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
and spirit mourning longing pressing after this and resisting and opposing judging and condemning whatsoever is contrary thereunto This is a measure of evidence even to the stander by at least so farre as is necessary and will amount to the fulfilling of that rule viz. Let your light so shine before men that they seeing your good workes may glorifie your father which is in Heaven And this may be and in many persons is witnessed though other external discoveries by Miracles be not produced Having in the foregoing part of this discourse treated of that light which the most high and holy God the eternall fountain and Father of lights hath formed in every man viz. the spirit of a man Zech. 12.1 Or candle of the Lord Prov. 20.27 And therein holding forth in some smal measure that which is witnessed in the holy Scriptures of truth touching the nature and property thereof under these two general heads viz. 1. What it is 2. What it does in every man The impartiall and serious consideration whereof afford's matter of conviction to the opposite principle and might be of use to such a purpose though there were not a word further added thereabout Nevertheless in order to the satisfaction of some that are tender who may not be free to trace the discourse throughout or may not so clearly discern the scope thereof by what hath hitherto been spoken I shal endevour to treat them I mean the people that pass under the name of Quakers upon their own ground discoursing with them upon such principles as are laid down in the Papers and Bookes of the men of their confederacy persons of no smal esteem among them certain hints whereof have been given at the beginning and others may occasionally be added In prosecution whereof to the intent it may be performed with the more clearness to the meanest capacity I shal proceed in the Method above mentioned enquiring what is by them held forth touching the nature of the light wherewith every man and woman that comes into the world is enlightned viz. 1. What it is 2. What it doth in ever man and I shall also examine the Testimony by them produced for proof thereof Touching the former of these two particulars viz. what that light is it is affirmed That the little light which shines in the dark heart is 1. The powerful word of faith which was in the beginning by which all things were created 2. That it is the word of Faith the Apostle exhorted to take heed unto Rom. 10.6 7 8. 3. That it is the unction of the holy one given of the Father whereby we need not to teach one another but as the anointing teacheth us 4. That it is the sure word of Prophecy whereunto ye do wel to take heed 2 Pet. 1.19 Dewsborr Mans return Pag. 27 28. Christ hath enlightned every one that comes into the World Fox way to the Kingdome Page 1. Waiting in the light which Christ hath enlightned you withall 5. That 's Scripture within you pag. 8. These five Heads or Propositions thus laid down relate to the first Article and are to be considered how far they hold proportion with the writings of Truth and are born witness unto thereby to the umpirage whereof I find the Authors of these assertions do referre themselves The Scriptures we own c. Howgills fiery darts Page 19. We direct to search the Scripture whether our doctrine be not true Page 22. I challenge all the City of London to prove that we speak or declare any thing but what the Scriptures bear witness to the same Page 28. Let him that can try us by the Scripture Here therefore we joyn issue and answerable to the evidence which the Lord shall give by his Spirit in the holy Scriptures so let it be According to the tenor of that divine Testimony Esai 8.20 To the Law and to the Testimony if they speak not according to this word it is because they have no morning light in them First To the first of those five Prepositions I Reply 1. Reply 1. That although it be said that the little light which shines in the dark heart is the powerfull word of faith which was in the beginning by which all things were created Yet this is but said without any Scripture produced giving witness thereto and therefore may not be admitted to the credit of a divine Truth having no other evidence than an humane Testimony briefly It is not proved therefore not beleeved 1. Obj. Did not God create all things by the word of his power or powerful word Answ I read in the holy Scriptures of truth that God created the Heavens and the Earth and all the hosts of them Gen. 1.1 2.1 and that he did this by his word Psal 118.5 He commanded and they were created but I no where read that they were created by the powerful word of faith as is affirmed in the proposition beforenamed 2. Object Is not Christ the word and did not he create all things Answ 1. Christ is called the word of God Rev. 19.13 but not the word of faith 2. Christ is called the word God Joh. 1.1 by whom all things were made vers 3. and without whom was nothing made that was made i. e. created Col. 1.16 But he is not called the powerful word of faith much lesse may it be said that the little light which shines in the dark heart is the powerful word of faith or it by which all things were made or created nor may be so called by warrant from the Scripture without some clearer proof 3. Object Is not Christ the light which lightneth every one that cometh into the world Joh. 1.9 And is it not he by whom al things were created and made A measure of whose light shineth in the dark heart of every one A. Besides that there is a departing from the Terms in the Proposition as may by the impartial and unprejudiced Reader be observed For if the little light which shines in the dark heart be that by which God created all things that that light is the word of God or the word God Joh. 1.1.3 or Christ the light as is intimated in the Object 't was by him not without him that al things were made Then this Objection should be thus put in plainness and truth Is not Christ the light in every man that cometh into the world c. And to this agree those so often quoted sentences of Scripture Christ in you the hope of Glory Know you not that Christ is in you The Kingdome of Heaven is within you Which Scriptures are applyed by those Objectors to every man by a distinction and a meaning viz the light of Christ and a measure of Christ and the little light which shines in the dark heart and sundry other meanings of this kind I shall endeavour to make it appear that this Objection is not founded upon the Scripture which is brought to prove it by
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
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
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
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
the former to be asserted without proofe for that this Scripture doth not at all mention the little Light which is said to shine in the dark heart nor calls it the word of faith nor exhorts to take heed unto it as such nor useth no such phrase as by reading the words will appeare Further answer is not requisite to be given to it then to say It is an ungrounded and an unproved opinion Object But what may the Apostle intend by the word of faith which he saith is in the heart and in the mouth and infers to be a saying of Moses Deut 30.14 where the like words are used if it be not the light which shines in the dark heart what other thing can it be Answ It is evident that the Apostle treating about the Righteousnesse of the Law and the Righteousnesse of faith asserts in the 4th verse of the 10th of Rom. That Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousnesse to every one that beleeveth alledging that Moses describeth the Righteousnesse which is of the Law that the man which doth those things shall live by them Doe and live And this was according to the Tenour of the Law written on the heart of man from the Creation It was no new thing that he Commanded them but the same repeated which was engraven on their hearts before viz. That they should love the Lord and serve him which was the end of their Creation Of which much hath been spoken in the former part Alluding to this passage of Moses the Apostle useth the like forme of speech that as the Children of the first Covenant had the Law of that Covenant written not only on tables of stone but also on the fleshly tables of their hearts as appeares Rom. 2.15 So the Children of the new Covenant might have the Law of the new Covenant speaking to them in the like sort the heires of righteousnesse or the children of faith might heare the righteousnesse of faith speaking to them on this wise viz. Say not in thine heart who shall ascend into heaven to bring downe Christ from above or who shall descend into the deepe to bring up Christ againe from the dead But what saith it The word is nigh thee in thy mouth and in thy heart Quest Nigh thee nigh who Ans Even nigh unto thee in thy mouth and in thy heart Quest Whose mouth and whose heart Ans Not every mans mouth and every mans heart but in thy mouth and in thy heart who art a Beleever Quest What Word is that Ans The Word of Promise the Word of Faith which we preach Quest What Word is that which you preach Ans That which saith If thou shalt confesse with thy mouth the Lord Jesus and shalt beleeve in thine heart that God raised him from the dead thou shalt be saved This is the Word of faith which is in thy mouth and in thy heart and on this wise the Righteousnesse of faith speakes For with the heart man beleeveth to Righteousnesse and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation for the Scripture saith Whosoever beleeveth on him shall not be ashamed Thus the word of Faith or Law of Righteousnesse is near unto the Children of faith the heires of salvation even in their mouthes and in their hearts The Law of the new Covenant is a word nigh unto the Children of that Covenant even to as many as beleeve and are of the faith of Abraham the faith which is of the Operation of God And these not as in the schoole of Moses hearing the voyce which hath thundrings and earth-quakes saying doe and live or the man that doth them shall live in them and Cursed be every one that abideth not in every thing that is written in the Law to doe them But the word of Faith speaks on this wise This is the worke of God that ye beleeve on him whom he hath sent As those who are marryed to another Husband that they may bring forth fruit to God even fruites of righteousnesse which are by Jesus Christ unto the glory and praise of God serving him without feare in righteousnesse and holinesse all the dayes of their lives who having restored their soules leades them in pathes of righteousnesse for his names sake being to them in stead of Broad Rivers and Streames writing his Law in their hearts putting his holy feare therein having Circumcised their hearts Calling them to his foote and keeping them there leading them though blinde in wayes they knew not who orders their goings that their footsteps slide not So that his Word is nigh them I say nigh unto those who are borne from above and are the Children of the new Covenant viz. in their heart and in their mouth even the word of faith of which the Scripture speakes But not so to every man nor is the little Light which shines in every dark heart this word of faith nor is this word of faith or Law of the new Covenant nigh to any person viz. in the mouth and in the heart but only to those that beleeve as the scope of this Scripture discovers and then and not till then is it a Scripture fulfilled on such and not on others who till they receive Life and Light through beleeving on the Lord Jesus are really destitute of both 1 John 5.12 He which hath the Sonne hath life and he which hath not the Sonne of God hath not life which is true of light also for it hath been acknowledged already that the light and life are one I shall now proceed to the third Assertion touching the light in every man viz. That it is the unction of the holy one c. Thirdly I finde it affirmed touching the little light in every man which shines in the dark heart That it is the unction of the holy one given of the Father whereby we need not to teach one another but as the anoynting teacheth us which is truth and no lye Reply Here being no Scripture cited for the proofe of this Assertion but certaine words of the Scripture made use of It doth appeare to me to have Reference to that passage of the Apostle 1 John 2.27 I know not what other place properly to referre them unto for proofe I shall therefore recite these words and compare them with what is here affirmed touching the light in every man or the little light which shineth in the dark heart viz. verse 20. But ye have an unction of the holy one and ye know all things Vers 27. But the anoynting which ye have received of him abideth in you and ye need not that any man teach you but as the same anoynting teacheth you of all things and is truth and is no lye If this be the Scripture passage intended for proofe and beside this I know none other Then I affirme as of the former that it speaks not at all to the thing which is under consideration for how doth it appeare that the little light which
sensuall having not the Spirit therefore not the manifestation thereof for there can be no manifestation where the thing it selfe is not But the Spirit himselfe dividing to every man severally as he please gives forth his manifestation to every man for the profit and benefit of others for to that end were those manifestations set in the Church and given to severall Persons of the Church for the use and benefit of the whole and so is this Scripture to be understood i. e the manifestation of the Spirit to whatsoever it be and to whomsover it is given it is given them for edification and profit of others The Spirit it selfe may be given to a Person for himselfe to bear witnesse with him to be his evidence or Testimony in things partaining to himselfe Rom. 8.16.26 and in 1 Cor. 2.12 Now we have received the Spirit which is of God that we might know the things which are freely given to us of God But when God is pleased to give to any Person the manifestation of his Spirit in a word of Wisedome a word of Knowledge in gifts of healing or workes of miracles tongues or Prophesies these and such as these are given for to profit others withall rather then the Persons themselves to whom they are distributed and so it is witnessed in the place before named which discovers the end of the Spirits manifestation viz. to profit withall The Fourth branch of what is asserted touching the little light which shines in the dark heart is next to be considered Fourthly I finde that it is affirmed touching the little light which shines in the dark heart That it is the sure word of Prophesie whereunto ye do well to take heed 2 Pet. 1.19 Reply To make tryall of the truth of what is affirmed it is necessary to examine the Scripture to see whether it intermeddle in this matter which it is brought to bear witnesse unto viz. the little light which shines in the dark heart of every man whether that be the sure word of Prophesie here mentioned the Scripture words are these We have also a sure word of Prophesie whereunto ye doe well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place untill the day dawn and the day starr arise in your hearts Knowing this First that no Prophesie of the Scripture is of any private Interpretation For the Prophesie came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were mooved by the holy Spirit In this portion of Scripture it may apparrantly be discerned that the Apostle doth not say of the little light which shines in the dark heart that it 's the sure word of Prophesie For there is no such word in this Text as the little light shineing in the darke heart and therefore so to affirme and to bring this Scripture for proofe is to wrong the Scripture except it can be made forth that it ought to be so understood and that that is the true and proper meaning thereof which neverthelesse would fall under reproofe as centring in a meaning a thing by them so branded with reproach of which mention hath been made before But as it s not exprest in the words of the Apostle so it will be found not to be meant or intended as spoken of the little light shining in mans darke heart a being the sure word of Prophesie in this place mentioned for it 's evident the Apostle speaks of the word of Prophesie contained in the Scriptures as himselfe explaines himselfe as may appear by considering the words and the scope thereof For the Apostle Peter knowing that hee must shortly put of his Tabernacle as our Lord Jesus Christ had shewed him vers 14. endeavors the establishment of the scattered Saints in the doctrine of the power and comeing of our Lord Jesus Christ 15.16 and this he doth by two Arguments One drawne from the testimony of himselfe and others who were eye witnesses of his Majesty when he received from God the Father honour and glory when there came a voice to him from the excellent glory which voice they heard when they were with him on the holy Mount Matth. 17. the 8. first verses to which John might referre John 1.14 The other argument to establish and confirme them in the present truth i. e. the power and comeing of our Lord Jesus was drawne from the Testimony of the Prophets in the holy Scriptures and therefore adds vers 19.20 21. 19. We have also a more sure word of Prophesie whereunto you doe well that ye take heed as unto a light that shineth in a dark place untill the day dawne and the day-starr arise in your hearts 20. Knowing this first that no Prophesie of the Scripture is of any private interpretation 21. For the Prophesie came not in old time by the will of man So that it is evident that the more sure word of Prophesie which he exhorts them to take heed unto is the prophesie of the Scripture or Scriptures of the Prophets which agree with and confirm this thing which he was an eye and ear witness of and had declared unto them viz. the power and comeing of our Lord Jesus to which agrees that which is testified In 1 Pet. 10 11 12. and more particularly that of Paul who confirmed his doctrine By the like Testimony Acts 26.22.23 witnessing both to small and great saying none other things then those which the Prophets and Moses did say should come From whence it plainly appears that as the Apostle would confirme them in the truth of what he had testified touching the power and comeing of our Lord Jesus by telling them what he and others had both heard and seen when they were with him on the holy mount where they were eye-witnesses of his Majesty and heard the voice which gave testimony from heaven touching him Yet for further confirmation of them in this truth he referrs them to the concurrent testimony of the Prophets and to that more sure word of Prophesie contained in the holy Scriptures with this connexion Also we have also a more sure word of Prophesie besides my Testimony ye have the testimony of the Prophets in the words of their prophesie which he modestly proposeth as of more weight to them then his report might be unto them from what he had either heard or seen And therefore adds not only we have a sure word of Prophesie but a more sure word of Prophesie and strengthens that saying by what followes viz. Knowing that no Prophesie of the Scripture is of any private interpretation for the Prophesie came not in old time by the will of man but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the holy Spirit which Testimony being founded upon the Scriptures he might in relation to their beliefe thereof call it a more sure word as to them And if it be but remembred that he being an Apostle of the circumcision Gal. 2.7 8 as James also
within him and he become new born John 3.3 till Christ be formed in him Gal. 4.19 and he created a new in Christ Jesus 2 Cor. 5.17 being begotten of his owne good will by the word of truth James 1.18 and so born again of the incorruptible seed by the word of God which liveth and abideth for ever 1 Peter 1.23 24 25. I say till a man be thus new born and new created in Christ Jesus and Christ be formed in him till the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath set him free from the law of sin and death he cannot see the Kingdome of God nor by the light and law under the former consideration of which every man is partaker be led up to God out of the fall unto eternall life The Scripture beares Testimony of Paul That in the heat of his zeale he made havoke of the Church Acts 8.3 Chap. 9.1 Chap 22 4 5.19 20. and being exceedingly mad against the Saints shut up many of them in Prison punished them and compelled them to blaspheme and gave voice against them when they were put to death Acts 26.10 11. yet he was in all this zealous toward God instructed according to the perfect manner of the law Acts 22.3 and touching the righteousnesse thereof was blamelesse Phil. 3.6 and thought with himselfe that he ought to doe many things contrary to the name of Jesus of Nazareth Acts 26.9 he was kicking against the pricks and persecutig the Lord Jesus vers 14 15. And knew it not 1 Timothy 1.13 For although he were a Blasphemer a Persecuter and injurious yet obtained he mercy because hee did it ignorantly in unbeliefe Hence it appears that Paul did obey the light that was in him and did prosecute with zealethe dictates thereof and was therein zealon toward God according to that which is said John 16.2 The time cometh that whosoever killeth you will thinke that he doth God service or as they of whom Paul bears record Ro. 10 2. That had a zeal of God but not according to Knowledge Either the light in Paul was not sufficient to lead him out of the fall up to God and to eternall life or else he did disobey and did not follow the light which did lead him That he did not disobey but follow the light which was in him it is evident for then his sin had been against knowledge whereas it is said he did it ignorantly 1 Tim. 1.13 his conscience did not reprove him for the things he did for thus he witnesseth Acts 2.3.1 That he had lived in all good conscience before God untill that day and in the exercise thereof was without blame in himselfe and as touching the law blamelesse before others yet was he neverthelesse a persecuter of the Lord Jesus in his Saints and did not know it which discovers plainly the light in him was either not sufficient to discover to him the error of his way or at least did suspend its act of enlightning him in the knowledge thereof it check'd him not it convinced him not otherwise his sin had not been a sin of ignorance which is want of light but a sin against light and knowledge and consequently against conscience whereas on the contrary he thought he ought to doe many things against Jesus of Nazareth not knowing him to be the Lord and he did what he did in his persecuting and blaspheming without light and his conscience being silent toward him in all this according to that saying of our Lord Luke 23.34 Father forgive them for they know not what they doe For it is to be remembred that there are sins of ignorance as well as sins against light and knowledge the former are not without their guilt and punishment though the latter greatly aggravates both one and the other as is witnessed in those two Servants Luke 12.47 48. nor was it without the singular wisdome and mercy of God who appointed sacrifices to be offered for sins of ignorance Leviticus 4.2.13 27 28. errors in the judgement as well as in the will the head and the heart both sick must be purged Levit. 5.15 17 18 19. Levit. 4.2 13 27 28. But to sin against light and knowledge to be reproved and checked and convinced by the light and yet not to reclaime but to goe forward in the evill is not only transgression and sin but it is sin aggravated it is opposed to sins of ignorance and is called sinning presumptuously or sinning with an high hand and despising the word of the Lord such as so sinned were to bear their iniquity they were to be cut off Numb 15.27 28 30 31. Deutro 29.19 20 21. And to these kinds of sinning hath David relation when he prayes Psal 19.12 13. Who can understand his errors cleanse thou me from secret faults keep back thy Servant also from presumpteous sins and let them not have dominion over me then shall I be upright and innocent from the great transgression To this agrees that saying of the Apostle 1 Cor. 4.3 4. Yea I judge not mine own selfe for I know nothing by my selfe yet am I not hereby justified but he that judgeth me is the Lord. So that hence it will appeare that a person may sin through a want of light or knowledge and such may be great sins viz. Blasphemy Persecution in an high mannner against God and his Saints such as of which Paul was guilty and yet the person committing them by reason of his want of light to detect and discover them may be without conscience of sin as in himself and he in this his estate not sin against light Nay he may doe this in the prosecution of his light such as it is According to those words of our Lord Matth. 36.23 If the light in thee be darknesse c. Luke 11.35 Take heed therefore that the light which is in thee be not darknesse They shall thinke they doe God service haveing a zeale of God but not according to knowledge The light that is in them discovers not unto them that they are in an evill course all this while nor are they convicted of disobedience to the light for then their zeale could not be a zeale of God nor they think they were doing God service and have a quiet conscience therein nor selfe accuseing nor selfe condemning therefore the objection doth not hold good in the terms thereof that the light loved and obeyed will lead up to God the father and to eternall life forasmuch as persons may goe on in a course of sin and therein proceed desperately against the Lord and his anointed ones and yet not know it not have light to discover it nor reprove them for it much lesse to lead them up to God out of the fall and to eternall life And where the light and law in any person discovers to him his sin and makes him know his transgression yet is it not able to lead such a person out of the fall up to God
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
was the sin found out and the sinner driven out by the first measure of light viz. the law But the Saviour of the sinner from sin and death was not revealed by this first measure of light The sinne was discovered but the sinner was not thereby recovered Till the Lord holds forth the Scepter of grace in the promised seed of the woman Gen. 3.15 who was to be received as the way to the father the door by which entrance was to be made the gift in whom was exhibited eternal life Redemption from sin and wrath a proper object of faith while yet he was but in promise so was he received and so beleeved on by all the children of faith under the first Covenant Heb. 11.13 39. and the contrary with those who mingled not the Gospel with faith and so fell short of the rest and could not enter because of unbeleef Heb. 3.19 Heb. 4.2 notwithstanding the measure of light which discovers sinne and iniquity So then the first measure and degree of light which discovers sin and iniquity is the Law of God written in every mans heart but it is not Christ the light the door the way the gift for Christ is not the law but the Law-giver Christ is the end of the law not only in the commonly received sense the end of all figures types and shadows the substance in which they all center But he is so the end of the Law that he finishes and perfects what the Law could not finish nor perfect He takes up the work where the Law leaves it The Law may say O my God! I have shewed them thy wayes I have been a light and a lanthorn unto them I have kept back nothing that thou gavest me in command to shew unto them and to require of them But they like men have transgressed and have started aside like a broken bow and are become guilty and filthy Woe unto them Woe unto them they are polluted my Commission is to curse them from mount Ebal and they shall be cursed Cursed be Every one that abides not in Every thing written in the law to do it in some thing or other every one hath transgressed every mouth is stopped and every one become guilty before God God hath concluded all under sin saying there is none righteous no not one Rom. 3.10 19. they are all transgressors I cannot redeem them I cannot bring them to God But Christ takes up the matter where the law leaves it and becomes the end of the law for righteousness to every one beleeving saying to this end was I born and for this cause came I into the world to bear witness unto the truth giving the Valley of Achor for a door of hope perfecting and finishing the work which the law had been labouring to effect but could not For that which the Law could not do he did being not ashamed to call them Brethren whom the law had left under the sentence of the curse and that he might bring many sonns unto glory himself the captain of their salvation was made perfect through sufferings delivering them from the fear of death who all their life time were subject unto bondage standing upon Gerizim the mount of blessing in opposition to that mount Ebal where the law had left them making triumph and open shew in behalf of the seed saying Behold I and the children God hath given me all that the father hath given me shall come unto me They are blessed and they shall be blessed though righteousness could not come by the law for if it could then had my death been in vain yet to the beleeving to every one that beleeveth I am the end of the law for righteousness being made so of God to and for them that the righteousness of the law may be fulfilled in them and they be made the righteousness of God in me Though the first measure of light viz. the law written on the heart of the natural man be not Christ the way the door the gift the light yet it is such a measure and degree of light common to all men as to the direction whereof they are to give obedience and in the doing whereof they enjoy much peace and many persons in many things done in obedience thereto have whereof to glory but not before God for their peace is seated in their understanding while they think they do God good service but Gods thoughts are not as mans neither is their peace the peace of God which passeth all understanding which guards the heart and mind through Christ Jesus Nevertheless it is a good thing and hath a measure of blessing annexed to it for a person to be obedient to the law in the measure of the knowledg whereof he hath attained according to that testimony Happy is that man whose conscience condemns not himself in that thing which he allowes but doth exercise himself to keep a good conscience toward God and toward man But when he hath done all he can there is this one thing lacking to sell all he hath to resign up all to Christ Jesus and leave it at his foot that when he hath done all he reckon himself an unprofitable servant and to have done nothing in all that 's done to sel it all and give it all up in sacrifice to God this is more than whole burnt offerings and more than is attainable under the dispensation of the first measure of light and obedience thereunto for if so then righteousness were attainable by obedience to the law contrary to that testimony If there had been a law given which could have given life verily righteousness should have come by the law and if righteousness could have come by the law then had Christ died in vain But God hath concluded all under sin that he might have mercy on them that beleeve to cut off boasting and glorying in the flesh that he which gloryeth might glory in the Lord who hath said It is not in him that willeth nor in him that runneth but in God that sheweth mercy who testifieth That not by workes of righteousness which we have done but of his mercy he saveth his saved ones Leaving no room for glorying or boasting to him that worketh nor colour of confidence to him that is in the disobedience to the first measure of light for even he which despised Moses law died without mercy such will be the portion of every one who is willingly ignorant and disobedient to what is made known to him by the law that 's in him Yet to call this which discovers sin in man Christ the light the gift the door the way is to take the Gardener for Christ as Mary did mistake Christ for the Gardener The good way then is not to confound the several dispensations of God not to advance the son of the bond woman into the room and place of the son of the free woman not to preferre the servant into the place of the Heir but to consider every
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
of thy visitation forasmuch as in all thy out-goings thou still kept'st on the form of Godliness though all thy former zeale and quicknesse life and power in thy profession were reduced to a bare empty forme at most especially thy secret and personall comunion how ever with others thou assembled'st wept'st and covered'st the Altar with teares yet when thou wert alone thou either durst not make bold with God as formerly or cared'st not for so doing thy promotions and preferments thy Silver and thy Gold thine honours and possessions some one or more if these make such a ratling noise in thy soul that thou can'st not listen nor lend an eare to these silent gailes and heavenly whispers of the divine breathings of the Spirit of truth which thou once pretended'st to be instructed guided and led by Oh consider this you that forget God least he teare you in peices and there be none to deliver To the awakened and sensible back-slider I have this word Why cryest thou for thine affliction thy wound is incureable for the multitude of thine iniquity thy sins were increased and now the most high hath visited them upon thee Hast thou not heard that the everlasting God fainteth not neither is weary and that because he changeth not therefore the sons of Jacob are not consumed nor that the foundation of God standeth sure haveing this seale the Lord knowes who are his I know these words of truth are with thee but what influence have they upon thee thou art sensible of thy backslidings and thou art cut to the very heart and pained beyond expression and that which wounds thee is thy unkindnesse to thy Lord and husband to whom thou art betrothed and espoused yet canst not behold him who to reprove and correct thy backesliding hath withdrawne his presence from thee which once was deare to thee and however thou hast been in a deep sleep in a farre Country among the hoggs and swine of the earth feeding with them and wallowing in the mire with them during which time thou wast unsensible of thy losse yet being alarm'd from on high with that voice What meanest thou O sleeper arise now thy heart is troubled and the thoughts of thy fathers house comes to thy remembrance and now thou would'st faine return to thy first husband But Oh the many feares and doubts which are created in thy troubled spirit thy sorrowes are multiplyed because thy transgression is aggravated Now thou findest what that word means It had been better never to have known the way of righteousnesse then after the knowledge thereof to turn from the holy Commandement like a dog to his vomit or a washed sow to her wallowing in the mire thou canst now say what hath pride profited me mine honours my promotions my preferments my Silver and my Gold my musicks and dancings what can these availe me in this houre of my sorrow the God of this world hath by these bewitched and poison'd mee under the specious pretence of liberty and freedome and glorying God in and by these till a dart is struck through my liver and now woe unto me woe unto me I will take up a lamentation and say look away from me I will weep bitterly labour not to comfort me for it is a day of trouble and of treading down and of perplexity by the Lord God of Hosts In this state of perplexity and hour of visitation thou findest an emptinesse in all those imaginary delights wherewith thou hast contented thy selfe these cannot satisfie nor quiet thy restlesse minde Nay they are so far from doing it that they are as so many pricks in thine eyes and thorns in thy sides thou art wearied in the beholding them and that word is come upon thee in part and in measure already that thou art ready to cast thy Gods of Silver and Gold to the moles and to the batts wishing a thousand times in secret that thy heart had never been let loose to goe out after these and if parting from them would give thee peace and recover thy communion with God thou would'st let all goe but thou knowest if thou shouldest give all thy goods to the poore and thy body to be burned this would be too short and too narrow to procure communion with God therefore by prayer and Supplication thou applyest unto God as at other times but thou perceivest him not to answer neither by dream nor by vision but is as one who hath hid himselfe from thee in displeasure Hath hedged thee about and made thy chain heavy when thou cryest and shoutest he shuts out thy prayer he hath covered himselfe with a cloud that thy prayer should not passe through and hath caused the Arrow of his quiver to enter into thy reines filled thee with bitternesse and made thee drunk with wormwood testifiing against thee that all this is come upon thee because thou hast been unsteadfast with him in Covenant forsaken thy first love and embraced other lovers other contents and delights thy heart hath been divided between God and some creaturely excellency with which thou hast been enamoured and by which thou hast been beguiled and deluded And now thine eyes begin a little to be opened and thou beginnest to say where am I what have I done But like a silly bird thou art snared and taken thy Dalilahs in whose lap thou hast been sleeping have cut of thy locks and betrayed thee into the hands of him that hunts for the precious life Neverthelesse though thou art ashamed as a Theife when he is found yet thou art not left to say there 's no hope no or the case is desperate nor I have loved strangers and after them will I goe But thou findest a secret power bearing up thy Spirit and causeing thee to looke towards the Lord and to seeke his face thou canst not give it over but must come unto him though the iniquity of thy heeles doe compasse thee about and thou art full of secret feares least thy locks should never grow againe nor thy former strength return to thee againe When thou remembredst God thou art troubled yet that which most troubles thee is thy own unkindnesse and ungratefulnesse toward him whose love and goodnesse hath been so wonderfull toward thee thou remembred'st what he hath been to thee and done for thee in the times of thy greatest sorrowes streights tryalls and temptations which thou wert under and from which none but the eternall arm could rescue or deliver thee and now thou callest to minde what vowes what promises what resolutions thou then madest to live to him who had given life to thee but compareing things together thou art confounded and ashamed in thy selfe and yet art strangely and secretly born up thou knowest not how still to looke toward God against whom thou hast sinned notwithstanding thy sensiblenesse of thy departings from him The foundation of God standing sure and being sealed the Lord having once known thee and owned thee for his Oh how it