim. 3. 15. 16 17. The holy Scriptures which he had known from a child are able to make thee wise to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for all Doctrine Reproof Instruction in Righteousness c. And if I had also said that they are as left on record for us a perfect and absolute means through which Faith is begotten and nourished I do not therein deny other means God useth for discovery of Chrâ—st or of his goodness that is in and through him or the usefulness of them or Gods teaching by them onely say as that Psal 19. The Law or Doctrine of the Lord as compared with all other means is perfect or absolute But that which I said was as before and was thus expressed and in this saying as follows Though the Scriptures be the absolute and perfect medium or Rule according to which Faith is begotten and regulated yet Jesus Christ himself as declared in them is made the foundation and bottom of it as well as the object of it in whom the Father is beleeved in as Joh. 12 44 46. with chap. 5. 23 24. in him it centers and about him is exercised even him that Jesus of Nazareth c. the same that was reproached by them as a figure and one by whom many men have no benefit These Answers to their charges are as they were the first of them sent to them and the other left for them as before unless in the addition of a quotation or two and of some words of the Scriptures quoted and some little filling up of a phrase then in hast omitted now added in some places to render the Answers given the more understandable to them also that were not at the meeting The things in these Answers briefly spoken to are most of them more fully and largely spoken to in the following Answers to James Naylors Letter especially those about Gods being manifested in the flesh and Pauls injoyment of a visible demonstration of that person in which he was so manifested after his being received up into glory That also about the Scriptures and the difference between Paul and Timothies receit of their Word and so their furniture to their Ministry is spoken to again in the said Answer but more fully in the Answer to the Queries I received from others of them which are after that inserved Likewise what benefits or blessings are prepared for men in Christ even in the just for the unjust for such as are wicked or rebellious that through him they might be brought back to God as Psal 68. 18. with 1 Pet. 3. 18. and how all his benefits with which he daily loads them in his forbearances not presently cuâ—ting them off or executing Judgement on them in their Rebellions but waiting that he may be gracious and in all the streams of his grace in continuing and renewing his mercys adding also sometimes favorable sometimes more sharp chastisements or judgements and in his vouchsafing in and with all the supernatural influences of the light and power of his Spirit and so bringing in all means the testimony of Jesus or of Gods goodness so as through him nigh to them in their hearts enlightning in the discovery of Gods goodness and Christs preciousness for sinners and the necessity of being found in him and washed by him and therein reproving of the vanity of these Idols the evill of their ways c. in such wise and to such end that therein these instructions and reproofs of instruction might be received through such his grace bringing salvation to them though not by any such light or power as they speak of that is an indwelling principle in them I say how all these benefits are salvation as 2 Pet. 3. 9. 15 Isa 30. 18. Ps 68. 19 20. even springing out of the bowels and vertues of that salvation wrought in Christ for them and themselves such salvations as in which Jesus Christ in the name of the Father and as the ends and vertues of his cross is saving men not onely from the poyson and destructiveness of the first Death that is abolished by him but also from those Judgements being poured out in fury to their cutting off that might daily bring forth according to the Rule of the Gospel involving under a second Death yea they have all tendency and aptness in them to lead to farther and special salvation by and through Christ The grace of the truth comes forth to save men and so as they may be saved by it however men by observing lying vanities deprive themselves of their own mercies and so their table their welfare becomes a snare and a trap to them as Joh. 3. 17 18 19. and 12. 47 48. 2 Thess 2. 10. Jona 2. 8. Psal 69. 22. This also I say is further spoken to in the following Answers and particularly in the conclusion of the Answer to the Queerys fore-mentioned in answer to a like reproach of the grace of God in Christ to manward in the conclusion of those Queerys But more fully in that book entituled Mercies for men To that that many false principles or lights teach to deny many sins there is nothing added directly to it in the following Answers though James gave some occasion for it in his letter yet in the answer to that I waved it partly because he corrupted and altered my sayings so as to render them absurd in his renewing of his Charge there with reference to what was written in answer to that Charge at first as may be seen in comparing that Charge in his Letter following with my said former Answer fore-mentioned which is word for word as it was sent to him so â—â—â—â— he therein fightâ— with his own shadow And partly because I would â—â—â— draw out that Answer to a greater length having been large in it to the opening of things more fundamental But it being woved there I shall here adde a word or two to it yet with brevity for like reasons as before 1 In his said letter himself fully signifies That even that spiritual wickednes which teacheth to deny God c. may yet teach and lead to deny some lesser yet grosser evils even so to deny as to leave or forsake such gross
the eternal God A nest of blasphemers who are blind and deaf and would make God like you read the Scriptures yee blind guides if ever any gave the like testimony of God as you do against you do I bear testimony who knows the eyes of the Lord to be over the righteous and his ears open to their prayers but the imaginations of the wicked grieve him at the heart 1 Pet. 3. 12. Gen. 6. 5. 6. And thy false doctrine I deny who said There is something which is not of God which teacheth to deny sin and to prove it thou saidst something teacheth to deny sin and establish self-righteousness where thou shewest thy sottishness who wouldst make people beleeve That to set up a greater evil by denying a lesser is a denying of sin this is thy own teaching and practise but we know that which teacheth to deny one sin teacheth to deny all sin and this is of God alone but that which teacheth to set up self-righteousness denys not sin but establisheth it as that which taught thee to leave some gross evils without that thou the better mayst be beleeved when thou denyest the Kingdom of God within and the knowledge of God in his Saints for the Devil knows its in vain for drunkards swearers c. to preach this Doctrine yet doth not this teach to deny sin but to deny God and set up darkness in his seat and this is spiritual wickedness in heavenly places which is sin above all others and thou that sayest thou hast not the same call the Apostles had nor the same testimony hast thy call from anoâ—her whom thou never saw and bears the testimony of Antichrist against such as have seen Christ and withstands his appearance in his Saints and art of that spirit who denies Christ come in the flesh and that is the spirit of Antichrist which ever withstood his appearance in his people and would divide him from his body and shut God out of his Kâ—ngdome Now do not say this is railing as you use to do for it is truth as many can witness and much more of thy false Tenents which may be declared against in word or writing which those two dayes thou uttered before many witnesses as opportunity served Also consider if thou dealt like a Christian in slandering us with Burglary and breaking into the house when we was sent for many miles to give you a meeting as far as I know aâ— your desires and I had free liberty to come into the house from the owner with all other friends nor did we resist his commands in departing though we were unwilling to leave the work so much desired by the people And this can John Wray witness against thee if he will however the thing is true in the sight of God and we are free from Burglary or breaking his house but out of envy wouldst thou cast this upon us as that in thy consciâ—nce shall one day witnâ—ss though now through subtilty and disobedience thou bee seared and blinded and wouldst blind others also But blessed be Israels ligâ—t by which we see thee and all the blind leaders who undertake in their own wills and for self ends to lead to him they never saw nor heard J. N. The Answer by Tho. Moor Jun. IAmes Naylor I expected before this a direct Answer in writing to the Paper sent thee which also you told me and others you had finished and when you had taken a copy of it it should be sent but by a letter received from thee sincâ— perceive your mind is altered it seems the spirit by which you are immediaâ—ely guided sometimes puts you upon that which on better considerations you refuse to obey him in Till I have your answer to that I might reasonably have waved this yet lest I should not have such another occasion from you to deal plainly with you I return this Answer to thy Letter Not he that commendeth himself is approved but whom the Lord commendeth And the Lord commendeth not but bears testimony against that man and will in due time cut him off he so persisting that loveth and maketh a lye Rev. 22 15. either in openly or privily slandering his neighbour Psal 101. 5. 7 8. and 50. 19. 22. and 52. or in preaching another Jesus which the Apostles have not preached moving us to listen to or receive another spirit which we have not received in the hearing of faith or another Gospel which we have not accepted nor the Apostles which have spoken to us in the name of the Lord delivered whether they do this by Word or Spirit or letter as from them perverting the Gospel of Christ to introduce another Doctrine as 2 Cor. 11. 1-4 Gal. 2. 2 Thes 2. 2. And wherein thou hast done both these in thy letter I shall declare whether thou wilt hear or forbear as I am admonished and strengthned of God according to that Ezek. 2. 4 5 6 7. Jâ—r 23. 28 29 c. Rev. 22. 10 11 12 to the end First Thou hast loved and made these lyes and slanders of me and others and after conviction of the most of them to be such yet persistest to manage them 1 That I deny God in his Saints 2 That I deny Christ being in them mentioned Col. 1. 27. 2 Cor. 13. 5. to be Gods being in them 3 That I said Paul was in heaven When he saw the person of Christ 4 That God is not known in his people 5 That I said I had not the same testimony the Apostles had 6 That I charged you with Burglary and breaking into the house 7 That any of my companions should say That God had neither eyes nor ears nor heart 8 That Mr. Wray commanded you to depart his hâ—use with divers more as That I was forced by thee to deny what I had said about the Scriptures and other such slanders almost in every mention of any thing as my sayings in thy lâ—tter And that thou mayest acknowledge these to be falsities and slanders of thy own loving and making if thy conscience bee not wholly seared which I almost fear it is I shall revive something to remembrance that will so manifest it First to the first and fourth of these slanders I shall speak together Thou well knowest if thou knowest any thing as to this That there was nothing said by me of that nature or to that purpose That God is noâ— in his Saints or not known in his people but the contrary even in that â—â—â—â— of the Discourse thou didst take the occasion of thy slande from 〈…〉 opening of that Scripture 1 Tim. 3 16. that which I said was this 〈…〉 this purpose That this Scripture did speak concerning Christ and of these things as done and true in his person only In him That word made flesh in that one personal body prepared for him the only immediately begotten Son of God in the womb of a Virgin as in that his own body in our nature he was delivered
to death for our offences and raised again for our justification In him as so considered God was manifest in the flesh justified in the spirit seen of Angels preached to the Gentiles beleeved on in the world and received up into glory And that this Scripture speaks of these great things of the mystery of godliness as done onely in that one person I propounded this consideration for one That the word that is immediately prefixed and especially applicable to the first clause is in the Preterperfectense or in the time past God was not God is he was manifest in the flesh yea the phrase of the last clause renders that as a thing also done and finished in the person spoken of He is received up into glory And surely In that person and in him only this is absolutely true God is in the nature of man even in the flesh in which he descended received up into glory not now receiving or to be received but now already received up into glory set down on the right hand of Majesty on the Throne of glory in the heavens Consider I pray you how suitable to this understanding of the last and first clauses is that which is affirmed of this person Heb. 9. 24 25 26. Christ is not entred into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true But into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us nor yet that he should offer himself often as the former high Priests entred into the holy place every year with blood of others hee needeth not daily to offer up sacrifice for this he did once Heb. 7. 27 for then also must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world but now once in the last Ages of the world he hath appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself even as it s appointed unto men once to dye so Christ was once offered not in many Ages or divers times but once in the last Ages when men were multiplied into many whereas they were but one when the ordinance of death passed on them yet in that one it passed on the whole kind so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many even of all of that kind all men every of the nature he took then when they and their offences were multiplied into many he saith not to bear sins in many for then indeed he must often have suffered But now once he was offered in his own body even that so and then prepared him Chap. 10. 5-10 to bear the sins of many Then was God in Christ condemning sin in the flesh yea then and therein when one dyed not in but for all and rose again Then was God in Christ reconciling the world not imputing their trespasses to them but causing them to meet together on him 2 Cor. 5. 14. 15 19. with Isa 53. 6. Rom. 8. 3. 1 Pet. 2. 24. And raising him and giving him glory as the publick man that by and through him our faith and hope might be in God 1 Pet. 3. 18. and 1. 21. with these and that 1 Tim. 3. 16. compare that Joh. 13. 31 32. See how our Savior there directs us to the person in whom the time and works in which God was so manifested and glorified in the flesh and did straightway after the finishing of these works glorifie it in that person even then faith our Savior when Judas was gone out to betray him when he was presently to finish those works the Father gave him to do on earth yea his soul was already in trouble Joh. 12. 27. now saith he even in that his being made an offering for sin is the Son of Man glorified and the Father is glorified in him If God be glorified in him God shall also glorifie him in himself and shall straightway glorifie him Then and therein was the Son of man glorified in his being appointed and set as the surety in that publick place that by the grace of God he should tast death for every man he was therein said to be crowned with glory and honor above all other persons among Men or Angels for no man could redeem his Brother nor give to God a ransom for his soul the Redemption of the soul is more precious neither was there any other thing or person in Heaven or Earth that was counted worthy but this Holy One Herein was the Son of man glorified And so in Gods supporting him and carrying him through so great sufferings when all our sins met together on him Psal 40. 11 12 16 17. Heb. 5. 7 9. Likewise in Gods giving so glorious a testimony to him at his death Mat. 26. 50 54. And in his Resurrection from the dead This Jesus who was made of the seed of David according to the flesh was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness Rom. 1. 3 4. In these things the Son of man was glorified and â—o the Father glorified in him in the exercise and agreement of all his holy and glorious Attributes his Wisdom Holiness Truth Mercy Goodness Power c. for manssalvation God was manifested in the flesh condemning sin and yet therein preparing Attonement and Propitiation for sinners and straight-way after the finishing of these works in his own body the father who glorified him in himself in his own Power Name and Glory declaring himself satisfied in and for what he delivered him raising him from the dead in which he was justified in the Spirit or according to the Spirit of Holiness did further and fully and perfectly glorifie him in the same body in receiving him up to glory and setting him on his own right hand in the Heavens far above all Principality and Power Might and Dominion and every name that is named not onely in this world but in that to come and hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him then distinct from him in his personal body now raised and glorified yet they in that to be done in and upon them are the filling up or compleating of him in the ends and vertues of his cross who as so considered namely in the ends and vertues of his cross filleth all things as Ephes 3. 8 10 but he gave himself for hâ—s Church for all that through his grace to man-ward come in to him That he might wash them with the washing of water by the word that so he might in the issue present it to himself as he now presents it in himself before the Father a glorious Church without spot or wrinckle Eph 5. 25-27 and ch 1. 20 21 22 23. 1 Pot. 3. 22. Phil. 2. 6-11 Joh. 17. 1-5 Col. 2. 9. Read these Scriptures and compare them and see how they explicate and agree with the explication given of that 1 Tim. 3. 16. And after some little Discourse to this purpose demonstrating
type shadow or figure that so thou mayest confirm thy imagination of something within as the truth Is not this plain in thy comparing our opposing thy witness forementioned and not beleeving concerning the flesh of Christ farther or otherwise than wee read in the Apostles writings with such opposition of the Apostles preaching down Circumcision Temple and Sacrifices without c. in their day Yea its farther plain in that thou sayest The confirming them within in spirit is the ground and bottome of all and that in which all must end In whâ—ch word All thou hast evidently reference not only to the things last mentioned But to the things first mentioned also concerning the flesh of Christ about which was our contest and so thy witness is That the confirming them within us in spirit is not only the ground bottome and end of all those types and shadows of the Law Concerning which neither is thy witness true For Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousness even to every one that beleeveth Rom. 10. 4. yea in the works done and finished in his own body He is the body the prime and main thing figured in all the types and shadows of the Law But also of the personal appearance of Christ and the works done in and by that one person in his own body and the mention of his second appearing the confirming these â— things within us in some imagination or operation wrought or found in us saith Thy witness is the ground and bottome of all and that in which all must end Now if this be not another Gospel or Doctrine than what the Apostles preached and in this Letter so acknowledged too let the considerate Reader judge Yet I shall also here add a word or two to make it farther appear That this thy Message or Doctrine is not another manner of or farther revelation of the same thing or such as in which the things they said should come are declared as fulfilled even so as they said they should be as the Apostles Message or Doctrine as added to and following the Prophets was But so absolutely another Doctrine and contrary to what they have preached that the truth of them both cannot stand together as the things written by the Prophets and Apostles did seeing the Apostles said nothing but what the Prophets did say should come to pass who signified beforehand of the sufferings of Christ and of the glory that should follow The righteousness of God as its now come forth in Christ was so witnessed to in the Law and Prophets that the Apostles Doctrine was but a farther revelation of the same mystery of God in Christ before witnessed and according to what the Prophets had before said should come more fully opening and in all things confirming them Rom. 3. 21. Act. 26. 22 23. 1 Pâ—t 1. 10 11. But this Doctrine in which Gods being manifested in the flesh in that one person and the works done in his own body for us is preached down as they preached down the outward Circumcision Temple and Sacrifices as being but a farther type shadow or figure of the truth it self and that to be found in something else is so far from agreeing with the Apostles Doctrine or witnessing what the Apostles said should come so as therein to confirm their word as they did the Prophets that it wholly contradicteth and blasphemeth both and cannot be in the least measure granted but the truth of theirs is therein denyed For they have in their revelation of the Mystery told us That that Jesus of Nazareth and no other thing or person was the eternal word that was in the beginning with God and was God by whom all things were made and in whom in all Ages was life and his life was the light of men even hee to whom John witnessed that was not John but another person distinct from John and all other persons who was in those dayes made flesh by a work of new creation in the womb of a Virgin and so came into the world in the nature of man and dwelt amongst men in that his own personal body and they his Disciples then in that personal converse they injoyed with him on earth did behold his glory as the glory of the only begotten of the Father there is not another thing or person among men or Angels that is the immediately begotten Son of God the Father and him as so made flesh and in that body delivered to death for our offences and raised again for our justification they did behold and witness to be infinitly full of grace and truth as the fountain for all others and as the truth and body of all types figures and shadows of the Law Yea farther That they in receiving that word and testimony which himself began to preach and which they received immediately from him and fully after his Ascension they had therein received of his fulness in respect of the ministration or revelation of him to be given to mortal men And grace for grace A plaâ—n and full ministration or revelation of the grace of God in and by Jesus Christ to receive grace through whereas our Fathers before though saved by grace yet received that grace through a ministration of works For the law came by Moses but grace and truth by Jesus Christ c. read Joh. 1 1-18-29-40-45 c. The former things were indeed shadows and so they were alwayes signified to be but Christ is the body Col. 2. 17. And what ever is said in the Law and the Prophets of their continuing for ever I mean those typical Sacrifices and Ordinances It appears plainly signified even in those Scriptures of the Prophets if they be compared that in the things themselves that were types and figures of the true and as they were so they were only to continue for ever as Ordinances among them in their Generations till the Seed should come that was promised before that Law was given and in him the truth end and fulfilling of them was to remain for ever and ever The Law was added because of transgrèssion till the Seed fore promised should come Gal. 3. 19. and did in the whole and every part of iâ— shadow out and witness good things to come lead to a better righteousness and hope than was to be attained in or by it and that only to be found in Christ that was to come in the nature of man who is the end of the Law for Righteousness He is the body truth and end of all those former things that indeed were shadows and so was witnessed and directed to by them Rom. 3. 21. Heb. 9. and 10. So that the Law Prophets and Apostles do all agree and with one mouth witness declare and confirm him to be The He the Son of God the Savior of the world in whom onely dwels the fulness of the Godhead bodily In all which former witnesses and latter manifestations of his power and coming they have not made known
mentioned I wholly waved for these Reasons 1 There is nothing in them requiring Answer but the substance of it is in those last mentioned 2 They are stuffed with self-commendations and raylings and reproaches of others as before and the grace of God that hath appeared by Jesus Christ teacheth us not to walk with them in that way not so to answer a fool according to his folly as therein to become like him in walking in such a way and use of such weapons though so to answer a fool according to his folly as may tend to the making his folly manifest lâ—st he be wise in his own conceit Prov. 26. 4 5. The Apostle durst not make himself of the number of some that commend themselves c. 2 Cor. 10. 12. nor durst Michael the Arch-Angel when comending with the Devil bring against him a rayling accusation but said The Lord rebuke thâ—â— oâ— Satan c. Jude 9. Zacâ— 3. 2. Yea the holy Ghost admonisheth us not to render to any man evil for evil or rayling for railing but contrariwise blessing c 1 Pet. 3. 9. Rom. 12. 17. according to that excellent pattern 1 Pet. 2. 21 22 23. And although Answer might have been given to those papers also and not in their way yet it is hard for us to meddle with such unclean spirits without getting some defilement by them as the being provoked to or learning frowardness or desâ—re of vain glory in meddling with such froward and vain-glorious spirits whence we are admonished not to go with a furious man no not in joyning issue with them in their proud boastings and perverse disputings but to withdraw our selves from them as 1 Tin 6. 3 4 5. lest we learn his ways and get a snare to our soul Prov. 22. 24 25. 3 Another reason of my waving them was The little expectation of profit to such persons in dealing with them Seest thou a man wise in hiâ— own conceit and thence hasty heady perverse self-willed and furious in his words or matters there is more hope of a fool than of him Pro. 26. 12. and 29. 20. 4 The assurance that I have that he that reproveth a scorner getteth to himself shame and he that rebuketh a wicked man getteth himself a blot Prov. 9. 7. The truth of which I have both before and since proved in having to do with such spirits as these And for these and like Reasons I thought to have waved this also were it not for these following Reasons 1 There is something intimately charged on us in the Inscription namely the denying the alone sufficiency of Gods teaching and many things propounded by way of Query which being rightly answered according to the Scriptures quoted as the ground of the Queries will tend much to the discovery of the ground of their mistakes and to the strengthening the beleever against them 2 Though the Queries as they are propounded may be discerned to be foolish and unlearned such as are to be avoided by beleevers yet such is the pretence of zeal for God and spirituality in the acknowledgement and worship of him in the Querist that the folly and unlearnedness of the Queries and the evil spirit running along in them will not presently be discerned by the weak without some discovery who not discerning the same are more apt to be enâ—angled with them For their sakes therefore I have assayed to propound something after a true relation of the Queries word for word as in the paper that came to my hands by way of Answer or rather discovery of the folly and evil couched in them And also that this may be of use for the recovery of such as are intangled with such spirits if not past hope of recovery as I fear some are as likewise lest they should have occasion any of them by our being wholly silent to glory or be lifted up in the conceit of their own wisdom The Queries of some called Quakers about Cambridge with the Inscription or Dedication and Conclusion of them as they were propounded and sent in writing in the name of Thomas Biddal as follows To Alice Morden and the rest which are not yet given up to Delusion to all who deny the teaching of God to be sufficient to guide to God to all that own it without humane helps or learning or teaching of men â— WHat and where that New Jerusalem is which John saw come down from Heaven wherein there is no night neithâ—r need of light of Sun Moon or Candle for the Lord God and the Lamb is the light thereof and into which in no wise shall enter in any thing that si defiled or worketh abomination or maketh a lye but ihose whose nâ—mes are written in the book of life Rev. 21. 22. 2. What and where that Sion is which Isaiah and Micah spake unto unto which all Nations should flow where the Loâ—d will teach the people of his waies from whence the Law of God and his word shall go forth after which they shall learn war no more but shall say come and let us walk in the light of the Lord Isa 2. Mic. 4. 3. What and where that Covenant is which the Lord hath promised in the latter daies wherein he will write his Law in their heart and put it in their inward parts and they shall no more teach every man his neighbor and every man his brother for all shall know him from the least to the greatest of them Jer. 13. Heb. 8. And whether we may expect to come into the Covenant in these daies 4. Where and what that annointing and unction is by which the Saints know all things and need not that any should teach them but as that annointing teacheth them of all things which is true and is no lye 1 Joh. 2. and whether it be the same in these daies to them that have it 5. What and where that Comforter is which when he is come shall reprove the World of Sin of Righteousness and of Judgement and shall guide into all truth and shâ—w things to come and shall shew the things of Christ and glorifie him Joh. 16. 6 Whether any of the servants of God may expect and wait to receive his word from his own mouth immediately as all the Messengers of God in all Ages did or whether no other word is now to be heard in Books which God spake to o hers Jer. 23. 7 Whether any man may wait for the fulfilling of that promise in these latter dayes that all thy children shall be taught of the Lord and whether that teaching be sufficient without any humane help or learning to guide in the wayes of God or no Joh. 6. Isa 54. 13. 8 What and where that word is that people should hear behind them saying This is the way walk in it when they turn to the right hand or to the lefâ— And where that Teacher is that shall be removed to more into corners but shall be in the midst of them and
whether we may look for that word in these dayes Isa 30. 9 What that word of faith is by which none needs to say Who shall ascend up to heaven to fetch Christ from above or who shall descend into the deep that is to bring up Christ again from the dead but that word is nigh thee in thy mouth and in thy heart which the Apostle preached to them that had it in their heart And whether the same word be not now in the hearts of the people though they mind it not Rom. 10. 10 What that voyce of Christ is which his sheep knows and how they come to know it from other voyces and all that hear it will not hear the voyce of strangers and hirelings and theeves and sorcerers but by the same voyce are brought to know Christ and follow him Joh. 10. And whether his sheep may expect and wait for the same voyce now and to know it from all other voyces which are false 11 What that way is in the wilderness which Isaiah spake of Isa 35. 8. which shall be called the way of holiness which the unclean shall not pass over but it shall be for wayfaring men and fools shall not erre therein in which way the Redeemed shall walk and the Ransomed of the Lord shall come to Sion And whether any may expect to find in these dayes such a way as are strangers and fools in the world 12 What that manifestation of the Spirit is which is given to every man to profit with all and whether there be any profit but by it and whether it be not of it self â—n infallible guide in all the way of God according to its manifestation Joh. 4. 23. 13 What and where that worship of God is truly in which God alone looks to be worshipped in And whether any can worship in spirit and in truth but those that are born of the Spirit And whether that he that is born of the Spirit needeth any other guide in the spiritual worship but that Spirit of which he is born according to his measure Joh. 1. 9. And whether such worships hath not been and are now differing from all other worships in the world and therefore hated by them as in all Ages 14 What and where that light is that inlightens every man that comes into the world which being come into the world is the condemnation of all those that are in darkness because of their evil deeds And whether this be not the condemnation of all the world that beleeve not in it but walk in darkness And whether there be any other condemnation but it seeing Christ said If I had not come ye had not had sin Joh. 3. Rom. 8. 15 What the Law of the Spirit of life is which made Paul free from the law of sin and death which had warred against the law of his mind and had formerly held him in captivity to the law of sin that was in his members And whether any in these dayes that are come to that warfare may look for that freedome by the Law of the Spirit of life And thus I have written these few lines the Lord revealing by his Spirit in me the great delusion sorcery and bewitched doctrine that you are under of these bewitching Simon Magus sorcerers which have put you upon a Christ crucified without you notwithstanding you and the rest are in your filthiness and first nature Whereas the Holy Ghost hath declared That they must be pure in heart that must see God Matth. 5. 8. And hath neglected to tell you of a washing of regeneration and new birth by the Holy Ghost in you T it 3 4 5 6. And hath brought another Gospel contrary to what Christ hath already preached and therefore he rendreth such accursed 1 Pet. 1. 12. And the Lord speaking by the mouth of Paul saying My little children of whom I travel again in birth untill Christ be formed in you Gal. 4. 19. And the Lord in mercy look upon you for my bowels yern towards you and pity you to see Prophets and Teachers creep in among you to draw you from your guide 2 Pet. 2. 1. Written from the Spirit of the Lord from one whom the people of this world calls Quaker known by the name of Thomas Biddal The Answer to the fore-said Queries by Tho. Moore ANd first to the Inscription or Dedication of them which runs thus To Alice Morden and the rest which are not yet given up to Delusion To all who deny the teaching of God to be sufficient c. In which words that which is imported in the plainest sense of them is That they look upon this as a testimony sufficient that men are not given up to Delusion viz. That they deny the teaching of God to be sufficient to guide them that own it to God without humane helps or at least that those that do so are not given up This appears their sense if the indicter of this understood himself but that rather I suppose hee did not however to this Inscription and Dedication we shall lay down this for Answer That to deny the absolute and alone sufficiency of the teaching of God without humane helps or mans teaching is a sin of a very high nature and an evidence of being in a great measure given up to delusion Jer. 8. 8 9 and 6. 10 11. and 23. 16 18 22 c. Isa 8. 16-20 1 Tim. 6. 3 4 5. 1 Joh. 2. 19. 20-24-26 27. and Chap. 4 6. That therefore we may know who they are that do so that we may beware of them and of all steps leading to this evill Let us consider First What Gods eaching is Secondly Where and how himself doth preach or hold it forth unto men Thirdly How or wherein men may be said to deny the alone sufficiency thereof First What Gods teaching is as to the matter of it There is in it 1 Something summary and fundamental of all the rest by which primely it may be known and distinguished 2 Some things contained in springing out of and built upon or arising from those things that are main and fundamental in it 1 Those things main and fundamental in Gods teaching are concerning Jesus Christ before promised and witnessed and in his undertaking vertuous now manifested as delivered to death for our offences according to the Scriptures therein bearing our sins in his own body to the Tree not bearing them or leaving them to be born in that sense in our souls or bodies and raised again from the dead for our justification according to the Scriptures And so concerning his own the Fathers love and goodness to man-ward the glory of which is now manifested in the face of Christ even in those works done in and by his first personal Appearance and the acceptance and vertue of them with the Father for us and the end of them to bee fully revealed and accomplished in his second personal and glorious appearance according as declared to us in
the Gospel or testimony of God concerning him who hath abolished death by his appearing and brought life and immortality to light through the Gospel 1 Cor. 15. 1-4 1 Pet. 2. 24. Rom. 4. ult 2 Cor. 4. 6. 2 Tim. 1. 10. and 2. 8. In this the Spirit and teaching of God is primely known and distinguished from all others it doth unto and for all things confess acknowledge and praise or commend Jesus Christ as already come in the flesh not coming but come and now through sufferings entred into glory in that his own personal body in our nature and for us according to the Apostles Doctrine 1 Joh. 4. 1 2 3 6. for reproving the world and teaching and leading the beleever into all truth It takes of his things and shews to the soul and so glorifies him even lifts up the Son of man the personal abasement sufferings or cross of Christ with the ends and vertues thereof as now manifested in him being raised and received up into glory Joh. 16. 8 9 10 13 14. with Joh. 3. 14. Rom. 1. 1-3 4. 1 Tim. 3. 16. 2 Tim. 2 8. This is so the summe and subject matter of all the Fathers teaching That every one that hath heard and learned of the Father cometh to Christ according to the testimony God hath already given of him Joh. 6. 45. And he that beleeveth not the testimony or record that God hath already given of Christ maketh God a lyar 1 Joh. 5 10. Yea it is so the summary and fundamental matter of all his teaching that he is said to learn all truth and so to teach and lead into all truth in Jesus in the demonstration opening and usefulness of Jesus and those things of him according to the record God hath given of him by the one month of a â— his Prophets and Apostles since the world began Eph. 4. 20 21. with Joh. 16. 13 14. Act. 3. 20 21. This the purpose and grace of God given us in Christ from the beginning now manifested by the appearing of Christ c. as 2 Tim 1 9 10. That the Son of man must be lifted up above all and for or unto all help and healing of men even as Moses lift up the Serpent in the wilderness That whosoever beleeveth in him should not perish but have eternall life For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son namely the Saviour of the world and to be so lifted up That whosoever beleeveth in him c. Joh. 3. 14 15 16. 2 Those things contained in the matter of Gods teaching as springing out of and arising from the things main and fundamental are Doctrines and Instructions concerning all things needful to be known given and opened in and through the demonstration opening and usefulness of the knowledge of him in what he hath done and is become for us for so saith our Savior The holy Spirit as now coming forth in and with the testimony of Jesus as the works of our salvation are finished in his body he shall reprove the world of sin of righteousness and of Judgemâ—nt and all this in with and through that testimony of Jesus as given forth to them for thus he explicates Of Sin because they beleeve not on me of Righteousness because I go to my father and ye see me no more He comes down no more to suffer in which the infinit and abiding vertue of his once suffering is declared And the second and glorious Appearance they should not see in the time of this mortality nor till we all come together Of Judgement because the Prince of this world is judged already which also was done in him as Joh. 12. 31 32. speaking of that vertually done from the beginning now presently to be actually done in his own body and by his being lifted up from the earth both on the cross and then because of that being raised on the right hand of Majesty he saith now is the judgement of this world now is the Prince of this world cast out And with this Argument or in the Demonstration and usefulness of this as he reproves the world of Righteousness that all theirs is nothing his onely perfect and will stand them instead So he reproves them also of Judgement shews the vanity and falseness of all theirs whether of Condemnation or Absolution or in their apprehensions concerning things and persons And likewise he saith He shall teach them the beleevers on him further in and by the same Instrument and shall so lead them into all truth and shew them things to come for saith he He shall not speak of himself but whatever he shall hear that shall he speak he shall take of my things and shew unto you he shall glorifie me c. Joh. 16. 8 14. In the demonstration and opening of him God learneth all truth and so also therein instructeth and directeth to all right demeanors towards God and men So the Apostles gave all their commandements by the Lord Jesus in the demonstration opening and applying the things of him did give the ground and reason of them shew their equity move and press to the observing them in the strength afforded in those mercies of the Lord in and through that testimony of Jesus 1 Thes 4. 2. Rom. 12. 1. 1 Pet. 1. 13-18 c. Ephes 4. 1-8 10. For that Grace of God that bringeth Salvation to all men especially in this appearance of it now come forth by Jesus Christ teacheth that denying ungodliness and wordly lusts we should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world looking for the blessed hope and the glorious appearance of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ c. Tit. 2. 11 12 13. 2 That in the second place propounded to be considered is where and how this teaching of the Father is held forth by himself unto men surely that is 1 In all the books of his Creation and providence in all mercies chastisements and changes of his providence with men Job 33. 14-29 30. and 36. 22. 26. Psal 19. 1-7 107. with Rom. 10. 17 18. But 2 More clearly and abundantly in the holy Scriptures which were both given and left upon record by immediate inspiration and furniture of God Rom. 15. 4. 2 Pet. 1. 19 20 21. 1 Cor. 14. 37. 2 Pet. 3. 2. 1 Joh. 1-4 5. and are therefore profitable for all doctrine or teaching c. They are able being his words and preserved in the Records of them from any fundamental or material perversion on the account of his righteousness who hath so promised Psal 12. 6. Prov. 12. 19. Isa 8. 16. 20. 44. 25 26. and so owned by him and accompanied with his spiritual presence to the end of the world Mat. 28. 20. able I say to make us wise to salvation both of our selves and others through faith which is in Christ Jesus and throughly to furnish the man of God to every good word and work 2 Tim. 3. 14 15 16 17.
of all his gracious Promises in his own time and way for they are all Yea and Amen in Christ and the performance of them coming forth with him according to the manner of Gods giving him who is now given vertually and Spiritually and in the testimony of him mediately and so all Gods teachings in and with him but shal in his time appear personally and visibly and then all things with himin like manner gloriously and immediately in fulness and glory He that beleeveth makes not hast Rom. 8. 32. 2 Pet. 1. 3. Ephes 1 17. Col. 3. 4. 1 Cor. 13. 12. Rom. 8. 18. 1 Joh. 3. Isa 28. 16. In answer to the Second part of this Query I adde That I suppose here the man had forgotten his Inscription or Dedication for there he directs his Queries only to them that deny the alone sufficiency of Gods teaching and yet here makes it one of his Queries whether they do so or no or else if these Queries were framed as is thought by some of a more subtile pate than his whose hand is at them then this with some other tantologies and significations of weakness in the Inditor may bee looked upon as done of purpose to keep us from thinking that any of their Grandees had a hand in it but be it as it will it is a blemish to their pretence of being immediately guided by an infallible spirit yea it signifies their spirâ—â— to be both forgetful and not understanding what it saith nor whereof it affirms as well as also their propounding so many confused Queries and in such manner without laying down any thing plainly by way of position signifies their spirit to be fearful of discovering his Principles if he have any lest he should not be able to mannage them or lest presently discovering them and endeavouring to manage them he should spoyl his design at first And surely I could have passed over more weakness in expressions without such notice of it if it had not been a little necessary on this account to shew the vanity of their pretence of immediate revelation from Gods Spirit and being furnished to and acted in all by it It is none of the Character of Jesus Christ but of the foolish Woman her ways are moveable that thou canst not know them and therefore moveable left thou shouldest ponder the path of life Prov. 5. 6. yea this also is mainly to be observed in her Instruments they are proud yet knowing nothing always doting about questions and strife of words c. 1 Tim. 6. 4. Whereas on the other hand the Servants of Christ by his Spirit have been always led in all lowliness of minde not to commend or preach themselves but Jesus Christ the Lord and therein to testifie of him what they did know in the plain demonstration of the Spirit even in words which the Holy Ghost taught them that they might propound and lay down somewhat for the feeding and profit of others as 2 Cor. 5. 12 14 15. 4. 5 6. whose word therein was not yea and nay but in him even in the demonstration of Christ and the things of him was yea 2 Cor. 1. 18 19. 1 Tim. 4. 6 7 8. 11. 16. 2 Tim. 2. 15 16 23. 24. Tit. 2. 11 15. 2 Tim. 3. 14 17. 4. 1 5. For direct answer to this part of the Query I shall adde nothing here but refer the Reader to the Answer to his Inscription where I have fully given my testimony to the alone sufficiency of Gods teaching 8 Qu. What and where that word is that people should hear behind them and where that teacher is c. Isa 30. 20 21. Ans 1 That word mentioned vers 21. is now in the testimony of Jesus the Lord as he hath been delivered to death for our offences and raised for our Justification and is received up into glory as that testimony is now come forth in full since the Ascension of Jesus Christ for though God did speak in divers manners unto the Fathers by the Prophets yet hee hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son c. Hebr. 1. 1 2. and the Spirit of God in this dispensation of the fulness of times teacheth all things and leads into all truth by taking of the things of Jesus and shewing them according to the testimony now come forth and so opening and makeing use of them in and unto every case and matter as is before more largely shewed yea this word then was no other but the same light teaching and direction of the Lord which also then was in and did issue forth in and through that testimony or witness of Jesus the Lord and Gods righteousness in him as that testimony was then come forth which was witnessed in the Law and Prophets Rom. 3. 21. yea preached from the beginning And hence having reference to the eighteenth verse of that Isa 30. it is there fully signified to be met with in waiting for the Lord yea it is plainly expressed as part of the priviledge of them that through his goodness and forbearance to manward in which he waites that he may be gracious are overcome to wait for him to have all their teaching light and direction from him as he was then witnessed and their enjoyment of promises in and by him whence that Isa 2. 5. O house of Jacob come yee and let us walk in the light of the Lord. That testimony of Jesus being indeed the Vision of all Visions the spirit of Prophecy Isa 29. 11. with Chap. 28. 12. 16. Rev. 19. 10. 2 To the Second part of the Query What that Teacher is mentioned vers 20. which should be in the midst of them c. For answer to this We must take leave to minde our Querist of his mistake of the words of the Scripture to which he alludes it being a material mistake To which doubtless that Spirit that breathed forth those words by the Prophet would not have led him but some lying spirit that under pretence of bringing Scripture would pervert it and steal away from us the Word of the Lord and that we may not discern him makes it a matter of reproach to look into Books to search the Scripture whether those things be so or no as he presents them to our imagination the word in the text is in the plural number Teachers which he renders that Teacher and thine eyes shall see for that which he renders thus it should be in the midst of them the words are thus Though the Lord give you the bread of Adversity and the water of Affliction yet shall not thy Teachers be removed into a corner any more but thine eyes shall see thy Teachers And where those Teachers are the text tells viz. present with them and before their eyes even now in the days of their adversity while the person of the Lord the fountain of their teaching for whom they wait is personally absent from them as 2 Cor. 5. 6. and not
c. they all and not the unclean shall then together enter with him into the joy of their Lord where they shall dwell and walk for ever with the Lord in a high broad way where shall be no straitness nor occasion of stumbling yea the Lord himself shall be to them a place of broad Rivers and streams where shall go no Gally with Oares Isa 33. 20 21. Revel 21. 1 8. 25 27. 22. 1 14 15. Heb. 9. 28. 12 Qu. What that manifestation of the Spirit is which is given to every man to profit withall And whether there be any profit but by it And whether it be not of it self an infallible guide c. Ans To the First Part of this Query That manifestation of the Spirit spoken of 1 Cor. 12. 7. is of that one Spirit that being immeasurably received in the Nature of man in and by that one Person of the Son of God is sent forth in his influences of light and power unto men according to the measure of the gift of Christ and his manifestation is concerning Christ as the works are now finished in him and the Declaration of him come forth in the Gospel and so of the things of him and the Fathers glory in him by which he teacheth all things and leads into all truth as before is shewed Compare this 1 Cor. 12. 7. 11. with Ephes 4. 7 11. Joh. 16. 13 14. some distinct understanding of which testimony of the Spirit concerning Christ for some profitable opening or usefulness of it to others is given to every hearty beleeving receiver of it The other parts of this Query are in his former Queries and sufficiently answered before 13 Qu. What and where that Worship of God in the Spirit is truly c. And whether any can worship in Spirit and in Truth but those that are born of the Spirit And whether he that is born of the Spirit needeth any other guide c. And whether such Worships hath not been and are now differing from all other And therefore hated Ans Here are five Queries in one To the first wee answer That Worship of God in Spirit and Truth mentioned Joh. 4. 23 24. is that worship of him that is in the light and power of and according to the Spirits testimony concerning Jesus as now come forth in the Gospel and so in Christ Jesus who is the Truth And this called worshipping in spirit and in truth as opposed both to the Samaritans worship which was never right but in and according to the wisdom of the flesh and so in a false way and also as opposed to the Jewish worship which sometimes was right while yet it was in and through that killing letter of the Law to which the Ministration of the Spirit the Gospel as now come forth is opposed 2 Cor. 3. and also in and through the Types and Shadows of the Law to which Jesus Christ the Body and truth of them is opposed Col. 2. 17. Joh. 1. 17. This sence of the Spirit and Truth in which God is to be worshipped is confirmed in other Scriptures for the Spirit See Rev. 19. 10. The Angel admonishing John not to worship him but God instructs him thus The testimony of Jesus and not any Messenger that brings it is the spirit of Prophecy in which God is now to be worshipped for the truth See Phil. 3. 3. we are the Circumcision which worship God in the Spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus the Truth and have no confidence in the flesh c. And so our Saviour interprets the true Worship Joh. 5. 22 23 24. The Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgement to the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father he that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father that sent him And to let us know who it is that indeed honours the Son and so the Father that sent him it follows hee that heareth my Word which also is the word or testimony of him that sent him concerning him Joh. 7. 16. 14. 23 24. 1 Joh. 5. 9-12 13. And so beleeveth on him that sent me c. like to this is that Joh. 12. 44. 49. and that two-fold Rule for the trial of Spirits before spoken to 1 Joh. 4. 1-6 They then that magnifie or glorifie the Word of the Lord as declared in the Apostles Doctrin as Act. 13. 48. and according to it beleeve and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and so in the Father are the true worshippers To the Second part of the Query we answer That as it is true that no man speaking by the Spirit of God renders Jesus in his Person or works done in his own Body for sinners execrable or undesirable so likewise is it true that no man can truly say confess or acknowledge Jesus as the Christ in his Doctrin or Worship but by the Spirit of the Lord 1 Cor. 12. 3. and whosoever beleeveth that Jesus is the Christ he is therein and thereto bornof God 1 Joh. 5. 1. Joh. 1. 12. 13. the other parts of the Query as much as is needful are answered before 14 Qu. What and where that light is Joh. 1. 9. that being come into the World is the condemnation of all that are in darkness c. And whether it be not the condemnation of all the World that beleeve not in it And whether there be any other condemnation c. Ans In this Query is also a confusion of many Queries and after the first part of it something first taken for granted and then propounded as a Query we shall briefly answer it thus 1 Not John the Baptist but Jesus that was of Nazareth the supposed Son of Joseph that was conceived of the Holy Ghost in the wombe of the Virgin Mary born in Bethlehem of Iudea in the days of Augustus Caesar c. even that word that was then and so made Flesh and came and dwelt amongst men and not any other thing or person who through sufferings is now entred into glory That I say and no other Person or thing is The true light that lightneth every man that cometh into the world Joh. 1. 8 9. 14. 15-18 41. 45. 8. 12. 12. 44 45 46. Acts 4. 10 11 12. 2 The Text saith not This light is the condemnation of all or any that are in darkness but this is the condemnation That light is come into the World and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil Their loving darkness rather than light when the light comes unto them and not the coming of the light to them is the condemning sin and that which makes other sins condemnable as also Ioh. 15. 22. 24. Zach. 5. 1-4 3 This light personally is received by the Father in the Heavens Act 3. 20. but in his influences virtually and Spiritually among men and dwelling in them in whom he dwelleth by faith Ephes 1. 17. 2 Cor. 4. 6. Ephes 3. 17-19 15