THE BAPTIST AND Independent Churches So called Set on Fire By a bright shining LIGHT revealed from Heaven Their PASTORS and TEACHERS scorching in the flame of it Gnashing and Blaspheming God and his Tabernacle As their Principles rash and judging herein recorded do demonstrate which are answered for the vindicating of Truth and the satisfying of the simple In which they are found to be children of them who killed the Just and have drunken of the Cup of Fornication who also must drink of the Cup of Indignation at the hand of the Lord. Wherein also is an Exhortation unto all people to examine themselves in what state and condition they are and to meet the Lord by repentance before that great Day of wrath that is come and coming to overtake them and they perish for ever In which all flesh shall QVAKE and TREMBLE Wherein also are some of the everlasting Truths of God revealed whereby all that have desires and breathings after God and to be partakers of the Divine Nature of Christ and would be acquainted with the one Faith and one Baptism and with the way that leads into it and the Kingdom of God may be directed into it Whereby every Particular may by an infallible testimony according to the Law and Testimony come to know whether they are in the one truth and in it walking In it also is a Word of Comfort to the IEWS Likewise is shewed when all Carnal Ordinances which stood in time and outward things and had a limitation of time ended to every one that believes which were types and figures and what they did prefigure is proved by the holy Scriptures of truth By one who is labouring and seeking the Redemption of all mankind in Christ Iesus who would not that any should perish but come to the knowledge of the Yruth. THOMAS MORFORD Isa 10 17. And the Light of Israel shall be for a fire and his holy One for a flame and it shall burn and devour his thorns and bryars in one day Rev. 16.9,10 And men were scorched with great heat and blasphemed the Name of God which hath power over these Plagues and they repented not to give him glory c. And they gnawed their tongues for pain Hosea 4.15 I will go and reurn to my place till they acknowledge their offence and they seek me in their afflictions London Printed for Robert Wilson and are to be sold at his shop at the sign of the Black-spread-Eagle and Windmill in Martins l'Grand 1660. The heads of things contained in this BOOKE 1. EDward Whale Priest of Waterford his Doctrine That none was ever free from sin in this life answered pag. 1. 2. Robert Carr Baptist Pastor of Clonmel his Doctrine Thaâ— the Scripture is the Rule of Life and Faith and the more sure Word of Prophesie and the Law and Testimony answered and confuted and the true and perfect Rule and Guide and the Law and Testimony shewed what and where it is p. 9. 3. The said Priest Whale and Priest Millard of Passage affirming That the Light within us is darkness are here answered p. 11. 4. An answer to Samuel Wade Baptist-Teacher who saith He believes that the Quakers are under the highest delusion in magnifying the Light within in opposition to Christ without and the Scriptures p. 12. 5. An answer to an affirmation of Joseph Parsons a Teacher of the Free-willers viz. That God would purge the Tribe of Levi to offer sacrifices external as of old p. 22. 6. A rash Judgement of William Lee Baptist Teacher and Governor of Waterford reproved and found false and so proved according to the Law and Testimony Wherein also is a true Testimony of the operation of the Eternal Power and Spirit of the Lord in the work of Regeneration c. p. 24. 7. An objection That we observe not the Ordinances of Christ as Baptism c. answered What that Baptism Matth. 28. was viz. A threefold Ministration by the same spirit John's Baptism a figure fulfilled and ended Baptism into Christ is another thing then that of water the figure William Lee and William Lamb their gross actions of violence manifesting their fruitless baptism p. 28. 8. Breaking of Bread a figure carnal and perishing continuing onely till he came who is come the end of all figures The form not to be used in imitation without power p. 32 9 The Doctrine of Pastor Hunt Baptist against Perfection answered Of Imitation which is Idolatry Truth purifieth and perfecteth A silence of flesh must be before God's Teaching can be received But the Spirit being poured out both Sons and Daughters may prophesie p. 34 To the impartial and unprejudiced REDER READER WHoever thou art that art enquiring after the Good old Way to walk there and hast desires to be directed therein but art a stranger unto that or knowest not where to have it which should give thee an entrance therein here in this following Book is that plainly demonstrated according to the holy Scriptures of Truth which should give thee an entrance therein and also where it is illustrated by infallible testimonies by one who hath wandred from Mountain to Hill to seek the Lord breathing and panting after him as the chased Hart after the Brooks of water but found him not until he came to wait at the true Door which is CHRIST the LIGHT which gives the true entrance into the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ And seeing according to the Scriptures of Truth perilous times are come many are crying Lo her 's Christ and lo there 's Christ whereby the simple-hearted which have true hungerings thirstings after God and would be acquainted with the One Truth one Faith and one Baptism and one Lord Jesus Christ know not which way to turn by reason of the many inventions of man and voices that are in the world each one esteeming hie own his invention that he worshippeth his God with to be the best way Therefore in the fear of God in the cool and calm spirit read over this Book wherein thou shalt find many of the Principles and Doctrines of some of the eminentest Professors Pastors and Teachers who have a form of godliness but deny the Power the which I was an ear witness of and when I heard it I said in mine heart Great men are not alwayes wise in the wisdom of God But in the grief of my soul I said Men of high degree are a lye and men of low degree are vanity Wherein also is an Answer thereunto according to the holy Scriptures of Truth by which their folly is made manifest though not with enticing words or in the form or method of the Serpents wisdom unto whom it is not directed nor for their sakes who by his wisdom are acted is it written Therefore let that noble spirit be in thee as was in the Bereans Search the Scriptures and compare them together and see whether the things herein be true let that of
I have proved by the Scripture of Truth is it not then plainly made manifest that thou hast taken the peoples mony for nought and deceived them and so hast clothed thy self with the fine of the wooll and thy wife her garments laced with silver and gold from the neck down to the foot the poor ready to perish with hunger and nakedness 1 Tim. 1.2 1 Tim. 2.9,10 lace upon lace some near as broad as four fingers which is not according to the ornaments of the holy women of old which were not laced with silver or gold or plaiting of the hair but covered with the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit which in the sight of God is of great price and hast fed thy self with the fat and neither thou nor any of you all have fed the poor and needy nor bound up that which is broken nor healed at the bottom that which was sick nor brought again that which was driven away but with fierce wrath and cruelty have ye ruled And now to cover thy wickedness and deceit thou Priest Whale sayest They must be cleansed from sin in Heaven which is also contrary to the Scripture which saith No unclean thing Idolaters nor Adulterers effeminate persons nor abusers of themselves with mankind nor covetous persons nor drunkards nor revilers nor extortioners or any that defiles or works abomination or that makes a lye shall inherit the kingdom of God or enter into that holy City and as the tree falls so it lies Eccl. 1.3 1 Cor. 6.9 Rev. 21.27 But saith Paul such were take notice some of you But they came to be washed cleansed and sanctified by the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of their God before ever they entered God's Kingdom which is joy righteousness and peace in the Holy Ghost 1 Cor. 6.9 to the 11. Rom. 14.17 And now let that of God in you all judge Whether that Doctrine Priest Whale preached be according to the Scriptures and all people beware of them to wit such Teachers as Priest Whale and come out from amongst them lest ye partake of their plagues and consider your paths and ponder your waies and what you have benefitted in the things of God by following and learning of such Teachers and cease from them and mind that of God in you and as you come to mind and obey that it will lead you unto God the Father of Life and open your understandings and as you come to wait on the Lord it will reveal the true knowledge and glory of God in you in the face of Jesus Christ the key of which your Teachers have taken from you and caused you to err from the right way of the Lord even CHRIST the LIGHT who is the Way the Truth and the Life 2. The Principles and judging of Robert Car Baptist Pastor in Clonmell He affirmed the 10 th day of the 5 th month 1659 That the Scripture was the Rule of Life and Faith to Salvation And that the Scripture was the more sure word of Prophecie that Peter spake of and the Law Testimony And for us that are called Quakes to affirm that the Spirit of truth from God received was the true rule of life to salvation c. he said It was a fiction of the Devil Answ The true and everlasting Rule of life to Salvation and the Author of Faith which is Christ the holy Scripture is a true declaration of which is Christ the Eternal son of God the Spirit of life and truth which lighteth every one that cometh into the world that all men through him might believe Joh. 16.13 which whosoever loves and followes the Light of the son of God comes to receive the Spirit of Life and truth which leades into all truth and the Light and Spirit of truth is the Law and Testimony which was before the writings of Matthew Mark Luke and John for â—aith Isaiah Isa 8.26 To the Law and to the Testimony Now when Isaiah spake those words the Evangelists writings were not writen Jer. 32.40 Heb. 8.10 Ier. 31.33 Prov. 6 23 therefore the Law and Testimony is another thing and within man for saith God I wil make an everlasting Covenant with the house of I srael I wil put my Law and fear in their hearts and write it in their inward parts Now the Law is the Light which they that believe in follow come to receive the spirit of Life and truth as I said before and that is the Testimony of Jesus for the Testimony of Jesus saith John is the spirit of Prophesie Rev. 19.10 And this Spirit the Apostle did witness was come amongst them and bare witness to their Spirits that they were the sons of God for saith he because ye are sonnes God hath given forth the Spirit of his Son into your take notice hearts Gal. 4 6. And by this Spirit and Light they came to be led out of the lusts of the flesh and through the Cross of Christ knew a crucifying of it and that life in them that stood in outwards signes and things that perished in the using which Paul gloried not in neither desired to glory in any thing save the Cross of Christ for he knew and said Gal. 6.15 Circumcision though it was in its time serviceable and commanded of the Lord yet it availed them nothing yea he told them Gal. 5.2 If they were Circumcised Christ would profit them nothing But the new was to be accepted which was the onely work of the Spirit of the Lord through its eternal working and operation in their hearts circumcising of it and cleansing of it Gal. 5.6 whereby they who abides its working comes to receive the faith of God's Elect which works by love into the obedience to the Spirit of Truth and the sure word of Prophecie which is nigh them even in their hearts and mouths which divideth the evil motions and the evil words from the good and gives power against them as they do appear whereby all that come to obey and take heed unto that more sure Word come to know their sanctification and so the New Creature they come to know and the Mercy and Peace of God comes to be mustiplied in them and on them walking according to that Rule And Peter did not say the Writings of the Evangelists were that more sure Word than that they heard in the Mount which was the living Word of the Lord that abides for ever which by the Gospel was preached unto them and of this Living Word must all be born that ever come to know salvation which Word is in the heart and is quick and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword even to the dividing of the joints and marrow soul and spirit and the thoughts and intents of the heart And this WORD David said hee had hid in his heart out of which came the Issues of life So Peter told them of another Word than the Words heard in the
Mount Read and compare these Scriptures The spiritual man compares spiritual things with spiritual 1 Pet. 1.23,24,25 2 Pet. 1.17 to 21. Joh. 1.1 Rev. 10.13 Rom. 10 6,7,8 Heb. 4.12 So they which put the Letter which killeth for the Rule of Life and Faith unto Salvation in stead of the Spirit which quickneth are in the if I may speak Robert Carrs words fictions of the Divel and out of the true Faith and Truth of Jesus and not guided by that holy Spirit which righteous Abel Enoch and Abraham were before the Scriptures were written and shall be for ever when Scripture shall be no more 3. The Principles of Edward Whale Priest of Waterford and Priest Millard of Passage near Waterford Each of them affirmed in the Pulpit in the Idol Temple of Waterford That that Light which we called Quakers bear testimony unto which Christ hath enlightened every man withall that comes into the world they say say the Priests they have a Light within them but how great is that darkness This they both affirmed before the people Answ Here ye Priests have brought your selvs under the WOE which call the true LIGHT which lighteth every one that cometh into the world great darkness for WO is to them that call Light darkness darkness Light Isa 5.20 for I am the Light of the world saith Christ and he bids them walk in the Light he that walketh in the Light stumbles not but he that walketh in the dark stumbles and knowes not where he goes because there is no Light in him for the Light of the wicked which rebel against the Light shall be put out I am come a Light into the world saith Chaist and he bids them walk in the Light for he that believes in the Light and followes it shall not walk or abide in darkness but shall have the Light of Life Jo. 8 12 and no other Light than Christ do we testify of which God said Isa 42.9 he would give for a Light to lighten the Gentiles and for a Covenant to the people and for salvation to the ends of the earth And Paul a true Minister of God Act. 26.18 was sent to turn from darkness to the Light and from Satan's power to the living God Rom. 9.18 19. And he told them what might be known of God was manifest in them And Elihu said if the wicked confess their sin God will deliver their soul from going down to the pit and their life shall see the Light and be enlightned again with the Light of the living Jo. 12.46 Job 18.5 cha 24. chap. 23.26 to the 31. And John a man sent of God came to bear testimony of the Light and said That was the true Light that lighted every one that comes into the world Jo. 1.9 So ye Priests and ye all who deny the Light that lighteth every one that comes into the world are found to preach another doctrine than Christ and his Apostles preached and so are not to be received into the house neither bid God speed for they that so do will partake of your plagues 2 Jo. 9,10,11 4. The Principles and Judgement of Captain Samuel Wade Baptist Teacher given under his hand as followeth I do believe those people called Quakers are under the highest delusion in the world c. in the magnifying the Light within and stands in opposition to Christ without and the Scriptures And the first rise of the Quakers was in London about the year 1647 as witness S. Wade Ans It is agreeable and according to the Scriptures to magnifie and exalt God in man and the Spirit in man and Christ the Light in man for saith the Apostle What may be known of God who is Light is manifest in man Rom. 1.18 1 Jo. 1.5 And Christ said I am the Light which is within except ye be reprobates and this Light shined in the dark heart of man but the darkness comprehended it not but the Lord now by his eternall power hath caused and commanded the Light to shine out of darkness and hath shined take notice in our hearts and hath given the true knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4.5 chap. 13.5 Jo. 1.1 to 9. And the Scripture saith If any man have not the Spirit of Christ in him he is none of his but if the Spirit of Christ be in you the body is dead and the Spirit is life because of righteâ—usness And this testimony I give for the Lord and his truth that the same Spirit of Light and Truth that raised Jesus from the grave is in us and by it hath God quickened and is quickning our mortall flesh even by his Spirit that dwelleth in us which is that mystery that hath been hâ—d since the long night of Apostacy these many generations even Christ in us the hope of Glory Col. 1.25,26,27 Rom. 8. ver 9.10.11 and God is a Spirit and all that ever come to worship God in truth must worship him with and in the Spirit of truth And therefore let that of God in all Judge whether it be delusion to be led and guided by the Spirit of truth or in opposition against Christ and the Scriptures to extol and magnifie the Light or Spirit within for saith Christ when he was with his Disciples if I go not away the Comforter will not come but If I go away I will send you the Comforter even the Spirit of truth which shall lead you and guide you into all truth And Paul said unto the Galatians because ye are sons God hath sent forth the Spirit of his son take notice into your hearts c. Jo. 16 13. Gal. 4.6 And therefore thou Samuel Wade and all you Professors of the world that talk of Christ in your fleshly wisedom which is from beneath and is sensuall and brutish your knowledge must perish and dye if ever the true Comsorter the Spirit of life and truth from God ye come to know or enjoy for that is but a knowing Christ in the flesh or flesh glorying in Christ but an enmity to the Cross of Christ and I can truly say as Paul did though I have known Christ in the flesh yet henceforth I desire to know him so no more To Gods witness in you all I speak which did never change or consent to sin unto which as your mindes come to be turned and by it to be lead and guided it will cause you to cease from your own words and to know the time to keep silent for a time of silence if ever ye come to minister from the Spirit of truth shall ye Baptists will ye nill ye and all Professors on the face of the earth come to know 1 Cor. 12.7 and so as in the measure of Gods Spirit which is given to every one of you to profit withall ye come to wait in the pure fear of the Lord that will be a bridle to your tongue and a limit to your
Mokell which that day was preaching I being moved of the Lord to give my testimony against him which by good and fair words they were good words us they were spoken from the holy men of God but the deceiver taking them to cover his deceit thereby deceives the simple so after that in my conference with R. M. he said he had not an Infallible Spirit but was subject to erre so this makes good my testimony for the Lord that he spoke not from the mouth of the Lord but spoke the good words as I said before from an erring spirit for all that speak not from an infallible spirit or measure thereof speak from an erring spirit So let that of God in all Judge what Pastors Teachers these be Many other such like passages might I relate which would be too large to write neither do I write it out of prejudice or envy unto any God knows I lye not but it is only that all who are concerned therein may throughly search themselvs with that of God in them see what they have Profited in the things of God by such Pastors and Teachers and into what you are baptized for where the old man and its fruits are standing to wit Pride Lust Envy c. You are not come so far as John's Baptisme the true figure which was to repentance nor the answer of a good conscience by the resurrection of the Just but have need to be taught the first Principles of the true Christian Religion to wit turn to the Light of Christ in you which would lead you to repentance and from dead works c. and to go on to perfection Heb. 6.1.2 And into the daily Cross as I said afore to the crucifying of the old man and his deeds and so to know as Panl did a daily dying and baptized into the death of Christ buried with him in baptism that Like as Christ was raised by the Power and Glory of God the Father of Life from the Grave so to be raised and changed into newness of Life and so the fruits and effects of the Spirit of Truth will be brought forth which are meekness Long-suffering Brotherly kindness Gentleness Temperance Love Faith Peace and Joy in the Holy Ghost Now if these fruits and effects are brought forth by you Baptists let that of God in all Judge for Christ said false Prophets should come and ye shall know them by their fruits and now false Prophets and brutish Pastors are known by their fruits who cry out the Ordinances of Christ The Ordinances of Christ c. Even as the false Prophets did in the days of old The Temple of the Lord The Temple of Lord but mocked the messengers of the Lord God and despised his Words and killed and mis-used his Prophets against such Christ himself cryed and Prophesied the destruction of that Temple and said God his Father was a Spirit and in the Spirit and in the Truth would he be worshipped And told his Disciples when he was with them That except he did go away the Comforter would not come But if he did go away he would send the Comforter even the Spirit of Truth which should lead and guide them into all Truth and shew them things to come 8 Therfore that very night he was betrayed as a Pledge of his Love knowing that his Disciples were but weak The Holy Ghost not being then given amongst them though he had done many glorious works and miracles amongst them he left them a remembrance of himself which was the figure of the Spirituall breaking of Bread as will be shewed I say that very night Christ was betrayed He took Bread and broke it and blessed it saying This is my Body which is broken for many c. And Likewise the Cup saying This Cup is the New Testament in my Blood c. which was to be done onely in remembrance of him saith the Apostle mark the Limitation of time till he come who blessed be the Lord many do witness to be come in great Power Glory and when his good Spirit was come unto the Apostles it was their great work to bring the Saints off from outward things that were seen Carnall Ordinances that perished in the using for Bread is seen and Wine is seen and Elementary Water is seen and they all are Carnall and perish in the using 2 Cor. 4.17.18 Col. 2.22 Therefore saith the Apostle If ye be dead with Christ why as though Living are ye Subject to Ordinances which all are to perish in the using after the Commandements of men threrefore he bid them beware Least any man spoyle them through Philosophy and vain deceit and traditions of men after the rud ments of the world and not after Christ Col. 2.8 to the end of the Chap. And bid them if they were risen with Christ to seek those things which were above Carnall Ordinances which perished in the using where Christ sitteth at the right hand of God c. And this testimony I give to all the world That you baptists and other that are found practising those ordinances Baptism and breaking Bread c. you are not to be parallelled or compared to the Saints and Apostles that did practise those things in their purity or first institution by Christ not from tradition or command of mans for whatever Christ or his Prophets or holy Apostles did practise as is recorded in the Scripture is no ground for any one now to practise except commanded or moved immediately by the same spirit that lead them unto it for they that so do will be found in the rudiments of the World walking in traditions although they may say They have eaten and drunken at the Table of the Lord and prophesied in his Name and done many wonders c. yet when God's righteous Witness comes to be raised in Power to judgement it will be said Who required those things at your hands c For since the long Night of Apostasie that Antichrist hath reigned through his subtil working hath gotten into all these outward Ordinances Practises and Forms that were practised by the Primitive Church but the Power he had not which did then even in the dayes of the Apostles begin to work with all Power Signs and lying Wonders in them that perish whom now by the second and glorious appearance of Christ in man is revealing the man of sin and Mystery of Iniquity and by the Power of his Spirit and brightness of his coming is destroying and consuming of him which hath a long time reigned in man the Temple of God And therefore ye Baptists you are found in the Traditions and Rudiments of the World for the Pope Jesuits and all his Fryars and all that they call Christendom are baptizing and breaking bread crying out The Ordinances of the Lord c. But the Spirit of Life from God which is eternal and not carnal nor seen with the carnal eye he I say that hath this spirit is come
God in thee judge The matter is great weighty which concerneth everlasting salvation And why should it be thought an incredible thing That Christ should now be manifested in mortal flesh qnickening them that were even dead in sins and trespasses for verily I I have written no other thing concerning him or of the operation of his Eternal spirit then what in measure I have really not imaginarily seen and handled and felt of his work and glory for I dare not speak of that which the Lord hath not wrought in me and by me or to boast in other mens lines for all the world have a form of worship talking of Christs words and the Prophets and Apostles words but are out of their Life and Power Behold what headiness and high-mindedness treachery and betraying one another and will be yet far worse by evil men and seducers c. What incontinence men and women burning in their lusts one towards another What eating and drinking and rising up to play c and yet all covered with a Profession of God and Christ But how can any better fruits be expected when Pastors and Teachers tell People for Doctrines they cannot get victory over sin on this side the Grave which herein is plainly proved false and the everlasting way of Truth discovered which leads out of sin and gives power against sin on this side the Grave and to live pure and holy even as God is holy Think it not impossible with the Lord all things are possible And what I have here written is not to render any man odious or to discover their nakedness but for the bringing of Gods truth to Light for I having had something lying on me a long time to give forth amongst the Professors and Baptists who have any true desires after God and as in obedience to the movings of the Lord I passing amongst them seeing their PRACTISES and hearing their DOCTRINES it was now laid on me of the Lord to give it forth as an Answer thereunto which I have done for the clearing of my Conscience in tender love that all who love their souls may be warned while time is For the dispensation of the fulness of time is come nigh for the gathering together all in ONE even in Christ whether things in Heaven or things in Earth The Parable of the Field is fulfilled the Pearl is found Father Mother Husband or Wife House or Land all is forsaken if the Lord calls and followed even to the end of the earth for the gathering into the unity with the Father and the Son This is the onely desire of him whom the Lord hath called into his labour which seeketh your Eternal good With the measure of God's spirit try all things and let not any motion passe away that seeks truly after God that you may come to have an infallible testimony of the spirit of the Lord in you to lead you and guide you For he that believeth hath the witness in himself T. M. THE BAPTIST AND INDEPENDENT CHURCHES So called Set on Fire By a bright shining Light revealed from Heaven Their PASTORS and TEACHERS scorching in the flame of it gnashing and blaspheming God and his Tabernacle As their Principles rash and judging herein recorded do demonstrate Which are answered for the vindicating of Truth and the satisfying of the simple In which they are found to be children of them which killed the Just and have drunken of the Cup of Fornication who also must drink of the Cup of Indignation at the hand of the Lord. 1. EDward-Whale accounted an Independent Teacher Priest of Waterford affirmed That the godliest man that ever was on the earth did not get the victory over sin or lived free from sin on this side the Grave He did not except Christ This he affirmed in his Pulpit before the whole Congregation in the Idol-Temple formerly a Masse-House with a Cross on the top of it and another at the end of it on the 21. day of the 6th Month 1659. in the City of Waterford Answ He that is born of God doth not commit sin because Christ the Seed of God is in him and as he abides in him he cannot sin though he may be tempted to sin as Christ was yet not overcome with the temptation of sin but thorough Faith in Christ gets the victory over sin and temptations on this side the grave 1 Joh. 3.9 ch 5. ver 4. Sin is of the Devil and he that commits it and pleads for it is taken captive by the Devil at his will 1 Tim. 2.26 1 Joh. 3.5.8 And for this purpose Christ the eternal Son of God was made manifest to take away sin and to destroy sin Heb. 2.14,15 And forasmuch as the children were partakers of flesh and blood Christ himself also partaked of the same that thorough the death he might destroy him that had the power of death that is the Devil and deliver them who thorough fear were all their life time subject to bondage which Christ redeemed them from for saith the Apostle He was made to us wisdom and redemption c. 1 Cor. 3.50 And the Apostle did witness through Christ victory over sin on this side the grave For saith he O death where is thy sting O grave or hell where is thy victory The sting of death is sin the strength of sin is the the Law but take notice thanks be unto God which giveth us the victory thorough our Lord Jesus Christ 1 Cor. 15.54,55,56,57 And so Priest Whale hath preached another Doctrine then Christ or his Ministers and hath as it were blasphemously charged Christ his holy Prophets and Apostles with sin for he did not except them when he said The godlinst man that ever was did not get the victory over sin on this side the grave And so by the holy Scriptures of this truth he is corrected and taken with a lye in his mouth and as it were denying the very purpose work and office of God in Christ which was to save from sin and thorough â—…ath to destroy sin and death and to take it away narling it to the cross c. And this testimony I give unto all the World for the Lord God and his truth That it is possible in and thorough CHRIST JESUS the light of the world that lighteth every one that comes into the World that all that it love and follow in the daily Cross I say That thorough Faith in the Blood of Christ who is our example whose steps many of us are following according to our measures who did not sin neither was guile found in his mouth c. it is possible to live free from sin and to live a pure righteous and holy life even perfect as he is perfect in this present World before this earthly Tabernacle go down to the grave and at this let none stumble but in the cool and calm spirit and in the Light and fear of God search the Scriptures for they testifie that
things of God I earnestly contending for the faith of Gods Elect once delivered to the Saints which gives victory over sin and bearing my testimony to Gods righteous Law and Spirit of Truth in man which largely afore is proved by the Scriptures of truth for all men by it to be guided having received a measure thereof this was the substance of what I there declared That of God in them bears me record which is the everlasting truth of God But William Lee Teacher and William Lamb Pastor strongly opposed me crying out The Ordiances of Christ The Ordinances of Christ to wit the Supper of the Lord and water Baptism which stood in time and were Ordinances of God and Christ But had a limitation of time and are ended in Christ the everlasting substance to every one that believes and follows as will be proved by the Scriptures of truth So he call'd Colonell Will. Lee governour and Baptist Teacher affirmed in the presence of Will. Lamb Pastor the Mayor and Aldermen so called and severall Captains and other men of quality in the worlds account both Baptists and Independants That I was absolutely damned and did not believe the truth nor abide in the Doctrine and Ordinances of Christ Now I appeal to Gods witness in the consciences of all who cry out that the Quakers do Judge when did any of the Quakers that are so in truth give such rash Judgement as to say any man was absolutely damned which is a secret belonging onely to God except the unbeliever confess it out of his own mouth or that the fruits of his Life make it appear But blessed be the Lord God and Father of Light through his eternall Love in Christ Jesus I do believe and follow the Truth which is Christ Jesus the Light of the world that Lighted every one that comes into the world and am dead with Christ buried with him in Baptism in measure and cannot bee subject to Ordinances that perish in the using and he that believes and is baptized shall be saved but he that believes not shall be damned And this testimony I give to all the world and sons of men on the face of the whole earth I do believe that Jesus Christ the Saviour of the souls of mankind was the eternall Son of God born of a Virgin whose name and interpretation I truly in my measure witness even the Emmanuel God with us who made a good confession before Pontius Pilate that he was Crucified and Buried and by the mighty Power and Glory of God the Father of Life was raised again and appeared unto his Disciples and was received up to eternall Glory and Glorified with the Father with the same Glory he had before the world began And much more do I believe in him and of him according as it is recorded in the holy Scriptures of Truth concerning him which I may not now declare And this Testimony I give for the Lord God and his truth unto all who have breathings after Christ and are hungering and thirsting after his righteousness But are gazing abroad and seeking him in outward observations c. that Christ Jesus the second Adam the quickning Spirit is come the second time without sin unto salvation in his chosen thousands Therefore turn in your mindes to that of God in you Rom. 1.19 and remember the woman that lost the groat and could not find it untill she had Lighted a Candle the Candle of the Lord is the Spirit of man the Light of Christ Lightneneth it and swept her house and when she found it she called her Neighbours and rejoiced read the Parable who can And I can truly say as Paul did he is come to save sinners of which I was chief which lived in Pride Lust Vanity blaspheming his holy name but have obtained mercy because it was in the time of ignorance and unbelief not through works that I have done but of his everlasting free Love Yet have born his Just and Righteous Judgements and deeply have drank of the cup of his fierce wrath and indignation and can truly say I am washed cleansed sanctified and Justified in my measure by the water the blood and the Spirit which three agree in one in the work of regeneration and so through the faith of God which works by love am brought in obedience to the Doctrine of Christ and his commands and in it to abide and this is his Doctrine Blessed be the poor in Spirit blessed be the meek blessed be they that mourn c. Thou hast heard that it hath been said of old time thou shalt not forswear thy selfe but I say unto you swear not at all and when thou prayest be not like the Hypocrites which stand praying in Pulpits and call no man master neither be ye called of man master and Love your enemies give to him that asketh and from him that would borrow turn not away that you may be children of your heavenly Father for he maketh his Sun to shine on the evill and on the good and sendeth rain on the Just and unjust and he that looketh on a woman to Lust after her hath already Committed adultry with her in his heart c. And lay not up for your selves treasure in the earth where the moth and Canker do corrupt but lay up for your selves treasure in heaven where neither moth nor rust do corrupt nor thievs break through and steal And I say unto you saith Christ swear not at all but in all your Communications let your yea be yea and your nay be nay for whatsoever is more then that cometh of evill and take no thought what ye shall eat or what ye shall drink or wherewithall ye shall be cloathed and take no thought for to morrow But first seck the Kingdom of God and his righteousness c. And be ye perfect even as your heavenly Father is perfect and his Ministers bid try all things and hold fast that which is good flee youthfull Lusts of Vanity abstain from every appearance of evill quench not the Spirit but if any thing be revealed to him that stands by let the first hold his peace c. Now whether thou William Lee and ye Baptists which cry out the Ordinances of Christ and the Commands of Christ be in the obedience to those weightier Commands and Ordinances which is fulfilled through faith mercy and Judgement upon the head of the transgressor I say whether you Baptists or we despisedly called Quakers be in the obedience to those Commands c. And many other which might be mentioned of Christ and his Ministers and abides in their Doctrine Let that of God in all Judge which the least of those or any of his Commands knowningly or willfully I dare not disobey if I might gain the whole world God is my record I lye not And he that saith he knows God mark that you Baptists and keepeth not his Commandements is a lyar and the truth is not in him 1 Jo. 2.4 So
the truth of Christ and his Doctrine I do believe and abide in through his mercy and Power Obj. But thou dost not practice the Ordinances of bread and baptising of water Well let us reason together Answ I do require and challenge all the Baptists in the Nation to prove by express words for he that addeth or diminisheth to or from the words written in the Booke God will adde to him the Plagues written therein where ever Christ did baptize with Water or command any to baptize with Elementary Water That Matth. 28,19 Go teach all Nations baptizing them c. doth not speak of Elementary Water and it is evident the Scripture doth speak of other Baptism then John's which was onely Elementary Water which I also do believ was a Command of God to John though sometimes practised by the Disciples but fulfilled and ended by and in Christ to every one that believes and follows the Light of Christ within which leads to the one Baptism the weightier matter spoken of Eph. 4.5 And I have a Baptism to be baptized with saith Christ and how am I straitened tiâ—l it be accomplished Luk. 12.50 Now Christ had fulfilled John's Baptism as to himself before he spoke those words and was before that baptized of John as you may read Luke 3.2 And himself did prophesie the decreasing of his Ministration For saith he I baptize with water unto repentance but he that cometh after me who is mightier then I he shall baptize you with the holy Ghost and with fire He doth not say Christ should baptize with Water but with the Holy Ghost c. And he shall encrease saith John but I shal decrease And when the Apostle came to Ephesus finding certain Disciples which had take notice been baptized before that unto John he said unto them Have ye received the Holy Ghost since ye believed And they said We have not so much as heard whether there be any Holy Ghost Then saith Paul who was not sent to baptize with water for I baptized none saith he except Crispus and Paulus c. and the houshold of Stephanus To what were ye baptized They said Unto John Then saith he John verily baptized with the Baptism of Repentance saying That they should believe on him that should come after him Christ Jesus When they heard that they were baptized into Christ and Paul laid his hands on them and they received the holy Ghost Acts 19.1 to the 6. So it is evident as I said before there is another Baptism then Water-Baptism as true experience of many can witness who are now baptised and baptizing into the Father Son and Holy Ghost or into Christs death according to the Scriptures of Truth for saith the Apostle Know ye not that so many of us as have been baptized into Christ were baptized into his death c. Rom. 6.3 And he said unto the Galatians As many of you as have been Baptized into Christ have put on Christ Gal. 3.27 So the Scripture doth not say any where that they that are baptized into the Father are baptized with water or they that are baptized into the Son and Holy Ghost are baptized with Elementary water which onely was a type or figure of the inward washing and sanctifying for the baptisme of the Father Son and Holy Ghost is three distinct things of a various operation though wrought by one and the same spirit the one a ministration of Terror and Condemnation the second of Salvation or washing and cleansing from sin and the third a Sanctifying and Glorifying with the same Glory that was with the Father before the world or sin began And so I do affirm in the fear of the Lord which is according to the Scriptures of Truth That Christ is the end of the Law and of John's ministration for righteousness sake to every one that believes in the Light which Christ hath enlightned every one withall that whosoever I say believes in the Light of Christ in them it leads as they follow it into the one baptism Eph. 4.5 and daily Cross of Christ to the Crucifying and slaying of the Lusts of the flesh Pride of Life envyings wrath strife adulteries Idolatry witchcraft variance emulation seditions heresie Drunkenness murders self-willedness c. the which they that live in are not Christs neither are such actions the fruits of the members of the true Church And whether many of those sins be not standing amongst you Baptists Let that of God in you all Judge for I standing peaceably in a meeting amongst the Baptists in Waterford where William Lee was Preaching and when he had done I stood upon a form to speak the Word of the Lord that was in my heart as fire desiring their moderation I speaking no other things then what is contained in the Scriptures of Truth but Will. Lee came out of his Pulpit and laid violent hands on me and thrust me down gnashing his teeth on me Another member of that Church Serjeant Wilson Constable of the Town laid violent hands on me and haled me out of the room and said That I deserved to be stoned to death and another time I walking peaceably in the next room to their meeting came Geo. Caldron called an Alderman and told me It was their hired house and if I did stay there it should be to my perill and the day aforesaid when I was with the Mayor when Will. Lamb Pastor was taking his leave of the Mayor he bowed hat and knee saying Your humble servant Sir according to the fashion of the world which passeth away for which I reproving him he came and laid hands on my hat and took it off my head and threw it violenton the ground which some of his Brethren would have had him taken up again but he would not so because I know they were ashamed of the brutishness of their Pastor one of them took up my hat and ran after me and put it on my head which was said to be Captain Boulton And that same day because I testified the writings of the Prophets and Apostles were not the Word of God but I said that which was spoken from the Spirit of God were the Words of God but Christ is the Word Bov. 19. Jo. 1.1 So Will. Lamb was speaking with the rest and would have had me to been taken hold of for he said there was an Act of Parliament that if any should say the Scripture was not the Word of God they should suffer c. And being somtime after that amongst the Baptists of Waterford Jo. Deck a Teacher of them was whispering with some of his Brethren and came presently unto me and held up the Bible in his hand and asked me whether that was not the Word of God Judas-like to betray or insnare me I asked him whether that was the Word of God which Rabshaka and Sennacherib spoke blaspheming and reproaching the Living God and that the Devil spoke to Christ his answer was That it was And Roger
to the end of all those shadows and knows himself as he abides in it a member of the body of which Christ is the the Head and a member of the true Church in God with the Saints in Light and so comes truly to say as the Apostles did We being many are one body and one bread I speak as to the wise in God to judge what I say The Cup of Blessing which we bless is it not the Communion of the Blood the Life of Jesus Christ And the Bread which we break is it not the Communion of the Body of Christ c. For all are partakers of that one Bread I am the Bread of Life saith Christ he that hath an ear to hear let him hear and he that eats thereof shall never dye So I say in this the day of God's eternal Power his children who meet together sitting in the heavenly high places waiting on the Lord in the measure of his spirit and in the Spirit of Truth are worshipping him they being many are one body and come to be partakers of that spiritual Bread of life which is broken amongst them by the Divine hand through the Power of the Lord so are come to the substance of the shadow or outward sign which was to be done in remembrance by the Disciples till he come c. but not commanded to be practised by succeeding Generations as a traditional rudiment the which did prefigure the spiritual communion of the Saints in the dispensation of times which is come for the gathering together all in one even in CHRIST Eph. 1.10 And those that were baptized unto Moses c. They also eat of this Spiritual Bread and drank of that Spiritual Rock which followed them and that Rock was Christ 1 Cor. 10.2.4 Therefore in the Power and Authority of the Spirit of the Lord I bear testimony That all the children of the Lord that are taught of him and in his righteousness in their measures are established are come to the end of all those shadows types and figures which stood in meats drinks and divers washings and such carnal Ordinances baptising with Water and breaking natural Bread c. Outward Offerings and sacrificing of Beasts c. are carnal and the Apostle said I Paul testifie unto you if you be circumcised Christ will profit you nothing What Scripture had the Apostle to prove that seeing there was a time Scripture required it I say although these Ordinances and commands were instituted by the Father and the Son they stood in time until he that was before time and for ever will remain when time shall be no more was manifest the second time c. even Christ in them the hope of glory and he that believes hath the witness of truth in himself and so is come in truth according to the Scriptures of truth to the end of those carnal Ordinances which were imposed on them take notice of the limitation of time until the time of Reformation Heb. 9.10,11 Rom. 10.4 9 And this testimony I give for the Lord's Truth his chosen ones whom he hath called to labour in his Vinyard that we called Quakers do not deny the Ordinance of God Christ to wit Baptism and breaking of bread c. as they stood in their time and place as is aforeshewed but for any to take them up by tradition or imitation according to the Doctrine of Pastor Hunt Baptist which said in the high place in their meeting at Kilkenny That none could follow Christ to be as perfect as he was Therefore saith he They must be as perfect as they can and follow him so well as they can and by imitation And so hee would make the Doctrine of Christ and his Ministers to be of none effect by his imitation and traditions for his Doctrine and Ministry was for the perfecting of the Saints c. they preacht wisdom amongst them that were perfect and they laboured to present every man perfect in Christ and Epaphras prayed they might stand perfect And the Apostle said They were compleat in Christ and come to mount Sion and to an innumerable company of Angels and to the spirits of just men made perfect And Christ said Whosoever will be my Disciple he must take up his dayly Cross and follow me He doth not say Follow me as well you can c. but his Disciples said We have followed thee in the regeneration c. and they received the Light of Life through which they loved one another and said Herein was their love made perfect and therein was their boldness because even as he was mark the reason in the day of Judgement even so were they in the present and were and are perfect and so they witnessed his Command and Doctrine fulfilled which said Be ye perfect even as your heavenly Father is perfect And for any as I said before to take up any Ordinance except moved of the Lord by imitation or tradition I manifestly affirm It is absolute Idolatry and Witchcraft drawing the minds of creatures into outward observations contrary to the law Testimony and that is the only Work of Antichrist crying Lo here lo there and Christ saith Go not forth to keepe the minds of creatures in outward things which perish in the using from the Light of the Son of God within which he hath enlightened every one that comes into the world withall that all men through him might believe and walk in the Light which would lead unto the one baptism to be baptized with the Holy Ghost and with Fire through which the heart comes to be purified and the Faith of God's elect comes to be received which gives the victory over the world and the mercy and peace from God comes abundantly to be multiplied in and on the new creature who is changed and raised to newness of life by the same power and glory that raised the Lord Jesus from the Grave So in the Light of the Son of God examine your selves ye Baptists whether you are come to know a real change of life and to be new creatures and old things past a way or passing away if not I testifie unto you in the Name of the most High God your baptism avails you nothing and you are not yet come to the true repentance not to be repented of And as sure as the Lord lives his just and righteous Judgement must you all come to feel revealed in you and upon that nature that hath disobeyed his Gospel through which Gods Righteousness comes to be revealed from Faith to Faith c. through which Revelation of his Righteous Judgements in flames of fire comes the creature to know the purging away the filth of the flesh and the consuming of the man of sin which hath a long time sate in the Temple of God and exalted himselfe above God even the mystery of iniquity comes to be revealed which hath a long time reigned through the Power of darkness which hath wrought