according to the small measure thereof received hath had its improvement in the comparing of such things as came to my hands from time to time endeavouring if by any means I might attain to the knowledge of the principle But as the Persons were divers and their Books and Papers very many so I found it very hard and difficult to gather up what was scattered here and there to make out any entire Peece though some competent progress was made in that endeavour with a mind very much freed from prejudice and among other things I met with these passages Christ hath enlightned every one that comes into the world thou that lovest that light which Christ hath enlightned thee withall thou brings thy works to the light that thy deeds may be proved c. The Light will not let thee take Gods name in vaine it will draw thee out of the worships of the World and keep thee in the fear of God The first step of peace is to stand still in the Light which discovers things contrary to it for power and strength to stand against that nature which the light discovers here grace growes here 's God alone glorified The light which hath enlightened every one that comes into the world ther 's every one of your Condemnation that hates it and every one of your teachers that loves it waiting in it will guide you to God it will shew you the way which is Christ to the Father Fox way to the Kingdome p. 1. c. Thou that art guided by the Lamb the light in thy Conscience Despise not the day of small things but mind the counsel of the Lord Jesus the little light which shines in thy darke heart is the powerfull word of Faith which was in the Beginning by which all things were created this light is the word of Faith the Apostles exhorted to take heed unto Rom. 10.6 7 8. the unction of the holy one given of the Father whereby we need not to teach one another but as the anointing teacheth us which is truth and no lie which is the sure word of prophecy whereunto ye do well to take heed 2 Pet. 1.19 Deusb Mans Return p. 12. 27 28. It opens all the Scriptures and leads man out of the fall up to God this is the true light and leads to life eternal Farnw Rant Discov p. 13. The light is but one in him that loves it and in him that hates it The light which Christ Jesus hath enlightened every one withall is made manifest and convinceth of all ungodliness and worldly lusts That which may be known of God is revealed in man Fr. Houg Common Salv. p. 5. 7 8. Oh thou blind Pharisee a Childe of God needs no repentance p. 11. The Scripture is not the Saints rule Fiery Darts p. 19. Come down all ye high-minded Pharisees and lay away all your Profession throw downe all your old building and lay a new foundation Hearken to that in your Consciences which checks you when you do amisse and troubles you in Conscience when you have been drunk or have done some evil act Be willing to be guided by that and that will lead you to repentance It will be a Teacher to thee teaching and directing thee in righteousness purity holiness c. Parnell tryall of faith p. 5. 6. 7. Loving the light it will guide you to God from all men that you need never look at man more Farnw Discov p. 12. Being obedient to the light within it will lead you to purity to holiness to uprightness that light obeying it is your salvation disobeying that light is your Condemnation Briefe Discov p. 4. To the al-seeing Eye that light in your Consciences I direct you The wise mans eye is in his head which eye is the light in your Consciences being guided by it it will lead you to Christ who is your Head Letters p. 3. 5. Hearken to the light in your Consciences that is your Teacher if you do not obey it will be your eternal Condemnation Hearken to it and your soul shall live A true Discovery I.C. p. 17. 18. By all which as also by much more which is to be found in many of their Books under variety of Expressions it 's to be observed That a great part nay the main Foundation of this their great building is the Light wherewith every one that cometh into the world is enlightened and this is held forth under these two branches viz. 1. What it is in every one 2. What it does in every one It is That in the Conscience which checks you when you have been drunk or have done some evil act It is The powerful Word of Faith by which all things were created and which Paul exhorts to take heed unto Rom. 10.6 7.8 It is the sure Word of prophecy vvhereunto you do vvell to take heed 2 Pet. 1.19 It doth convince a person of all ungodliness It directs in righteousness purity and holiness It vvill guide you to God from all men that you need never look at man more If you do not obey it it will be your eternal Condemnation hearken to it and your soul shall live That light obeying it is your Salvation disobeying it is your Condemnation It opens all Scriptures and leads man out of the fall up to God These things among many other are naturally included in the Sentences before repeated which being examined and compared with what the Scriptures testifie touching them it will evidently appear that although the Enemy hath made to himselfe a strong hold yet the Father of lights hath discovered him and his Covering is found too short and too narrow to hide him and Wisdom's children will acknowledge it when the veil is pluckt off and the disguise discovered and detected It may not be unmeet for the more clear and faire discussion as also for the better satisfaction of some to lay downe something positively touching this matter according to the two branches aforementioned rather than to treat them oppositely by way of Controversie at least in this place reserving the examination of them and their proofs if any there be till afterwards if God peradventure may please to give unto any Repentance to the acknowledging of the Truth 2 Tim. 2.25 26. and that they may be recovered c. THE Spirit of the Lord doth testifie by the Apostle 1 John 1.5 that God is light Who being altogether in himselfe the fountain-light covering himself therewith as with a garment and dwelling in the light which no man can approach unto So none may be said to be light but God that is to say Originally so But in subordination to him there are many derivative lights lighted up by him being his Off-spring and so is he the Father of lights 1. The Lord Jesus Christ considered as he is the anointed Saviour the Son in subordination to the Father as he sustains the office of a Mediator the Man Christ Jesus as such he is a derivative light
in healing miracles and tongues c. and the one might then be where the other was not as hath been proved already In like manner also such is the Dispensation of the holy Spirit at this day as the wind bloweth where it listeth forming the new-birth which is after and according to God by faith in Christ Jesus becoming a Spirit of regeneration and illumination Eph. 1.17 18. Tit. 3.5 opening the blind eyes not only to see Christ as he is held forth in the word but to be beleeved on accepted and received as the Author of eternal salvation to them that obey him Heb. 5.9 but also by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Spirit purging the conscience from dead works Heb. 9.14 giving boldness and access to the throne of grace through the faith of him who is thus become a quickening spirit and principle of life a new and living way to all that receive him and manifest that faith by obedience true and unfained Heb. 10.19 20 21 22. This may be thus evidenced by divine testimony viz. 1. That as the wind bloweth where it listeth so is the birth of the Spirit in those which are regenerate is proved John 3.3 6 8. 2. That they which beleeve in the Lord Jesus are thus dignified and privileged with the estate of sonship as being born of God and from above is witnessed Joh. 1.12 13. Gal. 3.26 3. That this is effected by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy Spirit that being justified by his grace we might be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life is likewise born witness unto by the Apostle Titus 3.4 5 6 7. 4. That this was not the work of the spirit in any one particular age only viz. in the Apostles dayes or primitive times as they are called and distinguished by some but as it is said of Christ he is the same yesterday to day and for ever Heb. 13.8 so is it said He is the Author and finisher of faith not only of theirs Heb. 12.2 though the word Ours being inserted in the English reading may seem to carry it that way but he was the Author and finisher of theirs also who are catalogued and Chronicled in the 11. of Heb. who began as low as Abel and so upwards and not of theirs only who thus beleeved receiving the word of promise or rather Christ in the promise from the first giving forth thereof in Gen. 3.15 mixing the Gospel with faith Heb. 4.2 nor of those who in the times of more clear manifestation thereof did know and beleeve Joh. 17.6 7 8. But of their faith also who from thence forth should beleeve on Christ through their word Joh. 17.20 and therefore in the place mentioned Heb. 12.2 Christ is not said to be the Author finisher that is the beginner and ender of our faith nor of your faith nor of their faith but of faith in relation to all times and persons according to the tenour and testimony of that word of truth Act. 13.38 39. By him all that beleeve are justified from all things c. not only the Jew but the Gentile also even all that are a farre off as many as the Lord our God shall call hence the Apostles testify that they had received the same spirit of faith with those who had gone before 2 Cor. 4.13 And as the faith of all true beleevers from Righteous Abel thoroughout the whole cloud of witnesses and thence forward owns it self to Christ as the Author and the Finisher thereof as was said before So likewise it is as necessarily applyed to the spirit whose gift it is and by whom it is wrought 1 Cor. 12.11 among which operations of the spirit Faith is one reckoned among yet diverse from that of miracles And it is called the fruit of the spirit among many other inward qualifications of the renewed and regenerate Man Gal. 5.22 5. To this agree those other testimonies of the holy Scripture wherein the holy spirit is promised not for this or that particular age much less this or that particular person or persons onely but to all the seed not reckoned according to the flesh but according to the faith of beleeving Abraham Rom. 9.8 2.28 29. Gal. 3.7 8 9 14. Gal. 4.27 28. But to speak more particularly The Scriptures bear witness to Christ Jesus that he is the true seed promised in whom all the Nations of the earth should be blessed according to that so often mentioned place Gen. 3.15 as also Gen. 22.28 expounded by the Apostle in Gal. 3.8 of Christ himself as the seed promised a Covenant to the people So is he also the seed to whom the promise is made as appears by the same Testimony Gal. 3.16 Not to seeds as of many but as of one and to thy seed which is Christ who was the seed which was to come to whom the promise was made vers 19. thus is Christ originally both Root and Offspring It is with Christ that the Covenant is made originally Isa 53.10 11. and in him with those that are his to whom he is given for a Covenant as appears Esay 42.1 6 7. Behold my servant whom I uphold mine Elect in whom my soul delighteth I have put my spirit upon him and he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles I the Lord have called thee in righteousness and wil hold thy hand and will keep thee and give thee for a Covenant to the peoples for a light of the Gentiles to open the blind eyes c. In this Covenant it is promised that he should have the spirit put upon him Isa 42.1 which also was fulfilled in Luk. 4.18 And as the spirit was by Covenant to be put upon him so was it also to be put upon them which were his as doth appear in the fifty ninth of Esay 21. As for me this is my Covenant with them saith Jehovah my spirit which is upon thee and my words which I have put in thy mouth shall not depart out of thy mouth nor out of the mouth of thy seed nor out of the mouth of thy seeds seed saith Jehovah from hence forth and for ever Where it is Evident that the gift of the spirit is a Covenant-promise as to Christ in whom all the promises are Yea and Amen so to them which are Christs to him and to his seed and seeds seed according to Joh. 17.20 Not only they which did beleeve but those who through their word should beleeve were the subjects of Christs prayer in the Application and Mediation of the Covenant This is promised also in Ezek. 36.27 And I will put my spirit within you and cause you to walk in my Statutes c. which promise is not limited to Israel or to Abrahams seed according to the letter or Circumcision but to Abrahams seed according to faith If ye be Christs then are you Abrahams seed and heirs according to promise Gal. 3.8 9 29. and as is
pretend to it can make it evident and give demonstration thereof as the Apostles and primitive Christians could as is to be demonstrated by many instances in the Scripture by signes and wonders and mighty deeds Answ The Dispensation of the Spirit may be considered in a twofold respect viz. In relation to its Inward Operation or Outward Manifestation Sometimes it is expressed under the similitude of wind or air invisible and unseen and so it is in the work of Regeneration and Renovation John 3.3 Tit. 3.5 And this was personally effected and personally evidenced Rom. 8.16 Rev. 2.17 Sometimes under the similitude of Cloven tongues and fire and visible demonstrations ratifying and confirming the word of Faith according to Mar. 16.20 By tongues prophecies miracles or by signes wonders and mighty deeds and these were Apostolical 2 Cor. 12.12 God bearing witness to the ministration of those first Messengers with signes and wonders and divers miracles and gifts of the Holy Spirit according to his owne will Heb. 2.4 thereby confirming their word Mar. 16.20 convincing the opposers and stopping the mouths of the gainsayers Act. 4.16 This variety of the Spirits operation as thus distinguished into the Internal and External dispensation thereof as it may be clearly evidenced from the Scriptures so may it be of great use to strengthen the weak hands and confirm the feeble knees of such as are made weak and turned out of the way upon the account of this objection or the like The Scriptures do witness that many have been born of the Spirit i. e. have been true beleevers have had their eyes and hearts opened and have been turned to the Lord and yet many of these though they bear witness of the internal and invisible operation of the Spirit as being born from above Joh. 3.3 yet have been destitute of the demonstration of the Spirit in respect of its outward and visible manifestation in Signes and Miracles c. Those twelve Disciples at Ephesus mentioned Act. 19. were Beleevers and were so called vers 2. where the Apostle propounds this Question Have ye received the holy Spirit since ye beleeved Whereby it is evident that he spake of the outward manifestation of the Spirit which they had not so much as heard of and which they afterwards did receive vers 6. when upon the laying on of his hands they received the holy Spirit and spake with tongues and prophesied whence it appears evidently that they were Beleevers i. e. were born of the Spirit for faith is a fruit of the Spirit Gal. 5.22 whereof Christ i. e. the Spirit is both the Author and Finisher Heb. 12.2 not onely in himself as the object but in the Beleever as the subject giving them to beleeve on him Phil. 1.29 And if the faith of these twelve Disciples be questioned what kind of faith it was it will be resolved by the Apostle in his Letter of Confirmation directed to them Ephes 1.13 where he saith In whom ye also trusted after ye heard the word of truth the Gospel of your salvation in whom also after that ye beleeved you were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise Whence it appears plainly that those Ephesians Act. 19. were reall and true Beleevers and did partake of the inward operation of the holy Spirit viz. faith though they had not as yet heard of the outward manifestation thereof in visible gifts A like instance there is of those Grecians of Antioch who upon the Evangelizing of the scattered Disciples a great number beleeving turned to the Lord Act. 11.21 who yet had no visible demonstration of the Spirit but an invisible operation onely So it was with them of Samaria who beleeved upon the Evangelizing of Philip while as yet they were destitute of the visible manifestation of the Spirit Act. 8.12 compared with vers 15 16. At Iconium multitudes both of Jews and Greeks beleeved Act. 14.1 at the speaking and preaching of Paul and Barnabas At Berea also upon the hearing of Paul and Silas together with searching the Scriptures daily many beleeved Act. 17.10 11 12. At Corinth likewise upon Paul's preaching many of the Corinthians hearing beleeved c. At Philippi the Lord opened the heart of Lydia attending to the things spoken by Paul Act. 16.14 These with many more examples there are testifying to and bearing witness of this truth that many persons have beleeved been converted and turned to the Lord i. e. have been born of God Joh. 1.12 13. 1 Joh. 5.1 regenerated or born again or from above or of the Spirit Joh. 3.3 5 6 8. who nevertheless have evidenced no other power or presence of the holy Spirit than what was invisible in and upon their owne hearts but gave no outward visible manifestation thereof by Signes and Miracles at least not until afterwards Whence it follows that notwithstanding the dispensations in the times of the Apostles and primitive Saints and Churches were very eminent for visible and outward manifestations of the Spirit in wonders signes and miracles with gifts of tongues and prophecies yet this was not universal in operation for many were turned to the Lord Act. 11.21 and unto them it was given to beleeve Phil. 1.29 and taken into a state of sonship Joh. 1.12 13. were also regenerated and born from above or of the Spirit Joh. 3.3 8. Some of them not knowing Act. 19.2 Others of them not yet receiving or witnessing any outward appearance or manifestation of the Spirit but onely that inward operation of the Spirit opening and enclining their hearts to embrace the word of faith and to receive the Lord Jesus as tendered therein according to Rom. 10.8 9 10 11. And as some who had the inward operation had not the outward manifestation so some to whom the outward or visible power of the Spirit was communicated were not intrusted with the inward and sanctifying operations thereof as appears Mat. 7.22 23. where it is witnessed that Christ shall say to the workers of miracles Depart c. I know you not and to Judas Iscariot was given power among the rest to cast out devils and work miracles Matth. 10.4 8. to shew the Spirit is not limited but as the wind blowing where it listeth distributing to several persons severally even as he pleaseth 1 Cor. 12.11 in diversity of gifts administrations and operations For as to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdome to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit to another the gifts of healing to another working of miracles c. So it is said to another faith by the same Spirit 1 Cor. 12.9 Which operation of the Spirit is diverse from the former gifts enumerated both before it and after it for although there is required to the working of Miracles a faith suitable thereunto as appears by our Saviours testimony Matt. 17.20 Luk. 17.6 Matt. 21.21 and by the Apostles 1 Cor. 14.2 Yet this Faith is a distinct gift diverse from that whose manifestation was external
shineth in the dark heart of every man is the Vnction of the holy one given of the Father whereby we need not teach one another c. I say how doth it appeare that this is spoken of that little light as being that Vnction when there is not so much as one word mentioning that little light at all in this entire passage of Scripture nor any other that I doe know of If there be any I wish it were produced nor can it satisfie to say its meant so for meanings have received their sentence already in the former branch Nay the contrary is evident that the Apostle is so farre from speaking of the Light in every man and calling it the Vnction of the holy one given of the Father c. That he speakes of that holy Anoynting which they to whom he there writes viz. the little children the young men and the fathers were made partakers of viz whose sins were forgiven for his names sake and who had knowne the Father and overcome the wicked one 1 John 2.12 13. Such as in whom the darknesse was past and the true light now shined vers 8. These were they who had received the Vnction from the holy one and did know all things the anoynting which they having received abideth in them according to that which was promised John 14.16 Even the Spirit of truth who was to abide for ever with them to whom he should be given vers 27. who being come should teach them all things vers 26. To the persons who through beleeving were borne againe not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man but of God who as little children had obtained Remission of sinnes for his names sake as young men had overcome the wicked one as fathers had knowne him from the beginning I say to such as these are and of such as these are this Scripture gives Testimony that they had received the Vnction of the holy one i. e. the Spirit of truth which should lead them into all truth and teach them all things and abide with them for ever according to the promise of Christ John 14.16 17 26. John 16.13 14 15. Which Vnction of the holy one i. e. the Spirit of truth is not a light in every one shining in the darke heart and teaching them all things but is so in such only as doe beleeve for to as many as received him to them he gave the priviledge of Sonneship And because they were Sonnes he sent forth the Spirit of his Sonne into their hearts crying Abba Father Gal. 4.6 Which is not the state or case of every one as is evident for all men have not the faith 2 Thes 3.2 Without which men cannot be the Children of God Gal. 3.7 26 28. nor receive the Vnction of the holy one so as not to need any one to teach them but as the anoynting teacheth them Object The words by thee first repeated as taken out of the booke called Mans returne mention not these words viz. Every one but only the little light which shineth in the darke heart Where the words Every one doe not follow notwithstanding thou doest often mention them as if they were there expressed Answ 1. To speake roundly and plainly to the Principle That which is said of the little light which shines in the dark heart as being the powerfull word of faith or as being the Vnction of the holy one c. is true of it as it is in every one or is not true of it at all in any one according to this Principle which saith The Light is but one in all 2 That Christ is the light which hath enlightned every one that comes into the world Thou that hatest this light thou hast it to this the current of these writings give testimony and in particular this very Author of mans returne hath these words viz. Fox way to the Kingdome Pages 1.6 All you enslaved Captives of Babylon hearken diligently to Jesus Christ the light which lets you see the evill of your hearts to be guided by it c. Mans Returne Page 26. Every one minde your conditions see what guides your mindes for the Kingdome of Christ is within you and that is the light which lets you see the evill of your hearts Page 27. O thou enslaved soule under the power of Babylon in thee come forth minde the light in thee which is the sure word of Prophecy whereunto ye do well to take heed 2 Pet. 1.19 By which severall passages it is evident that the light which enlightneth every one is the little light which shines in the dark heart of every one and is so intended even by this Author as by others and accordingly so applyed and spoken to Object Doth not the Scripture say 1 Cor. 12.7 The manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withall How then dost thou restraine it to some men as thou hast done Answ It is evident that all have not the Spirit of Christ Rom. 8.9 If any man have not the Spirit of Christ he is none of his and Jude doth testifie of some persons that they are sensuall haveing not the Spirit vers 19. Therefore the Apostle speaking of the manifestation of the Spirit which was given forth in the Church of Corinth in the diversity of its gifts the differences of administration and the diversity of operations To one was given a word of Wisedome to another a word of Knowledge to another faith to another the gifts of healing to another the working of miracles to another Prophecy to another discerning of Spirits to another kindes of tongues to another interpretations of tongues Now all these were divers manifestations of the Spirit in that Church of Corinth diversly distributed and divided to every man severally vers 11. Now all these worketh that one and the selfe same spirit divideing to everyman severally as he will as appeares vers 28 29 30. Now God hath set some in the Church c. Are all Apostles are all Prophets are all Teachers are all Workers of miracles have all Gifts of healing doe all speake with tongues doe all interpret By which it doth appear that the manifestation of the Spirit as it was different so it was differently distributed and is restrained to some Persons v. 30. have all doe all are all c. And the word every man in the 7. verse is explained by the same words every Man in the 11. vers And the end of this distribution of the Spirit or manifestation of the Spirit is given to no man for himselfe but it is to every man to profit withall to edify and build up and doe service in the body as an hand foot or eye or some other member of the body according to the similitude of a body used in that Scripture not that the Spirit or the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man i. e. to every individuall Person Forasmuch as some men are
which conditions the Law of works as it is in every man hath power of deicsion to weigh and measure and determine touching the rectitude the regularity of every action and to declare it's conformity or non-conformity to the rule and pronounce it good or evill and to passe sentence according to the tenor and conditions of the Covenant both unto them who continue in well doeing as unto them that obey not the truth but obey unrighteousnesse for the doers of the law shall be justified if any such could be found that had or could fulfill the same in every thing * Rom. 2.6 7.8.13 But this dominion which the law hath over every man is limitted Rom. 7.1.4 If once that be dead wherein we were held we thence forth serve in newnesse of Spirit and not in oldnesse of the letter bringing forth fruit to another husband * Rom. 7.6 Now it is evident that Whatsoever the law saith it saith to them that are under the Law * Rom. 3.19 whether it be the Law of works or the law of faith the Law of sin and death or the Law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus And whatsoever the Spirit saith to such it saith it to them according to the tenor of the Covenant to which it relates Hence then it followes that as the Law to which all mankinde is subjected being written on every mans heart is the Law of works so it directs and gives rules detects and passeth sentence touching things done within its spheare and compasse as a Law of the first husband and so of the first man But touching such kinds of ungodlikenesse as relate to the new Covenant or law of faith viz. among many others the sin of not beleeving on Christ the light or Law in every man reprooves not for nor convinceth man of neither can it for it is not a condition of that law Now where no law is there is no transgression therefore no reprooving for transgression where none is imputed More might be added but it will be taken in in that which followes Object This pure light that doth proceed and come forth from God which is pure and perfect it convinceth man of all the deceits of his heart and of all his false wayes and worships and convinceth him of unrighteousnesse and Infidelity and all manner of evill whatsoever and leads him into the way of Salvation in obedience to it this light is from the fountain of lights it is the light of life Joh. 16.25 26 27 28. John 12.35 36. * * Richard Farnham Ranters discovered Page 12. Reply This being much what the same with the former passage of Francis Howgills that which hath been spoken in answer thereunto may be applyed to this also and where there is a difference in their expressions ir shall be considered a part and examined Besides and among other things this last writer saith that this pure light which he also calleth the pure Law Page 2. doth convince of all the deceits of the heart c. Among which he reckons up Infidelity and all manner of evill whatsoever To which it may be Replyed that If by Infidelity be intended a not believing in Christ then I doe affirme that the light or Law in every man doth not convince thereof For though Persons are reproved of many sins by the light and Law within them so as to leave them inexcusable before God yet are they not convinced or reproved of the sin of not believing in Christ but by the Comforter the Spirit of truth Joh. 16.7 8 9. If I goe not away the Comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you And when he is come he shall reproove the world of sin c. Of sin because they beleeve not on me By which place it is very plainly prooved that to convince of the sin of not believing on Christ is not ascribed to the light or Law in every man but to the Spirit of truth which Christ would send to his Disciples upon his departure Joh. 16.7 Object The light which is in man but not of man reprooves the the world of sin and is the same which is mentioned John 16.7 8 9. and convinceth of Infidelity and all manner of evill whatsoever Answ 1. That the light in man discovers and the Law in man convinceth and reprooves of sin even to the stopping of all mouthes and makeing them to become silent and guilty before God is acknowledged and witnessed unto both by the excercise of the accuseing conscience in man and the testimony of the Scriptures Rom. 2.14 15. And hath been assented unto before except in the case of not believing on Christ 2. But that this light or Law in every man is the same which is mentioned John 16.7 8. i. e. the Comforter the spirit of truth which convinceth or reproveth the world of the sin of not believing on Christ It may not in the least be admitted without great injury to the truth contained in the holy Scripture Forasmuch as First the Scripture saith not in expresse terms that the light in every man is the same Spirit or Comforter which was promised in John 16. to be sent to reprove the world of sin Secondly nor may any meaning or consequent supply the defect by putting in for a proofe thereof for if the light in every man and the Spirit of truth promised John 16 7. be both one then there was no time since man had a being on the face of the earth wherein this Comforter the Spirit of truth was not in every man as the light is said to have been and to have reproved every man of every transgression yea of unbeliefe Now it is plainly testified by Christ touching the Comforter the Spirit of truth who was to reprove the world of sin viz of unbeliefe That he was not yet come while as Christ was not yet ascended as appears John 16.7.13 Neverthelesse I tell you the truth it is expedient for you that I goe away for if I goe not away the Comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you when he is come he will reprove the world of sin How be it when he the Spirit of truth is come c. By which words of him who is faithfull and true yea Truth it selfe it 's evident that the appearance and comeing of the Spirit of truth to reprove the world for not believing on Christ Jesus was not a thing which had alwayes been with and in every man since man had a being as is affirmed of the light with which every man which comes into the world is enlightned Nay the clean contrary appears by this Scripture which testifies that he the Spirit of truth had not yet appeared a Comforter to the Disciples nor a Reprover to the world for their unbeliefe in Christ nor could he so appear as yet till Christ was glorified and then Christ when he went away would send him Therefore
the light or law in every man is not that Spirit of truth mentioned John 16.7 nor doth that light or law in every man reprove any man of not beleiving in Jesus Christ It remaines to consider of a further clause in the Objection which saith touching this light viz. Object That this light is from the fountaine of lights it is the light of life John 16.25 26 27 28. John 12.35 36. Answ 1. Although the Lamp or Candle of the Lord in every man proceeds from God as from the father and fountaine of lights Yet that the light in every man is the light of life is not a Scripture Phrase to say no more thereof 2. These Scriptures brought to prove it viz. John 16.25 26 27 28. John 12.35 36. speak not the thing viz. the light of life much lesse doe they say that the light in every man is that light of life and this will appeare to any one that examines the Scriptures which are quoted which is conviction enough to the meeke and tender and more need not to be said thereunto but to desire such to consider how it is written The next passage I am to consider of touching the light viz. what it doth in every man I finde thus exprest viz. Loving the light it will guide you to God from all wen that you need never looke at man more Ri. Farnworth Discover faith Reply The light which is in every man by which the deeds done in the body are discovered and manifested for the light makes manifest And the Law in every man which gives sentence upon those deeds done as good or evill for by it comes the knowledge of sin I say this light and law should be by any person loved and obeyed yet were it not able to guide to God from all men so as that we need never look at man more For this were to ascribe falsehood and to put a lye upon the holy Spirit of truth which testifieth Gal. 3.21 If there had been a Law given which could have given life verily righteousnesse should have been by the Law And Gal. 2.21 If righteousnesse come by the Law then Christ is dead in vaine So that there doth need a looking unto Jesus the Author and Finisher of faith Heb. 12.2 Yea even the Man Christ Jesus * * 1 Tim 2.5 who endured the Crosse despising the shame and is set downe at the right hand of the Throne of God loveing the light that is in man will not doe it obeying the Law will not nor cannot leade up to God without looking unto him whom God hath anointed and appointed to be Salvation to the ends of the earth besides whom there is no Saviour who saith Look unto me and be you saved all yee ends of the earth * * Esay 45.21 22. Neither is their salvation in any other For there is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Acts 4.12 And other foundation can no man lay then what is laid which is Christ Jesus * * 1 Cor. 3.11 Christ himselfe and he alone is the true and only foundation besides which no man may lay any other by what name soever he call it whether light or law or what ever other name may be given to it it 's a name divers from that name which God hath anoynted to be the salvation of the ends of the earth by receiving of whom through faith by believing in his name we are priviledged with the dignity of Son-ship and declared to be born of God John 1.12 13. As many as received HIM to them he gave power i. e. right or priviledge to be made the sons of God even to them that BELIEVE in his name who are born not of the will of man BVT of God There is some what further to be added in answer to this passage or sentence but I referre it to that which followes where there will be occasion to treat againe upon the same matter though the expressions of words may be somewhat varied That which followes to be considered in this passage Being obedient to the light within it will bring you to purity to holinesse to uprightnesse there is your Teacher present with you That light obeying it is your salvation disobeying that light is your condemnation Minde your Teacher within minde the light within Jer. 31 34. Esay 54.13 John 6 46. John 1.2.27 * * A briefe discovery of Antichrist Reply It is a most certain truth that there is in every man a Lamp or Torch or Candle of the Lord which is a great light within him together with which there is a Law which is holy just and good whose tendency is to direct the Creature to purity to holinesse and to uprightnesse and in that sence is his Teacher within him according to the divine truth of that Scripture The Law was our School-master unto or untill Christ Gal. 3.24 which is true of the Law written either on the heart or on tables or in a book all which are Scripture expressions I say this light and Law which is in every man hath a tendency to direct toward purety and uprightnesse but hath no power to assist it gives not the Creature the least abillity to perform the thing it requires Gal. 3.21 If there had been a Law given which could have given life but what the Law could not doe Rom. 8.3 Neverthelesse it exerciseth the parts of a Teacher or Tutor in giveing rules and precepts in pointing out to a Person his duty and reviving and calling to account the things done passing a righteous and just sentence according to the terms and tenour of the Covenant of works viz. The man that doth them shall live in them Rom. 10.5 Cursed be every one that contonueth not in every thing which is written in the Law to doe them Gala. 3.10 But as it doth not give strength to the performance of what it requires so it hath received no anointing to relieve the Creature against the sentence of the curse incurr'd upon the transgression which it selfe pronounceth but wounds him and leaves him without pouring in either oyle or wine according to what is testified Rom. 4.15 Because the Law worketh wrath So that although a person by the light and law within him may see his worke before him what is to be done and while he obeyes the command is under that sentence which saith The man that doth them shall live in them And he hath peace while he continueth in his obedience But if at any time he doe amisse in any thing where is his Peace then The Law is faithfull it is impartiall it doth not speak Peace to the transgressor Nay the Law worketh wrath it pronounceth sentence Cursed be every one which continueth not in every thing And this sentence is absolute without limitation Here 's no covering or terms of recovery no roome for repentance under the leading and teaching of this School-master but scourging and lashing and wounding without healing haveing no
at Moses and all the Prophets Hee expounded in all the Scriptures the things concerning himselfe Luke 24.27 Hee as Christ the Lord or the Lords Christ Luk. 2.11.26 opened to them the Scriptures Luke 24.32 and opened their understandings that they might understand the Scriptures v. 45. The Spirit of truth which proceedeth from the father and whom Christ would send from the Father John 15.26 after he himselfe was departed John 16.7 Hee that Spirit of truth should be the Revealer of secrets 1 Cor. 2.10 who is called the Spirit of Revelation Ephes 1.17 and should both bring to remembrance and open the mystery of the sayings of Christ and of the holy Scriptures of truth John 14.17.26 John 16.13 and continue so to doe as the abideing Oracle from whose blessed breathings and whispers wisdomes Children the Anoynted ones of the Lord the New borne babes the borne of God they which are borne of the Spirit or from above are to expect openings and leadings into truth Joh. 14.16 17. The light as thus considered opens all Scriptures Reply But the light in every man which comes into the world viz. the Spirit of a man Zach 12.1 or Candle of the Lord Pro 20.27 or the law which is written on every mans heart which as hath been said before is one with the light This light or law in every man doth not nor cannot open all Scriptures nor lead man out of the fall up to God the Father and to eternall life That it doth not open all Scriptures may be demonstrated from the passage now under Consideration if compared with the Scriptures produced for the proofe thereof For as much as the Scriptures produced make not so much as mention of the thing which they are brought to proove Who is there that in John 1.5.8 9 10 11 12 13. or in John 17.10.23 24. can finde one word of proofe that the light in every man opens all Scriptures and leads man out of the fall up to God the Father and to eternall life which is a plaine Evidence and demonstration that the light in Richard Farnworth hath not opened these Scriptures to him else he would have seene them not to have been to the purpose or matter in hand and if the light in this person before named have not opened these Scriptures then the light in every man doth not open all Scriptures Object The light in every man doth open all Scriptures but it is not to every man but to them only that love it and obey it Ans It hath been often said by many that the Scriptures are plaine and wee deny meanings and particularly this hath been mentioned before that sharpe sentence of Francis Howgill Thou that tells of opening Chapters or verses by meanings thou never heard a word of Christ I would demand of any man Are not Chapters and verses Scriptures Is not opening of Scriptures the expounding them and giveing the sence and meaning thereof Forasmuch as no Scripture needs to be opened or expounded where there is not some difficulty or obscurity in the sence and meaning thereof In the 24. of Luke 25.26 27. our Lord expounds to his Disciples Moses and the Prophets and in them the things concerning himselfe and the Disciples testifie vers 32. that he opened to them the Scriptures the like did Peter and Phillip and others Acts 2.29 Acts 1.16 Acts 8.34 35. Acts 17.35 If the Scriptures be plaine and need no opening how then is the light said to open all Scriptures and how may these two writers viz. Francis and Richard be reconciled The one affirming The light opens all Scriptures The other saying Thou which tells of opening Chapters or Verses by meanings thou never heard a word of Christ If the light in every man doth open alll Scriptures to every one that doth love and obey it How is it that Richard Farnworth doth faile of the true understanding of the Scriptures before cited as to the end and scope thereof haveing not in them the proofe of the matter for which they are brought is it because he doth not love the light and obey it That will hardly be consented unto seeing in his book called Heart-opened Page 12. He saith of himselfe the heavenly treasure doth dwell in an earthen vessell and my joy is in doing the will of my heavenly Father If then the defect be not in him through a want of love and obedience to the light in him It must be in the light that is in him that it cannot or doth not open all Scriptures to him Another instance may be given in this case from the writeings of the same Person in his book called Heart Opened Page 16. I finde these words You say Christ did breake the Passeover with his Disciples true it is he did so to shew what death he was to dye his body was to be broken and his blood to be shed and that was the figure and they were to observe it tilll he came to rise from the dead and they did so They did observe it till he came to them again after his death and then the shadow was put away and the life was manifested in power and the substance was come unto them for he shewed himselfe to those very Disciples which he broke the Passeover with before his death Now to whom Christ is come they need not to observe that which did typifie or held forth that he was to come Page 18. Reply I have chosen to expresse this whole passage the rather because I would avoid the offence of such as might say I had willingly omitted some word or sentence to the Authors prejudice In this passage there is a plain discovery that the light in this Author hath mistooke the Scripture and instead of opening thereof hath darkned obscured and perverted the truth therein and that will appeare upon examination and tryall 1. Where it is said Christ did breake the Passeover The Scripture saith not so Exod. 12.46 Nay the law testifies that not a bone thereof was to be broken Numb 9.12 But I suspect the difference between the Passeover and the Supper of the Lord was not taken notice of by him 2. They did observe it till he came saith he What Scripture gives Testimony thereto that the Disciples did observe the Passeover or the Supper dureing Christs abode in the grave or where and how was it by them observed 3. Then the shadow was put away and the substance was come unto them Now to whom Christ is come they need not to observe that which did tipifie or hold forth that he was to come Reply This kinde of opening of this Scripture and the meaning that is put upon it speakes thus much to me That Christ did breake the Passeover but that 's not so rather he brake bread and so it 's testified this his breaking bread was a figure and they were to observe it till he came to rise from the dead and they did so and they did observe it till he
will that they also whom thou hast given me be with me where I am that they may behold my glory which thou hast given me 1. Tim. 3.16 Beleeved on in the world received up into glory And he shall send Jesus Christ which before was preached unto you whom the heaven must receive untill the times of restitution of all things Acts 3.20 21. For our conversation is in heaven from whence also we look for the Saviour the Lord Jesus Christ who shall change our vile body or body of vileness that it may be fashioned like his glorious body Phil. 3.20 21. according as John also testifies 1 Joh. 3.2 3. But we know that when he shall appear we shall be like him for we shall see him as he is Thus then in relation to his bodily presence he is considered as without us as is testified 1 Pet. 3.22 Heb. 1.3 Col. 3.1 Act. 7.56 But in relation to his spiritual presence so he filleth all things Ephes 4.10 and in respect thereof it may be sayd Whither shall I go from thy spirit or whither shall I flee from thy presence Psal 139.7 8 9 10 11 12. and though the influence of his supporting and susteining presence extendeth to all things upholding them by the word of his power Heb. 1.3 though they see it not Col. 1.17 Yet his special Resience and presdence is with such as being joined to the Lord are become one spirit and are his house his Temple where he abides as one at home and that for ever as is testified 1 Cor. 6.17 19 20. He that is joined to the Lord is one spirit What know you not that your body is the temple of the holy spirit in you which ye have of God and ye are not your own for you are bought with a price therfore glorifie God in your body and in your spirit which are God's Nor is this union of Spirit or spiritual union this residence or Temple presence as the state of a wayfaring man which tarries but for a night for this is the word of promise Joh. 14.16 17. I will pray the Father and he shall or will give you another Comforter that he may abide with you for ever even the Spirit of truth Ye know him he dwelleth with you and shall be in you Now the Lord is that Spirit and where the Spirit of the Lord is there is liberty 2 Cor. 3.17 The fear of Casting out is removed and gone and the soul put into a capacity of serving the Lord without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all the dayes of its life Such persons being joyned to the Lord and become one Spirit with him Beholding with open face or with the face unveil'd which veil is done away in Christ the glory of the Lord are changed into the same Image from glory to glory even as by the Spirit of the Lord and of such persons such Temples such spiritual houses may it be said as anciently it was said of the typical place of Gods residence and abode 2 Chr. 7.16 I have chosen and sanctified this house Mine eyes and my heart shall be there perpetually Psal 132.14 This is my rest for ever here will I dwell for I have desired it I will make the Horn of David to bud which was is and shall be accomplish'd in the Lord Jesus whom God hath raised up as an horn of salvation in the house of his servant David Luk. 1.69 By whom he hath begun to repair the breaches and build again the tabernacle of David which was fallen down and will build again the ruines thereof and will set it up that the residue of men may seek after the Lord and all the Gentiles upon whom my name is called or as many as the Lord our God shall call Act. 2.39 saith the Lord that doth all these things Act. 15.16 17. Then shall the body be compleated and every joynt supplyed the Saints perfected and gathered into one in the unity of faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ Who as he is the head of the body Ephes 4.16 5.23 in whom the universal body or Church of the first born become a perfect man being fitly joyned together in due order of membership to the compleating thereof So is he the foundation or chief corner stone of the building in whom every living stone is framed together built together an holy Temple in the Lord an habitation of God through the spirit Thus is the Lord Jesus Christ in Spirit both Author and finisher of faith in every one that beleeves As considered the object of faith so is he held forth in the Word as one who himself in his own body hath done whatsoever was necessary to bring us to God and this he did for us and without us Phil. 2.7 8. 1 Pet. 2.21 24. As considered the Author and Finisher of faith in bringing us to God so he performeth all in us by his Spirit from the very first step of conviction laying himself as a foundation in the judgement and will to the very top stone of the building and that he might be all in all It remains to consider some certain passages expressed in a Letter written by a friend of this conscience and perswasion the particulars whereof follow viz. Dear Friend I Truly own in thee a breathing after the Lord and unsatisfiedness till thou hast found him whom to know is life eternal but the mistake is about the way to attain Now the way for lost man to return to have Communion and fellowship with the pure and holy God is by Christ who saith I am the way But where to find this Christ or way here lyeth not only the difference but also for the want of the knowledge of this and walking in it is the true cause of mans misery and thou thy selfe art not ignorant of the several forms that cry Loe here and loe there yet the way is but one Search the Scriptures and see if Christ be not only the way but also Christ near and while we consider Christ at a distance is it any more than those that are of the world which say Depart from us we desire not the knowledge of thy wayes To this will that other Scripture agree When they knew God they glorified him not as God these had such a knowledge of God that they might thereby have glorified him as God which not doing they were given up to vile affections Now to know him that is the gift of God if ever we will we must know him as God holds him forth Christ saith of himself that he is the dore Can any one enter to God otherwayes than by Christ He also saith he is the light Can any one come to God but he must receive the light Also there are measures of this light The first measure or degree of light is that which discovers sin and iniquity and
this in sundry places Those which have seen the mighty works of God as a Creator upon themselves or others I say the mighty works of God as a Creator these are said to glorifie God in owning and acknowledging him to be the Author thereof confessing him to be the only God or the God of Gods so did that proud King Nebuchadnezzar Dan. 3.28 29. Blessed be the God of c. Because there is no other God that can deliver after this sort Dan. 4.2 3. I thought it good to shew the signes and wonders which the high God hath shewed toward me how great are his signes and how mighty are his wonders vers 34. And I blessed the most high and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extoll and honour the King of heaven all whose works are truth and his wayes judgement and those that walk in pride he is able to abase Thus he glorified God as the most high God Dan. 5.21 ascribing to him the glory due to his name so may and so ought every naturall man to own God as his Creator and to ascribe to him glory and honour The contrary whereof appears in his son Belshazzar Dan. 5.22 And thou his Son hast not humbled thy heart though thou knewest all this and the God in whose hand thy breath is hast thou not glorified whence it is evident that the father did but the Son did not glorifie God i.e. ascribe unto him the greatnesse of his power soveraignty and dominion and extoll and praise him according thereunto as the most High the only God of Gods as they in Rev. 11.13 in that terrible and dreadfull Earthquake who being affrighted gave glory i.e. ascribed glory to the God of heaven In like manner did the Centurion glorifye God in giving testimony to our Lord Jesus at the time of his death Luk. 23.47 when he saw what was done he glorified God saying Certainly this was a righteous man Luk. 7.15 16. and there came a great fear on all and they glorified God saying That a great Prophet is risen up among us So that when in that passage it is said Because when they knew God they glorified him not as God and the inference thereupon viz. those had such a knowledg of God that they might thereby have glorified him as God It is to be remembred what that Such Knowledg was Now what that kind of knowledge of God was which they had is declared that is Such as whereby they saw his eternal power and Godhead and could distinguish between him and any Created being they were not to be instructed that a bird or a beast or a creeping thing or the Image of a man was not the true and living God the Author and fountain of all created beings for they knew full well the contrary they had sufficient demonstration to the contrary both without them and within them Neverthelesse they being so stupidly brutish as contrary to their light and knowledge to bid defiance to the most high God and to cast off the knowledge of him and to erect contrary to truth and reason such beastly and brutish gods which are lies and no gods viz. Birds and beasts and creeping things as they did Rom. 1.23 The righteous Lord as a just recompence of reward gave them up to all uncleanesse blindnesse bruitishnesse a dreadfull reward of so horrible a sinne vers 24.26.28 A fearfull example to all such who having attained to any measure of the knowledge of God though but as a Creator and yet doe not glorifie him as such by ascribing unto him the honour due to his name according to those words of truth 1 Cor. 16.23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30. Jer. 10.7 Rev. 15.4 Who would not fear THEE O King of Nations and glorifie thy name sing unto the Lord all the earth shew forth from day to day his salvation declare his glory among the heathen for great is the Lord ye kinreds of the people give unto the Lord glory and strength the glory due to his Name But for any to know the true God and that there is no other gods but he nor any to be feared served but he and yet to bid defiance to him and that measure of knowledge which they have of him and imbrace other gods whether birds or beasts or creeping things yea though it should be a man or the Son of a man the Image of a man it is an aggravation of sin and 't will be so in the judgement and 't were better such had never known this knowledg but had been made birds or beasts or creeping things or had never seen the light for the untimely birth is more happy than such Whoso is wise and will observe those things even they shall understand the loving kindnesse of the Lord Psal 107. last verse To the Soule-ly Sensual or Natural Man Whether Civil or Profane SOlomon applying his heart to know to search and to seek out wisdome and to know the wickedness of folly even of foolishness and madness Eccles 9.3 centers all in the heart of the Sons of men from whence proceeds evil thoughts Adulteries Fornications Murders Thefts Covetousness Wickedness Deceit Lasciviousness an evil Eye Blasphemy Pride Foolishness all these evil things come from within and defile the man as he that is the truth it self testifies Mar. 7.21 22. But in the beginning it was not so and this testimony the Holy spirit gives by the mouth of him that made this diligent search Ecclesiast 7. ult Lo this â—nly have I found that God made man upright but they have sought out many Inventions As all the Inventions which defile the man proceed from within the man as above so all those defiling Inventions were sought out and fetch'd in by the man whose destruction is of himself for in the beginning God saw every thing that he had made and behold it was very good and Man was made in his own Image In the Image of God created he him Gen. 1.27 God made man upright Nevertheless Man in honour abideth not he is like the beasts that perish His bow abode not in strength he sought out many Inventions Tumbles down from his excellency and is driven out among beasts and made to eat grass as the Ox or husks with the Swine Till the time appointed of the most High be determined and mans understanding be caused to return and the splendor honour and brightness of his kingdome be restored and excellent Majesty added to him by being new created in Christ Jesus and renewed in the spirit of his mind in righteousness and holiness of truth being born again by the spirit or from above without which change passing upon him no man can see or enter into the kingdome of God Nor is this the Condition of some men only but it is the lot and portion of all the Generations of mankind all having sinned and come short of the Glory of God there being none that doth
the spirit Answ This doth not in the least invalidate that which hath been spoken touching the Pseuchical or natural man forasmuch as the Scripture-phrase is not another but the same in all four places that is 1 Cor. 2.14 1 Cor. 15.44 46. James 3.15 and Jude 19. only the Translators have varyed the English word in the two latter That which in the former is rendred natural is in the two latter translated sensual for reason best known to themselves hinted at by a Learned man in his Exposition on the Epistle of James but both are the same in the Original and both are opposed to that which is spiritual as in the last of the places aforementioned that is Jude 19. appears sensual not having the spirit So that all being put together they make up but one and the same thing viz. The sensuall man Let him be the Positive Pseuchik he that does not embrace the Wisdome from above James 3.15 but brings in another wisdome which is from beneath or those mockers of the last time Jude 18 19. both these being 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 sensuals not having the Spirit that is opposing the Spirit Or those privative Pseuchik's mentioned 1 Cor. 2.14 which perceive not or receive not the things of the Spirit of God but count them foolishness nor can know them because they are spiritually discerned Both these kinds of persons if there be any diversity of kinde among them and all those testimonies of Scripture put together center in this truth That man that is meer man furnished with all that the first man after his transgression was capable of with all his light of knowledge and reason heightned and improved to the uttermost in that capacity He is not able to discern the things of the Spirit of God till he be born again and receive another eye wherewith to see that is faith and another light that is the Spirit by which to discern the spiritual-things of God or the things of the Spirit of God So true is that testimony Surely man at his best estate is altogether vanity Psal 39.5 not only in respect of outward things but even in his wisdome his very thoughts are vanity Psalm 44.11 yea the wisest of them are so 1 Cor. 3.20 The Lord knoweth the thoughts of the wise that they are vain therefore let no man glory in man but as it is written Jer. 9.23 1 Cor. 1.27 28 29 30.31 He that gloryeth let him glory in the Lord and be content to be a fool that he may be wise 1 Cor. 3.18 For it is written I will destroy the wisdome of the wise bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent 1 Cor. 1.19 and that God effecteth by bringing in that which the wise ones of the world count foolishness viz. Christ crucified who though he be to the Jews a stumbling block and to the Gentiles foolishness yet to them that are called both of the one and of the other that is both Jew and Greek he is the power of God and the wisdome of God 1 Cor. 1.18 31. because the foolishnesse of God is wiser than men and the weaknesse of God is stronger than men And the way of Gods communication hereof to his called ones is no lesse wonderful in it self though as foolish to the wisdome of them which would be wise according to the flesh whose glorying God himself cuts off 1 Cor. 1.29 and addes But of him are ye that is called ones in Christ Jesus who of God is made to us not in us Wisdome and Righteousness and Sanctification and Redemption that according as it is written He that gloryeth let him glory in the Lord How foolish a thing soever this seems to be in its application yet this is true in him and founded upon him as the Covenant and is one of the deep things of the Spirit of God which no natural man can receive till washing of Regeneration and the renewing of the holy Spirit flowing forth out of this blessed Fountain of mercy and grace as in opposition to works of Righteousnesse which is the womb of salvation to the saved ones Tit. 3.4 5 6 7. Obj. This is notwithstanding all that hath been said a most uncertain means of discovery as is cleerly to be evinced by all the pretenders thereto who though they be very many and diverse yet they all discover the great uncertainty hereof by sad and wofull experience Instances whereof may be given in great abundance Answ Though this be too true in some yea in very many yet it doth not make the Faith of God of none effect as if the things were not because so many are mistaken about it For the Scriptures give plentiful testimony to the thing and many have experienced the same viz. That as the Father had his peculiar time of operation by way of eminency though by the Word and Spirit as is testified John 5.17 The Father worketh hitherto c. So the Son had his peculiar time of working to bring life and immortality to light 2 Tim. 1.9 10. Reconciling the world to God though God was in Christ effecting this work 2 Cor. 5.19 and through the eternal Spirit the atonement was made Heb. 9.14 So likewise to the Spirit there is assigned a time of operation to apply whatsoever hath been spoken or done by the Father and Christ in order to the atoning and reconciling to the perfecting and compleating the eternal Inheritance preparing or making meet the heirs of salvation for it and it for them in all things necessary thereunto according to the tenour of the new Covenant Ezek. 36.27 and the Mediation and ministration thereof opening the dark eye of the understanding Ephes 1.18 to see the wonderful things which were hid from ages and generations with Christ in God Eph. 3.9 11. and now by him manifested and revealed 2 Tim. 1.9 10. enclining the will to receive them Phil. 2.13 removing away whatsoever sets and hinders and making the subject and object meet in the center and become a perfect vision and this not with uncertainty but with greatest assurance and certainty as doth evidently and eminently appear to such as to whom it was a seal Eph. 4.30 an earnest also Eph. 1.13 14. and the first fruits Rom. 8.23 and likewise a witness Rom. 8.16 1 Joh. 4.13 1 Cor. 2.12 All which are terms of indubitableness therefore there is such a thing such an administration to be witnessed unto in some whatever mistakes may otherwayes be about it in the misapplication thereof by many Obj. Though this were the dispensation in the times of the Apostles and of the primitive Saints and Churches that they were indued with the Spirit and born witness unto thereby and sealed therewith and that it was to them an earnest and first fruits and so was in them an evidence and certainty Yet it is not safe to conclude from thence that because they once had it therefore persons now have it except they which do now
before proved The same is likewise confirmed Joh. 14.16 And I will pray the Father and he shall give you another Comforter even the spirit of Truth but lest it should be said as in the Objection this promise was made to that Age of the Apostles only it is added that he may abide with you for ever Obj. But were the Apostles at that time without that spirit altogether Answ It is answered in the 17. verse But ye know him for he dwelleth with you and shall be in you the spirit shall be the same but the measures enlarged the same spirit of faith but not the same measure Object What shall the spirit do when it is given in that larger measure Answ It is resolved partly in the 26. verse He shall teach you all things and bring all things to your remembrance whatsoever I have said unto you And partly Joh. 16.13 He will guide you into all truth and he will shew you all things to come Obj. This is that dispensation of the spirit which is mentioned in Joh. 7.38 39. and for which the Apostles were commanded to waite at Jerusalem Luk. 24.49 and which the Apostles did receive Act. 2.4 according to the prophecy Joel 2.28 A. It is not to be denyed as before that one branch of the dispensation of the spirit is to open it self in such discoveries as those but the whole thereof and the all of that dispensation is not limited or confined to the external and outward and miraculous manifestation thereof only as in the Apostles dayes At which time not to every person individually was it so communicated as hath been proved before unto which you are referred and they which did receive the dispensation of the spirit at large both in its inward operation and outward manifestation yet did receive but the first fruits thereof Rom. 8.23 From the whole of what hath been spoken in answer to this main objection this briefly is the summe 1. That notwithstanding the dispensation of the spirit in the times called primitive viz. in the dayes of the Apostles and primitive Christians was with great evidence and outward manifestation accompanied with signs and wonders and mighty deeds yet it was so but in some persons not in all beleevers as by the instances before cited may appear for there were some beleevers that did not know of such a thing as the spirit Act. 19.2 2. That as some Beleevers were ignorant of outward manifestation thereof so there were others who having the outward were destitute of the inward Mat. 7.22 23. 10.4 8. 3. The gift of the spirit is a Covenant gift first promised to Christ and in him to them that are his that is Christs to him and to his seed throughout their generations seeds seed Isa 59.21 4. It was promised by Christ to his Apostles to be in them for ever Joh. 14.16 17. not so to remain in their individual persons for ever but in their successors and not in them only as such that is Apostles but also in all such as should thenceforth beleeve thorough their word Joh. 17.20 5. It was prophesied to be poured upon all flesh Joel 2.28 and applyed to all that were a farre off even as many as the Lord our God shall call Act. 2.39 6. The Apostle declareth of himself and the beleeving Romans who although they had received the Spirit of Adoption whereby they cryed Abba Father and he at least had also received the outward visible manifestation of the Spirit yet saith of himself and them They had received the first fruits of the spirit intimating that there was yet a further manifestation thereof reserved to them which were to come after according to the tenor of that Scripture Heb. 11.40 That they without us might not be made perfect Hence therefore it may be argued that though it hath pleased the Lord for the misuse or abuse of his holy spirit or for other most holy ends known unto himself to withdraw from the children of men for a season the manifestation thereof in that which is outward in gifts of tongues prophecies healings c. Suffering Arts so called by Man to prevail instead thereof till the faith of his people prevail through cryes and tears to bring back the Anointed and with him the Anointing For the prophesy of Joel is as yet but in part fulfilled and the direction of our Lord remains firm to this day Luk. 11. from the 5. verse to the 14. touching the incessant importunate prayer for the holy spirit concluding thus vers 14. If ye then which are evil know how to give good things to your children how much more shall the Heavenly Father give the holy spirit to them which ask him And surely were but the Lords people awakened to consider the necessity of the return of that spirit which hath been for so long a time withdrawn and to be importunate with the Lord and give him no rest but with all humble and holy boldness continue in prayer and not faint according to that in Luk. 18.1 who knowes how soon the most high might turn the Captivity of his people as the Rivers of the South as to this particular and meet his mourning praying Servants where David met the men of Judah who came to conduct him over Jordan even at Gilgal viz. the place of the rowling away of reproach Ioshuah 5.9 and make it a time as that was a place of rowling away of reproach from his people forever Nevertheless though in respect of its visible manifestation there be a great hiding and withdrawing yet according as was promised Joh. 14.18 Our Lord hath not left his children Comfortless nor Orphans But hath left them a Comforter as promised Continuing to them the invisible Operations of his holy spirit enabling them thereby to cry Abba Father who in that respect is called the spirit of Adoption Rom. 8.15 Gal. 4.6 Because ye are Sons God hath sent forth the spirit of his Son into your hearts crying Abba Father becoming in them a sanctifying spirit 1 Cor. 6.11 a spirit of sanctification 2 Thes 2.13 1 Pet. 1.2 witnessing to their spirits their estate of Sonship Rom. 8.16 Causing them to Read that new-Name written on the white stone which no Man knows but he which hath it So that all though they cannot assure another by infallible evidence so as to leave them without doubt touching their estate yet to themselves the spirit of God by which they are regenerated doth evidence its own operation according to that testimony 1 Joh. 5.10 He that beleeveth hath the witness in himself and by filling them with fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ unto the praise and glory of God leading them in paths of righteousness keeping their feet that they stumble not upon the dark mountains sanctifying them throughout as well in body as in soul and spirit enabling them to mortify the deeds of the flesh and to cleanse themselves from all filthiness of flesh
reciting the passage in its own words John 1.9 That was the true light which lightneth every man that cometh into the world or every man coming into the world Now let him that reads judge whether the terms of the Proposition viz. That the little light which shines in the dark heart is the powerful word of faith or if the Terms in the Objection viz. That Christ is the light which lighteth every man that cometh into the world may be read in this recited place and if they cannot be found in the words of the Scripture then the challenge of him which wrote the Book Entituled Common Salvation mentioned before is returned as an evidence against themselves and their assertion remains still unproved by the Scriptures 4. Object Although that those words viz. The little light which shineth in the dark heart is the powerful word of Faith which was in the beginning by which all things were created Nor that Christ is the light which lightneth every one that cometh into the world Although these very words be not expressed in John 1.9 nor Christ so much as once named in all the nine first verses yet of whom can it be meant other than of Christ as may be gathered from those verses considered and compared together Answ I might in answer to this Objection alluding to that of the Apostle Acts 17.28 alleage a passage out of your own Bookes viz. Fran. Howgill Common-Salvation Page 3. Thou that tells of opening Chapters and verses by meanings thou never heard a word of Christ I only observe this to shew you what hard measure you mete out to others when your selves are constrained to do the same things as will hereafter be further made to appear 5. Object Doth not Christ himself say in John 8.12 I am the light of the world and in John 12.35 36. where it is plainly expressed That Christ is the light without any meaning Answ Although in the 8. of John 12. vers Christ is called the light of the World being the same who in the 12. of John v. 36. is to be beleeved on yet neither in the 8. nor 12. nor first of Joh. by any of them or all of them put together is it proved that the little light which shines in the dark heart is the powerful word of faith which was in the beginning by which all things were created which cannot be affirmed of any other but of him I say of him by whom all things were made that were made of whom it is said he was in the world the world was made by him the world knew him not and how or where he should be called the little light that shines in the dark heart or powerful word of faith or the light which lightens every man that cometh into the world I do not nor cannot read let the impartial sober minded consider whether any thing but a meaning can make it out whether such meaning be according to truth 6. Object Thou art stumbling at the light which should guide thee and therein manifests thy confusion and ignorance while thou art talking about the light thou comprehends it not through the darkness that is in thee Shew if thou canst what is said touching the light of Christ wherewith he enlightens every man that comes into the world either in the 1.8 or 12. of Joh. or any other Scripture that thy knowledg in the Mystery thereof may be manifested if there be any such thing in thee or else for ever cease speaking any further thereof A. Not to meddle with that branch of the Objection at all which censures and judges and speaks of darkness confusion and ignorance for bringing the things asserted to tryal by the words of the holy Scriptures and for discovering the unproveableness thereof by the Scriptures produced by them to prove the same lest the anger and frowardness in the Objector might produce a like spirit in the Answerer but rather inclining to the latter part thereof viz. to shew what is said in the first of John touching the light wherewith every man coming into the world is inlightned according to that measure wherewith I shal be assisted though with never so much weakness and stammeringness of speech in holy fear and trembling before him whom I serve with my Spirit even in this Service though but a babe therein I shall propound to consideration a few things 1. I do find that in the first of John there is mention made of the word which was in the beginning with God of whom it is said and that word was God Joh. 1.1 All things were made by him vers 2. i. e. The word God In him was life and that life was the light of men vers 4. John was sent from God to bear witness of that light vers 7. i. e. The word God vers 1. That was the true light which lightneth every man Coming into the world vers 9. even he by whom the world was made vers 10. He was in the world and the world was made by him and the world knew him not This word God he in whom was life and the life was the light of men He i. e. God the word the maker of the world vers 10. He was that true light which lightneth every man that cometh into the world According to that Divine testimony 1 Joh. 1.5 This then is the message that we have heard of him and declare unto you That God is Light and in him is no darkness at all So that he who is the true originall fountain of light In whom is life and that life is the light of men v. 3. who enlightneth every man v. 9. with life light that cometh into the world Is the word God Joh. 1.1 as appears by what is witnessed in the forenamed Scriptures even God the Creator of the ends of the Earth Esa 40.28 The maker and former of all things The word God thus considered the original and fountain of all light and life he of whom it s said as in Acts 17.28 29. In him we live and move and have our being For we are also his Off-spring even all the generations of mankind who are or ever were subjects of life and light as he is the Author and fountain of both Psal 36.9 To all and every one that comes into the World I say as thus considered So the word God or God the word is the light and life of men and as so considered he doth enlighten as really as inliven every man that cometh into the world Setting up in every man a Spirit by which he doth exist or live as a man differencing him from other creatures by that Spirit of a man by which he lives a rational life calling it the candle of the Lord searching all the inward parts of the belly Prov. 20.27 i. e. the things of a man 1 Cor. 2.11 As appears more at large in the former part where the nature and property of this light the
of whom the Prophets testified which Prophesies touching his comeing had their fulfilling in that his appearance and vailed themselves as haveing finished the work of their Testimony when it was said of him Behold the Lamb of God I am come a light into the world we have found him of whom Moses and the Prophets spake The Lord is risen and hath appeared to Simon with other Testimonies of like nature In like manner the present and succeeding witnesses of God throughout their Generation shall doe well to take heed or give attendance unto the Testimony of the Prophesies of the Scripture which bear witnesse unto the Kingdome power and futher appearance and comeing of our Lord Jesus throughout the present and future dispensation wherein knowledge is but in part and vision is much obscured according to that in 1 Cor. 13.12 The light which shines through the Prophesies of the Scripture haveing their tendency to that day dawning and morning appearance which they who though beleevers in their severall eyes yet without us could not be made perfect knowing that when that which is perfect is come that which is in part shall be done away the shadowes shall fly away when the day appeares and the light which shines in the prophesies of the Scripture shall vaile and disappeare as the thing prophesied of in them is fullfilled but not till then like as the starre which appeared to guide the wise men unto Christ Math. 2.1 It went before them till it came and stood over where the young child was which when they saw they rejoyced with exceeding great Joy vers 9 10. but after it had led them to him there 's not any mention of its further appearance So when the Prophesies of the Scripture touching the kingdome power and coming of our Lord Jesus whether within or without either within the heart or without in the world when the day dawns and the day-starre ariseth when it s really day when whatsoever hath been prophesied of is really accomplished in that appearance of his who is the yea and Amen of the concurrent testimony of all the Prophets and to whom they all give witnesse Acts 10.43 Then shall that be fullfilled which is spoken of that Citie Rev. 21.23 That it had no need of the Sunne nor of the Moone to shine in it for the Glory of God did lighten it and the Lambe is the light thereof Chap. 22.5 There shall be no night there no candle nor light of the Sunne for the Lord God giveth them light and they shall reigne for ever and ever These sayings are faithfull and true and testified unto by him who is the roote and off-spring of David and the Bright and morning starre As then and not till then may it be truely and in strictnesse said That which is perfect is come when there shall be no night nor need of candle but God shall be all in all so till then and as long as knowledge is but in part and vision is but in part that men see darkly as in or through a Glasse or riddle so long as there needs any Sunne-light Moone-light or Candle-light and that the body is not compleated i. e. arrived at the state of a perfect man so long as any member of the body or joynt in the body is unsupplyed or uncompacted and unjoyned together The measure of the stature of the fullnesse of Christ is not arived at nor the Prophesies fullfilled which say There shall then be no need either of candle or Sunne for there shall be no night there Therefore while persons finde themselves falling short in measure either in things to be knowne and beleeved or done and practised let such acknowledge That the bright morning starre is not yet risen it s at best but rising the shadows are not yet gone they cannot yet say there 's no need of a Candle or that there is no night there what else meanes that bleating noise which speaks out the word measure knowing in measure and perfect in measure who knows not that reall and absolute perfection admits of no measures or degrees it knows no such thing as either diminution or increase no such thing as lesse or more and that will appeare when once that which is perfect is Come and that which is imperfect is done away then shall we know as we are knowne and be with him where he is our bodyes of vilenesse being changed and made like unto his glorious body Till which time wee shall doe well to attend to the more sure word of prophesie conteined in the holy Scripture as unto a light shining in a dark place Object Thou that gives meanings and adds thy owne words to the Scripture thou art a perverter of the Scripture for whereas thou tells of the day dawning and the day-starre arising in the heart and sayes then it 's really day and that there is no night when it is plaine that the Scripture declares of the dawning of the day and speaketh of it as of a time before day-breake or while it was yet darke Math 28.1 Compared with John 20.1 So that the day dawn is a time wherein there is but a measure of the day appearing Ans As for endeavouring to finde out and hold forth the scope and sence of the Scripture by you called giving of meanings 1. It hath been practised by your selves as the reader may perceive by what hath gone before and that which hath been observed hereupon so that the blame lyes equally on your selves as on me if it be blame-worthy in either of us 2. What ever sentence Francis Howgill passeth upon the thing in these words mentioned before in Page 1. and however his sentence is seconded by the Objector yet beside that they themselves cannot escape the censure thereof being in the same Condemnation yet is it Evident notwithstanding that is no crime neither in themselves nor others to endeavour to finde out the sence and meaning of the Spirit of God in the holy Scriptures and to give the sence and meaning thereof provided it be done according to truth so did Ezra and the Levites one or more of them They opened the booke of the Law and read therein distinctly and gave the sence and caused them to understand the reading Neh 8.5.7 8. And our Lord Jesus himselfe sends the Pharisees not only to the saying but to learne the meaning of a particular Scripture Mat 9.13 But goe yee and learne what that meaneth I will have mercy and not sacrifice Mat 12.7 If yee had knowne what this meaneth Nay the Disciples themselves understood not what Christ meant when he spake touching his owne rising Mark 9.10 and questioned one with another what the rising from the dead should meane Hence it is that our Lord expounded to the Disciples not only the parables in which he spake to the people Mark 4.34 but beginning at Moses and all the Prophets he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himselfe Luke 24.27
the Apostle makes James 1.23 24 25. alluding to the naturall man beholding his naturall face in a glasse retaines the figure if he abide but if he goes away he forgets what manner of man he was So is he which looketh into the perfect law of liberty and continueth c. This precious Glasse of the Law discovers and reprooves by reflexion as the light shines upon it and the eye is exercised in beholding its face in it The eye can never see its owne face but by this way of reflection upon the perfect law As therefore in Math. 26.27 the wine is put for the Cup when it was said Drinke yee all of this which could not be spoken of the Cup but of the wine in the Cup. So the lamp and the light are convertible terms and put one for another Psal 119.105 How sweete are thy words unto my tast thy word is a lamp or candle to my feete and a light to my path it shews light it gives discovery to him that lookes into it according to that in Psal 19.8 The Commandement of the Lord is pure enlightning the eyes The eye is advantaged to the knowledge of that by reflexion of the purity and transparency of the Law without which it could never make discovery viz. of the regularity or irregularity of its owne actings it is therefore well called a light though but a lanthorn wherein the light burns or the Glasse wherein the eye reflects upon its owne likenesse and sees its owne spots and becomes self-smitten and ashamed being convicted in himselfe as they John 8.9 who being over-argued or convicted in their owne Conscience went out one by one If what hath been spoken will not convince but that the light and the law is one It is in the next place to be Considered Quest Whether this light spoken of as being in every man be it the light or be it the Law or be it both or be they both but one I say whether this light or Law in every man doth convince every or any man of all ungodlinesse and worldly lusts Answ It is said so to doe but no Scripture brought for proof thereof except those words ungodlinesse and worldly lusts may be understood to be the Scripture intended for proofe thereof it will therefore be necessary to consider that Scripture where those expressions are used and to examine what testimony they give to this matter in hand The Scripture hinted at seemes to be that in Titus 2.11 12. For the grace of God which bringeth Salvation hath appeared to all men Teaching us that denying ungodlynsse and worldly lusts we should live soberly righteously and Godly in this present world If this be the Scripture intended for the proofe of the point in hand It is evident that it makes no mention at all of the light in every man nor speakes a word thereof nor may any such thing be gathered from it but by a meaning and inference the truth whereof will be lyable to much doubt and question besides the censure it incurrs from the Author himselfe see Common-Salvation before mentioned Object It is said the grace of God which bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men and that is the light which Christ Jesus hath enlightnned every one withall which is in man but not of man Answ Where is it said that the grace of God which bringeth salvation is the light in every man is not this an inference or conclusion made out of something which is not to be granted nor can by this Scripture be prooved and is at best but a meaning and without a warrant 2. It is further evident that that grace which brings salvation though it appeare to all yet it teacheth us viz. the regenerate the Children of the new-birth the Beleevers to deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts and to live righteously and soberly and Godly in this present evill world It not only pointeth out the way and sheweth it by way of direction but it giveth understanding and causeth the new-borne Babe the Believer to tast that the Lord is gratious It pointeth out the way and sets his feet into the way and leads him on in the way establisheth his goings in that way keepes his feete that they slide not from the way Of this David was sensible when he prayed Psal 25.4 5. Shew me thy waies O Jehovah Teach me thy paths lead me in thy truth and teach me for thou art the God of my Salvation on thee doe I wait all the day And to this agrees that blessed Covenant promise Eccles 36.27 And I will put my Spirit within you and cause you to walke in my Statutes and ye shall keep my judgements and doe them This is the grace of God which teacheth both privately and positively viz. to deny ungodlinesse and worldly lusts and to live righteously and Godly in this present evill word And this grace of God doth thus teach viz. by way of demonstration only shewing the way and saying walke in it but by way of effectuall causation causeing to walke in it giving power and strength to walke therein strengthning the nerves and sinneâ—es and joynts upholding and leading on the regenerate or new-born teaching him to deny ungodlinesse and to live Godly in Christ Jesus But it is not so with the light in every man for the property thereof at most is but to discover and make manifest the deeds done it is not in the power of the light as 't is in every man so much as to call any thing that 's done either good or evill but as it relates and referrs to the law for by it viz. the law comes the knowledge of sin Nor doth the law as it s in every man convince every man of all ungodlinesse and that may be thus demonstrated The Law as hath been formerly minded is either considered as the Law of works or Law of faith Rom. 3.27 As in the first capacity i. e. of workes so every man and woman in the world is under the Regiment thereof Rom. 2.14 Rom 3.19 As the Law of faith so it is not written in every mans heart For all men have not faith 2 Thess 3 2. In their hearts only is the Law written who are borne againe of the Spirit and from above Jer. 31.33 Heb. 8.8.10 Gal. 3.9 Rom. 9.8 The Law as considered a Law of works hath power over every man and woman in the world in things appertaining to the first Covenant both to give rule touching things to be done or left undone requring obedience yea perfect obedience to its command as well in what 's to be done as how to be done and this both Negatively and Positively Forbidding as well what is not to be done as commanding what is to be done To which are anexed these conditions viz. The man that doth them shall live in them Rom. 10.5 And cursed be every one that continueth not in every thing which is written in the Law to doe it Gal. 3.10 In order to
that ministration yet all that glory and glorying was to vaile it selfe yea to vanish and be done away and rendred Inglorious at the appearing of that which excelled the Mother and Child must be gone Agar and her Sonne must have no tarriance notwithstanding all their pretence of alliance and affinity to Abraham yet these must not abide the Spirit of the Lord must blow upon them and plainly and faithfully is it declared Joh. 3.3 Except a man be borne againe he cannot see the kingdome of God And except that word be fulfilled in him Rom. 7.4 that he become dead to the Law of the first husband and married to that other husband i. e. to him that is raised from the dead he can never bring forth fruit unto God how fruitfull soever he may seeme to be 't is not such fruit as of which it may be said In mee is thy fruit found i. e. fruit unto holinesse the end whereof is everlasting life Rom. 6.22 Let a man follow the dictates of the light and law that is in him with all possible exactnesse that the creature is capable of minding it as his teacher and obeying it as such and arive at a justification in himselfe such an one may have whereof to glory but not before God As is testified in the person of him who said I know nothing by my selfe yet am I not thereby justified but he that judgeth mee is the Lord 1 Cor. 4.4 Forasmuch as not he that commendeth himselfe is approved but whom the Lord commendeth 2 Cor. 10.17 18. Nor he that pronounceth himselfe cleane is therefore so for who can say I have made my heart cleane I am pure from my sinne Pro. 20.9 But the blessednesse is thus described Rom. 4.7 8 Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sinnes are covered Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sinne Hee therefore that glorieth let him glory in the Lord who silencing and stopping the mouth of all flesh cuts off all pretence of boasting and glorying in his presence how goodly soever men may seeme to appeare to themselves and to one another looking for salvation from the light and law within them as it is common to all men or as it is such in every man for so are the termes whereas God hath not anoynted it to that worke nor laid the great weight of eternall salvation upon the shoulders thereof it being too weake for that service* But upon him that is mighty to save who is able to save to the uttermost all them which come unto God by him even by him in whom all the seed of Israel shall be justified and shall glory * Rom. 8.3 Gal. 3.21 Heb. 7.25 It remaines to Consider whether there be not a great mistake in the applying or rather in the misapplying the scriptures which are annexed at the Close of the recited Paragraph as a proofe of it or of some part thereof The words are these viz. Being obedient to the light within That light obeying it is your salvation Minde your teacher within minde the light within Jer. 31.34 Isa 54.13 Joh. 6.46 Joh. 1.2 27. It is to be observed and remembred by the reader that The light within is all along throughout this discourse understood to be the light within every man and woman which cometh into the world of which light in every man it is said There is your Teacher present with you minde your Teacher within minde the light within and then are the Scriptures added which are last above-cited Reply It may not be denyed but that the light and law in every man is a Teacher a Schoole-master to every man it Commands and directs in matters to be done it approves or reproves the deeds done or undone in the flesh according to the dispensation and administration thereof whether it relate to a law written in letters or only on the heart according to Ro. 2.14 such a teacher it is of all mankind for whatsoever the law saith it saith to them that are under the law that every mouth may be stopped all the world may become guilty before God but no mouth is stopped without a law Rom. 5.13 Rom. 4.15 Every one is bound to hearken to this teacher while he is under the tuition thereof and for his contempt is inexcusable being self-convicted or convict in his owne Conscience It is the lot of all the posterity of Adam to be under this tuition and teaching But by the recitall of the Scriptures above-named it is most Evident that both the Teacher and the Schollers therein intended are differenced from these last above-mentioned and may not without great injury to the truth and scope thereof be applyed for a proofe of that for which they are alledged viz. to prove that the light in every man is that teacher those Scriptures intend and are brought to prove it will plainly appeare upon tryall the Scriptures being examined that the schollers are not every man that comes into the world but they are the children of the New Covenant the borne of God Joh. 1.13 or of the Spirit of God Joh. 3.3.6 Nor is the teacher That light which is within every man that cometh into the world but it is the Spirit of truth the Anoynting of the Father that Spirit of promise which Christ would send and which being come would guide the Anoynted ones into all truth as hath been prooved before from Joh. 14.16 17 26. Joh. 16.7 13. The Scriptures before mentioned are these which follow viz. Jerem. 31.34 And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour and every man his brother saying know the Lord for they shall all know mee from the least unto the greatest of them saith the Lord for I will forgive their iniquity and I will remember their sinne no more And they shall c. Quest Who are they Ans They with whom the Lord makes the New Covenant Quest Why who are they with whom he makes a new Covenant Ans With the House of Israel and Judah Quest Who are the House of Israel and Judah Ans Not all the seed of Abraham according to the flesh as is testified Rom. 9.6 7 8. For they are not all Israel that are of Israel Neither because they are the seed of Abraham are they all children but the children of the promise are counted for the seed Which promise made by God to Abraham was not made to him as he was the father of the Circumcision only but of the uncircumcision also as is witnessed Rom. 4.13.16 17. As he was Heire of the world and father of many Nations that the promise might be sure to all the seed not according to the flesh but the faith of Abraham as is further testified Gal. 3.7 Know yee therefore that they which are of faith the same are Children of Abraham and are blessed with faithfull Abraham vers 9. For there is neither Jew nor Greeke neither bond nor free neither male nor female for yee
are all one in Christ Jesus And if ye be Christs then are yee Abrahams seed and heires according to promise To this seed of Abraham i. e. the Children of faith whether Jew or Gentile male or female bond or free was the Covenant made and this was it Jer. 31.33 I will put my law in their inward parts and write it in their hearts and I will be their God and they shall be my people And they shall teach no more every man his neighbour for they shall all know mee from the least of them unto the greatest of them saith the Lord. By the Consideration whereof It may most plainly be discerned how this Scripture is mistaken and misapplyed 1. forasmuch as it treats of a new and another Covenant which God would make after those dayes not according to the tenour of the first which obliged the persons of all mankinde either as it was engraven on their hearts according to Rom. 2.14 or on Tables of stone or in a booke under the Administration of the first Mediator Gal. 3.19 But this is another Covenant called here and in Heb. 8. a New Covenant 2. The persons with whom this Covenant is made and confirmed are the seed of Abraham only not the Race of Adam who was the father of every man that comes into the world but of Abraham the father of the faithfull 3. Nor were all the seed of Abraham taken into this Covenant and the priviledges thereof however they were joynt-sharers and partakers in the former yet not here for the Children of the promise were counted for the seed Rom. 9.8 How farre then is this Scripture mistaken and misapplyed which is subjected to the light in every man which intermedleth not with the condition of any man but the children of the New Covenant only i. e. the beleever or man in Christ If yee be Christs then are yee Abrahams seed and heires according to promise Now with Abraham and his seed were the promises made Not with every man that cometh into the world No more was this Covenant promise mentioned before Jer. 31.34 And therefore suites not with the purpose or matter touching which it s produced viz. to prove that the light in every man is his teacher and teacheth him i. e. every man so as that he need not to be taught by any one saying know the Lord for that this Scripture speaketh not to or touching any but the Children of the New Covenant the children of faith or of the new birth only and not of every man coming into the world The next Scripture mentioned is Isa 54.13 And all thy Children shall be taught of the Lord. Quest Thy Children Whose and who are They Ans The citing of the very next Scripture by themselves produced will both answer the question and discover the error in their misapplying it to the purpose in hand the place is this Joh. 6.46 which I rather doe judge was intended to have been vers 45. the words are these It is written in the Prophets And they shall be all taught of God Now how that saying in the Prophet which was last recited and to which this in John referres is to be understood will appeare from our Saviours words which are these viz. No man can come to mee except the Father which hath sent mee draw him and I will raise him up at the last day It is written in the Prophets and they shall be all taught of God Every man therefore that hath heard and learnt of the Father cometh unto mee Not that any man hath seene the Father save hee which is of God hee hath seene the Father Verily verily I say unto you hee that beleeveth on mee hath everlasting life Who doth not discerne that Esay doth not speake of every man that comes into the world nor of the light in every such man as being his teacher nor doth our Lord Jesus so interpret his words Nay the contrary is Evident For our Lord doth not say every man hath a teacher viz. the light within him and that being obedient to that light within him it will bring him to purity holinesse c. Obeying it is salvation minde the teacher within the light within But he declares plainly That no man can come to him except the father draw him i. e. teach him for so it follows It is written in the Prophets they shall be all taught of God Quest Who are they Ans Thy Children shall be all taught of the Lord Isa 54.13 Not every one that cometh into the world but every man that hath heard and learned of the father cometh unto Christ and it s hee that beleeveth on Christ who hath everlasting life These are the children who are taught of the Lord who having heard and learnt of the father come to Christ which is not the case of every one that comes into the world but of such only as being regenerate and renewed in the spirit of their minde become children of the Covenant and heires of the promises thereof or being Christs through beleeving are heires according to promise Gal. 3.29 The next Scripture mentioned is Joh. 1.2.7 But the Anoynting which yee have received of him abideth in you and yee need not that any man teach you but as the same Anoynting teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lye Reply This Scripture as the former doth not beare it selfe in its tendency toward every one that cometh into the world viz. the light in every one nor calls that light their teacher but it speakes of the Unction which they viz. the Apostles and some others had received from the holy one and describes the nature and property thereof its efficacy and operation in them but what 's this to the condition of every man or to the proofe of this that the light in every man is this Unction or Anoynting but this Scripture having come to hand before and been Considered then and there there need not more be said thereto in this place there having been too oft repetition of things formerly spoken the reader is desired to beare in minde what he hath read already or else to helpe his memory by looking backe into those pages where this Scripture is examined That which offers it selfe to be Considered in the next place touching this light in every man and what it does is thus expressed This light opens all Scriptures and leads man out of the fall up to God the Father and Fountaine of lights this is the true light and leadeth unto life Eternall Joh. 1.5.8 9 10 11 12 13. Joh. 17. 10 23 24. Farnworth Ranters discovered pa. 13. Reply God who is light 1 Joh. 1.5 the Father and Fountaine of lights He revealeth secrets Dan. 2.28 29. God the Word Joh. 1.1 That true light vers 9. being made flesh vers 14. and so became the Lord's Christ Luk. 2.26 Hee openeth his mouth in parables Math. 13.35 and openeth the parables which himselfe hath uttered vers 18.38 Beginning
came to them againe after his death and then the shadow or figure was put away Answ In this case the counsell of the Prophet Esay is applyable To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because there is no morning light in them Esay 8.20 1. The Scripture doth not any where declare that the Disciples brake bread in remembrance of Christ between the times of his death and resurrection 2. The Scriptures doe testifie that they did breake bread after his resurrection and ascention and if both these be true then this Author wanted light in the opening this Scripture-passage or the light in him was not sufficient to open this therefore not all Scriptures The former of these two viz. that the Disciples of our Lord did observe the Passeover or Supper in remembrance of Christ till he came to them again after his death that this was true and that the Disciples so did it remaines to be proved where and how it was by them so done during his abode in the grave The latter of them that the Apostles did observe the breaking of bread after the resurrection and assention of Christ is thus witnessed Acts 2.42 And they continued stedfastly in the Apostles doctrine and fellowship and in breaking of bread and prayers Acts 20 7. 1 Cor. 10.16 1 Cor. 11.23 24. If this were not that breakeing of bread which is by our Lord Jesus appointed and by the Apostle intended 1 Cor. 11. Let it be made appear by the Scriptures of truth by him that can without a meaning and this I doe in an especiall manner commend to the serious consideration of Fr Howgill Or let that meaning and opening of the above named Scriptures if they need any be according to verity and truth and this I commend to Rich Farnworth and both these writers to observe their difference herein touching the opening of Scriptures viz. Chapters or verses The one affirming the sufficiency of the light in every man to open all Scriptures The other saying Thou that tells of opening Chapters or Verses by meanings thou never heard a word of Christ It remaines to consider touching the light in every man Whether it doth or can lead man out of the fall up to God the Father and to eternall life Reply The light in every man considered either apart and singly as the spirit of a man the candle of the Lord or as the Law written on every mans heart for so the law is light Prov. 6.23 as before minded The light and Law as thus considered doth not nor cannot lead a man out of the fall c. First That it doth not This is evident first in the person of Adam In whom the light after his fall was as eminent to say no more as in any other of the children of the transgression Considered as meer subjects of the light common to all or of that light which is in every man that comes into the world of which number he was not the least Yet the light in him though it discovered to him his transgression and wrought in him feare and hideing of himselfe it led him not out of the fall up to God the Father and to eternall life for it is said Gen. 3.8 9 10. And Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord and he said I heard thy voice in the Garden and I was afraid because I was naked and I hid my selfe So true is that word by the law is the knowledge of sin Rom. 3.20 And the law worketh wrath Rom. 4.15 And so farre was the light and law in the first man Adam from leading him out of the fall up to God the Father that it had this effect upon him to drive him from the voice and presence of God and through feare to hide himselfe As this is true of the first man and of the light in him so may it be affirmed of the Generations of mankinde and of the light in them it leads them not up to God out of the fall nor can doe as not being thereunto enabled as may further appeare Those dreadfull examples of Cain and Judas in whom the light and law did shine so eminently to their soules conviction that they saw their sin and owned their guilt the latter proceeding so farre that to conviction he added confession I have sinned in betraying Innocent blood And unto both these added restitution Matth. 27.3 He repented i. e. confessed the sin and restored the Silver That is as I have heard some say shamed the deceit yet did not this light which convinced him lead him out of the fall up to God but the contrary as is evident in that Scripture and in Acts 1.18 19. verses other instances might be given and experience discovers the many selfe convicted ones whose light neverthelesse leads them not out of the fall up to God the father but by the light and law in them are convinced and condemned and driven away from God and made to hide themselves Object These Instances nor any other of the like kinde do not at all weaken the truth touching the nature and power of the light for the defect was not in the light but in the persons not loveing nor obeying the light hence was their condemnation which if they had loved and obeyed it had been their salvation and would have led them up to God the Father and to eternall life The light and law in the first man what ever it was to him before he transgressed how lovely and delightfull soever it was to him then yet after his fall his heart did meditate terror the light and sight of the law was not desirable it was not to be loved but feared it wrought wrath in him I was affraid and hid my selfe did it require obedience after the fall so as to lead up to God for its worke was to poure forth contempt upon the transgressor to execute the just equall and righteous though severe sentence of death haveing no other thing in commission from the law-giver but death to the transgressor In the day thou eatest thereof thou shalt surely dye This decree was peremptory and without condition and the law could propound no dispensation upon terms of loveing or obeying it to encourage the Creature to face about much lesse to lead him up to God and this was the condition of the first man till the seed of the woman Gen. 3.15 As the Serpent was lift up upon the pole of the promise to destroy the destroyer and become a door at which man through faith should enter According to that word I am the doore by me if any man enter he shall be saved John 10.9 Nor was this Adams condition only but it is the state and condition of every man to whom the light and law doth discover sin and slayes the sinner leaves him so till the Lord Jesus the quickning or live-making Spirit doth become a principle of life and light
thou must no more goe forth to seeke a righteousnesse but looke in the kingdome of heaven is within Ans The Christ of whom this discourse hath been treating is no other but the same to which the Scripture beares witnesse as hath been testified by many severall passages before recited not here to be repeated viz The Lord 's Christ The anoynted Saviour or Christ the Lord. And it is a truth not to be disdain'd but considered by the sober-minded and received according to the divine Evidence that appeares in it That the Lord Jesus Christ is held forth in the Scriptures under a two-fold dispensation First Either as hee was God the Word made flesh so becoming the Lord's Christ and Tabernacled among men and as such hee was to be beleeved on though hee under that dispensation were without not only before but after his Resurrection That hee was without while in the dayes of his flesh none will deny whether hee be considered before his suffering or after his resurrection 1 Cor. 15.5 6 7. That hee was to be beleeved on while hee was so is prooved from Joh. 14.1 Yee beleeve in God beleeve also in mee Hee that honoureth not the Sonne honoureth not the Father Joh. 5.23 Thus he spake touching himselfe while yet hee was in the flesh and consequently without during which space of time hee fulfilled all Righteousnesse Math. 3.5 And became the end of the Law for righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth Rom. 10.4 His soule being made an offering for sinne according to the Prophesies which went before of him Isa 53.10.12 Hee finished transgression and made an end of sinne Confirmed the Covenant and brought in Everlasting righteousnesse Dan. 9.24 27. By the sacrifice of himselfe which he offered up through the eternall Spirit at once and that once for all Heb. 9.14.26 28. This hee did for his Redeem'd ones without them as is witnessed by many Scriptures Rom. 5.8 While wee were yet sinners Christ dyed for us Rom. 4.25 Who was delivered For our offences and was raised againe For our Justification 1 Cor. 5.7 Was sacrificed For us Gal. 3.13 Was made a Curse For us Eph. 5.2 Given himselfe for us 1 Thes 5.10 Who dyed For us Titus 2 14. Who gave himselfe For us Heb. 9.12 By his owne Blood hee entered in once into the Holy place having obteined eternall Redemption For us 1 Pet. 2.21 24. Christ also suffered for us who his owne selfe bare our sinnes in his owne body on the tree that wee being dead to sinne should live unto Righteousnesse By whose stripes yee are healed 1 John 3.16 Herein perceive wee the love of God because Hee laid downe his life For us All this hee did for his without them not within them as is plaine by this Cloud of witnesses So that to speake of a Christ without and of what he both did and suffered without not in but for his people Even while they were yet sinners is no despicable thing nay it is such a dispensation of Christ as the Scripture gives testimony of and beares witnesse unto The beleife of which is necessary unto salvation and without which there is no peace according to the divine truth of those Scriptures Esay 57.21 There is no peace saith my God to the wicked And Rom. 4.23 24 25. But for us also to whom it shall be imputed if wee beleeve on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead who was delivered for our offences and raised againe for our Justification Rom. 5.1 2. Therefore being Justified by faith wee have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom also wee have accesse into this grace wherein wee stand and rejoyce in the hope of the glory of God and hope maketh not ashamed Rom. 5.1 2 8 9 10 11. For when wee were yet without strength in due time Christ dyed for the ungodly Yea while wee were yet sinners Christ dyed for us vers 8. Much more then now being Justified by his blood shall we be saved from wrath through him vers 9. And being reconciled wee shall be saved by his life And hence wee Joy in God through our Lord Jesus Christ by whom wee have now received the Attonement And to this purpose is that prayer of the Apostle Rom. 15.13 Now the God of hope fill you with all Joy and peace in beleeving Nor is this consideration of Christ as the object of faith for justification the antitype of the brazen Serpent lift up upon the pole in the Wildernesse to which the then bitten ones under which the sins-smitten soul the self-condemned sinners were figured and to it must these looke and live Numb 21.8 9. Esay 45.22 John 3 14 15. I say this consideration of Christ is not the whole of what the Scripture testifies concerning him nor may any such use be made hereof as if the magnifiing the grace of God were a covering for sin as the objection intimates Nay nay should we continue in sin because grace hath abounded God forbid Rom. 6.1 There is therefore a further dispensation of Christ viz. in Spirit according to the tenour of that testimony of the Apostle touching the mystery of Godlinesse 1 Tim. 3.16 God manifest in flesh Justified in Spirit and this dispensation of Christ in Spirit the Scriptures likewise beare witnesse unto which is Christs application of that which hee did for his beloved ones in the dayes of his flesh applying that to them by his Spirit by which he dwelleth in them which he wrought for them without them Then he prepared the medicine and since applyes it and gives it operation then he wove the Garment and since cloathes his therewith then he was the bruised and broken Corne now the loafe or staffe of Bread his flesh meate indeed and his blood drinke indeed both eaten and drunken by the beleever As there was a necessitie that the Word should be manifested in the flesh to answer the end of that dispensation 1 Tim. 3.16 viz. to become the end of the Law for righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth Rom. 10.4 That he might Confirme the Covenant viz. finish transgression and bring in everlasting righteousnesse Dan. 9.24 27. By being made of God to the beleeving Wisdome Righteousnesse Sanctification and Redemption 1 Cor. 1.30 So it was necessary that he should be Justified in Spirit in order to the more effectuall application of what he had done to those for whom he did it To whom hee was to be preached and by whom hee was to be beleeved on in the world and received up into Glory According to the testimony of the Holy Spirit by the mouths of men and Angells Luk. 24.51 52. Acts 1.9 10 11. 1 Tim. 3.16 For which purpose hee promised to send the Comforter the Spirit of truth that he might abide with his schollers and followers for ever John 14.16 17 18.26 To teach them all things and to bring all things to their remembrance whatsoever hee had said unto them viz. all
things which hee had heard of his Father John 15.15 Who when hee was come should guide them into all truth Joh. 16.7 13. Nor should this be a priviledge peculiar to the then Disciples only or to the persons of that age or generation as appeares Joh. 17.20 21. Neither pray I for these alone but for them also which shall beleeve on mee through their word That they all may be one c. in us By the Administration of which Spirit of truth Hee i. e. The Lord Jesus Christ makes forth the discovery of himselfe his minde and will touching things to be knowne and done beleeved and practised Joh. 16.13 14. Whatsoever hee shall heare that shall hee speake and hee will shew you things to come Hee shall glorifie mee for hee shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you As the glory of God did shine forth through the appearance of Christ Joh. 17.4 So the glory of Christ doth shine forth through the appearance of the Spirit Joh. 16.14 As Christ did nothing of himselfe during his ministration in the world Joh. 12.49 50. I have not spoken of my selfe but the Father which sent mee gave me Commandement what I should say and what I should speake and as the Father said to me so I speake So the Spirit of truth hee shall not speake of himselfe but whatsoever hee shall heare that shall hee speake Hee shall glorifie mee for hee shall receive of mine and shall shew it unto you As God was in Christ reconciling the world to himselfe 2 Cor. 5.19 So is Christ in Spirit subduing the world to himselfe Joh. 16.7 8. Now the Lord is that Spirit 2 Cor. 3.17 As Christ by being put to death in the flesh hath once suffered for sins the just for the unjust that he might bring them to God 1 Pet. 3.18 So by being justified in spirit or quickned by the spirit or declared to be the son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness 1 Tim. 3.16 He doth actually effect that thing in all them who by him do beleeve in God that raised him from the dead and gave him glory that their faith and hope might stand in God 1 Pet. 3.18 Rom. 1.4 Who by faith purifies their heart in obyeing the truth through the spirit waiting for the hope of righteousnesse by faith 1 Pet. 1.19 21 22 23. By which spirit he doth negotiate all the affairs of his kingdome on earth and so hath done from the time of his ascending up on high when he led Captivity captive and not only received gifts for men or in the man yea for the rebellious that he might dwell among them Psal 68.18 But also gave gifts to men Eph. 4.8.12 for the gathering into one or perfecting the number of the Saints for the edifying or building up the body of Christ till we all that is all the seed come in the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God unto a perfect man unto the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ which cannot be so long as one joint one finger or member of the body is uncalled ungathered or unjoynted according to that of Heb. 11.40 For as they without us could not be made perfect so neither they nor we apart nor together can so be without those which are to come after who altogether make up the measure of the stature of the fulnesse of Christ whose body cannot be compleat till every joint be supplyed The Effecting whereof the Lord Jesus Christ performs by his spirit from the very first stone the foundation to the top stone thereof For he having been hammered and broken smitten and bruised crucified through weaknesse when his soul was made an offering for sin yet being raised in power and declard to be the Son of God with power by the spirit of holinesse and liveing by the power of God was made perfect through suffering and became the Author of eternall salvation to them which obey him being laid for a foundation for a Corner stone 1 Cor. 3.11 1 Pet. 2.6 Ephes 2.20 21 22. In whom the building is fitly framed together and built up together for an habitation of God through the spirit by which spirit the work is both begun and carried on by it the stones are hewen and made meet to be made partakers of a place in the building they are fitted and then fitly framed and built up together from first to last The first work which Christ by his spirit would exercise in the world after his departure was to reprove the world of sin viz. of unbeleefe John 16.7 8 9. and not only should they thereby be reproved of sin and of that before named in particular or in speciall that is of unbelief but it should convince them also of righteousnesse and of judgement The law under the former dispensation though it convinced of and reprooved for sin yet it discovered not a perfect righteousness nor brought forth judgement into victory but haveing detected the sinner it left him under the sentence of judgement and condemnation but the law of the spirit of life in Christ Jesus That quickning spirit proceeds at another rate it not only reproves the Sinner but reveales the Saviour opens a doore of hope to the convicted sinner If so there may be hope and for this reason among others it is called the Comforter giving to the sin-smitten soule the valley of Achor for a doore of hope I will be mercifull to their unrighteousnesse and their sins and iniquities will I remember no more making the discovery of grace a foundation of repentance and returning to a poore convicted and reproved sinner holding proportion with that ancient and first Gospel promise or word of faith the seed of the woman shall breake the head of the Serpent Gen. 3.15 applied by God to the trembling sinner Adam when he was affraid and hid himselfe By the same spirit doth Christ administer as a spirit of wisdome and revelation opening the eyes of the understanding Ephes 1.17 that men may come to the knowledge of him and may know what is the hope of his calling and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints i. e. in them that trust in Christ or beleeve and are sealed with the holy spirit of promise Vers 12 13. Which operation of the spirit is wrought as himselfe listeth Joh. 3.8 and by what means himselfe pleaseth though ordinarily by the preaching of the word according to divine appointment Rom. 10.17 Ephes 4.11 12. whereby the spirit opens the blind eyes and turns men from darknesse to light and from the power of Sathan to God that they may receive forgivenesse of sins and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith which is in Christ Jesus Act. 26.15 16 17 18. Which Faith is the fruit of his spirit in them Gal. 5.22 whereby they are given to beleeve Phil. 1.29 and to receive Christ Jesus Joh. 1.12 and to
submit to him for life and salvation by which they receive the witnesse in themselves that they are adopted Sons 1. Joh. 5.10 the spirit it self bearing them witness that they are born of God Rom. 8.16 and are the seed whom the Lord hath blessed Esay 61.9 So that Christ is not at a distance not a farre off from such as truely beleeve but is nigh them dwelling in their hearts by faith Eph. 3.17 and by his Spirit Rom. 8.11 and is in them the hope of glory Col. 1.27 whereby they being renewed in the spirit of their minde Ephes 4.23 and being married to this their other husband henceforth they bring forth fruit to God not according to oldnesse of letlet but according to newnesse of spirit Rom. 7.4 6. not taking advantage of the grace of God to dispence with themselves in poynt of obedience toward God but reckoning themselves under deeper obligation that as grace hath abounded toward them so might their obedience towards him that hath manifested that grace unto them as hee who sayd What shall I render to the Lord for all his benefits I will take the Cup of salvation and call upon the name of the Lord Psal 116.12 What were those benefits The Lord hath heard the voyce of my supplication thou hast delivered my soule from death my eyes from teares and my feete from falling I will walke before the Lord in the land of the living Psal 116.1 I will offer to thee the sacrifice of thanksgiving and will call upon the name of the Lord as long as I live Psal 116.17 She loved much because much was forgiven her Luk. 7.47 The life of the New Creature of the renewed man or man in Christ in whom Christ lives by his spirit and dwels by faith is no idle unfruitfull life but as a branch in the Vine and as a part of Gods husbandry he is purged and pruned and caused to bring forth fruit filled with fruits of righteousnesse which are by Jesus Christ unto the praise and glory of God Phil. 1.11 Not living to himelfe It is his meate and drinke to doe the will of his Father He now comes to beare witnesse to the truth of that Scripture which saith In keeping thy Commandements there is great reward Though formerly his soule went forth after the knowledge of Christ sometimes the Excellency of him as he was discovered and revealed in the Scriptures sometimes the necessitie of him as being the way to the Father and the only Name besides which there is no other given among men whereby they can be saved Under which dispensation and in the exercise whereof it was not so much Christ that was the ultimate object of the soules enquiry as it was the Creatures preservation from wrath to come It was not so much for Christ himselfe as for the Creatures owne selfe that the soule was so earnest and ardent in its pursuite after vision and manifestation yet it knew it not nor could it have beleeved that it had been so with it But Judgement breaking forth into victory remooving the Spirit of Feare and giving in stead thereof the Spirit of love and of a sound minde 2 Timothy 1.7 The Grace which was given in Christ Jesus was made manifest and by him brought to light and in his light was the new Creature caused to see light and by it to discerne where it had stucke all this while and how it had mistooke its way and sought its selfe in all its seeking under pretence of following on to know the Lord whom to know is life eternall Then the fire burned and the love was kindled towards him who had shed abroad his love in the heart by the Holy Spirit setting it in an holy flame towards himselfe and his service Henceforth hee became as one made up of strong desires and breakings of heart after doing the will of God Oh that hee were then baptized into the will of him whose he is and whom hee would serve according to the tenour of those Scriptures I beseech you therefore brethren by the mercies of God that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice holy acceptable unto God which is your reasonable service And be not conformed to this world but be ye transformed by the renewing of your minde that ye may prove what is that good that acceptable and perfect will of God Rom. 12.1 2. 2 Cor. 7.1 1 Pet. 1.14 15 16. As being bought with a price would glorifie God in body and Spirit which are Gods Not now as formerly obeying for life or that he might live but from life or because he is made to live or because he doth live by the power of Christ living in him Gal. 2.20 his whole life is a Thank-offering a sacrifice of praise the end henceforth of all he is and all he does is this that he may live to him who dyed for him and rose again to him who hath loved him and washed him from his sins in his blood Rev. 1.5 to him who hath said to him when he was in his bloods live not expecting a covering of sin that he may live in sin nor the righteousness of another that himselfe may live in unrighteousness but that he might live to God and serve him without feare in righteousness and holiness of truth Luk. 1.74 75. But as really as he doth beleeve that Christ is made of God to him righteousness 1 Cor. 1.30 so verily expecteth he to be made the righteousness of God in him 2 Cor. 5.21 that the righteousness of the Law which could not be fulfilled by him through the weaknes of the flesh might be fulfilled in him by the power of the spirit of life Rom. 8.3 2 4. wherein he is made able and wiling to wait for the hope of righteousness by faith Gal. 5 5 18. expecting to be led and made willing to follow the guidance of the spirit even the spirit of truth by which he lives and moves and exists in Christ who is by his spirit in him the hope of glory Col. 1.27 Object Thou hast heaped up together many of the Saints words whose condition thou never learned of God Tell plainly whether the Christ thou tells of be within or without Answ How farre my soule is made one with what I beare witness unto is knowne unto him from whom nothing is hid to whom I apply for a further measure of the spirit of wisdome and revelation in the knowledge of him whom to know is eternal life remembring what is witnessed Rom. 15.4 being unmooved by the Judgement or censure of mans day and in relation to the objection have spoken in plainness already That the Lord Jesus Christ to whom in this poore stammering way I bear witness is considered both as being without and within the soule Respecting his person or bodily presence his glorious or glorified body so he is considered as being without not within the soule according to the testimony of those Scriptures before-named Joh. 17.24 Father I
though with all possible brevity Reply That the Gospel is the power of God to salvation may not be denyed Rom. 1.16 for it is so to every one that beleeveth and let him be accursed that preacheth any other gospel than that which is so Gal. 1.9 But where the gospel which is the power of God to salvation is preached if it be not mixt with faith in them which hear it it is not the power of God to salvation to such according to the testimony of that Scripture Heb. 4.2 For unto us was the gospel preached as well as unto them but the word preached did not profit them not being mixed with faith in them that heard So that the gospel is not the power of God to salvation to any but to such as beleeve it and by faith receive the glad tidings and message thereof and become obedient thereunto Rom. 1.17 For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith as it is written The just shal live by faith The gospel which in it self is the power of God to salvation so named already may be prerched not only in word but also in power and in the holy spirit as twice to the Thessalonians 1 Thes 1.5 in demonstration of the spirit and power as to the Corinthians 1 Cor. 2.4 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 it may be powerfully ratified and confirmed by signs and wonders and mighty deeds yet not powerfull to salvation except received by faith in them that hear it Such a gospel was it to the Thessalonians 1 Thes 1.5 It was brought to them in mighty power and received by them in much assurance as the very word of God to which they yeilded the obedience of faith 1 Thes 2.13 14. As the Romans also did Chap. 15.18 19. Wheresoever the Gospel is preached in Evidence and demonstration of the spirit and received by faith in them that hear it it is the arm and power of God to salvation to such and doth powerfully incline them to yeild obedience in word and deed to whatsoever is therein revealed unto them He that receives the light and is obedient to it receivs the gift of God and shall receive the power the light rejected no power received Reply It hath been said before by this friend to whom I now reply That Christ is the light and That Christ is the gift of God To which may be added that which is testified 1 Cor. 1.18 That Christ is the power of God as it is expressed by the Apostle Now let it be considered what is spoken by the friend in this parcel of words above recited and whether it amount not to a repetition and Tautology of words He that receives the light and is obedient to it receives Christ for Christ is the light receives the gift of God that is Christ for Christ is the gift of God and shall receive the power that is Christ for Christ is the power of God and such as receive Christ and obey him reject not the light nor can be without the power forasmuch as he whom they have received and obeyed is both the light and the power and the gift and is no more than if it had been thus express'd He that receives Christ obeys him receives Christ and shall receive Christ Christ rejected no Christ received Your heart shall fail and your eyes wax dim that look for another way or another Gospel than that which redeems out of sin Reply It hath been said before that Christ is the way Let their heart fail and their eyes wax dim that expect salvation by any other way than by him who is the Way the Truth and the Life Forasmuch as there is no other name given under heaven whereby we can be saved and that Gospel which tenders salvation by Christ to sinners without redemption from sin let it indeed be Anathema from the Lord. For it is witnessed of the true and only Lord Jesus that his name should be called Jesus that is Saviour for that he should redeem his people from their sins Mat. 1.21 and save them to the utmost that come unto God by him everliving to make intercession for them Heb. 7.25 even for them who by him do beleeve in God purifying their souls in obeying the truth through the spirit being born again c. 1 Pet. 1.21 22 23. Which testimony is born up in the hearts of the children of the regeneration who are made the sons of God by faith in Christ Jesus having received the adoption of sons they cry unto him in spirit incessantly night and day that this redemption from the body of sin and death may be compleated in them saying how long Lord holy and true fighting the good fight of faith keeping up the watch and warre of the Lord as knowing that the God of peace will shortly tread Sathan under their feet I say their feet as really within them as he hath troden him under his own feet for them without them And further knowing that they shall assuredly reap in due time if they faint not this being their victory even their faith by which with patience they possess their soul being confident of this one thing that he is faithful who hath called them who will also do it and having begun a good work in them will also perfect it perform or finish it untill the day of Christ having this hope they purify themselves in the power of him who of God is made to them righteousness and sanctification as well as wisdome and redemption The name of Christ is pleasant in the outward sound in as much as thereby men think to have their sins taken away but the Gospel is the power of God that redeems out of sin Reply Who ever names the name of Christ is to depart from iniquity and he who naming the name of Christ how pleasant soever he count that name yet if such an one depart not from iniquity but rowl his sinne under his tongue as a sweet morsel and bless himself in his heart saying I shall have peace though I walk in the Imagination or stubborness of my heart to adde drunkenness to thirst the Lord will not spare him but the anger of the Lord and his jealousie will smoak against that man there 's no such use of the name of Christ as to make it a Cloak for sin for the wrath of God is revealed against all unrighteousness in men Whatsoever and in whomsoever it be and he that regards iniquity in his heart hath a root of gall and wormwood that will eat out all the pleasantness that may seem to be in the name of Christ in the outward sound Deut. 29.18 19 20. Yet for asmuch as there may be some snare and temptation lie upon some souls touching those words before minded and repeated viz. the Gospel is the power of God that redeems out of sin Whence some persons do conclude that they are redeemed out of sin and that the body of sin is destroyed in
which may be referred to those two lectures which this messenger and blessed Apostle of the Gentiles mannages in behalf of the most High God against the worshippers of Jupiter and Mercury Both priests and preisted people Act. 14. v. 11 to 18. And those lofty Athenians Philosophers Epicurians and Stoicks whom he encounter'd Act. 17. from v. 16 to 31. proving and alleaging their Gods to be no Gods and contrarywise preaching and declaring to them that unknown God to whom their Altar was inscribed calling them to repentance by an Argument drawn from the judgement which the most High God would administer to the world in righteousnesse by Jesus Christ of which he hath given assurance unto all men by raising him from the dead In which he briefly layes down the foundation of repentance from dead works and of faith towards God the true and living God of the resurrection from the dead and of eternal judgment But if any shall say What doth this Babler say Are we Lycaonians or Athenians Stoicks or Epicures what doth all this concern us Whereunto tends all this waste Are not we Christians born of Christian Parents Did not our Fathers say for themselves and us I beleeve in God the Father Almighty Did they not promise and vow in my name and made me say Amen to it in my infancy in the way that seem'd good to them to signifie thereby my consent Therefore we are no Heathens but Christians out of doubt and worshippers of the true God To you then O ye men women and children not of Athens but of England to you is this poor plain word directed Are you of the posterity of Adam so am I. Are you Natives of England so am I. Were you made to confesse God in your infancy when you were uncapable of knowing him so was I in such a manner as my zealous parents were instructed and as I in that estate was capable Were you any of you put in mind of the vow and promise which was made in your name and educated accordingly I also had my measure thereof Were you vaine neverthelesse so was I stubborn and rebellious so was I. Were you foolish disobedient deceived serving divers lusts and pleasures all this and more than this was I. Had you under all this checks and reproofs of conscience for vanity for lying even in your Childhood so had I. Did you resolve against it so did I. Did you cry to the most high God for strength against it in my degree measure I did so too Were you tender in heart so was I. Were you grieved when God was offended I was the like Saw you the root and spring of all wickednesse and noisome lusts to proceed from the corrupt and impure fountain of the heart I did the like being convinced that till the heart was changed and a new heart given instead thereof it would not be otherwise with me Did you reforme what you were convinced of so did I. Did you put on a form of profession so did I. Did you walke on in that forme for some time I did so too Suffered you any thing from Superiours or equals for walking strictly or differently from them I had my share therein also Were you not even and constant in this course of witnesse and walking no more was I. Were there not breakings out into sins such as from whence you seemed to have been departed that state I witnesse Had you peace then no more had I. Durst you approach God in prayer then no more durst I Did mournings and repentings tears and fastings renew the confidence and create the peace 'T was so with me so long as I was obedient I had peace and when I was in transgression I was afraid I ran away and hid my self Did you ever search your own heart to discern and discover the evil thereof so did I oft From all which I conclude the truth of the foregoing premises That there is a light and law in man c. Did you after many years of profession enquire into the ground of your profession and consider whence as well as what it was I did so too Were you convinced that your worship and service of God was founded upon tradition and education and the custome of the Nation the light that was let in thorough the observation of what they said and did and that whensoever you were checked or reproved for sin or affrighted and discouraged from approaching to God being self-judged and self-convicted that it proceeded from what you had received and learned from reading or hearing and as you did conform or not conform to this so was your peace made up or broken and discontinued without any other or further ground Have you or have you not been acquainted with this enquiry and observed the result thereof I have known the person who upon this enquiry hath been smitten the mouth stopped and the person silenced and the building which for many years hath been erecting blown upon by the breath and spirit of the Lord and laid even with the ground through the power of this discovery that Jesus Christ was not laid as a foundation nor corner stone in this building But all the profession hath amounted to no more but to a creaturely and selfe-righteousnesse made up of reformation and purification founded in the Creatures act and power But the name given of God for salvation besides which there is no other name given among men whereby they can be saved this being not understood received or beleeved on there hath appeared nothing but stones of emptinesse and lines of confusion persons appearing as men which have dream'd that they were eating but when they are awakened by the spirit of the Lord which reproveth and convinceth of sin indeed behold their soul is empty and faint To such then as not only have improved their first radical principles in the exercise of the moral vertues but to those especially who have made progresse in higher profession I demand whether they have considered the force of natural education what an influence it hath upon the offspring you may read of him who said he profited in the Jews Religion above many being exceeding Zealous of the traditions or ordinances of his fathers and the mixt multitude who fell all sting Numb 11.4 went up out of Aegypt Exod. 12.38 and bear a share in the external part of that song Exod. 15.2 My fathers God I will exalt him how apt is it for man to say my fathers God my Countries God my friends God my Companions God yet not know the God of their fathers or not to know that knowledg to be indeed according to God in verity and truth There are empty Vines which bring forth fruit to self Hos 10.1 Trees which flourish and grow and bring forth fruit goodly to the eye and in outward appearance are as that green olive tree fair and of goodly fruit on which nevertheless the most high will kindle a fire and cause
the branches to be broken Jer. 11.16 because it is not testified of them according to that word Hos 14.8 from me is thy fruit found It 's necessary to consider the foundation whereon we are built there 's no other foundation but the Rock nor no Rock but the Lord Jesus Christ and him laid as a foundation whereon the building must stand that will abide the storm and tempest There are two Common Roots of Mankind The First Adam the Second Adam two Creations two Covenants There must be a breaking off that there may be a grafting in a dying to the spirit that there may be a quickning or live-making by the second Adam not a garnishing the old tomb neither with feathers nor Garlands no nor garments neither but old things must pass away and all things become new not a new name only but a New nature also For except a man be born again he shall never see the kingdome of God much may the natural man do and yet but a Child of the first birth To the latter of these to such as bid defiance to c. To the latter of these to such as bid defiance to the most High God who say to the Almighty depart from us we will not the knowledge of thy wayes Even to these wisedome uttereth her voice in the streets she cryeth in the chiefe place of concourse How long ye scorners will ye delight in scorning and fooles hate knowledg turn ye at my reproof To day while its called to day harden not your hearts but seek the Lord while he may be found for there is a destruction determined from the Lord upon all the proud and profane ones for he will dash them one against another even the Fathers and the Sons together and will neither pity nor spare nor have mercy but destroy Hear ye therefore and give ear be not proud for the Lord hath spoken give glory to the Lord God before he cause darknesse and before your feet stumble upon the dark mountains and while ye look for light he turn it into the shadow of death and make it grosse darkness humble your selves and sit down for your Principalities shall come down even the crown of your glory and although you wipe your mouths and say you have done no wickedness yet the pride rebellion of Haman and Nebuchadnezzar the profaneness of Esau the gluttony drunkenness of Dives and Belshazzar as the iniquity of your heels will compass you about and what will you do in the end thereof when the watcher the Holy one shall say unto you as to him in the vision Hew down the Tree cut off his branches shake off his leaves and scatter his fruit let the beasts get away from under it and the fowls from his branches and let his portion be with the beasts in the grasse of the earth And though you may slight and contemn this as being a sound of words yet when your eyes shall see the fingers upon the plaister of the wall and shall read the writing which you cannot but see and read for the most High hath placed his candle upon a candlestick and not under a bushell and this writing is upon the wall over against the candlestick that thou maist see and shalt not chose but see eye to eye the light that 's in thee reflects upon the law written in thee that law written on the plaisterd wall or table of thy heart returns a reciprocal reflexion Then will thy countenance change and thy thoughts be troubled the joynts of thy loins be unloosed and thy knees smite against each other but if the vision be so terrible what wil the interpretation and the application thereof be unto thee when thou shalt be numbred and weighed found too light the glory of thy Kingdom finished divided from thee Then O thou fool whose shal these things be O therefore that thou wert wise and wouldest consider thy latter end and honour and extoll the most High God whose eternal power and Godhead is manifested in thee and shewne unto thee whose works are truth and his waies judgment and those which walk in pride he is able to abase To the Religious man upon the Terms of the first Covenant Thou art perswaded that thou art passed from death to life by all the Arguments whereby a person may be perswaded thereof Thou art convinced that as absolutely as it 's appointed for man once to dye so certainly necessary it is for a person to be born again of water and of the spirit if ever he expect to see the Kingdome of God and that thou art so born it 's to thee out of doubt being possest with these perswasions or such as these viz. That thou hast had the spirit of bondage to fear and haste abode under that dispensation for a season and this hath been the hour of thy travail through which thou hast been brought forth and hast been made partaker of the new birth the holy spirit testifying as much unto thee by giving thee ability to cry Abba father By this thou knowest thou hast past from death to life because thou lovest the brethren Thou art poor in spirit Thou dost hunger and thirst after righteousness Thou art weary and heavy laden Thou art persecuted for righteousness sake Thou dost mourn Therefore all the conditions of these promises shall be surely made good to thee whatever becomes of others whom thou pitiest and over whom thou mournest to think of their conditions And is it so indeed Art thou O man or woman at rest under all this if so what means those doubts and fears that so often arise within thee and whispers these things to thee What if my mourning should not be mourning aright my poverty of spirit not of a right kind my love to the Brethren but partial and feigned to some not to others scarce to any in a full proportion at least not to all without partiality is not this friend dearer to thee than that couldest thou not dye sooner for this friend than for that if at all for any oh how is thy wine mixt with water and thy silver with dross thy seemingly unfeigned love with respect of persons Sayest thou not sometimes in secret to thy soul O! if I were sure my hungring and thirsting were indeed after righteousness for righteousness sake and that I were indeed heavy laden according to truth then I were sure of satisfaction and were sure of ease but while these are the private reasonings of thy soul and yet thou wouldest seem and appear to be past from death to life death's in the window death 's in the pot thou yet needest the Physician for thou art sick though thou knowest it not But admit thou art able to deduce arguments of life from the actions of a living man Forasmuch as he that worketh righteousnes is righteous and such art thou and the course of thy life doth evidence this to thine own and all mens view walking
in all the ordinances of God without Blame This is a worthy testimony indeed and to be had in great estimation of all that love and fear the Lord. But may there not be a defect here can no man challenge thee for things done as a man Admit they cannot though that be rare no inequality no partiality in word or deed having been found in thee if so thou hast whereof to glory but not before God mightest thou not have done the same things sooner or better with respect to circumstances in relation to matter or manner to person or thing did thy heart never smite thee for defect or excess in relation to these it's with thee to give an answer according to truth now if thy heart condemn thee God is greater than thy heart and though thy heart condemn thee not and that thou hast confidence toward God yet must that confidence be according to God forasmuch as although it be a very comfortable thing and much to be desired to have the testimony of a mans own conscience in the thing he doth yet this being but a single witness though it may serve a man in mans matters in such cases as concern a mans self yet in the matters between a man and his God it 's requisite that to the quietation of his mind and the establishing his rest to the making up a peace in his spirit its necessary that his righteousness which he calls such be born witness to by God otherwise his peace flowing from his righteousness being but singly evidenced may be without joy in the holy spirit As is witnessed 1 Cor. 4.4 For not he that commendeth himself is approved but whom the Lord commendeth 2 Cor. 10.18 There be some eminent cases which being considered will give thee and me light in this matter Paul was a strickt observer of the Law highly privileged and dignified in walking exact and blameless living in all good conscience having a zeal of God and knew not but that he ought to do what he was doing even then when he was in the height and ruff of his persecution yet this quietness of mind in himself nor his zeal toward God nor his perswasion that he was doing God good service none of these did justifie him before God though they might contribute to a satisfying him in his own mind and a justifying of him in the Court of his own conscience which was at this time un-informed as he testifieth 1 Tim. 1.13 That he obteined mercy because he did it ignorantly in unbeleef That person mentioned in Luk. 18.10 11 12. who in his prayer appealed to God insisting upon his negative and positive righteousness declaring what he was not and what he was that he was righteous and did righteousness he was exercised in relation to God and man a keeper of both tables Yet the passage intimates that God was not like minded touching this boaster or cracker Gods thoughts were not touching him as his own thoughts were touching himself but the contrary for every own that exalteth himself shall be abased and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted Another passage most eminently remarkable is that of Job of whom it 's testified by God himself to the face of the accuser that he was a perfect and an upright man one that feared God and eschewed evill and that there was none like him in the earth Job 1.8 2.3 touching his integrity he makes a Narrative thereof which discovers the most surpassing excellencie appealing to God therein of whom he saith doth not he see my wayes and count all all my steps Job 31.4 6. let me be weighed in an even Ballance and let God know mine integrity if my step have turned out of the way and mine heart walked after mine eyes if any blot have cleaved to my hands if I have eaten my morsels my self alone if I have seen any perish for want of cloathing or any without covering if I covered my transgression as Adam by hiding mine iniquity in my bosome much is there spoken of Jobs integrity by which it's evident he had whereof to glory before men and by his confident appeals to God it is evident he did not doubt to stand also before him in the Judgement He was righteous and did work righteousness and was able to bear it out with confidence against the accusation of his professed adversary and his three friends yet his righteousness doth appear to be but a righteousness of the first Covenant done under the dispensation of the Covenant of works which he as a fearer of God and worker of righteousness might and did perform which answers the Character God gives of him Chap. 1.8 that he was one that feared God and eschewed evil agreeable to that testimony of Peter touching Cornelius in the tenth Act. 31.32 in every nation he which feareth God worketh righteousness is accepted with him And the rather is this considerable because that notwithstanding the testimony which God gave of the perfection and uprightness of Job in the before mentioned scripture and the narrative Job gives of his own integrity as before yet doth the Lord himself reprove him with many repeated arguments for his conviction as also doth Job lay his hand upon his own mouth and passe sentence upon himself which plainly declares his perfection whatever it was in relation to the first Covenant and his uprightness however it might be without blot or blame as in reference to what was outward and that Job might have in respect thereof whereof to glory before men yet in relation to the righteousness of God that which give him boldness there he with the Leper cries I am unclean Job 40.4 Behold I am vile what shall I answer thee I will lay my hand upon my mouth Chap. 42 I have uttered that which I understood not things too wonderful for me which I knew not I have heard of thee by the hearing of the ear but now mine eye seeth thee wherefore I abhorre my self and repent in dust and ashes Thou maist have many evidences marks and signes whereon thy confidence may be built and these nevertheless may be return'd upon thee for want of authority to confirm thee in an undoubted perswasion of thy renewed condition Thou maist likewise abound in works of righteousnesse which may have a mighty influence upon thee to further that perswasion and yet reach no further than to set thee up amongst men thou maist be outdone in all thy working and undone in all that 's done for this is most certain man would be at work doing some thing that might render him his owne saviour whereas it 's plainly declared that it 's not in him that willeth nor in him that runneth but in God which sheweth mercy nor by works of righteousnesse which we have done but of his mercy he saveth such as are saved by the washing of regeneration and renewing of the holy spirit which man doth not care for being acquainted withall as long