the way to others and knew it not my self It becomes persons that say they have received the annointing from the holy one even the same Spirit that was in the Prophets and Apostles and gave forth the holy Scriptures always to speak forth the words of truth and soberness When thou calledst me a deceiver I did not say I was offended nor did I give cause for thee to mention this word in thy paper But this I demanded of thee and do still That thou make it to appear whom I have deceived or wherewith I have deceived any or else there will be little of truth or soberness found in thy saying And as for thy saying I taught the way to others and knew it not my self by which thou wouldst have proved me a deceiver it will be hard for thee or any of thy friends to find truth in it for no man can teach others to know that which he himself knows not and therefore I say as thou writest thy words are at best improper And whereas thou writest that I may read how the Apostle said some preached Christ who was the way the truth and the life and yet such who so preached him knew him not but were false Apostles transforming themselves as the Ministers of Righteousness I would have thee soberly to consider whether thou hast dealt truly and faithfully with the Apostle in relating his own words And tell me where thou readest That the Apostle said That some preached Christ who was the way the truth and life and yet knew him not It 's true the Apostle speaks of false Apostles deceitful workers transforming themselves into the Apostles of Christ but these preached not the true Christ the way the truth and the life but as the Ministers of Satan they rather taught another Jesus and another Gospel than the Apostles had taught and as I am willing to take a â—aution from thee or any other man that gives it in love and meekness so I would have thee and the rest of thy friends in fear and meekness to consider whether ye set not up another Christ than the Apostle preached As for thy 24 queries I shall not satisfie thee or any other queriest to answer their questions which tend rather to strife than edification though I have in readiness to answer thee or any other man that shall in love ask me a reason of the hope that is in me And though I think it not meet at this time to answer all thy queries yet whereas thou askest Whether Christ doth not enlighten every man that comes into the world with a saving Light I answer That the Light wherewith every man is lighted that comes into the world is not a saving Light and this I shall through the strength of Christ be ready to maintain against thee or any of thy friends who hold the contrary where and when a meeting may be had in a peaceable and quiet way and before compeâ—ent Witnesses As for thy threatning to stick thy paper upon the door I value it not but would have thee seriously to consider whether that expression proceeded from the holy Spirit This is all at present from Thy Friend Jo. Wigan 1. M. 5 d. 1663-64 A second Letter from Tho. Curwen The next morning being the sixt day of the first month the following Letter was brought to my hand with this inscription For John Wigans John Wigans Whereas I sent thee a few Queries to answer but thou seemes to have slighted and passed by all except one that is to say the first Querie whether Christ doth enlighten every man that comes into the world with a saving light And thy answer is That every man which comes into the world is not inlightned with a saving light And this thou will maintain against me or any of my friends who hold the contrary when and where a meeting may he had in a peaceable way before competent witnesses and this is to let thee understand that I and some of my friends with me if the Lord will doth intend to give thee a visit tomorrow about the first hour or second in thy Chamber to treate about this above mentioned both with thee and all who is of thy juâ—gment that may come to thee but yet I let thee know this cannot serve for all my Queries for I intend to set the Paper upon the dore according to my word from thy friend Thomas Curwen This sixth day of the first Month. According to his word his Queries were the same day set upon the Hall door though he had no regard to make good his word concerning me nor yet to clear himself from the wrong done to the Apostle who no where useth such words as he fathers upon him In the evening therefore of the same day I writ the following Answer to his second Letter Thomas Curwen In thy seccond Paper which was brought to my hands this day whether with a purpose to disturb is best known to thy self Thou dost not make good thy word spoken concerning me nor yet acknowledg thy mistake therein nor the abuse done by thee to the Apostle however I am more inclined to passe by the weaknesses of others then by multiplying words as were easie upon such an advantage to occasion more strife Thou tels me that thou and some of thy friends do intend to give me a visit to morrow about the first or seccond hour in my Chamber to treat about the fift Querie I am willing to meet thee and any of thy friends to treat in a spirit of love and meekness about the said point and after that about any other wherein we differ but thou art mistaken if thou thinkest that I shall leave it to thee to appoint time and place at thy pleasure and therefore thou wast over confident to say no more of it to nominate my Chamber the day and hour except I had invited thee or agreed thereto know therefore that I take no notice of nor shall I observe any meeting till upon discourse with thee or some of thy friends we have mutually agreed about a place and such a day as my friends can come upon to morrow they cannot when this is done bring whom thou wilt for truth which we all pretend to seek after neither fears multitudes nor great words as for thy setting â—hy Paper upon the door thou hadst done some right if thou hadst set my Letter by it but thy practice doth favour in several circumstances of a fleshly spirit as I can shew at better leisure and will reflect more upon thy self and friends then where thou didst intend it and if I be disposed that way it will not be difficult to answer thee in thy own kind but God hath called us to peace and I am taught to study to live peaceably with all men and further then I am provoked to appear in the defence of truth shall endeavour to leave off contention before it be medled with Prov. 17. 14.
view as we finde the Lord hath enabled you but rejoyce to have this opportunity to set to our assent to what the Lord hath given forth by you and further desire you would permit it to the Press And these two things move us to desire this from you partly that we have not seen any thing in Print that hath met with their Master-piece as this doth as also the persons undertaking have one way or other had something of disadvantage as you have hinted in your Appendix nor have they owned those good things in them which ought to be owned and we can say we could wish not onely for our selves but for all that call upon the Name of our Lord Jesus that our conversations among men might more glorifie our Father in heaven And then the other reason is inasmuch as the Lord hath made you instrumental and given you utterance for us in this place where these people so far as we can understand had their first gathering into a company And if they may yet hear or others fear and that spirit of Antichrist discovered that the Lord alone may be exalted and our glorying may be together in the Cross of our Lord Jesus whom we may designe to exalt together though we be made but as a footstool to this end we have the desire of our hearts Excuse this unintended tedious Scribble and pass by the Errata's of it which are many and accept of our thankfulness to your for your pains and we hope we shall not be negligent to acknowledge the grace of God to you in this matter and continue to present you to the Lord in that liberty he hath given us of access to the Father through him in whom we are Your faithful Brethren though weak ones in the faith of him who is the Head of all things and true Heir W. L. J. R. J. S. R. S. Mo. 6 the 1 day 1664. Dearly Beloved in our Lord Jesus HAving with much satisfaction perused the Papers of your dispute at Lancaster with the people called Quakers we desire hereby heartily to bless the Lord on your behalf owning his singular goodness in that his gracious leading in this service of truth whereby beside your suffering and witness for your holy profession he called you to we now see the further ends of the Father in sending you to that place that even there where as we have heard this people had their first rise in this Nation they should receive so eminent a discovery and foyl having also by his good Spirit so directed and enabled you to deal with the very spirit and Principle and that with the principal of their party then prisoners with you whereby that mystery of iniquity and spirit of Antichrist is blessed be his Name very much detected and that not onely by the uncontrollable evidence of truth from the light of his holy Word but by that arrogant proud frothy raging ridiculous vain erring spirit so abundantly discovered all along herein from themselves which we intreat you for the Truths sake to make publike with all speed that word being worthy to be weighed by you for encouragement 2 Tim. 3. 8 9. where the Apostle prophetically speaking of such corrupt mindes reprobate concerning the faith like Jannes and Jambres resisting the truth saith for encouragement They shall proceed no further for their folly shall be made manifest as theirs also was the making manifest of whose folly being the way to stopâ—t the proceeding and growth which we are perswaded is as acceptable service as any of the Lords servants can engage in and the rather because under the specious pretences of humility self-denyal justice righteousness moderation patient suffering they have abundantly gained ground reputation to the spreading of their detestable errors by their fair words and feigned speeches have greatly deceived the hearts of many simple ones more especially in such an evil day as this wherein the pride vanity formality and apostacy of too too many professors of truth has appeared but we have a long time through grace been enabled to discern their deceivings and to see through the depth of their cheat and fully satisfyed that these following Scriptures evidently foretel them and that accordingly they are now sadly manifest to the fulfilling thereof Viz. 2 Cor. 11. 13 14. For such are false apostles deceitful workers transforming themselves into the Apostles of Christ and no marvel for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light therefore it is no great thing if his ministers be also transformed as the ministers of righteousness whose end shall be according to their works Matth. 24. 4 5. And Jesus said unto them Take heed that no man deceive you for many shall come in my Name saying I am Christ and shall deceive many And there shall arise false Christs and false Prophets and shall shew great signes and wonders insomuch that if it were possible they shall deceive the very elect Behold I have told you before 1 Tim. 4. 12. Now the Spirit speaks expresly that in the later days some shall depart from the saith giving heed to seducing spirits and doctrines of devils speaking lyes in hypocrisie having their consciences seared with a hot iron 2 Pet. 2. 1. But there were false prophets also amongst the people even as there shall be false teachers among you who privily shall bring in damnable heresies even denying the Lord that bought them and bring upon themselves swift destruction and many shall follow their pernicious ways by reason of whom the way of truth shall be evil spoken of 1 Joh. 4. 1 2 3. Beloved believe not every spirit but try the spirits whether they are of God because many false prophets are gone out into the world Hereby know ye the spirit of God every spirit that confesseth that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is of God and every spirit that confesseth not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh is not of God and this is the spirit of Antichrist whereof you have heard that it shall come and even now already is in the world 2 Joh. 7 9. For many deceivers are entred into the world who confess not that Jesus Christ is come in the flesh this is a deceiver and an Antichrist Whosoever transgresseth and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ hath not God c. Oh how visibly manifest are these Scriptures fulfilled in this generation now among us who under pretence of Christs Apostles Ministers of righteousness Angels of God men immediately inspired with the Spirit in the very state of perfection crying up Christ within they blaspheme traduce deny the man Christ Jesus the Son of God both in his name nature offices doctrine How do they introduce another Gospel Ministery Spirit other Ordinances another justification Salvation Resurrection another Heaven Hell then the Scriptures witness to Nay how many have called themselves Christ the Son of God and have undeniably these characters of the Antichristian spirit
be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost for the promise is unto you and your children and to all that are a far off even as many as the Lord our God shall call And Jo. 38. 39. He that believeth on me as the Scripture hath said out of his Belly shall flow Rivers of living water But this spake he of the Spirit which they that believe on him should receive for the Holy Ghost was not yet given because that Jesus was not yet glorified so that it is apparent in several respects that this Scripture proves not their assertion Further it was said that Balaam was a wicked man and yet he had the spirit of God and saw the starr of Jacob Numb 24. therefore every man that comes into the world hath the spirit of Christ Ans It is one thing to have the spirit of the Son which is the great promise of the new Covenant Isa 50. 21. dwelling in a man 2 Tim. 1. 14. and another thing to have the spirit of God come upon a man at some particular time and for some particular work thus it was with Balaam and thus with Saul and his messengers 1 Sam 19. 20. 21. 23. but this proves not that every man that comes into the world hath the sprit of Christ for the Scripture doth not say that these men had the spirit of God before it came upon them only these Scriptures do shew that God can and sometimes doth by the power of his spirit impress upon a wicked man and make him to declare some future glorious things for his own praise and his peoples comfort as Dan. 4. 1. 2. 3. Joh. 11. 50. 51. may be seen neither is it said in that place Numb 24. 17. that Balaam saw the starr of Jacob but I shall see him but not now I shall behold him but not nigh but when every eye shall see him Rev. 1. 17. but it will not follow hence that he had the faith of Job to see him his Redeemer Job 19. 25. 27. nor the spirit of the mediator the man Christ Jesus 1 Tim. 2 5. which only dwels in believers 2 Tim. 1. 14. that good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us no more then the Angel of the Lord that spake in the Asse with mans voyce Numb 22. 28. 2 Pet. 2. 16. dwelt in the Asse though that is utterly false which this people hath published in their Paper viz. that he was a Baptist which said that Balaam had no more spirit then his Horse Some of them asked what was that which caused Judas to bring the money again and made him repent implying as I apprehend them that it must needs be the spirit of Christ Ans There is a light and law in every man that convinces and reproves of sin except of not believing in Christ Rom. 2. 14 15. for when the Gentiles which have not the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the Law are a Law unto themselves which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their concscience also bearing witness and their thoughts the mean while accusing or excusing one another and this made Judas bring the money again c. But this light or Law in every man is not the spirit of Christ mentioned Joh. 16. 7. 8. which was promised to be sent to reprove or convince the world of the sin of not believing in Christ c. for he was not come while as Christ was not ascended John 16. 7. 13. but of this light and Law in every man I shall speak more after the rest of my Arguments to prove my assertions are laid down By these briefe Answers it may appear with what little success these Scriptures were brought to prove that every man even the wicked and unregenerate have the spirit of Christ and that notwithstanding all that was said the plain and positive Scriptures brought brought by me to prove the contrary viz. That all men have not the Spirit of Christ do remain firm â—and â—nshaken there being nothing more plain than Christ's own words John 14. 17. That the world cannot receive the Spirit of Truth And the Apostles Rom. 8. 9. Jude 19. That some are in the flesh are sensual not having the Spirit of Christ As I could get liberty other Arguments were propounded for the proof of that which I had undertaken to make good viz. That Christ doth not lighten every man that comes into the world with a saving Light which are as follow though in that confused Assembly they could not be so orderly and with that enlargement urged as they are here set down Whom Christ enlightens with a saving Light into their hearts he causeth the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ to shine to give the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ according to the testimony of Paul 2 Cor. 4. 6. For God who commanded the light to shine out of darkness hath shined in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ He brings life and immortality to light through the Gospel 2 Tim. 1. 10. And he doth no otherwayes manifest the Grace of God our Reconciliation Peace and Salvation but by the light of the glorious Gospel shining in our hearts and he that wants this Gospel-light hath no saving-light but is lost 2 Cor. 4. 3. But if our Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost But Christ doth not cause this light of the glorious Gospel to shine in the heart of every man that comes into the world for the Gospel is hid to some and the light of it doth not shine in their hearts as the Scripture testifies 2 Cor. 4. 3 4. But if our Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost in whom the God of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God should shine unto them Therefore Christ doth not enlighten every one that comes into the world with a saving light Whom Christ enlighteneth with a saving light to them is given an understanding to know the Father 1 John 2. 13 Ye have known the Father And the Son 1 John 5. 20. And we know the Son of God is come and hath given us an understanding that we may know him that is true And the Spirit John 14. 17. Even the spirit of Truth whom the world cannot receive because it seeth him not neither knoweth him but ye know him c. And the things that are freely given them of God 1 Cor. 2. 10 12. But God hath revealed them uuto us by his spirit Now we have received not the spirit of the world but the spirit
9. That was the true Light which lighteth every man that comes into the world as if the bare urging or rather wresting of this one Scripture were sufficient to overthrow all that I had said For is not he the true Light say they And is not he a saving Light And doth not he lighten every man that comes into the world As I was replying to this Scripture divers of them took liberty to pass many heavy censures upon me which before I speak to that Scripture I shall here set down that the Spirit by which they are acted may better be discerned Margaret Fell said Thou art a miserable Creature James Brown with great fierceness Thou art an Enemy of God Thomas Davenport said but very mildly Thou hast denyed Christ to day Richard Cubhan said Thou hast denyed the Lord that bought thee and would undertake to prove that I was one of those false Prophets mentioned 2 Peter 2. 1. And so the Meeting ended Since which time I have also met with many harsh censures and reproaches The Caoler told me Margaret Fell said I had spoken many blasphemies George Fox said Thou art not a rationable man that was his own word John Baley a youth in the Town said The eternal Judgements of God will fall upon thee and burn thee up as chaff thou art worse than a Drunkard James Park in my own Chamber said with great vehemency Thou art a lyar and a Deceiver and the Curse of God will be upon thee in thy Bed-Chamber and Closet and where-ever thou goest and thou suffers as an evil doer And afterwards sent me a Paper with his Name subscribed wherein he hath these expressions John Wigans Thou full of subtilty Thou enemy of the Light of Righteousness Christ Jesus wilt thou not cease to pervert the right way of God the path of Life Thou art from the Doore thou art a Thief and a Robber thou art a blind Guide Thou Monster Thou strange Birth of the Flesh Thou conceiveâ— Chaffe Thou brings forth Iniquity and drinks it up Thou foolish builder and despiser of the Light the true Light thou art in the darkness of thy clouded understanding contemning the Son of God and setting at nought the love of God to the world thou art a doing despite to the true Light and the Spirit of Grace accounting it an unholy thing Thou art a blind Leader of the blind in the ditch keeping people in the fall and in the ditch wo unto thee thou suffers as an evil doer Henry Wood in a Letter to Evan Price calls me his Priest with much more of this kind of Language which I forbear to mention have I been followed from day to day My answer to these great swelling words of vanity is That I am taught not to strive but to be gentle to all men 2 Tim. 2. 24 and that I have otherwise learned Christ than to render railing for railing 1 Pet. 3. 9. Yet may I not say to them as once Christ did to his Disciples Ye know not of what spirit ye are Are these the fruits of the Spirit of Christ Let them shew if they can where it is written That he or any acted by his Spirit called men even the worst of his Enemies Monsters or strange birth of the flesh or where he ever spake an untruth or falsly accused any yet thus they deal with me for besides that they are not able to prove me a Thief a Robber a Deceiver It is utterly false that I am any mans Priest or that I suffer as an evil doer which thing nevertheless they positively assert but I am moved with compassion towards them and shall not further insist upon these things for I pass not for mans day my judgement is with the Lord in this matter and I am also perswaded the Lord will in due time rebuke every evil Spirit whereby some simple-hearted ones may for a time be ensnared and led captive by him at his will onely here it may be necessary to enquire what in most probâ—bility may be the occasion of these high and peremptory censures Surely I know no other nor do they declare any other cause then this viz. That my Assertion and Arguments brought from Scriptures to prove it do strike at the very Corner-Stone of their building which being removed the whole superstructure must unavoidâ—bly fall to the ground That which they boldly affirm with highest confidence in their words and Printed Books and which is their foundation is that the light which is in every man that comes into the world is Christ the Redeemer and Saviour the Lord that bought them the Eternal and just one the tryed precious corner Stone which God hath laid in Sion the Spirit yea the true infallible Spirit that was in the Prophets and Apostles the door the way the truth and the life in a word the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 spirituale the All that is to be known and believed and this is their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 first lie now because I cannot call this the true Jesus as indeed it is not and worship an Idol as they do therefore am I charged to be their Enemie and Christs also in the fore-mentioned censures and in much more of the same kind To the end therefore that the grand deceiver with his deceipts yet hid under a disguise may be more easily detected and that truth being cleared from mistakes may be better discerned and that many simple hearts who being yet ignorant of Satans devices are captivated and led away with the errors of the wicked into pernitious wayes may be more effectually undeceived and reclaimed I shall endeavour briefly and plainly to shew 1. What the light in every man is 2. Of what use it is and the utmost it can do 3. What it cannot do That if God peradventure may please to give unto any Repentance to the acknowledging of the truth they may be recovered out of the snare of the Devil c. 2 Tim. 2. 25 26. For the better understanding of that which is to be spoken of the light in man it is necessary that these things following be premised 1. That God is light 1. Jo. 1. 5. and dwels in the light which no man can approach unto 1 Tim. 6. 16. and is the fountain and originall of all light And hence 2. That all light is of God all light is Gods light that is it is his off-spring he is the Author and efficient cause of it and thence is called the Father of lights Jam. 1. 17. And yet 3. That all light is not God for there are created lights light was the first distinct part of the whole creation Gen 1. 13. He made two great lights to rule the day and the night he made the Stars also Gen. 1. 16. which are called Stars of light Psal 14. 8 3. Now what God creates forms or makes that is not God 4. As External proper sensible
searching all the inward parts of the Bedy That is Whatsoever is most secret in our minds for as in the Belly natural conceptions are wrought and shaped so in the Mind Moral Conceptions of good or evil are wrought and shaped To this also agrees the saying of the Apostle 1 Cor. 2. 11. What man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of a man whech is in him That is No other man knows what his own thoughts are or what they are working but his own understanding This Spirit of a man sees all the inward motions and outward actions of a man with a direct act of the understanding which is called Science and this simply considered makes not any thing that is discovered good or evil And this is the first use of the Light that is in every man viz. To make manifest the things of a man to himself Secondly This Light in every man is useful for direction in a double respect 1. As it looks upon the Law written in his heart it presents unto him the principles of Justice Righteousness Equity Soberness and other Moral Vertues and shews him what is right to be done according to that of the Apostle Rom. 2. 14. For when the Gentiles that is unconverted Gentiles which have not the Law do by nature the things contained in the Law these having not the Law that is formally published and preached unto them are a Law unto themselves Which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their Conciences also bearing witness c. 2. As it looks upon the works of the Creation which are seen such clear beams of the God-head may be understood by the things that are made as might direct and induce man to glorifie God as God which the same Apostle Rom. 1. 18 19. makes the ground of the Righteousnesse of God in that dreadful Revelation of his Wrath against all ungodlinesse and unrighteousnesse of men who ever they be who hold the Truth in unrighteousnesse Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them or to them But how or where hath God manifested this to them The Apostle answers in the next words Verse 20. For the invisible things of him from the Creation of the world are clearly seen being understood by the things that are made even his Eternal Power and God-head so that they are without excuse So that though every man have not a Light in him that is able to save him as will be further cleared hereafter yet he hath so much as will make him guilty and leave him without excuse Thirdly the light in every man is useful for conviction for though as was said before when it looks upon the things of a man with a direct act it makes nothing good or evil yet when it reflects upon the Law within which shall be the Rule of every motion and operation and compares the Action done with that Law the goodness or evilness of it is discovered according as it bears conformitie or non-conformitie thereunto and now Science or a bare knowing of an Action done is become Conscience for this reflex Act of the soul is called Conscience that is a knowing together with something else as when the understanding considers what is done in conjunction with a Law according to which it ought to be done thus the Spirit of a man which is the Candle of the Lord doth manifest the deed done and the Law discovers the quallitie of the Action according to that of the Apostle Rom. 3. 20. By the Law is the knowledg of sin were there not a Law there would be no Transgression and were not the Law looked upon and the Action compared with it there would be no such thing as Conscience but when deeds are laid before the Law as a Glasse shews not only the face but the spots that are in it so it will give a true report of their regularitie or irregularitie of their goodness or badness and suitable thereto will its Sentence be and Answerable to the Sentence the Law pronounceth will be the excusations or accusations of the person according to Rom. 2. 15. Which shew the work of the Law written in their hearts their Consciences also bearing witness and their thoughts mean while excusing or accusing one another Hence I say it comes to passe that when a man a meer natural man refuseth to follow this light of direction in doing what is right he is convinced in himself that he guiltie his Conscience troubleth him and judgeth him and is a Witnesse for the Lord that he is righteous when he judgeth according to that saying of the Apostle Rom. 3. 19. Now we know that what things soever the Law saith it saith to them who are under the Law that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guiltie before God or be subject to the judgment of God not having a word to object why Sentence should not be executed because they have Transgressed This light was that which manifested to Adam his Transgression convinced him of his guilt tormented him with fear and made him hide himself from the presence of the Lord Gen. 3. 10. I heard thy voice in the Garden and was afraid because I was naked and I hid my self and as it was then so it hath been ever since and will be still that if any man transgresse that Rule and Law that is written in the heart of every natural man there is a light set up in his conscience which will accuse him be a witness against him torment him and condemn him according to that testimonie before mentioned Rom. 2. 15. and 1 Joh. 3. 20. this manifested to Judas his sin and caused him to bring again the money and confess he had sinned And more then this is not needful by way of Answer to H. W. or any other person demanding where that witness is that doth condemn and what that was which caused Judas to bring again the money and to confess that he had sinned in that he had betrayed the innocent blood Fourthly there is yet a further use of this light common to all men it doth not only make manifest direct and convince but is able also to know much of God as a Creator and Law giver at least his eternal power and Godhead by the works of the Creation which are seen Rom. 1. 19 20. and to feel and seek after him as such Acts 17. 27 28. That they should seek the Lord if happily they might feel after him and find him though he be not farr from every one of us for in him we live move and have our being c. Thus for the light in all men or common to all men good and bad believers and Infidels may go serve for the fore mentioned excellent uses even since by trasgression man fell from his created integritie the sum whereof is briefly this Every man hath a light springing up with
perish but have everlasting life The knowledge of this Law sprung not up with mankind in nature it was not written in the heart of natural man as a thing just and equal Adam's Light onely shewed him what was just to be done and when he had sinned convinced him and passed sentence upon him and there left him in his misery not affording any direction or help for his recovery which made him fear and hide himself Gen. 3. 10. Then was the great fountain of free Grace opened and by the occasion of the transgression and misery of man this Law of Faith was added and founded upon Christ in that Gracious Promise Gen. 3. 15. The seed of the woman shall break the head of the Serpent this Law is not natural but supernatural not springing up together with man as that of works but added to shew the exceeding riches of the Grace of God in his kindness to poor sinners through Jesus Christ Eph. 2. 7. which is as farr above the reach of a natural man to know as the Heavens are above the Earth yea as the thoughts of God are above the thoughts of man Though vain man would be wise yet he is born like a wild Asses Colt Job 11. 12. It s above the reach of his reason to conceive how Faith in a crucified Christ should be the way to save a sinner and hence it is that the preaching of a Christ crucified for the obedience of Faith is to the Greekes soolishness 1 Cor. 1. 23. he is not able by all his Candle-light to discover this misterie of the hidden wisdom of God according to that divine Testimonie 1 Cor. 2. 9 14. Eye hath not seen nor Eare heard neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him but the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God for they are foolishness unto him neither can he know them because they are Spiritually discerned the truth hereof will yet further appear by considering that Querie Acts 2. 37. Men and brethren what shall we do and that of the Gaoler Acts 16. 30. Sirs what must I do to be saved which do clearly argue that these men now prict in their hearts and wounded in their consciences had no sufficient Light nor understanding to direct themselves to a remedie and therefore they ask What shall we do And as this Light cannot discover the Law of Faith so it cannot convince any man that his not believing in Christ is a sin this is the proper work of the Spirit the Comforter as the Scripture testifies John 16. 7 8 9. Nevertheless I tell you the truth it is expedient that I go away for if I go not away the Comforter will not come unto you but if I depart I will send him unto you and when he is come he will reprove or convince the world of sin and of righteousness and of judgment of sin because they believe not in me c. In as much then as it is clearly manifest that the natural man with all his Light is unable to reach these great misteries this gives occasion to speak somewhat briefly of that light which can reveal and make them manifest which will be found to be a Light as far exceeding the Light of the natural man in glory as the ministration of the Gospell exceeds the ministration of the Law in glory 2 Cor. 3. 11. For if that which is done away be glorious how much more that which remaineth is glorious as the things discovered to wit the glorious Gospell of Christ the knowledg of the glory that is the goodness and mercy of God in the Face of Jesus Christ 2 Cor. 4. 6. are more glorious so is the Light discovering them hence it is called the marvellous Light of God 1. Pet. 2. 9. and it is no other then the Light of Christ Jesus as Mediator between God and man 1 Tim. 2. 5. which doth irradiate the soul of man with the knowledg of these great misteries agreeable to that of the Psalmist Psal 36. 9. In thy Light we shall see Light He is given to be a Light of the Gentiles Acts 13. 47. He only being in the Bosome of the Father can reveal him according as himself doth witness Math. 11. 27. Neither knoweth any man the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Joh. 1. 18. No man hath seen God at any time the only begotten Son which is in the Bosome of the Father he hath declared Him The invisible and inaccessable God coming down in the man Christ Jesus which is the great misterie of godliness God manifest in the flesh 1 Tim. 3. 16. makes all the glory of his goodness and mercy to appear in the Face of Jesus Christ as he said to Moses Exo. 33. 19. I will make all my goodness to pass before thee hence he is said to be the brightness of his glory Heb. 113. now as Christ is the shining forth of the Fathers glory so it is he only that shines into the hearts of all that believe on him the Light of the konwledge of the glory of God as in the first creation God made all things by the word so in the new creation or new creature all things wrought by the Word made flesh who is the one Mediator between God and man 1 Tim. 2. 5. and the great Agent by which Christ workes is his Holy Spirit that Spirit which the world never saw nor can receive Joh. 14. 17. By this Spirit sent forth he doth reveal the misterious things of the Gospel even the hidden wisdom of God concerning Christ and the new creature which was not written in the heart of man nor could be known by the wisdom of this world as it is evident in 1 Cor. 2. 9 10 11 12. Eye hath not seen nor Ear heard neither have entred into the heart of man the things which God hath prepared for them that love him but God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit for the Spirit searcheth all things yea the deep things of God even so the things of God knoweth no man but the Spirit of God now we have received not the Spirit of the world but the Spirit which is of god that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God thus the same Apostle saith that his knowledg in the misterie of Christ was revealed unto him by the Spirit Eph. 3. 4 5. Christ doth no other way inlighten the eye of the understanding but by his Spirit Eph. 1. 17. That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ the Father of Glory may give unto you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledg of him the eyes of your understanding being inlightned c. This is that Spirit that teacheth all things John 14. 26. that guides into all truth Joh. 16. 13. And because none but new creatures can receive this new
in the flesh and that this God-man was justified in the spirit and assumed into glory and also saith that this God-man was seen of angels preached unto the Gentiles and believed on in the world But this people as the Spirit speaketh expresly some should do in the later times 1 Tim. 4. 1. do revolt or depart from the faith of this great mystery affirming that the light that is in every man is Christ the Redeemer And if so where then is the person of Christ where is God manifest in the flesh This is denyed in their saying that the light without the flesh is the true Christ as also is the assumption of this God-man to the throne of glory In like manner do they who hold this opinion deny the Lord that bought them according to that prophesie of the later times 2 Pet. 2. 1. For the Lord that bought them is no other then God manifest in the flesh who purchased them with his own blood Acts 20. 28. which is contradicted and denyed by this opinion which saith that the light alone is the Redeemer Secondly this Opinion is guilty of setting up a gross and dangerous Idol which will appear to any man who shall impartially consider and compare this Opinion with the description of an Idol An Idol is any thing besides the true God that mans imagination seigns to it self to be a God and to which he ascribes a Deity whether it be exhibited to the body or minde Exod. 20. 3. Thou shalt have no other Gods besides me 1 Joh. 5. 21. Keep your selves from idols Now this people do set up and call the light that is in every man God Christ the Spirit which yet is not God nor Christ nor the Spirit as hath been proved Therefore they set up an Idol in stead of Christ And inasmuch as it is light and a light within and hath a greater likeness to God then other representations of him have which are set up in stead of the true light by so much it is a greater and more dangerous Idol The more like any thing is to God the sooner is man induced to call it God himself therefore Satan who seeketh the possession of Gods throne doth more effectually deceive and draw men to worship him as God when he appears as an angel of light 2 Cor. 1. 14. Thirdly admit this Idol this grand lye for the corner stone and the whole superstructure will consist of lyes for as the Apostle observes 1 Tim. 4. 1. when men have revolted from the faith of the great mystery of godliness they presently attend to erroneous doctrines to wit the doctrines of Daemons either to doctrines taught by Daemons or devils or to doctrines concerning devils as Mede understands the place Those are the very Rocks which this people concerning the faith having made shipwrack do further run their souls upon For having set up this Idol the light that is in every man that comes into the world as God and as the Anointing which is to be attended and obeyed as their Teacher they do not onely open a way for Satan being transformed as an angel of light to suggest unto them as many lyes and erroneous doctrines as he pleaseth of which I shall name some afterwards but while they do worship that light as God they do deifie and worship Angels Fourthly this Opinion doth necessarily lead all such as own it and are true unto it to walk according to the suggestions and motions of their own mindes without any respect had to the Scripture as a rule for as they affirm that the light in all men is Christ and is the same Anointing both in believers and unbelievers so they say it is a perfect rule in every mans conscience whereby he ought to be guided Whence it will unavoidably follow that whosoever shall give up himself to obey and be guided by this light as a perfect rule will no longer hold himself obliged to walk after a certain Scriptural rule but must follow the uncertain motions in his own minde whether those motions lead to actions good or evil And hence it hath come to pass that some who have followed this guide have been led to many heady rash unclean unjust actions altogether unwarrantable by the rule of the Scripture of truth Of such as these the Apostle speaks 2 Pet. 3. 3. where he foretels that in the last days there should come such as would scoff at the second personal coming of Christ as this people do walking after their own lusts that is according to the Greek walking after that which is in their own mindes Fifthly Open this as the first door of entrance as they do and it leads into a Babel of confusion and errours No sooner is a man entred in at this deadly gate but he is in the Citie Toâ—u where first if his eyes be anointed with eye-salve by the true Jesus he may behold this Image of Jealousie i. e. the light that is in every man that comes into the world set up and worshipped in prayers and praises all the honour and attributes due to the true Redeemer alone being ascribed to it which is an idolatry so much worse then that of Jeroboam or of the Papists by how much it is more mysterious and in shew more spiritual and so less discernable whence it comes to pass that multitudes are ensnared by it according to that 2 Pet. 2. 2. Many shall follow their pernitious ways The falling down to this Image is that whereby every particular person is matriculated or registred into their Sotiety of Friends for now and not before as they say he hath received the Truth and notwithstanding many defects is accepted as a friend The next thing to be beheld is a company of worshippers in great confusion praying and singing or teaching and singing all or many together with loud voices contrary to 1 Cor. 14. 33 40. For God is not the author of confusion but of peace as in all the Churches of the Saints Let all things be done decently and in order If he ask how this company is called the answer will be A Meeting not A Church and the particular members Friends not Brethren and Sisters For though the Apostles and primitive Saints constantly called the Assemblies gathered into the fellowship of the Gospel Churches and the particular members thereof Brethren and Sisters yet this people having set up another Jesus and Gospel then that which the Apostles preached do also characterize themselves by new names Though he cannot finde the name or office of Pastor Teacher Elder Deacon which Christ set in his Church in this company nor hear the Scriptures read or alleadged for proof of any of their doctrines nor scarce finde a Bible amongst them yet he may hear not onely men but women-teachers contrary to 1 Cor. 14. 34. Let your women keep silence in the Churches for it is not permitted unto them to speak
c. 1 Tim. 2. 10 11. Let the woman learn in silence with all subjection But I suffer not a woman to teach nor to usurp authority over the man but to be in silence Teaching lyes in the name of the Lord and causing their weak captivated disciples to erre by their lyes as that woman Jezabel did Rev. 2. 20. Notwithstanding I have a few things against thee because thou sufferest that woman Jezabel which calleth her self a prophetess to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication and to eat things sacrificed to idols As for instance in a few particulars These Teachers affirm 1. That the Scriptures are not the rule of faith and conversation to walk by contrary to 2 Tim. 3. 16 17. All Scripture is given by inspiration of God and is profitable for doctrine for reproof for correction for instruction in righteousness that the man of God may be perfect thorowly furnished unto all good works Hence it is that Water-baptism the Supper of the Lord and Censures and other appointments of Christ are rejected by them 2. That the light in every man is Scripture within 3. That the light in every man is the perfect law of liberty a perfect rule in every mans conscience where man is guided by it And that it leads those that are obedient to it to purity holiness and uprightness Hence they say what they do in obedience to this light is done in obedience to the Lord and therein they sin not So that though they speak untruths falsly accuse persecute with the tongue or otherwise do acts of injustice c. yet they will not be brought to acknowledge a fault because therein they were obedient to their guide and so to the Lord. 4. That the Light within every man is the object of Faith 5. That it is a common sufficient Light that it is Salvation to all that obey it 6. They teach free will 7. They teach and set up an inherent legal righteousness denying the imputed righteousness of Christ which was wrought in the person of Christ without us without which none can be saved 8. That Christs fulfilling the Law in us or the Spirit mortifying and sanctifying and so fulfilling the Law in us is justification 9. That there is that in the Spiritual man which being turned into and followed can redeem and make atonement and that in him the atonement is made which destroyes the atonement made by the blood of Christ 10. They teach that there is no coming of Christ but that within and so deny the Assumption of Christ God and man to the throne of glory and his second coming in his glorified person contrary to the Scriptures of truth These and many more Arminian Popish and long since profligated Errors are laid upon the forementioned sandy foundation by the hands of their chief builders as may be seen in the Books of James Naylor George Fox Hubberthorn Deusbury Farmworth Burrows Howgill Parnel Mason and others But having done with their first and main principle I shall not enlarge upon their hay wood and stubble being assured that the removing of their foundation will easily bring down their whole building While I am considering and writing these things I cannot but say as in the presence of the Lord I bear a hearty love to their persons and am moved with bowels of compassion towards their precious and immortal soules and that my soule yearns after their recovery and return to the true Jesus who is the way the truth and the life and that it is only their abominable Errors that I loath and have levelled this discourse against And having thus born my testimony against that which appears in this people to be against the mystery of Christ crucified I have no purpose for the future to trouble my self in making replies to any of Papers or Queries for that I observe a designe of Satan moving them to multiply questions tending rather to strife then edification and am warned by the Apostle to avoid such 2 Tim. 2. 23. But foolish and unlearned questions avoid knowing that they do gender strifes Yet in as much as they have since our debate set many Papers upno the doore called often upon me to make good my assertion and have given me a paper wherein they challenge all the Sons of Adam to discourse with them of this their fundamental principle though I be nothing know well my insufficiency to such an undertaking above many others Yet I say if satisfaction be not received from that which is here writ I further declare my self willing and ready as far as it becomes a prisoner again to debate this point in difference with Geo. Fox or any of his friends before the high Sheriff or any other persons in the commission of peace who can regulate our meeting if they shall require him and me to come forth for that end not doubting but in the light and strength of Christ to maintain by Scripture-evidence what I have already asserted and proved And further to make it appear That he who shall affirm the light in every man to be Christ is a deceiver and an Antichrist And here notwithstanding I have thus freely and faithfully declared my judgement against the deceit of this people and more especially against that which is the very Soul and life of all their principles I cannot let pass without mentioning some commendable things in them left through my silence I should seem to condemn that which I allow Which that I may more orderly come unto I shall briefly touch upon the means or occasion of the great success which their way hath had in the world which will administer just ground of Jealousie that their pleading for those good things which ought to be owned by all hath rather proceeded from the Serpentine subtiltie acting principally in their leaders to cloake and more insensibly to carry on a pernicious designe against Christ then from a true zeal of a godly reformation for the honour of Christ The principle then here opposed hath had its advantage for acceptance and growth with great applause of multitudes from some or all of these means following 1. From the ignorance pride covetousness idleness formality looseness corrupt customs Idolatrous superstitions and cruelty of Parish-priests and the generality of their hearers 2. From the too great formality legality and manifold divisions of separated Congregations 3. From the open Testimony this people have borne against the forementioned evils together with a greater pretence of spirituality unity purity holiness righteousness gravity zeal and perfection in them then did appear in any of the former Antichrist doth never oppose Christ more then when he appears in a mystery most like him when he comes in the name of Christ and pretends to be all for Christ reproving much that is evil and pleading for many commendable things Thus our Saviour tells us many false Christs shall arise Matth. 24.
means the more to amuse the people and beget in them an opinion of me as some hainous offender Surely methinks they should not be so weak as to imagine that these unchristian calumniations should pass with wiser men for a sufficient refutation of what I have writ And if hereby they think to affright me they are greatly mistaken for I fear nothing that they or any others can do to hurt my unstained reputation amongst men I shall therefore pass by many biting false scornful jeering and frothy expressions in their published Papers and onely mention some few of those censures judgings cursings which like a floud they have sent out against me with their names who have published their Papers or sent them open Such as have sent Sealed Letters their names are concealed Thomas Gurwen in a Paper writes thus John Wigans what a rage and chafe art thou in and how theu swellest and fretieth Oh the plagues of God will be thy portion and be poured out upon thy head Thou was so full of rage and bitterness and envie and malice in thy heart Thou hast raked and scraped a deal of chaff and rabling stuff which came out of the bottomless pit In another Paper A filthy dreamer who vomits up thy own shame Thy Book will be thy utter overthrow for it 's no more to me thoâ—â— chaff and dirt under my feet In another Paper Thy ill-bred behaviour thy ill-bred sawcie tongue unnurtured and unbred and besides thy sawcie language Thy hypocrisie and sawcie tongue and unmanner liness and ill breeding Whether this was endited by Thomas Curwen Husbandman or dictated by George Fox Shoo-maker I know not but when he hath shewed as he hath not in what particulars I have manifested ill-bred behaviour sawcie unnurtured unmannerly language I may possibly learn better but never in this mans School Let the Wise judge what manner are most likely to be learned from this master of Cacologie Margaret Fell in one Letter Thou manifests thy gainsaying spirit Core-like gainsaying and resisting of the truth as Jannes and Jambres did that is to say the light with the which every man is enlightned is not the light of Christ nor a saving light Thou art without God in the world Thou hast manifested thy self to be out of the first step that leads to Christianity and art a minister of darkness Thy foul sinful prayers are abominable They fleshly performances are but grass and chaff All thy rotten bypocritical performances Thou hast committed sacriledge and hast blasphemed against the holy Spirit of God which never will be forgiven thee in this world nor in that which is to come Thou art under it and it remains upon thee for ever That foul and unclean spirit that thou art of Thou manifests thy dark sottish spirit In a second Letter Thou begins with a lye and ends with the devil and sets John Wigan next to him as if thou wast his head-Vicegerent but certainly thou art a great zealot for him All such unclean spirits as thine is Thy black defiled heart and conscience Thou hast manifested thy self to be a childe of darkness What hast thou to do to take the Name of God and Christ in thy mouth Thou enemy of God Thou art a thief Thou are not a believer of Christ Thou art yet in thy sins Thou art a man separated from God Thou never knewest nothing of the worship of God Thy envious poysonous heart Thou art under the chain and it is over thee A fighter against God and his truth and the reward thou wilt be sure to have And never look that that which is cursed will be blest Thou art accursed and no other portion can thou have and this is Scripture and truth to thee In a third Letter Thou can do something in writing a Book of thy own dreams and thy imaginations and brain-studies and telling of lyes which thou hatcheth out of darkness Thou art a meer Sot and Ignoramus Thy evil unclean heart Thy malicious dark envious spirit Thy weakness inability and ignorance in the things of God I having told her that if she called the light that that is in every man that comes into the world Christ she set up an Idol and if she worshipped that light as Christ the Redeemer she was an idolateâ— She answers thus I never heard such words but from an idolater and a blasphemer against God and Christ Thou art an enemy of God thou art worse then the Jews Thou art a fit man to joyn with the Turk to set up Mahomet O thou infidel O thou childe of darkness Speaking of Christ she saith I am a witness for him against all such Antichrists and deceivers and blasphemers as thou art Thou art a minister of the night and of darkness in the Apostacie Thou art a night-bird The curse and the judgement that 's written therein speaking of the Scripture Christ Jesus and the Apostle hath pronounced it upon thee Thou art the man Thou hast lost God and Christ Because I asked this Question viz. What Parish-priest in England had got more money with his tongue then George Fox since he was Journeyman-Shoomaker in Manchester she saith Thou art a wicked ungodly impudent lyer Thou lyer A proud disdainful spirit A heathenish spirit which torments thee and many more such night-owls as thou art Thou wicked lyer The devil the God of this world is thy God and thou hast done what thou canst in opposing the Quakers to get him glory Thou hast a great measure of the spirit of envie malice and cruelty and bloud Thus far are her expressions whom Thomas Curwen affirms to be so vertuous a woman that I am not worthy to take her name in my mouth Another writes thus Thy vain hypocritical prayers and formal preachings and Chains offerings Thou art darker and darker and will be to thy dying day unless thou come to believe undoubtedly that Christ enlightens every man that comes into the world with a saving light You have been and are hypocrites Thy blasphemies against the everlasting truth Another writes thus Thou opposes the truth and manifests thy self to be an enemy of Christ the light an opposer of the Gospel which is the power of God of which power thou art ignorant and a stranger unto Thou art gone into rebellion and not onely ignorant of the true God and Christ but also art become an enemy and opposer of him by deceit and deceivableness Thou hardens thy heart and stiffens thy neck against the Lord and heaps up wrath against the day of wrath Another writes thus Thou hardens thy self against the truth more and more It hath been evidently manifested that thou art an enemy to God and his truth Thou art in thy will worship and carnal ordinances as Baptism and bread and wine Thou art vainly puft up with thy fleshly minde and art in the steps of the false Prophets of old and the false Apostles in the days of Christ In a Paper from William Holden