the Messenger of Satan to buffet least he should be exalted above measure And whereas he said O wretehed Man that I am who shall deliver me from this Body of Sin and Death Rom. 7.24 All which doth not incinde him to be a Transgressor of Gods holy Law as every man that remains in sin is which cannot in truth and righteousness say as the holy Apostle did I thank God throvgh Jesus Christ our Lord so then with the Mind I my self serve the Law of God but with the Flesh the Law of sin vers 25. Now by the Law of Sin the ignorant do conclude the holy Apostle was not free from sin in this Life which he clears in Rom 8.1 2 3 4 5 6. There a therefore no Condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus who walk not after the Flesh but after the Spirit for the Law of the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the Lâ—â— of Sin and Death for what the Law could not do in that it was weak through the Flesh God sending his own Son in the Likeness of sinful Flesh and for sin condemned sin in the flesh that the Rightenâ—sness of the Law might be fullâ—illed in them who walk not after Flesh but after the Spirit For they that be after the Flesh do mind the things of the flesh but they that be after the Spirit the things of the Spirit for to be carnally minded is Death but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace because the carnal mind is at Enmity against God for it is not subject to the Law of God neither indeed can it be so then they that are in the Flesh cannot please God Rom. 8.1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8. By which it is manifest that the holy Apostle did not all his days continue in a Body of sin but in his Warâ—are was pressing forward towards the Mark of the Calling of God in Christ Jesus Phil. 3.14 forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forth unto those things which are before Phil. 3.13 That the Man of God might be perfect thorowly furnished unto all good Works 2 Tim. 4.17 in which state of pressing forward to Perfection Patience hath her perâ—ect work that they might be perâ—ect wanting nothing James 1 17. Which state the holy Scriptures bear Record Paul in the end of his Warfare did attain which is a state free from sin in this Life according as by the Spirit of God he himself testified That he had ought a good fight wherein he had finished his Course and â—ept the Faith or whom there was laid up a Crown of Righteousness which the Lord the righteous â—udge would give him at the last Day and not to him only but to all them that love his appearing 2 Tim. 4.7 8. And these things were done before his Departure from the Body as appears by his Epistle to Titus and to Philemon and also to the Hebrews so that the Lords People well know by the Spirit of God agreeing with the holy Scriptures as also by their daily progâ—ess in the Way of the Lord all agreeing with the gift of his divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit that by true Faith and Obedience thereunto they shall receive a daily supply of his Power which will give sufficient strength against the Devil and all his Temptations by which he that hath set his hand to the Plow and doth not look back shall come to witness a thorow cleansing from sin in this Life which they that witness not in this Life shall not witness a cleansing in the Kigndom of Heaven for no imperfect thing can enter the Kingdom of Heaven neither is there any Repenting in the Grave for as Death leaves so Judgment finds Concerning the true Worship of God in Spirit EVen at this day as in days past among the Peopâ—â— of the World there are many Wayes of Worship but with the People of the Lord his way of Worship is but one in which they worship God in the Spirit and in the Truth for God is a Spirit and they which are true Worshippers of him they worship in the Spirit and in the Truth Then how can any be true Worshippers of God which abide not in his Truth for Christ is the Way the Truth and the Life and they that are not in â—hrist are out of his Truth and so not in the true Worship of God so as they are not in Christ theâ— are not in the 〈◊〉 but out of that spiritual Life in which the true Worship of God remaineth Now this we know that all men are in the worship of some one thing or another all pretending that their Worship is the right and true way of Worship Then seeing that all are Worshippers How is the true Worshipper known from the false Even as the Tree is known by its Fruit so are Worshippers known one from the other for the good Tree bringeth forth good Fruit but the evil Tree bringeth forth corrupt Fruit for men do not expect to gather Grapes of Thornes nor Figs of Thistles neither can any man be a true Worshipper of God in Spirit that doth not bring forth Fruits of the Spirit which are Love Joy Peace Long-Suffering Gentleness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance against such there is no Law Gal. 5.22 23. for they live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit with Christ such are the true Worshippers of God in Spirit and Truth but such Worshippers that draw in sin as an Ox draweth in Water their best Performances in Worship are sin unto which the Lord hath no regard for we know that God heareth not sinners but if any man be a true Worshipper of God and he doth his will him he heareth John â— 31 Now to think that God will accept any mans Work wherein sin remaineth that man deceiveth himself for all Works wherein sin remaineth it is not of the Spirit of God but of the Devil for he is a sinner from the beginning and the Truth abideth not in him for in the time of the Law the Peoples Offerings before the â—ord were to be perfect without blemish Lev. 22.21 and their weight and measure were to be perfect before the God or their Salvation Deut. 25.15 Which did signifie spiritual Obedience to â—hrist the Lamb of God without blemish spot or wrinkle who requires in this Gospel Day under the Light of his â—ovenant of Grace Light and Life unto which not any thing of mans imperfect Gift and Offerings can find place to enter into Covenant with the Lord of Life for the Salvation of their immortal Souls for as God hath perfected his work of Grace in Jesus Christ for the Salvation of Peoples Souls so most their work be also perfect by the Power of God in and through Christ for the Salvation of them that are saved in and through him the Lord of Life of whose Spirit there is a gift given to the Sons and Daughters of men which is for
this end that through perfect Obedience thereunto they may work out their Salvation by true Faith in Jesus Christ who is Author and Finisher of his own Work in the hearts of them that in him believe for he is given a Light to the Gentiles and a Rule of Life for all to walk by So here is no occasion of stumbling as the heart and mind attends its Rule which Rule directs the heart and mind in to the true and living Way which leads to the Kingdom of Heaven where they that worship out of the Spirit and Truth can never come for though they may not profess to worship a false God as many do yet they profess a worship of the true God in a false way by which their worship is a false Worship which the â—ord will destroy for contrary to the mind and will of God they have set â—p a false Worship teaching for Doctrines the Commandments of Men Mat. 15.9 For the hour cometh and now is â—hen the true Worshipper shall worship the Father in Spirit â—â—d in ruth for the Father seeketh such to worship him â—ob 4.23 By which its manâ—est That all words in Deâ—arations Preaching and Praying with all whatsoever â—se that men pretend to the Worship of God being not â—ad thereunto by the Power of God it is no more before 〈◊〉 Lord than he that cuts off a Dogs Neck or â—fforeth Sâ—ines â—lood Isa 66. â— For the â—ord is o◠〈◊〉 pure Eyes â—an to behold Iniquity or to regard Iniquity for be will not have regard to that Worship in which Obedience is not yeilded to the gift of his own Spirit of Truth which calls for Silence in the heart and mind of all such People whose Worship is not in the Spirit and in Truth for the fleshly part must be subdued and the natural Thoughts of the heart and the intents of the natural Mind must be subdued by the Power of God unto which Obedience is to be yeilded that every wandering Thought may be brought into subjection by the Power of God then the Lord will have regard unto the Soul of him that so worshippeth for such Worshippers are they of the Circumcision which worship in the Spirit and rejoyce in Christ Jesus having no Confidence in the Flesh Phil 3 3. Now this is the main Reason why People do not pront but in their Worship as themselves confess go round in their Duties even like a Horse in the Mill and a Door on the Hinges still remaining where they were because they offer to God with a false weight and measure which is of their own Imperfection in a belief that they shall never be free from Sin in this Life whereby their Debt is in larged and causeth them to fall short of a true Hope by Jesus Christ who will not accept that imperfect Offering which would not profit in the Time of the Law for this is the Day of Gods Grace by Jesus Christ in which if any man will hear let him not harden his heart through a false Belief begotten by the denyal that in this day of so large a Dispensation of Light by Jesus Christ that God will receive the imperfectness of Mans own Work which indeed is that which the â—ords Soul abhors for the Devil and Enemy of Mans Peace hath seated himself in the heart and mind of Man and exalted himself above all that is called God or that is worshipped so that he as God fitteth in the Temple of God shewing himself that he is God Thes 2.4 and unto him the natural Mind inclineth to serve by which the Soul remaineth in Sin and Transgression against God whose Gift of divine Light is vailed from the Understanding which also becomes Dark in which state they walk in the light of their own wayes which leads in the Paths of Death which fulfills Christs saying If the Eye be evil the whole Body shall be full of Darkness then how great is that Darkness Mat. 6.23 which Darkness drowns the Understanding of the inward Man that it cannot come to perceive the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ Jesus which is the Power of God to Salvation in them that believe in the Light of it which if it be hid it is only to the Disobedient who yeild their Obedience to their hearts Lusts which lusteth after Sin and Evil being also desirous to know God without Obedience to the gift of his Spirit of Grace in which state the Devil hath the ruling part in the heart which lusteth after some outward Work in pretence of worshipping God only for the outward Name of Christian amongst Men such Worshippers the Lords Soul doth abhor for Mans natural Will is Enmity with God and in that state mans Time in Worship is not that Time which the Lord doth accept but the Lords Time in which he doth accept Mans Offering is when by the Power of his own Spirit the heart is moved to worship him the only true God in the only true way of his Worship which is in the Spirit and Truth So all are commanded to keep silence before the Lord and to hear him for the profit of their own Souls before they can speak or declare any one thing for the spiritual Edification of another for he that nameth the Name of the Lord is first to depart from Iniquity and to wait for the Teachings of Gods holy Spirit which hath commanded Silence to all Flesh before hîm Hab. 2.20 Ezek. 2.13 also Psal 3.25 28 Let all the Earth keep Silence before the Lord I patiently waited on the Lord Truely my Soul waiteth on God from him cometh my Salvation So that God requireth a free and willing Mind to be free from all Incumberments and love of visible things which are below the true Wisdom of God which unto the wise-learned in the things of this World is counted foolishness to see the Lords Children sit together in Silence waiting on God to hear the Voice of his inward Call by the gift of his Spirit of divine Grace Life and Light in which is the true Worship of God in Spirit and Truth So here is to be no giving way to any stragling Thought of the Heart nor Intent of the Mind for all that is of Self is by the Power of God to be brought into Subjection to his holy Will which is the true worshipping of God in Spirit and Truth for all Thoughts and Intents which proceed not from the Power of Gods Spirit they are Thieves and Robbers which keep lurking through the Devils Power to deceive the Soul of that benefit which if they were obedient to the command of the Lord they might receive for as the true Worshippers in all Ages have been sound in the silent waiting their strength hath been renewed for they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength they shall mount up with Wings as Eagles they shall run and not be weary and thâ—y shall walk and not be faint Isa â—0 31 for they come
likewise are his People and Paradise and that the Beast spoken of in the Revelations which the whole World both great and small do at this day worship in their hearts as likewise the Tree of knowledge of good and Evil is within men for the whole exterior World or whatsoever either is or is done outwardly are but only an accident and figure signifying the Truth of the thing and the internal nature and therefore there is nothing true of whatsoever is seen with the Eyes of man for the figure and fashion of this World must pass away and perish as being nothing else but a certain imaginary World and the figure that is true right eternal and subsisting of it self consequently all things which in the Bible weâ—e done externally and signifyingly must again be done and again be brought to tâ— pass after their manner and all the History of the Bible and all Moses and the Prophets for the whole Scriptures to this day stand in force and are continually accomplished and fulfilled internally and spiritually for all things are by Christ translated into the Truth therefore it must needs be that all the Prophesies which God sâ—ake from the beginning of the World by the mouth of his holy Ones must still be called back reiterated or done over again therefore that shadow or that Tree was and is nothing else in the Truth but the â—ature will knowledge and life of Adam of this he should not have eaten this he should not have ascribed or arrogaâ—ed to himself but should a been-free and freely subject to God and not to have known any thing but what God knew in him nor to have done any thing but what God did in him nor to have spoken any thing but what God spake in him c. And upon this account every man is as much forbidden this Tree as Adam was to the end that God without any impediment might have exercised his Almighty Kingdom Will Nature Power in him but himself should have been utterly void of all knowledge will or nature and not to have arrogated any of these as proper to himself this pleaseth God this was that which he commanded and what he would have had done to this interpretation agreeth true Divinity that this Tree in the substance thereof is nothing else but mans own Will Knowledge of which alone in all the earthly Paradise of this wide World of mens hearts they ought not to eaâ— but to account it forbidden except they will eat of Death and Distruction for as soon as Adam fell by eating of this Tree the Tree was immediately planted in his mind and afterwards derived into all the branches and fruit thereof so that as the same Word precept and forbidding was commanded to all so is the same Fall all men which are in Adam have novv eaten of Death and received from the Serpent this undigested Pâ—yson so that it is easily perceived hovv man is his ovvn greatest Enemy and vvhat he ought to think of himself of his ovvn Will Understanding Wisdom and Knovvledge seeing it is the Counsel Seed Wisdom Knowledge and Head of the Serpent vvhich must by Christ be bruised in the Children of men for it must needs be that as in the old Testament was signified by Circumcision that in the new one by Baptism which is that of the Spirit through Regeneration and being new born of the incorruptible Seed of the Kingdom of God therefore he that will be made fit for the Kingdom of Heaven must part with and put off all things by nature and Inheritance by Adam even as he would do the Devil and Death it self viz. his own Will Prudence Wisdom and Righteousness where-with as fig-leaves their Adam doth vainly seek to 〈◊〉 himself for that is Sin and the 〈◊〉 of Death namely to eat of this True to 〈…〉 as 〈◊〉 his own Wisdom Prudence 〈…〉 but alas who knowâ— this 〈…〉 who is it that is displeased with his own 〈◊〉 Understanding occâ—â—isdom when will men forsake them where are the men that do not delight themselves in their own will and recreate their minds svveetly and contentedly therein reposing upon their own knowledge understanding and the â—ike The Tree is fair to be looked upon and sweet to be tasted and therefore do the Sons of Men so greedily swallow and devour Death as Adam did land this is the misery that men know it not neither think they of it but judge it to be good and think assuredly that this is the Tree of Life even to follow their own Wills and their own Conceits and Opinion of good which indeed is false to know much to discern many sciences and so to grow great in their own Thoughts assume to become Gods and in the mean time they are not aware that this is Adams fall his biting of the Apple yea his bitter Death it self yet are continually speaking â—f the miserableâ— state of Man by Adams fall but not take notice the same is done in themselves and many are they that talk of his eating and pretend to detest it and him for it yet themselves eat of it even as he hath done which doth manifest the miserable state of men who prepare a Rod for themselves by giving sentence against their own life by condemning their first Father Adam and perceive not themselves fast in the same Trap. Here then consider diligently what mans Will Knowledge and Understanding is where with they think they may come into the presence of God whereas indeed it is nothing but the bitterness of Death and the fruit of the forbidden Tree how few is there among men that perceive this or will learn to put off deny fear mortifie or kill his own Will and Wisdom nay rather do they not hold it fast extol and value it as pure Gold whenas indeed it is eternal Death and truly in this Misery the whole World lieth sick and few is the number of them blessed Ones who are delivered from themselves and their own wills power and wisdom but are a small remnant and few in number as one of a City and two of a Tribe that find this strait gate and enter in at it CHAP. II. Concerning the Tree of Life what it is and why Adam was shut out forbiaden and with-holden from it and not suffered to eat thereof I Can also allow that there is the Tree of Life likewise in Paradise as we find recorded in the holy Scripture whose fruit might have been so seasoned and endued by God and how it had that nature that he who should eat of it should live forever and never dye and when Adam had eaten of the forbidden Tree and had fallen as God foretold into Death it might not now be that he should be permitted to eat of the Tree of Life otherwise he might have lived forever and the Word of God if thou eat thereof thou shalt dye the Death had been false Moreover God who is meer Love and cannot forever be angry
the Father in full Power Maiesty and Dominion being God over all and in all for evermore whom the World hath in great dispute and many Controversies have risen to the destroying of many Thousands of Peoples lives when that it is plain That Christ came not to dâ—stroy menâ— lives but to save and make alive leaving this Example That Wheat and Tares should grow together until the Harvest lest in gathering the Tares they root up also the Wheat with them Mat. 13 28 29 30. from which saving Christ proceeds to another Parable comparing the Kingdom of Heaven to a grain of Mustard-sâ—ed being accountâ—d the least of all Grain Seeds which being grown up it becomâ—th the greatest among Hâ—rbs and bâ—cometh a Tree that the Bâ—rds of thâ— Air come to lodge in the Branches thereof Mat. 13.31 32. and in the 33 verâ— Christ likens the Kingdom unto leven hid in three measures of Meaâ— until the whole was leavened These things were spoke in Parables that the Saying of the Prophet might be fullfilled in the â—ttering things which have been kept secret from the Foundation of the World which now is manifest by the Light through the Death and Resurrection of Christ Jesus and also left upon Record in the holy Scriptures of Truth that in the light of the Lord God People may learn and come to uâ—derstand that Peoples perishing is not altogether for want of Knowledge but for want of Obedience to that measure of Light which they have received for he that is faithful in that which is little is made Ruler over more for as the Grain of Mustard Seed hath the Light been â—own in the hearts of many which have received as one Talent and in others who have received more so that where much is given much is required and where more or less if it light on good ground it becomes the greatest among Herbs in the Lords Garden and bringeth forth Fruit abundantly to the Praise and Honour of Gods holy Name also the little Leaven had in three measures of Meal implyes the whole man till the whole becomes leavened into a new lump of the heavenly Nature of Gods Kingdom in Christ Jesus which as men come into a true Christian state of Obedience to the Gift of Gods divine Light quickening Word or his Spirit which hath been handed â—orth through the Death and Resurrection of the Lord of Life and Light they through Obedience may come to witness Eternal Life by Jesus Christ Which things one would think are sufficient to incourage all to yeeld their Obedience to the gâ—â—t of Gods divine Light for there is not a Thought of the Heart nor an Inâ—ent of the Mind but the Light makes it manifest which to obey is 〈◊〉 and to disobey is Death for to be carnally minded is Death but to be spiritually minded is life and peace Rom. â— 6 For while men â—emain in obedience to the Light they are spiritually minded in which state they are â—ervants to Righâ—â—ousness but while men are in Disobedience to the Light it is accounted before the â—ord as Rebellion which is as the 〈◊〉 Witchcraft for it is the Willing and Obedâ—ent that shall 〈◊〉 the good Land which 〈◊〉 only extends to the Christ of 〈…〉 to the Lâ—ght who walk in the right as 〈…〉 â—â—dallght and â—n Christ the 〈◊〉 and Light havâ— they Fethâ—â—sh pâ—one with anothâ—â— and the Blood of Jesus Christ cleansâ—◠〈…〉 from their sins 1 John 1 7 for Christ is the Light 〈◊〉 the â—oeld and he that followeth Christ shall not walk in Darkâ—◠〈…〉 have the Light of Life Joh. 8.12 Now 〈◊〉 this 〈…〉 it 〈◊〉 the Dâ—â—obedâ—ent whose Eyes are blâ—nde◠〈…〉 of 〈…〉 〈◊〉 Gor. 4.4 Awake thou that sleepest in sin and Christ will give thee Light for all things that are reproveable in the heâ—â—t of man are reproved by the Light for whatsoever doth make manifest is Light Ephe. 5.13 1â— by which it is manifest that mans condemnation is of himself in that he will not be faithful to the Gift of Gods divine Light because his deeds are evil for every man that doth evil hateth the Light neither cometh to the Light lest his Deeds should be reprovea Joh. 3.19 20. but he that doth Truth cometh to the Light that his â—eâ—ds may be manifest that they are wrought in God cap. 3.21 for God in Christ is the Fountain and Well spring of all Life and Light in whom the â—aithful of God shall for evermore remain in the holy City of heavenly Jerusalem where there is no need of Sun Moon nor Stars to shine in it for the Glory of God righteth it and Christ the Lamb of God is the Light thereof and the Nation of them that have been Obedient to the Light of Gods Gift by Jesus Christ shall be saved and shall walk in the Light of it Rev. 21.23 24. So the God and Father of the Lord Jesus Christ who is God of all Life and Light and the Way the Truth and the Life of Light which all men in measure have received that they may yeild their Obedience to the Requirings of it that by it their Understandings may come to be more more enlarged towards the Lord of Life and Light that by him through the Power of his Spirit of Grace they may come throughly to see and perceive to hear and understand the things of God treasured up in â—hrist for all them that love the appearance of his â—ight in their own hearts which is the gift of his Spirit of â—race which in measure all men have received and it preaches Life and Salvation to all that are found in faithful obedience to it but it preaches Condemnation Wo and Misery to all that live in a known Life of Disobedience to it which state of so living is no less than to â—rucifie the Lord of Life afresh and to trample under foot all that ever Christ hath done and suffered for the Redemption of the Soul of that Man or Woman which is found in a known state of Disobedience to the Gift of Gods Spirit of Truth which is that Gift of his divine Light which will not loose it honour either by the Salvation or Condemnation of all Mankind even as their Obedience or Disobedience hath been in this Life accordingly will be their Reward in the Life to come which is matter for all to consider before the Spirit of God hath lest striving and the Day of Gods Grace be over with them that perish through a Life of known Disobedience to the Gift of Gods divine Light which came by Jesus Christ who is the Author and Finisher of his own Work in them that believe Concerning Christ the true Seed and everlasting Covenant of God to his People THis is the Christ which the holy men of God in their Day and eneration prophesied to come and to finish Sin and to put an end to Transgression in all thaâ— truly believe in his Name which according to Gods appointed
in learning the holy Scriptures in which they have the Doctrine Principles and Practice of the holy Men of God for their Example to follow them even as they have been Followers of Christ then they would come into that state in which they would witness the Power of God by Jesus Christ to crucifie every unruly Affection which doth lust after sin and evil and leads the Mind from serving God into the excess of spending the Creation to perform their hearts Lusts by which they dishonour the Name of the Lord and increase Trouble and Sorrow to the destroying of their Souls which is the end of them that remain in an unrighteous Life for whatsoever People may say in respect that their Tongues are their own anâ— that their Thoughts are free to think what they please and that there is a time to be Merry and to Sing and Dance and Recreate themselves with much more of the like Expressions yet for all these things there is a time wherein all men must appear before the Lord of Life to render a just Account of every Thought Intent and Action of all the Deeds done in the Body in which Day it shall go well with the Righteous but the Ungodly and Prophane shall be turned into Hell with him unto whom their Obedience hath been for all that have forgot to retain God in all their Thoughts so living and dying God will also forget Mercy towards them for his Regard is only to his own Seed and to Men as they are joyned to it which hath been sown in all sorts of Ground which is in the heart of every Man and Woman for them to yeild their whole Obedience thereunto for whatsoever ye do whether ye eat or whether ye drink let all be done to the Praise and Honour of God who gives Life Health and Strength for that end for whatsoever is in Peoples talk more than of Yea and Nay it is for Condemnation which is great matter of weight for People well to consider what will become of their Souls who live in the daily Practice of Words Actions wherein the Lord never savingly appears but as he doth permit their Souls Enemy to rule their Thoughts Intents Words and Actions so of his free Love in Mercy to their Souls the Lord doth manifest to them the evil of their way which is by the gift of his divine Light in their own hearts and by his Spirit in the Instruments of his Truth which have been sent and are yet sending to warn the Wicked to turn from their unrighteous Wayes which if they would but give up their minds to come under the Cross of Christ which is that Cross for them to bear which remains in Opposition to their corrupted Desires then they would become able by the Power of God in Christ to witness his Yoke to be easie and his Burden to be light for what he hath said unto one be hath a so said unto all that is Watch and Pray lest ye eater into Temptation for he that remains faithful in his Watch by the Light of the Lord perceiveth the Devil's Temptation in his first Allurement which by true Prayer in faithfulness to his Watch the Power of God in him doth appear to the resisting of his Souls Enemy and causeth him to slee so that in them in whom the Mind is stable in seeking after the Lord for the Knowledge of his Truth in Jesus Christ their Understanding will open more and more towards him by which the reading of the holy Scriptures will also be of great benefit to the Understanding which will also refresh the inward Man so that as all are diligently to mind the Gift of Gods Grace which they have received as a Seed of the Kingdom through which by Obedience it will grow and bring forth Fruit acceptable to God who requites his own with increase for the Honour of his Same and profit of Peoples Souls that by Obedience to his holy Seed they may remain in Covenant with God and be made Partakers of his Kingdom in and through the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ Further concerning the Man Christ which was conceived by the holy Ghost born and brought forth of the Virgin Mary and suffered Death for the Redemption of all men and as many shall be saved as believe in his Name GOd so loved the World that he gave his only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in him should not perish but have everlasting Life John 3.16 Which doth manifest that God sent his only Son born of a Woman to suffer Death in a Body of Flesh for the Redemption of Peoples Souls in which Body of Flesh did remain the Fullness of the Spirit towards the Salvation of all mens Souls yet they only shall be saved which believe in his Name for his Name is called Jesus because he was sent of God to save his People from their sins Mat. 1.21 Luke 1.31 which is according to the Prophet Isaiah cap. 7.14 15. A bruised Reed shall he not breaâ— nor smoking Flax shall he â—ot quench till he send forth Judgment unto Victory and in his Name shall the Gentiles trust Mat. 12.15 to v. 21. He came to his own and 〈…〉 received him not but as many as received him to them he gaâ—e Power to become the Sons of God which were born not of Blood nor of the will of Flesh nor of the will of Man but of God Joh. 1 11 12 13. Which doth manifest that where men only believe in the outward Righteousness of the Man Christ who as he was in the Body of Flesh was God and Man without the believing in the Gift of his Spirit which iâ— the inward Word of Life and leads the heart and mind of every sincere Christian into a sanctified state of true Obedience to the Gift of his divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit of Grace without which they cannot come to live in that true Faith which justifies the Souls of the Righteous in the sight of God the Father in which state of true Obedience the evidence of his Spirit doth bear witness with their Spirit That the Declaration of his Truth recorded in the holy Scriptures hath proceeded from the Spirit of Life in Christ Jesus who in that Body of Flesh was both God and Man according as it is written for Peoples learning That the Word was made Flesh and dwelt on Earth among the Sons and Daughters of Men and many that believed his Name believed his Glory as the Glory of the only begotten of the Father full of Grace and Truth Joh. 1.14 They outwardly believed as Man with a visible Eye but as to his invisible Glory of Holiness they believed him the Lord of Life as he was God and Man with an invisible Eve which by the Gist of his Spirit enlightened them to know him to be the Lord of Life whom to know by true Faith is Life Eternal which was made known unto them by the gift of
that is a Member of his Body doth of his divine Nature partake by which it doth bud spring and bring forth Fruit abundantly to the Praise and Honour of Gods holy Name but every Branch that bringeth not forth Fruit unto God by true Faith in Christ the Father taketh away for it s by Disobedience the Lord cuts it off and appoints it its Portion in Hell which is the Portion of all them that let the Day of Gods Grace and Visitation of his Spirit to pass over but every Branch that beareth Fruit in Christ the true Vine the Father purgeth it of its first nature the old heaven of Degeneration and by the Power of his Word Grace and Spirit leavens the heart mind and spirit into the new lump and nature of his heavenly Kingdom in Christ Jesus the Author and Finisher of his own Work in them that truely believe which by Faith in Christ bring forth Fruits of Righteousness and Holiness which are the Works of true Faith without which Faith is even dead as the Body is without the Spirit for by the Gift of Gods good Spirit of Grace is the Faith of every true Believer wrought into a lively hope in which stands an assurance of that Crown of Righteousness which 〈…〉 store for all true Believers that fear the Lord and keep his Commandments such are they that live in the true fear of the Lord which is the beginning of Wisdom and leads the Mind out of visible delights and to follow Christ with an easie Yoke and light burden to do his Will which is that strait and even narrow Way which leadeth unto the Kingdom in which no unclean thing can enter neither is there any cleansing but what is here on Earth for as Death leaves so Juâ—gment finds and there is no Repentance in the Grave Which things in the true Love of God to Peoples Souls I do exhort them to weigh and consider that they may turn in their minds from all vain Delights and obey the Voice of the Son of God in their own hearts that by the Gift of his Spirit they may come to be turned from Darkness to Light and from the Power of their Souls Enemy to serve the Lord in true Holyness of heart mind and spirit for there is no other Name given under Heaven for men to be saved but as they come to believe in Christ as he did outwardly suffer and also believe in the Gift oâ— his Spirit and inward Word of Life unto all them that are in true Obedience to the gift of his divine Light which hath been the Path of the Just in all Ages and yet appears in the heart of every man and Woman with whom the Day of Gods Grace is not over for his Love remains stedfast to all that which is of his own Nature which is of a contrary Nature to that permitted Power unto which too many yeild their obedience by which the desire of their Minds is drawn from obedience to the gift of Gods divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit in which state they serve the the Lust of the Flesh the Lust of the Eye and the Pride of Life and as men void of all spiritual sense and reason as to the things of God their Thoughts Words and Actions are here and there in the love of those things which Work the Lords Soul abhors and such appear as Trees without Fruit as to God for their Fruit is of a strange Plant and unregenerate Vine for which cause the Spirit of the Lord in his Servants is the same as it was in his Servants of Old who are called of God to bear their faithful Testimony against all Unrighteousness of men who as evil corrupt Trees bring forth evil corrupt Fruit for which cause evil minded men are at Enmity with the Lord and his People whose Fruit is of his own Spirit which is Love Joy Peace Long-suffering Genâ—leness Goodness Faith Meekness Temperance against such there is no Law for they live in the Spirit and walk in the Spirit with Christ whom now as in days past the wise builders set at naught wherefore he hath said The things of the Kingdom are hid from the wise and prudent of this World and revealed unto Babes even so hath it pleased God for the wise and prudent of this World pretend to build upon him at whom they stumble and is become the Head of the Corner and will so remain to the breaking down all that which is contrary to his holy blessed Truth so that no building shall stand but that which is built by the Power of his own Spirit in them whom the Wisdom of this World doth despise even as the Wise did despise in that Day when they set their Learning in Hâ—brew Greek and Latine over the Head of Jesus Joh. 19 20 even so is it with the Wise of this World in this Day whose Learning is set above the gift of God which came by Jesus Christ whose People begot by him in the true Faith and Oneness of Spirit do well know that there is No other Name under Heaven given among men whereby to be saved but by that Name Jesus of Nazareth that Christ by which is the Righteousness of his People for he unto them is made of God Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption and that in this World as well as in the World to come and not simply so accounted as some judge and then made unto us of God Wisdom Righteousness Sanctification and Redemption hereafter in the World to come but realty made to us here and that perfectly too so far as he is perfectly hoped in 1 Pet. 1.13 for Salvation that is Salvation from God by Christ through the Faith of his outward Sufferings and by obedience to the gift of his Spirit in the heart which is the inward Word oâ— Life to them that hear and obey by which they may be turned from Darkness to Light and from the Fower of Satan to the Power of God by which they may witnesâ—â—he Evidence of Gods spirit That they have the Pardon of sin and forgiveness of that which is past being washed with the Blood of Sprinkling which cleanseth the Heart and purgâ—th the Conscience from dead Works to serve the living God in uprightness of Soul Body and Mind and without witnessing of this VVork perfected through Faith in Jesus Christ the Soul can never be clean to enter his Rest with him in the Kingdom of Heaven which was prepared before the Foundation of the Earth was laid for a People that should serve the Lord in uprightness of Soul Mind and Spirit being throughly cleansed by the Blood of Jesus Christ whose Death Resurrection and Ascention will not avail any Man or VVoman whose Mind remains in the love of any one thing more than to love him and serve him with uprightness of Heart Mind for to be carnally minded is death but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace and whereby every
among all thâ— Nations for his Name Rom. 1.5 and as many as received this Word in oâ—e â—rence to the Faith being grafted in him in whom there is not my thing availeth the Soul of Man but by that Faith which worketh by the Love of God Gal. 5 6. Now seeing that tâ—â—e Faith worketh by the Love of God in and through Christ what Faith is that in them which leads to destroy the Lives and Estates of People for their Obedience to God who worketh by Love in the hearts of his People for this end that they might believe in the Word of Faith which sanctifies the Soul of every true Believer that by Faith in Jesus Christ through Grace they are saved for true Faith works by Love through Obedience to the Word of Faith which is Christ in his People the Hope of their Glory by whom his People are begot into a lively Hope that maketh not ashamed but that Faith which leads People to believe that they do good service for God by destroying the Lives and Estate of their peaceable Neighbours for their different Judgment concerning spiritual things is it not the Faith of Devils and Hope of â—pocrites whose Obedience is to the Prince of Darkness the Enemy of Mans Happiness and all such are in a dangerous stâ—â— for God worketh by love and Christ came not to dâ—stroy mens Lives but to save them and such men being many that pretend to work â—o God whose Truth is contrary to their Doctrine Principle and Practice as doth at large appear by their preaching and writing such things as in Deut. 13. Numb 25. also in Ezra and divers other places in the Law which were only to continue the Lords time of fullfilling the Righteousness thereof whose Râ—gateousness in this Gospel â—ay will not be received by the many Teachers in this Age who preach and teach to advance their own profit in way of their Trade for in the time of the Law the false Worshipper with all hâ—â— Substance was held accursed before the Lord and for that end both were to be destroyed and therefore in this Age the Anti-christian Teachers do account that such who are not of their Faith and as one with â—hem in Doctrine Principle and Practice that â—heâ— as false Worshippers are to be destroyed But Christ is come by whose Coming the Righteousness of the Law is fullfilled in that he came not to destroy mâ—ns Lives but to save and make alive by calling Stanners to Repentance and to return by Faith in Oâ—edience to serve him the living God with uprightness of Heart Mind and Spirit doing unto all Men even as they themselves would be done unto which is the Law and Prophets out of which state men are not in the true Faith but are ignorant of Gods Righteousness which is in the New Covenant of Life Light and Grace which came by Jesus Christ contrary to whose Righteousness they establish their own Righteousness and not submit themselves to the Righteousness which is of God Rom. 10.13 wherefore their Faith remains dead and their Hope vain for Faith is the gift of Gods Word which is Christ the true and living Priest who by the gift of his Spirit of divine Life Lighâ— preaches Light Life and Grace by which the Souls of â—he faithful are saved and of this nature cometh Faith â—y hearing the Word of God Rom. 10.17 which doth manifest that Faith comes not by that Word which is not from the Spirit of God in such faithâ—ess men who for â—â—cre of Gain make use of other mens lines made ready to their hands that is of such who bargain with People to preach unto them for their Money who if they perceive a greater benefit to present in another place they account it sufficient Encouragement to leave the lesser and to hold the greater but such their Doctrine Principle and Practice is inconsistent with Gods holy Truth which doth live in the hearts of them that are faithful unto what of God by Jesus Christ is made manifest unto them for unto them doth the Promises of God belong by whose Spirit of Grace is his Righteousness revealed from Faith to Faith as it is written The Jâ—st shall live by Faith Rom. 1.17 Then what doth it profit any man to say that he hath Faith when that by works of Righteousness he doth not maâ—â—est the â—â—me for Faith without Works is dead even as the Body is dead without the Spirit such may believe that there is one God they do well the Devils also believe the same and fear and tremble but they fear and tremble because of Gods Wrath in Judgment even so it is with the Rebellious who by their vain Life of Disobedience fall short of true Faith they also fear and tremble but not in love to God but for fear of Terment to comâ— such are they whose Faith is without Works whose Faith is as dead as the Body is dead without the Spirit 〈◊〉 2 17 18 19 20. Then seeing that without that Faith whâ—â— is by the gift of Gods Grace that sanctâ—fies every true Believers Work of Obedience by which it is imputed to him for Righteousness without which â—t is impossible to pâ—ease God who will hold all men guilty of Dist bedâ—ence â—haâ— remain in sin for sin makes a continual â—eperation 〈…〉 God and â—he Soul whereby they that continue in a state of sinâ—â—ng against the gift of Gods Grace they by so doing fall short in the true Hope of Salvation for by true Faith in Obedience to the gift of Gods Spirit the Mind is wrought into a still frame of Spirit being made able through the Power of Gods Gift to wait for the Hope of Righteousness by Faith Gal. 5 5. By which it is manifest that waiting in Silence of Mâ—â—â— the inward Affections come to be drawn from having any desire in that part which through the Temptation of the Souls â—nemy is natural to lust after evil for the Body is the Temple of the holy Ghost and all thoughts and intents of the heart and mind that appear contrary to the moving of his own Spirit they are Thieves and Robbers that proceed from the Souls Enemy which strive to prevent and hinder the prosperity of Gods Gift of divine Light which is of the Seed of the Kingdom of God which Seed in measure hath been sown in all sorts of ground which is the heart in all men Mat. 13.3 4 5 6 7 8 for the Temple of God is the Body of Man in which Christ is to rule for the Salvation of all them that by Faith in obedience to the gift of his Grace Life and Light receive him Know ye not that ye are the Temples of God and that the Spirit of God dwelleth in you If any man defile the Temple of God him will God destroy for the Temple of God is holy which Temple ye are 1 Cor. 3.16 1â— â—t is a worthy subject for every Man and Woman to consider well with
themselves by making a diligent search with the â—ight of the Lord in their own hearts how it stands between God and their Souls which must either live forever or eternally perish with the Devil and all they that by obedience to him in this Life have sinned out the Day of Gods Grace and of his â—ich Mâ—cies by Christ Jesus which hath been tendered unto them for the Salvation of their Immortal Souls So to all with whom the Spirit of God doth strive that they may bend in the strength of their Minds to â—ir upon him in a retired state out of all their owRnâ—â—nnings from Hill to Mountain in which state they are out of that Silence which the Lord hath commanded That the whole Earth which is all flesh should keep silence before him Hab. 2 20. And again the Spirit of the Lord by the Mouth of his holy Prephet saith The Lord who is raised out of his holy Habitation commandeth all flesh to keep Silence before him Zech. 2.13 By which it appears to all that hear see and understand That Silence is that which God hath commanded to all Men and Mankind who are to wait upon him in the Silence of Mind that they may see and perceive hear and understand the Lords Will and Mind in hole things which belong to the Peace and Well-fare of their Immorcal Souls in which state of true faithful Obedience the inward Man of Heart Mind Spirit will be made capable of receiving that benefit which the Lord will improve by his faithful Instruments and that not only for the benefit of his own good but for the benefit and good of others that so the Name of the holy One may bâ— honoured thereby The Lord in his rich Mercy is good unto all them that wait for him in Sâ—â—ence Lam. 3.25 28. And in this state did David wait on God from whom cometh the Salvation of the faithful who truly wait iâ— Silence on the Lord Psal 37.7 69.1 Now 〈◊〉 the â—alvation of Peoples Souls cannot be without Obedience to the Faith of God in Christ of whose Spiritâ—â—â— men in measure have received which is the Call of God by the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ who was obedient to the Fathers Will in â—ll things for the Redemption of mens Souls which without true Faith and Obedience according to the Requirings of his good Spirit of Grace there is no Salvation by him then if no Salvation by him to them that remain in Disobedience to the gift of Grace they are to perish for evermore for as in the outward among the Disobedient and Rebellious which pretend themselves Subjects to some Earthly King he knowing them so to be will not protect them with that care and safety from the danger of an outward Enemy as he will protect them whom he well knows that theâ— are faithful Subjects which in true obedience serve him such Subjects will remain in silence to hear what their King doth relate as tending to the preservation of their outward Man then how much more suppose ye will the great King of Kings and Lord of Lords keep and preserve them that observe his Commands to remain in silence before him the Lord of Life to hear what he will speak by the Voice of his Spirit for the preservation of their Souls which keep silenâ—e before him Vnto me Men gave ear and waited and kept Silence at my Counsel Job 29.30 Now they that are not in the Faith of these things they are in a Faith of their own Righteousness seeking the Lord where he is not to be found crying Lo here and Lo there in this and the other Form wandering in their Minds from place to place from one high Hill to the other barren Mountain which bringeth forth barren Fruit by Hebrem Greek and Latine of which are few that are not in Paul's first state in which all his unsanctified Learning would not give him the true saving Knowledge of God by Jesus Christ for in that unregenerated state Mans Will and Time is not accepted with God but Gods Will is to be Mans Time in that which Man offers unto the Lord otherwise Who required these things at your hands depart from me ye that work Iniquity against me and my People for I know you not and forasmuch as you have not received them you have also denyed me therefore the Lord will utterly destroy the Wicked by bringing their Works to nought but he will preserve the Righteous which shall shine as Stars in the Firmament of Hâ—â—ven as it is written How beautiful are the feet of them that bring glad Tidings of good Things Rom. 10.14 15. Now where are the good things that the Hireling Teachers bring as to spiritual I could never find any thing by or from them that did proceed from the divine Nature of God by his Son the Lord Jesus Christ but as to other Mens Lines made ready to their hands that for Money men may buy once or twice a week of which things I shall only touch in this Chapter leaving the substance for another place where through the assisting strength of Gods Power I shall prove to the satisfaction of them whose Minds are in faithfulness before the Lord who cannot bâ—â— see heaâ— and understand that forced Maintenance for Preaching is not according to the Rule of God nor practised by any of his holy Prophets in days past neither is the manner and method in Preaching nor their Order in that they call their Church Government or Gospel Order in their Church with divers others of their Principles and Practices which they account belongs to their Calling are so inconsistent with Gods holy Truth as is sufficiently maniâ—ested by his own Spirit and by his holy Prophets and Apostles lest on holy Record as doth appear by the Declaration of the holy Scriptures and the Spirit of God by which they were given foâ—th and my Charity is to write and speak of them that which I am fully perswaded is the Truth of God iâ— my heart That they either hold the Truth of God iâ— Unrighteousness or that they are ignorant of his saving Knowledge by the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ that is they know little or nothing as they ought to do of Gods â—â—ving Power and spiritual appearance of Christ in their own heâ—â—ts but are blind Leaders of the blind till without true Repentance and Reformation they shall fall together which according to Christs own words all they that continue in a state of unfaithfulness in Dâ—obedience to the giâ—t of his Word of his good Spirit of â—race which is given by measure to heal and make alive they shall â—ade and wither away as fruitless Branches which when their day is over they shall be cut off and cast into the Fire where the Worm dyes not nor the Fire of Goâ—s Wrath goeth out for Christ came not in any measure of that nature which hath appeared in the false Teachers of this Age
to the Dispensation which he had received for the opening of blind Eyes in others by which they were turned from Darkness to Light and from the Power of Stran to the Power of God and received Forgiveness of sins and an Inheritance among them 〈◊〉 are faâ—ctified Acts 26.18 in which state he did not 〈◊〉 to speak any thing which Christ had not wrought in him yea he so strove to preach the Gospel not where hâ—st was named lest that he should build upon another mans Foundation Rom 1â— 18.20 which is as much differing from the call and practice of many called Gospel Ministers in this day as the East differs from the West being contrary one against the other and at that distaâ—ce by which they can never joyn one to the other even so contrary are they in their own Wisdom to the Doctrine Principle and Practâ—ce of the holy Apostles who were called of God by the Power of his own Spirit in and through the Lord Jesus Christ which made them able Ministers not of the Letter but of the Spirit which gave forth the Letter that kills them that are not in Obedience to the gift of the Spirit for the Letter kills but the Spirit makes alive 2 Cor. 3.6 for the Apâ—stles were not made Ministers by the Will of Man neither were they upheld by the Power of Man but were made Ministers according the gift of Gods Grace given unto them by the effectual working of his Power Ephes 3.7 neither did they build again the things which they had once destroyed for in so doing they become Transgressors Gal. 2.18 Now the hited Teachers of this Age preach against Sin which on the other hand they build up by laying a rotten Foundation That People can never be free from sin in this Life which is inconsistent with Gods holy Truth by Jesus Christ who came to destroy sin and put an end to Transgression that is in them which believe as the Apostles have done for example for they were so far from hire that they had as it were nothing and yet through contentment with the Lords providing were made possessors of all things approving themselves as the Ministers of Christ in much â—atience in Distress by Pureness by Knowledge by Long-suffering by Kindness by the holy Ghost by the Word of Truth by the Power of God by the Armour of Righteousness on the right hand and on the left by Honour and Dishonour by evil Report and good Report as Deceivers yet true as sorrowful yet always rejoycing as poor yet making many rich as having nothing yet possessing all things 2 Cor. 6.4 to 11. which was the state of the true Ministers of Christ in that day and is in measure the same with many in this day Which doth manifest the wide difference between the Ministers of Christ and the Ministers of Anti-christ the one being in a state of Darkâ—eâ—s through that wisdom which will neither enter nor suffer others to enter and the other in a state of Light through the gift of that Wisdom which is of God by Jesus Christ which is willing to give entrance through Faith in him to his Rest which the wise of this World by all their outward Learning can never find for as the true Ministers of Christ give no offence so the Ministers of Anti christ offend in all things towards God and his People and he that offends Christs little ones better were it for him that a Mill stone were hanged about his Neck and that he were drowned in the depth of the Sea Mat. 18.6 7. for the People of the Lord are even to him as the Apple of his Eye and blessed are they that are not offended in him for they shall receive a double Reward of Gods heavenly Râ—ches in Jesus Christ but Wo is unto them that have taken upon them the name of his Ministers and are not found in â—he 〈…〉 of his Life by whose Spirit of Grace his Servants were made able Mâ—nisters of his Truth according to the Dispâ—niation given thâ—â— for others to fullfil the Word of God Col. 1.25 which is evident they did not preach 〈…〉 but Jâ—us Christ the Lord and themselves the Peoples Servanâ—s 〈◊〉 Jesus sake 2 Cor. 4.5 neither had any mans Person in aâ—miration for advantage sake of outward gain neither was their preaching with 〈◊〉 words of mans wisdom but in the demonstration oâ— the Spirâ—â— and of Power that Peoples Faith might not stand in the Wisdom oâ— Man but in the Power of God 1 Cor 2.4 〈◊〉 that so they might continue in the Faith grounded and stedâ—ast and not be moved away from the Hope oâ— the Gospel which they â—ave heard and which was preached to every Creature â—hat is under the Heavens whereof the Apostles were made the Ministers of Christ Col 1.23 Now it is evident that they who pretend to be Gospel Ministers and are not in Dâ—ctrine Principle and Pratice as aforesaid related of Christs Ministers they are â—â—e Worlds Teachers set up and upheld by the World â—nd so no true Gospel maintenance belongeth unto them â—r their mouthes are to be stopped because they subvert â—hole Houses teaching things they ought not for filthy â—ucre take therefore their mouthes are to be 〈◊〉 â—hom God hath not sent to tred out his Corn for 〈◊〉 God taketh care for Oxen so he taketh the greater care 〈◊〉 the Ministers of his Truth that as they plow in hove they also thresh in hope and are made partakers of their hope 1 Cor. 9 9 10. in which state the Houshold of Faith do good unto all men and more in a special manner to them of whom they pertake of their spiritual things So in the one Faith do the People of God minister to each other without any Compulsion by or from the Power of man Rom. 15.27 1 Cor. 9 11. So they that waâ—t aâ— the Altar are made to partake with the Altar 1. Cor. 9 13. Even so hath the Lord ordained that they which preaâ—â—h the Gospel should live of the Gospel 1 Cor. 9.14 So the true Ministers of Christ do not use any outward Power least that they should hinder the Gospel of Christ 1 Cor 9.2 which Example is left for all to follow even as the true Gospel Ministers have followed Christ and also to mark them that walk otherways 1 Cor. 11 1. Phil. 3.17 Then whom should we mark but them who have taken upon them the Name of Gospel Ministers and by their Doctrine Principle Practice are not found of the Nature of Christ and his true Gospel Ministers which teach People the way to Gods Kingdom without Money by the year for preaching for the Love of God in Christ by whom his Servants and Messengers of Truth are constrained to preach the Gospel for whose sake they preach the Gospel without Charge even so was it with the Apostles in their Day who used no Compulsion neither did he write that any such thing should be done unto them
for it were better for him to dye than that any man should make his glorving void for though he did preach the Gospel he had nothing to glory of for a Necessâ—â—y was laid upon him yea Wo was unto him iâ— he did not preach the Gospel What theâ— was his Reward that when he did preach the Gospel that he might make the Gospel of Christ without charge that he might not abuse his Power in the Gospel 1 Cor. 9.15 16 18. for though he was free from all men yet he made himself a Servant unto all men that he might gain the more 1 Cor. 9.19 which doth condemn the Doctrine Principle and Practice of them which have the name of Gospel Ministers but not the nature of Gospel Ministers in this our day in which some have said That would to God they could but practise all what their Ministers preach and teach to them the reason is because the great God of Heaven and Earth by whose Power they are restrained other ways they would do even as their fore-Fathers have done who have persecuted many of the Lords People to Death and not only among Papists but among them called Protestants also but the Lord hath in all Ages permitted the Power of that Spirit for a tryal of us Peoples Faith who did never esteem of human Learning as needful for Mans Salvation but of late among other things it hath crept in among the Churches as by the following Account from Christian Authors Gaudeutius da mor. sec Justinian saith We do not read that ever the Antients did openly in Schools read or teach Philosophy since they did rather abhor it And faith another good Author I would fain see a man that could shew that Christians either before or in the time of Justinian did openly teach Philosophy And Hadrian Saricrial informs us That the primitive Christians had no Accademical Schools like those now a days And we do not read of any University of the Albigenses Waldenses or Bohemians for most of their Teachers were Trades-men and Handy-crafts-men and did not spend their Time in reading Tongues or studying Authors Herald Aaimad in Arnob. The Christians living excluded from all Honours and Magistrates did neglect the Studies which were for the discharge of civil Imployments because Sophesters and Philosophers were the principal Enemies of Christianity therefore upon this account they condemned all Tragadies and Commodies and all other Poetical Writings being the main part of humane Learning as Judging they did not conduce to sollid Knowledge Tertullian lib. de Idolat pag. 138 139. Judged that School-Masters professing Leaâ—ning were guilty of great Idolatry because they did only expound Names Gâ—neologies and fabulous Arts oâ— Heathen gâ—dds and generally in hoâ—e days Believers harboured a very bad esteem of Natural Learning and generally the Christians were provoked thereunto because the Gentiles did upbâ—aâ—d them that their Teachers were salâ—â—erate Persons as Wool-Combers Weavers or the like These things being objected against the Christians the Christians on the other side rejected all humane Learning as a 〈◊〉 thing and no ways advantagious to Salvation though their Adversaries boasted of it Origine lib. 3. saith The Christians did declare that Men of any Condition might be saved Servants Idîots Rusticks and such as the World valued as Fools and that God did confound the wise in their own Wisdom And Coelsus as Origâ—ne 〈◊〉 his Book 〈◊〉 That Christians did proclaim it in their Assemblies Let none that is Wise enter none that is learned none that is â—oudent for thus it is appointed us in the Gospel but if there be any that is unwise unlearned any foolish let him approach with Confidence for these are fit to be the Servants of God Gazentius in his Annimadversions pag. â—5 saith That the Gâ—ntiles did object against the Christians their rude Stile their harsh Language and how they werâ— destitute of all Addresses calling them Rusticks Clowns c. So the Christians did again term the Gentiles thâ— Eloquent and the Learned Clemens Romanus saith in his Writings lib. 2. cap. 6. Abstain from all the Books of the Gentiles for what have you to do with strange Discourses or Laws or false Prophets which seduce weak men from the Truth Petrus Belonius saith That in Greece among the Christians which were very many there were few learned men because they esteemed not of it as of necessity to Christianity though they could speak Greek and some Larine few could write or read In their Libraries were found several Manuscripts of Divinity but no Hâ—story no Philosophy for these were 〈…〉 and 〈◊〉 Christians not to study Poetry and Philosophy Yet we find that the Greek Church is highly owned for a true Christian Church by the Protestants though neither the Greek Church the Pikards Albigenses nor Waldenses in Bohemia did value Learning so far were they from esteeming of it as the proper true Religion Luther de Inst puer inter oper Wittingburg tom 7 fol. 444. Paul exhorteth to beware of Philosophy and vain deceit 2 Col. 2. He had been as Aâ—hâ—ns and had acquainted himself with that vain glorious humane Wisdom and knew the multiplicity of Contradictions which it had procured what then had Athens to do with Jerusalem what hath the Epicures and Stoicks to do with the Church of Christ Jerom lib. 1. contra Peleg What had Aristotle to do 〈◊〉 with Paul or Plato with Peter And a multitude of Testimonies may be brought to the same effect how that Christians did in former days reject Philosophy and Heathen Authors and all such frivolous stories as of no way lawful 〈◊〉 Christians to meddle in nor good to propagate Christiâ—nity And Bishop Vsher in Vindication of the Waldenses by way of Apology saith God did chuse Fisher-men that he might not give his Glory to another forasmuch as the little Ones had asked Bread they came to receive it and the learned being busied about vain Contentions and Disputations were sent empty away Bishop Vsher des Eccles cap 6.28 The Waldenses said We are not ashamed of our Teachers because they labour with their hands procuring thereby a livelihood to themselves because both the Doctrine and Example of the Apostles doth lead us to such Apprehensions But I would not have any to mis-understand me or to think that I am against all outward Learning for that is not my drift but that Truth and Righteousness may take place by which outward Learning may remain for the use of that end for which it was intended the knowledge of Tongues and Languages having their proper Uses which are not evil in themselves and Schools of Learning I acknowledge there ought to be for Natural Languages are serviceable for Translating the Scriptures and â—theâ— pious Books into the vulgar Tongues and for natural useâ— in natural Transactions in civil Affairs betwixt Man and Man and Nation and Nation for its good to maintain Learning and to keep it in its right place otherways iâ— can never be of
good or evil the Lord shews it unto them in their own heart and conscience by the Revelation of his spirit which Justifies the thoughts and intents of the Righteous but condemns the thoughts and intents of the Wicked Now the holy Scripture is short in giving men the knowledge of their thoughts and intents without the searchings of the Spirit of God for the Lord searcheth the Heart and tryeth the Reigns and decleares unto Man what is his Thoughts Amos 4.13 Also the Prophet hath said by the Spirit of Truth That they shall all be taught of God which is according to Christs saying John 6 45. Every man that hath heard and hath learned of the Father cometh to meâ— neither hath Eye seen nor Ear heard neither hath it entered 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 even the deep things of God for what man knoweth the things of a man save the spirit of a man which is in him even so the things of God knoweth no man but the spirit oâ— God and to whom the Spirit reveals them for true believers in this day as well as in dayes past have not received the Spirit of the World but the spirit which is of God that they might know the things that are freely given to them of God 1 Cor. 2 9 10 11 12 By which it is manifest that divine Revelation by the inspiration of Gods holy Spirit is of absolute necessity for Salvation in and thorough Faith by Jesus Christ whom no man can know but by the revealed gift of his Spirit which through Faith begets the inward man into the saving knowledge of God and of his Son the Lord Jesus Christ through which every true Believer in him comes to receive of the like benefit with the Saints in their day to see with their spiritual Eyes and to hear with their spiritual Ears and with their spiritual hands they come to handle the Word oâ— Life 1 John 1.1 Then if all divine Revelation and Inspiration of Gods Spirit to his Children be ceased must not all spiritual seeing and spiritual hearing be ceased also which by their Doctrines doth seem to me as if they conclude Christ also to be ceased for if the Inspiration of Gods holy Spirit of Revelation be ceased then how shall God and Christ be heard and seen spiritually as believers in dayes past did spiritually hear and see him Also if God hath committed his whole Will and Mind to Writing then by what means are these saved which have not received the knowledge of the Letter of the holy scripture Will they conclude they all perish for want of the Letter when the Mind and Will of God is that a Remnant of all Nations of them that fear him and work Righteousness shall be saved And though the holy Scriptures do give Infallible Marks of such an estate yet there is no scripture can infallibly assure any man that he hath these marks but it must be the spirit of God that gives every true believer such an assurance for the spirit it self beareth witness with our Spirits that we are the Children of God Rom. 8.6 So it is the Spirit of God by which that assurance is revealed to beleivers or more properly in believers by which they come to witness that they have the Son and he that hath the Son of God hath Life 1 Joh 5.12 Now the holy Scriptures hold forth that he that hath the Son of God hath Life but give no assurnce of Life but the Spirit of God doth reveal an assurance which proves that all divine Revelation is not ceased CHAP. XVII Concerning the Spirit of Christ and the Spirit of Anti-Christ THe whole state of mans Life is governed in Thoughts Words and Actions by the Power of the Spirit which hath the Commanding part in man who is either governed by the Spirit of Christ or the Spirit of Antichrist which is the Devil for there are but two Spirits which rule the Spirit of God through Jesus Christ which rules in the Righteous whose Thoughts Words and Actions are governed by the Power of Gods Spirit which brings the Thoughts of the Faithful to be subject in Obedience to the Power of his own Spirit in and through Faith by Jesus Christ Now the Spirit of the Devil is that Anti-Christ which Gods Power permits to rule in the Children of Disobedience whose Thoughts Words and Actions are governed by the Spirit of the Devil so that men are Servants unto that Power which they obey for the Thoughts of mans Mind are in a continual motion and where God is not retained in the Thoughts they cannot be of any service to him for the Souls benefit but are in servitude to him unto whom they yeild their Obedience which Work altogether tends for Distruction of the soul therefore People ought to be diligent with that gift of divine Light which God hath given to find out the hidden things of Darkness in the heart of man who by Obedience to the gift of Gods Grace may come to understand the Lords Will to be done in their Thoughts Words and Actions which work will bring honour to the Name of the Lord and Peace to their own Souls for he that brings his Deeds to the Light they are made manifest by the Light whether they are wrought in God through faith and Obedience to the gift of his Grace for the promise of God by Christ is to the obedient part for his Children are made a free and Willing People to serve him with uprightness of Heart Mind Thoughts Word and Actions for the carnal Thoughts of man brings Death over the soul but the spiritual Thoughts of man bring Life for to be carnally minded is Death but to be spiritually minded is Life and Peace with God in Christ Sâ— as there is but two Spirits which bare rule the one or the other hath the Commanding part in the heart and mind of man for the Mind cannot serve two Masters that is no man can serve God and Mammon for while the Mind is in obedience to the Spirit of Life it overcomes the Spirit of Death but while it remains in obedience to the Spirit of Anti-Christ it becomes dead remains with Death which state hath no relation to the things of Christs Kingdom for God is not a God oâ— that which is dead in sin and Treâ—pass against the heavenly divine gift of his Spirit of Grace Life and Light which come by Jesus Christ whole Spirit is not of this World neither are they of this World whose Minds are begotten of God thorough him to live in Obedience to his holy Truth but the Spirit of Anti-Christ is of this World and rules the Thoughts Words and Actions of them who are the Children of this World which by subjecting to his Power they believe that in the best of men sin remaineth all the
which Doctrine ought not to find itching Ears among any the Children of them who have persecuted the Lords Servants to Death at Boston but as the Lords Seâ—vants and Messengers of his Truth have born the merciless Rod of that persecuting Generation so ought every man concerned either actually or by consent to bear the Charity of the Lords People which is great Charity indeed to inform them of their unrighteous ways against the Lord and his People The fore-going Letter some of them called Railing but the Day will come in which they shall know and that from the just God of Heaven and Earth that it is no railing to infoâ—m People of the Truth which in the time of my Letter was both lawful and expedient for me so to do neither are they to have forgiveness of God further than they turn and repent neither are the Lords People to forgive that on Earth which is not forgiven in Heaven but to pray that his Will may be done on Earth as it is done in Heaven CHAP. XXVIII Concerning the Covering and Vncovering of the Head in Honour to Man or Men. WHere there is liberty by the Law of God for one man to remain with his Head covered before another it can be no transgression of any Righteous Law among men and as to Customs of that nature it is better to obey God than Manâ— for all things which a man is perswaded of God in his own heart to be comely decent and of good report that men ought in obedience to God to follow but that which hath no Scripture Example from any command of Christ nor Practice of any of his Apostles for one man to stand bear-headed in honour to another is that which cannot proceed from the Life and Power of God because it is not found in the holy Scriptures to be commanded of God neither in practice by any of Christs Disciples nor his holy Apostles bâ—t only a beaâ— Cuâ—tom got up among some of the Nations which indeâ—d by many of them are so accustomed to the Hat Hand and Knee by or with which they bestow so much Honour one towards the other that by that practice with other of their Works among men they have not due regard to the Works of Righteousness and Holiness for the honour oâ— God before whom in the time of praying prophecying the Head is to be uncovered for the Head of every man is Christ and the Head of Christ is God which proves a dishonour to the Name of the Lord to honour men whose hearts they know not as to God but honour them in the saâ—â—e form as they do the Lord when their Prayers are made to him who is the searcher of all hearts and giver to every man according to the fruits of his doings which to the faithful will be a Crown of Righteousness to the hoary Head but to the Sinner though a hundred yeaâ—s old he is accursed which also doth of Hat-Honour by which men honour that which is accursed of God CHAP. XXIX Concerning the great Judgments of God upon the Inhabitants of New-England by Witch-craft WItch-craft is altogether wrought through the Spirit and Power of the Devil which rules in the Children of Disobedience who ramain in the Works of the flesh with which Witch-craft is included Gal. 3. and 5 20 for which cause the just Judgments of God are the Reward of all Wicked and â—â—godly men but to all that repent their Sins and Blasphemies wherewithsoever they shall blaspheme shall be forgiven but he that blasphemeth against the holy Ghost shall not be forgiven in this World nor the world to come Joh. 5.6 17. Mat. 21.10 Now as to divers Authors their apprehensions are various in differing one from the other about Witches and Witch-craft which to prevent error that Truth and Righteousness may take place I have taken in hand to set forth in order a Declaration which is according to the holy scriptures which do hold forth the nature and cause of People having familarity with the Devil who is the Father of all Unrighteouâ—ness through which Unrighteousness he begets the heart and mind to serve him in which state more or less are most men through which Life of Disobedience the Understanding of man is darkened that it cannot see what is for God according to his will neither do they comprehend divers works which are against him which is also as a Judgment from God for Disobedience which indeed is of the nature of Rebellion which is as the sin of Witch craft then where men are in the like state they are blind as to the knowledge or God concerning such whom he commanded to be destroyed in the time of the Law Deut. 〈…〉 11.12 Exod. 22 18. for they that are not come to 〈◊〉 Law and the Prophets do not know the will and Mind of God relating to the new Law of Light Life and Grace by Jesus Christ for they that serve sin are servants to sin and of him they are whose works they do Rom. 6.16 Iohn 8.44 Mat. â— 24 Luke 6.13 Then in what state are they that are alwayes confessing but never forsaking for if through Obedience they did forsake sin then there would be no such need of confessing that which they have forsaken because where men forsake their sins and live in all good order of Gods holy Truth as they are commandâ—d to do then the Lord will remember their Transgressions no more Isa 45 7. and 44.25 for where men keep Judgment and do Righteousness at all times they are not in a state of alwayes confessing and of not forsaking Psal 106.3 for where men confess and not forsake their works manifest a dead Faith James 2.26 in which state of â—â—obedience they draw near with their Lip and Moâ—th to honour the Lord when it is manifest by Works that the heart is far from him and their fear is taught by the precepts of men therefore doth the Lord do amarvelous work and a wonder for the Wisdom of then Wise Men shall perish and the Vnderstanding of their Prudent men shall be hâ—d Isa 29.13 Mat. 15.8 Mark 7.6 which scriptures are fulfilled as a Judgment of God for innocent Blood shed in New-England whose Priests and Rulers with the consenting Inhabitants have been bewitched that that should not obey the Truth of God made manifest by Jesus Christ whose Servants they have put to Death at Boston for which cause as a Judgment they are deliverd up through Unbelief to hardness of heart to commit other sins which with the sin of Blood hath furder stored up the Lords Wrath to add to their Troubles through the increase of his Judgments against them for rebelling against his holy Truth for which cause as Judgment increaseth against sin so sin in New-England increaseth against Judgment until the Light of sin at this time is of that hight and nature that there is no less of the Priests and their Church Members with others of their hearers then five
in Christ Jesus â—s to the faithful and through him are they kept in perfect peace out of which state the World remains unstable having the mind tossed to and fro in the busâ—â—gs and clamourous Noises about the Devil and Witch craft which â—â—man need to fear as he keeps faithful upon his watch 〈◊〉 Obedrence to Gods holy Truth made manifest by Jesus Christ for while Israel kept faithful the Devil could not get entrance for it is said Surely there is no Inchantment against Jacob nor Divination against Israel Nâ—mb 23.23 Which doth certainly prove that if there were not first a falling from Obedience to the Command of the Lord that â—e would not depart from them for God hath commanded all men to watch and pray that they may witness deliverance in the hour of Temptation and if this Command had been kept by the afflicted Evidences they could not have been possessed or bewitched by the Devil nor any of his Instruments for the cause of their being possessed or bewitched hath been through a Life of Disobedience to God who as a Judgment for not obeying his Truth hath suffered further affliction to come upon them which is also as a warning to all others that they may live as they ought to Gods Truth which the Devils Power cannot touch for though the Devils Power was permitted to touch the outward Man of Job for a tryal of his inward Faith but not to touch the inward Man for whatsoever the Lord may suffer the Devil for the outward tryal 〈◊〉 his Peoples inward Faith yet he never suffers the Devils Power to lauch in such a manner as in these bewitched or possessed Evidences which is almost beyond the crediâ— of man to receive what manner of strange actions they had which I do believe the true Prophets of God were never acted by any such Spirit which gives them as they say the true knowledge who are Witches and who are not thâ— divers of the Persons they never knew nor never heard of theâ— Names before the Spectre or Devil turned informer maâ— their Names known to them and where they live and theâ— have presumed to affirm That P. F. a Merchant of Salem murthered J. R's Son of Salem by drowning him at thâ— Island of Barbadoes with many more things of thâ— like nature which are too tedious to relate of the afflicted Evidences and I desire of God to be preserve from such a Spirit of Sights And yet some who Names I shall not here mention have said That the afflicted bewitched or possessed Evidences are the true Marty of Jesus Christ and that they are killed all the Day long aâ— as his Sheep accounted for the Slaughter From which Belâ— the Lord deliver me for the chosen of God which wâ— read of Psal 4â— 22 Rom. 8.35 36 37 38 39. we not sighted by any such Spirit as these are sighted with 〈◊〉 they were Christs Sheep and knew his Voice who 〈◊〉 he true Shepherd of Israel which neither slumbereth 〈◊〉 sleepeth but watcheth over his Flock by day and by â—â—ght and his Voice they know but the Voice of a â—â—ranger they will not follow John 10.5 For they follow 〈◊〉 Lamb of God which taketh away the Sins of the World Joh. â— 29 for by his Blood are the Righteous made clean from 〈◊〉 corrupt part which is the cause in them who are affected and tormented even as we see these Evidences be â—hose whooping and hollowing with all their other â—â—tick Actions is far from singing the new Song as they â—â—d who were redeemed not by the power of Man but â—y the Power of God Rev. 5 9 10 11 12. for by the â—ower of God without the help of Man were they made â—â—re than Conquerors through him that loved them Rom. 〈◊〉 37. So that the Love of God savingly is to them that â—ar and obey and not to the disobedient state through â—hich Unbelief and hardness of heart brings People â—â—o trouble of Spirit and it may be that some of â—â—ese People called Witches have been in trouble which â—ith other Circumstances may have occasioned them to â—â—clare that against themselves which it may be they â—e not giulty of for to them that are in trouble of â—nd by reason of unfaithfull living to God the Devil â—ay be permitted to work the frame of their Spirits into â—â—th Delusions that thereby the whole natural sences the understanding may be drawn to believe a thing â—hich is but only in shew and not in substance as for â—an to believe that the Devil hath avisible Book of natu 〈◊〉 Paper and with the natural Blood of mens natural Boâ—â— they subscribe to this natural Book and that the Devil taketh their natural Bodies of natural men and women and baptizeth them with natural Water and that he setteth them upon a natural pole and carrieth them for above the highest Trees to a natural House where the Priests and the Devil give them natural Bread and natural Wine which they say they eat and drink and he promises them to pull down the Kingdom of Christ and himself to sit upon the Throne of Christ with much more of the like nature which some of there called Witches have confessed but most of them that have so confessed I think are at liberty and those that have not confessed put to Death for what they have confessed of the like nature most of them 〈◊〉 not all have denyed again which as to their deny at I do believe would not have been of much benefit had not the Devil been so hasty to inform against such whom some may think impossible to be Witches but as to that God and their own Consciences know best but the faithful may Judge according to mens fruit even as the Apostle did when he said O foolish Galations who hath bewitched you that you should not obey the Truth before whose Eyes Jesus Christ hath been evidently set forth crucifiâ—â— among you Gal. 3.1 So that Witch-craft is maintained through the Devils Power in divers manners which to be sure one part of Witch-craft properly belongeth to them that bewitch People that they should not obey the Truth of Gods holy commands by Jesus Christ for which cause of Disobedience as before related is it thaâ— some as a Judgment upon them are given up through unbelief to hardness of heart in which state some livâ— in such horror of Conscience that their Lives are of sucâ— burden that they willfully murder themselves otheâ— in the same state are as willing to dye as the otheâ— but desiring to dye and not being permitted to destroy themselves because Death as an addition to Judgment sleeâ—h away Rev. â— 6 then in that state of horror may they not accuse themselves of such sins which they have not commited for this very end to be destroyed by others for a wounded Spirit who can bare Prov. 14 1â— and how common is it in Barbadoes for black People to destroy themselves meerly upon a false
received to profit withal Joh. 3.16 17 18 19 20 21. Mat 25. 1 Cor. 12.3 to 9. Ephes 5.13.14 So that if People would but give up in their minds to spend that time in reading the holy Scriptures which they spend in that which only satisfies the Lust of the natural Will which begets from a furder and furder obedience of retaining God in their thoughts by which the mind is fitly framed through Disobedience to veild it self a servant to the Devils Power through which they become Witches and in one degree or another are Instruments of bewitching others in which state of Disobedience the World remains in Wickedness bewitching one the other that they should not obey the Truth of God made manifest by Jesus Christ so that the greatest sort of Witch-craft by the Devil is to make men Instruments for his service and to bewitch into that which is of the most service to promote his Kingdom of Unrighteousness which cannot be higher promoted by any that serve him then when they are by him bewitcht to bewitch others into the like state that when they are destroying the lives of the Lords Children think it is of the greatest Service for God and benefit to their Souls which is the greatest sort of Witch-craft that ever was for People of the Devil so to believe Now for all other sort of Witches they only touch the outward but cannot touch the Spirit of one true Believer in Christ Jesus which according to that command of God for the destroying of Witches and false Worshippers in the time of the Law if it remain the same in this Gospel Day it reaches the Life of every Persecutor which doth bewitch that they should not obey the Truth in which state though they worship not a false God as in the time of the Law yet they worship the true God in a false way which comes under the same Condemnation of not suffering a Witch and the false Worshipper to live in the time of the Law So that Persecutors are no more the true Worshippers of God in this Gospel Day than Witches and other false Worshippers were in the time of the Law for Publicans and Harlots shall enter the Kingdom of Heaven before them that are of that Persecuting Spirit by which so many Thousands of People are bewitched that they should not obey the Truth but remain in the works of the flesh with which Witch-craft is included Gal. 5.20 for which cause the Devil is permitted to imitate the very form of the way and manner of their former proceedings against the People of God at their general Court in Boston for some of the afflicted bewitched or possessed Evidences say That the black Man i. e. the Devil in a high crowned Hat with his Priests have divers times called together about four or five hanared of their Number at Saâ—â—m they use to assemblâ— themselves together breaking Râ—â—ad and drinking Wine which they call the Devils Saâ—â—ament which practise as the Evidences with some of the confessed say is before they set upon the hight of their intended Work to a 〈◊〉 and torment others thereby to force them to conform to the same practice of the Devils way and some have confessed they have been freed from the Torment of their afflicted state upon conforming to the Devils Will who then baptizeth them into Covenant to do what he and the Priests with him command to be done Which work of the Devils general Court is as like in imitation to the work of the former Priests and Rulers against the People called Quakers as the moving shadow of a wicked man is like to the moving of 〈◊〉 corrupted Body for all that would not conform to the Faith of the Priests and Rulers to do as they did in that day were by them and their followers esteemed no better than Dogs for I never heard of any Dâ—g but received more Mercy than that Servant of the Lord William Breand received at the hands of the Priests Rulers and their Followers in that day who tyed the said W. B. neck and heels sixteen hours and laid upon his naked back thirty stripes with a three cord knotted whip and then from â—â—e of their Church Members with a pitcht Roap received one hundred and seventeen stripes only his Shirt to defend the same having his body thus beaten into a Jelly of flesh and blood he fainted away some thinking that he would not have recovered life again and the Doctor said if he did recover it would be a Miracle which through the goodness of God he did recover to 〈◊〉 and strength again whose Testimony was of great courage through the Power of God for the service of his Truth among them that did believe and for the further Condemnation of them that did not believe in which day the work of Unbelievers was of that nature against the said People called Quakers that to read the History of all their Sufferings in that day in and about Boâ—on may in Ages to come make men to wonder that such a professing People in New-England should manifest themselves so mad against an innocent people nay in that day did they not appoint their Women Church Members to search the Bodies of the Lords Hand maids for Witches whose Testimony will remain to the end on Record That one of them so searched in the bearing and bringing forth fire Children did not undergo the like trouble as the inhumane cruelty of these Church Women put her to in the searching of her Body for a Witch which she was clear of but now among their own Church Members they have as is supposed Witch-craft upon Wiâ—ch-craft the which whether true or not is a Judgment of God upon them for their not repenting of their evil Deeds against the Lord and his People who daily desire of God that they may manifest Repentance by the fruits thereof until which time of Reformation that men may come to do even as they would that all men should do unto them the Lords Anger against the Inhabitants of New-England will not be removed for they may expect that as they increase in Unrighteousness against God that as he draws off the lesser Judgment a greater for sin and evil against him will upon the Unrighteous be poured forth for God is not mocked such as men sow such they shall also reap and if the Inhabitants of New-England do not amend and repent the Lord hath yet a Work to do by Pestilence and Famine which will be more terrible than all the Lords former Judgments have been ever since they began to persecute the honest People called Quakers Of which work under Boston Government in that day I have before mentioned proving it to be the moving cause that the Lord hath as with Israel of old left the Inhabitants of New-England to further evils which with the shedding of the Blood of the innocent and their other sins these horrid Accusations of Witch-craft have increased among the Inhabitants and Churches
was done in Heaven therfore is it writen that as the body is dead without the spirit so is also Faith dead without Works that by whomsoever works are not manifested agreeable to Gods holy Truth and example of his holy People in days past they are only Christians in namê and not in nature of that life which God requireth of all men to live and abide in therefore it is that people profit not by what they hear or read because they are spiritually dead having blinded Eyes and deaf Ears with which they can neither see hear nor receive to understand the Spirit of Truth of which a manifestation is given to every man to profit withal and is the gift of his Spirit the Word of Faith to them that will hear to obey the Light of the Spirit of Truth which is the condemnation of the Disobedient who are here and there in this and the other Form of Religion serving God with mouth and lip in their own wisdom wills and with their own words being only called by the Name of Christ without the Nature of his Life which being destitute of no man can be a true Christian yet how contentedly do men live and abide in this and the other form but do not witness the strength of the power of God to redeem from sin and transgression and to make alive to God who is only a God them that through the Spirit do mortifie the deeds of the flesh and through the Spirit are brought in again by the flying Cherub and glittering Sword of Gods power in and by Christ the Tree of everlasting Life on which as any eats he cannot dye to God but hath an infallible assurance of life in the Son of God without which assurance no man can truly say that he pleaseth God in thought word and deed for it is the anointing which is by the Tree of Life that teacheth all things which leadeth into all Truth the evidence of which Spirit doth assure the Son in whom there is life and the nature of his life dwelleth and abideth in them that by true faith in him and obedience to the word of his Spirit they are made alive unto God and of this nature is Christ in his people and in whom he is not they are Reprobates and in whom he abideth not they are cursed Children abiding under the curse in their own wisdom knowledge will reason righteousness and the like which causeth them to lust more and more after the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil for which cause they rebel against the Spirit of God in themselves and deny his appearance in his People for which cause of Rebellion which is as the sin of Witch-craft the Truth of God abideth not in them therefore are they without God in the world living to their own God of which in the world there are many that delight and sweetly recreate their minds in by living a life of obedience to their own ways of righteousness which only proceeds from lust that gives way for men to live according as their own will and reason directeth them in all they do for God and to one another all which is vnder the Curse as it is written Cursed is he that putteth his Trust in man and maketh flesh his Arm. So all men that live in flesh and blood and are obedient to their own wisdom will and reason they are servants to their own lust being in bondage as slaves servants to that and those things which they do as it is written Men are Servants to him to whom they obey and Children of him whose work they do therefore he that will be free from the curse of condemnation must take up the cross and deny himself of all things which are not of God and his Spirit of Truth otherwise he cannot come to the Tree of Life but will fall short of that Crown of Righteousness which is in store for all them that abide faithful to God as by his divine Light he doth lead and teach by the spirit of Truth which leadeth into all Truth by which men are made fit to enter in at the strait gate of Christâ— Kingdom CHAP. VII Concerning Judgment begun at the House of God and in his House to judge down every appearance of evil THe House of God in general where Judgment first beginneth is his people but Judgment cometh to every Transgressor of his holy Truth and that to judge down every appearance of evil therefore said one in his day Who shall deliver me from this Body of sin death Now the Body of this man was the House of God and Temple of the holy Ghost in which God by his Judgment was at work to judge down cast out and destroy every lust that would evalt it self above the Witness of God that the House of God might be throughly cleansed and only become a house of â—oly Habitation for the Spirit of Truth to abide in for as 〈◊〉 is written The high holy one who inhabits EternÃty dwelleth not in Temples made with hands but taketh up his abode with men of clean hearts contrite spirits that fear him and work righteousness do justly love mercy and walk humbly such bear the image of God and nature of Christ with whom and in whom both Father and Son do take up their abode therefore where men give not up to come under the cross and follow the light and word of Gods Spirit in obedience to his call they resist the holy one crucifie him afresh to themselves such defile the house and temple of God and them will God destroy indeed how many such people with a fair Israel 〈…〉 of Religion are crept into a profession of Gods Truth 〈◊〉 â—hrough deceit have under the like profession entered 〈◊〉 selves as Christians among the People of God but he that caused the Net to be cast into the Sea which brought forth good and bad to the shore the same doth permit the net of profession to gather all sorts of People into the outward name Christian therefore doth Judgment also begin at the House of God which are his people to make a seperation between the precious and the vile not only to purge and cleanse from lusts but also to cut off the stubborn and stiff-necked ones which will not submit to the cross whose Judgment will also reach to the old Age of them that live in disobedience to the Spirit of Truth for Judgment from God hath spread it self to the ends of the Earth and hath begun its work at the house of God If the righteous scarcely are saved where shall the ungodly and sinners appear Judgment is not come to bring peace to any unrighteous person but is gone forth to do the work of God among the People and will both inwardly and outwardly lay waste and destroy all that is not of himself for that which only is of himself shall stand and that which is not of himself shall come to nought and therefore Judgment from God is gone forth to the ends of Earth that all that will be gathered may be preserved and that which will not hear the Spirit of Truth to be obedient thereto the same shall be scattered abroad till Judgment gather it as Fuel for the fire of Gods Wrath which forever burneth against the unrighteousness of wicked and ungodly men and for this very end is judgment at work for God that he may gather a People pure in heart and of uprightness in mind which in all things shall be of one spirit and mind towards him in thought word work therefore let none in this day which make a profession of Gods holy Truth deceive themselves for God will not be mocked such as every man soweth of the same he shall 〈◊〉 reap whether to the flesh or to the Spirit for all that is of the Spirit the spirit giveth evidence in every faithful man and woman that it is of God though the Spirit abideth not in every unrighteous man yet the appearance of it is often to their condemnation and so doth continue 〈◊〉 it hath left striving and the day of Gods Grace be over having sinned out the day of Gods Visitation Let all therefore consider in what state they abide as to God whose promise to the Righteous is That it shall go well with them but it shall go ill with the Wicked Therefore let not these Truths which have been received by the Spirit of Truth find itching Ears among any but as every man turn in his mind to the Spirit of Truth he will witness the truth of these Things â—th 1st Mon. 1694. THO. MAVLE THE END
another mans necessity whereby the borrower rather becomes a slave than a servant to the lender who through covetousness can in no wise simpathize nor participate with his friend or neighbour in loss or cross whatever because the affectionate part is only to self so as covetousness can do no good work to it self neither can it do that which is properly good to another therefore is it not safe to be too far concerned with the god of any covetous Usurer for as it wholly tends to the destruction of the soul of him that binds so it also tends to impoverish him that is bound for the lust of a covetous man namely the Devil his idol and god will never suffer the rust and canker to feed upon his Money nor the mote to devour his goods more than to supply the necessity of any man without interest so that the mercy and pity of a covetous man is plain Cruelty not only to his own soul but also to the body of others who are concerned with the idol or god of a covetous man whose mind is always bent towards the enlarging of his idol therefore he taketh the opportunity of every advantage by bill bond mortgage and the like to enrich himself with those things which will perish with him except he repent and of this nature by opportunity through advantage of another mans necessity do men enrich and impoverish one another so that Oppression among men is like to a sweeping rain which drives all from one man into the bounds and possession of another through which many men are enlarged with Mountains Hills and Vallies when many have not whereon to set their foot and of this nature is it that Covetousness leads to Usury Oppression and the like which hath divided the things of this World and is the only portion of every covetous proud and vain man which does not forsake and repent of all his evil deeds and covet after the better part unto which is the promise of adding all things needful therefore is it written The Righteous are never forsaken nor their seed begging Bread Say unto the righteous it shall go well with them but with the wicked it shall go ill Therefore study after Righteousness and covet after the better part against which lust to covetousness cannot prevail for lust to covet after the Riches of this World is as natural to the Children of men as the ground is natural to bring forth Weeds therefore is it that men by nature of their own wills wisdoms knowledges reasons righteousnesses and the like will not come under the cross to hear and obey Moses and the Prophets to fulfil what the Law required of him to do so also are they accursed which refuse to hear and obey the Voice of the Son of God whose gift of divine light is the condemnation of every covetous mans thoughts words and works so that Covetousness is of no profit to any man that gains the riches of this world with the loss of his soul but godlâ—ness with content is great gain to them that fear God work righteousness do justly love mercy walk humbly and do no other thing to others than as themselves would be done unto Yet notwithstanding this and whatever else is written in the holy Scriptures against Covetousness how do men daily nourish and cherish it as if it were a godd of such a nature and life as to abide with them forever therefore are they so choice of this lust of unrighteousness that for its sin they provide the largest cloak for of all other sins Covetousness is most in credit among the Sons of men therefore they will not let this Devil go naked but cloath it with credible Names not as sin or vile but as thrift provident good care of a mans own and care of the main chance and not only so but will protect and defend it with Scripture words viz. He that provideth not for his own house is worse than an Idfidel and hath denyed the Faith Therefore as God directeth is my labour to uncloak and lay open this Lust Devil and Sin of Covetousness which abideth in the wise and prudent of this World who through coveting after Money the love of which is the root of all evil in them that will neither enter the Kingdom of Heaven nor suffer others which are entering to go therein which doth manifest their Covetousness to exclude all love and fear to God and all love and pity to their Neighbours good Nay what sin is it that Covetousness leads men not to commit it leadeth them that are covetous to oppress cozen deceive lye and sell their Conscience for every trifle also it leads men to turn from the Faith betray the Truth sell it for Money and to hold the Truth in Unrighteousness it leads men to forsake all good Religion to turn Persecutors which is the greatest Oppression that can be for it sweeps away the Life and Estate of many men it leads men to wait as Troops of Robbers to kill and destroy by the consent of unrighteous Laws which have been made by covetous Usurers And I may say Covetousness not only leads men to kill and steal by the high-way but to rob God of his honour by stealing his words which he spake by the mouth of his holy Ones whose words they sell for Money each looking for his gain from his Quarter which if any man refuse to pay open war is prepared against him and of this and the like nature doth Covetousness lead men to sin against God even to the destroying of their peace with him for to the Wicked there is no true peace in this life nor in the Life to come Covetousness is one of the chief gates and Inlets to the broad way of Death Hell and Destruction and is so delightful and well-pleasing that many are led thereby into all manner of Abominations even to rebel against God and King and to change the form of Worship at every change in Government In short it leadeth Parents to destroy their Children and Children to destroy their Parents also it leadeth men to lye and swear and to hold the the Truth in unrighteousness and to pervert the truth thereby to turn the cause of the Fatherless and Widdow Therefore let all men beware of coveting after that which God hath forbidden for while some have beên coveting after Riches they have erred from the faith and pierced themselves through with many sorrows because it is such a sin that it draws the soul of him that is over much righteous into perdition for over much righteous before men is over much wicked in the sight of God because its only mans own works which is plain hypocrisie and deceit and indeed so are all things which are not done by man in truth and sincerity with uprightness of heart and mind to God whose all-seeing eye beholdeth the evil and the good in all men whatever among whom the heart of some that labour to
be rich is pierced through with many sorrows for it is written They that will be rich fall into many Temptations and a Snare and many foolish and hurtful Lusts which draw men into perdition for lust to Covetousness is such a subtil Enemy and the Devils snare is so cunningly contrived and so full of fair pretences that let a man be once in love with Money he knows not which way to wind himself out for it doth so bewilder fetter and entangle his mind even to the destruction of his soul and loss of body also yet how vehemently with care and diligence will men vindicate Covetousness because that care and diligence there may be and ought to be but the truth is every covetous man makes care and diligence a cloak for Covetousness whereby he is sheltered against all reproof in which state mans life among his Neighbours is not much desireable neither by the Poor lamented at his Death but rather rejoyce at the dividing of his Idol to whom God hath not given the priviledge of a beggar who hath a Child to inherit his old Apparel And again an Inheritence hastily gotten by covetous men soon wasteth among their Children for all that is gained not agreeable to truth and righteousness it is under the curse for the promise of blessing is only to that which is gained according to Gods Word which is That men should first seek the Kingdom of Heaven and the Righteousness thereof unto which is the promise of adding all other things needful for God that taketh care to provide for the birds of the air and the beasts of the field takâ—th the greater care for them that fear him and work righteousness So that in whomsoever God is not retained in their thoughts words and works cannot be agreeable with his Truth therefore are they of the World the ways of which are Covetousness through which they oppress one another evèn like to the sweeping rain CHAP. VI. Concerning that Life the Nature of it which God requireth of all Men. GOd in the counsel of his own Wisdom and Time hath set before all men the way of Life and the way of Death which Death is the Tree of Knewledge of good and evil that is man 's own will wisdom knowledge reason righteousness and the like of which he ought not to eat because in it is death for it opens their eyes against themselves and that in evrey thing in which to them abideth death Now the Tree of Life is Christ which calleth to all men to feed upon him to eat his Flesh to drink his Blood to do his Will to follow his gift of divine Light to hear and obey his Word to improve his Talant and measure of his Spirit of Truth which leads into all truth which is Bread and Wine indeed without Money without Price the Bread of the Kingdom the Water of Life of which if a man eat and drink he can neither hunger nor thirst for it giveth life to all that hunger and thirst after Righteousness These things are not hid from man unto whom the spirit saith Come take of the Water of Life freely come take the yoâ—e it is easie and the burden is light come take up the Cross and follow him that in all things hath done the Fathers will for the Redemption and Salvation of all them that hear him and obey him to do his will which is meat and drink indeed Here the heavy are made light and the mourner is comforted yea he of a sad Countenance hath his heart made better here the flying Cherub and the glittering Sword turns every way to destroy lay waste and dispossess the strong man of all his goods the Tree of Knowledge of good and evil mans own wisdom will knowledge reason righteousness and the like that all lust may dye and Devils be cast out and that through the work of the spirit which hath the Government to mortifie all the deeds of the flesh that man may be brought to nothing to will nothing do know nothing omit nothing but as God willeth in him doth in him knoweth in him and omiteth in him this man doth rest from his Labour and keepeth the Sabbath holy he cleaves to the Tree of Life he is regenerated new born and brought forth of the immortal Seed he is cleansed and purified through the Baptism of the Spirit he is planted into Christ and is in whole obedience to the rule and goverment of his Spirit both in though word and work his meat and drink is to do the will of God on Earth as it is done in Heaven he willeth nothing but what God willeth in him he doth nothing but what God doth do inhim he omitteth nothing but what God omitteth in him he knoweth nothing but what God knoweth in him his only food is of the Tree of Life which is Bread and Wine of Life indeed which he that knoweth nothing of this work wrought in him self he yet is in a miserable and undone estate reposing upon his own knowledge wisdom and reason in which abideth death it self therefore saith the Spirit arise take up the cross to that which is of self and Christ will give thee Life his yoke is ease his burden is light that is to them whom he is of God made Wisdom Righteousness Senctification and Redemption they also renew their strength in the Tree of Life which is the beginning of grace by the work of the Spipit which mortifies the deeds of the flesh that the house may be cleansed of Gods Enemies which destroy means peace with his maker and defile the Temple of God whose Enemies is mans lust and every Devil which hath sprung from the seed of the Serpent sown in man which lusteth to be wise and knowing having its eyes alwayes open against it self which must be destroyed by the Spirit of Truth the strength of the Tree of Life that the man of God may grow from one degree of Grace to another till they become perfect men and women in Christ Jesus in whom there is no condemnation to them to whom Christ of God is made wisdom righteousness sanctification and redemtion they are born of the Spirit and baptized of the Spirit and made free by the Law of the Spirit of Life from the Law of Sin and Death in which work of the Spirit of Life there is nothing of mans own Wisdom Knowledge Will or Reason for the work is wholly wrought of God through faith and obedience to hear believe and obey Gods gift of Grace his Spirit of Truth by Jesus Christ who for his works lake imputeth it to them for Righteousness for faithful Abraham beleived God to trust in his promise but his faith was not without Works of Obedience nor according to his own knowledge wisdom will and reason but in Gods time according to his own knowledge and wisdom through which the work done by Abraham was done in Faith and Obedience to God whose will was done on Earth as it