Glory and Power which is Terrible to the Worker of Iniquity is pleasant and desirable by those that witness Sion's Redemption by the Spirit of Judgment and Burning from Iniquity these things are known now as in former Ages The same Ark whose Presence troubled and plagued the Philistians was the Glory of Israel the same Hand and Power that smites and destroyeth the Egyptian saves and delivers the Israelite the same Spirit of Truth that reproveth the World of Sin is the Comforter of those that are made free by it from Sin the same Breath that breathed Life in the beginning before Sin entred kind'eth the Fire that tormenteth the Wicked He that can understand let him â—mnipresent in Beâ—â—g incomprehensiâ—â—e and Almighty in Power And he demonstrateth his Faith and Experience after this manner He has received a Manifestation of him in his own Heart Mind and Spirit and so is come to know him pore Omni-present by his Work and Operation therein he can say that God is pure of a Truth because he findeth his Appearance so pure and holy in his Heart that it will not allow nor suffer so much as a vain Thought to lodge there nor no unclean thing to be touched And this True Christian is a true witness of the Truth of those Scriptures Hab. 1.13 Jer. 17.10 15.19 which saith that God is of purer Eyes then to behold Iniquity and that He searcheth the Heart and tryeth the Reins and divideth betwixt the Precious and the Vile betwixt Thought Thought Word and Word Work and Work And further He is a True Witness that God is Almighty in Power because he hath by his mighty Power broaken down those Strong Holds formerly builded in his Heart by the Enemy of his Soul Cast down Imaginations and every High Thing that exalted 〈◊〉 self against the Knowledge of God â—inging into Captivity very Thought into the â—bedience of Christ And he knoweth the â—rk Mountains at â—â—ich his Feet stumbled removed the Rocks rended the Raging Waves stilled and that Tongue and Nature bridled which no Man could tame But before this be witnessed he hath known him to sit as a Refiners Fire Mal. 3.3 and as Fullers Sope and as a Spirit of Judgment and Burning and so became a living Witness of what he hath seen felt heard understood by the mighty Working of his Holy Spirit in his Mortal Body The Titular Christian he saith he believeth in one God who is pure omnipresent and Almighty take his Word and there is no Difference But how doth he demonstrate his Faith that to him there is but one God why he hath heard a Relation of him his Oneness his Purity and Almightiness in the Holy Scriptures and he hath been educated and trained up in the Traditions of his Fore-fathers and so his Knowledge of God he professeth is acquired therefrom he hath read in some Book or some Body hath told him that God is One Pure Omnipresent and Almighty and he grounds his Faith and Knowledge upon this Tradition and History and sorofesseth God and his Attributes in Words but is not a living Witness of the same within himself And so notwithstanding he professeth one God he liveth in the World which hath many Gods and worships and falls down before them every beloved Lust obeyed is a God Let the Titular Christian profess what he will he that committeth Sin is the Servant of it and therein is no Believer Worshipper nor Knower of the True God his Purity nor Almightiness because his Heart remaineth Corrupt and Rocky and the Mountains of Darkness Ignorance remain unremoved and the strong Holds of Satan unbroaken down his Thoughts and Imaginations unsubjected to the Obedience of Christ his Will Tongue and Nature unbridled the Dross Tin and Rubbage remains and is as a Grave to the pure Mettal this Titular Christian contents himself to hear or read of God as a Refiner's Fire and as Fuller's Sope and as a Spirit of Judgment and Burning and of his cleansing and purifying some in former Generations but loves not nor cares not to know him so in himself but rather despiseth and hateth his pure Appearance in him whose first Work is to convince him of Sin Righteousnes Judgment which is compared to a little Silver amongst much Dross a little Seed amongst many great ones to a little Leaven hid in three Measures of Meal which Silver can't be parted separated enjoy'd but by the Appearance of God within as a Refiners Fire to purge away the Dross take away the Tin also which is somewhat like the Silver whereby indeed the Titular Christian is deceived neither can the little Seed grow up till the Rubbish be taken away and the Ground that is Cursed removed and the Heart made honest which is the good Ground wherein the Seed of the Kingdom grows to Perfection neither can the little Leaven work through and leaven the three Measures of Meal till that be taken away which lets and hinders viz. Unbelief and Hardness of Heart Now this Day of small Things this Day of Jacob's Troubles wherein he goes through the Refiners Fire this little Seed this little Leaven is overlook'd despised and flighted by the Titular Christian who in his own Conceit is exalted and puffed up above the pure Appearance of God in his Heart which to know and obey is the Gate of all true Wisdom and Knowledge and is grown so tall great and Wise in his own Thoughts and Imaginations that he cannot walk in the straight Way nor go in at the Door of the Sheepfold but would climb up some other Way and so contents himself with a Traditional Historical Profession of God in Words and deny him in Works And all the Knowledge and Experience he hath of God his Purity Oneness and Almightiness is but as some Body hath told him or as he hath in an Unsanctified and Unprepared Heart read in the Holy Scriptures which Knowledge avails nothing except accompanied with a living Expeâ—ience of the same Power working after the same Manner as it did in others in Times past who have left their Testimonies thereof upon Record II. The True Christian's Faith and Experience concerning the Lord Jesus Christ THE True Christian believes in one Lord Jesus Christ who came from the Bosom of the Father who is the Son of the true God by whom he made the World and that this Lord Jesus Christ is his Saviour Redeemer Sanctifier and Cleanser by his precious Blood and is to him as a King Priest and Prophet c. And he demonstrateth his Faith in this Manner in being Obedient to him as he is Lord in being saved by him from Sin as he is Jesus and by his learning of him and being taught by him as he is Christ or the Anointing So he can call him Lord Jesus Christ in Truth and Righteousness having truly learned his Name and Nature through Obedience to his Cross and a Cleansing by his precious Blood and so he not only reads hears and professes the Benefits and Priviledges which the primitive Christians partook of and enjoyed by believing in receiving of Christ but experimentally partaketh of and possesseth and enjoyeth the same Rom. 8 16. And the Spirit of
God beareth Witness with his Spirit that he is a Child of God and a Joynt Heir with Christ Bone of his Bone and Flesh of his Flesh and that he hath the Mind of Christ and that Christ lives in him and is greater in him then he that is in the World And as the old Adversary the Devil is strong and powerful to tempt and ready on the one Hand and on the other to draw and allure into Evil so he knoweth his Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ as near and as ready and more powerful to deliver save and preserve him from falling into Evil and Temptation and he is not only enabled to resist the Divel but to make him flee also Thus in Truth can the True Christian call Christ the Captain of his Salvation who being armed with his Power fights as he did followeth him sits down in Heavenly Places with him triumphing over Sin Death Hell and the Grave So the True Christian proveth himself so by denying himself and taking up his Cross daily and following of Christ and that he believeth in him because he enjoyeth Everlasting Life and abides not in Death and Darkness but hath overcome the Wicked one and that he is his Lord because he doth the thing he saith or commandeth and that he loveth him because he keepeth his Commandments and hath received Power to become the Son of God and further hath a Name better then the Name of Sons and Daughters The Titular Christian saith he believeth in one Lord Jesus Christ the Son of the true God by whom he made the World and that this Lord Jesus Christ is his Saviour Redeemer and Sanctifier by his precious Blood c. and professeth him as King Priest and Prophet and in all his Attributes and Offices But how doth he demonstrate and shew forth his Belief and Profession How is he his Lord Doth he do the Thing he saith How is he his Saviour Is he saved by him from the committing of Sin and redeemed from a vain Conversation How doth he believe in him as Christ or the Anointing Is he taught by him How is he his King Priest and Prophet Doth he rule in his Heart as King Are all his Services Sacrifices and Offerings offer'd up by and through his Hand as Priest Doth he hear him in all Things as the Prophet whom God hath raised like unto Moses No the Titular Christian hath no Knowledge of him after this Manner neither doth he believe 't is attainable on this side the Grave nor possible to obey him as Lord nor to be saved by him from Sin as Jesus nor taught by him as Christ or the Anointing nor that he can be washed cleansed and sanctified by his precious Blood from the Stains Spots and Defilements of the World Flesh and the Devil while he bears about this Body of Clay he contents himself with a corrupt traditional Faith which hath sprung up in the dark Night of Apostacy which is certainly a very venemous pernicious Weed of the Devil's Kingdom which hath poysoned and destroyed the Souls of many and is now grown to such Maturity and cloathed with such Beauty to the Eye of the Titular Christian that he calls it the Christian Faith though thereby he is taught to believe that 't is not possible to cease from Sin nor to have his Heart purified nor to overcome the Devil and gain Victory over the World and further that notwithstanding he committeth Sin daily and liveth in the Act of it Term of Life in this World he is hereby taught to believe that Christ will save him from the Guilt and Punishment of it in the World to come It may be said of this Titular Christian's Faith as it was once said of Saul and David Looseness and A theism hath slain its Thousands but this its Ten Thousands So although he hears and reads what Christ did in and for those that belived in him and of the powerful Virtue and Operation of that Ancient Christian Faith which was once delivered to the Saints and born witness to by the Holy Scriptures yet he neither hopes believes nor expects to witness the same wrought in him and for him they bear witness of some in whom Christ wrought (a) In whom Christ works all the Devil works nothing all their Works and that through him they were able to do all Things And many glorious Things were spoaken of and were enjoyed by the true Believers in Christ while upon Earth But the Titular Christian puts off all till he is dead and pleads for the Continuation of the Devil and his Works Term of Life and saith the Devil works strongly in him and prevails over him and causeth him to sin in his Holy Duties and that he is so captivated by him that he cannot live one Day nor Hour without Sin so notwithstanding his Profession of Christ he knows him not greater in him then he that is in the World so the strong Man keeps House and it s furnished with his Goods and though he cryes Lord Lord he is a Worker of Iniquity and is bound in Chains of Darkness and his Feet stick fast in the Mire and in the Clay even while he talks of Lord and Saviour he is led Captive at the Devils Will and is a Stranger to that Power which is able to resist him and make him flee and to that Faith which gives Victory So he cannot in Truth call Christ the Captain of his Salvation nor approve himself one of his Souldiers who is armed with the same Power with it fights against the same Enemy and gains the Victory and followeth him who rides on Conquering and to Conquer so never comes to sit down with him in his Father's Kingdom triumphing over Sin Death Hell and the Grave but remains under the Power thereof through the Fear of which he is all his Life Time subject to Bondage 2 Heb. 15. let his Profession of Liberty and Redemption by Christ be what it will his fair Talk will avail him nothing though he saith he believeth in Christ and loveth him yet if he keepeth not his Commandments he is a Lyar and deceiveth himself and hath not Eternal Life abiding in him Profession and Name of Christ without Possession and Nature is of no worth III. The true Christian's Faith and Experience concerning the Holy Spirit THE True Christian believeth in the Holy Spirit being one of the Three which bears Record in Heaven which Three are one and he sheweth forth his Faith by his Obedience thereto he hath received the Spirit of Adoption whereby he can call God Father not as the Scribes Pharisees and Hypocrites did but in Truth and Righteousness and he witnesseth
a Form yet there may be a Form without the Power this Spirit of Formality captivated some in former Ages and led them to deny the Power from such they were to turn away then and so art thou now for if this Spirit of Formality prevails though a Form of Godliness be â—etained as a Form of sound Words Plainness and Decency in Apparrel Superfluity of Meats and Drinks laid aside Respecting Mens Persons and Worshipping them with Cap and Knee avoided Truth and Light within profest in Words Meetings and Assembling often frequented the Sound of Truth as a lovely Song c. Yet if thy Heart be gone astray if thou feelst not Life to lead thee if thou takest not up the Daily Cross to thy Will Thoughts Affections Lusts and Passions and by the same mortifie them thou mayst be a meer Formalist and thy observing and abiding in thy Form may become as abominable in the Sight of the Lord now as it was of old among his once Peculiar People the Jews when he sent his Prophet Isaiah to cry against them though they kept and observed the Multitude of Offerings and Sacrifices Feasts Fasts New-Moons and Sabbath Dayes Solemn Meetings and Assemblings before the Lord c. which was the very Form of Worship he once commanded but the Spirit of Dead Formality being got into their Hearts corrupted them So that he that killed an Ox was as he that slew a Man he that sacrificed a Lamb as he that cut off a Dog's Neck he that offered Oblations as if he offered Swiâ—â—s Blood he that burnt Incense as if he blessed an Idol the Reason of all this was not because these Things were evil in themselves but because the Call of the Lord was not answered and because when he spake they did not hear but did Evil before his Eyes and chose that in which he delighted not yet observed and performed the outward Part of Worship and sate before the Lord as his People and loved and delighted to hear the Word of the Lord by the Mouth of his Prophet but not to do them Read Isaiah 66.3 and Ezekiel 33.30 31 32. Now dear Friend let this sore Evil never some near thy Dwelling in thy holy Form of Godliness which thou hast been lead unto by the Power keep in the Sence and Feeling of the same in thy Form of sound Words keep in the Fear of God and Tenderness of Conscience wherein thou wert at first constrained to speak them even in the Cross to self which took great Offence thereat yet in Tenderness Love and Fear to God against thy Will and the Pride and haughty Spirit of this World wert thou moved to speak them likewise thy holy Form in not Respecting Mens Persons or having them in Admiration because of Advantage nor honouring them in bowing with Cap Knee nor giving flattering Titles to Men this the Spirit of the Lord led to in the Beginning keep in the same and his Presence and Power will uphold thee in the same and also lead thee to honour all Men in the Lord and to be subject to every Ordinance of Man for the Lords sake and truly to honour thy Parents and rise up before thy Elders and give them double Honour and to be curteous and kindly affectionate unto all this will the Spirit of the Lord lead thee to being the Nature of Christianity as thou walkest and abidest therein thou wilt be like thy Heavenly Father And thy Holy Form of Plainness of Apparel and thy Avoiding of Superfluity in Meats and Drinks c. keep thou with that Holy Spirit that led thee thereto and let not the Sense thereof depart from thee so shalt thou feel the Power thereof accompanying of thee and working in thee to remove that Root and Ground from whence all Superfluity of Naughtiness did arise and wholely mortifie that Spirit that delighted in these things And in thy Holy Form and Manner of Meeting together alwayes have thy Mind exercised in that Love and Life Virtue and Power of the Lord by which he touched thy Heart and met with thee therein in the beginning so shalt thou enjoy more and more of his Presence and encrease in Wisdom Life and Strength and all the Virtues of the Holy Spirit And though thou hast received an Unction from the Holy One which is able to teach thee all things necessary or needful to thy Salvation yet this will not lead thee to forsake the assembling of thy self with the Lord's People according to their wonted Manner nor to forsake the Flocks of the Companions nor the Foot-steps thereof but to travail on in the same till thou comest to know where they lie down at Noon solacing themselves in the green Pastures of Life and there to lie down with them where none can make thee afraid and where no Destroyer is where the Spirit of dead Formality hath no place Here thy Form of Godliness will be accompanied with Power and this Evil will never overtake thee as it hath some in our Age who are convinced by the Truth and love the Sound thereof yet come to our Meetings and frequent our Assemblies formally and customarily even as the Unbelievers and ignorant People go to hear the Common Service or Studied Sermons but receive not the Ingrafted Word which is able to save their Souls So though they hear many Heavenly Testimonies and Exhortations they receive and obey them not neither do they grow and encrease in their Inward Man from one Degree of Grace Knowledge and Virtue unto another This Spirit of dead Formality hath also assumed the Form of Sound Words and Plainness of Apparel c. and under this Form and Disguize hath brought forth and effected much Evil deceived many and laid a stumbling before others and brought an Evil Report upon the Truth and those that live in it And this Evil Spirit of Deceit Hypocrisie and Formality hath wrought more Mischief against the Truth and the Holy Profession of it manifest within even under this Form then all open Opposition and Persecution could ever effect This is now and hath been in former Ages the Way and Work of the Spirit of Deceit when he cannot prevail by direct Opposition and Perfecttion then will he get the Words and Profession of Truth and appear and work under the Form thereof and by the Evil Fruits he brings forth under this Disguize he occasions many who are waiting for the Consolation of Israel and strictly observing the Conversation of the Children thereof to lose their Expectation and to sit down and conclude These People are but as others and their Way is but as other Wayes and they fail in their Profession of Holiness c. as others do we see Evil amongst them as amongst others even under their very Form c. This hath occasioned many to take up their Rest in a Latitudinarian Spirit or to be ready to say All Men are Lyars and Religion a Cheat and some to run into Atheism it self But double Wo and Misery will be the Portion of those Persons who entertain and joyn with this Spirit of Deceit and Hypocrisie and thereby occasion many to stumble go backwards and fall and speak Evil of the Way of Truth which is Peaceable Peasant and Pure not only in it self but also to all those that love it and obey it and become Children of it But as for those that once knew the Way of the Lord and afterwards gave way to the Spirit of Evil Deceit Hypocrisie and Formality or that took up the Form of Godliness to deceive as in former Ages so now such are more Abominable in the Sight of the Lord and more to be testified against then the very Heathen or prophane Unbelievers False Brethren are most Perilous and Hypocrites most Odious in the Sight of God and all good Men and the Guilt of Souls lies at their Door because of their Ungodly Practices and Evil Doings under the Form Shew and Profession of Godliness such like Unsavory Salt are good for nothing but to be trod under Foot of Men judged and condemned by God's Witness within themselves and without by others and the Knawing Worm takes hold of them and the Unquenchable Fire is kindled in their Bowels and an Earnest of Eternal Vengeance they receive as a Just Recompence of Reward and like faln Angels are reserved in Chains to the Judgment of the Great Day For my Faith and Belief is That if all that ever took up the Form and Profession of the Truth Light Grace and Spiritual Manifestation thereof within had stood firm in the same and watcht against ruled over and kept out the Spirit of Enmity Vngodliness Deceit and dead Formality and by the Heavenly Gift and Power with which they were endued had judged the Serpent in all his Appearances Formings and Transformings and walked Vprightly in the same the Eye of the Nations had been towards us and Yea and Nay had been of great Authority in this Nation of England before this day and Truth in the Inward Parts the Law of the Spirit the Rule of Life and Manners Within honourable and of high Esteem in the Hearts and Minds of Thousands more then now it is Offences have come and may come but Wo to them by whom they come So my tender Friend who hast not had thy spiritual Senses throughly exercised nor art not yet acquainted with all the Wiles and Devices of the Enemy for whose sake I chiefly write this Epistle this One Thing I would have thee settle in thy Mind At the Gate of dead Formality and under the Form of Godliness the Destroying Spirit of Apostacy entred in the Primitive Times and soon ecclipsed the Light of the Glorious Gospel and the Old Adversary effected that by turning Professor of Christianity which he could not bring to pass by Bloody Persecutions and open Opposition and fully understand that the Spirit of Satan working under the Form of Godliness is that which hath been is and will be the greatest Waster and Destroyer and Opposer of the Power thereof Therefore watch thou against him in this Appearance not only in others but in thy self so wilt thou frustrate his Design and be able to keep thy self as some of Old did that the Evil One touch thee not W. S. THE END
and hearkening to this and following of this in the particular and in the general is the universal Ground and Root from whence spring all the Diversities of Sects and Erroncous Opinions upon the Face of the Earth and from this ariseth all the Willing Running Self-Righteousness Will-Worship Voluntary Humility and Intrusion into Things which are not seen in the Vision of God but being vainly puffed up in a fleshly Mind Now this thou art to cease from in thy own particular for thou wert not created to sollow thy own Thoughts Conceivings and Imaginations ☞ nor the Motions of the Flesh nor Enticements of the Serpent But another Guide is appointed for thee which all that are ignorant of go astray from their Youth Now this Guide is not far off that thou needest say Who shall ascend or descend or go beyond the Seas to setch it but it s nigh thee in thy Mouth and in thy Heart thaâ— thou mayest hear it and obey it and be guided by it And that thou mayest know its Voice and Teaching and Guidance from all other Voices and Teachings I will in a few words set before thee an Infallible Way and shew thee Certain Marks and Tokens thereof for it s known by its Work and Operation First If thou art as all are before the New Creation is known without Form and Void Darkness being over the Face of the Deep ☞ if thou art as the Waters or one cover'd with Darkness yet the Spirit of God moveth upon the Waters and is ready to work in thee and to form thee into a Comliness and the true Light shines in thee though thou art Darkness in order to shew thee the Way out of it And thou mayest know this holy Spirit that moveth upon the Waters and the Voice of it from thy own Spirit Thoughts and Imaginations and from the Voice of the Serpent * An infallible Mark of the Holy Spirit of God in the Hearts of Men Jew and Gentile because it alwayes moveth against every Appearance of Evil and calls out of it sheweth thee the very secret Thoughts and Intents of thy Heart reproveth and judgeth every vain Thought and wicked Imagination and when thou goest before it and walkest in the Pathes of Darkness Sin and Disobedience thou may'st hear it as a Voice behind thee reproving thee saying This is the Way walk in it And this holy Guide consents to no Evil thou dost but is given of God to lead thee out of it and to bring thee to him that saves from it This is the great Ordinance of God Ae and the Means of Salvation that he hath appointed the which if thou sleight and difregard thou wilt remain without Form Void and Empty of the Heavenly Treasures and never be able to say in Truth as the Primitive Christians did and the True Christians now can viz. God who commanded Light to shine out of Darkness hath shined in our Hearts to give us the Light of the Knowledge of the Glory of God in the Face of Jesus Christ and so wilt continue ignorant of the New Creation of God and of the Experimental Work of Regeneration profess what thou wilt ☞ and live under what other Ordinances and Means thou wilt and hear what other Teachers thou wilt and follow what other Guides thou wilt if thou learnest not of the Grace of God within which hath appeared to thee and all men if thou walkest not in the Light which shines within and art not guided by the good Spirit of God which was the Saints Guide in all Ages thy Profession is vain and thy Religion a Lye and thou deceivest thy own Soul in Sin thou livest and in Sin thou wilt dye and where Christ is thou canst not come This is the Experience of him that hath tryed the Traditions of Men the Teachings and Inventions of Men Books and studied Sermons and Carnal Ordinances and hath found them not able to lead one Step in the Narrow Way or give perfect Victory over one Sin neither is all the Wisdom Understanding Prudence and Knowledge among all the Children of men that are Strangers to the New Creation Work of Regeneration wrought by the Spirit of God within themselves ☞ able to direct or bring any so much as to the Gate or Entrance of true Wisdom Life and Immortality but rather hedgeth up the Way and leadeth more and more astray from it This is the Wisdom and Knowledge which the Righteous in former Ages testified against which is of this World Fleshly and Foolish Earthly and Sensual and whoever encreaseth in it encreaâ—eth in that which brings Sorrow for as the Fool so dyeth this Wise Maâ— And whosoever sets himself up 〈◊〉 this Wisdom ☞ as a Teacher of thâ— Ignorant and as a Guide to the Blinâ— though allowed by the Universitiâ— or general Schools he runs befoâ—â— he is sent and doth not profit tâ— People at all but is as the Bliâ— which leadeth the Blind and they bâ— fall into the Ditch together out which there is no Redemption 〈◊〉 by the Knowledge of the Effect Working of the holy Spirit and Son of God in thee to open thy Eye that thou mayest see where thou art and beget a Desire in thee and a Cry in thee for Deliverance and minister Strength unto thee and to pull thy Feet out of the Mire and Clay and to set them upon a Rock and be as a Light unto thee to guide thee in thy Way that thou stumblest not again all which I testifie he is ready and willing to do for thee and all that love his Appearance ☞ And those only love his Appearance that love the Spirit of Truth in them and believe in it and receive it which reproveth them of Sin of Righteousness and of Judgment and this is an Infallible Proof that People love this Spirit believe in it and receive it A True Proof that People love the Spirit when they walk in it and obey it and bring forth the Fruits of it and are led by it out of Sin and that Righteousness and Judgment which it did reprove them of while they lived therein and are led by it into that Holiness and Everlasting Righteousness through true Judgment which is the White Rayment Fine Linnen and Cloathing of the True Christian who is come to know the same holy Spirit of Truth which once convinced reproved and judged him for Sin and Ungodliness to make him free from it and become his Comforter and Leader into all Truth according to the Promise of Christ Jesus Joh. 16. the which to possess and enjoy The Sum of Christian-Religion is the End Sum and Substance of the Christian-Religion and the End of all Hearing Reading Preaching and Believing And that thou mayest know whether thou art a Possessor hereof or whether thou only talkest of it and professest it I in thâ— Bowels of Love intreat and beseecâ— thee seriously to weigh read and confider what
a being led by the Spirit in the Way of Holiness and so cannot fulfil the Lust of the Flesh but by the same doth mortifie them and gain Victory over them and is sanctified and cleansed from them and is taught by the Spirit the true Knowledge of God how to worship him aright in Spirit Truth and so prayes in the Spirit and with the Understanding and sings in the Spirit and praiseth God in the Spirit and the Law of the Spirit is in his Heart and this Law of the Spirit of Life makes him free from the Law of Sin and Death and the Spirit of God which raised up Jesus from the Dead dwelleth in him and quickneth his Mortal Body And this True Christian is the Spiritual Man which discerneth all Things but is not discerned by another out of the same Spirit which searcheth all Things yea the deep Things of God and he is led by the Spirit from under the Law and through the Law to him which was before the Law and so is under Grace and brings forth the Fruits thereof which is Love Peace Joy Long-Suffering Gentleness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance against this Christian there is no Law The Titular Christian he saith he believeth in the Holy Spirit c. But how doth he demonstrate his Faith and Belief he is ready to make a Mock of receiving the Spirit and being led by the Spirit mov'd taught by the Spirit this seems strange Doctrine to him that he should know his Lusts mortified by the Spirit and that he should walk in the Spirit and be sanctified by the Spirit from all Sin and Uncleaness and that he should attend the Motion and Guidance of the Spirit and in all his Conversation to do nothing but what will stand justified by this Holy Spirit and that he should pray in the Spirit and sing with the Spirit and worship in the Spirit c. These are new Doctrines to the Titular Christian he knows not what to make of them except it be to brand them with despicable Names And the Law of the Spirit of Life which should free him from the Law of Sin and Death he is a Stranger to and wholy ignorant of the Indwelling of that Spirit which raised Jesus from the Dead to quicken his mortal Body this he counts Fanatick Doctrine c. And instead of being a spiritual Man which discerneth all Things he is Carnal and seeth not far off the Vail being over his Heart cannot see nor regard the Glory of God when it appeareth in the Inward Temple but opposeth slighteth the Appearance of that Holy Spirit which searcheth his Heart and all Things and so is not led by it from under the Law which Law was added because of Transgression and this Titular Christian which liveth in the Nature and Act of Transgression and that knows not the Cursed Ground removed which bringeth forth Bryars and Thorns from whence all Evil Thoughts Words and Works proceed and is a Stranger to the Mortification of them by the Spirit he is under the Law and liable to the Punishment thereof and not under Grace let him profess what he will if he brings not forth the Fruit of the Spirit in his Life and Conversation he clearly sheweth he doth not believe in it nor walk in it neither hath received it nor come to any true Knowledge of it by its Work and Operation in his Heart he only talks of it with his Tongue as some Book or Body hath told him this is the Property and State of a Titular Christian IIII. The True Christian's Faith and Experience concerning the Holy Scriptures THE True Christian truly honoureth the Holy Scriptures in their Places and believeth and receiveth their Testimony and is a living Witness of the Truth thereof and he domonstrateth it as followeth By believing receiving and obeying him viz. Christ Jesus of whom they testifie whereby he receives Power to order his Conversation according to them and the True Christian believeth that they were spoaken and written by the Motion and inspiration of the Spirit of God in Holy Men Prophets and Apostles and that it is his Duty to Wait upon God to receive the Spirit of Grace and Glory and the Gifts thereof of whom they testifie that thereby be may be enabled to read them with Understanding and to receive the Comfort of them and to be made wise through Faith in Christ unto Salvation by them And this Christian knows rightwell That all the Vniversity or Acad miâ—al Learning in the World is not able to give the true Knowledge of the Mind of the Spirit in the holy Scriptures they are as a seal'd Book to all the Wit Reason Comprehension and Acquired Parts of all Mankind in the Fall Learned and Unlearned And until man comes to receive regard and improve the Manifestation of the Spirit which is given to every man to profit withal as the Scriptures witness he is wholy ignorant and a Stranger to the Key of true Knowledge and the Treasures of Life and Wisdom are hid from him and secured as with seven Seals and the Cherubimâ— with a Flaming Sword that turns every Way and guards the Tree of Life with the Fruits thereof from the faln Wisdom of Man And this the True Christian knows by Experience having tryed what the Wisdom of this World in all its Perfection can do and hath seen it confounded and brought to nought in himself being discovered to be no part of the Key of true everlasting Knowledge but rather that which hides it makes the Vail the thicker and shuts the Door of the Kingdom the faster and those that abound in it neither enter themselves nor suffer those that would and this the Holy Scriptures testifie The Titular Christian he saith He honoureth the Scriptures and believeth the Testimony of them c. But how doth he demonstrate his Honour to them and Belief of them Doth he order his Conversation according to them They exhort To abstain from every Appearance of Evil and from every fleshly Lust which wars against the Soul and to put on the whole Armour of God and thereby resist the Devil and make him flee The Titular Christian doth not obey this Exhortation neither doth he believe that it 's possible that any should obey it on this side the Grave So while he pretends to honour them he gives them the Lye for what 's more ridiculous and unreasonablethen to profess a Belief that the Spirit of God in Holy Men hath left Holy Precepts and Exhortations upon Record in the Scriptures which are unpossible to be obeyed Yet this is the Language of the Titular Christian who honoureth them with his Lips and cryes them up with his Tongue but in Works denyes them Sometimes he will give them more Titles of Honour then to them is due as when he calls them The Word of God The Touch-stone and Tryer of all Spirits The Everlasting Rule of Faith and Practice so in his
is taken up he meets with no greater Enemy in his Journey then Self-Thoughts and Imaginatons Self-willing and Running Self-consultation and Self-working which * This made Paul careful to keep his Body under lest while he preached to others he himsolf became a Cast-away if he watch not against rule over and keep under by that Hand and Power that hath appeared for his Deliverance and hath wrought it in a measure he again may be entangled and enshared and driven back into that Pit wherein is no Water therefore he stands in the Doctrine of Self-Denyal till Self be denyed and in the putting off the Old Man with his Deeds till they are wholy put off and when he hath done all to stand still and abide with the same powerful Hand that hath wrought all these things in him and for him and to it he attributes the Glory and gives the Praise forever Now the Titular Christian professeth the Doctrine of Mortification and talks of a Dying to Sin and a Warring against it and of Self-Denyal and putting off the Old Man and taking up the Daily Cross c. But how doth he answer his Profession What Course doth he take to mortifie Sin while he believes not in the Light which shines in his Heart that discovers it nor in the Manifestation of the Spirit given him to mortifie and destroy Sin nor in the Power of God within which gives Strength to War against it and to overcome Sin within neither hath he received the Spirit of Adoption Rom. 8.15 whereby he is enabled to call God Father but is unacquainted and ignorant of him in that Relation yet hath learned by Tradition as the impenitent and unconverted Jews did John 8.41 to call God Father whose Knowledge of him was taught by the Precepts of Men And though they accounted themselves Children of God by virtue of this Traditional Knowledge received from their Fore-Fathers Isa 29.3 John 8.44 c Rabbies and Doctors of the Law yet Christ Jesus the Great Doctor and Righteous Judge and True Teacher told them they were quite the Contrary even of their Father the Devil So the Titular Christian while unbegotten to God in his impenitent unregenerate State having read the holy Scriptures and the Traditions of his Fathers furnisheth himself with the Profession of the Doctrines of the Gospel as the Jews did of the Law even while Sin reigns in his mortal Body while the Old Man with his Deeds are un put off and while Self Will Self-Wisdom and Self in all its Properties is undenyed and while he is a Stranger to the Cross of Christ and so takes it not up and follows him but wants Power to mortifie Sin and to war against the World Flesh and the Devil So while he talks of Mortification and Dying to Sin Sin lives in him encreases as his Days encrease and instead of overcoming it is overcome daily by it And while he professes Self-Denyal nothing but Self is owned Self wills and runs Self worships and offers the Offerings of Cain Self seeks and knocks and strives to enter but is not able And â—â—ll this Willing and Running and Power of Self is denyed judged and brought down and made of no Reputation by the Powerful Working and Operation of the Spirit of God within none can witness a being dead to Sin nor have Victory over it nor be a Disciple of Christ Jesus nor follow him in the Work of Regeneration let them profess what they will except this be known their Profession is a Lye and they deceive their own Souls This is the Word of Truth to all the Titular Christians upon the Face of the Earth of what Name or Sect soever VII The True Christian's Faith and Experience concerning Sanctification Washing and Cleansing from Sin and Corruption THe True Christian owns and believes the Doctrine of Sanctification Washing and Cleansing from Sin and Corruption and he manifests his Faith by the Virtue and Operation of the Spirit of God working in him having been led by the same through the Work of Repentance Mortification and Self-Denyal he is now not only turned from Sin and come to the Mortifying of it but also to the Sanctifying Washing and Cleansing from it so he comes to witness a being delivered from the dead Body and the Dead to be buried out of his Sight ☞ and as he abides and dwells with this Sanctifying and Cleansing Power he is preserved from corrupting himself or so much as touching the Dead again This is the Anti-Type and Substance of all the divers Washings Purifications and Sanctifications used under the Law where the Temple and all the Furniture thereof were sanctified 1 Cor. 6.19 Now he knoweth himself to be the Temple of the Holy Ghost and this Knowledge keepeth him from defiling of it being bought with a Price not with Gold nor Silver nor Corruptible Things but with the Precious Blood of Christ which cleanseth and keepeth clean the True Christian who trampleth it not again under his Feet And herein also he witnesseth the Anti-Type and Substance signified by the laying of the People's Sins upon a Scape-Goat once a year and letting him go into the Wilderness c. so that the People were as free and clean from Sins committed the year past Levit. 16. from vers 8. to 26. as if they had committed none at all their Sins confessed and Sacrifices being offered and Attonement made ☞ These were the Shadows of Good Things to come the Substance of which the True Christian now enjoyeth and is come to the One Everlasting Offering Christ Jesus which perfects forever those that are sanctified Heb. 10.14 and both he that sanctifieth and they that are sanctified are all of one Hebr. 2.11 And he that is joyned to the Lord is one Spirit And the True Christian abiding in this Sanctification and Unity with the Lord Sins no more so needs no farther Confession of Sin nor further Sacrifice for it being drawn near unto the Lord with a true Heart Heb. 10.22 in full Assurance of Faith having his Heart sprinkled from an Evil Conscience and his Body washed with pure Water Here is no more a Remembrance again of Sin once a Year Yet there is a Possibility after this Estate is witnessed and enjoyed Heb. 10.26 that there may be a Falling-away or a Wilful Sinning again which the Apostle knew well and therefore warned People to beware of it that they tread not the Son of God under Foot Heb. 10.29 30. nor count the Blood of the Covenant wherewith they were sanctified an Vnholy Thing nor do Desâ—ight unto the Spirit of Grace Therefore the True Christian after he is washed cleansed and sanctified watcheth against all that would defile him again and in the Spirit and Power which hath wrought his Sanctification abiding he rules and reigns over Sin and Satan and is no more entangled with the Yoak of Bondage but keeps in his Inheritance
the Wiles and Devices of the Enemy are many and mysterious and the Murtherer ariseth with the Light and 't is against thee who art come to believe in the Light he rageth within and without and about thee he goeth as a roaring Lyon seeking to devour and as a subtil Fox to get into the Vineverd again and spoil the tender Grapes therefore I counsel thee to wait low in thy Mind in that Heavenly Principle of Light to which thou hast been turned and in which thou hast believed in this the Devil hath no Part abiding here thou art as one armed in a strong Tower of Defence keep thou thy self that he may never prevail against thee by Allurements Baits Shares and Enticements and he can never force thee nor by all his Strength compel thee to yield unto him and obey him But know this he will suit and sort his Temptations according to thy Temperament State and Condition seeing thou hast turned thy Back upon that wherein his Kingdom stands and where his Works and Will is done and set thy Face Sionward and walks in the Light within that leadeth thereto he knoweth 't is in vain for him to appear unto thee now as a Devil therefore will he transform himself like unto an Angel of Light and propose and promise as great Things to thee as he did to Eve in Paradice if he can but get thee out of thy Way the Light within which makes him manifest in all his Shapes and Transformings he will prevail against thee and cause thee to err and deceive thee under the Hope of enjoying a greater Liberty and a higher Glory thus he hath beguiled some in this Age for when and where the Woman appeareth cloathed with the Sun ☞ and the Moon under her Feet and a Crown of twelve Stars upon her Head being with Child crying travailing in Birth pained to be delivered then and there also the great red Dragon with his seven Heads ten Horns and seven Crowns upon his Heads appeareth also and with his Tail draws Stars from Heaven and casts them to the Earth and also stands ready before the Woman to devour her Child as soon as 't is born Read Rev. 12.1 2 3 4. and the Lord give thee Understanding So tender Friend If thou desirest to travail on with Safety in the Way and Path of Christianity from its Birth to the Cross and from the Cross to the Crown thou must walk in the Light and daily learn of the Grace of God within and keep on thy Armour the Light within whereby thou hast conquered many Enemies within and overcome divers Temptations within and hast known it as an Ax laid to the Root of the Evil Tree within abide thou in it and keep thy Eye fixed upon him that heweth therewith that thou mayest know its Work throughly effected viz. the very Root of the Evil Tree cut up not only its Branches lopt off and the Root struck at but Root and Branch destroyed and the Heavenly Plant to grow and encrease into a Tree of Righteousness instead thereof within thy self that thou mayest fit under its Shadow with Safety and eat of the Fruit thereof with Delight Now though thou art a Believer in the Light and a Learner of the Grace and art travailing right on in the same towards a full Enjoyment thereof know this That thou wilt meet with many Tryals Exercises and Temptations in the Way some to turn thee out of it and others to cause thee to sit down short and take up a Rest by the way and glory in thy former Experiences Openings Sights and Revelations and Power over Devils which thou hast been endued withal so if the old Serpent cannot prevail in the one he may in the other envying thy Happiness he will try all Means against thee to beguile thee as he did Eve tempt and alure thee out of a Heavenly Estate he will hardly beset thee within and without and when thou appearest before God hewill appear also with Lyes and Accusations against thee Now keep thou in the Light wherewith thou art enlightened and in which thou hast believed and lean thou upon and trust in the Grace of God which is sufficient and present with thee and ready and able to save and deliver thee when his Alurements and Buffetings attend thee And this Light within in which thou hast believed as thou walkest in it will shew thee the Nature and Tendency of the Bait though covered with Golden Pretences and the very Hook that 's covered therewith So as thou waitest and abidest in this Light in vain is the Snare laid in thy Sight in vain are all his subtil Devices gainst thee and in vain are all his variable Appearances in order to deceive and destroy thee whether he appears as a subtil Serpent or as a Satan to accuse as he did Job before God or as a Dragon or Roaring Lyon to devour or as an Antichrist or on the contrary whether he appear as an Angel of Light with two Horns like a Lamb and in Sheep's Cloathing and further In our Age as in Ages past the Devil hath confessed to the Appearance of Christ and preacht the Words of Truth but in O position to the Power though he appears in and assumeth the Form of Godliness and preaches and confesses Christ in his Spiritual Appearance within in words and talks of and professeth the Light within and the Motion of the Spirit and a Learning of the Spirit and a Ceasing from Man and a Learning of the Anointing Light and Grace within and get into the Throne and Temple of God and sit there as God I say In vain are all his variable Appearances Wiles and Works Formings and Transformings as thy Eye is kept single thy whole Body will be full of Light and thou wilt be able to say as some of old did We are not ignorant of his Devices And thou wilt try and discern Spirits and that Ear will be open that tryes Words as the Mouth tastes Meat and judgeth the divers Sounds and Voices and seeth to the In side Root Ground and Foundation of things that do appear and gives them Names according to their Nature and judgeth Righteously concerning them and not according to Appearance only whether within thy self or without As in this Wisdom and Discerning thou abidest thou wilt travail safely on from Faith to Faith from Knowledge to Knowledge from one Degree of Grace and Glory unto another till thou comest to be fully gathered from the East West North and South and sittest down with Abraham Isaac and Jacob in the Kingdom of God and also knowest the Son surrender the Kingdom to the Father and God become all in all then shalt thou know as thou art known and see as thou art seen and Death shall be swallowed up in Victory Mortality of Immortality and there shall be no more Sea Death nor Sorrow Crying nor Pain former things being past away and all things made new this Estate
it again nor knew not a Stay to his Mind nor a Bridle to his Tongue nor Strength to endure Temptations nor Patience to have its perfect Work neither was he endued with Wisdom and Discerning to discover the divers Wiles and Devices of that Old Serpent that betrayed in Paradice being not humbled and brought down to the true Foundation though the Seed of the Kingdom was sown and received with much Joy but springing up in great Haste for want of Depth of Earth proved like Corn upon the House-top or in Stony Ground soon withered again So let none be lifted up above Measure because of Revelations Heavenly Sights and Visions let none rest in Zeal and Affections let none deck themselves with God's Jewels and play the Harlot with them nor lay up Manna for to morrow but wait upon him from whence the Daily Bread comes and abide low in the Root ☞ from whence all Heavenly Blessings Gifts and Graces spring so a growing up in him which was from Everlasting before Evil sprung up before the Vail was spread over when all was good yea very Good will be witnessed This is the converted Estate which those that are come unto it not only stand themselves but are able to streng then their Brethren who are begotten by the same Father and born of the same Mother And this Counsel Christ gave unto Peter that Zealous Affectionate Disciple after he had had Heavenly Sights and Revelations When thou art Converted Strengthen thy Brethren Let this be minded by all to whom the Lord hath appeared and given Discoveries of himself lest they take up their Rest by the way and like Peter and John at the Sight of the Transfiguration of Christ say Master it is Good for us to be here let us build Three Tabernacles one for Thee one for Moses one for Elias This they spoak in Ignorance while the Cloud over shadowed them while they saw his Payment shining exceeding white as Snow but did not see him not hear him as the Beloved Son of God nor understand the Vision Mark 9 therefore the Voice out of the Cloud saith to them This is my Beloved Son hear him c. Heights may separate as well as Depths therefore what Christ saith to one he saith to all Watch and Pray lâ—st ye enter into Temptation In hearing and obeying the Beloved Son there 's Peace Blessings and Safety but in hearing and obeying the Serpent Tribulation Anguish and Sorrow and great Danger which all that wait watch in that True Light The Light that shines in the heart is the safe Dwelling place of its Children where with they are enlightend enjoy the one and escape the other XVI The True Christian's Faith and Experience concerning the Gospel or Glad Tidings of Salvation THE True Christian believes the Gospel or Glad Tidings of Life Liberty and Salvation and at the hearing the Joyful Sound thereof he is glad and he rejoyceth to see the Angel fly through the midst of Heaven having the Everlasting Gospel to preach again to them that dwell on the Earth Rev. 14.6 and to every Nation Kindred Tongue and People saying with a loud Voice Fear God and give Glory to him for the Hour of his Judgments is come and worship him that made Heaven and Earth the Sea and Fountains of Water And the True Christian hath not only heard but obeyed this Gospel and he knoweth Life and Immortality brought to Light through this Gospel 2 Tim. 1.10 and the Light of this Glorious Gospel shines in his Heart and he hath repented or turned to the Light thereof received and believed this Gospel Gal. 3.8 which is the Power of God unto Salvation which Gospel was preached unto Abraham and was and is now preached in every Creature under Heaven Col. 1.23 of this Gospel Paul was a Minister And the True Christian is come to the Mystery of the Fellowship of the Gospel That which judgeth the Secrets of Mens Hearts is the Gospel which stands not in Word but Power and is not of Man nor by Man but of God and this Gospel judgeth the Secrets of all Men and he is come to the Knowledge of the Mystery of the Gospel and through it hath received Life Liberty and Salvation and his Feet are shod with the Preparation of the GOSPEL of Peace and his Conversation is as becomes the Gospel and he adorns the Gospel of his Lord and Saviour and in this abiding he enjoyes the Priviledges of the Gospel and inherits the precious Promises made of old and enjoyes that which was prophecied of by that Evangelical or Gospel Prophet Isaiah when he saw and spoak of the Universal Love of God to be enjoyed in the Gospel Dayes in making a Feast unto all People In this Mountain shall the Lord of Host make unto all People a Feast of fat Things Isa 25.6 7 8 9. a Feast of Wine on the Lees of fat Thingsfull of Marrow of Wine on the Lees well refined and he will destroy in this Mountain the Face of the Covering that is cast over the Face of all People and the Vail that is spread over all Nations he will swallow up Death in Victory the Lord will wipe away Tears from all Faces and the Rebuke of his People will he take away from off all the Earth the Lord God hath spoken it And it shall be said in that Day Do this is our God we have waited for him and he will save us this is the Lord we have waited for him and we will be glad and rejoyce in his Salvation c. A Blessed Sight and Heavenly Prophecy which the True Christian is come and coming to the full Enjoyment and Fulfilling of Glory to God forever And the Anti-type of the Year of Jubile is now enjoyed and the Sabbath of Rest is entered into and the holy Mountain in which is no Destroyer is now dwelled in and the Light of God's Countenance is lifted up which makes the True Christian's Heart more glad then the Joy that comes with the Encrease of Corn Wine and Oyl many Prophets and Righteous Men saw that afar of which he now possesseth so that he can truly say Gospel-Times are Glorious Times the Priviledges of the Gospel are Glorious Priviledges ☞ Christ reigning and ruling in his Heart leading Captivity Captive and giving Victory over Death Hell and the Grave wiping away all Tears and taking away the Reproach being Sin which is a Reproach to any People and giving Power to bind Kings in Chains and Nobles in Fetters of Iron and no war with Spiritual Wickednesses in high Places and to bring down every High Thought and Imagination into the Obedience of Christ this Honour have all the Saints who receive the Gospel of Peace and Salvation and arive at the Mark of the high Calling of God in Christ Jesus The Titular Christian he saith he believeth in the Gospel and talks of Life Liberty and Salvation by it
he saith he hath heard the Sound of the Gospel and that he obeyes the Gospel but how doth he shew forth the Truth hereof let him examine himself doth he know the Light of the glorious Gospel to shine in his Heart whereby the Mystery of it is revealed unto him Hath he repented or turned to the Light and believed the Gospel Doth he know it to be the Power of God unto Salvation And is he saved by it as Abraham was when preached unto him and as the Primitive Christians were when they received it Doth he know Life Immortality brought to Light through the Gospel Hath he obeyed the Gospel And is his Feet shod with the Preparation of it And doth be adorn the Gospel with a Holy Life and Conversation No the Titular Christian knows no such Gospel nor the Light of it to shine in his Heart nor the Mystery of it to be revealed in him for he hates the Light and denyes Revelation and saith it is ceased and that there is no Revelation to be expected in these Dayes nor no Possibility to live a holy Life as becometh the Gospel nor no inheriting the precious Promises nor enjoying the glorious Things prophesied of while on this side the Grave nor no having the Vail taken off the Heart nor Tears wiped away nor the Cause of them removed nor Death swallowed up in Victory while he remains in the Body nor that the Anti-Type of the Year of Jubilee which is perfect Liberty and Redemption can be witnessed and enjoyed by believing in the Gospel nor that the Mountain of the Lord's House shall be established upon the Top of all Mountains or that any can dwell in that where no Destroyer is nor that the Sabbath or Rest wherein he shall not speak his own Words nor think his own Thoughts nor bear any Burden can be entered into or dwelled in while on this Side the Grave ☞ The Titular Christian hath no Faith in any of these Things therefore his Faith is feigned and the Object of it is Imaginary and is indeed that which may be called another Gospel which he that bringeth is accursed and is not of God but of Man And the Titular Christian can be a professor of this Gospel and a Hearer of this Gospel and yet never hear the Voice of the Son of God nor never come to be quickned unto Life nor never receive Remission of Sin nor Inheritance among them that are sanctified nor never come to enjoy the Priviledges of the Gospel signified and shewed forth by divers Types Figures and Shadows under the Law and seen and prophecied of by the holy Prophets yet can talk of all these Things even while in Death will talk of the Fame of Wisdom and the glorious Things her Children formerly enjoyed while he himself is poor blind and miserable and wants the Possession and Experimental Enjoyment thereof And indeed the Mystery of Iniquity hath so far prevailed and the Darkness is grown so thick by Reason of the Smoak that ascend out of the Bottomless Pit in this Night o◠Apostacy which hath spread over this Part o◠the World called Christendom since the Apostles Dayes that the Titular Christian which hates the Light and dwells in this Darkness is grown so great a Friend to the Devil that old Serpent ☞ that he will not endure the preaching any other Gospel then such an one which will admit of living under the Bondage Service and Slavery of the Devil Term of Life this is he that cannot endure sound Doctrine Now the joyful Sound of this Gospel which whole Christendom rings of is No perfect Victory over Sin no Overcoming the Devil no withstanding him in all his Temptations no abstaining from every Appearance of Evil The Message and Sound of the Ministers of Darkness who preach another Gospel no perfecting Holiness in the Fear of God no ceasing from committing of Sin no dispossessing the strong Man and spoiling all his Goods no sweeping the House and garnishing it with Heavenly Goods no pulling down the strong Holds of Sin and Satan no bringing every Thought and Imagination into the Obedience of Christ no putting off the old Man with his Deeds nor putting on the new nor bearing the Heavenly Image nor any such Regeneration or new Birth to be known which committeth not Sin no repairing the Breach which our first Parents made no finding again that which is lost no Restoration into Innocency and a sinless State again while Men dwell in these Earthly To bernacles none of these Things can be effected saith the Sound of this Gospel or the Preachers of it in all Sects Oh! how greatly is it to be lamented not only to see and behold the Garden and Vineyard of the Lord become so great a Wilderness and so overgrow with Bryars and Thorns Thistles and noysome Weeds where many venemous and hurtful Things are nourished but also to see those who count themselves Labourers in the Vineyard and Dressers of the Garden sit down and conclude that it can never be dressed nor the Vineyard purged from all that doth offend the tender Grapes and that the wild Bore and the little Foxes can never be driven out nor those Plants which the Heavenly Father never planted be pulled up nor that this Wilderness can ever become a fruitful Field nor like Eden again and that there are so many Believers of this sorrowful Tidings and miserable Messengers and Ministers of Satan The Sorrow and Misery of Mankind is much encreas'd and continu'd by this Vnbelief and Sound of bad Tidings or another Gospel which they that have brought are accursed Evil Unbelieving Spies who discourage and perswade the People they can never inherit the good Land nor overcome their Enemies Oh thou God of Heaven appear more and more and disperse and remove this Unbelief and gross Darkness and stop the ascending of this Smoak which ariseth out of the Bottomless Pit and darkens the Air and gather thy scattered People from under those Idol Shepherds and false Vine Dressers blind Guides and miserable Comforters thou hast gathered a Remnant from under them and made their Folly manifest and to them their Gospel is accursed do so for Thousands and Ten Thousands which yet know thee not is the Breathing of the Soul of the Righteous and remove this Monstrous Faith out of the Hearts of all Men which holds up the Devil's Kingdom there TERM OF LIFE And let thy POWER be known and Magnified over all who art God Blessed forever XVII The True Christian's Faith and Experience concerning Grace and Living under it and Growing up in it from one Degree unto another and of the Possibility of Falling Away from it THE Law came by Moses but Grace and Truth by Jesus Christ Grace is the free Gift of God for the Salvation of all and hath appeared unto all men but all men did not nor do receive it so know not the Teachings and Virtue of it nor its Sufficiency