the great Realities of the Gospel a new device and mould of their own framing Or do they think their Authority such as is enough to patronize a Doctrine that gives an express lie to the God of Truth in the most clear discoveries of his Word 4. It may seem a strange and amazing assault to obtrude a way of Religion in the face of the Christian Church in so manifest a contradiction to the whole experience of the Saints and that seal which in all ages they have put to this Truth that the Scripture is the Power of God to Salvation and is that mean whereby he maketh the simple wise that it is the very way whereby Jesus Christ keepeth intercourse with his Church here on Earth and such as no line nor tittle thereof did ever deceive any that adventured on the same This we are sure is and hath been the Testimony of the followers of the Truth ever since that great Trust of the Oracles of God was committed to the Church which they have put in their Testament and with their dying breath have owned how oft in this blessed way of the Word hath the Lord sealed their instruction whilst under sad and dark plunging yea thus hath made Life Power and enlivening Influences even to the melting of their heart break up when under their greatest deadness 5. It is a strange attempt and seems a new essay the Devil intends to try in acting forth a Party not to dispute the Scripture and Christian Faith out of the World but to brawl it away in an unusual manner of reviling as if they would out-cry the Truth with a continued flood of noise and reproach whilst they know there is no serious and sober Christian but under the A we of God is restrained from answering them at their rate But yet for answer here is nothing needs seem strange when we see 1. How hard it is to fix in such a way as error and delusion or find land when men once are carried off the Truth and do lanch out into that horrid gulf of error but seducers must wax worse and worse 2 Tim. 3. 13. 2. How in all times it may be discernable that a delusion is a turning men judicially mad and their deliberate acting to deceive others hath the very same effect on themselves nor is it strange such aremarkable stir and noise is made by the Spirit of Error which thus rages when at this day let loose knowing his time is short and that such an hour of the Power of darkness doth but go before some great and remarkable restraint yea that this is near for which with an assured hope upon that blessed Warrant and Security of the Scriptures of Truth we wait and believe SECT VI. IN pursuance of this subject whilst such a darkness is over the Churches of Christ and the very Foundations like to be shaken It should be this day a serious call for our enquiry what solid Improvement might be made of such a Tryal in this strange appearance and growth now of Quakerism for clearing of the Holy and unspotted way of the Lord and our being farther strengthned in the Faith since it is sure that nothing is here before our eyes but what brings a convincing Seal therewith to the Truth and may be an antidote against its own poyson if we but consider 1. That the necessity of Day and Night and of the Ordinances of Heaven to continue as they are is not more clear from the Truth of the Word than that Heresies must be in the Church that such as are approved may be made manifest 1 Cor. 11. 10. And if these were not the Scriptures would want an undoubted witness of its Truth and Certainty 2. That it is undeniably clear this is the very time and season of bringing forth those monstrous Births in the World according to the Scripture-Prophecies thereof for the Spirit speaketh expresly to the latter times 1 Tim. 4. 1. and gives warning that this will be one of the special and greatest Tryals of the Christian Church whereof the Old Testament doth make but little mention yea thus it may be understood why such a Party now must have some blacker dye and a singular edition of grossness beyond all that have gone before as suiting to a greater Light and more flourishing times of the Church than former ages have known 3. Is there not advantage here for being more confirmed in the good ways of the Lord that no such length the Principles of this adversary come and there 's nothing so horrid and amazing in their Doctrine which in the Scripture hath not been foretold such as damnable Heresies even denying the Lord that bought them 2 Pet. 2. 1. even such as tend not to darken the Truth only or a building hay and stubble on this Foundation but most visibly raze the same 4. It should be for our strengthening also in the Truth that nothing is so strange in this marvelous depth of error and delusion as to the way and manner of its spreading in the Church but what hath been foretold by the Holy Ghost to be brought in privily by subtile insinuation and a sowing of these tares while men sleep yea how such shall make merchandize of their souls for in nothing more is the slight of men and cunning craftiness whereby they lye in wait to deceive known to the World than in this Trade which seducers drive to turn those they converse with from that simplicity which is in Christ but as thus Error in its first approaches knows how to take on a cover Is it not seen also where once this is aloft and delusion drunk in with what discernable fury and violence such are then driven so as all may know what mean these clouds which the Apostle speaks of carried about with a tempest 2 Pet. 2. 17. which are then hurried by a judicial stroke and can find no fixing 5. This one thing I confess seems astonishing and that whereat some pretend most advantage for their stumbling at the way of God to see at what rate such have walked under a profession of godliness not only as to Light but with a convincing evidence of their being serious and tender therein who at last to the amazement of the World have fallen into a visible Apostacy from the Faith so as to come even to that dreadful length therein of being Quakers yea thus may seem to bring in question that great Truth of the perseverance of the Saints But it 's well we have the Scripture to go to and know what this means whilst nothing here is such as does not convincingly answer to what is expresly shewed us there and should confirm more than shake if we consider 1. Though it is true that Heresie as other works of the flesh may be consistent with a regenerate estate yet is it impossible for the Elect to be deceived into a falling from the Faith without some gracious recovery as is shewed Matt. 24.
A SURVEY OF Quakerism As it is STATED IN THE Professed Doctrine and Principles OF THAT PARTY With a Serious REFLECTION ON THE Dreadful Import thereof to Subvert the very Being and Reality of the Christian Religion By a Lover of the Truth LONDON Printed for Tho. Parkhurst at the Bible and Three Crowns at the Lower end of Cheapside near Mercers-Chappel 1677. Licensed and Entred according to Order To the READER Christin Reader IT should be a sad and unpleasing Subject this to converse with in a time when so much is on every hand to cause grief if the defence of the Truth and a Being guarded against the contagion of so horrid a way did not necessarily require the same which besides a surprising call and pressing desire of some for whom I owed greatest respects hath occasioned these few lines to go forth to the World I may say with much aversion of spirit otherways thereto It seems peculiar to this Age to have out-gone all former times in a new and unusual way of sinning and a daring insolence to oppose the Truth whilse such amazing Prodigies of Atheism Prophanity and Error do at once meet together To let this generation see how inexcusable they are if Judgment from the Lord yea some unusual and stupendious stroke thereof do surprize them where so loud a cry goes before of its coming But it is well the Truth abides sure and immoveable and we know must out-live with a growing splendour and brightness this so remarkable an hour of the power of darkness yea hath that Authority not only on the Conscience of such who embrace it in love but on its Enemies as must enforce some awe and dread on the greatest blasphemers of the time whether they will or not The Virgin-daughter of Zion hath despised thee and laughed thee to scorn the daughter of Jerusalem hath shaken her head at thee whom hath thou reproached and blasphemed and against whom hast thou exalted thy voice and lifted up thine eyes on high even against the holy One of Israel Should it not deeply affect such as love Our Lord Jesus Christ to see such a party crouding in the streets and high-ways of Britain whose express design is so obvious not to darken only but subvert the whole of the Gospel in the Incarnation Death and Sufferings of our glorious Redcemer and of his being truly God and Man in two distinct Natures united in one Person Oh if we should be bereaved of this inestimable treasure we were bereaved indeed Yea such whose work is to depress the credit and authority of that great and sacred Instrument of Truth the Scripture in the light whereof the redeemed of the Lord now in Glory have got thus safe to Land without any other Light or Rule besides this to walk by and on which so innumerable a company have adventured hitherto bearing their witness to its truth and faithfulness whose record we know to be true and some should reckon themselves under singular engagements to seal this Truth though with their dying breath That in all the steps of the Lords way even such as seem most dark to these who look on them at a distance assuredly he is what he hath declared himself to be in the written Word I shall only add what with much confidence I may here witness that as I know no quarrel but one with any of that way which is for the Truths sake I could not but judg I had too sure ground to charge these as their Principles and Doctrine upon them which they have publickly owned to the World if they keep not some reserved sence contradictory to their own words and so far as I can reach without any known retractation SECT I. THOUGH it is undeniably sad and one of the most searching Tryals of the Church at which many are ready to be shaken when the Truth seems intangled in a consusion of contrary Doctrines and the spirit of Error let loose to darken the same and that we see it also one of the greatest strokes from God inflicted here yea greater than that on the Affections in the delivering up of mens Reasons and Judgments to strong delusion with these fearful productions which are this way oft found because they received not the love of the Truth yet it is well we know the Faithfulness of God is sure and stands good to bring the Elect safe unto Glory whatever Rocks and Shelves be in the way on which so many have visibly made shipwrack nor can the Truth conflict with such a Tryal but for its farther Triumph and some more bright breaking forth of its light and that no evil eye nor the cursing of any shall ever blast that Interest which God hath blessed One thing I confess seems strange and most threatning in this time whilst Religion and the Christian Faith is in such eminent hazard and the Devil in an unusual manner let loose to deceive to see how great a part of those who professedly own the Truth are fallen as in a dead Palsey and indifference about the things of Christ though never more vigorously moving about their own things nor seem they with such suitable fear to be jealous of the corruption of the mind and intellectual Errors as they are of moral Corruption as though diseases in the Head were not to be feared which are usually found of all to be most mortal yea when so discernibly this is one of the depths of Satan and his known devices to bring in Atheism and Irreligion by Error and turn the World from all setled perswasion of the Truth by some high pretences thereto for which one sad instance I must here give that I am sure except men shut their eyes they cannot but see No engin could have a more native and effectual tendency to bring such as were unstable the farthest length of Vaninus and his followers even to deny and blaspheme a Deity than to unhinge them once from founding on the Scripture and turn them over to that way of the Quakers which now seems to have such a formidable growth in the Church What these are who under this name and peculiar cognizance of Quakers have become so known and stated an adversary to the Truth this day the account they give of their own Doctrine and Principles can too clearly witness nor needs there any great search to be made about their rise and descent it is too late and but a few years since the World knew such a monstrous birth though I confess in its complex frame if it be seriously considered it is a most discernible compound of these ancient Heresies that have sprung up in the Church which did formerly each in their turn essay to ruin the Truth But this also we may know how at an ebb-tide after much former abuse of Light and in an hour of great Temptation on the Churches of Christ these did adventure to creep forth to whom once the Light and authority of the Truth would have been
Conscience enforce this conviction upon them that in the Church of Christ from which they are gone out there are still Ministers of the Spirit and not of the dead Letter and empty sound and a Ministration of Power and Life found to go along with these blessed Ordinances they so avowedly contemn yea that by this Doctrine of the Church they have now quit the followers of the Truth do in these times as well as in former ages receive the Spirit and know the certainty thereof that it is the Spirit of Holiness most exactly corresponding with the written Word 8. Does not that conviction also follow them though they flee never so fast from it what burning and shining Lights there have been and yet are among the Ministers of Christ in these late times such as were Mighty in the Scriptures servent in Spirit cloathed with the Power and Authority of God before whose Ministry the most daring and stout-hearted have been made to tremble than whom none have witnessed more zeal for the Truth and that Doctrine so much now cryed down by the Quakers yea how some also of these we have known to have had very extraordinary discoveries and immediate in-breathings of the Mind of God in particular cases who in this were led by a Scripture-spirit and in no other path but in the way of the Word though by some more singular enforcing Application of the same 9. Are not such enforced also to see so as their Conscience cannot contradict What unspeakable joy and peace Christians do witness in their sufferings for the Truth and bearing Testimony to that way to which they are so known and stated Adversaries yea that when such are a-dying with what a marvelous gale of assurance and joy they have parted from time putting their Seal to the same Doctrine of the Church and Ministry thereof which they so virulently revile blessing the Lord that ever they were made acquainted therewith even then when all that lookt on might perceive their soul raised and under some present Transport with these begun unexpressible Tasts of Heaven and that some sight thereof was there broken up unto them which no Words could express 10. I must attest their Conscience if they be not constrained to justifie such as are most serious in adherence to the Truth even over the belly of the greatest prejudice that they are such as are real and serious in what they profess and may be known to make no naked and empty shew thereof but are willing to be tried in what is their Testimony and render a reason of that hope within them with the greatest seriousness by bringing it to the Tryal of the Scriptures of Truth I shall but further appeal to their own Conscience and Light within if they do not see this way of Holiness and serving the Lord according to that Rule of the Scripture which they so expresly disown to be that good and old way in which the footsteps of the Saints may be found since the beginning and how it is no new Light broken up in the World but a continued succession hath been still of those who from one time to another delivered over the same Truth to succeeding ages yea can they possibly deny that as at the first up-breaking of the Christian Faith so in these late times the Lord hath put to his Seal by extraordinary Signs and Confirmations with such an immediate appearance of himself to the same Truth now owned and professed by the reformed Churches as the greatest Atheists will stand in a we to question I must shut up this with one Word more of appeal to the World and most ordinary observers in this time If without shutting their eyes they can consider this way of the Quakers and not see the imposture thereof also 1. How their work is as the Serpent deceived Eva to engage more by enticing words and laying baits before the Affections than to clear and convince the Judgment so as it is not stange though such are induced to change their Religion as had never yet in earnest imbraced any 2. Can they see here any thing else but the grossest Atheism under a new dress when such do expresly deny whatever they pretend the only true God revealed in Jesus Christ except as an abstract Notion and Principle within every one 3. And may not the most ordinary observers of the time be struck with the conviction of a more excellent spirit in such as seriously own and imbrace the Truth with that savour their way hath of humility self-denial without daring to revile and what a more convincing resemblance this hath to that perfect Rule of the Scripture than that imbittered raging spirit which in such horrid scurrilous expressions fears not to vent it self among this Party 4. Do not all see this also their taking advantage to wrest the Scripture so far as they can see the least shadow there to bring it to their Interest whilst yet they fear not to throw off the whole and deny subjection thereto in its being the alone Rule of a Christians Faith and Practice as though these they converse with were in no case to discern so gross and visible an Imposture A Postscript READER This sad subject with the threatned effects of such a contagion in any of the Churches of Christ may have a serious voice to us this day if we could hear or be awaked to read from the sin and distemper of others and our own duty concerning which I shall in a few lines further add some things which thus seem to be convincingly pointed at First To be more deeply affected with such a plague on the spirits of men as we would be with the sword or pestilence breaking forth in the Land when withal it must be considered 1. That it is no consequent of ordinary sins but may be seen to follow some remarkable hight of resisting the Holy Ghost and rejecting of the Word of Truth in more bright discoveries thereof than most parts of the Christian World at this day have had 2. That this Meteor of Quakerism doth so obviously threaten and hath its proper aspect on the Churches of Britain and Ireland beyond any else of the Reformed Churches 3. That in all times the abounding of spiritual plagues in any place where the Truth did shine are still found to go before the saddest of temporal Judgments and can there now be found such threatning symptoms in any Church-history or Records of ancient time to have gone before the most desolating stroke which does not in some unusual manner meet in our case this day yea such prodigies both of Error and Prophaneness and the highest daring of the glorious God to his face as cannot be instanced by any paralel since the first dawnings of Christianity 4. And should not this also make it the more affrighting to us that it speaks with so audible a voice where some great pretences to Religion may yet end and what cause to fear lest many
professors in this time be under an irrecoverable woe in the matters of Eternity when profession is so much turned into the form of godliness without the power thereof which should be nothing else when it is native but as the shadow appearing that must needs be because it cannot cease to follow the body Secondly As we must not despise or look lightly on such an amazing sight as that Party now is so it should concern us to guard also against any stumbling at serious godliness on this account but how to improve the same for being more fixed and confirmed in the good ways of the Lord when it is so evident 1. How one and the same spirit and with one concurrence to the same work moves in this Party with the most flagitious and open persecutors and though under some different form yet they do all vigorously unite in that common Interest to counteract Truth and Holiness to decry the Scripture cast reproach on the great Ordinances thereof and how to make that Ministry given by Jesus Christ to his Church contemptible and vile which as it may be seen is the very same work the most profligate Atheists are at and so must have from one airth their Incitements thereto 2. Whatever be of the falling in of some to that way who once seemed to love the Truth and embrace it yet is it not evident as to most of this Party how remarkable the earth hath been made to help the Woman by drinking in such a flood as the Devil had cast forth to ruine the Church whilst so many have thus parted with the Truth of whom no known or convincing evidence could be given that ever they had received it but a most discernible tendency in their way to such an infection had broke forth before the spots of it from that small regard they were known to have to the solid saving and substantial Truths of the Word 3. This sad subject with such shaking winds as now blow almost from every airth on the Church should it not press us to some further length than most seem to satisfie themselves with in a sure and solid founding on the Scripture when it is so clear that none can ossuredly know the Scriptures being the Word of God but may have a sufficient antidote against this deadly poyson and by these great Demonstrative evidences thereof must thus know 1. That it is undoubtedly a full and perfect Rule such as the whole race of the Saints to this day could not have wished it another thing than it is for their Counsel and Conduct within time and takes off all possible ground for the adding either Traditions or any Revelation thereto yea that it is such a Rule as manifests it self with that sufficiency of Light to all as none can reject this one evidence but these whose eyes the God of this World hath blinded since there is no want of Light in the Truth it self but from mens blindness and a defect in the â—isive faculty 2. It is thus they assuredly know how it is no dead Letter by that Divine Power and Efficacy thereof and to be no Historical Rule which is sharper then any two-edged sword to a dividing asunder the soul and spirit with the joynts and marrow Heb. 4. 12. that gives Law to the Conscience makes it tremble and searches in to the most secret recesses of the hearts of men 3. Thus also we know the Holy Ghosts speaking in and by the Scripture to be no private voice and such an Impression as comes in a divided way or by bearing witness to the Truth and Authority of the Scripture in any other way than by the Scripture and an imparting thereto its Power Efficacy and Majesty and enabling us to know and discern the same 4. That such are these great supernatural Truths revealed there as could only have been revealed from Heaven and never possibly could have been once thought of or conceived in the mind of Man by any reasonings or natural helps without Divine Revelation so as it is no pretended Light within can let us know what are the things of God further than it is derived from the Scripture 5. And is it not thus known also what an undoubted certainty is in the verification of these supernatural Truths in the experience of the Saints as they can know they live or breath which is not witnessed to some individual persons only as if from any advantage of Nature and Edification they might have it but in every time in all the Churches of Christ yea by the whole generation of the Saints hath still with the greatest oneness of consent been undeniably attested when it is so clear also How much a great part of professedChristians is wholly stranger thereto and how it is no less above mens reach by Nature to know or discern what thus belongs to the state of the Saints than for a Beast to know what concerns the state of Man and what advantage should it then be as this Party pleads for all persons to follow a Light within themselves Fourthly Though we must own no such austere mode or appearance of Mortification as this Party of the Quakers seek to amuse the World with being visibly stretched beyond the Rule of the Word yea so false and ridiculous a shew of strictness therein as is a reproach to serious Religion yet is it a clear and indispensable Duty to guard against conformity to the World in these sad extravagant fashions of the time so as Christians may let their Moderation be known to all and their faith of the Lords being at hand may commend the Truth by that true adorning which is in the hidden man of the heart and a meek and quiet spirit not by plaiting of the hair or putting on of apparel 1 Pet. 3 4. Which oft as a publick sign stand at the door to let others know what pride lightness and vanity dwell there as though they had not an eternal salvation to work out with fear and trembling or did not believe the third of Isaiah from the 16. vers to the close to be the Scripture of God and to have the same Authority the same theratning Aspect in this generation whic in had then on Israel yea is this a being accountable in the Improvement of what some have beyond others of the World as a Trust put under their hand now when it is such an hour of great Tribulation on the Churches I confess this ground I have last mentioned is such as may cause many in this age fear they be under a sad mistake in their Claim and Title to Heaven and hath oft put me to wonder what kind of peace many have on this account who seem to out-run others in a profession of the Truth Since if the Scripture be undoubtedly sure and no falling to the ground of the least Tittle thereof should not these clear discoveries which are there he as that hand-Writing on the Wall to make their knees smite
one against another 1. That riches and what any hath received beyond others of the World is not theirs but is a Talent in Trust to Trade with for the Masters use for which each must be accountable according to their measure Mat. 25. 15. Luk. 19. 15. VVhat a sound will that once be which is hastening on all Come give an account of your Stewardship 2. That it is clear on what Negatives this dreadful sentence Matt. 25. 41. Depart from me ye cursed c. is there stated and what is intended by that parable Luk. 16. 19. of the rich man of whom no such account is given us as a glutton or notoriously wicked but that in his life-time be had his good things though with a small regard to such a case as Lazarus's 3. And is it not thus clear why then there is such a hardly being saved for the Rich as is expresly by our great Master told Matt. 19. 24. Luk. 18. 26. It being so rare an instance for such to be keeped humble or truly faithful in that trust yea keeped off some snare thereby that plungeth men into eternal perditions Oh how many have riches weighing them down to the pit and what a dreadful noise is now there VVe have lost a heaven and eternity of joy for things of the earth which were but for a moment and are now gone But it seems most in this day shut their eyes and cannot see what Light shines so clearly in the Scripture about it Else I am sure it were not conceivable how they could own any true claim to that blessed Inheritance above in such a way as they embrace and improve their Interests here in the earth whilst so much more ground may he to fear their account for the fruit and product of this Talent in any suitable proportion to the measure received shall be found no other at their appearance before Jesus Christ the great Judg than a hiding it under the earth or putting it in a napkin Fifthly Let it discourage or weaken the spirit of none who now follow the Lord that it is such a thick darkness on the Church and that when personal sufferings are so sore on the one hand there should be on the other such assaults to darken and subvert the Truth Since there is much more to countervail all if we seriously consider 1. That it is sure if there be a safe founding on that foundation of the Prophets and Apostles then may such as have imbraced the Doctrine of the Reformed Churches and received it in love have a sweet and secure calmness amidst the raging fumes of this time as knowing assuredly they build on the same Foundation and no other and are in that good and old way in which the Saints in all ages have revealed the Spirit and been sealed to the day of Redemption 2. Is it not clear also if there wanted not an observing spirit and our eyes were not so much withheld from seeing the Glory of these times there wants not such great convincing discoveries of a Godhead and stately acts of Providence as might silence our complaints with wonder and amazement to see that marvelous way the Holy God takes in building his House 〈◊〉 unfolding his design and bringing forth his Word in most surprising appearances both of Judgment and Mercy and whilst we wait and wonder he comes not one way when we are ready to stint our thoughts he comes very remarkably another way to let all see his faithfulness fails not if man had but eyes to perceive the same 3. Should not the Tribulation of these days be a confirming Seal to the Truth and Doctrine of this Gospel more than a stumbling-block to discourage or shake the spirits of any since it is sure salvation by Jesus Christ is not more plainly discovered than the Worlds hatred and opposition to his way yea to what Hight it should come and in what different ways and manner the Truth and its followers should suffer 4. Whatever sore wrestlings now are when the Waters seem more to rise and swell than to have any discernible abatement yet it is well we may know by the clearest Scripture-Light that the strongest difficulties when overcome yeeld the greatest victory and shall be not only matter of joy here but to all eternity they having with patience and hope endured and got well through such a throng of Temptations and assaults in adhering to the Truth O that Glory which is coming where each of the Saints shall then get an account of the way of the Lord and whole series of Providence towards them in their journey so as to see no way could have been so unspeakably fit and safe for them and thus become matter of praise joy and admiring for ever evermore FINIS
a terror and while the Watchmen slept hath the Devil essayed to sow such seed having that advantage which in the like case Calvin said of Servetus Fatuitas dogmatum me securum reddit It 's true they are skilful to put themselves in such different forms as may make it something difficult how to handle them being under a visible awe and dread to be found out in what they are But I am sure if what they own to the World in their Writings bear any sense and their words be not such as none possibly but themselves can understand it may be easie to see the undoubted tendency of this way is to subvert the Christian Faith to explode the Scripture from being the alone rule and standard of our Religion and incite those they converse with to a real Apostacy from Christianity Now in speaking to this subject which is such as should make it a sad and unpleasant work to rake in so horrid a dunghil as the known Tenets of this Party are if a testimony to the Truth and for its Vindication did not necessarily require the same 1 must here offer a few things to be considered which in this following discourse seem to be of greatest use to be cleared 1. What Positions these of the Quakers are in which they do most visibly agree and unite and how direct a sendency they have to subvert the Faith in the great Foundations of Christianity 2. What should be the meaning of this so strange and amazing an assault they do adventure upon against the Faith and how sad an account it gives of the temper and complexion of this time when with day-sight such dare come sorth to express themselves at this rate 3. It is of special use to consider what advantage Christians have here even from the strange appearance of this Party to clear the holy and unspotted way of the Lord and for being more sixed and strengthned in the Truth whatever cause others may pretend on this account for stumbling 4. It seems needful also to consider the great influencing cause of this contagion and it 's too evident growth now in the Church whilst such horrid things are by these vented with an amazing confidence as we should think a natural Conscience in men who have but any sense and impression of a Deity and are not wholly given up to Atheism could not but tremble at 5. We would consider what is of greatest use to guard Christians now against such mortal poyson that they fall not from their stedfastness nor be carried about with this cloud driven with such a tempest 6. I must shut up this with a twofold appeal one to that Light which Quakers so much cry up in every one which I am sure in the most favourable sense it can be taken is the Conscience that high Court of Justice set up under the Authority of the great Judg in every mans Breast which doth enforce the soul to some reflexion on it self even when they tremble at that sight if before this Light these can possibly stand and be but in earnest therewith without horror and amazement at themselves A second is to the most ordinary observers in the time if without shutting of their eyes they can shun the clear discovery of the horrid imposture of such a Party whatever high pretences they seem to have how visible a contradiction their way is not only to Scripture and Reason but to it self SECT II. FOr the first of these which concerns their Doctrine and Principles That I am sure none needs pretend is latent and hid from the World except what an expressing themselves with a reserved sense and palcable equivocating may cause to some I have confidence to say that without passion or prejudice in the least or without any quarrel but for the Truths sake I have in earnest sought to know the certainty of what they own herein which in these following Positions I shall briefly touch Position 1. It is undeniable they own a sufficient light in every man to guide him in the way to salvation which he is expresly obliged to follow and lean to a Tenet above all they most closely keep by and on which their whole Doctrine seems to found it self We know such a Light did once shine brightly in Adam in the State of perfection so as he needed no light or voice without to be his guide but since that time none ever knew how to guide himself and they must think the Christian World in a strange darkness if it be easie to obtrude such a Light upon them which when brought to the test of Scripture and solid Reason doth resolve in most direct Paganism and is an express setting up of a Light and Spirit in opposition to the Holy Spirit speaking to us in the Word where we are taught 1. That such a Spirit is not of God which hears not Gods voice as Christ reasons with the Jews John 10. 3 4. Nor can it be his which leads not into all truth and brings not these things shewed forth there to our remenbrance John 14. 26. 16. 13. Which made Luther say if any Spirit should suggest an opinion for which he had not Scripture he should spit in his face knowing assuredly that it was the Devil 2. This expresly owns a common universal and sufficient grace to all as that which knocks at every mans door whether Christians or Pagans and that it is in his power to open and entertain the same and that no spiritual advantage doth accrew to Christians by the Scriptures being revealed unto them but what Pagans may have also by this Light within yea that they have no other Teacher but that inward teaching and guide common to them with the most savage Indians 3. But is there a sufficient and saving Light in these who are spiritually dead Ephes 2. 15. Or could that Light be a sufficient instructer to Paul when he thought verily he ought to do many things against the name of Jesus of Nazareth and in his following that Light within did consent to Stephens Death 4. How should this Light possibly be known when so oft stated in a direct opposition to the Light within others who may reckon they have as much advantage for the same as they if both be not brought to the Scripture for tryal 5. Did this Light within give the Heathens a check for Idolatry or could it let them see the alone way of being saved by that unconceiveable contrivance of the Gospel or restrain these from swearing to whom that moral prohibition of the third Command was never known 6. The Scripture shews that the natural man cannot discern the things of God which to him are foolishness 1 Cor. 2. 13. and that there is a necessity of the spirit of wisdom and revelation that the eyes of our understanding being enlightned we may know what is the hope of our calling and what are the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the Saints Ephes
1. 17 which none can say lieth common to all 7. From this blessed Record it is likewise clear how inseparably these are conjoyned for the Churches conduct within time the written Word without and the Spirit within for opening our eyes to see the Truths that are there The Law without as the alone Rule and Pattern and the same Law within as the Transcript bearing both one witness 8. Is it not clearly seen also that where reason hath been most refined and the greatest improvement of mens natural abilities even there The world through wisdom knew not God 1 Cor. 1. 21. And none among the Heathens have made greater opposition to the Gospel than such Nor can an instance be given of any one among all those who by this Light or by the furthest length gone in a right use of natural abilities hath ever attained saving-grace or a discovery of those supernatural Truths revealed to us in the Word nor could this Light teach Aristotle that great Naturalist to know the Worlds having a beginning or restrain Cato the greatest Moralist that ever was among the Heathens from being his own murtherer For that Scripture John 1. 9. That is the true light which lightneth every man that cometh into the world on which they seem so much to build it is most clear what is the plain and express sense thereof That as no true and saving Light is but what must be derived from Jesus Christ so is he the alone Original being truly God whence every one that cometh into the world is eniightned also with that Light of Nature and Reason Pos 2. Since this Light which seems to be their alone Bible and the Scriptures of Truth are incompatible we find them enforced to disown these as the infallible Rule of Faith and Practice and to own them but as an Historical rule only and its Commands are but as Commands from the Letter which oblige not but in a silent posture of heart to wait on an inward teaching of this Spirit A Position were it once admitted we might then say the Christian Cause is lost they who have fallen asleep in Christ are perished who knew no other way for founding both their Faith and Practice but on the express Letter of the Word yea in what a strange mould should men frame a Religion to themselves if but once left to such a Rule within and not that given in the Scripture But it 's well the Holy Ghost speaking to us there taught never such Divinity but expresly sheweth 1. That such a rule the Scripture is as is suited to make the man of God perfect and is profitable for Doctrine Instruction c. 2 Tim. 3. 16. 2. This is the Scriptures record that in the whole of Religion we must betake our selves to the Law and the Tistimony as the alone rule and measure thereof Isa 8. 20 and though strengthning physical power by which we are enabled to duty is from the Spirit working by the Word yet is it sure that all obliging power thereto is from the Letter of the Word alone nor is the Spirit without this a moral Rule for our acting now when the Canon of the Scripture is closed but to obey we must found this that it is intimated to us in the Word and to be strengthened in the inward man for the same is the immediate work of the Spirit concurring therewith 3. Is not the Scripture such a Rule as is given to be the sole Judg of all controversies To whose decision Christ himself refers the greatest question that ever was whether he be the Son of God or not Search the scriptures for they testifie of me Joh. 5. 38. 4. Did ever the Holy Ghost put such a stile as this on his own Word to be a Historical Rule and dead Letter only who so expresly shews that faith comes by hearing and hearing by the word of God Rom. 10. 14. as one active mean instrumentally concurring with the Spirit to beget the same and how it is mighty through God for the casting down of strong-holds and every hight and imagination which exalteth it self against the Lord But we known this Honour doth the Spirit of God put thereon that he still moves and acts according to the Word as it moves and acts nor does he make intercession within the Saints or utter one groan but according to the will of God revealed therein Rom. 8. 26. But it is indeed not strange that to a dead Heart this is as a dead Letter and such who under a judicial stroke of induration have a Bar drawn betwixt them and the power of the Word 5. Can these possibly find another rule for tryal of the Spirits whether they are of God but by the written Word and to know that it is not the Devil in Samuels appearance they have met with who is not now to learn that Art of transforming himself into an Angel of Light Since it is so clear there is the spirit of the word 1 Cor. 2. 12. and a spirit which rules in the hearts of the children of disobedience Eph. 2. 2. a living spirit 1 Kings 22. 22. and a spirit of error and delusion 1 John 4. 6 And is it not too known so as the world cannot be in the dark here How an enthusiastick spirit leaving the Scripture hath licensed some to such abominations as the Heathens would abhor and from a pretended impulse hath the brother killed the brother Pos 3. However they seem to own the appearance of Christ in the flesh yet nothing can be more clear from most of their Writings than how expresly they turn the History of the Gospel and the incarnation death and resurrection of Christ into a meer dispensation and allegory and upon the matter deny Jesus Christ as a distinct person without us and a Being saved by him who died at Jerusalem holding forth such a view and pourtraiture of the blessed Redeemer of the Church as must leave the world in a muse how to take hold upon any Reality of the Gospel or to find Jesus Christ but in some airy abstract and mystick notion of the Light and Spirit within every one which they thus confound as reciprocal terms A design by which I may say Satan does at no ordinary and common rate essay to ruine the Truth whilst by some high pretences to the Spirit he seeks to make us part with the express Letter of the Word 2. He doth thus essay to shake Christians at the root and in the great foundation of their faith by putting the Gospel in such a dress as may put it beyond all possible understanding to know the same or on what solid reality they can found their soul 3. Thus doth he in a special way attempt to darken that great and most desirable mystery that ever was revealed to men the Incarnation of the Son of God that he is assuredly Man and this no Allegory O! blessed he in whom the fulness of the God-head dwells
bodily as though it were some low and carnal dispensation to know Christ and him crucified but as he is within But it 's sure if any reality be in the Christian Faith and the whole mystery of Godliness no delusion the Christian Church will never debate 1. That it is the same Jesus who is preached unto the Gentiles believed on in the world that is received up into Glory 1. Tim. 3. 16. and the connexion there indissoluble nor can another true conception of him be possible than what the Scripture hath given 2. It is sure the literal sense of the Word is no new distinct sense from the spiritual though by a different Light and evidence understood and this great Truth That Jesus the Son of Mary is the Saviour of the World revealed within by the Spirit doth found no other objective Christ nor hath any different sense from what is objected to us in the Letter but is the very same though seen with another Light and irradiation thereof on the Soul 3. We know there was no dispensation nor Allegory meaned Acts 5. 30. The God of our Fathers hath raised up Jesus whom you hanged on a tree him hath God exalted to be a Prince and Saviour and that we must seek him else where than within even he whom the Heavens must contain till the time of the restitution of all things 4. We have sure warrant to say let him be accursed though an Angel from Heaven should come to give another account of Jesus Christ than what we have in the Scripture and that this is he 1. Who was the Faith of the ancient Church to whom all the types and shadows under the Law did so expresly relate concerning whom the Prophets did diligently enquire searching to what or what manner of time the Spirit in them did point concerning his being revealed to the World and the precise time set thereto 2. He who hath passed into the Heavens Jesus the Son of God and is still there the glorious Object of our Faith and Worship 3. He who surely was wounded for our transgressions and hruised for our iniquities the chastisement of our peace was on him and by his stripes are we healed Isa 53. 5. O blessed and unexpressibly sweet Truth that we know to be no notion or allegory and that all these Sin-offerings and sacrifices under the Law pointing at this were not the true Victim offered to God but had a discernible respect to that one great propitiatory sacrifice now offered up for the Sins of the people 4. It was in truth and an undoubted reality that Thomas knew a Christ without when his Master gave him leave to put his hand in his side and when his Disciples beheld his Being taken up into Heaven whilst a cloud received him out of their sight even the same Jesus who shall in like manner come again at the last day We know there is an unexpressibly near and spiritual Union betwixt Christ and his People here which is undoubtedly sure and that as he is truly revealed within so he leaves a resemblance of himself on the soul such as neither the World nor the Powers of darkness can ever put a counterfeit in his room but such is this Union as his body here upon the earth doth still know her head to be in heaven at the right hand of God rejoycing in hope of that day when they shall be translated to that blessed place where he is to see and for ever wonder at that inconceiveable mystery of the glorious God-head dwelling bodily in the man Christ Pos 4. This also is a part of the known Doctrine of the Quakers That by no righteousness without us which Christ hath fulfilled in his person we are justified but by a righteousness wrought within and that there is no truth in Christs Satisfaction to justice for the sins of the Elect but in this they are not alone nor is it strange that in all times now under the new Testament men have been acted forth in a high degree of opposition to this head of the Imputed Righteousness of Christ even beyond other scripture-Scripture-truths and that so great an assault is made to poyson this Fountain when of such import to the Church as it may be called articulus stantis cadentis ecclesiae But I must say in this the Quakers seem to have taken the most effectual way and have the advantage of others who own the same Doctrine with them that they first essay to depress the credit and authority of the Scripture without which their Cause is lost since nothing possibly can be more express and clear than it is there 1. That our high Priest hath entred into the holy Places having obtained eternal Redemption for us Heb. 9. 12. and is that sacrifice which being offered without spot to God pacifies all whose blood alone could silence that cry that sin hath for vengeance having nailed that hand-writing of ordinances which was against us and contrary to us to his cross Col. 2. 14. and hath redeemed us from the curse of the law being made a curse for us Gal. 3. 13. 2. Is it possibly conceivable if our sin was imputed to Jesus Christ as the Surety and on him all our iniquities were laid but there must be an imputation of his Righteousness to us and if the Debtor be acquitted by the Cautioners payment and the fruit of Christ's Satisfaction at all redound to us that it must needs be by Imputation of the same Now it is clear thus the Scripture reasons yea I may say with such a plainness as it is strange men can be in the dark here without making it their choice He was made sin for us who knew no sin that we might be made the righteousness of God in him 1 Cor. 5. 20 21. and having fulfilled all Righteousness and so fully satisfied the Law as Surety in our stead as a common person representing the whole elect Church Must it not undeniably acquit those at the hand of Justice and be accounted theirs who were then thus represented and judicially one with him 3. We know the Scriptures shew one great end of that blessed contrivance into which the Angels with wonder desire to look is not only to manifest grace but to declare the righteousness of God that he is just and the justifier of them that believe Rom. 3. 20. And no way could ever have been conceived like this to make these two shine forth together in one and the same work or how the Law and Justice could have had such satisfaction as by this blessed Surety who at once and to the full hath satisfied beyond all that the united Obedience of Angels and Men though extended and multiplied to Eternity could ever have done 4. Nor is it possible to suppose how works should be concauses with Faith in the Justification of a Sinner since this acts only instrumentally as the hand embracing that inestimable jewel of the Righteousness of Jesus Christ as
men in things pertaining to God 4. Not only is this Ministry and it 's perpetual use held forth but we see also a mediate call thereunto by the Church 2 Tim. 2. 2. The things thou hast heard of me before many witnesses the same commit thou to faithful men who may be able to teach others Where not only the calling Authority and Power is express but a necessary cognition by the Church of the fitness and qualification of those who should be set a-part to that work 5. I must here add since there is no possible access to deny that convincing seal which in all ages Christ hath put to this Ministry that they so much revile I may say without giving a lye to the Holy Ghost In these marvelous effects it hath had on the World to save them who believe which a Divine immediate power accompanying the same could only effectuate and how by the simplicity of the Gospel and foolishness of Preaching have the moist savage and rude been tamed the Conscience of the most daring and stubborn Enemies of the Truth forced to tremble under the conviction of an Authority more than humane join'd with it yea which none can debate by this way was the Pagan-World turned Christian Pos 7. It is known at what rate they disown and revile those great Scripture-Ordinances of Baptism the Lords Supper the Observation of the Sabbath and reading or hearing of the Word preached as being carnal and Commands of the Letter In which I confess the Devil knows his game and could have taught no more effectual way to gain Proselites than by such a mould of Religion suited and pleasing to the flesh but they must not think it strange 1. That their Bible is no guide to us I mean the Light within so much cried up as a sufficient Rule and when the Holy Ghost prefers the Scripture as more sure even to an immediate voice from Heaven That the Christian Church gives it a preference to any voice that can speak within the Soul 2. I am sure it cannot be known why Christians should part with those Ordinances injoyned by the express Authority of the great Law-giver upon such unquestionably moral and perpetual grounds and not part with the whole Scripture of God also 3. Why do they not also lay aside those ancient Ordinances of eating and drinking as carnal I am far from intending a jest here upon so serious a subject but does the enforcing necessity to keep up their natural Life let them know the perpetual use of the same as a duty and is there not a sure ground to know that none can be a Christian in earnest without an indispensible necessity of those blessed Ordinances of the Gospel for their spiritual life to keep close by the foot-steps of the Flock and to feed among the shepherds Tents by reading and hearing of the Word a spiritual observance of the Sabbath and that great sealing Ordinance of the Lords Supper Nor know we another way of getting beyond those Ordinances but one of two a being safe landed through grace in Heaven even there where no Temple is or a judicial arrest from the Lord of Induration which may be truly said to be an entring into the very Suburbs of Hell even in this life Pos 8. Such is the Doctrine of this Party as expresly owns a perfection in this life to be attained in which if they intend only a perfection in kind which is indispensably necessary to the lowest size of a Christian or a being perfectly justified and compleat in Christ we believe the same also but since they have no reserved sense here nor hide their intent and meaning that a perfect freedom from sin is in this life to be attained I must then ask 1. To which of all the Saints in the Scripture will they turn Who knew ever such a thing sure not to Moses unto whom the glorious God spake face to face not to that beloved Disciple who leaned on Christs bosom not to him who was caught up into the third Heaven whose sore wrestlings and groans under a body of Death are to this day on publick Record in the Church 2. Did the Church know any such thing in Isaiah's time But we are all as an unclean thing and all our righteousness is as filthy rags Isa 64. 6. or in those pure Primitive times of the Christian-Church if we say we have no sin we deceive our selves and make God a liar 1 Joh. 1. 8. 3. Why are such observable failings recorded in Scripture of those to whom the Holy Ghost did bear that witness that they were perfect in their generation such as Noab and Job Is it not to shew what perfection that is which the greatest of the Saints can attain here 4. Nothing is more clear from the known experience of the Saints than this that the greatest Hights in Christianity have still kept them most low under the humbling sense of a Body of Death and that contrariety between the flesh and the spirit which doth never cease until Death once decide that strife but were any such thing attainable here I am sure none more visibly contradict its Truth than this Party and are at a greater disadvantage to pretend thereto except wrath passion reviling of others in the most reproachable scurrilous terms that can be exprest be some part of tht perfection they mean Pos 9. It is their professed Doctrine that the soul is a part of the essence of God without beginning and infinite A strange Position that the Heathens whose sole guide was the Light of Nature in their search of the souls Original could have no confidence to own though these things we know to be undeniably clear 1. That the soul of Man is one of the rarest pieces of the Creation of God 2. That in its frame it is a simple immaterial and active substance which is not compounded of Principles and therefore can be resolved into none 3. That the soul hath no cause of Corruption from any opposition of contraries as the body hath through the prevalence of heat or cold but to assert its being infinite and without beginning is a blasphemy almost beyond President even among those whom the Devil hath most visibly acted forth against the Truth since 1. This is the incommunicable propriety of the glorious God alone from whom and for whom are all things 2. This does deny the Creation of Man of whom the soul is the noblest part for to be created and infinite imply the greatest contradiction and are terms incompatible 3. Thus a part of the essence of God should go to Hell and the souls of the damned there must have the same Prerogative with the great former of all things to have had a duration without beginning I confess this Principle as most of their Doctrine is such as might make them Quakers in earnest and cause their Conscience to tremble with horror and amazement if upon any serious reflection they could see
But we know this way is the purpose of God made effectual concerning all he hath from Eternity predestinate to life as is express from Scripture 2 Thes 2. 13. That they are chosen to Salvation through sanctification of the spirit and belief of the truth though the evidence of this recovery in some where it hath been in Truth may be but little discernable to others The Lord so disposing in his infinite Wisdom that his People may be taught an alone recumbence on the Word even when his Works seems to justle therewith 2. We know no such length in profession of the Truth from which any have fallen through the prevalence of Error can go beyond those who after they have escaped the pollutions of the World through the Knowledg of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ are yet again intangled therein and overcome 2 Pet. 2. 20. or beyond those degrees of Conviction and common Illumination that may even have some transient taste of the good Word of God and of the Powers of the World to come Heb. 6. 5 6. To which the Apostle shews some may come even that length by a temporary Work of the Spirit who have yet fallen into a most dreadful Apostacy from the Truth and opposition thereto with the greatest hight of malice in both which Scriptures may be seen that it is such an Apostacy there meant as follows upon the prevalence of Error and Delusion 3. With what marvelous plainness doth the Holy Ghost in the Word speak to this Case that we may know what it means and have no cause for stumbling when it shall become the Churches Tryal as we see Mat. 13. 5. in that seed which fell upon stony places where it had not much earth and forthwith sprung up because it had no depthness of earth but when the Sun was up was scorched and because they had no root withered a Truth I may say is not more express in the Scripture when we read it with our eyes than its ratification in after-times in the Church hath oft been on many a sad instance such as after their being enlightned have sprung up yea forthwith with a hasty growth and too early appearance but no solid growing to the root yet such as for a time have most remarkably seemed to out-run those who had in Truth received the ingrafted word by a more forward profession than whom none have been a sadder sight to the generation they lived in and by as remarkable a withering have too visibly witnessed the want of root in which I must say and with some confidence appeal to any serious discerners of the time about this remark if in such who have most observably fallen from the Truth and plunged into that gulf of Error some precious evidence hath not been of such springing up forthwith and hasty appearance in profession of the Truth that hath taken the growth more to the blossom than to any sure founding under the sense of their sinful and lost estate by Nature 6. This also seems strange and may be shaking to some How tenacious and violent such usually are found in this way even when silenced with the clearest discoveries of the Truth so as it is rare almost in an age to find an instance of one who after some observable Hight of Illumination beyond others hath ever found a recovery or shown their returning by repentance after he hath thus fallen into damnable Heresies as the Apostle terms them But is not here also a convincing and marvelous seal to the Scripture if men will but seriously read what is so clear 2 Pet. 2. 20. and that Heb. 6. How dreadful an arrest thus in the Holy Judgment of God is put on this kind of Apostacy even beyond the most gross falling away from the Truth in practice which should cause fear to all that stand and do yet retain their stedfastness Yea is not the reason of this there also held forth that it is a putting the Son of God to open shame and so direct a doing despite to the Holy Ghost in counteracting his Workings and Discoveries once put forth in the soul For my self I must confess nothing in those times I have found more shaking who before a higher Judg than Men have some confidence to say The greatest joy I have upon Earth is to know that assuredly the Lord is God and the certainty of his Truth But I must here also profess how in this I have found cause for being more confirmed yea with admiration to consider How many ages past such things have been foretold what sore assaults the spirit of Error and Delusion should give the Church with so express circumstantiating of this Tryal in its whole frame conveyance and manner of appearance as hath been seen in the Event and at this day before our eyes which by the Holy Ghost only could be revealed to the Church and could never have been supposed or entred into mens thoughts at a distance SECT V. A Fourth particular that calleth for some serious enquiry upon this subject is what should be the grounds of so strange and prodigious a contagion of this way of the Quakers as is at this day in the Church whose Doctrine and Principles are such as the very recital thereof might be judged a sufficient antidote against its own poyson yea this after such clear and bright times of the Gospel but here none needs be in the dark if these things were seriously considered 1. That where a form of Knowledg and mens receiving of the Truth but not in Love comes some great length in the Church there is then cause to fear and foresee some remarkable flood of Error and Delusion to follow for in this the Scripture is express 2 Tim. 2. 10. and lets us see how nothing does more ripen the harvest to make the field white for the spirit of Error 's putting in his Sickle than most solemn times of the brightness of the Gospel if no suitable fruit be found thereof Light is one of the greatest Talents of the Church that must bring either some remarkable gain or loss with it nor need any wonder seduction from the Truth bear some blacker dye now in those days and have a more singular addition of grossness even beyond all former times since thus the Stroke and Judgment must keep proportion to a further degree of the Churches Exaltation and more clear discoveries of the Truth than former ages have known 2. As the formentioned culpable and provoking cause may at this day be discernable to all should the Holy Judgment of the Lord inflicted thereupon be strange to us in a visible Tradition and giving up such a Party unto strong Delusion with a withholding of the very exercise of their Reason and Judgment that they do not see the Light when it is most clearly shining forth before them since this a convincing seal also to that Scripture 2 Thes 2. 10. I confess it is one of the marvelous things of God
and of the greatest depths of his Judgment whereby he makes himself known in the Earth yea such as may enforce on Atheists the conviction of a Deity and that Dominion which the Holy God exercises over the soul but such as none can pretend cause for stumbling where his unspotted righteousness doth so clearly shine forth on these grounds 1. That so immediate a stroke and judicial arrest in delivering one over to the Power of this Plague is not inflicted but where some choice and consent hath gone before and is the very execution of that sentence from the Lord Rev. 22. 21. He which is unjust let him be unjust still and he which is filthy let him be filthy still 2. Since the greatest contempt of God which any can witness is a not receiving the Truth when clearly offered should it be strange if that which is certainly one of the greatest strokes of God upon men answer thereto by giving up their Reason and Judgment to such strong delusion 3. If the Heathen who did not glorifie God with the Light of Nature were in his Righteousness given up to a reprobate mind to do that which was inconvenient and morally absurd Rom. 1. 26. Need we then be in the dark if those who dishonour God under the revealed Light of the Scripture be given up to such spiritual wickedness as to believe Error and lies for the Truth 4. Nor should any wonder to see what confidence this Party now pretends to in their way and though under so sad a stroke of obduration that may be seen by all others yet how little it is felt by themselves since the want of Light and feeling is a part of that disease and is a Judgment which walks in the dark and gives the sorest wound when the pain is least felt Men being thus judicially bound over as under chains in the prison that they cannot once stir until the last stroke be given 3. When a previous disposition and tendence amongst many to stumble at the way of the Lord is so manifest this day through the Church should their be cause to wonder though it quickly Land here These things being considered 1. That the motion is then down the hill where it is not easie to stand and instead of a humble serious enquiry after the Truth under an awful Impression of God whose word it is such are upon another sent how to oppose the Truth against it self and have it made subservient to their Byass 2. The ground then needs not be prepared for this seed there is so much within to make its entry and acceptance easie for a snare enters not without a call but where such an impoisoned Nature is it must needs seek to strengthen it self by bringing in things suitable yea can suck that poyson of Error out of those Truths that would seem the most proper antidote against it 3. It is then men do insensibly wear at a distance from under these former Impressions which once they had of duty and of the way of the Lord so as ere they be aware then Judgment is determined by a judicial stroke to what was before their desire things representing themselves suitably to that predominant humor which is within yea it may be too clear as a disposition to stumble takes root in the soul How passion and sensual lusts get ground which as the Apostle shews cannot endure sound Doctrine or a being searched by the word 2 Tim. 4. 3. But thus are unawares sucked up into this gulf and whirle-pit of some predominant lust that leads them captive at its pleasure 4. A not keeping that distance from this contagion which the Holy Ghost expresly requires hath given too visible a rise to the falling off of many to this horrid way of the Quakers nor should this be strange to any Why thus the Lord is provoked to desert and leave such to themselves who do so far adventure out of his way when it is so clear 1. How express the command is not to receive such into their house or give them a friendly salute as they would not be partakers of their evil deeds Tit. 3. 10. 2 Joh. 10. but should be rejected as men void of and enemies to the Truth whose words eat like a gangrene 2. That this is a peculiar mean of the Lord appointed for their reclaiming to keep such a distance as may witness that abhorrence and holy indignation which the Zeal of God should have at such a Party so as they may be ashamed for it is sure Error and Heresies would soon dye of themselves if they got not free vent and too favourable a countenance from others 3. Where men will pass over those bounds the Lord hath set in his holy Word by an unnecessary converse with seducers from the Truth Is it strange though the Devil have them at such advantage since he finds them on his own ground And I doubt not upon serious enquiry but it might be easie to find the first rise and occasion of most that are infected with this plague hath been upon a familiar and 〈◊〉 converse with such a Party as one sad 〈◊〉 I may here mention of a young man in this Countrey who would adventure on going abroad by Sea in a Ship when the Master of it was a Quaker having then no respect to that way but upon some familiar converse when he had so far put himself out of Gods Protection was quickly drawn first to a listening and then a liking of those Principles until he had fully drunk in that poyson which was the account he himself gave of the first rise of such a change 5. A fifth ground why Quakerism should in so strange a manner be at this day contagious is its discernable suiting to the Principles of the World and that inbred Enmity that is by Nature in men against the way of God When thus they are taught that all days are alike and no need of outward Teaching but by the Light within yea to cry down the Ministers of Jesus Christ as hirelings with most of the weigty duties of a Christian which to them are as an abomination and when it is thus can it be strange How many gross and visibly profane are carried with this stream or why the greatest adversaries of godliness are sound to pursue those with less heat and aversion of their way and have more easie suiting therewith than with the way of the Lord 6. I must further add to those forementioned grounds that except men shut their eyes a most visible discovery of the immediate power and influence of the Devil and his actual concurrence may be convincing to all who look seriously thereon when it is so clear 1. How this change they are under who once turn that way hath a rage and fury therewith in their opposition to the Truth beyond the ordinary rate of mens natural Enmity thereto yea that without the least shadow of provocation they are driven by some violent