A brief discovery of a threshold estate of Antichrist now extant in the world viz., a description of 1. the true and false temple, 2. the false ministery, and 3. the false churches : whereunto is added the trial of one George Fox in Lancashire, with his answer to eight articles exhibited against him, being sent in a letter from Keller to some friends in York-shire : also, certain queries upon a petition lately presented to the Parliament from divers gentlemen and others in Worcester-shire : necessary to be answered by the petitioners who are said to be 6000 in number.

A brief discovery of a threshold estate of Antichrist now extant in the world viz., a description of 1. the true and false temple, 2. the false ministery, and 3. the false churches : whereunto is added the trial of one George Fox in Lancashire, with his answer to eight articles exhibited against him, being sent in a letter from Keller to some friends in York-shire : also, certain queries upon a petition lately presented to the Parliament from divers gentlemen and others in Worcester-shire : necessary to be answered by the petitioners who are said to be 6000 in number.

Table of contents

Title page

An Epistle to the serious sober Christian, To the Reader.

A Description OF The true and false Temple.

The Idols Temple, where the Beast is Worshipped.

Of the false Ministery.

A Copy of a letter to some friends concerning George Foxes tryal.

George Foxes Charge and his Answer.

Certain Queries, to the substance of the Worcester-shire Petition; very necessary to be answered by the Petitioners thereof, said to be 6000.

Querie I.

Querie II.

Querie III.

Querie IV.

Querie V.

Querie VI.

Querie VII.

Querie VIII.

Querie IX.

Querie X.

Querie XI.

Querie XII.

Querie XIII.

Querie XIIII.

Querie XV.

Querie XVI.

§

§

§

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A Brief Discovery Of a threefold estate of ANTICHRIST Now extant in the world: viz. A description of 1. The true and false Temple, 2. The false Ministery, and 3. The false Churches. Whereunto is added The Trial of one George Fox in Lancashire, with his Answer to eight Articles exhibited against him; being sent in a Letter from Kellet to some friends in York-shire. Also, Certain Queries upon a Petition lately presented to the Parliament from divers Gentlemen and others in Worcester-shire; necessary to be answered by the Petitioners, who are said to be 6000 in number.

London, Printed for Giles Calvert, at the black Spread-Eagle at the West-end of Pauls. 1653.

An Epistle to the serious sober Christian, To the Reader.

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Christian friend,

THou art not hereby courted into a likeing of this insuing Treatise, before thou readest it; but rather desired in trying all things, to hold fast that which is good: it is a smal Treatise, wherein some things in it may appear unsavory to some, and strange to others; yet considering thee to be both sober and serious, thou knowest a day of smal things is not to be dispised; for who can tell, but thou mayest find some thing that may be worth thy paines, if thou read this little book through with an impartial eye? for it cannot receive any judicial sentence till it be read over: I know it will be exposed to more enemies then friends; yet what ever thou art, if thou hast union with Christ, or partakest of the Spirit that dwels and appears in the Authors of this Teatise, then thou wilt easily discern, and see much of the Scriptures fulfilled in them; for without controversie the great mystery of Godliness is manifested and made plain and easie, and is no mystery to all them whose teacher (in spiritual things) is God alone, by his Spirit that dwelleth in them; but it is a mystery still to them that heap up to themselves Teachers, having itching eares; and yet have not eares to hear what the Spirit saith to their Churches: but the Lord Jehovah will overturn, overturn, overturn this, and every whole Nation in whatsoever is against and contrary to himself, he will overturn every false Ministery, and every Hypocritical formal professor▪ and he will overturn and throw downe the crown of pride in the corrupt Magistrate, who give commission to, and uphold and maintain the devouring Lawyers to devoure widows houses, by their long suits at the Law, who compel men to swear and forswear [Page] themselves by Law. But now behold the righteous Judge of all the earth is coming, to plead with the unrighteous judges of the earth, and will call them to an account for imprisoning his servants, and beating their fellow-servants, and will restore to his people Judges as at the first, and Councellors as at the beginning, Isa. 1.26. The Lord Jehovah is fulfilling the Scriptures, in a poor weak despised people, such as the Authors of this insuing Treatise be, and will overturn the wisdom of the wise and prudent, by some weak ones, whom he doth stir up to reprehend the greatest and richest without respect of persons: wherefore marvel not if thou finde in this Treatise sharpe reprehensions against a conjuring Ministery, and a hypocritical company of formal professors, and against an ungodly corrupted Magistracie; but stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who will save his people from a seed of evil doers; for they have forsaken the Lord, and provoked the holy one of Israel to anger, they are gon away backward, Isa. 1.4. Wherefore the Lord hath a controversie with all these people, and is coming to plead wih them; now turne and repent O ye false Ministers for your Logick and Sophistry will not justifie you, when Christ will terribly shake the earth (yea and the heavens also) nor will the gilded forms of the best professors avail at that day: nor will the unlimited power of the Magistrate avail at that day; for the Almighty Magistrate Christ is coming to take the government upon his shoulders, and of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end upon the throne of David, and upon his Kingdome to order it, and to establish it with judgement and with justice from henceforth even for ever; the zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this, Isa. 9.6.7.

And thus Reader thou hast a taste of the ensuing Treatise. Farewel.

A faithful friend to the faithful, and an affectionate lover, of all that love the appearing of the Lord Christ in them. Samuel Buttivant.

A Description OF The true and false Temple.

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GOd that made the world and all things therein, doth not dwell in this Temple made with hands.Rev. 1.13. Act. 17.24. neither is he worshiped here, verse 25. he is not worshiped with mens hands; this is the Idols Temple made with hands, where the worship of the Beast is upheld, all the beasts of the field they meet here, the night-birds and the screech-owles; this house is desolate,Rev. 11.9, 10 the Lord is not in it, and your preaching, and praising, and praying, are not accepted; you offer them up in the first nature (which is Cain-like) living in envy and wrath one with another; Cain was a murderer, you murder the seed of God in you, and you will not suffer Christ to have any room at all in your hearts,Isa. 1. but there is room for pride, that taketh place, there is a room for covetousness, that taketh place, there is a room for lying, that taketh place,Isa. 3.11, 12, &c. there is a room for swearing, that taketh place, there is a room for backbiting, that taketh place, there is a room for double-mindedness, that taketh place, there is a room for foolish feasting, that taketh place, and foolish talking, and pleasure, and wantonness, these take place,Mat. 5.40. there is a room for malice and revenge, these take place, there is a room for drunkenness, that taketh place with every one,Jer. 15.12. either to be drunk with wine or strong drink, or to be drunk with iniquity, drunk in pride, drunk in covetousness, drunk in malice, drunk in oppression, drunk in scornfulness, drunk in wantonness, drunk in envy, drunk [Page] with hatred, peevishness, and perversness, and hastiness, and crosness one towards another; backbiting, lying, and swearing, and earthly mindedness,Eph. 5.23. whatsoever your heart is overcome with it, is drunk; saith Jesus Christ, take heed that your hearts be not overcome with surf fitting and drunkenness, and cares of this life, all these are fruits of the Devil; and so you sin against the Lord, and come hither to offer up a little lip-service:James 5.5. see if something within you, do not tell you, God doth require your hearts, and not your lips; but you live in envy one with another, and the Scripture saith, He that hateth is a murderer, and no murderer hath eternal life abiding in him; all these are deeds of the old man, fruits of darkness and unrighteousness; and know you not, that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdom of heaven, 1 Cor. 6.9, 10, 11. all these are deeds of the Devil, arising out of the first nature, and every man by nature is worse then a beast; then your worships in the first nature must needs be heathenish, beastial, and brutish, all guided by their owne wills,Rev. 21.8. and worship you know not what. John the fourth saith, See what reformation is wrought in you, and what you are changed from, the Lord doth require your hearts; but see when you are here, that your hearts be not in your chests and coffers, and amongst your cattle,Rer. 22.15. and in your fields among your corn, and herds', and flocks of sheep, and your thoughts roving abroad, and then you are serving the Devil,Eph. 5.1, 2. and not the Lord, and your Priests do bewitch you with those things God never commanded, as to hold up these Idoll-Temples, and tell you it is a house of God. There was a Temple built,Rev. 14.9, 10, 11. God commanded Solomon to build him one, but it was but one, and it was but to serve for a time, a figure for the time then present, and likewise that was outward; was but to serve for its time, till Christ came which was the substance, and then the shadow was to be done away; afterwards, they who were made the Temple of the living God, denyed all outward Temples, and said that God did not dwell in them, as Steven did witness, Act. 7.27, 28.29. and he that professeth to be sent of God, and holdeth up those things that God doth forbid, he is a lyer, and lying is of the Devil, he is the Father of lies; likewise Paul witnesseth the same, saith, God did neither dwell there, neither was he worshipped there, Act. 17.24, 15. Paul after calleth it an Idols Temple,Amos 8. 1 Cor. 8.10. and Amos said, that the songs of the Temple should be turned into howling; and [Page] Jesus said to the woman of Samaria, John 4. that they should neither worship at Jerusalem nor at the Mount; which had been the chiefest places of worship, but said he, ye shall worship at neither of them, but said he, they that worship the Father, shall worship him in Spirit and truth; but see what you worship, even the works of your hands; afterward Jesus said,Mat. 24. that there should not be one stone left upon another, that should not be thrown down of the Temple Matth. 24. That was commanded to be built, and there was never any other commanded to be built; but these were set up in the time of darkness by the Papists, and are now upheld; but come out of them, lest ye be partakers of the wrath of God: for Gods dwelling is in the Saints; the Corinthians were made the Temple of the living God, 1 Cor. 16.17 &c. Come out of the Idolls Temple, and cease from all your Idol shepherds, that feed themselves with the fat,Isa. 66.12. and clothe themselves with the wool, but the Lord will feed them with judgement; read the 34 of Ezekiel, 2 Cor. 6.17, 18, 19. and Jeremiah 23. they bear rule by their means, and preach for hire.

A filthy abominable thing, Jer. 5. toward the latter end,Mal. 2. cha. as these false teachers of Israel did, so do they, and they look for gaine from their quarter now, as they did then, Mic. 3.11. And they are hirelings, that Christ spoke of John 10. and they act in the same state, as the Scribes and Pharisees did, which were enemies to Jesus Christ,Isa. 56.10, 11. they have the chiefest seats in the Assemblies, as they had, and the upermost rooms at feasts, and greetings in the Markets, as the Scribes and Pharisees had, which were enemies to Jesus Christ,Mat. 23. and they are called of men Masters as they were Mat. 23. But Christ did forbid his to be called Masters; and there was no Masters, Peter no Master, Paul no Master: and he that professeth Jesus Christ, and acts contrary to Christ, he shews himself to be an Antichrist: there is not a word in the Scriptures of sprinkling Infants; and these Deceivers call it an Ordinance of Christ, when it is but a Mark of the Beast. There is not a word that speaketh of a Sacrament; nor to put Davids condition into time and meeter, to sing them to the dishonour of God, not understanding what you do, they are deceivers and blind guides; cease from them all, and hold them not up. There is not a word in the Scripture, to put Davids condition into rime and meeter: sometimes he quaked and trembled, and lay roaring all [Page] the day long, that he watered his bed with his tears: and how can you sing these conditions (but dishonour the Lord) and say all your bones quake, and your flesh trembles, and that you water your bed with your teares? when you live in pride, and hautiness, and pleasure, and wantonness; hold not up these abominations for shame, as to sing his prayings, praisings, and prophesyings in a meeter, and to sing lyes in hypocrisie, and say, O Lord I am not puft up in minde, I have no scornful eye; when thou art puft up in scorn and derision, that you can scarse one look at another with any love in reality, but dissimulation; for you profess love to day, and if your will be crost, you will envy and hate to morrow; for shame give over deceiving and dissembling, God will not be mocked, he is of purer eyes then to behold iniquity; cease from all your false Teachers, they deceive you, and you will never be profited by them, and minde your Teacher within, Ier. 31.34. all shall be taught of God, and Isa. 54.13. Io. 6.46. 1 Iohn 2.27. all the children of the Lord, are taught of the Lord in righteousness, and they are established in righteousness, and free from oppression; mind the light within, that shews you sin and evil, and the vanity of your minde, and your roving thoughts, and wandring desires, and cheks you when you lye or swear, or do any wrong to any, and it will not suffer you to do amiss; if ye love that, and yeild obedience to it, it will turn your mindes within, and set a watch over all your thoughts, words and actions, and it will cross your wills; and being led by that light, it will lead you out of all the wayes of the world, and out of all the worlds vanities, and worships, and delights, and being obedient to the light within, that doth discover darkness, it will lead you up to purity, to holiness, to uprightness, without which none shall see the Lord (profess what you will) and there is your Teacher present with you, that light obeying is your salvation, and disobeying that light is your condemnation.

Houle you proud Priests, the Lord is coming to beat up your quarters, you must all be called to an account; the son of Thunder is coming abroad to sound Trumpets, to call to battel against the great day of the Lord, it is coming on a pace, your Kingdome must be taken from you; the Lord is coming to plead with all flesh, in the valley of Iehosaphat, by his sword and by fire, and great shall [Page] be the slaine of the Lord. Repent, repent, and give over deceiving of the people, and make restitution to whom you have robbed, in taking tythes▪ gifts, and rewards, contrary to the minde and will of the Lord: Alas alas, poor poor Priests, your downfal is near at hand.

Published by

Thomas Aldam.

Benjamin Nicholson.

John Harwood.

The Idols Temple, where the Beast is Worshipped.

THis is the Idols Temple where the worship of the Beast is upheld, and all the beasts they meet here,Amos 8.3. Rev. 13.8, 9. Rev. 14.9, 10.11. 1 Cor. 8.10 1 Co. 6.19. 2 Cor. 6.16, 17, 18. Isa. 66.1. Rev. 21.2, 3. to the dishonour of the onely true God, that dwelleth in Temples made without hands, who is worshipped in his Temple at new Ierusalem, the City of the living God, by those who have their Fathers name written in their foreheads, Rev. 14.1. ver. to worship him in Spirit and in truth, for he seeketh such to worship him, Ioh. 4.23.24. vers. Rev. 15.1, 2, 3, 4, 5. verses. Cease from this hireling, that standeth up to deceive you all by his imaginations, Isa. 2.22. Ioh. 10.

The Lord is coming to beat up your quarters, all ye proud Priests; God that made the world, dwelleth not in Temples made with hands, neither is worshipped with mens hands,Act. 7.27, 28.29. Act. 17.24, 25. verses; and all the children of the Lord are taught of the Lord, and shall be taught of the Lord, Isa. 54.13. Jer. 31.34. Heb. 8.10. 1 Iohn 2.27. verses. Down with this Idols Temple, the Saints are made the true Temples of the living God, 1 Cor. 3.16.Act. 17.24, 25. Jer. 5.30. Jer. 23. Ezek. 54. Isa. 56.9, 10, 11. Down with this Deceiver, Tythe-monger, and Robber, stealing the words of the Prophets and the Apostles to sell them for money, to uphold them in pride, and covetousness, lusts, and excess. Away with them for shame, come down thou Deceiver, and give over deceiving the people [Page] and God,Mic. 3.11. and make restitution to whom thou hast robbed, by taking gifts, and rewards, and tythes, and confess thy faults to the people,Mal. 2.1, 2, 3 9. the Lord doth require it, sit down and lament in dust and ashes.

Ezek. 13. Mat. 23. Joh. 10. Rom. 1.29, 30, 31, 32. Eph. 5.3, 4, 5. Rom. 6.16. Isa. 1.24. Isa. 3.13, 14. Isa. 6.15, 16. 1 Cor. 6.9, 10, 11. Rev, 21.8, 22.15.All people that meet here live in pride, and hautiness, covetousness, and oppression, lying, and swearing, scoffing, and mocking, and drunkenness, hypocrisie and dissimulation, pleasures, and wantonness, gameing, and sporting, and all manner of unrighteousness, these are the fruits of the Devil, and his servants ye are to whom ye do obey: Repent and amend your lives, and forsake the evil of your doings, the great day of the Lord is near, he is coming to plead with all flesh, by his sword and by fire, sit down in dust and ashes, and lament, for the misery that is coming; know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the Kingdome of heaven? worship not the Beast, fear the Lord God, and lay aside pride, and covetousness, and drunkenness, lying, and swearing sports, and pastimes; lay aside your hoods and vails▪ ye careless daughters that are at ease; wo is to you, lay aside your silks and velvets, and your rings, and gawdy attire; and feed the hungry, cloath the naked, and let the oppressed go free; sit down and lament, the Lord hath sent to forwarn you of his judgements that are to come upon you except you repent, and turn to him with speed, the Lord is coming to judgement, the glittering sword is drawn▪ it is furbished and made fit for the slaughter, to cut down to the ground all fruitless Trees; he is coming to plead with all flesh by his sword and by fire, upon all the Children of disobedience, the wrath of God is to be revealed from heaven in flames of fire, upon all the children of disobedience. Now the Scriptures is to be fulfilled,Mat. 7.19, Isa. 66.15.16. iniquity is grown to the height; awake, awake, and stand up to the judgement, let the time past of your lives seem sufficient, that you have wrought evil, and now forsake the evil of your doings; pride is abomination to the Lord, away with it for shame, lay aside your bare necks,Rom. 1.18. Rom. 2.5, 6 1 Pet. 3.11, 12. Mat. 5.32, 33, 34. and bracelets, your tricks and toys, and changeable suits of Apparel, that you make, to make your selves appear beautiful in the eyes of the world, and fear the Lord God Almighty, Rev. 18.20, 21, 22. Rev. 19.11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16. Isa. 3.18, 19, 20, 21, 22.

Lay aside your curious mindes, that feedeth upon novelties and dainty dishes, Dives-like, forget the poor that are in wants, seek [Page] them out and feed them, and cloath them, suffer them not to want;Exo. 9.29. Isa. 24.1. Isa. 26.1, 2. Amos 6.1. Isa. 5.18. the earth is the Lords and the fulness thereof; lay aside hauking and hunting, and seek the Lord while he may be found; wo to the crown of Pride saith the Lord God, wo to all drunkards, wo to the swearer and vain talkers; wo vnto them that draw iniquity, as with cart-ropes, adding sin unto sin▪ lying to swearing, swearing to foolish talking, adding foolish talking to drunkenness, and revenge, pevishness and perversness, gameing and sporting, pleasure and wantonness, nourishing your hearts as in a day of slaughter: repent,Jam. 5.5. repent, and hast to meet the Lord, by yeelding obedience to him, least his judgements come upon you at unawares, and destroy you all at once; take heed of makeing a scoff at this, as you will answer it before the great Judge of heaven and earth.

Written from the Spirit of the Lord,

Of the false Ministery.

THe Priests of the world are,

1. Conjurers, raising dead Doctrines, dead Reasons, dead Uses, dead Motives, dead tryals out of the Letter, which is death; raising death, out of death: not able Conjurers, speaking a divination of their owne brain. Heb. 7.16. 2 Cor. 3.6, 7. Ier. 14.14. Ezek. 13.6, 7, 8.9. Mic. 3.11.

2. Theeves and Robbers, Iohn. 10.1. He that enters not through the door into the sheepfold, but climeth up another way, the same is a thief and a robber; such as never came through sufferings in the flesh, through the death of Serpentine power within, to life, viz. Ier. 28.30, 32. Rom. 10.8 9, 10, 11.

3. Antichrists, 1 Ioh. 4.3. such as in words profess the Scriptures to be their rule, and walk contrary to the Scriptures, A declaration of the eternal word, are Antichrists; but the Priests of Baal cannot shew any Scripture-command, or example for their [Page] heathenish wayes, and beastial worships.

4. Witches: such as draw poor creatures from dwelling in waiting upon the pure light within them, to follow the dreams and fancies of blind guides without them, bewitch and beguile poor creatures Gal. 3.1.

5. Devils: such as abide not in the doctrine of Christ are Devils, the Serpent is head in them; but where light is manifested, it doth discover the Priests of the world, that turne their backs from the pure doctrine of Christ, not living in the life and power of the Scripture, as they did that gave them forth, Iohn 8.24. Rev. 2.10.

6. Lyers: such as seemingly preach the truth, not having the faithful witness ruling in them, are lyers: he that saith he is sent, and is not called internally by the Lord, is a lyer. The commission and call of Baals Priests come from Oxford and Cambridge, which they call the Well-head of Divinity; but I am sure many corrupt streams issue from thence, and then the fountain cannot be good: that I can witness, fetching the same commodities, drinking a cup of the same poisonous fountain: the fountain is filthy, the streams are no better. Simon Magus would have purchased the holy Ghost with money, the great gift of the Father; but he missed of his end. Even the Sir Simons of our days run to Cambridge or Oxford; there they give a large price for something which is a thousand times worse then nothing, as mountains and bulwarks to keep the pure seed in bondage. O infinite folly of men, in thinking to buy that Pearl with money! when as the Lord plainly saith, that it cannot be bought with money, Iob 28. neither shall it be exchanged for gold: but they not regarding the Lord, nor what is spoken by him, run with Simon to buy this imbuyable Pearl. Alas, this University-spirit hath no power to open as much as one of the seven Seals: whatever they can purchase makes them but seemingly pure, but really impure; notionary creatures, naturals; and the natural man is not acquainted with the pure language which such speak as are redeemed from the earth. Plainly, such as these that have no call, but what they fetch and purchase are not Ministers of Jesus Christ, but Stewards of the devils Magazine, dissemblers and lyers, Ier. 5.2. 1 Cor. 12.3. Ier. 23.25. Ezek. 13.22.

7. A Viperous and Serpentine generation, going about to murder and strangle the childe Jesus where he is manifested. Herod, under [Page] a pretence of worshipping Christ, sought to murder him: even these bloody Herodians professe love to him in words, but when he is born and utters his voice, they would devour him; because he discovers their villany, holding up a wormeaten beastly form, and persecuting the power of godliness, Mat. 23.33.

8. Blasphemers, living in the Kingdome and government of the Prince of the Ayr, strangers to the guiding of the eternal Spirit in them, speak evil of it in others, calling it a Spirit of error, of giddiness, yea of the Devil, fearful blasphemers, Iohn 8.4 8. 1 Pet. 1.4. Rev. 13.1, 5.6, 7. Isa. 5.20.

9. Scarlet-coloured beasts, trimmed and painted with the Saints words, inwarldly full of deceit and self-ends, a wel-favoured harlot; having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations, and filthiness of her fornication, Rev. 14.5.6.7. Rev. 9.2.

10. Babylons Merchants, selling beastly wares for a large price, all the week time heaping up a rabble of notions into the brain, and comes into the Pulpit; a penysome market place, where they have good sale for bad ware; this they like wondrous well, onely the first day, called the Lords day, but the Lords day is a Mystery, they know nothing of it, they sell the report of other mens riches, the letter which is dust and death, a declaration of the inheritance of these Saints that spoke forth the Scripture; and likewise of all such as come into the Saints condition; but the Priests have nothing to do to take the word in their mouths, but that they must needs be busie-bodies, that the Scriptures may be fulfilled, medling with that which belongs not unto them, for filthy lucre sake. A cup of trembling and astonishment is their portion, and they must drink the dregs thereof; long have they had good sale, may be 10, 20, or some 40. s. a sermon, then sermon making was worth something, when one may buy a better in Print for 4 d. And they will with their good will compel all men to buy their wares, take it as it is, not questioning it: and if any man refuse to buy their wares, and take it as it is, they cry out against them▪ and brand them to be Hereticks, Schismaticks, or New lights. Everlasting praise be to the most High; he is riding on conquering and to conquer, and coming to grinde to powder all opposing powers, to cleave the rocks asunder, to make the earth tremble, and the hellish powers quake: the day is coming, when these Idol-merchants, these costly Sermon-makers, shall howl and [Page] cry, Alas, alas, none will buy their wares any longer: they have been traffiquers too long. Rejoyce, O heavens, the pillars of their kingdom are reeling and shaking, Mic. 3.11. Rev. 18.9, 10, 11. Jer. 5.30, 31.

11. Whited walls, painted sepulchres, professing something, possessing nothing, but poyson'd stuff fetch'd out of old Commentators and Heathenish Authors into their brains; out of that Store-house they give out such gear as they have, Matth. 23.25, 27.

12. Ravening Wolves, evermore persecuting the pure Truth that the Saints live in. Never was persecution raised against the true Prophets, Christ, or his Apostles, but the Priests have had a mighty hand in it, and were ring-leaders in that wicked designe: and they are as tyrannical now, as ever their predecessors could be. Where light is manifested, the truth of this will not be questioned. Ezek. 22.17. Jer. 5.30, 31. Matth. 7.15, 16. Ezek. 34.4.

13. Greedy dogs, always contending and striving about great Parsonages, fat Benefices, large Augmentations: if they have threescore or fourscore pounds per annum at a place▪ yet ten pounds more per annum at another place, is a sufficient call to draw them thither. Really they are blood-hounds, still hunting and gasping after their prey; like the mouth of hell, never satisfied; witness their gasping after earthly things: money is their Diana, which makes them to toss and seek many old Commentators and Heathenish Authors; still barking and raging like Sodomites against any that delight in purity, and love the naked Truth, that unmasks their deceits and subtil twistings and windings.

14. Eminent and ambitious Pharisees, living in the same Antichristian steps that the Pharisees did. That Christ cryed out against Pharisees, there are none can deny it justly; witness their practices, that are unsavoury, and unbeseeming men of such high profession: but as it hath been, so it is now; the highest profession is of the devil: they love to be called of men Masters, not willingly owning lesser titles: they love the uppermost seats at feasts, to be pearking in the chiefest places of the Synagogues; they love the greetings in the Markets; wear long Robes or Gownes, and all to be accounted great, to be petty Kings, and Rulers over Gods heritage; they lay heavy burthens upon mens shoulders. Wo, wo, wo, was the portion of those Pharisees then, and wo, wo, wo, is their portion now, [Page] and wo and misery is the portion of the upholders of that treacherous crew, and deceitful generation; who are the onely maintainers of the seven heads and ten-horned beast. Wherefore, dear friends, dwell in that which is pure; and come from amongst these Babylonish Merchants, and hear the voice of Christ within; and I will be your God and you shall be my people, saith the Lord.

Thomas Lawson, one which was a Priest in Lancashire.

Witnessed by the Prisoners of the Lord, at York Castle.

Thomas Aldam.

Benjamin Nicholson.

John Harwood.

A Copy of a letter to some friends concerning George Foxes tryal.

DEar friends and brethren in the Lord Jesus Christ, my dear love unto you all, desiring you may be kept stedfast in the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the power of his love, boldly to witness forth the truth as it is revealed in you by the mighty working of the Father. To him alone be everlasting praise and honour for evermore.

Dear friends, the Lord doth much manifest his love and power in these parts. Upon Munday last so called, my brother George and I were at Lancaster; there were abundance of friends from all parts, and a great sort which sided with the Priests, giving out they now hoped to see a stop put to that great work which had gone on so fast, and with such power, that their kingdom is much shaken. We were called before Judge Fell, Colonel West, and Justice Sawer, there to answer what was charged against George. There were three Witnesses to eight particulars; but they were much confused in themselves, which gave much light to the truth, whereby the Justices did plainly see that it was envie; and they divers times told them so. One [Page] Witness was a young Priest, who confest he had not medled, had not another Priest sent for him, and set him awork. The other were two Priests sons. It was proved there by many, that heard one of them say, that if he had power, he would make George deny his profession, and that he had the Spirit, and that he would take away his life; and this was a single Witness to one of the greatest untruths that was charged against George. And the Justices told him, that they saw, because he could not take away his life, he went about to take away his liberty. There was one Priest made out of the whole number, as an Orator to plead against us; who spared no pains to shew forth his envie against the truth: and when he could not prevail, he went down in a rage, and there came up a pack of them into the room, amongst whom was one Iacus. George being speaking in the room, one of the Justices having wished him, if he had any thing to say, he would speak: at which the said Iacus was in such a rage, that he broke forth into many high expressions against the truth spoken by my dear brother George; amongst which, this was one, That the letter and the spirit were unseparable: at which, the Justices stood up, and bid him prove that, before he went any further: but he seeing himself fast, would have denied it; and the rest of the Priests would have been giving the meaning of his words: but the Justices would have no meaning, but told him he had laid down a Position, and it was fit he should prove it: whereat, the Priests were silenced, and went down in a greater rage then before. And some of them were asked at night, What they had done? And they lyed and said, They could not get into the room; thereby to hide their shame, and keep the people in blindness. The Justices, Judge Fell and Colonel West, are much convinced of the truth, and do much set up justice and equity, and have silenced the rage of the people. Many bitter spirits were at Lancaster to see the event, but went home and cryed the Priests had lost the day. Everlasting praises be to him who fought the battel for us who is our King for ever. There were friends called, who the Witnesses confessed were in the room when the things charged upon George were spoken: But they all as one man denied that any such words were spoken: which gave much light to the Justices: for they knew many of them (as they said) to be honest men, and they durst trust what they witnessed. There was a Warrant granted out against us at Appleby; but Justice Benson [Page] told them it was not according to Law, and so it ceased: as I hear he is a faithful man to the truth.

The Priests began to preach against the Justices, and say they were not to meddle in these things; but to end controversie betwixt neighbour and neighbour; and are not pleased with the Law, because it is not in the Stature to imprison us, as the Priest that pleaded against us said; and the Justices bad him go put it into the Satute, if he could: he said it should want no will of his. They are much afraid that they shall lose all; they are much discontent in these parts, and some of them cry all is gone. Dear friends, dwell in patience, and wait upon the Lord who will do his owne work, look not at man in the work, nor at man who opposeth the work, but rest in the will of the Lord, that so ye may be furnished with patience, both to do and to suffer what you shall be called unto, that your end in all things may be his praise, and take up his cross freely, which keeps low the fleshly man, that Christ may be set up and honoured in all things, and so the light advanced in you, and the judgement set up, which must give sentence against all that opposeth the truth in ye, that the Captivity may be led Captive, and the Prisoners set free to seek the Lord, that righteousness may rule in you, and patience and joy may dwel with you, wherein consisteth the Kingdome of the Father, to whom be all praise for ever.

Dear, friends meet often together, and take heed of what exalteth it self above its brother; but keep low, and serve one another in love; for the Lords sake let all friends know how it is with us, that God may have the praise of all.

My dear love to my friend James Nayler.

Written from Kellet October 27. 1652.

George is at Lancashire.

George Foxes Charge and his Answer.

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1. THat he did affirm that he had the Divinity essentially in him.

Answ. For the word Essential, it is one of your owne, but that the Saints are the Temples of the Holy Ghost,2 Cor. 6.16 Eph 4.6. 2 Pet. 1.4. and that God doth dwell in them, then the Divinity dwells in them, the Scripture saith, they shall be partakers of the Divine nature; and this I witness, but where it is not manifest, it cannot be witnessed.

2. That both Baptisme, and the Lords Supper are unlawful.

Gal. 3.27. 1 Cor. 10.23. Joh 6.34.55. Answ. As for the word Unlawful▪ it was not spoken by me, but the Baptisme of Infants I deny; and there is no Scripture that speaks of a Sacrament; but the Baptisme that is into Christ, with one Spirit into one Body, that I confess; and the Cup which they drink is the blood of Christ, and this I witness.

3. That he did disswade men from reading the Scriptures, teaching them that they were carnal.

Answ. For disswading men from reading the Scriptures, it is false; for they are given forth to be read as they are, but not to make a trade upon,Heb. 2.11. Eph. 5.30. but the Letter is carnal and killeth, but that which gave it forth is eternal, spiritual, and life, and this I witness.

4. That he was equal with God.

Answ. That was not spoken by me; but he that Sanctifieth, and he that is Sanctified is one, it is God that Sanctifieth, and the Saints are all one in the Father and the Son, they are of his bone and of his flesh▪ and the Father and the Son are one, and they are the Sons of God, and they that are joyned to the Lord are one Spirit, and they that are joyned to an Harlot are one flesh, these the Scriptures witness, and I witness.

5. That God taught deceit.

Answ. That is false, and was never spoken by me.

6. That the Scriptures were Antichrist.

Answ. That is false, I spoke it not; but that they which profess the Scriptures, and live not in the life and power of them, as he did that gave them forth, this I witness to be Antichrist.

[Page]7. That he was the Judge of the world.

Answ. That the Saints shall judge the world,1 Cor. 6.7, 2, 3. that the Scripture witnesseth; whereof I am one, and do witness the Scripture fulfilled.

6. That he was as upright as Christ.

Answ. These words were not spoken by me; but that as he is,1 Joh. 4.17. 2 Cor. 2.21 Eph. 4.11, 12.13. so are we in this world, that the Saints are made the righteousness of God, that the Saints are one in the Father and the Son, that we shall be like him, and that all teaching which is given forth by Jesus Christ, is to bring up the hearers to perfection, even to the measure stature and fulness of Christ, this the Scripture witnesseth, and I witness the Scripture fulfilled in me.

Certain Queries, to the substance of the Worcester-shire Petition; very necessary to be answered by the Petitioners thereof, said to be 6000.

1. THey say we know he granted their Commission (speaking of the Ministers of the Gospel, taking the Ministers of England in with them) upon the reception of his Plenipotency; and upon his Ascension gave them for the perfecting of the Saints, and the edifying of the body, till they come to his fulness, &c. as in Eph. 4.9. to the 15. and hath promised to be with them to the end of the world, to keep them stedfast, that they may not be tossed about with every winde of doctrine, &c.

Querie I.

Whether ever any of the Ministers now in England, have received the power to bring up the Saints of God to perfection, as in the 12 verse of the 4 of the Ephesians. And whether by the Spirit of God dwelling in them, any by them have been brought [Page] up to such a full unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, even unto a perfect man, and unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ, yea or no, as in vers. 13.

Querie II.

Whether they think Christ lyed, when he said he would be with them to the end of the world: or do they mistrust Christ, when they petition men to maintain and uphold them?

2. They say, The labourer is worthy of his hire; and the holy Ghost saith, Who goeth a warfare at his own charge? They that minister about holy things, live of the things of the Temple: even so hath the Lord ordained, that they which preach the Gospel, should live of the Gospel, as quoted by them, 1 Cor. 9. to the 15.

Querie III.

Whether the Ministers of England, pretending to fight Christs battel, ought not to stand to such wages as Christ agreed with them when they were received into his service, or otherwise give over fighting for him? And whether they take the good counsel of John to the souldiers, Be content with your wages, as in Luke 3.13, 14.

Querie IV.

Whether now Jesus Christ hath let out his Vineyard onely to the Ministers of England, yea or no?

Querie V.

Whether now Christ onely hath resigned over his flock to be fed by the Ministers of England, and they to have all the profit thereof, and rule the Lambs of Christ at their own wills, yea or no?

Querie VI.

Whether they have any further hope of any thing, but carnal things, for plowing, sowing, and threshing out their spiritual things (as they call them?) And whether they will stand to Christ to provide for them, or forsake Christ, and cleave to the world for relief, seeing none can serve two masters, but they must forsake the one, as in Luke 16.13.

Querie VII.

Whether these Ministers, and their partakers who go about to establish Tythes or as great maintenance in their own hands by [Page] a Law, are not of a quite contrary spirit to the Apostle Paul, who saith, We have not used this power; but suffer all things, left we should hinder the Gospel of Christ.

Querie VIII.

Whether the Temple and Altar were not figures of, and shadowed out Jesus Christ, the substance of all good things? And whether the Gospel of God and Jesus Christ be not all one? And whether all who serve about Christ, taking him for their Master, ought to take more from him then he giveth them freely, without being guilty of theft, and put out of their service?

Querie IX.

Whether they ought not to follow Paul, as he followed Christ? And whether or no Paul followed Christ, when he said, I have used none of these things, (taking any thing but what was freely communicated to him) neither did he write to the Corinthians that they should do so unto him; but said, It were better for me to die, then that any should make my glorying void. And whether these care for either Christ or his Gospel declaring, so they can but have their own desires fulfilled with Tythes or yeerly stipends of money?

3. They say God hath always broken those powers that have disobeyed and abused their Ministers, quoting 2 Chron 36.15, 16, 17. and hath severely dealt in England before our eyes, with that generation of men that silenced, reproached, and persecuted them.

Querie X.

Whether the late Bishops, and the greatest of the Clergie in England, that took the late King's part against the Parliament and subjects of England, were not esteemed the onely Orthodox men, by these Petitioners? And whether many of them that are alive now, be not the onely promoters of this Renting Petition put up in the names of six thousand Worcester-shire-men?

Querie XI.

Whether the Petitioners (if God should bring to condignity their Town-clerks) would not bestir themselves to raise a new War to uphold them?

Querie XII.

Whether those Messengers and Prophets of God whom the Lord sent, and the world evil intreated, did ever petition the [Page] Powers of the world to maintain and uphold them? And whether they did at all perswade the Rulers to suppress all but themselves? or did they ever persecute any? but suffered patiently, and were persecuted of all.

4. They say, We offer but the same request to you in your places, which Christ hath commanded us to offer to God himself, That where the harvest is great, and the labourers are few, more labourers may be sent into the harvest.

Querie XIII.

Whether those fools and unwise, think that the Parliament of England be the Lord of the harvest, which Christ speaketh of, Mat. 9.38.

Querie XIIII.

Whether it be not high Blasphemy to take honour from God and to give it to men? when the Lord saith he will not give his honour to any but himself; and how can those who blaspheam God, ever think to be prospered by him? and whether for suchlike Practises God will not soon cut off all such false Messengers?

Querie XV.

Whether it be not below the Saints priviledge, to Petition or make address unto Counsellors of men, seeing they have priviledge make address unto and ask counsel of the Lord? or whether those who ask counsel of men▪ believe that God would hear them, or know what God is?

Querie XVI.

Whether God having sent many Labourers into his Vinyard, they asking nothing but the Lords wages, a Peny, and not desire it until they have finished their work, ought to be rooted out of the Vineyard, by the Blasphemous Clergie (as will be made appear they are) who will not work without the worlds wages? And whether they can have both the wages of God and of the world, seeing one is pure and the other polluted and cannot agree together, and whether they can be once called the Ministers of Christ, which dare not trust him for their wages?

By Ben. Nic.

§

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In the World are Gods many and Lords many, so called; but thou onely art our Lord, and we seek for salvation at none else, 1 Cor. 8.5, 6. and in vain is salvation looked for from the hills, &c. Ier. 3.23.

Farewel.

Mend with your Pen in Letter what's amiss,

Mend by the Spirit in life what Error is.

FINIS.

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Information about this book

Title statement

A brief discovery of a threshold estate of Antichrist now extant in the world viz., a description of 1. the true and false temple, 2. the false ministery, and 3. the false churches : whereunto is added the trial of one George Fox in Lancashire, with his answer to eight articles exhibited against him, being sent in a letter from Keller to some friends in York-shire : also, certain queries upon a petition lately presented to the Parliament from divers gentlemen and others in Worcester-shire : necessary to be answered by the petitioners who are said to be 6000 in number.

Buttivant, Samuel.

Edition statement

1653

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2007-01 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A29447

ID [STC]

Wing B4585

ID [STC]

ESTC R29903

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

11220494

ID [OCLC]

ocm 11220494

ID [VID]

46882

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Early English books online.

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(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A29447)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 46882)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1436:12)

Source

— A brief discovery of a threshold estate of Antichrist now extant in the world viz., a description of 1. the true and false temple, 2. the false ministery, and 3. the false churches : whereunto is added the trial of one George Fox in Lancashire, with his answer to eight articles exhibited against him, being sent in a letter from Keller to some friends in York-shire : also, certain queries upon a petition lately presented to the Parliament from divers gentlemen and others in Worcester-shire : necessary to be answered by the petitioners who are said to be 6000 in number., Buttivant, Samuel..

Extent

[2], 19 p.

Printed for Giles Calvert ...,. London :: 1653.. (Dedication signed: Samuel Buttivant.) (Reproduction of original in the Bodleian Library.)

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