of all his gracious Promises in his own time and way for they are all Yea and Amen in Christ and the performance of them coming forth with him according to the manner of Gods giving him who is now given vertually and Spiritually and in the testimony of him mediately and so all Gods teachings in and with him but shal in his time appear personally and visibly and then all things with himin like manner gloriously and immediately in fulness and glory He that beleeveth makes not hast Rom. 8. 32. 2 Pet. 1. 3. Ephes 1 17. Col. 3. 4. 1 Cor. 13. 12. Rom. 8. 18. 1 Joh. 3. Isa 28. 16. In answer to the Second part of this Query I adde That I suppose here the man had forgotten his Inscription or Dedication for there he directs his Queries only to them that deny the alone sufficiency of Gods teaching and yet here makes it one of his Queries whether they do so or no or else if these Queries were framed as is thought by some of a more subtile pate than his whose hand is at them then this with some other tantologies and significations of weakness in the Inditor may bee looked upon as done of purpose to keep us from thinking that any of their Grandees had a hand in it but be it as it will it is a blemish to their pretence of being immediately guided by an infallible spirit yea it signifies their spirâ—â— to be both forgetful and not understanding what it saith nor whereof it affirms as well as also their propounding so many confused Queries and in such manner without laying down any thing plainly by way of position signifies their spirit to be fearful of discovering his Principles if he have any lest he should not be able to mannage them or lest presently discovering them and endeavouring to manage them he should spoyl his design at first And surely I could have passed over more weakness in expressions without such notice of it if it had not been a little necessary on this account to shew the vanity of their pretence of immediate revelation from Gods Spirit and being furnished to and acted in all by it It is none of the Character of Jesus Christ but of the foolish Woman her ways are moveable that thou canst not know them and therefore moveable left thou shouldest ponder the path of life Prov. 5. 6. yea this also is mainly to be observed in her Instruments they are proud yet knowing nothing always doting about questions and strife of words c. 1 Tim. 6. 4. Whereas on the other hand the Servants of Christ by his Spirit have been always led in all lowliness of minde not to commend or preach themselves but Jesus Christ the Lord and therein to testifie of him what they did know in the plain demonstration of the Spirit even in words which the Holy Ghost taught them that they might propound and lay down somewhat for the feeding and profit of others as 2 Cor. 5. 12 14 15. 4. 5 6. whose word therein was not yea and nay but in him even in the demonstration of Christ and the things of him was yea 2 Cor. 1. 18 19. 1 Tim. 4. 6 7 8. 11. 16. 2 Tim. 2. 15 16 23. 24. Tit. 2. 11 15. 2 Tim. 3. 14 17. 4. 1 5. For direct answer to this part of the Query I shall adde nothing here but refer the Reader to the Answer to his Inscription where I have fully given my testimony to the alone sufficiency of Gods teaching 8 Qu. What and where that word is that people should hear behind them and where that teacher is c. Isa 30. 20 21. Ans 1 That word mentioned vers 21. is now in the testimony of Jesus the Lord as he hath been delivered to death for our offences and raised for our Justification and is received up into glory as that testimony is now come forth in full since the Ascension of Jesus Christ for though God did speak in divers manners unto the Fathers by the Prophets yet hee hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son c. Hebr. 1. 1 2. and the Spirit of God in this dispensation of the fulness of times teacheth all things and leads into all truth by taking of the things of Jesus and shewing them according to the testimony now come forth and so opening and makeing use of them in and unto every case and matter as is before more largely shewed yea this word then was no other but the same light teaching and direction of the Lord which also then was in and did issue forth in and through that testimony or witness of Jesus the Lord and Gods righteousness in him as that testimony was then come forth which was witnessed in the Law and Prophets Rom. 3. 21. yea preached from the beginning And hence having reference to the eighteenth verse of that Isa 30. it is there fully signified to be met with in waiting for the Lord yea it is plainly expressed as part of the priviledge of them that through his goodness and forbearance to manward in which he waites that he may be gracious are overcome to wait for him to have all their teaching light and direction from him as he was then witnessed and their enjoyment of promises in and by him whence that Isa 2. 5. O house of Jacob come yee and let us walk in the light of the Lord. That testimony of Jesus being indeed the Vision of all Visions the spirit of Prophecy Isa 29. 11. with Chap. 28. 12. 16. Rev. 19. 10. 2 To the Second part of the Query What that Teacher is mentioned vers 20. which should be in the midst of them c. For answer to this We must take leave to minde our Querist of his mistake of the words of the Scripture to which he alludes it being a material mistake To which doubtless that Spirit that breathed forth those words by the Prophet would not have led him but some lying spirit that under pretence of bringing Scripture would pervert it and steal away from us the Word of the Lord and that we may not discern him makes it a matter of reproach to look into Books to search the Scripture whether those things be so or no as he presents them to our imagination the word in the text is in the plural number Teachers which he renders that Teacher and thine eyes shall see for that which he renders thus it should be in the midst of them the words are thus Though the Lord give you the bread of Adversity and the water of Affliction yet shall not thy Teachers be removed into a corner any more but thine eyes shall see thy Teachers And where those Teachers are the text tells viz. present with them and before their eyes even now in the days of their adversity while the person of the Lord the fountain of their teaching for whom they wait is personally absent from them as 2 Cor. 5. 6. and not
c. they all and not the unclean shall then together enter with him into the joy of their Lord where they shall dwell and walk for ever with the Lord in a high broad way where shall be no straitness nor occasion of stumbling yea the Lord himself shall be to them a place of broad Rivers and streams where shall go no Gally with Oares Isa 33. 20 21. Revel 21. 1 8. 25 27. 22. 1 14 15. Heb. 9. 28. 12 Qu. What that manifestation of the Spirit is which is given to every man to profit withall And whether there be any profit but by it And whether it be not of it self an infallible guide c. Ans To the First Part of this Query That manifestation of the Spirit spoken of 1 Cor. 12. 7. is of that one Spirit that being immeasurably received in the Nature of man in and by that one Person of the Son of God is sent forth in his influences of light and power unto men according to the measure of the gift of Christ and his manifestation is concerning Christ as the works are now finished in him and the Declaration of him come forth in the Gospel and so of the things of him and the Fathers glory in him by which he teacheth all things and leads into all truth as before is shewed Compare this 1 Cor. 12. 7. 11. with Ephes 4. 7 11. Joh. 16. 13 14. some distinct understanding of which testimony of the Spirit concerning Christ for some profitable opening or usefulness of it to others is given to every hearty beleeving receiver of it The other parts of this Query are in his former Queries and sufficiently answered before 13 Qu. What and where that Worship of God in the Spirit is truly c. And whether any can worship in Spirit and in Truth but those that are born of the Spirit And whether he that is born of the Spirit needeth any other guide c. And whether such Worships hath not been and are now differing from all other And therefore hated Ans Here are five Queries in one To the first wee answer That Worship of God in Spirit and Truth mentioned Joh. 4. 23 24. is that worship of him that is in the light and power of and according to the Spirits testimony concerning Jesus as now come forth in the Gospel and so in Christ Jesus who is the Truth And this called worshipping in spirit and in truth as opposed both to the Samaritans worship which was never right but in and according to the wisdom of the flesh and so in a false way and also as opposed to the Jewish worship which sometimes was right while yet it was in and through that killing letter of the Law to which the Ministration of the Spirit the Gospel as now come forth is opposed 2 Cor. 3. and also in and through the Types and Shadows of the Law to which Jesus Christ the Body and truth of them is opposed Col. 2. 17. Joh. 1. 17. This sence of the Spirit and Truth in which God is to be worshipped is confirmed in other Scriptures for the Spirit See Rev. 19. 10. The Angel admonishing John not to worship him but God instructs him thus The testimony of Jesus and not any Messenger that brings it is the spirit of Prophecy in which God is now to be worshipped for the truth See Phil. 3. 3. we are the Circumcision which worship God in the Spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus the Truth and have no confidence in the flesh c. And so our Saviour interprets the true Worship Joh. 5. 22 23 24. The Father judgeth no man but hath committed all judgement to the Son that all men should honour the Son even as they honour the Father he that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father that sent him And to let us know who it is that indeed honours the Son and so the Father that sent him it follows hee that heareth my Word which also is the word or testimony of him that sent him concerning him Joh. 7. 16. 14. 23 24. 1 Joh. 5. 9-12 13. And so beleeveth on him that sent me c. like to this is that Joh. 12. 44. 49. and that two-fold Rule for the trial of Spirits before spoken to 1 Joh. 4. 1-6 They then that magnifie or glorifie the Word of the Lord as declared in the Apostles Doctrin as Act. 13. 48. and according to it beleeve and rejoyce in Christ Jesus and so in the Father are the true worshippers To the Second part of the Query we answer That as it is true that no man speaking by the Spirit of God renders Jesus in his Person or works done in his own Body for sinners execrable or undesirable so likewise is it true that no man can truly say confess or acknowledge Jesus as the Christ in his Doctrin or Worship but by the Spirit of the Lord 1 Cor. 12. 3. and whosoever beleeveth that Jesus is the Christ he is therein and thereto bornof God 1 Joh. 5. 1. Joh. 1. 12. 13. the other parts of the Query as much as is needful are answered before 14 Qu. What and where that light is Joh. 1. 9. that being come into the World is the condemnation of all that are in darkness c. And whether it be not the condemnation of all the World that beleeve not in it And whether there be any other condemnation c. Ans In this Query is also a confusion of many Queries and after the first part of it something first taken for granted and then propounded as a Query we shall briefly answer it thus 1 Not John the Baptist but Jesus that was of Nazareth the supposed Son of Joseph that was conceived of the Holy Ghost in the wombe of the Virgin Mary born in Bethlehem of Iudea in the days of Augustus Caesar c. even that word that was then and so made Flesh and came and dwelt amongst men and not any other thing or person who through sufferings is now entred into glory That I say and no other Person or thing is The true light that lightneth every man that cometh into the world Joh. 1. 8 9. 14. 15-18 41. 45. 8. 12. 12. 44 45 46. Acts 4. 10 11 12. 2 The Text saith not This light is the condemnation of all or any that are in darkness but this is the condemnation That light is come into the World and men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil Their loving darkness rather than light when the light comes unto them and not the coming of the light to them is the condemning sin and that which makes other sins condemnable as also Ioh. 15. 22. 24. Zach. 5. 1-4 3 This light personally is received by the Father in the Heavens Act 3. 20. but in his influences virtually and Spiritually among men and dwelling in them in whom he dwelleth by faith Ephes 1. 17. 2 Cor. 4. 6. Ephes 3. 17-19 15
evils as drunkenness swearing c. Surely therein he acknowledgeth that such spiritual wickedness teacheth to deny some sins unless he mean That those gross evills of drunkenness swearing c. bee no sins I am indeed ready to suppose them to be of that number that judge no act or practise as Drunkenness Swearing Adultery c. to be in it self sinful but to him that judgeth it so or not otherwise sinful in them than it is open gross and so scandalous and striking against their being satisfied in their spiritual Covetousness and Adultery in beguiling unstable souls of which their minds are full as 2 Pet. 2 14. For it is a shame to speak of those things that are done and allowed by some of them in secret as Eph. 5 12. But if this be his meaning That drunkenness Sweaâ—ing c. are not in themselves sins or sinful as is fully signified in his expressions in the said letter where he saith That which taught me to leave some gross evils without c. and after mentions drunkenness and swearing yet doth it not therein teach to deny sin but to deny God c. I say if this be his meaning why doth he call them evils and gross evils too if no sins or sinful I leave him with his Contradictions But 2 The Holy Ghost instructeth us That all evil or unrighteousness is sin 1 Joh. 5. 17. For sin is the transgression of the Law 1 Joh. 3 4. so that by the Law which saith Thou shalt not lust c. is the knowledge of sin Rom 7. 7. and 3. 19 20. 1 Tim. 1. 9 10. And yet also that touching the righteousness which is in the Law Paul was blameless while yet he had not received the true light but was a furious enemy to Jesus Christ Phil. 3. 6. As the Jews whose zeal was yet a zeal of God though not according to knowledge as Rom. 10. 2. And against many sins even such sins as for which The wraâ—h of God comes upon the children of Disobedience as Adultery Joh. 8. 4 5. and abuse of the creatures in Drunkenness and Gluttony as appears in their false charging our Saviour with such things Matth. 11. 19. yea they were men much for fasting mortification and holiness Matth. 9. 14. Luke 18. 11. Joh. â— 18. And so were the false Apostles and teachers that came among the Christians after Col. 2. 16. 18. 21 23. 2 Cor. 11. and yet thereto moved and guided by that false light or principle and spirit in them which indeed was darkness and did therein pursue such ends as the establishing a righteousness of their own and sometimes also that they might appear to men to be just temperate holy c. in pursuance of which end they were also more in appearance than in truth and large in their boastings proclaiming every man his own goodness yea sometimes as in the last mentioned chiefly they herein pursued this as the main end in and with the former That they might the more powerfully insinuate themselves into the minds of such as were going right on their way to the corrupting them from the simplicity that is in Jesus destroying their faith and hope in Christ beguiling them of their reward c. This the end of their walking Phil. 3. 18 19. 2 Cor. 11. and of their voluntary humility and neglecting of the body c. Col. 2. 18. 23. yet many of the things they denied and abstained from from such principles and to such ends were sins and sinful and many of the works they did and pressed others too in themselves good Whence our Saviour saith to his Disciples All that they namely as sitting in Moses seat and urging the things required in the Law and admonishing of the evils reproved in it bid you observe that observe and do but after their works do not for two Reasons First They say and do not Secondly The works they do in which is signified They also do something good and commendable and abstain from some evils though short of their sayings but even that which they do is to an evil end yet as to their apprehension and according to the judgement of others that can judge but according to outward appearance they many of them have attained perfection in the denying and mortifying of not some but all sins some things they do from such false principles deny and abstain from that are indeed sins and sinful and those may be done to many of them in their account and apprehensions all sins or at least they are not sensesible of those greater sins they live in and glory off as appears also in these spirits we have to do with Observe what follows Richard Farnsworths Challenge word for word as it was sent to me the said Tho. Moore by one of their own party on the foresaid Evening of the last of May as soon as I had returned Answer to to their Charges as before MOved of the Lord to write this to the chiefest of those called by the name of Manifestarians in and about Boston and Lyn That if they will grant to this which is hereafter laid down we will try our God these wayes as the servant of the Lord tryed Baals Prophets and their God by sacrifice without fire c. So I am freely willing made by the Lord o try and prove your proudboasting spirit by these particulars as is hereafter propounded and expressed First That the chiefest of you grant to go abroad with me where I shall be led to preach the word for two weeks together Secondly That you and I eat no food as outward bread and flesh nor any outward victualling provided by any man or creature for that time nor drink either Beer Ale or Wine nor partake of any other outward thing except a little spring water and that neither you nor I look upon any book all that time seen with a visible eye Thirdly That for two weeks time we have meetings every day or every other day one week for the first amongst those called Manifestarians and others as the Lord shall please and I be permitted amongst them to speak the word of the Lord and each other day he that joyns with me herein to speak also and he shall permitted be if he dare say and by the Spirit of truth affirm that he hath any thing to speak immediately from the mouth of the Lord He shall I say be then permitted to speak one day as I do another or part of each one week amongst those called Manifestarians and others that the Lord shall lead unto and no outward help neither meat drink nor book as aforesaid and another week amongst those that the world scornfully calleth by the nick-name of Quakers And lastly That for the two weeks time he part not from me day nor night that he receive no more outward help than I do And this way of tryal I have freely from the Lord expressed And then it must be acknowledged after all this
but took it in writing as matter of accusation against me shewing what Generation you are of such as ever sought accusation against the Son of God where hee is manifest to salvation but who are ignorant of his salvation could never bear the confession of his name And when I confessed the flesh of Christ your carnal reason stormed at it like the blind Jews saying How could I have his flesh in me which one of you after confessed too when he saw the letter declared of it so that further than your carnal reason can read in the lâ—tter You will not beleeve what a Generation would you have been had you lived in the times of the Apostles who preached down Circumcision Temple and Sacrifices without such things as the letter said should continue for ever yet they preached them down without and confirmed them within in spirit which is the ground and bottom of all and in which all must end And that the word which became flesh which is ascended they knew to be the Bread of life which they broke and fed on who was their Rule and Mediator But the ground of your Faith is seen and what testimony you bear who say The Scripture is the absolute rule and medium of Faith as thou Thomas Moore didst before the people And when I asked thee if God could not give Faith without it then thou wast forced to deny what thou hadst said But such Doctrine as this thou makest people beleeve who are ignorant and not able to try thy spirit Oh shame with thy preaching If the Scripture be the absolute Rule and medium then Christ is not the absolute Rule unless thou say the Scripture is Christ And thus thou not knowing Christ to rule thee thou settest the letter in his stead for the Rule of Faith But of Abrahams Faith thou are not nor knows it who had an absolute Rule before the Scripture was But this Doctrine excludes all from faith who have not the letter so thou that art a Minister of the Letter preachest another Rule and Faith than ever any of Christs Ministers preached who preached the Word and Faith in the heart of them to whom they preached and Christ in them who is the absolute Rule and ground of Faith and the Law written in their hearts and the Spirit of Truth their rule and guide into all truth and the light in their hearts which gave them the knowledge of God and his glory which never was known by the letter without and Christ saith the Kingdom of God is within you which the Pharisees durst not deny Rom. 10. 8. Hebr. 8. 10 11. Joh. 16. 13. 2 Cor. 4. 6. Luk. 17. 20 21. But thou art more brazened against the truth and wouldest exclude God out of his Kingdom and perswade all thou canst not to look for him within but without lo here lo there But Christ saith Go not forth to such Teachers and thou art found to be one of those he forewarned of and in that work he foretold of which is against him and with the same spirit thou art seen to be an enemy to his Appearance who is the eternal life of his people which is not without the knowledge of God in his Temple for death reigns in the creature where God is not present and this word of Reconciliation thou withstands and all that are led by thee will have cause to curse thee when it is too late and time is spent to no purpose and the day of visitation passed over And from the immediate call which I witness wherewith I am called I do testifie against thy false Doctrine who denies That any have been immediately called since Christ ascended onely those who saw him bodily upon earth and when I instanced Paul thou saidst he saw Christ personally with his bodily eyes when he was called And when I said then must he be come personally again since he ascended then thou saidst Paul was in Heaven and saw him there with bodily eyes when the Scripture saith he was fallen to the earth and saw no man with his bodily eyes being blind three days and such confused stuff thou utteredst forth to uphold thy lyes wherewith thou keepest blind people in Babylon but with the light thou art comprehended thy ground root off-spring and end praised be our Redeemer for ever and in thy paper thou tellest of his seeing Christ after the same manner the other Apostles did Then must it either be bodily upon earth or the other went bodily into Heaven to be called both which are yet unproved by plain Scripture And thy implying is no ground for me to beleeve that which I know is alye and here thou art found preaching another Gospel which no plain Scripture will warrant and all that know God in them sees thee acoursed and thy Antichristian Doctrine who denys the Father and the Son and fellowship with them who hath spoken to his people in all ages and does at this day where the â—ar is circumcised but the serpents seed could never hear him whose ears are open to that wisdom yet canst thou not be content to speak thy own condition but in thy busie mind wouldst exclude others and this is thy work to shut up the Kingdom and deceive the Nations that are without but we are entered and the Elect is witnessed which cannot be deceived and we know him that is in us and we in him onely they who will not own the light such are made to be deceived and over such onely hast thou dominion for a season But thy time is coming to an end that makes thy rage great And thou are forced to utter what testimony thou bearest such as none of Christs ever preached That God is not known in his people Is this thy word of Reconciliation and to what must they be reconciled if not to God And how must they all be taught of God if they must never hear his voyce more but thy Ministry begets not such children nor such sheep thou knows not but opposes who have seen him and heard him such thou callest false witnesses so thou appearest to be a witness to that which thou hast never seen and many such witnesses there are in the Nation who preach up separation instead of reconciliation which pains might be spared amongst them you preach to all having that by nature but that the Devil fears his Kingdom which is onely upholden by ignorance of God in his people whose eyes are blinded but whose eyes are open and have seen him bear witness of him and what we have seen and heard we declare against all false witnesses who have nought but by hear-say from others who have eyes and see not ears and hear not a heart that doth not understand who knows not the spiritual man his eyes and ears and so judge of God to be like themselves as thy companion did say That God had neither eye nor ear nor heart and thus with your carnal imaginations you will judge of
the eternal God A nest of blasphemers who are blind and deaf and would make God like you read the Scriptures yee blind guides if ever any gave the like testimony of God as you do against you do I bear testimony who knows the eyes of the Lord to be over the righteous and his ears open to their prayers but the imaginations of the wicked grieve him at the heart 1 Pet. 3. 12. Gen. 6. 5. 6. And thy false doctrine I deny who said There is something which is not of God which teacheth to deny sin and to prove it thou saidst something teacheth to deny sin and establish self-righteousness where thou shewest thy sottishness who wouldst make people beleeve That to set up a greater evil by denying a lesser is a denying of sin this is thy own teaching and practise but we know that which teacheth to deny one sin teacheth to deny all sin and this is of God alone but that which teacheth to set up self-righteousness denys not sin but establisheth it as that which taught thee to leave some gross evils without that thou the better mayst be beleeved when thou denyest the Kingdom of God within and the knowledge of God in his Saints for the Devil knows its in vain for drunkards swearers c. to preach this Doctrine yet doth not this teach to deny sin but to deny God and set up darkness in his seat and this is spiritual wickedness in heavenly places which is sin above all others and thou that sayest thou hast not the same call the Apostles had nor the same testimony hast thy call from anoâ—her whom thou never saw and bears the testimony of Antichrist against such as have seen Christ and withstands his appearance in his Saints and art of that spirit who denies Christ come in the flesh and that is the spirit of Antichrist which ever withstood his appearance in his people and would divide him from his body and shut God out of his Kâ—ngdome Now do not say this is railing as you use to do for it is truth as many can witness and much more of thy false Tenents which may be declared against in word or writing which those two dayes thou uttered before many witnesses as opportunity served Also consider if thou dealt like a Christian in slandering us with Burglary and breaking into the house when we was sent for many miles to give you a meeting as far as I know aâ— your desires and I had free liberty to come into the house from the owner with all other friends nor did we resist his commands in departing though we were unwilling to leave the work so much desired by the people And this can John Wray witness against thee if he will however the thing is true in the sight of God and we are free from Burglary or breaking his house but out of envy wouldst thou cast this upon us as that in thy consciâ—nce shall one day witnâ—ss though now through subtilty and disobedience thou bee seared and blinded and wouldst blind others also But blessed be Israels ligâ—t by which we see thee and all the blind leaders who undertake in their own wills and for self ends to lead to him they never saw nor heard J. N. The Answer by Tho. Moor Jun. IAmes Naylor I expected before this a direct Answer in writing to the Paper sent thee which also you told me and others you had finished and when you had taken a copy of it it should be sent but by a letter received from thee sincâ— perceive your mind is altered it seems the spirit by which you are immediaâ—ely guided sometimes puts you upon that which on better considerations you refuse to obey him in Till I have your answer to that I might reasonably have waved this yet lest I should not have such another occasion from you to deal plainly with you I return this Answer to thy Letter Not he that commendeth himself is approved but whom the Lord commendeth And the Lord commendeth not but bears testimony against that man and will in due time cut him off he so persisting that loveth and maketh a lye Rev. 22 15. either in openly or privily slandering his neighbour Psal 101. 5. 7 8. and 50. 19. 22. and 52. or in preaching another Jesus which the Apostles have not preached moving us to listen to or receive another spirit which we have not received in the hearing of faith or another Gospel which we have not accepted nor the Apostles which have spoken to us in the name of the Lord delivered whether they do this by Word or Spirit or letter as from them perverting the Gospel of Christ to introduce another Doctrine as 2 Cor. 11. 1-4 Gal. 2. 2 Thes 2. 2. And wherein thou hast done both these in thy letter I shall declare whether thou wilt hear or forbear as I am admonished and strengthned of God according to that Ezek. 2. 4 5 6 7. Jâ—r 23. 28 29 c. Rev. 22. 10 11 12 to the end First Thou hast loved and made these lyes and slanders of me and others and after conviction of the most of them to be such yet persistest to manage them 1 That I deny God in his Saints 2 That I deny Christ being in them mentioned Col. 1. 27. 2 Cor. 13. 5. to be Gods being in them 3 That I said Paul was in heaven When he saw the person of Christ 4 That God is not known in his people 5 That I said I had not the same testimony the Apostles had 6 That I charged you with Burglary and breaking into the house 7 That any of my companions should say That God had neither eyes nor ears nor heart 8 That Mr. Wray commanded you to depart his hâ—use with divers more as That I was forced by thee to deny what I had said about the Scriptures and other such slanders almost in every mention of any thing as my sayings in thy lâ—tter And that thou mayest acknowledge these to be falsities and slanders of thy own loving and making if thy conscience bee not wholly seared which I almost fear it is I shall revive something to remembrance that will so manifest it First to the first and fourth of these slanders I shall speak together Thou well knowest if thou knowest any thing as to this That there was nothing said by me of that nature or to that purpose That God is noâ— in his Saints or not known in his people but the contrary even in that â—â—â—â— of the Discourse thou didst take the occasion of thy slande from 〈…〉 opening of that Scripture 1 Tim. 3 16. that which I said was this 〈…〉 this purpose That this Scripture did speak concerning Christ and of these things as done and true in his person only In him That word made flesh in that one personal body prepared for him the only immediately begotten Son of God in the womb of a Virgin as in that his own body in our nature he was delivered
to death for our offences and raised again for our justification In him as so considered God was manifest in the flesh justified in the spirit seen of Angels preached to the Gentiles beleeved on in the world and received up into glory And that this Scripture speaks of these great things of the mystery of godliness as done onely in that one person I propounded this consideration for one That the word that is immediately prefixed and especially applicable to the first clause is in the Preterperfectense or in the time past God was not God is he was manifest in the flesh yea the phrase of the last clause renders that as a thing also done and finished in the person spoken of He is received up into glory And surely In that person and in him only this is absolutely true God is in the nature of man even in the flesh in which he descended received up into glory not now receiving or to be received but now already received up into glory set down on the right hand of Majesty on the Throne of glory in the heavens Consider I pray you how suitable to this understanding of the last and first clauses is that which is affirmed of this person Heb. 9. 24 25 26. Christ is not entred into the holy places made with hands which are the figures of the true But into heaven it self now to appear in the presence of God for us nor yet that he should offer himself often as the former high Priests entred into the holy place every year with blood of others hee needeth not daily to offer up sacrifice for this he did once Heb. 7. 27 for then also must he often have suffered since the foundation of the world but now once in the last Ages of the world he hath appeared to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself even as it s appointed unto men once to dye so Christ was once offered not in many Ages or divers times but once in the last Ages when men were multiplied into many whereas they were but one when the ordinance of death passed on them yet in that one it passed on the whole kind so Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many even of all of that kind all men every of the nature he took then when they and their offences were multiplied into many he saith not to bear sins in many for then indeed he must often have suffered But now once he was offered in his own body even that so and then prepared him Chap. 10. 5-10 to bear the sins of many Then was God in Christ condemning sin in the flesh yea then and therein when one dyed not in but for all and rose again Then was God in Christ reconciling the world not imputing their trespasses to them but causing them to meet together on him 2 Cor. 5. 14. 15 19. with Isa 53. 6. Rom. 8. 3. 1 Pet. 2. 24. And raising him and giving him glory as the publick man that by and through him our faith and hope might be in God 1 Pet. 3. 18. and 1. 21. with these and that 1 Tim. 3. 16. compare that Joh. 13. 31 32. See how our Savior there directs us to the person in whom the time and works in which God was so manifested and glorified in the flesh and did straightway after the finishing of these works glorifie it in that person even then faith our Savior when Judas was gone out to betray him when he was presently to finish those works the Father gave him to do on earth yea his soul was already in trouble Joh. 12. 27. now saith he even in that his being made an offering for sin is the Son of Man glorified and the Father is glorified in him If God be glorified in him God shall also glorifie him in himself and shall straightway glorifie him Then and therein was the Son of man glorified in his being appointed and set as the surety in that publick place that by the grace of God he should tast death for every man he was therein said to be crowned with glory and honor above all other persons among Men or Angels for no man could redeem his Brother nor give to God a ransom for his soul the Redemption of the soul is more precious neither was there any other thing or person in Heaven or Earth that was counted worthy but this Holy One Herein was the Son of man glorified And so in Gods supporting him and carrying him through so great sufferings when all our sins met together on him Psal 40. 11 12 16 17. Heb. 5. 7 9. Likewise in Gods giving so glorious a testimony to him at his death Mat. 26. 50 54. And in his Resurrection from the dead This Jesus who was made of the seed of David according to the flesh was declared to be the Son of God with power according to the spirit of holiness Rom. 1. 3 4. In these things the Son of man was glorified and â—o the Father glorified in him in the exercise and agreement of all his holy and glorious Attributes his Wisdom Holiness Truth Mercy Goodness Power c. for manssalvation God was manifested in the flesh condemning sin and yet therein preparing Attonement and Propitiation for sinners and straight-way after the finishing of these works in his own body the father who glorified him in himself in his own Power Name and Glory declaring himself satisfied in and for what he delivered him raising him from the dead in which he was justified in the Spirit or according to the Spirit of Holiness did further and fully and perfectly glorifie him in the same body in receiving him up to glory and setting him on his own right hand in the Heavens far above all Principality and Power Might and Dominion and every name that is named not onely in this world but in that to come and hath put all things under his feet and gave him to be the head over all things to the Church which is his body the fulness of him then distinct from him in his personal body now raised and glorified yet they in that to be done in and upon them are the filling up or compleating of him in the ends and vertues of his cross who as so considered namely in the ends and vertues of his cross filleth all things as Ephes 3. 8 10 but he gave himself for hâ—s Church for all that through his grace to man-ward come in to him That he might wash them with the washing of water by the word that so he might in the issue present it to himself as he now presents it in himself before the Father a glorious Church without spot or wrinckle Eph 5. 25-27 and ch 1. 20 21 22 23. 1 Pot. 3. 22. Phil. 2. 6-11 Joh. 17. 1-5 Col. 2. 9. Read these Scriptures and compare them and see how they explicate and agree with the explication given of that 1 Tim. 3. 16. And after some little Discourse to this purpose demonstrating
whether we may look for that word in these dayes Isa 30. 9 What that word of faith is by which none needs to say Who shall ascend up to heaven to fetch Christ from above or who shall descend into the deep that is to bring up Christ again from the dead but that word is nigh thee in thy mouth and in thy heart which the Apostle preached to them that had it in their heart And whether the same word be not now in the hearts of the people though they mind it not Rom. 10. 10 What that voyce of Christ is which his sheep knows and how they come to know it from other voyces and all that hear it will not hear the voyce of strangers and hirelings and theeves and sorcerers but by the same voyce are brought to know Christ and follow him Joh. 10. And whether his sheep may expect and wait for the same voyce now and to know it from all other voyces which are false 11 What that way is in the wilderness which Isaiah spake of Isa 35. 8. which shall be called the way of holiness which the unclean shall not pass over but it shall be for wayfaring men and fools shall not erre therein in which way the Redeemed shall walk and the Ransomed of the Lord shall come to Sion And whether any may expect to find in these dayes such a way as are strangers and fools in the world 12 What that manifestation of the Spirit is which is given to every man to profit with all and whether there be any profit but by it and whether it be not of it self â—n infallible guide in all the way of God according to its manifestation Joh. 4. 23. 13 What and where that worship of God is truly in which God alone looks to be worshipped in And whether any can worship in spirit and in truth but those that are born of the Spirit And whether that he that is born of the Spirit needeth any other guide in the spiritual worship but that Spirit of which he is born according to his measure Joh. 1. 9. And whether such worships hath not been and are now differing from all other worships in the world and therefore hated by them as in all Ages 14 What and where that light is that inlightens every man that comes into the world which being come into the world is the condemnation of all those that are in darkness because of their evil deeds And whether this be not the condemnation of all the world that beleeve not in it but walk in darkness And whether there be any other condemnation but it seeing Christ said If I had not come ye had not had sin Joh. 3. Rom. 8. 15 What the Law of the Spirit of life is which made Paul free from the law of sin and death which had warred against the law of his mind and had formerly held him in captivity to the law of sin that was in his members And whether any in these dayes that are come to that warfare may look for that freedome by the Law of the Spirit of life And thus I have written these few lines the Lord revealing by his Spirit in me the great delusion sorcery and bewitched doctrine that you are under of these bewitching Simon Magus sorcerers which have put you upon a Christ crucified without you notwithstanding you and the rest are in your filthiness and first nature Whereas the Holy Ghost hath declared That they must be pure in heart that must see God Matth. 5. 8. And hath neglected to tell you of a washing of regeneration and new birth by the Holy Ghost in you T it 3 4 5 6. And hath brought another Gospel contrary to what Christ hath already preached and therefore he rendreth such accursed 1 Pet. 1. 12. And the Lord speaking by the mouth of Paul saying My little children of whom I travel again in birth untill Christ be formed in you Gal. 4. 19. And the Lord in mercy look upon you for my bowels yern towards you and pity you to see Prophets and Teachers creep in among you to draw you from your guide 2 Pet. 2. 1. Written from the Spirit of the Lord from one whom the people of this world calls Quaker known by the name of Thomas Biddal The Answer to the fore-said Queries by Tho. Moore ANd first to the Inscription or Dedication of them which runs thus To Alice Morden and the rest which are not yet given up to Delusion To all who deny the teaching of God to be sufficient c. In which words that which is imported in the plainest sense of them is That they look upon this as a testimony sufficient that men are not given up to Delusion viz. That they deny the teaching of God to be sufficient to guide them that own it to God without humane helps or at least that those that do so are not given up This appears their sense if the indicter of this understood himself but that rather I suppose hee did not however to this Inscription and Dedication we shall lay down this for Answer That to deny the absolute and alone sufficiency of the teaching of God without humane helps or mans teaching is a sin of a very high nature and an evidence of being in a great measure given up to delusion Jer. 8. 8 9 and 6. 10 11. and 23. 16 18 22 c. Isa 8. 16-20 1 Tim. 6. 3 4 5. 1 Joh. 2. 19. 20-24-26 27. and Chap. 4 6. That therefore we may know who they are that do so that we may beware of them and of all steps leading to this evill Let us consider First What Gods eaching is Secondly Where and how himself doth preach or hold it forth unto men Thirdly How or wherein men may be said to deny the alone sufficiency thereof First What Gods teaching is as to the matter of it There is in it 1 Something summary and fundamental of all the rest by which primely it may be known and distinguished 2 Some things contained in springing out of and built upon or arising from those things that are main and fundamental in it 1 Those things main and fundamental in Gods teaching are concerning Jesus Christ before promised and witnessed and in his undertaking vertuous now manifested as delivered to death for our offences according to the Scriptures therein bearing our sins in his own body to the Tree not bearing them or leaving them to be born in that sense in our souls or bodies and raised again from the dead for our justification according to the Scriptures And so concerning his own the Fathers love and goodness to man-ward the glory of which is now manifested in the face of Christ even in those works done in and by his first personal Appearance and the acceptance and vertue of them with the Father for us and the end of them to bee fully revealed and accomplished in his second personal and glorious appearance according as declared to us in
The Epistle to the â—ebrews saith He shall come c. But the just shall live and be preserved to that day through faith kept by the power of God through faith uâ—â—â— the salvation ready to be revealed in the last time he is all this day in a spiritual first-fruits writing his Law in their hearts in the demonstration of his Son and his grace in him and that in and through those means forementioned But while they are here that being not fully done nay but in a little first fruits they imperfect in every thing as to attainment not knowing as they are known c. they have therefore need still of all those means instruments and helps for the doing of it or having it done in them in which himself hath appointed in and with the demonstration of his Son to be present for the working it in them more and more unto the perfect day and so of the helps and instrumental teaching of one another but then they shall know as they are known and that all of them from the least to the greatest and therefore shall not need c. Yea then shall their iniquity be so perfectly blotted out as Act. 3. 19 20. as to be no more remembred any more by any remainder of it or its fruits upon them whereas in this day there is a remembrance of it as we have shewed before Then shall he perfectly and totally redeem Israel from all his iniquities that to be waited for Psal 130. Truly this Covenant is violated or broken as Isa 24. 5. by such as tread underfoot the blood of it count it as a common thing as if of no more or other vertue as to any Covenant of remission and peace than like sufferings of other persons Heb. 10. 29. Do wilfully after knowledge of the truth received reject and turn from that Sacrifice â—â— draw back being proudly lifted up above the reading the whole vision â—â— God in the face of Jesus Christ where it s written that it may be 〈◊〉 hat so they may run to the end insolently boasting of it even in 〈…〉 as a thing made and accomplished in them in this day compare Hab. 2. 4. with Heb. 10. 26-38 and 2 Tim. 2. 18. 4 Qu. Where and what that Anointing is 1 Joh. 2. 21-27 And whether it be not the same in these dayes to them that have it Answ It is in and upon him that one person of God and of man Jesus that was of Nazareth it is in him in our nature immeasurably Joh. 1. 14. and 3.34 and for us Him God hath anointed with the oyle of gladness above his fellows Psal 45. 1 2-7 In him it hath pleased the Father all fulness should dwell even the fulness of the God-head bodily Col. 1. 19. and 2. 9. Yea in him are hid all the treasures of wisdome and knowledge Col. 2. 2. In him is Gods Name Exod. 23. 21. The revelation or manifestation of his glory to the sons of men as well as his Power Authority and Majesty as he is anointed with both Act. 10. 38. Joh. 1. 18. and 8. 12. and 12. 44-46 2 Cor. 4. 5 6. which Name of God as in him is that precious oyntment powred forth by and through him Cant. 1. 3. And so it s explicated in that 1 Joh. 2. 20-27 where its clear That that which is called the Unction vers 20. And the anoynting vers 27. is the same that is called The truth vers 21. intimately The testimony of Jesus in which he is declared to be the Christ the Anointed one the Son of God the Saviour of the world And so the Fathers name declared in him verse 22 23. which is the summary and fundamenâ—al matter of Gods teaching as is fore-shewed expresly it is called vers 24. That which they had heard from the beginning the word of the truth of the Gospel even the word of the beginning of Christ which what it is is explicated 1 Cor. 15. 14. The sum of the Gospel concerning Christ which they had first and alwayes preached as that in the heart-mindfulness or remembrance of which the beleever is saved or preserved from every evill word and work and way The sum of which is concerning the Death and Resurrection of Christ and Gods glory appearing in him the same is here meant by the things heard from the beginning called the anointing as appears in that like as in that of 1 Cor. 15. so here he saith verse 26. that he writes these things to them concerning them that seduce them to direct them how to be preserved from them namely by giving earnest beed to that anointing the things heard from the beginning as likewise Paul to Timothy in a like case Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse deceiving and being deceived but continue thou in the things that thou hast learned and been assured of knowing of whom thou hast learned them c. 2 Tim. 3. 13 14 15. Surely the testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophesie Rev. 19. 10. whence Paul directs Timothy as the way in which he might be helped with understanding in all things ever to remember That Jesus Christ of the seed of David was raised from the dead according to his Gospel And this anoynting this light of the Lord this glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God is certainly the same for that preaching of it was given by those great Apostles for the obedience of faith unto all Nations Rom. 1. 1-3-5 and 16. 25 26. The dispensation of the fulness of times c. Eph. 1. 10. And of the same vertue and quality that ever it was for teaching all things and leading into all truth it being the arm or power of God to the saving whosoever beleeveth for therein is the righteousness of God revealed c. Rom. 1. 16. 17. So that beleevers still need no man or spirits teaching that teacheth otherwise than as that anointing teacheth them of all things and as that hath taught them even as they have heard from the beginning so they are exhorted in the next verses to abide in him It will never teach another thing or reveal Gods glory in another manner They have also therein need and encouragement diligently to heed and attend more to the same in and through all means vouchsafed 5 Qu. What and where that Comforter is c. Joh. 16. Ans He is the holy Spirit of truth proceeding from the Father and the Son in his light influences and operation Therein thus distinguished from other spirits he takes of the things of Jesus and gloâ—â—fies him he lifts up the Son of Man as already come in the Flesh and now received up into Glory in mans Nature this he commends and lâ—fts up according to the Apostles Doctrin and Gods glory herein as is shewed before for reproving and enlightning the World and for teaching and leading the Beleever into all truth Joh. 16. 8 9 10 13 14. with Chap. 15. 26 27. and
Chap. 3. 14 15 16. 1 Joh 4. 1 6. as before more at large in the Discourse about the matter and manner of the Fathers teaching And this Spirit as in his essence he dwells in the person of Christ in whom dwels not only the fulness of God but of the God-head bodily so in these his instructing and reproving influences he is in the Gospel he goes forth to men in and with the testimony of Jesus with whom God gives all things pertaining to life and godliness even through the knowledge of him 6 Qu. Whether any of the Servants of God may expect to receive his Word from his own mouth immediately as all the messengers of God in all Ages did or whether no other Word is now to be heard in Books which God spake to others Ans First All the Messengers of God in former Ages did not receive the Word in a like manner immediately from God not Paul and Timothy Paul neither received it of man neither was he taught it but by the revelation of Jesus Christ God was pleased to give in or into him an immediate and full revelation of his Son even of the whole Gospel of his Son that he might preach him among the Gentiles Gal. 2. 12. 16. which revelation of the whole Gospel he had from the person of the Son of God immediately or in such manner without the help of men as Instruments that he was therein fitted to be one of those great Apostles to give forth the last and fullest revelation of the Gospel to all Nations for the obedience of faith having both seen the Lord and received the Word immediately from himself as they did though born out of due time thereto 1 Cor. 9. 1. 15. 8 9 c. Not to Timothy for he heard and learned his Doctrin mediately even of the Apostle Paul and so by the evidence and demonstration of the Spirit through his Doctrin and Ministration and so also his gifts and fitness for his service by the laying on of his hands c. 2 Tim. 1. 13. 2. 1 2. 3. 14 15. 1 Tim. 4. 11 14 15 16. So likewise the Thessalonians from whom sounded the Word of God to many others 1 Thess 1. 8. They themselves received it mediately through the Apostles Doctrine and Ministration through such demonstration of the Spirit as accompanied the word which they heard of them See 1 Thess 1. 5 c. and 2. 13 c. Secondly none since may expect in this day to receive it so immediately as Paul did but mediately through their word both the message and fitness to declare it This appears 1 In that they are said to be the Apostles last in respect of such immediate furniture and mission 1 Cor. 4. 9. and 15. 8. whence also they were to give the Revelation of the mystery for obedience to the faith among all Nations as well then to come as then in being And if any man think himself to be a Prophet or spiritual to render himself such he is to acknowledge that the things they the Apostles and Prophets have written are the Commandements of the Lord and not any other word that may come to him or from him Rom. 16. 25 26. 1 Cor. 14. 36 37. 2 Pet. 3. 2 3. 2 It farther appears in that our Saviour prayes for sanctifying to and blessing on the ministration of no other since those immediate messengers But such as shall beleeve on him through their word Joh. 17. 20. Neither is any other word to be heard listned too or received by us is the word of God But that so already spoken by immediate inspiration and commission by the one mouth of his holy Apostles and Prophets and what comes up thereto All spirits are to be tryed by it 1 Joh. 4. 6. 1 Tim. 6. 3. Before we bass from this Query note the inconsistency of their professed Principles and Practices and the secret wickedness discovered in it In the Query they signifie That none ought to hear any other word in Books that God spake to others but only what himself hath immediately received from Gods own mouth and yet they write these Queries to such as they look upon as people deluded drawn from their Guide and so farre from having received Gods immediate teaching or submitting to it or waiting for it that they judge them fit to be given up for Rebellion and not only these and divers such Papers but their printed Books and Papers are very numerous and are generally dispersed by them to all people with earnest pressing them to read them It appears by comparing what they say and do that their meaning is not to take us from reading Books generally for they would have us read more then ever such as they disperse and commend only they desire to take us off from reading such Books as do indeed contain in them matter spoken by God to others as the holy Scriptures and what in any measure truly comes up thereto Surely They are wiser in their Generation than the children of Light for they know should we diligently read and minde the holy Scriptures we should be therein strengthened to discern them and their Books so as to throw them by as needless and unclean Therefore they first and openly cry out against all Books and reading that so they may include or take in the holy Scriptures and whatever is suitable thereto against which is their only design the Evil Spirit in them well knowing that men are very apt to conceive some light esteem of or distaste at the Scriptures and what is consonant to them because that is always reproving them and testifying their Wisdom Works and Lusts to be vain and evil especially when they are encouraged thereto under pretence of Spiritualâ—ty and higher Notions and yet with such secret promise of liberty or exalting something as is suitable to their proper lusts and if they once be moved to slight those Books and so the things heard from the beginning they will of themselves enquire after and not be taken off from those Books and Novelties through which they were first perswaded to such light estimate of the Scriptures under pretence of taking them off from Men and Books c. When once the Ear is turned from hearing the truth or the Heart brought to dis-relish sound Doctrin then it is easily turned aside to Fables and the same Evil Spirit will secretly while he crys out against hearing men and reading Books allow them heaps of Teachers and Books too and direct them not only to hear and read but to worship them in which the truth of those Scriptures excellent to this purpose are verified Col. 2. 18 19. 2 Tim. 4. 1 4. 7 Qu. Whether any may waite for the fulfilling of that Promise Isa 54. 13. Joh 6. and whether that teaching be sufficient c. Ans To the first part of this Query I answer They that know his Name will trust in him and wait for the certain fulfilling
seen by them as 1 Pet. 1. 8. yet from him they enjoy this benefit that do waite for him as the influences of the light of his testimony and Grace that bringeth Salvation to all men Their eyes shall see their Teachers surely those are the several and various Instruments and means of teaching that he affordeth them which are all his Works and Providences about them in all Mercies and Chastisements yea in their very Adversities as also his Records and Servants whatever he is doing about them or vouchsafing to them their eyes shall see their Teachers in all these things whence Elihu admonishing Job to consider Who teacheth like God who hath enjoyned him his way c. Calls upon him to see that he magnifie his Work that men behold every man may see it Job 36. 22 25. for indeed all the Works of the Lord and his various Providences about us are Instruments by and through which he is conveying his teaching as before is shewed Job 33. 14 29. Psal 19. 107. therefore saith the last Verse of that Psalm Who so is wise and will observe these things even they shall understand the loving kindness of the Lord. Blessed therefore are the people that waite for him even now they shall fare well in the evil time before they come to sit down in their everlasting rest when they shall weep no more even now in this time of their weeping or adversity whatever God try them with or deprive them of yet their eyes shall see their Teachers they shall meet with instruction from the Lord and from the testimony of him the fountain of their teaching in and through all that is before them to direct and strengthen them more to turn from dumb Idols to serve the living God and to waite for his Son from Heaven for that Grace of God that bringeth Salvation to all men spoken of verse 18 teacheth them in and through all occasions and means which are many that denying ungodliness and worldly lusts they should live soberly righteously and godly in this present world so as waiting for the Lord Isa 30. 18 19. and then and therein looking for that blessed hope mentioned in the beginning of verse 19. to dwell in Sion at Jerusalem and to weep no more even in the glorious appearing of the mighty God and our Saviour Tit. 2. 11 12 13. Isa 35. 4 10. 9 Qu. What that word of faith is Rom. 10. 6 8. Ans That which they did preach which word did declare the Descension and Ascension of Christ not only as the Works of God but as then already wrought vers 9. and the Word declaring them as done in one for all now come forth to be so beleeved and acknowledged by them that Word in the preaching of it comes or is made nigh unto men even in their heart and in their mouth that in that nigh coming of it through the power in and with it it might be received though it is not naturally nigh to or in any man but shineth in the darkness and the darkness comprehendeth it not Joh. 1. 5. nor otherwise is it as a habit or indwelling principle in men that beleeve or minde it not 1 Joh. 5. 10. Rom. 1. 28. 10 Qu. What that voyce of Christ is Joh. 10. and how they come to know it And whether his sheep may expect and wait for the same voyce now and to know it from all other c. Ans Here are three or four Queries in one to the first the former Answer may serve for that voyce of Christ is nothing else but that Word which God sent first to Israel and then to all the Gentiles preaching peace by Jesus Christ he is Lord of all which God hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son who began to preach it personally and confirmed it by them that heard him That in that Word as so delivered Repentance and remission of Sins might be preached not in the name of any other work thing or person but in his Name who himself bare our Sins in his own Body to the Tree that it might be preached to all Nations beginning at Jerusalem that word of Righteousness which the Apostles preached and left on Record Luk. 24. 46 47 48. Act. 10. 36 Heb. 1. 1 3. 2. 1 3. To the Second Query under this Head we answer It is known by its own light and power even by the demonstration of Spirit and of power that is in and with that Word as so preached which lifts up Christ and the glory of God in him and therein and thereby opens the understanding to understand the truth and goodness of the Scriptures declaring him as is shewed before and know his voyce therein To the Third Whether his Sheep may now expect it c. we answer It is already preached and made known to all Nations for the obedience of Faith that in the listning to and receiving it not as the word of men but as it is indeed the Word of God according as men by its own light and power in its coming to them are enabled men might be made of the Sheep of Christ in that peculiar sence and being Sheep might be guided by the same and they that wait for any other Voyce wait for a Delusion a strange Voyce and therein render themselves none of the Sheep of Christ To the last Branch how it may be known and distinguished from all other I answer by its own light and demonstration that Word of God where-ever so received as before it effectually worketh in them that beleeve to the discovery of all strange Voyces to be strange by this Rule They lift not up Jesus according to the Apostles Doctrin and to the moving and strengthening them to turn from all such because they know them not Joh. 10. 4 5. 1 Joh. 4. 1 6. 2. 20 27. 11 Qu. What that way is Isa 35. 8. Ans Jesus Christ as delivered to Death for our Offences and raised again for our Justification is the way the truth and the life and no man cometh to the Father but by him Joh. 14. 6. He that only Rest and Foundation propounded and laid by God for the people in the Law and Prophets Isa 28. 12. 16. with Ephes 2. 2. 20. and so the way of our approach and access to the Father vers 16 17 18. yea the beginning of all the ways of God he in and by whom sinners may now approach for washing through his Bloud but they that remain filthy and unclean still will not suffer themselves to be washed or made free from sin by the Son of Man through the truth now in this day of his Grace shall after be shut out for ever and not enter by him through the gates into the City in his second appearing which shall be only to the Salvation of those that through the grace by his first appearing are of the number of lookers for him were here as Travellours Strangers and Pilgrimes
That the only true God upholds by his power in those things by all that knows him and his power and I dare trust him and do in obedience to the Lord upon this proffer challenge any Manifestarians so called or the highest notionary Priest or other Priest or Bapist Dipper or Sprinkler with outward water in Lincolnshire or in any part of England Do not call this a temptation nor a boasting for it is not fleshly but if you will try your spirit and God this way try him and whether Spirit and God doth thus uphold without the help of man c. let him be acknowledged to be the Lord That Spirit 2 Cor. 3. 17. and the only true God And that which fails let him be accounted the God of the world that blinds the minds of people which beleeve not lest the light of the glorious Gospel of Christ which is the Image of God should shine unto them 2 Cor. 4. and 3. and 4. verses And for that Spirit of darkness that puffs them up with vain glory priâ—â— and conceits And if the said Manifestarians c. so called refuse to do according to this which is here written from the Spirit of the Lord let them cease their vain contentions and fleshly boastings and fleshly disputings also of others mens words and let them cease their preaching in their wills whereby they seek their own glory And come down thou that in thy brain-knowledge art exalted and sit in the dust and submit to that of God in thy conscience I command and charge thee in the presence of the Lord as thou wilt answer it before him lest for thy Disobedience and Rebellion the Lord meet thee as a Bear bereaved of her Whelps and tear thee to peeces and none be able to deliver thee out of his hands This way which is before made known will not appear fleshly but clear contrary to the flesh and the fleshly man yet though it do the spiritual man that witnesseth with the Spirits Ministers or the Ministers of Christ and of God did approve themselves in wayes contrary to the world both in much patience and also in afflictions and in necessities and in distresses and in stripes and imprisonments in tumults in labors in watchings and in fastings c. They therein approved themselves as the Ministers of God 2 Cor. 6. 4 5. c. And this way will be contrary to the world for the world never did so neither can the worlds nature indure it now Then it will be miraculous and so a miracle of Grace and the gracious working of the Divine power of God to uphold and furnish therein To this expressed and expresly send me your Answer with speed either to Thomas Killams at Balbie or to Edward Muglinstons at Swanington in Leicesteshire or else cease your boasting lay down your crown of vain-glory and fall under the judgement of the just and bend your necks under the yoke Let that in the conscience me answer and flesh be thou silent hereafter Written from the Spirit of the Lord in and by the servant of the Lord and also witnessed with my hand who am known to the world by the name Richard Farnsworth The latter end of the third month 55 For the chiefest of those called Manifestarians in or about Boston and Lyan These are to be delivered with care The Answer to the Challenge by Tho. Moor. THough I know not any called Manifestarians nor what manner of persons they apply that name too nor take my self at all included in their Challenge by any of those names inserted yet the Paper being sent to me lest they be wise in their own conceit or take occasion from our silence to glory before the weak and for others good I shall give this brief Answer 1 In their expressions to try our Gods whether Spirit and God bee the true one c. They intimately acknowledge that they do not own or worship the same God that I did confess before them which indeed I beleeve though they then endeavoured to hide it from the people 2 I thank God I am not wavering in my thoughts whether That God That Lord That Spirit which I then confessed be the only true and living God for though there be That are called Gods whether in heaven or in earth as there be gods many and lords many yet to us that through his Grace have been helped in any measure truly to know him that is true to behold him and injoy union with him by faith in his Son There is but one God the Father of whom are all things and one Lord Jesus Christ by whom are all things and we by him and one Spirit of God proceeding from Father and Son All others are Idols which we are to keep our selves from 1 Cor. 8. 5 6. 1 Joh. 5. 20 21. and not to listen to any spirit that shall move us to inquire after any other God save the Lord Deut. 12. 30. c. and 13. 1 3. Matth. 24. 23 26. Luke 17. 23 24. and Chap. 21. 8. with 1 Joh. 5. 20 21. That is is the true God and eternal life that did appear and was manifested in that one person of God and man which was a man approved of God among them that yet received him not Act. 2. 22. and so the Kingdome of heaven was said to bee among them while he was with them in person and personal Ministration and so also in them in the spiritual influences thereof striving and working in and with them for acceptance the word being made nigh them in the preaching of it Luke 17. 20 21. Rom. 10. 6 8. c. which person in whom only the fulness of the God-head dwels bodily was after to be taken from them personally And then even his Disciples should desire to see one of his dayes namely that of his second Appearing and should not see it until they and we that look for him shall injoy it together Luke 17. 22 23. ult Then shall he swallow up death in victory and wipe away all tears and take away the rebuke of his people In that day it shall he said Lo this is our God and we have waited for him we will be glad and rejoyce in his salvation Isa 25. 7 8 9. For who is God save the Lord and who is a Rock save our God 2 Sam. 22. 32. Therefore I shall wholly refuse any Challenge on these termes To try our Gods c. 3 The things they require are contrary to what the Lord requireth of us by which also I know they were not thereto moved of the Lord as they pretend 1 They require me to follow or go with them where they shall bee led for two weeks together c. Whereas wee are only to follow the Lamb whithersoever he goes which cannot stand with such an ingagement to follow any other spirit whither he may bee led c. yea we are expresly admonished To mark such as cause divisions contrary to the
doctrine which we have learned in the word of the truth of the Gospel compare Rom. 16 17. with Col. 1. 5. and 1 Cor. 15. 1 4. and to avoid them for they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ but their own belly their lust will or spirit or the light in them which is darkness what ever it be if it spring not from the person of Christ as declared in the Gospel who is even so the true light they magnifie not Jesus but themselves in the internal or external operations of their own spirits And by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple under pretence and shew of godliness they deny the power and root of godliness are the enemies to the Cross of Christ his personal sufferings and the only vertuousness of them for the taking away our sin and the love and glory of God as appearing in that face of him This they seek to undermine and sleight under pretence of magaifying Christ in them glorying therein in that which is their shame their internal proof of the mystery of iniquity with power and signs and with all dâ—ceiveableness of unrighteousness in them that perish from the faith for in them only it hath efficacie Phil. 3. 17 18. 2 Thess 2. 9 10 11. from such I say we are streightly admonished of the Lord To turn away 2 Tim. 3. 5. If any man love not the Lord Jesus Christ let him be Anathema Maranatha 1 Cor. 16. 22. If any pretend to acknowledge Christ and yet lift not up praise not magnifie not above all and unto and for all things pertaining to life and godliness the Son of man Jesus Christ as now already come in the flesh and through sufferings entred into glory for us as the only ground and foundation of our faith and matter of our rejoycing and song to others and fountain of our teaching that is that spirit of Antichrist not to be followed it s indeed not only against Christ but his most pernicious enemy being a contrary Anointing from which we are to flye at least as soon as we perceive it in any as Prov. 14. 7. Go from the presence of a foolish man when thou perceivest not in him the lips of knowledge which I oft after hearing some of their Discourse declared and as I could get liberty thus demonstrated I perceived not to be in them but the lip of a contrary Anointing and yet they are tempting me to follow after them a company and go with them night and day though they know such are my apprehensions concerning them Now whether it be right in the sight of God that I shal obey God or them in thâ—â— let others judge yea I wil in the strength of Gods grace observe the directions of the great Shepherd when any shall say Lo here or lo there is Christ either in this form of Church or State-government or in this order or as these in the secret chambers in some internal operations as found and accomplished in them in such manner as we cannot discern it unless wee lay aside all that knowledge of God in Christ we have received through and according to his word as fleshly â—o go after them appearing the second time without sin unto salvation and accomplishing that rest and hope of glory and perfection now in and upon them which we through the Spirit wait for to be revealed in the Resurrection of the dead when we shall all be gathered together to it which and more to that purpose was Naylors and Farnsworths witness concerning themselves we are I say expresly admonâ—shed then not to go after such and that for this reason in which we are fortified against their juggling That the coming of the Son of man that day of his second appearing in the glory of his Father and with his holy Angels should certainly be as the lightning from the one end of the heaven to the other at once accomplished to them altogether and visible to every eye even to those that shall weep and wail because of it Matth. 24. 26 27. Luke 17. 22 23 24. Rev. 1. 7. Therefore if a Prophet or Dreamer of dreams should tell us of a sign or a wonder and that also should come to pass as we know Antichrist shall come with signs and wonders in the latter dayes to move us to turn aside from following the Lord or to inquire after another God or to take us off from our waiting for his Son from heaven whom he hath raised from the dead we will not hearken to them nor go in company with such wicked men as Deut. 13. 1 2 3. and 28. 14. Psal 1. 1 2 3. 2 They require me to eat no food c. Whereas our Saviour bids his Disciples even those great Apostles who were to give forth the last and fullest Revelation of the Gospel for obedience to the faith among all Nations which was in that first publication of it to be confirmed with Miracles by them also even then when he gives them power in his Name to heal the sick c. yet then he bids them twice together eat and drink such things as they give and set before them among whom they went preaching Luke 10. 7 8. And the Apostle Paul tells Timothy They are Doctrines of Devils that command to abstain from meats which God hath created to be received and that with thanksgiving of them that beleeve and know the truth c. 1 Tim. 4. 3. I shall therefore answer them as our Saviour doth the Devil in a like case It is written thou shalt not tempt the Lord thy God 3 They require me to lay aside all books c. the holy Scriptures not excepted Whereas the Holy Ghost tells us he hath therefore written to us excellent things that so our trust may be in the Lord and we may have those words as written and left in record for and to us to answer all that are sent to us Prov. 22. 17. 21. and commends to us the example of a better Preacher than any of them in this That he sought out acceptable safe profitable and plain words for the people and in his search found That which was written was upright words of truth Eccles 12. 10 11. and renders it as part of the character of a godly man he exerciseth himself in the Law or doctrine of the Lord both day and night Psal 1. 2. yea the same holy Spirit commands Timothy to give attendance to reading to exhortation to doctrine to meditate on and give himself wholly to these things and in so doing study to shew himself approved a workman that needs not be ashamed 1 Tim. 4. and 2. 15. But these spirits lay their commands upon us not so much as to look on them in the Records left us in Books neither night nor day A notable peece of policy For if they can but keep us from going to the Law and to the Testimony with their internal light or power they