Antichrist rather than of Christ 4. And signes being not for them that do believe but for them that believe not 1 Cor. 14. 22. 4. If the Saints have now as much need of those appointments as then nay more if we may say so then why should any seek to be loosed from their own Mercies We confess we have read and heard of seen and through Grace humbly despised the vain boastings of them who said they were perfect and were above hearing praying believing hoping speaking Great swelling words of vanity who have turned aside first from the holy Commandement and after that from the pretence of it which should awaken us to edifie one another on our most holy Faith praying in the Holy Ghost that we might not be led away with the Error of the wicked and so fall from our stedfastness It is most freely confessed that when things come to practise in this time which is neither dark nor day many doubts and questions do arise among many yet as some of us have tasted of the goodness of God in this way so we may not but acknowledge it and farther Pray until the day break and shadows flee away Turn O beloved and be as a roe or young hart on the Mountains of Divisions Surely the Doctrines of these Men which we oppose are levelled to subvert all Order Churches in whatsoever is done outwardly For they say its Babylon and all the worship and Teachers without are of the Beast and Anti-christ Judge us O Lord for why should Men in thy name rise up against thy Sonne and us for his sake 1. Rejecting thy care 2. Condemning thy Wisedom 3. And the Generation of the Just in all ages 4. To establish themselves and prepare a high-way to Paganism It is not a Pleasure to us Beloved in the Lord to open these painted Sepulcres but since we have begun we will proceed to shew yet more that you may see and wonder and beware They bid you Speak no more than you have experience of and than you live in VVE confesse it is and shall be to us for a Lamentation that the religion of very many consisteth in talking of God and Christ and Scriptures and Churches and is but a sound of words without knowledge and faith and so do rather darken than make manifest the Truth and because it is without obedience their conversations destroy their confessions And did these sayings aim at the reformation of this we should not dare to cross them but we have grounds from certain discourses personally had with some of this way to declare 1. That this is to silence you from ever mentioning the histories and prophecies of the Scripture Creation of the world Garden of Eden Adam Eve Flood Historie of the Church coming of Christ into the world the Day of Judgement Resurrection of the Body and such like which being Past or to come we can have no present experience of And some of us speaking of these Scripture Records have been blamed for speaking without experience 2. Or Secondly by this means all the Scriptures must be construed as Metaphorical in an Allegorie making the Creation an Allegorie and so the world without beginning Adam Eve the Serpent Paradise Cain Abel Seth Noah Ark Abraham Isaac Jacob Aegypt Wilderness Canaan Kings Prophets Records to be meer allegories Nay Christ his flesh and blood his life and death his Cross and Crown Scribes and Pharisees Jerusalem Herod Pilate Churches Elders Anti-christ called Babylon and Egypt c. and what not to be fulfilled in the Allegoricall construction of particular experiences But concerning Experience we are satisfied 1. That to speak without Experience in experimental affairs is to darken counsel as they do that speak onely from the hearing of the Ear Iob 38. 2. 2. But Faith is the Evidence of things not seen and a subsistence of things hoped for though its evidence be not of the nature of Sense Science Opinion or Experience being of things unseen by the sense not known from the search and rationall comprehension of Causes nor intertained from the Probable testimony of wise and holy Men nor tasted in the Presence thereof yet after a spiritual manner seen known and experienced by Faith in the Divine Testimony Wherefore having believed we also will speak of the sacred Records and gracious Prophecies which are delivered to us in the holy Scriptures of which and in which God hath caused us to trust giving us also the Earnest of the Spirit which as Josephs wagons to Iacob doth ascertain us of the Truth of the tidings And the gracious operations of the holy Spirit in our hearts from and by Scripture Truths gives us to believe the Histories and Prophecies interwoven to be also of Divine Authority 3. We do also judge the Word of Faith which is Divine Testimony to be more safe Certain and Constant ground to speak of and from than experience In this we are not for a dead Faith which is the fruit of freewill closing with the Word from the testimony of Man which leaves the mind wavering through carnal reasonings which cannot be satisfied But for a lovely Faith even the work of the Spirit with Power setling the mind on the Divine Testimony as such As for speaking no more than we live in if it intend not to stop the mouths of all those who dare not pretend to perfection and blamelessnesse but those who speak from Notion and yield not up their souls to the things which they deliver to others we testifie the same thing As for Allegories 1. We allow very many in the old Testament beside the Ceremonial Law which was a shadow of good things to come Persons Offices Places Actions Things which the Ecchoings of phrases wisely and warily observed give hints of and puts the beginning of every Allegorie into our hands as the Apostle took it in Gal. 4. from the 54. of Is 1. verse which yet must be wisely followed as Scripture Ecchos proceed to encourage yet not to impair the truth or use of the Letter and History Allegories being but accidentall thereto and a fruit of the incomprehensible wisdom of God that sets one thing to answer to another But in the New Testament although Jesus Christ spake many parables and used similitudes which he opened to his Disciples yet the Gospel Ministration properly so called not onely in the language thereof but in the Actions persons things thereof is in much plainnesse and not as Moses who had a veil upon his face but the Messias discovered himself by speaking plainly and without a Parable John 16. 29. his parables in his publique preaching being chiefly for judgement to the willfull Jews that seeing they might not see Matth. 13. 13. We gladly own Christ in us by his Spirit to crucify our flesh and raise us up in our hearts in this world and at his second comming our bodies in the resurrection to a new and spiritual life and
things to be attended as Gods will and mind in Commands Prophecies Promises c. which are not known by any light of nature of which sort is the whole doctrine of Faith and Hope or the Gospel Which never entred into the heart of Man in the highest attainments of Nature to conceive neither can the natural man receive them neither can the prudence of man in the flesh be subject to or in amity with them but opposeth the hearing of Faith untill Gods outstretched Arm work faith accounting it Foolishnesse we being until Faith alienated and Enemies to God in our Minds reconciled onely by or in the body of the flesh of the man Christ Jesus who is God blessed for ever There is indeed a Law from Mount Sinai which is a repetition of that Law which was once written in mans heart which cannot but own what it could not so fully dictate If then that light in man was not sufficient to its proper end namely to direct and judg in matters of Morall Righteousnesse but it was necessary that the Law should enter on Mount Sinai as an exact rule that offences which before were not manifest might abound in the eyes of the Sinner how much lesse could that Law which brings the knowledge of sin and the curse justify and glorify Wherefore the Gospel or Law from Mount Sion the Law of Faith leads us in a Newway by the Mediatour who came to do what the Law on Mount Sinai or in mans heart could not do Rom. 8. 3. Hence is it that man naturally runs to Mount Sinai for righteousness and life in his personal obedience which these men put you upon and man so easily closeth with contrary to the Gospel which is not first known by seeing within but hearing tidings without Isa. 53. 1. Rom. 10. 14. Luke 24. 47. As for the nations that never heard or do not hear the Gospel and Scriptures we will not enter into Gods Secrets but this we are bold to say 1. That the knowledge or Faith of Christ justifyes and there is no other name under Heaven given among men whereby we must be saved Act. 4. 12. 2. But we conceive not how Christ is preached out but by them who bring the word of God whose feet are beautiful Rom. 10. 14. 17. It is true that as the Sun described Psal. 19. doth from East to West proceed to enlighten the world so hath the Sun of righteousnesse whose Tabernacle is in the Heaven of the Church enlightned the Eastern Countryes which this Sun hath left in the dark though he now shines amongst us Thus is the word nigh us Christ in his Gospel comming to our doors and not leaving us to travel to Jerusalem as of old to hear the word of the Lord which yet is nigh to us though he be in heaven and we on earth by Faith ver. 8. 9. Ephes. 3. 17. 3. But yet if it should be evinced to us that the Gospell was preached in every creature yet it proveth not that it is so preached in every individual man woman and child as the Ministry of Paul in the same verse shall be needlesse or that it was so before the Incarnation of Christ when as this mystery was hidden from Ages and Generations v. 26. and was manifested by preaching as we read Tit. 1. 3. Compare this also with the sixt verse of the said 1 Col. As for this nation in which we live 1. It cannot be denyed but that in England the most have in their minds the history of the Scripture though they had not known it but for outward teaching 2. We know also that the Scripture-light which they have attained is not minded by them as the word of Christ which shall judge them which it were well they were more told of and did believe 3. We acknowledge that every unregenerate Man hath more power than he doth improve to obey light 4 It may not be rejected by us as unlikely That God by his Spirit which works by way of Remembrance may bring to mind words of gospel-Gospel-truth which a man hath read or heard without understanding or affection and thereby quicken and turn men without any actual reading or hearing Yet in such a case 1. It is the Spirit brings to God by Faith in Christ 2. And it is by Scripture light even the testimony of the Apostles and Prophets which once was read or heard else he could not know it 3. It is not Gods ordinary way who usually for divers ends which might be mentioned for the conversion of sinners makes use of his people and servants according to the standing appointments of the Kingdome of Christ Whereby you may see the aim of these Doctrines as mannaged by them is to hinder the Gospel pervert the faith and destroy at once all the good which ever was done or is like to be through the grace of God by a Godly Ministry Nay how this Tenet fighteth with their own practises who leave not men to the light in them but by words and papers industriously suggest to them their apprehensions And though they often quote the Scriptures Yet 1. it is but partially And 2. not as the ground of their Faith But 3. chiefly as a staff to beat others with or to shoot with them in their own bow But blessed is that people whose ears hear that Gospell which Peter preached Acts 10. even of Christ dying at Ierusalem for sinners and rising again for justification of all them who shall believe c. yea rather blessed are they who receive it in word and power also 1 Thes. 1. 5. and that not as the word of man though ministred by man but as it is indeed the word of God cha. 2. 13. And blessed are they to whom God sends his Servants as Paul to speak to them and watch over them for if by any meanes Satan can he will hinder the people of such a benefit as ver. 18. For they are to be esteemed highly 1. In love 2. For their works sake 3. Because they are overseers of them in the Lord 4. And do admonish them 1 Thes. 5. 12 13. 5. And it is but ingenuity to acknowledge such who addict themselves to the Ministry of the Saints by whom also their spirits are refreshed 1 Cor. 16. 28. But we shall proceed to enquire into that doctrine which saith The light in you which also enlighteneth every man that commeth into the world is Christ WHat then is become of the Person of the Mediatour the man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2. 5. Heb. 7. 24. Mind how they do secretly withdraw you from eying his death resurrection intercession c. for us without us while they make that at best but a shadow of what is done in us So making the first and second Adam not to be two men but two things in every man Dear Friends doth nor the Scripture speak to Saints not every man when it saith Christ in you
scope of the place and other Scriptures of the like Argument 4. The Scripture was given for doctrine reproof correction instruction which is the foundation of a variety discourse from any Scripture Method is prudential and variable according to occasion Study or meditation is duty and blessed which should in a Teacher expresse it self as in a workman that needs not be ashamed rightly dividing the word of truth by explication giving each word its due and by application each their portion As for Learning it is but subservient to the understanding the Letter of the Scriptures gives a more distinct utterance helps to significant words and is an advantage that equalls them to their Adversaries armed with learning against the truth But some contend against learning because they know it not as for these people we suppose had they learning as their Leaders and Abbettors beyond the Seas and in England did so would they use it to the utmost against what they oppose There be many railing and impertinent applications of Scriptures made by them which every one may see into that hath not darknesse on his right eye and we shall not mention onely remembring it s not any person or circumstance so much that is aimed at as the Ministry it self or all outward Teachers in which Argument they discover more Envy Pride Passion than in any other But be assured if the Magistrates had not a material sword as the Ministers have not their language would light as heavy on their heads and more than so In all this we plead not for the ignorant ungodly persecuting men called Ministers but do sadly bewail that after all the Petitions from the Nation Declarations of the State and Proposalls from the wise hearted there is yet any thing hinders the doing of something to purpose to withdraw the Publick incouragement from the corrupt Ministry with whom God hath a controversie Concerning that they say God is now comming to redeem his People from all their Teachers and teach them himselfâ— We do declare our apprehensions of such approaching desolation on many things which are in high esteem among men that should they be spoken would make many ears to tingle But God will provide for the houshold of faith and send them Pastors after his own heart untill the new Jerusalem come down from Heaven which these pretend to but know not But as God is about a great and strange work so is Satan who now comes with all deceivablenesse in the Mystery of Iniquity which answers line for line with the Mystery of Godlinesse in bringing in a false Christ and false Kingdome consisting in a Righteousnesse peace and joy all false witnesse the lying Prophets strange wonders strong delusions religious Prophanenesse found amongst us in England triumphing in the abolishing of Good and evil Heaven and Hell and the transcendent speculations concerning God incarnate in all things Apparitions voices trances of and to persons manifestly deluded and bewitched with the spirit of lies Touching their seeming Mortification we advertise you that who so diligently apply themselves to the Law as they rightly advise if righteousnesse were to be sought by the Law such may find by minding their light and standing on their watch a great measure not onely of Mastery over outward Actions but a nipping of the root of evill for a season And how farr Imagination may work when the mind is wholly subjected to it and composed to a contemplative sequestration from all outward objects is partly known to them who by nature or custome are addicted to Melancholy But how far the jealous God may give up over-credulous and unbelieving Minds to sink into these deeps of strange delusions must be left to him who is just yet unsearchable in his waies yet hath given us to know what should be in the last daies Now as there hath been a black and long Parenthesis or dark space in the daies of the Apostacy or back-fliding from Primitive Purity in doctrine and Discipline and according to the Scriptures we are admonished of a happy and peaceable state of all the children of Sion after the Destruction of Babylon the Lords own cannot but rejoice in the remembrance of the Dayes of the Son of man hoping the return of them which they desired to see so long but have not seen Now being in some forwardnesse through the Judgements of God begun in the Nations they are supposing the time is now come upon which the Deceiver takes his advantage saying Lo here and lo there and when he saw that bare forms would not satisfy the children of the Kingdome he addressed himself in a more glorious and taking way saying Now are the daies of the Son of man Now hath Christ sent forth his Disciples as of old the twelve Apostles and 70 disciples without Staff Scrip or money c. See here be miracles there be multitudes flocking in Here 's the great Power of the Holy Ghost there are men falling down and saying God is among you Here is the spirit poured on the hand-maides and there upon the children But we have learned that if an Angell from Heaven bring us another Gospel Christ or Spirit let him be accursed We consider that as evill Angells suggest evil so do Angells of light good motions now Satan transformed into an Angel of Light which is an Embleme of knowledge righteousnesse innocency peace meeknesse is suggesting and helping on good motions and fair compliances with rules of right to an ill end Wherefore 1. Go not after them nor follow them lest you put your selves from under Gods protection if they come to you it is safer 2. Hold fast to the Authority of the Scriptures 3. Exercise Faith much on Jesus Christ the Mediatour 4. Have and hold a form of sound words that cannot be condemned 2 Tim. 1. 13 Tit. 2. 8. A better form of words cannot be than the words of the Wisdome of the Spirit in the Scriptures 5. Take heed of judging ordinances as unnecessary or indifferent things yet let your souls wait on God in them else if you be beguiled of the Marrow you 'l be easily perswaded to throw away the Bone 6. Give diligence to more entire communion among your selves Two are better than one 7. Whatever is offered to you from Scripture do not only examine the truth of the Doctrine but also whether it be the true meaning of that Scripture 8. Discourse not with these People about circumstances but first enquire whether you agree in the main things the Scriptures Christ Faith Resurrection of the body c. 9. Remember that if your hearts be established with Faith and in the Love of God in Christ you shall not be as little children tossed to and fro with every wind of doctrine 10. Consider also the End of this Generation in Germany and in many places of England We shall conclude pointing you to some serious thoughts concerning the Doctrines and practises of these people which
God may order for good ends AS first To awaken our souls that are apt to slumber 1. To take heed of the evils of the times Pride Covetousnesse Formality Oppression c. which these declaim against 2. To prove our standings and understandings O it is not a time to be a Professor without the root of the matter in him 3. To learn all our Lessons over again which any of us embraced too much on the Testimony of Man which now shakes and will fall if not grounded on the Testimony of God received by a lively faith 4. To enquire after the way of God more perfectly and not to rest in National-Church-Constitution 5. To look abroad among the faithfull scattered in the Countrey whom few look after 6. It may come to awaken us to walk before our God more lively lovely meek holy disâ—reâ—â— savoury living at he me more in self examinations seeking after full and clear enjoyments of Christ in his waies Secondly The onely wise God may by meanes of these make way for the clearing up First Of the glorious mysteries appertaining to Saints experience by provoking them 1. To take notice of the Knockings Offers Motions of the beloved putting in his finger to open their hearts which sleepy souls under the Temptations of Ease mind not as Christ desires and deserves This is an occasion of many souls mournful walking feeblenesse and unacquaintedness with Christ Secondly The urging of these Doctrines and boasting of such inward experiences though falsely grounded should provoke us to enquire after 1. The royal dignity of the King of Righteousnesse on his Throne in a Saints heart effectually guiding thoughts words actions with a princely freedome of inlarged soul 2. And of the frequent instructions of the Great Prophet who shall awaken their eares to hear whom he takes in hand to teach writing the Law of God in their heart 3. Likewise the glorious liberty of the children of Sion adopted from under Sinai's curses even the purgation of the conscience by the blood of sprinking by the Comforter who saith Fear not I am thy God c. Thirdly We should be stirred up to enquire more in our experiences after the sweet and familiar entercourse from conjugall Love between the King and Queen of glory walking talking living resting together in that oneness which is the beginning of heaven All which with what concerns this head are not onely consistent with but do absolutely require Faith in Jesus who was crucifyed on Mount Calvary who is the Head of the Body the Church by the blood of whose cross we have received the Atonement and are admitted into the presence of God Heb. 10. 19 20. Eph. 2. 16 17 18. Secondly the jealous God being displeased with the many false glosses and carnall interpretations of his holy word which do rather shut than open it may by this meanes awaken the upright and wise to give diligence to the most plain convincing evident and simple interpretation of the Scriptures which are not inclosed in a private interpretation or application onely to or of the persons to whom they were directed but alway reach the like state spirit condition where-ever and whenever they being of more publique interpretation as that Josh. 1. 5. is applyed Heb. 13. 5. and Hos. 11. 1. is also fulfilled Mat. 2. 15. Thirdly The head and husband of the Church may hereby make way for the clearing up the primitive institution and exercise of Church-administrations and by means known to himself to work out those rotten members of Church and Ministry shaking down what is not right that that which cannot be shaken may remain Thirdly these things will also tend to the discovery of many giddy and wanton Professors and of them who are approved of God Also whether we have embraced the truth in the true light of it and love of it and so whether we will contend for it c. Fourthly Hereby God doth chasten us for our Formality Earthly Mindednesse carelessnesse of the Saints scattered whom we now see drawn away before our eyes with these invisible Bands of strong delusions which God onely can dissolve Some other things we have in our thoughts which Providence will shortly manifest but we shall not now mention But whatever the thoughts of God are surely the Enemy the Devil thinks not so But to destroy persons and truths not a few by laying wast Scriptures Churches Graces Experiences which is the first lesson these teach their Disciples even to forget and forgo all past principles and experiences And to bring an odium upon the glorious affairs of Christs Kingdome which hasten towards us in their time which these imitate and boast of but have not And to hinder the progresse of the Gospell by weakning the hands of the most faithful preachers thereof who heretofore were silenced by the Prelatical Power Yet however Satans designs may be layed surely there are many simple-hearted who may do him service unawares as Peter once did wherefore on some have compassion making a difference Five things are partly observed partly conceived to occasion honest and simple minds closing with them unawares 1. The badnesse and ignorance of many in the Ministery so called in most places by whom God doth not speak to their hearts and they cannot be contented without it which occasions their looking out and listning to these who come as it were with the presence and power of God 2. Some present deadnesse in their hearts occasioned either by formality in duties or through grieving the Spirit which then retires and leaves them in sadnesse which they are weary of and so close with these as the first Physicians that come plausibly to direct their way to regain their losse We might here shew you that the deceitful heart reasons it self out of the way of the Lords Mercy saying The Lord is gone out of the publique Assemblies he will use the Ministery no more for I have prayed and endeavoured and yet have not found quicknings there when it may be that soul went to the watchmen that beat and abused him or else went not in Faith and hope fixed on God above men and meanes or were impatient of the tarrying of God and so concluded in hast as some of that way impertinently in this case use to say He is risen he is not here but read Cant. 1. 7 8. 3. They are perswaded that God is doing some great and wonderfull thing from the Scriptures signes of the Times and sayiâ—gs of the wise and having made triall of many waies at least in their Minds at length come to this as the most wonderful which first they for a while admire not being able to see thorough their words to their meaning and beyond the golden pretences of glory and Spirit and cross c. come to be perswaded there is some Divine thing among them and so are ingaged to wait among them and in waiting the mind partly by desire
A FAITHFVL DISCOVERY of a treacherous Design OF MYSTICAL ANTICHRIST DISPLAYING CHRISTS BANNERS But attempting to lay waste Scriptures Churches Christ Faith Hope c. and establish Paganism in ENGLAND Seasonably given in a Letter to the Faithful in and near to Beverley Containing an Examination of many Doctrines of the People called QUAKERS in Yorkshire Together with a Censure of their Way and several Items concerning the designs of God Satan and Men in these things recommended to the consideration of them who are in good earnest for Christ London Printed by H. Hills for Thomas Brewster and are to be sold at the Three Bibles in Pauls Church-yard 1653. AN ADVERTISEMENT To the Reader IF in any age the devil hath transformed himself into an Angel of light or his Apostles and Ministers have transformed themselves into the Apostles and Ministers of Christ They have done so in this Apostatizing age in which we live yea they have been more cunning subtil and seemingly spiritual in transforming themselves in this age than ever they were in any foregoing generation Sathan is now acting his part upon his stage with all deceivableness of unrighteousnes and shall continue to act like unto himself and beyond his former actings untill the Angel cast him into the bottomless pit and shut him up and set a seal upon him that he may deceive the Nations no more c. For by how much he shall perceive his Kingdom neerer unto a period by so much every day he and his Factors will shew themselves politickly active for the supporting and exalting of his hellish and tottering Kingdome and as God hath doth and will enlighten his Saints and witnesses more and more towards the end of Antichrists Reign and the beginning of the calling of the Jews to Christ so the Dragon that old Serpent hath doth and will more and more fill his Agents and instruments with a diabolical spirit of madness and delusions Hence it is that whensoever God hath drawn neer unto any Countrey or City in the light of his Gosspel to dispel Popish and Antichristian darkness the Devil hath usually in such Countries and Cities raised up a sort of new and spirituall Antichristians which are far worse than those grosse and Popish Antichristians who live in the midst of Antichrists Babylonish territories and dominions And as the summers sun is accompanied with divers catterpillers and venomous Creatures so many venomous principles and practises have discovered themselves in the profession and lives of some where the Gospel hath gloriously shined for the inlivning and enlightning of others Wherefore as Solomon did apply his heart to know wisdome and the wickedness of folly and madness so Christians are not to be discommended who do endeavour to know the mystical errors of the new Antichristians which are risen up among us that they may avoid them and may be furnished with abilities to declare against them And the pains and labors of such are worthy of commendation who by their tongues or pens do endeavour to lay open the riddles and misteries of Satan and his instruments unto a discovery Among whom these Brethren are to be justly and deservedly honoured who have pithily solidly and Christianly discovered some of the serpentine errors and delusive misteries of the Familists and Quakers The blessing of him who dwelt in the Bush be upon the indeavours of these Brethren and prosper this small book which hath much in it for the battering of error and the maintaining of truth according to Scripture which is the prayer of us who can subscribe our selves Friends to all Saints Christopher Feak John Simpson George Cokayn Lawrence Wise To the READER Reader PRovidence hath by sundry steps led us thus to write and after that to publish these Papers Beside our first intentions which aimed them for the use and Edification of certain our Friends near us wherefore thou hast them so directed The occasion of our writing was the dispersing of some Papers amongst us out of which we drew those Doctrines and Exhortations which we examine And having the advantage of some former knowlodge of that way which helped us to look beyond their insinuating expressions and principles more accommodated to the relish of many Professors we took warning though it is our grief and hinderance to hold a sword in one hand while we build with the other We do not mention the names of Persons nor transcribe their writings because they are well known to them to whom we wrote and we know our innocency in not accusing falsely Besides that since we wrote we have seen some papers printed conteining the like things To insist on that wherein they differ not from us we think it needlesse besides that the difference is so great that we cannot comfortably in this place join in any testimony with them Our brevity craves thy better attention but we do advertise thee that the Deceipts lie so much out of thy sudden view if thou hast read their papers that if thou have not patience to weigh our Reasons and ponder our Scriptures thou mayst do the Truth and us wrong and thy self also yet mayst thou suppose that we would not thus write if we were not ready to pass by the scornful despise the railers and answer the sober that shall further examine us or in modesty reprove us If thou thinkest our labours might have been spared and that these delusions will fall of themselves shortly we say Amen to it as thy Prayer in the mean time we may not despise a Temptation or neglect our friends If thou blame us for not doing it so well as thou couldst do or wishest it were bear with the extravagancy of our love and if thou wilt own the sin of thy silence we will own the shame of our weaknesses who indeed have neither skill nor time to do as we would Neverthelesse such as we are we would be faithfull in a little and if our God will accept our mite and blesse our labours herein for the discovery of Errour and preserving our Christian Friends known and unknown if not also for the recovery of them who are in the snare then have we some answer of our prayers and recompence of our labours who ever shall be through Grace The Lords and his Peoples more than our own JOHN POMROY PAUL GLISSEN JOSEPH KELLET The Courteous Reader is desired to amend the misprintings here mentioned As PAge 2 line 33. for same read fanne p. 14. l. 19. blot out his p. 20. l. 31. for varily r. verily p. 21. l. 2. for to his r. in his l 4 for it r. them p. 26. l. 19. for of Jesus r. to Jesus p. 33. l. 1. for at it last may becomes r. at last it may be comes p. 35 l. 6. for fits r. fits p. 37. l. 8. for what this r. what of this p. 44. l. â—4 for propiety r. propriety p. 46. l. 1. for boasts r. boasted p. 51. l. 10. for al
false witness r. all false witness p. 46. l. 4. for proof this r. l proof of this To our dear and Christian Friends in and near to Beverly who are of doubtful mind in this hour of Temptation enquiring after the way of God more perfectly which some say is found among the Separated people called Quakers Truth and Peace be multiplyed GOD who commanded the light to shine out of darknesse having given us of his meer grace to know something of the mystery of Godlinesse and the mystery of Iniquity which now worketh hath mov'd our compassions toward the scattered Lambs of the Flock of God round about us and ingaged us to overlook our weaknesses and in this time of sinfull silence to cast in our Testimony to the Truth of the Gospel while some privily bring in damnable heresies denying the Lord who bought them We cannot wonder though we cannot but grieve that many simple-hearted should listen to the voice of Strangers who come in the Semblance of Christ remembring that we our selves have been tempted and some of our feet had almost slipped Now therefore by our faith hope and rejoicing in Christ Jesus and from our observations and experiences of Satans devices we testify to you that the Deceiver of the Nations hath found out a way wherein one may retire from the Faith and not be called a Back-slider but a Christian of Higher growth His designs are deep and desperate but in subserviency thereto he doth through the sufferance of God make use of some otherwise wel-meaning yet over-hasty of belief as stales and Coies to bring the simple into his Nets while he in others lyes in wait to deceive We shall not mention those doctrines of devills which some imbrace and the basphemous notions of religious Atheism though those are but higher degrees of that light or rather darknesse which we shall advertize you of in these papers but we shall examine certain doctrines and exhortations which are contained in sundry papers which are scattered in the Country and asserted by some who go about deceiving and being deceived We do confesse that there are many words of Truth and some of precious concernment that come from some of them and sundry things which have an aim as it were and guesse at the state of the Church when the New Jerusalem comes down from Heaven But what design the Deceiver hath to forestall those blessed Expectations or bring an odium on them and by those cloking truths to out off many corrupt notions will be manifested in our discourse Surely could we see a simple tendency in those warnings rebukes exhortations which they abound with to awaken this perverse Generation to look after Jesus Christ and direct their steps into the way of righteousnes and true peace we should rejoice that there were so many touched at heart and brought to the Lord though they walk not with us nevertheless we shall not forbear to own what words of truth we shall find though we think it meet especially intending brevity not to insist upon those doctrines wherein they differ not from us for the word of the Lord came not out from them neither came it onely to them but where they seem to us to be mingled with deceits those whatsoever in what moderation the truth allows we shall make to pass under the same For what is the chaff to the wheat saith the Lord Now dearly beloved we beseech you to observe how by a kind of Majestie of seeming Oracle they do as by authority sit down in the chair of Judgement and as the onely skillfull to direct the paths of the children of men they give their advice saying Forsaking all your Teachers without Mind the light which is in you which they say is Christ and is Pure and That it discovers every evill which ariseth in the heart and that Power accompanies that light in them that yield up themselves to it to subdue all the evil it discovers they also say this light is the sure word of prophecy and The Anointing from the holy one so that they that have it as they say all men have need not that any man teach them but as thatVnction teacheth them which is truth and no ly O how is their wine mingled with water untill it lose its vertue its colour though it keep the name of Gospell It must alwaies be remembred that they intend that light which enlighteneth every man that comes into the world wherefore this exhortation is by them directed to all them expressely who are the children of this world Now let him that heareth when they say Mind the light in you and observe not any outward Teachers or teachings consider 1. Whether this maketh not the Scriptures of the Testament of God unnecessary which through the abounding Mercy of the Father of Lights are Superadded revelations of his mind and love which are no where found but there 2. Whether this Admonition brings not down the glorious mysteries of the Scriptures to the Censure of the Spirit of light in Man yea in every man and so natural men although the Scriptures say they grope after God as men at midnight or without sight 3. Whether this intends not to disoblige you from every rule or duty which is not yet in your mind leaving you to be guided by Conscience whether rightly or wrongly informed there being no appeal left from the apprehensions of our uncertain minds to any standing certain rule without contrary to Isa. 8. 20. 4. Whether this establish not Heathenish Philosophy which seeks the repair of Natural light without Scripture principles as equall with the Scriptures which some in this way elsewhere who are scholars have avouched although Paul rejected it Col. 2. 7. 8. We write thus from a Godly jealousie lest as the Serpent beguiled Eve first weakning the Authority of the word afterward denying the Truth of it so he should deal with some of you 5. Consider whether this take not away the advantage of having the Oracles of God Rom. 3. 2. which was committed to the Jews to transmit unto the Generations to come that the Gentiles might be acquainted with and built upon the foundation of the Prophets and Apostles 6. We leave it further to the spirituall to judge how farr this reflects disparagement on Jesus who owned expounded and commanded to search the Scriptures answered Satan and Men out of them 7. Also how it reproacheth the End of Gifts Ephes. 4. 12. for the perfecting of the Saints who are far beyond naturall men and the order of the Churches 8. And the ordinary standing way of God for the Conversion of sinners by the Preachers or Publishers of the Gospell Rom. 10. 14 15. For if every one that commeth into the World hath light in him sufficient to salvation and that they ought to mind that light onely what lesse can follow than what hath been propounded But you are not ignorant Brethren and Beloved that there are sundry
Spirit should accompany the word in the mouth of the seeds seed or successive Saints from age to age We confesse that though reading the Scriptures or Scripture Truths in books may be a means of Faith through the Holy Ghost working therewith yet this may be fitly comprehended under hearing of the Apostles and Prophets by their writings by which they being dead yet speak and doth still confesse the Gospel administred by Man and not by any other Creatures or by secret communication of light to the mind by God immediately which these Assertors affirm and we shall have further occasion to examine We contend not herein for any particular sort of Men or them who do most readily call themselves the Ministers of the word of God though we shall alway acknowledge the Order and Offices of the Church of God but our chief contention is for the Gospel as administred by Man whether in word or writing as not knowing how any should believe unlesse they hear the Testimony of the Apostles John 17. 20. or their Word For truly we should bear more easily the laying aside of Man or his Ministration though none may adventure to do it but Christ who hath declared his mind as we have observed and shall if these that advance themselves above him who is the true Christ did not aim to beguile you of the Scriptures themselves even while you are looking on and think not so Wherefore while they say this Light or Gospel is within you they proceed to say it is the sure word of Prophecy Is then a Prophetick light in all men or what doth it prophecy of life and righteousnesse for sinners in a Mediator or of Death because of disobedience or if this be the light that shines in a dark place what is the day-star and the Sun of righteousnesse if this be Christ as was before affirmed by them But as the legs of the lame are not equal no more are these parables but that we may shew their distance from the truth rather than from themselves we beseech you to consider that by this means Either first The Scriptures are laid aside not onely as not useful but as not true Scripture to you nor truth to you if they be not particularly dictated in your hearts after the same manner as to them that wrote them Thus they call it a dead letter which word was applied to the Law whereas though the ink and paper be dead yet the Truth or meaning of those words is called the Power of God and hath a Majesty Authority and Grace above the words of man stamped upon it and is said to convert comfort quicken and make wise the soul which is done no otherwise than by the conjunction of the Word with the Power of God Psalm 119. 50. 105. Surely the Scriptures were written for our learning and are able to make wise unto Salvation through Faith in Christ and may be used for Doctrine Reproof Correction and Instruction in righteousnesse that the Man of God or a man who from God or for God is to attend upon the work of the Ministry * may be perfect throughly furnished to every good work As for the expected dictating the Scriptures by the Spirit to us as to the writers it is groundless but we shall touch on that afterward Secondly But if the evidence of Truth constrain them to return to the word of the Scriptures as binding in it self and useful yet by their Doctrine the Scriptures are turned into Allegories and so their frothie conceipts and catches of wit are established as the sure Word of Prophecy Thus doth the deceiver suck the Eggs and lay them in the nest again and while they allow the Scripture a nominal authority yet it must not be heard but as their conceivings put a sense upon it and in short thus is the Scripture judged but is not admitted to judge spirits and apprehensions but if they speak it must be an oracle and as the Pure testimony of Jesus or the light in them which must be credited but not disputed of this more in the sequel This calls to mind a sentence in one of Luthers Letters verily saith he God must incessantly be implored with fear humility and earnest supplication that we may have his assistance and protection otherwise truly it may soon come to pass that the Devil will present before our eyes such a Phantasm that we should swear it were the true Holy Ghost it self as not only those antient Heretiques but in our time also examples which have been and still are great and dreadful do forewarn This he wrote concerning this Generation that we contend against which began to his Time Some dare not quite lay aside the Scriptures neither turn it into Allegories yet do not look in them to learn because they think it is to build up themselves in Carnal knowledge which darkens the workings of the Spirit and again because they judge that none can open its seals but the Lamb and therefore they 'l not meddle at least not to search for understanding therein until the Spirit in them open it to them But let us consider 1. Jesus Christ spake many things to his disciples which they understood not at that time untill after his resurrection and the fulfilling of them which doubtlesse he would not have done if his wisdome had not judged it meet to treasure up knowledge in their memories for hereafter though they had not the present understanding of them or present benefit by them 2. Our blessed Saviour calleth them fooles and slow of heart because they did not believe All that the Prophets have spoken which taxeth them for negligence non attendance and willful ignorance of the Scriptures though the seals were not opened to them and beginning at Moses he expounded unto them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself v. 27. which was a teaching of knowledge from the letter of the word and he opened their understandings that they might understand the Scriptures which they had surely as they ought read before Likewise it is observable that the Lord seeing the Eunuch Acts 8. 32 c. reading a Scripture in a conscientious way for he was a worshipper of God v. 27. though he understood it not v. 30. sent unto him Philip to open that Scripture and from that to preach unto him Jesus so will God do with others in the like condition 3. Instruction of children in the Scriptures 2 Tim. 3. 14 15. was commended as a way blessed of God In this way seeds are sown which spring up it may be by way of remembrance long after for conversion or further increase in knowledge which they sooner make when they have the spirit if they keep in memory what they read or heard in the time of their ignorance Most true we find it it s not having but eating the Book doth us good and the word doth not profit us without faith neverthelesse searching
this we own as the Power of his resurrection and fellowship of his sufferings but we detest that doctrine that destroyes the Atonement in his blood and the Truth of his humanity and his personall body besides his mysticall the Church so taking away the representation of God in the Mediatour the Man Christ which a believing eye fixeth on and leaves the Mind which is far from knowing God in any competent certainty out of Christ to seek about for God as individuum vagum or something he knows not what and at it last may becomes to this Notion God is in all and all in God blasphemously adding that he is no other than the world or what he is in the world clothing himself with changeable appearances and so the mind proceeds untill it be spoiled with vain and blasphemous Philosophy We conclude that it is a sign of a rotten heart and a roving head to be loathing plain Scripture and longing after curious speculations and witty allusions though in this we prejudice not the modest searchings of those whose hearts are it may be more than ordinarily prepared and senses exercised to discern into the veiled Truths of the Scriptures as Heb. 12. 13 14. compared with Heb. 7. c. Moreover they admonish that we wait in silence untill God open our Mouthes WE answer if that were the intent of this Admonition to shew to man his dependance on God and that he especially that waits on the Word and Prayer take his goades and nailes from the chief Shepheard and pray in the Holy Ghost we should not appear further in this matter than to own it But we cannot but conclude from our observing the managerie of this Assertion and their practise that they would not have any to read teach pray in their families or in the assemblies but when the Spirit of the Lord doth lead them by strong impulses and irresistible Motions to such actions And he that doth otherwise is by them accused of Pharisaical imitation or stealing the word of the Lord from them that spake it with power Which we cannot close with 1. Because it is the will of God that the Gift which is in us should be stirred up as fire which sometimes is covered with ashes hitherto are referred the exhortations to diligence and improvement of Talents 2 Cor. 8. 7. 1 Cor. 9. 25. Mat. 25. and many other places 2. It laies wast the experience of them who have in the midst of infirmities and indispositions acted in the Faith of their duty and Gods promise and have been made blessings to others in their speakings wherein also they have gathered warmth and enlargement before their work was over Afflicted imprisoned souls have most need to be exercised in Prayer Temptations will abound from Satan and the weaknesse of the Flesh to hinder the profitable soul-inlarging exercises of prayers reading exhortations in Publique and private if we break not thorow those hinderances to close with the revealed command leaning on the Promise of Grace 3. Unlesse we think as this Doctrine implies that the motions of the Spirit are the onely rule of Duty which if so must be attended and obeyed without respect to the Scripture command saying not saying or gain-saying in the Letter of it there being by this doctrine no obliging rule but the Law of the Spirit Now if it be more moderately affirmed that the Scripture as written in the heart or the inward-heart-dictates as written in the word are the rule yet it will follow that if there be not a conjunction of the word and Spirit moving with inlargement there 's no rule or obligation actually and so no transgression to forbear though daies weeks and months passe over the heads of them that pray not or preach not though necessity is layed upon them in respect of their work and service and the call of the need of others 1 Cor. 9. 16 17. compared Mat. 6. 11. 1 Pet. 5. 2. 4. To the best of our understandings we judge the Assertors to be against any constant preacher or course of prayer so allowing every man or woman equall liberty in Assemblies to teach or pray and this they say is the true Ministry and all other by the will of Man notwithstanding 1 Tim. 2 12. It is indeed said you may all prophecy one by one but its said also Are all prophets we wish all the Lords people were Prophets The Assemblies of the Saints of old were constant and they had men who attended on the word and prayer who gave themselves to it prepared themselves waiting on God that they might act to the edifying of the Saints in love Act. 20. 7. Act. 6. 2. 4. 1 Tim. 4. 13 14 15 16. 5. This doth to our discernings tend to the establishing of the sayings of them who speak after their trembling sits with an extended voice as the Oracles of God and leaves us not the liberty of the Commended practise of the Bereans to trie the sayings of an Apostle by the Scripture The simple believeth every word Prov. 14. 15. But in this case we have learned that the spirits of the Prophets are subject to other Prophets for examination whether they accord with the Standing Vmpire of all questions the holy Scriptures But that they intend to magnify their writings and Epistles above or into an equality unto the holy Scriptures seems very probable in that they put their papers very diligently into one another hands but not so the Scriptures and do some of them say That it is alike for to take a sentence out of their letters and preach from it as to take a sentence out of Pauls Epistles We confesse we cannot find that ever man came to claim credit to the words that he spake but he was to give proof of it either by the mighty operations of the Spirit of God by him or by the Testimony of Truth given by them who did come with such works or else if he were a Prophet the event was to declare whether he were of God yet if the matter of his exhortation was to withdraw them from the known will of God Deut. 13. 2. though his signes and wonders should come to passe as the man of sinne shall abound with such 2 Thess. 2. yet hearken not to him for the Lord proveth you whether you will keep his commandements 6. The Experiences of many tempted souls may seasonably be heard in this matter who under the former pretences have waited untill their hearts grew so carnall that they had almost lost their savour had not the Lord shewed them that it was their part to give heed to their duty leaving the inlargements of soul to the incomes of the Spirit which graciously met them in the way of Gods commands As for the Accusations of Imitation and Stealing the the word of the Lord from others we shall say Take the mote out of thine own eye Who more notorious imitatours of Apostles and
the 2â—… comming of the Sonne of Man who is not yet come though these false prophets and false Christs say Lo here As for the Scriptures by them mentioned they make out nothing peculiarly for this age more than they did signify at the time of their writing which far exceeded these times in abundance of teaching which though it was better than ours yet differed not in substance from what is in some measure practised by many godly in the nation But when you see any O ye people when you see any teaching of another Christ or not as the anointing teacheth when you see any denying the new Covenant and speaking to a Brother saying Know the Lord making him a Brother though altogether ignorant of God when you see any drawing people from looking after Gods teaching them to Believe Love do his will Profit and the lively impressions of truth stamped on the Affections as well as Conscience Then speak and spare not to apply those Scriptures Moreover when you see a Shepheard that comes not in at the door of the fold and that feeds not but scatters the flock when you find them that strengthen the hands of the wicked by promising him life in his evil wais and sadding the hearts of the righteous by their lies and false applications and lightnesse and profannesse that stand up in the name of the Lord and he hath not sent them Then if you be full of power by the Spirit of the Lord and of Judgement and of might to declare unto them their transgression go on and prosper but forbear those railing accusations wherwith you load as well the precious as the vile boldly denying That ever one gat good by outward Teachers We should write more fully unto you that fear the Lord if we thought the matter stuck upon those circumstantial allegations which these preaching Anti-preachers make hand-over-head against all that mention the name of God in the publick Assemblies of the Nation Briefly to clear them who are Godly from the pretended guilt of certain Matters For whereas their enemies say They are not Ministers of Christ Because They take wages which the Apostles and Prophets did not And Have their particular houses to preach in Are called Masters Study for their Sermons in which they use Method And Expound which they call adding to the Scriptures Also because they hold the use of Learning in and about Divine things We answer to the first concerning wages 1. It is one thing to take a supply of necessaries yea unto conveniency for ones self and family if you call it wages while they administer to the people spiritual things and another thing to be a hireling though we fear there are many such 2. As for the practise of the Apostles and 70 disciples in the ninth and tenth chapters of Luke we read of their comming in as well as going out in the same chapters They were not to go to the Gentiles but whither Christ himself would come their message required hast two Coats would cumber to salute any by the way might occasion diversion or delay And for their going without money t was to encourage them whom he intended to send into the Nations far off to trust him by an experiment of his Providence in their own nation as you read Luke 22. 36. So that that restraint was taken away they did forbear working went not at their own costs and yet had wherewith to lead about a sister a wife 1 Cor. 9. 4 5 6. in which when they straightned Paul and Barnabas who contended with the false Apostles who boasted of their preaching freely Paul insisted on and by many undeniable Arguments asserted his liberty in the rest of that chapter 3. We know some that own not themselves as Pastors of Parish Churches but gifted Brethren approved and called by the Saints called and countenanced by the Magistrate to instruct his People and for the Maintenance the State allows they know not by any solid reason to deny it but accompt it a mercy if Providence give them all their time for the word and prayer taking care otherwise for their subsistence To the second Allegation concerning Particular Houses which they say Apostles and Prophets had not We answer 1. Apostles were itinerant preachers or travelling Messengers of Christ for the planting of Churches Prophets were transient or for some particular service and so neither Apostles nor Prophets needed any constant meeting-places to which they were bound but the ordinary and settled Ministery of the old and new Testament had constant meeting-places as t will appear to him that readeth so far as persecution in the Apostles time allowed 2. It is used by some but as the place which is most convenient for the peoples assembling who have liberty and gladly use it to meet with the upright which was in the times of David of distinct consideration Psal. 111. 1. Those great houses being most convenient for great and mixed Assemblies being also pure to him whose conscience is pure To the third exception we answer 1. Should they be called Masters as Christ is Master it were high indignity to the chief Shepheard but they have it but as a civill respect to their publick employment who can and do own the meanest Saint as a Brother and fellowdisciple of Christ Their Pulpits are but convenient stands and for the better hearing of the people as Ezra used Their chief Seats at Feasts is but the respect which the Master of the Feast may give to any Guest whom he judgeth more honourable according to Christs rule of good manners Concerning this point impartially weigh 1 Tim. 5. 17. Heb. 13. 17. Phil. 2. 29. 1 Thess. 5. 13. which speak of the Ministers of the Gospel and Servants of the Churches But them that honour God God will honour To the fourth fifth and sixth objection against them for studying using Method and Exposition We answer 1. Timothy the Evangelist was exhorted to use such means as are here blamed 1 Tim. 4. 15 18. 2 Tim. 2. 15. and chap. 3. 14 15. 2. Salomon the Preacher saith The Words of the Wise even Words of Truth are as nailes and goads when mannaged as himself used Eccles. 12. 9 10 11. He gave good heed sought out and set in order many Parables and because he was wise he still taught the People knowledge For want of these meditation and method men speak in a circle with wearisome repetitions and not like the good housholders variety as Christ exhorts 3. The Scripture is not bare words but sense Philip opened the words of Isaiah to the Eunuch Christ expounded to his Disciples Paul to the Jews at Rome from morning till evening Ezra read the Law distinctly and gave the sense There is also in the Church a word by interpretation and how is this adding to the Testimony of the Scriptures their fancies because they expound while their expositions agree with the sense of the words and the