that great â—ork of Redemption by the Son of God and Lord of Sabbath is worthily regarded and attended for the Worship of God in the Spirit and in the Truth having the holy Apostles for Example to follow them as they were Followers of Christ and to mark them which walk otherwayes then sure we are to mark them whose Dress appears more like for Stage-Play than for the true Worship of God on the first Day of the Week for where the heart is there is the Treasures also and out of the heart proceedeth all evil Communications which abundantly appears among People who rather exceed upon the Day of their Worship than at other times when their Minds are exercised in things of Bodily Labour which by their Fruits they are to be judged that they live void of the true fear of God or regard to their Immortal Souls and so are as a People without God in the World who have no true saving Knowledge of God by Jâ—sus Christ they will talk of God and Christ and of the Sabbath without any spiritual sence of his saving Grace by Jesus Christ the Lord of Sabbath who is the everlasting â—abbath of his Peoples Rest where the Righteous cease from their own Works as God did from his Heb. 4.9 10. CHAP. XII Concerning Election and Reprobation agreeing with the Holy Scriptures THis is that which many hold That God from all Eternity hath unchangeably ordained whatsoever comes to pass and That God hath decreed one part of the Angels with Men Women and their Infants for everlasting Damnation Which Doctrine is mostly held by the Presbyterians as by their Confession of Faith cap. 3. which Doctrine I have often considered in the spirit of Meekness and according to my measure of Gods holy Truth by Jesus Christ do I declare as followeth That to know God by Jesus Christ is Life eternal and for that end was the Son of God made manifest that all might come unto God through Faith in Jesus Christ and through Grace by him be saved for God made Man in his own Image and gave him a being in the Garden of Paradise from which state he soon fell which Fall was through Disobedience by eating of the forbidden â—ruit which hath brought Darkness over the Children of Men which are in a state of Bondage to that Seed of the Enemies sowing in their first Parents which more or less comes by Nature in the Children of Men in whom that Seed lusteth which is a doing of that in Obedience to the Temptations of the Souls Enemy which God hath strictly commanded should not be done And for that end that the Children after Adam should know the Will and Mind of their Maker God in all Ages gave unto the Sons and Daughters of Men a gift of his own Spirit of divine Light by which they might see the right way of the Lord and walk therein which is according to his holy Promise as in Gen. 3.15 And I will put Enmity between thy Seed and her Seed it shall bruise thy Head and thou shalt bruise his Hâ—el in which two Seeds iâ— chiefly contained Election and Reprobation former Seed should bruise the Head of the Serpent and break his Power that is through perfect bedience to Christ the Seed of the Woman and to his Grace which is that gift of divine â—ight that makes manifest all the hidden things of Darkness so that let the Devil appear in what likeness soâ—ver he will yet as Men and Women stand faithful to the manifestation of Gods gift the Enemy's Power comes to beâ—broken So that the Promise of God in the Seed remains only to the faithful for the Promise of God was not to Seeds as of many but as of One and to thy Seed which is Christ Gal. 3.16 for the Covenant that was confirmed before of God in Christ the Law which was four hundred and thirty Years after cannot disannul that it should make the Promise of none effect for the Law was added because of Transgression till the Seed should come to whom the Promise was made but the Scripture hath concluded all under sin that the Promîse by Faith in Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe Gal 3.17 18 19 20. Now all not believing in Christ the true Seed doth not include that God ordained them to perish because the Promise of God in the Seed is tendered in Gods own time and way to all the Children of Men otherwise all that perish would not be left without excuse concerning which the Spirit of God hath left it plain to be understood that the Seed of the Kingdom hath been sown in all sorts of Ground and the Reason is rendered by the Spirit of God why it did not bring forth fruit in all sorts of Ground which is because Obedience hath not been yeilded to the Command of God for if God had absolutely decreed mens Damnation his Decree being unrevokable there would be no need for men to strive for Salvation for who could resist such an absolute Decree But blessed be the Name of God and Father of Jesus Christ whose faithful People well know that he is a just God which hath not ordained the Souls of any to perish before they were born but for their Sins and final Impenitence through Disobedience to the â—ift of his Grace which is of the Seed of the Kingdom and hath been sown throughout all Ages in all sorts of ground of what Nature soever and hath been the same in this day among all the Children of Men and if any perish it is of themselves for Light is come into the World and mans Condemnation is of himself because he loves Darkness rather than Light Joh. 3.1 the Reason is because he hates the Light which repreves his evil Deeds in which stare the Seed is appressed and kept as in Bondage by which it can take no roâ—t in the hard rebellious heart and barren sandy ground where Rocks Thornes and Thistles grow and Serpents have their abiding place which destroy and cause the Life of the Seed to depart which iâ— the state of disobedient and rebellious men whose Damnation neither slumbereth nor sleepeth but is of themselves by which they cannot charge the just and holy One of ordaining them to perish By which it is manifest that mans Dimnation is of himself and thaâ— is by yeilding his mind to serve in Unrighteousness when occasions sin that destroys the soul â—y which at appears that they unjustly charge â—od of decreeing men â—o perish which for the begetting of a further belief of unfound Doctrine they have wrested the Apostles words Rom. 9.11 12 13 where is is said The Children being not yet born neither having done any good or evil that the purpose of God according to Election might stand not of Works but of him that calleth it was said unto her the elder shall serve the younger as it is written Jacob have I loved but Esau have I hated Also in another place where
the Disobedient live in and in that state of Disobedience the Wicked perish for evermore more but unto the Righteous hath God regard whose Portion is of his heavenly Riches which shall for evermore endure with his People in the World to come But the Day shall come and now is that the Lord shall suffer his Judgments to make way for the Righteous to inhabit the Earth in which the Wicked have of long time been suffered through the permission of God by the Enemy of Maus Peace to lay waste the Lives and Estates of the Righteous who shall inhabit the Earth with Peace and Quietness when the Lords Judgments have destroyed all the Thornes and Thistles with all other the Combustible high and lofty Trees which have long incumbered the Lords Earth without bringing forth Fruit unto him through whose Judgments of Famine Sword and Pestilence with other Judgments of the like Nature by which the Potsherds shall dash one against another till the Earth shall become plain and smothe from the crooked Nature of unrighteous men For every Valley shall be exalted and every Mountain and Hill shall be made low and the crooked shall be made straight and the rough places plain and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all Flesh shall see it together for the Mouth of the Lord hath spoken it Isa 40.4 5. Luke 3.5 And all Flesh shall see the Salvation of God in that Day in which all Israel shall be saved for there shall come out of Zion a Deliverer and shall turn away Vngodliness from Jacob which is his Covenant to them when he shall take away their sins Rom. 11.26 27. for the Lord will finish the Work and cut it short in Righteousness because a short work will the Lord make upon the Earth and for that end hath the Lord begun in his Judgments among the Wicked that he may make way for his Seed in the Remnants of the Nations which shall be saved of which there is a Number already gathered unto which small Number of despised People the Lord â—s daily adding unto his chosen Heritage and elect Seed unto whom the Promise doth belong which is to all them that fear the Lord and work Righteousness unto them is the gathering of the Nations which shall be saved and for their sakes hath the Lord begun his righteous Work against the Adversaries of his Truth whom he will overthrow and bring to nought for out of Heaven will the Lord thunder of his Judgments upon them and will judge the ends of the Earth for God hath given strength to the Righteous and will exalt the Horn of his anointed and he shall only and alone rule unto whom the Government doth belong for when his Judgments are in the Earth the Inhabitants thereof will learn Righteousness for God shall arise in Judgment to save the weak of the Earch and the Wrath of man shall praise him and the remainder of Wâ—ath shall the Lord restrain Psal 7.6 9 10. And the Lord will return to Jacob and have Mercy upon the House of Israel after they have born the Shame of their Trespasses whereby they have trespassed against the Lord Ezek. 39. Then will the Lord gather them from among the Heathen and they shall know him whom their Fathers slew to be the Lord of Life then shall they sing Praises acceptable to God giving Glory due unto his holy Name and their Offerings unto him shall be in the Beauty of Holiness for they shall know the Lord and him the only true God shall they worship in the Spirit and in the Truth theâ— shall the Earth fear before the Lord and the World also shall be stable that it be not moved then the Heavens will be glad and the Nations will sing Praises to the holy One of Israel whom they shall know to rule and reign in the hearts of the Out casts of Israel for if the casting away of them have been the reconciling of the World what shall the receiving of them be but Life from the Dead Rom. 11.15 Then let the Sâ—a roar and the fullness thereof let the Fields rejoyce and all that is therein then shall the Trees of the Wood sing out at the presence of the Lord for he cometh to judge the Earth Chron. 16. And unto them that fear his Name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in his Wings and they shall grow up in Truth and Righteousness before the Lord and the Wicked shall be as Ashes under the solâ—s of their feet in the Day that I shall do this saith the Lord of Hosts for the Lord will pour out of his Spirit upon the Fathers and the Children and the hearts of the one shall be turned towards the other for Truth and Righteousnâ—ss shall reign in all the Earth and there shall be no more Norse of the Horses rushing into the Battle for all carnal Weapons of War shall be done a way and all the Kingdoms of this World shall become the Kingdoms of God and his Christ and the Lord of Life shall rule and reign in his People for evermore and happy is it with that small Number of despised Ones among men in this day who witness the beginning of these things in themselves for having set their hand to the Plow not looking back they shall be made fit for the Kingdom of Heaven into which no unclean thing shall ever enter for it is prepared of God by Jesus Christ for them that have kept his Commandments in this Life and not for them that plead for a Body of sin all their days in which sinning state they know no end of Disobedience against Gods holy Truth for sin brings Death and Death brings Judgment which is for Wrath to come upon all the Ungodly which fear not God to keep his Commands for which cause the Wicked live in a â—ell upon Earth which by the Wrath of Gods just Judgment will be enlarged to all the Wicked after this Life for for when the Righteous dye they dye to live in the Lords Rest where they enjoy Pleasure at the right hand of God for evermore but the Wicked who have disregarded the Commands of the Lord in this Life they dye to live in Everlasting Torment of the fiery Flames of Gods Wrath and Indignation which is the Reward of all the Wicked and Ungodly of this Life whose Life is far worse than the Life of a Dog or a Toad for when they dye all their Misery is ended but when the Wicked dye their great Misery then beginneth and will encrease forever and ever Which things are too little regarded by many in this Life but the Day will come in which they shall wish that others might have warning but if they will not hear Moses and the Prophets neither have they regarded the Lord from Heaven for which cause is their Misery which will come upon all the Ungodly that call not as they ought to do upon the Name of the
be related for the convincing of People concerning the Truth of God by Jesus Christ but all that hath been with all whatsoever of holy care and means that may be used is but for the further Condemnation of them that refuse Obedience to the gift of Gods divine Light which men have received as a Talent or Talents for them to improve for their Lords use and the benefit of their Souls for the Lord of Life waits with the Tenders of Life and Salvation for every Soul where the heart and mind is willing to forgo all the ways of Unrighteousness and to give up in true Obedience to serve the Lord with an upright heart and willing mind as becometh his People so to do for there is no Salvation of God by Jesus Christ to any mans soul but by true Faith and Obedience to God in Christ who sivingâ— is noâ— a God to them 〈◊〉 love and delight in any one thing which is not 〈…〉 his holy Commands for as the Lord of 〈…〉 of God in all things for the Servation 〈…〉 so them that witness Sâ—â—vation in and through him must through Faith and Obedience come through the Cross even as he hath done for as he was outwardly crucified on the outward Cross for the sins of the People somust the Power of God through Christ come to crucifiâ— every lustful affection which would exalt it selâ— above the Witness of Gods holy Truth which no man can savingly partake of but as he comes through faith and obedience to partake of Gods heavenly Riches which are in store for all them that love the appearing of the Lord Jesus Christ whom it any man will hear let him not harden his heart by Disobedience in â—nbelief for the Devils Power is of no other strength than to tempt the mind of man to serve him which if men obey his Temptations to serve him in sin it begets the heart into a hard stare of Unbelief to believe no other but a sinning life all the days of their appointed time in this life the cause of which is altogether through their Obedience to the Devils Temptations whose Power never did neither can force any man to sin but as they yeild their Obedience to his alluring Temptations which if through faithfulness men would watch and pray to God the strength of his Power by Jesus Christ would give them Victory against and over every lustful Desite of the corrupted heart which is by nature inclineable to serve no other save the Devil which seeks all unrighteous ways to destroy the soul of Man which through Faith and Obedience to what God hath of his divine Grace and Light of his Spirit made manifest by Christ Jesus through which they may be saved And though some may despise at my small measure in the aforesaid Work yet this I have an aâ—â—urance of and that from the Lord of Life thaâ— as 〈◊〉 keep faithful to that measure of his good Spirit of Grace Light and Life which through Faith and Obedience he will increase my Faith and enlarge my Understanding to understand his Will and Mind more and more in the things which concern the wellfair of the Souls well-being with God in Jesus Christ CHAP. XXVIII The Substance of my Letter to the Committee of the Militia in Salem in answer to what they did desire of me I Received yours by one of the Committee relating to my joyning with your laying out Disbursments for a Town stock of Ammunition and Provision against a time of Invasion Now you your selves well know that I never did with-hold the promotion of any Work among you or any other of Power in this place so far as it hath not been inconsistent with the Truth of God according to my Faith which leadeth me to assist and help according to my measure when and where God shall direct until which time if I should conform to your desire where then will follow my Reward And as to your War both Temporal and Spiritual where doth the benefit of it appear to a People whose unrighteous cruel Bloody Laws yet remain only wanting Power against the Lives and Estates of their honest Neighbours whom your Priests esteemed as those of your Church Members whom your selves do now put to Death as Witches which possibly some of them may be so and if that God should further permit the Devils Power against the Rulers Priests and Hearers it would follow to be the greatest of all other of Gods just Judgments that ever have befallen New-England since they began to stock whip cut off Ears banish order for Bonds men and women long and cruel Imprisonment and taking away to the value of twenty hundred Pounds besides the Lives of them four Righteous â—e sons put to Death at Boston all which hath been the afflicted state of the Lords People which in Derision have been known by the Name of Quakers And if the Children of them that destroyed the Lives and Estates of the Lords People in that day will say That they had no hand in the same I say that their assertion is utterly false so long as they condemn not their Predecessors actions and I prove it by the rebellious Jews many thousands of whom had no actual hand in destroying the Righteous in those days and they could say even as these in this day That they had no hand in the same but forasmuch as they did not bear a faithful Testimony for Gods holy Truth against the Unrighteousness of their Priests and Rulers the just Judgments of God hath reacht their Posterity to following Generations even so is it with New England while the Land remains defiled with the Blood of the Lords Servants slain at Boâ—on which New-England former Priests and Rulers have done in the Name of God and the Kings Name without any warrant or example from either but in their blind persecuting Spirit have maintained their persecuting way from a command in the Law which relates to false Worshippers in that day which in this Gospel Day they have charged upon the Lords People which worship the only true God in the Spirit and in the Truth which if God should permit the Power of the Devil by the spirit of Persecution then might more than three parts of the People of the World lose their Lives among whom it is evident the Lord hath a Number belonging unto him though at present stâ—angers to the outward Sufferings of Christ for he is the Light of the Gentiles and Salvation to the ends of the Earth and by him the Remnant of the Nations which fear God and work Righteousness are saved and he hath commanded That Wheat and Tears should grow together until the Harvest of which things I only hint to you for your understanding my Mind concerning the Proceedings in New-England whose former Priests and Rulers have not manifested the like Repentance as that of Judas who repenting himself oâ— betraying innocent Blood and withal returned the Money which he had unrighteously taken
Gods â—race through the effectual Working of the holy Ghost by which they came to understand the Will and Mind of God the Father in the Death and Resurrection of his Son the Lord Jesus which was expedient that he should depart that 〈…〉 forter might come Joh 15.26 which Promise was fulfilled by the voilding up that Body of Flesh which was born of a Woman and betrayed by Judas condemned by Pilate delive 〈◊〉 unto 〈…〉 set him at naught and crucified the Lord of Life upon their Cross without the Gates of Jerusalem which Body was buried and rose again the third Day being the first Day of the Week which Christians attend for the Worship of God having the holy Apostles for an Example to follow them as they were Followers of Christ who met together on the first day of the Week to worship the Lord in Spirit and in Truth which is in the Power of his Spirit by the effectual working of his Gift through his Death and Resurrection which appeared unto the Saints who received of his Fullness Grace for Grace which made them able Ministers of the New Covenant of Life Light in Christ Jesus which then ascended into Heaven with God the Father and with him is in a glorified Body which Flesh and Blood cannot reveal being glorified with that Glory which he had with the Father before the World began which is the Christ that the holy men prophecyed should come for a Light to the Gentiles and for Salvation to the ends of the Earth Isa 49.6 Acts 13.47 who accordingly is come and hath done the will of God the Father in that Body as aforesaid and by him through his Death Resurrection Ascention have all the Sons and Daughters of Men received a Gift of his heavenly divine Light as a Talent Taleâ—ts for them to work out their Salvation with fear and trembling at his Work which is able to makeâ— thorow seperation betwixt the precious and the vile that is between the begettings of his own divine Life and that Seed which brings forth the Life of the Stranger which is the Devil and Enemy of mans Soul whom the faithful will not follow but are willing to submit under the Cross of Christ whose Yoke is easie and his burden light not desiring the Death of any one Sinner but that all might turn at his Reproofs and live the Life of the Son of God who hath suffered Death been buried and is risen again and ascended into the Heavens where he maketh Intercession with God the Father for the Redemption and Salvation of all them that are willing by true Faith to receive the tenders of his free Grace which by the Gift of the divine Light of his Spirit of Truth is largely manifested unto the Sons and Daughters of men for his divine Light and quickening Word of his Spirit in his People that is Christ in them the Hope of Glory by which not any will be left without excuse in the great Day of his Coming to take Vengeance on all the Ungodly of them which have not improved their Tâ—lents to the Honour of his Name and profit of their Immortal Souls in which Day with the Righteous it shall gowell but with the Wicked who have slighted the Day of the Lords Visitation through their idle careless loose and vain living in Disobedience to that which the Lord by the gift of his divine Light and Word of his Spirit requires of them for which cause sorrow and anguish shall overtake them in that Day in which they shall forever be shut out from having any lot part or share among the faithful in the Kingdom of Heaven through the Death and Resurrection of the Son of God who laid down his Life for the Sins of the whole World but as many shall be saved as truely believe in his Name for as by one Mans Disobedience many were made Sinners so by the Obedience of the Man Christ Jesus many shall be made Righteous Rom. 5.19 for Christ is the end of the Law for Righteousness to every one that believeth so that not any 〈…〉 to say whâ— shall descend to bring up Christ again from the 〈…〉 who shall ascend to bring down Christ from Heaven for the 〈◊〉 nigh even in the Mouth and in the Heart that is the Word of Faith Rom. 10 〈…〉 by which Word of Faith we 〈◊〉 that Christ whâ—â—â— outwardly descâ—â—d 〈…〉 ascended and by 〈◊〉 Power of divine Light quickening word of his Spirâ—â— he is the Author Finisher of every good Work of Faith in the hearts of his People for he is the Word of Life unto the 〈◊〉 by true Faith believe in him as he outwardly suffered and in the gist of his Spirit which is the inward Word of 〈…〉 them tâ— whom Christ giveth the Shield of Faith and Hope the Hâ—â— not of their Salvation by which Word Simâ—n Peter came to know the Lord of Life to be the Christ the Son of the living God which Flesh Blood did not reveal Mat. 16 14 15 16. but was revealed by God the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ whose meer Bâ—dâ—y Presence did not give Peter the knowledge of the Church buils on that that Rock whose Foundation was so sure that â—he Gates of Hell could never prevail against â—â—s Members which by the most sare Word of Prophecy are ingrafted in the Man Christ in whom the fullness of the Godhead dwelleth for evermore for he is the well-beloved of the Fathers own begetting and hath done the Work of God in that Body of Flesh which suffered on the Cross without the City Gates of Jerusalem and was buried and rose again the third Day and appeared to the Saints and gave Gifts unto them and ascended into Heaven of which things the Father Word and Spirit beareth witness and these three are one God and that no man speaking by the spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed and that no man can say That Jesus is the Lord but by the holy Ghost and as there is but One God One Lord Jesus Christ One Father One Son and One holy Ghost One Word and One Spirit all which are One God who hath given Diversittes of Gifts but the same Spirit and Differences of Advanistrations but the same Lord and Diversities of Operations but it is the same God which worketh all in all for a manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal 1 Cor. 12.3 4 5 6 7. for as the Body is one and hath many Members and all the Members of that one Body being many are one Body so also is Christ for by one Spirit are all the faithful baptized into one Body whether they be Jewâ— or Gentiles Bond or Free they have been made to drink into one Spirit for the Body is not one Member but many and are ingrafted by the Power of Gods Spirit the most sure Word of Prophecy into the stock which is Christ the true Vine with which every true Branch
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
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
that service for which it was intended that is for the honour of God and service of mens outward Imployments between Man and Man and Nation anâ— Nation and not to be upheld for this end that non without humane Learning are capable of preaching thâ— Gospel for Paul without that Learning which was 〈◊〉 the Wisdom of God was not capable of preaching Chriâ—â— to the Peoplè no more are they Gospel Ministers nâ— Ministers of the Gospel which remain in Pauls first staâ— of outward Learning but Learning sanctified through Grace by Faith in Jesus Christ is of benefit to his People which without Grace outward or 〈◊〉 Learning cannot be any Honour to God for 〈◊〉 profit of his People which doth prove that men without Grace cannot be the true Ministers of Christ but all without Grace are of the Ministers of Anti-christ unto whom no Gospel Mainteuance belongeth for they remain in the outward knowledge of the Letter and by their Fruits they are manifest not to be the Ministers of Christ but the Ministers of Anti-christ CHAP. XVI Concerning divine Inspiration and Revelation MAny are the Teachers which hold all divine Inspiration and Revelation to be ceased ever since the Apostles days and from that time that God hath wholly committed his Will and Mind to be known by the written Word To which I Answer That God in Christ before the World began did determine all things necessary for mans Salvation whom God did make in his own Image and gave him Dominion over the Works of his own Hand which Image of Holiness Man lost in the Fall Now Adam is called the Son of God and he that is a Son of God is also a Child of God Luke 3.38 in whom the Spirit of God by measure dwelleth which is for this end to direct the mind of Man unto the true and living Knowledge of God for which end there was a sufficient gift of God Spirit to save Adam's Soul which gift in measure is given to all the Children of Men that they may know the Mind of God and do it for Salvation is not by the Works of the Law but by Grace through Faith in â—esus Christ for the Law was given by â—loses but Grace and Truth came by Jesus Christ who is the Author and Finisher of his own work of in his people John 1 1â— and for that end they have received a divine gift of his Spirit of Grace which doth reveal the Mind and Will of God in and through the Son of his love the Lord Jesus which is Christ by the divine Life and Light of his Spirit in his People the Hope of Glory in which state they serve the Lord of Life according to the Revelation of his Spirit of which all in measure have received or shall receive for their Obedience to the Faith through which Obedience of Faith is the Justification of Life and Salvation and Condemnation unto them whose Disobedience is to the true Faith which hath been delivered unto the Saints unto whom the Lord in measure doth reveal himself in this day as to his faithful Children in days past it being granted that God gave extraordinary Revelations c. to the holy Prophets and Apostles beside what he gave them in common with all Saints for he changeth not but is the same God yesterday to day and for evermore who makes known the Mystery of Salvation by the Revelation of his good Spirit of Grace through their Faith in Jesus Christ So now as the Almighty God hath in all Ages made known of his Will and Mind to the Children of men by the revealings of his Spirit in their hearts even so is it among his Children in this Day who behold with their spiritual Eyes the mighty Works of God to their Souls by the Revelations of his Spirit in and through Jesus Christ for he that was to come is come in whom the fullness is and hath brought in the hope of Salvation to all them that believe in the gift of his Spirit which doth reveal the Mind of God in his People who witness him to be come which hath fulfilled all Righteousness and brought in the Hope of Assurance which is revealed by the Inspiration of his holy â—pirit in them through which they are brought into a further acquaintance with the Lord of Life whom to know through the drawings of the Father is Life Eternal through the Son for no man cometh to receive Life by the Son but as the Father draws him neither cometh any to the Father but by the Son John 6.44 Thes 65 So here is a drawing by the Spirit which reveals the Will of God in the Children of his own begetting thorough which by Faith they come into fellowship with the Son more and more whom no man knoweth but the Father neither knoweth any the Father save the Son and he to whomsoever the Son will reveal him Mat. 11 2â— Therefore the true saving knowledge of God is by the divine Revelation of his own Spirit in and through Jesus Christ whom to know is Life Eternal of which the Scriptures do declare that the Power of God remains in the gift of his Grace which câ—me by Jesus Christ through which is the assurance of Salvation to them that by Faith in Christ through whom by his Grace they are saved Now the holy scriptures were given forth by the holy Spirit of God therefore is his Spirit before and above the Scriptures as the workman is above the instrument he works with for the spirit worketh with the Scriptures instrumentally upon the souls of men both to inform their Understandings and to move and incline their Wills and Affections and no man can understand the things oâ— the Spirit but by the Revelation of the Spirit for they in days past did search the Scriptures thinking therein to find eternal Life when tho' they restifie of him yet there is no Life to them thâ— by true Faith in Obedience to the gift of his Spirit will noâ— come unto him Joh. 5.39 40 Here is Life tendered but not barely and only by the Scriptures but by coming to Christ for they in that day had the outward knowledge of the Letter which kills without the saving knowledge of God in Christ which by Faith is revealed thorough the Gift of his own Spirit in his People for all that either tends to Salvation or Condemnation it is by the Revelation of Gods Spirit in man for the Spirit of God keeps striving against the Enemies Power in them whom God hath armed with his spiritual Armor against the Devils Temptations and in them that disobey God thorough their Life of Disobedience to the gift of his divine Light in them it is their condemnation for sin and evil Joh. 3.19 Rom. 1.18 19. 2 Cor. 3.6 for it is by the Revelation of Gods Spirit that men come to the knowledge of which thought and intent is for him or against his Truth for the thoughts and Intents of men whether
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
in days past have done for Example 1 cap. 12 13. in which holy Work the holâ— Scripturesâ— great help for through Faith in Christ Jâ—sus they are to make the Man of God wise to Salvation for of the Nâ— of God and Christ is every true Believer begotten by and by his Spirit gifted in measure and are to mark that live not up in good Works of Faith to the wâ— Gods holy Truth according as it is manifested by 〈◊〉 Christ and left recorded by his Spirit of Truâ—h wâ— hath commanded each Member of the Body to wâ— over one another not for evil but for good and iâ— Member be out of place the next Members are to seeâ— the way of the Lord for to restore it into its place agâ— but when all diligent care and means hath been useâ— its restoration and with long waiting cannot be recovâ— but remains in a state of dishonour to the Body the 〈◊〉 is to cut off that Member in obedience to God by wâ— means all the other Members of the Body may receivâ—nefit in the Work of the Lord by by casting that 〈◊〉 from the Body which hath offended the whole Body by all the other Members of the Body cannot be resâ— to the Body again for its better that one Member â—â—perish than that the whole Body should be cast into Hell 5.29 18.8 Mark 9.47 So that of what use for that Member hath been as to the benefit of the Eâ— whether as the right â—ye or the right Hand yet if oâ—â—orrupted and cannot be recoved by all the other Mâ—â—ers of the Body it is not to remain whereby to destroy â—he whoâ—e Body and to cause it to perish So that all is â—o be done by and through the gift of Wisdom which is from him who is the great Physitian of Value so that all â—â—e to stand faithful upon their Watch and to watch over one another for good and not for evil that all may be done to the praise and honour of Gods Name and for the Prosperity of his Truth in and among his chosen People which are the Church of Christ among whom there can â—e no real forgiving of each other further than thy Brother turns to thee and says he does Repent for the Lord forgiveth no man but as he doth turn by Obedience and Repent So that alâ— may live so as to keep out that Canker Worm of Prejudice which hath caten up some till they are become nothing as to the Life and Power of Gods saving Truth by Jesus Christ but are turned with the Dog to the Vomit and with the Sow to the wallowing in the Mire such went out from the People of God because they never were of the Church of Christ but remain as Land-marks and not as Way-marks for any of the Lords People to follow so there is no unbinding that on Earth which is 〈◊〉 unbound in Heaven neither binding that on Earth which is not bound in Heaven but that all may be done to the Honour of God and Prosperity of his Truth whose People are to pray that in all their Undertakings for his Truth the Will of God by them may be done on Earth as it is done in Heaven through which he will have the Honour of his own Work and they the Comfort of it to their own Souls which I desire may be fulfilled When all the scattered Sheep shall come Into that Fold in which are some Then will the faithfull come to see Christs Church in glorious State to be CHAP. XXVI Concerneng the State of all men and of Gods Judgments and also of Gods calling the Jews and manner of their Return to the Light of the Gospel THe Light of the Gospel is of God by Jesus who is the Power of God to Salvation in all them that believe and the Power of God for Condemnation in them that beâ—ieve not John 1.11 12 for the Lord searcheth the heart and tryeâ—h the Râ—ms even to give every man according to the fruit of his doings for the Light of Gods gift of divine Life by Jesus Christ makes manitest what fruit God requires of the Sons and Daughters of men who through Faith and Obedience do not answer his holy Will for which cause the Wrath of God is revealed from Heaven against all Ungodliness and Unrighteousness of men because their Life of Disobedience is knowingly against the gift of Gods divine Light which is their Condemnation for their evil Deeds John 3.19 20. for that which may be known of God is manifested in them for God hath shewed it unto them Rom. 1.18 19 For the Lord sheweth unto Man what is his Thoughts Amos 4.13 Which if through Faith and Obedience to what the Lord makes manifest then the Thoughts of the Heart and Intents of the Mind are justified before him but if their Works are of Unbelief through Disobedience then the Thoughts of their Heart and Intents of the Mind are for Condemnation for every Obedient Child of God bringeth his Deeds to the Light by which they are manifest to be wrought in God but they who are Lovers of their own unrighteous Ways more than they are Lovers of Gods holy Truth they hate the Gift of Gods divine Light because by it their evil Deeds are reproved So that the state of all men is either of Obedience or Disobedience to the known Will Mind of God made manifest by the Light of his Spirit in and through the Lord Jesus â—hrist whose Light is not hid to them that are faithful but through Disobedience the Wicked that sin away the Day of Grace their Candle hath been often lighted and through their Disobedience goeth out again Job 21.17 8.5 6. Prov. 2.20 So that if the Light of the Gospel be hid it is hid to them that are lost in whom the godd of this World hath blinded the Minds of them which believe not lest the Light of the glorious Gospel of Christ who is the Image of God should shâ—ne unto them 2 Cor. 4.3 4. So that it is thâ—ough continued Disobedience by which men perish for the Light of the Lord is not hid under a Bed nor under a Bushel for there is nothing hid that shall not be made manifest neither was any thing kept secret but that it shall come abroad Mat. 5.15 Mark 4.21 22 23. Luke 11.33 By which it is clearly manifested that Gods Wrath and Indignation in his just Judgments upon the Unrighteous is because of their Unbelief and Rebellious living which is as the sin of Witch craft before him and in his sight Now as the state of the faithful witness Salvation by Grace through Faith and Obedience so also do the unfaithful witness Condemnation Destruction through Disobedience and Unbelief begotten by the Father of all Unrighteousness So that the state of all men are either in Servitude to the Power of Gods gift by Jesus Christ or in Servitude to the Power of the Devil who is the Father of all Unrighteousness which
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
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
of Life seemeth to the Sons and Children of men to be pleasant fruit which indeed are but such as are Death it self for I do believe that no man can sufficiently express the general worshipping of Idols where withal the corners of the World and hearts of men are stuffed How common is it for men to worship Idols and what is an Idol but to worship the true God in a false way and who is it that saith not to his own reason knowledge honesty art and wisdom thou art my God They do not thus say with their Mouthes but their whole life and their idolatrizing Mind saith as much by their deeds for they continually sacrifice to their own Drag and here it is that mortal men deny God and testifie it by their works which are without faith being dead even as a body is without the spirit for if by true faith they were alive to God they would leave vengeance to him and not so much seek to revenge themselves which doth manifest they dare not trust God with their cause to avenge for them if otherwise why are they anctiously careful why do they so exercise mischief and fraud and so deceive one another why do they make war and strife right or wrong for mine and thine why do they so lye deceive and flatter one another why do they forget God and his saying making no account of his Commandments wherefore are they so covetously minded to labour night and day and to take every opportunity to improve every unrighteous advantage against their Neighbour to get and heap up the perishing things of this Worlds Riches truly all this is because they retain not God in their Thoughts to believe that he hath any care of them or that he can provide or will revenge for them therefore is it as their works do manifest for them to believe they must not be wanting in this and the other thing but that it is most necessary to help and revenge for themselves otherwise say they we might by our Enemies be all hilled or become Slaves and Bond-men and beg our Bread And thus it is with them who will not have ought to do with good and Truth in good earnest no they must not be wanting to themselves but make their own Markets by lying deceiving cozening usury and the like these things they think will enrich them good and thus by them are the Commandments of God and his Word slighted until with many they cause his Spirit to leave striving for they oppress the seed and crucifie the just Principle of God in themselves and account the Word of God an insufficient help in time of adversity therefore it well pleaseth them to adore themselves and to kiss their own Works and to sacrifice to their own Net to speak big words and to admire themselves for who else is our God saith the whole World by their works CHAP. IV. Concerning that great Idol of Mans Wisdom and Knowledge how men kiss their own hands and the whole World doth diligently worship only self and the Works of their own hands that is the Inventions Arts and Counsels of their own Reason and Wisdom WHAT other thing is it that is the Worship of Idols Superstution Witch caft evil Doctrine and the Ordinance of Men which is no other but the Wisdom Reason Inventions Crafts Actions Instincts and Prudence of men therefore the worshipping of Idols is but to fashion such or such a form like unto God but not according to his Word as he teacheth figureth and formeth himself in man but according to their own Opinion and Judgment of him Moreover what is sin any other then mans own Will Wisdom and Counsel sown in the mind of Adam and in his Posterity by the serpent Then consider the purpose cause and life of Man where and how thou wilt and it is nothing but humane Wisdom here will man be his own God to lead teach govern revenge defend excuse enrich him self and the like and so mans own Head Will and Reason is instead of God to him though the sin and fall of Adam be nothing but the cunning Reason and Wisdom of the flesh which in Scripture is called Foâ—y and Devilish Wisdom yet how do men generally prize and magnifie it as if they were endowed from above all men therefore ought with Christ to bring man to nothing and that by daily lessening and depressing him to make him become as a Child and a Fool but instead of performing what God hath commanded it is with man clear contrary thereunto for men build up the man that so he may come to prove wise glorious and famous and for that end they have many Arts that wreched and unprofitable man may become great eminent praised and excellent and may obtain Places Titles and Names so that thereby young men are purposely inflamed with a desire of Glory for which cause many are they that are not content to abide with the teachings of Gods gift of divine Light by the Word of his Spirit but by their humane Wisdom and cunning reason of the flesh they come to domineer in Pulpits and teaching places where they are upheld to lord it over Gods Heritage and to this very end there are artificers imployed to make their Schollars accute witty and knowing in all kinds of Crafts and in all exercises arts and litteral deceits whereby it appeareth more clearer then the light that the World is contrary and an enemy to God Now here the wise and prudent of this World perish in their own way because they live without the true knowledge of God and kiss their own hands and adore the wisdom of their own wit which is to the World and its Teachers insted of God his way and word and indeed of all things it is the greatest and only sin and the very fall of Adam and the very fountain whence all other sins do flow as Job confesseth for this only to be obedient addicted to serve himself to admire and adore himself to follow his own will briefly to be his own and to serve only self being of a free will and glad to be some-what in and of himself and to do to omit and to know some what in himself and not to be utterly void of all name will work and subject only to God this is the only and most deadly sin yea rather the sinck and mother of all sins for the delight will and wisdom of the flesh is Death it self and a man is thereby no more profitable better nor religious then a dog toad or swine in his Death for when they dye all their misery endeth with them but in this state with man as death leaves so Judgment finds and he cannot repent in the grave but his torment doth increase and with him will abide forever without end which to remove all horror which to the wicked is disquietness of Mind trouble of Conscience in this life and encreaseth torment in the life to come is
while time is the spirit of God keeps striving to live to his Word to do his will that is to yeild their obedience to the Word of his Spirit that the Will of God may be done in their earthly Tabernacle agreeble to the desire of his Will which is in Heaven this is the way of them that to God abide faithful to keep the path of him that is Just in which their is neither variation nor shadow of turning buâ— keeping the way of Life which leadeth to enter thâ— strait Gate that is to that man that doth nothing know-nothing and willeth nothing of himself but bears and suffers and sees God making holy day in him this man keeps the Sabbath holy being void of all skill and will is subject only to God in him to do out will know both how what when and why he pleaseth God Now the whole World lieth in this Death and Sin for that it doth nothing else but kiss its own hand and Sacrifice to its own Net that is adore the purpose counsel invention and wisdom of it self and to this purpose are all things drawn and bent even the holy Scriptures and words of God namely to be consonant to the Reason of men and not to cross their own wisdom course and way but all these things must be overthrown unlearned again if they will see God therefore doth the Spirit of God and the holy Scriptures so vehemently urge the Children of Men to become Children and Fools and to vomit up again all the art and knowledge of this forbidden Tree to be purged by the strength of the Tree of Life consequently let men in this state look and observe in themselves narrowly what they do either in their worship to God or serving their Neighbour and they shall find that all this is true in their own brest that themselves is the mark they aim at in all they do J. E. T. M. CHAP. V. Concernining the Sin of Covetousness THe nature of which Lust or Devil lusteth to covet after that Which God hath expresly forbidden namely the Tree of Knowledg of good and evil which causeth men to become as Gods whose Eyes are opened against themselves to perceive the Tree good for Food and pleasent to the eyes and a Tree to make one wise therefore do they covet after the fruit of the Tree and greedily eat of it not considering how they eat Death and dye to God as Adam did even so is it with every man that is not planted into the Tree of Life and new born of Christ regenerated and brought forth by the immortal Seed the Word of God the Spirit of Truth and Seed of his Kingdom but on the contrary covet after the perishing things of this World thereby to enrich themselves there-with contrary to what God hath commanded first to seek the Kingdom of Heaven and the Righteousness thereof unto which is the promise of adding all other things for as the Promise was on condition to Adam To do and live so hath it been the same to all men in every age and is the same in this day therefore let none deceive themselves for the doers of the Law were only them that kept the Word of the Lord who accounted them worthy of receiving Life to live with God forever for to the Disobedient who are only hearers of the Word and not doers of the Word there is no true peace neither in this Life nor in the Life to come for there is no peace to the Wicked saith my God so that the doers of the Law were they and only them that kept the Commandments of God and by faith in him were the works of the Law imputed to them for Righteousness So not in this Gospel Day Christ is given for a Light to lighâ—â—n the Gentiles and for Salvation to the ends of the Earth that whosoever will believe in him might not perish but have the Light of Life Therefore as Christ hath dyed for the sins of the whole World that every man in the World may be left without excuse God hath given unto them a gift of divine Light which is to them a Talent and Seed of the Tree of Life as is else-where called the â—ord of Faith being a manifestation of the Spirît given to every man to profit withal which as they hear to obey and do it they also profit by it to perform the Commandments of God and of this nature is their strength in the Tree of Life renewed which causeth the Seed to grow and makes rich the berren land through purging out the old Leaven that the new Lump may take place which bringeth forth holy Fruit abundantly to God so that the Children of her that was barren now bringeth forth and become many and thus do the faithful grow who covet after the better part namely to fear God and work Righteousness to 〈◊〉 Justly love Mercy and walk humbly doing no other thing to any then as themselves would be done unto This is the Law and the Prophets and also what God hath commanded for all men to do in this day that they may come to pertake of his Promise to grow in the Tree of Life from Grace to Grace until by Grace the work of God in them is wholly perfected but these things are to a Coveteous man even as the wise Charmeer is to the deaf Adder for having ears to hear they hear not to receive the Truth in the love of it because the love of Money is their pride in which they delight to become wise rich and what not in the perishing things of this life Here coveâ—ous men grow from one covetous desire to another until through pride and covetousness they come to â—all as Angels have done and yet may remain as many covetous Usurers do who have cloathed themselves with the Prophets and Apostles words that thereby they may appear in the sight of mâ—n to be knowing prudent and wise and accounted men of good Reason yea and withal religious and righteous whenas indeed it is but their own work and the Righteousness thereof which is as filththy Rags and fig-leave Garments of Unrightecusness where-with they vainly seek to hide themselves from the presence of God whose all seeing eye beholdeth the wayes of every covetous mans setting up for himself to walk in for which cause God that searcheth the heart and knoweth the intents of the mind and checks reproves and condemns for every vain thought evil intent and idle word and Unrighteous work for which cause often times covetous and proud unrighteous men and woman fall into such condemnation by the Power of God that they even despair of Mercy yea the horror of their condemnation is such that Preist nor Levit nor the dark Watch-men of the night can afford no help to the wound of a troubled Conscience in which state of a wounded Spirit who can bear which for remedy the physitian of no value is set to work who in his own will
Which â—â—th manifeâ—â— that the Prophet fore-saw Christ to come the Covenant or Light and Promise of God to the Gâ—â—â—ike of which Steek we are who have received a measure of Gods Spirit which is of the divine Light and Nature of Christ the true Sâ—ed of his Kingdom which by measure hath been sown in the Hearts of all the Sons and Daughters of Adâ—â— To open their blind Eyes to bring out the Prisoner out of the Prison House Iâ—a 42.6 7. which is that which the Prophet declared of Christ the Foundation of Life in whose Light the faithful see Light Psal 36 9. Here David saw God in Christ who was to 〈◊〉 and in that day was a Rule to light Dâ—vid in his 〈◊〉 goings and Incomings by which he received the heavenly â—â—ehes or Gods Love to the saving â—f his Soul which is the Portion of all the faithful who receive Christ in the love of his Light which is no less than Life Eternal to all them that believe in his Name for his Name is Light and this Light hath been preached to every Creature under the Heavens Col. 1.23 which is that Light which John was sent to preach Christ the true Light that lighteth every Man that cometh into the World John 1.9 and this Light opened their Understandings to know the Scriptures Luke 24 15 to 29. for Obeâ—â—ence to the Light of Christ brings into the Knowledge of 〈◊〉 by which there comes to be a right understanding of what iâ— contained in the holy Scriptures for by the Spirit of God in Christ were the holy men of God enlightned and gave forth the holy Scriptures as they were moved by the holy Ghost Now mind That of this Light hath every man received a â—â—â—sure in his heart it being the Seed of the Kingdom and â—â—â—â—geth forth Fruit in good Ground Mat. 13.4 5 6 7 8. 〈◊〉 not in all other Grounds which signifie dark unclean stoney and hard Hearts in which the Seed hath been sown but only thrives and brings forth Fruit acceptable to God in the good Ground that is the honest faithful Heart which yeilds Obedience unto that which the gist of Gods divine Light requires it being the Lords Talent Mat. 25. wherein we find Christ did declare concerning the Work of his Kingdont by the Parable of the ten Virgins and sloathful Servant both having received the Seed of the Kingdom the Lords Talent which is a Gift of his divine Light Spirit of Truth which had they been faithful thereunto Salvation had not been wanting for when men receive of the Lords heavenly Gift of divine Light be it more or less yet through faithful Obedience it is sufficient for their Salvation for whether more or less yet the Lord requires his own with profit and where much is given much also is required but he that is not faithâ—ul in that which is little shall neuer be made Ruler of that which is greater but that which he haâ—h poâ—â—mprâ—â—ved shall be taken away and given to him that hath improved the Gift of God for the Honâ—nur of his holy Nameâ—â— and comfort of mans own Soul Mat. 25 28 29. which is maâ—â—er of great concern for all to be wâ—le an diligent in the Work of the Lord for the diligent gain Heavenâ— Riches when the sloathful are sent empâ—y away which will be the Portion of all the 〈◊〉 that are found living in a careless state spending their time in that which brings dishonour to the Name of the Lord and sorrow to the Soul oâ—hâ—m that so liveth for the Light of the Wicked shall bâ— put out and the Sparks of his Fire shall not shâ—ne and the Light shall be Darbness in his Tabernacle and hâ—â— Candle shall be put out with him Job 18.5 6. but in the faithful shall the Light shine which begets the heart and mind into good Works that glorifie God their Father which is in Heaven Now the Light of Gods Spirit in the Son of his Love the Lord Jesus Christ is that Light â—hich the Lords People called Quakers profess to be the Rule of their Life whose Life is the light of men John 1.4 and this light hath been a Rule to the faithful in all Ages Psal 27 1. The Lord is my Light and Salvation and he shall bring forth thy Rightâ—oushesâ—â—â— the light and thy Judgments as the noon day In this the Righteous rejoyce and give Thanks at the remembrance of his Holiness Here Light is sown for the Righteous and Gladness for the Vpright in Heart Psal 97.11 12. And again he speaketh of Christ to be the Light For with thee is the Fountain of Life in thâ—â—ight shall we see Light Psal 36.9 O send out thy Light and 〈◊〉 Truth let them bring me unto thy holy Hill and thy Tabernacle Psal 43.3 And the Spirit in the Bropher saith Arise shine for thy Light is come and the Glory of the Lord is risen upon thee Isa 60.1 And the Gentile shall come to thy Light and the Kings to the Brightness of thy Râ—sing vers 3. And many more instances from the holy Prophets Writings may be produced to that effect but these are sufficient to prove Christ the Everlasting Foundation of Lâ—fe and Light in whom the faithful of God in all Ages have built their Faith in the Light of God in Christ which gave them â—ull assurance in the same Faith That God in his due time would enlarge his Covenant of Light to all Natâ—ons by sending hâ—â— Son Jesus Christ who hath appeared in the likenâ—ss of sinful flesh to take away sin in the flâ—sh by pâ—â—forming the Will of God the Father to fullâ—r Death in a Body of Fâ—â—sh for the Redemption of all men and this is Jesus which shall save his People from their sins Mat. 1.21 By which it is evident That the Work oâ— God by Jesus Christ is to save People from their sins Then what is the state of such man who profess themselves to be the Ministers of Christ and teach People of an imperfect state never to be free from sin in this Life concerning which at presenâ—â— shall omit leaving it in order for another Head in which God willing I shall clear by sufficient Testimony of holy Sempture Proof and at present proceed in Vindâ—cation of the Light against the Lyes by which evil minded men reproaâ—â— the People of God and dishonour his holy Truth in which the saithful live each according to his measuâ—e of Light and 〈◊〉 Spirit of Grace Light Life by Jeâ—ds Christ which leadeth them to acknowledge God the Father Word and Spirit Christ the Word Life and Light and the holy Ghost which 〈◊〉 the Soirit of God the Father 〈◊〉 Jesus Christ the Son and Lord of Life and Light which was conceived by the holy Ghost and brought forth by the Virgin Mary betrayed by Judis suffered under Pontius Pilate rose again the third day aseen led into Heaven where now he sits in all Righteousness and Holiness with God
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