Babylon's fall For as Scriptures are truth without exemption The time draws near of Sion's redemption Luke 21.28 For before the Year 1700. we see or feel Great turnings will be of God's providential VVheel Not Sir that I have a prophetical spirit given But what Scripture reveals as my Name 's Stephen God is sometimes pleas'd to suffer exasperation To go high Sir that his power in a Nation May appear more eminent in Mens station Isa 42.8 In composing of them for t' stop 's desolation Puts a stop to the great'st danger 't is no story This course God takes for his own glory God makes Men's wrath now him to praise Psal 76.10 And remainders of wrath stops in our days Let 's cry O the VVheel within the VVheel Ezek. 10.10 Oh may England his operating work feel To be reformed least the VVheel of Providence Run as fast backward now from hence Jer. 15.6 7. As ever it did forward for us by descent O let England by Reformation now repent Ezek. 10.17 Let 's now the motions of the VVheel discern Psal 86.10 For of all second Causes God sits at stern God works clear contrary to expectation Isa 55.8 11.6 7. Of most is not this truth in our Nation The Wolf and the Lamb together dwell The Leopard with the Kid Scriptures tell The Cow and the Bear together feed Sure those things do from God proceed For many who smell like a Kirkish Verment Mat. 7.15 16. Can now Sir put on a Lamb-like garment What 's too hard for the Lord to effect Is not God of infinite power to protect Psal 145.3 His People let 's depend on God Psal 146.3 5. and respect Men but as Instruments in Jehovah's hand If God throws down then none can stand This in England we have seen O may we feel God's Spirit reforming us under this VVheel Of Providence for of all Kings God is greater God can bring Meat out of the Eater 1 Tim. 6.15 God can bring Water out of the Rock Let all Worship God Psal 78.15 16. not stones and stock If God be God worship him in Faith Not superstitiously Idol Baal Scripture saith God is a Spirit 1 King 18.21 and requires Age or Youth To worship him in spirit and in truth Not like Book-worship John 4.24 which I could tell How some limit the Holy One of Israel By their Forms Psal 78.41 and still dead Liturgies desire But all this while where 's the Spirit of Prayer We know not how to Pray as we ought 'Till God's Spirit work it in our thought Rom. 8.26 If Prayer Communion with God be in a Book VVhat need the Spirit any farther look Vers 9. Yet without the Liturgy there 's no Devotion But Schism Act. 28.22 a Sect or some despised Notion But not to enlarge here let none strife For a dead Form 't is the Spirit giveth life Bodily exercise profiteth little not at all Without the Spirit Joh. 6.63 he giveth life in all Yet many for the Church of England cry Yet never are reformed by their Liturgy What is highly esteem'd with Men in a Nation Is unto Jehovah in Scripture an abomination Luk. 16.15 Demetrius Acts 19.24 to 29. the Scripture tells us plain His soul was meerly for self-ended gain Sirs You know by this Craft you and I Have our Wealth therefore against Paul cry For great is Diana of the Ephesians so high Whom the World worshipeth Paul's Doctrine defie And so a Confusion they brought to pass Forsook Paul for love of worldly gain like Demas 2 Tim. 4.10 And others too Sir now in our Nation To define who I 'le leave to your Consideration What 's a Form of Godliness without the power by 2 Tim. 3.5 Without the Spirit 's operation what 's a Liturgy Yea the purest Forms of Worship rested in Without Faith and Practice are all but sin Rom. 14.23 Out-side forms of Worship are but the shell The Spirit breaks the Nut gives the kernel 1 Cor. 3.6 7. Many rest in a form of Godliness in their race As if Duties ex opere operato could conferr Grace A lifeless formality is esteem'd in the World high Tit. 1.16 As a Kab of Doves dung was sold Scriptures descry In the Famine of Samaria at a very dear rate 2 Kings 6.25 What 's a Profession without Practice for an eternal state He that Professeth and doth not Christ's Command Is like the foolish building his house in the sand Mat. 7.26 27. VVhat 's a Liturgy or any Book to stand upon 'T is a sandy-foundation to build Salvation on Let 's use Ordinances but rest on none For Salvation but on Jesus Christ alone To draw Sir to a Conclusion only this I Note Levit. 19.19 God under the Law forbids a linsey-woolsey Coat Then sure under the Gospel there 's no Institution For a Surplice but from a Papal Pollution But to say no more at present your judicious Eye 1 Cor. 10.15 Sir knows very well what my lines imply Concerning VVorship at large my lines impart VVhich I present unto you Sir with my Heart Also a word of Free grace is here demonstrated 2 Pet. 3.1 2. And the arrogancy of Free-will is dilated Also a word of Love in the latter end To know real from feigned as many pretend Here is some Meat though in a homely dress I aim at Matter I am no Poet I confess Yet here 's Gospel-truth as much as those For bulk as write Sir now in Prose For here 's no phantasticol Rhime or Verse Col. 2.8 But Scripture-truths it doth full express By the Spirit 's operation I hope Col. 2.12 Sir in all Being written when none cared for my Soul VVhen Father and Mother did me forsake God his Promise good unto me did make Psal 27.10 11. VVhen under that great hour of temptation Rev. 3.10 VVhen betrayed Monmouth came in the Nation Then God preserv'd me wonderfully in those dayes Psal 107.8 Bless God 103.2 O my Soul O give God the Praise Thus 1 Cor. 10.15 Sir I have given you a fore-taste Of what my lines contain now I haste An end on your Patience Sir I have intruded With Prayer for you my Epistle is concluded Exod. 23.23 The Angel of the Covenant still stand by Your Worship to protect you from your Enemy Jehovah bless you Sir I wish you well Grace be to you Gal. 6.16 and to all God's Israel To God my Prayer for you shall advance While I am 2 Tim. 4.22 SIR Your Servant Stephen Husnance THE PROLOGUE TO THE READER THese Lines to one not supernatural learn'd Dan. 12.12 May seem a Paradox are spiritual discern'd They my Meditations 2 Cor. 2.14 when I expected Death Every hour but God preserv'd Life and Breath Act. 17.25 The remainder of my few and evil
the Creature and doth deface Christ's Merits undervaluing God's Free-grace For if Christs sufficient Sacrifice be deny'd Col. 3.11 To what end was Christ incarnate and dy'd What greater Indignity dishonour can be To Christ than is given by Papists you see What 's worse than undermine the Foundation Of all Happiness Col. 1.19 by Christ alone is Salvation Not by Virgin Mary nor Saints in station They cast their Crowns at Christ Rev. 4.10 and fall Before his Feet Christ being all in all SECT VIII Obj. SOme may move this Objection so bold Why against Papists do you so hold Sol. Because receive their worship from old Pagan Heathens which I could unfold From ancient Authors and Scripture bold There was the Dragon worship at least From which derives worship of the Beast Rev. 13.2 3 4. Verses 14 15. On which the generality of men doth run 'T is the grossest Idolatry under the Sun Because fairest pretence of worshipping Jesus So with Superstitions think to please us So turn Christ into an Idol 't is plain What else doth bowing to Images mean Their Wafer-god and other things as vain Crosses Crucifixes and Beads such Idle Toys Fit to please Children and foolish Boys Being ignorant of Christs Righteousness all one Rom. 10.2 3. Men invent a righteousness of their own Not living by Faith into Hell are thrown God is a Spirit and requireth of Age or Youth To worship him in Spirit and in Truth Tho by what 's written John 4.24 Papists may be inrag'd Against me yet my Soul is here ingag'd 'T is a wicked Religion for there is none Other way to Salvation but by Christ alone Acts 4.12 Must be sav'd by Christ alone if at all None can be sav'd whether great or small But in and through Christ who is all in all Tho Christ don't save without Sanctification Luk. 17.12 Yet Sanctification don't merit Salvation I bear Papists no malice I wish them well Oh would they turn from the way of Hell Therefore let none mistake me herein I hate not their Persons but only their Sin. Christs Excellency I will endeavour to advance Whiles I am in the World Husnance To do them good I would in love accord My utmost strength in a spiritual way afford If would dispute according to the Word But that they deny with a stunning blow Cry old Fathers John 4.20 Tradition and then you know Deny the Statute to what end pleads Law They can't defend their Religion by the Word Therefore often use they Fire and Sword If can't defend it by their magical Charms Then they use Pauls Sword force of Arms. When any false worship would introduce 2 Pet. 3.16 17. They put by the Scriptures by a sinful abuse By false glosses on Scripture in their Station And by their corrupt and false Translation Eph. 4.18 19. verse Then their wicked Doctrines to advance Is by keeping People in their ignorance 'T is Will-worship clear Col. 2.8 in Scripture still So may receive twenty worships if you will Lay aside Scripture what Rule for Faith A meer Chaos if follow what Tradition saith Then what Jews Turks and Pagans devise And what 's invented by the Father of lies Therefore keep to Scripture in thy Station They were given by Divine Inspiration And Scriptures are by the Spirits Operation 1 Tim. 3.15.16 verses Col. 2.12 Able to make us wise unto Salvation Papists have many Blasphemies should follow 'em More Fopperies than would contain a Volume But those I have written without dispute Strike at Jesus Christ the Foundation Root Of all happiness therefore could not be mute To extenuate Christs Excellency as bad fruit Yea diabolical wicked without dispute Consider these hints and thy self recruit With Scripture light those Errors confute Don't see thy Saviour slighted yet be mute Own Christ here Luk. 22.28 29. vers .. don't believe Papists Story And fear not Christ will own thee in Glory SECT IX Obj. BUt some may say in all your scope Can't you tell us the Rise of the Pope Sol. At first they were Bishops understand Placed and advanced by the Emperours hand As Bishops are by the King of England And supported in dignity by his hand And did live in very much Tranquility Under the Emperours power and Eye Until Pope Hildebrand he did it deny Who was a Sorcerer and by his wicked pride The Emperours power he did divide Both Ecclesiastical and Civil power apply'd To the Pope by whose Example and Ambition Fill'd Europe with most wicked Superstition Under pretence of Chastity destroyed Marriage 1 Tim 4.3 So base and wicked in their Carriage Under the Title of Liberty Prov. 26.25 did break peace With Emperors so Popes did increase In wickedness and abominable Idolatry And so resisted the Emperors Authority So at length they brought it to pass By the Popes Command to say wicked Mass And that a few Cardinals wickedly bent Should chuse a pope without the consent Of the Emperour contrary to Law and The Emperours just right and command To advance Bishops the right his own This by Popes hath been long overthrown Have extorted all into their own hands That under the Popes are or commands And not content with that have so prevail'd By usurpation the Emperours have quail'd All power to Pope himself being wicked affected 2 Thes 2.4 For whereas no Pope might be elected Without the Emperour that is now rejected By the Pope and no Emperour to stand Without the popes consent and hand Who take upon them so in their Station No Emperour shall be in their Generation Without the popes holy Confirmation Yea at pleasure the pope by Excommunication Depose Kings Psa 73.6 and Emperours by his pride See on Frederick the First who was spied To hold popes Stirrup on the wrong side For which the pope could not him abide Thus popes take on them imperial power Over Kings and Princes unto this Hour For Henry the fourth Emperour did stand At pope Gregorys Gate by his Command Three days to beg pardon at popes hand The pope caus'd Henry second King of England For some difference with a Bishop understand To go bare-foot by the popes command To Canterbury with his bleeding feet That he might a Bishops Tomb there meet Which for a King to do was a wicked thing Of the Pope also John once Englands King The Pope caus'd to bow and kneel down At the feet of the popes Legate's frown And also to offen unto him his Crown And to kiss the Bishop of Canterburys Feet Which for a King to do is very unmeet But England's King now hath more Wit. He is not Henry or John by Name But the prudent Understanding King William Will not suffer the Pope Supream to be To Reign over him in such a degree Prov. 29.4 I hope power of the pope in his days VVill be abrogated the King being wise Tho some Bishops were loth he
but herein Observe where Religion doth rise or fall When 't comes to every day soon none at all Meer Libertines seldom on God call Act. 6.9 How many spend the Sabbath in idle-talking Others in Hells broad way are walking Some Whoring Exod. 16.28 29 30. verses and on wickedness thinking Some in Ale-houses spend the Sabbath in drinking Some formally observe the Sabbath yet so evil In their lives all the Week serve the Devil They pretend to keep a Sabbath unto God Yet in their Lives very wicked and odd Jer. 17.21 Many rest from bodily labour at least But other ways are worse than the beast By sinful passing of the Sabbath away By Drunkenness or with superstitious Play Whereas God requireth of Age or Youth To worship him in spirit and in truth Joh. 4.24 Many are for Holy-days Mens inventions These things please carnal apprehensions Jer. 7.4 to 11. The Church the Temple is Holy some will say Yet themselves live unholy in their way Yea oppose the Holiness of the Lords-day Neh. 10.31 Which God Commanded by his Institution Not holy Places holy Days by Mens pollution Many are for holy Places by Consecration Yet live wicked unholy in Conversation 'T is too too true in our English Nation Some their Children and Servants at play Ezek. 20.12 So wickedly spend the Sabbath away What will they do when God shall say Was this your keeping Holy the Sabbath-day Which I Commanded is this your serving me Then in Hell you shall endure eternal misery If the Jews were punished in their station Numb 15.32 35. For breaking the Sabbath in their generation Which was set apart in Commemoration Of God's Providence in the World's Creation Sure God will punish those in cheir station That break the Sabbath in their Conversation Which is set apart in the Commemoration Of our Saviour Jesus Christ's Resurrection Luk. 23.56 Yet how is the Sabbath slighted by rejection By many you may see by their Lives complexion 'T is too manifest by their ways reflection How will it be when need Christ's protection Therefore keep Holy the Sabbath by Scripture-direction Whiles here in this World you remain Heb. 12.23 That in Heaven an eternal Sabbath may keep again SECT VIII SO much briefly concerning the Sabbath-day Now concerning Prayer I will a little display And Consider it Reader in thy way 'T is a Duty incumbent on all to Pray 1 Sam. 1.10 to 13. Some unto Prayer have themselves addressed When no words have been expressed Secret Prayer is sometimes very good Psal 139.2 The Hearts desires are by God understood But yet publick Prayer in thy station Dan. 9.3 to 21. Should be vocal for others edification Mental Prayer is good for self-reflection Yet vocal Prayer doth move the Affection The expression of the Tongue with art Of Faiths affection doth move the Heart As to the gesture in Prayer Heb. 12.28 some affect One way some another and some neglect All outward gesture and do it reject Yet we should an humble gesture respect Act. 20.19 Eph. 3.14 But this is not what is in my eye So that the gesture I will at present pass by And to the matter of Prayer I will apply My self according to present light descry Prayer hath been a Duty in all Ages and still Is if we Pray according unto God's Will Revealed in Scripture though some it despise Being blinded by the Father of lyes Pray not only for Friends but for Enemies Mat. 5.24 This direction our Saviour Christ descryes Unto his Disciples and is a rule to us likewise The Saints Prayers are golden Vials Rev. 5.8 Prayer supports Believers under many Tryals Luk. 21.36 Like the Sun when shines clear on Dyals Tells us how our time doth pass away As motives to make us Watch and Pray Mat. 26.41 If tenders thy homage to God by Prayer It must be with a spiritual desire It must be the breathings forth of Grace Isa 26.9 By the Spirit in thy Christian race Don't live in sin then Pray that disgrace Unto thy self and doth much deface The Duty of Prayer when still banding Words and not Pray with understanding 1 Cor. 14 15. Let me tell thee whether Age or Youth Thou must Pray in spirit and in truth Joh. 4.24 Pray in truth not only to learn the art To say a Prayer when there is no Heart To practise according although thou cry With thy Tongue if thy Tongue say a lye Take heed don't mock with the Holy Deity Gal. 6.7 Thou must Pray to God with a pure Heart With a resolution from sin to depart In heart don't regard Iniquity nor sin desire If so God will not hear thy Prayer Psal 66.18 If thou Pray yet love thy sin still 'T is not Praying according unto God's Will God's Will is even our Sanctification 1 Thes 4.3 4. Pray and live according in our station To promote Christ's Kingdom in our generation To sanctifie God's Name in our Conversation That God's Will may be done on Earth even As Angels and Saints do it in Heaven Luk. 11.2 Not Pray Christ's Kingdom come like those Who so say yet Christ's Kingdom oppose The Reason is they don't Pray in Faith Rom. 14.23 So their Prayer is sin as Scripture saith Psal 109.7 Although a Seal for Prayer many pretend Yet by Faith on Christ they don't depend Nor in their Lives don't answer the end Of Prayer but in Life they Christ offend They can't Pray with fervency of Affection The power of Prayer hath no reflection On their Hearts that 's cast by rejection The life and power of Prayer can't abide 2 Tim. 3.5 But in their Forms of Prayer confide If formal Prayer they retain and inherit Rom. 12.11 They contented sensual having not the Spirit Jude 19. Can't Pray spiritually but are so odd In Prayer can't spiritually call on God Nor Pray unto God by Faith continually Col. 4.2 In the Spirit who can only Grace apply Not that we should Pray still the same But that our Hearts always be in frame Fit for Prayer that on all occasions we Tender our Duty unto God more free By his Spirits operation Col. 2.12 and the rather Because the Spirit will cry Abba Father Makes intercession with sighs and cryes Rom. 8.15.26 Verse The Spirit helps also our infirmities Both habitual assisting actuating Grace Is from the Spirit in our earthly race Let us not his motions then deface 1 Thes 5.19 SECT IX Obj. SAy some May not a Form of Prayer be us'd Sol. Yea if not rested in or sinfully abus'd As Children have a staff to learn to go But when able 1 Cor. 14.20 the staff away throw Or as some others who learn to swim then They use Bladders you know but when Have the Art from Bladders they depart And swim like Men with a rejoycing heart Eph.
dung in respect of Justification Col. 3.8 9 Full of extreams are many in our days To destroy souls Satan hath many ways 2 Cor. 2.11 Some a legal inherent righteousness affect Others their Duty Christ's Commands neglect Luk. 6.46 He thoughts of self-righteousness doth cherish And he doth not's Duty both shall perish Mat. 5.20 'T is not every hope of a presumptuous station Job 8.13 Nor yet a moral righteousness will enjoy salvation Mat. 19.20 22. Don't mistake as though moral Vertues I deny'd This is to have what I have said misapply'd Moral Vertues are commendable in Man 2 Pet. 1.5 6 7. To be sober chast prudent yet none can Commend us to God without Grace in heart 2 Cor. 10.18 Without Christ can't be sav'd I will declar 't Mat. 17.5 Therefore from inherent Righteousness depart Many others are by Presumption so odd Profess there is yet in actions deny God Tit. 1.16 Meer Atheists in practice wicked Oh fear Christ's rod This is the foundation that standeth sure 2 Tim. 2.19 None shall see God if not in Heart pure Mat. 5.8 Where Christ is Justification he 's Sanctification Without Holiness there is no Salvation 1 Cor. 1.30 This may'st see in this Book more clear Heb. 12.14 Which from Scripture doth plain appear For a practical belief of Scripture I contend Without which eternal Death will be our end Phil. 1.27 To draw to a Conclusion know herein I hate no Man's Person but their sin May be some Goliah's will despise my Youth 1 Sam. 17.42 Yet I fear not to speak Scripture Truth My Saviours glory Joh. 15.8 Souls good to advance Is what I am at whilst I am Husnance Consider what my lines tell 1 Cor. 10.15 so Farewell HAving written Reader 2 Pet. 3.1 2. if you will look And consider first part of this Book May see what 's said concerning Popery And Protestant Religion as my lines imply Vindicated by the Scripture-warranty God will be worshipped in spirit and truth Joh. 4.24 If Worship reach not this in Age or Youth 'T is Prophaneness to God for to be sure To worship in Spirit is with a Heart pure Mat. 5.8 Spirit yielding to Spirit bad to good This Worship by Bishops been long withstood Jer. 23.1 2. Worship in Spirit is Heart yielding to Christ 2 Cor. 10.5 Not meer action rested in as Bishops list Phil. 3.3 True Worship is everlasting doors within Joh. 6.63 Doors of the Soul that everlasting thing Psal 24.9 10. Opened by the Spirit in Christ's auditory And so receiveth Christ King of Glory According to Truth not Bishops story 'T is holy Affection like an Angel in a flame Judg. 13.19 20. verses Here 's to Worship God not a Book that 's shame To any under Gospel-light to be so odd 2 Tim. 3.7 Without a Book not know how to worship God. Heb. 5.12 To Worship in Truth is love become Divine 1 Pet. 1.4 By Grace in Heart the Soul doth shine Labours to please Christ and the rather That in Christ we may please the Father Mat. 3.17 In Worship depend on Christ's Approbation Person and Worship left to Christ's Mediation Heb. 7.25 Oh consider Worship in this generation Under this God's wonderful Dispensation In Worship let there be a reformation True Worship is regulated in Age or Youth None ought to add or diminish from Truth Rev. 22.18 We are Commanded by God alone Not to take the very least Corner-stone Of the Babilonish Materials Jer. 51.26 Zeph. 15. nor none Are to make such a linsy-woolsy Nod Or medley in the Worship of God Lev. 19.19 Being required to take heed in our station That we be not insnar'd in Conversation Are not to enquire how other Nations Did serve their Gods in their generations Deut. 12 30. We are not to do as they but must obey God's Commands in a Scripture way Are not to add any thing thereunto Nor diminish from as the Bishops do All Worship is sinful with one accord That is not according unto God's Word 'T is Will-worship as Scriptures make appear The Spirit of God chargeth us clear Not to meddle or have to do on no Condition With Ordinances which are after Tradition Of Men Col. 2.21 22 23. vers though have a shew of Wisdom pretended Pretend to Decency so Will-worship is defended This men do when Scripture they abuse And so their Superstitions they introduce How have Bishops heretofore torn and rent Christ's little Flock Luke 12.32 by this Word Indifferent This term Indifferent and pretended Decency Hath been the foundation of all Apostacy From Christ's Rule as my lines imply What may not be under this Notion Introduced in Worship or Devotion 'T is not enough to be Baptiz'd to Church Gal. 5.5 6. 6.15 Say Prayers if such Thoughts with you lurch Know Circumcision nor Uncircumcision avail Going to Church your Prayer-book will fail Your being baptiz'd or not baptiz'd all one Without Grace in heart you are undone All Performances Duties can do rested in Can't save Acts 4.12 without Christ but prove thy sin If in Christ a new Creature 't is only this If any have not Christ's Spirit Rom. 8.9 none of his Holiness is the foundation standeth sure Heb. 12.14 None shall see God if not in Heart pure The New Creature in Faith working by Love In or of Christ will cause of Salvation prove Not any Duty or Worship we can do Gal. 5.5 6. Worship must have Scripture-warrant too Isa 8.20 Else worship you know not what Mar. 7.7 't is plain Will-worship you worship God in vain Isa 29.13.14 verses If worship be taught by Mens precepts then Are conformable to traditions of Men Luke 14.13 Which is dreadful consider it Mat. 14.13 at least Are under dreadful marks of the Beast The Beasts mark is the Idolatrous way Of worship which Papists use unto this day Rev. 13.8.16 verses The Beasts mark in the Forehead is when Any profess or practise Idoltary openly then Receive his Mark in their right hand When persecute for not obeying Popes command How many Protestants have suffer'd in England For protesting against papists Blasphemies understand Joh. 15.20 How Protestants have suffer'd by the Papists hand Yea some Protestants have been cruelly rack't Yet under a protestant Masque Bishops act Which reader thou mayst see very plain In what 's said before if view it again All admir'd the Beast whose wound was heal'd vers 3. All were not in the Book of Life were seal'd With his Mark consider it and tremble vers 8. Worship is matter of consequence don't dissemble All who are not in the Book 't is no Jeast All the World were forc'd to worship the Beast All that is most did with Superstition Feast Mind the sad consequence as dreadful
dayes I may live to my Redeemer and to his praise Gen. 47.9 And that from self I may be set free I live not I but Christ which lives in me Gal. 2.20 These things were then as seed in the hulk Now through Grace grown to a greater bulk As God freely gives Seed Mat. 10.8 so will I sow In my Generation in love what I know My Talent God hath given I will not hide 25.18.29 But for my Makers Glory shall be imploy'd Into the Treasury will cast the Widows mite Mark 12.42 Leaving inlargement to those better can indite Let none despise my Youth Job 32.6 8. I have often said Days and years should speak I was afraid To shew my Opinion till fire burn'd amain Jer. 20.9 23.29 No longer in my Breast it would contain Thô I am of a shallow Capacity and weak The more God's Power appears if's Spirit speak In them Lord let thy glorious Power appear In an earthen Vessel 't will shine more clear 2 Cor. 4 6 7. Those that fear God they will not despise My Imbecillity God by such confounds the Wife 1 Cor. 1 26 27. God by Grace can make a Fisher-man as able As the great'st Doctor among the Rabble Mat. 4.18.21 Not many rich and noble nor great men Are call'd be humble O my Soul Lam. 3.19.20 for when Thou seest the workings of Free-Grace admire God's Grace that call'd thee Gal. 1.15 not thy desire Till God infus'd Grace into thy Soul and Heart Gen. 19.18 Like Lot in Sodom from sin loth to depart Till God did open thy Eyes and thee deliver From powers of Darkness Acts 26.18 praise God for ever Thus my Friends you may plainly see The Spirit is like the wind John 3.18 Grace is free Two things as principal my Lines impart To know God in Christ Joh. 17.3 and thy own Heart The latter by sin to know thy own misery Then to know in Christ Eph. 2.4 God's rich mercy Of Free-Grace how thou mayst be Partaker By forsaking sin and living to thy Maker Titus 2.14 The true knowledge of thy own Heart Prov. 4.23 This tract if read will help thee in part Here 's Gospel Truths very brief and plain Tells all Unconverted must be born again Mat. 18.3 Here 's the substance of Religion in one Chain Thô brevity in every head was my aim I had rather speak five words with understanding Than ten thousand unknown words be banding 1 Cor. 14.19 I have not struck at Bark of the Tree But at the Root and substance you may see Here is how to do Duty Rev. 3.17.18 Luke 17.10 and herein To rest in Duty done a dangerous sin There are but two ways mind them well Sin and duties rested in lead to Hell Full of extreams are many in our days To destroy Souls 2 Cor. 2.11 Satan hath many ways Some do duty out of thoughts of Merit Others do not their duty such a base spirit Of Extreams doth abound in our Land Few do their duty as Christ doth Command John 15.14 Luke 6.46 Jer. 10.23 Isa 45.22 Phil. 3.7 9. Joh. 1.12 Rom. 14.23 Some do duty but love of merit affect Others their duty Christ's Command neglect To do duty don't delay but rest on none For Salvation but on Jesus Christ alone Don't rest on outward performances done Like most but by Faith on Christ the Son. Outside Worship though splendid it look Is prophaneness to God though in a Bishops book 1 Tim. 6 4.5 Jer. 7.4.10 Luke 18.10 Josh 23.7 8. 2 Tim. 3.5 Tit. 1.16 Isa 1.14 15. Many are taken with Forms in Notion Not considering what a Curse is blind Devotion Pharisees for Temple-praying my Lines impart For bowing with Knee but where 's the Heart Many cry the Temple of God yet so evil Themselves by sin the Temple of the Devil Strict for New-moons Ceremonies in notion When God loaths Men and their Devotion True Holiness is regulated in Age or Youth Rev. 22.18.19 None ought to add or diminish from Truth Concerning Worship at large my lines impart 2 Tim. 2.7 If read them with a believing Heart Little of true Worship is in the World then Mat. 15.9 How God is worshipped by most of Men Read and consider how my lines cry Against Mass Will-worship and Popery Col. 2.18.23 True Worship to God been long withstood Rev. 12.15 Satan cast after the Woman a Water-flood He corrupts Mens Understanding the Word Satan hath many delusions Scriptures Record 2 Cor. 11.14 The bottomless Pits smoke darkened the Air Rev. 9.2 and 8.5 To obscure the Saints way then take care There are Lightnings and Voices God hath In midst of darkness to direct their Path. Some glimering Light is in this Book 1 Sam 17.40.45 verses Like little David's Stones which he took And did not fear Goliah's great Sword What 's in this Book is according to the Word Rom. 12.3 Read don't fear for here 's no Treason But words of truth soberness and Reason Thô some few Tautologies may seem plain Yet to the Reader I hope not in vain Mark 14.39 Then don't fear to read for my lines tell When Moses hand 's down of praying well Exo. 17.11.12 Amalek did prevail against Israel How little of praying amongst many dwell Little of praying in Faith in the Nation For all God's wonderful dispensation Lord Isa 26.10 11. when is lifted up thy powerful hand Men will not see nor yet understand None rise against Evil-doers Psal 94.16 and cry Or stand against workers of Iniquity Will not understand in sin grown worse Foundations of the Earth out of Course 82.5 Most in their lives are now so odd Lovers of pleasure more than of God. 2 Tim. 3.4 How many in England to this hour Verse 5. Have a Form of Godliness without the Power Never was there than now more sinning Never less remorse since the beginning For sin in all our English Nation How little Repentance by Reformation Rev. 22.12 Tho Christ is coming by 's Dispensation Yet for 's Coming never less Preparation The greatest Wisdom of most in our days Consists in being wise in foolish ways Jer. 4.22 To deceive others many such foolish Elves But in the end will deceive themselves Rom. 6.21 Many are wise in our English Nation To deceive others in their Generation And so deceive themselves of Salvation Without Repentance and Reformation Many will be found foolish Virgins saith Scripture Mat. 25.8 to the 13 vers without the Oyl of saving Faith In their Lamps who in their Generation Thought they had enough in their Station Cry Lord Lord yet must to desolation Thus mayst see in this Book very plain Therefore from sin and false security refrain Before you fall in everlasting pain God will not be deceiv'd Gal. 6.7 8.
Noddy Rom. 1.22 23. If bread's turn'd to Christs Body then when eat The Wafer they eat Christ O horrid cheat 1 Cor. 2.14 The wicked don't receive Christ none of them Understand things spiritual are foolishness to ' em Dan. 12.10 SECT III. MY first Arrow being gone thorow clear Psal 51.17 I will draw a second to make good the rear Hos 6.6 A second Error in Mass by which I can't pass Say they daily offer up Christ in the Mass Mic. 6.8 The Gospel allows Ministers and Sacrifices too But not superstitious Ceremonies to do Mat. 12.7 Sacrifice of prayer praise a Heart Contrite Psa 116.17 Broken for sin praying in Faith Gods Delight Heb. 13.10 Not in your gross superstitious Idolatries God will have mercy obedience not Sacrifice 1 Sam. 15.22 That there 's need offering Christ in the Mass Heb. 9.26 By way of sacrifice is an error very gross In Scripture 't is full of Blasphemies Against Christs priestly Offices Heb. 10.10 and implies An imperfection in Christs dying Sacrifice Contrary to Scriptures which do us call Remember Christs Offering his Body once for all In sacrifice to perfect them are sanctifi'd Here 's compleatness of Christs sufferings Acts 4.12 who dy'd To satisfie Gods Justice without delay Which could not be by any other way Mat. 3.17 Christs one sacrifice without Exemption Heb. 7.27 Hath compleated for ever Mans Redemption Search Scriptures once once Heb. 9.28 once for all Christ suffered for us 1 Pet. 3.18 whom God doth call An All-sufficient Sacrifice Heb. 10.10 â—â— I am well-pleased In my Son hear him ye that are diseased Hear him believe in him as you pass Take heed of this wicked Idolatrous Mass Mat. 17.5 For to reiterate a thing once done mind For the attaining or accomplishing the end For which it 's begun declares an imperfection By Mass Christs Sacrifice Mat. 23.28.33 vers cast by rejection As imperfect therefore they offer sacrifice To perfect what Christ begun O Blasphemies Making Christ himself a meer Cypher His sacrifice not valued as Ashes of an Hifer Mat. 3.17 Yet in Christ alone God's well-pleased Mat. 28.18 and Hath committed all power into his hand Yet see 2 Cor. 6.14 to the 18. vers Ezek. 14.3 6. these Mass-Priests how they vant Of Mass and render Christs Death insignificant So the glory of Christs priestly Office vail'd The Gospel Truth 's perverted and conceal'd Here 's Mass-worship John 5.21 an Idol-god for a Saviour As appears-by their Monkish lives behaviour Trampling under foot Christs precious blood Heb. 10.29 Glory of Christs priestly Office long withstood The Patience of Christ but 't is not long Christ will suffer them to usurp this wrong Psa 11.6 How many Protestants lives hath this stood That the Wafer is not Christs body and blood But the wicked shall do wickedly Dan. 12.10 and None of the wicked shall understand The wicked shall wax worse and worse Deceivers 2 Tim. 3.13 deceiving and deceived is a Curse 'T is just with God such should be deceiv'd When Truth with them can't be believ'd When truth comes into the World in sight They love darkness still John 3.19 rather than light Will not believe their Conscience so deprav'd Can't receive truth 2 Thes 2.10 that they may be sav'd They with malice Protestants inviron Having their Conscience sear'd with a hot Iron Their Consciences hardened 1 Tim 4.2 in sin bold False wicked Doctrines they do unfold And affirm those things for real truth So falsely corrupt both Age and Youth Which they know to be false yet deluded By Satan who on Adam and Eve intruded Gen. 3.4 Because they did not believe the Truth 'T is just with God on Age or Youth To send them very strong delusions To believe the Devils wicked infusions 2 Thes 2. 11 12. vers That they should believe the Devils lyes Because they delight in Blasphemies God's righteous in condemning Age or Youth Whose pleasure is in Unrighteousness not in Truth How they adore wickedness in their Station And corrupt Scriptures by false Translation And false glosses thereon and among All to serve God in an unknown Tongue 1 Cor. 14.14 Denying Scriptures by their command To be read by the Laity at no hand This their diabolical way to advance Superstition keeping People in ignorance Yet God in all Ages preserv'd by his Grace Some that never wicked Mass did embrace 1 Kings 19.18 But still did oppose Popery to it's face Yet by Popes cruelly suffer'd in their race Popes being for Cruelty Prov. 12.10 wicked and base To Protestants God change their Hearts by Grace I must tell you the Truth I can't spare ye Col. 2.18 They worship Images and Virgin Mary An express Badge of Antichrist they carry 1 Tim. 4.3 Against Scripture prohibiting times to marry Another Beast mark which like a Cheat Against Scripture command to abstain meat Humane Tradition Holy-days Deut. 18.10 12. vers which is a plain Mark of the Beast yet how few refrain Yet Scripture forbids them saith Paul again I am afraid of you lest labour'd in vain What 's tell of Scripture that 's not in their Eye Gal. 4.3 4. They plead Tradition Custom and Antiquity Scriptures they lay aside like a thing dead Hold the Pope to be the Churches Head Col 1.18 A brave Head he is if you will him see Thirteen of the Revelations will describe him to'e Rev. 13.1 Here 's that Monster that long hath bin In the World and for money forgives sin If you will believe him but my lines cry He is the Beast that speaks Blasphemy And is guilty of that sin of Simony Col. 2.8 He is the Great Beast of all Iniquity This proud insulting domineering Priest Enemy to godliness and is Antichrist Who forceth all abomination with 's Rod Exalts himself above all that 's call'd God 2 Thes 2.4 He is the Abomination that 's void of Grace Rev. 13.16 Still opposeth Christ and his Image deface Which is Holiness Josh 24.19.20 verse not a Picture so base The Counsel which an ancient Author gave Let every one with special care receive He that would holy live 2 Cor. 6.14 to the 18. vers from Rome be packing There 's all things else but Holiness is lacking SECT IV. BY Mass see breaking bread is misapply'd The Ordinance they also do divide Wine to the Laity is by Mass-Priests deny'd Yet Christ when his Ordinance set up Christ took bread Luke 22.19.20 vers and also the Cup But the Wine from the Laity is put Priest alone receives it into his Gut. Here 's your Mass-priest he drinks Wine alone But the poor Laity they have never none Yet Christ did institute one as the other 1 Cor. 11.24 25 But Christs Institution is as younger Brother
the heart Men love Darkness when deeds are evil Hate Scripture light is from the Devil Joh. 3.19 Satan knows the Tendency of Gospel-grace Is his Kingdom of darkness to deface Therefore Satan and Antichrist with 's Hounds 2 Thes 2.4 to the 9. verse Monks Friars Jesuits his Kingdom abounds Do all they can to keep Gospel-light down So blind lead blind into Satan's Pound Rev. 12.9 Scriptures were given by the Spirit 's operation Mat. 15.14 Able to make us wise unto Salvation 2 Tim. 3.15 Where 's the Man that lives in Conversation According to a Scripture demonstration Phil. 1.29 God exalted his Word above his Name Psal 138.2 For us not to live according is shame Nay to spur thee a little in thy way The Word I have spoken Christ did say Joh. 12.48 Shall judge us all at the last day Therefore to believe Scriptures let 's accord And live according to the reveal'd Word What Unbelief in men's Lives express'd Say they are Sinners and so are the best Gal. 6.7 5.16 17. Such Baseness in most men's hearts doth rest 'T is true Sin dwells in us in this Life But in the regenerate there is Strife Spirit against the Flesh Sin don't reign In Believers but thou dost Sin maintain Dost obey it in the Lust thereof still Rom. 6.12 Art captive to do the Devil's Will Consider take this Caution by the way Thou his Servant art whom dost obey Don't think to go to Christ for a Plaster And work Iniquity Mat. 25.41 no with thy Master Don't be presumptuous false hope don't breed Live holy hate Sin destroy that cursed weed Which if not will destroy's leave us dead As Jael Sisera strike the nail in his Head. Sin doth seduce us Judg. 4.18 to the 21. verse as Jael Sisera coming Sin blinds us as she him in Scripture seen Sin promiseth smooth things but in the end Nothing but Wormwood and Gall shall find Zeph. 1.2 3 7. But of the evil of Sin I have said before Consider it in Mind and shall say more Hereafter hate sin live holy in thy life Fear God's wrath with sin be at strife Bring forth Fruit unto holiness attend Eternal life and glory shall be thy end Rom. 2.7 SECT XXXI Some may say Object Deut 13.30 to the end Sol. being in sin very bold If this be true what you do unfold What 's become of our Fore-fathers of old This Objection I look'd for in my way Because common with many now a-day This is with false hopes our selves to flatter We are not to enquire into this matter But to look to what God commands As our duty Act. 17.30 this God requires at our hands Time of their Ignorance God did at wink Take heed what sinful thoughts thou think Let not any false hopes in thee augment God requireth all Men now to repent Don't with false hopes thy Soul delude Think best to go with the Multitude Exod. 23.2 This is like him which Histories do tell When came to be baptiz'd mind it well Asked whether his Fore-fathers were in Hell The Bishop said 't is truth what you tell Then saith he there will I also go Would not be baptized the cause is so With most of the World Jer. 9.14 the cause is sad When Men practise like Men are mad What is it to be a Christian only in name When Men's actions in life Tit. 1.16 cry shame Alexander one of his Souldiers did blame Said sight better or leave off thy Name So leave off Christian Tit. 2.14 or answer the end Of Christian and not Christian only pretend Many things done among Christians I could name Which to Heathens would be meer shame Eph. 5.12 The Turks the name of Christian defie Why because do not live accordingly They of Christians make Slaves 4.18 19. herein Many Christians make themselves Slaves to sin How corrupt is this our English Nation Few live Christian in their conversation How wicked and prophane in their Feasts In drinking healths drunk worse than Beasts Yet Ahasuerus who was but a Heathen King Did command against this wicked thing Esth 1. v. 7 8. The truth of which Scriptures plain tell No Man to drink should one another compel Oh! Christians those Practices are way of Hell. To force Men to drink is such an evil Is not from any good but from the Devil Yet Men will to their knees in this desire When never to their knees in holy Prayer Psal 14.4 Oh! that England under a Christian King Should such wicked practices forth bring Jesuits say a Cross honourable to a King's Crown Isa 5.20 But I think not when his Honours down In his Subjects when Iniquities abound 'T is Religion Holiness makes a King renown'd Let 's no more in these wicked practices be found But pray for King William in his Station 1 Tim. 2.2 Long may maintain in his Generation Gospel Religion by 's coming in the Nation Pray more for the King in thy Station Swear and whore less in thy Generation Leave of Drunkenness in thy Conversation Phil. 1.29 This is the best health in the Nation Live like a Christian real take my advice If ever you expect to injoy Paradise Cast off those Practices of sin and vice Pray against those things in this England Psal 7.9 143.10 To do God's will desire to understand Be holy in Conversation God's way chuse Rev. 14.7 Many are more for hearkning after News Than to know God think ignorance will excuse How many say where much is given Much is required Luk. 12.48 as my name is STEPHEN Let me tell thee and I will not dissemble Ignorance will be no excuse then tremble Cast off Wickedness no longer sin be banding God's displeas'd with People of no Understanding Isa 27.11 Yea fear and dread will not show favour Nor Mercy on them do not Mercy favour In their Lives will not be their Saviour That are ignorant of Christ in behaviour Luk. 13.27 When Christ comes in the World below 2 Thes 1.8 9. Will render Vengeance to all don't know And obey him tremble then and be wise From Ignorance of Sin do thou arise 'T is Scripture Counsel Luk. 12.47 Don't it despise 'T is true he that knows his Master's Will And doth it not but is negligent still Shall have many stripes suffer in a higher degree In Hell 10.13 14. the greater his Damnation be But what comfort will this yield thee If in Hell Joh. 17.3 then labour for Knowledge see Thy need of Christ Ignorance also flee Oh! 't is sad enough Man to be in Hell Tho' thy Punishment so great don't swell Mat. 8.12 As some others Jud. 6.7 yet Ignorance makes so odd 'T is Hell enough to be excluded from God From enjoying his Presence lie under his Rod. What 't is to lie under God's